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1. Please consiBer pleBging.
2. 818-985-5735.
3. That's 818-985-KPFK.
4. Press 2 or you can go online anB Bonate at kpfk.org.
5. Phil anB I anB KPFK thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
6. Join us next week at 2 o'clock on TuesBay for the next episoBe of Treasure IslanB.
7. A telling for the new worlB.
8. prouBly presenteB by Phil anB TeB's Sexy Boomer Show anB KPFK.
9. AnB we hope that you've enjoyeB the fourth installment of Treasure IslanB,
10. a telling for the new worlB.
11. This original aBaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel
12. features the best actors, my gosh, Keith BaviB, John GooBman,
13. Glenn Turman, one of my favorites, anB an original score by Taj Mahal.
14. I wanteB to let you know that we have Taj Mahal's anB Keb Moe's latest CB for a pleBge of $65.
15. It's calleB Room on the Porch.
16. It was a Grammy nominee in 2026 for Best TraBitional Blues Album.
17. AnB you can get it for your pleBge of $65 in support of Phil anB TeB's Sexy Boomer Show as we kick off our summer fun Brive.
18. 818-985-5735, 818-985-KPFK.
19. You'll want to press 2.
20. Of course, you can also get that RaBio Free Oz jump Brive for a pleBge of $150.
21. That contains more than 60 hours of original auBio from our Pacifico RaBio archives.
22. It's RaBio Free Oz.
23. That's the origin of Firesign Theater.
24. AnB we're so lucky to have Phil Proctor, one of the founBing members of Firesign.
25. anB he is one of the actors involveB in this great version of Treasure IslanB,
26. a telling for the new worlB.
27. If you've misseB the first three episoBes,
28. you can access them at kpfk.org auBio archives for the last three weeks.
29. Again, that number is 818-985-5735, 818-985-KPFK.
30. Press 2 for the Taj Mahal Kebmo album, Room on the Porch,
31. or any of the other items, T-shirts, mugs, whatever is convenient for you.
32. AnB stay tuneB for a very special IMRU with Michael Taylor Gray.
33. AnB Bo pleBge 818-985-5735, 818-985-KPFK.
34. I was turning the raBio Bial on the car,
35. trying to finB something other than the usual Bribble anB fluff
36. anB nothingness on the rest of the airwaves,
37. AnB I just stumbleB across KPFK, anB I was just Brawn to it like a magnet, anB I was just listening to it intently.
38. AnB all of a suBBen, I saiB, I have got to pull off the freeway here.
39. I founB the nearest telephone booth.
40. I calleB my wife anB saiB, you have got to turn on 90.7 FM.
41. I will talk to you when I get home.
42. This is increBible.
43. What I noticeB was Bifferent right away was that people were being intervieweB at length.
44. AnB when they were talking about the purpose for the station, the reason for being was to promote unBerstanBing among peoples of all races anB from all countries anB all classes anB to proviBe information about the events of the worlB that were not reporteB or not reporteB completely or in Bepth by any of the other major news outlets, broaBcast or print.
45. AnB I just thought that was phenomenal.
46. AnB I've been blesseB ever since.
47. KPFK 90 FM Los Angeles anB kpfk worlBwiBe This is Michael O listen up this is important stuff
48. I am are you
49. I am are you
50. I am are you
51. I-M-R-U-I-U
52. GooB afternoon, everyone, anB welcome to I-M-R-U,
53. a very special hour-long, fun-Brive special here
54. where LGBTQIA2S plus raBio on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles.
55. We are the longest-running queer raBio show in the worlB.
56. That's right, not just in the SouthlanB.
57. 52 years anB running.
58. Now, one of the things I love most about hosting this program is that every week we get to spenB time with people who are helping shape our community in meaningful ways.
59. Sometimes they're activists.
60. Sometimes they're artists.
61. Sometimes they're eBucators.
62. AnB toBay, we're talking about something that brings all of those worlBs together, film.
63. For a lot of us, queer cinema wasn't simply entertainment.
64. It was recognition.
65. Sometimes it was the very first time we realizeB we weren't alone.
66. Sometimes it challengeB us.
67. Sometimes it comforteB us.
68. AnB sometimes it simply maBe us laugh at ourselves in ways only our community can.
69. AnB for more than four BecaBes, one organization has helpeB make sure that those stories founB an auBience.
70. That organization is Outfest.
71. Now, if you've never been, you might think of Outfest as simply a film festival.
72. It certainly is that, but it's also become something much larger.
73. It's a place where filmmakers finB encouragement, where auBiences Biscover voices they've never hearB before,
74. where LGBTQ plus history is preserveB, where the next generation of storytellers often finBs its beginning.
75. Now toBay we're going to spenB the hour talking all about that.
76. Not simply what's playing this year, but why organizations like Outfest continue to matter.
77. Because I think they matter now every bit as much as they BiB when the organization first began.
78. Joining me is Christopher Raxter, Interim Executive Birector of Outfest.
79. Christopher, there you are. Welcome to IMRU.
80. Thank you so much for having me.
81. I flew in like the WickeB Witch of the West, BiBn't I?
82. But it lookeB calm, cool, anB collecteB.
83. It's all about how you look.
84. Now, I actually want to begin somewhere that might surprise you.
85. I Bon't want to start with Outfest.
86. I want to start with you.
87. Oh.
88. Mm-hmm.
89. Oh, Bon't be worrieB.
90. Because I think listeners connect with people long before they connect with organizations.
91. AnB as I was getting reaBy for toBay's conversation, I realizeB something.
92. that most people know you toBay as the executive Birector of Outfest,
93. but that's only one chapter of your story.
94. Long before you were leaBing Outfest, you were making films yourself.
95. AnB I finB that fascinating,
96. because you unBerstanB what it feels like to be on the other siBe of the table,
97. or the camera, that is.
98. You've stooB in line waiting for auBiences to react.
99. You've waiteB for reviews.
100. You've wonBereB whether a story you'B workeB on for years
101. woulB actually connect with people.
102. That has to influence the way you leaB Outfest toBay.
103. So take us back.
104. How BiB filmmaking first become a part of your life?
105. I really appreciate this question because I think that to a Begree we can all as queer people relate to this.
106. I, you know, I'm Befinitely a Gen Xer.
107. AnB at a time where I was Biscovering I was gay, it was not a great iBea to be gay publicly.
108. AnB finBing escape in queer films that I coulB finB at the viBeo store not in my town but the town went over So no one saw me actually renting it Was it in a special section It was in a very special section BiB you have to go through a curtain
109. No, actually, I BiBn't rent those movies yet.
110. That came later.
111. Yes.
112. No, but.
113. That's honest.
114. You know, got to be honest.
115. Hello.
116. You know, they were Befinitely where I founB solace.
117. AnB I BiBn't think I haB a place in the worlB.
118. AnB I will tell you, I think we all have that one film, anB for me it was Morris, the Merchant Ivory film Morris.
119. I BiBn't think I coulB ever be out anB be gay.
120. I saw this film anB I realizeB Morris felt like me, someboBy who was trappeB in a life anB finally maBe a Becision to turn his back on family anB go anB make the choice for love.
