43rd Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
LGBTQ+ Currents
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
April 10, 2024
The 43rd Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is coming up April 11 - 25, 2024. We are sharing some of the films in the festival with our community.
MSPIFF is an annual springtime film festival in the state of Minnesota that has been held since 1981. This year MSPIFF is being hosted on April 11-25 2024. We are sharing some of the GLBTQ+ films in the festival with our community.
SOLO - Director in attendance!
MAD ABOUT THE BOY: THE NOEL COWARD STORY
Use discount code TCGS43 for 20% off your ticket price!
Transgender Day of Visibility
Celebrate the joy
and resilience of trans
and non-binary people
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
Each year on March 31, we honor International Transgender Day of Visibility!
We celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities.
There are over 1.6 million trans, non-binary and gender-expansive youth (age 13+) and adults across the United States. We are parents and family members. We are your coworkers, your neighbors and your friends. We are a diverse community, representing all racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as all faith traditions.
While we have made significant progress in recent years, with more visibility than ever before, we are still fighting for basic human rights for the community.
Today we are experiencing significant political attacks by extremists legislating hate in the states and in Congress. We also face an ongoing epidemic of fatal violence, especially against Black and Brown trans women.
Today and every day, we must celebrate all trans and non-binary people everywhere and combat disinformation, discrimination and hate impacting our community.
Here are four amazing events you can go to and suppport our Trans Community. They are all on different days! Go to them all!
Trans Day of Visibility Celebration at State Capitol
March 27 • 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Trans Day of Visibility is a celebration that recognizes, affirms, and empowers transgender rights, access, and advocacy. We come together to uplift our current and past accomplishments, while looking ahead to inspire and plan for our future.
Transcendence Cabaret at Black Hart!
March 29 • 10 pm • $7 • 21+
We're so excited to come back to the Black Hart this March! This is our Lucky 7 show! Just look at our line up of these amazing 7 artists!
Trixi Del Mar
Megan the Maneater
Moe Russell
Oliver Yew
Chad Tayo
Sophie Le Piff
Eun Bee Yes
Trans Northland in Duluth, MN!
March 30 • 4 pm - 7 pm • All Ages
Join us for an evening of community connectedness and fun! You won't want to miss this JOY-ful event!!!
Food, vendors, live music, drag, MN and WI voter registration & a large community coloring sheet centering TRANS JOY!
We will be taking donations at this event to raise money for our new Mutual Aid fund. These funds will go towards trans, two spirit, and gender expansive folks in our community who are in need. Give if you're able!
Trans Day of Visibility, Moorhead, MN!
April 3 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Mark your calendars for our Trans Day of Visibility Event at MSU Moorhead on April 3rd!
Join us for a short program featuring local artists and activists, followed by plenty of time to connect with your community.
Minnesota State University Moorhead CMU Ballroom, 615 14th St S, Moorhead, MN 56563
Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with OutFront Minnesota, the Pride Collective, and the College Pride Alliance. Enjoy rock painting, learning about local artists, activists, and resources, and an open mic to share trans joy.
10th Annual Manatomy Awards!
In Honor of the Academy Awards, Mr. Man Celebrates Hollywood's Best (Un)Dressed Men
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 14, 2024
In celebration of this weekend’s Academy Awards, Mr. Man proudly presents the Manatomy Awards: the only award ceremony to recognize the past year’s naked male achievements in film and TV. Often referred to as the nude Oscars, the big winners at this year's Manatomy Awards include Saltburn star Barry Keoghan who wins “Best Full Frontal” and out actor Jonathan Bailey who takes home two awards for his revealing scenes in Fellow Travelers. “Best Picture” is awarded to the gay erotic drama Passages starring Ben Whishaw and Franz Rogowski, and Jake Gyllenhaal wins the coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his numerous nude roles over the past two decades. He follows last year’s winner, Antonio Banderas.
“Male nudity in film and television has come a long way since our first Manatomy Awards back in 2014,” said Mr. Man Managing Editor Steven Attanasie. “The sheer number of male nude scenes affords us the opportunity to create more categories and celebrate the depth and breadth of celebrities going naked every year.”
Streaming titles once again dominate this year’s Manatomy Awards. Paramount Plus wins the “Best TV Show” award for Fellow Travelers. Netflix wins the “Best Gay Scene” award for Elite. The gay streamer Dekkoo wins the “Best Nudecomer” category for its series Patterns that featured a shower scene with breakout actor Jack Armstrong. Hulu and Amazon Prime share the “Most Bootylicious Year” prize. It is awarded to Jon Hamm for his two back baring scenes in 2023: one in Amazon Prime’s Good Omens and the other in Hulu’s Fargo.
This year’s list is more diverse than ever before. South Korean actor Steven Yeun wins “Best Nude Debut” for his scene in Netflix’s award season-favorite Beef. Latino actors Felipe Londoño, Mauricio Hénao, and Julián Cerati win recognition for their erotic make-out scene in Fake Profile and the Chinese-American trans actor and activist Leo Sheng is honored for his nudity in The L Word: Generation Q.
Several men over 50 take home awards this year, including C. Thomas Howell in Obliterated and Rob Lowe in Unstable, who won a joint award honoring The Outsiders co-stars for both going nude last year. For the third year in a row, Murray Bartlett is honored with a Manatomy Award. In 2022, he was awarded “Best Gay Scene” for The White Lotus. In 2023, he won for his graphic romp in bed with Andrew Rannells in Welcome to Chippendales. This year he wins for his intimate scene with Nick Offerman in The Last of Us.
For the complete list of the 10th Annual Manatomy Awards winners, visit the link below, where all winning scenes are viewable in their entirety with free signup on Mr. Man.
The Movement Continues!
STP Pride Festival & Parade 2024 is here!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 14, 2024
St. PL Pride Week
June 10th - 14th (M-F) 2024
Daily art exhibiting, live music/entertainment and standup comedy in Lowertown with participating hotel, business, restaurant and brewery partners during St. PL Pride Week. More information available upon request.
STP Pride Parade Open Street Launch Party Mears Park/The Bulldog Lowertown
June 15th 9am-12pm
Open Street Style block party on 6th street in the front of The Bulldog Lowertown. STREET STAGE, entertainment, vendors, street food, HEADLINER (TBD). Gathering point for 6th street Mears to Rice Park Parade Walk. We will be attempting to set a Guinness Book World Record and will need YOUR HELP. More information available upon request.
STP Pride Festival Rice Park
June 15th 11am-10pm
Live Music ALL DAY, Street Food Vendors, Beer Garden Experience, Taste of Downtown Foodie Experience, Art Exhibitors, Unity Speakers, Food Vendors.
Curveballs in 2024
• We stand committed to youth workforce development and will be partnering with homeless youth artists in Downtown St. PL who will be hired to design and art for the FRONT of the 2024 PRIDE FEATURE T-SHIRT.
• A New Hip Hop Festival (SOTASOUND) will be announced at the Pride Festival at Rice Park. There we see some feature performances from LIL CRUSH & other feature artists on the Pride MAIN STAGE at Rice Park (6:30pm). SotaSound is dedicated to uplifting ART, MUSIC & CULTURE in Minnesota.
Interact with the STP Pride Team in 2024
If you would like to have an interaction with the STP Pride PERFORMING ARTISTS, INFLUENCERS or ORGANIZERS, please let us know. We would love to send a member over to promote & educate your audience about STP PRIDE and what’s in store for 2024!
Love and Other Things That Ruined My Life!
Brave New Workshop takes on Cupid’s deadly arrow
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 14, 2024
Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that the Brave New Workshop has survived the holidays and is ready to take on love, romance and rejections with Love And Other Things That Ruined My life running Thursday, Feb. 15 through Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Dudley Riggs Theatre (824 Hennepin Ave.) in downtown Minneapolis. It's still cuffing season and the seasoned cast of Brave New Workshop is back with a satirical sketch show about everyone's favorite problem: love. Whether you're fighting over the duvet at night or wallowing in loneliness, this show has something that's sure to strike a chord (and maybe make you rethink your Tinder profile).
The only thing more universal than experiencing love, sex and all the highs and lows of relationships is our complete inability to understand any of it. There is a reason Cupid delivers love through assault with a deadly weapon, and this show is a tribute to all the survivors. Brave New Workshop will attempt to pull out the arrow and cauterize the wound through a one-of-a-kind, funnier-than-your-ex sketch show to hit home with anyone who has ever experienced love, romance, or even rejection. Remember: Saint Valentine’s Day is the name of a massacre, so get your tickets now!
Performers Lauren Anderson, Denzel Belin, Isabella Dunsieth, Katy McEwen and Doug Neithercott perform nightly with Music Director Jon Pumper and Technical Director Matthew Vichlach. Love and Other Things that Ruined My Life is directed by Caleb McEwen.
Performance dates:
Preview performances are at 7:30 p.m. on:
Thursday, Feb. 15, Friday, Feb. 16, Saturday, Feb. 17
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024
Opening night is Saturday, Feb. 24 with shows through Saturday, May 18, 2024. Performance times vary.
Ticket prices:
Preview performances: $25
All other performances: $40, $45
A $3 service fee per ticket is included.
Minneapolis-based podcast This Queer Book Saved My Life
Nominated for GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Podcast
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
The Minneapolis-based podcast This Queer Book Saved My Life was nominated Wednesday January 17 for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Podcast by GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization.
“Our reactions ping-ponged between disbelief and joy,” said host and founder J.P. Der Boghossian. “We are an indie podcast. To be nominated with shows we listen to and love, and from companies like iHeart, NPR, and Wondery, is tremendous.”
The GLAAD Media Awards are the most recognized annual LGBTQ awards ceremonies in the world. They honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.
“Our guests on the podcast come from across the rainbow, sharing books that helped them come out, begin their gender transition, process an abusive relationship, and navigate homophobia in their family,” said Der Boghossian. “And in these episodes we’ve had conversations with some of the top LGBTQ authors writing today.”
These authors include: National Book Award Finalist Carmen Maria Machado, New York Time Bestseller Alison Bechdel, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis, and the founder of Drag Queen Story Hour Michelle Tea.
This Queer Book Saved My Life premiered in June 2022. Since then it has been listened to in over one-hundred countries and over 2,000 cities worldwide. It has been in the top 40 charts of Apple Podcasts Books Category in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Sweden, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Armenia. It ranks in the top 25% of all podcasts on its hosting service Buzzsprout. which is one of the largest hosting services in the world.
