What’s happening behind the scenes at TheColu.mn?

Every so often we will give you a little bit more about what happens behind the scenes at our shop.  Many of you have commented to me that you love the look and feel of the new site. Thank you for that feedback and keep it coming.  We want to become everything you want us to be as a one-stop shop for all you LGBT news and entertainment.  Because of that we are adding partners all the time and looking for creative ways to fulfill the community’s desires.

We have been very transparent about our deliberate actions to become a nonprofit, and that has started with Springboard for the Arts as our fiscal sponsor.  In addition to becoming a nonprofit entity, we have shifted some of our focus to reflect our strong desire to give a spotlight to artists supporting LGBT issues.  This is done through a regular segment called Spotlight on the Arts. If you or someone you know is interested in being featured just click on the link above and complete the introductory form.  We would love to hear from you and help bring exposure to your events and craft.  The more information you provide in the form, the quicker we will be able to create a piece about you.  We also are looking for grants and opportunities to assist us in helping to elevate local artists.  Recently we wrote about Candid Theater and the great performances they consistently bring to the stages around the metro.  We love to cover all kinds of art from gallery showings to theater and performance art so don’t be shy, let us help you promote!  Your only a click away.

We will be adding a new area to the site soon that will give you a sort of backstage pass to some of the best talent in the Midwest.  The picture in this post is a hint.  All I will tell you now is that FABULOUS is the best word possible to describe what we are creating for you.  In addition to the standard news and event coverage you have come to expect from us, we are adding multimedia content and working on projects such as Putting the Ribbon Back On with local talent Richard Louprasong.  We also have adopted the project of Face Off HIV, a photo journal of people living with HIV or AIDS in Minnesota.  For that project we have teamed with photographer, Ryan Coit.

Indeed, we are off to a grand start since our becoming a nonprofit.  Mrs. Pederson is still doing podcasts and recently recorded a show with Leslie Jordan.  Upcoming shows will include a series of interviews with Mark Patton, the star of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge.  That film won Mark high acclaim and was touted as one (if not the) gayest of all horror films ever made.  Next week a new show will go up with a favorite talent from down under, can you guess who that will be?  I’ll give you a hint, she’s royal!

All told, we are working diligently to bring you great content and frequent news plus entertainment.  We consider you our family, so don’t be shy.  Weigh in if you want us to do something else or differently.  One good way to do that is to complete our online survey.

Recently both Andy and I have joined Peter Gokey as co-hosts on Fresh Fruit and you can hear us on the fourth Thursday of the month on the show.  Fresh Fruit Radio is the longest running queer radio show in the country and we are super excited about this opportunity.

So there you have it, a little juice!