Saturday, May 6, 2023

Tomorrow: Drag Isn't Dangerous

The organizers of “Drag Isn’t Dangerous,” the biggest fundraising effort to combat recent anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation to date, are proud to announce that an overwhelming wave of entertainment industry talent, executives and businesses have signed on to participate in the live telethon broadcast worldwide Sunday, May 7 at moment.co/dangerous

 

The initiative is created by Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), a full-service artist management firm, record label and production company representing many of the world’s top drag queens and LGBTQIA+ talent. PEG is joined by a coalition of media groups and companies including Warner Music Group’s ADAACLU, GRAMMY Museum, Amazon’s Glamazon, UTA, Concord, GLAAD, HeadCount.org, Q.Digital, OUTtv, Five Senses Reeling/Obsessed, Trixie Cosmetics, SERV Vodka, Loyal Studios, DeleteMe, Victory Institute, Black Queer Town Hall and others who are contributing significant funds and/or resources to the cause. See below for a full list of participating talent. 

"Freedom of expression is guaranteed and enshrined in our constitution's First Amendment. Drag is nothing but artistic and personal expression and drag artists are simply that: ARTISTS. Drag has always been about entertainment and joy, and has always celebrated this most important of our freedoms. For centuries drag artists have dressed up, told stories, sang, danced, made us laugh, wince, or cry depending on the moment. Drag artists are not dangerous. Frankly, the only thing dangerous about drag is walking in 8 inch heels. That and being hunted by cowardly bigots looking for more young minds to groom into their own cultures of fear and intolerance. Our community has been through this before and every time they come for us, we grow stronger. We will fight and we will prevail, wigs, nails and lashes in place, and like Ginger Rogers did, "backwards and in heels"! – Adam Shankman

Drag brings hope, truth and laughter to a community that desperately needs it. We need to fight for drag rights because we need to fight for gay rights. For our rights. - Margaret Cho

“Glamazon celebrates Pride every day through community activism and engagement, and it is an honor to support the drag community through Drag Is Not Dangerous” said A.J. Mayers, Glamazon LA Co-Chair of Non-Profit Engagement & Volunteerism. “Drag helped bring queer culture to the mainstream – it unites us and makes us laugh. It’s difficult to see this art form challenged, and we look forward to locking arms together.”

“When we watch ourselves do something extraordinary it makes us feel like…”we can forget everything at home for a moment and enjoy the moment, be free, live free and exist! This is a beautiful way to express yourself and that’s why we should fight for Drag!” - Eureka O’Hara

Said Jesse Eisenberg: “The recent demonization of drag culture has been greatly upsetting and completely shocking to me. I have had the pleasure of getting to know many drag performers, including one of my idols, the incomparable Trixie Mattel, over the past several years. Drag artists represent joy, creativity and celebrate the many wonderful ways to be in our society. To attribute anything else to them is appalling and dangerous. I am heartened to see my peers and other allies of this community standing up against hate during this fraught time.” 

“The nerve of these disingenuous politicians is unfathomable. The number one killer of children is guns and these NRA pawns deflect it with a completely fabricated problem that puts the drag community in danger. The hypocrisy is astounding.” -Sarah Silverman

"Drag is an art form that provides inspiration and empowerment. As soon as you try to define what Drag is, it changes forms and becomes something new. It’s an unstoppable force that cannot be silenced." - Alaska

 

“It is unacceptable to allow politicians to force LGBTQIA+ people back into the shadows of society, so PEG - along with our colleagues, clients and allies - is using our collective influence to raise money and fight back,” said David Charpentier, Founder and Talent Manager, Producer Entertainment Group. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received so far.”

 

The highlight of the campaign is a one-night-only telethon on Sunday, May 7, at www.moment.co/dangerous. Hosted by a wide range of drag performers and celebrities, the event will feature a mix of live and pre-taped performances, appearances, and testimonials from drag performers, LGBTQIA+ entertainers and celebrity allies, as well as a live celebrity phone bank accepting callers’ donations. 

