Rated LGBT Radio

The Emerald Ball of Santa Cruz CA- Where Resistance Becomes Fabulous!

Actress Janine Evans had a birthday wish - a great celebration of transgender people and the allies who love them. With the backing of Laura Bishop at the theatrical artist collective the 418 Project, and Topher Steele of Center for Spiritual Living, that wish became a vision, and became an event. That event is now a happening: The Emerald Ball in Santa Cruz California with music, fashion, and everything OZ. The team is on the podcast today with all the details!

Music Star and Euro Sensation SMASHBY With Brand New Music!

A great conversation with Smashby, the fearless gender-blending artist who has thrilled Euro and Pride audiences for the past few years. We talk about his new music, and song, FIRST RODEO, which departs into infectious country music territory.
A rising star in the LGBTQ+ music scene, Smashby has always been unapologetically himself. Growing up, he endured relentless teasing from classmates who mocked his looks, voice, and mannerisms. From our conversation today, you can se that whether on the dance floor, at a honkytonk, or in the hearts of his fans, Smashby is proving that his journey is just getting started.
 

Author Rainie Oet and GLITCH GIRL! - Her Fabulous Debut.

Trans author Rainie Oet (she/her), here with me today, is the author of the picture books Robin’s Worlds and Monster Seek (Astra). She has been awarded the Shirley Jackson Prize in Fiction.  
We talk about her fantastic new book GLITCH GIRL! Poetic and lyrical, the book takes the reader through the adventures of a 5th- 7th grader and their internal self-discovery and reactions to challenges.  Her journey of self-discovery is further challenged as she begins to question whether her name and assigned gender fit. With the help of a growing friendship with Sam, a nonbinary classmate, she begins to realize that it’s okay to defy conventional norms and expectations. 

Mike Maimone's New Song Reflects a Beautiful Gay Love Story

Singer/songwriter Mike Maimone's music and life story are defined by resilience, passion, and authenticity.
Since launching his label, 8eat8 Records, in 2008, he has released 56 projects and contributed to numerous others, including playing keyboards on Company of Thieves’ Running From a Gamble, produced by Rob Schnapf, and Jon Walker of Panic! At the Disco’s Crazy Dream EP.
On top of being a prolific recording artist, Mike has averaged over 100 tour dates per year since 2005.
His latest release, "On My Way," reflects a poignant love story with his late husband. He tells us that story and how love has informed his musical journey. 

What Happened When an "Old Conservative Man" Sat in a Queer Barber's Chair: They Wrote a Book!

 Long time former Mayor and City Council Member Jeff Comerchero and his co-author E.J. Radford have written a new dual memoir detailing not only their lives, but the unique circumstances that led to a friendship that never should have happened. We talked to them and heard their story!
 Comerchero is a 77-year-old staunch Republican, far to the right on most political, cultural, and social issues. In stark contrast, Radford is a 25-year-old barber with tattoos over most of their body, including a huge moth covering their neck, body piercings everywhere, and nose rings.  They are now best of friends and co-authors of The Old Man and the Queer.

Kristine W, One of the Top Dance Artists of All Time, Live With Us!

Kristine W, named the 8th Greatest Dance Artist of All Time by Billboard Magazine, is lighting up dance floors once again with her reimagining of the Sade classic, “Smooth Operator”. We talk about her incredible catalogue, new album and upcoming shows!

David Archuleta and His New FREEDOM - Great LGBTQ Anthem!

David just released a cover of the George Michael classic. We talk about the parallels between George Michael's coming out and David's own.  It is a great, personal conversation about a song of huge impact.

New Documentary LARRY (THEY/Them): We Talk to Director and Star

Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Catherine Legault (“Sisters: Dream & Variations”), chronicles the world of young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène as they put together their first book, Puberty, a series of self-portraits documenting their transition during hormone therapy. “Larry (They/Them)” debuts in LA at SlamDance Film Festival- but not before we talk to this director, and this star first! 

Garrett Miller , the "Blond Jesus" , Talks About New Music and the New Rated LGBT Radio!

Garrett Miller is our OG podcast producer and star. He began our collaboration years ago and Rob Watson continued to develop it into a forum for the unheard queer artistic, musical, filmic and literary voices we need to hear. We talk about that history and the great new Garrett Miller music ready to download NOW!

Dictator Felon Trump Declares War on Trans and Nonbinary Americans- Now We Fight

What do Trump's executive orders do, and how do we fight them? On his first day in office as the 47th president of the United States, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders (EOs) that impact the LGBTQ+ community, as well as many others. It is important to note that executive actions do NOT have the authority to override the United States Constitution, federal statutes, or established legal precedent. Many of these directives do just that or are regarding matters over which the president does not have control. Given that, many of these orders will be difficult, if not impossible, to implement, and efforts to do so will be challenged through litigation.
Currently, much is unknown about whether or how the administration or other actors will comply with these directives, and in most instances, rules will need to be promulgated, or significant administrative guidance will need to be issued in order for implementation to occur. These are processes that take time and require detailed additional plans to be developed. Today we talk to our friends Brandon Wolf, National Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign and journalist Christopher Kane. 
We will discuss the specific anti-LGBTQ orders, what they mean, and how we collectively and individually can fight them.
 
With co-host Brody Levesque