LESBIAN 2 • September NEWS 2015 VOL. 41 • NO.

MARGARET is mad as hell about, CLASSIC CHO well, pretty much CABARET everything that defines Lesbian & Gay patriarchal America. Composers

SEEKING+ DOLLY PARTON Sometimes Life Begins At Misconception! LN Contributors

Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown are owners and wife team of LunaBella Makeup and Hair in Santa Barbara, CA. Originally from Oakland, CA., they met there at 17 years of age and have been together for over 12 years. Legally married in California on October 3, 2008, their company has since taken off. They absolutely love not only what they do but also how uniquely they work together.

Dian Katz works a variety of arenas. With a background in Marriage Counseling and a history as a professional performer, she’s LN’s Entertainment Editor and Self Help columnist. Dian’s also authored a book entitled: Love Hurts - A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness. She sometimes works the motivational speaking circuit. Dian’s an award winning drummer with her own rock band. Out of all the many hats she wears, performing and writing are her biggest passions.

Gladi Adams, PhD is a native New Englander who was recruited in Boston by the Los Angeles Unified School District to teach English in L.A. She studied at Boston University, Cal State Northridge, California Western and UCLA. She.retired as a secondary school principal after 35 years in the system. She is married to Ella Matthes, publisher, and they have been working on the LN together since 2005.

John Esther For nearly a dozen years, Movie Editor John Esther has been writing for Lesbian News. Over time, he has written more than 100 articles for LN on film, music, theater, and culture. His monthlymovie column, Eye C, is currently the longest consecutive- running movie column in LN. John also contributes articles to numerous other publications, plus his own blog. John is currently a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association(GALECA) Juno Parreñas, PhD has been a regular monthly columnist at the Lesbian News since 1997, when she was seventeen years old. Since then, she has lived in three continents, five countries, ten cities, and has three degrees: a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD from Harvard University. When she’s not writing about sexuality, politics, pleasure, culture, desire, and social relations, she works on her research involving orangutans.

Mona de Crinis grew up in a world without Xbox or Netflix, when tweeting was something birds did and “Pinterest” was a bad typo. She relied on her fertile imagination for fun quickly discovering that words threaded together could create a vibrant tapestry of expression. This awareness sparked a passion and subsequent career. For more than 20 years, she has written for and edited regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles.Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids. Karen Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally-designed major in “Humor and Healing.” She earned a Master of Education degree from CSU’s Adult Learning & Development program. Karen Williams, M.Ed, taught Stand-Up Comedy in the Dramatic Arts department of Cleveland State University. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of HaHA Institute and an internationally acclaimed and nationally-known stand-up comic, SPEAK UP! SPEAK OUT! LAUGH OFTEN!

Kristi Pallino is a leader in the field of Life Coaching. She works with Lesbian individuals, couples and large groups. Kristi’s Life Coaching landed her on a cable show called “How Do I Look” as well as five different non-profit organizations teaching Life Skills. She also writes a monthly motivational column called “The Coach’s Corner.” Kristi’s passion is to coach her clients into the purposeful life they are meant to live and beyond. Visit her website at www.lifecoachkristi.com. Contact: [email protected] or 818-321-6830.

Lynda Montgomery was born in Long Beach, a small town in Canada. She loves a pa- rade, so she moved to Long Beach California, a big town, so she didn’t have to be all alone in the Gay Pride parade! She is an activist for animal rights and gay rights, giving priority to gay animals! As a stand-up comic she has survived many dive bars, festivals, and comedy clubs. She is currently trying to get booked onto the “Olivia Cruises” because she heard it’s a great place to meet women!

Mona Elyafi has been writing celebrity magazine profiles, entertainment news and lifestyle columns for two decades. She currently writes for the Huffington Post, and serves as the West Coast correspondent for Diva Magazine (Dubai’s leading Women’s fashion magazine) writing pieces on Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee Simmons and Denise Richards.Born in Beirut, Lebanon, raised in Paris, France, residing in Los Angeles, Elyafi has spent 20 years working in entertainment publicity, heading her own PR Company, ILDK Media. She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from New York University.

