Thursday, March 20, 2008

Social Activism Fellowship

Do you have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and an interest in documentary filmmaking and new technology? Working Films is looking for you! Apply for the George Stoney Fellowship by March 31, and you could assist in conceptualization, writing and research for Working Films campaigns. Regular responsibilities include sitting in as a colleague in all development meetings between filmmakers, activists and other Working Films staff, and traveling when necessary to rough-cut screenings and community organizing meetings.

Working Films has a solid track record of linking social interest documentary films with activist outreach, including supporting a discussion tour of Sandi Simcha DuBowski's Trembling Before G-d, the story of gay and lesbian Hasidic and Orthodox Jews grappling with the intersection of their sexual identity and their faith.

The fellowship is expected to last 8-10 weeks in the Wilmington, NC office, starting in May or June 2008. The Fellow will serve as part-time, temporary staff, earning $10-15 an hour. For more information, visit www.workingfilms.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

R.E.M. Frontman Michael Stipe Comes Out

In an interview found in the current issue of Spin magazine, R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe came out. Though he had been open about his sexuality with his family and his band for nearly three decades, Stipe had been reluctant to publicly come out, telling Spin that he "didn't always see" how coming out could help others.

"Now I recognize that to have public figures be very open about their sexuality helps some kid somewhere out there," he says.

Stipe first hinted at his sexuality in a 1991 interview with Time magazine, in which he described himself as a "queer artist," but had not officially discussed his orientation, telling Spin, "I thought it was pretty obvious."

The Spin interview hits newsstands today. R.E.M. releases their 14th studio album, Accelerate, on April 1.

Thurs: Make Me a Supermodel

Make Me a Supermodel is a must watch this week. Openly gay model Ronnie is in the bottom two -- will he get voted off? And in a guest appearance, Project Runway 4 winner Christian Siriano gives the remaining contestants catwalk lessons!

Tune into Bravo at 10 PM this Thursday for the next episode of the show that the folks over at Outzone (among others) are highlighting as one of the gayest offerings on television!

19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards: NEW YORK!

Last night, the good people of New York were treated to a star-studded event at the Marriot Marquis. The 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards honored so many deserving media professionals, like MTV President Brian Graden, journalist Barbara Walters, the boys from As the World Turns (Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, pictured) and many many more. For a complete list of recipients, please click here, and be sure to check out ticket information for upcoming galas in South Florida (April 12), Los Angeles (April 26) and San Francisco (May 10). See you there!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Out HBO president steps down

Carolyn Strauss, HBO's out entertainment president, confirmed on Sunday with The Hollywood Reporter that she was stepping down. Strauss, a 22 year HBO veteran, is expected to continue at the premium cable network in some capacity, but the details of her new position have yet to be determined.

According to the Reporter, Strauss is an "unassuming and press-shy executive with a solid reputation in the creative community." Under her direction, Strauss ushered in many hit LGBT-inclusive programs, including Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, The Wire and Entourage.

Her successor has yet to be announced.