International Week 2009 – Pre-Order your DVD Today!!

International Week 2009 - Pre-Order Your DVD Today

Come join us as our cameras head to Wilmington, Deleware to film International Week 2009 at the Deleware Theatre Company. If you saw the DVD last year, you saw a fantastic competition at the gorgeous Center Stage Theatre in Baltimore, MD. Well for 2009, we head northeast to Deleware to film this year’s pageant. We have the pre-order sales up on our website where you can save up to $10.00 from the original price if you pre-order today. Come say hi as I will be filming this year. Missed last year’s DVD, I will have a couple availble to sell at rock bottom prices (hehe). Good luck to all of the contestants this year – it should be another fun year for the system. I will see you all tomorrow.

Thomas

Clubland’s Wonder Woman – Kristine W

We have been given permission to publish an exclusive interview by Scott David with the Dancing Diva and Clubland’s Wonder Woman Kristine W. Gay clubbers all around the world know of her high energy music and soulful vocals as she has produced 13 No. 1 Billboard Dance hits – with her first hit single being “Feel What You Want.” While preparing for performances at an HRC Gala Dinner and the annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser Broadway Bares in NYC, Kristine W sat down with us for a few minutes to talk about her upcoming new album, “The Power of Music.”

You have become one of the top 5 Billboard dance artists along with Madonna, Janet Jackson, Donna Summer, and Mariah Carey (and she’s tied at No. 2 with Beyoncé for hits since 2000). Like those artists, you have a strong gay fan base. When did you first become aware of your gay following?

Kristine W – I first found out I was a gay icon when I flew from the UK to NYC and performed for a party being DJ’d by Junior Vasquez. I walked onto the stage in front of a few thousand hot, shirtless men and thought, “Wow, I have died and gone to heaven.” Then I quickly figured out none of them were interested in anything other than my voice (Kristine laughs)!! I have been in love with gay audiences ever since.

In addition to 14 new songs, the new CD features your 4 most recent No. 1’s, “Walk Away,” “Never,” “Love is the Look,” and your remake of Diana Ross’ classic “The Boss.” Since you write many of your songs, including winning an ASCAP Award for co-writing “One More Try,” how did you decide to take on Miss Ross and make “The Boss” and “I’m Coming Out”(a bonus iTunes track) your own?

Kristine W – My idols growing up in Washington state were Donna Summer and Diana Ross. I just loved them and was always singing their songs and studying them. When I decided to start my own record label in January of 2008, I knew “The Boss” would be the perfect first single to put out. I was taking control – being “The Boss” of my music, sink or swim – and I put all I had into that single and those remixes. It was so well received globally that I was really a bit taken back by it.

In addition to the singles, you independently released “The Power of Music,” and it is already a Top Five Dance Album on iTunes in its first week out. What were the biggest challenges releasing the singles and CD on your own label and being both businesswoman and artist?

Kristine W – The big challenges are always the same: time and money.

Like Diana, there are quite a few Kristine W drag queens. Who are your favorite drag performers?

Kristine W – That is why I featured Crystal Woods in “The Boss” video. I just wanted to pay homage to Crystal and those like her that bring so much joy to us all with their performances. I have so many favorites and there are so many talented drag queens across the US that the list would be a mile long. I have so much respect for drag queens because it is so demanding if you are a true artisan. RuPaul is the godfather, of course, and always amazes me, Chad Michaels (Cher) in San Diego, who is a friend and confidant, Crystal Wood (Miss Ross) in Las Vegas, and Laritza Dumont in Orlando. I make a point to watch them when I can because they inspire me.

Speaking of videos, the video for “Walk Away” is pretty hot, including the hunky male model. Did you cast him personally or did famed gay director/photographer Mike Ruiz find him?

Kristine W – Mike Ruiz found Matus Valent, and yes, he is a gorgeous man. We actually still keep in touch.

How do you like making videos compared to recording?

Kristine W – Videos are very demanding and time consuming. Honestly, I don’t really enjoy doing them but they are a necessity and a time capsule for the music. They are a lot more work then anyone knows and usually very unglamorous.

Did fighting leukemia earlier this decade and having friends with HIV/AIDS impact the themes of your songs and the many causes you support and actively promote in your blog?

Kristine W – Having battled leukemia for a few years, I understand what people with AIDS go through, waiting for your blood counts, hoping that you will stay healthy and not go backwards. AIDS and diseases of all kinds are an ongoing uphill battle for humanity. I am always humbled by how fragile life really is, and yes, it is always a part of my music.

Your new single, “Be Alright,” is an uplifting summer song, and the overall album is a great antidote to the current state of the world. How did “Be Alright” come about?

