Wes Smoot 1/1/24 Wes Smoot 1/1/24

Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC locks New Partnership with Freeman

Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC solidifies new partnership with industry giant, FREEMAN Event Services. Partnership duties include sponsorship acquisition and fulfillment for brands participating in upcoming Unleashed LGBTQ+ events available for conference/festival in Dallas, Texas. (Sept, 2024)

Unleashed LGBTQ+ creates a space for brands, entertainers, & LGBTQ+ professionals to connect. Attendees will learn from thought leaders, industry experts, and celebrity talent from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ+ film, television, music, business, tech, & non-profit in a fun and interactive environment.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase and promote new and exciting products, services, and campaigns with the one of the most reputable event-contractors on the market, FREEMAN.

Freeman, a global leader in trade show production for large scale events will offer exhibitors turnkey solutions (design to installation) for brands to participate in Unleashed LGBTQ+’s events. “We look forward to the professionalism and credibility this partnership that will provide regarding both sponsor engagement and attendee experience” says Founder and CEO, Wesley Smoot.

“We look forward to creating a space (that is) heavy in experiential marketing… We believe partnership with Freeman is an ideal fit, benefiting all parties” says Justin Grucholski, Director of Brand Partnerships.

Past exhibitors and continuing partners include Gilead Sciences, HRC, iHeart Media, Virgin Hotels, Visit Dallas, Out Magazine, The Advocate Channel, Dallas Voice, PRIDE RADIO, and more.

2023 Speakers/Panelists Include:

Unleashed LGBTQ+ 2023 Lineup: Stacey Stevenson (CEO, Family Equality- Washington DC), Daniel Franzase (Mean Girls, Universal Pictures), Dyllón Burnside (Emmy Award-Winning Show: POSE, American Horror Story, FX), Naomi Green, MBA (Speaker, Professor), Billy Eichner (Bros, Universal Pictures, American Horror Story, FX), Indya Moore (Emmy Award-Winning Show: POSE, FX), Antoni Porowski (Emmy Award-Winning Show: Queer Eye, Netflix), Matt Skallerud (Founder, CEO Pink Media), Brian Sims (Former Penn. State Rep, Managing Director at Out Leadership), Dr. Carlton, MD (Gastro Intestinal Physician, Consultant to White House & CDC), Nico Tortorella (The Walking Dead, AMC) and dozens more.

**Antoni Porowski | Netflix | Emmy Award-Winning Series: Queer Eye | National Geographic: ‘No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski’**

Stephen Walker (The Advocate Channel Correspondent) & Michel J Pelletier (equalpride media CMO)

**Indya Moore | FX | Emmy Award-Winning Series: POSE | Warner/Discovery: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom**

**Billy Eichner | FX | Emmy Award-Winning Series: American Horror Story | Disney: Lion King | Hulu: Difficult People**

Unleashed LGBTQ+ Founder/CEO Wesley Smoot | West Hollywood

Wes Smoot 9/8/23 Wes Smoot 9/8/23

Unleashed LGBTQ Unveils Full Lineup of LGBTQ+ Stars for September 2023 Show

From Antoni Porowski, Dyllón Burnside, Indya Moore, Billy Eichner, Zach Herrin, and other LGBTQ+ Icons, Unleashed LGBTQ 2023 Features a Stacked Lineup of Talent for First-Ever Live and In-Person Festival Dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Community

From Left to Right: Indya Moore, Antoni Porowski, Billy Eichner, Dyllón Burnside

DALLAS — SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 — Unleashed LGBTQ, a first-of-its-kind conference and entertainment festival creating a space for brands, artists, and LGBTQ+ professionals to connect, is excited to announce the official lineup for the first-ever Unleashed LGBTQ in-person and live event, taking place at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas, from September 22 - 24, 2023. Some of the most prominent names in the LGBTQ+ community will be partaking in special panels, keynotes, workshops, screenings, performances, and engaging showcases throughout the weekend.

