Justin Sayre has a few thoughts on the why recent efforts to bring queer stories to television audiences have fallen short. (WARNING: contains graphic language.)
In his latest video for HuffPost Queer Voices, the writer-performer has one stipulation when settling in for an LGBTQ-themed TV program: “At least the hair and makeup will look pretty on people.” In Sayre’s view, however, most shows that have incorporated a queer storyline have failed to measure up in that area ― and others. “I think [studio executives] are afraid that if we’re funny or if we’re loose about things, we’re still not proving to straight people how serious we are,” he said. “It feels really insincere.”
Sayre’s “International Order of Sodomites” (I.O.S.) gathers once a month for “The Meeting,” a variety show honoring an artist or a cultural work that is iconic to the gay community. The next installment of “The Meeting” hits Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater in New York April 23 and is dedicated to legendary Broadway diva, Patti LuPone. Julia Murney, Cole Escola and Molly Pope are among the performers scheduled to appear.
You can check out Sayre’s comedy album, “The Gay Agenda,” here. Meanwhile, the latest episode of “Sparkle & Circulate with Justin Sayre,” the official I.O.S. podcast, was released in March featuring an interview with singer-songwriter Gabrielle Stravelli.
You can also view some previous performances from “The Meeting” on Sayre’s official YouTube page. For more Sayre, head to Facebook and Twitter.
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