Morag Hillsinger is the Nom de Plume of R.J. Birmingham, a local attorney. Winner of an essay competition in 1993 “Trial by Media,” she also has a published case as co-counsel with Lambda Legal (2008) which benefitted gays and lesbians. She is a monthly contributor of Poetry for the LN. Ms. Birmingham practices Estate Planning and Serious Personal Injury at Long Beach Law, Inc. and is working on a book of essays about the practice.

Nat Burns is a professional writer and editor who retired from an editorial systems career in Virginia to relocate to New Mexico. She is an award-winning author and journalist and a book editor for several publishers. Burns has published eight novels to date and her work has appeared in more than thirty anthologies. She has worked for this magazine for six years and is a proud grandmother.

Carl Matthes is the current president of UGLA, Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, an organization providing a support system for gay men, lesbians and education for individuals and the community He is a columnist on the Lesbian News, owned and published by his sister, Ella and her wife Gladi. He was editor of the GLAAD/newsletter, and a GLAAD/LA representative on the Board.In July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 48 years, by Los Angels City Councilmember Jose Huizar. It was a unique gay/ lesbian double ceremony as Carl’s sister Ella and her partner Gladi were also married by Jose. Nikki McCauley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Robert Morris University and spent ten years with Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Accomplishments: Pilot- Godless- 2010- 2012. CD- Spoken Word 2005. Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004 .Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts- Law & Order, The Practice, Cold Case, CSI Las Vegas.

Sally Sheklow came out in 1973 and has been with her Wifey for 25 years. They live in Eugene, Oregon with their two cats. Sally’s “Living Out” column first appeared in Lesbian News in 1999, and twice won both the Houston Press Club’s Lone Star Award for best magazine column and Best of Eugene’s “Best Writer” award. Sally teaches Queer Studies at Portland State University, performs with the all-lesbian improv troupe WYMPROV! And makes art out of old buttons.

Shawn Ryan is a lot of things. He’s an Actor/Singer/Writer/Director and Camp Director but fancies himself a Dancer/Poet/Lyrical Savant/Brother/Son/and Terrific Husband. His greatest wish is that someday Barbara Walters will come out of retirement and make him cry on ABC. He lives in a state of adoring bliss with his husband, actor John Ainsworth, and their furry children, Mr Kitty and Gazpacho the Chihuahua. It seems as though things couldn’t get much better, but day by day, they to do. Follow him on www.Shawn-Ryan.com

Sherron Mills, N.P. has been a lesbian health care practitioner and activist for many years. In 1980 she co-founded Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services, the country’s first non-profit clinic to serve the lesbian community. She then went on in 1984 to launch Pacific Reproductive Services to provide sperm bank, fertility and insemination services primarily to lesbians. Knowing that many of her clients would greatly value the opportunity for their children to meet their sperm donors, should they wish to do so, she was an early pioneer in recruiting men who would contractually agree to meet a child at least once after he or she reaches 18. As a result, PRS today has more “willing to be known” sperm donors than any other U.S. sperm bank.

Stephanie Papadakis is originally from southern California. Stephanie knew she wanted to live in San Francisco from the age of 10 (but had no clue she liked women). When she’s not working at a lesbian travel company in SF, she spends her time cooking delicious paleo meals, climbing rugged mountains, exercising daily, researching random trivia knowledge, making “dream lists” on Airbnb and planning day-, weekend- and week- long dates with her partner, Sara.

Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute. Teresa DeCrescenzo is a social worker, activist, teacher, and writer. After 25 years of advocating for LGBT youth through her work at GLASS, Teresa is adjunct professor at CSUN where she has taught Sociology of LGBT communities, Social Policy, Social Work Practice, and other courses designed to inspire and prepare future generations of social work activists. She is also the Director of Social Services at one of the largest acute care hospitals in California. As Arts & Culture Editor and Book Reviewer, Teresa brings the best of lesbian writing and cultural events to the community-at-large. Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite – freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause.

Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her web site at www.astrologervic.com September 2015

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Seeking Dolly Parton A brand new film about a lesbian couple wanting to INSIDE LN have a baby and the ex-boyfriend who steps up to help to unexpected results for all. HOTSPOTS By Michel Khordoc Not so fast! Summer’s not over yet! Earth Talk BOOKS When you are planning your trip, you should also Perfectionism getting in your think about the environment. You can definitely way? be a responsible traveler by adapting the green travel method. POETRY You and I By Sheer and Moss NOTES FROM NAT Classic Cabaret Two Brits Herald Autumn in Lesbian & Gay Composers Featured in Remarkably Different Ways “Classic Cabaret” LESBIANS ON LOCATION By Carl Matthes Raven’s Touch World Premiere FEMASTROLOGY Big astrological happenings make September a fateful month, so ready or not, here it comes! LIFESTYLES Comic Of The Month Every famous comic starts out at open mikes - discover one to follow for yourself. By Linda Montgomery

Movies Eye C Follow Us Online Two friends forget to Breathe in Mélanie Laurent’s sophomore effort By John Esther LESBIANNEWS.COM Theorhetically Speaking Let us know what The Cost of the Mountaintop you think. By Nikki McCauley

COLUMNS

Living Out What makes a dyke swell with self-respect? By Sally Sheklow

Positive Reflections Lions, giraffes, hippos and other animals are being killed for sport. What can we do about it? By Dian Katz, MS

Queerly Questioning I giggled. I cried. I applauded. And then on the long drive home, I realized: I actually hate musical theatre. By Juno Parrenas, PhD

Words That Make Sense Misunderstandings can really mess up your life. By Toni Hart

Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video. CHO AND TELL | By Mona de Crinis hen a Magazine. Some critics called the thoroughbred: strong, spirited and veteran spoof racist and chastised Cho for highly intelligent. She’s excelled Cho fan perpetuated Asian stereotypes, to as an author, comedian, actress, teasingly which the edgy Asian tweeted, singer-songwriter/musician (she suggests “I’m not playing the race card. I’m is an accomplished guitar player) donning playing the rice card.” In circuitous and even a fashion designer with a WDepends if you attend her standup irony, network executives line of jumpsuits jauntily branded comedy show because you’re going lamented twenty years earlier that “Solitaire.” Take away the trappings to “squirt like an octopus” from Cho’s 1994 sitcom “All-American of her craft — outrageous humor laughing so hard, you politely nod Girl,” the pioneering series plotted built on bold irreverence, cheeky while silently thinking “no duh.” around a Korean family, was monologues expertly delivered There’s no question Margaret Cho alternately too Asian or not Asian with deadpan sincerity, guitar is funny — brilliant, in fact. And enough. chords punctuated by salacious she’s parlayed that crackerjack lyrics — and you’ll find an astute The cancellation of “All-American wit into a fluid career spanning businesswoman, a conscientious Girl” cut deep. The wound festered decades, writing her first joke at activist and a champion of the for a while, landing Cho in the 14 in the modest San Francisco underdog. When it comes to social hospital with kidney failure as home she shared with her Korean injustice, particularly against the result of extreme dieting. But immigrant parents. She’s titillated women, animals, the LGBTQ rather than pick at the scab, she audiences ever since, dishing community, the homeless or other channeled her anger and frustration out strong social commentary disenfranchised fringes orbiting into new ventures. Subsequent sweetened with humor through a mainstream America, Cho’s a TV appearances — a recurring media smorgasbord that includes Korean powder keg with a short role on Lifetime’s “Drop Dead print, audio, film, social and stage. fuse. Bullied as a kid because she Diva” and a reality show about didn’t fit the bromidic mold from Not much, if anything, is off limits her life — fared much better, with which pop the Marsha Bradys when this three-time Grammy and “Drop Dead Diva” eking out six of the world, Cho salvaged the Emmy nominee takes the stage. impressive seasons. emotional shrapnel left from her She’s picked apart the Palins; Cho currently cohosts TLC’s youth and fashioned artillery cut a rug on “Dancing With The late-night cable talk show “All camouflaged in comedy to defend Stars” season 11, flaunting her About Sex,” a gig for which she the defenseless. Last year she queer agenda with a rainbow- is consummately qualified. As initiated #BeRobin, an innovative inspired dance in response to an unapologetic libertarian, Cho street-level campaign targeting LGBTQ bullying (she lost in the navigates the shadowy terrain of homelessness in San Francisco, third round); dissected traditional sexual empiricism with relative in memory of her good friend and views on motherhood and women ease, largely because the footprints mentor Robin Williams, who was a in her critically-acclaimed 2012 she finds in the dark corners of devout advocate for the homeless. show “Mother”; and impersonated polymorphous aberrance are her North Korean President Kim Jong- This fall,Margaret Cho proves that own. She’s brazenly bisexual, Il in an episode of “30 Rock,” for nothing scares crazy more than suiting up for either team as the which she received an Emmy nod crazier in The psyCHO Tour (“… mood strikes, which makes her for Outstanding Guest Actress in because there is no “I” in team perspective on relationships and a Comedy Series. Willing to push but there is a “CHO” in psycho,” sexuality particularly insightful. the envelope a little further, she Cho explains), hitting major U.S, showed up at the 2015 Emmys If comedians are the pragmatic cities before the tour sets off for in full drag as the fictional North workhorses of the entertainment the European leg this winter. Cho Korean film journalist and general industry, then Cho is a graciously took time out of her Cho Yun Ja of Movies Wow! busy schedule to speak with the Lesbian News about what makes her tick and what just makes her we do a lot of shaming and we do LN: How do you approach ticked off. a lot of not believing. When you something that evokes so much look at somebody, like the victims ire and find humor in it? Lesbian News: What can you tell of Bill Cosby, more than 40 have us about The psyCHO Tour? MC: The way it is for me … it’s come forward with the same story; like dealing with Boko Haram Margaret Cho: It’s a show about he did the same thing over years [Nigerian militant terrorists who making sense of the rage that and years and years. And we still abducted 276 girls in 2014]. My I feel about all of the violence have people who don’t believe solution was to get a whole bunch happening in the world, especially them. We have a really serious of women together — this was against women. So it’s a kind of problem in blaming the victim. before the Nigerian girls had been call to action, kind of a revolution. And that’s the thing that makes rescued. I wanted to get all these I mean to reinvigorate feminism me the most angry, that women girls rescued, so I was calling out from a very base level and harness who have been victimized are to audiences saying, “If you do anger in a positive way, which I often put on the defensive when cross fit. I want you. If you do think is what needs to happen. they should be believed. I think Curves two times a week, I want we have internalized sexism in the LN: Is there a particular issue you. I want all of us women to world of justice and the world of you address in the show that hang out. We’ll hang out together entertainment to the point where really makes you crazy? and we’ll train; we’ll hang out so we are letting a rapist, a serial much we all get on the same cycle. MC: The way rape victims are rapist who has been active for Then we’ll go the week before, treated in America. I am a rape nearly 50 years, free, essentially which is PMS week and which in victim and a childhood sexual and allowing him to work in the my book is called Shark Week and abuse survivor. When a woman same capacity that he always has. we will teach Boko Haram a lesson tells her story, when she names her about women and education. I’ve abuser and says she’s innocent, talked about the issue and I’ve like that when they’re in comedy got to be Hillary. And Hillary has also tried to make comedy about clubs and they feel attacked. I offer already been president for eight it while giving people some ideas, a safe refuge from that but still years, so we know she can do it. like, “Hey, we could actually do using the art form as it exists for She did a great job the first time something. Let’s go over.” With my own purposes so we can still around, so she’s going to do a great all these terrorist groups out