Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tom Goss

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Tom Goss who is a singer that is openly gay. I must admit he was another entertainer I was not aware of until I watched his videos on Youtube and I was very entertained with his music.



How long have you been in the music business?

  • I released my first record in 2006 (Naked Without) and have been in the business ever since.


Was it hard for you as an openly gay man to break into the music business?


  • The Music business is very hard for everyone, gay and straight.  I don't believe that my sexual orientation has hampered my ability to connect with people.  More than anything, people just want people to be authentic.


Where are you primarily located?

  • I live in Washington, DC.


When can new music from you be expected?

- I'm going into the studio to record a new album in December and January.  Expect a late Spring 2014 release!




Any advice for someone who is trying to break into the music industry?

-  Work hard, stay true to your voice and be as authentic and open as possible.  If you do that, folks will connect with you.



I always like to get the professional questions out of the way before I ask the personal questions.


Other than music and Bears, what are your hobbies or interests?



-  hahaha, I've never heard bears described as a hobby/interest : )  I love eating, playing soccer (playing most any sport or game really) and hanging out with people I love.  I love keeping things low key and laughing a lot.  
 
 


What is it about Bears that you love so much?

  • I don't really know.  It's hard to pinpoint what it is about something that you like when it's hard wired in your bones.  I can't tell you why I'm drawn to bears anymore than I can tell you why I'm drawn to men.  I have no idea why I'm attracted to bears, but I'm happy I figured that out.  They're awesome : )


How long have you been married to your partner?

-  Next week will be 3 years!


How did the two of you meet?

  • Yahoo personals!  True story.  That was 8 years ago now : )


What is the name of your partner?

- Mike.



What are your passions in life?

  • Music, food, laughter and truth.


Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

- First and foremost as a stable and supportive husband.  Other than that, I'm not sure.  I'd love to continue to grow as an artist and continue to create beautiful music, video and other imagery.  More than anything, I hope I learn to be more authentic and honest in everything I create.


And the end of the interview I wanted to get Tom's personal views of the gay community and the progress we have made this far.

Do you believe that the gay community is headed in the right direction and do you think that there is entirely too much drama in it a lot of the time?

  •  I'm not one to speak about other people's drama.  I like to focus on all of the inspirational people living healthy lives and working hard for the rights of our community.  Those people far outnumber anyone else.


What are your feelings on pride and equal rights for all people?

  • All people should be treated equally under the law.  Simple.


What are your thoughts about the progress the gay community has made over the past few years?

-  Astounding.  I think that Minnesota is kind of a microcosm of what has happened in the past couple years.  6 months ago they were voting on whether to ban gay marriage and define marriage as between a man and a woman, now it is completely legal.  I'm not sure we will ever witness such a change in public attitude and opinion as we're seeing now.  I'm happy to be able to watch it.  I'm so proud of the LGBT community for coming together and getting vocal.  It's more about education than anything.  It's much harder to take away the rights of your brother, cousin or co-worker than it is to take away the rights of something faceless and nameless, that you've been taught to fear.
 
 



Fairness WV




Fairness WV has been around for about three years now but just this last year I have noticed the work and foundation they are laying for the state of West Virginia.

I had began to notice the different events they began to show up at, as well as the name they were creating for themselves. I had started to hear about a recent educational film tour that was taken the state by storm. That is when I decided to get to know Casey Willits and Scott Jarrel a bit more through facebook.
As I did, they had asked if I knew anyone in the Parkersburg area that would be willing to maybe facilitate and take care of refreshments for the event when it made its way here. I was all for it, since I wanted to see what it was all about.
The guys had made a believer out of me not just by getting to know them but upon seeing the dedication these two have for the community. They travel around the state, never complaining and quite frankly opening the eyes of the public around them.
I watched this film known as Faces of Fairness and was left feeling threatened by the lack of equal rights that we are given. It shows hard working LGBTQ people, who are basically left in a world of turmoil just because of their sexual identity or preference. I was appauled to say the least.
I just want to express my gratitude to these great guys and this fantastic organization that proves to be a force to be reckoned with. I for one fully support this group and believe that they will not only turn heads and change minds but they will significantly change lives.
I do hope that you will take the time out to see this film, here are the links. I think once you do, you will be a believer as I am.

http://youtu.be/y1wR4YZA4X8



 Fairness West Virginia Institute (FWVI),  the statewide organization dedicated to educating the public concerning fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) West Virginians.
They are dedicated to ending discrimination, advancing transgender rights, increasing visibility and protecting families.

