Three Inspiring Stories of Hope on Comcast’s Xfinity LGBT Film & TV On Demand Collection

Equality Forum, coordinator of LGBT History Month, as well as a producer of documentary films and convener of the international LGBT civil rights summit held annually in Philadelphia, today announced that all three of its award-winning documentaries will be available on Xfinity On Demand in the LGBT Film & TV Collection in celebration of LGBT History Month.

The three award-winning documentaries produced by Equality Forum share the stories of courageous LGBT individuals, including: 

• “Saint of 9/11” - Narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, “Saint of 9/11” chronicles the remarkable life and death of Father Mychal Judge, Chaplain of the New York Fire Department—the first official victim of 9/11. Since its world premiere at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, “Saint of 9/11” has received international acclaim and has been featured on ABC’s “World News with Charles Gibson,” CNN, PBS and C-SPAN.

• “Gay Pioneers” - A compelling documentary, “Gay Pioneers” presents the story of the start of the LGBT civil rights movement at Independence Hall. Coproduced with PBS affiliate WHYY, this enduring film braids interviews with Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings and other early activists with archival footage and FBI investigative reports.

• “JIM IN BOLD” - About the life cut short of young gay artist and poet Jim Wheeler, “JIM IN BOLD” is the leading film about the impact of homophobia on LGBTQ youth. This inspirational film has won multiple awards and has been screened worldwide.

“We are so pleased that these important and inspiring stories are being made available to Xfinity Video customers in its LGBT Film & TV Collection,” said Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum’s Executive Director, the nation’s leading organization on LGBT history.

The Xfinity LGBT Film & TV on demand collection is a uniquely curated destination of over 500+ LGBT-centric storylines and characters and part of Comcast commitment to bringing diverse viewing opportunities to all of its customers. All of the content is also available online at: Xfinity.com/LGBT

Earlier this month, Equality Forum launched LGBT History Month by releasing a list of 31 LGBT Icons, living or dead, national and international who were selected for achievements in their field of endeavor; for their status as a national hero; or for their significant contribution to LGBT civil rights. Equality Forum solicits nominations from the public. Nationally prominent professors Lillian Faderman and Paul Farber, 2016 LGBT History Month Co-chairs review all nominations and recommend the annual Icons.

A former President of the United States joins cultural Icon David Bowie and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, as part of the 31 Icons to be celebrated during October’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2016. A full list of this year’s 31 LGBT History Month Icons, as well as relevant source materials and a searchable database of all Icons since 2006 can be accessed via the official LGBT History Month website (www.LGBTHistoryMonth.com)

Equality Forum is currently accepting nominations for LGBT History Month 2017. The deadline to nominate an Icon for next year’s LGBT History Month is Friday, December 9th, 2016. You can submit your nomination online, here.

Watch Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' Before the Premiere!

Showtime's new series Masters of Sex doesn't premiere until September 29 but they're letting those of us who can't wait watch the full first episode early on YouTube (age-restricted, of course!).

Masters of Sex stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a midwestern teaching hospital to the cover of Time magazine and multiple appearances on Johnny Carson's couch. He is a brilliant scientist out of touch with his own feelings, and she is a single working mother ahead of her time. The series chronicles their unusual lives, romance, and unlikely pop culture trajectory.

GLAAD reports increase of of gay characters on TV

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) yesterday released the 15th annual "Where We Are On TV" study, a comprehensive review of scripted LGBT primetime characters in the 2010-2011 television season. After more than doubling last year, the overall number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters on broadcast networks continues a steady rise, though broadcast networks still report no transgender or black LGBT characters.


The report shows that 23 LGBT characters will account for 3.9% of scripted series regulars in the 2010-2011 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.1% in 2007, 2.6% in 2008, and 3% in 2009. The number of scripted LGBT series regulars found on mainstream cable networks has rebounded after a two year decline, from 40 in 2007, 32 in 2008, 25 in 2009, to 35 in the upcoming season.
HBO's True Blood is the most inclusive program currently on television, featuring six regular and recurring LGBT characters.

From research and information provided by the five broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and The CW — GLAAD's "Where We Are On TV" study reviewed 84 scripted television programs scheduled to air this upcoming season, and counted a total of 587 series regular characters, 23 of which are LGBT.

