Activist David Mixner Is Dead at 77

Truly saddened to hear about the death of legendary activist David Mixner, who has always gone out of his way to be so kind to me. I'm sure many obituaries and tributes will be coming soon. For now, I just want to say that I'll miss my fellow Sun Devil but know that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. RIP, my friend. xo 

(Here's hoping Nigel Barker's biopic somehow still gets made.) 

UPDATE: 

Read his NYT obituary HERE.

On Tuesday morning I received this message from TV producer (and friend) Javi Morgado:

We lost an American hero and one of the greatest civil rights fighters of a generation.

 

David Mixner died yesterday after a long battle with his health. I got to spend a lot of time with David in his final weeks and am truly grateful for his love, friendship and immeasurable impact on the lives of the LGBTQ+ community.  It gives me great solace that David spent his final days on earth surrounded by his chosen family -- laughing, smiling and urging us to keep fighting for a better tomorrow.

 

This morning, the Ali Forney Center announced the creation of the David Mixner Memorial Fund to honor the life and legacy of this legendary fighter. Throughout the years, David raised over $1 million for this amazing organization which I proudly serve on its board of directors. David’s final wish was that donations be made in his honor to this fund to support and protect LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness.

 

I can think of no better way to honor the impact of our friend David than through activism and philanthropy.  David’s life work has single-handedly affected every member of the LGBTQ+ community. From his fierce activism for marriage equality, fighting to get help for the millions with HIV & AIDS and against Don’t Ask Don’t Tell… David fought for us all.  He will be incredibly missed. 

 

I humbly ask you to consider a gift to the David Mixner Memorial Fund. All gifts will support the life-saving work of the Ali Forney Center and honor David's tireless advocacy.  Please visit HERE to make a donation and learn more about David’s legacy. I have copied Deb Brown, Senior Major Gifts Officer for the Ali Forney Center, on this email to help facilitate your support. The fund can also accept donations of checks, wires, stock and donor advised funds. 

 

With love and immense gratitude,

Javi Morgado

Broadway Stars Will Celebrate David Mixner in Evening Benefiting Ali Forney Center

 

Here's a win-win: A benefit for a great organization celebrating the life's work of a great individual:

Playbill writes:

A handful of Broadway stars will take the stage at Florence Gould Hall Theater March 6 to celebrate civil rights activist, LGBTQ+ advocate, and author David Mixner in an evening benefiting the Ali Forney Center. 

The variety show, titled Broadway Says Thank You, David Mixner, will present highlights of Mixner's arts career explored through song and dance.

T. Oliver Reid will direct the performance, which is set to feature Bryan Batt, Chris Bolan, Christopher Sieber, Dave Koz, Drew Gehling, Edmund Bagnell, Heath Saunders, Iris Beaumier, Laura Benanti, Stephen Barry, Tomâs Matos, and Will Reynolds. 

Proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest non-profit providing housing, safety, and essential services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

Ticket info HERE. 

Let me know if you're going!

David Mixner: Democrats Need a Roosevelt Project to Fill the Leadership Void

"Clearly the prominent Democratic groups located in D.C. are not living up to the challenge we have for this coming election. It is time for the Roosevelt Project similar to the Lincoln Project that was so effective in the last election," says David Mixner.

David Mixner: The War Against LGBTQ+ Americans Has Just Been Dramatically Escalated by the GOP

Sobering thoughts and a call to arms from the legendary activist who writes: 

Texas and Florida has just passed two pieces of legislation that are so horrific it could take us backwards 20 years if not more.  These two pieces of what is now law will bring back the shame, fear and even suicide among our young.  In addition, the Texas legislation enables social services to remove a child from a Transgender friendly home. Rediscover your outrage. 

UPDATE: 

Kudos to rising tennis star Coco Gauff -- the 17-year-old Floridian isn't afraid to speak her mind. 

