By Gregg Shapiro Sunny War Beginning with her first full-length album in 2018, Sunny War (born Sydney Lyndella Ward) has established herself as an artist of merit. Fans of Brittany Howard and Rhiannon Giddens will likely appreciate War’s new album “Armageddon in a Summer Dress” (New West). Beginning with the rocking locomotion of “One Way Train” to the modern spiritual “Bad Times” (with its “Bad times stay away” mantra), to the haunting “Ghosts” and the modern blues of “Cry B

By Rick Karlin New York City There are meetings for AA, NA, GA, and even OA. There should be one for BA. Not to minimize the struggles of those who struggle with addiction, but I have one, too. I am addicted to Broadway. I can listen to the Sirius Broadway channel, go to showtune Friday, Sunday, and Monday at Sidetrack, even see the shows at Broadway in Chicago, as well as local productions, but they just put off the inevitable fix I need; a trip to NYC for the original. If I

By Gregg Shapiro With only four albums to its name, the San Antonio-based, all-female, two-thirds queer, Girl in a Com still managed to make an enduring impression on listeners. Signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records label in the mid-2000s, the threesome – out members Jenn Alva and Phanie Diaz, and Phanie’s straight sister Nina – rocked original songs and cover tunes, performing live at SXSWnand on Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Tour, among others. But by 2018, it was all over.

By Shane Gallagher Move over Queer Eye - there's a new fab five coming to town and they’re furry! Bear World TV launched August 7! The channel will feature five bear hosts - Marquis The Honey Bear, Joe Martone, Alexander Rodriguez, Ravi Roth, and Hunter Harden - each presenting weekly two-minute segments that spotlight diverse and entertaining facets of bear life, including nightlife, travel, pop culture, humor, and community events Bear World TV is the place to go for weekly

Chapter Seven: I decided that small-town life was no longer for me. I had failed in my mind in every way. I quit college. I moved home....

By Gregg Shapiro (L)Doug Spearman. Photo Courtesy of Paramount+ There’s no question that when Patrik-Ian Polk’s series “Noah’s Arc” premiered on Logo 20 years ago, it was a groundbreaking creation. The story of a group of black gay men and their wonderful friendship. The titular arc was that of the cute main character, Noah (Darryl Stephens), and his close-knit circle of friends, including Chance played by gay actor Doug Spearman. This compelling and loving fraternity may, i

By Bill Malcom The Art Coast of Michigan (Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville in Southwest Michigan) has long been the Midwest’s answer to Provincetown. Miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, two great LGBTQ resorts, and lots of shops and restaurants make it a great vacation destination. WHAT TO DO Pick blueberries or peaches or pick some up at the farm stands or farmers markets. Hit the beach: Wau Ke Nah Nature Preserve has a great secluded beach (via a quarter-mile walk throug

By Gregg Shapiro Photo-Credit-Shaun-Vadella Whether or not you are a fan of “American Idol,” and a follower of those who have been on the show, sometimes there is a story about one of the competitors that can catch your attention. For many, especially LGBTQ people, David Archuleta is a perfect example. Only a teenager, and still in high school, when made the cut for season seven of the show, Archuleta finished in second place (to David Cook) in 2008. But his story was far fro

In the world of advertising, where every dollar spent needs to deliver measurable results, choosing the right platform is critical. For...

By Gregg Shapiro A recent article in Rolling Stone about the new, expanded reissue of Lotti Golden’s 1969 soul/garage/ psych breakthrough “Motor-Cycle” (Atlantic/High Moon) is finally giving the remarkable album some long overdue attention. Golden, who was a teenager at the time of the album’s release, was taken under the wing of gay songwriter, producer, and all-around music legend Bob Crewe for the production and arrangements of the album. Her queer influences and inspirati

By Bill Malcolm Rock Creek Bridge Summer is a wonderful time to visit D.C. The museums are free, the crowds are gone, and the hotel rates are more reasonable. The nightlife is incredible with eight new bars, including one that is alcohol-free. Yes, it can be hot and humid so plan accordingly. WHAT TO DO Check out the WorldPride LGBTQ outdoor exhibit across from the J.W. Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue between 13th and 14th. Dubbed the Rainbow History Project: Pickets, Protest

By Gregg Shapiro There’s no question that when Patrik-Ian Polk’s series “Noah’s Arc” premiered on Logo 20 years ago, it was a groundbreaking creation. The story of a group of black gay men and their wonderful friendship. The arc of the cute main character, Noah (Darryl Stephens), included his relationship with hot Wade (Jensen Atwood), a situation that regularly steamed up TV screens. It may, in fact, be what brought viewers back repeatedly, including a 2008 movie, “Noah’s Ar

By Robbie Todoro With the world eagerly awaiting the next great superhero, director Anthony Hand is answering the call — in heels. Hand’s groundbreaking animated feature. Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero makes its glittering debut on TVOD platforms including Amazon, iTunes, Google, and Dish this June 17. Centered around a shy barista who transforms into a fierce drag queen superhero, the film is a dazzling mashup of drag culture, pulse pounding music, and high-flying fantasy. F

Chapter Six: “Son, we know you like boys, and that’s okay with us. We still love you,” my dad said, firm but calm. I was sitting on the...

By Bill Malcolm Spokane is an amazing historic city in far eastern Washington. The Riverfront Park features stunning huge waterfalls. The downtown is very walkable. Towering ponderosa pines give it a feel more of the Rocky Mountains than the Cascades. The basalt lined Spokane River features a lengthy bike and hike trail. It combines an urban feel with the best of the outdoors. The new 40-mile Centennial Trail starts in Riverside State Park and runs all the way to Coeur d’Alen

By Gregg Shapiro There’s never been a better time to listen to queer singer/songwriter Caroline Rose. Rose’s fantastic new album, “year of the slug,” released via Bandcamp as a limited-edition physical LP (as well as digitally), follows three varied and worthwhile records on New West. Described as an “impish indie rebel,” Rose’s songs stick to your ribs. In possession of a wicked sense of humor, Rose is also capable of being dead serious at the drop of a hat. Beginning with o

Tom Olah: How did you find yourself in the industry? Sean Xavier: I actually started in the industry as a webcam model while I was still in undergrad. At first, porn was a way to gain exposure – a creative, sexy side hustle. But the more I leaned in, the more I realized how much I loved it. Performing gave me the chance to act out fantasies with incredibly attractive men while also connecting with fans who craved something real. Aside from a brief break after grad school, it

By Gregg Shapiro Photo By Nick Spanos With a performing career spanning five decades, there is no one else like Sandra Bernhard. From stand-up comedy to acting roles, both comedic and serious, in films and on TV to her musical performances, Bernhard is an artist of many talents. In addition to her much-discussed performance as Nurse Cecily in Apple TV+’s “Severance” and her upcoming role in the Timothée Chalamet movie “Marty Supreme,” Bernhard has once again taken to the stag

Chapter Five: “Here bitch, take this,” Chad said, handing me a warm washcloth from the linen closet. I was throwing up, and it was only...

Chapter Four: After I graduated high school, I moved to Columbia, Missouri for college. I thought I was going to figure it out there....