Thursday, October 31, 2013
Lesbian News - 29 Oct 2013
State sets day to honour ?old lesbian? (weirdest headline ever)the Guardian: in mourning "as Soho's Candy Bar announces it will close"The lesbian journey to get pregnantOne in 10 Chinese bankers won't work with gay and lesbian colleaguesNYC Theater Allowing High Schoolers to See NC-17 Lesbian Film 'Blue Is the Warmest Color'(as re-told by 'us cycling news'... odd)
Beefed-Up Ballet: The Washington Ballet puts male dancers in the spotlight for ''Giselle''
Dance:
Giselle
(Photo by Steve Vaccariello)
''Men in tights.'' Septime Webre laughs after he says that, the first thing that springs to mind when asked what's gay about The Washington Ballet's production of Giselle. But Webre is not, in fact, kidding. As the company's artistic director, Webre has actually increased the ballet's homoerotic appeal.
"It was created at a time when men were very much in the background in ballet, and they didn't dance very much,'' he explains about Giselle, first produced in Paris in 1841. But Webre has tweaked the ballet, in part, to better showcase his company's strengths. ''We've got this amazingly strong cadre of male dancers,'' he says. ''So we beefed up the dancing for the men in Act 1.'' The Washington Ballet's production also features four casts rotating in the principal roles.
Giselle centers on the dramatic tale of a weak-hearted young dancer who dies after learning that the man she loves is engaged to another. In the second act, the title character comes back from the dead and cavorts with men-killing ''vampire women'' called the Wilis. ''There's a whole other-worldliness and gothic aspect to Giselle that's really timely right now,'' Webre says.
Giselle was the first traditional ballet Webre presented with The Washington Ballet. ''It's a kind of return to home base,'' says Webre, adding that it's only a temporary return. After the holiday run of The Nutcracker, the company offers the mixed dance programs The Jazz/Blues Project and British Invasion: The Beatles & The Rolling Stones.
Says Webre: ''In the winter and spring, we return to a sense of adventure.''
The Washington Ballet's Giselle runs through Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $25 to $125. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org. ...more
Giselle
(Photo by Steve Vaccariello)
''Men in tights.'' Septime Webre laughs after he says that, the first thing that springs to mind when asked what's gay about The Washington Ballet's production of Giselle. But Webre is not, in fact, kidding. As the company's artistic director, Webre has actually increased the ballet's homoerotic appeal.
"It was created at a time when men were very much in the background in ballet, and they didn't dance very much,'' he explains about Giselle, first produced in Paris in 1841. But Webre has tweaked the ballet, in part, to better showcase his company's strengths. ''We've got this amazingly strong cadre of male dancers,'' he says. ''So we beefed up the dancing for the men in Act 1.'' The Washington Ballet's production also features four casts rotating in the principal roles.
Giselle centers on the dramatic tale of a weak-hearted young dancer who dies after learning that the man she loves is engaged to another. In the second act, the title character comes back from the dead and cavorts with men-killing ''vampire women'' called the Wilis. ''There's a whole other-worldliness and gothic aspect to Giselle that's really timely right now,'' Webre says.
Giselle was the first traditional ballet Webre presented with The Washington Ballet. ''It's a kind of return to home base,'' says Webre, adding that it's only a temporary return. After the holiday run of The Nutcracker, the company offers the mixed dance programs The Jazz/Blues Project and British Invasion: The Beatles & The Rolling Stones.
Says Webre: ''In the winter and spring, we return to a sense of adventure.''
The Washington Ballet's Giselle runs through Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $25 to $125. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org. ...more
Gaga speaks, Reid acts on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Does Lady Gaga run the U.S. Senate?
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday a vote to repeal the military’s ban of openly gay and lesbian soldiers had been planned for next week before the singer made waves with a plea during a daytime talk show.
The pop star known for flashy performances and eccentric style called on Reid to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that aired Monday.
Reid’s campaign and Gaga traded talking points on Twitter after the lawmaker announced the vote. Reid told Gaga repealing the measure was the right thing to do.
Campaign spokesman Kelly Steele said Reid does not take cues from Gaga.
…
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A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday a vote to repeal the military’s ban of openly gay and lesbian soldiers had been planned for next week before the singer made waves with a plea during a daytime talk show.
The pop star known for flashy performances and eccentric style called on Reid to repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that aired Monday.
Reid’s campaign and Gaga traded talking points on Twitter after the lawmaker announced the vote. Reid told Gaga repealing the measure was the right thing to do.
Campaign spokesman Kelly Steele said Reid does not take cues from Gaga.
…
Read More
Support, counseling, education for gay youth
(AP) – Support and other resources for gay young people are out there, sometimes only a click or a phone call away, but advocates said the recent suicide of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi and other teens who were believed to have been victims of anti-gay bullying point to the need for even more widespread help.
In a country of about 12,000 public school districts, the education network known as GLSEN (glsen.org) counts about 4,000 Gay-Straight Alliances, the name for school clubs - mostly in high schools - that register with the group.
“Youth in general are not very help-seeking,” said the organization’s executive director, Eliza Byard. “Getting people to reach out is one of the big challenges.”
Another nonp…
Read More
In a country of about 12,000 public school districts, the education network known as GLSEN (glsen.org) counts about 4,000 Gay-Straight Alliances, the name for school clubs - mostly in high schools - that register with the group.
“Youth in general are not very help-seeking,” said the organization’s executive director, Eliza Byard. “Getting people to reach out is one of the big challenges.”
Another nonp…
Read More
How do I get the girl?!
Help me navigate my way through dating in my twenties and escaping the perpetual friend zoning: lesbian edition. Long story with links to my dating profiles for critiquing. I've gone through most of the dating threads here on MeFi and have favorite'd every post I feel could apply to me, but I'd love to hear some advice that can be tailored for a twenty-something lesbian who is having a difficult time landing a long-term relationship. It's something knew I've always wanted as I am not hardwired for casual encounters/flings/short-term relationships. I like having a strong bond with someone and I maintain them with family and friends, though ideally I'd really love to have a girl I can call my own -- one I am physically, intellectually, and emotionally drawn to that I can take out and have fun with and have sex with regularly and everything is mutual. My standards are basic and realistic, and I am not a practitioner of settling.
My history: I've been in the dating scene for about 4 years now -- 2 of those years exclusively dating women and I have met up with a total of 9 at this point. They've all varied between non-starters, short-term flings, and one long-distance relationship (the latter crashing and burning as I'm certain she found someone else). What I find to be the most frustrating of all is that more often times than not, things end on their terms. I'm either sent to the friend zone after the first date or involved in a short-term fling that ends with, "I'm not looking for anything serious." I have enough experience now to know how to balance on that fine line between being eager and aloof, and I exhibit enough assertiveness to let a girl know that I am interested without being overbearing -- so, what gives? I do tend to fall hard and fast, but as I said, I find that balance. I'm also more of a go-getter because I feel like I wouldn't achieve what I want by simply waiting for it to fall on my lap. This is why I have no problem initiating first moves with girls. Every date I've had has been via online dating because I live so far from the gay scene in my area. Really, it's my only option, but it has proven to be a very frustrating medium because it's largely a numbers game and it's easier for people to have a grass-is-greener mentality. Hell, maybe I'm guilty of it, too, though I try not to be.
Those of you follow posts here closely may remember my previous threads, so by my own admission, yes, I'm young, immature, naive, and have a lot of growing up to do; I'm definitely still a work in progress. :) For those who don't, here is a link to both my PlentyOfFish and OKCupid profile just to get an idea of who I am. My writing accurately reflects how I am face to face; however, I can't help but wonder if there is something off-putting about me in person that I cannot pinpoint. Every girl I've taken out has been visibly entertained (busting up laughing, lots of witty banter exchanged), but first dates seem to be my expiration date. I'm still in school living at home, and I'm beginning to seriously wonder if that's turning these girls off.
In the past two months, I've met up with 3 girls. The first one told me she was getting more involved with someone else when I tried to arrange a second date, and her honesty was met with a graceful "wish you well" exit. The second awesome but it seems we've implicitly assumed that we will just be friends, and the third? I felt the strongest connection with her after maintaining daily contact. It takes a very particularly witty person to keep up with my dry humor and she wasn't like most girls who essentially feed into what I say. I loved that she was able to dish it and take it and I felt like I found a great catch, AND she's very pretty too boot! After talking since Tuesday, we met up on Saturday and I definitely felt the chemistry. She took a moment to tell me how much fun she was having with me but I noticed that after about two hours, she kind of ended the date abruptly by saying, "Wanna get out of here?". It was midnight after all, so I drove her home just a few blocks away, and gave her a farewell hug and a kiss. No text when I got home and nothing the following morning. So I thanked her for coming out, that I had fun, and that I was looking forward to next time. Her response was, "I had fun too :)!". Asked her how she felt that morning (sent at 11:30AM, she had a strong drink the night before), and I didn't get a reply until about 10PM.
Normally when I notice a dramatic decline in contact, my gut tells me their interest waned while my head makes "they're just busy today" excuses. From past experiences, my gut has NEVER failed me. When I tried to make another date for tomorrow, she said it sounded fun, and followed up with another text saying, "And I think it's more of a friends thing for me :\". Once again, I tried to handle it like a G with, "Bummer! Well, it was pleasant meeting you, and good luck with all your future endeavors! :)". While I'm sad, I appreciated the opportunity of cutting off quickly like a guillotine. I understand that these are merely first dates and they owe me absolutely nothing, but when I've friend-zoned someone, I've always sincerely admired them as a person and have been genuine about it by giving them enough time and space for feelings to dissipate, and often times one of us eventually reconnects and we maintain a real friendship. I really wish more people were this way, although at the same time, I can understand how awkward and uncomfortable it would feel for them. What I don't get is that a couple of these girls (during the dates) will ask me something or say something that implies that they're thinking there will be a next time with me. Girl #1 asked how far of a drive I am to a new city she may be relocating to for work while the last one (Girl #3) asked if the rules at my house are strict/lenient, and how my parents felt about me spending the night elsewhere. There is never any follow-through and I'm beginning to take words with a grain of salt.
It's gotten to the point that I can't cry about it anymore? all I do now is just laugh at how ridiculous my bad luck is. Even the most resilient would get jaded -- but at the same time, I refuse to allow things like this (what I think is beyond my control anyway) to embitter me. I feel like all I can do is have a sense of humor about it because at worst, they make for funny anecdotes. I've had guy friends tell me not to worry, and they tend to say things like, "Oh, you're too hot for her anyway." Well, thanks brah? but it still doesn't stop me from wanting her. :/
Maybe what I need is an attitude change. I want to be more easy-going about all this and be like all the cool people who don't get so bent out of shape over trivial matters like this. I want to be like those people who can enjoy dating for its own sake carefree. How do I stop over caring? And how do I go about getting the girl? I want that ending where we run hand in hand through a flower field to the chorus of "Happy Together" and walk off to the sunset with Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" as the song for the closing credits.