Remains of the Day (08/16)

The Daily News: Elizabeth Smart’s father comes out as gay, plans to divorce wife and leave Mormon church: "not a place where I find solace any longer"

KIT212: Jockstraps are for jump pages x 2

Back2Stonewall: Undercover sex sting in Washington, D.C., park nets 26 gay men

The Daily News: Could Kaley Cuoco stop bogarting the hot men she doesn't want?

The Hill: Trump crosses yet another new line with Omar, Tlaib, Israel move

Towleroad: Lil Nas X’s historic ride gets a Time magazine cover story 

ISL: Iowa means little and it is still really early. But am I the only one who's ready to go all in with Warren? What she lacks as a candidate she makes up for in policies and principles, which is what really matters

Vox: Women candidates are constantly asked about their electability. Here are 5 reasons that’s misguided.

NewNowNext: Are Debra Messing and Megan Mullally in an ugly feud?  (I so don't want this to be true but some of the evidence is pretty damning.) 

Washington Blade: Self-loathing gays alive and mentally unwell

TV Line: "Mad About You" revival casts Paul and Jamie's grown-up daughter

Socialite Life: Nico Tortorella, Dylan McDermott, Colton Haynes and more man candy

Rage: In the thick of it with David Mixner: Lessons from a political legend

Matthew's Island: Do those even count as briefs?

Boy Culture: Faye Dunaway's former assistant sues, alleging he was fired after she dubbed him "little homosexual boy"

Gr8er Days: A fMike Henry fleshback you won't want to miss

Greg in Hollywood: Oscar winner Joel Grey gives New York magazine a tour of his art-filled home

BosGuy: Thank God it's Furry Friday

Hot Cat Fan of the Day: Finally, I can relate to a "Florida man"! (ICYMI)

Page 1 Roundup (06/24)

The Daily News: Bed-Stuy family cries foul over deal that could leave them homeless

The Flying Wallendas take Manhattan

 Gee, and she hid her meth usage so well

Judith Krantz, world-renowned author of ‘Scruples’ and other steamy romances, dead at 91

Instagram: Is Stan Wawrinka auditioning to be a leather daddy?

International Jock: See what's new from 2(x)ist

NBC News: U.S. psychoanalysts apologize for labeling homosexuality an illness

Gay Star News: Paris honors American creator of the Pride flag with special plaque

EW: Eric Dane opens up about filming graphic, "nude" scenes in HBO's "Euphoria"

Broadway World: David Mixner to receive lifetime legend award at GMCLA 40/STONEWALL 50 concert

New York Post: Inside Queens’ laid-back, tuneful finch singing competition

Page Six: Andrew Dice Clay is throwing away 20 years worth of character rehabilitation

Los Angeles Times: Woman died in Bakersfield Costco parking lot after being mauled by 3 dogs

CNN: Elena Kagan becomes latest liberal justice to sound alarm on precedent

The Washington Post: Taco Bell's hotel joins Shinola, Equinox and Ikea in the hospitality business 

The New York Times: Turkey’s president suffers stinging defeat in Istanbul election redo

Trump’s Iran reversal raises allies’ doubts over his tactics, and U.S. power

Trump shrugs off Khashoggi killing by ally Saudi Arabia

Religious institutions must reckon with how homophobia and transphobia create a climate that endangers LGBTQ youths

The Wall Street Journal: Enough with Hamilton, say fans of other founding fathers

Page 1 Roundup (03/08)

The Daily News: City schools chancellor pick derailed educator’s career because she called him out for flirting at work conference: lawsuit

Elite high schools see no boost in black, Hispanic students after changes to entrance exams

Sharon Tate’s sister approves of Kate Bosworth playing murdered actress, but not Hilary Duff

New York Post: How to tell if your child is a future psychopath 

So they've found Amelia Earhart's remains ... again?

