Gender Ambiguity and Subliminal Messages Embedded in Print Ads;
New Milwaukee Gay Arts Center Art Exhibit Asks: “A Hint of Homosexuality?”

Milwaukee, WI—A new exhibit at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center (MGAC) asserts that ideas about homosexuality can be traced in print advertisements appearing in American periodicals from as far back as a century ago.

Based on Professor Bruce H. Joffe’s book A Hint of Homosexuality? Gay and Homoerotic Imagery in American Print Advertising (Xlibris: 2007), the MGAC gallery features original copies of over 60 classic print advertisements. Sponsored in part by a grant from the Racine Arts Council, the exhibit will be on display through February.

The author examines trends, themes and advertising campaigns that, he contends, support a basis for believing romantic and/or sexual interest between members of the same sex appeared in ads published by American newspapers and magazines.

Explicit or implied, impressions of homosexuality in more than 225 advertisements published by major manufacturers, retailers, companies and well-known brands in American periodicals over the past hundred years or so are depicted.

Some same-sex ads are “strangely erotic while others may be silly caricatures, more burlesque than bizarre,” Joffe maintains. By and large, however, “most tend to be snapshots of the male (and, to a lesser extent, female) convivial spirit encountered and observed in intimate conditions and circumstances.”
Hedonistically intertwined with homoerotic connections are advertising themes such as vanity, virility, and carnal pleasure.

Joffe says: “Gay intimacy and interaction, references to the male genitalia, and threats of sexual conquest can be seen in advertisements created by some of the greatest illustrators, designers and copywriters of the twentieth century.”

And, although the images reflected in their advertising mirror are fewer and farther between, “women who prefer the company of other women similarly have been goosed and gandered by Madison Ave,” the author argues in a chapter dedicated to lesbians.

“Whoever they are and whatever they’re doing, it’s apparent that displays of affection and intimacy between and among people of the same sex can be inferred in these advertisements.”

Formerly a professor of communication at Mary Baldwin College (Staunton, VA), and earlier at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA), who has focused on gay and lesbian studies, today Joffe is an associate professor of communication at Carthage College and executive director of the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin.

His book, upon which this exhibit is based, was named “Winner” and best book in the Gay/Lesbian: Non-Fiction category of The National Best Books 2008 Awards competition sponsored by USA Book News. Earlier, the title was honored as a Bronze Medalist in the Gay/Lesbian category of the 2008 IPPY Awards Competition.

“A Hint of Homosexuality?” runs through Friday, February 26 at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 South 2nd Street, Milwaukee-Walker’s Point. Gallery hours are MTWF, 10am-4pm, and by appointment as well as during events. Please call ahead (414-383-3727), MGAC is a volunteer organization and hours may vary.

“Lost” Shakespeare Play Debuts February 10 At Boulevard Theatre

Milwaukee - The Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre continues its 24th season of producing dynamic, exciting theatre by staging the Milwaukee premiere of a “lost” Shakespeare play entitled “Love’s Labour’s Won” Wednesday, February 10 through Sunday, March 14.

Also known as “All’s Well That Ends Well,” this rare and wonderfully bittersweet romance tells the tale of a physician’s daughter, Helena (Shannon Nettesheim), who is deeply in love with the fickle, aloof Bertram (Chad Laudonio). Bertram, the son of the Countess of Rossillion (Karen Ambrosio), is far above Helena in social status and is immeasurably beyond her reach romantically. Helena can either accept her restricted social standing (and a life of spinsterhood) or she must discover a way to simultaneously lift herself from her less than noble status, achieve social mobility, and win Bertram’s unresponsive heart.

And Shakespeare’s heroine must accomplish all this while curing the ailing King of France (Charles Hanel) from his mysterious fatal disease, confront the Countess of Rossillion (Bertram’s mother and Helena’s protector & guardian) about loving Bertram, and solve the conundrum of Bertram’s challenge (that he will never consider her as his wife until she can get his late father’s bequeathed ring off his finger and carry his child). Bertram’s challenge seems impossible to conquer as Bertram has sworn to the Countess that he will never remove his late father’s ring and has publicly stated that he will never lie with Helena and will never allow himself to have sexual relations with her.

Also included in this romantic entanglement are: Bertram’s mentor and ne’er-do-well braggart, Parolles (David Flores); the Countess’ sly & sarcastic clown Lavatch (Mark Ninneman); the King’s counsel, Lord Lafew (Douglas Smedbron), the lovely Italian girl whom the young Bertram desires and pursues, Diana (Melissa Keith); the Dumaine brothers who serve the King of France (Paul Madden and Hugh Blewett); the Countess’ handmaiden, Violetta (Jamieson Hawkins) and Diana’s widowed mother (Barbara Weber). Other local Milwaukee actors round out the large cast.

