God punishing Texas for being anti-gay; North Carolina and Mississippi next?

"Oy vey iz mir," said God, shaking his head

Satire by Larry Murray

Why is God punishing Texas?

Since 2005, when the state passed a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage, the Lone Star State has been visited by severe flooding. And after a decade of flood after flood, it just got even worse as the worst rains in 15 years drowned the Houston area.

 Kim Jackson, a spokeswoman for Harris County Flood Control District. admitted they weren't prepared for such a deluge. “We didn’t expect the magnitude of storm that we received.” Churches in the area held prayer vigils hoping to get God to change the weather.

But He was not listening. He was pissed.

Then, Saturday, AP reported: "Flood-weary residents of Texas and Oklahoma had no reprieve Friday as more rain fell in a region where two weeks of storms have swollen rivers and lakes beyond their limits. . . .

 The Rev Al Sharpton drew lightning last year when he tweeted out a question asking whether his followers believe the deadly storms in Texas represent God's wrath over the almost unanimous positions of Texas politicians who continue to deny climate changes.

Prostrate on a raincloud, God was bummed and feeling depressed.

"Oy vey iz mir," he shook his head. "What have I done?"

He was lamenting the homophobic former Governor of Texas Rick Perry and evil-incarnate Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz who have continued their excoriation of homosexuals along with consistent denial of climate change and contempt for the poor.

But they have also incited enough hatred of the LGBT community to earn them a special place in hell.

"No matter how many tornadoes and floods I send at them, they remain oblivious," kvetched the Heavenly Father. "They mistake the evil voices in their head for mine, and are causing great harm to some of my favorite people," How quickly they forget when I sent my son to preach the new gospel that he wasn't talking to them, he was only talking to the Jews. Can I help it if some guy on the road to Damascus was having hallucinations and decided to turn His simple gospel of love and forgiveness into a manifesto that is used for hate and greed? What a bunch of cherry pickers those Bible thumpers are."

These revelations came as the sun was shining in the blessed Berkshires which not only believes that Global Warming is real, but welcomes such groups as the Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County to its midst. Thus, a winter has just passed that was marvelously mild. It's enough to make someone believe in the Bible again.

So what's going on here.

American Christianists periodically "explain" apparent natural disasters as a form of divine punishment. The devastation of Hurricaine Katrina was blamed on multiple divine causes and imagined sins. The TV con artist Pat Robertson, for example, linked it to legalized abortion.

According to Hal Lindsay, "It seems clear that the prophetic times I have been expecting for decades have finally arrived. And even worse, it appears that the judgment of America has begun."

Repent America claimed that "this act of God destroyed a wicked city." And Fred Phelps called it God's wrath against gay people.

 "It does seem to me that dams, not walls should be built," said the omnipotent being, "but Donald Trump, well, he doesn't listen to anybody. So what's a God to do? I'm almost ready to give up on the human race, and start over again. And maybe this time I won't tell Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of knowledge, but to go ahead, indulge. The human race has got to get a lot smarter than it has been lately.

"Look, I'm not into making prophesies, but let me tell you this. You want to see the apocalypse? Then let the gullible evangelicals keep deciding the winner of America's elections. The current crop of Republican candidates depend on them since they can't tell truth from fiction. And oddly enough, they can't wait until the end times, but sorry about this folks, but I don't want them here. They're lousy tenants, look what they have done to the earth.

And as to all those gay boys and lesbians, didn't any of these religious dimwits get my message? I created them to help you slow down population growth - there are more people than the planet can handle. Humans are killing off so many of beautiful creatures I helped to create. (However, please note that Darwin was right, I just started the ball rolling, and evolution did the rest.)

 "This is not what I had in mind, folks. Wake up. Or do I have to send some tsunamis into the Outer Banks and up the Gulf into Mississippi?"

Welcome to the Berkshires, Rainbow Seniors

When this blog began, it was difficult to find other LGBT folks in the Berkshires, but since our first post, much has changed. We are delighted with the beginnings of a new LGBT group called Rainbow Seniors — a senior citizens program with a special outreach to LGBTQ elders and their friends. They hold monthly potlucks and programs in Williamstown at the First Congregational Church on the third Tuesday of each month, as well as meeting in Pittsfield on the first Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 pm in the Berkshire Athenaeum conference room. To learn more, visit their website at rainbowseniors.wordpress.com

MOVIE DEAREST - Cinematic Views and Reviews for Gay and Gay-Friendly Movie Fans

My colleagues at Movie Dearest, Chris Carpenter and Kirby Holt, have locked horns and decided which films they would choose for the major Academy Awards. And they have some stunning poster designs on display as well. Enjoy.