Vanity Fair’s new editor shuns Hollywood elite for April cover

The Associated Press: Officer killed in line of duty was sent to wrong house after 911 call

The New York Times: Crazy Donald Trump ignored lawyers, spoke to witnesses about matters they discussed with special counsel

Crazy Donald's lawyer secretly obtained a temporary restraining order last week to prevent a pornographic film star from speaking out about her alleged affair with Mr. Trump, according to legal documents and interviews

Towleroad: David Mixner’s ‘Who Fell Into the Outhouse?’ raises $175,000 for homeless LGBTQ youth

The Washington Post: Mueller gathers evidence that 2017 Seychelles meeting was effort to establish back channel to Kremlin

The Wall Street Journal: There’s a tuba crime wave sweeping America

Remains of the Day (02/01)

Gr8er Days: Robert Wagner is officially a "person of interest" in the death of Natalie Wood

Dlisted: Sarah Jessica Parker was "heartbroken" over the mean things Kim Cattrall said about her

Towleroad: Gay man recounts escape from accused Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur

Greg in Hollywood: This is what weatherman Sam Champion looks like poolside, in a tiny bathing suit

OMG Blog: Jordan, Devante and Rob from "Ibiza Weekender on ITV2" strip naked

Ari Melber: Donald has now targeted every senior investigator who has touched the Russia probe

JoeMyGod: Canadian national anthem to go gender-neutral

LiveLeak: Arthur Bell of the Village Voice interviews bathhouse owners Michael Fusco of Man’s Country and Tony Masiolli of East Side Sauna and Wall Street Sauna, circa 1977

The Daily News: Another day, another mass shooting in a school

The Hollywood Reporter: I realize things are far more intense when they're happening to you, but is Kathy Griffin really in exile? 

The New York Times: Mia Farrow hysterically (and understandably) begged a psychologist to figure out a way to make Woody Allen stop seeing her daughter Soon-Yi Previn -- and then a chance to get him thrown in prison just happened to fall into her lap 72 hours later?

Boy Culture: Scott Baio slams Nicole Eggert's changing stories on sexual abuse

Deep Dish: 10 groovy things to do in February starring Julian Ovenden and Justin Vivian Bond

New York Post: Critic Michael Riedel thinks the Go-Go's "Head Over Heels" has potential to be a Broadway blockbuster

Page Six: Now Rose McGowan is calling out Alyssa Milano's #MeToo work: "She's a lie"

Ticketmaster: David Mixner's "Who Fell Into The Outhouse?" is a night of theatrical storytelling to benefit homeless LGBTQ young people served by the Ali Forney Center

Back2Stonewall: Jamaica(!) stops dangerous anti-gay pastor Steven Anderson from entering country

The Gay Almanac: LGBTQ-rights advocates want Amazon to avoid some states being considered for HQ2

Homorazzi: Netflix February 2018 -- new and expiring titles

Tennis Life: ATP, WTA and ITF restructure tennis

Hot Cat of the Day: Oliver, who was recently reunited with his owners after living 10 years as a stray

Today is World AIDS Day

HIV/AIDS stole 15 years from me by David Mixner

The HIV crisis is not over. But boy have we come a long way, baby. So proud to be a gay man. xo

Make a Date With History

Thrilled to discover I will be in Los Angeles this Thursday, just in time to attend civil-rights legend David Mixner's acclaimed show -- OH HELL NO! -- at the El Rey Theatre. I had the honor of being at the New York premiere, and I am not exaggerating when I say this is a must-see event for anyone with an interest in American history, a part of which has been grossly under documented. 

Hope to see you there!

For tickets, please click HERE. 

David Mixner Brings One-Man Show to Los Angeles

This time, the legendary civil rights activist's incredible off-the-cuff performance will benefit the Point Foundation. Read all about it HERE. Tickets available now HERE.

A Lesson in LGBT History

Gay Activist David Mixner: I Mercy Killed 8 People

A must-read about David's recent show at New World Stages. Click HERE.