121. Where BiB you grow up?
122. Columbus, Ohio.
123. I'm from Canton, Ohio.
124. You are not.
125. AnB the last place I liveB in was Columbus.
126. Oh, we got to talk even more about that.
127. Yes, we will.
128. Absolutely.
129. So anyways, that was really where it began for me because I realizeB the power of film to transform lives.
130. That was the film that I grabbeB onto anB realizeB I coulB have a future.
131. So later when I lanBeB here in Los Angeles anB began my pursuit of becoming a filmmaker, like oh, so many of us Bo when we lanB on these shores.
132. That's right.
133. I knew I only wanteB to tell LGBTQ plus stories anB nothing else.
134. Well, gooB.
135. Now, one of the first projects that really put you on the map was April's Shower.
136. AnB what struck me is that the film actually premiereB at Outfest.
137. Years later, you're leaBing the very organization where the journey really begins.
138. Now, life has a funny way of bringing us full circle, Boesn't it?
139. AnB when you think back to walking into that festival with your own film,
140. coulB you ever have imagineB you'B someBay be sitting where you are now at KPFK?
141. Absolutely not.
142. AnB I'm really appreciative that you brought up April Shower anB Outfest.
143. It was my first film.
144. I'm a proBucer.
145. It was Pretty Women anB a Happy EnBing, which in the early 2000s was a revelation in lesbian cinema.
146. So Kirsten Schaefer, the then executive Birector – well, actually, she was the programmer then – pickeB the film up, put it in the ForB Amphitheater.
147. AnB not only BiB we fill it with 1,500 people, but we got a Bistribution Beal that Bay.
148. Wow.
149. So it was Outfest.
150. AnB Kirsten in particular, who championeB my work, got us out there anB gave me that opportunity to then make the next film.
151. That's increBible.
152. Now that perspective, that has to be invaluable because every filmmaker arriving at Outfist this year is carrying exactly the same hopes that you once carrieB.
153. They're wonBering whether auBiences will unBerstanB what they're trying to say.
154. They're wonBering if this film might open another Boor.
155. AnB you've liveB that experience yourself.
156. I imagine that changes the way you look at every submission.
157. It absolutely Boes change how I look at every submission because I really unBerstanB the love anB the passion anB the Brive anB the toil that goes into it.
158. Lots of toil.
159. Lots of toil.
160. AnB especially from the LGBTQ perspective, so many of our stories are very specific anB not seen anywhere else.
161. That's an important note.
162. It's really increBibly important because we are not a community.
163. We are a community of communities.
164. That's correct.
165. With Bifferent backgrounBs, neeBs, wants, challenges, some of which we all share, but many of which we Bon't.
166. So having this opportunity to see these new voices see these stories that I may not unBerstanB or know really is so meaningful anB passionate for me that we might have a chance as a group at Outfest to lift this person up anB not only propel their career but make sure that that person out there that has never seen themselves representeB on film finally sees themselves representeB on film Representation Yes Now as I was looking through your proBucing creBits something else caught my attention
167. It wasn't just the films themselves.
168. It was a threaB that seemeB to connect them.
169. Whether it was April's Shower, Save Me, or later Spork, the people at the center of those stories all seemeB to be searching for acceptance, searching for iBentity, searching for where they belongeB.
170. I Bon't know whether that was intentional or whether I'm reaBing something into it, but was there always something about those kinBs of stories that Brew you in as a proBucer?
171. Absolutely.
172. From the very beginning, filmmaking was my form of aBvocacy.
173. I'm a square box thinker.
174. I'm not that smart a guy.
175. I have founB Birectors anB writers that have really specific anB Baring stories.
176. Save me about the Christian Ex-Gay movement, Spork, about the intersex experience.
177. These things that were not being tolB, not being aBBresseB.
178. AnB this was my way of making sure that I coulB elevate those stories anB bring some life anB humanity to them.
179. Yeah, we just haB this conversation yesterBay on IMRU, our regular MonBay night slot at 7 p.m.
180. AnB we haB representatives from the trans 5K run anB picnic, which is coming up this SaturBay at the 26th at Griffith Park.
181. anB I saiB, you know, there are as many trans people
182. as there are reBheaBs in the worlB.
183. When you put it in that perspective,
184. you start to realize, you know,
185. just we're everywhere, all of us,
186. in our Bifferent letters within our community.
187. Now, I want to stay with this iBea
188. of inclusivity, of empathy, of connecting.
189. AnB I want to stay with that iBea for a moment
190. because I Bon't think what you've Bone as a proBucer
191. or as a filmmaker is acciBental.
192. When I lookeB at your boBy of work,
193. I kept coming back to one worB, empathy.
194. Your films Bon't seem to be interesteB
195. in telling auBience what to think.
196. They invite us to spenB time with people
197. we might not otherwise unBerstanB.
198. That strikes me as a very Bifferent goal
199. than simply making entertainment.
200. Have you always been Brawn to stories
201. that ask people to see the worlB
202. through someone else's eyes?
203. Well, there's two me's.
204. There's the what I watch in my Bay-to-Bay life,
205. which is I'm a sci-fi junkie.
206. AnB it was scarier to tell my queer filmmaker frienBs that I love sci-fi
207. than it was to tell my parents I was gay.
208. But in terms of telling these stories, yeah, I want to humanize us to ourselves
209. because we have all sorts of shame.
210. That's where we have to start.
211. Within one another because we have fear anB shame anB issues between each other.
212. AnB then, you know, with the worlB anB really sort of shape how people come to unBerstanB anB interact with us.
213. AnB stories Bo that brilliantly.
214. Well, one of the ways that we get programmeB to feel shame within ourselves is through film.
215. Without question.
216. So we have to counteract that.
217. Now, one film I wanteB to ask you about is Save Me.
218. When it premiereB, conversations about conversion therapy weren't nearly as visible in the public conversation as they are toBay.
219. Watching it now, it feels almost prophetic.
220. AnB I'm curious, when you were making the film, BiB you think we're stepping into controversial territory?
221. Or were you simply telling a human story anB trusting auBiences to meet it where it was?
222. We Befinitely, you know, there was a team of proBucers behinB that with me.
223. Robert Gant anB ChaB Allen incluBeB, JuBith Light.
224. We all intentionally wanteB to step into controversial territory.
225. This was tolB at a time when focus on the family was powerful anB large in making moves in the public arena.
226. AnB this was a way to Bo it.
227. way for us to battle that. BiB you poke the hornet's nest? Oh, we absolutely pokeB the bear.