“I hope with this nomination we can further raise up these voices and books to more people,” said Executive Producer Jim Pounds. “At a time when LGBTQ book bans are at historic and record highs, we’re showing the personal impacts these books have and why people of all ages need to be reading them.”
Der Boghossian’s company This Queer Book Productions, LLC focuses on developing and producing LGBTQ podcasts. In addition to This Queer Book Saved My Life, they produce The Gaily Show and 7 Minutes in Book Heaven.
The Gaily Show celebrates LGBTQ culture and entertainment in Minnesota and beyond. It is a video and audio podcast that airs every Saturday at 2pm on AM950 as well as on AM950’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. It runs alongside episodes of This Queer Book Saved My Life. Both are available on all streaming platforms.
“Our partnership with AM950 extends beyond airing our own shows on their network,” said Pounds. “We are co-creating with AM950 a block of LGBTQ-led podcasts that runs from 2pm – 5pm every Saturday.”
These include AM950’s long running show Ellie 2.0 hosted by transgender speaker, author, and legal advocate Ellie Krug and now Twin Cities Pride AMPLIFIED which is a new show produced by Twin Cities Pride.
“We want to be a leader in creating impactful and high-quality LGBTQ podcasts that uplift LGBTQ culture and queer creators,” said Der Boghossian. “This nomination from GLAAD validates that we’re on that path to achieving our goal.”
The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held this year in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 14, 2024 and in New York City, at the Hilton Midtown, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. For more information: Click Here!
This Queer Book Saved My Life is the podcast where LGBTQ guests share the queer books that saved their lives with the authors who wrote them. Featuring Carmen Maria Machado, Alison Bechdel, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Greg Louganis, Becky Albertalli, and so many more, guests from across the rainbow tell these authors how their books helped them overcome alienation, gender dysphoria, familial homophobia, and being outed.
J.P. Der Boghossian is a podcaster, essayist, and educator. In 2022, he was named a LAMBDA Literary fellow. He is the founder of the Queer Armenian Library, the world’s first library devoted to books, film, and television by, about, and for Queer Armenians. He serves on the Board of the International Armenian Literary Alliance. After a decade working in broadcast journalism, he worked in higher education and LGBTQ health equity. He now runs This Queer Book Productions, LLC.
Jim Pounds’ career included 27-years in advertising agencies (both in LA and the Twin Cities), which was followed by a 12-year career in marketing for higher education. He taught for 15-years a capstone marketing class at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Jim served on the Board of the Advertising Federation of MN for four years and was part of the team that won a Grand Effie Award from the American Marketing Association for the first campaign to elect Paul Wellstone to the US Senate in 1990. Jim is also an actor and has performed professionally since 2004.
Beautiful
The Carole King Musical!
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is pleased to bring its audiences the beloved Broadway hit
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) is pleased to bring its audiences the beloved Broadway hit, BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, set to open on the Main Stage on March 1 with official opening night festivities on Friday, March 8, 2024.
For almost seven years, BEAUTIFUL, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical, thrilled Broadway with its inspiring true story of one woman's remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend. Carole King started writing hits for many national acts from The Shirelles to The Righteous Brothers – The Monkees to The Drifters and Neil Sedaka to Little Eva. In the early years, she fell in love and was partnered with lyricist husband, Gerry Goffin. Eventually she found her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry in 1971. King gave us the soundtrack to our lives with that acclaimed breakthrough album, which has been certified 13x Platinum. BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL takes you back to where it all began - and on the ride of a lifetime.
Beyond Tapestry, her accolades include four Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as performer and songwriter), the 2013 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song – the first woman to receive the prize – and a 2015 Kennedy Center Honoree.
King wrote over 100 of pop music’s biggest hits for other artists, and over 60 songs, that have charted, for herself. BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL features over two dozen pop classics, including "You've Got A Friend," "One Fine Day," "So Far Away," “It’s Too Late,” “The Locomotion,” "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," “I Feel The Earth Move” and "Natural Woman."
BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL is currently in the official list of the 15 longest-running musicals in Broadway history, which speaks to its popularity and acclaim. With music and lyrics by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and book by Douglas McGrath, this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember - and a story you'll never forget. A huge cast of singers and dancers will bring this big musical with more than 24 of her greatest hits to life in a joy-filled celebration.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is beyond thrilled to welcome Monet Sabel who will play the title role of Carole King. Sabel comes from New York City and played the role in the Broadway tour. She stated, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to make my Chanhassen debut, share this story with you. Getting to sing these iconic songs every night is a dream come true! I can’t wait to meet you all at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.”
BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL will play on Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage through September 2024. BEAUTIFUL will be performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday evenings, and Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Dinner and show ticket prices: Tuesday and Wednesday evenings $85; Thursday evenings $90; Friday and Saturday evenings $105; Wednesday matinees $75 and Saturday matinees $85; Sunday $100. Groups of 12 or more are eligible to receive special discounts. For specific times, reservations and information, call the CDT box office at 952-934-1525 or visit ChanhassenDT.com
Janet Jackson Returns!
Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 31, 2024
One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest.
Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”
Produced by Live Nation, the new leg of this tour will start in summer 2024 visiting North American arenas and amphitheaters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more, kicking-off in Palm Desert, CA at Acrisure Arena on June 4 and wrapping up in Phoenix, AZ at Footprint Center on July 30.
The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums - 25 years of The Velvet Rope, 30 years of janet, and 35 years of Rhythm Nation. featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time GRAMMY®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.
Tickets are available now on LiveNation.com.
Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.
Artistry is proud to present LOUD JOY
By LEEYA JACKSON in the Atrium Gallery at the Bloomington Center for the Arts
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 03, 2024
During Leeya Jackson’s adolescence,she doodled on everything and anything to channel the images out of her head and focus on her tasks. Her sketchbooks sat empty, but everything else was filled with herneurographic art.
In “Loud Joy,” Jackson’s work is equally multi-modal, noisy, and curious, exploring themes related to her own neurodivergence, blackness, femininity, shame, and joy. Her interests lie in the complexity and strange beauty of Black neurodivergent girlhood, memory, and things in our shadows that others struggle to see. She is also inspired by and references the works of Afro-futuristic writer Octavia Butler, the story quilts of Faith Ringgold, the self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, and the heroic portraiture of Kehinde Wiley. She uses various mediums, such as painting, printmaking, design/typography, film, and animation, to create vibrant, lush, layered, and scattered imagery.
Her work explores the intersections of identity, specifically Blackness, femininity, and queerness, with the added motifs of celestial/universal surrealism. In her recent journey to being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, she has also started to explore questions about Black Neurodivergence in her artwork. Distinctive features of her work across all mediums are loud, vibrant color, maximalism, and afro-futurism.
OPENING RECEPTION/ARTIST TALK: Thursday, January 11th from 6:00-8:00pm.
GALLERY HOURS: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am-10:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-10:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
January 03, 2024
Gather in community with us and celebrate with compelling live performances, engaging gift boxes for kids, a free lunch for attendees, and more!
Minneapolis, Minnesota - The Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA) in collaboration with the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board (MPRB) proudly presents the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, taking place at the Powderhorn Recreation Center on Monday, January 15th, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
This MLK event will mark our 26th year honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which continues to fuel a positive impact on our lives today. His compelling vision and actions toward advancing equity and justice inspire countless community leaders and grassroots movements, around the world.
Our MLK celebration will feature several performing artists, amplify clear examples of equity forward work, a complimentary lunch, fun-filled gift boxes for kids, and an overall experience founded on the principles and beliefsupheld by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This event is committed to uplifting voices for change, creating space for community connections, and modeling the power of intergenerational and multi-cultural joy.
DATE & TIME Monday, January 15, 2024 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST
LOCATION Powderhorn Recreation Center 3400 15th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407
FREE and fun community event for all ages! Donations welcome.
Onya Deek &
Mercedes Iman Diamond
We chat with the new show directors of the Gay 90's Ladies of Lafemme!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
December 20, 2023
Congratulations on becoming the show Director of Ladies of LaFemme! What does this mean to you personally?
Thank you so much! It’s been so exciting to step into this role! The first drag show I ever went to was at the Gay 90’s. It is wild to think that 10 years later, I’d be co-show directing the longest running drag show in the midwest!
As the show Director, what creative vision do you bring to Ladies of LaFemme? How do you envision the show evolving under your direction?
I grew up as a male competitive figure skater. I always dreamed about wearing the sparkly rhinestoned costumes. Drag allows me to have full creative control and having full creative control allows me to be my most authentic self. My goal is to build on the legacy of the Ladies of LaFemme and Gay 90s by encouraging all entertainers to perform in their costumes that make them feel the most confident and do the songs that they love the most so they can freely express themselves.
How do you collaborate with the performers to create a cohesive and entertaining show? Can you share some insights into the creative process?
We have an incredibly talented diverse cast. These entertainers have years of experience in the buisness! Their experience goes beyond performing to include producing, directing, pageantry, hosting- you name it! We can all appreciate each other’s individual talents and build each other up and I think the audience feels that. Working and surrounding ourselves with such talented entertainers who also know how to produce and put on a successful show has been so rewarding to see how it makes the show run smoother, keeping the audience engaged longer and the energy high throughout the show!
Drag has always played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ community. How do you see Ladies of LaFemme contributing to the local LGBTQ+ community in Minneapolis?
As the longest running show in the twin cities, the Gay 90s and the Ladies of LaFemme have been a staple in the community. Providing a safe space, hosting charity events, providing performing opportunities...not to mention our incredible cast performs throughout the community bringing awareness through the cities!
What challenges do you face as the show Director, and conversely, what are the most rewarding aspects of your role?
Providing opportunities is the answer to both. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to encourage, cultivate, and work alongside this city’s talented performers. Also...because there is an abundance of talented entertainers, it is difficult to provide enough opportunities for everyone. We are given a show to produce 4 nights a week- and with so many opportunities, you would think that everyone would be able to be booked as much as they would like but there is just so many talented performers here in the cities and I don’t even feel like we’ve scratched the surface at getting them all a chance to perform at the Gay 90’s. But the most rewarding part is hearing how much fun the performers had, how they loved the energy of the crowd, how much fun the had backstage and how they can’t wait to come back and work there again. That excitement makes any stress completely worth it!
How do you approach inclusivity and representation in your shows? Is it important for you to showcase a diverse range of performers and styles?
It’s so important to Mercedes and I when we go to schedule the show for the upcoming month that we showcase not only a diverse cast but also diverse entertainment! The 90’s has also been so great to highlight some of the diverse genres of drag and entertainment with the preshows that they offer!
