On this edition of the GAYBC Happy Hour hosted by Richie Roy and Johnny Mac we dive into a lively discussion on essential queer cinema, share tantalizing cocktail and mocktail recipes in the Mixology 101 segment, and provide more product and service warnings and recommendations. We'll also be unpacking the latest LGBTQ+ news stories, including the controversy sparked in Huntsville, Alabama, about a transgender Space Camp employee and the settlement of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. They also explore the shifts in public support for marriage equality and the concerning rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in U.S. schools. Plus, learn about the groundbreaking policy change by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide IVF treatment to veterans in same-sex marriages or who are single. It's an episode packed with insightful discussions, important updates, and a whole lot of fun!

As with every GAYBC Happy Hour episode, Richie and Johnny bring you the latest LGBTQ+ current events, shedding light on the heroes and villains of the community. They also share their hits and misses, offering recommendations and warnings about businesses and products you should either check out or avoid. And don't miss Richie's Mixology 101 segment, where he slips into his cute French Maid outfit to serve as your high cocktail priestess and delight you with his concoction skills.

Join hosts Richie Roy and Johnny Mac on this episode of the GAYBC Happy Hour as they connect with filmmakers Corey Sherman, the screenwriter, and Allison Tate, the producer of the new feature-length comedy, Big Boys. This charming coming-of-age story follows a 14-year-old boy as he navigates his sexual orientation and embraces his true self. Corey and Allison are in-studio to discuss the inspiration behind the film and their experiences while screening it at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

It's no laughing matter, but the hosts are also laughing at a Fox News primetime host who is unhappy about Taylor Swift's influence over voters who share her progressive and civil rights views and who registered to vote this year. Jesse Watters is concerned that Swift is a psyop agent of the Biden Administration's Pentagon. LOL. Rules relating to denial of care for religious reasons implemented by President Trump have been removed by Health and Human Services. But, bigots on the Right are over-riding Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of a bil that bans gender-affirming care for youth and bans transgender female athletes from being on sports teams.

Wrapping up this episode, Richie and Johnny talk about LGBTQIA+ themed entertainment being honored with the crowning achievement in television at this year's Emmy Awards, then offer product recommendations and Richie has his bar apron on and is whipping up an idea for your pleasure in his Mixology 101 classroom.

Hosts Richie Roy and Johnny Mac start the year off with a bang. The LGBTQ+ news gods have bestowed a treasure chest of topics and they waste no time jumping into the fray. New Years 2024 is in the books, and while Richie and Johnny talk about their holidays, Richie takes particular note that the climate is indeed changing as his Hudson Valley home has seen no measurable snowfall this winter.

While news about our environment may be chilling, the Right Wing had a New Years meltdown over the Gay Kiss seen around the world from Times Square on CNN. The guys have a good laugh until they talk about the staggering number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that were introduced in 2023 to state legislatures and how many of those that passed are now being challenged in court by the ACLU.

Also on this episode, news about book bans in Iowa and Florida. Gay marriage is now legal in Estonia, and may be headed the same way in Thailand soon. Catholic preschools in Colorado are up to some legal shenanigans to discriminate while obtaining taxpayer dollars to do it. A judge puts Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the corner for a time-out calling him a liar over his anti-Transgender nonsense. The show concludes with the recommendations and admonishments of products and services plus Richie is in the bar mixing up an odd but interesting flavor for winter libations!

Our website is going through a revamp but will be back later in January with a fresh new look and feel. Keep tuning into your favorite podcast portals or listen to us live from the Mutual Radio channel on the TuneIn app on Thursday evenings between 5-7 pm Pacific Time, 8-10 pm Eastern Time.

In a lighter segment, Johnny and Richie share a heartwarming tale of the world's oldest living land animal, which has recently turned 191 years old. They bring attention to a renaissance in gay literature, exploring its impact on the publishing industry and LGBTQ+ bookstores. As always, the episode includes the Happy Hour Seal of Approval, featuring holiday gift-giving-worthy product recommendations, and Richie Roy’s Mixology 101, serving up delightful cocktails and mocktails perfect for your holiday parties.