On an ending note, I'm beginning to feel this way: http://imgur.com/gallery/Q7Llv. :) Thank you for reading!
My history: I've been in the dating scene for about 4 years now -- 2 of those years exclusively dating women and I have met up with a total of 9 at this point. They've all varied between non-starters, short-term flings, and one long-distance relationship (the latter crashing and burning as I'm certain she found someone else). What I find to be the most frustrating of all is that more often times than not, things end on their terms. I'm either sent to the friend zone after the first date or involved in a short-term fling that ends with, "I'm not looking for anything serious." I have enough experience now to know how to balance on that fine line between being eager and aloof, and I exhibit enough assertiveness to let a girl know that I am interested without being overbearing -- so, what gives? I do tend to fall hard and fast, but as I said, I find that balance. I'm also more of a go-getter because I feel like I wouldn't achieve what I want by simply waiting for it to fall on my lap. This is why I have no problem initiating first moves with girls. Every date I've had has been via online dating because I live so far from the gay scene in my area. Really, it's my only option, but it has proven to be a very frustrating medium because it's largely a numbers game and it's easier for people to have a grass-is-greener mentality. Hell, maybe I'm guilty of it, too, though I try not to be.
Those of you follow posts here closely may remember my previous threads, so by my own admission, yes, I'm young, immature, naive, and have a lot of growing up to do; I'm definitely still a work in progress. :) For those who don't, here is a link to both my PlentyOfFish and OKCupid profile just to get an idea of who I am. My writing accurately reflects how I am face to face; however, I can't help but wonder if there is something off-putting about me in person that I cannot pinpoint. Every girl I've taken out has been visibly entertained (busting up laughing, lots of witty banter exchanged), but first dates seem to be my expiration date. I'm still in school living at home, and I'm beginning to seriously wonder if that's turning these girls off.
In the past two months, I've met up with 3 girls. The first one told me she was getting more involved with someone else when I tried to arrange a second date, and her honesty was met with a graceful "wish you well" exit. The second awesome but it seems we've implicitly assumed that we will just be friends, and the third? I felt the strongest connection with her after maintaining daily contact. It takes a very particularly witty person to keep up with my dry humor and she wasn't like most girls who essentially feed into what I say. I loved that she was able to dish it and take it and I felt like I found a great catch, AND she's very pretty too boot! After talking since Tuesday, we met up on Saturday and I definitely felt the chemistry. She took a moment to tell me how much fun she was having with me but I noticed that after about two hours, she kind of ended the date abruptly by saying, "Wanna get out of here?". It was midnight after all, so I drove her home just a few blocks away, and gave her a farewell hug and a kiss. No text when I got home and nothing the following morning. So I thanked her for coming out, that I had fun, and that I was looking forward to next time. Her response was, "I had fun too :)!". Asked her how she felt that morning (sent at 11:30AM, she had a strong drink the night before), and I didn't get a reply until about 10PM.
Normally when I notice a dramatic decline in contact, my gut tells me their interest waned while my head makes "they're just busy today" excuses. From past experiences, my gut has NEVER failed me. When I tried to make another date for tomorrow, she said it sounded fun, and followed up with another text saying, "And I think it's more of a friends thing for me :\". Once again, I tried to handle it like a G with, "Bummer! Well, it was pleasant meeting you, and good luck with all your future endeavors! :)". While I'm sad, I appreciated the opportunity of cutting off quickly like a guillotine. I understand that these are merely first dates and they owe me absolutely nothing, but when I've friend-zoned someone, I've always sincerely admired them as a person and have been genuine about it by giving them enough time and space for feelings to dissipate, and often times one of us eventually reconnects and we maintain a real friendship. I really wish more people were this way, although at the same time, I can understand how awkward and uncomfortable it would feel for them. What I don't get is that a couple of these girls (during the dates) will ask me something or say something that implies that they're thinking there will be a next time with me. Girl #1 asked how far of a drive I am to a new city she may be relocating to for work while the last one (Girl #3) asked if the rules at my house are strict/lenient, and how my parents felt about me spending the night elsewhere. There is never any follow-through and I'm beginning to take words with a grain of salt.
It's gotten to the point that I can't cry about it anymore? all I do now is just laugh at how ridiculous my bad luck is. Even the most resilient would get jaded -- but at the same time, I refuse to allow things like this (what I think is beyond my control anyway) to embitter me. I feel like all I can do is have a sense of humor about it because at worst, they make for funny anecdotes. I've had guy friends tell me not to worry, and they tend to say things like, "Oh, you're too hot for her anyway." Well, thanks brah? but it still doesn't stop me from wanting her. :/
Maybe what I need is an attitude change. I want to be more easy-going about all this and be like all the cool people who don't get so bent out of shape over trivial matters like this. I want to be like those people who can enjoy dating for its own sake carefree. How do I stop over caring? And how do I go about getting the girl? I want that ending where we run hand in hand through a flower field to the chorus of "Happy Together" and walk off to the sunset with Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" as the song for the closing credits.
On an ending note, I'm beginning to feel this way: http://imgur.com/gallery/Q7Llv. :) Thank you for reading!
Marga?s Humpday News: Castro Naked Guys
More Marga Friends, You’re still here, Yay! It’s been a slow news week. Here’s a little chat about the weather, Inception and Naked Guys in San Francisco. See you next Wednesday!
Meet LGBT History Month icon Jason Wu | VIDEO
(Editor's note: October is LGBT History Month, celebrated annually to recognize the notable achievements of LGBT people throughout time. Each day this month, Equality Forum will feature one LGBT icon who has made notable contributions to society and SDGLN will publish the story here in the Causes section. View previous LGBT History Month icons HERE.)
Jason Wu is a fashion designer who became an overnight sensation when the first lady, Michelle Obama, wore one of his gowns to the inaugural ball in 2009. Mrs. Obama chose a Wu design again for the inaugural ball in 2013.
read more
Jason Wu is a fashion designer who became an overnight sensation when the first lady, Michelle Obama, wore one of his gowns to the inaugural ball in 2009. Mrs. Obama chose a Wu design again for the inaugural ball in 2013.
read more
Mental Health Delay for Suspect in Deoni Jones Homicide: Suspect accused of fatally stabbing transgender woman to undergoing third round of psychiatric evaluations
News:
Gary Niles Montgomery, the Northeast D.C. man accused of killing transgender woman Deoni Jones in February 2012, is now undergoing a 30-day mental observation following weeks of back-and-forth arguments between Montgomery's lawyers and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia over whether Montgomery is competent to stand trial.
Since his arrest nine days after Jones's stabbing, Montgomery's level of competence has been a sticking point in the run-up to his trial on a charge of first-degree murder while armed. Montgomery's lawyers insist he is not competent to stand trial, that he does not understand the ramifications of his actions though he has twice been found competent. Those assessments were made in March 2012 and in April 2013 after testing at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
According to the 2013 report from St. Elizabeth's, Montgomery was able to comprehend the charges against him and even demonstrated an ability to modify his legal strategy when faced with hypothetical scenarios that might arise in the course of a trial. Montgomery was diagnosed with ''Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified'' and ''Hallucinogen Abuse'' and prescribed anti-psychotic medication, but doctors and administrators at St. Elizabeth's said it was not necessary for him to stay at St. Elizabeth's and approved his placement in the D.C. Jail.
Throughout the summer and into September, Montgomery's lawyers raised concerns that their client's mental health had deteriorated since being away from St. Elizabeth's and requested that another competency hearing be held to determine his readiness to go to trial. The U.S. Attorney's Office initially submitted motions opposing Montgomery's transfer to St. Elizabeth's, but eventually relented following the results of a 24-hour forensic screening held Oct. 10.
The following day, Oct. 11, based on the results of that screening, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin ordered Montgomery be held at St. Elizabeth's for 30 days of further psychiatric testing. Montgomery is set to appear in court Dec. 2 at which time Morin will determine whether the prosecution can move forward.
A prior status hearing, scheduled for Jan. 6, has been vacated, but Montgomery remains scheduled to go to trial on April 14, 2014, if he is once again found competent.
According to charging documents, at least two witnesses saw a man matching Montgomery's description strike Jones in the head while she stood at a Northeast D.C. bus stop on the night of Feb. 2. One witness ran to help Jones after seeing her fall to the ground and began crying for help, while the other attempted to pursue the man, who eventually got away.
A Metro Transit Police Department officer on patrol responded to the scene and called for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics took Jones, who was suffering from a stab wound to the head, to Prince George's County Hospital Center in Cheverly, Md., where she later died of her injuries. ...more
Gary Niles Montgomery, the Northeast D.C. man accused of killing transgender woman Deoni Jones in February 2012, is now undergoing a 30-day mental observation following weeks of back-and-forth arguments between Montgomery's lawyers and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia over whether Montgomery is competent to stand trial.
Since his arrest nine days after Jones's stabbing, Montgomery's level of competence has been a sticking point in the run-up to his trial on a charge of first-degree murder while armed. Montgomery's lawyers insist he is not competent to stand trial, that he does not understand the ramifications of his actions though he has twice been found competent. Those assessments were made in March 2012 and in April 2013 after testing at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
According to the 2013 report from St. Elizabeth's, Montgomery was able to comprehend the charges against him and even demonstrated an ability to modify his legal strategy when faced with hypothetical scenarios that might arise in the course of a trial. Montgomery was diagnosed with ''Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified'' and ''Hallucinogen Abuse'' and prescribed anti-psychotic medication, but doctors and administrators at St. Elizabeth's said it was not necessary for him to stay at St. Elizabeth's and approved his placement in the D.C. Jail.
Throughout the summer and into September, Montgomery's lawyers raised concerns that their client's mental health had deteriorated since being away from St. Elizabeth's and requested that another competency hearing be held to determine his readiness to go to trial. The U.S. Attorney's Office initially submitted motions opposing Montgomery's transfer to St. Elizabeth's, but eventually relented following the results of a 24-hour forensic screening held Oct. 10.
The following day, Oct. 11, based on the results of that screening, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin ordered Montgomery be held at St. Elizabeth's for 30 days of further psychiatric testing. Montgomery is set to appear in court Dec. 2 at which time Morin will determine whether the prosecution can move forward.
A prior status hearing, scheduled for Jan. 6, has been vacated, but Montgomery remains scheduled to go to trial on April 14, 2014, if he is once again found competent.
