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The Writers’ Room: Broken I feel broken sometimes. You are taught not to admit these things as a writer, hell, we are taught not to be vulnerable as a society. As a queer journalist, you run into issues that must be talked about; Florida, Texas, Idaho, our Supreme Court, abortion laws, anti-trans laws, the rollback of queer rights, and the tirade goes on. I have been a published writer now for the better part of twenty-five years, you would think I’d have thicker skin…..but I don’t. There are days when my spirit feels weary, for lack of a better term. When I have been consistently hit by the disappointing parts of humanity, by the incessant need to tear others apart, by the ugliness of ego. In these moments I feel broken, less than. I don’t think I am the only part of our community that goes through this. Psychology even has a term for this feeling, compassion fatigue. It’s a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring. This doesn’t even fully encompass my state of mind. I’m not sure I feel anything “less”, I almost feel like I am overwhelmed with compassion for these issues, so much so that it crushes me under the weight. Where is the term for this? My point is I think a large majority of us in the queer community feel something similar.

In our writers’ room, I watch the eyes of those around me, I gauge the level of trauma reflected. This seems to be the new normal, not just from the era of Covid, but from the decades we have had to witness the powers that be systematically attempt to vanish us from existence, silence our voices from the wind. Every week we spend time encouraging each other, reminding ourselves why it is important to keep going, to keep speaking. It dawns on me, this is the point. It’s what we’ve done since the days of the AIDS crisis since we hid in the shadows, it’s community. I’m not saying that we are always perfect at it, but when we do it right not only do we survive, but we thrive. We pick up the slack when one of us just has to rest, has no more left to give. When it’s our turn we give back. We have endured through Stonewall, we’ve sustained to get to marriage equality, made it past the fight to have any rights at all. We will push through this time as well. We will do it like we always have, together. Hopefully this time we can unite even stronger, we can recognize that our trans brothers and sisters need to be held ever more tightly in the fold of our tribe. We should lift and celebrate our lesbian sisters.

as to say it is highly recommended. You don’t have to stand on the front lines eternally, we will keep watch while you rest. As we are bombarded by the negativity of the world around us, it gets very easy to forget that we have the community to lean on. That’s the secret of the other side, divide them until they forget how they have won ground through the years. As I look around me, in this room, in this world, I recognize the trauma in all the queer eyes. I also remember the support we have for each other and I can feel hope begin to rise. We are not alone, we are only limited by those limits we accept. We have proven time and again that we will not allow them. This is our power and I am so grateful to remember this. Don’t forget my weary friends, don’t let them bombard you so much that the amnesia of battle sets in. Band together, trust your community, strengthen your bonds because, in the end, our unity will outlive their hatred. In the end, we will win! Just a thought,

A goal embraced by all of us brings rewards attained for each of us. It’s ok to take some time to be kind to yourself. I would go as far

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Team EDITOR

Jonathan Shuffield has worked within the media industry for over 20 years. From television to radio, from podcasting to writing for publication and film he has firmly planted his foot in the media world. He has become a bold voice in the realms of entertainment and politics. Queer Centric is a needed and important part of that voice and he is proud to stand at the helm. Always remember, If our voice held no power, they wouldn’t try to silence us, indeed the most powerful weapons any of us have are the breath in our lungs and the stories we possess. Tell your story.

GRAPHIC EDITOR

Kurt Schmierer is an artist, graphic designer, photographer and lover of all medias TV/Radio/Magazines. Kurt has owned and run an online magazine called Proud Times for 8 years as Graphics Editor, Interviewer and the person who helped set up countless stories and coordinated over a dozen writers coast to coast. The magazine went from nothing to interviewing George Takei, Cyndi Lauper and backstage with Elton John in a short 8 years.

Digital Content Producer

Thomas Campbell Getting his first real camera at age 15, Thomas never stopped capturing the world around himself and creating engaging narratives through photo and video. Regardless of the number of people who end up seeing it, Thomas has always been excited to make things, purely for the sake of creating something he’s passionate about.

Film

Queer Reads

Nathan Box is a reader, writer, hiker, cinephile, music fanatic, and nonprofit employee working on behalf of historically disenfranchised groups in Seattle, WA. He has reviewed films for 5+ years for local publications and the website, Natetheworld.com.

Theresa Strong is a voracious reader as a child, books have always played a large part in her life, you will seldom find her without a book in her hand. In 2001 she helped to establish a bookclub at a local coffeehouse, and while that shop sadly only lasted about 18 months, the bookclub went strong for almost twenty years, only meeting its end with the shutdown due to the pandemic. She enjoys reading all genre’s and authors, from Jodi Picoult, to Diana Gabaldon to Stephen King. When she’s not reading, she loves music and movies, traveling, camping, knitting, and most of all hanging out with her family, friends, and cats, but not always in that order.

If you want to be a contributor to The QueerCentric, email editor@thequeercentric.com 4

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Between the Sheets 6 8 14 20 28

Wicked Matt Schwenk Podcast Spotlight Diane Anderson-Minshall Queer Reads

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Body Shocks Reviewed Ann Thomas Dating Unlocked Worst Person in the World - Reviewed What Being Queer Means to Me Under the Influence