Chris Parsons "The Natural" Returns

The Natural Returns
 

 
Welcome back Chris.

We just wanted to see what’s happening with you since you left back in April.

 

Terry: Are you finally settled in Chicago and are you calling it "home" yet?

Yeah, my wife and I moved here on May 1st and it’s really a cool city. I don’t think I’ll ever call it “home” per se. It’s one helluva big city and I definitely have the country in my veins. The Mid-Ohio Valley will always be my home.

 

Terry: Have you got yourself a new job now and can you tell us a little bit about it?

I did land myself a nice little gig downtown. It’s about as boring an office job as you can get but it gives me time to do the things I like to do while getting paid by somebody. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the type of cat that if I’m doing something, I’ll make sure to do it to the absolute best of my ability, so I’m not slacking off at work. I come from a long line of blue collar men who could carry the world on their backs if they had to; luckily that work ethic made its way to me. But I have a gig with a lot of downtime where I get paid a pretty nice dime to read, write, and learn about things I’m interested in.

 

Terry: Does it have something to do with production or acting?

Unfortunately and fortunately, no. Unfortunately because things that don’t tickle your creative side can be a little tough to swallow, fortunately because I get a nice, steady paycheck and I’m able to take care of my wife and myself healthwise. I have a lot of friends who limit themselves to strictly artistic pursuits and, while I appreciate the nobility in that, I also see how much they suffer financially. Starving artists, to turn a phrase. I’ll be an artist in some fashion until the day I’m pushing up daisies but you can rest assured I’ll never starve. I like food too much.

My wife has done a lot of professional theatre up here. Her wide array of talents amazes me.

 

Terry: Has "the natural" made his way back on the stage yet?

In some ways, yes I have. By the way, I was exceptionally flattered by your last article when you referred to me as “The Natural,” very kind.

I haven’t been cutting the pace that I did back home, that’s for sure. Back home I basically did 10 shows back to back over the course of about 3 years. That may not seem like much but you figure each show rehearses for 2 and half, sometimes 3 months then runs for 3 weekends- that’s a huge amount of time. Then factor in that the last 4 or so were musicals where I had a leading role, that’s fairly exhausting. So, truth be told, I needed to slow down for a minute. I needed a little time to percolate, if you will.

So yeah, things are intentionally a little slower paced today. I’ve studied at the famed Second City in Chicago, which, as an actor, really opened my eyes emotionally. I learned some new skills which I’m looking forward to implementing with my acting process.

I also was very fortunate to have been cast in a feature film our first month here. It’ll be out next year and it’s called “Smoke in the Air.” It’s a great story about some kid’s lives in that weird time the summer in between high school and college. I had a wonderful supporting role as the outrageously dickish camp counselor/personal trainer who happens to be the boss. It was a great, highly professional experience and I think people will love this movie. I was blown away by not only the script, crew, and direction, but the performances these people were turning in around me. It was written by Max Klausner and directed by Connor Smith, two greatly talented guys from NYU. I fell in love with the crew. A total blast, man.

 

Terry: What's going on as far as your ability on stage? Do you feel its going to take some time to get your foot in the door, so to speak?

You know, even before I got here I knew I wanted to take the first 6 months to a year and dedicate it to learning. You never stop learning, and performing is the best classroom there is but I wanted to take a little time and simply focus on honing this craft of acting. Taking classes, reading plays, studying acting theory and philosophy, which I am doing. It has helped me grow and evolve just as a man.

I’ve met some of the nicest people ever up here and I knew a few great folks in Chicago before I even got here. But the nice thing about being new here is that it can be very isolating. I miss my friends and family back home terribly, sometimes too much; but the time I have to myself is a gift right now. Almost like self exile. Not many people get this opportunity and I’m using it as a chance to find myself. It feels like that’s exactly what I’m doing.