 

Select cities have also signed on for in-person watch events. These fine cities will play host to the telethon; New York @ VERS NYC, El Paso, TX @ Touch Bar, Milwaukee, WI @ This Is It, Seattle, WA @ Flying Lion Brewery and in West Hollywood, CA @ Stache West Hollywood & Kitchen 24 with more being added.

 

In addition, a charity single, “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” Click Here featuring Jayelle & Ocean Kelly (Bob The Drag Queen) written by Ashley Gordon (Alaska, Trixie Mattel),  Drew Louis  & Ocean Kelly and produced by Drew Louis will be released on streaming services and performed live on the telethon.  All revenue from the streaming and downloads of the song will be donated to the telethon.

 

The full list of confirmed talent for Drag Isn’t Dangerous includes:

Ada Vox, Adam Lambert, Adam Shankman, Alaska, Ali Wong, Amber Tamblyn, Amy Redford, Ashley Fink, BeBe Zahara Benet, Billy Eichner, Blair Erskine, Blu Hydrangea, Bob The Drag Queen, The Boulet Brothers, Brandon Stansell, Bridget Everett, Charlize Theron, Cheri Oteri, Chris Wood, Danielle Cabral, David Cross, Darcy & Jer, Darienne Lake, Desmond Is Amazing, Devon Green & Ned Douglas, Elizabeth Banks, Ella Vaday, Elektra Fence, Emma Hunton, Eureka O’Hara, Frankie Grande, Ginger Minj, Glass Battles, Henry Platt, Heidi N Closet, Idina Menzel, IMHO (Alexis P Bevels & Darby Lynn Cartwright), Isaac Mizrahi,Jack Falahee, Jackie Beat, Jasmine Kennedie, Jai Rodriguez, Jane Castor (Mayor of Tampa, FL), JAX, Jen Kober, Jesse Eisenberg, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Joey McIntyre, Jujubee, Justin Martindale, Katya, Kelly Mantle, Kelly Osbourne, Kerri Colby,  Kitty Scott-Claus, Lala Ri, Laganja Estranja, Lance Bass, Leadr, Leland, Leslie Jones, Loni Love, Love Bailey, Manila Luzon, Marcia Gay Harden, Margaret Cho, Max Harwood, Melissa McCarthy, Mercy Collazo, Michelle Visage, Militia Scunt, Miz Cracker, MonĂ©t X Change, Nika King, Nina West, Orville Peck, Peppermint, Salina EsTitties, Sarah, Hyland, Sarah Silverman, Scott Hoying, Sherry Vine, SNG, Stephen Trask, Sutton Stracke, Tammie Brown, Tolliver, Tom Kitt, Trinity the Tuck, Trixie Mattel, TS Madison, Vanity Milan, Whitney Cummings, Wilson Cruz, VINCINT, Zee Machine with more names to be announced.* 

 

Ticket sales & donations for the telethon have already surpassed $100K since the event was first announced. All net proceeds from the event will be divided among approved charities that support LGBTQIA+ causes and drag performers in need, especially in states where they face discrimination and bans. None of the performers or organizers are taking fees for their work on the campaign. All donations are tax deductible and 501c3 verification will be available on request. 

 

The official pre-show donation page for “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” is at: https://tiltify.com/dangerous

 

For more information and updates on the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign, visit www.dragisntdangerous.com.

 

Direct ticket link for “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” fundraiser: www.moment.co/dangerous  


Instagram: @dragisntdangerous

Friday, May 5, 2023

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Flan!
Karen Castrischer Stegall & Michael Shinafelt

While we were not celebrating Cinco de Mayo, we were celebrating nonetheless. Here is a blast from the margarita bandit past of my friend Karen Castrischer Stegall and yours truly, imbibing at the famous Mexican Restaurant El Coyote.

El Coyote is most known for being the place that Sharon Tate last dined before her untimely passing. 

I can't recall what year this was but it was Karen was merely a Castricsher, sans the Stegall.

So bend it like us and whoop it up, it's not only Cinco de Mayo, it's also Friday...

TGIF!!!