58 Blu Janes Featuring Kristen Ford

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By David Byler As the country begins to lift mask mandates, we cautiously begin to step back out into the sunlight….or the moonlight as it were. Cities are beginning to wake up and are calling for people to engage again. This is an uncertain, yet pivotal time in our communities. A city is only as healthy as the willingness of its citizens to open their wallets and participate in its culture. After two years locked away, with some businesses shuttering their storefronts, people scared of what the outside world could bring, we are given a hesitant green light to get back to life. For me, this means live theatre! Did you know that according to Playbill.com there will be close to 50 national tours of hit Broadway shows traveling the country in the 2022-2023 theatrical season? With the reopening of Broadway in the summer of 2021, its successful re-emergence depends on these shows. Traveling shows, or bus-and-truck shows as they have been known, are the arteries feeding the beating heart of Broadway. If you are lucky enough to live in one of the major cities in your state that hosts them, they will be worth every penny you spend to fill a seat. Honestly, the only way to keep these shows coming back to your town is

to do just that, show them the money. For the first time in two years, I took myself to the theatre. I am lucky enough to live in one of these towns. What better way to come back than to catch the National Tour of Wicked. In the 19 years since it debuted on Broadway, I somehow have never seen it. An amazing and still relevant tale of the prejudice, fear-mongering, propaganda-driven response to controlling the masses….. set to music! It’s also the back story to what really created the beloved characters of The Wizard of Oz, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. If you are worried about the caliber of the show you will see, a national tour has to go through the same audition process and rehearsal expectations of the shows that play in the 41 Broadway theatre in New York City itself. I caught the tour on its stop in Spokane, WA at the First Interstate Center For the Arts. From the minute I walked through those doors it was an experience. You could feel the buzz in the air as I floated through the lobby, grabbed myself a cocktail, and looked over the crowd. The city showed up, apparently just as hungry as I was for a night of

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theatre, the place was packed. Mask mandate still in place, the theatre staff made it feel like a safe and inviting time for everyone. With beautiful performances from Allison Bailey as Glinda, Talia Suskauer as Elphaba, Jordan Litz as Fiyero, and a stand out for me, Lisa Howard as Madame Morrible I did not for one second feel like I was receiving the knock off version of this legendary Broadway show. I believe it is very important to celebrate the work these individuals put into these huge stage productions and the venues that open their doors to host them. If you get a chance to see the national tour of Wicked when it comes to a city near you, I highly recommend you go. Not only will you be met with this amazing story and beautiful music, but you will be helping your city slowly come back to life. If you are in Spokane, WA you can catch Wicked at the First Interstate Center For the Arts through March 27th. Get your Tickets NOW! Call Out: A city is only as healthy as the willingness of its citizens to open their wallets and participate in its culture.

His energy seems to enter the room minutes be intense and effervescent. He sparkles like his w to start our series of spotlights on queer artists

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By Jonathan Suffield

efore he does. Artist, Matt Schwenk, is at once work done in crushed glass. What a great way s.

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Matt seemed to stumble into his career as an artist. Always a creative type growing up, he never imagined he could take his love of creation into a way to make a living. “I started off with just a one in a million chance, I just did a knockoff of a piece by Allen Foulet in 2007. I did it for a friend for his birthday and all of my friends freaked out, they didn’t know I could paint, and honestly neither did I. It turns out a friend of a friend knew an attorney on the board of Tiffany + Co and they were doing a charity auction where high-end vendors would pair with local artists, my friend submitted me and it ended up they wanted to pair with me for the auction. It was crazy, at the auction I was approached by a gentleman who offered me my first art show. It’s what dreams are made of, I was selling pieces for like $3,000 to $25,000 and it all sold!” That overnight dream quickly shattered as out of nowhere it all stopped. “I mean I felt so great after that first show so, of course, I went out and did all the nice things. It was the first time in my life I ever had my own money. I just traveled and spent so much money without a second thought and

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then I didn’t sell a painting for two years.” As with many new artists he was at the whim of the galleries and had no idea how to be in control of his own trajectory. “I had to rely completely on those galleries and would just call them every week to see if anything had sold. I just sat on my couch, depressed and sad, and felt so lost. I remember I was invited on this big trip to South Africa with this gay men’s travel group and I was like, I can’t afford this. Then I got this call just weeks before the trip and a gallery had sold two pieces and it was just enough to allow me this trip.” That trip would be a turning point for Schwenk, not just for his art but for his life. “While I was there I met all of these wonderful guys, I had never had gay friends who really had my back or anything, they were just so supportive and I was inspired and decided I would go back and just change my style and do something new. I decided to just market my work solely online. At first I just marketed my work on Instagram. I kept myself at the pricepoint the gallery had set for me and I decided I wouldn’t accept less. Slowly but surely people started to take notice

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and began buying my work. I made it, I fucking made it! Ever since then that’s exactly how I do it. I only do one gallery show a year now, for a small LGBT Art Walk.” Finding his community, his tribe, keeps him centered. He says the positive outlook he has was not always there. “I didn’t have it for years and years and years and years. I mean I have had people be cruel, really mean and honestly, a lot of that came from the gay community, which is really sad. For a long time I let that affect me, but eventually I hit a point and reminded myself I was surrounded by friends who love me and I realized I didn’t have to let those other comments in. I could block those people and that was ok. I found the love in the life around me and that took me a long time.” When asked if his queerness influences his work he takes pause. “Such a funny question, my identity is not based on my sexuality; however, being queer, a homosexual completely dictates my whole life and personality, it’s so intertwined. I never consciously think I’m going to make a really gay piece,

but innately the things that come out of me are certainly from growing up gay; all the emotions, the trauma, the happiness, the light. I mean I’m gay as hell so my work will be a little gay too I guess!” Matt does consider himself successful on some levels, though he doesn’t measure it by monetary means alone. “I judge the success of my work on how long I can steal somebody’s time. If someone takes 10 minutes versus one second, if they just look at the piece for one second it means I didn’t do my job. The more time I can steal, the more successful the piece is. If there is texture, things for them to discover, to figure out on their own, then it takes them more time to get involved with the piece. The longer they are in front of it the deeper their attachment will become.” He isn’t prepared to settle for where he is at now though. “I am a successful artist online, but I’m not a successful artist in the art world. I would really like that. I feel like few people in the art world would know me. I’m confident in my work, but I’d like to show in the big galleries again. Art is kind of rock ‘n roll though, there is no code in that world, but for myself, it’s just what I want for my work.”

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To connect with Matt Schwenk on social media: Instagram @schwenk4life.artist TikTok @schwenk4life.artist

What made you start the podcast, The Bear Share Show?

