Author: andres@davidperry.com

Italian Style Meets LGBT Tourism
in New Free Travel App

WIMBIFY Is Latest Offering from Sonders & Beach of Milan

Media Contact: David Perry
415.693.0583
news@davidperry.com

6 July 2015 – San Francisco / Milan: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness,” Mark Twain said. “Broad views cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth.” The tech saavy team of Sonders & Beach from Milan, Italy agrees, and have developed the new online app specific to the needs of the LGBT community: WIMBIFY.

“Wimbify is designed for the gay globetrotter,” said Alessio Virgili, WIMBIFY CEO and co-founder. “Traveling alone can sometimes be lonely and more expensive. WIMBIFY is a safe community where LGBT people can meet travel companions. You can ask for a lift or meet a local for a more personalized and friendly travel experience.”

“WIMBIFY stands for ‘Welcome to my back yard,’” explains co-founder Andrea Cosimi. “The concept behind the application is based in the increasingly popular philosophy of the sharing economy.”

Designed for both iOS and Android platforms, WIMBIFY is a free app, and has been developed specifically for the international LGBT community.

Specifically, WIMBIFY is designed to:

Find LGBT hospitality and gay friendly accommodations.
Check and post reviews of travel hosts and homeowners.
Find gay guides to help you “live like a local.”
Search for travel companions or shared transportation cost opportunities.

“Wimbify is a way for people to share unique travel experiences and destinations, ” said Virgili. “It allows people to host others for free by using the WIMBIFY app. This isn’t about renting rooms or paying to use someone’s flat. It’s about meeting people for friendship and sharing resources. It’s about connection and safety. What better way for a member of the LGBT community to feel safe and secure in a foreign country than with a local member of that LGBT community as their guide. ”

Founded by Virgili and Cosimi, Sonders & Beach is already an established leader in European LGBT travel and tourism with well known brands such as Quiiky (the first Italian LGBT tour operator and developer of the “Untold History” tours including the renowned “Vatican in a Gay Light” tour of the Vatican Museum, MiTown (a leisure website for visitors to Milan), and QMagazine (an international biannual publication of LGBT culture and tourism).

“According to recent studies, 53 % of LGBT people travel and live alone,” said Virgili. “WIMBLIFY is a free, easy and convenient way to find travel companions, low price or even free accommodations and to take advantage of discounts specific to the LGBT community.”

“Frankly,” laughs Cosimi. “We designed WIMBIFY for people just like us.”

WIMBIFY is slated to launch in the United States in summer 2015.

Ten Percent – TV Listing. June 2015

Ten Percent — LGBT-TV for Northern California

Mondays – Fridays, 11:30am & 10:30pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30pm on Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California.

www.comcasthometown.com

Episode # 276
Monday — Friday, June 8 – 12, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Jason Trimiew about the upcoming Super Bowl 50 celebrations in the Bay Area, including LGBT opportunities and outreach. Breast Cancer Activist and cartoonist Leslie Ewing discusses her new book of original comics, It Gets Bitter.

Episode # 277
Monday — Friday, June 15 – 19, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Sherry Remez about her new book on healing stress through mediation and energy work.. Peter Stein sits down with David Perry to talk about this year’s Frameline LGBT film festival.

Episode # 278
Monday — Friday, June 22 – 26, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews lesbian couple Col. Pat Thompson & Barbara Brass, subject of the new documentary film Surviving the Silence about their challenges living with and fighting the U.S. military’s long ban on gays in the military. Noted political operative and senior advisor to San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee Tony Winnicker discusses his life, work and the current political environment.

Episode # 279
Monday — Friday, June 29 – July 3, 11:30 am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, July 4 & 5, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Aaron Leifer about building the next generation of LGBT leadership through the Point Foundation. Actor Birdie-Bob Watt talks with David Perry about the upcoming stage musical and gay take on Dante’s Inferno.

Episode # 280
Monday — Friday, July 6 – 10, 11:30 am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12, 10:30pm

Seth Kilbourn, Executive Director of OpenHouse, speaks with David Perry about being “gay and grey”: options for our LGBT seniors. David Perry learns makeup tips from the “make up maestro,” Chris Scott, whose new book Face with a Heart: Mastering the Authentic Beauty Makeup is make real beauty attainable for everyone.

Ten Percent is also available 24/7 through the “On Demand” Feature through your Comcast Cable Network. Choose “Get Local” and “Comcast Hometown” to access Ten Percent. Past shows may also be viewed online at www.comcasthometown.com.

