Friday, November 30, 2012
ALL STAR CAST OF FEATURE FILM HEART OF A WOMAN
(07-27-12)- Film Heart Of A Woman, based off Memoir - Rise by Toni Newman (which has been critically acclaimed) to be shot in October 2012. The Heart Of A Womanis Feature Film based off Chapter: 7 (The Erotic Professionals) in the book I Rise about three very different individuals (Terri, Derrick, and Pamela) living in Los Angeles, and engaged to some degree or another in the sex industry.
Can love actually solve our disputes?
How can the virgin get over not being the first for her partner? I've been with my (lesbian) partner for a year and half. Our life is great together, but we have been arguing the topic of past and sex for about a year.
My partner and I come from very different backgrounds. We're both in our early 30s. This is my first (serious) relationship ever.
Her history: She comes from a very dysfunctional family and started having sex in her early teens. Those early years, until she was 17 or so, she had been with males. Many of them even lived with her in her parent's house. She then came out as gay and had her first girlfriend. After that she had a long-term relationship with another female, which lasted several years. Then, even though she labeled herself gay, she had a one-year relationship with a male. After that, she had another long-term relationship with a female, whom she married when it was legal. All this, strung together with one-night stands.
My history: I grew up like an only child, with my siblings being much older than myself and moved out, with a single mother. I was I was shy, but came out of my shell living abroad for a year after college. I never dated in high school or college; I was happy enough doing my own thing, and didn't even really think about dating. I never got lonely and, to this day, still like/need a lot of alone time. It was during my mid-twenties that I started dating both men and women. I thought of myself has bisexual when I was in my mid-teens. Although I was pretty sure I was gay, and have never been ashamed of my sexual orientation. But until this relationship, I was a virgin. I really wanted to be in a relationship before I had sex with someone. And I wanted that someone to be one I cared for deeply.
I had liked a lot of the women I dated, and even wanted relationships with them, but many times I was shrugged off and treated inappropriately. As a romantic and sensitive person, I took these heartbreaks very hard, even though they didn't "go anywhere" in most people's eyes.
Now, my partner is the type of person is very anecdotal. She used to tell many stories concerning her past. Initially, I didn't have any problems with this. But over time, it really started to bother me. The fact that she was lived with a male, especially after being with women and saying she knew she was gay, was a red flag for me, but all of her qualities, I thought, trumped this fact.
It seems her speaking about her past relationships kind of dug a little insecure hole in me. I wondered why I didn't have any luck in relationships, why it seemed so hard for me to be loved when I put myself on the line and never got anything back. At times, I think that I may be jealous that she got to experience the good and bad in relationships, and even though I tried, I didn't get to experience that. That she got to experience really good things with other people, and she has all of my "firsts".
And since not having experienced sex before her, and now knowing what it's like, I've had trouble not letting my imagination get the best of me about her past relationships. I've had horrible images of all the sex she's had with men, and it bothers me so much. If she slept with a guy three times and figured out it wasn't for her, then that's okay. But 10 guys who were 2 to 6 month "relationships"... That is a lot of sex. It's not so much the number, but the fact that she kept doing it and saying in retrospect that she wasn't really into them. I can't even watch porn anymore because I see women who look similar to her in compromising positions, and it makes my stomach turn.
I also think maybe I have trouble with her past choices, and her values on sex and relationships. (I don't think I'm judging her necessarily because I have friends with similar histories, and I'm fine with them.) She's told me her values have changed, and she wouldn't even have casual sex because she's put herself through some bad things in the past, and she says she has a higher self-esteem and self-respect now. But just two months prior to meeting her, she had a summer fling with someone. How can I trust that her values have changed so drastically in that short amount of time?
Admittedly, most of our issues stem from me not fully trusting her. Our fights generally surround the topic of sex, and has made our once-great sex (she says I'm the best she's ever experienced) life now a little wobbly.
I think she is an amazing person. When we first met, our date lasted for hours and we talked about everything. I accept her past as fact, but these images are disturbing. Will they ever go away? Can love actually solve our disputes?
My partner and I come from very different backgrounds. We're both in our early 30s. This is my first (serious) relationship ever.
Her history: She comes from a very dysfunctional family and started having sex in her early teens. Those early years, until she was 17 or so, she had been with males. Many of them even lived with her in her parent's house. She then came out as gay and had her first girlfriend. After that she had a long-term relationship with another female, which lasted several years. Then, even though she labeled herself gay, she had a one-year relationship with a male. After that, she had another long-term relationship with a female, whom she married when it was legal. All this, strung together with one-night stands.
My history: I grew up like an only child, with my siblings being much older than myself and moved out, with a single mother. I was I was shy, but came out of my shell living abroad for a year after college. I never dated in high school or college; I was happy enough doing my own thing, and didn't even really think about dating. I never got lonely and, to this day, still like/need a lot of alone time. It was during my mid-twenties that I started dating both men and women. I thought of myself has bisexual when I was in my mid-teens. Although I was pretty sure I was gay, and have never been ashamed of my sexual orientation. But until this relationship, I was a virgin. I really wanted to be in a relationship before I had sex with someone. And I wanted that someone to be one I cared for deeply.
I had liked a lot of the women I dated, and even wanted relationships with them, but many times I was shrugged off and treated inappropriately. As a romantic and sensitive person, I took these heartbreaks very hard, even though they didn't "go anywhere" in most people's eyes.
Now, my partner is the type of person is very anecdotal. She used to tell many stories concerning her past. Initially, I didn't have any problems with this. But over time, it really started to bother me. The fact that she was lived with a male, especially after being with women and saying she knew she was gay, was a red flag for me, but all of her qualities, I thought, trumped this fact.
It seems her speaking about her past relationships kind of dug a little insecure hole in me. I wondered why I didn't have any luck in relationships, why it seemed so hard for me to be loved when I put myself on the line and never got anything back. At times, I think that I may be jealous that she got to experience the good and bad in relationships, and even though I tried, I didn't get to experience that. That she got to experience really good things with other people, and she has all of my "firsts".
And since not having experienced sex before her, and now knowing what it's like, I've had trouble not letting my imagination get the best of me about her past relationships. I've had horrible images of all the sex she's had with men, and it bothers me so much. If she slept with a guy three times and figured out it wasn't for her, then that's okay. But 10 guys who were 2 to 6 month "relationships"... That is a lot of sex. It's not so much the number, but the fact that she kept doing it and saying in retrospect that she wasn't really into them. I can't even watch porn anymore because I see women who look similar to her in compromising positions, and it makes my stomach turn.
I also think maybe I have trouble with her past choices, and her values on sex and relationships. (I don't think I'm judging her necessarily because I have friends with similar histories, and I'm fine with them.) She's told me her values have changed, and she wouldn't even have casual sex because she's put herself through some bad things in the past, and she says she has a higher self-esteem and self-respect now. But just two months prior to meeting her, she had a summer fling with someone. How can I trust that her values have changed so drastically in that short amount of time?
Admittedly, most of our issues stem from me not fully trusting her. Our fights generally surround the topic of sex, and has made our once-great sex (she says I'm the best she's ever experienced) life now a little wobbly.
I think she is an amazing person. When we first met, our date lasted for hours and we talked about everything. I accept her past as fact, but these images are disturbing. Will they ever go away? Can love actually solve our disputes?
Interview with Rose Rowe and Renee Olbert of Seeking Simone
Seeking Simone is a web series that follows Simone Selkin's bumbling attempts to date her way through Toronto, and the first episode of the second season recently premiered. Judging from the sheer insanity in her encounters with Toronto's finest ladies, I'm concerned about New York City's proximity to Toronto. I wonder if winds from the northwest could blow the cuckoo into the Big Apple like winds blew volcanic ash all over Europe from the Icelandic volcano last year.
Out Entrepreneur Helps Companies Regroup
In our partnership with StartOut, we regularly invite the group to highlight an LGBT entrepreneur. It shouldn?t be a surprise that the group?s founder is also an entrepreneur.
read more
read more
"Don?t focus on what I?m wearing. Focus on what?s coming out of my face."
?Don?t focus on what I?m wearing. Focus on what?s coming out of my face.? - Rachel Maddow in an interview with Katie Couric | glamour�magazine (via fuckyeahrachelmaddow)
Photos From LGBT Life Across the Globe
Kisses in Colombia, Pride in India, and a beauty pageant in Venezuela ? LGBT consciousness grows around the globe.
read more
read more
(52) Three Legged Lesbians
Donation thank you’s; Multi-Tasking; Stupid Americans; Oxymorons; LoHans Solo 2.0; Odd Couples … and more! Reproduced and renamed song *You’re a Stupid Cunt* by Kiko Lombardi of: http://www.visitronix.com Music bed provided by DJ Toni Teresi http://www.myspace.com/nypstar
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sherry Vine and Joey Arias Reunion at New Yorks XL Nightlclub
Joey Arias & Sherry Vine: Looking Back at the Future November 20th-24th Joey and Sherry?s first full length event together in NYC in over 10 years! Doors at 7PM, 8PM ShowtimeXL CABARET/NIGHTCLUB512 West 42nd StreetInternational drag darlings, Joey Arias (star of Zumanity and Arias With
A Twist) and Sherry Vine (star of Here TV's She's Living For This),
will be performing their all live cabaret extravaganza at XL on November
20-21 & 23-24 at 8pm. Although they have toured the world with
their sold out, scandalous shows, Joey and Sherry have not presented a
full length event together in NYC in over 10 years!! The creators of
StarLust, SINsation, and Cherchez La Femme will now be turning it out in
Looking Back At The Future - a sexy, over-the-top spectacle featuring
new original material as well as Broadway, Rock, Joey's infamous Billie
Holiday, Sherry's trashy parodies, dancers, videos by Francis Legge and
many surprises! These sisters in crime have dazzled crowds in
Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Canada,
all over the USA and even Estonia! You will not see this anywhere else
in NYC!
A Twist) and Sherry Vine (star of Here TV's She's Living For This),
will be performing their all live cabaret extravaganza at XL on November
20-21 & 23-24 at 8pm. Although they have toured the world with
their sold out, scandalous shows, Joey and Sherry have not presented a
full length event together in NYC in over 10 years!! The creators of
StarLust, SINsation, and Cherchez La Femme will now be turning it out in
Looking Back At The Future - a sexy, over-the-top spectacle featuring
new original material as well as Broadway, Rock, Joey's infamous Billie
Holiday, Sherry's trashy parodies, dancers, videos by Francis Legge and
many surprises! These sisters in crime have dazzled crowds in
Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Canada,
all over the USA and even Estonia! You will not see this anywhere else
in NYC!
Hottie Sam Champion to Marry Rubem Robierd New Years Eve in New York City
Exciting news for "Good Morning America" personality Sam Champion --
he's set to tie the knot with longtime boyfriend Rubem Robierb New Years Eve in New York City.
The New York Times broke the news
of the weather anchor's engagement in October subtly, in a story about
MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts' wedding to Patrick Abner, which took place
Sept. 29 in New York. ?We?re getting married New Year?s Eve in Miami,?
Champion, 51, told the Times.
