Despite the big stories of 2006 and the anticipation of 2008, this year has been a notable one

BY CHRISTOPHER LISOTTA

The year 2007 might seem like a bit of a breather in terms of big events for the LGBT community, considering what happened in 2006—the Republicans lost Congress, Mark Foley and Ted Haggard became poster boys for hypocrisy, T.R. Knight and Neil Patrick Harris came out along with singer Lance Bass, and AIDS turned 25. Pretty big stuff. And the way the presidential primaries are playing out, you would think this year was just a platform for the 2008 election.

But 2007 was anything but a prelude to Jan. 1, 2008. In all sorts of arenas, there was news that impacted LGBT life.

Politics: For the first time, major presidential candidates were interviewed in a candidates' forum on LGBT-specific issues. Yes, only Democrats showed up, and the format was Oprah-lite, but first name stars Barak and Hillary answered to gay people on various issues (even if one of the issues brought up by panelist Melissa Etheridge, the bark beetle scourge in New Mexico, seemed a little obscure). Too bad most of their answers on marriage equality were so mealy-mouthed.

Law: While progressives have groused that the new majorities in the U.S. House and Senate have squandered their wins by acquiescing to the Bush Administration, Congress passed significant legislation favorable to the LGBT community. For the first time significant federal hate crimes legislation passed both houses of Congress, with the Senate providing a veto-proof majority. The big gay political firestorm of the year was the federal Employment Non-discrimination Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support but saw language that protected transgenders dropped like a hot rock when one of the bill's chief architects, openly gay Rep. Barney Frank, announced the whole bill would go down in flames if it was trans-inclusive. Gay activist groups howled while debates raged online about the incremental nature of civil rights legislation versus the need to fight for inclusion. Others wanted to know what the big deal was, since the Decider-in-Chief is all but certain to veto the bill anyway.

Clash of Cultures: Gays found themselves in the center of the conflict between the Western world and the Middle East in a number of unexpected ways. Tensions are growing between the U.S. and Iran, a potential nuclear power with a horrific record on human rights. That made it all the more wonderful when Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University in New York, and became the subject of ridicule for suggesting that there were no homosexuals in his country.

Karma's a Bitch Department: Two words—wide stance. Idaho Sen. Larry Craig, a supporter of anti-gay legislation of all denominations, got himself into a bit of a spot in a Minneapolis airport bathroom after being busted cruising for sex by an undercover cop. Craig's sexuality had been the subject of Washington gossip for years, but suddenly his whole private life was played out on computer monitors everywhere. Karma had some additional ass-biting in mind for Rev. Fred Phelps, who after years of cruelly and pointlessly protesting at the funerals of fallen soldiers with signs like “God Hates Fags” and “You're Going to Hell,” was slapped with a multi-million dollar decision in favor of a father whose Marine son died in Iraq.

Culture: So Mary Cheney had a baby. Too bad she lives in Virginia, where draconian laws prevent her from entering a contractural agreement with her partner. If things sour, they don't get as bad as it did for Rosie O'Donnell on ABC's daytime talker The View, where the split-screen smackdown and disagreements between co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck and O'Donnell were must-sees on YouTube. While last year's outings were pretty big, this year the most significant closet door to open was in fiction, when author JK Rowling announced beloved wizard headmaster Dumbledore likes magic wands of the muscular kind. Gays cheered, and right wingers who hated Rowling already because they thought Harry Potter was an agent of Satan now hate her even more. And lest we forget the biggest failed romance of the year: Ellen and her rescue dog!

So to review—some good, some bad, some heartbreak, and plenty of ridiculous. Here's to hoping there's plenty of good, no bad or heartbreak, and just enough ridiculousness to keep things interesting in 2008.

Think You’ve Scene it All?

Frontiers film experts share their picks for 2007’s best flicks

In December you always hear lots about the “best films” of the year. Often that means the highest grossing films, which would make Spiderman 3 this year’s masterpiece. Thankfully, we’re a little too cool and a little too gay to try to convince you of anything so silly. Instead, we asked our own film experts Lawrence Ferber and Gary Kramer to share their own perspectives on this year’s best.

Lawrence Ferber’s Top 10 Films of 2007

1. Zodiac – David Fincher’s take on Robert Graysmith’s investigative tomes about the Zodiac killings is as gripping as we’ve seen, and at three hours long, not long enough. Worth whatever Kubrick-esque perfectionist/reshoot hell the actors had to endure.

