Joe was flying solo last night on The Agenda with Joe Solmonese with regular co-host Mary Breslauer working hard to preserve marriage equality in California. But of course we brought our usual variety with everything from the editor of The Nation to an a cappella drag queen.

Starting off the show Joe welcomed one of the best in the LGBT press – Kerry Eleveld. She’s the news editor at The Advocate and this year has been covering the 2008 elections through an LGBT lens. Download or listen:

For something on the lighter side, Ben Schatz was our guest. An original member of “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet” – The Kinsey Sicks – Ben himself is a Harvard-trained civil rights lawyer, former Director of the national Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and an expert on HIV/AIDS issues. Download parts one and two or listen:
Part one:
Part two:

Turning to media and arts Joe hosted Larry Gross, a Professor and Director of the School of Communication at USC Annenberg. He’s the author of “Contested Closets: The Politics and Ethics of Outing” and “Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men, and the Media in America.” They discussed LGBT people in the media and how portrayals are affecting gay political issues. Download or listen:

For some laughs we brought on a hilarious woman who not only entertains audiences around the country but has been a groundbreaking performer throughout her career. Suzanne Westenhoefer was the first openly gay comedian in the country and the first lesbian to garner an HBO comedy special. She and Joe discussed her recent appearance at HRC’s national dinner and her current comedy tour. Download or listen:

Finally, it was our great pleasure to welcome Katrina vanden Heuvel to the show. She’s the publisher and editor of the magazine The Nation and a sought after voice for intelligent commentary on American and international politics. Download or listen:

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