Added Robierb, a Brazilian-born photographer: ?We?ll do it [in New York] officially, and then have a party in Miami.?
In what could be seen as the continuation in a trend of public figures subtly coming out, the Times also reports that it was Champion's first public acknowledgement of his sexuality.
In October, when first announced, EVERYONE was sending the couple congrats! It is such a great time to be witnessing right now - this wonderful acceptance of marriage equality!!
After the announcement, congratulations and well wishes began to come in via Twitter.
ABC News' President Ben Sherwood (@SherwoodBen) tweeted Congratulations @SamChampion & Rubem Robeirb -- thrilled for both of you -- wishing the very best.
George Stephanopoulos (?@GStephanopoulos): So
happy for you @SamChampion ? A big family hug
from me, @AliEWentworth and the girls!
Josh Elliot (?@JoshElliottABC): Congrats, to the best
friend and colleague imaginable....
Diane Sawyer (?@DianeSawyer): and everybody here
celebrating Sam's happiness
Dan Abrams (?@danabrams): Congrats
to @samchampion
on his upcoming wedding! Nice to see great things happen to great people.
Bill Ritter (?@billritter7): l@SamChampion love you sammy.. mazel
tov!
ABC News 7 anchor Liz Cho (@LizCho7): Mazel Tov! So thrilled for you and Rubem.
Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga): Congratulations Sam!!
John Berman (@johnsberman ): Mazel Tov!! All the best 2 u both!
GLAAD (?@glaad): Congrats
to @SamChampion
of @GMA
on his engagement to Rubem Robierb! http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-congratulates-abcs-sam-champion-his-engagement
@ABC
Eyewitness News (?@eyewitnessnyc): WABC-TV
would like to congratulate @SamChampion and Rubem Robierb on
their engagement!They plan to wed later this year ow.ly/eg3WL
Thomas Roberts (?@ThomasARoberts): Hey
@SamChampion
congrats to YOU and Rubem - can't wait to dance at your wedding. Love ya buddy!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/fashion/weddings/patrick-abner-and-thomas-roberts-vows.html?ref=weddings
he's set to tie the knot with longtime boyfriend Rubem Robierb New Years Eve in New York City.
The New York Times broke the news
of the weather anchor's engagement in October subtly, in a story about
MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts' wedding to Patrick Abner, which took place
Sept. 29 in New York. ?We?re getting married New Year?s Eve in Miami,?
Champion, 51, told the Times.
Added Robierb, a Brazilian-born photographer: ?We?ll do it [in New York] officially, and then have a party in Miami.?
In what could be seen as the continuation in a trend of public figures subtly coming out, the Times also reports that it was Champion's first public acknowledgement of his sexuality.
In October, when first announced, EVERYONE was sending the couple congrats! It is such a great time to be witnessing right now - this wonderful acceptance of marriage equality!!
After the announcement, congratulations and well wishes began to come in via Twitter.
ABC News' President Ben Sherwood (@SherwoodBen) tweeted Congratulations @SamChampion & Rubem Robeirb -- thrilled for both of you -- wishing the very best.
George Stephanopoulos (?@GStephanopoulos): So
happy for you @SamChampion ? A big family hug
from me, @AliEWentworth and the girls!
Josh Elliot (?@JoshElliottABC): Congrats, to the best
friend and colleague imaginable....
Diane Sawyer (?@DianeSawyer): and everybody here
celebrating Sam's happiness
Dan Abrams (?@danabrams): Congrats
to @samchampion
on his upcoming wedding! Nice to see great things happen to great people.
Bill Ritter (?@billritter7): l@SamChampion love you sammy.. mazel
tov!
ABC News 7 anchor Liz Cho (@LizCho7): Mazel Tov! So thrilled for you and Rubem.
Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga): Congratulations Sam!!
John Berman (@johnsberman ): Mazel Tov!! All the best 2 u both!
GLAAD (?@glaad): Congrats
to @SamChampion
of @GMA
on his engagement to Rubem Robierb! http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-congratulates-abcs-sam-champion-his-engagement
@ABC
Eyewitness News (?@eyewitnessnyc): WABC-TV
would like to congratulate @SamChampion and Rubem Robierb on
their engagement!They plan to wed later this year ow.ly/eg3WL
Thomas Roberts (?@ThomasARoberts): Hey
@SamChampion
congrats to YOU and Rubem - can't wait to dance at your wedding. Love ya buddy!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/fashion/weddings/patrick-abner-and-thomas-roberts-vows.html?ref=weddings
Culhane: One last salvo against the misuse of religion
My last column is kind of an angry one.
Once again, I?m compelled to write about the collision of religious beliefs and civil rights, and ? as has become typical ? the tension arises in a case involving marriage equality.
As this story [1] details, the town clerk in the small village of Ledyard, New York, has unilaterally decided that she won?t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. So she now requires that all couples (gay and straight) make an appointment for her deputy (who seems to work part-time) to do the job that she?d previously done.
On the surface, this accommodation might look reasonable. The woman gets to honor her own religious beliefs, and now all couples are being treated equally. Everyone has to wait for an appointment. And in general, I support creative means of conflict resolution as long as they neither stigmatize a legally protected class nor cause undue inconvenience. If, say, there were several clerks working different lines in a large city and one objected to issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples, an unobtrusive switch of clerks would bother no one.
Beyond that kind of practical accommodation, though, allowing this kind of� refusal would be a terrible mistake, and one that would sets very dangerous precedent. Consider this example:
State A passes a marriage equality law. The Attorney General?s religious beliefs are offended by the bill, and he decides that all marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples are without legal force. Of course, such an AG would likely be swiftly fired, or in any event overruled by a court. But until that happened, one might expect him to argue that he simply ?couldn?t? do otherwise, as same-sex marriages were against God?s law.
But God?s law ? whatever it might be in this case, and there?s no clear agreement among religions on this or any other issue ? is beside the point. The AG has a civil law responsibility that he?s failing to discharge.
Much further down on the government food chain, the Ledyard clerk, one Rose Marie Belforti, is doing much the same thing. The similarity can be hard to see, because her refusal to comply with the law ? unlike the AG's ? can be sidestepped. But in both cases, we have a public official deciding for themselves when and whether to recognize a law of general application. The AG wouldn?t be able to stay in office were he to insist on his own, law-defying interpretation of what God?s law requires; and the result should be no different here. If Belforti couldn?t figure out a way to do this behind the scenes, too bad for her.
And the consequences of allowing religious beliefs to interfere with clear civic responsibilities can?t be limited to the issue of same-sex marriage licenses. What if a clerk didn?t want to marry two people who?d been divorced? Who?d had sex before marriage? And what would those defending Ms. Belforti say about a judge who granted men, but not women, a unilateral divorce because of his belief that that Sharia law required that interpretation?
We expect judges to follow the prevailing law. We have the right to expect clerks to do the same.
I could respect Ms. Belforti if, like several other clerks with religious objections to same-sex marriages, she resigned from her job. But I have nothing but contempt for the rhetoric being put forward by the likes of Maggie Gallagher and Robbie George. Read this article [2], which details how the pair is trying to turn back marriage equality by appealing openly to the idea that religion should take precedence over equality. Gallagher likens New York state?s insistence on having its laws followed in the clerk cases to the dictates of Caesar, ?forgetting? that the democratically elected legislature passed the marriage equality law. But the reference to this dictator is a way of making her point about the supposed religious persecutions.
George, co-author of the much-downloaded, but intellectually dishonest, article ?What is Marriage?, [3]? continues to rail against schools that teach about the existence of (let alone the positive results linked to)� families headed by gay and lesbian parents. It?s just too bad for parents who don?t want their children ?indoctrinated? into this world, he says.
Worse, he ?loathes? the ?bad faith? of our ?strategy? of demonizing people like Belforti �by deploying the ?weapons? of anti-discrimination law. But to insist that validly enacted laws, like New York?s, be interpreted in a way that favors no religion over another is only to follow the rules of democracy itself. George and Gallagher are so sure of their own (rigidly Catholic) version of God that they fail to understand that the best way to respect religion is to insist on its separation from the civil, legal sphere.
For once religion is allowed to set the rules, there?s no guarantee that the faith chosen will be one either of them would endorse. It might even be Muslim.
I can?t end this column without a last goodbye to my faithful readers (some of whom I know by user name; others of whom simply read without weighing in). I?d love for you to follow me over to my own site, Word in Edgewise [4], where I promise to keep up the fight. (And I might soon be blogging for another site; you?ll have to go to WiE to find out if and where.) I hope to see some of you tonight! And a fond farewell to JV and JW. Thanks to both of you. Excelsior!
John Culhane [5] is Professor of Law and Director of the Health Law Institute at Widener University School of Law. He has edited and contributed to a book on ?hot? legal and social issues [6], and just taped a show for The American Law Journal on the legal rights of unmarried cohabitants (gay and straight). It will be available for viewing on this website [7] by late October. Follow him on Facebook [8] and Twitter [9].
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/nyregion/rights-clash-as-town-clerk-rejects-her-role-in-gay-marriages.html
[2] http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/observers-see-clash-between-gay-marriage-and-religious-freedom-growing/
[3] http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
[4] http://wordinedgewise.org
[5] http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx
[6] http://www.amazon.com/Reconsidering-Law-Policy-Debates-Perspective/dp/0521195055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317253625&sr=8-1
[7] http://www.lawjournaltv.com
[8] http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1544553665
[9] http://twitter.com/#!/johnculhane/
Once again, I?m compelled to write about the collision of religious beliefs and civil rights, and ? as has become typical ? the tension arises in a case involving marriage equality.
As this story [1] details, the town clerk in the small village of Ledyard, New York, has unilaterally decided that she won?t issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. So she now requires that all couples (gay and straight) make an appointment for her deputy (who seems to work part-time) to do the job that she?d previously done.
On the surface, this accommodation might look reasonable. The woman gets to honor her own religious beliefs, and now all couples are being treated equally. Everyone has to wait for an appointment. And in general, I support creative means of conflict resolution as long as they neither stigmatize a legally protected class nor cause undue inconvenience. If, say, there were several clerks working different lines in a large city and one objected to issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples, an unobtrusive switch of clerks would bother no one.
Beyond that kind of practical accommodation, though, allowing this kind of� refusal would be a terrible mistake, and one that would sets very dangerous precedent. Consider this example:
State A passes a marriage equality law. The Attorney General?s religious beliefs are offended by the bill, and he decides that all marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples are without legal force. Of course, such an AG would likely be swiftly fired, or in any event overruled by a court. But until that happened, one might expect him to argue that he simply ?couldn?t? do otherwise, as same-sex marriages were against God?s law.
But God?s law ? whatever it might be in this case, and there?s no clear agreement among religions on this or any other issue ? is beside the point. The AG has a civil law responsibility that he?s failing to discharge.
Much further down on the government food chain, the Ledyard clerk, one Rose Marie Belforti, is doing much the same thing. The similarity can be hard to see, because her refusal to comply with the law ? unlike the AG's ? can be sidestepped. But in both cases, we have a public official deciding for themselves when and whether to recognize a law of general application. The AG wouldn?t be able to stay in office were he to insist on his own, law-defying interpretation of what God?s law requires; and the result should be no different here. If Belforti couldn?t figure out a way to do this behind the scenes, too bad for her.