When the COVID-19 lockdown happened in 2020, a lot of us had time to pause, reflect, and think about life and important to them. Being an extravert, I s to friends regularly on Zoom or House Pa from various social groups, I realized I wa conversations about the same topics as m the future etc. I realized that despite wha bear community, or in the LGBTQ commu most of the conversations I was having w create the Podcast, a place where we ca

How would you describe it to someo

The Bear Share Show is a show h we as gay men may feel we wa through a tough mental spot

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d what is survived by talking arty etc. Talking with people as having a lot of the same repeated mental health, body image, goals, past trauma, at we think are differences between those of us in the unity at large, we are more like each other than different. I felt were so good that I wish other people heard it, so that gave me the idea to an feel seen, heard, and understood.

one looking for something new to listen to?

hosted by a “bear” (me lol), who wants to shine a light on all the things ant to hide or feel insecure about. It’s a show that can help someone get t and be a source of positivity for the community.

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You have decided to embark on a new season of the show, when will/ did it start to air and how will we listen?

You have discussed many topics from health, to masculinity, to body image, how do you choose your topics?

Season 2 will premiered March 15th, 2022! It can be found on Spotify, Anchor, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to your Podcasts today. Also season 2 will incorporate a video so you will also be able to watch/listen to it on YouTube and The Bear Share Show Facebook Page.

Most of the topics are topics I have already discussed individually with friends before, some even with the guest host offline sometime in the past. I know that if we talked about it, others probably must have as well, so I have used those topics for the themes of the episode. I have also gotten some great suggestions from both my personal and Bear Share Show Instagram messages.

What was your experience like with season 1? I realized that making a Podcast was a lot harder than one may think lol. It takes time after a busy workday to record, edit, post, etc. It takes a lot of work and patience. I was lucky to have some amazing guests, and hearing feedback from strangers on what they liked about the show made it all real and gave me the motivation to keep it going. It has been an amazing journey.

What do you hope to accomplish claiming a platform like this? I am hoping to create a Podcast that can act as a platform for positivity, and hopefully even help push to promote positive changes to some of the negative aspects of the community. 16 16

Here is a great community in the bear label, how do you plug into this world? I’ve always been an extravert, and between my times traveling for gay flag football, work, or fun, I have been extremely lucky to have met and connected with a myriad of bears within different cities and social groups. Mostly just by talking to them, and asking for their thoughts, I have been

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able to get their support in sharing the show. They have also helped me stay tuned into what is going on within the community in various places around the country and world.

You talk about using this podcast so people can feel less alone, can you expound upon this a bit more? Absolutely! I think a great example of this can be found in the body image episodes. After those episodes came out I had quite a few people message me with a simple “Thank you” or admit it made them very emotional. I think when we get down, we feel most alone/ isolated. To hear someone echo or say out loud and bring light to those negative aspects helps people feel connected and realize they

aren’t alone in their struggles. In a world of social media where we see people’s highlight reel, we forget that everyone is human and many of us are more similar than different. Once we get those reminders that we aren’t alone, which is a goal of my show, then we automatically feel better and can help get through our challenges easier.

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What is it you hope to do with this new season? This season I am hoping to incorporate a video component to the episodes for YouTube. Season 1 can also be found on YouTube, but for Season 2, I want people to see the conversations in real time. I think it will attract new subscribers who prefer visual content in addition to audio.

How can the community support podcasters like you? Take a listen! Sharing the Podcast, and letting people know it simply exists is huge, and will greatly help grow the audience for the show. Also, I am still new at this project, so I am always open to feedback, in order to make the show more appealing and the best it can be. But most importantly, I hope the community takes the messages being discussed in the show and spreads the positive messages alongside with me. That is how we can inspire change.

Lots of LGBT+ relationships and is hosted by a gay man. I listen to it myself. Twice-monthly community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, where every conspiracy theory is true. Turn on your radio and hide. Never listened before? It’s an ongoing radio show. Start with the current episode, and you’ll catch on in no time. Or, go right to Episode 1 if you wanna binge-listen.

If you know who NeNe Leaks is, but not Nancy Pelosi, then this is the podcast for you! Join Bravo stars, Julie Goldman (the gay) and Brandy Howard (the dumb) as they talk about the week in politics, like they are talking about reality tv. The podcast with lots of feelings, lots of facts, and zero f*cks. New episodes out every Tuesday! (or sometimes Wednesday, if Julie & Brandy get too drunk).

UK-based news podcast for trans and non-binary folks and our allies. Join snarky trans fact-finding team Michelle and Ashleigh as they dissect the news, interview guests and chat about pop culture.

A podcast about fluid sexuality, gender, masculinity and femininity, intimacy, relationships and more -- hosted by two bi guys.

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When you hear the name Pride Media it probably doesn’t resonate with you quite the same as when you hear titles like The Advocate, OUT Magazine, Plus, OUTTraveler. For many in the queer community, these names call forth memories, but not just memories. They remind us of the pillars that helped us to build the foundations of our LGBTQ+ souls as we found our way out into the light. Pride Media is the name of the company that has guided the course of these publications for decades. To many of us, these were our only ties to a community beyond ourselves. For many a queer person today, who still feel trapped by family or fear, these remain the lifelines to sanity.

Original Portrait Photography Luke Fontana

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No organization of this magnitude and importance to our culture can function without strong leadership. In January of 2020 Pride Media announced the first woman to take the role of CEO in its history. Diane Anderson-Minshall came on board as the pandemic was just beginning to shut the World down, walking into the offices after a somewhat tumultuous period for the media outlet, and ready to take on whatever lay before her. Why so long to bring a woman to the role? “I think ….how diplomatic can I be? A lot of times women and people of color get called in to clean up the job when white men, who control the world, kind of make a muck of it all. This was not necessarily different here. There definitely was a situation where I came into a staff that was reeling from changes over that last year, morale was low. It was amazing to be given the job offer to be in this role, I mean I care about these brands so much. I think of these as our legacy publication. The Advocate was founded before Stonewall, it was one of the first LGBT magazines I wrote for and that was over 30 years ago, so this was an honor.”