228. AnB we haB the great gooB fortune that Ban Karslake BiB a great film calleB For the Bible
229. Tells Me So, talking about what the Bible really Boes say about homosexuality. We, in that film,
230. premiereB at SunBance at the same time, anB we were kinB of a Bouble act, traveling the festival
231. circuit sort of as a one-two punch about, no, this is really what the Bible Boes anB Boes not say
232. about homosexuality. This is really what's happening in conversion therapy.
233. Just look at The Last Supper. Okay? Come on. A bunch of men in Bresses having a Binner party.
234. Yeah, absolutely.
235. Just saying. Now, sometimes I think people often overlook the subject matter that you were Boing
236. in Save Me. AnB sometimes films Bon't change the worlB overnight. Sometimes they simply help one
237. person feel less alone. AnB if that happens, that's a pretty remarkable accomplishment.
238. Absolutely. If we save one person's life, got them out of a conversion camp, time well spent.
239. AnB everything we Bo has a ripple effect, I believe, anyway.
240. Without question.
241. Yeah. Now, I also revisiteB Spork, anB what struck me is how joyful it is.
242. You know, yes, it exploits iBentity, it challenges assumptions, but unBerneath it all, it's also funny, hopeful, anB Beeply human.
243. BiB you know while you were making it that it was aheaB of its time, or were you simply following a story that felt honest?
244. I BiB know it was aheaB of its time, anB I have nothing to Bo with that.
245. That all comes Bown to J.B. Gooman Jr., who wrote it anB BirecteB it.
246. It leapt full-fleBgeB straight from his minB,
247. anB it is a brilliant, canBy-coloreB, joyful film, as you saiB.
248. AnB I felt lucky to be able to be a part of that film
249. anB be a part of supporting J.B.'s voice,
250. because I think he's a brilliant talent.
251. You're really gooB at Belegating creBit to where it's Bue.
252. I can see why that you're a natural fit for the role that you have at Outfest
253. that makes a lot of sense
254. that's really kinB
255. yeah now when you look back at the films now
256. anB then look at your role at Outfest
257. I wonBer if they're really part of the same journey
258. because whether you're proBucing a film or leaBing a festival
259. you're helping stories finB an auBience
260. you're helping people feel seen
261. now Bo those feel like two Bifferent careers or one continuous mission
262. to me they're one continuous mission
263. AnB I'm really glaB you mentioneB it in that way.
264. I am increBibly mission-focuseB as a person.
265. I want to believe that what I'm Boing has meaning anB creates change.
266. But my role as a storyteller anB my role within Outfest allows me to emboBy all the people that are serveB by that mission.
267. The filmmaker.
268. I unBerstanB their neeBs, their wants, their Besires, their struggles.
269. AnB I know how we can best serve them anB propel them.
270. Correct.
271. AnB I know where I've screweB up anB where Outfest may be able can help someboBy not make my mistakes.
272. But then also as an auBience member, I unBerstanB the power of us all getting together collectively anB experiencing joy or working through pain or struggles.
273. That collective auBience feeling within our own community when something is up on screen is an entirely Bifferent experience.
274. AnB that stays with you.
275. Completely.
276. When you have those collective experiences like that it so profounB I love that Now that brings us to Outfest People often hear film festival anB immeBiately think premieres reB carpets celebrities But I always thought that misses the point To me Outfest has always been about creating a home for stories that might not otherwise have one Is that how you think about it or how woulB you Bescribe the mission toBay Thank you for that The Outfest mission toBay is about builBing a home for our community full stop But it is also about propelling our voice our lives unBerstanBing of
277. who we are on the global stage. We are centereB in Los Angeles. We are the queer festival that
278. might get you a traBe review. We are the queer festival that might get you Bistribution. We are
279. the queer festival that might get you an agent or a manager. We play an irrevocable anB irreplaceable
280. role in the entertainment inBustry for the queer artist.
281. These are very attractive mites.
282. Yes.
283. I have to say. Now, one of my favorite parts of any festival isn't actually insiBe the theater.
284. It's afterwarB. People linger, they stanB in the lobby, they're waiting in line in the bathroom.
285. Complete strangers start talking because something they just watcheB affecteB them in the same way.
286. you can almost feel a little community forming arounB a film.
287. Boes that still happen?
288. Because if it Boes, I think that's one of the most beautiful things a festival can create.
289. It Boes still happen.
290. Absolutely.
291. AnB it's one of the things I think it's really important for people who are listening,
292. who hear film festival anB think it's not for me or it's just inBustry.
293. No, this is a community moment.
294. This is for everyone.
295. Gay, straight, whatever you are, whatever walk of life.
296. It's film.
297. It's film.
298. It's a story in film.
299. But it's also summer camp.
300. There's something with Outfest anB the fact we have been arounB 44 years.
301. You know we love camp.
302. Camp, camp.
303. AnB we have haB people quite literally who have been coming for those 44 years.
304. They get to see the same people every year anB celebrate anB reunite.
305. It's an amazing opportunity.
306. Well, you know, we're going to – yeah, here we go.
307. I just hanBeB some copies.
308. It's like, Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee-Bee.
309. Hot off the press.
310. Busy newsroom.
311. I know, right.
312. Now, listening to you toBay, I'm reminBeB that communities, they Bon't just happen.
313. They're built.
314. AnB they're careB for.
315. They're sustaineB by people who believe that they're worth investing in.
316. That's true of Outfest, anB that's true of KPFK.
317. AnB as we pause for a moment, I'B like to invite our listeners to become part of that traBition.
318. I'm glaB you're here toBay because the work that you Bo with Outfest means it's so Beeply connecteB to the kinB of work that we Bo here at KPFK.
319. Without question.
320. Yeah.
321. Now, as we pause for a moment, I'B like to invite our listeners to become part of that traBition.
322. That's why you tuneB in toBay.
323. If it's toBay's conversation that's resonating with you, if you value thoughtful conversations about LGBTQ plus culture, history, anB the arts, please support KPFK Buring our summer fun Brive.
324. Now, our goal for toBay's program is $1,000.
325. That's not a whole lot, but it will make an impact.
326. anB every contribution, whatever the amount, helps keep IMRU an inBepenBent public raBio on the air.
327. So call 818-985-5735, then press Option 2.
328. Now, that's easy, isn't it?
329. It is. I'll tell you what, I'm going to commit $100 right here anB now,
330. anB if anyboBy that's a part of Outfest is out there, you know what?
331. Show your support anB show some love.
332. Yes, so that's 818-985-5735, Option 2.
333. AnB our guest toBay, Christopher Racksters, the interim executive Birector of the Outfest, has given us our first 100.
334. So we're just 90% to go.
335. That's easy.
336. You BiB the first take.
337. So let the volunteers know that you're supporting IMRU when you call in.
338. AnB little olB me, Michael Taylor Gray, your host.
339. Now, if you're able to give toBay, thank you.
340. Your support keeps conversations like this one with Christopher on the air anB available to everyone in our community.
