CELEBRITY AUTOGRAPHS TO SUPPORT TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST

  Can you lend a hand
with my bid to raise money for the HIV/AIDS Charity, the Terrence
Higgins Trust? I will be running an ebay auction of signed
celebrity memorabilia over the next 2 months. Items include Joan
Baez, Kylie Minogue and Darren Hayes.   Pics are here on
my facebook profile:
 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.28658959327.51901.524934327&type=1
  My ebay name is: hideous70 Please tell your
network and help me to raise funds for this vital charity.    

SEEKING A PUBLISHER NOW! EXCLUSIVE CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL INTERVIEWS

NEVER BLEND IN How to live unlimited by labels DAVID E. WATTERS FOREWORD: STUART MILK NEVER BLEND IN is an accessible book about achieving personal authenticity, a groundbreaking and vital book of exclusive celebrity and deeply personal non-celebrity interviews, which is aimed primarily at a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning audience. The book, however, is also of value to educators, parents, family and mental health professionals seeking insight into the LGBTQ experience. Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and to illustrate that living a life unlimited by labels will lead to personal, professional and spiritual fulfilment. These candid stories and wise words are a powerful toolkit to encourage, inspire, uplift and give hope to those who need it most; those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief. STALKING ALAN CUMMING Inspired by the life of Harvey Milk and with a foreword by his nephew Stuart Milk, this book includes original and insightful interviews with actors Alan Cumming OBE (Cabaret, Spy Kids, The Good Wife), Stephen Fry (Peter’s Friends, Wilde), Anthony Rapp (Rent), Colton Ford (The Lair), Marcus Patrick (My Wife & Kids, CSI: Miami, Passions and Dancing With The Stars), Scotch Ellis Loring (Frasier, Malcolm in the Middle, 24, Alias, Touched by An Angel) and Adele Anderson (Fascinating Aida); key equality advocates, educators and influencers of policy Sue Sanders (Schools Out), Charles Robbins (CEO, The Trevor Project), Stephen Williams MP, Jack MacKenroth (Project Runway, Queens of Drag: NYC), Rabbi Denise Eger, Lt. Dan Choi and veteran human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell; filmmaker Parvez Sharma (A Jihad for Love); musicians Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) and Levi Kreis (Tony Award winner for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet) ; sporting greats, NBA star, John Amaechi (author of Man in the Middle) and Olympic swimmer Bruce Hayes; transgender trailblazers Calpernia Addams, the Rev David E. Weekley (author of In from the Wilderness) and Jamison Green (author of Becoming a Visible Man); Mental Health professionals, Gladeana McMahon, Antoine Spiteri and Dr. John Shafer; writers Tom Robb Smith (Child 44, The Secret Speech), Leslea Newman (A Letter to Harvey Milk), Linda Goldman (Coming Out, Coming In), Michael Musto (The Village Voice);  Del Shores (Sordid Lives) and Stephanie Silberstein (Shades of Gay); representatives from organizations including The Trevor Project, The Harvey Milk Foundation, PFLAG, FireFLAG, The Gay Police Association and Schools Out and colleagues of Harvey Milk; Anne Kronenberg, Daniel Nicoletta and Tom Ammiano. with Stuart Milk 2009 These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will help readers to understand how self esteem determines the path they choose and that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, eliminate self imposed limitations and cease dependence on others to provide validity. David E. Watters Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!” Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity. David is currently promoting a youtube campaign “Give ‘em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity. http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out and The Harvey Milk Foundation. CONTACT INFORMATION EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk David E. Watters was recently profiled on 10,000 Couples as Someone You Should Know ENDORSEMENTS COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine ALAN CUMMING http://www.alancumming.com/ Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!” I have worked with a myriad of Harvey Milk related researchers in recent years and I wish they were all as thorough and considerate as Mr. Watters. I trust him and his workmanship implicitly. He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way. If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way. For me as a care professional, working in chem-dependency, to have any kind of guidebook that talks about self-esteem or how to keep people from committing suicide…I’m all for it. The few kids that have shown up that had suicide ideation, quite honestly, I didn’t have a template for what to tell them so I had to rely upon my intuition but I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing. I definitely feel that the therapeutic community, the psychological therapeutic community has a role to play in LGBT civil rights and I applaud you for doing this. I was reading some of your pages on your website and I thought, “This is the antidote to my suicidal friend. If he could just read this, it would help him rephrase what he is defaulting to now.” DAN NICOLETTA PETER TATCHELL http://www.petertatchell.net/ For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream. There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way! It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely. TRISHA GODDARD …some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in the world.” STEPHEN FRY http://www.stephenfry.com/ Role models are described as those individuals who we ‘aspire to’ and who provide strong and achievable targets that we can emulate in pursuit of our career or personal aims. This book breaks down the common stereotypes of gay people and unveils a more realistic perspective, chronicling the success of many gay role models that others aspire to. Be inspired by the successful members of the gay community; real men and women. Read about the challenges they faced along the way, what helped to keep them going, and what it takes to make a small business, a life, a success. This book illustrates the breadth and creativity of gays everywhere.  It is a pioneering work and the success stories of inspirational gay role models from a wide variety of backgrounds should be made available in every library, every school.  These are men and women you can aspire to but who have all shown just what it takes to become a role model – determination, courage and an unwavering desire to succeed. “Never Blend In” brings you some amazing candidates all of whom have succeeded in very different ways. They each have inspiring stories to tell about their achievements and future ambitions, yet I noticed they all had one thing in common they were passionate about what they did. So in reality gays are still struggling for acceptance and to reach the top of the ladder. However, I think for the gay who enters the celebrity arena or who decides to do his/her own thing - they no longer have to do it at the expense of their happiness- they can do things on their own terms. For many it will provide them with the work/ life balance that wasn’t available for them in the past.  