For as long as queer people have been fighting for our recognition we still have our blindspots. “I don’t think that this is necessarily just gay men for whom this is an issue. People like their own people, so when they bring people into companies they bring their own people into those realms, if you are a white gay man you probably know a lot of dynamic, white gay men, You think about bringing those people from your circle into the spaces around you. This is really the history of our whole civil rights movement. Whether you are looking at us going from the gay sexual liberation movement, or the women’s movement, or the LGBT rights movement, we’ve long struggled with making a place for others.” “I got to speak with Ken Jones (the pioneering African American gay activist who worked for decades to desegregate the LGBTQ movement) he said something that has stuck with me all these years, he said ‘when we came in as black men we thought to get a seat at the table somebody was just going to naturally give one up for us. Of course, all these men had worked their asses off

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to build what they had in the gay civil rights movement and they certainly didn’t want to be displaced. What took us generations to learn was that instead of just asking people to move away from the table we should just add more seats to that table.’ I took this to heart. That’s how we have increased our company’s diversity. Now we are over 60% people of color, 40% women and we have trans people in key roles as well. We all bring this wealth of knowledge, but cultural blindness is easy to fall into. I try to think about it, but I mean when I look around at the people I know, I know a lot of dynamic women. So it takes effort to reach beyond yourself. Our job in life and at these magazines is to elevate other voices, it’s critical.”

I mean the other side seems to be trying to eradicate trans youth so they can’t be trans adults, it is very genocidal. These words of wisdom ring truer than ever as we look around at the ridiculous and harmful laws being tossed about in states like Texas, or Florida or Idaho. “We are besieged on all sides. Our biggest fight right now is for our trans youth. At

- history is cyclical. We are on a con the same time, it’s not just trans youth, now states are trying to make it illegal to even say gay or lesbian, they’re banning books! The list of books has so much LGBT subject matter to them. They are working hard to erase us. Just the idea that you could have a librarian go to jail because of the books they check out to children? The other side has figured out If they control the narrative, they can win and they are becoming very good at using media to control the narrative. Honestly, I feel very sad for all of the Americans that are so incredibly ignorant about LGBTQ+ issues.” The point is clear, there is a strong movement trying to criminalize our very existence and a house divided just makes the job that much easier. Minshall believes she has the experience and life lessons to guide these publications through these very tumultuous times. “The one good thing about being older is that I want to go back and apologize to every fifty-year-old I ever interacted with. I always felt like I was the first to do anything, but I realize now that history is cyclical. We are on a continuum. There is a thread and each generation gets to fight back and each generation

generation gets to fight back and each g 24

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ntinuum. There is a thread and each gets to push things forward, but it’s still important to know how far we have come.” Minshall takes her job very seriously, she knows it’s a delicate balance as she leads a portfolio of publications with different voices, but essentially with a common goal. “It’s delightfully exhausting, I haven’t slept more than four hours a day in weeks, but it is such a gift and responsibility. Our magazines seek to empower our readers. I want to challenge them, to entertain them, but to empower them as well. I mean there are obviously tough laws to fight in every state, we can be in stressful surroundings, so I want us to offer something to hold onto in all of our magazines.” The road to this point in her career has not always been an easy one. She says, with a slight laugh, the secret is perseverance and resilience mostly and maybe a little talent though she says she’d put more weight on the first two. “Working in LGBTQ media is not easy, in the 80s and 90s we were subjected to violence, some hate-groups would firebomb offices. LGBTQ media is not a job, it’s a lifestyle, it’s advocacy, it’s where activism

generation gets to push things forward, www.theQueerCentric.com

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and journalism meet. Most of the time when you start you are working for free, so you are doing that and then you have like two jobs to pay for the joy of being a journalist in this field. Most of the time we don’t have benefits, we work until we die. In the end, the work is just part of who we are.” The key to her success is pretty simple she says, “I want to quote Dory and say ‘just keep swimming,’ I mean there are a lot of lofty things I could say about having a mission and about representation, but I also know there is a part of me that has felt I don’t know how

many times in life, ‘that’s it, I’ve failed, my career is over. Is this the highest I’ll ever go, the best I’ll ever do?’ Then you stop and remember to just keep going, just keep pushing forward.” Honestly, it is a lesson we in the queer community should take to heart. As we are bombarded by the hate and fear-mongering messages around us, it can be easy to forget that we are still here. We are still surrounded by a community of people we care about and love. Publications like OUT and The Advocate and all that fall under Pride Media, have been an integral part of our queer existence. With leaders

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like Diane Anderson-Minshall they can continue to connect us, entertain us, and tell our stories. In Diane’s words, “The only time we risk a chance of losing is in apathy, if you don’t care and just assume you don’t have to lift your voice, that is the point where we begin to lose ground.” It is nice to know there are people like Diane AndersonMinshall keeping watch, reminding us to just keep going.

High-Risk Homosexual: A Memoir by Edgar Gomez Released January 11, 2022 Gomez’s witty memoir follows a touching and often hilarious spiralic path to embracing his gay, Latinx identity against a culture of machismo—from his uncle’s cockfighting ring in Nicaragua to cities across the U.S.—and the bath houses, night clubs, and drag queens who helped him redefine pride.

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Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman Release May 3, 2022 A provocative debut of sex and sexuality— “depicting the liquid frequencies of need and power with a thoughtful, savage eye” (Raven Leilani, author of Luster)—as a twentysomething New Yorker pursues a sexual freedom that follows no other lines than her own desire.

Just by Looking At Him by Ryan O’Connell Release May 31, 2022 Elliott appears to be living the dream as a successful TV writer with a doting boyfriend. But behind his Instagram filter of a life, he’s grappling with an intensifying alcohol addiction, he can’t seem to stop cheating on his boyfriend with various sex workers, and his cerebral palsy is making him feel like gay Shrek. After falling down a rabbit hole of sex, drinking, and Hollywood backstabbing, Elliott decides to limp his way towards redemption. But facing your demons is easier said than done.

