The Amber Live! Interviews

What happens when drag queens fly? Find out this week when Amber sits down with Jay Claypool, also known as Dixie Crystal! Jay spent many years in the Air Force, and Amber finds out all about that, Jay's drag career, and the famous politicians Jay served. Jay Claypool is a 20+ year Air Force veteran, and freshman author originally from Augusta, Georgia. As a young drag performer, and frequent night club fixture, Jay strives to be a source of inspiration to anyone with wild ambition who also may be doubting their sexuality, individuality, and artistic freedom, specifically within the ranks of the military. Jay currently lives in Washington, DC with his Navy veteran husband, Douglas.

Another week, another show! This time it's with the incredible Stella D'oro who can call Amber YOUNG KID! You'll have to watch the show to find out Stella's age, but she is still performing every week in NYC! She is also working harder than ever to bring awareness to HIV vaccine trials throughout the country. Stella is one amazing gal, who has had an incredible life. PLUS, special guest host Rocco Zamboni, Boog 'n Shoog, News Briefs, and all the craziness that happens each week on Amber Live!

It's happened again. Someone threatened a Drag Story Hour, this time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Just a few weeks ago, James Lantz was on Amber Live talking about the problem of suicide in the Lancaster transgender community, and now we can see the proof that the transgender community is under attack there. Amie Vanité joins Amber to share her life and her experiences with this incident that shut down her story hour.

Amber loves a great show, and this week's guest puts on an amazing show! Robert Anthony Jones (RAJ) has acted on stages all over the country, and has even been in a show with our own Rocco Zamboni! RAJ has lots of great stories, and he and Amber swap stories of the stage! You won't want to miss it!

RAJ was proudly born and raised on Long Island, New York! Just a stone's throw away from the city, his parents took him to see Broadway shows all the time. He first fell in love with theatre when he was cast as a workhouse orphan in Oliver at school. I didn't get Oliver, because according to the producer I was too "healthy looking."

RAJ graduated from Hofstra University holding a BFA in Theatre Arts. With Shakespeare under his belt and his Long Island accent under control, he was ready to take on the world! He worked extensively in regional houses, internationally in Italy and Spain, and all over New York City. He even starred in a children's video series, Drew's Famous Magical Jukebox, for which he says he can be openly mocked to this day!

RAJ appeared in the original Off-Broadway Cast (and original Off-Broadway Cast recordings) of The Prince and the Pauper at the historic Lamb's Theatre in the heart of Times Square, and Bunnicula (based on the children's books) at the Daryl Roth Theatre. Not long after that RAJ made his Broadway debut in Finding Neverland, playing the roles of Mr. Cromer and Mr. Henshaw on and off for over a year. Eventually he took over the role of Mr. Cromer and was part of the final company. Three weeks later, he joined the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway mega-hit, The Phantom of the Opera.

Justin Elizabeth Sayre is a playwright and performer who Michael Musto called, “Oscar Wilde meets Whoopi Goldberg.” Sayre is a fixture of the Downtown Cabaret Scene in New York, first with their long-running variety show, The Meeting (Bistro Award-winning & 2 MAC nominations). They are currently in residency at Joe's Pub at the Public with their new variety show, Assorted Fruit. As a playwright, Sayre’s work has appeared at Dixon Place, The Wild Project, The Celebration Theatre, Dynasty Typewriter, and La MaMa Experimental Theatre.

Their 12-part-epic Ravenswood Manor, a Camp-Horror-Soap-Opera, called “a sharply written and well-acted exemplar of the horror comedy genre,” by the LA Times and is currently being developed with Sony Television and Rupaul.

Sayre has written a series of YA Novels, Husky, Pretty, and Mean, released by Penguin Books, and the book, From Gay to Z: A Compendium of Queer Culture just released by Chronicle Books. Sayre has written for Television, working with Michael Patrick King on his Hit CBS comedy, 2 Broke Girls and Fox's The Cool Kids. Sayre also appeared on HBO’s The Comeback with Lisa Kudrow. They are NYCLU artist ambassador and a 2023 MacDowell Fellow.

James Lantz, the Angry Gay Grandpa, is incredible. Let's just say it up front. And this week, he returns to Amber Live to tell you about his very important new projects, and some personal news. You won't want to miss this episode to hear what is going on with James.

James Lantz is an award-winning filmmaker and playwright who has been writing and directing film and theater work for over three decades.

As a teen, James began working as a country radio DJ in the same station where music legend Patsy Cline got her start where he learned the craft from a number of colorful old timers. Later he taught high school in a farming program called Vocational Agriculture where he was honored to be named Teacher of the Year. 

He has written, directed and produced over 200 commercial and corporate films, many for Fortune 500 Companies such as American Airlines, Alamo Rental Cars, Amtrak and Mobil Oil.

As a playwright, James’s work has been produced Off-Broadway, played nationally and internationally. New York theater critic Weston Clay called his award-winning LGBTQ play, THE BUS, “Theater magic,” and British Theatre Guide said it was “fascinating.” On its premiere in Vermont the Burlington Free Press called it, “Extraordinary.”

THE BUS won the State Winner Award for The Clauder Prize in 2016.

His play, AMERICAN MACHINE, was a co-commissioned project of The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and premiered to sold out houses and positive reviews. The Burlington Free Press called it, “Powerful.”

His Kickstarter-funded documentary about a Vermont trademark conflict over the phrase “Eat More Kale” premiered in Vermont in 2021. SevenDays gave VERMONT AND THE BRIGHT GREEN NOTHING a Four-Star review and called it “…a fascinating case study in documentary filmmaking.”

James recently completed touring his Award-Winning Short Film A JUDDERING on the national film festival circuit where it was honored at ten different festivals winning Best Director, Best Short Film and Critic’s Choice awards. Previously James programmed films for The Brooklyn Museum of Art, and worked as an adjunct college instructor.

Currently he’s developing a commercial film project called, NOT LOSING YOU, about the father of a Trans teen contending with new anti-Trans laws.

James is also developing Angry Gay Grandpa, a web series about three Trans teen suicides that occurred in a single year in a small town in Pennsylvania, along with a PSA supporting Trans and Queer Youth.