2. Persepolis – Based on Marjane Satrapi’s graphic, autobiographical novels about her youth in Iran, Persepolis is a genius animation, with plenty of hysterical references to pop culture.

3. Rock Bottom – Jay Corcoran illuminates the darkness that is crystal meth addiction in the gay community through a handful of addict protagonists you will think and talk about for days.

4. The Bubble – This gay romantic dramedy about an Israeli and Palestinian in love, set in hipster Tel Aviv, was thoroughly engaging on many levels and a bona fide modern classic.

5. The Host – A Korean monster movie with political/social analogies, scares, subversive laughs, camp value, and a memorable new monster.

6. 300 – The graphic novel comes to sword-swinging life via brilliant technology, a determined vision, and some of the hottest Spartan bodies we’ve seen in many-a-period-piece.

7. Boy Culture – Well-structured, sophisticated, sexy and accomplished, and without a doubt one of the year’s—if not decade’s—standout queer offerings.

8. Mr. Brooks – Kevin Costner and William Hurt take homicidal insanity to a fun new level in this wicked, dark, inventive serial killer comedy.

9. Black Book – Paul Verhoeven returns in fine form with the WWII-era story of a Jewish singer-cum-Dutch-resistance member—brilliant lead performance from Carice van Houten, despicable Nazis, and tense twists and turns.

10. La Vie En Rose – Maybe it’s a little cliché to throw a diva biopic on the list – but holy hell it is stunning, and Marion Cotillard an Oscar-worthy little sparrow.

Gary M. Kramer Top 10 Films of 2007

1. One to Another – Jean-Marc Barr and Pascal Arnold’s highly eroticized queer thriller about the death of a bisexual teenager and how people use their bodies to get what they think they want.

2. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – Sidney Lumet’s masterful drama about two sons whose robbery of their parent’s jewelry store goes awry featuring tremendous performances and shrewd storytelling.

3. The Namesake – Proving great books can make great films, Mira Nair’s extraordinary adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s bestseller is an exquisitely filmed saga of a family bound by cultural ties that sometimes strangle.

4. Manda Bala – This riveting documentary about Brazil eschews Amazon jungles and Rio beaches provides an unflinching examination of the country’s corruption and crime as perpetrated by politicians and kidnappers.

5. Talk to Me – Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, this biopic of DC DJ “Petey” Greene (Don Cheadle) not only boasts a trio of excellent performances, but it has, hands down, the best soundtrack and best costumes this year.

6. Zodiac – David Fincher maintains a palpable sense of dread throughout this unnerving film, plus, John Carroll Lynch is mesmerizing as a suspect.

7. Lust, Caution – Ang Lee’s follow up to Brokeback Mountain was another sensitive and sensual romance, filled with forbidden love, astonishing performances, and gorgeous visuals.

8. Alpha Dog – Forget the stunt casting, this artsy, gripping, and woefully underseen true-life crime film is filled with outstanding performances not to mention several shirtless hotties.

9. Margot at the Wedding – Dark and caustic. The actors deliver razor-sharp dialogue with gleeful aplomb while situations of a sisterly reunion escalate all too quickly packing a sucker punch that is breathtaking.

10. Brand Upon the Brain – Guy Madden’s vastly inventive homage to silent cinema may not be for everyone, but it was unlike any other film this year.

Musicians Changed Their Tune

2007 album sales slowed, but our interest in independent artists grew

If you believe the media hype—and, really, why should you?—the commercial/cultural showdown this year was 50 Cent versus Kanye West. Yet since both posted large first-week numbers, who lost? Kanye triumphed, Fiddy’s not retiring, sales continue to decline.

Besides, hip-hop vs. gangsta ain’t a showdown, just a sales ploy. Look at the U.S. Top Ten for ’07 and it’s a rainbow coalition: Jay-Z and Rihanna. Toby Keith and Rascall Flatts. Justin and Britney. The Arcade Fire and Spoon. Daughtry and Lincoln Park. Hannah freakin’ Montana. Even old farts like Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles lit one up. The gayest the charts got were soundtracks for Dreamgirls and Hairspray.

So what was news? Easy. Radiohead’s pay-what-you-want In Rainbows download. Not the music, but the record company circumvention, thus ushering in the era of Artists vs. Record Biz. N.I.N. joined camp; others will follow suit. So who, in the end, needs a label?