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Exalted by Anna Dorn Release June 7, 2022 Emily Forrest runs Exalted, the hottest astrology account on Instagram, from her studio apartment in Los Angeles. Burned out on meme-making and listicles, Emily’s passion for astrology is waning despite her gift for deciphering the signs, until she comes across a birth-chart that could potentially change her mind. Beau Rubidoux’s planets are aligned, each paired with its optimum sign—his chart is exalted. She decides that Beau, a well-connected photographer in Echo Park, could potentially be the love of her life and help her fulfill her true destiny: to be a star. Meanwhile in Riverside, Dawn Webster has been dumped once again. At 48, she is forced to return to the same restaurant where she started waiting tables at 18. With no girlfriend, no career, and her only son gone to Hollywood, the once-vivacious Dawn is aimless and alone. Persona nongrata at the local gay bar, she guzzles cheap champagne and checks Exalted to feel seen. She is a fiery Leo, and one day she will get her due. Alternating between Emily and Dawn’s very different points of view, Exalted is a deliciously dark novel that explores desire, the projection of our need for love, and what we’re really searching for when we keep scrolling. Anna Dorn’s signature wit and biting social commentary takes readers across Southern California until Emily and Dawn’s shocking connection is finally revealed.

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BODY SHOCKS: Reviewed by Theresa Strong Bookmark scale:

Edited by Ellen Datlow This compilation of short stories, collected and edited by Ellen Datlow, sells itself as ‘body horror.’ Simply put, it’s meant to give you the same feeling up and down your spine as when you hear about someone going to the doctor and getting an injection directly in their eye. With a total of twenty-nine short stories, there is something here for everyone. The start of the book for me was interesting, with some creative concepts body horror-wise, but nothing that would stick in my brain to be mulled over and picked at like a scab on a sore that you just can’t leave alone. At least it was that way until I read “You Go Where It Takes You.” That was where the book got its hooks into me and I didn’t want to stop reading. Both the body horror aspect of that story, as well as the ending, just got to me. It still does, even two weeks after I read it. It felt much like a rollercoaster ride that in the beginning, starts kind of slow and easy, and then once it took me to the peak of the climb, the ride was out of control and twisted and turned and all I could do was hang in there until the finish. If you like body horror and you can stomach the gore; if you can suspend reality and realize that some stories are okay not being able to happen in real life, then you will most likely enjoy this book. As I said earlier there is something for everyone, whether you are a lightweight horror enthusiast or you really do love gore, you will find it in this collection by Datlow. As a final note, I just want to say that one of the first things that drew me to this book was the artwork, specifically the table of contents. Even in its electronic form, the illustrations are intriguing and interesting. Bookmark scale: Five bookmarks - Read it Today! Three bookmarks - Wait and check it out from the library. One bookmarks - If your to-be-read list is more than 10, pass this one by for one of those.

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As the founder of the binary community in H company in 2015, OUT Ann considers this wi ‘star-makers.’ It’s gre someone into a star, b be practical and keep

Ann has been called pr approach to the world o sense of heart that blee “I honestly pattern my a He was on a school boa he had heard about this whole population where to go to school. He just for a bus to pick these k have breakfast and sho running water, waiting f donations. He did that community that was un whole life. I mean beca

first artist management company to exclusively represent the transgender and nonHollywood, Transgender Talent, Ann Thomas is a force of nature. Establishing the T Magazine named her on their most recent OUT100 list, calling her a “star-maker.” ith some humility, “I was flattered, especially after meeting others in Hollywood called eat, but it’s not my goal. My end goal is just to get work for everybody. I’d love to turn but I take it as my responsibility to keep these people from being homeless. I just try to p people working. I have to keep food on these people’s table.”

ractical and brash in her of Hollywood, but there is a eds through that tough exterior. approach after my grandfather. ard in Washington state and s mountain where there was a e the children were not getting t decided that he would arrange kids up at a trailhead and to owers, as they didn’t have for them. He even had clothing for years, reached out to this nderserved. He was like that his ause of him and his inspiration

I was just moved when the lockdown happened and I literally made an agreement with Annaheim foodbank so I could get in my car and drive to deliver food to my clients who didn’t have easy access at that time. I don’t think that happens a lot in Hollywood, I’d love to think I’m wrong. I tried to help as many people as I heard about.” “I had worked different jobs before this and I took all those skillsets when starting this company. For example, I learned as a consultant that you assume nothing and you ask everything. So when I came to Hollywood, I used those same skills. I started looking at what was going on in the industry, what needed changing and what was the cause of the problem. I am an analyst at heart so I analyzed the hell out of

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Hollywood. I looked at everything related to trans people and entertainment and I reached my own conclusions and pursued working to solve those issues. I remember trying to find an agent, there was hardly anything. The number one rule in business is to know your competitors so I studied. I called every single company that ever repped trans people anywhere in the united states. I was kind of surprised at how few there were. The ones that did definitely used some dated and offensive terminology. They said they repped Drag Queens, transsexuals, Little People, Tattooed people. They were not trans-owned and operated, like us and they were a bit out of touch…..alright, a lot.” Seven years into the business, it wasn’t always easy, “It’s crazy how many people show up and just say, I want to be a model or I want to be an actor. I always ask, what are you doing about it? You have to work for it in Hollywood, you don’t get handed stardom. Even when you know the steps you have to work your ass off. With that said in the beginning we took just about anyone; if you were alive and breathing and trans come on in! Once we learned the standards Hollywood has for actors or musicians or voice-over work, we raised our requirements. Otherwise it’s useless. The number of students graduating with major degrees in some form of entertainment that is useful in Hollywood has started to flood the market, so we started getting in touch with all the universities and acting schools so when they have a trans or non-binary actor going through their programs we are prepared to see their showcases, we want to see them and talk to them. So now there are all these people who are ready to be stars already, they are high quality.” Ann does not think her job is easy by any means. As she surveys the current entertainment field she doesn’t perceive any trans or non-binary A-List actors yet. Even with the success of Laverne Cox and M.J. Rodriguez, or the series Pose, though she celebrates them all. “They are amazing, but I don’t think they qualify as A-list. I think to be A-list you have to be a lead or a major supporting role in three successful feature films that had a theatrical release, it’s