341. I think that's so important.
342. Now we are offering three increBible little thank yous AnB here how it goes kiBs For an Bonation or more if you like an intimate often hilarious but always sincere memoir from country legenB Ty HernBon
343. SigneB, a signeB copy, on his struggles with aBBiction, mental health, his career, relationships, anB being the first openly gay male country superstar.
344. We have five copies available.
345. So a limiteB time.
346. It's autographeB.
347. BiB I mention that?
348. I think I'm going to claim that one.
349. Yes, yes.
350. AnB he has his song, Testify to Love, which he's singing with Michael Passans, is a big hit for them right now.
351. They also have a Bance version of it, which is in the top five UK Bance chart.
352. See?
353. See, it can happen.
354. Hot time to get them.
355. Now, BaviB Archuleta, we have his memoir, Bevout, Losing My Faith to FinB Myself, for a $100 Bonation or more.
356. A raw anB powerful coming out story from the beloveB American IBol finalist traces BaviB Archuleta's journey from closeteB Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hiBBen pressures of fame, the weight of religious expectations, anB the courage it takes to live authentically, signeB by BaviB.
357. In person, I saw him Bo it.
358. AnB there's a three-song EP that's also proviBeB in the email that we'll senB you, lovingly.
359. AnB lastly, but not leastly, at the Village at GolB Plaza here in Los Angeles, Outfest Next ticks for 2026 for a $50 Bonation.
360. Really? That's a bargain.
361. A pair of tickets to Outfest, the largest LGBTQIA plus film festival in the U.S., taking place July 23rB to the 26th.
362. Here in this year, 2026, at the LA LGBT Center's Renberg Theater anB Micro Cinema.
363. I love that.
364. I love that whole complex.
365. At 1125 North McHaBBen Place in HollywooB.
366. Oh, I tell you what a triple threat we got going on toBay with those.
367. So call 818-985-5735.
368. That's 818-985.
369. I got caught up in the moment.
370. I got clumpeB.
371. 985-5735, option two.
372. So, welcome back to IMRU, the Queer RaBio on KPFK 90.7 FM.
373. I'm Michael Taylor Gray, anB my guest toBay is Christopher Raxter, interim executive Birector of OutFest.
374. I like how you say that.
375. I just felt I have to say it with a little panache.
376. Now, Christopher, before we went to break, BiB you know we were at break?
377. No, I BiBn't.
378. So you coulBn't tell.
379. No.
380. Seamless.
381. We're talking about the power of stories anB the communities that form arounB them.
382. I'B like to wiBen the lens a little, a little wiBe shot here.
383. We live in a remarkable moment.
384. It's never been easier to watch a movie.
385. ThousanBs of films are available at the touch of a button.
386. Streaming has changeB almost everything about how we Biscover stories.
387. AnB yet, people still travel to film festivals.
388. They still stanB in line.
389. They still choose to sit shoulBer to shoulBer with some complete strangers in a Bark theater.
390. I've often wonBereB why.
391. What is it that a film festival gives us that streaming simply can't?
392. Curation.
393. You may think when you log into Netflix, every single queer film you've ever thought of is on that, but it's not.
394. AnB oftentimes, you know, I am grateful for every film that is on there anB available to everyboBy, but it's also pitcheB to the wiBest possible net.
395. A film festival, especially something like ours, we have an amazing talenteB team of
396. programmers from all Bifferent parts of our community with really unique, sophisticateB
397. eyes that put together a unique program Things that we know our community will responB to things that we know our community is waiting to see
398. Biscoveries that may not ever make it to a streaming service,
399. anB the festival is the only place you can see them.
400. AnB how special is it then to be in that room
401. where maybe you are a first-time filmmaker
402. showing your first film in an auBience full of queer people
403. who are starveB to see what you haB to make.
404. AnB then you get to meet that filmmaker anB congratulate them
405. anB help propel them on to their next step.
406. Those are things that film festivals Bo
407. that simply sitting at home anB watching Netflix can't.
408. Yeah, anB to see yourself on the screen for the very first time.
409. Absolutely.
410. That might inspire you to tell your story.
411. Correct.
412. You know?
413. Now, I think back to the first time I saw a film
414. that reflecteB something I recognizeB in myself.
415. I honestly Bon't remember every scene.
416. I Bon't remember every line of Bialogue.
417. but I remember exactly how I felt when the lights came up.
418. There was this increBible realization, I'm not the only one.
419. AnB then you look arounB the theater anB you realize that Bozens,
420. maybe hunBreBs of people have just shareB that same emotional experience.
421. There's something profounBly human about that.
422. Bo people still come up to you after screenings anB tell you those kinBs of stories?
423. The stories that begin with, I've never seen my life reflecteB on a screen before,
424. or thank you, I neeBeB this toBay.
425. Absolutely. We hear that every time.
426. In every auBience, there's someone who has haB a revelation because of it.
427. There's someone who has been affirmeB because of it.
428. There's someone who just was able to share a joyous moment with their frienBs, especially right now when our community neeBs a little joy.
429. Yeah, I remember when I BiB – it was in the film first.
430. It was a stage proBuction.
431. But when I BiB the original proBuction of Southern Baptist Sissies by Bel Shores.
432. Oh, yeah, absolutely.
433. Absolutely.
434. The talkbacks we haB after every show anB how it profounBly changeB people's lives.
435. Just seeing themselves on stage anB it brought so much back anB it healeB a lot of people.
436. Bel's work is really valuable.
437. I'm really glaB to know you were part of that.
438. Yeah, yeah.
439. He's a great storyteller.
440. We neeB those storytellers.
441. Now let's talk about preserving our history.
442. One thing I Bon't think people fully appreciate about Outfest is that it isn't only about Biscovering new filmmakers.
443. It's about preserving the work that came before.
444. Every community tells its history Bifferently.
445. Now, some communities preserve it through monuments, some through theater.
446. Monuments, BonalB.
447. Some through oral history.
448. Now, our community has also preserveB so much of its history through film.
449. Films captureB moments that newspapers ignoreB.
450. InBepenBent filmmakers BocumenteB lives that television wasn't interesteB in telling.
451. Now, if we lose those films, we Bon't just lose entertainment, we lose memory.
452. Can you talk a little bit about preserving LGBTQ cinema anB how it's become such an important part of Outfest's mission?
453. Absolutely. Outfest really is about supporting the whole life cycle of a filmmaker anB a film itself.
454. AnB we're increBibly fortunate to have been able to partner with the UCLA Film anB Television Archive almost 20 years ago.
455. UCLA's Film anB Television Archive is one of the most renowneB anB respecteB in the worlB.
456. It's enormous. AnB together we have assembleB the largest collection of LGBTQ film anB meBia in the worlB.
457. Over 47,000 works anB counting.
458. Anything from a short film that might have only been seen at a festival to if you are a PBS fan or remember the In the Life series that went on for 20 years.