And the consequences of allowing religious beliefs to interfere with clear civic responsibilities can?t be limited to the issue of same-sex marriage licenses. What if a clerk didn?t want to marry two people who?d been divorced? Who?d had sex before marriage? And what would those defending Ms. Belforti say about a judge who granted men, but not women, a unilateral divorce because of his belief that that Sharia law required that interpretation?
We expect judges to follow the prevailing law. We have the right to expect clerks to do the same.
I could respect Ms. Belforti if, like several other clerks with religious objections to same-sex marriages, she resigned from her job. But I have nothing but contempt for the rhetoric being put forward by the likes of Maggie Gallagher and Robbie George. Read this article [2], which details how the pair is trying to turn back marriage equality by appealing openly to the idea that religion should take precedence over equality. Gallagher likens New York state?s insistence on having its laws followed in the clerk cases to the dictates of Caesar, ?forgetting? that the democratically elected legislature passed the marriage equality law. But the reference to this dictator is a way of making her point about the supposed religious persecutions.
George, co-author of the much-downloaded, but intellectually dishonest, article ?What is Marriage?, [3]? continues to rail against schools that teach about the existence of (let alone the positive results linked to)� families headed by gay and lesbian parents. It?s just too bad for parents who don?t want their children ?indoctrinated? into this world, he says.
Worse, he ?loathes? the ?bad faith? of our ?strategy? of demonizing people like Belforti �by deploying the ?weapons? of anti-discrimination law. But to insist that validly enacted laws, like New York?s, be interpreted in a way that favors no religion over another is only to follow the rules of democracy itself. George and Gallagher are so sure of their own (rigidly Catholic) version of God that they fail to understand that the best way to respect religion is to insist on its separation from the civil, legal sphere.
For once religion is allowed to set the rules, there?s no guarantee that the faith chosen will be one either of them would endorse. It might even be Muslim.
I can?t end this column without a last goodbye to my faithful readers (some of whom I know by user name; others of whom simply read without weighing in). I?d love for you to follow me over to my own site, Word in Edgewise [4], where I promise to keep up the fight. (And I might soon be blogging for another site; you?ll have to go to WiE to find out if and where.) I hope to see some of you tonight! And a fond farewell to JV and JW. Thanks to both of you. Excelsior!
John Culhane [5] is Professor of Law and Director of the Health Law Institute at Widener University School of Law. He has edited and contributed to a book on ?hot? legal and social issues [6], and just taped a show for The American Law Journal on the legal rights of unmarried cohabitants (gay and straight). It will be available for viewing on this website [7] by late October. Follow him on Facebook [8] and Twitter [9].
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/nyregion/rights-clash-as-town-clerk-rejects-her-role-in-gay-marriages.html
[2] http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/observers-see-clash-between-gay-marriage-and-religious-freedom-growing/
[3] http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
[4] http://wordinedgewise.org
[5] http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx
[6] http://www.amazon.com/Reconsidering-Law-Policy-Debates-Perspective/dp/0521195055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317253625&sr=8-1
[7] http://www.lawjournaltv.com
[8] http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1544553665
[9] http://twitter.com/#!/johnculhane/
Ronnie Kroell Talks FRIEND Film with Teeco71
Friend is a story about two teens as they experience life as gay and transgender in small town America. Elliot London
wrote the original version of the movie but was inspired to travel
across the country in search of teens that were going through similar
situations. The concept of Friend
is that Elliot incorporates the stories and opinions of the real teens
he met in his travels so that he transformed his idea into a work of
their stories.Ronnie Kroell, one of the producers talks with Teeco71 (T71 Entertainment) this week.....Q: Tell me how you got involved with the Friend Film?
A: I met the writer/director of FRIEND thanks to a mutual friend,
John Nelson. Elliot D. London is one of the most passionate film-makers I
have ever met with a commitment to making a difference through his work
(some of your readers may know him from the ?Wedding Dance? video.
Elliot and I instantly clicked and saw similarities in our artistic
goals ? not to mention that we are both only children, both Aquarians,
and both from the Chicago-land area. The only difference is that he is a
Jew and I am a gentile, but I like to think that I am jew-?ish? being
that I went to Niles North in Skokie, Illinois. We make a great team! I
have joined the project not only as an actor, but as an Executive
Producer ? I am committed to making this film a reality.
Q: Being bullied as a child, how did that shape who you are today?
A: When you are bullied as a child, it changes the core of your
very being. As human beings we long to fit-in, to be part of something,
to be accepted and loved. But, when we are rejected, made fun of, and
told that we are different the consequences can be fatal. Thankfully, I
have a family that has embraced and accepted me for all that I am. I
never had the thought of suicide even cross my mind, but I know what it
is like to be bullied. I used to be called a ?faggot? at school and beat
up on the way home by a group of kids that, for whatever reason,
decided it was OK to take out their aggression on me.
Looking back on those times, I have finally reached a point where I
can forgive them and find strength from those experiences. I have chosen
to redirect that pain and anger into more positive channels ? artistic
projects that will help change hearts and minds. For others with similar
experiences, the outcome has not been so positive. Many victims of
bullying feel like they have no one to turn to or that there is no point
to living anymore ? and take their own lives. When this happens, we are
all truly at a loss.READ MORE at T71 and PLEASE, GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, to this awesome film project.
wrote the original version of the movie but was inspired to travel
across the country in search of teens that were going through similar
situations. The concept of Friend
is that Elliot incorporates the stories and opinions of the real teens
he met in his travels so that he transformed his idea into a work of
their stories.Ronnie Kroell, one of the producers talks with Teeco71 (T71 Entertainment) this week.....Q: Tell me how you got involved with the Friend Film?
A: I met the writer/director of FRIEND thanks to a mutual friend,
John Nelson. Elliot D. London is one of the most passionate film-makers I
have ever met with a commitment to making a difference through his work
(some of your readers may know him from the ?Wedding Dance? video.
Elliot and I instantly clicked and saw similarities in our artistic
goals ? not to mention that we are both only children, both Aquarians,
and both from the Chicago-land area. The only difference is that he is a
Jew and I am a gentile, but I like to think that I am jew-?ish? being
that I went to Niles North in Skokie, Illinois. We make a great team! I
have joined the project not only as an actor, but as an Executive
Producer ? I am committed to making this film a reality.
Q: Being bullied as a child, how did that shape who you are today?
A: When you are bullied as a child, it changes the core of your
very being. As human beings we long to fit-in, to be part of something,
to be accepted and loved. But, when we are rejected, made fun of, and
told that we are different the consequences can be fatal. Thankfully, I
have a family that has embraced and accepted me for all that I am. I
never had the thought of suicide even cross my mind, but I know what it
is like to be bullied. I used to be called a ?faggot? at school and beat
up on the way home by a group of kids that, for whatever reason,
decided it was OK to take out their aggression on me.
Looking back on those times, I have finally reached a point where I
can forgive them and find strength from those experiences. I have chosen
to redirect that pain and anger into more positive channels ? artistic
projects that will help change hearts and minds. For others with similar
experiences, the outcome has not been so positive. Many victims of
bullying feel like they have no one to turn to or that there is no point
to living anymore ? and take their own lives. When this happens, we are
all truly at a loss.READ MORE at T71 and PLEASE, GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, to this awesome film project.
Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor:
Last night I attended the Hillcrest Town Council to listen to Todd Gloria, Carl DeMaio, debate Prop D. This was supposed to be an informational forum. Carl DeMaio, it appears, does not understand the word “decorum” as he continuously and viciously attached Todd Gloria, along unions and with the labor movement in general. DeMaio came across as a nasty bully. Probably a carry over from his childhood. Mr. DeMaio was a guest in Todd Gloria’s district but proceeded in his usually manner - that of an attach dog DeMaio periodally rolled his eyes or made faces behind Councilman Gloria’s back while the councilman spoke on the subject. DeMaio was plan rude and owes Councilman an apology.
As for the Unions and the Lab…
Read More
Last night I attended the Hillcrest Town Council to listen to Todd Gloria, Carl DeMaio, debate Prop D. This was supposed to be an informational forum. Carl DeMaio, it appears, does not understand the word “decorum” as he continuously and viciously attached Todd Gloria, along unions and with the labor movement in general. DeMaio came across as a nasty bully. Probably a carry over from his childhood. Mr. DeMaio was a guest in Todd Gloria’s district but proceeded in his usually manner - that of an attach dog DeMaio periodally rolled his eyes or made faces behind Councilman Gloria’s back while the councilman spoke on the subject. DeMaio was plan rude and owes Councilman an apology.
As for the Unions and the Lab…
Read More
Analysis: High court has options in marriage cases
BuzzFeed's Chris Geidner explores the four most likely approaches the Supreme Court will take to addressing the numerous marr -More-
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Vatican boosts opposition to gay marriage
Vatican boosts opposition to gay marriage
Associated Press
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Updated 10:40 p.m., Saturday, November 10, 2012
In a front-page article in Saturday's Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the Holy See sought to frame itself as the lone voice of courage in opposing initiatives to give same-sex couples legal recognition.
The Vatican's media blitz against same-sex marriage came after three U.S. states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - approved same-sex marriage by popular vote in the election that gave President Obama another four-year term; Spain upheld its same-sex marriage law; and France pushed ahead with legislation that could see same-sex marriage legalized early next year.
Associated Press
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Updated 10:40 p.m., Saturday, November 10, 2012
In a front-page article in Saturday's Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the Holy See sought to frame itself as the lone voice of courage in opposing initiatives to give same-sex couples legal recognition.
The Vatican's media blitz against same-sex marriage came after three U.S. states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - approved same-sex marriage by popular vote in the election that gave President Obama another four-year term; Spain upheld its same-sex marriage law; and France pushed ahead with legislation that could see same-sex marriage legalized early next year.
Doug Case to receive national fraternity/sorority advisor award
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Longtime San Diego State University (SDSU) staffer Doug Case will be recognized this week at the 2012 Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) annual meeting.
Case will receive the Robert A. Shaffer Award, one of AFA?s highest honors, for his efforts to make positive change, build partnerships and mentor professionals in fraternity and sorority life.
Doug Case will be honored by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors for his decades of work in the Greek life system.
read more
Case will receive the Robert A. Shaffer Award, one of AFA?s highest honors, for his efforts to make positive change, build partnerships and mentor professionals in fraternity and sorority life.
Doug Case will be honored by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors for his decades of work in the Greek life system.
read more
San Diego scores 100 on HRC's first-ever Municipal Equality Index
Only 10 other cities awarded the top score
WASHINGTON ? San Diego, known affectionately as America?s Finest City, lives up to that reputation in the HRC?s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
The groundbreaking index, released today, is a rating system designed to measure LGBT inclusion in municipal law.
?I'm proud that the entire nation knows that San Diego stands for equality," San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria said today.
