 Out in The Vineyard is proud to announce The Big Gay Grape Stomp and Harvest Party in Napa Valley. Join us, Saturday, October 12, 2013, for this first ever Harvest celebration of its kind, time to kick up those heels and stomp those grapes.
The luxurious Peju winery, in the heart of the iconic Napa Valley, will host a fun-filled day like never experienced in "Our Wine Country" before. They will be pairing their wines with a sumptuous BBQ lunch for a truly authentic wine country Harvest party - Out In The Vineyard. Lunch will be followed by the Gay Grape Stomp competition. Come with a partner or partner up with someone new. Teams of 2 will get into a wine barrel and compete to see who stomp the grapes the harder and extracts the most juice. Saturday, October 12, 2013 The VIP Cabana - 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM 6 guests together share VIP Cabana for the day • 6 VIP Harvest Passes • Private VIP Wine Tastings • Bottle service with 2 bottles of Peju’s chilled Tess wine • All day access to the VIP Wine Tent • Full service BBQ lunch, served in the cabana • The Big Gay Grape Stomp $875/cabana (maximum 6 guests per cabana) A very limited number of these exclusive Cabanas will be available. VIP Harvest Pass - 12:00 noon – 4:00PM • Early arrival Access to the VIP Wine Tasting Tent • Wine upon arrival at Peju Winery • All day access to the VIP Wine Tasting Tent • BBQ lunch • The Big Gay Grape Stomp $135/guest Grape Stomp & Harvest Party General - 1:00PM – 4:00PM • Welcome Peju Wine (additional wines by the glass or bottle are available to purchase) • BBQ lunch • The Big Gay Grape Stomp $85/guest http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/ About Out In The Vineyard Out In The Vineyard is an experiential Wine Country Event and Travel company promoting positive LGBT lifestyles and offering exclusive, luxury itineraries and events in Wine Country for the discriminating gay traveler and their friends. www.outinthevineyard.com or www.facebook.com/outinthevineyard
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 An exclusive interview with Matthew Simmons, who was crowned as title holder of the Mr Gay World USA competition on Saturday, June 22, 2013.
CM: Why do you think you deserve the title as gay ambassador for the USA? Matt: I believe I am someone who others can look up to and I represent a good cause. I am able to relate and connect with others on a personal level. I am a strong willed individual with an interesting and diverse background. Namely, my past employment, both as a Marine Corp soldier and as an adult entertainer. Though gravely different choices, I am not ashamed of either. Both have made me the individual that I am today. I hope to share my experiences with others and shed positivity. CM: Why did you choose employment in the adult entertainment industry? Matt: It was an honor to serve my country, but I personally felt lost and insecure during my service in the Marine Corps, because I was gay and unable to be my true self. My choice to begin working in the adult entertainment industry was a way to escape the reality that I was a gay man, in a military life that was unaccepting. It was my way of being OUT in a hidden community. Not to mention that I was young, and this industry pays better than a minimum wage 9-5 desk job. CM: Why did you end your employment in the adult entertainment industry? Matt: Over a year ago, I left the industry when I began thinking of my future. It just hit me that this industry is short lived and I want a career that I can retire from and be proud of. In the future I can see myself married and having children. CM: What do you have to say to those people that will judge you for your past career choices? Matt: Just because this was a choice I made in my past, it should not hinder my future career choices and the fact that I am eager to take a stand for equality and make a difference. I am much more than just my employment choices. CM: What are your plans for the future? Matt: I am currently enrolled at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and I intend to finish school and get my business degree. With my Business Management degree, I hope to work in my Uncle’s law firm and continue being an activist for gay rights. CM: How can your past experience positively affect others? Matt: As we know now, my past experiences include wonderful decisions like joining the military and poor decisions like doing Adult films. Through it all, I've never stopped learning and growing into the man I am today. So if there is anything to take away from my story- it is that our lives and the values we hold should not be judged on our past alone. Our lives are a work in progress. CM: Jarl and Michael, as the co-founders of the Mr Gay World USA organization, why would you choose a gay ambassador for the USA that has had employment in the adult entertainment industry? Michael: I wouldn't choose an adult film star to be Mr Gay World USA- and I don't believe we did. We chose a young man who- much like myself, made some poor decisions that unfortunately would affect his entire life. I am a recovering alcoholic who was once arrested for