I critically explore American history, public policy, media, technology and sexuality.
I am the author of three books on American social history — Prohibition New York City: Speakeasy Queen Texas Guinan, Blind Pigs, Drag Balls and More (History Press, 2021); Sin, Sex & Subversion: How What Was Taboo in 1950s New York Became America’s New Normal (Skyhorse, 2016); and Sex Scandal America: Politics & the Ritual of Public Shaming (Key, 2009). (See “Books” section for more information.)
I am also the author of Off-Hollywood: The Making & Marketing of Independent Films (Grove, 1990), commissioned by the Sundance Institute and the Independent Feature Project, is considered a “bible” of the indie film movement;
I have published numerous articles, book reviews and academic studies. Among the publishing outlets are: AlterNet, Benton Foundation Bulletin, Black Star News, Brooklyn Rail, Counterpoint(India), CounterPunch, Cyber Security, Eureka Street (Australia), FilmInFocus, Filmmaker, Foundation News, Hollywood Reporter, HuffPost, Logos, New Politics, New York Journal of Books, NVR Reports, Progressive, Red Herring, Salon, San Francisco Focus, Sexuality & Culture, SGP (Sexuality, Gender & Policy), Truthout, Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender & Sexuality and Z-magazine. (See “Publications” section for more information.)
Professionally, I am business-development consultant with three decades experience having served on the management teams taking public two high-tech start-ups; launched worldwide the first CD-ROM system of player and titles; and provided executive-level strategic consulting services to major U.S. and international for-profit corporations and non-profit organizations, start-up ventures and independent media makers. I currently serve as Business Affairs officer for the “Shu & the Resistance,” a CG animated TV series in development for children 7-12 years (and their parents) – along with an accompanying game and merchandizing products – offering helpful information about healthy foods. (Check out DavidRosenConsultants for more information.)
I created and was executive director of Digital Independence: The Forum for Creativity, Technology and Democracy, supported by the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations. In addition, I served on the boards of directions/advisors of the Independent Television Service (ITVS-PBS, Treasurer), MoMA-NY Video Collection, Film Arts Foundation and a U.S. Congressman.