As far as the foot in the door thing, that’s the rub, man. I haven’t gone on a ton of auditions up here but the ones I’ve been on have fortunately panned out. I did have one door slammed in my face that stung a little. They were auditioning for Rocky Horror which is, as you know, my favorite show and arguably one of the best performances I’ve ever turned in was as Frank N. Furter in 2011. I read and sang for it and was called back to further audition for Frank. I found I still knew the material and the character fit like an old glove, I was optimistic. I really thought that there was no one they could possibly bring in (sans Tim Curry or the two wonderful gentlemen from the 2001 Broadway revival) that could wrestle this role from me. But the moment I got to the callback, I saw the writing on the wall. They knew who they wanted to see and it damn sure wasn’t me, it was a bunch regulars from that theatre. The director and staff were friends with these people and knew what they were capable of. While I’ll never admit to being out performed that day, I will admit that I didn’t have whatever it is they wanted, which, if you ask me, seemed to be familiarity. I look at that as not only a lesson of humility, but also a firm lesson on how this business works- most people want to work with their friends. That’s just the truth.

So yeah, to make a long story longer, getting a foot in the door is tough. Nowadays I’m known by the people at and fans of the Actors Guild of Parkersburg as (I hope, anyway) a solid performer. But I auditioned there plenty of times without being cast, no one (including me) knew what I could do and I do not blame them for a second for passing me by. That’s how it goes. If you got everything you ever wanted, life would be pretty damn boring. Luckily, my confidence is tough to shake because I realized early that you have to be your own biggest fan. That goes for everything. Believe in yourself or no one else will.

 

Terry: How's your relationship going and are you ready to come home yet?

Great, man, absolutely great! Natasha and I have been kind of pushed together through all of this. We spend a lot of time together and we kind of have to be spouses and friends, you know. It’s weird, we’re getting to were we say the same things at the same time and kind of read each other’s minds. It’s actually pretty cool.

She hates it here, though. We both miss the people we love and I think it really hit her when she found out her sister is having a baby and she’ll be an Aunt. As it turns out, my youngest sister is having a baby too. It’s tough to be an Uncle for my 3-year-old niece Mariah from all the way up here. My oldest sister sent a video of my niece singing to me that broke my heart. The city life is fast, you know, and I think we both long for slower days. Don’t be surprised if you see my name in an Actors Guild program next year.

 

Terry: Have you and Natasha adapted to life in Chicago?

Yeah, human beings are funny you know? They can adapt to damn near anything. I feel like the time up here has made me a happier person because I realize what’s important to me. It’s been a good experience and we’ve both grown a lot. I do feel a little old, haha! I’m not quite 30 yet but trekking around this damn city puts the years on you!

It’s been a little inspirational, though, I’ve grown up a lot. I’m actually putting the final pages down on the first draft of a movie I’ll make in the next little while. It’s a comedy but it has a lot of the emotions and ideas I want to get out in it. If I can’t get someone to do it, I’ll direct the thing myself. You never know what you’re capable of until you have to do it. This script just caught on fire, man. I love it. It’s a story I need to tell.

 

 

Terry: We talked a bit about your final performance in Full Monty before you left. What we all want to know, did you get all the way naked and do you have pictures? (HAHA)

Of course I have pictures! A wonderful fellow named Jeff Baughn takes photos for us and does an amazing job. I do have one complaint however- he got excellent shots of everyone’s ass but mine! I guess my ass will just have to live on in the ethos of the mythos of the dreams of the folks who saw it live.

I wanted to get naked! I was loudly protesting the little flesh colored g-string gimmicks they made us wear under our sparkly red gimmicks we took off! But, unfortunately, they (whoever they are) said nudity was against some zoning law or something which sounded like something a horses ass would spit out if you ask me. So, no full monty. I called it ¾ Monty the whole time.

 

Terry: How were the reviews and did you have a going away party before you left and how did that go?

That show had about the best opening night I’ve ever been a part of, it was absolutely electric. The whole run was good! And the party thing, there are always parties for these things. I’m convinced that some people act simply for the parties! Just a blast all around.