This is the final episode of 2023. New shows will begin again on January 4, 2024. Happy Holidays!

The second hour kicks off with a passionate discussion about Hollywood’s over-indulgence in Prequels and Sequels. Prepare for some holiday cheer as usual as the episode has its weekly Seal of Approval segment featuring holiday gift giving ideas, and Richie's Mixology 101 featuring cocktails and mocktails. Then, in their good news finale of the week, Richie and Johnny discuss a Pennsylvania school board member who triumphed over the Right-wing whacky Moms for Liberty in her electoral victory with a very special way of being sworn into her term.

In the second hour, Richie and Johnny talk about the automobiles on their wish list if only there was an Auto Santa to leave a new ride in the driveway with one of those giant red bows! Find inspiration for those hard-to-buy-for individuals on your list during the Seal of Approval segment, with ideas beyond those thoughtless gift cards. And of course, no episode would be complete without Richie Roy behind the bar, showcasing his mixology skills and serving up delicious cocktails and mocktails to enjoy throughout the festive season. Join the GAYBC Happy Hour team for an action-packed, holiday-themed episode that will keep you entertained until the Season of Festivus has come and gone.

Of course, there's also room for political discussions around the Thanksgiving table, including updates on the inevitable removal of compulsive liar Congressman George Santos, the continued failures of the American Conservative Union, and a heartwarming story about a transgender teen's triumph over a phobic high school administrator who was overruled when he tried to block the student’s performance in the musical Oklahoma. Don't miss Richie's Mixology 101 for a delightful holiday cocktail and mocktail. And, his favorite product in this week’s GAYBC Happy Hour Seal of Approval is in the music category this week. Celebrate Thanksgiving, Richie's birthday, and engage in compelling conversations on politics, LGBTQ+ issues, and more on this festive episode.

But it's not all heavy topics – the GAYBC Happy Hour also features the comeback of disgraced former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, now vying for the mayoral seat in Jersey City. The hosts dish on this political resurrection and the papal backlash surrounding Pope Francis's decision to oust the anti-LGBTQ pro-MAGA Bishop Joseph Strickland from East Texas. As always, the episode is sprinkled with humor and camaraderie, including a lively discussion with Cyd Ziegler from OutSports.com about positive developments for the LGBTQ+ community in the National Hockey League. And, of course, Richie takes on the role of bartender extraordinaire for another Mixology treat, while the guys share their weekly recommendations and warnings in the GAYBC Happy Hour Seal of Approval segment. Stay informed, entertained, and engaged with America's only live global LGBTQ+ call-in show. Cheers to another week of must-hear podcasting!

In sad news this week, we report on another Texas atrocity. Max Hightower was cast as the male lead in his high school's stage production of Oklahoma! But, the transgender Sherman, TX student was later informed that due to a new policy, he could not play the part. Voters sent packing the Ultra-MAGA Gabrielle Hanson in her bid to bring her insanity to the Mayor's office in Franklin, Tennessee with a resounding loss. MAGA Moron Marjorie Taylor Greene and her band of misfits in Congress wants to cut Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's compensation to $1 each year. It's just more shenanigans that are increasingly showing the Republican Party electeds for who and what they are. In a word: Vengeful. Ron DeSantis continues to swirl in the drain of presidential aspirations. And, another blow-out victory at the Polls for those who believe that women should have autonomy over their bodies and reproductive choices. Ohio enshrines the right to abortion in a landslide referendum. Is it a sign of what's to come with candidates in 2024?

Richie dons his bartender apron for another Mixology segment. He and Johnny have their weekly recommendations for and against products and services. Johnny is happy that the SAG-AFTRA strike is ending, but lambastes one company that wasted no time screwing the public as a result. And, there's a GAYBC Happy Hour pride pool party review!