there, enjoy comedy and not feel fearful. job again. I know this. Everybody why can’t we also have our own LN: You talk about Caitlin knows this now; this is not news. version of really angry American [Bruce] Jenner in this new show. women who want a solution? I LN: Do all the ultra-rightwing Can you give us a little teaser? think we have just as much right politicians throwing their hats to do it our way, whatever that is. MC: I’m so proud that we are into the ring frighten or concern So that’s my kind of recruitment having somebody on the fame you? speech and my course of action spectrum who is transitioning, MC: I don’t know, because those and also my comedy. which is a very difficult thing. candidates in the past elections I have had a lot of people in my LN: What is your ultimate goal have proven themselves to be life transition and it’s an intensely when the audience leaves your so unworthy. It’s more that I’m private experience for many of the show? curious how they’re going to prove people I know who have done it. their unworthiness again. They’re MC: Acknowledgment that they So when you see somebody in that history shows. Like Huckabee, I are not the only people who are public of a forum do that, it’s really think he’s just going to be terrible angry. At least we can acknowledge remarkable and really beautiful. again, which is entertaining but that we have the power to do And then when I see Jenner talking I don’t find it as scary. I think something. And I think that’s about transitioning, I don’t see the America is actually quite a lot exciting. At least we have some reality TV star anymore, I see the smarter than when George W. control over how we feel and know Olympian; I see the star athlete. Bush was elected. I think that we that we can empower ourselves in The real gold medal is the legacy of really have learned our lesson with some way. Bruce Jenner and I think it’s really Bush. I’m optimistic about voting inspiring and really amazing and LN: Your press material implies and the way people talk. And with beautiful. So that’s my take on it. that your audience is not your social media as it is, the good sort run-of-the-mill comedy fans. LN: What did you think of the of has the upper hand, I believe. Describe a traditional comedy Diane Sawyer interview? LN: What would you say to fan. MC: I thought it was great. I someone picketing marriage MC: I think a traditional comedy thought the whole thing was equality with a sign that reads: “I fan is somebody who likes to really, really beautifully done and want to marry my dog, my sister laugh. My experience in comedy wonderful for people who are in and the paperboy. Where are clubs is that it can feel like a that difficult stage of transitioning. my equal rights?” That’s a real very unsafe place for women, for It’s also helping a heteronormative slogan, by the way. people of color, for queer people. cisgendered world understand the MC: Well, it doesn’t dignify a Because jokes are often directed at experience of transitioning. And response because that’s just dumb. these minorities, you can go to the I think that’s an incredible lesson It equates homosexuality with comedy clubs and feel very, very and an incredible thing. bestiality, with incest. You’re very out of place because you’re being LN: What are your thoughts much considering it as a perversity spoken about in a derogatory on the upcoming presidential rather than the truth of what it is: manner. So what I hope to do is election? love and relationships. For them, create a safe space in comedy it’s not about equal rights; it’s clubs for people. My audience is MC: Well, I think ultimately it’s about equating homosexuality an audience that has experienced with something that it is not. being uncomfortable in situations “With all these terrorist groups out there, why can’t we also have our own version of really angry American women who want a solution? I think we have just as much right to do it our way, whatever that is.” Homosexuality has nothing to do MC: Oh, I’d love to get close to Ted create something out of nothing. If with incest. Homosexuality has Allen, the guy from “Chopped.” I you’re writing, you have to leave nothing to with bestiality. And adore him. Oh, he makes me crazy. something for the next day so that to equate it as such points to a He invited me to his birthday party. you have a place to start. diseased mind. He said it was his 50th birthday LN: Are there any subjects you party and I would say, “Oh no, it’s LN: As a self-described bisexual, wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot your 30th birthday party. You’re who do you think is better in bed: pole on stage? just adorable!” I can’t even … I a man or a woman? can’t stand it. That’s really the MC: I don’t know. I think in MC: That is on a very case-to-case only kind of boy that will make me comedy you do have to have basis. It’s not the physical body scream — a gay celebrity chef. I enough skill to be able to that is so pleasing to me. It’s more just fall all over myself; I am so in encounter and speak on anything. of a connection, the relationship as love with him. Also Alton Brown I’m not sure what would be taboo. a whole. So I couldn’t really say. [“Good Eats”], although he is not I haven’t gotten there yet but I’m gay. But I just love him. And Anne open to all subjects. LN: Just for fun, who would be Burrell [“Secrets of a Restaurant your celebrity wife and celebrity LN: You were close to Robin Chef”], love her so much. husband? Williams and Joan Rivers and LN: When you’re writing, what’s considered them mentors. How MC: I actually don’t know. I the richest topic to mine for jokes did you cope with their deaths? was married for a long time and and what’s the hardest? I am no longer married. The MC: I haven’t. With Robin, I did idea of marriage and all that is MC: It varies. You never really homeless outreach that involved so unappealing to me. So I think know. Sometimes everything is a lot of street performance. That maybe I would actually, even if I hard and sometimes everything is was his main cause in activism had my choice worldwide, I would easy. And it’s never a subject, it’s and he spoke in front of Congress actually stay single. more the mood and day. The most numerous times about ending important thing is always come to homelessness. He was an amazing LN: How about just for one date? the page with something to say, activist for that. So I tried to Who would you like to get close because it’s really impossible to continue and sort of honor his to? memory by doing that and that helps me a lot. And then Joan, I It was 346 surgical procedures of the self needs to be right before don’t know. I’m not over it. It’s related to plastic surgery. But all anything else can be right. I found really hard. I bought a painting of that was mostly just for her own that I really was talking about from an artist who had done my enjoyment. It was not from a fear basics a lot. People have a lot of portrait and then after Joan’s death of aging. fear around masturbation and fear he did her portrait. So I have the of displeasing their male partners LN: As a mentor, what’s your matching ones of her and me right or being