We’ll see. A business that big isn’t going down without a fight. But for now, iPods at the ready—our three Frontiers music writers are sharing their Top 10 favorite albums from 2007 whether they’re recording industry darlings or indie trailblazers. — DAN LOUGHRY

Chris Freeman

1) Radiohead – In Rainbows

The best band of the year? Pretty much in my book. Another fantastic record and the way they released it on their website was a ballsy move. They’re unstoppable.

2) Robert Plant/Alison Krauss – Raising Sand

This one really knocked me out, so deep and creepy. Plant’s voice is amazing here. A very unique record.

3) Imperial Teen – The Hair, The TV, The Baby & The Band

After a five-year hiatus the Teen is back with fun hooks and dance beats. Well worth waiting for.

4) Fountains of Wayne – Traffic And Weather

A vastly underrated band with amazing, smart songs. This isn’t their best, but it’s certainly worthy.

5) Editors – An End Has A Start

This is a solid second album, but maybe a bit too much like the first. Even so, this is a passionate band that you should keep an eye on.

6) The Roches - Moonswept

I really overplayed this one but I couldn’t help it—their songs are so fun and off-beat. And their harmonies kill me.

7) Rufus Wainwright – Release The Stars

Rufus really has his thing down and about half of this is spectacular.

8) Macy Gray - BIG

She’s always been a bit too quirky for me, but this album is brilliant. Every song is a keeper.

9) James Blunt – All The Lost Souls

All right, groan if you want, but he satisfies my need for early Elton John fixes. He’ll get his due.

10) Swati – Small Gods

A great lesbian singer/songwriter who peels off killer guitar licks on her acoustic. Another artist to watch.

Mikel Wadewitz

1) Patty Griffin – Children Running Through

A mesmerizing blend of folk, gospel, and country by one of the most underrated singer-songwriters working today.

2) Emma Pollock – Watch the Fireworks

A good old-fashioned Britpop record (in a year with so few) filled with melancholy, whimsy, and sly wit.

3) Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha

Proof that a virtuoso violin player and whistler can put out a great alternative-pop record.

4) Kristin Hersh – Learn to Sing Like a Star

Indie rock legend puts out best solo record of her 20-year career, while…

5) Siouxsie – Mantaray

…goth rock legend puts out first solo record of her 30-year career—as weird and wild as her work with the Banshees and Creatures

6) Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

Brooding, murky, grandiose, and deliberately difficult, this Montreal group’s sophomore effort still shines.

7) MIA – Kala

An electrifying mish mash of electronica, rap, and world beats—along with about a hundred other things—by a seemingly fearless MC.

8) Feist – The Reminder

It’s like a Burt Bacharach-era chanteuse got put in a blender with a rock ’n’ roll upstart, with catchy and charming results, of course.

9) Band of Horses – Cease to Begin

A trio of seemingly sensitive guys makes melodic, gorgeous, sometimes anthemic rock without looking like idiots. Bravo.

10) Suzanne Vega – Beauty & Crime

Vega’s literate folk album explores the beauty and ugliness of New York City and reinvigorates her career.

Dan Loughry

1) The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

Though helped by the internet, good old-fashioned word-of-mouth put these heady Canucks over; great tunes and stage presence didn’t hurt.

2) Nicole Atkins – Neptune City

Undeniable new talent; hard to pinpoint between the echoes of pre-rock pop and post-rock attitude.

3) Bell Hollow – Foxgloves

Best Smiths/Cure/Felt/jingle-jangle from Brooklyn, ever.

4) The Enemy – We’ll Live and Die in These Towns

Channels the Jam for update alienation in the good old U.K., and knows how to write a catchy chorus, too.

5) The Feeling – Twelve Steps and Home

Loved it on import in ’06; still love it’s soft-rock catchiness in ’07 and, of course, the openly gay lead singer.

6) M.I.A. – Kala

She is the world; she is the people. She makes U.S. hip-hop sound dull and unimaginative, which compared to her it is.

7) Once (Soundtrack)

Beautiful small-scale and very human movie begets beautifully stirring and very large human emotions for expert soundtrack.

8) Just Jack – Overtones

Brit-hop, with shades of grind, chill, and every other strain of dance, over funny rhymes with funny accent and open heart.