He came out as gay two years ago on National Coming Out Day. You can read his Coming Out letter to his wife here.

James has also been public about his diagnosis five years ago with a rare Sarcoma cancer which has left him partially disabled. Despite it metastasizing to stage 4, he still believes it’s possible to change the world for the better — and he’s working to complete critical parts of the Not Losing You Film Project prior to the 2024 presidential election.

Maripat Donovan is a Chicago-born actress and writer best known as the creator and original star of the hit comedy play Late Nite Catechism. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Donovan attended Catholic grammar and high school before studying at Loyola University on the city's North Side. Donovan's early career was rooted in theater, working behind the scenes building and designing sets for her high school and college theater departments. She later started her own construction company renovating houses for several years. In 1985, Donovan returned to acting as an understudy in the play Portrait of a Shiksa, earning a Jeff Citation for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. She received another Jeff Citation for her ensemble work in The Good Times Are Killing Me. In 1993, Donovan co-created the comedy Late Nite Catechism with her writing partner Vicki Quade. The participatory theater piece features a sole actress playing a Catholic nun interacting with the audience as students. Donovan originated the role of "Sister" and has starred in virtually every production across the United States, London, Dublin and Toronto over the past three decades. Late Nite Catechism became a massive hit, becoming the longest-running show in Chicago history and the longest-running one-character comedy off-Broadway. For her work, Donovan was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award and two Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, winning for Best Solo Performance in 1999. The show has raised over $2 million for retired nuns in need as of 2012.

Amber LeMay loves finding new talent, and this week we bring you the brought her show to the well known cabaret 54 Below! Amber and Tara chat all about her career, how she got started and where she wants to go! Tara Bull Tara Bull is an emerging NYC drag queen that began her journey in 2018. First performing at The Duplex then going on to host her own show, the self-titled “Tara Bull Show” at City Winery. She moved on to debut at 54 Below creating the popular show “Broadway’s A Drag”, an all drag queen cast singing Broadway’s best show tunes with the all drag band “The Bad Judies”. Tara can also be seen on Youtube on the ‘Haus of Jizzelle’ channel where you can see her in “Gays Guessing Sports”, “Gays Guessing Bods”, and “Too Big”, a music video she co-wrote and starred in. Previous appearances include: “Sahourny Beaver’s Christmas in July Spectacular”, “Slay Belles”, and “Category Is”. Tara can also be found at pop up gigs and open competitions at The Ritz and The Spot, and anything else she can get her hands on.

Amber loves a good political story, and the Rooster LOVES to crow about them. Meet D.J. Byrnes, the past Ohio House candidate, who broke the infamous Urban Meyer lap dance story, causing the Wall Street Journal to write a story about him. D.J. writes and publishes The Rooster on Substack and has covered all the depravity of Ohio politics and more. "D.J. Byrnes, a former Ohio House candidate from [Marion, Ohio] and the person who broke the Urban Meyer lap dance story, digs for dirt and casts a jaundiced eye on what he calls “the corrupt lizard cabal that controls Ohio’s local and state governments.” - Columbus Monthly You won't want to miss this one, as you won't believe the tales he has to tell. Just what IS going on in Ohio? D.J. Byrnes can tell you, so sit down and listen.

Amber loves shiny, and glitter always gets her attention! This week it's Glitter and Concrete, a new book by Elyssa Maxx Goodman. Amber and Elyssa will explore the history of drag in NYC! You'll want to see every second of this interview. Elyssa Goodman is a writer and photographer specializing in arts and culture. Her work has been published in Vogue, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vanity Fair, and others online and in print. Elyssa has also written about LGBTQ+ history and culture for Conde Nast’s them, where she was the site’s “Drag Herstory” and Queer Women's History columnist. She has been a freelance writer for 19 years and in love with drag for 28 years, since the age of seven. Glitter and Concrete is her first book.

Renowned Artist and Painter Paul VerBurg

Amber LeMay loves to meet amazing new people, and this week is no exception! The amazing artist, Paul VerBurg, spends time with Amber to explore the history and depth of his work, as well as some fun stories from his life. Find out what influenced his career as Paul shows off work from his current exhibit at the Evanston Art Center, as well as his sculptures, landscapes, and even his incredible series of cowboys of the American west. Paul also has a big announcement to make to the Amber Live community. PAUL VERBURG verburgstudio.com Paul VerBurg is a full time artist and painter, trained in drawing and painting at The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA), and Art Center College of Design. A recent transplant from Arizona, he now lives in Okemos, Michigan. Experimentation with media and blending of genres began for him in the 1980’s. The majority of his work now focuses on the abstract qualities found in the physical world and translating them into drawings and paintings. His current studio practice includes not only oil on canvas painting, but drawing and sculptural/assemblage work. His earlier more traditional cowboy work was seen in several national museum shows (Eiteljorg Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, Wichita Art Museum, and the Museum of Northern Arizona), as well as galleries from coast to coast. His work has been featured in Southwest Art Magazine, and Art of the West. “Over the years the evolution of my artistic endeavors came about organically. For 35 years I was largely self-taught and my practice followed what I could learn on my own from artist books and viewing original work. I began by drawing and painting the people and life around me. Rodeo was a part of my life then, and the landscape was easily accessible, so my subjects were what I knew, the people and the land and my imagery reflected that realism. But I’ve always been drawn to the American Modernists and the Abstract Expressionists so early on I made a conscious choice to always begin work with an eye toward the abstract qualities of an image. When I turned 50, I went back to school to see if I was missing out on anything … the resulting work I am very happy with. My current show ISOLATION AND INTROSPECTION, at the Evanston Art Center, Evanston Illinois, is up until February 18th."