This week’s episode is a special three-hour edition and focuses on serious topics like a very surprising ban on a book that has stirred controversy for more than 2,000 years with sex, violence, disasters, and incest. But, those imposing the ban have had a change of heart. Or perhaps it was divine intervention. There’s a discussion about the shocking disappearance from the Republican bid for the White House by “Get a Rope” ex-Veep Mike Pence. Have you heard about the latest scuffle regarding conversion therapy? Well, the guys have plenty to say about it and what should happen to parents who attempt to send their kids through it. Richie and Johnny also talk about threats to Trans people and the ongoing assault to their dignity with another stupid “bathroom bill” in the land of Potato Heads. And, speaking of the efforts to mess with transgender people, we learn more about what’s being faced by Trans people who have honorably served their nation in the U.S. military from Cassandra Leigh Williamson, who speaks with our Veterans Correspondent James Apedaile at the recent American Veterans for Equal Rights conference held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. James is just one of our special guests in-studio on this podcast while attending Palm Springs Pride.

Product recommendations and warnings and our mixology segment with a distinctly mid-century feel (though it may not have been the middle of last century) are all part of the fun and games as well as chillin’ with the friends!

Later in the episode, what are the real-life consequences of not being involved in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election for LGBTQ+ people? Richie and Johnny explore the latest terror being unleashed on anyone who values democracy and dislikes the idea of queer rights being completely stripped away. If you hate politics, this discussion is especially important for you. It’s a wake-up call that this week’s vote to make Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) the newest Speaker of the House of Representatives should end your ability to sleep at night. The guys welcome your phone calls throughout the show and wrap it up, as always, with their product hits and misses of the week and great cocktails and mocktails from the GAYBC Happy Hour College of Mixology. Plus, a feel-good follow-up to one of last week's bad news stories. Chalk one up in the W column for the LGBTQ+ community in a skirmish with the NHL!

Choose your words wisely if you want to insult someone in Switzerland. Alain Soral has a history of running his mouth contrary to his own interests, but he's spending 60 days in the lock-up for calling a journalist a "fat lesbian." Could such a penalty ever be possible in the United States? Unlikely, but it might be an incentive to cripple hate. As we know, the USA has its own share of nutjobs whose blood runs cold. Tennessee is back in the news this week, where a crazy politician wants to become Mayor of Franklin. Gabrielle Hanson isn't hiding her affiliation and support of neo-Nazis, who she has invited to attend candidate forums.

The Golden State continues to be a trend-setter in protecting its citizens from those who are falling down on the job at the US Food & Drug Administration. It may only seem like a tint to you, but Red Dye No. 3 has bad health ramifications and California is putting a halt to its use. Find out why and how you may be endangered by it. And, Richie dons his apron at the Happy Hour School of Mixology. As autumn arrives and brings a chill in the air, he has a great idea for a sweet and spicy seasonal beverage.

Tom Rielly is the co-founder of Digital Queers, a non-profit organization that was responsible for the endowment of computer hardware, software and consultant services to most of the major LGBTQ+ non-profits in the United States when activism and the work to achieve equality moved out of the streets and into cyberspace. He is also the founder of one of the first LGBTQ+ online communities - PlanetOut, which was the first queer company to go public on a major US stock exchange. He currently is part of the thought-leading team at TED Conferences, an organization he has been involved with since their earliest days.

He joins Richie Roy and Johnny Mac on this show to talk about the newest tech toys from phone manufacturers, as well as other gadgets and gizmos, some of the history behind Apple's product design success and those behind it. He also dons his LGBTQ+ entertainment hat and talks about must-see's for those who cannot get enough on the small or big screen. There's some holiday gift giving ideas, non-tech product recommendations, and our weekly Mixology segment with a dazzling drink idea that will take you to the tropics in your own kitchen.

