GG Superstars: Phile Reese and Joe Mirabella

If you haven't heard of Phil Reese (come on be honest gossipers you have) and Joe Mirabella you soon will. Their podcast Same Sex Sunday is growing in popularity, Phil explains how the show came to be "SameSexSunday is two projects merged into one. Almost two years ago Michael Crawford of the Bilerico Project is the guy who came up with the Twitter hashtag "#SameSexSunday" with Bil Browning to identify on Twitter those people who are movers and shakers in the LGBT movement. Late last year, Michael and I began working on an LGBT political roundtable show, and we decided to call it 'SameSexSunday.'"  Joe continued "I'll add, that I always loved watching Sunday Morning Talk Shows with my father when I was a kid. They provided important commentary on the week's news. I wanted to bring a similar format to the LGBT community and was more than excited when Bil Browning told me Phil was working on a similar project."  Who would the duo love to interview? "President Obama. Period end of story. I think that both Joe and I are of the same mind there." Phil answered with with a very firm agreement from Joe.

Wanting to get a bit more topical, the co-hosts were asked about the growing sentiment that the glbt community needs to take action to get Don't Ask Don't Tell repealed, instead of using words. Joe looks to the past to help us in our future, making sure we learn the lessons  "Historically speaking, every civil rights movement includes civil disobedience. However, we need to leverage every tool available. Civil disobedience alone will get us no where. We need savvy lobbyists, strong messaging, excellent media relations, an engaged constituency, elected officials who are true friends, and strategic coalitions with our Progressive allies. Moving forward is a complex process that demands cooperation from a variety of perspectives." Phil has a more interesting approach to  getting the results we want "I think that in order to get DADT gone, we need to continue to stay vigilant, stay visible, and keep the pressure on the lawmakers and the President to follow through with the time-table. That's easier said than done, but at some point, we'll be so annoying that they will repeal the ban to shut us up!"

Since most people don't have to worry about DADT, but they do have to worry about coming out, Joe and Phil were asked about the advice they would give to someone struggling to come out. Both encouraged coming out, saying that safety is the most important part of the process. "Find good, supportive and healthy gay and straight friends. Don't let anyone tell you there's anything you can't do. You can do anything. Support all the other queer people you meet--from all spectrums, they will be your champions when times get hard. Don't be afraid to be you, and to stand up for what you believe in. Don't be afraid to demand respect from your family, your friends, your neighbors and your community. Never put anyone else down, because that does not build you up, but never lose faith in who you are." Phil advised, making a good point. Joe suggested researching and truly preparing yourself "Make sure you come out in a safe environment. If you are still living with your parents, and you believe your parents may reject you or even kick you out of your home, you should either, wait to come out, or make sure you have a safe long term solution after you come out. Perhaps a sympathetic family member will volunteer to take you in ahead of time if your parents do not react positively. If you are old enough to support yourself, you should spend time learning about the gay and lesbian community. I read Michael Signorile's book, "Coming Out" when I was preparing to come out. It was very helpful." Joe then talked about safety and being happy in who you are "Whomever you are, if you are gay, lesbian, or transgender, it is vital that you safely come out to your friends, family, co-workers, church members, neighbors, and so on. You will be healthier and happier, and the LGBT community will be closer to full equality because of your advocacy."

From coming out to the Newsweek article claiming out actors can't portray straight characters. This topic created a bit of anger towards the one time respected News magazine Phil blasted "
Clearly I think the newsweek article was hogwash. I question the Newsweek editors on allowing such a clearly ignorant piece of filth get published. Newsweek is stumbling as a news organization, and perhaps its because their editors are asleep at the wheel." While Joe pointed out that an actors personal life does not impact their ability to portray an array of different characters. "I thought it was poorly written and missed the most obvious logical explanation. Bad actors can not play a variety of roles. Good actors can play characters that are far removed from their realities. Sexual orientation does not factor into a person's ability to their job, whether they are an actor, a pilot, a teacher, or even a President."

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