Three and a Half Stars

?No one can insult you without your permission,? Eleanor Roosevelt once said. And this one-hour episode of KUSP?s OUTRIGHT RADIO shows four queers who gave themselves permission to fight without pulling a punch.

Host David Gilmore is a good interviewer. And, the two best segments are built on conversation.

Especially valuable is Gilmore?s time with Kevin Barker. Barker used anti-gay demonstrations at his high-school graduation to raise money to start other gay student groups. (Listen to get the details.)

Their talk is specific and valuable for would-be activists. It?s also disturbing, perhaps unintentionally. Closing out the segment, Barker reads the email he got from a member of God Hates Fags, the group at his graduation.

And, sure it?s funny to hear the emailer call him ?Mr. Faggybody,? and to hear Barker and Gilmore laught off. But their laughter doesn?t dissipate the force of the emailer?s conviction ? and that?s a warning in its own way.

Also strong is Gilmore?s interview with Terry Gilbert. The transgendered woman got a $360,000 settlement from a so-called Christian software company that schemed to remove her. Gilbert?s not as immediately engaging as Barker, but Gilmore?s skill brings Gilbert out and the story to life.

Two short stories about two gay men ?bashing back? bookend the interviews. Tom Truss explores the emotional stuff that blocks those who would bash back, and is a good set up.

Weakest was the show?s open. It was too long (5:00) and didn?t use music. The billboard was confusing and the clips arcane.
Gilmore also comes across as a bit timid when he?s talking about himself. Maybe he should interview himself instead.

Bashing Back is a must for Gay Pride Month. I also hope stations will consider running the OUTRIGHT RADIO series in their weekday mix. The show is a much needed space for LGBT people and their fans.

Anthea Raymond
Editorial Board
Los Angeles
June 7, 2006