San Diego, known affectionately as America?s Finest City, lives up to that reputation in the HRC?s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
read more
WASHINGTON ? San Diego, known affectionately as America?s Finest City, lives up to that reputation in the HRC?s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
The groundbreaking index, released today, is a rating system designed to measure LGBT inclusion in municipal law.
?I'm proud that the entire nation knows that San Diego stands for equality," San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria said today.
San Diego, known affectionately as America?s Finest City, lives up to that reputation in the HRC?s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
read more
Analysis: High court has options in marriage cases
BuzzFeed's Chris Geidner explores the four most likely approaches the Supreme Court will take to addressing the numerous marr -More-
Kiss My Grits
I would like help in finding a book mentioned in passing during one of my lesbian literature in English classes in undergrad. This was ages ago in the early 90s. The woman fell in love with a diner.
CDC: Half of young people with HIV don't know it
Almost a quarter of new HIV cases are seen in young people, and more than half of them don't know they're infected, says a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
SF Pride 2010
It's been almost a week since SF Pride and I think I'm just recovering now. Wow, what a fun and fantastic time. For the first time since we've been writing for them, Curve magazine had a float in the San Francisco Pride parade. I was so excited when I got the call. Did I want to ride on the float? Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss it!But before Sunday and the parade began, I had a lot of other partying to get through. I arrived in SF Friday morning. I spend the afternoon with my friends, before heading over to the Olivia/Curve comedy night show with Dana Goldberg, Julie Goldman, Sandra Valls and Gina Yashere. I ran into many friends from past Olivia trips and laughed my little a** off. Then it was off to Tease to dance the night away. Perhaps I should have started pacing myself earlier. I had to be up early the next morning to join my friends over in Delores Park because I was helping out on stage at the Dyke March. My good friend Retts is stage manager and I volunteered to help out with stage crew. From noon until 7pm or so, we hustled ladies and dykes on and off the stage. Drummers and poets and politicians and singers and drag kings. What a lot of fun! I got to say hi to old friend Alix Dobkin and meet one of my butch Role Models, Phranc. The only bummer is we were wrapping things up at the stage and I missed the beginning of the march. The Dykes on Bikes. You know how Dipstick loves the Dykes on Bikes.After a quick dinner and outfit change, it was time to head out for more dancing with Curve and Olivia. This time over at the Olivia headquarters where I got to hang out with new friends: Mikey from The Real L Word and Top Chef Josie. But the big thrill of the night was when a tall woman came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Sheri Sam." As in, Sheri Sam, the amazing WNBA star. If there's one thing Dipstick likes better than Dykes on Bikes, it's women's basketball. What an amazing day this was turning out to be. Lord knows what time it was by the time I got home to bed. And we had to meet at some corner at 10:15 am for the float. When I finally found the corner, I found the Curve ladies frantically gluing tissue paper and glitter to the Curve float. I grabbed a staple gun and got right to work.I love coming down to San Francisco for Curve events, because I get to meet other Curve contributors, like the amazing photographer Cheryl Mazak and blogger Queerie Bradshaw. And of course, any time I get to hang out with Curve publisher Franco Stevens, it's a good day. Once the float was together, we relaxed a bit, practiced our butchest parade wave and watched all the beautiful people stroll by. After about two hours of waiting, finally it was our turn! Our big cupcake float pulled out onto the street and the crowds were deafening. Our onboard DJ spun some old school Michael Jackson and of course, Pussy Cat Dolls. I waved and blew bubbles and looked for people I knew in the crowd while the ground crew handed out magazines to the crowd. The sun was out. We were happy and gay. And too quickly, it was over. I headed back to my hotel room to rest up, because, no, oh no, there was still much more partying to be done. Met some new friends for Happy Hour, old friends for dinner and then we all went to see Red Hot Blues Sisters play in a small club downtown. I stayed in San Francisco an extra day. I planned on spending some time hanging out and seeing the city. Instead, I got a late check-out from my hotel, met a friend for lunch and took the shuttle to the airport.You can see why it took me so long to recover. I'm not as young as I once was. But still, Pride in San Francisco never gets old.
Changent Cate Cameron
My friend, amazing photographer Cate Cameron, was selected for an initiative Proctor and Gamble is working on called Children's Safe Drinking Water. She just shipped off to NYC and will then be heading to an area of Haiti within Zone Code 4 (No Travel Advised), where she will be connecting and photographing with some of the world's poorest people in relation to access to clean water.She is writing a blog about her life altering adventure and you can follow it here: http://givehealth.changents.com/cate-cameron
Life Beyond Therapy
A psychological look at HIV
I am sometimes asked to help facilitate workshops at The Center for people who are HIV-positive. As an HIV- person, I consider this quite an honor…and I have learned A LOT in doing so. I’ve learned that, for many people, an HIV+ diagnosis feels like your world is falling apart. After the initial shock wears off, most people feel a lot of grief and depression. Over the years, so many people have asked me some version of these two questions: “How do I keep my sanity when I get an HIV+ diagnosis?” “What do I do when it feels like my life is falling apart?”
To answer these questions, here are some questions that I have offered participants in workshops for HIV+ folks. [Note: If you’re HIV-, these questions may still be…
Read More
I am sometimes asked to help facilitate workshops at The Center for people who are HIV-positive. As an HIV- person, I consider this quite an honor…and I have learned A LOT in doing so. I’ve learned that, for many people, an HIV+ diagnosis feels like your world is falling apart. After the initial shock wears off, most people feel a lot of grief and depression. Over the years, so many people have asked me some version of these two questions: “How do I keep my sanity when I get an HIV+ diagnosis?” “What do I do when it feels like my life is falling apart?”
To answer these questions, here are some questions that I have offered participants in workshops for HIV+ folks. [Note: If you’re HIV-, these questions may still be…
Read More
VIEWPOINTS Poetry and academia reveal LGBT lives
Stories can be told in many ways. Two new works—one poetic, one academic—take strikingly different approaches to telling the stories of LGBT people and families.
Steven Davies becomes the first English Cricketer to come out
There are few top British Sportsmen who are out. There are none in Soccer, one in Rugby (Gareth Davies) and now there is one in Cricket. Stephen Davies is the first professional cricketer to come out as gay. Well done Stephen!
Stephen told the coach, who passed on the news to the England team. The team were unfazed by this and congratulated Stephen on his courage.
Gareth Davies took the monumental step of coming out as a gay rugby player last year. He is now a role model for many gay teens and adults as well as breaking down gay stereotypes.
Stephen Davies played for Worcestershire before leaving for the Brit Oval on a three year contract in August.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Stephen told the coach, who passed on the news to the England team. The team were unfazed by this and congratulated Stephen on his courage.
Gareth Davies took the monumental step of coming out as a gay rugby player last year. He is now a role model for many gay teens and adults as well as breaking down gay stereotypes.
Stephen Davies played for Worcestershire before leaving for the Brit Oval on a three year contract in August.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
eurOut.org magazine April 2011
It’s been a while since we presented our last magazine to you, but sometimes good things just take some time to come to full fruition. So today, we proudly offer you a brand new April edition of the eurOut magazine!
This issue is filled with the best articles from the site, as well as an exclusive interview with Australian drag king Sexy Galexy, who was interviewed in Amsterdam by the newest member of our writing team, Anaïs. You can read about her hilarious experiences of being a French lesbian expat in the Netherlands in the middle of this magazine.
And besides our regular columns, we’ve featured articles on the Teddy Awards, web series, and lots more.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of our magazine. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comments!
- - -
You can read previous issues of the magazine here. If you would like to receive an e-mail notification of new magazine launches, send a blank e-mail with the title 'Magazine Subscription' to faith@eurout.org.
This issue is filled with the best articles from the site, as well as an exclusive interview with Australian drag king Sexy Galexy, who was interviewed in Amsterdam by the newest member of our writing team, Anaïs. You can read about her hilarious experiences of being a French lesbian expat in the Netherlands in the middle of this magazine.
And besides our regular columns, we’ve featured articles on the Teddy Awards, web series, and lots more.
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of our magazine. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comments!
- - -
You can read previous issues of the magazine here. If you would like to receive an e-mail notification of new magazine launches, send a blank e-mail with the title 'Magazine Subscription' to faith@eurout.org.
CRITICS' PICKS
The Magic Parlour, The House Theatre of Chicago at Palmer House Hilton, open run. Youthful master magician Dennis Watkins offers an intimate hour of jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand magic and mind-reading in an oak-paneled room. His clever repartee adds to the fun. The cost is $75 with drinks; Fri.-Sat. only, 10:30 p.m. JA
Monday, November 26, 2012
Moving to Austin. What next?
My partner and I plan to move to Austin, Texas, in January. We?re looking for recommendations about neighborhoods, information about the housing market, or any other useful information. Traits of our ideal area, in no particular order:
* Bicycle friendly.
* Close to transit lines.
* Funky and weird.
* Inexpensive.
* In the city limits.
* Mix of people, such as different ages.
* Relatively cohesive neighborhood.
* Relatively quiet (I am hypersensitive with sounds).
* Has stuff within walking distance ? for instance, grocery store, pool, park, library and restaurants within about a mile.
About us:
Early 50s women. No kids. Three cats and a dog. We have a variety of interests, but not spectator sports. Two cars, but we?d like to use them less. No jobs lined up yet. I might work in journalism or government, but am also interested in coworking.
About housing:
Looking for two or three bedrooms at a moderate price. Expect to live there the rest of our lives. Plan to buy a home but might rent for about six months first. Open to different types of housing (such as condos, townhouses, mobile homes, cohousing) but probably not apartments.
We live in a small town in a house with 1,700 square feet. It has three bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The house was bought for $140K six or seven years ago. Last year, it was appraised at $180K. We hope to sell it for $160K to $175K.
Our questions:
* Are there any areas you recommend?
* Are there any areas we should avoid?
* How does the housing market compare?
* Where is the ?gay ghetto??
* Are there any neighborhood newspapers?
* Is there anything else we should know?
* Bicycle friendly.
* Close to transit lines.
* Funky and weird.
* Inexpensive.
* In the city limits.
* Mix of people, such as different ages.
* Relatively cohesive neighborhood.
* Relatively quiet (I am hypersensitive with sounds).
* Has stuff within walking distance ? for instance, grocery store, pool, park, library and restaurants within about a mile.
About us:
Early 50s women. No kids. Three cats and a dog. We have a variety of interests, but not spectator sports. Two cars, but we?d like to use them less. No jobs lined up yet. I might work in journalism or government, but am also interested in coworking.
About housing:
Looking for two or three bedrooms at a moderate price. Expect to live there the rest of our lives. Plan to buy a home but might rent for about six months first. Open to different types of housing (such as condos, townhouses, mobile homes, cohousing) but probably not apartments.
We live in a small town in a house with 1,700 square feet. It has three bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The house was bought for $140K six or seven years ago. Last year, it was appraised at $180K. We hope to sell it for $160K to $175K.
Our questions:
* Are there any areas you recommend?
* Are there any areas we should avoid?
* How does the housing market compare?
* Where is the ?gay ghetto??
* Are there any neighborhood newspapers?
* Is there anything else we should know?