Paige Turner NYC’s most recognizable names in drag “Showbiz Spitfire” PAIGE TURNER! Known as the love child of Barbie & Pee Wee Herman, This 2-time Glam Award winner tours internationally in her All -Live Sung one woman shows. She recently signed on as a headliner for OUTBOUND TRAVEL and has a summer residency in Provincetown at the acclaimed Post Office Café & Cabaret. Paige coined the phrase Slurp! which was NYC’s longest running drag show for 9.5 years. She was an original cast member of the reality show Shade: QUEENS OF NYC, on the Fusion Network and has been featured numerous times on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE! With Andy Cohen On Bravo, even portraying Mary Poppins for Dame Julie Andrews! Most recently she guest starred on Law and Order in a Drag Story Hour relate episode. “Paige Turner is the ultimate theater queen and always gets everyone to sing along.” THE NEW YORK TIMES “Paige has a Broadway powerhouse voice, filled with good cheer and openness! CABARET SCENES “Hilarious and delectably witty!” OUT MAGAZINE In the same vein as the Carol Burnett Show and Pee Wee Herman!” HUFFINGTON POST “Paige is an excellent singer and performer with a gift for selling songs!” BROADWAY WORLD

Mr. Roger Neighborhood's Officer Francois Clemmons on 2023, 2024 and what we can expect! Amber LeMay interviews one of her favorite subjects on his life, the world, and she even gets him to sing a song! Don't miss the incredibly amazing Francois Clemmons, aka Divaman!

Andrew Seidel of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State talks with Amber LeMay about his life, career, and Christian Nationalism's affect on our country and democracy. Andrew is a constitutional and civil rights attorney and the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom. He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. Andrew’s been fighting to keep state and church separate for more than a decade. Currently, Andrew is the VP of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the largest organization fighting for that founding principle. Previously, Andrew served as a constitutional attorney at the Freedom From Religion Foundation beginning in 2011 and later as the Director of Strategic Response, running a nimble unit known as the Strategic Response Team. Andrew is a Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, a prolific author of opeds and scholarly articles. He organized and contributed to the groundbreaking report “Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection,” which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF and which aroused congressional interest. He’s appeared on Fox News to debate Bill O’Reilly, MSNBC, and hundreds of other media outlets. Andrew graduated cum laude from Tulane University ('04) with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School ('09, part of the first post-Katrina class), where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in environmental law. He studied human rights and international law at the University of Amsterdam and traveled the world on Semester at Sea. Andrew completed his Master of Laws at Denver University Sturm College of Law ('11) with a perfect GPA and was awarded the Outstanding L.L.M. Award for his work as the Erik Bluemel International Environmental Law Fellow. Before dedicating his life and law degree to keeping state and church separate, Andrew was a Grand Canyon tour guide and an accomplished nature photographer.

Drag King Legend Mo B. Dick

Cited as one of the founding fathers of the modern day drag king movement, drag king legend Mo B. Dick pioneered many firsts. In 1996, Mo created Club Casanova in New York City, which was the world's first weekly drag king party. In 1998 Mo took Club Casanova on the road for the first ever drag king tour of U.S. and Canada.

Mo caught the attention of famed cult filmmaker, John Waters, who personally cast Mo in his film Pecker. And Mo was featured in Troma Entertainment's film Terror Firmer, History Lessons by Barbara Hammer; documentaries: Venus Boyz; Y2K: Drag Kings on MTV; God Shave the Queen on HBO; television shows: Sex & the City, Super Fun Night and multiple theater productions.

In 2018, Mo teamed up with fellow drag king Ken Vegas of Washington, D.C. to co-create the website DragKingHistory.com. In 2020, they granted permission for the website to be archived in The U.S. Library of Congress. Also in 2020, Mo hosted and co-produced Kings of the World, a monthly global cyber drag king variety show, that featured drag kings from 6 of the 7 continents which had never been done before.

Mo B. Dick has been the subject of books, documentaries, articles, periodicals, podcasts and more on drag kings proving he is a force to reckon with.

Make Me Gorgeous! is the fabulous and incredible true story of Kenneth Marlowe, an oft-overlooked trailblazer in LGBTQ+ history. Described as one of mid-Century America’s gayest and most openly homosexual personalities, Marlowe took on many roles in life. Kenneth was a private hairdresser to the stars; the madam of a notorious gay prostitution ring in Hollywood; an author; a hustler; a female impersonator; a private in the U.S. Army; a call boy; a Christian missionary; a mortuary cosmetologist; a newspaper columnist … and for the final decade of an incredibly lived life, Marlowe was a woman, having transitioned to become Kate Marlowe. Make Me Gorgeous! is adapted from Donnie’s book, Mr. Madam: The Life and Times of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe, the culmination of years of research and interviews and establishing Donnie as one of the foremost historians to chronicle Kenneth/Kate Marlowe’s life. A new edition of the book, retitled Us, further explores the life of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe. triangle productions! will present the new York premiere of Make Me Gorgeous!, The True Story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam" Marlowe, written and directed by Donnie, and starring Wade McCollum (Broadway: Wicked, the upcoming Water For Elephants. West End: It Happened In Key West), who also contributed additional material. The limited engagement is now playing Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s (308 W. 46th Street) through December 31. The official opening night takes place during Transgender Awareness Week, November 15 at 7PM. For tickets and further information, visit GorgeousPlay.com. “Throughout my career it’s been important to me to tell the stories of real people who have inspired me and who could inspire others. When I discovered Kenneth Marlowe, I knew I had to tell their story,” says Donnie. “Kenneth/Kate Marlow has been almost-forgotten pioneer of the LGBTQ movement. Unabashed with their life, you could say that they were a trailblazer before there was a trail to be blazed. After writing his story as a book book, I am now delighted to be debuting Make Me Gorgeous in New York during Transgender Awareness Week.”

Cory Allen grew up in rural western Pennsylvania before a divorce between his parents moved the family to a conservative suburb of Richmond, Virginia. He got his first job at fifteen at a family restaurant and bar. He soon found his voice and love for music and took steps to become a performer, even traveling to Nashville, TN to record in a studio. Floundering aimlessly, he ended up in the Air Force in 2001, which led to a career in local law enforcement. However, this meant hiding his sexual orientation. In 2009, Cory quietly married his first boyfriend and came out to his family. He was later hired by the U.S. Secret Service as a Special Agent and sent to Miami, FL, working high level protective assignments and criminal investigations. He and his husband relocated to Washington, D.C., but extensive Secret Service work weakened the relationship and the couple later divorced. At the pinnacle of his career, he left the Secret Service to restart his life in California and begin the process of finally being his own person.