According to charging documents, at least two witnesses saw a man matching Montgomery's description strike Jones in the head while she stood at a Northeast D.C. bus stop on the night of Feb. 2. One witness ran to help Jones after seeing her fall to the ground and began crying for help, while the other attempted to pursue the man, who eventually got away.
A Metro Transit Police Department officer on patrol responded to the scene and called for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics took Jones, who was suffering from a stab wound to the head, to Prince George's County Hospital Center in Cheverly, Md., where she later died of her injuries. ...more
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Winter woof land
Thanks Chris for this photo from Electric Orange. Winter woofs!
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
'It's a Whore-Ratio...'
LOL, I just watched this video after not seeing it in YEARS. So funny...such a great time with these ladies. I'd love to do this again. Visit the ladies of CHERRY BOMB at http://www.cherrybombtv.comNow keep in mind this was a few years AND girlfriends ago and my opinions then don't necessarily reflect the ones I have today. Oh, to be young and naive again...Get More: Video & Movies, Logo: Fierce TV
Modern Families
Before I dive into my first column
I want to thank all my Facebook friends who contributed to the name of what I hope will become a very popular weekly feature column in The G&L Times. I needed all the help I could get. I’m a show producer, not a writer. One of the performers in my touring show “iL CiRCo” came up with the name: “Mary Has A Little Man”. I always thought Chris was cute, amazingly talented and has an Adonis of a body, but he’s a total smart ass (I don’t say “Smart-aleck” anymore as it has completely different connotations in my life which I will discuss in further detail later). I do appreciate Chris’ wit and humor… I just can’t see myself as “Mary”, you know? Other names that made it to t…
Read More
I want to thank all my Facebook friends who contributed to the name of what I hope will become a very popular weekly feature column in The G&L Times. I needed all the help I could get. I’m a show producer, not a writer. One of the performers in my touring show “iL CiRCo” came up with the name: “Mary Has A Little Man”. I always thought Chris was cute, amazingly talented and has an Adonis of a body, but he’s a total smart ass (I don’t say “Smart-aleck” anymore as it has completely different connotations in my life which I will discuss in further detail later). I do appreciate Chris’ wit and humor… I just can’t see myself as “Mary”, you know? Other names that made it to t…
Read More
Friends, Lovers and 1 Round of Shitty Tag-Teaming
When my neighbor, Ande, moved in next door back in May, we hit it off right away. However, our friends began asking us both about the nature of our friendship and if we have crossed the line from friends into lovers. Perhaps since both of our other relationships ended close together? Or we just have such a great time together and never run out of things to talk about? Maybe it's because she walks into my house when she feels like it, talks to me while I'm in the shower and lays in my bed next to me while we flesh out why she can tell me things that she can't begin to say to the people who need to hear it? I'm not really sure what it is but I do know that if we were both heterosexual, nobody would be questioning us. This whole thing got me to thinking about friends becoming lovers and how that shit all plays out. I have made friends with some people in the last year and several of them went from comfortable friend-zone relationships into me having to ask myself "Wait, is this moving in a romantic direction?" I'll be the first to admit it - my gaydar SUCKS. And it takes me slightly longer than the average person to detect if someone has an interest in me. However, given enough time (several years) and a few hints (show me your boobs), I will eventually get there. Note: Girls who are direct and can speak plainly and communicate how badly they want me get 100 bonus points for not making me guess. Plus, it's just sexy.When a friend green-lights me and I'm clued in that she'd like more, I start to feel a little torn. On the one hand, I think some of the best relationships people can have start out as solid friendships. I like the idea of not putting pressure on a new relationship with someone that you feel a strong connection to because those people are rare. On the other hand, what's an appropriate amount of time to have said friendship before moving in a romantic direction? You can either rush (and ruin) it or take too damn long and place yourself permanently in the Friendzone. I had a great friendship with a girl I met online last year. This girl was always making me laugh, think from a different perspective and was really fun to talk to. She never put everything all out there so talking to her was like bringing up little buckets of water from a well by cranking a lever. You'd work really hard to get that bucket up from deep within her and then, there was the satisfying cool drink at the end when she would finally give you a tiny nugget of her truth. I felt that if she met me and could see that I am (normal?), she might open up more and the friendship would really take off. However, when I finally did meet her, it wasn't what I had expected. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I began to hear "Dream Weaver" playing in my head. The world around me disappeared and she seemed to be covered in disco-ball lights and glitter and all things shiny. Her voice was sultry like Jessica Rabbit and her laugh was the most charming, sexy laugh I've ever heard. I had no idea how much of an attraction I was going to have - the whole friendship thing just evaporated for me. Fuck friendship - I wanted this girl underneath me moaning in my ear.Take Away: If you ever have a "Dream Weaver" moment, ignore this feeling and go take a cold shower! If you start feeling strongly attracted to a new friend, slow that shit down and take some time to think about what you're doing. Ask yourself if it is this the right time for both of you to be starting a romantic relationship. (Hint: If you are still communicating with your ex or they are not letting go or you are within 6 months of a breakup, the answer is no.) Needless to say, it was not the right time for either of us. The friendship should have remained a friendship until we had both cleared past our break-up drama that was still going on with our exes. My thinking that we 'would still develop our friendship while also having hot sex' seemed rational to me at the time. Except that we didn't know each other well enough to be vulnerable, to develop real trust or to discern what was really us and what part of us was just the effect of both exes actively trying to win us back having on us. With 85% of all of our conversations spent strategizing about how to keep the exes at bay, the relationship never developed the way it should have. In the end, the exes won the battle of wedge-driving and, to have peace and quiet, she backed out.It would have been so much easier just to cultivate the friendship and taken my time to really get to know her and have her get to know me before we threw ourselves into the ring like a tag-team of amateurs who never fought together. And let me just say we were up against some pros. We got our asses kicked in the first round.So where does my sad story leave the people who are friends first for a while and want to transition into something more?Look, I have no idea. I'm asking yall. I really want to know the answer. I want to be able to develop a friendship with someone who can be real with me. But I also want to be able to take that shit to another level someday. What is too soon and when is it "this would just be freakin' awkward now"?My only friend-to-lover compass consists of 2 sets of oddly paired couples that have not left a favorable impression of this model for me. These 2 couples went from being pals to becoming lovers/dating and seem like they were just happy to settle for someone familiar who was not a threat. They didn't need to really be vulnerable. They didn't have to put the time in to meet and get to know someone new, discover their flaws and struggle to analyze their red flags. They dread the discovery part of relationship building instead of delighting in it.They are in relationships of convenience and they are cheating themselves out of what they really want because they are being lazy. Timing is everything. Jumping into a romantic relationship for the sake of lust seems as dumb as entering into one with a friend so you can avoid doing work on building something solid with someone you are far better suited for. Best practice? I'm only speculating but I think when you find someone that you have developed real trust with and there is a mutual physical and emotional attraction, you might just be okay to take it to the next level. If I'm wrong, don't be hatin'. But if I'm right, be sure to invite me to your wedding.
CHER 49 city Dressed to Kill Tour
The one and only Cher herself revealed that she will
kick off her ?Dressed To Kill? 49 city North American Tour beginning in Phoenix on March 22nd with stops in NY, LA, Boston, Las Vegas, and other major markets. Cher shared
the happy news with her fans following her performance on the Today Show this morning.
A
full list of ?Dressed to Kill? tour dates and cities follows this
release. The national tour promoter is Marshall Arts USA. For ticket
information and to
sign up for tour updates please go to Cher.com .
Cher?s
previous tour ?The Farewell Tour? later dubbed ?The Never Can Say
Goodbye Tour? was one of the most successful tours ever by a solo artist
and played for
a record-breaking 325 dates and seen by over 5.5 million people.
American
Express� Cardmembers can purchase their tickets to select cities before
the general public beginning Monday September 30th, 10am through Thursday,
October 3rd, 10pm.
For all online tickets purchased (presale and general public), ticketholders
will receive a free copy of Cher?s new album ?Closer To The Truth?, out September 24th on Warner Bros Records.
Cher is in New York this week celebrating the album?s release with upcoming appearances on David Letterman (Sept. 24th) and Live! with Kelly & Michael
(October 1st). Cher will also be appearing as a mentor with Blake Shelton on NBC?s The Voice airing in October.
CHER ?DRESSED TO KILL? TOUR
Sat, March 22 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
*Mon, March 24 Houston, TX Toyota Center
*Wed, March 26 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Fri, March 28 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
Sat, March 29 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Mon, March 31 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
Wed, April 2 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center
*Fri, April 4 Washington DC Verizon Center
Sat, April 5 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Mon, April 7 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Wed, April 9 Boston, MA TD Garden
Fri, April 11 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Sat, April 12 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
Wed, April 23 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center
Fri, April 25 Montreal, QC Bell Center
Sat, April 26 Ottawa, ON Canada Tire Centre
*Mon, April 28 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Wed, April 30 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Fri, May 2 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
Mon, May 5 Charlotte, NC Times Warner Cable Arena
Wed, May 7 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
*Fri, May 9 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center
*Sat, May 10 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
*Mon, May 12 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Wed, May 14 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
Fri, May 16 Orlando, FL Amway Center
Sat, May 17 Ft. Lauderdale, FL BB&T Center
Sun, May 25 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
Wed, May 28 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Fri, May 30 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena
Sat, May 31 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Mon, June 2 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
Wed, June 4 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
Fri, June 6 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center
Sat, June 7 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
Mon, June 9 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Wed, June 11 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Fri, June 20 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
Sat, June 21 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre
Mon, June 23 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
Wed, June 25 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
Fri, June 27 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
*Sat, June 28 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Mon, June 30 Portland, OR Moda Center
*Wed, July 2 San Jose, CA SAP Center at San Jose
Sat, July 5 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
*Mon, July 7 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
*Wed, July 9 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Fri, July 11 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
(*American Express� Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public.*)
kick off her ?Dressed To Kill? 49 city North American Tour beginning in Phoenix on March 22nd with stops in NY, LA, Boston, Las Vegas, and other major markets. Cher shared
the happy news with her fans following her performance on the Today Show this morning.
A
full list of ?Dressed to Kill? tour dates and cities follows this
release. The national tour promoter is Marshall Arts USA. For ticket
information and to
sign up for tour updates please go to Cher.com .
Cher?s
previous tour ?The Farewell Tour? later dubbed ?The Never Can Say
Goodbye Tour? was one of the most successful tours ever by a solo artist
and played for
a record-breaking 325 dates and seen by over 5.5 million people.
American
Express� Cardmembers can purchase their tickets to select cities before
the general public beginning Monday September 30th, 10am through Thursday,
October 3rd, 10pm.