DA to look into suicide of bullied teen Asher Brown
HOUSTON (AP) – Prosecutors said Friday they will look into what led to the suicide of a 13-year-old Houston boy whose parents say was relentlessly bullied at his middle school for two years because of his religion and sexual orientation.
Asher Brown’s parents, who claim school officials ignored their pleas for help, said they hope “justice will be served” by the investigation by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“Once they find out what’s been hidden, we would want the people responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Asher’s stepfather, David Truong.
Asher shot himself in the head with his stepfather’s handgun on Sept. 23 at his family’s home.
Truong sa…
Read More
Asher Brown’s parents, who claim school officials ignored their pleas for help, said they hope “justice will be served” by the investigation by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“Once they find out what’s been hidden, we would want the people responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Asher’s stepfather, David Truong.
Asher shot himself in the head with his stepfather’s handgun on Sept. 23 at his family’s home.
Truong sa…
Read More
I?m not a playa, I just crush a lot: a guide to dating multiple people at once
A lesbian guide on how to date multiple people at once without drama
The fact that we need to commemorate those murdered or driven to suicide simply because they were born trans speaks to why we all need to stand with the trans community. They are our family, our friends and our fellow community members.
Monroe Gilmour, a community activist in the Asheville, N.C., region who participated in the city's Transgender Day of Remembr -More-
Vital Bridges Center staff and volunteers welcome the holiday
Staffers and volunteers at Vital Bridges Center for Chronic Care sat down together Nov. 20 to share a Thanksgiving meal before distributing food to clients for the day. I salute the unsung heroes in the fight against AIDS, said Lori Cannon co-founder and food program coordinator. Photos by Kate Sosin.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Out Popster Darren Ockert Has a Busy Modern Life
The electro-pop singer-songwriter, having just earned an award for 'This Modern Life (1984),' has a new EP, is finishing an album, and is shooting a documentary.
read more
read more
(65) ?Outrage? Director Kirby Dick
Interview with prolific filmmaker Kirby Dick on his controversial movie Outrage, which outs closeted gay politicians who vote to pass anti-gay legislation. His film SICK (1997) won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance and the Grand Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Dick also directed the controversial TWIST OF FAITH (2005), a film about [...]
UN makes history: First-ever condemnation of killings based on gender identity
NEW YORK -- An international coalition of organizations dedicated to human rights celebrated Tuesday?s historic vote in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to pass resolution A/C.3/67/L.36 condemning extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
Governments condemn extrajudicial executions, including those of LGBT people, in a seminal vote at the United Nations, and earn the gratitude of organizations worldwide dedicated to human rights.
read more
Governments condemn extrajudicial executions, including those of LGBT people, in a seminal vote at the United Nations, and earn the gratitude of organizations worldwide dedicated to human rights.
read more
Matty's on the Drive Celebrates 4 Year Anniversary with Live Concert Featuring Lady Kier from the 90's Group Deee-Lite
Aug 6, 2012 -- (Wilton Manors, Florida) -- Matty's on the Drive announced this week they will host the lead singer and song writer Lady Kier from the hit 90's group Deee-Lite on Saturday August 25th, 2012 where DJ Lady Kier will spin the night away and Sunday, August 26th,
Needing an "alternative lifestyle" hairdo in San Francisco
In San Francisco and in need of a good, cheap(ish) alternative haircut. Where should I look? I'm in the mood for a very short, very...gay lady haircut lately, but am new to San Francisco. Normally, I keep my hair in some variety of this cut, as I have a really square face, but I'd like to just be able to go in and have a hairdresser choose something new for me. Any place that could be recommended for a good queer haircut? I'm looking to pay $60-70 max.
Tender Forever gets the NPR ?Song of the Day?...
Tender Forever gets the NPR ?Song of the Day? treatment a week after An Horse. Someone over there has good taste. Call us!�
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Steven Davies becomes the first English Cricketer to come out
There are few top British Sportsmen who are out. There are none in Soccer, one in Rugby (Gareth Davies) and now there is one in Cricket. Stephen Davies is the first professional cricketer to come out as gay. Well done Stephen!
Stephen told the coach, who passed on the news to the England team. The team were unfazed by this and congratulated Stephen on his courage.
Gareth Davies took the monumental step of coming out as a gay rugby player last year. He is now a role model for many gay teens and adults as well as breaking down gay stereotypes.
Stephen Davies played for Worcestershire before leaving for the Brit Oval on a three year contract in August.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Stephen told the coach, who passed on the news to the England team. The team were unfazed by this and congratulated Stephen on his courage.
Gareth Davies took the monumental step of coming out as a gay rugby player last year. He is now a role model for many gay teens and adults as well as breaking down gay stereotypes.
Stephen Davies played for Worcestershire before leaving for the Brit Oval on a three year contract in August.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
San Diego Women's Chorus to present "DIVAS" winter concert
SAN DIEGO -- Tickets are available for the San Diego Women's Chorus' annual winter concert, "DIVAS," taking place Dec. 8-9.
DIVAS celebrates women artists who are powerful, confident, and known for challenging norms and taking risks. From Disco divas to Soul divas to Broadway divas, this spectacular, crowd-pleasing concert has something for everyone.
The concert features music from favorite divas from the last several decades, including Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Dolly Parton, Lesley Gore, Cyndi Laper, Donna Summer -- and a few unlikely divas, as well.
The Dec. 8-9 concert features music from favorite divas from the last several decades, including Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Dolly Parton, Lesley Gore, Cyndi Laper, Donna Summer -- and a few unlikely divas, as well.
read more
DIVAS celebrates women artists who are powerful, confident, and known for challenging norms and taking risks. From Disco divas to Soul divas to Broadway divas, this spectacular, crowd-pleasing concert has something for everyone.
The concert features music from favorite divas from the last several decades, including Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Dolly Parton, Lesley Gore, Cyndi Laper, Donna Summer -- and a few unlikely divas, as well.
The Dec. 8-9 concert features music from favorite divas from the last several decades, including Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Dolly Parton, Lesley Gore, Cyndi Laper, Donna Summer -- and a few unlikely divas, as well.
read more
(55-A) O Solo Mio mj, perez, pride
Be sure to tune in to part B. of this show which is right under this one Late posting this so it’s a bit dated. Haven’t had time for an official gay pride show, hope this solo bit will do. Part A. RIP MJ or maybe not; Perez: Is language an excuse for violence? Does [...]
Horoscope
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Sex doesn’t solve all the problems in a relationship, but now it offers an interesting perspective on whatever the real problems are. Any secrets, resentments, unfulfilled wishes? Share yours and invite your partner to open up!
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your partner and colleagues are obstructing whatever you want to do. Or is that really it? Be responsible for your own accomplishments. While your partner’s feedback won’t make you happy, it will help you find answers.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Trying too hard to promote your own plans can provoke problems with colleagues. If you’re sensing hidden agendas, it may be due to your own pushiness. Have a good talk. Listen between the lines, but…
Read More
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your partner and colleagues are obstructing whatever you want to do. Or is that really it? Be responsible for your own accomplishments. While your partner’s feedback won’t make you happy, it will help you find answers.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Trying too hard to promote your own plans can provoke problems with colleagues. If you’re sensing hidden agendas, it may be due to your own pushiness. Have a good talk. Listen between the lines, but…
Read More
Petraeus scandal conjures recent LGBT legal skirmishes
Who could imagine the resignation of Gen. David Petraeus over a sexual relationship with a woman other than his wife could have implications for same-sex marriage?
Friday, November 23, 2012
(39) Tatooed Atom Smashers & 13 Bisexual Lesbotrons
Vladimir is Displeased w/the Bing Bang, Aries Discrimination, Lesbian Mafia Tattoos, Sex Addiction, *Guest *Heide* (formerly of Chaos Radio) and Her Dream Life, Houseboy Slaves, Dominatrixes Make Strange Lovers, 13 Types of Bisexuality – Which One Are You? *Guest: *Reap* of Pulse Talk Radio�talks Black Holes & San Fran … Lesbian Mafia Apparel: http://thelesbianmafia.spreadshirt.com Voice [...]
Hi Kids
I think about you often! Still spending time on my new website and podcast and not blogging here as much but I do miss the friends I made at MORE MARGA– Maybe I’ll be back. If you are in San … Continue reading →
Real Estate News
San Diego needs its own Housing Hero
Big Bad Banking got some really BAD NEWS last week as Mother Jones Magazine’s Andy Kroll broke the story of huge law firms, known as “foreclosure mills”, operating in Florida (and elsewhere) engaged in the potentially illegal taking of millions of homes.
GMAC -a subsidiary of Ally Financial was so worried it suspended foreclosure evictions and sales altogether. Rising Democratic Party star Rep. Alan Grayson along with his Ohio colleague Marcy Kaptur have been among the few voices in Congress for homeowners in the ongoing class war waged against them by Wall Street. It seems now they were right all along. You may remember Kaptur as the take-charge legislator who advised homeowners in her Toledo-area district to demand that banks produce th…
Read More
Big Bad Banking got some really BAD NEWS last week as Mother Jones Magazine’s Andy Kroll broke the story of huge law firms, known as “foreclosure mills”, operating in Florida (and elsewhere) engaged in the potentially illegal taking of millions of homes.
GMAC -a subsidiary of Ally Financial was so worried it suspended foreclosure evictions and sales altogether. Rising Democratic Party star Rep. Alan Grayson along with his Ohio colleague Marcy Kaptur have been among the few voices in Congress for homeowners in the ongoing class war waged against them by Wall Street. It seems now they were right all along. You may remember Kaptur as the take-charge legislator who advised homeowners in her Toledo-area district to demand that banks produce th…
Read More
Pledge to Vote in 2012
Every single vote counts! It's never been more important to get the truth out about what's at stake for women in the elections. Exercising our right to vote is crucial! NOW/PAC has endorsed the Obama-Biden ticket and scores of pro-women candidates for the U.S. Senate and House. But only with your help can we ensure that our champions are elected!
French LGBT Rights Group Blasts President Francois Hollande for 'Treachery' on Gay Marriage
France's leading gay rights lobby is denouncing remarks made by President Francois Hollande, France 24 reports:
The Inter-LGBT said it was "suspending all relations with the government" until Hollande explained "what at best can be termed a clumsy act and at worse, treachery."Hollande stirred controversy on Tuesday by saying that French mayors could opt out of officiating at gay weddings. He invoked the right to "freedom of conscience" after mounting opposition and a huge rally in Paris Saturday against the proposed "marriage for everyone" law.Hollande's government has come under fire from Catholic groups and the right-wing opposition over the bill.Mayors were obliged to apply the law if parliament voted to allow gay marriage, said Hollande: but "their options for delegation to deputies could be widened."
Hollande's government insist the comments are not backtracking.
The Inter-LGBT said it was "suspending all relations with the government" until Hollande explained "what at best can be termed a clumsy act and at worse, treachery."Hollande stirred controversy on Tuesday by saying that French mayors could opt out of officiating at gay weddings. He invoked the right to "freedom of conscience" after mounting opposition and a huge rally in Paris Saturday against the proposed "marriage for everyone" law.Hollande's government has come under fire from Catholic groups and the right-wing opposition over the bill.Mayors were obliged to apply the law if parliament voted to allow gay marriage, said Hollande: but "their options for delegation to deputies could be widened."