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very numbers-driven. I do think we will see that in our lifetime, within five years I think we will finally have one or two A-List trans actors, but it will take work.” If you dream of filling that role Ann has some advice before you show up at her door. “First step is acting classes in the kind of acting you want to do, whether it’s voice over or film or comedy or drama or musical theater, you have to pursue it with a passion. I know many trans people are thrown out of their homes as young people and they can’t always apply for things like FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because you need your parents’ information and they no longer have a relationship with those people So a lot of people don’t know what resources are available to them. Don’t let things be an excuse, there is always a way, don’t get discouraged. Get yourself a degree if you can, then put together a reel that shows you can actually act. Nobody in Hollywood is making time to come to see you in your show. Put it on camera! Let us be able to dissect your performance, your full range. We can do that if you film yourself. Monologues won’t work, get a scene partner, show me chemistry! If you are in acting classes you have a whole room of scene partners. If you need scripts go to Deadline, they are releasing all the scripts from all the major movies from the past two years. I have like 65

of them myself. I have Dune, I have Spider- Man: No Way Home. Read the trades! Make it your lifeblood. At my company we try to make it easy, we list on our website all the steps to do before you show up at our door. It makes both our lives easier.” Ann may be outspoken with her “tell it like it is” manner, but it is obvious that she does it because she cares about those dreamers that come to her door. Don’t show up looking for her to sugarcoat things or coddle your ego, she is very clear, “As an actor do your job. I mean people come in the door and basically say make me a star. They want me to do all the work for them. I’m not going to take acting classes for you, I’m not going to create your bio for you.” Ann Thomas definitely has the determination and the plan to change the landscape of Hollywood. She’s just looking for a few good people to lead to the goal. For us, the smart money is definitely on Ann Thomas for the win.

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By Kurt Schmierer

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DIRECTOR

Sam Coyle

Sam Coyle is a film director, writer, and producer known for choosing edgy projects. She continues to develop her vision to create unique stories that reflect strong female perspectives with a focus on challenging the norm and highlighting the weird and amazing of the underrepresented. Her work is told with a great sense of empathy and fervor, which brings her films to life through a feeling of naturalism mixed with a subtle, dream-like balance, dipping into the characters’ minds to better understand their perspectives. Originally studying as an actress at the HB Studio in New York City, she accesses this training through deep exploration with the actors and finding complex human behavior and relationships in the writing of her scripts.

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HOST

Yaz Harris

My journey with movement started as a young child when my overly optimistic mother thought I would be good at traditional Persian dancing. When that didn’t go well (and trust me, it really, really didn’t), I switched to sports all the way into my angsty teen years. I went to a dance high school where I thankfully found some rhythm, and my second left foot turned into a fully functioning right foot. I was 16 when I found yoga, a few of my dancer friends and I, insecure and determined to lose some weight off of bodies that were perfect as they were, fumbled through postures in a heated room for no purpose other than to sweat. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself intrigued by the practice, but this time as a way to deepen my relationship with myself and find some love for the flesh bag I had spent so long hating. Soon enough, I was hooked. The studio became my home, my breath became my friend, and for the first time, I was moving for reasons other than aesthetics

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This publication says it is “for the rest of us”, what does that mean? It can mean a lot to all who identify as LGBTQQIP2SAA community. For this short interview we will bring to the community a dating show called “Dating Unlocked”. That’s right, an LGBTQQIP2SAA dating show “for the rest of us”. What is Dating Unlocked? In Dating Unlocked, hopeful romantics from the LGBTQ2S+ community move beyond curated social media and dating profiles to find love in real life and potentially share the key to their hearts. From the traditional to more radical, there are daters from all walks of life who share the same goal - to find a hookup, date, or their one and only. In each episode, our lead dater selects someone they’d like to continue the romance with – by choosing between three prospective dates. To assist these love seekers in creating a connection with the lead dater, each episode involves games, activities, and intimate moments tailored to showcase their personalities and interests. After weighing their options, the lead dater extends a secret invite for a second date. Will the chosen person unlock those fuzzy, flirty feelings and show up or leave them alone behind the door? Let’s hear more about Dating Unlocked from the director, Sam Coyle, and Yaz Harris the hostess of the mostest who does not stumble as the romantics get a chance to learn more about each other. Tell us about the name a second date with the dater. “Dating Unlocked”, what does So, you’re not sure if they will or this tell us about the show? won’t be behind the door - cue drama! Sam - The concept of the show is ‘Unlocking’ a second date For me, there is also a deeper with your chosen match. There meaning of the idea around isa physical door that the main ‘Unlocked’. It’s about unlocking dater unlocks at the end of each and opening up the traditional episode, where the chosen understanding of dating. Our match has the option to choose show takes a

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deep dive into all aspects and interests within the queer dating experience, unlocking and expanding preconceived ideas that everyone is looking for similar things/types of people when dating. Yaz -My initial thought around the show was “finally”. I’m not embarrassed to admit

that I absolutely love reality TV. It is such an entertaining escape from reality. The lack of queer representation here is astounding, so I was quite excited to hear that there would be one created that was about us for us. It was also a breath of fresh air to see the effort put into education alongside entertainment. I really love the little informative tidbits that come up on the screen about terminology and the depth of conversation that was encouraged while filming. Directing a movie, a show or a series one must first come up with a concept or feel for the show, tell us about your creative process that coalesced into “Dating Unlocked”. Sam - I was first drawn to all of the possibilities of the types of dating matches we could explore in the show. It was something I hadn’t seen before, so I was eager to collaborate with Charlie and Patrick (the creators), who already had a wonderful concept. I really wanted to shake up the format and explore areas that are sometimes a bit too taboo for mainstream TV but are so common in the LGBTQ2S+ community. Style and tone are always important in the work I do, and I wanted to bring that to the reality setting as well. We wanted the show to feel

edgy, sexy, pop-y, and safe, so we worked with our team to create that exact environment from the set design and makeup to the wardrobe and shooting style. Yaz- I have quite a bit of experience facilitating, so these interactions felt pretty natural for me to navigate! That said, I’ve never done it with studio lights and full camera crew, so that was definitely interesting and at times challenging. I totally assumed going into it that the types of intimacy (a deep chat, a makeout, a shared dance, etc) would differ not only depending on each person’s comfort but also the potential chemistry or non-chemistry between the pairings. The host of the show carries it quite well and is not phased by the different antics of the person wanting to find a date and those who are contestants. Tell us about your choice? Sam - When auditioning for the host, I knew I didn’t want to go the traditional avenue with someone who’s more formal or speaks in a presentational way - we’ve all seen that before. Dating is vulnerable and dating on TV is even more so; I really wanted someone who is grounded, naturally charismatic, and knowledgeable about the topics we wanted to