MOVIE DEAREST - Cinematic Views and Reviews for Gay and Gay-Friendly Movie Fans

Berkshire Churches More Accepting to LGBT community

I don't write here very often, but some wonderful news recently arrived for LGBT folks who have wanted to reconcile their personal spiritual beliefs with the hatred inflamed by misguided Republicans in search of a few votes from those that hate and revile gays.

Joe Durwin reported on progress being made here in the Berkshires on accepting a broader spectrum of humanity into their churches. Recently Pittsfield's Congregational Church issued a stunning affirmation of welcoming diverse worshipers.



The First Congregational Church statement reads as follows, and there are reactions from me and others.:

"Following the spirit of Jesus, we embrace the diversity of God's creation. We welcome people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, race, ethnic, or cultural background and ability. Everyone is invited to participate fully in the worship and ministry of First Church."

Jason Verchot, president of the LBGT advocate organization Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, said he applauds First Church "for stepping forward and promoting a message of acceptance."

"I think it's reaffirming to see religious institutions change their views in order to be more accepting of diversity. As their statement says, Christ promoted acceptance of all God's children, and if you preach Christianity, then I believe you should embrace the entire message, not just the parts that are convenient for your world view," he said.

Larry Murray, who pens the blog Gay in the Berkshires, said that Pittsfield's First Congregational had been identified to him earlier as one that welcomed same-sex marriages.

The full story by Durwin has just been posted on iBerkshires and you can read the article here: http://www.iberkshires.com/story/40599/First-Church-Looks-to-Expand-Dialogue-About-Diversity.html?source=top_stories

Why are those Smiling Mormons so happy to take away our rights?

I've met those happy, smiling, deluded Mormons many times over the course of my life. My first experience with their Stepford Wives style bliss was when I was in the Navy, and let me tell you, it was a lot like that wonderful movie, Latter Days. Only back then, Mormons treated not only gays as sinners, but black folk were not fit to be part of their church either. But this is not about a religion that discriminates, it is about a cult that tries to make LGBT second class folk, as they did with their energetic support of banning gay marriage by funding the Proposition 8 campaign in California. Not only did they provide most of the money for the misleading television ads that led to the electoral disaster for us, but they provided the boots on the ground to sway the public which had been supportive prior to the involvement of the Mormon church and its supporters.

In the Berkshires we can see two aspects of this epic battle between the gay community and that church in two upcoming events. They document the Mormon role in gay oppression, which when combined with the hostility from the Roman Catholic hierarchy, continues to give bigots cover for their ongoing discrimination against hard working, tax paying LGBT's.

8:The Mormon Proposition

The first of these is a March 17 screening of the Dorian Award winning documentary 8: The Mormon Proposition at Mass MoCA with the filmmaker, Reed Cowan, present for a follow-up Q & A afterwards. It should be a fascinating evening. Full details of this event can be found on our main site, Berkshire on Stage.

As California's anti-gay marriage proposition 8 languished in the polls, Mormon Prophet Thomas S. Monson issued a call from Salt Lake City to millions of Mormons all over the world. His was an order to action containing the secret code language of the highly secret Mormon temple ceremony. The action alert commanded Mormons in and out of California to do all things necessary to insure the passage of California's Proposition 8. Within days, hundreds of thousands of Mormons all over the United States funneled thirty million Mormon dollars in to California coffers to purchase the passage of California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8.

Before the Mormons and their participation in the passage of Proposition 8, evangelicals were flopping in the fight. After Mormons got involved, the fight flourished.

During the fight, the Mormon Church media-engine, including mega-million dollar public relations and political consulting firm support, barraged Californians with a suffocating number of misleading television and radio ads and door-to-door campaigns manned by the Mormon NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MARRIAGE.

When Prop. 8 passed in California by a slim margin, Mormons were quick to take credit for the success. But when backlash from LGBT citizens targeted Mormon temples throughout the United States, the Mormon Church was the first to complain that they were the ones being persecuted.

In the wake of it all, documentary producer Reed Cowan was collecting secret recordings, secret documents and never before seen footage exposing Mormon efforts to quash ANY rights for LGBT citizens anywhere in the world. 'As a former Mormon missionary, I am appalled in knowing that a church which itself worships the practice of alternative marriage (polygamy), would become so vehemently involved in the marriage debate,' he said.

Mormons, Mothers and Monsters
Happy Mormon Missionaries
Meanwhile on a lighter and more sympathetic note, there is the new Will Aronson musical Mormons, Mothers and Monsters that will receive its world premiere at Barrington Stage Company this summer. The tale of a young, emotionally tortured Mormon with a secret, it has a wholly new score with some delightful songs in the spirit of Broadway musicals. I was fortunate enough to hear some of them last Labor Day weekend, and was so impressed I wrote about them in Berkshire on Stage. You can find lots more information on this important event from the Barrington Musical Theatre Lab in this article.