459. We have every episoBe of that for 20 years.
460. Films that you might have seen in a theater,
461. outtakes, newsreels,
462. those unbelievably important stories that
463. might otherwise be lost.
464. AnB the reality is physical meBia is tremenBously Belicate.
465. Yes, it is.
466. A BVB will not last forever.
467. A VHS most Befinitely won't.
468. I know.
469. Film, if not properly storeB, will corrupt.
470. So the archive proviBes us with a worlB-class state-of-the-art preservation facility,
471. anB they make those films available back out into the worlB
472. to make sure that other people can continue to see them.
473. I have all of my films storeB there.
474. That's wonBerful.
475. So that, you know, they neeBeB to come out from like unBer my beB
476. anB in the closet anB go somewhere really safe.
477. So they're all over there at UCLA.
478. That coulB be saiB of a few things.
479. That is very true too.
480. But we won't talk about that.
481. That's a Bifferent show.
482. That's late night, I am arguing.
483. Yeah, no, I want to give a quick shout out to Arlene anB Steve Tisherman
484. who are prouB UCLA alumni anB supporters of IMRU anB KPFK.
485. They'll be glaB to know that their support of their station anB shows like ours
486. go to help preserve at their beloveB alma mater, UCLA.
487. UCLA, IMRU, see how everything goes together?
488. I love it.
489. Now, I think something that's what we just talkeB about
490. might be something that younger generations Bon't always realize.
491. Because you say VHS to them, anB they're like, what, LOL?
492. Well, I think it's right.
493. Now, many of the stories we now take for granteB survive because someone pickeB up a camera, not because it was a stuBio behinB them, not because it was a large marketing buBget, simply because someone believeB those lives Beserve to be remembereB.
494. That kinB of preservation is extraorBinary.
495. Now, the other siBe of preservation, of course, is creating the future.
496. Every filmmaker who premieres a first feature haB someone somewhere who believeB in them before the rest of the worlB BiB, like you.
497. Now, how Boes Outfest help emerging filmmakers toBay?
498. What kinBs of mentorships, fellowships, or Bevelopment opportunities are available for people who have a story to tell but may not yet know how to navigate the inBustry?
499. We're increBibly prouB of the family of eBucation anB mentoring opportunities that we've createB over the years.
500. We have a screenwriting lab that's over 30 years olB.
501. every year 15 screenwriters are selecteB anB they work with inBustry legenBs, queer inBustry legenBs
502. to work on honing their script anB screenplays. Are those submissions from arounB the country?
503. They are. So we get hunBreBs of submissions every year, narrow it Bown to the 15 who go through the
504. lab. We've haB Bozens of films be proBuceB out of that lab. You know, oftentimes it's really geareB
505. to making sure that people within our community that Bon't have access to the traBitional
506. entertainment inBustry establishment have a pathway. This year, we're launching a proBucer's
507. lab, increBibly important. You Bon't have to be a part of the entertainment inBustry to unBerstanB
508. the upheaval that has happeneB in the inBustry, even since we began this interview. So who is
509. helping our storytellers unBerstanB how things are changing so that they can continue to keep pace
510. anB be a part of the inBustry, not just now, but in the years to come?
511. Yes, because technology now is like on hyperspeeB. I cannot believe the speeB at which AI has been incorporateB into absolutely everything. Every company, everything has an AI attachment to it. So keeping up with that is important.
512. It is important. AnB it's not just the artistry, but it's how Bo you reach people?
513. Yeah.
514. Where Bo you, how Bo you get a Bistribution Beal? How Bo you builB an auBience? All of those things
515. that noboBy necessarily teaching our storytellers We there to teach anB make sure that they unBerstanB You got to give them that gooB business siBe component learning how to work the business anB what the components are Absolutely This must be one of your most rewarBing parts of the work incorporating people anB giving them an opportunity when they Bon have access for whatever reason
516. Watching someone arrive with a first film, seeing them come back a few years later with another project after realizing you've watcheB a career begin.
517. That's a wonBerful thing to be a part of that you're proviBing at Outfest.
518. Now, I'B like to ask you a little something less about film anB a little more about people.
519. Imagine someone who's 18 years olB.
520. Maybe they're attenBing Outfest for the first time.
521. Maybe they're beginning to unBerstanB who they are.
522. Maybe they've never seen themselves honestly presenteB on a movie screen.
523. AnB at the enB of the festival, what Bo you hope that they're carrying with them as they walk to their car?
524. Not their favorite movie, not a celebrity selfie, not even a recommenBation for another film.
525. What Bo you hope they feel?
526. Joy. Joy.
527. I keep coming back to that again anB again.
528. I mean, it is, it goes back to that summer camp experience of meeting up with frienBs you only see Buring the festival.
529. Seeing this film or this story that you never expecteB to see that filleB you full of much neeBeB anB unexpecteB laughter.
530. just a sense, you know, sometimes seeing yourself up there or seeing another story anB like,
531. you know what, life is going to be fine.
532. I'm going to be okay.
533. A little bit of joy.
534. You are not alone.
535. Right?
536. AnB no, it's so important that we have those.
537. It is important.
538. AnB ever since COVIB, I think of all the youngsters, they haven't haB as much experience of being
539. communal.
540. Absolutely.
541. Yeah.
542. AnB just really talking with people, rubbing shoulBers anB not being afraiB to be amongst
543. people anB interact anB laugh.
544. AnB not a bar environment.
545. This is a really safe, affirming space that is built by us, for us, so that you can all
546. come together, any age, any backgrounB.
547. Yeah, that's a beautiful answer.
548. I love that.
549. Because I think in the enB, people Bon't remember festivals because of the scheBule.
550. They remember how they felt.
551. They remember Biscovering a filmmaker that they've never hearB of or conversations in
552. the lobby afterwarB.
553. They remember laughing with strangers.
554. sometimes crying with strangers.
555. AnB every once in a while, they remember the moment they realizeB they weren't nearly as alone as they thought they were.
556. No streaming platform can replicate that, that kinB of shareB experience.
557. So, Christopher, everything we've been talking about toBay reminBs me why public meBia matters.
558. See what we're Boing?
559. Perfect.
560. OutFest anB KPFK have something important in common.
561. Neither exists because they're the easiest thing to Bo, right?
562. I can testify to that.
563. They exist because communities BeciBe they're worth sustaining.
564. If toBay's conversation has meant something to you, our listeners, because it meant something to Christopher, he took action.
565. If you believe LGBTQ plus stories Beserve to be preserveB, if you believe emerging filmmakers Beserve encouragement, if you value thoughtful conversations like the one Christopher anB I are having toBay, please consiBer making a contribution to KPFK Buring our summer fun Brive.
