by bill biss
Gays in the Military Vincent Cianni Encompassing over fifty portraits and accompa- nying interviews, documentary photographer Vincent Cianni takes a vivid and compelling look at gay and lesbian U. S. military veterans and active-duty service members. Cianni’s objective was to present how the military’s ban on openly gay and lesbian service personnel, which was lifted over two years ago, caused an impact on careers in the armed forces and how their lives were affected afterwards. Gays in the Military is an amazing testament to the reality of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and truly heroic. Available now.
The Todd Glass Situation Todd Glass If you’ve caught stand-up comedian Todd Glass in action, whether on television or in a live perfor- mance, it’s a given that he is hysterically funny. In his memoir, Glass shares his life story and career in comedy so far with his usual hilariously sarcastic sense of humor. He also presents a personal jour- ney of coming to terms with being gay and why he chose to hide his sexuality up to a point. Poignant in reflection with an ability to laugh at his own predicaments, Glass’s memoir is one for the funny bone and the heart. Available June 3
The Glass Closet: Why Coming Out is Good for Business John Browne One very crucial hurdle for LGBT individuals is the ability and choice to be “out” in the work- place. Author John Browne truly believes that self-disclosure is better for the individual and ultimately better for employees and businesses that support them. Browne states his case from his own personal experience, other gays and lesbians in business and investigative research to show that despite the risks, the ultimate rewards of be- ing yourself is best. Available June 17.
Whoopi Goldberg Presents: Moms Mabley In the world of entertainment, there is no one else quite like comedian and lesbian Jackie “Moms” Mabley. Hilarious on many subjects, it’s also important that she brought forth her strong beliefs on woman’s equality and civil rights with comedy and always ensuing laughs. Her influ- ence as a female and black comic is confirmed with testimonials from Eddie Murphy, Joan Riv- ers, Bill Cosby and more as Whoopie Goldberg’s directorial debut pays Mabley all the adoring credit she deserves. Available now.
Breaking Through The very real and sometimes devastating struggle for acceptance in the political arena for those who are gay or lesbian is candidly cap- tured in Breaking Through. Directed by Cindy L. Abel, openly gay and lesbian public figures are interviewed and are “firsts” in their respective positions in history as LGBT elected officials. They discuss their challenges in the political arena and share their life stories of triumph over the obstacles in their path. Breaking Through is a ground-breaking and inspiring documentary. Available June 3.
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wrapped within the imagination and vivid storytelling of writer/director Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a captivating film with a showcase role for Ralph Fiennes at its heart. Fiennes as “Gustave” is a concierge and mentor to a young protégé at the hotel. Spanning three decades in the telling, the film is filled with many comedic scenes as well as a good ol’ fashioned murder mystery. A brilliant array of supporting actors delicately adds to this enjoyably zany comedic gem. Available June 17.
Ghosts of Download Blondie Blondie takes on an exciting flourish of world beats that is perfectly in sync with their rock, dance and punk attitude on Ghosts of Download. Front man Chris Stein’s production creates richly full grooves on several songs while the sass and sensibility of Debbie Harry’s timeless vocals always dominate the musical energy. From the punk pulse of “Win- ter” to the laid-back love vibe of “I Wanna Drag You Around” there is plenty offered in the 13 songs that conjures up the essence of pure Blondie. Available now.
Meteorites Echo and the Bunnymen The classic voice of New Wave music, Ian McCull- och returns in top form for Echo and the Bunny- men’s twelfth album Meteorites. The new material harkens back to their very best and slams into the slick darkness of emotions with vibrant clarity. Brilliant and inventive guitar work by Will Sergeant clearly brings out the passion of McCulloch’s very personal set of songs. This introspective quality and finely layered instrumentation glides seam- lessly together on Meteorites. Available June 3.
Stockholm Chrissie Hynde The inimitable rocker Chrissie Hynde lets the grip loose on The Pretenders for her first solo album Stockholm. Hynde is the first to say it’s still a col- laborative effort in regards to the production and song writing with Björn Yttling [Peter, Björn and John}. Yet, her distinctive voice and attitude leads the way. Eleven songs spark the set with Hynde applying shade to the English class system in “Dark Sunglasses” or just enjoying the love of man’s best friend in the warm-edged “You or No One.” Available June 10.
READ THIS: WATCH THIS: HEAR THIS: JUNE 2014 | RAGE monthly 25
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