It’s vital we have gays in big business and we need more gays to be there. I think companies need to realize they can’t operate without gays. But they do need to provide the very thing we all tend to take for granted – the basic right of being given the same opportunities and earning power as str8 men.  We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, and friends. We are like you. Anthony Spiteri, BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology) I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity. DR JOHN R. SHAFER,Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services Gladeana McMahon, As one of the leading personal development and transformational coaches in the UK, Gladeana was instrumental in founding theAssociation for Coaching for which she now holds the positions of Life Fellow and Vice President. “David is a rare individual. Someone with a cause but also someone who is pragmatic. He understands his area but also the way the world thinks and is not judgemental but someone who looks for a ‘win/win’. This is rare but is the measure of the man. I would heartily recommend him for his intelligence, people ability and pragmatism. The Book that David Watters is proposing is long overdue as there is little written on the topic of LGBT issues. Positive role models are important to individuals whether they be LGBT individuals talking about their experiences or the family and friends of such individuals who can model acceptance and positive affirmation.  Therapists are likely to be interested in such a book in a bid to understand the specific needs of those who identify as LGBT considering the best ways to work with such individuals and/or their families.  Academics are likely to find the book useful in considering issues around diversity and, of course, the general public will also benefit as a book of this sort educates the reader. This book will also help LGBT individuals to understand their situation and consider how to develop a deep and meaningful sense of self-worth.  It will also help such individuals understand how best to help those around them to understand their situation as much as it will educate family and friends. The LGBT community has often been portrayed in a less than favorable light – NEVER BLEND IN rips that inaccurate veil off, and offers a face and portrait of today’s LGBT community, its leaders, history, accomplishments and potential. Herb Sosa, Editor|Publisher – Ambiente Magazine & President – Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida http://www.ambiente.us/HerbSosa.html http://www.herbsosa.com/hjs.html “David Watters is a hard-working, tireless advocate for social justice and I recommend him highly in any capacity! Lesléa Newman http://www.lesleanewman.com/ We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today. As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us. JACK MACKENROTH http://www.jackmackenroth.com/ This project authored and edited by David Watters will help certainly reach out and touch a generation of young people who will be the ones to carry on his legacy by helping transform our perceptions of the LGBT community and lay the foundation for a healthy and whole sense of self. Rabbi Denise L. Eger Congregation Kol Ami West Hollywood’s Reform Synagogue www.kol-ami.org David Watters is a highly motivated author and freelance writer. He is passionate in his work, inspiring others to become their best selves, and to value themselves and others. His considerable writing skills help create and promote inclusivity and equality for all people, and offers another positive role model for youth and others on the margins. Rev. David Weekley (Minister at United Methodist Church ) …we are in the fight for our very lives. NEVER BLEND IN says that we are committed to living out in the open, as we have a right to do. NEVER BLEND IN, means never settle for second best or the notion that we are “second class citizens” I will NEVER blend in. SIMONE CAMPBELL http://www.myspace.com/funnyladysimone I always feel inspired by someone everyday. I think we should learn something new each day from anywhere or anyone. I’m inspired right now, by you, answering your intelligent questions Mr. David Watters. It’s not often I get to answer some great meaningful questions. So Bravo!!! MARCUS PATRICK http://www.marcus-patrick.com/ There’s plenty of times in this world where we can feel isolated and alone and anytime we can find a source of community, a feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves; that can provide tremendous inspiration and solace, then that’s invaluable. ANTHONY RAPP http://www.myspace.com/anthonyrapp http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710829/ “David is a person of unrivalled integrity, who has great passion for his art and for whom I have the greatest respect.” Matthew Kolakowski, Curriculum Leader, Greenwich Community College “David Watters is a tireless advocate of social justice and engaging writing. Working with David on a community service project in San Francisco, with him in England, was a breeze, fun and highly effective. I recommend his services, charm and, most importantly, passion for any advocacy needing to be done.” Melton Cartes, Chief Ad Guy, AnAdGuy.com “I had the opportunity to work with David as part of his team in the performing arts department. During that time David had a great leadership styles that enable his staff to develop at their own pace, while maintaining a high standard for his team. His advice and support for CPD has been extremely beneficial which has resulting in me writing development programs. Furthermore, David’s passion on the subject of equality and diversity was very inspirational. With this in mind, I recommend David as a leader who can write about our unique experience’s in and outside the working environment. Hope to work with him in the near future.” Michael Noble, Owner, IyPSchool “I can highly recommend David for his ethics, his talent, and his dedication to nurturing individuality and originality through his fine writing. David uses the gift of the written word to inspire leadership by preserving the memory of historical visionaries who dared to be different. His essays on Harvey Milk and his determination to “never blend” preserve an important man and time in history while encouraging all of us to realize that we all have the power to change history ourselves on a grass-roots level with community outreach and activism.” Joe Mannetti, Contract Clinician, Waterford Youth Services Bureau “DAVID WATTERS is not a relative, although I’d be proud to be in his family. David is a fine writer and passionate advocate, a man who boldly uses his intellect, wit and sense of fairness to every project he undertakes. If you are looking for the spark to ignite your plan, call DAVID WATTERS.” Willie Watters, attorney/author “…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.” Extract from a profile of David Watters on 10,000 Couples  by Rev. Heidi Mann. FULL PROFILE:http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/april-2011/article/someone-you-should-know-david-e-watters

RECIPROCAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FREE PUBLICITY

I’d like to invite you to write a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. You will need to be a member of Linkedin to do this.

MY PROFILE IS HERE: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/david-equality-watters/23/371/95b

 

Alternatively an endorement for my website would be appreciated and this can be emailed to DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk

I will gladly reciprocate and endorse the work that you do. Top quotes will also be featured on http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk with a link to your site.

Thanks in advance for helping me out. DAVID EQUALITY WATTERS

YOU CAN ENDORSE ME AS A WRITER, PUBLIC SPEAKER OR WORKSHOP PROVIDER – HOWEVER YOU KNOW ME BEST.

LINKS:

WRITING: http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html (JOHN AMAECHI)

http://www.ambiente.us/010011Trevor.html (THE TREVOR PROJECT)

PUBLIC SPEAKING: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Motivational-Speaking.html

WORKSHOPS: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/default.html

 

David was recently profiled on 10,000 Couples as Someone You Should Know:

http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/april-2011/article/someone-you-should-know-david-e-watters

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.  He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which supports and is supported by the Trevor Project and theHarvey Milk Foundation, features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community including Stephen Fry, Colton Ford, Mike Ruiz, Calpernia Addams, Alan Cumming, Darren Hayes, Lt. Dan Choi, LGBT Olympic athletes, actors, politicians, military, firefighters, Harvey Milk colleagues (Anne Kronenberg, Tom Ammiano and Dan Nicoletta) and has a foreword by Stuart Milk.