"The increase in lesbian, gay, and bisexual characters on primetime television not only reflects the shift in American culture towards greater awareness and understanding of our community, but also a new industry standard that a growing number of creators and networks are adopting," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "The recent critical and commercial success of shows like Modern Family and Glee clearly indicate that mainstream audiences embrace gay characters and want to see well-crafted stories about our lives."

In the upcoming 2010-2011 season:

• ABC continues to lead the other broadcast networks in LGBT representation, with 11 LGBT characters out of 152 total series regular characters (7.2%), the highest number and percentage of LGBT characters of any network for the 2010-2011 season.
• FOX, which in 2007 featured zero series regular LGBT characters at the launch of the season, now offers five LGBT series regulars out of 100 (5%).
• The CW continues to improve with three LGBT series regular characters out of 67 (4.5%). 
• NBC becomes the only network that saw a decline from last year. The network will feature three series regular LGBT characters (2.1%) out of a total of 143.
• CBS remains in last place. Out of 125 series regular characters, only one will be LGBT (0.8%), but the network will include several LGBT recurring characters.

For a complete list of LGBT characters on broadcast television, click here.

Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years

The Gambler is back with an upcoming television special worthy of his musical legacy – 'Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years'.

A rollicking celebration filled with music and guest-stars like Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna and The Oak Ridge Boys, 'Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years' will tape on April 10th at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods and tickets for the event may be purchased starting February 11 at 9 a.m. online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com.

“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said. “I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome – the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.”



Fun Fact: 'Islands in the Stream' is the best-selling duet ever!

Kids in the Hall to return to TV

The Kids in the Hall will be returning to TV screens soon with a new miniseries called Death Comes to Town.

Keep up with the Kids on their Facebook.

Do you think they'll bring back Buddy Cole?

I hope they bring back Buddy Cole!



Videos may be NSFW for somewhat salty language.

TV Trends: Gay Best Friends

Video may be NSFW due to slightly salty language. Just lettin' ya know.

Television networks go gay this season

The number of gay and lesbian TV characters on the broadcast networks will double to an all-time high this season according to an article in Hollywood Reporter.

(Pictured: John Barrowman who plays bisexual Captain Jack Harkness in "Torchwood".

Below is a sneak preview of "Little Britain USA" which was co-created by and stars openly gay Matt Lucas:

Now on hereTV

*click to embiggen and read schedule

Watch the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards online now

In March 2008, GLAAD announced an exclusive agreement with Bravo, its new broadcast partner, to telecast the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. It originally aired on June 27, 2008 and the full show can now be seen online at OutZoneTV.com.

Tori Amos on The Graham Norton Show

The Graham Norton Show, Saturday nights on BBC America, is enjoying a spectacular second season and his next show is a can't-miss with guests John Waters (who I've had the pleasure of interviewing) and Jackie Collins (who I'd love to interview). Here's a clip from a previous show with the beautiful and talented Tori Amos.She'll be coming to town November 28 at The Wells Fargo Theatre and you don't wanna miss that.

ANTM News: Lisa's new track is hot!

I'm serious. Give it a minute to sink in. It's grimy and low-tech and I love it. Who'da thought? One other thing; am I crazy or is that guy in the mini-dress kind of hot?

Be the Star you are on LOGO

Got a hot body, cute face, big personality or any combination therof? Is everybody jealous of you? Well, Logo needs participants for some of their new TV projects and you'd be just perfect. Do you have an interesting coming out story to tell? Planning a summer in Provincetown? Are you a gay athlete? Check out who they're looking for on the Casting Call.

Wanna get gay-married on MTV?

If you're between the ages of 18 and 21 and getting married soon, then MTV wants to hear from you. MTV wants to shoot all of the drama and excitement of your engagement and wedding for a new documentary series about young couples headed for the altar. You both must be between the ages of 18 and 21. Share the excitement leading up to the big day!
Email engagedcasting@mtvn.com, and be sure to include your:
• Name
• Age
• Address
• Contact Information (email or phone number)
• If possible, a recent photo of you and your future spouse.

White dog poop from the '70s

I'm normally so not a fan of scatalogical humor but this Sarah Silverman clip is freakin' hilarious. And it makes you think. Whatever did happen to that white dog poop from the '70s?

