'Serial Scoop Now': Jack Tracy Finds Creative Outlet with 'History' Web Series

Jack Tracy stars as Jamie in the new web series History.

On the latest episode of Serial Scoop Now (2.11), host Roger Newcomb chats with producer/director/writer/actor/attorney Jack Tracy about History, a new LGBTQIA scripted web series from Necessary Outlet Productions that explores the relationships, friendships and the sexual and gender politics of young gay men in New York City.

History follows Jamie (Tracy), a thirty-something gay New York lawyer, in the days after a messy breakup with his partner of five years, Jared (Andrew Lipson). Through juxtaposed flashbacks, the audience watches Jamie’s evolution—or lack thereof—on issues of intimacy, sex, gender role conformity and friendships as he rebuilds his life on his own terms.

In our interview, Tracy recounts his journey to New York, and from lawyer by day to indie creator by night, and shares how he brought his real life experiences to History. Find out more about this quickly rising young talent below.

Jake Biondi Releases ‘BOYSTOWN’ Series in Audio-Book Format

“I’m so excited to be bringing my ‘BOYSTOWN’ series to an entirely new audience,” author Jake Biondi shared. “So many people prefer to listen to books in their cars or on their phones at the gym. We are a multi-tasking culture and now ‘BOYSTOWN’ is becoming a part of that lifestyle.”

Biondi reviewed auditions of over twenty five potential narrators from across the country who applied to narrate the ‘BOYSTOWN’ series. After reviewing all the initial auditions, Biondi invited five actors to submit a second audition recording. From those submissions, he ultimately selected actor Sean Michael Ryan to narrate the series.

“As soon as I heard Sean’s voice, I knew I wanted him to be the voice of ‘BOYSTOWN,’” Biondi explained. “He has such a comfortable, conversational style that makes you feel like your best friend is telling you a compelling story. And once I got to know Sean, I couldn’t wait to officially welcome him to the ‘BOYSTOWN’ team.”

“I was thrilled and honored to be chosen as the voice for this series,” Ryan said. “Knowing the potential impact of this series makes me being selected even more special. I’m very much looking forward to making Jake’s words come to life.”

Within the next couple of months, readers from all over the globe will be able to download and listen to the entire ‘BOYSTOWN’ series. The first book in the BOYSTOWN series is now available on audio book through amazon.com, itunes, and audible.com -- and the next three ‘BOYSTOWN’ books will be available on audio book in the very near future. Fans may also access the audio books directly through BoystownTheSeries.com and JakeBiondi.com.

Sean Michael Ryan joins an ever-expanding ‘BOYSTOWN’ team of models, editors, and television producers. Matt O’Reilly, captain of the ‘BOYSTOWN’ team of models, is featured on the cover ‘BOYSTOWN Season Four.’ “It’s an honor to be the ‘BOYSTOWN’ team captain and be able to work with so many amazing guys,” O’Reilly said. “I know we will continue to bring BOYSTOWN fans all the muscle, smiles, and personalities that fans love so much.”

“BOYSTOWN is a must-read series filled with twists and turns that everyone will love,” said BOYSTOWN model team co-captain Cory Zwierzynski. “I was so grateful when Jake Biondi asked me to join the BOYSTOWN team. As one of the original team members, I have watched the BOYSTOWN audience grow with the release of each installment of the series. Now we are working to transition the book series to television, where it belongs. BOYSTOWN will make a fantastic TV series because it presents a diverse group of characters that appeal to a wide reading and viewing audience.”

Biondi added, “I am so grateful for my readers and their positive response to the series. I regularly receive notes from fans who are connecting with the characters and want to know what the future holds for them. The broad appeal of the book series is incredible. ‘BOYSTOWN’ has a really diverse audience.”

The ‘BOYSTOWN’ series has a fascinating history. It began as an online story released in installments, each ending with a cliffhanger that left readers wondering what would happen to their favorite characters. Enthusiastic ‘BOYSTOWN’ fans from all over the world petitioned Biondi to release the installments more quickly; they simply couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. Overwhelmed by and grateful for the fans’ responses to the series, Biondi began to write more quickly.

