New radio program focuses on gay issues

WXPN-FM, the University's professionally run public radio station, kicked off a new gay broadcasting program on May 5. Following the first program, Q'zine, "the talk show with a twist," will air as a live, weekly audio magazine for the lesbian and gay community every Sunday night at 8 p.m. The name of the program is simply an abbreviation for "queer magazine." Q'zine's host, Keith Brand, said the term "queer" has no real definition. "There is no definition to it so we can create its meaning," he said. "It's an umbrella term that describes everyone." Hosted by Brand and Robert Drake, who are not students at the University, the program has one primary focus each week highlighted by two guest experts. Throughout the show, listeners can call in and speak live on the air. Along with Brand and Drake, 15 volunteers -- including Penn students, staff and other community members -- are responsible for everything from producing on-air segments to working behind-the-scenes. "You don't have to be gay to be part of Q'zine's crew," Drake said. "Our program has a broad scope of straights and gays from ages 19 to 40." Q'zine's creators hope the show will unify sexual minorities by incorporating intelligent discussion of serious issues of concern to the community. The radio interaction will allow for discourse to evolve around topics that are vital to society's survival, Brand said. "Society must deal with issues as not being controversial," he added. "We shouldn't have to question if there is or should be a queer community." The first program, aired last week, featured Julie Davids, a founding member of Grass Roots Queers, and University graduate Mark Stein, who authored a book on lesbian and gays that will be published soon. They discussed Q'zine's theme for the evening -- what it means to be queer and what a queer community means. A 20-minute "cultural sweep" followed the talk-radio portion of the show. It included reviews on area films, theater, television, books and anything within pop culture that relates to the queer community," Drake said. Extra Fancy's lead singer, Brian Grillow and Thomas Harris, one of the directors involved with Philadelphia's annual film festival, reviewed shows, films and music, specifically focusing on those popular in the area.