Charlotte Robinson

Circus Bella returns for its 19th year of Circus in the Parks with their new show AH HA! June 3rd to July 27th in San Francisco, CA. Step into the splendid silliness of AH HA! a high-spirited romp bursting with hijinks, hilarity & heart. This fast-paced 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus blending daring feats with playful mischief & Circus Bella’s signature sparkle. Audiences of all ages will be swept up in the magic as a vibrant troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers & clowns take the ring. Underscored by the live music of the Circus Bella All-Star Band AH HA! is a joyful, high-flying celebration of community, connection & pure circus delight. AH HA! is written & directed by Abigail Munn, music composed by Rob Reich & Ian Carey with costumes by Autumn Adamme & Dark Garden Unique Corsetry. New performers this year includes clown Tristian Cunningham a much sought after Hollywood actor working on such notable productions as “All Rise” on CBS, NCIS, 9-1-1, Mr. Mayor, Netflix’s comedy show “Family Reunion”, CSI Vegas, The Conners & Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt as Toni. Also joining the troupe this season are Garrett Allen & international award-winning acrobat Chloe Somers Walier. Returning performers include strongman Toni Cannon, clown Tristan Mia, aerial rope & duo acrobatics Mia Fan, acrobat Giusy Gentile, contortion Elise Hing, rola bola & trick bicyclist Ori Quesada, hula hoop Chloe Somers & Foot Juggling by Jack Weinstock. The 2026 Circus Bella season is funded in part by the Gerbode Foundation, San Francisco Grants for the Arts & the Svane Family Foundation. All shows are free with a suggested donation of $25.

As Massachusetts celebrates the 22nd anniversary of marriage equality we reflect on how far we have come & where we are today. It was a watershed moment in the history of American civil rights when the landmark Goodridge ruling designated the constitutional right of our community to marry in Massachusetts. At midnight on May 17th in 2004 Cambridge, MA became the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses for gay & lesbian couples. Mary L. Bonauto GLAD’s Senior Director of Civil Rights stated, "When the SJC decided Goodridge, it forever changed the standards for how LGBTQ+ people must be treated under law & raised the bar for equality across the country. This momentous victory would not have happened without the courage, commitment & perseverance of the 14 Goodridge plaintiffs. Their willingness to repeatedly open themselves to public scrutiny, to share the truth of their lives with their neighbors & to face opposition from powerful leaders & institutions, ushered in legal & cultural shifts toward greater acceptance, protection & integration of LGBTQ+ people & families in our communities. We remain grateful for the powerful & empowering efforts of the Goodridge plaintiffs in making marriage equality a reality in Massachusetts & beyond.” I was there & directed & produced this historic award-winning short film “OUTTAKE: Gay Marriage 2004” shot from midnight on May 17th 2004 in Cambridge & throughout the day in Boston when marriage equality officially became the law in Massachusetts. The film became instrumental in the passage of marriage equality in this country & globally. It was shot by Kirsten Martin & narrated by Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus. WATCH

Grammy nominated & Dove Award winning country artist & author Ty Herndon & Michael Passons founding member of the multi-platinum Christian pop group Avalon have released a powerful new reimagining of the 1997 anthem "Testify to Love." The single was produced by Grammy winner Wayne Haun for worldwide release by Herndon’s label home Club44 Records. Originally a career-defining hit for Avalon "Testify to Love" spent months atop the charts & became one of the most recognizable songs in the history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). This 2026 version strips away the barriers of the past reuniting Passons with fellow former Avalon member Melissa Greene who is featured on the track to deliver a vocal performance that celebrates authenticity, faith & inclusion. Herndon stated, "This song has always been about the power of love. By bringing these voices together, we’re sending a message that faith & identity can coexist in beautiful harmony.” Passons concluded,"For years, I sang these words while hiding who I truly was. To record this now with Ty, Melissa & this incredible group of artists—standing fully in my truth—is a full-circle moment I once thought was impossible. It’s a testimony to the fact that love doesn’t exclude."The track is elevated by an all-star chorus featuring a lineup of powerhouse emerging LGBTQ artists & advocates including Jada Cato, Andrew Mitch, Jessica Rose & Bryan Ruby who provide backing vocals on the track alongside Herndon, Passons & Greene. The track comes on the heels of Herndon’s latest triumph the release of his long awaited memoir What Mattered Most (Dey Street) which chronicles his personal struggles with religious trauma, drug addiction, mental health & coming out as the first major male artist in country music.