afraid of certain things advice to someone starting out in now. I’ve gotten together with that male partners desired. Male comedy? Melissa [Rivers] and we’ve been desire has such a huge, huge able to grieve and talk together. MC: Well, I have sort of a impact in relationships to the point But I don’t think that you really finishing school for young women where women were really only get over it. Comedy is such an in comedy and have students who catering to male desire and had apprenticeship art form. You do work with me all the time. I just try no idea what female desire was have a really jarring transition to advise them about gratitude. And about. It’s a strange thing when from being an apprentice to being to a certain extent, sobriety, which you’re talking to people out there the teacher. That’s sort of what I’m I think is also vitality important, who really have these problems hoping my next phase is. although I am not [sober]. But I and they don’t have a way to think for emerging performers understand themselves. It’s tough. LN: Did either of them offer you that’s essential. That’s under “do advice or tips? LN: Do you binge watch? as I say, not as I do.” That’s my MC: More so with Joan, she was take on it. I think sobriety is really MC: Oh, all the time and then I very active in giving advice and important for people who are just get kind of sick of it, so I have giving solace. She was a big, big figuring out who they are as artists, to take breaks. But I do watch proponent of gratitude. That is because there are things that must “Bloodlines.” I also binge- major. She wanted me always to be endured and experienced before watched “Friday Night Lights.” remember and be grateful, which a real career can happen. You’ve All my friends who are actually hopefully I do. really got to figure out what that lesbians were obsessed with feels like without anesthetic. “Friday Night Lights.” I don’t LN: Is there something in know exactly what it was. There particular that she did or told you LN: When hosting TLC’s “All weren’t any lesbian characters, that either helped you in your About Sex,” has anything come except the mayor a little bit but career or helped you personally? up that you found particularly it was not really established. But surprising, shocking or edifying? MC: She was always there and that show was really amazingly always trying to help me remember MC: I think what disturbed me is directed at me, I felt, even though how lucky I was to do what I do how often women try to get out I have nothing to do with sports or and that she and I could work of having sex, or how they can anything., I really like that. And I forever in this industry because of avoid a partner asking for things probably will binge-watch “True our ability. Also that getting older like anal sex. Also the level of Detectives.” Oh and “Girls.” was actually a really good thing, anorgasmia: women unable to LN: Tell me about your music because you work more. We have have orgasms or who have never and what it does for you. an advantage as women in ways had them. That to me was quite that we did not before. We grow disturbing. So I wanted to put a MC: It’s just a joy, so it’s cathartic. in our ability and our strength, lot of energy into education, you I have songs that are ridiculous becoming the most powerful as know, sex toys. My main focus on and songs that are really pretty crones. So she was an important “All About Sex” was really that amazing. I do this one that I force in terms of helping me we are not our relationships and just wrote. It’s called “Kill Your accept aging, even though she very that sexuality in the relationship Rapist.” The chorus is “kill your famously had, like, 346 facelifts. rapist / I’m going to kill my rapist Actually it was only two facelifts. / I’m going to kill your rapist / we’re going to kill our rapist.” It’s hunting, the big-game hunting, is a comedy song but when you have so destructive and so appalling, CHO BIZ a whole room of women screaming The fact that you could do it is it, it kind of crosses the line of like, bizarre and then to show it off and The psyCHO Tour/ Fall 2015 “we’re not supposed to say that.” be proud of it is even worse. I just You’re never supposed to kill don’t know why you want to claim Oct. 2: Minneapolis, MN – anybody. But I really do think that that part of nature. Pantages you should kill your rapist and I Oct. 3: Chicago, IL - Chicago LN: You’re known for your think it’s really funny to sing it and Theatre transparency and leaving it all on say it. After I do the song, women Oct. 4: Cleveland, OH - Hard Rock the table. Do you have any quirks come up and say, “I was raped” Live that people might not know? and they tell me the details. “I was Oct. 8: Westbury, NY – Theatre at raped and the day that my mother MC: Sometimes I’m really Westbury died, my rapist got married.” You smelly. I really hate bathing. My Oct. 9: Washington DC - Warner know? And these things that they quirk is that I hate the physical Theatre hold inside are really cathartic and things I have to do in order to be Oct. 10: Boston, MA – Wilbur important to share but they never presentable on television. I don’t Theatre had a chance. So they sing it the like makeup. I don’t like my hair Oct. 15: San Fran, CA- Castro loudest. My music is a form of my messed with; I don’t like any of Theatre comedy but also it’s sort of my that. So I will get it done and leave Oct. 16: Las Vegas, NV - Treasure catharsis. it on for as long as I can. And this Island is, like, over several days and often Oct. 17: Scottsdale, AZ - Scottsdale LN: Have you ever wanted to a complaint of the people I work Center for the Arts go to bed and wake up either as with who find it really disgusting Oct. 18: Tucson, AZ - Rialto someone else or a different you? and I find it totally justified. Theatre MC: I always want to be different Oct. 22: San Diego - Balboa and I always want to be somebody Theatre Cho Biz Basics else or start over or be a better Oct. 23: Riverside, CA - Fox Born: December 5, 1968 version of myself. Yeah, that’s Theatre San Francisco, Calif. major, I’m constantly dissatisfied. Oct. 24: Seattle, WA - Moore Ethnicity: Korean … I’d like to be Oprah or a mom. Theatre Marital Status: Divorced I’d like to have a bunch of land Oct. 25: Portland, OR - Revolution and have a big, big place for dogs. Hall Visit www.margaretcho.com for Oct. 29: Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle LN: Fellow comedian Ricky news, information, and tickets to Oct. 30: Miami, FL - Fillmore Gervais is a huge opponent of upcoming shows. Jackie Gleason big-game hunting. What’s your Nov. 13: Denver, CO - Paramount opinion of trophy hunters? Theatre MC: They’ve got to understand Nov. 14: Los Angeles, CA - that there’s not that many of those Wiltern Theatre animals in the world. It’s so selfish to hunt them, because then you’re Photo Credit: Pixievision depriving the planet of these Photo Credit: Todd V Wolfson really magnificent creatures. And Photo Credit: Mary Taylor how dare you do this to the earth? I don’t understand it. I understand something like hunting in order to eat. But we’re not hunting giraffes to eat them. That kind of