Kristine W – I actually wrote “Be Alright” four years ago with my guitar player Tommy Cameron while I was getting better and trying to stay in remission from leukemia. My grandfather died a few months after I got out of the hospital, and I was able to see him and spend time with him before he passed. I wrote the first verse after his funeral, and I was really missing him. He was failing while I was at the UCLA hospital. A huge fear of mine was that he would die before I got back to Washington to see him. I never told him I had leukemia and told everyone else not say anything. He was too frail and that would have put him over the edge. I would call him from UCLA and tell him I was fine, and I was actually terrified. That is the only time I ever lied to him. We were very tight, and I always wondered if he knew but didn’t say anything.

“Be Alright” features dance mixes by Hex Hextor, Offer Nissim, the Perry Twins, and more, including exclusive remixes on Masterbeat. Your songs are remixed by the top dance producers and DJ’s in the business. Are you ever surprised by the results?

Kristine W – I am always surprised by remixes, and that is why I love them so much. It is so fun to write a song and then hand it over to someone and have them bring their own interpretation. I am currently in love with the Perry Twins’ “Los Angels and Demons” mix of “Be Alright.” That mix is so full of emotion and takes me on a journey.

Your landmark show at the Hilton Las Vegas led to several “Entertainer of the Year” awards and even “Kristine W Day” on June 28th in Nevada. You just performed again in Vegas at the Miss USA pageant. As a former winner of the Miss America talent competition, did performing during this year’s Miss USA show bring back any crazy beauty queen memories?

Kristine W – Oh, yes!! I immediately remembered how cutthroat the pageant world is but that is life. It is a good but painful education.

What do your two young kids think when they see Mom turn into the larger than life performer you become on stage – singing live, playing instruments, wearing outrageous costumes, surrounded by a team of dancers?

Kristine W – They always ask when I am going to turn into Kristine W again. I am like Wonder Woman to them. One minute I am driving them to school, the next minute I am driving an audience crazy. I love it!! I am a true Gemini.

Click here for tour dates and more information.We will get one of her songs up on Planet Q TV. Make sure you head over and check it out in the music section.

Photo Credits: Picture 1 with Band (Hubert Pouches). Portrait Picture 2 (Korby Banner)

Thomas

It’s Not About The Fucking Cakes!

I saw our blog title that I am using for this article on a UK blog (great title I thought) and it got me thinking about the current debate going on in this country about gay marriage. At one of my straight functions I was filming, a young lady asked me about gay marriage and why it was so important to us (she clocked me as being gay – don’t ask me how!!). Anyway, I was telling her how my years of being together with my partner was great and wonderful but I wasn’t in the rush to have the state validate it. She asked why not?

I thought for a couple of moments and said it wasn’t about the idea of getting married that has many gay people in arms (in my opinion) – it is the right to get married that was so important. Its a civil right that straight people take for granted and its the perks of marriage (if you can call them that) that straight people are allow to partake in. As gay people, we just want to have that option and not seem like second class citizens who have to be treated as “civil unions.” No double taxation on health insurance, proper medical visitation rights, estate planning and death benefits – things that married heterosexual couples can do – we want to be able to do. Our solutions right now are few in far between, settle for “civil unions” if a state has it or pay an attorney to draw up a dozen different legal documents to protect our legal interest.

I am so happy that New Hampshire said yes to gay marriage. That makes 6 states now who have gay marriage (although Maine wants to have the voters decide). I don’t think our civil rights should be allowed to be determined by the majority. If that was the case – we would still have slavery, women would not be able to vote, all American Indians would live in one parcel of land, etc..etc..you get the point. Basic civil rights should be guaranteed, not determine by the popular will of the people. California clearly showed that – by 4% – the rights of thousands have been eliminated. To me, that seems very un-American.

Thomas

Click Click Expose has a new BLOG

The Click Click Expose blog has undergone a new change and we have switched host.  If you visit our website, you will automatically be directed to the new blog:  clickclickexposeonline.blogspot.com.  While I will keep the old blog up, the new one will be the primarily blog and it is now easier to navigate back to our website from the blog and vica versa. Let us know if you like the new look.

IMPORTANT: If you want to see any of the articles of the old blog, you will need to continue to visit this blog.  The address is: ccevideo.wordpress.com.

Thomas

Wow…what a night at J’s Bar

So much talent up there in Ft. Lauderdale – if you did not come in person or did not see the live broadcast, you missed a night of some fabulous live singing – as we broadcasted live the finals of Karaoke Idol at J’s Bar in Ft. Lauderdale.  I really enjoyed myself, the staff was great and the contestants were absolutely wonderful.  Since I didn’t know what to expect tonight, our broadcast was strictly a live event – I did not drop it to tape but the bar wants to do it again in 3 months and we will be there. 

