The Randy Report - LGBTQ Politics & Entertainment

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines: • The 2024 elections have come and gone and while my presidential candidate didn’t win, there were several big wins for LGBTQ candidates • 12 students from Salisbury University in Maryland have been charged with hate crimes after using Grindr to lure a gay man into a violent assault • Sexually transmitted infection rates are down among gay and bisexual men thanks to a simple antibiotic routine • Plus new music from out recording artist Cameron Hawthorn All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s headlines: • LGBTQ voters could play an outsize role in the who wins the 2024 presidential election • Ireland passes hate crimes law amid spike in anti-LGBTQ violence • England’s only openly gay pro footballer Jake Daniels speaks out about preconceptions about queer sports stars • I highly recommend the new film drama “I Don’t Know Who You Are” All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

Today I’m chatting Andy Bell, frontman for the legendary electropop duo Erasure, whose hits include “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” “Ship of Fools,” and so many more. In the 2000s, he released his acclaimed solo albums 'Electric Blue' and 'Non-Stop.' He is currently working on new solo material with Grammy Award winner Dave Audé, and will be reuniting with Vince Clarke to start work on a new Erasure album in 2025. Throughout his music career, Andy has become an icon within the LGBTQ community having been out and proud since he hit it big at the age of 21. Known for his honesty and compassion, he’s given back to the community with a long list of support for various LGBTQ causes including serving as an ambassador for New York’s Hetrick-Martin Institute, donating the proceeds for his latest single “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” to GLAAD, and much more. Andy will make his one-night-only debut performance in Las Vegas at The Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, October 26, where he promises a full band set of Erasure favorites, solo selections and more. Link for ticket info here: https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/entertainment/upcoming-shows/andy-bell

In this week’s LGBTQ news: • A conservative group’s boycott of LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Ohio backfires, causing a surprise uptick in sales for the local stores • Over 800 military service members discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell will now receive honorable discharges • A soccer team comprised entirely of transgender men has made its debut in Spain • And Netflix has released the third season of its acclaimed coming out, coming-of-age series "Heartstopper" All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Today, I’m chatting with Emmy Award winner Kevin Spirtas about the debut of season 3 of his 6-time Emmy Award-winning digital series, After Forever. The show stars Kevin as Brian and Mitchell Anderson (Doogie Howser, Party of Five) as Jason, a "50-ish" gay couple living in New York City who appear to have it all -- until Jason's untimely death from cancer forces Brian to think about his future and ultimately his mortality, without the love of his life. Season three finds Brian exploring therapy as a means to help him move through his grief while he also attempts to address the idea of dating again. I’ve known Kevin since our early days pursuing acting in New York City when he was featured in several Broadway productions, including A Chorus Line, Meet Me in St. Louis, and was the official standby for Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz. Along the way, daytime TV fans came to know Kevin through his long-running role on Days of Our Lives as “Dr. Craig Wesley.” In 2014, Kevin ran into former Days Of Our Lives writer Michael Slade in a New York gym. Eager to create their own opportunities, the two set out to create a series about gay men over 50. In 2019, After Forever—Season 1 made history by becoming the most Emmy-awarded LGBTQ-themed drama series on any platform. Kevin received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama, along with three additional Emmys that he shares with Michael Slade for Outstanding Digital Drama Series 2019 and Outstanding Writing Team for a Digital Drama in 2019 and 2020. The series was also honored with a special recognition award in 2021 by the GLAAD Media Awards. Season 3 of After Forever is available now on Vimeo. Head over to https://afterforevertheseries.com for links to the new episodes. Season 1 and 2 are available on Amazon Prime Video and Dekkoo.

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines: • A Florida school district must restore dozens of LGBTQ-themed books to its libraries as part of a lawsuit settlement that called the state's queer book ban legislation unlawful. • Delaware state senator Sarah McBride is poised to become the first openly transgender member of Congress • Gilead's twice-yearly injectable PrEP exceeds expectations in clinical trial • And the new documentary “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” explores the personal life and sexuality of the 16th president All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week's LGBTQ headlines: • Taking a look at the LGBTQ records of Democratic presidential ticket Kamala Harris and Tim Walz • A federal judge overturned the Pentagon’s ban on asymptomatic HIV-positive people enlisting in the military • Former out gay congressman George Santos pleads guilty to multiple felony charges • New music from out recording artist Aiden James - "Not For Nothing" All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