Comic Of The Month: HAVE AN OPEN MIND FOR OPEN MIKES

| By Lynda Montgomery

are interested in for the “Roseanne” show, Jay their masturbation Leno and many other shows. habits! She is a true wordsmith, her ome of the best writing is edgy and current. She Next, are the one timers. The comics are comics always has lots of new jokes! usual story is their friends and you have never heard One of her quotes “I recently family have encouraged them of. Search out some became a Christian Scientist, It to try stand up. They show up open mikes in your was the only health plan I could with their notes (now its notes Sarea, you will be surprised how afford,” funny right? She also on their cell phones) and will many there are. Your local coffee commented about Bruce Jenner blunder through a few fuzzy houses, bars and fund raisers are being a Republican, “now that concepts. Occasionally their producing more entertainment he’s a woman that will change!” friends and family will be right than you may know about! current and hopefully true too. and they will have what is the Political jokes are the hardest I love open mikes. They are start of an obsessive search for but I know with the presidential usually on weeknights. There more open mikes. These are the election coming up, she will is a sign-up sheet and there comics, who progress and could be coming up with lots of new will be regulars who show up even break through and become material, I look forward too. She every time. It’s fun to see them paid professionals. One for me, has written several books and is progress and get their stage was Whoopi Goldberg. She was already very accomplished, if legs. For some there is no hope an unknown at the time. I loved not famous! and this is when you can time her putting a towel on her head your bathroom break. Sad but while pretending to be a long My point, seek out your local some will never learn from their haired white woman. I knew she talent! Every famous comic starts mistakes and will just blame you would be famous! out at open mikes, discover one the audience for not getting their to follow for yourself, encourage A long time favorite of mine, clever material Which is why the ones you like and forgive the is Betsy Salkind. If you take the being in the bathroom will save ones you don’t, they only hoped time to “Google her,” I promise, you from blame, plus your time to make you laugh! will not be wasted. For me, you will never see another these “wannabes” are usually squirrel without thinking of young guys who think audiences her! Her impression is priceless. Betsy is a writer who has written © Candonyc | Dreamstime.com