Cinco de Mayo on Wikipedia -


Thursday, May 4, 2023

Michael's Musings

Michael Shinafelt

Happy Star Wars Day Minions! May the 4th be with you and yours. "Yes" today is Star Wars Day as everyone knows by now and the 4th is strong within me. I remember being completely obsessed with Star Wars when it first came out, yep I was 100% that guy.

Now? I've gotten older and moved on from it. I didn't even see the latest round of sequels. That being said my memories of being a huge Star Wars fan are happy ones, now brandish your light saber and let's slay some Stormtroopers shall we? Of course we shall!!!

Watching Vanderpump Rules today. Did I miss anything juicy?!?!

Therapy Geckos are totally different head

Remember the time when you gave her an Ibuprofen and a tampon?

Dear autocorrect. It's never duck, thank you

Perhaps the reason you haven't found your soul mate is you don't have a soul

In honor of Star Wars day I'll let you in on a secret. I used to have the biggest crush on Luke Skywalker

Headline I'd Love To See: "Goofy Beats Ron DeSantis To Death With A Crowbar" now that's entertainment! 

That's so mental 

Woman Crush of the Week - how could it not be Carrie Fisher who is receiving a posthumous star today (naturally) on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

Together they are unstoppable: The Bottom Rangers

Find yourself a daily dose of cuteness elsewhere 

"Meatloaf" is the best "Safe Word" it means "I would do anything for love but I won't do that"

The Writer's Guild is on strike and I stand with them

BTW there seems to be a pattern here...

Wanna what the pattern is? Follow me, so there!

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Hump Day & Chill

Lil Nas X

Behold the glory that is Lil Nas X attending the this past Monday's 2023 Met Gala. He is here today for your Hump Day & Chill pleasure. Nothing more needs to be said.

"Call me when you want, call me when you need

Call me in the morning, I'll be on the way

Call me when you want, call me when you needCall me out by your name, I'll be on the way like
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmmMmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Ayy, ayyI wanna sell what you're buyingI wanna feel on your ass in HawaiiI want that jet lag from f#cking and flyingShoot a child in your mouth while I'm riding" - Montero (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X on IG -

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Paging Traci Lords For Law & Order: SVU

Traci Lords

As all you Law & Order: SVU fans out there, like me, know it has been renewed for season 25, WOW!!! Making it's longest running TV Drama reign ever even longer...

When a show is on this long needless to say just about everyone has guest starred on it. Except for one notable exception, I would love to see Traci Lords appear on the show. 

Traci has done many TV guest starring roles of note such as a great turn as Sharon Lescher on the Profiler, not to leave out also appearing on Will & Grace, Roseanne and Melrose Place.

She also gives an great performance in the psychological horror film Excision, not to mention her terrific stage debut in Women Behind Bars at The Montalban in Hollywood, CA just prior to the pandemic. 

How great would she be on SVU? Amazing! That's how great she would be.

My thought would be for her to portray someone from Benson's (Mariska Hargitay) past. There's a loaded scenario just waiting to explode. 

To those out there responsible for casting decisions consider this great idea my gift to you and do it! 

Traci on IMDB -

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000183/   

Monday, May 1, 2023

Happy May Day!

Heading Into May Like...
Carrie White

It's May the first Minions, typically known as May Day. It also happens to be Monday, May Day Monday is what I'm calling it, so there!

As I emerge from a chaotic April I'm grateful to see the things settling in, some, "Yes" I am a big fan of low vibe energy, it's the best kind. 

Thus I'm making like Carrie White and emerging from the wreckage into, well who knows, but I'm sure it's better than the fate that Carrie met.

Time for a pole dance!

May Day on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day 

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Sunday Funday

Dance!

Well here we go the last Sunday of April 2023, while the year is whizzing by we need to celebrate today in true Sunday Funday style!

Thus I hereby bequeath you a gaggle of dancing aliens. You know the ones made famous straight outta Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien that spawned many a sequel? Most notably James Cameron's Aliens, yeah those multiple creatures just keep giving us chills that multiply, never divide. 

So let's make like these aliens today and shake our groove thang, shall we?

Magic Eight ball says: "Yes"

Alien on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_(film)