For all online tickets purchased (presale and general public), ticketholders
will receive a free copy of Cher?s new album ?Closer To The Truth?, out September 24th on Warner Bros Records.
Cher is in New York this week celebrating the album?s release with upcoming appearances on David Letterman (Sept. 24th) and Live! with Kelly & Michael
(October 1st). Cher will also be appearing as a mentor with Blake Shelton on NBC?s The Voice airing in October.
CHER ?DRESSED TO KILL? TOUR
Sat, March 22 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
*Mon, March 24 Houston, TX Toyota Center
*Wed, March 26 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Fri, March 28 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
Sat, March 29 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Mon, March 31 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
Wed, April 2 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center
*Fri, April 4 Washington DC Verizon Center
Sat, April 5 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Mon, April 7 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Wed, April 9 Boston, MA TD Garden
Fri, April 11 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Sat, April 12 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
Wed, April 23 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center
Fri, April 25 Montreal, QC Bell Center
Sat, April 26 Ottawa, ON Canada Tire Centre
*Mon, April 28 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Wed, April 30 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Fri, May 2 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
Mon, May 5 Charlotte, NC Times Warner Cable Arena
Wed, May 7 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
*Fri, May 9 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center
*Sat, May 10 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
*Mon, May 12 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Wed, May 14 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
Fri, May 16 Orlando, FL Amway Center
Sat, May 17 Ft. Lauderdale, FL BB&T Center
Sun, May 25 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
Wed, May 28 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Fri, May 30 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena
Sat, May 31 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Mon, June 2 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
Wed, June 4 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
Fri, June 6 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center
Sat, June 7 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
Mon, June 9 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Wed, June 11 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Fri, June 20 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
Sat, June 21 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre
Mon, June 23 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
Wed, June 25 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
Fri, June 27 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
*Sat, June 28 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Mon, June 30 Portland, OR Moda Center
*Wed, July 2 San Jose, CA SAP Center at San Jose
Sat, July 5 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
*Mon, July 7 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
*Wed, July 9 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Fri, July 11 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
(*American Express� Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public.*)
(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) […]
Got Plans Tomorrow Night?
If so, cancel them and go see one amazing singer/songwriter: Christine Havrilla. She's not only a great friend, but we also recently collaborated on an original song for the short film Patty and I are doing. The song is called Hightail and you can buy it HERE.Havrilla will be at Mississippi Pizza's Atlantis Lounge tomorrow night from 6-8pm with special guests The Ragged Word.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Searching for "It's a Small World"
Photo by: Loren JavierOne of the best memories that my dad and I share together is from a trip that we took to Disney World when my daughter was a few years old. She sat on her dad's lap on the "It's a Small World" ride. Never before or since have we ever seen her as animated and excited as on that 8 minute ride. A few days ago, when my Dad said he felt like something was "different" in his brain, it reminded me that those fucking tumors in his brain are growing. Soon, he won't be able to remember that special ride with Lindsey. I made up my mind to start watching all of my home videos in a quest to find the footage that I shot and we have never watched since we took the trip. I want to watch it with him one last time so we can remember the joy that Lindsey felt on the ride and the bliss that we felt watching her enjoyment. We need this.
We're Not Fooled!
http://action.now.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=9812Please get the word out that "We're Not Fooled" by these extremists and share these images with your social network!
Hawaii Senate Committee Pushes Marriage Bill Forward
The Hawaii Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee approved a bill to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
read more
read more
Bayard Rustin's partner talks activism, legacy
Fifty years after he helped organize the world-changing National March on Washington, LGBT activist Bayard Rustin will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the United States.
Scarlett Letter Quote
.I often think back to when I had just come out and how fragile my state of mind was. I was so beaten down from years of self-loathing and trying to be straight and feeling frustrated that God would not help me to be heterosexual. When I did tell my ex, he forbade me to even have conversations with gay people. I had no support whatsoever from a fellow gay until I decided that it was unreasonable and unfair for him to deny me any support while he enjoyed the full backing of our church and friends. When they threw me out of church and announced my sin in public and asked the members of my church to only speak to me with the purpose of addressing my sin with me, I was certainly at a weak, low point..I am reading "The Scarlett Letter" (Hawthorne) for my American Lit class. I came across this quote which greatly ministered to my spirit because it reminded me that where Hester is is also where I am:Strengthened by years of hard and solemn trial, she felt herself no longer so inadequate to cope with Roger Chillingworth (her ex) as on that night, abased by sin, and half maddened by the ignominy that was still new, when they had talked together in the prison-chamber. She had climbed her way, since then, to a higher point. The old man, on the other hand, had brought himself nearer to her level, or perhaps below it, by the revenge which he had stooped for..Trials have a way of growing you as a person. The things that you could not bear to even think about, let alone actually live through, are easier than you think they will be. The dread that I had in the simple thought of losing this man's friendship haunted me for years and kept me from living a life that would make me happy. Now, I can see that my life has gone higher and further than I ever dreamed possible. I can also see how suffering through those trials has made me a stronger person and able to stand up under it. Those who felt that they had strength in numbers and behaved despotically towards me will have to bear their own shame for their deeds that took them below any level that I was ever on. .Towanda, Hester Prynne!
CNNMoney - Many same-sex couples eligible for big tax refunds
NEW YORK (CNNMoney)
Married same-sex couples who paid extra tax because
the federal government didn't recognize their marriage are now eligible
to get some of that money back.
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, defined marriage as between a
man and a woman, which meant married same-sex couples had to file their
taxes individually. But the Supreme
Court's summer ruling overturned that law. Now these couples are
not only able to file as married going forward, but they have the option
of amending their tax returns for the past three years if it would
benefit them.
For some couples, doing this will reduce their overall tax liability
and result in big refunds, which is typically the case when there is a
large disparity in incomes (for example, when one spouse doesn't
work).They can also claim any tax paid on health
insurance benefits extended from one spouse to another through an
employer-sponsored plan.
Refunds will vary widely by couple, and could be as high as tens of thousands of dollars.
Janet and Janet Emery-Black, from Nampa, Idaho, are anticipating retroactive refunds totaling $30,000. Another couple,
Adele and Jennifer Hoppe-House, from Los Angeles, expect to get back $13,000.
Read FULL ARTICLE HERE
Married same-sex couples who paid extra tax because
the federal government didn't recognize their marriage are now eligible
to get some of that money back.
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, defined marriage as between a
man and a woman, which meant married same-sex couples had to file their
taxes individually. But the Supreme
Court's summer ruling overturned that law. Now these couples are
not only able to file as married going forward, but they have the option
of amending their tax returns for the past three years if it would
benefit them.
For some couples, doing this will reduce their overall tax liability
and result in big refunds, which is typically the case when there is a
large disparity in incomes (for example, when one spouse doesn't
work).They can also claim any tax paid on health
insurance benefits extended from one spouse to another through an
employer-sponsored plan.
Refunds will vary widely by couple, and could be as high as tens of thousands of dollars.
Janet and Janet Emery-Black, from Nampa, Idaho, are anticipating retroactive refunds totaling $30,000. Another couple,
Adele and Jennifer Hoppe-House, from Los Angeles, expect to get back $13,000.
Read FULL ARTICLE HERE
Monday, October 28, 2013
Life Beyond Therapy
DADT and Mental health
Over the years, I have been the psychotherapist for many active and retired military personnel. It has been my privilege and honor to be able to support these fine men and women in whatever ways I can. It is clear to me, however, that DADT has been a major roadblock to their mental health.
As a federal law, DADT institutionalizes several phenomena:
• Forcing active and retired servicemen/women to lie, deny and hide who they are as LGBT people
• Making it crucial that LGBT servicemen/women take on a false identity, e.g. pretend they’re heterosexual
• Labeling LGBT people as unacceptable
• Putting extreme social/financial/emotional pressure on servicemen/women to keep pretending, lying, denying and hiding
In essence, DADT is a …
Read More
Over the years, I have been the psychotherapist for many active and retired military personnel. It has been my privilege and honor to be able to support these fine men and women in whatever ways I can. It is clear to me, however, that DADT has been a major roadblock to their mental health.
As a federal law, DADT institutionalizes several phenomena:
• Forcing active and retired servicemen/women to lie, deny and hide who they are as LGBT people
• Making it crucial that LGBT servicemen/women take on a false identity, e.g. pretend they’re heterosexual
• Labeling LGBT people as unacceptable
• Putting extreme social/financial/emotional pressure on servicemen/women to keep pretending, lying, denying and hiding
In essence, DADT is a …
Read More
Texts from Lindsey
Yeah, she has her own little pic now. I spent a cajillion dollars on her senior pics so I am getting my money's worth from it, I can assure you. Time to empty out the texts and tweets in my phone. Here they are for your reading enjoyment: -------------------------------------------------------Her dad pays big bucks to send her to a good Christian charter school where she goes for instruction 2 days per week and does the remainder of her work at home. Today was an instruction day and I got his little gem this morning:."My Bible teacher told us to have a 'threesome.' She was talking about Bible study groups. She didn't get why we were giggling. Poor teacher.".(Poor, indeed!)-------------------------------------------------------Nothing is as sad as a sick kid. Lindsey got sick over the weekend and was texting me to come get her from her dads house to come rescue her and bring her home:."You can't see my face right now. It is utterly pathetic and woeful. Plus, I am super-sick and, therefore, should be babied to no end.".I asked her "Are you running a fever?" to which she replied:."You don't have to be running a fever to start an outbreak. Ask any epidemiologist."------------------------------------------------------I don't even know what went down here but it did make me giggle:."Dear Dad, YEAH. NOW YOU KNOW NOT TO STALK ME DON'T YOU?".---------------------------------------------------------------Awkwardly, Miss & I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant this past Saturday. Neither of us had kids which is a miracle! Well, not so much for me since I only have a 17 year old at home now but that's beside the point. We had 2 fantastic (re: STRONG) frozen Margaritas. Towards the end of our meal, who should be seated behind us but my ex husband, his girlfriend and our 2 children. Of course the first thing I hear his his LOUD voice asking the waiter to turn the station to show the Alabama game. There goes my appetite! Before Lindsey saw me sitting behind her, she tweeted:."Mexican food and football...it's like my own personal purgatory.".When I reached between the slats of the seat to pinch her tushie, she turned around and realized it was me. Then, I got this text:."Stop touching me. I almost screamed RAPE and socked you in the head.".That (plus the margarita).. (mostly the margarita) made me giggle.------------------------------------------------------My kids know that I hate talking about the cold, being cold or looking at things that look cold. So they love to torture me and Lindsey took the opportunity to do so on Friday night when it was cold and she was going to a football game with her brother. Here is that text:."Your son is wearing short sleeves. He wants you to know that he is bringing a jacket. I'm pretty sure it's getting left in the car.".-------------------------------------------------------A few weeks ago, Lindsey went with me to visit her brother in college. As we had lunch together, I was talking about when they would get married one day and then left to go get our drinks. When I came back, they were engrossed in wedding conversation. "How mature of them to be having this adult conversation about weddings" I thought. Then, my phone beeped and I saw that Lindsey had tweeted: ."Discussing with my brother how to organize the best Minecraft-themed wedding. We are hereby cooler than you." .followed by:."We should never be allowed to be adults!" ------------------------------------------------------Finally, a text from her while she was in school:."We're doing radicals withing radicals now! WHAT THE CRAP! THIS IS LIKE MATH INCEPTION -.-"
Who's your favourite butch dyke?