Visit me at Berkshire on Stage

As Berkshire on Stage has grown in size and scope, it is also claiming more of my available time. Please visit me there, and if you wish to see articles, interviews and stories with a LGBT focus, just select that category.

http://berkshireonstage.com/

Thanks for your readership and support.

Larry

Colonial's LGB lineup: Kate Clinton, Tommy Tune and Ani DiFranco

Tommy Tune is an idol for aspiring Broadway actors.

November at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield is going to be a rare and special month with three great artists - and members of the LGBTQ community - slated to hold forth on their stage. First up is Broadway's legendary Tommy Tune who at 6' 6" is likely the tallest song and dance man to ever grace the Broadway stage. Winner of many Tony Awards he brings the Manhattan Rhythm Kings plus a backup trio with him on Friday, November 12 at 8:00 PMas we detail in this advance story in Berkshire on Stage. Tommy came out in his memoir, Footnotes.

Kate Clinton is Lady HaHa.
The next night the funny and thought-provoking Kate Clinton brings her Lady HaHa tour to the Berkshires for a taste of the Provincetown Women's Week club scene in the naked Berkshires. (I am talking about the trees post-foliage season.) We had a wonderfully revealing chat with the former school teacher turned stand-up comic which you can also find in Berkshire on Stage, and she said she loved being the second oldest living lesbian comic, while naming the first. She also talks about her pal HIllary Clinton, Arianna Huffington and Al Franken, and speculates on the health of Dick Cheney, admitting she combs the obits every day looking for good news. Her November 13 9=8:00 PM performance at the Colonial sponsored by the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition and The Rainbow Times is only her second appearance ever in the Berkshires. She will be appearing with Roy Zimmerman. More about him in this second Berkshire on Stage story.

Ani DiFranco and her daughter. Courtesy Parenting Magazine.
Then there is the bisexual Ani DiFranco who probably loves her guitar more than any particular partner, though not as much as her daughter Petah Lucia who is now approaching four. Her fluid sexual identity is as famous as her independence in the music business. My story on her is in the works, and will appear shortly. She is at the Colonial on November 16 at 7:30. She will be appearing with special guest Melissa Ferrick.

For tickets to any of these concerts, visit the Colonial Theatre website.

Twice as many teens are gay than previously thought

But many of them are also engaging in risky behavior which is not good news.

According to a 2002 study of Massachusetts and Vermont teens, only 5 percent to 6 percent of teens had same-sex partners. In the new study, 9.3 percent of teens said they did. The new research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that teens who had sex with only their own gender or with both genders were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, putting themselves at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Elizabeth Saewyc, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told Reuters Health that these teens may engage in riskier behavior because sex education programs don't always acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships.

"Some teens I've seen tell me that they completely check out of sex ed because they feel what they were learning didn't apply to them," said Saewyc, who was not involved in the new study.

She suggested that educators need to acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships more often in sex education curriculums so that teens are more likely to listen and will feel more comfortable discussing any issues.



Bullying has been increasing too as some schools are in denial.

In the 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, for teens who were sexually active, 8 percent of males and 10 percent of females reported having had a same-sex partner. In a study looking at the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey, 9.4 percent of teens reported having had partners of the same or both sexes.

Dr. Preeti Pathela, lead author of the new study, said the results may have been different this time around because some states do not measure same-sex encounters.

This story is excerpted from a Reuters report.

Super production of "Hairspray" in Cohoes, NY

"Big Hair! Big Talent! Big Dancing! Big Fun! AND...Jim Charles in a dress. Who could ask for anything more?? Fun from beginning to end. I encourage you to strap on your dancing shoes and pack up the whole family and go." - Gail Burns, gailsez.org

For a community-based theatre, the folks at Music Hall (C-R Productions) in Cohoes, NY really make their musicals um, well, sing!

I often make the trek there when the musical pickings are slim in the Berkshires - like now and until Tommy Tune arrives November12. With their new iteration of Hairspray, you should think about filling up the gas and heading over the border for a good time. They always have a live pit band, too, a real plus. Sometimes the tech crew is a couple of fuses short on the amperage, but the wattage of the talent is still high voltage.

I loved Gail Burns' review of Hairspray - she sees a lot more issues and facets than most reviewers.

