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.