An interview with actress and cabaret performer Christine Pedi Christine the “Lady of 1000 Voices"  first discovered her talent for multiple personalities (Merman, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters etc) thru her long association with the legendary off Broadway revue FORBIDDEN BROADWAY  having performed in companies all over the world including Londons West End, Japan, Los Angeles, NYC, Singapore & DEEtroit.  She received a Drama Desk nomination for her work in FORBIDDEN HOLLYWOOD (Liza, Rosie Perez, Judi Dench, Sharon Stone etc) as well as an LA Ovation & NAACP Award She also brought her collection of Divas to off B'ways long running  NEWSICAL the Musical    and  recently starred in and co-produced SPAMILTON: An American Parody written by Forbidden Broadways creator Gerard Allessandrini. . On Broadway she   played Mama Morton ( yes just one character...all night) in the 2nd longest running musical of all time CHICAGO   (THE longest running AMERICAN musical BTW.)  Her Broadway debut was in LITTLE ME with Martin Short & Faith Prince, directed by Rob Marshall and she played several peculiar callers (again with the voices) opposite Liev Schreiber (well not opposite ... she was in the basement of the Longacre Theatre talking into a microphone while he was acting and smoking on stage but it was dynamic) in Eric Bogosians TALK RADIO directed by Robert Falls. Speaking of radio she is the daily host of SIRIUS XM RADIOS On Broadway channel playing music of the stage & screen and interviewing Show Biz legends (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm ch 72) On Saturday  she and the "aMAHzing" Seth Rudetsky co-host the DUELING DIVAS.   Fans of Howard Stern can hear her provide the occasional celebrity voice on his Sirius morning show.   Off Broadway she played the title role in MISS ABIGAILS GUIDE TO DATING MATING AND MARRIAGE and A BROADWAY DIVA CHRISTMAS.  At The York Theatre she  performed  in JERRYS GIRLS and had the coveted (yes COVETED!) Joann Worley track in THE MAD SHOW  as well as the Lanie Kazan role in MY FAVORITE YEAR.   She's  appeared in many incarnations of THE A TRAIN PLAYS, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS and many glorious PROJECT SHAWS.   Her cabaret show GREAT DAMES has won the New York Bistro & Nitelife Awards  and has played NYC, Los Angeles, London, South Africa & beyond.  THERE’S NO BIZNESS LIKE SNOW BIZNESS her holiday show has been a seasonal staple in NYC since 2008. She’s performed in that “cutie patootie” John McD’s Cabaret Corner on the Rosie O’Donnell Show and sung in many major NYC venues & cruiseships including Birdland, Feinsteins/54 Below, The Iridium,  ,The Metropolitan Room, The Algonquin, The Laurie Beechman, Avery Fisher Hall, Don’t Tell Mamas...and the QE2...AND she's performed for President & Mrs Clinton (playing a singing HIllary!)   Fans of THE SOPRANOS may recognize her  as Mrs Bobby Baccala. (4 scenes, 5 lines ... dead.  BUT he loved her so much he couldn't defrost her ziti!)    and she recently escaped the clutches of DR DEATH on NBC PEACOCK   She has many popular comic videos on Youtube includin many SHIT LIZA SAYS videos  including LIZA :At This Performance and LIZA: HELLO DOLLY AUDITIONS.

Kyle Lukoff, award winning children's book author Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became A Brother also won the Stonewall, and his book Call Me Max has been banned in schools across the country. He has forthcoming books about apologies, vegetables, death, unicycles, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian.

LIFESTYLE GURU GIVES TOP TIPS ON LIFE OUTSIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
A MULTI-talented lifestyle specialist is taking the inspirational tips he’s shared on his
online channels and turned them into a “must have” book.
Former TV presenter Robert E Blackmon is a well-known face, having spent more
than 30 years in front of the camera, commenting on everything from celebrities to
fashion.
Born in the mid-West, Robert lived in LA working for major networks such as
Paramount and E! and could often be spotted at such glittering events as Elton
John’s Oscar Party.
He gave up his star-studded lifestyle to live in the Canadian countryside with his
partner but has now found a new audience online – clocking up around two million
followers.
And now his advice on everything from writing a thank you letter to hosting a dinner
party is being shared in print, thanks to a partnership with a unique print company
which turns creators’ online content into stylish books.
Robert has written a number of books over the years, beginning with a unique
wedding guide aimed at same sex couples.
“At the time there was absolutely no advice for gay couples on how to plan a
wedding, so I decided I’d write one,” he said.
It is finding a gap in the market that has inspired Robert, which is why he has created
Home 365 – How to Enjoy Your Living Space All Year Round in conjunction with
publishing company, Found.
“While social media can be amazing – and it’s where I have found an incredible
following – it’s also important that people live a life outside of it,” he said.
“I realized that we seemed to have completely lost the art of conversation and the
ability to do simple things that in the past people have taken for granted.
“Things like writing a letter, sending a thank you card, how to set the table - just
everyday things that show good manners and are also real skills for life.
“What I’ve tried to do is come with things that you can build into your life every day
and hopefully it will enhance it.”
Robert’s no nonsense, simply solutions to everyday problems have helped gain him
a captive audience on social media and it this advice which he is sharing in his new
book.
And fans will also be able to enjoy Robert’s advice throughout the year, as he is also
releasing his very own calendar for 2024.
It’s the latest twist on a life which has seen Robert create a whole host of
opportunities - from launching his own diet plan after he lost 20lbs to writing a book
about his mother.
He draws inspiration from the queen of hosting, cooking and entertaining – Martha
Stewart.
“I am the gay, black version of Martha Stewart,” said Robert with a smile.
“I want to use my 20 years plus of giving advice on all aspects of creating your own
lifestyle and making the most of your home to ensure that people really can live their
best lives.”
Copies of Robert’s book is available at
https://found.us/lifestyle-books/650ad1ab498a6b9df8a34639 at CA$52.99 and
US$36.99.
Robert also has a Calendar available at
https://found.us/calendars/6541247c97b6217fe478bcc9 at CA$33.39 and US$25.49

Human Bone Jewelry and a Gay Ghost | Meet Darker Arts' Raquel "Rocky" Digati Raquel "Rocky" Digati is an artist, writer and musician who hails originally from Bristol, Rhode Island. She has loved bones, skulls, bones and all things odd and grim since she was a kid walking around in the historic cemeteries of New England. Her dad ( and her sister, uncle and cousin) all were/are artists and art teachers. She's the black sheep of the family... as she works in the medical IT field by day, is an artist and writer by night, and a ( sometime) rock star singing and playing music on the weekends. She lives in a spooky old Victorian home in rural, South NJ. She thanks you for stopping by... and hopes you find bones, her work, and the world around us to be as curious odd, and beautiful as she does.