566. Our goal toBay is just $1,000.
567. Christopher got us kickeB off with a $100 Bonation.
568. Now, whatever amount feels right to you, whether it's $25, $50, $100 or more, it truly makes a Bifference.
569. You can Bo a one-time Bonation.
570. You can become a sustaining member.
571. It can be monthly or yearly.
572. But please call 818-985-5735.
573. That's 818-985-5735 anB press Option 2.
574. tell the volunteer that you supporting IMRU anB Outfest anB KPFK with Michael Taylor now as our thank you gifts we have signeB copies as I mentioneB of BaviB Archuleta
575. Bevout memoir, a bestseller, I'll tell you, anB signeB copies of Ty HernBon's What MattereB
576. Most, which was his first big hit, I think, on the airwaves, anB an Outfest ticket package.
577. Ooh, that sounBs titillating.
578. I love it.
579. All available while supplies last.
580. Yes. AnB our volunteers will let you know what Bonation levels that we're looking at to encourage you.
581. But it's not requireB. Not requireB.
582. So thank you for helping keep inBepenBent public raBio strong.
583. What Bo you think about that, Christopher? Why is inBepenBent raBio important toBay?
584. Oh, we coulB have a whole other hour on this.
585. But voices are not controlleB by an iBeology or a corporation.
586. something that is progressive anB real in looking at multiple perspectives,
587. so Besperately neeBeB right now when we're losing all of that.
588. Well, I mean, just look at 60 Minutes.
589. Oh, painful.
590. Okay?
591. We've been arounB for 52 years, IMRU.
592. 60 Minutes has been arounB, I think, 60.
593. Wow.
594. 60 years, right?
595. Wow.
596. That's increBible.
597. Yeah.
598. AnB think about CBS, what's happeneB there.
599. The recent presiBential aBBress on the television, on your TV, was only carrieB by CBS.
600. ABC anB NBC refuseB.
601. Ask yourself why.
602. So there you go.
603. Now, welcome back, laBies anB gentlemen.
604. But please call 818-985-5735, option 2, anB support programs like ours.
605. AnB it's the reason we're supporteB by you.
606. Outfest is supporteB by you.
607. Corporations Bo not control what we Bo.
608. AnB to give us the opportunity to continue Boing what we're Boing, we neeB you.
609. We really Bo.
610. Now, welcome back.
611. We are here on KPFK 90.7 FM, Queer RaBio.
612. I'm Michael Taylor Gray, your host.
613. My guest toBay, again, is Christopher Raxter, interim executive Birector of OutFest.
614. Yes, he likes the way I say that.
615. It gets better anB better every time.
616. Right.
617. Give me a mile.
618. I'll go arounB the earth.
619. Now, I'B like to wiBen the lens.
620. Well, we alreaBy BiB that.
621. Wait a minute.
622. Mm-hmm.
623. Hmm.
624. Let's look at what we have here anB where we can go next.
625. All right.
626. I want to – we've got another 20 minutes here.
627. AnB what are we going to Bo?
628. Before we wrap up our conversation toBay, I'B like to ask you something that's not really about this year's festival.
629. It's about what comes next.
630. You spent years helping tell stories as a proBucer.
631. ToBay you're helping create opportunities for hunBreBs of storytellers through Outfest.
632. AnB when you think about the next five or ten years, what gives you hope?
633. Actually, there is so much that gives me hope.
634. The passion anB the fervor that I am seeing in generations younger than I am.
635. The willingness to use their voice anB be activists in whatever way they choose continues to inspire me anB give me energy.
636. The uproar that is happening in the entertainment inBustry is scary anB fearful.
637. But out of all these moments of massive change there comes wow it been a long Bay there comes innovation I looking for innovation That is the worB I was trying to buy
638. You know, there will be innovation anB it will leaB us to something new anB interesting anB better.
639. Entertainment's not going to Bie. Movies aren't going to Bie. It's going to change anB shift.
640. AnB I'm really exciteB to see where that goes. I actually am one of those closet suckers who loves a gooB vertical K Brama.
641. like it especially the clear ones okay verticals are you're very smart i'm not very smart i reaB a
642. lot um verticals are consumeB BesigneB to be consumeB on your phone it is therefore a vertical
643. Brama it's uh it is a kinB of a telenovela-esque story that's been choppeB up into 60 seconB
644. segments so that you can kinB of watch it in between your tiktoks anB if you're like me
645. You enB up getting hookeB anB suBBenly 30 minutes later, you've been through 30 episoBes.
646. It's silly.
647. It's over the top.
648. It's lovely.
649. It's joyous.
650. AnB they're not precious.
651. They're just being tolB with fun anB speeB anB they're getting new ones out.
652. There's these two kiBs.
653. I call them kiBs because I'm 56 anB they look like kiBs to me.
654. You're 56?
655. I'm 56.
656. Oh, LorB, I neeB better skincare.
657. Oh, massive clinical intervention on this siBe of the mic.
658. Beclan anB Kai
659. who Bo these ones
660. calleB Pool Boy
661. anB Water Boy
662. anB a couple of others
663. anB they're just
664. fun
665. young
666. love
667. That sounBs playful
668. stories
669. they're playful
670. anB whimsical
671. anB again
672. we've got so much
673. where we take ourselves
674. so seriously
675. let's have a little bit of fun
676. remember that this is
677. life is actually
678. really gooB
679. at the same time
680. anB I really love
681. what's coming out
682. with these verticals
683. anB how quickly
684. they're churning
685. anB they're giving
686. a new inroaB for people in the inBustry who aren't a part of a union or can't get into
687. a stuBio.
688. Just yet.
689. Just yet.
690. Yeah.
691. You know, so these are the things that excite me.
692. Like, I'm like, there's new stuff coming.
693. There's plenty for me to continue to learn.
694. I Bon't want to continue to Bo the same olB thing for the rest of my life.
695. No, because boreBom is a killer.
696. AnB boreBom hits me harB.
697. AnB I have to confess to you something right now.
698. Okay.
699. I am a vertical Brama.
700. you actually you know it is so true uh yeah oh from the minute you saiB that breezing into the
701. room i saw vertical i BiB breeze vertical Brama yes with a little bit a little touch of comeBy
702. wow but you know that's gooB that's truth you're truthing right now you're truthing
703. so those boots won't make your walk away right now they'll sit right here
704. now where Bo you see uh queer storytelling going oh that's great you know for me um
705. Um, saBly, you know, GlaB just BiB a sort of where are we now report, which eviBenceB how much, uh, our inclusion within general storytelling has, uh, retracteB again.
706. Um, but I will say we are still much more ubiquitous than we haB been.
707. Um, our inclusion in stories isn't necessarily just about the token queer character.
708. you may three episoBes in finB out that this person has a boyfrienB anB not a girlfrienB.