This groundbreaking book aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-belief or who question their validity.

David is also currently promoting a youtube campaign, “Give ‘em Hope”, and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Harvey Milk Foundation and has great admiration for the WHOF initiative and all the brave members of this group who speak out against the prejudice and bigotry in our society.

ENDORSEMENTS

COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES

I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine

ALAN CUMMING

http://www.alancumming.com/

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way.

If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way.

DAN NICOLETTA

PETER TATCHELL

http://www.petertatchell.net/

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely.

TRISHA GODDARD

…some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in the world.”

Links to MORE of my writing:

AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES:

http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html

http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html

http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html

http://www.ambiente.us/06010CrossBurning.html

http://www.ambiente.us/101510PeterTatchell.html

http://www.ambiente.us/110010EqualLove.html

http://www.ambiente.us/021511EqualLove.html

POLARI ARTICLES:

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=794

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=4818

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=5404

MANCHESTER MOUTH (INTERVIEW APRIL 2010):

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=27

aechi opens-up on gay issues

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=101

10thousand Couples LLC (ARTICLE MAY 2010):

http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/may-2010/article/never-blend-in

 

 

OPEN LETTER TO SANDRA BERNHARD

Dear Miss Bernhard
I am writing a book to support the Trevor Project, NEVER BLEND IN, which is an inspirational collection of interviews with role models; those living authentically – “regular” people and well known contributors including Lt Dan Choi, Stephen Fry, Alan Cumming, Parvez Sharma, Stuart Milk, The Trevor Project, Mike Ruiz, Anthony Rapp (Rent), Calpernia Addams, Darren Hayes, Harvey Milk colleagues (Dan Nicoletta, Anne Kronenberg and Tom Ammiano), Rabbi Denise Eger, Rev David Weekley, amongst many others.

The book is intended to provide a source of inspiration for readers who may question their validity.As someone who lives a life of integrity and authenticity, your voice would be an incredible addition. Can we please arrange an interview whilst you are here in London?  I will be sitting front row, centre, on February 13th at the Leicester Square Theatre so perhaps we could talk beforehand.

Links to verify my validity and to see what the project is all about: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk

Please get back to me as the book will be missing a vital voice without your contribution.

I also write for http://www.ambiente.us so could perhaps use an edit of the interview to promote you current work.

Best wishes, David E. Watters

never_blend_in@rocketmail.com

IF YOU THINK SANDRA BERNHARD SHOULD BE IN MY BOOK THEN WHY NOT EMAIL OR CALL HER AGENT TO TELL HIM WHY:

Live & Personal Appearances:

For All Acting, Live Performances & Personal Appearances Please

Contact:

Kenneth Hartung ManagementKenneth Hartung

Kenneth@KennethHartungManagement.com

Phone: (516) 303-6019

Biography

Since she first stepped on stage at the Comedy Store in the ‘70s, Sandra Bernhard has been challenging fans and critics with her outrageous humor, keen satire and rollicking stage shows. “Give the dame her due,” writes the New York Times, “It’s invigorating to be in the presence of a true original.”

Bernhard, who writes and develops all of her own material, has produced numerous one-woman shows over the years, among them: Without You I’m Nothing—which was released as a feature film—Excuses for Bad Behavior, Giving ‘Til It Hurts, Hero Worship, the Love Machine, and Everything Bad and Beautiful, which ran for two months off-Broadway, before Bernhard toured with it, making numerous stops across the U.S. and in Europe. “A performer of stunning originality. Funny but foxy, super smart and slightly mad!” proclaimed WCBS. “Bernhard is a very funny woman by nature, a rocker by sheer determination and an actress you’ve seen in eclectic offerings,” says the Washington Post.

Bernhard’s last show, “Hero Worship,” featured a five-piece band and was a post-September 11th tribute to Bernhard’s commitment to irony—that it, too, has survived September 11th. The show featured a range of musical numbers (some original and some covers). It was a fearless attempt to show that life must continue and the show must go on. Other notable performances include her participation in the “Stormy Weather Benefit ’98,” organized by Don Henley, which also featured Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, as well as “The Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares.”