Teens - It Gets Better (Broadway Sings for the Trevor Project)

Sometimes it get pretty lonely being a teen, especially if you are LGBTQ or taken as one....This video made for The Trevor Project features lots of my favorite Broadway performers and is very heartfelt since just about every one of them went through high school enduring the daily harshness. Look at them now.



The Trevor Project was founded by the generous actor-writer James Lecesne, who was our stage manager back in the 70's at the Pocket Mime Theatre in Boston. He helped me make big changes in my life, and has continued to help others as well. Other founders include director/producer Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone, creators of the 1994 Academy Award®-winning short film, Trevor, a comedy/drama about a gay 13-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life.

When Trevor was scheduled to air on HBO® in 1998, the filmmakers realized that some of the program’s young viewers might be facing the same kind of crisis as Trevor, and began to search for an appropriate support line to broadcast during the airing. They discovered that no such helpline existed, and decided to dedicate themselves to forming what was, in their view, a much-needed resource: an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group. Thus, The Trevor Project was born, and with seed funding provided by The Colin Higgins Foundation, The Trevor Lifeline was established and became the first and only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Today, in addition to operating the crisis and suicide prevention lifeline, The Trevor Project provides online support to young people through the organization’s Web site, as well as lifesaving guidance and vital resources for educators and parents.

Mass MoCA puts out welcome mat for LGBTQ Youth, Adults

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams has never been shy about showcasing the work of artists who happen to be gay, but they are about to go much further. Mass MoCA has announced that it is a judgement free zone, and has been planning a new after-school program for LGBTQ youth (ages 14-21), to be hosted & launched at MASS MoCA beginning in January of 2011. The program is open to any LGBTQ youth that are looking for a safe space to be who they are and make art! Allies are also encouraged to attend.

Paul Browde and Murray Nossel in Two Men Talking at Mass MoCA.

Also coming up on November 20 is the appearance of Paul Browde and Murray Nossel's in a show they call Two Men Talking. Put together by these two gay men, it has become an international phenomenon. In this unscripted production, the two men, who first met as school children in Johannesburg in 1974, weave their life stories - which includes taunting and homophobia - into a captivating work of live theater that bounces between South Africa and New York touching on issues of personal identity, HIV/AIDS, being Jewish in South Africa, and the creation of a lifetime friendship.

Here's a very creative treatment of Paul and Murray's saga (note mobile users - requires Flash) FLYP Magazine Interactive For More Info: www.massmoca.org

Update: Out in the Berkshires Events Oct. 8-10

"Untitled" by Kit Restivo.

Pittsfield is clearly the place to be on Columbus Day Weekend. the city is jumping with enormous activity. For the second year in a row there will be an "Out in the Berkshires" celebration which has been slated for October 8-10. This year includes several new events, some of which have only been finalized in the past day or two.

Says Megan Whilden, Cultural Pittsfield's director, "The terrific thing about Out in the Berkshires is that it is the same weekend as a number of other events in downtown Pittsfield, from the Storefront Artist Project-organized open studios, to a conversation with artist Maggie Mailer at Ferrin Gallery, to Barrington Stage’s production of The Crucible and their programming around the Red Scare era and blacklisted writers."



The full slate of weekend events are being held in concert with National Coming Out day on October 11, and are co-sponsored by the Rainbow Times, the City of Pittsfield and the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition.  For visitors too, it is a rare chance to enjoy gorgeous fall foliage and gay-friendly arts and nightlife.

Out in the Berkshires kicks off Friday evening with the opening reception for the Out in the Berkshires group art show (see preview slideshow in our concurrent story at Berkshire on Stage. It takes place at the Lichtenstein Gallery, featuring regional artists from the LGBTQ community, including Kit Restivo whose photo appears at the top of this story.

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is the new home for the Live Out Loud Youth Project a social support and networking. youth-led, adult-facilitated group to support positive social relationships and meet the needs of LGBTQQA youth in the Berkshires. It's another important reason why the Out in the Berkshires project is to create a welcoming environment for our own LGBTQ youth to avoid tragedies like the recent suicide of Tyler Clementi. "And the LGBT art show was the Mayor's idea," notes Whilden.

Bill Nelson's All Male Revue has plenty of new surprises.

Friday evening continues with the first of three nights of delicious comedic cabaret with Bill Nelson’s All Male Revue at the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, followed by late night Karao-Gay with karaoke champion Ken De Loreto as the ever-so-charming MC.