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discuss. Yaz ended up being that and so much more. Yaz is a dedicated educator in the queer community and works in both the intimacy and BDSM sectors. They absolutely killed the host role by making the daters feel at ease, asking questions to open them up, making them laugh, and sharing their vast knowledge along the way. Yaz- I was part of preproduction, so I got to see all of the daters’ videos before stepping on set. From what I learned about them, I helped create and design what the second game for each episode would look like based on what I thought the daters on that episode would resonate with. During the show you hear me say something like “as we know, people can be different online than they are in real life”, and wow, that was definitely true! There were some daters that presented one way in their videos and then came to set and totally surprised and even shocked me with how different they were. So I had guesses for who would pick who based on the videos, some of which actually came true, and some of which totally didn’t. Each morning, I thought “wow, let’s see what happens with this mix of personalities today!” There is a broad range of contestants on the show and

they cover the rainbow of the LGBT+ community, tell us what you can about the screening process of those wanting a date and those who are on there to be chosen. How would you define the who, what and why that you are looking for in the contestants?

Do you think there will be another season? Why? Sam - Yes, of course! It’s one of the first of its kind. A fully queer dating show that is sexy, fun and teaches you about others’ interests. What’s not to want more of?

Sam - I watched A LOT of videos for the casting process and there were so many great people that it was really hard to make selections. What it came down to most for me was their personalities; did they seem kind and fun. Also, because we had so many different themes for the episodes I had to focus on matches; did their interests align, did they have similar hobbies or kinks etc. I really wasn’t interested in looks - although we had some really hot daters on the show but representation was at the forefront in the casting process. I wanted the viewer to feel represented in the cast. There are so many different types of humans in our world that don’t always get reflected on our TVs, and the queer community is so inclusive with gender, body types, race, and sexual exploration that I wanted that highlighted in the daters we brought on.

Yaz- Coming back for a second season of the show would be very, very fun. The team was absolutely incredible, the concept was cool, and the outfits I got to wear? Don’t even get me started on the outfits. Border2Border Entertainment and you have been part of making a few shows together. What is that working relationship like and what should we look out for in 2022/2023? Sam - It’s been so fun working with Border2Border. Charlie has shown complete trust in me creatively which allows our projects to flourish, and we are constantly seeing how we can push boundaries and dig deeper into queer narratives. We have season two of a show we did together, Avocado Toast on OUTtv, coming out soon, which has been taking up most of our time, but I am excited to see what we work on next.

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Yaz- Ha! Okay, great segway from the last question. I guess you’re getting me started on the outfits! The stylist Jess Mori wanted to incorporate my own style into the outfits so some of the pieces that you see like the black latex bra and the platform Doc Martens are from my own closet. Jess did an incredible job really nailing the vibe I wanted from just a few chats and me sharing a Pinterest board. I got to try on a bunch of outfits before filming and the ones you see on the show were the ones we chose! Do you have any fun advice for those who are looking for love…besides being future contestants of the show? Sam - Fun advice? Oh gosh, I don’t know. Try the dating app Feeld out, I’ve had some fun on there ;) But also, just try being as authentically you as possible, it’s a waste of time trying to be anything else. Don’t worry about impressing anyone, if they don’t see you for all the wonderful things you already are then it’s not worth it. Yaz- Oh wow, I’m flattered but I am most definitely not an expert. If anything, I’m just

good at making a potentially awkward encounter a little less awkward. Based on my own experiences and work though, I would say the following: - There is really no such thing as a perfect person for you. Consider reframing to something like a good fit for the person that you are right now.

I think it takes some pressure off of the search and gives you more space to problem solve and stay curious. - Be as honest as you can from the get-go about your deal breakers, non-negotiables, and your values and ethics in general.

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- Everyone wants that super romantic and exciting meet-up, so why not initiate one yourself? Next time you see someone who catches your eye, take a breath, remind yourself that you are wonderful, and go for it.

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The Worst Person in the World- REVIEWED By Nathan Box Cinematic Considerations

Plot: “The chronicles of four years in the life of Julie, a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her career path, leading her to take a realistic look at who she really is.” -IMDB Review: You could spend the rest of your life watching movies that attempt, with varying degrees of success, to encapsulate the true nature of romantic relationships. With very few exceptions, when I watch these sorts of films, I long for a greater sense of authenticity. I am over stories where everything is solved in two hours or less. This lover of the medium wants truth.

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In my estimation, The Worst Person in the World honestly assesses modern love with critical and reflective storytelling. In its execution, it delivers a film that captures what it means to be in your late 20s and early 30s. On full display, is the growing pains associated with finding one’s place in the world and a partner for the journey. At the center of this story is Julie, played by Renate Reinsye. We can sum Julie up as lost and wandering. As she flirts with a life in medicine, then therapy, and photography, we meet a character wrestling with how best to spend the rest of her life. Over the next twelve chapters that comprise this film, we will watch as romantic fulfillment replaces professional purpose. If you aren’t meeting this mission statement for your own life, you might find yourself surrounded by people attempting to define it for you. For Julie, they launch assaults with questions about marriage, children, and meaningful work. On more than one occasion, these questions cross the line. From acquaintances and parents, these questions are easily dismissed. From her partner, Aksel, played by Anders Danielsen, the questions send shock waves.