There is a story about closing night and the show in general though and I only tell it because I learned a lesson and it has a happy ending:

It probably isn’t any secret to anyone involved that I didn’t get the role I was gunning for. I wanted to play the lead. I’ve never really played a father onstage before and, to be honest, I’ve very much been in a dramatic place regarding acting lately. Another comedic character didn’t interest me, so the lead was perfect in my eyes. After auditioning, I felt that I was the absolute best choice for the role, just as, I am sure, the fine fellow and friend who actually got the role felt that he was the best. I mean, you have to think you are or could the best, even if only deep down, or else what the hell are you doing there? Anyway, despite whatever divine visions of grandeur I had, I was offered a different role, a character role. The director (RJ Lowe, a truly wonderful man and one of my best friends on Earth) had to make some tough decisions and shuffle a few people around based on certain people’s conflicts with certain roles and, ultimately, a limited number of males to cast. I’m one of those actors that will accept any role in the cast because, no matter what, I absolutely love this business and I don’t see any reason to be sitting on my ass at the house instead of performing if there’s no good reason for it. But, I was hot about it. Even though I understood from a practical standpoint, I didn’t like the way things turned out.

So, because I don’t know any other way, I obviously accepted the role and a few days later talked it out with the director, got it off my chest, and felt a lot better. I know it sounds silly but when acting is your world, little things to outsiders are very big to us. Anyway, we get through the run and it turns out that the “character” role I thought I was being plugged into turned out to be the rawest emotional outlet of my life and I got a few truly beautiful moments onstage and made some people cry. My friend who got the role I originally wanted did a fine job and I actually wound up having what was probably a better experience than I would have otherwise.

The lesson I learned was that life doesn’t go the direction you want it to all of the time because you don’t know where in the hell you need to go. That’s an important thing to understand. Looking back, I feel a little stupid for the way I felt at the time but I needed to go through that, it made me a better man.

The icing on the cake is what my friend (the one who played the lead) Josh Martin did for my wife and I on the last show. Given that I’m such a heart-on-my-sleeve guy (I have a heart literally tattooed on my sleeve), Josh new I wasn’t thrilled in the beginning with the way things turned out. But, because my wife and I mean something to him and we mean something to that community, on closing night, unbeknownst to us, he arranged for a Broadway-style curtain call just for Natasha and me, just like when performers leave a Broadway run. Josh arranged the whole thing, said some more nice things and we got to share a beautiful moment with some of the people we love the most and with the audience. My parents were there that night. My granny, who’d never seen me onstage before was there to see me in the role I dedicated to my recently deceased grandfather who I thought about every night before curtain. During that tribute to us, I bawled like a damn baby. Josh didn’t have to do that but he did and I’ll love him forever for it. I hope he reads this.

 

Politics

 

Terry: What are your thoughts on the way the United States is headed right now?

Sometimes I feel like it’s one step forward and two back. We finally make some progress on health care and then the government gets taken hostage.

 

Terry: What do you think about this government shutdown?

I’m embarrassed, completely embarrassed. I’m a registered Independent (like everyone should be) but my voting record has been largely Democratic based solely on social issues- mostly marriage equality. I don’t want to polarize the audience but I think the shutdown’s blood is on the Right side of the aisle.

 

 

Terry: So, tell us a little bit about what’s happening for the natural.

Tons of reading; I’m way into philosophy. I’m trying to take a few months and make up for lost time. When you do show after show after show, and you do it right, you don’t have much time for book learnin’. I am, however, getting a little itchy and will inevitably hit the stage somewhere. All of the3 shows I want to do are in the suburbs, so I’m buying a car in January. These classes I’m taking are great and I’m learning a TON, but performing is performing.

 

Terry: When can we expect a visit from you and your wife?

We can’t make it in for the holidays which is a total bummer. Like I said, all signs point to us returning to the loving arms of home. In the meantime, I’m taking full advantage of the resources here.

 

Terry: Anything you would like to say to your friends back home and to the new friendships you are forming now?

I miss you all more than I can even say and you’re irreplaceable. We’ll see you soon, and we’ll probably be there to stay.