"As Pittsfield itself has undergone change in recent years, the most exciting and entertaining twist on its diversity has been the arrival of increasing numbers of LGBT residents. They have enriched the arts and cultural scene, of course, but they have also been filling needed spots in the health care, high tech and entrepreneurial communities. The "Out" weekend is one way to reach out to them in hopes that they may become more involved. Not only can they enjoy the beauty and ambience of the Berkshires, but in Pittsfield, we welcome their active participation in the growth of the city." - Megan Whilden

Saturday enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage in the Berkshires and don’t miss the Downtown Pittsfield Open Studios, an opportunity to peek into some of the 60+ artist studios and galleries in downtown Pittsfield. After the All Male Revue Saturday evening, you’re invited to cruise at Come Out and Dance party into the wee hours.

"We know a successful creative city needs to be a diverse, tolerant and exciting city, and one of the key ingredients, as identified by Richard Florida in his seminal book, The Rise of the Creative Class, is the LGBTQ community, along with artists and immigrants. Pittsfield has worked hard to be welcoming to artist and immigrants, and we want to make the LGBTQ community feel equally welcomed, supported and appreciated in Pittsfield." - Megan Whilden

Sunday brings a "family and friends" brunch at the scrumptious Jae’s Spice that’s also a benefit for Out in the Berkshires programming, followed by a late evening screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Keep up with everything LGBTQ-friendly in the Berkshires at www.outintheberkshires.com and look for online on Facebook and Twitter too!

Michel Bellici, "Painting 89", 30x40 Acrylic on Canvas

Friday, October 8, 5-7pm Out in the Berkshires art show opening

Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue Pittsfield, MA
FREE More info: 413.499.9348 mwhilden@pittsfieldch.com

A group show featuring regional artists from the LGBTQ community, including abstract painter Joe Goodwin, trans artists Autumn Doyle and Justin Adkins, mixed media artists Timothy Kushi and Donald Clark, photographers Susan Mikula, the late Vaal London-Kane and Kit Restivo, sculptor Joseph Wheaton currently in a two person show at the Berkshire Museum, painters Jaysin Eli and Michelle Bellici, and fiber artist Nathan Hanford.

Friday-Sunday, October 8-10 8pm Bill Nelson’s Musical Revue

$15 Barrington Stage Company, 36 Linden Street, Pittsfield, MA
More info & advance tickets: 413.236.8888 or www.barringtonstageco.org

If David Sedaris were musicalized, he’d sound like Bill Nelson! The lyrics are equal parts jaw-dropping, profound and daffy. Join Bill and the guys for a casual, fun evening of fresh, inventive theatre songs!

KJ (Erica) Spizz

Friday, October 8 (doors open 9:30pm) 10pm-1am Karao-Gay karaoke night!

$5/$7 NEW STAGE 55 North Street, Pittsfield MA

Let your inner diva shine with Karaoke Master Ken Deloreto at the helm and KJ (Erica ) Spizz behind the turntable into the wee hours. Reportedly Spizz is thrilled to be making her Shire City debut at Karao-Gay. KJ has the equipment and a 25K+ song arsenal to satisfy both virgins and varsity players alike. She never lets her tone deafness or inability to carry a tune dampen the passion in her performances. Cash bar. Reservations 413.418.0999.

Saturday, October 9, 9pm -1am  Come Out & Dance Party 

$5 NEW STAGE 55 North Street, Pittsfield MA


Get out on the dance floor with the deliriously popular DJ BFG spinning tracks.

Sunday, October 10  11:30am Family & Friends Brunch

$20 Jae’s Spice 297 North Street 443-1234


Celebrate community and help support continued Out in the Berkshires programming at this delicious brunch at one of the Berkshires’ finest restaurants.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a classic.

Sunday, October 10 , 10pm Rocky Horror Picture Show

$9 Beacon Cinema, 55 North Street, Pittsfield MA
www.thebeaconcinema.com

Let’s do the Time Warp during this late night showing of this cult classic! Dress up encouraged, prize for best costume.

October Events from Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition

Of course we are all looking forward to the Out in the Berkshires Weekend in Pittsfield (see previous story) but there is a lot more happening before and after the Columbus Day Weekend. Here's the latest from the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coallition.

BSCC Annual Meeting & Potluck

Wednesday, October 6, 7-9 pm at the Unitarian Church
on Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA

Join the Berkshire Stonewall Board of Directors for a potluck dinner at the UU Church to be followed by a community meeting where the board will present an annual report of what we have been up to over the past year, and then we’ll open the floor to questions and comments from the community. Our input is vital to the growth of the organization, so please bring yourselves, your thought and ideas, and a dish to share.


BSCC Halloween Dance

Saturday, October 23, 9pm – 1am at the Elk’s Club
on Union Street in Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire Stonewall will be hosting a Halloween Party on October 23rd from 9pm to 1am at the Elk’s Club. DJ BFG will be joining us once again, and we’re coming up with some crazy decoration ideas. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes. Appetizers, DJ, Costume Contest!