Kinky Fridays- the first Friday of the month
ToolBox- the male strip show every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month
La Follies Burlesque- every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Twin Cities Cabaret- 1st Thursday of the month
ReVamped- 2nd Fridays of the month P.H.A.T.- 2nd Saturday of the month
TranTasia- the Last Friday of the month
Stupid Sells- the 4th Saturday of the month
Can you share some memorable moments or performances from Ladies of LaFemme that stand out to you?
Honestly, it’s always a fun time backstage with these ladies! The nights are always so memorable and the laughs are never ending! These ladies are such amazing entertainers and I’m so thankful to be working with them as often as I do! It’s definitely become a sisterhood and I’ve really loved getting to know and trust these gals and the Gay 90’s staff as much as I do!
For individuals aspiring to get into drag or performance art, what advice do you have for them, based on your own experiences?
The best advice I can give is to come out to the Gay 90’s! There are so many opportunities for people to start their drag journey or further it at the Gay 90s! Wednesday nights we have the So You Think You Can Drag competition hosted by Dex Derity. This is a great place to have that community with other performers new or experienced to collaborate and talk over ideas and get advice. The winner each Wednesday then performs with the Ladies of LaFemme that upcoming Friday. We also have our spotlight performance spot available every thursday and sunday for newer performers to perform on that fabulous stage with the Ladies of LaFemme. Also all of us are more than happy to help with resources or advice!
What can the audience expect from Ladies of LaFemme in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited about?
The Gay 90’s is really focused on making it a safe space for everyone & it’s been so amazing to see the amazing work that Robert and Nate (our managers at the Gay 90’s) are doing around the club! We are starting our first annual “Halfway to Pride” Party on January 27, 2024 from 9pm-3am. I am so excited for all the fun new events and activities the bar is doing for the LGBT+ community! Keep your eyes out for more fun events to come!
Upcoming events?
Every Wednesday at 10pm- So You Think You Can Drag
Thursday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-1am
Friday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-2am
Saturday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-2am
Sunday- Ladies of LaFemme 10pm-1am
Our preshows on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9PM
Dec 31- Countown to New Year’s party
Jan 18- Mr Gay 90’s Pageant
Feb 8- Queen of Hearts Pageant
June 27- City of the Lakes Pageant
Oct 24- Miss Gay 90’s Pageant
Pridefit
Getting Fit with Pridefit Founder Sam Leicht
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
December 20, 2023
By Joey Amato
Sam Leicht didn’t always know he was going to find a career in fitness. The Wisconsin native attended school in Cleveland for music theater, and before relocating to New York City about 6 years ago. Acting in NYC was great for a few years, but he mentions he has a passion for fitness.
Earlier this month, he launched the Pridefit app, which features a collection of on-demand workouts for every fitness level, an in-app global community, a recipe guide, and more. The app is now available for download for a low monthly payment of $35 per month.
As with many great entrepreneurial ventures, Pridefit was created out of necessity. “I've always found the gym to be such an intimidating place - even after becoming a trainer,” mentions Leicht. “I grew up feeling like I didn't fit in there because I was gay, and I never want people to feel like they can't be healthy because they don't have a space where they can confidently and safely exercise.”
Pridefit helps athletes by giving them educational resources so they can feel confident at the gym, and a global community of peers who will lift them up at every point in their fitness journey. “Everyone deserves to exercise and be healthy, and we've created the perfect place for it through Pridefit.”
Leicht taught himself how to create the perfect inspirational fitness videos through a combination of past education and post-college certifications. “I had taken lots of on-camera acting classes, so when the pandemic happened and everything went online, it was a pretty natural transition for me. Coaching on video can really only be improved by doing it, so I've made hundreds of workout videos over the years so that I can be the best coach possible for my community.”
In 2024, the goal for Pridefit is to build a “badass, diverse team of coaches so that everyone feels included in the community.” Adding more coaches increases the efficacy of the coaching dramatically because each user should have different trainers to learn and grow with.
Personal training can have its ups and downs. One of Leicht’s favorite aspects of training is getting to help people improve their movement mechanics in real-time. “Sometimes we'll make an adjustment to an exercise that you can tell will stick with a member their whole life, and seeing them make that connection is incredibly rewarding.”
His least favorite part about being a trainer is having to remind people that fitness doesn't have a finish line. “We're exercising and moving our bodies for the rest of our lives, so stop looking for shortcuts. The only shortcut we have in fitness is consistency. Having to remind people of this can be super draining - especially when so many fitness programs out there promise fast results and absolutely cannot deliver on them.”
Over the years, Leicht has had so many coaches who have pushed him to be better and continue his education. “Someone I look up to is Jane Fonda. I'm so obsessed with her multi-hyphenate life of being an actor, fitness queen, entrepreneur, and activist.”
Starting a business always comes with challenges and Pridefit is no exception. “One of the hardest parts about creating a holistic fitness program is that it's hard to get people excited about fitness without over-promising and exaggerating results. We're giving you the best workouts out there, an incredible community, all the resources you need to reach your goals and live a long and happy life, and yet, if we don't show you an ad with progress pictures and a promise to lose 10 pounds in your first month, you're not going to trust us with your fitness? It's tough, but we're not going to jeopardize our ethos to get members in the door.”
Leicht goes on to explain that all individuals need movement, but that doesn’t always mean going to the gym, lifting weights, or jogging. “You get to decide what type of movement you enjoy the most and go from there. Motivation to do something that you know you're going to hate? Very hard. Motivation to do something that you actually enjoy like walking or yoga? Much easier. We must stop thinking that traditional gym workouts are the only option. Some movement is always better than none.”
Disney On Ice
Experience the legacy of Disney in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
December 6, 2023
A magical medley of classic and modern tales including Encanto, Moana, and Frozen skates into Xcel Energy Center from December 7–10, 2023
Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to Minnesota with a magical adventure for the whole family! Audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales when Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero skates into Saint Paul from December 7–10, 2023 at Xcel Energy Center.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. Join Mirabel as she sets out to save her family’s beloved Casita, all while learning that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity. Dive “Under The Sea” and test the power of true love with The Little Mermaid. Journey alongside Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, on their quest to protect the kingdom. Get tangled with Rapunzel as she dares to explore the world outside her own. And be there as Belle boldly tames the fearsome Beast. Discover that courage, determination and heart are all part of the hero in you!
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero brings beloved characters to life through cutting edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes and stunning set designs. Innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps and breathtaking skating make Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero an experience the whole family will treasure forever!
WHEN:
Thursday, December 7 7:00 PM
Friday, December 8 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 9 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 10 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, in-person at the venue box office or click the link below.
One Heartland
Marks 30 Years
With An Ambitious $300,000 Fundraising Goal Celebration Featuring Family-Friendly Entertainment.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
November 22, 2023
One Heartland Marks 30 Years of Community Building with Ambitious $300,000 Fundraising Goal. Celebration Features Family-Friendly Entertainment at The Dakota on December 9.
One Heartland, a critical force in Minnesota for the past 30 years, is excited to announce a landmark anniversary celebration accompanied by a robust $300,000 fundraising campaign. Committed to nurturing resilient communities and enhancing individual well-being, the organization focuses its efforts on marginalized youth and families, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ youth and families, and kids experiencing homelessness.
About One Heartland
Established in 1993 to fill a critical gap, One Heartland started as a dream of a young boy named Nile, born with AIDS, who longed for the simple joys of summer camp. Fueled by the same urgency today, the organization continues to break down barriers, enabling the youth who need it most to experience the transformative power of community and nature.
One Heartland provides life-changing summer camp experiences to young people impacted by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ young people and LGBTQ+ families. Camp started with a dream to give kids living with HIV/AIDS the best week ever. Camp has been a sanctuary and a home for more than 10,000 kids.
"Over three decades, One Heartland has been at the forefront of building supportive, all-encompassing spaces," said Nicole Mills, Executive Director. "Our mission, now as ever, centers on fostering a sense of belonging and community.
As we celebrate this milestone, we redouble our efforts to elevate the impact of our transformative summer camp.”
Fundraising for the Future
With a target to raise $300,000 by the end of the year, the funds will be invested in critical areas such as improving camp facilities, offering scholarships, and broadening community outreach programs. The objective is straightforward: to amplify the transformative experiences that have already touched the lives of nearly 10,000 campers since its inception. Please donate directly at oneheartland.org or find ways you and your community or business can donate to getting kids connected to nature.
A Celebration for All
To commemorate this momentous occasion, One Heartland is hosting a birthday brunch event at The Dakota on Saturday, December 9. Doors open at 11 a.m. with performances beginning at 11:30 a.m. Labeled as "The Ultimate Family-Friendly Entertainment Experience," the day promises a joyous, inclusive celebration. With the recent affirmation of drag culture as a form of free speech by the Minneapolis City Council, the event is set to be a compelling showcase of diversity and freedom of expression.
Tickets for reserved seating is $35 and may be purchased online. Click the link below.
Mediocre Heterosexual Sex
Threshold Theater Black Hart
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
November 8, 2023
Threshold Theater announces full casting and production details for our first production of the 2023-2024 season, a new play reading, in our New Play Reading Series in partnership with The Black Hart of Saint Paul. Mediocre Heterosexual Sex by Madison Wetzell will take place on Monday , November 20, 2023 at 7pm.
Four hours after her girlfriend dumps her, Erin switches her Tinder setting to dudes because she
hates herself. She quickly meets Aaron, who is straight, conveniently nearby, and only too happy to indulge her masochistic fantasies. To translate this deeply ambivalent first hetero experience, Erin seeks the advice of the only straight people she knows, a couple in a Dominant/submissive relationship. A vexed exploration of gender, sex, power, and kink.
Mediocre Heterosexual Sex
Monday, November 20, 2023, at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
at The Black Hart of Saint Paul (1415 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55104)
Tickets: $10 at the door.
Eye Popping Show At Cafesjian Art Trust
“Fooling the Eye” showcases dizzying array of optical art masters Vasarely and Kuhn
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
November 8, 2023
There will be more than meets the eye at the Cafesjian Art Trust (The CAT) this fall, with Fooling the Eye, an exhibition featuring art exploring distortions of depth perception and the eye’s ability to register information.
The exhibition showcases works by Victor Vasarely, considered the grandfather of the optical art (Op Art) movement; and Jon Kuhn, one of the world’s leading glass artists. Coming from two completely different points of view—science and spirituality—the work of these two artists will create a unique physical experience for museumgoers.