9) Placebo – Meds

Glam trio o.d.’s on Sonic Youth and releases best album of their long career; sexual ambiguity a plus!

10) Dudley Saunders – The Emergency Lane

Fascinating man; more fascinating songwriter – “Take Me Back Home Again” the sexiest same-sex song of the year; maybe the decade.

Getting All Dramatic

We shed the spotlight on the best plays in 2007

The 2007 theater year started on the underwhelming side, but by mid-year, there were plenty of dramas, comedies, and musicals that had surpassed expectations. Though there were the usual stinkers this year — both high-profile attractions that took a nose dive as well as shoddy offerings that looked questionable from the get-go, there's a wealth of superb theatre artists in Tinseltown, resulting in a rich array of fine productions. Without further ado, here are the top 10 choices for the year from Frontiers' theater critic Wenzel Jones and theater columnist Les Spindle.

Les Spindle

1. The Quality of Life

Playwright Jane Anderson and a stellar cast took us through a heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting journey into friendship, mortality, grief, and the resiliency of the human spirit.

2. In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings

One of the finest ensemble acting efforts within memory in a brilliant production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' mesmerizing view of urban degradation.

3. Can Can

Director David Lee has been pumping fresh life into buried-treasure musicals locally for several years, and he outdid himself in this gorgeously staged and terrifically performed Cole Porter extravaganza.

4. Zanna, Don't!

The belated West Coast premiere of this delicious musical fantasy was one of the year's most delightful surprises, and the return of West Coast Ensemble to its glory days of yesteryear was wonderful to behold.

5. Jersey Boys

The guys in this touring edition are as attractive as they are talented, and the show is a supreme achievement in the often-criticized jukebox musical genre. Unadulterated bliss.

6. Tonight at 8:30

Two full (and double-cast) evenings of vintage Noel Coward, this was a class act of literate and enthralling theatre.

7. Canned Peaches in Syrup

This hilarious and thought-provoking black comedy provided one of the year's most fascinating theatrical adventures.

8. 13

Jason Robert Brown's exuberant youth musical was an endlessly entertaining lark brought to life by an adorable cast. Small wonder that it's now Broadway-bound.

9. Confessions of a Mormon Boy

This autobiographical tale of coming-out in life in myriad ways was one of the finest solo vehicles I've ever seen, an enlightening and engrossing glimpse of gay life, Mormon life, and much more.

10. 12 Angry Men

There's nothing quite as satisfying as an old-fashioned, well made play, and this vintage drama provided proof they don't write them like they used to, and with a masterful cast on hand, it was simply irresistible.

Wenzel Jones

1. Paheliyan: The Story of Alice

This two-evening presentation combined the wonder of the Lewis Carroll tale with the dazzle of Bollywood. The result was thrilling, luscious, and utterly unforgettable.

2. Gilgamesh

This Mesopotamian myth was ostensibly a political parable but I walked out humming the homoeroticism in this handsome production.

3. Mommy! Mommy! The Musical! Musical!

I am fond of neither children nor the mothers that talk, or in this case sing, about them endlessly, but Gerald Sternbach's music, along with Elin Hampton's book, were so charming that I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more.

4. Spook Night

BET writer T. Faye Griffin directed her own work that put the modern tradition of comedy clubs featuring urban comics within the context of American minstrelry. The characters were richly drawn and the performances demanded attention.

5. The Drawer Boy

An exquisite little gem about Canadian farmers and the actor who comes to write their history for a school project.

6. The Bacchae

A primitively fascinating adaptation of the Greek myth. Michael A. Shepperd commanded respect as the god Dionysus, and the comely cast of club boys were only too happy to comply.

7. Bad Seed

Although set in a trashy '70s crash pad, Maxwell Anderson's gloriously dated mid-century script was performed verbatim. Or very close to it.

8. The Mikado Project

The travails of an Asian-American acting troupe forced to stage the yellowface classic, The Mikado won my heart with the company motto; "No more camp plays!"

9. The Hasty Heart

John Patrick's shamelessly sentimental classic was presented at with nary a wink or a smirk. Director Michael Rothhaar forged his cast into an estimable ensemble.

10. Sleeping Beauty Wakes

This ambitious co-production commingled the fairy tale with a sleep clinic. The performers were nothing short of amazing and the contributions of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn, who wrote the music and lyrics in addition to taking on acting roles and voicing others, inestimable.