Rated LGBT Radio

Exposing the Cranks and Cons of the Anti-Gays with Wayne Besen

Today we talk to one of the premier activists to fight against the horrific "ex-gay" initiatives over the past few decades, Wayne Besen. Wayne Besen is an American LGBTQ+ rights activist and the founder and executive director of Truth Wins Out, a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing the dangers of the ex-gay movement. He is a former investigative journalist, having worked for WABI-TV, and a former spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign. 
In 1998, Wayne left the Human Rights Campaign to start Truth Wins Out. The organization was founded in response to the growing ex-gay movement, which claims that it is possible to change one's sexual orientation. Besen has been a tireless critic of the ex-gay movement, exposing its harmful practices and its lack of scientific evidence.
Under Wayne's leadership, Truth Wins Out has become a leading voice in the fight against the ex-gay movement. The organization has published numerous reports and articles on the dangers of the ex-gay movement, and Besen has testified before Congress and state legislatures about the need to protect LGBTQ+ youth from these harmful practices.
Today we discuss his new book Lies With a Straight Face: Exposing the Cranks and Cons Inside the 'Ex Gay' Industry. He is also the author of  Bashing Back: Wayne Besen on GLBT People, Politics and Culture (2007), and Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the ‘Ex-Gay’ Myth (2003).

How Big Social Media is Being Held Responsible for LGBTQ Kid Harm

The Kids Online Safety Act is making its way through Congress as a means to protect kids, including LGBTQ kids from harm that can come from social media. The bill will protect young people from harmful design and programming decisions, while explicitly safeguarding youth autonomy to explore online.  
Will the bill be effective? How will it work?  We find out today with our special guests. 
Laura Marquez-Garrett is a 2002 Harvard Law School graduate and spent the first twenty-years of her career in Big Law, where she oversaw complex litigation matters and business disputes and specialized in electronic evidence and forensic investigation.In 2022, Laura left her predominantly defense-oriented practice to join the Social Media Victims Law Center. 
We also will be talking to Lance Preston, Founder and Executive Director of the Rainbow Youth Project USA, a social welfare organization that promotes the health, safety, and wellness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual young people throughout the United States. 
With Brody Levesque

Hot New Pop Princess Alis Vibe Wows Nashville -She’s in Our House!

Today's guest, Alis Vibe is the rising pop star, you need to hear!  From Milan, Italy, she has been making a name for herself with pop music that inspires her listeners to dance and, at the same time, share a deep message. Her intentional music represents her desire to raise awareness and develop a sense of community among her listers. Alis views herself as a singer and a performer who conveys a message of freedom and love to the world. She has moved to Nashville as part of the "Not Country" music scene, and making waves!  Today we premiere her newest song I Want It All , and as an added bonus we will also be playing her recent release Surfing the Light as well!  Both songs are about freedom of expression, universal love, self-confidence, divine timing, self-belief, and trusting the process. She believes in spirit guides and uses her music to encourage listeners to follow their own spirit’s guidance.
Her influences include the legendary Freddie Mercury, the iconic visionary Lady Gaga, and other extraordinary and modern artists like Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa. However, behind her pop style is an important influence from folk, soul, and blues artists such as Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Tracy Chapman, Joss Stone, Etta James,
 With Brody Levesque

Swedish Pop Sensation and Climate Activist Oscar Stembridge Singing in Our House

Oscar Stembridge, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Sweden, gives his listeners much more than a small dose of authenticity: he gives what he calls his “emotional truth.” He recently awed LA audiences in a sold out gig, and is ready to take on the world.
Oscar's music carries themes of endless possibilities and coming-of-age optimism from his personal experiences. His music is an anthem for Generation  Z, a suspended cry of hope and disparity amid a larger global socio-political struggle. His original music echoes the concerns of his generation facing climate change, destruction of natural habitats both in the oceans and across seven continents, and the crisis brought about by wars and natural disasters.  
Today we talk to him and paly a couple of his most popular songs . Also joining us is Brian Gregory who features Oscar in a documentary for Primitive Planet. Brian is an adventurer and award-winning director, editor, and writer. He wrote his first screenplay at age 12 and has gone on to write and direct numerous films. This summer, Brian won the Grand Jury award at the Oniros Film Awards in New York City for his short screenplay, “POP!” Brian is passionate about creating engaging and educational content that celebrates nature, culture, and human potential.
With co-host Brody Levesque

Star, writer and director of the NEW film ”august at twenty-two”