Op Art first became popular in the early 20th century, employing optical illusion — visual trickery and experimentation with shapes and colors. The French-Hungarian Vasarely was inspired by the Bauhaus movement and geometric abstraction, and his characteristic style is demonstrated in highly analytic works featuring spheres and boxes that seem to burst from the surface of each piece. Complementing and contrasting Vasarely’s pieces will be works by American artist Jon Kuhn, a modern glass sculptor who builds layers of clear and laminated glass facets that appear to magically hover inside his sculptures as they reveal themselves to the viewer.
Running now to May 4, 2024, Fooling the Eye will feature dozens of works by the two artists showcasing a variety of materials. “Gerry Cafesjian had a passion for Vasarely and the Op Art movement— such a passion that during his lifetime he collected more than 100 pieces by this important, iconic artist,” said CAT’s executive director, Andy Schlauch. “Jon Kuhn is a living legend, and we’re thrilled to invite our guests into an artistic conversation between these two visionaries.” Mr. Kuhn is scheduled to attend events in November at the CAT Museum. More information will be available closer to the date.
Reservations for November and December are live, and additional reservations will open on a rolling basis on the first of each month for the following months. Last minute openings for reservations are posted periodically on Instagram and Facebook.
Hennepin Theatre Trust
Orpheum Theatre
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
October 25, 2023
Phone rings, door chimes, in comes company.
Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, Company “strikes like a lightning bolt. It’s brilliantly conceived and funny as hell.” (Variety). Helmed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America) this revelatory new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy is at once boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful, and downright hilarious.
It’s Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, and all her friends keep asking, ‘Why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man and isn’t it time to settle down and start a family?’ As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st-century could drive a person crazy.
Company features Sondheim’s award-winning songs “You Could Drive a Person Crazy”, “The Ladies Who Lunch”, “Side by Side by Side” and the iconic “Being Alive”. Let’s all drink to that!
Brave New Workshop
Elf Off!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
October 25, 2023
It’s that time of year again, and as amazing as the holiday season is, we’ve all had times when there isn’t enough nog on earth to make the jingling in our heads stop. That’s why the Brave New Workshop is back with a show for everyone who loves the holidays but wishes just one night could be a little more silent. Take a break from everything that’s stressing you out about the holidays and settle your brain for a long winter’s laugh with a hilarious collection of sketches and songs especially for the holidays. All I Want for Christmas Is You… To Elf Off continues Brave New Workshop’s legacy as the Twin Cities’ funniest and most irreverent holiday tradition.
Performers Lauren Anderson, Denzel Belin, Isabella Dunsieth, Erin Kennedy and Doug Neithercott appear nightly with Music Director Jon Pumper and Technical Director Matthew Vichlach. All I Want for Christmas Is You… To Elf Off is directed by Caleb McEwen.
The Stars Are Out
In Honor of National Coming Out Day
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
October 11, 2023 • By Mark Dawson
2023 has been an undeniably transformative year in Hollywood, with celebrities breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for increased acceptance and representation for all sexual orientations and gender identities.
One of the most notable figures to come out this past year was 27-year-old Lukas Gage. Famous for being rimmed by Murray Bartlett in The White Lotus and, more recently, being urinated on in You, the actor came out publicly following rumors that he was dating his now husband Chris Appleton. He opened up further in an interview with the New York Times, detailing the pressure he faced to be honest about his sexuality and how he at first resisted because, earlier in his career, an agent criticized him for dyeing his hair and wearing nontraditional clothes. He added that he was happy to finally be out because “representation matters and voices need to be heard”.
British actor Joe Locke, best known for his role as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, also came out as gay in 2023. The 19-year-old plays an out teenager in a relationship with another boy at his school (played by Kit Connor) and was long assumed to be queer. However, he did not acknowledge his sexuality until a recent interview with Teen Vogue, sharing that he has been openly gay since he was 12 and that he loves starring in an inclusive series that encourages young people to be true to themselves.
Another actor in an inclusive series is Graham Parkhurst. He stars in the Netflix series Glamorous, playing the onscreen love interest to trans actor Miss Benny. In the show, Parkhurst and Miss Benny engage in several romantic and intimate scenes that would have been unimaginable in a mainstream series even just a half-decade ago.
While on the subject of steamy series, Richard Armitage came out publicly this year during an interview with The Evening Standard where he confirmed that he had a male partner. Armitage plays the lead character of William Farrow on the Netflix thriller Obsession. He explained to the British paper how he and his partner had conversations prior to his full-frontal nude scenes. “I reassured him that it was all going to be fine, and we were being well looked after.”
The scenes are a favorite on Mr. Man, the Hollywood website that serves as an IMDB of sorts for male nudity on film and television.
Armitage went on to discuss his thoughts on the new generation of Hollywood stars coming out. “I love the idea that whatever gender or sexuality, the fluidity of who you love and how you identify, is not fixed. That was always a thing: if I declare who I am and my sexuality, then I’m saying it’s fixed and I don’t know that, or if I might feel something for somebody further down the line. I doubt it, but I don’t know.”
Fluidity is something rapper Lil Nas X has been giving consideration to, as well. This year, he switched his LGBTQ status from gay to bisexual.
Alexander Lincoln, who was actually the first celebrity to come out in 2023, is undeclared about what letter of the alphabet he is. The actor best known for his role in the British soap opera Emmerdale Farm and his portrayal of Mark Newton in the gay film In from the Side, simply stated on his socials that he was part of the community and “not straight”.
On the other hand, Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the role of Eric, a gay teenager whose storyline on Sex Education revolves around his love journey, disclosed earlier this year, that he, like his character, is gay. He admitted it has been a process for him to come to terms with his queerness. Of Rwandan heritage, he had never met another gay Rwandan person until at Manchester Pride where met a Rwandan lesbian. Realizing he was not alone gave him the courage to embrace his true identity.
Ncuti Gatwa and all of the Hollywood stars that fearlessly opened up about their sexual orientation in 2023 deserve praise. Their courage and authenticity have not only reshaped the conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood but have also served as a source of inspiration for countless individuals to stand up and declare they are here, they’re queer… and they’re not hiding it from anyone.
Watch all of the newly out celebrities in their steamiest scenes at MrMan.com
Flip The Script
Queer Film Festival
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 27, 2023
Flip the Script is happy to announce the 4th Flip the Script Fest (FSF) returns to the Fall Arts Scene this October 6–14th, 2023. Held annually, FSF is a nine-day film festival celebrating Queer stories from 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers all over the globe.
FSF 2023 will continue to present a hybrid festival with in-person screenings taking place October 6–8th, at Emagine Willow Creek Theatre (9900 Shelard Parkway, Plymouth, Minnesota), LUSH Lounge and Theater (990 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413), and with virtual access October 6–14th, through Eventive.
FSF 2023 is honored to share that films programmed through submissions will be eligible to win The Michael Alonga Award for Audience Choice Film, aka The Daphnes. Based on audience votes, one short film will receive a $500 cash prize, and one feature film will receive a $1,500 cash prize.
The Daphnes are generously sponsored by WE WERE THERE, INC, a registered 501(c)(3), whose mission is the preservation and dissemination of LGBTQ+ history through multi-platform storytelling, with the goal of educating and empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
FSF 2023 All Access Passes are on sale now for $100, with a $200 Pay-It-Forward Pass offered to those interested in directly supporting the festival’s ability to offer Pay-What-You-Can tickets for others.
FSF is presented by Flip the Script, a Queer film organization dedicated to removing
barriers to accessing and celebrating Queer film because quality representation should
be accessible for all. Flip the Script is fiscally sponsored by Springboard for the Arts.
Learn more at: FlipTheScriptFest.org
Children’s Theatre Company
“Do astronauts wear dresses?”
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 27, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to announce the complete cast and creative team for the highly-anticipated World Premiere play Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, based on the acclaimed children’s book by Christine Baldacchino with illustrations by Isabelle Malenfant.
The stage adaptation of Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress is written by juliany taveras (Desarrollo at The Lark’s Playwrights' Week and Corkscrew Theater Festival; the anatomy of light, featured on the Kilroys' List and the 50 Playwrights Project List; SYZYGY, or the ceasing of the sun, featured in the 2021 Crossing Borders/Cruzando Fronteras Festival at Two River Theater; and YAELIS, a Page 73 Finalist).
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress will be directed by Heidi Stillman, Artistic Director of Lookingglass Theater in Chicago (Cascabel; The Brothers Karamazov; Hard Times at Lookingglass Theatre Company; The Year I Didn’t Go to School at Chicago Children’s Theatre; and The Book Thief at Steppenwolf).
Morris likes lots of things: doing puzzles, painting pictures, pretending to be an astronaut, and wearing a tangerine dress from his school’s dress-up box because it “reminds him of tigers, the sun, and his mother’s hair.” But some of his classmates think boys can’t wear dresses because … well, because they’re boys. With his vivid imagination and space-animal friends, Morris travels the galaxy in search of an answer to the all-important question: “Do astronauts wear dresses?”
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress will play from October 10-November 19, 2023 at CTC’s Cargill Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Opening Night is Saturday, October 14 at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
JazzMN Orchestra Returns
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 27, 2023
JazzMN Orchestra Returns to CDT Main Stage with Grammy Award-Winning Trumpeter, RANDY BRECKER on October 2!
JazzMN has performed to sold-out audiences across the Twin Cities and is happy to welcome jazz lovers and novices alike to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) on Monday evening, October 2 when the acclaimed JazzMN Orchestra will be joined by Grammy Award-winning trumpet legend, Randy Brecker in an exciting evening of jazz performances.
Brecker has helped to shape the sound of jazz, R&B and rock for more than four decades. His trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament/Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, and Frank Zappa. Born in 1945 to a musical family, Randy’s talent was nurtured from an early age. He attended Indiana University studying with Bill Adam, David Baker and Jerry Coker and later moved to New Your where he landed gigs with prominent bands including Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, the Duke Pearson Big Band and the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. In ’67 he ventured into the jazz rock genre with the band, Blood, Sweat and Tears. In the early 70s he performed live with many prominent artists including Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House, Stevie Wonder and Billy Cobham. By 1975, he and his brother Michael formed their own group, the ‘Brecker Brothers Band.’ A band of immeasurable impact, they recorded six albums on Arista garnering seven Grammy nominations. He later went on to receive numerous Grammy Awards. As a performer, composer and in-demand clinician, Brecker continues to influence and inspire young musicians around the world.
Comprised of the top jazz musicians in the metro area, JazzMN Orchestra is the Twin Cities’ premier professional jazz ensemble featuring world-class guest artists in their concerts and provides educational programs to schools and colleges throughout the region. Andrew Walesch serves as JazzMN Artistic Director and Pete Whitman is the Music Director. Walesch stated, “We are so fortunate to have access to this premier ensemble, which adds to the high caliber of music and cultural offerings that people have access to in the Twin Cities.”