In 2013, Biondi published the first ten ‘episodes’ in book form as ‘BOYSTOWN Season One.’ ‘BOYSTOWN Season Two’ was released in July of 2014, ‘BOYSTOWN Season Three’ was released in May of 2015, and ‘BOYSTOWN Season Four’ was released in November. ‘BOYSTOWN Season Five’ will be released June 1, 2016.

Biondi is currently working with two television producers who are interested in bringing the ‘BOYSTOWN’ series to television. Biondi remains optimistic that fans all over the world will soon be able to watch their favorite ‘BOYSTOWN’ characters in action on television.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with author Jake Biondi, please email him at BoystownTheSeries@yahoo.com.

Romance Needs to Return to 'Days of our Lives'—For All!

Romance Needs to Return to 'Days of our Lives'- For All!
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

Marlena (Deidre Hall)  presides over Will (Guy Wilson) and Sonny's (Freddie Smith) Wedding on Days of our Lives

It was just shy of two years ago when one of the loveliest romances, in recent Days of our Lives history, culminated in a beautiful wedding at the Kiriakis mansion. I’m sure I’m not alone in fondly remembering the wedding of Sonny Kiriakis and William Horton (played by Freddie Smith and Guy Wilson). Not only was their wedding a pivotal moment in daytime TV, but it contributed to Days being recognized by the GLAAD Media Awards.

As a Days viewer for nearly four decades, I still remember Marlena (played by Deidre Hall) ending the wedding ceremony with, “May the love you share be the bond that brings you strength, and comfort, and joy all of the days of your lives.” Incorporating those particular words, I expected Will and Sonny to become one of the enduring love stories in this beloved soap opera’s history.

Instead of a long-lasting bond, which should have endured many soap-style ups and downs, the love story of Sonny and Will, so full of promise, ended tragically. In a sad mess of betrayal, followed by the slow, but evident, maturity of the characters, and expected renewal of their love, all was destroyed with the senseless murder of legacy character, William Horton. Will’s brutal death not only killed the chance for Will and Sonny to have their well-deserved happy ending, but also appears to have killed the entire gay storyline.

Currently, as I watch Days every afternoon, I await the time when the show will renew my faith in groundbreaking storytelling and continue to crush antiquated barriers to all love stories.

Christopher Sean as Paul Norita

There is still one prominent gay character left in Salem, although he’s been conspicuously off the radar of late. It’s time for Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) to get the chance to find love in Salem. Having hoped to reconnect, unsuccessfully, with his former love, Sonny Kiriakis, Paul has been left adrift in a town with a preponderance of characters pairing up on an ongoing basis.

Learning John Black (Drake Hogestyn) is Paul’s father, led me to believe Paul would play an integral part in all aspects of life in Salem, as do his siblings Brady and Belle (Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison). Upon his entry into Salem, viewers fell in love with Paul, as he bravely came out to his mother and grandfather, and then cheered him on or sneered at him as he attempted to find a place back in Sonny’s life.

However, with Sonny currently working in Europe, managing a portion of his uncle’s ventures abroad, it’s time for Paul to get the same opportunity as the rest of the Salem community. As fans learned during the past few years, there is a gay population in Salem—enough to warrant having The Spot nightclub. Certainly there must be room for another gay character on the scene.

With all the love we have been promised, it would be gratifying and satisfying to see Paul reap some of the same benefits, beyond the clichéd date with the fashion photographer.

Christopher Sean as Paul in a scene with Guy Wilson as Will on Days of our Lives

Having talented, strong actor, Christopher Sean, at the helm, Paul Narita can go in a number of directions. Paul can have both a powerful front-burner storyline AND a romance—especially one riddled with lots of dramatic complications.

It’s critical for Days of our Lives to return to that place of recognition they so deservedly achieved with their previous gay storyline. In 2016, this story should not be left off the grid. In the past DOOL has been praised for its “Love Wins” portrayal of the LGBT community. I hope this soap, formerly lauded by GLAAD, will not avoid the challenges of creating a new gay romance for all the viewers to enjoy.

If it’s all about the romance, let’s get ALL the romance that ALL the fans so richly want and deserve.