I was very sad to hear about Barney Frank’s passing. I first met Frank at the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston. We got into talking about the future of gay & lesbian civil rights in America. At that time we discussed the possibility of passing ENDA the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In 2011 at a movie premiere we continued our conversation on OUTTAKE VOICES when I asked Barney about the possibility of achieving federal LGBT civil rights. Congressman Frank stated, “None whatsoever with the Republicans in charge. The only chance you ever have to adopt pro LGBT legislation is if you have a Democratic President, House & Senate. I wish that wasn’t the case. In 1976 Jimmy Carter & Gerry Ford were equal on the LGBT issues. Since then the Democrats have gotten a lot better, not quite perfect & the Republicans have gotten a lot worse. So long as you have Republicans in power there simply is no chance. I do believe if we were to get a Democratic House, Senate & President we could move forward with some things but as long as the Republicans are in power we have to hold our own. In fact if you were to get a Republican President we would have to face the very real likelihood I think of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to be reinstated by that President.” So now in these challenging times 15 years later with the November primaries only 6 months away we ask that in Barney Frank’s memory please exercise your right to vote. Listen To Our Full Chat

The House Interior, Environment & Related Agencies Subcommittee released its Fiscal 2027 appropriations bill proposing a $72 million cut in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). While the bill rejects the current administration’s call to totally eliminate the NEA it does impose a staggering 36% reduction from the current funding level of $207 million. If enacted this proposal would inflict the greatest harm on small cities, rural towns & underserved communities across America where the arts are not a luxury but an economic engine, a source of civic identity, a driver of tourism & local business & a critical lifeline for education, mental health & cultural connection. Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition stated, “The Creative Coalition strongly urges Congress to reject these damaging cuts & fully preserve funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. In communities across America, especially rural towns & small cities, the arts are often among the last remaining drivers of economic vitality, civic pride & cultural life. When federal arts funding is reduced, communities lose far more than performances or exhibitions — they lose jobs, tourism, educational opportunities & a sense of shared identity.” Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition concluded, “The National Endowment for the Arts has a unique ability to reach communities too often overlooked & underserved. These proposed cuts would deprive millions of Americans of access not only to artistic expression & cultural heritage, but also to the documented economic, educational & social benefits the arts deliver every day. At a time when our nation should be investing in unity, creativity & opportunity, we should be strengthening the NEA — not dismantling it."

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide fundraising events attracts participants from across the state & region to support MBCC’s mission of breast cancer prevention. Online registration is now open for their 34th Hopkinton Event on Saturday June 20th at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park & the 27th Cape Event on Saturday June 27th at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA with virtual events happening from June 20th to 27th. Athletic events include a USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational & competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K & 10K runs & a 3-mile fitness walk. Cheryl Osimo, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director stated, “I feel so honored to invite everyone to support MBCC's mission of breast cancer prevention. Funds raised for Against the Tide are used to continue & expand our unique programs to prevent breast cancer. We collaborate with research organizations, both local & national & academic professionals, to identify & educate about toxic chemicals in our environment that may cause breast & other cancers. We make our webinars & educational modules available free. We also advocate for changes to public policy in order to eliminate these chemicals from the places where we work & live. We strive to change the legacy of breast cancer for future generations. People from all over New England & the country come to support MBCC's work & the athletic components offered at Against the Tide & you can too!” Funds raised will support MBCC’s mission of changing the legacy of breast cancer for future generations & will support important community education programs including Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, the MBCC Webinar Series & their expanded student environmental health program.

The renowned San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) will conclude its critically acclaimed 48th season with Dolly! A Pride Show a tribute to beloved American icon Dolly Parton with performances on June 6th at the Green Music Center & June 13th at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre. Overflowing with heart, humor, rhinestones & country soul the production honors Parton’s enduring legacy as a champion of compassion, individuality & acceptance. Audiences can expect soaring choral arrangements of her greatest hits including “9 to 5,” “Here You Come Again,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Why’d You Come in Here Looking Like That” & “Jolene” among others. Jake Stensberg SFGMC Artistic Director stated, “For the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, these songs connect to our lives & our community. They reflect the courage it takes to keep showing up for one another & the joy that comes from doing that together. At the center of it all is something Dolly models so effortlessly: a kind of radical compassion that leads with warmth, humor & a deep belief in people. Whether you’re here for the songs you know by heart or you’re discovering something new, we invite you to settle in, have fun & let the light of this music shine over you.” Structured in 2 acts with an intermission the program journeys from joy & self-expression into reflection, solidarity & collective power. The icon & legend Dolly Parton is SFGMC muse this year with rhinestones, wigs & heart. Parton has taught us all to be ourselves unapologetically as she inspires a new generation of misfits & dreamers with her iconic looks only to be outshined by her message of radical compassion so come dressed ready to shine.

