Bay Area Reporter
50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1990's 'Companion,' Shipped
Despite the smaller independent film "Parting Glances" having preceded it by a few years, "Longtime Companion" hit strong with a wide national release, becoming essentially the first largely-viewed AIDS-themed narrative film of the decade.
Q-Music: Greetings from Vinylville: Barbra Pleases, Morly Music
With the vinyl LP arrival of her new album "Release Me 2," the compilation follow-up to 2012's "Release Me," comprised of previously unreleased material, Barbra Streisand has entered hipster territory.
Greek Love in the Ranks: The Sacred Band's 300 Lover-Warriors
Classics scholar James Romm has produced a study with the pace of a summer movie. The subject: A mass grave of Theban soldiers carefully and deliberately buried in pairs. Make that couples.
The Lost Leonardo: Art World Discoveries and Deceptions
Leonardo da Vinci, Renaissance genius, takes a back seat to his artistic creation in the spellbinding new documentary about the queer journey of the painting "Salvator Mundi."
Sealed with a Kiss: Leslie Cohen Discusses Lesbian Bars and Becoming 'Art'
The historic art world, opening a historic women's bar, and more events are included in "The Audacity of a Kiss: Love, Art and Liberation," Leslie Cohen's honest and fascinating memoir.
Dance: Interrupted — Amy Seiwert and Ben Needham-Wood Works in Progress
Like many art forms, dance concerts have been put on hold until recently. Amy Seiwert and ODC Theater present their 11th Sketch series of works in progress, August 27-29 at ODC Theater and online.
50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1989, Angels & AIDS
In addition to the disastrous earthquake (see this week's News edition of this series), 1989 was full of AIDS: Protests, drug treatments, and the staged reading of a new play in progress about AIDS by Tony Kushner titled "Angels in America."
Smart TV: The Lavender Tube on 'Hacks,' 'Days of Our Lives,' 'Jeopardy,' & Russian Olympics Hatred
In "Hacks," Jean Smart plays a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian. Also, "Days of Our Lives" changes, "Jeopardy" host shuffle and Russian bile over LGBT Olympians.
Kings' Quarter (Century): Drag King Contest Celebrates 25 Years
The San Francisco Drag King Contest will commemorate its 25th year on August 22 with a rollicking show at Oasis. Drag king legend Fudgie Frottage will co-host the evening along with former presidential candidate, the fabulous Joan Jett Blakk.
'Pray Away' Documentary Investigates 'Ex-gay' Scam
The Ryan Murphy-co-produced documentary examines the history of the "ex-gay" movement, from mass prayer sessions to current interviews with those who attest that (no surprise) praying away homosexuality doesn't work.
50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1988's Joy Amid Loss
Can one page sum up an entire year? The late 1980s, while still in full-on Reaganomics hell, offered bits of resistance and joy amid the continuing oppression, epidemic deaths, and discrimination.
Q-Music: Family Jewels: Songwriting Siblings, Sons and Daughters
Sons and daughters, sisters and brothers of prominent musicians have long shared their own talents. Our music columnist offers a few new bests.
Literary Loss: Anthony Veasna So's 'Afterparties: Stories'
Published after his death, Anthony Veasna So's story collection includes characters haunted by memories of genocide, especially the older parents, aunties, and uncles who experienced trauma before escaping Cambodia.
Udo Kier on His 50-Year Career and 'Swan Song'
At age 76, gay German actor Udo Kier is having the time of his life; he's just played the role of a lifetime. Kier stars in Todd Stephens' acclaimed new film "Swan Song" as gay retired hairdresser.
Review: Truths and Consequences in P.J. Vernon's 'Bath Haus'
In P.J. Vernon's dynamic and exhilarating follow-up to his 2018 debut, he explores what happens when a cheating boyfriend meets a sexy, vendetta-driven psycho at a bathhouse.
Watch Marc Huestis' 1982 Film 'Whatever Happened to Susan Jane?' Free Online
Marc Heustis' eccentric and campy film 'Whatever Happened to Susan Jane' embodies the early 1980s of New Wave, drag queens and wild characters through the misadventures of runaway Virginia housewife. Watch it free online.
Todd Stephens' 'Swan Song' of Joy
Todd Stephens, the writer-director of the acclaimed new film "Swan Song," discusses the culmination of his "Sandusky trilogy," working with actor Udo Kier, and returning to his hometown to film the unique gay "comeback" tale of a retired hairdresser.
Sportertainment: The Lavender Tube on LGBT Athletes & Allies at the Tokyo Olympics
After a year's delay, and continued health worries and protests, Tokyo's Olympic Games have begun, with the largest ever number of out LGBT competitors.
Phatima Rude Memorial to Be Held Aug. 1 at Public Works
Known for outrageous and unique performances, the late local drag performer Phatima Rude (Leigh Pankonin) will be remembered at a gathering on August 1 at Public Works.
Irish Wise: Graham Norton's Novel, 'Home Stretch'
Norton's new gay-inclusive novel is an unexpectedly insightful, character-driven delight that is as binge-worthy and compelling as any trending Netflix series.