Hollande's government insist the comments are not backtracking.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The FDAs Lesser Known Insult is a Ban on Gay Sperm Donors
The FDA not only bans gay and bi men from giving blood, they actively discourage them from donating sperm. Will the agency ever change its ways?
read more
read more
Moving to Austin. What next?
My partner and I plan to move to Austin, Texas, in January. We?re looking for recommendations about neighborhoods, information about the housing market, or any other useful information. Traits of our ideal area, in no particular order:
* Bicycle friendly.
* Close to transit lines.
* Funky and weird.
* Inexpensive.
* In the city limits.
* Mix of people, such as different ages.
* Relatively cohesive neighborhood.
* Relatively quiet (I am hypersensitive with sounds).
* Has stuff within walking distance ? for instance, grocery store, pool, park, library and restaurants within about a mile.
About us:
Early 50s women. No kids. Three cats and a dog. We have a variety of interests, but not spectator sports. Two cars, but we?d like to use them less. No jobs lined up yet. I might work in journalism or government, but am also interested in coworking.
About housing:
Looking for two or three bedrooms at a moderate price. Expect to live there the rest of our lives. Plan to buy a home but might rent for about six months first. Open to different types of housing (such as condos, townhouses, mobile homes, cohousing) but probably not apartments.
We live in a small town in a house with 1,700 square feet. It has three bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The house was bought for $140K six or seven years ago. Last year, it was appraised at $180K. We hope to sell it for $160K to $175K.
Our questions:
* Are there any areas you recommend?
* Are there any areas we should avoid?
* How does the housing market compare?
* Where is the ?gay ghetto??
* Are there any neighborhood newspapers?
* Is there anything else we should know?
* Bicycle friendly.
* Close to transit lines.
* Funky and weird.
* Inexpensive.
* In the city limits.
* Mix of people, such as different ages.
* Relatively cohesive neighborhood.
* Relatively quiet (I am hypersensitive with sounds).
* Has stuff within walking distance ? for instance, grocery store, pool, park, library and restaurants within about a mile.
About us:
Early 50s women. No kids. Three cats and a dog. We have a variety of interests, but not spectator sports. Two cars, but we?d like to use them less. No jobs lined up yet. I might work in journalism or government, but am also interested in coworking.
About housing:
Looking for two or three bedrooms at a moderate price. Expect to live there the rest of our lives. Plan to buy a home but might rent for about six months first. Open to different types of housing (such as condos, townhouses, mobile homes, cohousing) but probably not apartments.
We live in a small town in a house with 1,700 square feet. It has three bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The house was bought for $140K six or seven years ago. Last year, it was appraised at $180K. We hope to sell it for $160K to $175K.
Our questions:
* Are there any areas you recommend?
* Are there any areas we should avoid?
* How does the housing market compare?
* Where is the ?gay ghetto??
* Are there any neighborhood newspapers?
* Is there anything else we should know?
LGBTQ health conference Nov. 30
The 2012 LGBTQ Health & Wellness Conference will take place Friday, Nov. 30, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
Persecuted LGBTs Find Asylum in US
Statistics from the Department of Homeland Security show an increasing number of international residents seeking asylum in the U.S. because their LGBT identity is persecuted at home.
read more
read more
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
National NOW Times - Fall 2012
http://www.now.org/nnt/fall-2012/The Fall 2012 issue of the National NOW Times is hot off the press AND on the web. This edition covers key women's rights issues, including: the importance of the 2012 elections, the right-wing war on women, the politicization of the Violence Against Women Act, health care reform, equal marriage and much more.
Richard Mourdock is Romney Unmasked
Last night Republican candidate Richard Mourdock confirmed what Todd Akin brought to light earlier -- that the radical fringe currently in control of the GOP holds misogynistic and deeply unpopular views about women, rape and reproductive rights.
Madonna Celebrates 30 Years on Billboard Charts
The collection of music memorabilia at Wolfgang's Vault highlights some of the greatest times in Madge's history.
madonnaMemorabiliax120.jpg
Display Thumb:
Yes
read more
madonnaMemorabiliax120.jpg
Display Thumb:
Yes
read more
San Francisco lawmakers set to vote on nudity ban
San Francisco lawmakers are getting ready to bare their decision on a proposed ban on public nakedness that has sparked indignation in a city known for flouting convention and flaunting its counter-culture image.
Anti-Gay Lawyer Arrested On Child Pornography Charges
Lisa Biron is a lawyer associated with the anti-LGBT group Alliance Defending Freedom. Biron, who is from Manchester, NH, was arrested on child pornography charges. Allegedly, Biron took a teenage girl to Canada, convinced her to engage in sexual acts, and filmed it.
(70) What the Hell is Going On?
Miley Cyrus, Tammy & Melissa Lesbalimony, Opinions and what do they really mean?, The Definition of a Lesbian conclusion via Twitter, The Real L Word, Julianne Moore in Kids Are Alright is gonna learn right here and right now that Lesbians are not bisexual. Somebody has to tell us what in the gay hell is [...]
Nine to Twelve Bowling already rolling
Nine to Twelve bowling has been rolling on at River Rand Bowl for more than 30 years and is the longest-running LGBT league in the suburbs.
(62) Intrvw w/ Playboy Bunny Stephanie Adams
After reading about Playboy’s first out “lesbian” centerfold, Stephanie Adams, “switching teams” on page 6 of the New York Post, we decided to give her a call (before we ripped her hair out, meh heh heh!) to hear her side of the story. http://stephanieadams.com http://www.GODDESSY.com We would also (again) like to thank Hadas B. for [...]
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Italian Handball Player Drops Pants, Grabs Manhood After Provocative Kiss from Opponent: VIDEO
Italian handball player Ivan Stuffer has been suspended for two matches after becoming enraged by a provocative kiss from his opponent Pasquale Maione in the middle of a championship match.
The kiss worked. Stuffer shoved Maione, then dropped his pants and grabbed his balls for the crowd, which got him immediately dismissed from the game. The crowd taunted him as he exited.
Stuffer's team, Briskena, lost the match 36-25. No word on discipline for the kisser.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
The kiss worked. Stuffer shoved Maione, then dropped his pants and grabbed his balls for the crowd, which got him immediately dismissed from the game. The crowd taunted him as he exited.
Stuffer's team, Briskena, lost the match 36-25. No word on discipline for the kisser.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Gay group counters Target money
ST. PAUL (AP) – A Democratic-backed political fund, a Minnesota gay rights organization and Democratic candidates will split a $150,000 donation as part of a push to elect gay marriage supporters in the state, after Target Corp. donated the same amount to a Republican-friendly group.
Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that the donation is partly a response to Target’s donation to a group helping Republican Tom Emmer in the governor’s race. Emmer opposes gay marriage, and the Target contribution set off a national backlash among liberals and the retailer’s gay employees and customers.
The Washington-based gay rights organization may spend more in Minnesota, which Solmonese s…
Read More
Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that the donation is partly a response to Target’s donation to a group helping Republican Tom Emmer in the governor’s race. Emmer opposes gay marriage, and the Target contribution set off a national backlash among liberals and the retailer’s gay employees and customers.
The Washington-based gay rights organization may spend more in Minnesota, which Solmonese s…
Read More
Lets Go to Rio Pride in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's Pride is not only among the most boisterous, it's got to be one of the biggest. Organizers said they expected 1 million people to gather on Copacabana beach to celebrate. Here are photos from the big event.
read more
read more
Holiday Gifts for the Dogooder 2012
Have your cake and share it too. These great gifts kick back to some great charities and causes.
read more
read more
California left behind on pot, marriage
California left behind on pot, marriage
Politics are just more complicated here.
[...] when voters elsewhere legalized same-sex marriage and marijuana last week, those outcomes were made possible by groundbreaking work done on previous failures in California.
"Prop. 8 is the best thing to ever happen to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community," said Rick Jacobs, founder of the Courage Campaign, a liberal, 750,000-member online network that has been at the forefront of the fight for same-sex marriage.
Two years ago in California, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca co-chaired the main committee opposed to Prop. 19, while U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder promised in the final days of the campaign to "vigorously enforce" federal drug laws even if Californians passed the measure.
Law enforcement firmShould legalization come to California's ballot again, "law enforcement would continue to oppose it," said John Lovell, a lobbyist for California law enforcement organizations that led opposition to Prop. 19.
Washington state's leading corporate voices, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, donated millions of dollars to the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage, seven times what opponents gave.
[...] the U.S. Supreme Court is to decide in the next month whether to hear the case involving Prop. 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that barred federal marital benefits such as joint tax filing, Social Security survivors' payments and immigration sponsorship to same-sex spouses.
Pot advocates in California probably won't have that option, and they are waiting to see how federal law enforcement officials treat the discrepancy between federal and state laws in Colorado and Washington.
Politics are just more complicated here.
[...] when voters elsewhere legalized same-sex marriage and marijuana last week, those outcomes were made possible by groundbreaking work done on previous failures in California.
"Prop. 8 is the best thing to ever happen to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community," said Rick Jacobs, founder of the Courage Campaign, a liberal, 750,000-member online network that has been at the forefront of the fight for same-sex marriage.
Two years ago in California, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca co-chaired the main committee opposed to Prop. 19, while U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder promised in the final days of the campaign to "vigorously enforce" federal drug laws even if Californians passed the measure.
Law enforcement firmShould legalization come to California's ballot again, "law enforcement would continue to oppose it," said John Lovell, a lobbyist for California law enforcement organizations that led opposition to Prop. 19.
Washington state's leading corporate voices, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, donated millions of dollars to the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage, seven times what opponents gave.
[...] the U.S. Supreme Court is to decide in the next month whether to hear the case involving Prop. 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that barred federal marital benefits such as joint tax filing, Social Security survivors' payments and immigration sponsorship to same-sex spouses.
Pot advocates in California probably won't have that option, and they are waiting to see how federal law enforcement officials treat the discrepancy between federal and state laws in Colorado and Washington.
Malala Yousafzai Stands for All Girls, Inspires Action in U.S.
http://now.org/issues/global/101512intldayofgirl.htmlThroughout the world, countless young girls are robbed of their childhood through violence, forced marriage and lack of access to health care or education. This month, the United Nations promoted human rights for girls by marking the first-ever International Day of the Girl Child. NOW applauds the UN for calling for an end to child marriage and emphasizing education as the best defense against this cruel and discriminatory practice.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Fox News Underreported Victories of Marriage Equality and Tammy Baldwin
Fox News ignores marriage equality victories in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington as well as the historic election of Rep. Tammy Baldwin to the U.S. Senate.
read more
read more
Seattle City Hall to Become Gay Wedding Chapel as Couples Begin Marrying on December 9
Gay couples can begin marrying in Washington state beginning on December 9 and Dan Savage offers up the news that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn is helping The Stranger turn City Hall's lobby into a giant wedding chapel:
Same-sex couples can start applying for marriage licenses in Washington state starting on December 6, and?because there's a three-day waiting period to get married here?same-sex couples will start getting legally married in Washington on Sunday, December 9. (Eli Sanders runs you through the logistical details here.)