Become a fan on Facebook: 10 Percent on Facebook

About 10 Percent

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN), Comcast’s regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, continues its commitment to quality original programming with Ten Percent, a weekly interview series that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) issues. The half-hour show, created and hosted by long-time San Francisco media professional David Perry, airs on Channel 104, Mondays – Thursdays at 11:30am & 8pm and is available to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California. Each episode will then be available online at www.comcasthometown.com as well as on Comcast’s popular ON DEMAND platform, which is free to Comcast digital customers. To view Ten Percent ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the “Get Local” section, then click on “Comcast Hometown.”

“I jokingly call the show ‘Charlie Rose for the LGBT world,” said David Perry, Producer/Host of Ten Percent. “We may be only ten percent of the general population, in round numbers, but our issues are one hundred percent front-and-center in today’s world. Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality or debates about gay clergy or the right to serve openly in uniform, our issues are reflective of the world at large.”

“David has a well-known and unique voice that bridges many communities,” said Jason Holmes, Executive Producer at Comcast Hometown Network. “David’s talents and the launch of Ten Percent further enhance Comcast’s commitment to our communities and Comcast Hometown Network’s compelling, community-based regional programming,”

Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau Hosts Annual American Rosie the Riveter Conference June 12 – 14

Historic conclave kicks off city-wide events offered throughout summer

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

9 June 2015 — Richmond, CA: Strong women know the truth: World War II was also fought and won on the home front — the Richmond, California waterfront. Rivet it, and they will come might be the theme of festivities this week, when from Friday, June 12- Sunday, June 14, the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitrichmondca.com) hosts the American Rosie the Riveter Conference. The annual gathering of historic women and their families will take place at various locations throughout Richmond including the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park and Craneway Pavilion at historic Ford Point. The Courtyard by Marriott Richmond-Berkeley is the headquarters hotel for the event with Ultimate Inner Cook providing catering.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for the Rosies and their families and to showcase Richmond. They are able to visit the park that celebrates their contributions during WWII that helped secure our freedom,” said Beth Javens, Executive Director at Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Javens points out that the “reigning ranger” of the National Park Service Rosie the Riveter Museum in Richmond, 93-year old Betty Reid-Soskin, was recently featured on The Today Show and other news and entertainment outlets including coverage of Rosies’ visit with President Obama and Vice-President Biden at the White House in 2014. Reid-Soskin is the oldest ranger with the National Park Service.

A combined “Rosie Meet and Greet” with American Rosie the Riveter Members and Richmond’s Rosies has been created on Friday June 12 from 10am-12pm and 2pm-3pm for visitors as well as interviews with members of the national group on Saturday June 13th from 11:30pm-3:00pm. The conference concludes Sunday morning following a traditional memorial service.

More city-wide summer events in Richmond: In addition to the conference there are several events taking place throughout the city in June and July:

The Point Richmond Music Series starts its 14th season, Friday June 12

The KPFA Summer Art Fair at the Craneway Pavilion, Saturday & Sunday June 20 and 21, coincides with the Marina Bay Half Marathon on June 21.

Richmond celebrates Juneteenth on Saturday, June 20 at Nicholl Park in downtown Richmond.

A full breakfast of eggs, meats and pancakes onboard the historic SS Red Oak Victory marks the annual “Dads and Grads” Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 21. Independence Day weekend is marked by a performance with the Oakland East Bay Symphony on Friday, July 3 at Craneway Pavilion.

“There is so much that wonderful about Richmond, especially the incredible beauty and accessibility of our waterfront,” said Javens. “These summer events are the perfect opportunity to discover Richmond and discover how we are poised for the present. ” Established as a 501c-6 tourism business improvement district established in 2004, the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization for the City of Richmond, California.

Ten Percent – TV Listing. May 2015

Ten Percent — LGBT-TV for Northern California

Mondays – Fridays, 11:30am & 10:30pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30pm on Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California.

www.comcasthometown.com

Episode # 271
Monday — Friday, May 4 – 8, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, May 9 & 10, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Jack Sugrue about this year’s Lazy Bear Weekend in the Russian River. Renowned counter tenor William Sauerland talks with David Perry about his work as Director of San Francisco’s Lesbian & Gay Chorus

Episode # 272
Monday — Friday, May 11 – 15, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, May 16 & 17, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Cathy Hsu, curator of the recent sculpture exhibit by Taiwanese artist Hung Yi at San Francisco City Hall. David Perry sits down with Andrew Kaufteil to discuss LGBT outreach from UCSF during this its 150th anniversary year.

Episode # 273
Monday — Friday, May 18 – 22, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, May 23 & 24, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Linda Crawford, Executive Director of the Presidio’s Interfaith Center. Woody Weingarten sits down with David Perry to discuss his book, Rollercoaster, a chronicle of how breast cancer impacts care givers.