Admission: $5 Member/$10 Non-Member ($5 additional fee for entrance in costume contest)

HOWARD CRUSE BOOK PARTY

Saturday, October 16, 2-4 pm at The Bookstore
11 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA

Cartoonist Howard Cruse will read excerpts from his international award-winning 1995 graphic novel Stuck Rubber Baby, which was reissued this summer in a new, 15th anniversary hardcover edition. The Lenox event will begin with Howard’s reading at 2 to be followed by book-signing and socializing.

Set amid the turmoil of the Civil Rights era, Stuck Rubber Baby centers on Toland Polk, a young, closeted gay southerner struggling to find himself and achieve moral authenticity. When it was first published, Artforum International called the novel “bravura storytelling.” In his introduction to the original edition playwright Tony Kushner referred to Howard as “one of the most talented artists to work in the form.” The book’s anniversary edition includes a new introduction by Alison Bechdel, author of 2008’s highly lauded Fun Home. The founding editor of Gay Comix and creator of the 1980s comic strip Wendel, Howard has lived in North Adams since 2003 with his husband Ed Sedarbaum.

DICK LIPEZ BOOK PARTY

Saturday, October 30, 2 pm at The Bookstore
11 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA

Richard Stevenson (Dick Lipez) will read from his new book, Cockeyed, the eleventh Don Strachey PI novel by Stevenson, the pseudonym of Becket author Dick Lipez. Cockeyed is as much screwball comedy as mystery. It’s about what happens when Hunny “You go, girl!” Van Horn, Albany’s flamingest working class flamer wins the first New York State Lottery payout of one billion dollars. Strachey is brought in to deal with the skeletons that come tumbling out of Hunny’s non-closet. Cockeyed was published in September by MLR Press. Also just out in East Asia from Monsoon Books is Bangkok Free Fall, which was published last year in the US under the title The 38 Million Dollar Smile.

Out in the Berkshires: October 8-10, 2010

From the August performances of Bill Nelson's All Male Revue: Stanley Bahorek, Orville Mendoza, Claybourne Elder, Bill Nelson, Matt Castle, Frank Galgano. New songs coming in October as part of the renamed "Bill Nelson's Incredible Musical Review."

There's nothing official yet, no press release, just some events that seem to be coming together, but indications are that there will be a second "Out in the Berkshires" celebration in Pittsfield in October. One of the hoped for events has already been scrapped, but hopefully there will be more. Time grows short. This last minute stuff is ok for the locals, but if there is any hope of drawing in some new faces, a little advance publicity - including on the LGBT state tourism pages would help draw from beyond our meager population here.

Of course once the official announcements arrives, (PR goes to BerkshireLarry@gmail.com) I will be sure to put a feature story up in Berkshire on Stage. Meantime, pencil in these dates. Of course, I highly recommend seeing the new iteration of Bill Nelson's (F)all Male Revue. Witty, clever, and very gay.

Friday, October 8, 5-7pm
Out in the Berkshires opening reception
Group art show featuring leading LGBTQ regional artists including Nathan Hanford, Joe Goodwin, Tim Kushi, Autumn Doyle, Kit Restivo, Vaal London-Kane, Donald Clark and others. Location TBA

Friday-Sunday, October 8-10 8pm
Bill Nelson’s Incredible Musical Reviue
Barrington Stage 2

Friday, October 8, 10pm-1am
Karao-Gay Night
with Karaoke MC Ken DeLoreto
NEW Performing Arts Center (above the Beacon)

And there is a page at the New Stage website announcing Karao Gay. As we get notified by the organizers, we will pass along the word.

Kolok Gallery & Berkshire Stonewall Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Saturday Sept 11

Robert Mateo Diago

Born in Puerto Rico, Robert Mateo Diago has lived in Northern New Jersey, NYC and South Florida. He's called Dallas, Texas home for 15 years. He has been a student of art since his early childhood, and by high school knew he'd pursue it as a career. He received his college degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Diago developed a successful career in Art Direction and Commercial Design over 20 years. About ten years ago painting reentered his life - emerging as an almost primal need during a meditation retreat. Since then he's been creating personal and commissioned works; paintings, collage and sculpture. Two years ago Diago made the significant and official switch into making art his fulltime endeavor.

Having planned on constructing only a studio addition, the artist, a proponent of 'green' living, recently built a sustainable USGBC LEED Platinum certified home with a spacious, light-filled studio. The versatility of his new work space allows him to create and showcase large paintings including diptychs and triptychs while also providing him with space suitable for making other works such as sculpture and mixed media assemblages.