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The second hour takes a compelling turn, addressing the challenges of today's tough economic times. Richie Roy & Johnny Mac engage in a thoughtful conversation about helping friends and loved ones navigate life's challenges, providing practical insights for achieving success and fulfillment. Adding a lighthearted touch, the hosts embark on a taste-testing adventure, sampling Penis-flavored potato chips from Eastern Europe, injecting humor into the discussion. Meanwhile, Richie Roy dons his bartender best in the weekly Mixology segment, whipping up rich and thick Red cocktails to set the Halloween month vibe. Guest co-host Blake Oliver joins the lively banter, contributing a fresh perspective to the diverse array of topics covered in this episode. From politics to personal growth, laughter, and even a dash of Halloween spirit, it's two hours of entertainment and enlightenment at GAYBCHappyHour.com. Tune in for a rollercoaster of discussions that traverse the political and personal dimensions of our lives.

As we move throughout this edition, drag queens are still under physical and legislative attack and the kids who love them are beyond FED UP. The latest news on that front. And, while they're at it, the ongoing shenanigans in Florida to ban books continues to be a rollercoaster ride while one Queer Eye star is coming out with an inclusive new children's book of his own. It's Gorgeously Me!

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new bills protecting LGBTQ youth. It's a positive step that will no doubt be met by phobic opponents who will try and get these laws in front of the unfriendly Supreme Court of the United States. Donatella Versace is making news this week as she speaks out against a growing tide of anti-LGBTQ measures being pushed by the fascist leader of Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Richie Roy and Johnny Mac also are standing by with Thumbs pointed up and down in the GAYBC Happy Hour Seal of Approval segment. And, once again, if you're looking for great liquid concoctions to satisfy your thirst, Richie is donning his mixologist apron as Johnny fetches the ice!

Check out the NEW GAYBC Happy Hour Website by CLICKING HERE!

Social media alt-right influencer Sneako has posted videos of himself interacting with young male fans at a Miami sporting event. They spouted transphobic, misogynistic, and violent homophobic comments. But, the hosts talk about ‘where do they learn that stuff from?’ It’s time for consequences. It’s not the first time our dynamic duo has had their hackles raised by Republicans who have had success using “parents rights” to push anti-LGBTQ policies in public schools. Turns out that polling shows this activism is not sitting well with most parents. Richie and Johnny pick the GOP apart like jackals with road kill. This week, Moms for Liberty, another of these nutty buddies on the right are being exposed by former South Park scriptwriter Toby Morton. Like any episode of South Park, it makes us laugh til we wanna pee our pants!

The transphobes across the pond in merry ‘ol England have gone as crazy as those beer drinking TV ad critics drinking Bud Light in the USA. God forbid! Braun is taking heat from the haters with an ad campaign focused on a FTM male using one of their razors. The hosts are itching their whiskers to chime in and you can, too. Join the conversation! Maybelle Blair is 96 years old and she just came out a year ago. She was a player in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. She also served as an adviser to Amazon Prime’s production of A League of Their Own. We'll tell you about how the Mets are honoring her and more. 

Finally, our resident mixologist Richie Roy is in the Happy Hour Bar playing with his swizzle stick!

They dive into the latest Twitter drama involving “Tragic” Tucker Carlson, the white supremacist who invited a convicted felon and proven liar, Larry Sinclair, on his "show." Sinclair famously claimed he had a gay encounter with Barack Obama in 1999. Meanwhile, Rep. Lauren Boebert's controversial tenure in the House of Representatives is facing challenges as polls indicate she may struggle to keep her seat due to her continually defecating in her seat in Congress.

On a positive note, the trio celebrate the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. Carl Nassib, the first openly gay NFL player, is retiring, leaving a significant mark on the sports world. Collin Martin with the San Diego Loyal soccer club remains the only publicly out gay athlete in American men's professional sports. And in a heartwarming twist, the organization Moms for Liberty tried their transphobia in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, but students and parents stood up, leading to the rehiring of Sasha Yates, a transgender female tennis coach. That’s one for the ‘W’ column!

The conversation turns to the controversial topic of heterosexual actors playing LGBTQ+ roles in film and on stage, with Pedro Almodóvar defending his casting choices. They'll also explore the reverse scenario of LGBTQ+ actors in heterosexual character roles.