UPDATE:

'Oh Hell No!' Brings David Mixner's Riveting Political and Personal Tales to the NYC Stage

Andy Towle's recap of the unforgettable night is up now HERE.

David Mixner Says 'Oh Hell No!'

  Had a great evening seeing my pal David Mixner's show "Oh Hell No!" last night at New World Stages. It was a moving night of storytelling by the civil rights pioneer, detailing behind-the-scenes machinations of the early days of the gay rights movement, the AIDS epidemic (he confessed to mercy-killing eight friends) and the Clinton administration. The after-party was equally riveting, with lots of pretty boys and powerbrokers. Highlights were finally meeting Brian Sims in the flesh, the open bar and getting to tell Judith Light that I learned what a "prostitute" was thanks to her character on "One Life to Live" ("I love your mother," Light replied), how "Phenom" has come up in conversations thrice in recent weeks, and how much I'm enjoying "Transparent." (OK, I went on a bit. But at least I didn't mention Tony Danza!) Congrats to David for an enlightening night that benefited the Point Foundation, which "empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential -- despite the obstacles often put before them =- to make a significant impact on society."



Above: Oh, and this may have been discussed

Photos by Michael Goff

Hell Yes!

Exciting news about my pal David Mixner!

Via Towleroad:

LGBT and civil rights activist, author, storyteller, and Towleroad contributor David Mixner will debut a new one-night only one-man show on October 27 at 7 pm at New World Stages in New York City to benefit The Point Foundation, an organization which assists LGBTQ students in achieving their academic and leadership potential. 

Mixner's new show, "Oh Hell No!," will take as its starting point "personal and public details of his headline-grabbing and history-shaping life" and be accompanied musically by Chris Bolan, Megan Osterhaus, and Tim Jerome. 

Event chairs for the evening include Alan Cumming, Robert Desiderio, Herb Hamsher, Judith Light, Ken Mehlman, Rob Smith, Jonathan Stoller, Jorge Valencia, and Edie Windsor. For information on tickets, including Premium Seating with special access to the post-performance VIP reception at Glass House Tavern, please contact Drew Rhodes at (212) 512-5785 or drew@pointfoundation.org.

Congrats, David -- sounds like a must-see show!

For American Gays, Segregation Returns to Mississippi

David Mixner writes: 

While it seems like all of America rose up to oppose Arizona's attempt to use "faith" as a reason to deny LGBT Americans public accommodations, Mississippi has just passed a very similar, if not tougher law that the Governor has signed. The quiet across America has been deafening. Maybe it is because activists knew we had a chance in Arizona and almost no chance to stop it in Mississippi. 

 Keeping read HERE.

David Mixner: 'I Feel Simply Overwhelmed Today'

Longtime activist David Mixner, who had a falling out with friend President Clinton over another Clinton-era gay rights issue -- "don't ask, don't tell" -- just posted this on his Facebook wall.

Finally can reflect now since I feel simply overwhelmed today. Lots of tears for me, memories of friends no longer here and reflecting on all the pioneers of the movement that I knew over my 37 years of working in the LGBT Community. This one is for them. Just overwhelmed. Totally overwhelmed today.

We thank you, David.

David Mixner and Nigel Barker Get Down to Business

Here's a look inside the first meeting between David Mixner and the photographer Nigel Barker and his wife, Cristen, over the script about the big-screen adaptation of the activist's life story. The working title is "The Unacceptable," and the meeting took place in -- where else? -- Mixner's Corner at The Glass House Tavern in Midtown Manhattan.

In February, Barker told Out magazine:

I’m working on new film about a man named David Mixner. He’s a human rights activist and a gay rights activist and he is one of the most prolific men in the gay community. He’s become a friend of mine through Alan Cumming. We’re creating his life into a film and it’s really going to tell the story of the gay community and HIV through the '80s and up until now. One of his protégés is Jeremy Bernard who is the social secretary of the White House on the Obama administration. I’ve directed four films, but this will be the first feature film.