Help me compiling a list of well known butch dykes I make a zine with short bios of masculine lesbians of note, and lately I feel a bit stumped for ideas.
Basically, what I'm looking for is:
1. Masculine lesbians
2. Out
3. From the past or the present
4. Whose biographies are somewhat accessible and interesting
BONUS: women of colour and non-Anglo women!
I am starting to work on a Judith Butler zine - but all the images I find of her are in lectures! So there's this concern too, to be able to find pics or imagine them in a range of situations. But most importantly, having a big list here to consult, share, and go back to.
Links to lists, blogs, tumblrs are welcome too.
Thanks!
Basically, what I'm looking for is:
1. Masculine lesbians
2. Out
3. From the past or the present
4. Whose biographies are somewhat accessible and interesting
BONUS: women of colour and non-Anglo women!
I am starting to work on a Judith Butler zine - but all the images I find of her are in lectures! So there's this concern too, to be able to find pics or imagine them in a range of situations. But most importantly, having a big list here to consult, share, and go back to.
Links to lists, blogs, tumblrs are welcome too.
Thanks!
(69) The Lesma Files: Snotty and Shitty
More hostility, fights, and internal chaos�from The Lesma Files;�a random solo anti-soy rant in between spats, so hold on to your nun�habits. Truthfully, this is a positively disgusting podcast�including potty humor. Don’t listen while eating. Enjoy! 8) Disclaimer: Soy�is�especially toxic�for people with�Thyroid issues. (some would argue it is the cause) If�a person doesn’t�know�they have Thyroid […]
(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 […]
GAY NEWS - LGBT Russians - YOU ARE WONDERFUL says MISTER CHASE
MISTER CHASE is an EDM, rocktronic performer based in NY. He has a pulsing
party vibe, mixed with chill sugary pop tones and rock star edge. His
shows are super high energy, an extremely entertaining. He is a visual
performer, backed up by a troupe of sexy, talented dancers, appropriate
for any festival, casino, club, venue or event. Having toured US, UK and
Canada, his show turns every audience member into a believer. MISTER
CHASE is currently recording his second EP which is set to release later
this year.
FOR NOW - he has a message for the gay people of Russia...YOU ARE WONDERFUL!
party vibe, mixed with chill sugary pop tones and rock star edge. His
shows are super high energy, an extremely entertaining. He is a visual
performer, backed up by a troupe of sexy, talented dancers, appropriate
for any festival, casino, club, venue or event. Having toured US, UK and
Canada, his show turns every audience member into a believer. MISTER
CHASE is currently recording his second EP which is set to release later
this year.
FOR NOW - he has a message for the gay people of Russia...YOU ARE WONDERFUL!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
DISASTER Brings Back the Late 70's
DisasterMusical.comThe Disaster Begins October 14th
It's 1979 and all the hottest New York City A-Listers are putting on their platform shoes and polyester disco shirts and heading to the grand opening of Manhattan's first floating casino and discotheque. Little do they know that their night of boogie fever, Farrah Fawcett-feathered-hair and Bella Abzug hats will end in....DISASTER! Who will survive? Who will sing the biggest 70's hit song? Find out at the laugh out loud musical comedy that will have you grooving along to such hits as ?Hot Stuff?, ?Don?t Bring Me Down?, ?I Am Woman?, ?Alone Again, Naturally?, ?Signed, Sealed, Delivered?, ?Knock on Wood?, ?Daybreak? and many more!
SPECIAL OFFER:
$39.50 for October 14th through November 1st
$49.50 November 5th and beyond
ONLINE: Visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code DIRRGEN
PHONE: Call 212.947.8844 and mention code DIRRGEN
Performance Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:30PM,
Wednesdays at 2:30PM and Fridays at 8PM
RESTRICTIONS: Regularly $79.50. Offer may be revoked at any time and is subject to availability. Not valid on prior purchase. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions; blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Maximum of 10 tickets total with offer. Ticket price includes $1.50 facility fee.
She don't want no shy guy...or like...ANY guy, apparently
Anderson Cooper isn?t the only celebrity to recently come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.Diana King, the Jamaican ?reggae-fusion? singer-songwriter, revealed that she was a lesbian in a lengthy Facebook posting late last month.Declared King on her blog: ?I AM A LESBIAN?the answer to my most asked INDIRECT question. I welcome the ?WHO CARES? right now LOL.?Read more at Huffington Post Gay Voices
The Dinah 2011: Day 2
The second annual AfterEllen dance contest was even more insane than last years. I don't even need to comment. The photos speak for themselves.
Trains, forty-five plus buses carry thousands to march for marriage
Thousands including churches, businesses and individuals boarded buses destined for Springfield. Some organizations filled their own buses and some buses carried a variety of community members. Some readers even sent in photos of the buses en route to Springfield.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Review: K?s Choice Echo Mountain tour in Eindhoven
K’s Choice were supposed to play at the Effenaar shortly before Christmas 2010.
But I heard their American record company planned a US promo tour, which took precedent to their European one, so part of their European tour got postponed to a later date. I was informed the Eindhoven date was set for March 2nd, 2011. That was fine with me until I found out Serena Ryder and Melissa Etheridge were going to play Halifax Metro Centre the exact same day. Well, poop!
K’s Choice kicked off the Eindhoven concert with Favorite Adventure, a song they wrote for bass player Eric Grossman’s wedding. It was clear that this audience showed up to see K’s Choice - even though they gave opening act Arid, fellow Belgians, a shot. I have heard of them, and the one song I recognized off their set list was Too Late Tonight (which they played early on, but judging from the response from the audience, it might have been better if they played it towards the end of their set).
Singer Sarah announced at the start that this show consisted of two parts: an acoustic set and a full on “rock and roll” set. It’s very much like their latest album Echo Mountain of which the first disc contains up-tempo songs, and the second one consists of the slower songs and ballads. I was glad they decided to turn that around for the show and start off with the acoustic set first to get everybody warmed up and ready to rock out later.
The acoustic set lasted about half an hour (it seemed shorter), after which the band took a quick break, allowing their roadies to ready the stage for a regular rock concert.
I was pleasantly surprised when the band also played Virgin State Of Mind: Buffy fans may recognize this song from an episode in which K’s Choice had a cameo. They, of course, played their biggest hit - worldwide - Not An Addict as well.
I had a great time people watching: it almost felt like Pride. The audience consisted of people of all ages (anything from teenagers to your mom and dad), straight couples, lots of queer women. I eavesdropped on a conversation happening behind me where a straight guy introduced his lesbian friend to K’s Choice. (He, too, appreciated Sarah Bettens’s singing voice.)
K’s Choice came back for two encores. The first one was kicked off by Gert performing Shadowman, a song which (in a past tour) he had paired up with Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. It’s a slightly haunting song, and in total contrast to the rest of the show, but a good indicator the show is coming to an end. Both encores consisted of songs that are slower and have a more intimate feel to them.
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If I remember correctly, they ended the show with God In My Bed. People in the audience either hummed along, or were silently listening. And I was reminded of the fact there once was a time where smoking at venues and public spaces was still allowed: moments like these lent themselves to fish out one’s lighters and sway along to the music. Not anymore. People didn’t even take out their cell phones do to something similar.
Sarah thanked the audience for coming out (no pun intended), and said that playing at a sold out venue on their first date back in the Netherlands was wonderful. I had a great evening.
In case you’re interested, I found a slide show of band pictures taken at the Eindhoven show here.
But I heard their American record company planned a US promo tour, which took precedent to their European one, so part of their European tour got postponed to a later date. I was informed the Eindhoven date was set for March 2nd, 2011. That was fine with me until I found out Serena Ryder and Melissa Etheridge were going to play Halifax Metro Centre the exact same day. Well, poop!
K’s Choice kicked off the Eindhoven concert with Favorite Adventure, a song they wrote for bass player Eric Grossman’s wedding. It was clear that this audience showed up to see K’s Choice - even though they gave opening act Arid, fellow Belgians, a shot. I have heard of them, and the one song I recognized off their set list was Too Late Tonight (which they played early on, but judging from the response from the audience, it might have been better if they played it towards the end of their set).
Singer Sarah announced at the start that this show consisted of two parts: an acoustic set and a full on “rock and roll” set. It’s very much like their latest album Echo Mountain of which the first disc contains up-tempo songs, and the second one consists of the slower songs and ballads. I was glad they decided to turn that around for the show and start off with the acoustic set first to get everybody warmed up and ready to rock out later.
The acoustic set lasted about half an hour (it seemed shorter), after which the band took a quick break, allowing their roadies to ready the stage for a regular rock concert.
I was pleasantly surprised when the band also played Virgin State Of Mind: Buffy fans may recognize this song from an episode in which K’s Choice had a cameo. They, of course, played their biggest hit - worldwide - Not An Addict as well.
I had a great time people watching: it almost felt like Pride. The audience consisted of people of all ages (anything from teenagers to your mom and dad), straight couples, lots of queer women. I eavesdropped on a conversation happening behind me where a straight guy introduced his lesbian friend to K’s Choice. (He, too, appreciated Sarah Bettens’s singing voice.)
K’s Choice came back for two encores. The first one was kicked off by Gert performing Shadowman, a song which (in a past tour) he had paired up with Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. It’s a slightly haunting song, and in total contrast to the rest of the show, but a good indicator the show is coming to an end. Both encores consisted of songs that are slower and have a more intimate feel to them.
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If I remember correctly, they ended the show with God In My Bed. People in the audience either hummed along, or were silently listening. And I was reminded of the fact there once was a time where smoking at venues and public spaces was still allowed: moments like these lent themselves to fish out one’s lighters and sway along to the music. Not anymore. People didn’t even take out their cell phones do to something similar.
Sarah thanked the audience for coming out (no pun intended), and said that playing at a sold out venue on their first date back in the Netherlands was wonderful. I had a great evening.
In case you’re interested, I found a slide show of band pictures taken at the Eindhoven show here.