Carolyn LeVine Topol regularly contributes television and web series features to Serial Scoop. Having always dreamed of writing her own version of The Great American Novel, it took her many years to discover her most heartfelt stories took their form in the creation of LGBT romances. Carolyn had one lesser-known passion, her dedication to all things "soap opera". Starting as a child with "Dark Shadows" and "Secret Storm", Carolyn has found a way to keep up with nearly every soap, on every network over the past 45 years!

Great Story Coming for 'Days of our Lives' Star Christopher Sean

Christopher Sean

Life hasn't been easy for fans of Christopher Sean, and his popular character Paul Norita. However, there is good news on the horizon. Christopher seems well aware of his fans unhappiness, and responded to the outcry on twitter. According to Sean, great story is coming. Will that story include a romance? I guess we will have to wait and see.

@BraniacGirl @lulumama2009 @Tani_Smith @Redrose_AT @ChandlerMassey @freddiemsmith I totally understand the frustration.But gr8 SL is coming.

— Christopher Sean (@ChristopherSean) February 1, 2016

Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Caitlyn Jenner, Joey McIntyre, Sara Ramirez & More Support LGBTQ Students at Voices on Point Gala

 Actresses Teri Polo (L) and Sherri Saum speak onstage
during the Point Foundation's Annual Voices On Point
Gala at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on October 3, 2015
in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty
Images for The Point Foundation

More than 400 guests attended the fourth annual Voices on Point gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night to support higher education opportunities for LGBTQ students. Caitlyn Jenner presented the Point Horizon Award to two Point Alumni, Rhys Ernst, Co-Producer for Amazon’s “Transparent,” and Zach Zyskowski, Producer on ABC Family and Ryan Seacrest Productions docuseries Becoming Us, and Producer on CBS’ perennial hit Big Brother. The evening celebrated the accomplishments of Point Foundation (Point) scholarship recipients, and included musical performances from Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe, Tony Award winner and star of ABC's Grey's Anatomy, Sara Ramirez, American Idol, Top Five Finalist, Rayvon Owen, and singer/songwriter Joey McIntyre. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, was the most successful Voices on Point event to date for Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit.

Celebrity appearances at Point Honors included Amy Landecker; Camryn Magness; Connor Franta; Gavin Macintosh; Greg Louganis; Hayden Byerly; Our Lady J; Ray Santiago; Sherri Saum; Teri Polo; Bradley Whitford; Utkarsh Ambudkar and more.

'Empire' Star Jussie Smollett: "There's Never Been a Closet"

Jussie Smollett and Ellen DeGeneres

Empire actor Jussie Smollett publicly addressed his sexuality in a new interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

Smollett, whose Empire character Jamal Lyons recently sang his way out of the closet, declined to address his personal life in the talk show portion of his interview with Ellen but arranged a follow up interview backstage to make it clear his reluctance to talk about the subject shouldn't be construed as him living a closeted life.

"It was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet," Smollett said.  "There’s never been a closet. That I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home. So that’s why I choose not to talk bout my personal life. But there is without a doubt, no closet that I’ve ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear, but it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that’s where I’m at."

Later, Ellen told Smollett she was proud of him.

Smollett joked, "I told Ellen. Who else do I need to tell?"

Watch Smollett's interview with Ellen below:

'Empire' Gay Character Jamal Comes Out In Song

Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyons on Empire.

Empire's Jamal Lyons (Jussie Smollett) came out to the world on last night's episode while singing "You're So Beautiful", eliciting a wide variety of reactions from the public and his family. Watch Jamal’s coming out performance below:

'My Husband's Not Gay' Premieres January 11 on TLC

My Husband's Not Gay premieres January 11 on TLC.

In Salt Lake City, there are some Mormons who live their lives… a little differently. There are some men who are happily married and attracted to their wives, but they are also attracted to other men. They refer to it as Same Sex Attraction... not gay, SSA.

In the new TLC special My Husband's Not Gay – airing January 11 at 10 p.m. ET – these couples share the challenges they face every day and explain why they have decided to live the way they do, and explore how these wives endure this unusual facet in their relationships as they strive to make their marriages work.
As these couples – all friends – navigate their unconventional relationships, their single friend is ultimately looking for a wife but is also attracted to men. And when he goes on a blind date with an unsuspecting woman, he must decide whether or not to reveal his big secret.