Tickets are on sale now for JazzMN’s October 2 and December 11 (holiday concert) on the Main Stage at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. These events are very popular; and most generally sell out so reservations are highly recommended. Tickets may be purchased for the concert only ($44). To enjoy dinner, add $20. Dinner is at 5:30pm; concerts begin at 7:30pm. Call the box office at 952-934-1525 or order online. (Look for the JazzMN logo on our home page or under the dropdown menu, “On Stage.”)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
With new Latin American, US Latinx, and Ibero Cinema.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 27, 2023
The 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival: OCTOBER 11-15, 2023
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with new Latin American, US Latinx, and Ibero Cinema. Don't miss out on five days of Spanish language films, fiestas, food trucks, and visiting filmmakers!
Check out these films as part of the LGBTQ Currents program:
CASSANDRO - about Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal), a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso. He rises to international stardom after he creates the character Cassandro, the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story
Tickets: https://mspfs.info/cassandro
20,000 SPECIES OF BEES, which is a beautiful coming of age story about a young trans girl in Spain. The writer-director Estibaliz Urresola delivers an outstanding debut feature about creating bridges for diversity, dialogue and tolerance with a simple premise, that everyone is who they feel they are.
Tickets: https://mspfs.info/SpeciesofBees
LET THE DANCE BEGIN is part of our LGBTQ currents program. Carlos and Margarita were the most famous tango couple of their time, but when Carlos gets an urgent message that Margarita has passed, an unexpected road trip is set in motion. Past resentments surface, secrets are revealed, and old flames are rekindled in this heartwarming new comedy from writer/director Marina Seresesk.
Tickets: https://mspfs.info/letthedancebegin
Tickets are on sale now. Use the promo code TCGSCL23 for $2 off tickets.
The world's No. 1 touring ABBA tribute show!
State Theatre on October 21
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 27, 2023
Take A Chance On MANIA......And you won’t be disappointed!
The world’s number one touring ABBA tribute returns for their Fall USA Tour starting on October 15th. MANIA formed in 1999 and the show has been selling out theatres and concert halls internationally ever since. Mania the ABBA Tribute has successfully toured every continent in the world and has played over 3,000 live concerts in over 35 countries. Recent highlights included a second run in London’s West End where the show performed for a month in the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre, London in May 2021.
The show recently enjoyed an 80 date sell-out USA National tour in 2022/2023, Mania continues in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ’Supergroup’ to millions of fans, old and new!
Featuring an extraordinary cast of talented musicians and performers, Mania: The ABBA Tribute delivers an authentic and unforgettable tribute to the legendary Swedish band that has captured the hearts of fans for generations. With stunning costumes, energetic choreography, and impeccable musicianship, Mania: The ABBA Tribute recreates the magic of ABBA's music in all its glory. From "Dancing Queen" to "Waterloo," "Mamma Mia" to "Take a Chance on Me," the band performs all of ABBA's greatest hits with passion and precision, transporting audiences back to the disco era of the 1970s. The iconic Swedish pop group, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their breakthrough hit single "Waterloo" in 2024 and MANIA can’t wait to share the joy of this huge milestone!
The upcoming tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of ABBA and lovers of great music. With stunning visuals, electrifying performances, and all of ABBA's greatest hits, Mania: The ABBA Tribute is a hit with audiences worldwide and Maniacs who return every year!
If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music ever, click the link below!
Elevate Pride Meat Raffle
Proceeds support PFund Foundation’s scholarship programs for LGBTQ+ students.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 13, 2023
On Thursday October 12 from 5-7pm, come to LUSH and test your luck at a Meat Raffle for queer scholarships! Locally revered drag king Dick Von Dyke will hold it down as raffle MC. Folks can enjoy amazing foods from Betty & Earls Biscuit Kitchen. All proceeds support PFund Foundation’s scholarship programs for LGBTQ+ students.
Free to attend, raffle tickets sold on site for cash or credit. Reserve your seat today!
SAATH Unveils AKS:
A captivating Journey of Acceptance, Kindness, Support.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 13, 2023
South Asian Arts and Theatre House (SAATH), is thrilled to announce its
latest production, AKS- Acceptance, Kindness, Support.
AKS, means 'reflection' in Urdu and it is a show about self-discovery and resilience. This year, SAATH with a cast of 70 people, presents a compelling story with diverse characters and powerful dance performances to celebrate trans joy - the delight of living authentically!
SAATH’s core mission lies in celebrating diversity and social harmony through the joyful medium of dance, performing arts, and South Asian cultural heritage. At SAATH, we are committed to artistic excellence and making a positive impact within our community. With AKS, we are addressing a topic that South Asians often avoid: acceptance and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year all of our lead actors are queer and non-binary and together we aim to foster understanding, empathy, and unity among all individuals, showcasing the profound beauty of inclusivity.
Join us in celebrating the unveiling of AKS, as we present a series of four captivating performances at The Cowles Center. Mark your calendars for September 20th, 22nd, 23rd at 7:30pm, and a matinee on September 24th at 2:00pm.
For more information about SAATH, their community class offerings and upcoming events, kindly visit: www.saathmn.org.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and social transformation.
Cheaper Than Hamilton
Brave New Workshop celebrates 65 years of laughter.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
September 13, 2023
This show has NOTHING to do with Hamilton. If it did, it would be WAY more expensive
Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that the Brave New Workshop reaches a new milestone with Cheaper Than Hamilton, now through Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at the Dudley Riggs Theatre (824 Hennepin Ave.) in downtown Minneapolis. The traditional 65th anniversary gift is a blue sapphire, but we’re celebrating with the gift of laughter! Brave New Workshop celebrates three score and five years of promiscuous hostility and positive neutrality with a retrospective of our most popular sketches and songs from years past. You don’t survive in comedy this long unless you’re good at what you do, and this show proves it one audience at a time—at a discount!
The 2023 Minneapolis Burlesque Festival!
September 7-10, 2023
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
August 30, 2023
STARRING dozens of dazzling artists from across the globe, this annual event is a spectacle of glamorous, hilarious, and risqué delights! Take in five uniquely fabulous showcases at The Luminary Arts Center, special editions of Roulesque and Nudie Nubies at The Black Heart, and celebrate the Living Legends of burlesque at our Sunday night fundraiser, Black Hearts + Blowtorch at Hook & Ladder! Want to learn to tease like a pro? Our featured cast members will also present eight incredible workshops over the weekend! Don't miss the biggest and brightest burlesque weekend of the year!
Produced by local innovator Elektra Cute, the Minneapolis Burlesque Festival features four days of showcases, plus additional parties, special events, and burlesque workshops with visiting instructors from around the world. Gracing the stage will be Twin Cities favorites and a bevy of the best national and international performers. In previous years, performers have traveled from New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Vancouver, New Orleans, and beyond. The festival celebrates the crème de la crème of burlesque, aerial, comedy, and variety! This event is proudly sponsored by TC Cabaret, Working Class Publishing, The Twin Cities Trapeze Center, and more!
WHERE:
Luminary Arts Center
700 N 1st St,
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.luminaryartscenter.com
Hook & Ladder
3010 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55406
www.thehookmpls.com
WHEN:
September 7-10, 2019
Thurs 9.7 | Gagged & Gilded | 8p
Fri 9.8 | Night of 1000 Stars | 7p
Fri 9.8 | Fleur Rebelle|10p
Sat 9.9 | Performance Workshops | 11a-3p
Sat 9.9 | Club Cabaret |7p
Sat 9.9 | The Electric Underground | 10p
Sun 9.9 | Performance Workshops | 11a-3p
Sun 9.10 | Black Hearts + Blowtorch | 7p
TICKETS:
Luminary Arts Center
Single Tickets: GA $40 | VIP Seating: $60
Weekend Pass: GA $150 | VIP Seating: $250
Tickets: https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/overview/1960
Black Hearts + Blowtorch
GA $25 | VIP $40 | Late night only: $10
Tickets: https://BlackHearts-Blowtorch.eventbrite.com
Workshops
$20 Simply Solo (single workshop)
$60 Fabulous Four (25% discount for bundling 4!)
$100 Discount Diva (40% discount for UNLIMITED workshops!)
Passes: www.eventbrite.com/e/mbf-2023-burlesque-workshops-tickets-694585041557?aff=oddtdtcreator
SOCIAL MEDIA
Main Event: www.facebook.com/events/534067007300214
Workshop Event: www.facebook.com/events/1051289312906441
Black Hearts + Blowtorch Event: www.facebook.com/events/1266536624038400
Elektra Cute Presents Facebook: www.facebook.com/elektra.cute.presents/
Elektra Cute Presents Instagram: www.instagram.com/elektra.cute.presents/
For other information, contact:
Elektra Cute
(612) 703-1557
info@elektracutepresents.com
Doggy Style
Brightens Up The LGBTQIA+ Community with Its Technicolor Collection
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
August 30, 2023
The Underwear and Accessories Brand Introduces New Fetish Gear in Pink, Blue and Yellow
Doggy Style, the gay-owned underwear and accessories brand, is introducing The Technicolor Collection, its new line of men’s briefs, jockstraps and harnesses in hot pink, electric blue and blazing yellow. It represents the next stage in the evolution of the fetish brand that launched earlier this year with its black-and-white Monochrome Collection. “The Technicolor Collection is the same soft and comfortable fabric our customers have come to love but in the fun new shades they have been asking for,” says the brand’s co-founder Levi Woods.
There are other changes, too; most noticeably to the jockstrap. Instead of the Doggy Style logo placed across the front of the waistband as it was in the Monochrome Collection, it is now across the back, where, according to co-founder Manu Bautista, it always should have been. “The rear view of a jockstrap is one of its best assets,” he says. "That’s the focal point. Moving the logo to the rear is good marketing,” he laughs.
Also significant with the new collection is the ability to pair harnesses with briefs and jockstraps of the same color or mix and match pieces. The color coordinated tags are an added feature that work to elevate the garments from their Monochrome predecessors.
Real-life partners Levi Woods and Manu Bautista launched their brand last year after the phrase Doggy Style came up in casual conversation. “We remarked how it would be a great name for a queer underwear company,” Woods explains. “It's sexy and provocative and lends itself to additional branding and product concepts. We knew we were onto something and had to give it a go.’”
Their Monochrome Collection was a resounding success with sales all over the world. The brand offers both free and low-cost shipping options, domestically and internationally. “In addition to the states, we have customers in South and Central America, Canada, Europe and Australia,” says Bautista. "We’re excited that the brand is resonating around the world.”
