Stonewall Gazette

Written by Shane Smith, Editor of Stonewall Gazette

Drake Jensen (L) and Patrick Masse (R)

This past June, during Pride Month, openly gay country music singers Drake Jensen and Patrick Masse released their song "Go Your Own Way" and I was so excited by their collaboration I contacted Towleroad's Michael Goff, HuffPost's Noah Michelson, Axxidental's Mike Enders, Queerty, Bear World Magazine and many other folks in queer media. The importance of two openly gay singers doing a duet was unprecedented in country music and I wanted to help in any way that I could.

Today's gay blog spotlight is The Randy Report by Randy Slovacek. He publishes current news and pop culture. Randy also has a podcast (see below). It's a terrific blog! Here are some of his recent posts! Enjoy!


This Drives Donald Trump Insane

Top Evangelical Leader To Roy Moore: Take A Lie Detector Test

Daily Dance: Derek Hough - 'Kairos' Ft. Lindsey Stirling

Former Family Values Ohio Legislator Wes Goodman Had History Of "Predatory Behavior"


The Randy Report Podcast: Australia Says 'Yes' To Marriage Equality; Bi Gossip Queen Liz Smith Passes At 94; Ohio State Lawmaker Resigns After "Inappropriate" Behavior

WATCH VIDEO


Saying, "I do," is a dream for many gay men BUT when it comes to the financial aspects you may need to exercise caution. Did you know that in 28 states you could get fired for being openly gay?

David Auten and John Schneider are The Debt Free Guys and their mission is to help give people a money conscious blueprint. In this useful video they discuss the importance of knowing your legal rights.

You can follow The Debt Free Guys on Twitter

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Out actor Andrew Keenan-Bolger was interviewed by the fun group at Broadwaysted. Play along as Keenan-Bolger joins Bryan, Kimberly, and Kevin for broadway talk, theatre games and bad puns!

You can follow Andrew Keenan-Bolger on Twitter
You can follow Broadwaysted on Twitter

LISTEN to PODCAST

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Ronnie Kroell and Eddie Lobo are co-founders of the "Friend Movement". Join them in a great conversation with host Scott Fullerton on Left of Str8 Show. The Friend Movement describes itself as a "lifestyle brand + production company that prevents and heals the effects of bullying by offering products, events, and services that celebrate friendship; empowering people to accept and be their true selves."

Both men have interesting backgrounds. From the official website:

Edward “Eddie” Lobo works as a comedian and actor. He has worked on various shows seen on CBS, NBC and ABC and is the field reporter for LifeBites Live. His philanthropic efforts have extended to various charities such as the United Way, Children’s Miracle Network and Miss America Organization. Eddie was bullied as a teen and though most of his high school years and has worked hard to overcome much of the damage that was a direct result of bullying. Eddie’s goal is to create a new way of viewing bullying and educate society.

Ronnie Kroell is runner-up of Bravo Network’s hit show “Make Me A Supermodel”, an enthusiastic entrepreneur, and an activist at heart. He knows first hand the experience of being bullied and the lasting scars it can leave one to carry-on into adulthood.

Under his leadership, Friend Movement has successfully released a star-studded anti-bullying photo-campaign called “The New F Word”, produced a benefit concert head-lined by singer LeAnn Rimes, and walked from Chicago to NYC (921 miles in 42 days) to raise awareness and celebrate friendship during Bullying Prevention Month.

You can follow Friend Movement on Twitter
You can follow Left of Str8 on Twitter or visit the official website

Traditionally, it's been the bars, nightclubs and community centers that we have turned to when seeking safe spaces. Sadly, the tragic events of June 12, 2016, reminded us that our safety and well-being can never be taken for granted.

Many people in the gay community took to their safe spaces online in the aftermath of the murders. Blogs, websites and social media networked to share information, thoughts and condolences regarding the Pulse Nightclub Massacre.

One of those online safe places is the podcast, "Left of Str8". Host Scott Fullerton's new podcast deals with the shock and grief that we all felt upon hearing the horrific news.

"I need to handle my thoughts and grief over today's mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, at the LGBT Nightclub, Pulse," Fullerton shared.

We are our own light in all this darkness by virtue of our community's ability to reach out and connect with each other.

Join Scott Fullerton in conversation with a cross section of 7 people (and listeners) from around America to discuss the Pulse Nightclub Massacre.

You can follow Scott Fullerton/ Left of Str8 on Twitter

Jonny Benjamin is a mental health and suicide prevention campaigner in Britain and he shares his very personal story in a podcast with The Mental Health Foundation (listen below).

Episode Synopsis:

Inspirational mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin talks about relationships and how they are key in his recovery from mental ill health. Jonny talks about his relationship with his family and Neil Laybourn, the man who persuaded him not to take his own life. Jonny also says how important small connections with strangers can be - you never know the good you can do.

Jonny Benjamin has been very open about his mental illness and his sexuality. Take a listen.

You can follow Jonny Benjamin on Twitter
Also, you can follow his organization, Rethink on Twitter

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This short clip is a heart wrenching scene from the one-man play, "Father Forgive Me for I Have Sinned" written by José Roldan Jr. The young playwright received the HOLA award for Outstanding Solo Performance. It's never easy for gay men to come out of the closet... we all travel on our own journey.

José Roldan Jr

Eileen Rivera at Mariposa Social, writes in her review of the play, "The show is humorous, nostalgic, emotional, and a true storytelling delight." She also shares, "We have the opportunity to meet Jose’s family. Titi Bruja, with her unique marinade method. His jealous older sister, who stalks her husband at parties to keep the other women away; and his younger sister, the perceived favorite child. We meet his disappointed father who complains that Jose doesn’t play enough sports. And we are in the room when Jose sits down to tell his mother that he is gay, a scene that brought tears to many audience members."

Recently, Orie Givens IV and Justin Blakey at Queer Minded Radio interviewed Roldan Jr, where he talked about his play. Take a listen.


You can follow Queer Minded Radio on Twitter
You can follow José Roldan Jr on Twitter

Posted by Shane Smith, Editor, Stonewall Gazette


The "Left of Str8 Show" is hosted by Scott Fullerton. It's a fun-filled talk show featuring celebrity interviews with actors, singers, authors, foodies and more. The show was created by Fullerton and serves the LGBT Community and Allies, but is fun for everyone.