Mayor Mike McGinn is opening Seattle City Hall's gorgeous lobby to all couples who want to marry on December 9. Judges have volunteered to perform weddings for free and the Stranger is working with Jennifer Zeyl and Alicia Berger and other local scenic artists to create four tasteful pop-up wedding chapels in the lobby of City Hall. The doors at City Hall will open at 11 AM on December 9 and any couple who comes with their paperwork will be able to get married at City Hall between noon and 5 PM.
The Stranger is kicking in $2000 to help pay for materials and Stranger staff members?many of whom worked phone banks for R-74?are volunteering their time to help organize the event.
Same-sex couples can start applying for marriage licenses in Washington state starting on December 6, and?because there's a three-day waiting period to get married here?same-sex couples will start getting legally married in Washington on Sunday, December 9. (Eli Sanders runs you through the logistical details here.)
Mayor Mike McGinn is opening Seattle City Hall's gorgeous lobby to all couples who want to marry on December 9. Judges have volunteered to perform weddings for free and the Stranger is working with Jennifer Zeyl and Alicia Berger and other local scenic artists to create four tasteful pop-up wedding chapels in the lobby of City Hall. The doors at City Hall will open at 11 AM on December 9 and any couple who comes with their paperwork will be able to get married at City Hall between noon and 5 PM.
The Stranger is kicking in $2000 to help pay for materials and Stranger staff members?many of whom worked phone banks for R-74?are volunteering their time to help organize the event.
Needing an "alternative lifestyle" hairdo in San Francisco
In San Francisco and in need of a good, cheap(ish) alternative haircut. Where should I look? I'm in the mood for a very short, very...gay lady haircut lately, but am new to San Francisco. Normally, I keep my hair in some variety of this cut, as I have a really square face, but I'd like to just be able to go in and have a hairdresser choose something new for me. Any place that could be recommended for a good queer haircut? I'm looking to pay $60-70 max.
Part Time Help Wanted
BEST GAY NEW YORK.com is looking for a part-time sales person to help us sell ads in NYC! Work a couple hours a week reaching out to nightclubs, restaurants and small business owners. EXTREMELY LUCRATIVE COMMISSIONS!Easy part time, extra money!send us an email toBestGayCities (at) gmail.comor call Michael at 773-878-5323
Ronnie Kroell Talks FRIEND Film with Teeco71
Friend is a story about two teens as they experience life as gay and transgender in small town America. Elliot London
wrote the original version of the movie but was inspired to travel
across the country in search of teens that were going through similar
situations. The concept of Friend
is that Elliot incorporates the stories and opinions of the real teens
he met in his travels so that he transformed his idea into a work of
their stories.Ronnie Kroell, one of the producers talks with Teeco71 (T71 Entertainment) this week.....Q: Tell me how you got involved with the Friend Film?
A: I met the writer/director of FRIEND thanks to a mutual friend,
John Nelson. Elliot D. London is one of the most passionate film-makers I
have ever met with a commitment to making a difference through his work
(some of your readers may know him from the ?Wedding Dance? video.
Elliot and I instantly clicked and saw similarities in our artistic
goals ? not to mention that we are both only children, both Aquarians,
and both from the Chicago-land area. The only difference is that he is a
Jew and I am a gentile, but I like to think that I am jew-?ish? being
that I went to Niles North in Skokie, Illinois. We make a great team! I
have joined the project not only as an actor, but as an Executive
Producer ? I am committed to making this film a reality.
Q: Being bullied as a child, how did that shape who you are today?
A: When you are bullied as a child, it changes the core of your
very being. As human beings we long to fit-in, to be part of something,
to be accepted and loved. But, when we are rejected, made fun of, and
told that we are different the consequences can be fatal. Thankfully, I
have a family that has embraced and accepted me for all that I am. I
never had the thought of suicide even cross my mind, but I know what it
is like to be bullied. I used to be called a ?faggot? at school and beat
up on the way home by a group of kids that, for whatever reason,
decided it was OK to take out their aggression on me.
Looking back on those times, I have finally reached a point where I
can forgive them and find strength from those experiences. I have chosen
to redirect that pain and anger into more positive channels ? artistic
projects that will help change hearts and minds. For others with similar
experiences, the outcome has not been so positive. Many victims of
bullying feel like they have no one to turn to or that there is no point
to living anymore ? and take their own lives. When this happens, we are
all truly at a loss.READ MORE at T71 and PLEASE, GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, to this awesome film project.
wrote the original version of the movie but was inspired to travel
across the country in search of teens that were going through similar
situations. The concept of Friend
is that Elliot incorporates the stories and opinions of the real teens
he met in his travels so that he transformed his idea into a work of
their stories.Ronnie Kroell, one of the producers talks with Teeco71 (T71 Entertainment) this week.....Q: Tell me how you got involved with the Friend Film?
A: I met the writer/director of FRIEND thanks to a mutual friend,
John Nelson. Elliot D. London is one of the most passionate film-makers I
have ever met with a commitment to making a difference through his work
(some of your readers may know him from the ?Wedding Dance? video.
Elliot and I instantly clicked and saw similarities in our artistic
goals ? not to mention that we are both only children, both Aquarians,
and both from the Chicago-land area. The only difference is that he is a
Jew and I am a gentile, but I like to think that I am jew-?ish? being
that I went to Niles North in Skokie, Illinois. We make a great team! I
have joined the project not only as an actor, but as an Executive
Producer ? I am committed to making this film a reality.
Q: Being bullied as a child, how did that shape who you are today?
A: When you are bullied as a child, it changes the core of your
very being. As human beings we long to fit-in, to be part of something,
to be accepted and loved. But, when we are rejected, made fun of, and
told that we are different the consequences can be fatal. Thankfully, I
have a family that has embraced and accepted me for all that I am. I
never had the thought of suicide even cross my mind, but I know what it
is like to be bullied. I used to be called a ?faggot? at school and beat
up on the way home by a group of kids that, for whatever reason,
decided it was OK to take out their aggression on me.
Looking back on those times, I have finally reached a point where I
can forgive them and find strength from those experiences. I have chosen
to redirect that pain and anger into more positive channels ? artistic
projects that will help change hearts and minds. For others with similar
experiences, the outcome has not been so positive. Many victims of
bullying feel like they have no one to turn to or that there is no point
to living anymore ? and take their own lives. When this happens, we are
all truly at a loss.READ MORE at T71 and PLEASE, GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, to this awesome film project.
Cyndi Lauper Kinky Boots Music for Broadway
Iconic performer Cyndi Lauper has released ?Sex is in the Heel? and a selection of remixes from the upcoming musical Kinky Boots. The remixes are now available on iTunes http://bit.ly/SexIsInTheHeel-iTunes
Kinky Boots, the new musical that brings together four-time Tony� Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy� Award-winning Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago this fall. Directed and choreographed by Tony� Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL) beginning October 2 through November 4, 2012, in anticipation of a 2013 Broadway opening.
In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price is forced to step in and save his family?s shoe factory in Northern England, following the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola. Together, this improbable duo revitalizes the failing business, while helping one another grow into the men their fathers always dreamed they would become and transforming an entire community through the power of acceptance.
Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Mr. Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell (Hairspray, La Cage, Broadway Bares) has crafted a production bound to move, inspire and set audience's feet dancing.
CAN'T WAIT!!!!
www.kinkybootsthemusical.com
www.cyndilauper.com
Kinky Boots, the new musical that brings together four-time Tony� Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy� Award-winning Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago this fall. Directed and choreographed by Tony� Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL) beginning October 2 through November 4, 2012, in anticipation of a 2013 Broadway opening.
In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price is forced to step in and save his family?s shoe factory in Northern England, following the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola. Together, this improbable duo revitalizes the failing business, while helping one another grow into the men their fathers always dreamed they would become and transforming an entire community through the power of acceptance.
Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Mr. Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell (Hairspray, La Cage, Broadway Bares) has crafted a production bound to move, inspire and set audience's feet dancing.
CAN'T WAIT!!!!
www.kinkybootsthemusical.com
www.cyndilauper.com
Fox News Underreported Victories of Marriage Equality and Tammy Baldwin
Fox News ignores marriage equality victories in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington as well as the historic election of Rep. Tammy Baldwin to the U.S. Senate.
read more
read more
Marriage Equality Foes Protest Across France
Catholic and right-wing groups opposed to pending marriage equality in France took to the streets in protest on Saturday.
read more
read more
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Lesbian News - 01 Nov 2012
Gay Actor tells Romney supporters to Unfriend himPastor Convicted for Helping Ex-Lesbian Appeals Order to Testify (warning christian site)No timetable for legislation on gender recognitionBisexual X Factor contestant Charlie on finding loveGina Gershon Talks Lesbian Fans and GiftsGilmore reiterates support for same-sex marriageThe sex in Girls 'breaks entirely zero ground'
My DADT story as a closeted transgender woman
Back in the summer of 1980, I joined the US Navy. The country was in the midst of a nationwide recession and I lied about my personal history of teen cross-dressing.
I signed up for the Advanced Electronics Program, and once in the Navy, I was assigned to the Fire Control Technician (Missiles) rating. The rating title later reverted back to the historic name “Fire Controlman,” so my rating title changed to Fire Controlman in 1984. I first trained to work on the Mark 92 Gun and Missile Fire Control System, which were only on Guided Missile Fast Frigates (FFGs) and hydrofoils. In my career, I was assigned to two FFGs as a Mark 92 technician. Later in my career, I retrained as a Mark 15 Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) technician and then served on o…
Read More
I signed up for the Advanced Electronics Program, and once in the Navy, I was assigned to the Fire Control Technician (Missiles) rating. The rating title later reverted back to the historic name “Fire Controlman,” so my rating title changed to Fire Controlman in 1984. I first trained to work on the Mark 92 Gun and Missile Fire Control System, which were only on Guided Missile Fast Frigates (FFGs) and hydrofoils. In my career, I was assigned to two FFGs as a Mark 92 technician. Later in my career, I retrained as a Mark 15 Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) technician and then served on o…
Read More
I?m not a playa, I just crush a lot: a guide to dating multiple people at once
A lesbian guide on how to date multiple people at once without drama
Lesbian News - 04 Nov 2012
5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche, A Funny Play About Ladies Who Really Like Eggs'I'll fight to make sport a better world for lesbians'Gays and lesbians have dreams of equality, too"American Horror Story: Asylum" Recap: "The American Civil Lesbians Union"Leisha Hailey and Constance Zimmer Play a Lesbian Couple on 'The New Normal''Gay dollars are just as green as straight dollars'Murder, lesbians and sooo many secretsMention of Lesbian and Gay Issues Noticeably Missing from all the Debates
Rihannorary Lesbian
You like what I did there with the post title? Yeah, me too. Some of my best work, I'd say.Now you may have heard the little rumor circulating that Rihanna and Ashton Kutcher are dating because some weird paparazzi peops stalked her and realized that she went to his new house from midnight to 4am recently. Whatevs. I think they'd make a really cute couple, but how is that proof of anything? By that logic, CVS and I have been dating for YEARS. People have sex during the day too, ya know. Anyhoo, Rihanna was asked about it by a very bold reporter in London today, and this is what she had to say:...and this whole post is really just an excuse to show THIS again:You are welcome.