Says Woods, the personal connection the brand has with its consumer base is vital. “Our customers are vocal about what they like and what they want from us and we are committed to creating products that we know they will enjoy."
A portion of all Doggy Style sales are donated to community organizations like The Trevor Project. Giving to charities has always been an important part of who Levi Woods and Manu Bautista are as individuals, and with their company, they have big philanthropic goals that they are eager to put into action.
Doggy Style’s "The Technicolor Collection” will be available September 8
B & M Entertainment
Bobby Graham
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
August 16, 2023
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where are you from? Was being in the entertainment/event planning industry a dream of yours growing up?
We are from the East Coast, DC & Florida born and raised. We met almost 17 years ago at a Walmart . Now we engaged with a son. My dream was to be a chef & my husband wanted to be a teacher. Which we both got our dreams. No and yes for me being in the entertainment industry. I’m a people person at heart so entertaining people is easy for me
In your own words, what’s the vision for B&M Entertainment?
Our vision for B & M is to provide a safe space for people of color to enjoy themselves without any worries.
When did you start the company? What has your biggest challenge been so far? What is your biggest success?
We started B & M Entertainment in 2009 in the Washington DC area. Our biggest challenge we have had since being in Minneapolis is the support of the POC community. Most of our events are geared around our community but no one shows up. We take pride in being a gay couple that can give a outlet to our community.
Who are some of the people who inspire you in the entertainment industry?
Nikki Love & Jameica Bennet. Both the universe put in my life. We actually met at a Big Freedia concert in which Nikki Love was the promoter & Jameica Bennett was the host. Since then they both have open doors and has showed me what it takes to be a better business owner and person. They both are hard working mothers in this industry that’s mainly men dominated.
What are some of your ambitions in the entertainment industry for B&M entertainment?
Right now our focus is to take our “ SLAY THE HOLIDAYS, A DRAG HOLIDAY SPECIAL “ national. Giving other poc entertainers the opportunity to show their craft.
Tell us about the history of MN POC Pride events in the past. How long has the festival been happening?
I can’t really give you much information on what happened with Pride in the past. I do know that POC Pride Organization has been around for almost 20 years now. They have been fighting for August to be the official Pride month for The People of Color.
What events can we look forward to for MN POC pride this year?
This year we kick it off on August 17 at LUSH LOUNGE AND THEATER (990 Central Ave Ne Mpls). Friday August 18th is BLACK PRIDE FRIDAY AT LUSH LOUNGE AND THEATER. Saturday August 19th POC PRIDE ORGANIZATION will be rocking the Mississippi River on POC Pride Organization annual boat ride.
Do you have other events coming up that you are excited about?
Yes! We host drag Bingo, brunches and trivia in the Suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We also working on our Holiday Special which will premiere in November 2023.
B&M aims to promote People of Color which is amazing. Can you explain in your words, the importance of having and supporting Black-owned/produced events in the Twin Cities? What would the communities support mean for you and your company?
During these trying times of racial disparities, it open my eyes to the importance of the black dollar. I strive to use POC owned businesses, entertainers etc. to make sure our money stays within our community. So our community can have the opportunity to build generational wealth for their families. I do use other companies by default. Our community is not that big here . But our money can stretch miles if we all make sure we support our own. I don’t only own a entertainment company. I also own Graham's Produce, Cadens Cookies & Grasshopper Clothing Co. Our goal with Graham's Produce is to make sure our community have a sustainable food source. Not just junk food from the corner store. By doing this not only am I keeping our black dollars in our community but also fixing a problem that no one care about. We also teach our child the value of owning his own business. He owns Cadens Cookies which is are all natural Cookies with no preservatives and add on. He also owns Grasshopper Clothing Line.
To stay in the loop on what's going on over at B&M, where can we follow you all online?
All social media platforms including TikTok
Absurdity or Sensibility?
The Minnesota Fringe show celebrating fat, queer, disabled, BIPOC, & marginalized bodies.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
August 2, 2023
ABSURDITY: a burlesque experience
An original, menacing, cosmic, empowering, tantalizing, and shocking absurdist burlesque theatre piece that you could have never imagined. Following a cast of various archetypes, elements, and figures the audience is taken on an absurdist journey to show the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of burlesque right here in the Twin Cities. Through dance, comedy, and spectacle, this ritualistic and sadistically entertaining piece, leaves you thinking about your own wants, desires, expression, shame, explorations, and vulnerability.
Making their world debut on the main stage at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, this 50-minute show will be playing at the Rarig Center in the Stoll Thrust Theater.
Burlesque and the queer community are interlocked with the outward celebration of liberty, expression, joy, fun, and healing. We welcome you to join us for a truly unique and unexplored experience.
Saturday 8/5 at 10:00 PM
Sunday 8/6 at 10:00 PM
Wednesday 8/9 at 8:30 PM
Saturday 8/12 at 7:00 PM
Sunday 8/13 at 8:30 PM
Show tickets and Minnesota Fringe buttons are available for purchase at minnesotafringe.org or at the door.
North Star Regional Rodeo
Back and Bolder Than Ever
July 29 - 30
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
July 19, 2023
North Star Regional Rodeo returns to Dead Broke Arena July 28 - 30
July 29 and 30, Dead Broke Arena welcomes the North Star Gay Rodeo Association for another exciting North Star Regional Rodeo! Admission is free to this weekend long event featuring classic rodeo events like Chute Dogging, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding, and also Camp events like the Wild Drag Race, Goat Dressing and Steer Decorating. Visit local vendors and food trucks, enjoy some country dancing under our big top tent and meet Rodeo Royalty.
Friday, June 28 features a Drag Show to kick off the weekend right from 7-9pm! Registration for Camp Events will also be open during this time.
Be sure to check out our post-rodeo party with live music, dancing and a bonfire Saturday, July 29 from 4 -10.
Stick around after the rodeo on Sunday, July 30 to see the big buckles and ribbons be presented at the awards ceremony.
Gay Amateur Rodeo
The North Star Gay Rodeo Association was founded in October 1989, and a year later became a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. On the precipice of collapse during the height of the pandemic, Jorge Sanchez took leadership of the organization, determined to sustain a safe, supportive and welcoming community. Says Sanchez, who was crowned MsTer IGRA 2019, “I try to do drag with compassion. I want people to feel what I’m feeling — if I can do that, then I’m doing my job.” It is compassion that sees no bounds, and that brings NSGRA back to Hugo, Minnesota July 29 and 30.
Persistence In Action
Despite experiencing initial organizational setbacks, the NSGRA has moved forward positively while maintaining visibility and increasing the presence of queer lives in underrepresented communities. North Star Regional Rodeo provides a friendly environment for all persons to participate in and learn about western lifestyles and skills. This is further seen in the welcoming back of contracted livestock handler Dana Wojciechowski(Wojo’s Rodeo), a woman leading the way in a typically male dominated industry. It is also worth noting that for the first time, the NSGRA board sits damn-near equal female representation!
Come out to the North Star Regional Rodeo July 29 and 30 at the Dead Broke Arena in Hugo, Minnesota. Admission is free and the fun is not to be missed!
North Star Regional Rodeo
July 29-30
Dead Broke Arena
676 170th St N
Hugo, MN
55038
Friday, July 28: Registration and Drag Show 7-9pm
Saturday, July 29: Rodeo 11-4, Live Music & Dancing 4-10pm
Sunday, July 30: Rodeo 11-4, Awards Ceremony 5pm
We are also on Instagram and Facebook.
Please consider joining NSGRA—you’ll be glad you did! More information about NSGRA and the North Start Regional Rodeo visit the link below.
Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
The international 30-city tour
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 07, 2023
BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon Announce “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” 2023 Tour. The international 30-city tour marks DeLa & Jinkx’s biggest yet with more cities, more shows, and spectacular surprises!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…again! You better watch out, you better not cry, because global drag icons and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to your town with the wildly successful, internationally acclaimed, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (Produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents). The 30-city international tour marks the duo’s biggest tour yet, featuring more cities, more shows, and even bigger theaters (including the iconic Dolby Theatre). The tour will run from November 12 - December 30 across the US, UK, and Canada with a new show written by DeLa and Jinkx that proves they’re still the reigning “queens of Christmas'' (Entertainment Weekly). Presales begin July 19 at 10 a.m. local time for the US & Canada and July 26 at 10 a.m. BST for the UK. Tickets go on general sale July 21 at 10 a.m. ET for US & Canada, and July 28 at 10 a.m. BST for the UK at JinkxandDeLa.com.
Following the massive success of four previous holiday tours, and a cult-classic holiday film (The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special, 2020), fans can expect another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and the spicy Jinkx for an evening The New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”
BenDeLaCreme says, “With all the hatred, darkness, and misinformation flying around our world today, it is an honor and a privilege to spend the holidays with tens of thousands of audience members each year, creating joyous community spaces where we can gather strength through laughter and celebration. Whether you consider it the most wonderful time of year or the most troubling, we’re here to tell you… you’re right! So let’s make it our own.”
Monsoon adds, “It’s been a wild year, so let’s end it wildly. DeLa and I strive to entertain while we enlighten and enliven. The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show is not only a moment of respite, but also of community, at a time where we need our chosen family and community most of all. So add us to your holiday plans, or let us BE your holiday plans— either way, you’re welcome to join us.”
BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are the sole writers of their holiday shows, a major achievement for two drag artists who tour at such a large scale. With BenDeLaCreme in the producer and director’s chairs, the show is entirely helmed by the queens themselves. Too often, queer and drag stories are written and produced by people outside of the community. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show and BenDeLaCreme Presents are reminders why authentic queer storytelling is not only necessary but should be widely celebrated.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is co-written and co-created by BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon, directed by BenDeLaCreme, produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents (a company comprised of producers BenDeLaCreme, Kevin Heard, Gus Lanza, and Associate Producer Jin Moon), and promoted by AEG Presents Comedy Division. For more information, and to sign up for updates, visit jinkxanddela.com.
December 11 - Minneapolis, MN (Northrop Theatre)
DisabiliTease Festival
Stream July 7-23
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
July 05, 2023
Can’t wait until 2024 to celebrate Disability Pride Month with the DisabiliTease Festival? Now you don’t have to!
This July, we will host watch parties of our past shows on Zoom! Join the watch parties, live chat, cheer, tip the performers, and enjoy the community with other party-goers.
The Festivals will stream July 7-23, with each show year having its own weekend. Friday and Saturday shows will be presented at 7 pm CDT. Sunday shows will be presented at noon CDT.