drink driving and had spent years in and out of rehab- but have turned my life around since. I doubt any of us would want to be judged on our past but for who we are today and what we've learned along that way that makes us better and more healthy individuals. Jarl: That’s a complicated question and we knew that this would cause a stir, but being gay and having had people judge me all my life, I feel that I am not going to be the one to judge. I was brought up in a very religious and conservative part of Norway and everyone judged. I decided early on that if people ask for forgiveness and want to be a better person than I am not the one to let the past hinder them. I feel that Matt is wonderful role model that will help many young gay men make positive choices by speaking about his past. So together, with the judges and our values and mission, we believe that Matt was the best choice. We look ahead, we look forward. What’s ahead is much more important; Marriage equality, Gay adoption rights, human rights and equality for all, and Matt will be a great part of that. Matt’s message: I dream to inspire my peers to overcome the tough obstacles in their life and strive to be the best person they can, never giving up on their dreams and never losing sight of who they are. Traveling to and living in many foreign countries for the better part of my childhood has allowed me to gain a respect for people living in other parts of the world that may not be as fortunate as many Americans are. I believe this makes me relatable to a diverse range of men, giving them someone they can easily look up to.  We received this heartfelt letter from Maya - a 17 year old high school senior from CNS High School in Cicero, New York. Written by Maya Winne Diab This is a letter to all the kids that aren’t able to go to their prom or ball. First and foremost, please know – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many people out there that constantly get harassed for being gay or are just too scared. It’s ok. Go out and do something with your friends. Sometimes, I wish I could trade places with people just to know how it feels and to give those kids being bullied an amazing experience that every teenager should be able to enjoy no matter who you like or love or how you dress. I am constantly thankful everyday for being able to express my feelings openly and tomorrow I will be going to my senior ball with my girlfriend. We’ve been together for around seven months and I love her with all my heart. I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long. I wish you could all be able to experience this because it truly a night never to be forgotten. Nothing upsets me more than someone having to hide who they really are because I believe that is one of the hardest things to ever have to be put through in life, especially when we are taught all through school to literally ‘be yourself.’ It just isn’t fair. I really hope one day you are able to show who you are and experience the feeling of falling in love because that changes your life. Love brings people together and no matter who you are attracted to, you should be able to go out in public and just let everyone know who you are, who you love, and actually feel completely comfortable without being judged. Once again, my heart goes out to all of those who have to miss out on an amazing night during your high school years and don’t think for one second that I am not thinking about you. Being gay is OK and you should never have to feel uncomfortable being who you are. While I am enjoying my Senior Ball tomorrow night, I will be thinking about every single one of you, even though I don’t know any of you. I am so excited to be able to spend it with my princess. I hope everyone gets the chance to find that perfect person for them one day. Love, Maya Diab These are photos from my Senior Ball, with my girlfriend Lillie in her beautiful dress.  Saltwater Starring the first openly gay Australian rugby player Ian Roberts in his first gay role! This American Indie drama follows several endearing characters as they wade through life seeking happiness, peace, and ultimately love. Will (Ronnie Kerr) leaves the Navy after many years, soon reunites old friends, and begins to start his new civilian life. His friend Rich tries to set him up with ruggedly handsome Josh (Ian Roberts) and while there is immense chemistry between the two, timing and certain ideals never seem to align. But when a shocking tragedy happens, the two are paired together to pick up the pieces and sort through the after effects. Saltwater is a story about men of all ages, finding love, losing friends, navigating their way through life, and knowing it's the journey rather then the destination that's important. Pre-order: November 26, 2012 Street Date: December 31, 2012 Genre: Drama 81 minutes / English Country: US Format: DVD MSRP: $24.95 Starring: Ronnie Kerr (Shut Up and Kiss Me), Ian Roberts (Superman Returns), Bruce L. Hart (Homewrecker), Berna Roberts, Brent Henry, Jonathan Camp, Justin Utley (Musician) Directed By: Charlie Vaughn www.ariztical.com    |
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