Happy New Year's and Marry New Queers
My peops! I have had a little tradition of writing to you on New Year's Eve for the last few years and I wanted to keep it going today. As I write this, I'm in my new home in Houston after having lived in Los Angeles for the last 4 years and San Diego 3 years before that. It's also the first day of my new exciting gig--one that I hope will be the first of MANY like this--and a few hours away from being able to hang out with my mom again like I've been able to do the last few weeks.2011 started off SO poorly for me, and then got worse...and worse still. There were definitely some lovely little highlights and I won't complain since I'm still here to talk about it! But what I'm trying to say is that...it got better! :) This, after all, is the year of IT GETS BETTER. We've heard it all year. I've said it to myself and to you guys all year. And now, today, I can say that its happening right before my eyes. I know that a lot of you reading this right now are not feeling well, or are down about something, or may even be downright depressed. I've heard from you all year...and I know there are several others I haven't heard from but are feeling this way. I want you to know that I am here, all of my readers are here, and we're not going anywhere. I need you to stay with us. We lost too many beautiful people to suicide this year (and years past). It's an epidemic. And if I can help stop it from happening (oh man...this is going to sound trite, but I mean it with all of my heart!) to just ONE PERSON, then that would be the proudest moment of my life. It doesn't matter if I ever find out about it or not...if somehow something I can say to you or do or not say or not do will help just one person not go down that path this year, then that makes me the happiest/luckiest girl on earth.And for those of you who are NOT struggling that deeply...who are having a great time in life and who plan to make 2012 YOUR year, I can not WAIT to see it all unfold! Please keep me updated and let me know how awesome things are going for you. Even if you and I have never met before, you mean more to me than I could possibly explain in 365 posts...and I wish wonderful things for you. I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I will say I have a new life's resolution to touch and positively affect as many lives as I can. It may just be by making someone smile with a video of a couple of outta control rouge boobs, or as life-altering as helping you find the love of your life, or some bit of advice or helping you connect with the person who can help you with something...or ya know, just that boob thing. But whatever it is, I hope to leave the world a better place than I found it, one day at a time, one person at a time. And...since it looks like I could probably break into 'We Are the World' at ANY moment now, I'm just gonna throw it over to my tried and true:I also wanted to take a moment to speak to anyone who is struggling with their identity. Not going to make this long, cause life is short. ...and that's my point: life is short. We're only here for a short time, and you've got to LIVE. I think my new wife Jessie J says it best:And I'll leave you with this. Let's support this film this year!! It's long overdue:Thank you for 5.5 years...here's to MORE!-Arlan
Was Kurt Cobain Gay?
A never before released 20-year-old PBS interview has surfaced with iconic Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who confesses that he wondered if he was gay when he was a teen, the British newspaper the Independent reports.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Hello Gay men of the World. I am Phoenix and I am a Queer
Hello all you gay men of the World. Welcome to Queer Phoenixs blog about gay male topics. I am your writer my name is Phoenix and I am gay and I have lived in Phoenix, Arizona all my life. I … Continue reading →
Lessons Learned: ?I am living proof? that domestic violence afflicts the LGBT community
(Editor?s note: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many people aren?t aware that domestic violence afflicts the LGBT community. Here is the first of a two-part, first-person account by Jeff Gilson of San Diego, who tells of his two relationships that turned abusive. Part II runs tomorrow.)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many people aren?t aware that domestic violence afflicts the LGBT community. Here is the first of a two-part, first-person account by Jeff Gilson of San Diego, who tells of his two relationships that turned abusive.
read more
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many people aren?t aware that domestic violence afflicts the LGBT community. Here is the first of a two-part, first-person account by Jeff Gilson of San Diego, who tells of his two relationships that turned abusive.
read more
The Compton’s Cafeteria riot
“This is gay San Francisco. An inside look at the life of San Francisco’s homosexuals. They number 90,000— at least according to police department figures. They work to hide their sexual orientation by day, and only at night do they show their true colors.
The city’s downtown Tenderloin District is the home ground of the always visible segment of the city’s homosexuals and transvestites. The drag queens are here at Turk and Taylor.
So frequent were the fights between screaming queens in the 2 to 3 a.m. period that police — even in permissive San Francisco — had had enough, and asked an all night cafeteria to close by midnight.”
So began the 2005 documentary “Screaming Queens; The Riot at the Compton&rs…
Read More
The city’s downtown Tenderloin District is the home ground of the always visible segment of the city’s homosexuals and transvestites. The drag queens are here at Turk and Taylor.
So frequent were the fights between screaming queens in the 2 to 3 a.m. period that police — even in permissive San Francisco — had had enough, and asked an all night cafeteria to close by midnight.”
So began the 2005 documentary “Screaming Queens; The Riot at the Compton&rs…
Read More
Couples, Killed and Comedic: Folger provides the tragedy, while Round House lightens the mood
Stage:
Surely no one needs a spoiler alert about Romeo and Juliet. After all, what is probably William Shakespeare's most popular and most accessible play is also, to quote Folger Theatre, ''the world's most celebrated love story.'' But just in case, here goes: The namesake lovers in Romeo and Juliet die. And there's no happy ending in sight. If you're looking for romantic comedy, keep looking.
Romeo and Juliet
(Photo by Teresa Wood)
That is certainly the case in Folger's new production. Director Aaron Posner puts the love at the play's heart in stark contrast to all the hatred and violence that surrounds, and eventually subsumes, it. Posner focuses especially on the animosity of the lovers' feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, which ultimately drives the play's action, both the good and the very, very bad. In fact, the families' generations-standing hatred and propensity to violence completely overpowers expressions of love and harmony here. In Posner's hands, to cite his words from his director's notes, the denizens of the play's dark, ''starkly sobering'' world don't seem to see the light even after the many ''senseless'' deaths. Other productions of Romeo and Juliet end with the sense that the warring families reconcile after all the tragedy, but that's not so true with Posner's, which seems as quick to end after the two lovers' suicides as Romeo was to start the whole ill-fated affair in the first place. Though again, the blame isn't placed on Romeo (or Juliet) but squarely on the violent, hidebound society that nurtured them.
And so Folger's Romeo and Juliet is a dark, despairing descent into ''fair Verona,'' featuring a workmanlike set by Meghan Raham that doesn't even allow for a true, grand Juliet balcony in the Capulet household. Instead, there's only a slight railing on the structure's upper level and a second-floor hole through which Romeo climbs up to be with his Juliet. Laree Lentz also designs mostly drab costumes for the characters to wear, certainly for the play's two leads. Juliet, in particular, comes across like a grungy, couldn't-care-less Generation X-er, with blond hair but deep dark roots and a muted wardrobe whose only sense of pizzazz is what looks like a black sports bra often worn as an outer garment.
Romeo and Juliet To Dec. 1 Folger Shakespeare Theatre 201 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-7077 folger.edu
Seriously, there's not much to look at here. In fact, the production's most visually striking elements revolve around weapons, both literally and figuratively: the medicine cabinets with elixirs and poisons all aglow in Jennifer Schriever's lights, and the gleaming swords in Casey Dean Kaleba's fight scenes, in which antagonists bear two swords apiece to up the ante.
There is, however, nothing drab in the acting on display -- to say nothing of Shakespeare's patently great way with words and wordplay. Both Michael Goldsmith as a hyper-charged Romeo and Erin Weaver as a determined Juliet win you over as the tragedy's star-crossed lovers, while Signature Theatre star Sherri L. Edelen steals the show as the sweet, sassy, say-it-like-it-is Nurse. Brian Dykstra as mean dad Lord Capulet, Eric Hissom as sincere Friar Lawrence and the great comedic sensibilities of both Aaron Bliden (Benvolio) and Matthew McGee (Friar John plus two servant roles) all provide flickers of excitement.
This
(Photo by Danisha Crosby)
THEN WE HAVE AN ''UNROMANTIC COMEDY'' – one term I've seen bandied about to describe the play This, though the current production at Round House's Bethesda theater space is a lot better and certainly more appealing than that coinage or its non-descriptive title would suggest.
Describing in any detail the plot of Melissa James Gibson's This runs the risk of giving too much away. At its heart is a focus on two college friends -- played by Lise Bruneau and Felicia Curry -- who've stayed besties in the decades since, but whose relationship is becoming increasingly tested by the demands and distractions of parenthood, as well as the recent loss of one of the women's husband. (Todd Scofield plays the surviving husband.) A third college pal is the gay best friend, who naturally provides comic relief and good counsel -- and at least in the hands of Michael Glenn, you're actually charmed, not annoyed, at a stock supporting character that has otherwise become a tiring trope.
This To Nov. 3 Round House Theatre 4545 East-West Highway Bethesda 240-644-1100 www.roundhousetheatre.org
The specific incident that drives the play and serves as the basis for its generic title is a case of adultery that threatens to break the women's bond. Naturally, the gay best friend does what he can to prevent that from happening. And then there's the bisexual Frenchman, played with haughty charm by Will Gartshore, who offers characteristically French advice.
Gibson has a dazzling way with language and wordplay, and as directed by Round House's Ryan Rilette her play is further peppered with light jazz music written by Eric Shimelonis and performed by Curry, who both sings and plays piano. At times both the words and music border on becoming indulgent exercises, but the show always remains entertaining. That is particularly the case as performed on James Kronzer's signature carousel set, spinning us from one scene to the next with its many moving parts as if This is a kind of theatrical amusement-park ride. And, ultimately, at Round House it is. ...more
Surely no one needs a spoiler alert about Romeo and Juliet. After all, what is probably William Shakespeare's most popular and most accessible play is also, to quote Folger Theatre, ''the world's most celebrated love story.'' But just in case, here goes: The namesake lovers in Romeo and Juliet die. And there's no happy ending in sight. If you're looking for romantic comedy, keep looking.
Romeo and Juliet
(Photo by Teresa Wood)
That is certainly the case in Folger's new production. Director Aaron Posner puts the love at the play's heart in stark contrast to all the hatred and violence that surrounds, and eventually subsumes, it. Posner focuses especially on the animosity of the lovers' feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, which ultimately drives the play's action, both the good and the very, very bad. In fact, the families' generations-standing hatred and propensity to violence completely overpowers expressions of love and harmony here. In Posner's hands, to cite his words from his director's notes, the denizens of the play's dark, ''starkly sobering'' world don't seem to see the light even after the many ''senseless'' deaths. Other productions of Romeo and Juliet end with the sense that the warring families reconcile after all the tragedy, but that's not so true with Posner's, which seems as quick to end after the two lovers' suicides as Romeo was to start the whole ill-fated affair in the first place. Though again, the blame isn't placed on Romeo (or Juliet) but squarely on the violent, hidebound society that nurtured them.