In this week’s LGBTQ news: • California has banned the forced outing of LGBTQ students • A gay circuit party was evicted from its host hotel in Dallas • A new twice-yearly PrEP injectable has passed its Phase III trial with flying colors • And I highly recommend the winning coming-of-age film BIG BOYS All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s headlines: • President Biden has pardoned LGBTQ military service members who were discharged for being queer under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. • Lawmakers in Thailand have cleared the way for legalizing same-sex marriage. • The top ten LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S. • Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane are teaming up for a new sitcom described as "a gay Golden Girls." All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines: • A federal court has permanently blocked Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors and adults calling the law "unconstitutional" • All Elite Wrestling pro Bulk Bronson comes out as bisexual • The European nation of Georgia plans to erase LGBTQ rights • Plus, make sure you check out the free streaming Pride event from iHeartMedia - Can’t Cancel Pride 2024 All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines: • This month marked the 20th anniversary of marriage equality in the U.S., and a new report shows only good has come from it • A new study shows having just one adult LGBTQ role model can boost queer youth’s self-esteem • Guess which European countries are the most (and least) LGBTQ-friendly? • Carl Siciliano, founder of the Ali Forney Center, has penned an excellent new book chronicling his journey in helping homeless LGBTQ youth • Plus, streaming platform Hulu is serving up plenty to watch on TV for Pride Month. Link to Hulu's LGBTQ hub: https://www.hulu.com/hub/lgbtq All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s headlines: • The United Methodist Church has voted to reverse its ban on gay clergy • A federal appeals court has ruled state health care plans must cover gender-affirming surgeries • Some good news for LGBTQ youth in the foster care system • And Country music artist Chris Housman drops his oh-so-romantic new single and music video “Guilty As Sin” All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines: • A controversial new law in Kansas could keep minors from accessing non-explicit LGBTQ websites • The campaign for the reelection of President Biden has launched a strategic initiative reaching out to LGBTQ voters • "Heartstopper" star Kit Connor will make his Broadway debut this fall • What to watch this week? I recommend the acclaimed short film "Ode To Pablo" as this is National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week. Free link: https://youtu.be/nUh-LMrHJ_A?si=NcQM90r0wGIDH544 All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week's LGBTQ headlines: • International pop star and actor Ricky Martin stars in the new Apple TV+ series "Palm Royale" • Thailand is very close to legalizing same-sex marriage • House Republicans slipped a provision in the federal spending bill that bans Pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies - but there's a catch • The Republic of Georgia appears poised to follow Russia's lead on anti-LGBTQ legislation Plus, we observe the annual Transgender Day of Visibility. All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week’s episode: • More details emerge about the cause of death of Oklahoma transgender teen Nex Benedict • Major parts of Florida’s hideous “Don’t Say Gay” law have been nullified • The percentage of adults in the US who identify has hit a new record high • LGBTQ icon David Mixner dies at the age of 77 All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week's LGBTQ news headlines: • Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student in Oklahoma, died one day after a physical altercation in a high school restroom. • Columbia, Missouri, has declared itself to be a safe haven for LGBTQ people. • Russian authorities closed down a 'My Little Pony' convention because one character has a rainbow-colored mane. • GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of this year's Dorian Film Awards with the acclaimed 'All of Us Strangers' taking top honors. Full list of winners here: https://therandyreport.com/all-of-us-strangers-takes-top-honors-in-lgbtq-critics-dorian-film-awards/ All that and new music from out recording artist Nieri in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week's LGBTQ headlines: • Amber Glenn came out on top at this year’s U.S. Figure skating championship becoming the first queer woman to win the title. • An Oklahoma lawmaker introduced a bill that would ban using state funds to acknowledge Pride Month. • Good news in Tennessee where an anti-LGBTQ ordinance that blocked a Pride festival has been rescinded. • Terrestrial radio station KGAY in Palm Springs is geared towards LGBTQ listeners with gay hosts broadcasting live. Link: www.LGAYPalmSprings.com • New music from out indie pop artist Bentley Robles "We Should" All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

In this week's LGBTQ headlines: • We’re just a few weeks into 2024, but we’ve already seen nearly 300 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures. • A new survey shows Gen Z adults tend to be less Republican, less religious, and more LGBTQ. • Taking a look at the LGBTQ actors and other queer creative folks nominated for this year’s Academy Awards. • LGBTQ highlights from the 75th Annual Emmy Awards Oh, and guess who got a GLAAD Media Award nomination? All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

My guest today is Broadway veteran and award-winning recording artist Matt Zarley, who released his spectacular musical web series "11 O’Clock Number." The series features a dozen tunes by Broadway composers, all originally sung by women. Over 12 episodes, Zarley weaves those songs in between video testimonials as he copes with isolation during the pandemic lockdown. Each song - spectacularly imagined as a dream concert performance – becomes its own personal catharsis for our hero, Zack (played by Zarley). The result is, at times, touching, humorous, and relatable. Zarley – who can croon a quiet heartbreak or throw down rich, full-throated showstoppers with equal ease – is in peak vocal form. I really enjoyed the full series because…who doesn’t love some great music theater songs? You can find all 12 episodes of "11 O'Clock Number" on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGx5wJAFYYwU3qw6tMdn-6X-YD80sx5Km

As we head into 2024, I wanted to take a pause to look at some of the big news and pop culture moments of 2023 for LGBTQ folks. I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity. You folks don’t want to listen to me drone on about the top ten news stories, the top ten movies, etc… We'd be here forever. Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them. So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show. Hit play as I share what I think are some of the best songs from out recording artists, top LGBTQ movies and TV, and important LGBTQ news stories of the year.