Episcopal Church Confirms First Gay Bishop; The Israeli Security Fence; Drag Queen Culture; Challenges Faced by Transgender People
Episcopal Church Confirms First Gay Bishop
Last night the Episcopal Church confirmed the Reverend Gene Robinson, its first openly gay bishop. Larry Mantle talks with Episcopal Rector Ed Bacon, of All Saints Church in Pasadena, about what this historic event means for the Episcopal Church in America, and whether or not the confirmation may lead to a schism with the Episcopal Church in Canada.
The Israeli Security Fence
Larry Mantle addresses Israel's recent fence-building in the West Bank, as well as the news that the Bush Administration may begin financially punishing Israel for doing so. Is this the beginning of a new, "get-tough" policy with Israel? Larry Mantle talks with Newsweek's Dan Ephron from Jerusalem.
Drag Queen Culture
Larry explores one of America's most overlooked subcultures, the world of the drag queen performer. Joining him are two University of California, Santa Barbara, professors of sociology, Leila J. Rupp and Verta Taylor. Their new book is called Drag Queens at the 801 Cabaret (Chicago University Press), a new book that takes readers backstage into the lives of the 801 girls, the troupe of queens who perform nightly for tourists and locals at the Cabaret in Key West. Rupp and Taylor examine how drag queens smash the boundaries between gay and straight, men and women. Also, George Weiss Vando, playwright, actor and drag queen performer joins the discussion to share his first-hand experience in the world of drag queen entertainment.
Challenges Faced by Transgender People
Larry talks with experts about transgender people and the issues they face, such as the transition from one gender to another, questions about surgery and sex change operations, hormones, discrimination and personal safety. Joining Larry are Jessie Jacobson, mental health clinician, L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, Lorri L. Jean, chief executive officer, L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, and Alexis Rivera, an openly trans-identified woman and transgender activist who provides health counseling to transgender adolescents and young adults.