August at twenty-two  is the tale of a young woman thrown into a sea of relationships, their complexities and the discovery of her own identity as it is molded by her desires, priorities and expectations. Cal, played by Ali Edwards, is a floundering actress who has to deal with the fact that her childhood soulmate, Jacob, now has a serious girlfriend. Cal’s acceptance of the new relationship veers into uncharted territory as the friendship between the two women becomes complicated and complex, challenging Cal’s focus, identity and the other relationships in her life.
Our guests today are Ali Edwards, who besides playing Cal, is also the writer of the tilm, and first time feaature film director Sophia Castuera. Sophia says of the material, “Our hope is that this film transports you back to your own life at “twenty-two” just like it did for me. She’s (Cal, the protagonist) a queer woman with complex feelings for those around her. I certainly knew that feeling. And even beyond her queerness, I felt seen in Cal’s inability to separate friendships from romance and intimacy. I wanted what she craved too, and Ali’s writing succinctly touched a nerve with me, in a meaningful and confronting way. "
 
with co-host Brody Levesque
 

The Stunningly Handsome Garrett Clayton Releases Barbie Boys Anthem!

He dances! He sings! More times than not, he is slaying with his drop-dead good looks and sultry "come on" glances, but this summer the beautiful Garrett Clayton is romping on the beach with the celebratory, and more than a little camp, Barbie Boys.  The dancable banger pays homage to cultural icons from Barbie (hello...) to Olivia Newton-John (the Physical era) to Britany and Paris Hilton. It was written and produced by a team that have infused pop into acts from Erasure to Pink.
We have both Garrett and his Barbie Boys in studio with us today, for rousing discussion, and a twerking good time!
Garrett is beloved by literally millions on Tik Tok and Instagram, where he had fantastic dance reels, reminiscent of his huge musical resume that includes NBC’s “Hairspray Live!,” Disney’s musical franchise “Teen Beach Movie,” and Nickelodeon’s Live-Action “The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder” on Paramount+.
 
With co-host Brody Levesque

LGBTQ Cultural Filmmaker Robert James and The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook!

Our special guest today is Robert James, award winning LGBTQ filmmaker whose work is steeped in San Francisco culture. His outstanding documentaries, celebrated around the world, often explore themes of queer identity, activism, and community. His films bring to life people and souls who might otherwise be forgotten, but were in their own rights dynamic creative human beings with creative contributions for the world.
Today we will be talking about Robert's newest release,“The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook” which  tells the brilliant story of historic activism, love, and community art through the works of two prolific San Francisco artists, David Faulk and Michael Johnstone, who also happen to be long-term AIDS survivors and extraordinary activists who were instrumental in ACT UP and the NAMES Project (culminating in the March On Washington/installation of Aids Quilt in Washington, D.C.). During one of the darkest periods in US History, these two men decide to bring all the joy and color to a broken community for which an entire movement has emerged. Taking to the streets bedecked in glitter, baubles, and recycled plastic, the two form a cadre of colorful kindred spirits they call Verasphere, lead by the indominable Mrs. Vera.
With co-host Brody Levesque

Rated G Radio: Olivia Newton John Tribute Song

Welcome Back to Rated G Radio with your host Garrett Miller.
Tonight we are welcoming returning guest, Rick Karatas, who wrote a tribute song to the beloved Olivia Newton John.  Rick will talk about the origin of his inspiration for his creation "Her Spirit Lives On."  We'll also be joined by Adrian Christian who performs the song.
Now available on iTunes and wherever you purchase your favorite music!

Rated G Radio: Special Guest Host Australia’s Mary Lou Munroe Rey!

Rated G Radio is back and bringing us an hour of power tonight is Rated OZ Radio's very own Mary Lou Munroe Rey!
Garrett and Mary Lou will get caught up on her winter, his summer.  There will be lots of hot topics to banter about and we'll find out what Mary Lou has been up to since we last spoke!
Connect with Mary Lou on Instagram here:  ratedozradio_8
Please tonight's broadcast is NOT a psychic call in show.  

Platinum Record Producer Barb Morrison ”Bottoming for God” in the House!

American recording artist and producer Barb Morrison is in our house!  They are  a Top 5 Billbord Dance chart songwriter, platinum record producer and have worked with artists including Blondie, Rufus Wainright, Franz Ferdinance, LP, Asia Kate Dillon and our recent musical guest Tripping Jupiter.
Today we will be focusing on Barb's brand new memoir Bottoming for God! Bottoming for God by Barb Morrison is a memoir that tells the story of the author’s journey from being a punk rocker, record producer and film composer in New York City to finding their true identity as a non-binary person, a spiritual seeker and a loving partner.  The title of the book is inspired by a concept from queer theory and Jewish mysticism that suggests that some biblical heroes, such as Jacob and David, had to learn to “bottom for God” in order to fulfill their divine missions. This means that they had to surrender their ego, their will and their power to the higher authority of God, and become receptive, humble and feminine in their relationship with the divine.
Debbie Harry endorsed Bottoming for God with the following quote:"What a life! What a crazy funny time Barb has had! I feel lucky to know them.""
With co-host Brody Levesque