And, don't miss our new features: Great Moments in Deposition History with Law Professor Richie Roy and how to whip up great libations with the GAYBC Happy Hour School of Mixology!

Celebrating a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights, the Brazilian Supreme Court's groundbreaking decision takes center stage. The hosts delve into how this monumental ruling clears the path to justice by sending homophobes to prison, offering them a chance to reflect on their harmful behavior. California Attorney General Rob Bonta's unyielding stand against transphobia also grabs the spotlight, as Richie and Johnny analyze the legal action being taken against a California school district. This inspiring move showcases the power of advocating for trans rights and inclusivity. The poor Log Cabin Republicans are back in the headlines with news that the GOP's plans to hold their convention in Houston, Texas will exclude LGBTQ+ delegates in 2028. Richie and Johnny's commentary promises to be as fiery as the Texan sun. And, it’s no more sunshine and sprinkles as an LGBTQ+ sweets business Big Gay Ice Cream hits a sour end.

Tune in this week to GAYBC Happy Hour for an engaging, witty, and thought-provoking journey through the latest LGBTQ+ news, politics, and culture. Let Richie Roy and Johnny Mac be your guides through the stories that matter most to the community. Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation!

Navigating through a diverse spectrum of stories, the episode takes a curious turn as it uncovers a right-wing extremist's outrageous threats against a Texas congresswoman. From bizarre claims of satanic conspiracy to a former Putin advisor's peculiar theories involving Ukraine's military, the discussions remain both intriguing and disconcerting. Yet, amidst the thought-provoking narratives, the show shines a light on the triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community. Tune in as the hosts celebrate the ingenuity of a transgender handy-ma'am, gaining popularity on Instagram and even releasing her debut book: Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. Adding a touch of heartwarming inspiration, the show delves into the vibrant world of an LGBTQ+ senior mecca in the East Bay's Walnut Creek.

As the conversation flows, we touch on a poignant incident involving a First grader in Conroe, Texas, whose reaction to a multi-racial poster ignites a discussion about the roots of indoctrination. A spotlight is cast on a Trump-appointed judge mandating Southwest Airlines' lawyers to undergo "religious liberty training," a move sparking debates over LGBTQ rights. The legal arena is further explored with a potential Supreme Court-bound case featuring a Catholic couple denied foster parent approval due to their views on transgender and non-binary individuals.

Adding to the vibrant discourse, we're thrilled to welcome comedian, author, actor, and filmmaker Craig Chester as our special guest. As the 18th anniversary of his film Adam & Steve approaches, we gain insights into his journey, along with a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Palm Springs reunion in August. Our hosts infuse their signature snap, crackle, and pop as they unravel the annoying tangle surrounding Stephen Miller's America First Legal organization's stance on Kellogg's LGBTQ-friendly cereal marketing.

Tune in for a cocktail of candid conversations, insightful analyses, and heartfelt moments on the GAYBC Happy Hour. Cheers to diversity, inclusivity, and the power of open dialogue! Your calls are welcome, too!

Wayne Brady's recent revelation about being pansexual will have our hosts deliberate whether Hollywood still stands as a daunting platform for non-heterosexual individuals to expose their personal lives. Lastly, we take a political shot as we dissect Ohio voters' resounding stance against making state Constitution amendments more stringent. Could this be a harbinger of further pushback in 2024, in response to the contentious Supreme Court ruling on women's reproductive rights? And, if you won the Lotto, just how philanthropic might you be? Tune in, sip your preferred concoction, and join us for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, insights, and a dash of glam on GAYBC Happy Hour!

Going forward, live webcasts of the GAYBC Happy Hour will originate on Thursday evenings from 8 to 10 pm Eastern Time, 5 to 7 pm Pacific Time. The podcast version will be released after the live broadcast.

Beginning with the coming out story of Jacksonville Jaguar's Strength Coach Kevin Maxen last week. While it shouldn't be a big deal for professional athletics anymore, it still is, and Maxen has been pleasantly surprised at the response.