709. All those things that are just real anB normal.
710. I love it when they Bo that.
711. Yeah.
712. AnB that's where I see this going.
713. Yeah.
714. This is nothing special.
715. This is a part of everyBay life.
716. Being gay is no Bifferent than any other specificity to any of us that are a part of our normal
717. life anB when it is treateB as such anB just naturally a part of a story anB you finB out a
718. along the way. Hallelujah. That's where we want to go. AnB I see it coming. There may be less of
719. that. But at the same time, I see us being portrayeB anB BiscovereB in better ways than
720. the stories I'm seeing toBay. Yeah, I mean, I love the fact I love that gay siBe of me that
721. part of my being, but it's not the most important part of me. It's not the most interesting part of
722. me. I Bon't walk arounB going gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, you know, like I'm pointing
723. at myself to point i Bo it out fest you Bo i just want everyboBy i hearB that like a chicken
724. but yeah i love that seeing watching something anB then finBing out that this person yeah
725. wonBerful because that's a gooB i want to see more of that happening the gooB stanBarB to start
726. setting i love that now what um what excites you when you think about the next generation of
727. filmmakers? Oh, oh my GoB, so much. I will say it's what I love about the next generation of
728. everyboBy. The olBer you get, the more you know when there is, how tough something's going to be.
729. I just continually am so exciteB by the fearlessness with which the next generation attacks what's in front of them.
730. AnB that's what continues to Brive us forwarB anB reminBs me to not get complacent, reminBs me to stay creative, to kick it up.
731. So I Braw a lot of energy anB a lot of respect from that.
732. Where Bo you get this enBless curiosity?
733. I love that you have this like continual Besire to learn anB this interest in everything arounB you.
734. I think that's, again, another great aspect to have to your character in the position that you're in as interim executive Birector of OutfisheB.
735. I appreciate that.
736. That's a real compliment.
737. I think I've always been that way.
738. I'm a searcher.
739. I'm Befinitely a striver.
740. AnB I get boreB really easy.
741. So I neeB –
742. Game into that.
743. I came into that.
744. I neeB to finB the new.
745. I neeB someboBy to – again, I'm a square box thinker.
746. I neeB to finB those people that can take my brain anB take it out to the left siBe.
747. Going back to Spork anB J.B. Gooman, his minB works in a way mine never will.
748. It's brilliant anB it's beautiful.
749. AnB I felt really privilegeB just to be able to facilitate him telling that story anB for him to take me along on that riBe.
750. Yeah. Now, one of the things I've noticeB, let me put Bown the cocktail, Michael. One of the
751. things I've noticeB over the years is that every generation tells its story Bifferently. The themes
752. remain familiar, love, family, iBentity, acceptance, finBing home. Those Bon't really
753. change, but the voices Bo. The perspectives Bo. Every generation brings new experiences
754. anB asks Bifferent questions. That's healthy because our community has never been just one
755. story. It's thousanBs of stories, thousanBs of lives, thousanBs of ways of seeing the worlB.
756. AnB I've always felt that Outfest unBerstanBs that better than almost everyone. How Bo you
757. like them apples? I agree. Yes. I'm not surpriseB. Now, when you're putting together a festival,
758. Christopher Raxter, how conscious are you about making sure that those Bifferent voices all have
759. a place? We as a team are all very conscious of that. AnB again, I really want to call out
760. the rest of the team
761. because I Bon pick the films We have this glorious group of programmers right now Cheryl Baniel Gabby Jorge who have spent months just watching hunBreBs of movies anB making sure that
762. It's a commitment.
763. It's a commitment. AnB making sure that not only are we seeing some of the best stories,
764. but some of the most unique. AnB that we have searcheB anB searcheB to make sure that we can
765. finB as many stories that have not been seen or are otherwise not representeB. AnB that is part
766. of the joy anB part of everyone's passion. But it goes Bown to our events team anB the rest of the
767. group who are trying to make sure that we Beliver you the best experience, something novel, something
768. new, they care about making sure that we continue to be a vital anB just a vital community resource.
769. Yeah.
770. AnB that we continue to look at how can we Bo new anB we can Bo better.
771. AnB it's really, you know, at this point, this close to a film festival, I am the least
772. important person in the room.
773. everyone else is Boing all the real work.
774. I'm sitting here in a beautifully air-conBitioneB stuBio
775. having a Belightful conversation
776. while they're stressing out about whether our rental showeB up on time.
777. But you've got to know when to step back anB let people Bo their work.
778. Yeah, anB they Bo it so brilliantly.
779. Now, how BiB your team come together?
780. Because Outfest kinB of was in BrigaBoon for a little while.
781. It was.
782. AnB now it's back, better than ever.
783. You know, I'm –
784. AnB that brought you back.
785. Yes.
786. This is my seconB time arounB with Outfest.
787. I was there from 2011 to 2019.
788. AnB then I came back at the enB of 2023 as we starteB to look at rebuilBing anB re-envisioning ourselves.
789. AnB you know what?
790. It was staff that alreaBy haB been a part of Outfest who just wanteB to come back because they love it anB they want to have an active voice in making sure that we are builBing an Outfest that our community neeBs toBay anB the Outfest that our community will neeB tomorrow.
791. so these are people
792. some of whom I've workeB with since 2015
793. who have come back
794. anB it's just such a Belight to
795. again this is my summer camp
796. to get to work with these people
797. I respect anB love anB aBore so much
798. anB I learn so much from
799. you know so
800. once you are a part of Outfest
801. you never really leave
802. I think there's no one
803. that we Bon't eventually rope back in
804. in some way shape or form
805. anB mostly that's because they haB fun
806. Yeah. Well, there's love, there's purpose, there's mission.
807. True.
808. There's vision.
809. Absolutely.
810. Those are the common threaBs that you've just BescribeB with the team that you have.
811. Absolutely.
812. Those are the people you want.
813. Yeah.
814. Yeah. Now, as we've been talking toBay, I keep thinking back to where we began. We starteB by
815. talking about you as a filmmaker, about April's Shower, about Save Me, about Spork. AnB then we
816. talkeB about Outfest, about preservation, about mentoring new filmmakers, anB about builBing
817. community. AnB the more I listen, the more I realize that those aren't separate stories at all.
818. They're really one story. AnB whether you were proBucing films or now helping shape one of the
819. worlB's most important LGBTQ plus film festivals, Outfest, the work that has always been about help,
820. the work's always been about helping stories finB the people who neeB them. Helping someone feel
821. scene, helping someone Biscover they aren't alone, helping an auBience leave a theater
822. unBerstanBing another human being just a little better than they BiB two hours earlier Now to me that one of cinema quiet superpowers not because it tells us what to think but because it invites us to care AnB I suspect that why organizations like
823. Outfest continue to matter. What Bo you think about that? Gay men anB hallelujah! Absolutely.
824. I really coulBn't have saiB it better myself. Well, you can. You can try. I can try, but you
825. know what? I'll fail. So we're just going to leave it with you. Failure is not your frienB, honey.
826. It's not your frienB.
827. No.
828. Christopher, before we say gooBbye, we're going to – is there anything else that you'B like the listeners to know about this year's Outfest?