Bernhard’s one-woman Broadway show, “I’m Still Here … Damn It!,” was hailed by the New York Times as “an angst driven, foul-mouthed poison-laced joy ride that banks and careens frenetically through the worlds of fashion, celebrity, rock, and religion. In her own voice, unfiltered, [Bernhard] is a living, breathing bonfire.” The show, which initially ran for five months off Broadway, went on to play sold-out runs in Boston and San Francisco, and was filmed for an HBO special.

Bernhard first earned film accolades in 1983 when she appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy.” Other film work includes “Inside Monkey Zetterland,” “Track 29,” “Hudson Hawk,” “Dinner Rush,” and “Dare.” And she is about to begin filming on two new projects.

From 1991-1996, Bernhard portrayed Nancy Bartlett on “Roseanne,” and she has had guest starring or recurring roles on numerous other shows, among them; “Ally McBeal,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The L Word,” “Will & Grace,” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” She has appeared numerous times on “Late Night with David Letterman,” and has been a guest on “The Tonight Show,” “The View,” “The Joy Behar Show,” “The Jimmy Kimmel Show,” “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and Showtime’s “The Green Room,” among others. She has appeared regularly on the Howard Stern show since the ‘80s. And was the host of “Sandra After Dark,” for HBO, and “Reel Wild Cinema.”

In addition to her original songs, Bernhard performs covers from Led Zeppelin to Laura Nyro; Burt Bachrach to Britney Spears. “One moment, her voice is lulling you into a wistful sigh; the next, she’s knocking you back several rows with it,” proclaimed the SF Weekly. Her albums include: “I’m Your Woman,” and most recently she collaborated on the world music album “Whatever it Takes,” featuring African musicians such as Papa Wemba and TK. She has also sung with or opened for various musical acts, including: The Pretenders, Cyndi Lauper, and the Scissor Sisters. She participated in the “Stormy Weather Benefit ’98,” organized by Don Henley, which also featured Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell and “The Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares.” Bernhard has also lent her talents to benefits for organizations including: The Ali Forney Center for LGBT Homeless Youth, and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

Bernhard has written three books: Confessions of a Pretty Lady (Harper&Row, 1988), Love, Love and Love (HarperCollins, 1994), and May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra? (William Morrow, 1998). And she is currently at work on her fourth collection. Her work has also been published in numerous magazines, including, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveler, Rolling Stone, Interview, and Spy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra Bernhard – Whatever It Takes

About the Show

Back performing in London for the first time in two years, Sandra Bernhard is returning to Leicester Square Theatre for 5 shows based on her latest album, ‘Whatever It Takes’.

‘Whatever It Takes’ is an inspired  musical cross-cultural road trip which travels musically from New York, to Africa, the middle east, and South America.

But music is just one element of a Sandra Bernhard gig. Described by the New York Times as “a living, breathing bonfire”, Bernhard has been combining comedy and rock ‘n’ roll and courting controversy for 25 years, challenging fans and critics with her knife-edged humour, satire and emotive performances on film, television and stage.

An accomplished comedienne, actress, singer, and writer, Sandra Bernhard defies easy categorisation. Her live performances – part comedy, part social satire, and part cabaret – perfectly showcase her astonishing range of talents.

Performances
9th Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 20117.30pm

TICKETS: http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/lqt/show/S1288368995/Sandra+Bernhard

ABOUT THE BOOK

Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk

by David Watters

Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk is a unique collection of inspirational interviews with well known and everyday people who represent the great diversity within the LGBT Community. 

The research, supported by PFLAG and The Trevor Project, FFLAG (UK), The Gay Police Association (GPA) and Schools OUT (UK), tackles the issue of teenage suicide and the disenfranchisement often felt by LGBT youth.

Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and self- efficacy.

Some of those included in the book are Alan Cumming, John Amaechi, Calpernia Addams, Stephen Fry, Darren Hayes, Parvez Sharma, Harvey Milk colleagues Anne Kronenberg & Danny Nicoletta and a foreword by his nephew Stuart Milk.