Charles F. Rosenay!!! True Ghost Stories of Connecticut! Charles F. Rosenay Charles F. Rosenay!!! of Orange may be best known in Connecticut as the producer of the Connecticut Beatles conventions and festivals for over four decades, or as a professional DJ/MC/Entertainer for as many years. Last year, he published his first book, a pop culture collection titled “The Book of Top 10 Horror Lists,” which presented lists of favorite monster movies, actors, and other themes from one hundred celebrities. That first effort was finished during the pandemic, and now Charles has completed his second book, “True Ghost Stories of Connecticut.” In this new book, some of Connecticut’s best-known paranormal investigators, psychics, mediums, and ghost-hunters join everyday people in sharing their most memorable, scariest, and most unbelievable – but true - stories of the supernatural. Not only are they all true, but they happened in Connecticut, one of the most haunted states in America.

A Scary Tale From Thea Lewis Ghost Tour Guide and Author Thea Lewis Vermont native Thea Lewis is a writer and creator of special events. When not touring, she’s stirring up fun with speaking engagements, pop-up events and big productions like Queen City Ghostwalk’s Halloween season showing of the classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. In addition to her work with The History Press, Thea has written a book for kids, There’s a Witch In My Sock Drawer! (Peapod Press, 2011). Her new book, True Crime Stories of Burlington, Vermont, was released in September, 2023. Find all of her books at independent booksellers like Phoenix Books in Burlington and Essex, Vermont and at amazon.com.

A Village Ghost by Duane Scott Cerny Duane Scott Cerny Duane Scott Cerny is the co-owner of The Broadway Antique Market, Chicago oldest and largest multi-dealer vintage emporium. He is an essayist (New York Times), columnist (It's All My Fault, NYC's Village View), Poet, Performance Storyteller & Recording Artist, Les Disques De La Mort, France. He can be seen on AmberLive.TV, Vermont's LGBTQ comedy talk show, with his segments "Amber's Crazy in the Attic."

Olivia Hill, Council Member at Large in Nashville fighting for transgender rights and more! Metro Nashville Councilmember At-Large Olivia Hill was elected to office on September 14, 2023. The first out transgender person to ever run for office in the Volunteer State, she is one of five At-Large members elected countywide. A Nashville native, Olivia is a product of public schools. She is a Navy veteran who served in the engineering division for a decade, seeing combat in Desert Storm. While in service, she gained expertise in electrical engineering, a skill set she used to become the Senior Supervisor of the Vanderbilt University power plant, where she managed a 24/7 operation with a budget of more than $100 million. In recent years, Olivia has emerged as a community leader, educating the public about difficulties faced by women and the LGBTQ+ community. She is frequently invited to speak to many organizations, including the Metro Nashville Police Academy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville School of Law, churches, and Metro Nashville Social Services. A member of the board of directors of the Tennessee Pride Chamber, she was the 2023 Grand Marshall of the city’s Pride celebration. She received Vanderbilt University’s Chancellor’s Heart and Soul Award in 2019 and was chosen as the LGBTQ Advocate of the Year in 2020. In 2021, she sued Vanderbilt University for discrimination she endured after her transition, a suit she settled the following year. Olivia is completing her book chronicling her life with gender dysphoria and her transition beginning in 2018.

Tara Lipsyncki: Activist, Author of Letter From The Queen, and Owner of Mosaics: Community Bookstore & Venue in Provo, UT Tara Lipsyncki (They/Them) is above all else, a proud transgender activist. With hundreds of published interviews and panel discussions on the topics of drag history, anti-trans legislation, First Amendment rights, body autonomy rights of minors and women, and more, Tara has been on the frontline of queer advocacy for over a decade. Since relocating back to Salt Lake City, UT from San Francisco, CA in 2019, Tara has worked tirelessly to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront in the queer nightlife and entertainment communities. From being part of ARTEL talent in 2020, the first exclusively PoC and Trans owned and operated collective of queer artists in Utah history, to recently being the founding President of the non-profit The United Drag Alliance, an all Trans lead group bringing financial assistance to struggling members of the LGBTQIA+ community through the art of drag, in 2023. Coming from an extensive professional performance background, including skating professionally on Disney on Ice, Tara also has received professional recognitions including a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate for Drag Queens on Ice in 2018, Miss Golden Gate 2019, Miss Gay Pride 2021, and Miss Gay USofA Newcomer West Coast 2021. In 2023 Tara published their first children's book, Letter From The Queen, and is opening their own queer bookstore and performance venue 5 minutes from the Mormon stronghold of BYU in Provo, UT.

Batman, Marc Tyler Nobleman, and Don't Say Gay Marc Tyler Nobleman talks a lot about the creation of Batman. A lot. He has written about it, and there's even a documentary based on his work! An important point in the narrative that he tells uses the word 'gay." It's part of the story. But recently he was spoken to after his first talk in a series at a Georgia school and told not to say "gay" again. That made national news. Now, it's happened again in Texas. Find out directly from Marc what happened and what he did about it. Marc Tyler Nobleman, author/speaker Marc Tyler Nobleman is an author of books for young readers including Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, which helped change the Batman credit line and inspired the Hulu documentary Batman & Bill.