And so Folger's Romeo and Juliet is a dark, despairing descent into ''fair Verona,'' featuring a workmanlike set by Meghan Raham that doesn't even allow for a true, grand Juliet balcony in the Capulet household. Instead, there's only a slight railing on the structure's upper level and a second-floor hole through which Romeo climbs up to be with his Juliet. Laree Lentz also designs mostly drab costumes for the characters to wear, certainly for the play's two leads. Juliet, in particular, comes across like a grungy, couldn't-care-less Generation X-er, with blond hair but deep dark roots and a muted wardrobe whose only sense of pizzazz is what looks like a black sports bra often worn as an outer garment.
Romeo and Juliet To Dec. 1 Folger Shakespeare Theatre 201 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-7077 folger.edu
Seriously, there's not much to look at here. In fact, the production's most visually striking elements revolve around weapons, both literally and figuratively: the medicine cabinets with elixirs and poisons all aglow in Jennifer Schriever's lights, and the gleaming swords in Casey Dean Kaleba's fight scenes, in which antagonists bear two swords apiece to up the ante.
There is, however, nothing drab in the acting on display -- to say nothing of Shakespeare's patently great way with words and wordplay. Both Michael Goldsmith as a hyper-charged Romeo and Erin Weaver as a determined Juliet win you over as the tragedy's star-crossed lovers, while Signature Theatre star Sherri L. Edelen steals the show as the sweet, sassy, say-it-like-it-is Nurse. Brian Dykstra as mean dad Lord Capulet, Eric Hissom as sincere Friar Lawrence and the great comedic sensibilities of both Aaron Bliden (Benvolio) and Matthew McGee (Friar John plus two servant roles) all provide flickers of excitement.
This
(Photo by Danisha Crosby)
THEN WE HAVE AN ''UNROMANTIC COMEDY'' – one term I've seen bandied about to describe the play This, though the current production at Round House's Bethesda theater space is a lot better and certainly more appealing than that coinage or its non-descriptive title would suggest.
Describing in any detail the plot of Melissa James Gibson's This runs the risk of giving too much away. At its heart is a focus on two college friends -- played by Lise Bruneau and Felicia Curry -- who've stayed besties in the decades since, but whose relationship is becoming increasingly tested by the demands and distractions of parenthood, as well as the recent loss of one of the women's husband. (Todd Scofield plays the surviving husband.) A third college pal is the gay best friend, who naturally provides comic relief and good counsel -- and at least in the hands of Michael Glenn, you're actually charmed, not annoyed, at a stock supporting character that has otherwise become a tiring trope.
This To Nov. 3 Round House Theatre 4545 East-West Highway Bethesda 240-644-1100 www.roundhousetheatre.org
The specific incident that drives the play and serves as the basis for its generic title is a case of adultery that threatens to break the women's bond. Naturally, the gay best friend does what he can to prevent that from happening. And then there's the bisexual Frenchman, played with haughty charm by Will Gartshore, who offers characteristically French advice.
Gibson has a dazzling way with language and wordplay, and as directed by Round House's Ryan Rilette her play is further peppered with light jazz music written by Eric Shimelonis and performed by Curry, who both sings and plays piano. At times both the words and music border on becoming indulgent exercises, but the show always remains entertaining. That is particularly the case as performed on James Kronzer's signature carousel set, spinning us from one scene to the next with its many moving parts as if This is a kind of theatrical amusement-park ride. And, ultimately, at Round House it is. ...more
Portia DeGeneres
Speaking of Ellen, Portia has petitioned the court to legally change her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres. Apparently, it's her 2nd anniversary gift to El. How sweet is that? People magazine reports that it won't go into affect until the courts will hold a hearing in Sept. Love it.You can read more about it here.
AGWA de Bolivia Herbal Liqueur
Agwa de Bolivia (usually shortened to AGWA) is a herbal liqueur made with Bolivian coca leaves and 37 other natural herbs and botanicals including green tea, ginseng, and guarana, distilled and produced in Amsterdam by BABCO Europe Limited.
The coca leaf content of the drink, like that in Coca-Cola, has the cocaine alkaloids removed during production, and does not contain the drug.
The leaves used for the production of AGWA are picked at 2000 metres above sea level in the Andes. The leaves are then shipped under armed guard to Amsterdam, where they are distilled to a strength of 78-88% alc./vol. and 36 other botanical elements are added.
It mixes with just about everything! We tried a bottle and some various concoctions.
The Cocarita (AGWA?s twist on the Margarita):
Ingredients: 2oz Frozen AGWA, 1oz Tequila, Juice of 1-2 fresh limes.
Method: Shake AGWA, Tequila & Lime Juice with ice. Strain into a salt-frosted
Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The AGWA Fresca:(pictured)
Method: A serving of Frozen AGWA poured over ice and some lime wheels in a long
glass, and topped with club soda.
The Bolivian Rhapsody
Ingredients: 1.5oz AGWA, � fresh lime, 1 tsp. raspberry jam, 1 tsp. vanilla sugar, 1 dash
cardamom bitters, 1 tsp. chocolate syrup
Method: Muddle lime, sugar, jam, and syrup; top with crushed ice in Collins glass. Add
AGWA and bitters and stir. Garnish: lime zest
The Rainforest Caipirinha
Ingredients: AGWA, Lime wedges, Brown sugar, Ice, Cane swizzle stick
Method: Muddle AGWA, lime wedges, brown sugar together, mix with crushed ice.
Garnish with a cane swizzle stick.
Want to try a signature AGWA cocktail that works all year round? You can never
go wrong with a classic recipe, the Bolivian Mojito, AGWA?s twist on the traditional
drink, or the lime ritual, known as ?Kryptonice.?
Bolivian Mojito:
Ingredients: 1.5oz Frozen AGWA, 12 mint leaves, 2-3 lime wedges, 2 tsp. sugar, 7oz club
soda, splash of your favorite rum.
Method: Gently crush the mint leaves in a long glass. Squeeze the limes over the crushed
mint, and add the sugar and crushed ice. Add the AGWA, your favorite rum, and club
soda and stir well. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.
The AGWA shot, also known as ?Kryptonice?, is also a favorite. Simply pour frozen
AGWA in a shot glass and serve with a lime wedge!
Go to AGWABuzz for more info!
The coca leaf content of the drink, like that in Coca-Cola, has the cocaine alkaloids removed during production, and does not contain the drug.
The leaves used for the production of AGWA are picked at 2000 metres above sea level in the Andes. The leaves are then shipped under armed guard to Amsterdam, where they are distilled to a strength of 78-88% alc./vol. and 36 other botanical elements are added.
It mixes with just about everything! We tried a bottle and some various concoctions.
The Cocarita (AGWA?s twist on the Margarita):
Ingredients: 2oz Frozen AGWA, 1oz Tequila, Juice of 1-2 fresh limes.
Method: Shake AGWA, Tequila & Lime Juice with ice. Strain into a salt-frosted
Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The AGWA Fresca:(pictured)
Method: A serving of Frozen AGWA poured over ice and some lime wheels in a long
glass, and topped with club soda.
The Bolivian Rhapsody
Ingredients: 1.5oz AGWA, � fresh lime, 1 tsp. raspberry jam, 1 tsp. vanilla sugar, 1 dash
cardamom bitters, 1 tsp. chocolate syrup
Method: Muddle lime, sugar, jam, and syrup; top with crushed ice in Collins glass. Add
AGWA and bitters and stir. Garnish: lime zest
The Rainforest Caipirinha
Ingredients: AGWA, Lime wedges, Brown sugar, Ice, Cane swizzle stick
Method: Muddle AGWA, lime wedges, brown sugar together, mix with crushed ice.
Garnish with a cane swizzle stick.
Want to try a signature AGWA cocktail that works all year round? You can never
go wrong with a classic recipe, the Bolivian Mojito, AGWA?s twist on the traditional
drink, or the lime ritual, known as ?Kryptonice.?
Bolivian Mojito:
Ingredients: 1.5oz Frozen AGWA, 12 mint leaves, 2-3 lime wedges, 2 tsp. sugar, 7oz club
soda, splash of your favorite rum.
Method: Gently crush the mint leaves in a long glass. Squeeze the limes over the crushed
mint, and add the sugar and crushed ice. Add the AGWA, your favorite rum, and club
soda and stir well. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.
The AGWA shot, also known as ?Kryptonice?, is also a favorite. Simply pour frozen
AGWA in a shot glass and serve with a lime wedge!
Go to AGWABuzz for more info!
City Council discusses medical marijuana dispensaries
Medical marijuana dispensaries were debated Monday by the San Diego City Council, which voted 6-1 to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance regulating dispensaries and making them legal with a list of qualifications and conditions.
But this isn’t a quick fix. City staff estimated that City Attorney Jan Goldsmith will return to the Council with an ordinance in mid-January, 2011.
It will be a different Council then, as Councilmember Donna Frye is termed out of office and Council President Ben Hueso is running for State Assembly.
Third District Councilmember Todd Gloria authored the motion which was seconded by Hueso. Carl DeMaio voted no and Marti Emerald was absent. Voting in favor were Sherri Lightner, Tony Young, Kevin Faulconer, Frye, Glor…
Read More
But this isn’t a quick fix. City staff estimated that City Attorney Jan Goldsmith will return to the Council with an ordinance in mid-January, 2011.
It will be a different Council then, as Councilmember Donna Frye is termed out of office and Council President Ben Hueso is running for State Assembly.
Third District Councilmember Todd Gloria authored the motion which was seconded by Hueso. Carl DeMaio voted no and Marti Emerald was absent. Voting in favor were Sherri Lightner, Tony Young, Kevin Faulconer, Frye, Glor…
Read More
Jared Leto earns Oscar buzz for trans turn in 'Buyers Club'
Although Matthew McConaughey is the top-billed star of Dallas Buyer's Club, it's Jared Leto who's getting the Oscar buzz. The actor/musician gives a groundbreaking performance as Rayon, a transgender woman with AIDS, in the new film that is set for a Nov. 1 release.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
If she tells me I'm same-sex attracted one more time, I will scream!
Even after taking a year off with no contact, my mother is continuing her negative comments toward my relationship with my lesbian partner. We followed much of the advice in this previous AskMe, and did the year of no contact and it actually seemed to work for a while. It seems to be wearing off and my mother is now making remarks to various siblings of mine (I come from a big Mormon family) that "Natasha's" and my children will not turn out right, comparing the situation to my cousin's who grew up with a single mom and how they turned out without a father home, that she just can't get comfortable with the arrangement, etc. How do I specifically tell my mom this is Not Ok and get her to knock it off? After the year of no contact (ended 8 months ago) my parents invited us over to their house for dinner, my dad apologized for a lot of the stuff he and my mom said during that time. We've had several get togethers since then.
