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Out in the Bay

A Grindr love story + Remembering Liberace

Liberace on stage in 1983.
Alan Light
/
Wikimedia Commons
Liberace on stage in 1983.

Liberace was one of the most successful, popular (and gayest) entertainers of the 20th century. Although he wasn't “out” — the concept barely existed in his lifetime — he is remembered as a queer icon.

Liberace broke attendance records at places like Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden from the 1950s through the mid-1980s with an act that could only be described as flamboyant and fun.

After decades in the spotlight Liberace died of complications from AIDS in 1987. Remembered for his mastery of the piano as much as his sense of style, Eric Jansen takes us into Liberace’s closet as we remember the late performer.

Plus — the true story of a couple that met on Grindr. After a few weeks of dating, a devastating apartment fire forced Mike and Goran to move in together. How is it going?

Please help us keep bringing queer air to your ears. Out in the Bay is an independent non-profit production. We receive no funds from podcast platforms nor from radio stations that air Out in the Bay weekly. Your gift will help keep LGBTQ voices and stories coming to you and others who might not be able to give. (Donate tabs on our website will take you to a Media Alliance interface. Media Alliance is our non-profit 501(c)3 fiscal agent. Your gift will be earmarked for Out in the Bay.)

The Executive Producer of Out In The Bay is Eric Jansen. This edition of Out in the Bay produced, hosted and engineered by Christopher Beale.

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Christopher J. Beale is an independent radio host, producer, and journalist living in San Francisco.
Eric Jansen is a long-time broadcaster and print journalist. A former news anchor, producer and reporter at KQED FM, San Francisco; KLIV AM, San Jose; and Minnesota Public Radio, Eric's award-winning reports have been heard on many NPR programs and PRI's Marketplace. His print work has been in The Mercury News, The Business Journal, and LGBTQ magazines Genre and The Advocate, among other publications. He co-produced the June 2007 PBS documentary Why We Sing!, about LGBTQ choruses and their role in the civil rights fight.