Headliners for the show include:

Antoni Porowski | Emmy-Award Winning Show Queer Eye (Netflix), Host and Executive Producer of Easy-Bake Battle (Netflix), NYT Bestselling Author of Antoni in the Kitchen & Antoni: Let's do Dinner
Dyllón Burnside | Emmy Award-Winning Show Pose, Emmy-Award winning PBS docuseries PRIDELAND, Golden Globe nominated limited series MONSTER. GLAAD & HRC award recipient
Indya Moore | Emmy Award-Winning Show POSE, Saint Laurent Cosmetics, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Billy Eichner | Co-writer and Star of Bros (Universal Pictures), Billy on the Street, The Lion King (Disney), American Horror Story (FX), Difficult People (Hulu)
Brian Sims | Former Penn State Rep., LGBTQ+ Advocate & Speaker, Managing Director of Government Affairs & Policy at Out Leadership, Board Member at Campus Pride & GLSEN
Stacey Stevenson | CEO of Family Equality, Co-Founder of The Changists (Law Firm Consulting), LGBTQ+ Activist, Speaker, Mother of Two
Zach Herrin | Professional Stock Car Racing Driver for NASCAR, Member of the Founding Class of the North American Expansion of Racing Pride
Jayzen Patria | Host of the Lead With Your Brand! Podcast, Personal Branding expert and Diversity & Inclusion Thought Leader
Naomi Green | Transgender Rights Advocate, Vice-Chair of the Allocations Committee of the Ryan White Planning Council of the Dallas Area, Business and Development Consultant for Crush Limits, Adjunct Professor of Marketing for Lone Star College
Daniel Franzese | Mean Girls (Paramount Pictures), Ru Paul's Drag Race (MTV), Looking (HBO)
Ashley Brundage | President & CEO of Empowering Differences, Author of Empowering Differences, Transgender Advocate, Former DEI Vice President at PNC Bank, Mother
Matt Skallerud | Founder & President of Pink Media, Host of #iLoveGayToday, former President of IGLTA, Award-Winning Online Marketer connecting businesses to the LGBTQ+ consumers
LaMecia Butler | Program Manager of Supplier Diversity at Meta
Dr. Carlton Thomas, Gastro-Intestinal Medical Doctor, Social Media Sensation, Contributor to Men's Health Magazine, LGBTQ+ Consultant to the White House & the CDC
Brad Pritchett, Award-Winning Marketing Executive, Chief Experience Officer at DMA (Dallas Museum of Art), Host of The Good, The Brad, & The Ugly podcast

“We are so proud of the diverse array of talent we’ve brought on to partake in this monumental event that will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community like never before,” said Wesley Smoot, Founder of Unleashed LGBTQ. “It takes a unique group of talented, accomplished, and empowering voices to come together and bring the Unleashed LGBTQ vision to life. From A-list actors, athletes, celebrities, entrepreneurs, industry experts, thought leaders and more, it’s amazing to see how many different brilliant minds will be under the same roof at Gilley’s to celebrate how far our community has come.”

The three-day interactive event aims to bring the LGBTQ+ community together through thought-provoking conversations, endless entertainment, and educational workshops to celebrate the brilliance, innovation, and ground-breaking efforts taking place in the LGBTQ+ world.

Additionally, partnering with the iconic Alamo Drafthouse to host screenings of new LGBTQ+ content from streaming services, movie studios, and television networks.

Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC is proud to have received support, endorsements, and/or grants from the following organizations: DTPID (Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District), Visit Dallas, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, NLGCC (National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), & IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association).

Other partners include Gilead Sciences, iHeart Media, equalpride, The Advocate, Pink Media, IHeartMedia, Virgin Hotels, Out Magazine, Dallas Voice, OUT North Texas and Virgin Hotels.

About UNLEASHED LGBTQ, LLC

Unleashed LGBTQ, a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ+ professionals to connect, will host its inaugural, live event September 22nd - 24th, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Attendees can learn about the latest products, services, and campaigns debuting in the LGBTQ+ market in a fun and interactive environment. Unleashed LGBTQ provides premier networking opportunities for professionals in a variety of industries. Unleashed LGBTQ will host speakers, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ+ culture, including film, television, music, and business. Stay tuned for additional Talent announcements.