Fast forward to yesterday. Things have been going...better in a sense that they don't treat Natasha half as rudely as they did before, but it's still a bit weird. However, my family just returned from a 2 week European vacation two days ago (that we were not invited on... my mother told my sister that it was because we had told her that we would only sleep in the same bed during the trip, and had declined. We never got the chance to make a decision either way, as, we weren't ever invited. It's better we didn't go, but that's another story for another day).
My mom keeps telling different siblings of mine (who relate this to me in one way or another) that she just doesn't approve of Natasha, that our children are going to suffer (if she only knew we are seriously considering getting pregnant by the end of the year), and that "living this way is going to have serious consequences down the road." Direct quote.
I've been out since I was 21- to the whole world but this is my first serious relationship where marriage and babies have been discussed. My mother called yesterday and I didn't pick up her call- since they have been gone 2 weeks it's been a while since I talked to her. I screened her call and am now writing this AskMe.
What is a reasonable way to interact with my mother on this? I want to call her out for her bad behavior and I don't really have the words to do it. My mom does intimidate me a little but I have always been known to stand up to bullies so this shouldn't be any different. As of this month, Natasha and I have since moved out of state and so contact with them will be even less frequent, but this all sucks so much. I still have siblings living at home that she's influencing.
I'm just your standard lesbian with a beautiful partner that I love dearly. Nothing to write home about, so why is my mother (and my dad more removed) having such a hard time coming to grips with "life"? I don't understand and I don't know how to cope. I've been going through this for almost two years with them and the stress and worry have become overwhelming. Natasha has been so understanding through all of this but I worry about the impact it has on her. I thought the Dan Savage "year off" would do the trick, and it worked for a little while but there are deeper seated feelings about my partnership with Natasha than I ever thought were actually possible. Thank you in advance for reading.
Fast forward to yesterday. Things have been going...better in a sense that they don't treat Natasha half as rudely as they did before, but it's still a bit weird. However, my family just returned from a 2 week European vacation two days ago (that we were not invited on... my mother told my sister that it was because we had told her that we would only sleep in the same bed during the trip, and had declined. We never got the chance to make a decision either way, as, we weren't ever invited. It's better we didn't go, but that's another story for another day).
My mom keeps telling different siblings of mine (who relate this to me in one way or another) that she just doesn't approve of Natasha, that our children are going to suffer (if she only knew we are seriously considering getting pregnant by the end of the year), and that "living this way is going to have serious consequences down the road." Direct quote.
I've been out since I was 21- to the whole world but this is my first serious relationship where marriage and babies have been discussed. My mother called yesterday and I didn't pick up her call- since they have been gone 2 weeks it's been a while since I talked to her. I screened her call and am now writing this AskMe.
What is a reasonable way to interact with my mother on this? I want to call her out for her bad behavior and I don't really have the words to do it. My mom does intimidate me a little but I have always been known to stand up to bullies so this shouldn't be any different. As of this month, Natasha and I have since moved out of state and so contact with them will be even less frequent, but this all sucks so much. I still have siblings living at home that she's influencing.
I'm just your standard lesbian with a beautiful partner that I love dearly. Nothing to write home about, so why is my mother (and my dad more removed) having such a hard time coming to grips with "life"? I don't understand and I don't know how to cope. I've been going through this for almost two years with them and the stress and worry have become overwhelming. Natasha has been so understanding through all of this but I worry about the impact it has on her. I thought the Dan Savage "year off" would do the trick, and it worked for a little while but there are deeper seated feelings about my partnership with Natasha than I ever thought were actually possible. Thank you in advance for reading.
Zayn Malik Shirtless Again
Yet another photo of Zayn Malik Shirtless. People keep asking me for them...
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Gay newsView Australian Queer News on the web at Gay News Blog
Op-ed: Hold Your Head Up, Young One
To the young LGBT kid stuck in a small town and feeling alone.
read more
read more
Coverboy: Khoa: Fashionista In Training
Coverboy Interview:
Born in Vietnam, now in Springfield, Coverboy Khoa has dreams of making it big in the fashion industry. The 22-year-old receptionist for his family's nail salon is already learning how to sew as he applies to fashion school in New York. Describing himself as a ''regular Asian guy,'' Khoa's likes include going out to eat with friends, watching comedies on the big screen and going clubbing on the weekends. If you want to catch him out on the town, your best bets would be JR.'s, Cobalt or Nellie's, though if he's in a dancing mood, the final destination is most likely Town.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's on your nightstand?My wallet, my iPad, my phone, a lamp, eye drops, stuff I need.
What's in your nightstand drawer?A lot of stuff.
Where do you keep the condoms and lube?In the top drawer of my nightstand.
What are your television favorites?I used to like Ugly Betty. Now I guess it's Pretty Little Liars.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?I watched a lot of programs on the children's educational channels. We didn't have cable. I guess my favorite program was Arthur.
Who's your greatest influence?My mom. She's always there for me. She understands me a lot, and she's a great influence because she takes care of the whole family.
What's your greatest fear?Crazy people. Reptiles. Even frogs, though they're not reptiles.
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.Lady Gaga, Tyra Banks and Ellen.
What would you serve?Vietnamese food. And a lot of vodka and drinks.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
How would you describe your dream guy?Tall, understanding, good-looking. My type is white, average build.
Define good in bed.Passionate. Sweaty.
Who should star in a movie about your life?I don't know. There's not a lot of mainstream Asian actors in Hollywood.
What would the title of that movie be?I hope to be a famous fashion designer, so maybe something like King of Fashion? Inspiration?
Who was your first celebrity crush?Chris Evans from Captain America.
Who gets on your nerves?People who are ignorant or hateful.
If your home was burning, what's the first thing you'd grab while leaving?My phone and my wallet.
What's your biggest turn-on?A guy with a big chest and shoulders.
What's your biggest turn-off?Somebody who thinks they're all that, or somebody who comes off as not nice or who makes bitchy comments.
What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet tried?Take a tour around Europe.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's something you've tried that you never want to do again?Paddleboats. I was on one and I got stuck in the middle of the lake. And I can't swim
Boxers, briefs or other?Briefs.
Who's your favorite musical artist?My favorite is Lady Gaga. Then Lana Del Ray, then Katy Perry and Adele.
What's your favorite website?YouTube.
What's the most unusual place you've had sex?In a car.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?I don't care. I could be pitcher or catcher. I do both.
What's your favorite retail store?Zara.
What's the most you've ever spent on a piece of clothing?Close to $200.
What's the most you'll spend on a haircut?I usually cut my own hair, but when I have someone else cut it, about $15.
What about on shoes?$120.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's your favorite food to splurge with?McDonald's or Chipotle.
What do you put on your Chipotle burrito?Beans, chicken, rice, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, corn. Sometimes guacamole. I don't eat tomatoes. I hate them.
What's your favorite season?Fall and winter. It's nice and cool. I don't like the heat.
What kind of animal would you be?I'd be a panda. It's a rare creature, and it's cute.
What kind of plant would you be?An orchid.
What kind of car would you be?A BMW, because I've always wanted one. I don't really care about cars, though.
What are you most grateful for?My life, in general. My friends, family, supportive people around me.
What's something you want more of?Money, but I've got to work for that.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.Be yourself. ...more
Born in Vietnam, now in Springfield, Coverboy Khoa has dreams of making it big in the fashion industry. The 22-year-old receptionist for his family's nail salon is already learning how to sew as he applies to fashion school in New York. Describing himself as a ''regular Asian guy,'' Khoa's likes include going out to eat with friends, watching comedies on the big screen and going clubbing on the weekends. If you want to catch him out on the town, your best bets would be JR.'s, Cobalt or Nellie's, though if he's in a dancing mood, the final destination is most likely Town.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's on your nightstand?My wallet, my iPad, my phone, a lamp, eye drops, stuff I need.
What's in your nightstand drawer?A lot of stuff.
Where do you keep the condoms and lube?In the top drawer of my nightstand.
What are your television favorites?I used to like Ugly Betty. Now I guess it's Pretty Little Liars.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?I watched a lot of programs on the children's educational channels. We didn't have cable. I guess my favorite program was Arthur.
Who's your greatest influence?My mom. She's always there for me. She understands me a lot, and she's a great influence because she takes care of the whole family.
What's your greatest fear?Crazy people. Reptiles. Even frogs, though they're not reptiles.
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.Lady Gaga, Tyra Banks and Ellen.
What would you serve?Vietnamese food. And a lot of vodka and drinks.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
How would you describe your dream guy?Tall, understanding, good-looking. My type is white, average build.
Define good in bed.Passionate. Sweaty.
Who should star in a movie about your life?I don't know. There's not a lot of mainstream Asian actors in Hollywood.
What would the title of that movie be?I hope to be a famous fashion designer, so maybe something like King of Fashion? Inspiration?
Who was your first celebrity crush?Chris Evans from Captain America.
Who gets on your nerves?People who are ignorant or hateful.
If your home was burning, what's the first thing you'd grab while leaving?My phone and my wallet.
What's your biggest turn-on?A guy with a big chest and shoulders.
What's your biggest turn-off?Somebody who thinks they're all that, or somebody who comes off as not nice or who makes bitchy comments.
What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet tried?Take a tour around Europe.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's something you've tried that you never want to do again?Paddleboats. I was on one and I got stuck in the middle of the lake. And I can't swim
Boxers, briefs or other?Briefs.
Who's your favorite musical artist?My favorite is Lady Gaga. Then Lana Del Ray, then Katy Perry and Adele.
What's your favorite website?YouTube.
What's the most unusual place you've had sex?In a car.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?I don't care. I could be pitcher or catcher. I do both.
What's your favorite retail store?Zara.
What's the most you've ever spent on a piece of clothing?Close to $200.
What's the most you'll spend on a haircut?I usually cut my own hair, but when I have someone else cut it, about $15.
What about on shoes?$120.
Coverboy: Khoa
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's your favorite food to splurge with?McDonald's or Chipotle.
What do you put on your Chipotle burrito?Beans, chicken, rice, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, corn. Sometimes guacamole. I don't eat tomatoes. I hate them.
What's your favorite season?Fall and winter. It's nice and cool. I don't like the heat.
What kind of animal would you be?I'd be a panda. It's a rare creature, and it's cute.
What kind of plant would you be?An orchid.
What kind of car would you be?A BMW, because I've always wanted one. I don't really care about cars, though.
What are you most grateful for?My life, in general. My friends, family, supportive people around me.
What's something you want more of?Money, but I've got to work for that.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.Be yourself. ...more
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