A special shout out to Manager Christina and Shannon for all of their help tonight, to my pageant friends who came by to say hi (Kennedy you never cease to amaze me!!), to the emcee (sorry..its late and for the life of me I can’t remember your name) and to the judges who had a tough time tonight choosing a winner – you guys and gals were great.  The crowd was super friendly and I definitely see why J’s Bar is a great place to have a drink, sit down with friends and have fun.  We hope to do more things with them in the future.

Time to call it night but I had to get on here and tell everyone how wonderful the night was.  Congrats to everyone who participated and congrats to the winner.  Until next time…sing your heart out….

Thomas

Karaoke Idol – Live Tonight on Click Click Expose TV

Come join us as we broadcast live from J’s Bar in Ft. Lauderdale for the finals of Karaoke Idol.  12 finalist will hit the stage to give it their all (or look incredibly foolish) as they sing and belt their way to your favorite or not so favorite songs.  It should be a lot of fun.  We will be broadcasting live and the chat room will be open so you can weigh in on who is your favorite.  Come join the fun…we will see you there.

Karaoke Idol Live Tonight on Click Click Expose TV

Thomas

Tonight – June 3 – on Click Click Expose TV

Tonight on Click Click Expose TV – we merge politics and religion together in the fight for gay civil rights.  At 8pm EST, we present the Town Hall Meeting – Celebration of Faith and Diversity – sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Florida.  Filmed at the UCC Church in St. Petersburg, Florida – the town hall meeting brings together some of nation’s top religious activists in the fight for gay and lesbian civil rights:

Harry Knox – Human Rights Campaign, Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite – President of the Chicago Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre, Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson and Rev. Manish Mishra.  For all of you non-church people – don’t let all of the “rev” fool you.  This will be a fantastic and engaging discussion on how religion, faith and gay and lesbian civil rights go hand and hand.

Join us at 8pm EST on Click Click Expose TV.  Click on the “Live Internet TV” button to watch.  Enjoy and happy watching!!

Thomas

Where a White Ribbon!!

Levi (the very first Fortune 500 company to extend health benefits to “domestic partners of unmarried employees) is on the forefront again as they take a stand on gay marriage.  They have adopted the “White Knot Program” which encourages people to demonstrate their solidarity with marriage equality by wearing a small piece of knotted white ribbon on their clothing.  New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg and comedienne Kathy Griffin have already publicly supported the move and many more have followed.

Levi’s hope in this new campaign is to spread a symbol of “love” versus fear in the current climate and debate on gay marriage and they are to be applauded for this effort.  No doubt, in some of the more conservative states – Levi will take a hit in the pocket book but the goal of universal marriage rights for all is an admiral one to take and a bold move by this company.  So take a minute a put a white ribbon on your clothing, your car anyway you can to show your support.

Marriage Equality - coming to state near you (Hopefully)

Thomas

British Film wins Miami Film Award

 

"Shank" - Written by Christian Martin, Directed by Simon Pearce

I don’t often write about what is going on in the LGBT film world (why that is, I don’t know) but hey I guess its time to start.  What better way to start than in our own backyard of Miami, Florida.  The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival just wrapped up another successful year a couple of weeks ago with actors, filmmakers and fans joining in the parade of hopping all over the city to watch LGBT films.  One film I wanted to highlight today is directed by 21 year old newcomer Simon Pearce called “Shank.”  It won the Roger Walker-Dack Award for Emerging Talents in Queer Cinema.  Who says you have to be an old geriatric case to make a fresh and compelling film.

 

Shank follows the life of a teenage gang member who hides his secret sex life from his fellow gang members, hustles for sex and deals drugs to get by (okay…maybe that part is not so original).  Cal (played by Wayne Virgo) rescues a university student who is in the middle of a queer-bashing and their worlds collide as they fall in love together.  On the surface, it seems like the same shelp we see in gay film but the film has an unique treatment of gang culture coupled with unrelenting drama that fuses sex, violence and fast pace action in an attempt to turn upside down the usual coming-out story that we have all seen before.

"Shank" premieres at Miami Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

 

 

The film has made a splash in the gay festival circuit and is due for a theatrical release in September of this year.  Writer, Producer Christian Martin told the Miami Press…”It was a risk working with a young, inexperienced cast and first-time director but this award, along with the international audience support for the film validates the courage of our conviction to push the gay genre in a new direction….”

Expect in on DVD by winter courtesy of gay friendly distributor TLA Releasing.  

 

And there you have it, my first attempt at talking about queer cinema.   More to follow…..

Star Trek Parody

I gave props to my favorite sci-fi movie Star Wars a few days ago (that was the funny clip of the death star blowing up the Enterprise) – so I thought I would find a funny clip of Star Trek.  If you haven’t seen the new Star Trek movie, go see it.  It was much better than I expected.  To me the franchise had become stale and boring over the years but this new image of the original characters was great.  JJ Abrams did a great job.  So enjoy this humorous clip from BarelyDigital.com as they poke fun at the original Star Trek.  MAKE SURE YOU CATCH THE END OF THE SPOOF.  THE IMPERSONATION OF GAY SULU IS GREAT.  Enjoy!!