Sir Ian McKellen launched the ‘Commonwealth Walk of Shame’ protest in London today starting outside the Nigerian High Commission. The walk protested against the criminalization of LGBT+ people in 29 Commonwealth member states under colonial-era laws originally imposed by Britain. Many of those attending the protest were LGBT+ refugees who had fled persecution in from 6 Commonwealth nations that have a maximum sentence of life in prison. In Uganda, Brunei & some northern Nigerian states LGBT+ relations can carry the death penalty. Sir Ian McKellen stated, “No one should face prison, violence or death simply for being themselves & loving another person. Yet across most of the Commonwealth, LGBT+ people are still treated as criminals. Many of these laws are relics of the British Empire. The least we in Britain can do is stand in solidarity with those fighting to overturn criminalization. I am proud to support this march & the brave activists leading the struggle for LGBT+ equality.” Deborah Birunji Nabisere of Out & Proud Africa who has fled persecution in Uganda added, “I know what it means to live under laws designed to erase your humanity. We are marching because silence has protected persecution for far too long. Commonwealth leaders cannot celebrate unity while millions of LGBT+ citizens live in fear.” Peter Tatchell concluded, “For decades, Commonwealth leaders have failed to end the persecution of LGBT+ people. Twenty-nine Commonwealth countries still criminalize homosexuality, mostly under British colonial-era laws, in direct violation of the Commonwealth Charter’s commitment to equality & non-discrimination. Across the Commonwealth, millions of LGBT+ people continue to face arrest, imprisonment, violence & discrimination in employment, housing, education & healthcare.” The event was organized by the Peter Tatchell Foundation among others.

Donna Deitch’s groundbreaking film Desert Hearts will open the week-long celebration at the Brattle’s double feature event followed by Lana Wachowski’s Bound on Tuesday June 23rd staring at 6P. Desert Hearts is one of the greatest love stories of all time & will be presented in a new 2K restoration. The cast includes Helen Shaver, Patricia Charbonneau, Audra Lindley & Andra Akers. The film takes place in 1959 when Professor Vivian Bell arrives in Reno, Nevada for a divorce. There she meets Cay Rivers a wild short jean wearing sculptor/casino employee who is brazenly herself. These 2 opposing forces circle around each other falling in lust & love as Cay dares Vivian to take a risk for something more. The film is directed & producer by Donna Deitch with producer Cami Taylor & written by Natalie Cooper. Then at 8:15P the classic romance Bound will be presented that flip-flops & scrambles up neo-noir themes & gender norms into an incredibly sexy thriller starring Gina Gershon & Jennifer Tilly. Sparks fly as ex-con plumber Corky (Gershon) meets & immediately sparks an attraction with sultry gangster’s moll Violet (Tilly) in a bid to escape their current lives the pair plot to steal $2 million in mob money from Violet’s sleazy boyfriend played by Joe Pantoliano & hang him out to dry. In 2017 I talked to Donna Deitch about her personal commitment is to LGBTQ equality in this exclusive podcast. Donna stated, “My personal commitment to LGBTQ equality is 100% but I think that I am most useful in terms of my commitment & my production to making that come about is just making movies that tell these stories.” LISTEN

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued a decision in Talbott v. USA upholding a preliminary injunction halting the discharge of trans servicemembers. The preliminary injunction was issued by District Court Judge Ana Reyes on March 18th 2025. In a forceful order in which Reyes held that the ban undermines national security & is likely unconstitutional, she called it “soaked with animus & dripping with pretext.” However Judge Reyes’ order was temporarily stayed by the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit pending the outcome of today’s decision on the merits. As the result of this decision the preliminary injunction will take effect blocking the government from discharging the transgender servicemember plaintiffs in Talbott. Shannon Minter National Center for LGBTQ Rights Legal Director stated, “This is a dramatic shift in the status quo. Before today, the Trump administration was actively taking steps to discharge these courageous plaintiffs. Today’s decision stops this administration from doing so. Servicemembers were preparing to be hauled before review boards & discharged—despite years of honorable service. The court today affirmed the District Court’s careful findings that this administration’s ban on transgender military service has no legitimate basis.” Jennifer Levi, GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender & Queer Rights concluded, “Today’s decision is a powerful vindication of the plaintiffs’ extraordinary courage & unwavering commitment to their country. This decisive ruling confirms that the Trump Administration has no legitimate basis to discharge transgender servicemembers who have met every demanding standard & proven, time & again, their fitness & dedication to serve.” Fabulous way to kick off Pride month.