The Haunting Robusta Capp

Robusta Capp is a live singing drag performer and sometime male actress based in New York City. Working with nightlife folks such as Will Clark and former Empress of the Imperial Court of New York, Witti Repartee, honed her craft at The Ritz and Uncle Charlies in New York. She has also taken her incredibly well received two "girl" act, Dirty Little Ditties, with sister in song, Miss Jane Aquilina, across the United States. Robusta and her husband, P. William Pinto, also co-own their own theatre production company, Bizarre Noir, where they've put on over 30 shows in New York and Massachusetts over the past 16 years including Little Shop of Horrors, The Bad Seed, Die, Mommie, Die, and countless cabaret style shows, of which our latest is called Oh Wh*rey Night to premiere at the legendary Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street.

Los Angeles' first Drag Laureate Pickle! Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Pickle Pickle is a live-singing, drag queen host, entertainer, and storyteller. A Los Angeles native, she attended Hamilton High School Academy of Music before receiving her BA in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Pickle has focused on blending education initiatives into her drag work and runs the LA chapter of Drag Story Hour. She has partnered with many organizations, including the Academy Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the City of West Hollywood, the Independent Shakespeare Company, LA County Library, LA Public Library, LACMA, the Music Center, Tinder, and many more, to present unique and dynamic drag programming. Pickle is dedicated to expanding drag as a medium both for herself and for the community as a whole. She has appeared on television on NBC’s The Weakest Link, the Discovery Channel’s Dodgeball Thunderdome, and Tyler Perry’s Sistas. She collaborates regularly with live musicians to incorporate big-band sound into her performances and is committed to exploring new technologies for the art of drag, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality. She is the first Drag Laureate of the City of West Hollywood.

House music pioneer Danny Alias shares the world premiere of his brand new music video Bed Bug Love Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Danny Alias Danny Alias is an American house music artist and playwright born in Norridge, Illinois. In 1984, he co-founded Persona Records with David Bell and released the single “Civil Defense,” an early example of Chicago house music which was played by DJ Ron Hardy. The label went on to release the first two singles by Jamie Principle and Frankie Knuckles: “Waiting on My Angel” and “Your Love.” In 2012, “Civil Defense” was re-issued on Kill the DJ, a French label founded by DJ Ivan Smagghe. In 1990, Alias created Chicago’s Broadway Antique Market, a 20,000 square-foot multi-dealer shop specializing in mid-century modern collectibles. In 2018, Thunderground Press published his book Selling Dead People’s Things: Inexplicably True Tales, Vintage Fails & Objects of Objectionable Estates with anecdotes from his career as a vintage dealer. Alias has also written two LGBT comedic spoofs, “Mrs. Hyde and the Case of the Gaslight Buggerings,” which debuted at the Athenaeum Theatre in 2009, and “The Bloody Fabulous Curse of Dragula,” which debuted at Mary’s Attic Theatre in 2010.

Tony nominated playwright, actor, & author, Charles Busch reads to us from his brand new book, Leading Lady! Amber also sits down with him to discuss his this new book, his new movie, and his upcoming new play. Charles Busch does it all! Find out where Charles is having appearances, book signings, and screenings of his work. CHARLES BUSCH has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including The Divine Sister, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset, The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dareand Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwrighting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series OZ and is the author of the auto-biographical novel Whores of Lost Atlantis. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, Personal Assistant, and a feature, A Very Serious Person, which won an honorable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. Due to his love and knowledge of film and theatre history, he has appeared as a guest programmer and in numerous documentaries for Turner Classic Movies, and has lectured and conducted master classes at many colleges and universities including NYU, Harvard, UCLA and Amherst College. In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright and was given a star on the Playwrights Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the acclaimed documentary film The Lady in Question is Charles Busch. He is a two-time MAC award winner and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show The Lady at the Mic premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. His first CD, Charles Busch Live at Feinstein’s 54 Below, was released by Broadway Records.

The price of hate in the south as talented people move out! Dr. Jake Kleinmahon! In 2023, lawmakers in 46 states have introduced more than 650 anti-LGBTQ University for his undergraduate degree and then went on to obtain his MD and completed his residency in Pediatrics at Tulane University. He went on to complete subspecialty training in Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Transplant, Heart Failure, and Ventricular Assist Devices at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He joined the faculty at Ochsner Hospital for Children in 2018 where he served as the medical director of Ochsners pediatric heart transplant, heart failure and ventricular assist device programs. He also has advanced training in taking care of infants and children with pulmonary hypertension and runs a clinic dedicated to taking care of patients with pulmonary hypertension. While in Colorado, he was awarded the Colorado Chapter of the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association's Doctor of the Year award in 2017. He was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society as a resident. Dr. Kleinmahon is active in the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and has been asked to present multiple times at international conferences. He is also active within the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society and works to improve healthcare disparities among different racial groups in pediatric heart transplant recipients. He is the principal investigator of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study and Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) at Ochsner. He has been a part of the It Gets Better Project, serves on the Board of Directors of Covenant House New Orleans, and was awarded New Orleans Gay Man of the Year in 2022. He is married to his husband Tom and they have 2 kids, Isabel and Connor.

The Man Who Fights for Your Rights, Mark Segal!

Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv From the Stonewall riots to disrupting a live broadcast on CBS, meet the man who fights for your rights - Mark Segal. You won't believe your eyes and ears as Mark Segal shares the many stories of his life with Amber. The incredible things he has done to promote gay rights are too numerous to count, and it proves that one man can make a huge difference in this world. Mark Segal

From pioneering history as a participant at the Stonewall Riots, to being a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front NY 1969-71 and founder of Gay Youth (the nation’s first organization to deal with bullying and suicide of LGBT youth), to being a marshal and member of the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day Committee which created the world’s first Gay Pride in 1970, Mark Segal has been involved in LGBT civil rights since he moved to New York in May 1969.His campaign to end the invisibility of the LGBT Community in media had him create the campaign against the TV Networks to disrupt live TV shows, including The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite and the Today Show with Barbara Walters. Those disruptions changed the media and forced them to start covering the LGBT community fairly. As 5-time Emmy award winner Bruce Vilanch states “Before Will and Grace and Ellen, there was Mark Segal.” Almost 50 years after he disrupted NBC live broadcasts, today Mark serves on the Joint Diversity Council of Comcast NBC/Universal to continue to educate the network on LGBT issues.Founder of the Philadelphia Gay News and past president of both The National LGBT Press Association and The National Gay Newspaper Guild, Segal’s memoir “And Then I Danced: Traveling the road to LGBT Equality," was named best book by The National LGBT Journalists Association. His weekly syndicated column, “Mark My Words” has won numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalist and the National Newspaper Association.He partnered with the Obama administration to create and build the nation’s first official “LGBT Friendly” senior affordable housing apartment building. The 19.8 million dollar project, known as The John C. Anderson Apartments, opened in 2013.