Meet the people of My Husband's Not Gay:

Judith Light to Serve as National Ambassador of 2015 'Kids' Night on Broadway'

Two-time Tony Award winner Judith Light will serve as the 2015 "Kids' Night on Broadway" National Ambassador. The 19th "Kids' Night on Broadway" will take place Friday, January 9, 2015 to Thursday, January 15, 2015.

"Broadway has always been and always will be such an important part of my life. I love the magic that happens on the stage, the joy of bringing unique and creative stories to life, and the opportunity to participate in such a welcoming, friendly community that shares a deep passion for the art of theatre," said Light. "I'm also thrilled that we can bring a focus to LGBT equality through the collaboration with Point Foundation, an organization deserving of recognition for their efforts to promote the continued education of LGBT students."

'EastEnders' Praised for LGBT Domestic Violence Storyline

EastEnders Tosh hits Tina.

Tuesday night's episode of the British soap opera EastEnders featured another clash between Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) and Fiona 'Tosh' Mackintosh (Rebecca Scroggs), which saw the latter punch her girlfriend after being slapped. The storyline is earning praise for its realistic portrayal of domestic violence.

"As an organization we were thrilled to be asked to advise on the Tosh and Tina storyline, and saw it as a great opportunity to get the subject of LGBT domestic violence into the public domain," Jo Harvey Barringer, managing director of Broken Rainbow UK, told the official EastEnders website.

"We were very conscious that the storyline needed to portray the very real experiences our service users tell us about. Although there are a number of similarities to women experiencing abuse in heterosexual relationships - the ways they can all experience psychological, sexual, physical and financial violence and abuse - the one main issue that differs is the lack of support services available to LGBT survivors or perpetrators."

'The Straight Out Report' Premieres November 7 on Logo, Hosted by Stephen Guarino and Mike E. Winfield

The Straight Out Report premieres November 7 on Logo.

Logo TV will debut a new comedic/satirical program, The Straight Out Report, on Friday, November 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Hosts Stephen Guarino, who's gay, and Mike E. Winfield, who's straight, agree, disagree, and agree to disagree on a week’s roundup of everything from high culture to low. This marks the first time that two men of different sexual orientations and races have co-hosted a weekly television show focused on their perspectives around the news of the day. For a sneak peek at the series, click here.

"By spotlighting each host’s distinct and hilarious viewpoint, The Straight Out Report not only offers a fresh perspective on the headlines and newsmakers of the day, but also underscores that comedy is the perfect device to emphasize our similarities and differences," said Pamela Post, Vice President of Programming of Logo TV.

Shonda Rhimes Responds to Complaint About 'Gay Scenes' In Her Shows

Scandal and Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes took a fan to task on Twitter Sunday afternoon (October 19), after they pointed out that they didn't appreciate certain parts of her shows.

"The gay scenes in "Scandal' and 'How to Get Away with Murder' are too much," the user writes. "There is no point and they add nothing to the plot."

Like only Shonda can, she fired back a trio of tweets. "There are no GAY scenes. There are scenes with people in them," she replies. "If you are suddenly discovering that Shondaland shows have scenes involving people who are gay, you are LATE TO THE PARTY. If u use the phrase 'gay scenes,' u are not only LATE to the party but also NOT INVITED to the party. Bye Felicia. #oneLOVE"

Shortly after setting the matter straight, Rhimes took her leave from Twitter to go back to the "Grey's Anatomy" script notes she was working on and all was calm once again in Shondaland.

'How to Get Away with Murder' Features the Steamiest Gay Sex Scene in Network TV History

Connor (left) regularly uses his talents to obtain key information on cases.

Law student Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee) was front and center on Thursday's episode of How to Get Away with Murder on ABC, including the steamiest gay sex scene in broadcast TV history.

In this week's case, Annalise (Viola Davis) is defending the head of Trudeau Securities, Marren Trudeau (Elizabeth Perkins), who is charged with insider trading. Connor stops by the trading room floor and seeks out Marren's sexy assistant, Pax Curtis (Niko Pepaj). The two have a quick romp in the office like nothing ever seen on network television. After exchanging smoldering glances, Connor corners Pax, who confidently pulls down his pants. Connor quickly notices Pax's impressive endowment, leading Pax to say, "Yeah, I know."