Three Werewolf Movies You May Have Missed

Dog Soldiers


The Company of Wolves


Ginger Snaps 3: The Red and The Black

Lance Bass on Tyra

Former *NSYNC star Lance Bass is a guest on 'The Tyra Banks Show' on Tuesday (October 23). The preview states: "No question is off limits with *NSYNC's Lance Bass! Tyra sits down with the former boy band member who opens up about things he's never talked about, including how he hid his sexuality at the height of the band's popularity, his first kiss with a guy, if he had crushes on any of the other members of the group and if he ever went "all the way" with a woman! He even gets a little choked up when he reveals what Justin Timberlake said that made him cry and when he realized the band would not be reuniting. Plus, Lance gets a surprise when his former girlfriend and 'Tyra' correspondent Danielle Fishel joins him on stage and shares details from their love life and how she found out he was gay. Danielle takes Lance on a walk down memory lane when she pulls out a box of mementos she kept from when they were dating. Plus, a young man who realized he was gay shares his experience coming out to his fraternity brothers and strict Catholic family." From popdirt.com.

Are you Lance Bass' Biggest Fan?

Are you a fan of Lance Bass and can personally relate to his life story? Did his courage inspire you? Do you have an incredible coming out story you want to share candidly with Tyra Banks on her talkshow? Do you want to tell your male best friends the truth about your sexuality? Have you recently come out of the closet to your male, straight friends and sustained those friendships? If you have been inspired by Lance Bass, personally, and have an inspiring story to share, then offer yourself up at http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/beontheshow/lance_bass.html.

Trinidad, CO: The Sex Change Capital of the World

"SEX CHANGE HOSPITAL" is a six part series based in Trinidad, Colorado, the sex change capital of the world- produced by World of Wonder Productions, each one hour episode is a self-contained journey following two people as they take the final step in their transition from one gender to another. "Sex Change Hospital" originally aired on More4 in the UK, and because of popular demand, it was replayed on the UK's Channel 4.....there is talk that "SCH" may soon air in the United States, but that is without confirmation......stay tuned! myspace.com/sexchangehospital

Ultimate Hottie of the Week

Ultimate Fighter: Billy MIles
Age: 29
Mixed Martial Arts Record: 2-1
Hometown: Loomis, CA
Trains in: Roseville, CA

Billy, a Youth Correctional Counselor in California, took up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after watching UFC superstar Tito Ortiz excel in the Octagon. A wrestling star in both high school and at Sierra College and Sacramento State, Miles was an Academic All American in college and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sacramento State and his Master’s from Chapman University.

Miles took a break from competitive sports after graduating college and developed his body through weight training. He eventually became enamored with the sport of MMA and began training and competing in local tournaments.

While on The Ultimate Fighter, Billy would like to work on all aspects of his MMA repertoire, but feels that his wrestling skills are strong and says that he will stand up and trade blows with anyone.

An avid music fan, his taste is very eclectic as he lists everything from Johnny Cash to 50 Cent to techno music.

On tonight’s episode, a fighter receives tragic news from home. Mac blast’s Bowman’s martial arts skills and Team Serra looks to win its fourth straight bout. More at www.ufc.com

Ellen wishes you were here

Ellen DeGeneres and AOL recently announced the launch of a cross-platform program, “Wish You Were Here.” Visitors to ellen.aol.com can share photos, videos and stories about the entertaining people, places and events that make their hometowns special. The submissions will be featured on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and the website and Ellen will broadcast from the selected town in December.

Over the course of the next ten weeks, fans will have the opportunity to showcase their hometown pride by visiting Ellen’s AOL site and uploading their own stories, photos and videos, each detailing why Ellen should come visit the town. Ellen will showcase some of these submissions on her show, culminating with a special visit from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to a selected hometown.

“Everybody’s always asking me to come to their hometown. I really appreciate it. I haven’t been able to do it in the past because I’ve been learning how to play the pan flute and that takes a lot of practice, practice, practice. But this year I’m gonna visit somebody’s hometown,” said Ellen DeGeneres. “We’re partnering up with AOL and we’re calling it, ‘Wish You Were Here.’ You just have to go to ellen.aol.com and tell me what’s great about where you live.”

Let's get some of these great Colorado towns the recognition they deserve.