Purchase general tickets for $15 or use the “Pay What You Can” option to choose any amount. All watch party proceeds will go towards the Hybrid 2024 Festival.
The DisabiliTease Festival (DTF) is a multi-day festival that showcases performers with disabilities in the areas of burlesque, cirque, cabaret, and drag from around the world. Learn more at www.disabiliteasefestival.com.
For complete cast lists, dates and times, and more information, click the button:
WEBTOON
The three-episode miniseries will feature love stories inspired by songs from the beloved recording artists.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 21, 2023
Hayley Kiyoko, Ava Max, and MAY-A will lead an exciting collaboration between the digital comics platform and Atlantic all as active producers of a new WEBTOON miniseries inspired by their music, celebrating LGBTQ+ love stories all month long.
June 07, 2023
An Opera Theatre Brings Back "Divas & Drag"
The unabashed celebration of identity told through the art of Drag and the spectacle of Opera returns- with performances June 16-18 at St. Paul’s Historic Mounds Theatre.
An Opera Theatre (AOT) presents Divas & Drag (D&D), a collaborative performance that pairs Opera soloists and Drag artists for a unique creative experience, premiered in Minneapolis in 2019 to enthusiastic audiences. An Opera Theatre ( AOT), the show’s producer, is returning with a new show featuring the same format June 16 - 18. Performers showcase their original and collaborative performances at the Historic Mounds Theatre. Opera and Drag share many of the same qualities of expression, grand spectacle, storytelling, and identity, so the concept felt like a wonderful fit for artists and audiences alike. AOT founder Kelly M Turpin explains, “This event is the perfect way for Drag fans to witness Opera up close and for Opera fans to experience Drag in all its glory. It shows Opera as more than a stuffy night out, and Drag is more than a bachelorette party activity. True art isn’t always best experienced over three hours in a dusty hall; sometimes it’s best with friends you never knew, sharing a drink, enjoying who you are, while a Queen death drops to Puccini.”
Each performance will feature five opera performers, Victoria Vargas, Dom Wooten Embretson, Tracey Engleman, Justin Anthony Spenner, and Jordan Weatherston Pitts, alongside six of the Twin Cities' most legendary Drag Artists, Damien D’Luxe, Victoria DeVille, Andre 1,000, Rustina Phoenix Nuttz, Dick Von Dyke, Kamaree Williams. Together, they will perform new routines set to live opera performances. The evening will be hosted by Nadine DuBois and accompanied by pianist Jared Miller.
We chat with Emi (they/them), the Artistic Producer of the show:
Why is it important for people to share their stories?
It’s important for people to share their stories so we can find community and be able to relate to each other. When we share parts of ourselves and experiences it can help others who may feel alone or like no one can relate to them. It’s been very important to me throughout my life to see and hear stories of people who have experiences similar to mine. Especially as a trans/nonbinary person of color. I grew up in the suburbs with really no one I could truly relate to. Having others be visible that I could relate to was very helpful in me finding myself and people who accept and love me for who I am.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me means visibility and acceptance and a fight for true equality. I’ve watched pride become so corporate over the years which super hard. I believe especially now it’s important to bring Pride back to its roots. Which was a fight for safety and equality. With the current political climate, my safety and the people I love’s safety is at such high risk. It’s important for us to remember around Pride to continue to stand together, support each other, and celebrate/love one another. I am also happy to see the peoples pride coming around to hopefully help us foster more community together.
How did you get started as a performance artist?
I started performing as an amateur king 20 years ago on a night that was meant to showcase newer performers. The years of experience on stage helped get me into the role of artistic producer for Divas and Drag. I met Kelly Turpin in 2019 as I was cast for the original Divas and Drag show that year. We formed a wonderful friendship and I was honored that Kelly trusted me to take over casting and the artistic vision of this show this year for its return to the stage.
What do you love about performing?
While performing was a large part of my identity and life for a long time, I am happy to have found that I love working behind the scenes more. Moving into an artistic director role gave me the opportunity to highlight other talented artists that deserve a spotlight. I love being able to provide assistance to performers backstage and help them bring their visions to life for the show. Being the artistic director for this show is such a joy as I love bringing such a diverse group of performers together to showcase the amazing talent we have in the Twin Cities.
What can people expect to see at this show?
People can expect to see live opera singers with live accompaniment alongside drag performers. The performers and singers have an amazing fusion and bring a different approach to both worlds. We are excited to showcase all different types of performers and who will bring over the top performances to opera music.
What do you love about drag and opera together?
I love bringing such contrasting yet similar worlds together. Both art forms can seem inaccessible or maybe not welcome to everyone. The beauty of this combination is that we will bring folks who may have never been to a drag show outside of the usual bar setting. Opera has been known as a “higher class” art and bringing drag into the mix also brings folks to experience opera who may not have felt comfortable doing so otherwise.
What is the definition of drag in your words:
I don’t believe there is a definition of drag. Over the years drag has grown and expanded to be inclusive of all people, performance styles, and backgrounds. I think to try to put a strict definition on drag wouldn’t be correct or realistic and could never be expansive enough to encompass what drag includes today. Drag is whatever folks want it to be or make it and is fluid. Like any art it’s subjective. I love that so many different types of people and performance styles have become a part of the drag world today.
AOT model always offers “Pay As Able” and “Pay It Forward” ticket options to keep opera financially accessible and inviting for all of our Twin Cities communities. 150 pay-as-able tickets are available per performance.
June 16 and June 17 at 7:30 pm, June 18 at 4 pm June 17 *ASL interpreted, June 18 is an alcohol-free event.
Historic Mounds Theatre
1029 Hudson Rd, St Paul, MN 55106
anoperatheatre.org/divas-and-drag
GRRRL SCOUT PRIDE!
The largest queer stoplight party in the midwest!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
June 07, 2023
PRIDE is a time for cruising!
Join us, Saturday, June 24th, for the largest queer stoplight party
in the midwest! Not only will you be able to shoot your shot in a room filled with queer cuties,
there’s a pretty dope performance lineup as well. Not looking to snag a sweetie…no problem!
This is a “no pressure party” and everyone is welcome! So grab your friends and let’s dance!
Here’s how it works:
When you arrive at the Fillmore, you’ll receive (1) of (3) colored glow bracelets. Pick the one that best represents your current relationship status.
QUEER CODE
Green: Single and ready to mingle
Yellow: I’m an open book…just ask me
Red: Just here to dance dance dance
Optional: Feel free to bring your own if you have a color that better fits your current relationship status or choose none at all.
Date: 6/24/2022 (Saturday)
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Location:
The Fillmore
525 5th St N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Tickets:
$20 + (Fees) Early Bird (limited QTY)
$25 + (Fees) Advance
$30 + (Fees) Day Of
$40 + (Fees) VIP
Note: All ticket sales are final. No Refunds.
Djs: DJ Izzie P.
Bands/Live Music:
Zora (https://getbetterrecords.com/collections/zora)
Gully Boys (https://www.gullyboysband.com/)
Performances by: Coffé
Hosted by: Nadriah McGill (Gully Boys)
Features:
Dance-Off/Contests
Huge Dance Floor
Multiple Bars
Gender-Neutral Restrooms
Supporting Sponsors:
Affinity Plus
The Aliveness Project
Smitten Kitten
Cedar Hill Therapy
The Coven
CONSENT IS MANDATORY! Please remember to be considerate and respect others’ personal
boundaries. We will not tolerate any racist, sexist, ableist, transphobic or homophobic language during any of our events and reserve the right to remove anyone that is causing harm. We will do our best to create safe spaces for our attendees but ask our guests to practice adequate safety measures when attending any/all public events. If you are having symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, please do not attend.
The Sota Movement
Minnesota's Premiere Street Dance Festival
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 24, 2023
Street Dance Takes Over the Capital City
Powerhouse hip-hop dance styles. Originated in the street. Cultivated by community. Artists,
creators, and supporters come together to celebrate dance, connections, and culture.
Award-winning Maia Maiden Productions presents The SOTA Movement-Minnesota’s Street
Dance Festival. Dozens of artists are set to illuminate the Minnesota arts community including
Kida the Great (So You Think You Can Dance, World of Dance, Red Bull), Babatunde “Hip
Hopera” Akinboboye (Opera Singer, Hip Hopera Artist, Viral/Social Media Sensation), Judith
McCarty (Afrobeats Dancer/ Choreographer (Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy), Idols South Africa, BET
Music Awards), Solow (Founder of LowsTown KRUMP Training Program, International KRUMP
Instructor), Charles “Slenda” Sphiwe Mafafane (South African Actor and Pantsula artist, Tjovitjo
(Netflix)) and more.
Maia Maiden Productions has cultivated respected relationships to create an iconic team of
leaders, innovators, and cultural producers who have made amazing contributions to their craft and Hip Hop/Street culture including Tish Jones (Executive Director and Founder of
TruArtSpeaks), Ololade Gbabamosi and Herbert Johnson III (Founders of The UPRIZING, MN
KRUMP), Roosevelt Mansfield (DigieMade Photography), Sherine Onukwuwe (SoulEye Films)
and Cheles Rhynes (Senior Director of Production, Apollo Theater).
June 9, 10, & 11th - street dance takes over the capital city - celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop through dance, community, and culture!
TIGERRS PRIDE!
Happy Almost-Pride Month!
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 24, 2023
Greetings, Friends of TIGERRS!
Happy Almost-Pride Month! We are hard at work preparing for the joyful month of June and we’d love to see you at one of our events.
• Youth Pride: June 3
• Empowerment & Self-Defense Class: June 11
• Twin Cities Pride: June 24-25
• YMCA Camp Olson Scholarships!
• Coming up in July & August: Mondo Queer Beach Party
Volunteer with TIGERRS at Pride!
This year, we’re running booths at Youth Pride on June 3rd and Twin Cities Pride on June 24th and 25th. We will be raising funds for our free programs with all sorts of pride swag - buttons, bricks, jewelry, stickers and a couple surprise items. We hope you're able to stop by, say howdy, and spend some time in community with us.
We’re looking for folks to help set up and take down, pass out swag, make buttons, and hand out info about our programs.
Click here to volunteer at Youth Pride (6/3)
Click here to volunteer at Twin Cities Pride (6/23-25)
Collide Cabaret
May 12-14
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
May 10, 2023
An evening of original dance storytelling centered on the non-binary and LGBTQIA experience that seeks to inform, educate, and entertain audiences of all ages. Enjoy dance theater in an intimate setting with cabaret-style seating. Local cabaret diva Mistress Ginger will be emceeing, and the show will be followed by a Q&A session with the cast.