Openly LGBT and successful role model figures can play an enormous part in highlighting the wealth of possibilities available to young people. These people, who are successfully modelling admirable qualities and character traits such as determination, diligence, vision and consistent effort, can only serve to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life.

Each chapter is prefaced with sound advice and guidance on how self-worth determines potential.

Life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and by recognising that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000924072854#!/group.php?gid=106980051654&ref=mf

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

 Peter Tatchell

http://www.petertatchell.net/

 

There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing,  feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realisation but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’ is so timely.

 

Trisha Goddard 

 http://www.trishatv.com/ 

 

  “I love your work which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank You!”

 

STUART MILK

 

Role models are described as those individuals who we ‘aspire to’ and who provide strong and achievable targets that we can emulate in pursuit of our career or personal aims. This book breaks down the common stereotypes of gay people and unveils a more realistic perspective, chronicling the success of many gay role models that others aspire to.

In “Never Blend In” David Watters has brought together a number of role models in one publication featuring successful gay artists, scientists and entrepreneurs, who share their experiences and take you on their journey.  These are men and women with whom you can relate, whose stories will inspire and motivate you and leave you ready to move forward, both personally and professionally.

Be inspired by the successful members of the gay community; real men and women. Read about the challenges they faced along the way, what helped to keep them going, and what it takes to make a small business, a life, a success.

This book illustrates the breadth and creativity of gays everywhere.  It is a pioneering work and the success stories of inspirational gay role models from a wide variety of backgrounds should be made available in every library, every school.  These are men and women you can aspire to but who have all shown just what it takes to become a role model – determination, courage and an unwavering desire to succeed.

“Never Blend In” brings you some amazing candidates all of whom have succeeded in very different ways. They each have inspiring stories to tell about their achievements and future ambitions, yet I noticed they all had one thing in common they were passionate about what they did.

So in reality gays are still struggling for acceptance and to reach the top of the ladder. However, I think for the gay who enters the celebrity arena or who decides to do his/her own thing -  they no longer have to do it at the expense of their happiness- they can do things on their own terms. For many it will provide them with the work/ life balance that wasn’t available for them in the past.  It’s vital we have gays in big business and we need more gays to be there. I think companies need to realise they can’t operate without gays.  But they do need to provide the very thing we all tend to take for granted – the basic right of being given the same opportunities and earning power as str8 men.  We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, friends. We are like you. 

 

ANTOINE SPITERI

 

Anthony Spiteri, BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology) 

 

The book NEVER BLEND IN is a provocative look into the lives of successful people who live in a world where the odds are stacked against us.  It is important to give hope to the younger generation with diverse sexual orientations to see that we can be happy, healthy, and successful players in this game we call life.  I hope by telling my story in this book, I can, in some small way, make life easier for those who march to the beat of a different drum.  I am a rebel with a cause…you can either march with me, or step out of my way.
                                                     

I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity. 

 

DR JOHN R. SHAFER, Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services

 

 “Never Blend In,” is so absolutely crucial to our very survival.  For when we first discovered our difference, we believed we were alone.  This is why statistically, gay teen suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth, and for every completed suicide by a gay youth, there are between 100-200 attempts that are made by other gay teens.  Astoundingly, one-third of ALL teenagers who commit suicide do so because they are gay.  In America, we have had as many as 11 teenagers a day commit suicide due to their sexual orientation!  “Never Blend In” provides a guiding light for all LGBT people (in fact, for all non-LGBT people as well) because it demonstrates that not only are you not alone, but that you too can rise to attain your most desired dreams.  There is nothing and no one that can hold you back.  Harvey Milk paved the way for us all to be able to be ourselves and to simultaneously provide a role model for others.  Whether you are the parent, uncle, or cousin of a gay child, or friend of a gay adult, the stories presented here give a unique insight into the relationships we cherish.  You do not need to be gay to be inspired by the lives of these amazing heroes, whose stories are told, often for the first and only time, in “Never Blend In.”  

MITCHELL GROBESON

http://www.sgtmitch.com/

 

 

This book is crucially important because we need to continually shed light on the struggles and adversity facing the LGBT community. We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today. As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us.

JACK MACKENROTH

http://www.jackmackenroth.com/