According to scholars and researchers, contemporary writers of Shakespeare refer to a delightful comedy entitled “Love’s Labour’s Won,” which has never been found nor discovered. But recent writings and critical conjecture surmise that the title refers to a Shakespeare play already known to the public and that “Love’s Labour’s Won” is an early draft of either “Much Ado About Nothing” or “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Scholars debate over which script is the more likely to be the missing script but due to the beauty of passages of “All’s Well” and the complexity of the lyrical poetry, it is judged to be the more likely successor to the title than the earlier “Much Ado About Nothing.” Viewed from this perspective, “All’s Well” disparate story lines (fairy tale romanticism versus Freudian battle of the sexes) and disparate styles (lyricism versus low comedy) no longer “battle” each other but actually complement each other.

Shakespeare’s script, then, transitions from the “troubled” script (a title which some scholars have given this diffuse stylistic puzzle) and, like a pointillist’s painting viewed from a distance, becomes a lovely, delightful theatrical “charm bracelet” (many delightful parts which link to an eye-catching -- and often -- stunning whole).

Boulevard Artistic Director Mark Bucher directs this classical comedy. All performances of “Love’s Labour’s Won” will be held at the Boulevard Theatre, located at 2252 South Kinnickinnic. Showtimes vary throughout the play’s five-week run. Call 414-744-5757 to reserve tickets or visit the Ensemble’s website at www.boulevardtheatre.com. Please send all hard copy mail (reservations, checks, letters, resumes, donations) to: The Boulevard Theatre, P. O. Box 238, Milwaukee, WI, 53201.

W4W Whips It With The Mad Rollin’ Dolls Jan 23

Madison - Women4Women (W4W) will help kick off of the home season of The Mad Rollin’ Dolls, Madison’s premiere flat track roller derby league on Saturday, January 23 at 6 PM at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center. Women4Women members and friends meet at the Alliant Energy Center at 5 PM. When the doors open, attendees will find seats together. Organizers advise that loud behavior and questionable attire are acceptable at this event.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information about the event, directions, and ticket information visit the Rollin’ Dolls website at: madrollindolls.com

On Saturday, February 13, W4W will sponsor The Second Annual “All Things RE[A]D” Valentine’s Day potluck of red foods and red-hot words. The event will be held at OutReach, 600 Williamson St., from 3 - 5 PM. Attendees will read their favorite love-inspired poetry, haikus, or memoirs and share stories of love and lust while all enjoy red foods from sweet confections to spicy peppers.

Women4Women is an inclusive social/discussion group open to all women who love women, regardless of whether they are lesbian, bi, curious, or anti-label, whether born female or trans... the only criteria is being a woman who loves women.

The Barber’s Back! “Marriage Of Figaro” Opens January 29 at The Skylight Opera

Milwaukee - The Skylight Opera will present “The Marriage of Figaro” beginning Friday, January 29, with performances through Sunday, February 14 at the Skylight Opera Theatre, 158 N. Broadway here.

When Skylight audiences last saw Figaro in “The Barber of Seville,” he was triumphant after engineering a romantic coup. Thanks to him, the lovely Rosina escaped the clutches of the distasteful Bartolo and landed in the arms of the dashing Count Almaviva. Fast forward 10 years to Part Two of The Figaro Story, and the coup is on the other foot. In “The Marriage of Figaro,” it’s the affable barber’s marriage day, but forces are in play that threaten his happiness.

Throw in an amorous teenager, a philandering husband, a tipsy gardener, and schemers and dreamers looking for love, and you have one of Mozart’s finest and funniest operas. Charming, lighthearted and endlessly enjoyable, The Marriage of Figaro is a delight for opera newcomers and veterans alike.

Andrew Wilkowske returns in the role of Figaro in a rare treat: Both Figaro operas performed in one season. Wilkowske performed in the Skylight’s production of Barber, which opened the current season last September, and is now back for this production of Marriage. These two operas are among the most-performed in today’s standard repertoire, but rarely staged by the same company in the same season.

“Presenting ‘The Barber of Seville’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ as The Figaro Story has truly enlightened us all as we prepare Marriage,” Artistic Director Bill Theisen said. Theisen is also serving as Stage Director for both productions. “It is easy to forget what these same characters experienced in the first story, and I think our characterizations are going to be much more complete because of this plan. Many of the artists in Marriage have sung their roles before but feel a deeper connection to the story this time around.”

That is particularly true for Wilkowske, who is performing the role of Figaro in five productions this season alone. At the Skylight, Wilkowske sings in English instead of the original Italian. While it’s often more challenging to sing opera in a language other than what it was written for, Wilkowske said, he welcomes the opportunity. “When you perform in the original language with supertitles, especially in a comedy, the reactions and timing seem to be more connected to the guy in the supertitle booth than anything happening on stage,” he said. “So it’s gratifying to have the audience go on the journey with us alone.”