Tickets are currently on sale on the event website here: https://www.unleashedlgbtq.com For more information on partnerships and company group rates visit: www.unleashedlgbtq.com

CONTACT:

Nicole Rodrigues

NRPR Group for Unleashed LGBTQ

Nicole@nrprgroup.com

424-421-9610

To request press credentials email:

press@unleashedlgbtq.com

Wes Smoot 5/19/22 Wes Smoot 5/19/22

RUPAUL’S DRAGCON LA - A RECAP

The **Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7** pose with RuPaul during the ribbon cutting ceremony- Getty Images

[Los Angeles, CA - May 15, 2022] Emmy ® Award-winners RuPaul and World of Wonder (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Million Dollar Listing,” “Wojnarowicz: F**k You F****t F**ker,” “Explant,” “Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes”) hosted the tenth annual RuPaul’s DragCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend. The drag and pop culture extravaganza welcomed 50,000 attendees, with over 150 the world’s top drag queens mixing and mingling with fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Said RuPaul: “The return of DragCon LA exceeded my wildest expectations. To our dazzling queens, our amazing vendors, and each and every one of our beautiful attendees, thank you for 3 dragalicious days of love, light and laughter. It takes a village, people! The celebration continues later this week as ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7’ makes its global debut on Friday, May 20.”

Said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato: “At this time in our herstory where we have spent so many months isolated from one another, we are especially delighted to bring our tribe together again to celebrate life and love at RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2022. Drag is the resistance! We thank the talented queens and gorgeous attendees of all ages and walks of life who joined us from all over the globe. Cheers with a House of Love cocktail and see you for RuPaul’s DragCon UK in January!”

**RuPaul DJing** from the House of Love MainStage - Getty Images

Created by RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions, RuPaul’s DragCon is a family-friendly event welcoming attendees from around the world to kiki with their favorite drag queens and pop culture stars in a creative, inclusive and accessible environment. RuPaul himself DJ’ed two dance party sets for all attendees to enjoy. House of Love cocktails and mocktails officially launched, with attendees and queens alike enjoying the beverages throughout the weekend. The House of Love-sponsored Main Stage included live runway performances, a kids’ fashion show, fan competitions and makeovers, and electrifying performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars The Frock Destroyers and rocker Adore Delano, among others. Other happenings on the convention show floor included fan signings, the ever-popular Kids’ Zone, and over 350 exhibitor booths offering everything from interactive fan experiences, exclusive merch, beauty products, apparel, art and more.

The three day event also included extensively curated panels, reuniting select casts for the franchise including “Bring Back My Girls,” an original WOW Presents Plus series of exclusive DragCon panel conversations with the casts of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 12), RuPaul’s Drag Race vs. The World, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Seasons 1 & 2), RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Canada’s Drag Race (Seasons 1 & 2) and Drag Race Holland (Seasons 1 & 2), hosted by TV personality and LGBTQ+ activist Ts Madison.

World of Wonder made major franchise announcements out of the convention, including the news that “Drag Race Philippines” will premiere exclusively on WOW Presents Plus on August 18, 2022 with “Drag Race” alum Jiggly Caliente serving as the first confirmed member of the judges panel. Jiggly herself announced the news from the Main Stage. World of Wonder also announced a full lineup of original programming coming to WOW Presents Plus in 2022. This slate includes reality dating show starring “Drag Race”’ star Miss Vanjie, “Vanjie: 24 Hours of Love” presented by House of Love, and second seasons of fan-favorites “All The Queens Men” and the previously announced season two of competition series “Painted with Raven.”

The convention featured Queens and other celebrity talent for performances, meet and greets, panels and more, including: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Willow Pill, Jinkx Monsoon, Monét X Change, Raja, Shea Couleé, The Vivienne, Trinity the Tuck, Kornbread The Snack Jeté, Priyanka, Kita Mean, Lawrence Chaney, Symone, Kylie Sonique Love, Carmen Farala, Icesis Couture, Aquaria, Mariah Balenciaga, Alaska, Tammie Brown, Kim Chi, Heidi N Closet, Eureka O’Hara, Gigi Goode, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Pandora Boxx, Ariel Versace, Blu Hydrangea, Kahmora Hall, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Scarlet Envy, Nicky Doll, Vivacious, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Baga Chipz, Shuga Cain, Sasha Velour, the United Kingdolls, the Frock Destroyers, and more. Additional notable attendees include June Diane Raphael, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, Cheyenne Jackson, Julia Butters, Lisa Loeb, Adam Shankman, and Daniel Franzese, and World of Wonder co-founders & DragCon co-creators Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.

DragCon also featured a robust lineup of special guest stars. Across the WOW Podcast Network, celebrities joined live recordings; Daniel Franzese (“Mean Girls’) joined It Do Take Nerd. “Drag Race” judge Carson Kressley got in on the action as well and sat down for the WOW Presents Plus: Fashion Photo Ruview panel. Cast members from upcoming feature film “Fire Island” including Joel Kim Booster and Matt Rogers, with drag queens Jan and Yuhua Hamasaki chatted with Variety’s Marc Malkin about what fans can expect from the film.

