Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) Opening this weekend, C.O.G., chronicles a young, arrogant gay man's return to rural Oregon, and is based on David Sedaris' 1997 essay of the same name. The film is written and directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez and features Jonathan Groff as David. C.O.G. marks Alvarez's first cinematic adaptation. The film was a selected for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won Best New American Film at the New American Cinema Awards.
2) The documentary film Pier Kids: The Life sheds light on the unequal treatment and unique struggles homeless LGBT youth of color face by telling the stories of several who on the pier near Christopher street in New York City. The film is directed by Elegance Bratton, whose story is featured in the documentary, along with three other youth. Pier Kids plans to launch an official fundraising campaign soon to finish production of the documentary, which hopes to make a difference for other LGBT homeless youth. To follow the project, visit their webpage and check out the trailer below.
3) ABC Family's The Fosters will get a special guest star when it returns this winter. Rosie O'Donnell will be joining the cast for three episodes in a recurring role on the series. O'Donnell will play Rita Hendricks, an employee of the foster care system who becomes a mentor to the Foster family. Show creators and Executive Producers Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg snagged O'Donnell as a guest star after O'Donnell tweeted appreciation for the one-hour drama about a blended family with two moms. Look for new episodes of The Foster's in January 2014.
4) NBC bought a new comedy, G'Uncle, from writer, Billy Finnegan. The sibling-comedy is based loosely on Finnegan's own experience as a gay man living with his sister, her husband and children. Reminiscent of NBC's Will & Grace, the sitcom is in development with Sony Pictures TV and Olive Bridge. Finnegan is attached as writer and Michael Patrick Jann will direct.
5) Any Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fans out there? Well, get excited, because "The Fab Five" will be returning for a reunion special. The special will be hosted by Andy Cohen, during which the five stars of the series will reflect back, reveal behind-the-scenes secrets and share how the show changed their lives. Makeover themed Queer Eye began its run in 2003, and became an Emmy-winning, pop culture sensation until it ended its run in 2007. The reunion is scheduled to air on Bravo in October 2013.
6) Out personality George Takei of Star Trek fame started a web series called Takei's Take. The series, produced by AARP, focuses on technological advancements and their potential to enhance people's experiences. Takei hopes the series will dismantle some of the fear surrounding technology, particularly for seniors. Takei's first episode of Takei's Take features Google Glass, and of course, a side of humor.
7) Ricky Martin recently opened up about bullying in his past, and now he is reaching out to inspire a new generation of children as an author. Martin tweeted the cover of his first children's book, "Santiago the Dreamer", which follows Santiago as he dreams of stardom, and leans on his father's encouragement to chase his goals. Published by Celebra Children's Books, "Santiago the Dreamer" is available for pre-order and will be released November 14th.
8) Sëan Moran and Don Bledsoe are raising funds to produce more episodes of their comedy series, Queen Dad. Homophobe Jack discovers his plumber father is a drag performer and does not react well, but the two of them still have to live together because Jack is broke. Both experienced entertainment industry professionals, Moran and Bledsoe want to present a different kind of family through Queen Dad. The pilot episode was produced in partnership with Go With the Flo Productions, and campaign funding will go towards financing the rest of season one. Learn more about the project at their Indiegogo campaign page.