Directed by Jarod Boltjes and featuring Mistress Ginger.
May 12-14
Collide Cabaret
755 Prior Ave N Ste 235H
St Paul, MN 55104
Tickets $25
Dining Out For Life
Dine Out. End HIV. April 27
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
April 26, 2023
Dining Out For Life® is an annual fundraising event where the community comes together to eat out at restaurants that have committed to donating a percentage of their profits to HIV/AIDS services in their city. The Aliveness Project has hosted DOFL in Minnesota for the past 29 years. Dine Out to End HIV on April 27 by participating in Dining Out For Life .
4 Ways to Participate
DINE
On Thursday April 27, 2023 order takeout, curbside pickup, delivery, or dine in safely at one (or multiple) of our participating restaurants and a portion of your bill will benefit the Aliveness Project.
GIVE
Donate directly and help people living with HIV lead healthy, self-directed lives through the services of the Aliveness Project.
VOLUNTEER
Become an Ambassador today! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to participate in Dining Out For Life and encourage them to give. Have conversations about HIV/AIDS online by hosting a Virtual Dinner Party
The Golden Girls
A week of laughs, cheesecake and a perfect girl’s night out.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
April 26, 2023
Grab your best friends and head to Shady Pines! Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that the Golden Girls are back and better than ever in a brand new stage show that’s more exciting than a trip to St. Olaf. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue arrives at the historic Pantages Theatre (710 Hennepin Ave.) for an exclusive limited one-week engagement, Wednesday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.
Tickets on sale NOW to the general public at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) and online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.
Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. It’s 2023, and we find Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue allows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is a professional stage show unlike any other Golden Girls tribute that you might have experienced. The play is written by Robert Leleux, author of The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy and The Living End. His work has also appeared in The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine, and his other plays have been produced across the country. Direction by Eric Swanson, who was the co-founder and Executive Director of The Detroit Actors’ Theatre Company. The cast includes Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Jason Bowen as Stanley/Troy. The production is produced by Murray & Peter Present.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Werq The World Tour is headed to Minneapolis
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 29, 2023
Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that the world’s largest drag show on earth will make its way to Minneapolis in RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World 2023 on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 at 8 p.m. at the historic State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave.). In a new sci-fi adventure set in a dystopian future, the drag superstars of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” must choose between the real world and the simulated reality they have known.
With shows in more than 100 cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia, Europe and Mexico, “Werq The World is the official “RuPaul’s Drag Race” tour for a reason,” says Jon Norris of Voss Events. “It’s the biggest and most spectacular drag show in the world. The music, sets, fashion, choreography and lighting in this production are unlike anything drag fans have ever seen before.” The official tour launches June 17 in Atlantic City.
“We’ve really elevated the show this year with a cohesive story line that weaves live theater into a large-scale concert style performance,” Brandon Voss, the show’s producer, explains. “Werq The World is a multimillion-dollar production, specially designed for large venues and arenas. It rivals concerts by the largest pop stars in the world.”
The North American cast will feature Asia O’Hara, Bosco, Daya Betty, Deja Skye, Jorgeous, Kandy Muse, Lady Camden, Laganja, Naomi Small, Plastique Tiara and two finalists from Season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The Australia and Asia cast will be Aquaria, Jaida Essence Hall, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Plastique Tiara, Rosé and Yvie Oddly. The Europe and Mexico cast will be Angeria, Aquaria, Bosco, Daya Betty, Ginger Minj, Jaida Essence Hall, Kandy Muse and Rosé. Cast subject to change.
GET TICKETS HERE!
Tuesday, Aug. 1 • 8 p.m.
State Theatre
$49.50, $69.50, $79.50, $89.50
Twin Cities New Revue
Creating space for new and seasoned performers.
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 29, 2023
Twin Cities New Revue is aimed at creating space for new and seasoned performers working on new routines! Come and see the new "new" of the Twin Cities, featuring a variety show of Aerial, Belly Dance, Burlesque, Drag, Pole and more! Audience members have the option of providing feedback for the performers, via their Smartphones. There will be QR codes that link to an easy-to-use form for those performers who opted in for feedback.
Bring your energy, voices, and dollars to encourage and tip the performers, as well as a device if you want to provide feedback.
Twin Cities New Revue is at Strike Theater, 824 18th Avenue Northeast Minneapolis, MN 55418, on Wednesday, March 29th.
Get Ticket Here!
Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Cost $12 presale, $16 at the door
Billy Porter
Black Mona Lisa Tour: Volume 1
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 15, 2023
Canvasing the nation, Porter brings passion and joy to cities across the nation with his first-ever career-spanning pop music concert tour: THE BLACK MONA LISA TOUR: VOLUME 1. Expect a full band, backed by a video installation, fronted by Porter telling his life story through song. This 90-minute powerhouse event will feature his chart-topping hits “Love Is on the Way” and “Love Yourself,” a tinge of Broadway, a nod to “Pose,” and stunning performances of future pop classics from his forthcoming new album, Black Mona Lisa. This is an experience not to be missed.
About BLACK MONA LISA TOUR: VOLUME 1, Billy commented, “It's really the first time that I've been able to fully express myself and who I am through my music. Through my mainstream pop music space. It's like my magnum opus. It's everything to me. You'll really get a glimpse into who I am even deeper with this music.”
Tickets on sale to the general public at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis or HennepinTheatreTrust.org.
Twin Cities Pride
The Rainbow Circle
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 15, 2023
A note from Executive Director Andy Otto
I am often asked by supporters how they can make the biggest impact; how do they show their support. My answer is simple: we have to invest in our youth. They are our future, and unfortunately, the most vulnerable in the community for being attacked.
When I came on as the Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride, I vowed that I would make TC Pride a year-round event, give the community the resources they needed, and design programming directly around our youth.
I am so excited to announce our new community programming division of Twin Cities Pride, the Rainbow Circle. Our goal is to partner with local LGBTQ+ people and organizations to provide funding and space in our office, and around the Twin Cities, to host year-round educational and community service programs.
Help us fund our efforts by becoming a Founding Member of the Rainbow Circle today! Click the link to join us: tcpride.org/membership
Yours in Pride, Andi Otto
Queer Ecology
Hanky Project
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
March 15, 2023
The Department of Art at the University of Minnesota is proud to present, Queer Ecology Hanky Project (QEHP), an ongoing traveling exhibition with over one hundred and twenty artists from across North America—organized by V Adams and Mary Tremonte. Through exhibitions and interdisciplinary community-centered programming, QEHP showcases a diverse array of artist responses to Queer Ecology—an emerging area of inquiry which unites the study of biology, environment, and sexuality with a framework of queer theory—and celebrates a wide spectrum of print mediums and methods.
Join the Department of Art in celebrating the opening of Queer Ecology Hanky Project at the Quarter Gallery, in conjunction with the campus-wide Queer and Trans* Ecologies Symposium from March 23-25. Learn more about the symposium at queerandtransecologies.com
Quarter Gallery at the Regis Center for Art
405 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis 55455
Her Black Joy
Jodyann Morgan's CTOAN Co
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 15, 2023
Black people own only 2.4% of all businesses in the US. Black women have the deck doubly stacked against them. For Jodyann Morgan, a queer, Black woman, representation not only matters, it’s the foundation of her business, CTOAN Co, a fat body candle company.
CTOAN Co is a Black, queer owned candle company based in Milwaukee, WI. Founded by Jodyann Morgan in November of 2021, it quickly became an internet sensation, with many prominent plus size, Black, and LGBT influencers sharing the candles on their platform. Best known for gender free body sculpture candles that are size fat, CTOAN also occasionally offers tealights, mini fat body wax melts and luxurious jarred candles. CTOAN prides itself in giving back to the community with a portion of sales from every collection donated to various causes.
Jodyann creates lovingly hand poured, trans inclusive, gender-free candles (including 7 original designs!) that allow people to see their bodies, and the bodies of people they love, in accessible art.
For Black History Month, Jodyann has launched her Black Joy collection. Trauma, death and sorrow are deeply intertwined with the Black lived experience, but Black joy is critical to survival. Morgan’s Black Joy collection pays tribute to Black creativity, expression, excellence, and euphoria.
Each candle will cost $35. With a focus on giving back, last year Jodyann donated over $4100 to mutual aid funds and non profits serving her communities. Her Black Joy collection continues the tradition, with $2 from every candle being donated to Roots & River Productions, which produces the work of queer and trans Black artists.
David Mallory
Launches New Line of Cologne
Scene Story!
Queer Media & Pop Culture
February 15, 2023
Queer EDM/Pop Musician DAVIS Mallory Launches Line of Cologne just in Time for Valentine’s Day! DAVIS Mallory, known for his participation in MTV's The Real World & The Challenge has released a new limited-edition fragrance titled Cologne, named after his recent single and music video of the same name.
DAVIS Mallory, known for his participation in MTV's The Real World & The Challenge has released a new limited-edition fragrance titled Cologne, named after his recent single and music video of the same name. The fragrance is available exclusively through his website and arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day. “The cologne was inspired by my travels to Egypt and a visit to the Cleopatra Essential oils shop in Aswan, Egypt. It's a male scent credited to King Tut with my own take on the scent,” states DAVIS.
“Cologne” was written in Stockholm, Sweden by Davis Mallory, Albin Ceder, Jakob Forslund & Hjal Marrokke and produced by Ukrainian producer Daniel Deyev. It will be featured on his upcoming album titled, Back to the 80s.
The Swedish American recording artist, singer-songwriter and DJ/producer has earned the support of internationally renowned musicians including Tiesto, Hardwell and Don Diablo.
Throughout his career, DAVIS has collaborated with renowned DJ/Producers such as RetroVision (“Little Victory”), John Dahlback (“Anyone Would Know”), Landis (“Loud”), Noize Generation (“Hold Me Down”), Going Deeper (“Believe”), Dropgun ("The Music I Found In You") and DJs From Mars “(Dance 2 the Beat”); DAVIS has been getting solid radio support from the industry's top DJs including Tiesto, Don Diablo, Cedric Gervais, Hardwell, Morgan Page and has released music on labels including Hexagon, Revealed, Armada, Warner Music, Ultra, Soave and Sirup Music.
DAVIS' music can be heard in film and TV shows including MTV's War of the Worlds, Snapchat's Growing up is a Drag and Hulu's Good Trouble and has been profiled by MTV News, E! News, US Weekly, Buzzfeed, Billboard, and more!
For more information, please visit davismallory.com
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