Three time Emmy Award winning actress, Cady McClain pops into Amber's studio to talk about her career in the soaps, her early movies and commercials, a documentary, and even her new role in Brad Forenza's podcast, Around The Sun. Cady shares great stories with Amber from all aspects of her amazing career. AND, Brad Forenza stops in to chat all about the new project Cady is a part of, season 3 of the Around the Sun podcast!

Maebe A. Girl runs for US Congress!

Maebe A. Girl is the first drag queen ever elected to a public office in the United States, serving on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles since 2019. She was recently re-elected for a third term and serves as Treasurer and At-Large Representative.

Maebe is currently running for a seat in the US House of Representatives to represent CA-30 -the seat being vacated by Adam Schiff in 2024. She came in 2nd place out of 9 candidates in 2022 with over 60,000 votes in the General Election. If elected, she would be the first trans person federally elected to the United States government.

Josh Brandon is the host of Overthinking Everything, a deconstruction of the cultisms that lead us down psychologically, ideologically, and spiritually dangerous paths. Through the lens of the social sciences, Josh explores the social phenomenon he calls "Toxic White Southern Culture" as well as the deliberate "Dumbing Down and Numbing Down of America". From generational trauma, religion, politics, pop-culture, hobbies, and more, Josh explores how, if we aren't educating ourselves and thinking critically, we're all subject to this culture of cultism. 

Josh is a voice actor and performer for film, television, commercial, and stage. A public speaker, communication coach, and author, Josh's first Overthinking Everything e-Book "A Compassion Self-Analysis and Critical Thinking Workbook" is available now. A former radio personality, Josh programmed country radio stations for several years, offering a unique perspective to America's current racial climate. Josh is an anti-fascism activist, fighting white supremacy, anti-trans/anti-drag legislation, and calling out socio-cultural toxicities. 

Francisco Ramos, Wellness Consultant & Owner of Zen Casa

Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv

As owner of Zen Casa, Francisco brings over 10 years of teaching and grounding practices to each of his students. He is a 500 hr trained yoga instructor, an ordained minister in New Thought, a breath work and sound bath facilitator, and a corporate wellness consultant. Francisco bridges the space of mind, body, and spirit to celebrate the unique expression in each of his students. Whether in corporate offices, individual homes, or at Zen Casa produced wellness retreats, Francisco assists in shifting perception to embrace the creative expansive being that is your True Self.

Jimmy Gale (he/him), Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLVII

Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv

Jimmy Gale has worked in the field of HIV Prevention and Care for nearly 15 years, following his own diagnosis. He now leads discussions on health equity, social justice and stigma reduction and the impacts they have on our fight to end HIV. A SF Bay Area native by birth, he has proudly called New Orleans his home for nearly 4 years. In the Bay, he was well known for his Drag persona and community mobilizing, but packed the wigs away when he moved to New Orleans… except for special occasions.

Jimmy is one of three Grand Marshals for this years Southern Decadence Parade, along with Nicole DuBois and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. He is heavily involved with the leather and fetish community, serving on the board for the CrescentCity Leathermen, and bring sex positivity and sexual health education to the LGBTQ+ Community. Jimmy can be found slinging drinks behind the bar at the historic New Orleans Phoenix, the crescent city's only Leather/Bear/Fetish Bar, which recently celebrated 40 years.

Pole Dancer Colleen Jolly, CEO and Owner of PoleCon! Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Amber takes a walk on the wild side when she talks with Colleen Jolly, CEO and Owner of PoleCon! Find out how Colleen started pole dancing, and why she is pulling Pole Con's annual convention out of Florida. Colleen Jolly, CEO and Owner PoleCon
Colleen came to fitness later in life (29) and after a serious motorcycle accident shattered her right leg. Her teaching style and methods for training are a mix of functional movement, physical therapy, and contortion. She firmly believes that everyone can improve their mobility—she even wrote the book on it.

California Gay Adventures! Founder and Executive Director Chris Kuwahara-Smith Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Chris Kuwahara-Smith, Founder and Executive Director of California Gay Adventures chats with Amber about his amazing organization. Hear from Chris about both his round-the-world and everyday adventures! Chris Kuwahara-Smith, Founder and Executive Director
California Gay Adventures mission is to create a community of connection and adventure for our LGBTQIA+ members through social events, outdoor activities, education, and community action. We offer an inclusive safe space where community members can come together to collaborate and develop new friendships. We call this our #CGAFam!
Our adventurous members live throughout California and beyond and enjoy getting together to explore and experience this BIG state, country, and world together... sometimes roughing it and learning from our experiences. Our events and adventures include a wide variety of outdoor activities from hiking to camping to bowling nights, pool parties, international trips, cabin rentals, and much more.

Juicy Garland tells about her very scary experience with the Proud Boys. Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Juicy Garland is a Boston area drag queen and super nerd who performs in the Boston area and New Hampshire. She also does ttrpg actual play live streams in a variety of places. Last time Juicy Garland was on the show, her Story Hour at the Teatotaller Cafe in Concord, NH was met with protests from armed Proud Boys wearing skull masks and religious groups. She didn't back down and they came back to another Story Hour to try to frighten her and her audience. Hear first hand how they handled the incident!

Josh Edlow, Mormon, award winning trial attorney, podcaster and professional wrestler! Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Josh Edlow is an award winning Northern California trial attorney based in the Sacramento area. He also hosts a weekly human interest podcast titled "the Edlow Podcast" designed to bring parties of all backgrounds, races, creeds, religions and orientations together. The purpose? To highlight that everyone you meet is having a very real human experience.