Miss California – How pointless your views are!!

I was debating whether or not to chime in on the whole Miss California debacle.  Instead of debating on how good or bad she is as a person, I wanted to weigh in on how she is being the poster child for how stupid the arguments are against gay marriage.  While she has not come out and told the public per se why “she feels gay marriage is wrong,” she is really showing how pointless the arguments are against basic civil rights, the right to equal protection, the right to equal estate planning, the right to equal hospital visitation and end of life care, etc etc.  So I was trying to figure out the best way to show how her views are pointless.

Enter Lisa Nova – comedian, writer and You Tube Guru.  Adrian saw the video below on You Tube and told me I had to get it on our blog.  Lisa hits it on the head perfectly – by doing a parody of Miss California’s press conference she held.  Listen carefully and you will see why I think Miss California is actually helping us with gay marriage rather than huring us.  Lisa – great job with the video and everybody enjoy!!

Gays are in the gaming world – WTF Bioware!!

It’s 2009 and the gaming industry is still having a hard time dealing with the concept of gay and lesbian characters in their games.  While the industry can’t possible be blinded to the fact that gay folks are gamers and we have contributed to the success of the industry; publishers, designers and others involved have chosen for decades to sweep us under the carpet.

This notion could not have been brought more to life than the recent conundrum that occurred on the Bioware’s game forum for the new highly anticipated MMO on Star Wars: The Old Republic.    Eurogamer reported that a forum mod on BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic banned users from discussing potential gay character relationships in the upcoming game.  Not only did they ban users from discussing potential gay characters, they closed the threads, banned any use of the word gay, homosexual, lesbian and basically censored the forums.

The community manager went so far as to write (and I quote):  “As I have stated before, these are terms that do not exist in Star Wars. Thread closed.”

Forum User Elikal's Avatar

Now to Bioware’s credit, they have since reopened the thread which has turned into (as of today) over 107 pages on the topic.  (Click here to get to thread) The person who started this thread (Forum user Eikal) is quoted in the forum as saying: “…..I am grateful Bioware has opened the thread again, and allowed the words gay and lesbian now. Though I can’t hide that I am quite disappointed. Bioware games had always been about complex ethical questions, about vast, diverse realities, and as such I had never expect Bioware of all companies to be so… narrow in this question. I was a Bioware fan so long… it was really a shock to see the thread closed. Thanks to all the supporters, and even those who in civilized words disagreed, since debating things is what makes a modern society work…”

If you guys remember way way back some time ago, I talked about a gay character in the Star Wars Old Republic named Juhani.  There are others like Goran Beviin (Human male Mandalorian commando, bounty hunter and a contract killer active under the New Republic – around 24ABY – 24 years after the battle of Yavin) and his partner who was a blacksmith named Medrit Vasur.  So yes they are there – not many, not openly obvious – but they exist.

Bioware – you just can’t pretend that the whole “gay thing” doesn’t exist and I think that community manager owes the gay gaming community an apology.    It may be easier to just ignore such things and pretend they don’t exist.  I would challenge everyone to simply assume that the Star Wars universe is rich in diversity and characters and it would just make sense that in that vast universe where all kinds of characters exist, there are some that are gay.  I like Bioware as a company – they make fantastic games but this whole censorship episode bothers me and it should bother you too.

Thomas

Now Playing on Click Click Expose TV – 4pm – May 9 – EOY 2008

Now Playing on Click Click Expose as of May 9th at 4pm EST – Entertainer of the Year, FI 2008 featuring the amazing talents of Nina West.  Enjoy this surprise performance.

Thomas

Death Star destroys the Enterprise

If you have followed this blog for any length of time – you know that I (Thomas) am a science fiction nerd.  Love my sci-fi stuff – so I had to share this clip I found of the Death Star destroying the Enterprise over San Francisco.  I am more of a Star Wars fan than Star Trek (Give me an Executor class star destroyer any day over any version of the Enterprise) but I thought this clip was funny.  Check out the storm troopers at the end of the clip after the Enterprise has been destroyed.

Thomas

The Big Fat Gay Collab

Theres a disgusting amount of hate on the internet (especially on youtube!) directed at minority groups
(especially the LGBT community) so You Tube user Stevebeebishop was inspired to organize this collab video. He never set out to “change the world,” in his own words, he “simply wanted to make something light hearted to put a smile on the face of any hate-victim watching. you’re not alone! stevie loves you “

This is a great video to watch.  Enoy!