Episode # 274
Monday — Friday, May 25 – 29, 11:30 am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews Darlene Weide about her work with mediation as a tool to resolve conflict without violence. Film critic and blogger Jason LeRoy dishes it up with David Perry about what’s hot – and what’s not – for the upcoming summer movie season.

Episode # 275
Monday — Friday, June 1 – 5, 11:30 am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 10:30pm

David Perry interviews filmmaker Brenda Williams about her new documentary centered on the battle between homophobia and free speech in Richmond, California. Longtime Transgender activist and community leader Willy Wilkinson chats with David Perry about his ongoing work and his acceptance of this year’s Phoenix Award.

Ten Percent is also available 24/7 through the “On Demand” Feature through your Comcast Cable Network. Choose “Get Local” and “Comcast Hometown” to access Ten Percent. Past shows may also be viewed online at www.comcasthometown.com.

Become a fan on Facebook: 10 Percent on Facebook

About 10 Percent

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN), Comcast’s regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, continues its commitment to quality original programming with Ten Percent, a weekly interview series that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) issues. The half-hour show, created and hosted by long-time San Francisco media professional David Perry, airs on Channel 104, Mondays – Thursdays at 11:30am & 8pm and is available to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California. Each episode will then be available online at www.comcasthometown.com as well as on Comcast’s popular ON DEMAND platform, which is free to Comcast digital customers. To view Ten Percent ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the “Get Local” section, then click on “Comcast Hometown.”

“I jokingly call the show ‘Charlie Rose for the LGBT world,” said David Perry, Producer/Host of Ten Percent. “We may be only ten percent of the general population, in round numbers, but our issues are one hundred percent front-and-center in today’s world. Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality or debates about gay clergy or the right to serve openly in uniform, our issues are reflective of the world at large.”

“David has a well-known and unique voice that bridges many communities,” said Jason Holmes, Executive Producer at Comcast Hometown Network. “David’s talents and the launch of Ten Percent further enhance Comcast’s commitment to our communities and Comcast Hometown Network’s compelling, community-based regional programming,”

MEDIA ADVISORY / ONSITE COVERAGE REQUEST: TUE, APRIL 21 – 1PM

WHAT:
Official Unveiling of “Fancy Animal Carnival” Public Art
19 Sculptures by Taiwanese Artist Hung Yi in front of San Francisco City Hall

WHEN:
1pm, Tuesday, April 21

WHERE:
Civic Center Plaza in front of City Hall.
# 1 Dr. Carlteon Goodlett Place (near McAllister)

WHO:
Speakers:
San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee
Ou Hsien Cheng (歐賢政), Director of Taipai’s InSian Gallery
Artist Hung Yi

Hashtag: #hungyisf

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 693-0583 / news@davidperry.com

DETAILS: One of Taiwan’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Hung Yi (洪易), brings his large scale whimsical sculptures to San Francisco in a temporary art installation entitled “Fancy Animal Carnival” at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza from April 17 to May 2, 2015. Curator and project manager for the San Francisco installation is Cathy Hsu (許芳瑜). The exhibit of 19 large-scale, vividly colored animals, is free and open to the public, spread across the Joseph L. Alioto Performing Arts Piazza on the eastern front of San Francisco City Hall. The exhibition is timed to take place during the Second Annual LPGA Swinging Skirts Golf Tournament in San Francisco April 20 – 26.

“We are thrilled to host this exceptional artwork exhibit in the heart of our City where it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. “Meaningful cultural exchanges of artwork from around the world keep San Francisco at the cutting edge of innovation and artistic expression, and we are proud to be the temporary home of the Fancy Animal Carnival.”

Born in 1970, Taichung, Taiwan, Hung Yi was once an owner of nine restaurants. However, at the age of 30, he decided to live his life fully as an artist following attention for his work during the “Stock 20 in Taichung Railway Station” exhibit in 2002. Since then, his work continues to be inspired by his surroundings and life experiences. Typical of a Hung Yi creation are bright primary colors and bold, lively constructions. Hung Yi has also gained notoriety for the paradoxical dichotomy of his work that employs traditional motifs juxtaposed with hints of the spectacle of modern visual culture. Hung Yi is renowned for his unique steel sculptures adorned with playful and vibrant hues, His sculptures are anthropomorphized interpretations of fauna based on the conventional semiotics of good luck and fortune.

Founded in 1987, InSian Gallery has pursued a mission of promoting Taiwanese art by quietly cultivating both the Taiwanese art and business worlds. The gallery disseminates works to create and encourage sustainable developments in the arts.

Coordination and support for the exhibition has been provided by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, the San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Department of Recreation & Parks. [widgetkit id=19]