The hosts share thoughts on some of their favorite LGBTQ+ musicians and comedians with a look at one HBO funnyman and a mainstream rocker who recently stepped out of the closet to make a point. Plus, remembering Tony Bennett, who had a history of LGBTQ+ support and collaboration with out artists.

Kate Salkowitz is the Assistant Creative Director at The Lincoln Project and talks about the effectiveness of their video digital and tv ad campaigns shining a spotlight on the ills of the MAGA Right and winning over a growing percentage of conservative voters to say no to a party increasingly marching towards fascism and authoritarian rule.

HEY MO'RON! We're talking about More Ron DeSantis nonsense and the Florida governor and presidential hopeful's big fat loss in his latest effort to overturn an anti-Trans stay issued by a judge. Plus, the latest disgusting efforts by Senator JD Vance to fertilize a rotten egg of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

There's a spirited discussion about summer foods and a war of words about condiments to boot and more. Don't miss this episode!

There is something fishy going on with federal funding and the operation of the new 988 mental health telephone services for LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project suddenly cut 50% of its staffing and blamed in on a constriction of resources. But, that's not adding up with the audits.

And, just how protected from workplace discrimination are the thousands of men and women serving as openly LGBTQ+ in the United States Armed Forces? With recent rights repeals by the Supreme Court and the movement by crazy MAGA kooks in Congress, the issue may not yet be resolved. We talk with special guests James Apedaile, VP of American Veterans for Equal Rights and retired Army Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, Ph.D about where things stand and what can be done to shore up protections for those who serve honorably and truthfully from the LGBTQ+ community.

PlanetOut founder and TED Conferences dynamo Tom Rielly is in-studio for our discussions in the second hour of this episode. We'll talk a lot about this summer's film and streaming releases and put some perspective on Apple's latest technology innovations.

John Nash and Tim Bennett, co-hosts of The Focus Group podcasts were the brains and brawn behind the first automaker in the world to market to the LGBTQ+ community. They talk about their work with Subaru and many other well-known brands and also about the fall-out in recent months for brands like Target and Bud Light.

Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League have incurred a number of self-inflicted bruises while most teams and players have tried to do "the right thing" when it comes to recognition of their LGBTQ+ fans. OutSports.com co-founder Cyd Ziegler joins us in-studio to discuss the situations and what is or can be done to repair damage.

And, our resident attorney - host Richie Roy - takes us in-depth with a review of the actions and re-actions of the terrible decisions out of the Supreme Court of the United States.

There's so much to cover. Catch it all with convenience listening from Mutual GAYBC.

Something you don't usually hear: Good news from Arkansas! Something you always hear from Texas: More State-sponsored bigotry. And, all this while Moscow was preparing to be overtaken. The GAYBC Happy Hour with Richie Roy, Chick Maxson, and Johnny Mac is two hours of conversation you don't want to miss!

The conversation starts with history and the modifications to the Pride Flag. The hosts also talk about news related to pride and the threats that Pride celebrations face in this new era of intolerance and disparagement of the community by elected officials and homo- and trans-phobic actions on the part of legislative bodies.

A discussion of book banning, unsafe places for LGBTQ+ people to travel, and some head-scratching pet peeves of the week take place. Actor, Comedian, Writer and Author Jason Stuart stops by and talks about his short form streaming hit SMOTHERED. And, a tribute to Brian De Matos, a social justice warrior who passed away last week in Toronto are all part of this episode.

Pride celebrations are taking place this month around-the-world and it turns out that the spirit of the season hasn't taken hold with some professional athletes. The guys have a bit to say on that matter. Richie is in a real musical mood and talks summer songs and gets to the heart of Kylie's Padum. Police have locked up a gay serial rapist suspect in Palm Springs, CA, and can you believe it? The Feds have finally decided to throw the book at it's old CEO! No doubt, he'll want Florida to ban that one, too.

There's a lot being talked about on this episode so enjoy the podcast and join us live on Sunday's from 2 to 4 pm Eastern, 11 am to 1 pm Pacific at www.GAYBC.com to interact live.