Miss Conception takes off her clothes like no one else! Meet this amazing quick change drag queen! Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Miss Conception Relive your childhood as MISS CONCEPTION takes you back to the most iconic cartoons in history! Miss Conception will perform THE SIMPSONS, RAINBOW BRITE, SCOOBY-DOO, THE FLINTSTONES, HE-MAN/SHE-RA, INSPECTOR GADGET, JESSICA RABBIT, TOY STORY, and many more! With tons of COSTUME CHANGES before your eyes and ALL-LIVE VOCALS, come and see why this Drag Queen sells out shows around the world!

Miss Richfield 1981 has a new show this summer! Don't miss out on all the details! Brought to you by the drag queen comedy talk show, Amber Live! Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv “Good advice is always annoying”, says Miss Richfield. “But bad advice never is!” So join Miss R as she unpacks a healthy heap of advice that promises to leave you entertained & maybe just a little annoyed!

Ginger Minj is back with AMAZING news about a summer show, her life, RuPauls Drag Race, and a book! Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website https://www.amberlive.tv Ginger Minj Long before she held court as a finalist on season 7 of RuPauls Drag Race, Ginger reigned as The Comedy Queen of The South from her homebase in Orlando, Florida. The self-professed nicest b_tch you'll ever meet cites classic funny ladies Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball as her idols. Anyone who can pile three wigs on their head, squeeze their body into a beaded and rhinestoned gown and serve humor alongside the glamour is my hero, says Ginger. That's why she coined the term Glamour Toad to describe her unique persona. After spending the past year and a half touring the world, performing showtunes for Broadway royalty on national television and recording her debut studio album, Ginger will be seen on this summer in Ptown!

Brenda Currin star of In Cold Blood | CHUD | The World According to Garp | TAPS | Reds Amber does it again! The amazing Brenda Currin and Amber chat this week, and Brenda shares so many stories you won't believe it! She has had an incredible career and worked with so many heavy hitters in the industry. AND she continues to act and work on other projects. Find out what they are, and hear the stories she says she rarely tells!
Brenda Currin grew up in North Carolina. She began her career portraying Nancy Clutter in the film of In Cold Blood. Other films include The World According to Garp (Pooh Percy), Taps, Reds, and the cult classic C.H.U.D. More recently: Daughter of the Bride and Gossamer Folds. Brenda’s extensive theater work is acclaimed for Sister and Miss Lexie adapted from
Eudora Welty's stories with director/writer David Kaplan, My Sister in this House (OBIE Award), In the Summer House, many Tennessee Williams play: Suddenly Last Summer, Something Unspoken, Orpheus Descending, The Rose Tattoo and The Glass Menagerie where she played Amanda Wingfield in St. Louis at the actual site where Williams based the play. Her TV work includes Claws, Gossip Girl and Wu-Tang, An American Saga. Brenda co-founded What Girls Know, a theatre program for adolescent girls. She is a member of Houses on the Moon, theater dedicated to amplifying unheard voices. She told her own story in gUN COUNTRY, and worked with trans teenagers and their families to create TRANSformations.

Jacob Kelley

Founder of Mx. Kelley Queer Education

Queer Inclusive Sex Educator

Jacob Kelley is a phenomenal sex and sexuality educator, influencer, and content creator that lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They are a nonbinary queer-inclusive sex educator who has worked in sex-positive and sexual education in rural communities to be inclusive to culturally diverse communities. Mx. Kelley has a Master of Education in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University and a B.A. in Communications Studies (Concentration, Interpersonal Communication) and Psychology from the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. A queer educator, Mx. Kelley is a current Ph.D. student studying Human Sexuality Philosophy and spent several years developing, researching, learning, and creating content around LGBTQA+ diversity and inclusion. They help people understand where one might hold values regarding their sex, sexuality, and gender. They are driven by wanting to help people live their most whole and authentic lives by helping people gain knowledge, awareness, and understanding of one’s values. Jacob also is the drag persona of Trixy Valentine and has been performing and producing shows for almost ten years. Their recent accomplishment is coming out with a book, “Tipping is a Must, 100 Tips for a Drag Show” now on Amazon.

Kevin Bolling

Executive director, Secular Student Alliance

Kevin Bolling is the executive director of the Secular Student Alliance. He has served in that position since 2017. Kevin brings with him 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. His career has included over 10 years of student association management and on-campus program development from Los Angeles to Boston. For 10 years, Kevin served as the Executive Director of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, a charitable trust serving the healthcare needs of the industries’ largely immigrant workforce. Most recently, Kevin served as the Director of Philanthropy at the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, a major LGBTQ arts advocacy organization, whose youth outreach work has moved thousands of hearts and minds across the US towards embracing LGBTQ equality.

Rev. Yolanda Roger Anthony Mapes

Rev. Yolanda Roger Anthony Mapes is a singer/songwriter/trans-femme genderqueer performance artist and interfaith minister, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama—The Hit Recording Capital of the World. They have been making music professionally for 35 years, winning the NYC MAC Award twice and were inducted into both the NY Blues Hall of Fame and The GLBT Hall of Fame. Performance credits include STONEWALL, A RHAPSODY ON RESISTANCE (AEA Showcase), HIGH MAINTENANCE (HBO), and SKELETON CREW (Sidekick Productions).

Amy Leigh Celestial, Drag Queen 

Amy Leigh Celestial has been doing drag for just over a decade in the Rutland Vermont area. Starting with her show at “The Local” nightclub. After the closing of the club she has done shows all around VT, NH and NY. A staple in the Rutland gay community, Amy works alongside the Rutland county pride center hosting and performing at their monthly shows. She is looking forward to Rutland County’s first Annual Pride Festival and continuing working towards making a better Rutland for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Moonshine Shorey

Co-Chair for Rutland County Pride

Moonshine Shorey is was born in Rutland VT and has been spending his time, being a board member on Rutland County Pride, Traveling the World making large scale balloon installations and spreading love, high fives and Fun. When not traveling Moonshine calls home Fair Haven,VT with his deaf 20pd cat Toro Blanco.