Ongoing at Kolok Gallery:

A rotating inventory including sculptures, paintings and prints by artists David Bradshaw, William S. Burroughs, Gregory Crewdson, Shannon Donovan, Joshua Field, Limor Gasko, Brandon Graving, Cai Guo-Qiang, Melissa Matsuki Lillie, Mark Mulherrin, Shuli Sade, Ryan Scheidt, Glenn Paul Smith, Weronika Zaluska, and others.

"Bill Nelson's All Male Revue" returns with a change of songs

Bill Nelson, Frank Galgano, Claibourne Elder, Orville Mendoza, just part of the company.

For those who were lucky enough to catch the first outing of Bill Nelson's All-Male Revue, seeing it again is a no-brainer. The relaxed and easy-going Nelson is a writer of clever, often gay-themed lyrics that touch both our hearts and our funny bones.

We've talked to Bill and written up a detailed preview which you can read here in Berkshire on Stage. (A special feature of that site is that you can search via category to find performances of special interest, just click on the LGBT category in the drop down "Find Stories by Category" menu). This year there will be something old, something new, something campy, something blue as he skewers everything from his youthful crushes to the latest headlines.

Here's the official news release:

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY’S MUSICAL THEATRE LAB
presents

Bill Nelson’s ALL-MALE REVUE
Lyrics by Bill Nelson

Music by various composers including Will Aronson, Rob Broadhurst, Hailey Chang, Creighton Irons, Anna K. Jacobs, David Mallamud, Katya Stanislavskaya, and Niko Tsakalakos

New to the cast this year: Stanley Bahorek

Starring Matt Castle, Claybourne Elder, Frank Galgano, Orville Mendoza, and Stanley Bahorek

Music Direction by Matt Castle
Directed by William Finn

August 26 through 28, 2010

( PITTSFIELD , MA ) Back by popular demand, Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab, under the mentorship of Tony winning composer/lyricist William Finn, presents the return of Bill Nelson’s All-Male Revue from August 26 -28 at the theater’s Stage 2 performance venue in Downtown Pittsfield.

A musical revue where the only thing naked is the lyrics. If David Sedaris were musicalized, he’d sound like Bill Nelson. Nelson’s lyrics are equal parts jaw-dropping, profound and daffy. Join Bill and the guys for a casual, fun evening of fresh, inventive theatre songs.

Starring Matt Castle (Company), Claybourne Elder (Road Show), Frank Galgano (Naked Boys Singing), Orville Mendoza (Road Show), and Stanley Bahorek (See Rock City and Other Destinations), the revue features the lyrics of Bill Nelson and music by various composers including Will Aronson, Rob Broadhurst, Hailey Chang, Creighton Irons, Anna K. Jacobs, David Mallamud, Katya Stanislavskaya, and Niko Tsakalakos.

Matt Castle is music director, with direction by William Finn.

Bill and William

Playwright/lyricist/bookwriter Bill Nelson received an MFA from the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program where he wrote, with composer Daniel Lincoln, Savannah: a Musical Fable. Bill’s plays have been performed across the country and his songs have been heard at cabarets around the world, including William Finn’s Songs by Ridiculously Talented Composers and Lyricists—presented at both Barrington Stages and Joe’s Pub—and New York Theatre Barn's The Oh, So Sexy Songs of Bill Nelson. A Dramatist Guild fellow and published lyricist, he's currently working with composer Anna K. Jacobs on a new musical, Harmony, Kansas , about a gay men's chorus in rural Kansas . www.BillNelsonBillNelson.com.

Performances will take place at BSC’s Stage 2 space, 36 Linden Street , Pittsfield on Thursday, August 26 at 9:30pm, Friday, August 27 at 9:30pm, and Saturday, August 28 at 10:00pm. Tickets are $15 (general admission) by calling the BSC Box Office at 413-236-8888 or online at www.barringtonstageco.org.

"Altar Boyz!" a fun show that parodies Christian boy bands

The Altar Boyz! From L. to R.: Tom Garutto, Eddie Maldando, Trey Compton, Barry Shafrin and Steven Cardona are the Altar Boyz.

If you've enjoyed some quality time watching videos of boy bands then this is the show for you: four wholesome lads from Ohio, Matthew, Mark, Luke and Juan, meet up with their Jewish friend Abraham when they all hear the voice of God telling them to go out among the masses and save a few souls. Only if you are a Christian fundamentalist, it's not going as planned. Imagine if Fred Phelps got a call from Jesus informing him that he was back on earth to help spread the word, but that he was calling from the Crown and Anchor in Provincetown.