Watch their encounter below:

Win a Walk-on Role on 'General Hospital'

Disney/ABC Television Group is offering one lucky winner a nonspeaking, walk-on role in soap opera General Hospital to benefit GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Click here to bid at Charity Buzz through October 23, 2014.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Chris L. McKenna on Playing Det. Harding on 'The Young and the Restless' and Revisiting 'One Life to Live's' Historic Coming Out Storyline (Part 1)

Chris McKenna plays Det. Mark Harding in The Young
and the Restless.

Queens, New York native Chris L. McKenna has been acting since he was a child on stage, television and in film. He landed the role of Joey Buchanan on ABC soap opera One Life to Live at age 12, and has gone on to star in numerous priemtime series including 90210, Touched by an Angel, House M.D. and Castle. He made a return to Daytime TV earlier this year to take on the role of Detective Mark Harding on CBS' The Young and the Restless. Fans instantly connected with his portrayal of the tough guy cop, and have been singing his praises on social media, wondering what is inside Harding's tough exterior and whether or not he will find love. Serial Scoop recently caught up with McKenna to get his take on the character and to revisit his involvement in One Life to Live's historic coming out storyline. Read Part 1 of our exclusive interview below:

SERIAL SCOOP: You seem to be having so much fun on the on The Young and the Restless. What has your experience been like so far?
CHRIS L. MCKENNA: It’s been criminally fun. [Laughs]

SERIAL SCOOP: [Laughs] I like that.
CHRIS L. MCKENNA: It is a great group bunch of people. It doesn't seem fair. Everybody was so welcoming, from the top down. And it's been a fun character to play. They have been giving me fun stuff to do and I get to be kind of a jerk. [Laughs]

Greg Rikaart Receives the HRC Visibilty Award (Video)

Greg Rikaart received the HRC Visibility Award.

The Young and The Restless star Greg Rikaart spoke to the 2014 HRC New Orleans, Louisiana Gala on June 21, 2014, where he received the Visibility Award.

"I am so grateful to be living in this time of our civil rights movement," Rikaart said, "and I'm amazed at how fast everything is changing. It’s so fucking exciting."

Rikaart told the crowd about the circumstances last June 26 that led him to come out publicly via Twitter. He revealed for the first time that he and his partner, writer Robert Sudduth, had been drinking wine with a barbeque and washing their dog with tomato juice after he had been sprayed by a skunk when inspiration struck.

"I had long been an out gay man in my life but was ready to stop being evasive about the issue publicly. So Rob and I took a selfie, I posted it on Twitter and I felt equal."

The couple met at a party in North Hollywood and have been together since 2005.

Watch Rikaart's remarks below:

'The Young and the Restless' Star Greg Rikaart Receives HRC Visibility Award

The Young and the Restless star Greg Rikaart was the recipient of the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award on Saturday in New Orleans.

Rikaart was the featured speaker at the 22nd Annual HRC Louisiana Dinner.

The Emmy-winning actor came out publicly via Twitter last year on the day the US Supreme Court gutted DOMA and allowed same-sex marriages to resume in California.

Logo TV Announces First Annual 'Trailblazers' Event and Telecast Honoring Pioneers Who Have Made Historic Strides for LGBT Equality

Logo TV today announced Trailblazers, a new annual event and television special to honor the pioneers who have broken new ground in the quest for LGBT civil rights and are leading the way towards equality. The one-hour special will feature the celebrities, politicians, activists and trendsetters who are transforming our cultural landscape, as well as musical performances from some of today's biggest artists.

Trailblazers will premiere on Thursday, June 26th, during the most historic week of gay rights - the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and the one-year anniversary to the day of DOMA being overruled. As a tribute to this major civil rights landmark and all the social progress the ruling represents, Trailblazers will honor Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, two of the catalysts behind that momentous achievement. The special, which will be the biggest Pride event on television, will also celebrate an entire year of "firsts" - including the first openly gay athletes competing in major professional sports.