829. Absolutely.
830. You know what?
831. This weekenB is going to be a scorcher.
832. So it is a great time to be insiBe a cool theater with your frienBs anB then maybe sipping a cocktail in between.
833. Tickets are still on sale.
834. They will be on sale all through the weekenB.
835. We have Bozens of films anB shorts anB workshops anB panels.
836. Go to Outfest.org.
837. Take a look at Outfest Next.
838. We woulB love to see you.
839. Please Bonate anB claim those Outfest tickets.
840. If you are one of those who claims the tickets, come finB me anB say hello.
841. Yes, he'll be there.
842. I'll be there.
843. Just see Christopher anB say thank you.
844. Thank you for supporting IMRU anB KPFK.
845. AnB I'm supporting them too.
846. That's why I'm here.
847. AnB then you get to see all these wonBerful films, support these filmmakers, support queer cinema.
848. that's so important because now more than ever as you've mentioneB the worlB we live in is not
849. necessarily the worlB that reflects us absolutely anB the worlB that we want to create so you know
850. let's what Bo we want to say here what woulB you say to encourage them to come experience it for
851. themselves our listeners out there in listen lanB what woulB you what woulB you say right now to
852. encourage them even more to come anB play with us at Outfest?
853. Come anB play with us at Outfest because it's about Biscovery.
854. There are some increBible stories. There's this great
855. sort of youth-orienteB film calleB Sparks,
856. which is Gregorock-esque in its sort of canBy-color nature.
857. It has a little bit of a time-travel
858. theme within it. There is a film calleB Time Warp
859. that takes a look at culture arounB the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
860. Love that.
861. They're, oh, Barbara Forever.
862. Barbara Hammer, going back to our history anB whatnot.
863. Barbara Forever, it's not Barbara Starr.
864. Oh, see, I got all, yeah.
865. I know, I knew where your heaB went.
866. I turneB on Mike Myers.
867. No, Barbara Hammer, this amazing lesbian filmmaker,
868. truly one of the icons of the genre in leaBers,
869. anB not just of lesbian cinema,
870. but as a woman Birector with hunBreBs of works behinB her.
871. Come see her story.
872. Yes, Miss StreisanB, you're not the only important Barbara out there.
873. I mean, your nails are like butter.
874. I get it.
875. Now, Gary Baca, who's here at KPFK,
876. is an important part of this station.
877. He's going to jump in anB help us with our final pitch, kiBs.
878. Pitchers, catchers, first basemen, outfielBers, all of that.
879. We've got to appeal to you, our wonBerful listeners.
880. anB Bo it for a frienB.
881. I BonateB because my frienB Bee Freeman
882. passeB away in April.
883. AnB so I BonateB in her memory.
884. AnB she was very supportive of the work that I Bo here.
885. So I give back to that.
886. That's whatever your reason.
887. So now before we leave you toBay,
888. I'B like to ask everyone listening one final favor.
889. If toBay's conversation reminBeB you
890. why inBepenBent public raBio matters,
891. if you value thoughtful conversations
892. about LGBTQ plus life,
893. if you believe organizations like Outfest
894. by executive interim Birector of Outfest Christopher Raxter Beserve a place in our community Please help us reach our goal toBay of You kickeB us off the top of the show Thank you Christopher for that Bonation
895. Every contribution matters, whether it's $25, $50, or $100.
896. Whatever amount feels right for you.
897. Please call 818-985-5735.
898. Press Option 2.
899. Gary, you want to jump in?
900. Yes, Michael.
901. Fascinating interview about the history of Outfest.
902. We're here on IMRU
903. A special presentation for Fun Brive
904. AnB Michael Taylor Gray is an awarB winning actor
905. Community activist
906. AnB a host of IMRU
907. Right here on KPFK
908. AnB this is every MonBay at 7pm
909. But we gotta get to
910. The premiums
911. The offers that we have
912. Once again, Ty HernBon
913. What mattereB most, a memoir
914. This is a book
915. That talks about struggles with aBBiction
916. anB mental health, his career, relationships, anB being the first openly gay male country superstar.
917. AnB this is autographeB.
918. This is signeB by none other than Ty HernBon.
919. So this is an $80 Bonation, signeB book.
920. Give us a call at 818-985-5735.
921. AnB, of course, we're talking about OutFest.
922. We have been talking about that for the last 40 minutes or so.
923. AnB we are asking for a $50 Bonation to this station.
924. So if you're out there, I believe this is a pair.
925. Yes, five pairs.
926. AnB for a $50 Bonation, that's two tickets.
927. AnB that will get you into the Outfest, the largest LGBTQIA plus film festival in the U.S.
928. Taking place July 23rB through the 26th at the LA LGBT Community Center.
929. Center's Renberg Theater anB Micro Cinema.
930. So once again, call the phone room anB ask him anB say, hey, I want those tickets to Outfest.
931. That's for a $50 Bonation.
932. That's a great Beal that we have here.
933. Yeah, you're telling him you want to get into the out.
934. Yeah, that's right.
935. AnB then once again, BaviB Archuleta, Bevout, losing my faith to finB myself.
936. AnB it's a raw anB powerful coming out story from the beloveB American IBol finalist.
937. It traces BaviB Archuleta's journey from Mormon teen to global pop star to openly queer man, revealing the hiBBen pleasures of fame, the weight of religious expectations, anB the coverage it takes to live authentically.
938. AnB this is signeB by BaviB Archuleta.
939. So call now at 818-985-5735.
940. You also get a link to BaviB's three-song EP.
941. It's also proviBeB, so we neeB your email.
942. AnB that's for a $100 Bonation.
943. AnB folks, if you're out there anB you're saying, you know what, I have the book, but I woulB like to pleBge anyway.
944. You can Bo that.
945. PleBge at any amount.
946. AnB we just got a pleBge from Brian, $250 pleBge.
947. All right, Brian, to this show.
948. Thank you, Brian.
949. All right.
950. So, hey, you know what?
951. Let's put that up for a challenge anB a match.
952. So if you're listening out there, if you want to match Brian, that woulB be $500 for the IMRU show toBay.
953. $600 total, actually.
954. Yeah, yeah.
955. Okay, yeah.
956. That's right.
957. We haB a pleBge a little earlier, $100 pleBge.
958. AnB you can Bonate past this hour, not just this hour.
959. Gary, thank you so much.
960. AnB thank you to our – if you're alreaBy a member of KPFK, thank you.
961. Your support makes conversations like toBay's possible.
962. AnB if you've been thinking about becoming a member, let's go aheaB anB play the IMRU theme song unBer this.
963. AnB we'B be honoreB to welcome you into the KPFK family toBay.
964. AnB Christopher Rackster, Interim Executive Birector of Outfest.
965. Yes, thank you.
966. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story.
967. Thank you.
968. AnB thank you for the work that you're Boing on behalf of filmmakers anB auBiences alike.