You see, Altar Boys - playing at the nearby Theater Barn in New Lebanon, NY from August 12-22 - is a rip roaring parody. It makes fun of boy bands, Catholicism, contemporary Christian music, closeted gays, gay Latino pop stars, boy-band costume designers, simplistic theology, unrequited gay crushes, commercialized Christianity, and occasionally someone in the audience. Those who were brought up Catholic, or Southern Baptist, or have been gay-bashed or even got mocked for going to an 'N Sync concert years ago will feel downright welcome.

And those with sharp ears will find a special message in the song "Rhythm in me" sung by gay boys: "God put the rhythm in me. Put it in me! Put it in me!"

The Altar Boyz (l to r) Trey Compton (Matthew), Barry Shafrin (Mark), Tom Garutto (Luke), Eddie Maldonado (Juan), Steven Cardona (Abraham).

Imagine the shades of red that someone like Tony Perkins or Pat Robertson would turn if they were seated next to you. These are no New Kids on the Block, at least once they hit the road and got out of Ohio.

Read my interview with the director, Bert Bernardi about the show, visit my Berkshire on Stage website where a little more family friendly interpretation of the show prevails. I have not seen it yet, but will get a review up early next week, hopefully by Monday, August 16.

Performances of Altar Boyz take place from August 12-22 on Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 5pm and 8:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $24 except Sunday matinees which are $22. For tickets call 518-794-8989. The Theatre Barn is located at 654 Route 20, New Lebanon, NY 12125. They have a simple website with season and subscription information.

Jacob's Pillow schedules an Out Weekend with Ballets Trockadero

“Out” and About events gaining in popularity – Trocks at the Pillow

The trend towards welcoming the Berkshire’s LGBT community with special events continues with another “Out” night at Barrington Stage’s ART tonight July 29, followed by a special event at Jacob’s Pillow early in August.

Jacob’s Pillow has just announced “A Weekend OUT at the Pillow,” August 13-15. The weekend will provide LGBTQ families, individuals, and couples the opportunity to take advantage of all the Pillow has to offer, including a multitude of free and ticketed events, while spending time with old and new acquaintances.

In the theatres, audiences have the opportunity to see Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion. In addition to these ticketed performances, the Pillow will host several free events during “A Weekend OUT at the Pillow.”

The Pillow will also host a free Artist Mixer at the Pillow Pub on Friday, August 13, where members of the community are welcome to stay after the performances and chat with the performers. “A Weekend OUT at the Pillow” will also feature a special historic tour of Jacob’s Pillow on Sunday, August 15 at noon, given by Jacob’s Pillow Director of Preservation, Norton Owen, and focusing on Pillow founder Ted Shawn and his Men Dancers.

Box Office: 413.243.0745. For complete schedule, visit jacobspillow.org.

BSCC's End of Summer Dance August 28 in Pittsfield

The Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition is planning an end of summer dance for Saturday August 28, 2010 from 8:00-12:30. Providing the dance beats is favorite spinner, DJ BFG, Admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. But if you join or renew your membership in BSCC at the door, your admission will be free!

And here's a creative idea...Bill Nelson's All Male Revue is playing on Barrington Stage 2 over on Linden Street, so you could drop by the dance, have some fun, stroll over to BSC for the 10pm performance and get back for last call.

From the 2009 Version - Howie Michael Smith, Frank Galgano, Matt Castle, Claybourne Elder, Orville Mendoza, Bill Nelson
I saw this show last year, and it was about as out as you can get and yet be family friendly. (Nothing's naked but the lyrics.) It's the final night, so get your tickets early.

Bennington, VT - Summer 2010 Pride Picnic Saturday August 7

Here's some information on the Bennington Pride picnic.

The annual BennPride picnic this year will be August 7th (with a
possible rain date of August 8th?) 2010 at Shaftsbury Lake. We will gather
between 11 AM & noon with the meal to follow....

Bennington Pride Coalition will furnish the hotdogs, hamburgers and
buns. Please bring a potluck dish to share.

As I wrote last year, the fun starts at about 11 AM, with games and socializing, then a potluck lunch at noon (everyone bring a dish!) the location is the beautiful Lake Shaftsbury State Park, just ten miles or so north of Bennington. Berkshire folks would take Route 7 north into Vermont, and after riding through Bennnington take 7A north through Shaftsbury. After you pass the Clear Brook Farm on the right, and the Chocolate House on the left it is a little further to the park entrance on your right. If you come to Route 313 you have gone too far.

Cost to get into the park is $3.00 for adults ages 14 and older. For children ages 4-13, cost is $2.00. Under age 4 is free

There is a designated group picnic area and once you find that, just look for the rainbow flag, walk up and introduce yourself.