 

Years ago, I asked one of my favorite stage-mates, and a man I highly respect, Don Geibel how many shows he’s done. He said “Um, probably 30 or better.” I set my goal right then to perform in 30 shows. Beyond that, who knows? Maybe direct or stare at a wall. Right now I’m at 10 shows so the curtain is down on Act I. We’re patiently waiting for ACT II to start.

 

 

Thanks for this time to catch up Chris, can't wait to meet you sometime.

 

Ms Gay America 2013-2014, Jessica Jade



Miss Gay America: Jessica Jade

Recently Jessica Jade competed for and won the title of Miss Gay America and I had the delightful opportunity to interview her after her win.
    How did it feel to hear your name announced and to have the crown placed on your head as the winner?


    When my name was announced as the winner of Miss Gay America 2014, I felt a sense of peace and conformation that my dream had been realized. I was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion. It all still feels surreal!!!


    How long have you been an entertainer?


    I have been a female impersonator now for 14 years. I started performing upon graduating high school in 1999. My first performance was to Britney Spears "Oops I did it Again". That performance was at The Park in Roanoke, VA for talent night. I placed first runner-up. The seed was planted that night and I have been performing ever since all over the country.


    What was your inspiration to become an entertainer?


    Ever since I was a young child I always loved being the center of attention. I would do anything to make people laugh. I was in choir all through elementary and middle school. I think his is where my love for being on stage started. My association with female impersonation originated after befriending former Miss Gay Roanoke, Diondra Dee. She was one of the most beautiful illusionist I've ever known. When I came onto the scene she was the local star. Audiences worshiped everything she did. She taught me the ropes and showed me makeup techniques and "drag" dancing. I remember watching her perform thinking, "I want to be like her one day". She was truly blessed with a special gift in the art form, but retired in my opinion way too soon!!!


    How long have you been working to acquire this particular title?


    I first competed for Miss Gay America in 2003 as Miss Virginia Regional. It was my first national pageant. Needless to say I did not enjoy myself. I had so many issues that year. Everything that could've went wrong, did. I had back up dancers back out at the last minute, a car in our fleet break down 85 miles outside of Little Rock, to even spilling $85.13 worth of gas on the pavement as I pulled the gas pump out of the gas pump wall, on departure back home to VA. I vowed I would never return to pageantry or Miss Gay America. I thought pageantry wasn't for me. I remember how heart broken I was when I missed Raquel, Nicole, and Luscious being crowned MGA. I felt like something was missing in my life. I decided to give Miss America another chance. I returned to Miss America in 2007 and have been back year after year more inspired and determined. It took me 8 very expensive attempts to win Miss Gay America, over the course of 10 years. It was all worth it. I feel complete and every sacrifice is solidified. 
     
     
     


    Which titles do you currently hold?


    I am Miss Gay America 2014 by way of Miss Gay East Coast America.


    Where do you primarily perform?


    Unfortunately, my home bar in Roanoke, VA recently closed its doors after 35 years of business. However, I perform on a regular basics at Godfreys in Richmond, VA, Warehouse 29 in Greensboro, NC, and The Broadway in Charleston, WV.


    Who did you consider as the greatest risk as you competed for Miss Gay America?


    While I believe anyone in a pageant can be competition, there are always seasoned contestants that know the game well. Blair Williams of Savannah, GA and Kofi of Texas were two I worried could keep me from achieving my dream. Both are very well known, talented, and great competitors. Both would make great Miss America's. I hope they return next year!!!


    Outside of performing, what can you tell us about yourself including hobbies or interests?


    While performing is my greatest and most time consuming hobby, I do enjoy many other things. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love music and scary movies. I enjoy cooking and dining out. I love to travel and experience new places and people. I also enjoy staying active and taking care of myself.


    Are you a single lady?


    I am single and ready to mingle with the right person who can handle my hectic, busy lifestyle!


    What advice can you give to the younger performers who want to follow in your footsteps?


    Never give up on your dreams!! The things we want most in life usually come with a lot of hard work, determination, perseverance, and minor set backs. Keep pushing forward, listen, ask questions, polish, and believe you can be anything you want to be. Surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up and keep your best interest at heart!!! Also, remember dreams do not come with price tags of time limits...when it's meant to be, it will!
     
    By: Kevin Spence