Cracking under the weight of expectation, time stands still for Julie. Seeking escape and safety, Julie runs into the arms of a man who appears to be a perfect match on paper. In Eivind, played by Herbert Nordrum, she finds safety in something new. What began as an evening of mere flirtation is given space to grow and blossom. For a while, this works. Every relationship experiences a honeymoon phase, but they all require work. If a relationship is meant to last, both parties must do the work. Julie, still wandering and lost, is simply not ready to do the work until she discovers some sense of purpose. Once again, she flees, but this leads to an honest breakthrough.

ended badly. Just like Julie, I was forced to see the truth and the harm I did to a person I once loved. The Worst Person in the World is profound. What it has to say about relationships, self-discovery, and purpose is nuanced, balanced, and real. I found so much of myself in so many of these scenes. It presented lessons I am still attempting to unpack. For this opportunity, I can’t recommend it enough. Be good to each other, Nathan

When her orbit once again discovers the pull of Aksel, I shuddered at the damage and trauma that must have remained unaddressed. Over a series of conversations, Julie is forced to confront the pain she caused by leaving. Aksel is dying and doesn’t have a lot of time to live. With finite time confronting him, he shares wisdom that can only be known when staring death in the face. I found these final moments spent between Julie and Aksel to be revelatory. They made me think back on those relationships in my life that Showtime 5/5 - Means this is a show to watch!

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As an American, I oftentimes feel spoiled. Despite everything in the news, I have very little to worry about. I have a roof over my head, enough food to overeat at every meal, and friends who care about me despite my many, many, many flaws, but I haven’t always felt so secure. Before March 2015, I had a lot weighing on me. Up to that point I was not only being dishonest with my family and friends, but I was also trying my darnedest to lie to myself (and failing miserably.) Most people in the LGBTQ+ have a coming-out sob story, and I’m no different. From losing friends to being ostracised by family and asked to move out, then going to a new city and narrowly avoiding homelessness by sleeping on the couch

of two strangers, and of course, having your first relationship only last 6 months yet leaving an enormous impact on you. You have either heard of or lived through this before. It’s a tale as old as time. Every time a heterosexual person asks me about the whole ordeal, I’m reminded of how traumatic the coming-out experience can be. When regaling them with the tale, there’s always a “whoa” or a “wow” and usually a “that must have been difficult” and a “you turned out kind of okay despite all that.” Having repeated the story a few times, I have been forced to consider if there’s a heterosexual parallel to the coming-out experience. How many kids have ever needed to reveal their straightness to their parents? Times are

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changing and adults are more progressive than ever, but most parents still assume that their child is the gender they see them as and that their kid will someday be attracted to people with the alternative set of genitalia. The closest to coming out I can think of for heterosexuals is holding off on telling people about a baby or an engagement. Even then, both of those things are almost universally considered positive. Whereas coming out as LGBTQ+ can elicit a different response depending on where you live, and chances are the response will be mixed or negative. Going through the queer experience can build a character that other situations can’t.

Even if it does not involve telling others, part of what being queer means to me is seeking to discover yourself. Sometimes that can mean you don’t exactly qualify as “normal”, but taking pride in not fitting in is a very queer principle and I feel content joining that club. Another part of what being queer means to me is letting that odd, quirky part of yourself impact others. Whether that be through art, conversation, or even your relationship with your significant other(s). Not letting judgment and doubt attempt to filter who you are on the inside from showing on the outside is what helped me to understand what being queer truly means.

Composers, singers and musicians

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changing the world one song at a time!

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Featuring

Kristen Ford

By Jonathan Shufield How do you approach creating your music? I think variety is the spice of life. Sometimes my songs come out of jams or loops I store on my loop pedal, other times it’s a phrase or lyric that I build a story on, oftentimes I will labor on a song for a few hours, and when I’m good and frustrated give up and write “the real one” in about 15 minutes. I do adore the recording process and trust my producers, I like to take a raw idea and edit and edit and edit until whatever happens, happens and you know it’s right.

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How has your music changed or been influenced by the pandemic? Has it? I had been playing 100-220 shows a year for over a decade when the pandemic hit. I was really ready for a break, and taking the time to think about, why am I playing music? Is it for the size of the crowds at the live show? Is it for the number of streams you see? Covid was (is?) terrible but it was a great reminder that I will continue to play music and love creating even if its for an audience of zero. Every Thursday I did a live stream for the first year, and I got great feedback from fans, but gosh was it a high the first show back, sold out Marathon Music works, playing for a crowd again, getting applause, and real-time feedback. I’ll never take it for granted again. I think I’ve learned to pace myself a lot better now, 2 years post pandemic.

Do you have new music on the horizon? Oh yes! I released my 5th full length album and first record on Vinyl “War in the Living Room” a few months ago. I have some great tunes that wouldn’t fit the 40 minutes of vinyl I’ll be releasing as singles, and I just dropped two, 2 song EPs on 2/22/2022 called ll and 2. Stream em up! Blu Magic Music Video from my band The Blu Janes is dropping soon!

Gosh that’s a hard question. If I have to pick one, I’d say “grey sky blue” from War in the Living Room. It slaps. Finish this sentence “Life without music is…” a barren wasteland of silence

What are some essentials on your playlist currently? I am absolutely obsessed with the song “on my knees” by rufus du sol. I go through phases where I want to hear the same song over and over and over and I just steep in it. What is your favorite song that you have recorded so far?

Featuring

Kristen Ford

What excites you about making music?

inspires something different, I love the craft. I’m taking piano lessons at the moment which is humbling but super dope.

It’s a rabbit hole I can always fall deeper into. I play a variety of instruments and I love how A musician to watch (other approaching a song on acoustic than yourself of course) guitar is different than electric guitar or working with a beat first Charley Crockett. He makes new country music that’s better than the oldies. Man must have a time machine or something. Live performance vs. creating in the studio

and playing live is tons of fun, I feel so comfortable. If you could make one wish for your listeners this year, what would it be? They find something to enjoy in the music. Seeing themselves in the lyrics, finding a hook get stuck in their heads, grooving to it. If somebody makes-out to my album, that would also be cute to me.

Different beasts. I find studio a bit of a stressful experience,

The QueerCentric is excited to premier the new video for Blu Magic by The Blue Janes featuring Kristen Ford!

Issue 3 Vol 1 - Diane Anderson-Minshall: Taking the Reigns of Our Legacy