See Rochelle, She's MY Boo!
So you know that pic I posted this weekend of me meeting the AMAZING Whoopi Goldberg and me looking like someone just punched me in the face and stole my bike? THAT is EXACTLY how my face looks right now watching what I just found on youtube:LOL what?? ...and then also, what. PLEASE do yourself a favor and watch the entire 2 minutes and 4 seconds cause it will change your life.
Lt. Dan Choi
Arabic Linguist. Iraq Veteran. West Point Graduate. Infantry Officer. Gay... Fired... and Fighting Back!
On March 19, 2009, Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, announced that he was gay on The Rachel Maddow Show. Because of three words – “I am gay” – Lt. Choi’s life changed forever. Despite his extreme value as an Arabic speaker able to communicate quickly and clearly with the Iraqi people, one month after his announcement Lt. Dan Choi was notified that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him. He was one of only eight soldiers from his graduating class who majored in Arabic. Lt. Choi kindly agreed to an interview with The Gay & Lesbian Times
and this is his story.
GLT: What was it like for you to be discharged from the Military?
DC: As gay people there is no shortage of pain…
Read More
On March 19, 2009, Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, announced that he was gay on The Rachel Maddow Show. Because of three words – “I am gay” – Lt. Choi’s life changed forever. Despite his extreme value as an Arabic speaker able to communicate quickly and clearly with the Iraqi people, one month after his announcement Lt. Dan Choi was notified that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him. He was one of only eight soldiers from his graduating class who majored in Arabic. Lt. Choi kindly agreed to an interview with The Gay & Lesbian Times
and this is his story.
GLT: What was it like for you to be discharged from the Military?
DC: As gay people there is no shortage of pain…
Read More
Saturday, November 17, 2012
(3) Interview w/ Marga Gomez & etc.
there’s some echo on the crank call, sorry ’bout that. if you’ve been gay for more than a minute, you probably know who marga gomez is. for someone like myself who is a bit of a funny person, it was an honor to have her grace the show. hope you enjoy it! (repost from 4-13-2007) [...]
Stopping the National Organization for Marriage
I don't think I've seen a better response to a misleading ad than this one. Thanks Stop8
Friday Abs
Just some gratuitous flesh in diesel underwear for Friday.
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Lesbian News - 03 Nov 2012
Lesbians Attacked in Possible Hate Crime in Atlanta'American Horror Story: Asylum,' lesbian blackmail, dead ferrets and Bloody FaceUpstate Farm Refuses to Host Lesbian WeddingKiss of Defiance by two lesbiansConcordia students weigh in on opposing sides of Minnesota gay rights debate with shirtsEvangelical support for gay families
Pretty Airplanes
Jes from Dayton Ohio recently contacted me to tell me about an art project she completed. She was invited by the city to cover this model F16 jet with art. Since she is a mosaic artist, this is what she came up with. Jess said:I covered the Jet with stained glass because glass is the most beautiful media in the world ;)I wanted to show a larger range of color and knew that a rainbow would be perfect. The plane is meant to be beautiful more than anything else. I wanted people to want to know what she is all about. A beautiful sculpture that says I'm proud to be gay and in the military. I hope this Rainbow F16 serves as a reminder that we need to defeat the BAN on gay men and women serving our country. Equality is beautiful.Jes's plane will be on display in a bank in Dayton, Ohio. Thanks for sharing Jes!
GLAAD's What To Watch on Wednesday
(This post was originally published by SDGLN content partner GLAAD.)
Tonight catch all new episodes of "Modern Family," "Suburgatory," "Chicago Fire," "The Challenge: Battle of the Seasons," "American Horror Story: Asylum" and "DTLA."
9 pm: Modern Family on ABC (30 mins) NEW
GLAAD's LGBT-friendly TV picks for Wednesday, Nov. 14.
read more
Tonight catch all new episodes of "Modern Family," "Suburgatory," "Chicago Fire," "The Challenge: Battle of the Seasons," "American Horror Story: Asylum" and "DTLA."
9 pm: Modern Family on ABC (30 mins) NEW
GLAAD's LGBT-friendly TV picks for Wednesday, Nov. 14.
read more
For the love of music
An interview with DJ Nikol
If you ever walk into a venue where DJ Nikol, also known as Nikolbag, is spinning you will realize it right away. The distinctive sound that was born in the San Diego underground art shows has carried over to her new home “Playhouse” at The Office on Tuesday nights. She is a resident DJ at Playhouse and has been there since its birth. She can be heard spinning your old or hard to find favorites, including new DJ remixes that no one else will play. She is a San Diego native that has one true love, music.
GLT: What inspired you to become a DJ?
NB: When I was younger I always into music. Even as a child I was strongly influenced by the B-boy, B-girl movement. I believe we are created to be inspired by music, that’s why music has the ability …
Read More
If you ever walk into a venue where DJ Nikol, also known as Nikolbag, is spinning you will realize it right away. The distinctive sound that was born in the San Diego underground art shows has carried over to her new home “Playhouse” at The Office on Tuesday nights. She is a resident DJ at Playhouse and has been there since its birth. She can be heard spinning your old or hard to find favorites, including new DJ remixes that no one else will play. She is a San Diego native that has one true love, music.
GLT: What inspired you to become a DJ?
NB: When I was younger I always into music. Even as a child I was strongly influenced by the B-boy, B-girl movement. I believe we are created to be inspired by music, that’s why music has the ability …
Read More
Four...three...two...one...
The countdown to the move to Firedoglake is coming down to the final count...
the countdown starts
watching in a trance
the crew is certain
nothing left to chance
all is working
trying to relax
up in the capsule
"send me up a drink"
jokes Major Tom
the count goes on
4...3...2...1...
Earth below us
drifting falling
floating weightless
calling calling home...
Four...three...two...one...
All systems go...if the countdown continues to plan, we're rocketing very, very soon to our new home.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Hi Kids
I think about you often! Still spending time on my new website and podcast and not blogging here as much but I do miss the friends I made at MORE MARGA– Maybe I’ll be back. If you are in San … Continue reading →
ALL STAR CAST OF FEATURE FILM HEART OF A WOMAN
(07-27-12)- Film Heart Of A Woman, based off Memoir - Rise by Toni Newman (which has been critically acclaimed) to be shot in October 2012. The Heart Of A Womanis Feature Film based off Chapter: 7 (The Erotic Professionals) in the book I Rise about three very different individuals (Terri, Derrick, and Pamela) living in Los Angeles, and engaged to some degree or another in the sex industry.
Matthew Broderick and Ty Burrell Have a Nipple-to-Nipple Moment and a Kiss on 'Modern Family': VIDEO
Matthew Broderick guest-starred on Wednesday's Modern Family as a gay friend of Cam's who met Phil, a fellow Bulldog alum, at the gym and mistakenly thought he had been invited over for a date. Phil, of course, had just invited him over thinking they were just going to have a few drinks and watch some football.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Matthew Broderick and Ty Burrell Have a Nipple-to-Nipple Moment and a Kiss on 'Modern Family': VIDEO
Matthew Broderick guest-starred on Wednesday's Modern Family as a gay friend of Cam's who met Phil, a fellow Bulldog alum, at the gym and mistakenly thought he had been invited over for a date. Phil, of course, had just invited him over thinking they were just going to have a few drinks and watch some football.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
San Diego lesbians rock!
There was a time in San Diego’s rich history when lesbians were not as visible or held in the same esteem in the GLBT community as they are now. At times discounted and thought to be too small a group to warrant advertising dollars, they were also considered too different from gay men to be influential or to hold any positions of power. This was also a time when there was little or no nightlife catering for lesbians and the few lesbian clubs out there had come and gone. They simply could not compete with the gay bars and the numbers that they attracted. Going beyond nightlife there were few resources for lesbians or places that lesbians could gather, socialize, have fun and be in the majority.
Fast forward and it is apparent that this has really chang…
Read More
Fast forward and it is apparent that this has really chang…
Read More
You are not a bad person for wanting to break up, and neither is he.
Any resources for healing after a breakup when you're the one that initiated it? And that doesn't demonise either party? After six years my partner and I are now just friends. It was necessary and a long time coming: we still care for each other a great deal but the relationship as it stands wasn't sustainable anymore. We'd still like to be friends, he's practically family to me anyway, but understandably things are still awkward and raw right now (it's been less than a week).
I'm trying to find resources for healing and support, but so much of it runs along the lines of "that bastard doesn't know what they're missing!". Even the ones that are slightly more sympathetic to the initiator are very "well that person was an asshole anyway" - which, NO. He is not a bad person and neither am I. We have both been very good for each other. It just wasn't working out healthily for both of us. It doesn't help that a few other friends have been dumped around the same time, and a lot of what they report the *other party* saying is stuff I relate to...and I haven't the heart to say `well I can see where they are coming from` because they're obviously hurting.
My special snowflake guilt was that a large part of the breakup was because last year I came out to myself and him as more interested in girls than I thought I was (I'd known I was queer for ages and so did he, but some incidences made me realise that I tend to like girls *exclusively*). But because we still loved and cared for each other as companions, and had an open relationship that was working really well for a while, we figured we'd give it a shot. But it wasn't working. I felt like the breakup was the only way for me to be honest and authentic with myself - but sometimes I wonder what is the point of authenticity when it only hurts the ones that already love you as you are?
I'm trying to find resources for healing and support, but so much of it runs along the lines of "that bastard doesn't know what they're missing!". Even the ones that are slightly more sympathetic to the initiator are very "well that person was an asshole anyway" - which, NO. He is not a bad person and neither am I. We have both been very good for each other. It just wasn't working out healthily for both of us. It doesn't help that a few other friends have been dumped around the same time, and a lot of what they report the *other party* saying is stuff I relate to...and I haven't the heart to say `well I can see where they are coming from` because they're obviously hurting.
My special snowflake guilt was that a large part of the breakup was because last year I came out to myself and him as more interested in girls than I thought I was (I'd known I was queer for ages and so did he, but some incidences made me realise that I tend to like girls *exclusively*). But because we still loved and cared for each other as companions, and had an open relationship that was working really well for a while, we figured we'd give it a shot. But it wasn't working. I felt like the breakup was the only way for me to be honest and authentic with myself - but sometimes I wonder what is the point of authenticity when it only hurts the ones that already love you as you are?
Thursday, November 15, 2012
(80) What Are We Talking About?
Ciao, hello! Long time. Ignore the color of the audio player (on the site) it’s ugly and needs to be changed. Nicole begins with an audio apology for being a slacker s.o.b so I ?audio? answer because these bitches do NOT help me for shit! Let’s hope they aren’t as LAZY in the sack as [...]
Campaign launched for LGBT webisode "West Hollywood 90069"
West Hollywood, California, September 17, 2012 -- Richard Morgan Productions announced today the launch of the LGBT webisode drama "West Hollywood 90069" on the crowd funding platform Indiegogo.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)