“The Marriage of Figaro” performances are scheduled for January 29, 30, 31, and February 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13 and 14, 2010. Evening performances are on select Wednesdays through Sundays. Matinees are on select Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ticket prices range from $20 to $62. Group, senior, student, and various other discounts are available. To purchase tickets or for more information contact the Skylight Opera Theatre box office at 414-291-7800, or visit the company’s website at: www.skylightopera.com

Dustin Lance Black & Neil Patrick Harris Elected To Trevor Project Board

Los Angeles - The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, today January 13 that writer, producer and director Dustin Lance Black and actor, producer and director Neil Patrick Harris have been elected to its Board of Directors.

“Because Dustin Lance Black and Neil Patrick Harris have already demonstrated their tireless commitment to LGBTQ youth and The Trevor Project, we are thrilled to welcome them to our leadership team,” Trevor Project Executive Director and CEO Charles Robbins said. “As prominent members of the entertainment community, they will certainly help raise awareness about The Trevor Project’s programs and their insight will be invaluable as we work to empower young people with the crisis intervention skills and suicide prevention resources they need.”

Dustin Lance Black, winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Milk,” the biopic of the late gay rights activist Harvey Milk, was recognized by The Trevor Project last year with The Trevor Hero Award, which annually honors an individual who, through his or her example, support, volunteerism and/or occupation, is an inspiration to LGBTQ youth.

“All of the work we’re doing today to win LGBT equality is for these young people’s futures. So it is vital that we ensure they survive today’s challenges so they might know tomorrow’s freedoms,” Black said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue and expand my involvement with this lifesaving organization as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Neil Patrick Harris, the Emmy-nominated star of the hit sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother,” was honored by The Trevor Project with The Trevor Life Award last month, recipients of which are annually selected based on the same criteria as that of The Trevor Hero Award. Harris gained notoriety as the beloved title character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” and has continued to demonstrate his creative versatility on screen in such films as “Clara’s Heart” and “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” and on stage in the Broadway productions of “Assassins,” “Proof” and “Cabaret.” Harris also served as the host of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards and the 63rd Annual Tony Awards.

“I’ve been a longtime supporter of The Trevor Project, and I’m excited to become even more actively involved in raising awareness of its unique and vital mission,” Harris said. “I hope that my involvement with The Trevor Project will help bring attention to the need for effective crisis and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth nationwide.”

The Trevor Project’s 30-person Board of Directors unites leaders from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to govern the organization and help further its mission and financial goals.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential helpline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. The organization was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award for Best Short Film (Live Action). “Trevor” director Peggy Rajski-Mostel cited her 1970’s film study class at Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, WI as her inspiration to get into filmmaking. That class was taught by Former Quest News Editor Mike Fitzpatrick.

For more information, visit TheTrevorProject.org.

Logo Sets Four New Series for 2010 Season

Los Angeles - Gay cable channel Logo has greenlit four new series and ordered new episodes of four audience favorites for 2010.

The four greenlit series include “The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi,” which casts an unblinking eye on the celebrity-filled, super-high-stress lives of “stylist to the stars” Verdi and his creative team; “RuPaul’s Drag U,” where RuPaul and other drag queens apply fairy godmother dust to the looks and lives of people in need of a little assistance; “The Arrangement,” an original series that follows the surprisingly intense action in a high-end floral design competition; and “Kept,” the much-buzzed-about project that takes an unflinching look at a handful of gay men in Manhattan who are, or aspire to be “kept” by another man.

In addition, Logo has ordered new episodes of some of its most popular original series including “Beautiful People,” the BBC series inspired by the eccentric childhood of style guru Simon Doonan, “Exes & Ohs,” which chronicles hapless lesbian heroine Jennifer’s trials and tribulations, the critically acclaimed “Real Momentum” documentary series and “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” executive produced by Rosie O’Donnell.

“As we approach our five year anniversary, Logo is proud to launch our most extensive and widely appealing line-up of original programming yet,” the channel’s Senior Vice President of Programming Dave Mace said. “We’ve had tremendous success since our launch in 2005 connecting with our LGBT viewers and their interests. With these new projects, we’re deepening that connection while also expanding our voice to include the LGBT community’s families and friends. We’re presenting more opportunities for gays and lesbians to watch meaningful and entertaining programming together with their family members, gay or straight.”

Logo, available in 45 million U.S. homes, is building off of the momentum of its most successful series launch yet with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the network’s partnership with sister MTV Networks service Comedy Central on the production of the third season of the “The Sarah Silverman Program.” Based on its widespread popularity and critical acclaim, Logo has already picked up a second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” slated for a February 1 premiere.