Arts & Entertainment

‘Transparent’ refuses union benefits to musicians

the Amazon Prime show isn’t providing benefits for all workers

Published

10 years ago

April 1, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube)

“Transparent” has come under fire for not giving musicians who work on the show the same benefits the rest of the cast and crew receive.

According to the L.A. Times, The American Federation of Musicians’ Local 47 says “Transparent” isn’t as inclusive as it appears to be. While actors, writers, directors and crew members receive union wages and benefits, musicians are excluded from the contract.

“Musicians are the only workers being treated differently, and we don’t think that’s right,” Local 47 President John Acosta said in a release. “We aren’t asking for huge wage increases, or extravagant bonuses. All we want is to be offered a fair contract in line with the industry standard.”

LGBT labor group Pride at Work thinks “Transparent” shutting out musician benefits is contradictory to what the show promotes.

“It is unfortunate that a show that portrays the transgender community in such a welcoming and positive light would simultaneously treat a portion of its professional staff so unfairly,” Pride at Work Executive Director Jerame Davis, told the L.A. Times.

The American Federation of Musicians does have a labor contract with “Mozart in the Jungle,” another Amazon Prime show.

Up Next

GLAAD Media Awards 2016: ‘Sense8,’ ‘Carol,’ ‘Transparent’ win big

Don't Miss

Karen Ocamb fired for being too old? LGBT activists fire back

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

15 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

16 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

16 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.