On Sunday, World of Wonder's WOWIE Awards took place to honor the very best in artistry, activism, entertainment, and more. This year's nominees feature the trailblazers, innovators, and legendary icons that made us go “WOW” in 2022. A full winners list is available HERE.

Hot off the heels of DragCon LA, World of Wonder also announced that tickets are also now on sale for DragCon UK 2023. The gag-worthy three-day spectacle, which will take place from Friday, January 6th to Sunday, January 8th 2023, will see ExCeL London play host and once again feature extraordinary Drag Queens from all over the world. For more information and to buy tickets and VIP experience passes to RuPaul’s DragCon UK at ExCeL London visit: https://uk.rupaulsdragcon.com/

World of Wonder co-founders **Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato** pose at WOW booth- Getty Images

About World of Wonder:

World of Wonder (WOW) has reshaped international pop culture, earning 28 Emmys, inspiring two Oscars, creating global network WOW Presents Plus across 190 territories, and bringing drag culture to the world stage via RuPaul’s Drag Race and DragCon. WOW’s pioneering television portfolio includes other smash-hit franchises like Million Dollar Listing. Their film division WOW Docs produces groundbreaking documentaries including Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, Party Monster, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye. WOW also operates YouTube channel WOWPresents, music label World of Wonder Records, the WOW Podcast Network, and year-round international live events. Co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have been profiled in Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report. Honors for their trailblazing work include the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, and the OUT 100. Most recently, World of Wonder was ranked #2 among film and TV powerhouses in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.

Wes Smoot 4/1/22 Wes Smoot 4/1/22

Felix III Interview SXSW 2022

We got to chat with Felix III during SXSW 2022 at the iconic Cheer Up Charlies in Austin, TX. This up and coming, queer, singer/songwriter had a lot to share. We talked new single After Hours and Felix even answered fan’s questions live via Twitter.

Wes Smoot 3/21/22 Wes Smoot 3/21/22

DOLLYVERSE PRESENTED BY BLOCKCHAIN CREATIVE LABS- SXSW 2022

By Wesley Smoot

Dolly Parton and James Patterson in conversation with Connie Britton at ACL Live during Blockchain Creative Labs’ Dollyverse at SXSW

SXSW 2022 was an absolute success. Many like myself, had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, interview award-winning talent, and attend the many outstanding film screenings and music showcases.

With that said, there will always be specific moments that stand out in everyone’s South by experience. For me, it had to be none other than: Dollyverse.

On March 18, the final days of SXSW 2022 Blockchain Creative Labs hosted Dollyverse at ACL Live Moody Theater. The event opened with multiple country music acts.

Following these performances a panel ensued, moderated by Emmy-nominated actress Connie Britton. Connie discussed the release of the novel Run, Rose, Run, with the legend herself, Dolly Parton and best-selling co-author James Patterson. (I already ordered mine)

Dolly Parton and James Patterson at ACL Live during Blockchain Creative Labs’ Dollyverse at SXSW

I was beyond myself to learn, prior to the panel, music icon Dolly Parton would be performing only feet away from me and my team. This was to be her first ever appearance and performance at SXSW.

To be perfectly honest, I was expecting maybe three or four songs (and I would have been more than content with that). Dolly Parton delivered a full show to a packed audience, opening each song with heartwarming stories that included growing up in Tennessee, standing out amongst her peers in a Penecostal upbringing, and of course love & family. Dolly performed her biggest hits spanning decades, leaving audience members at times in tears or laughter. To this day, no one does it better.

Dolly Parton performs on stage at ACL Live during Blockchain Creative Labs’ Dollyverse at SXSW

Other highlights included Blockchain Creative Labs providing attendees with their own Dolly Parton NFT.

Scott Greenberg, the CEO of Blockchain Creative Labs (BCL), partner for the event, said that Parton is “the perfect person to introduce to the mainstream audience an easy-to-use, Web3 experience that will live-stream her SXSW event and provide them the opportunity to own and enjoy her music.”

While NFT was undoubtedly the buzzword of SXSW 2022, I am still working to understand its values and applications. Dolly Parton had this to say:

““I’m almost always up for trying something new and different, I’d say releasing NFTs at my first ever appearance at SXSW, definitely counts as new and different!””

— Dolly Parton