Shoot tonight with owners of Cafe Forant

Tonight will mark my second interview shoot with notable out members of the LGBT community. My first interview, about 3 weeks ago, was with David Patrick Stucky, an amazing gay activist who worked with Harvey Milk in the 70s in San Francisco. He talked about everything from being out in Kansas as a child/adolescent to his involvement with the gay movement, which began in the 60s. He truly is a remarkable man with so many unbelievable stories. I'll be posting some of his interview soon.

I'll be interviewing his (and my) friends Carolyn Montgomery, Lea Forant, and their son Eli tonight. They own and run Cafe Forant, a warm and familial haven in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. They have recently been the targets of the AFA (American Family Association) because of their ad for Swanson broth that was published in The Advocate. Campbell's Soup Company, the owners of Swanson broth, wanted to represent their product with gay/lesbian chefs and their families. The AFA brutally attacked Campbell's, The Advocate, and Lea and Carolyn. Despite the cruelty the couple is experiencing, their strength and love has continued to shine through.

Lea, Carolyn, and Eli are scheduled to appear in another ad for Swanson broth in The Advocate in March, however The Advocate may be "cropping out their family," only to show Lea in the ad. The Advocate, the most prominent LGBT magazine, seems to be swayed by the AFA. If The Advocate decides to crop out Carolyn and Eli, it will be a huge setback for everyone who is fighting for equal rights.

I'm very excited to talk to Lea, Carolyn, and Eli. They are strong women who have a lot to say. Stay tuned for their interview.