SEEKING DOLLY PARTON: Sometimes Life Begins At Misconception! | By Michel Khordoc

“Seeking Dolly Parton” is the challenging event. The Lesbian News sat down with beautiful romantic comedy writer/filmmaker Michael Worth Currently traveling the film written and directed by Michael and his incredibly talented lead festival circuit, the film is next Worth starring Kacey Barnfield stars Kacey Barnfield and Anya set to screen at the Reeling (Resident Evil: Afterlife) and Monzikova for an exclusive 2015: The 33 rd Chicago LGBT Anya Monzikova (Iron Man 2). interview. International Film Festival- he film, which the second oldest gay film Lesbian News: Tell us about premiered this year festival in the world (www. “Seeking Dolly Parton” - what at the Miami Gay reelingfilmfestival.org) is the film about? and Lesbian film Following the Chicago Michael Worth: DOLLY is festival to rave screening Tuesday, September about two women looking Treviews, centers on a lesbian 22 at 7:15 pm at Landmark’s forward to starting a family but couple wanting to have a baby. Century Centre Cinema, when they bring in one of their When Charlie (Kacey) and Worth will give the film its ex-boyfriends to be the donor, her girlfriend Cerina (Anya) worldwide release as a streaming the past and future collide in decide to have a baby together, rental, breaking outside of a series of challenges for the the idea of using Cerina’s ex- the traditional Hollywood group. boyfriend Josh (Michael) as distribution channels. the live-in donor turns an easy LN: Why did you want to tell on-paper idea into a much more this story? What motivated you to tackle not only a lesbian vs. the world” but of how these head around within my own themed movie but one about the lovely qualities and needs, which career as a director and writer challenge for lesbian couples of are universal in everyone, are and actor. Finding subjects and building a family? embodied in these characters truths to materialize into films played by Kacey and Anya. plays a much more important MW: Since I wasn’t going to role in my approach to doing pretend to write a story about LN: What type of research did this. And with Dolly, the work an internal/external experience you do to give your story as process was very experimental. I obviously haven’t had, I much accuracy as possible and In November I had the kernel of wanted to find the ubiquitous what do you know now that you the idea and I wrote the script traits we all share. I love didn’t know then? before Christmas and we were to find different views and MW: You know, that is such shooting the film the first week approaches to tell stories. As a poignant question as since in January for 8 days. Using that I grew up in Berkeley and about 2005 I have found my energy and freedom to create saw certain lifestyles and trials filmmaking experiences to be something like this, with all of and growth in people I knew, much more internal than they us having hands in the process I wanted this story to reflect used to be. Where I “use” of designing it opened my eyes that. The lesbian couples I have each film or story to discover to different ways of making known and grown up around and question things about life films. But if I have learned faced certain challenges that in the form of a story. I did something in the experience of others might not, so I always a film called “God’s Ears” writing the story of “Dolly”, it wanted to create a story from back in 2008 and it dealt with is that finding all of our unique that foundation. But I also feel autism. When I began screening similarities is important but most films I have seen just focus the film around the world and being okay with our differences on a more boiler plate story saw the people affected by it is just as important. line. I wanted to do a story emotionally it really spun my that is not so much about “us LN: As a straight man did you find it risqué to make a film a newer process of filmmaking broaching the subject of lesbian for me. It’s a tough road raising couple conception options? money for projects in this business and though I consider MW: Funny as I read an early myself pretty fortunate that I review on the film where have been able to make a living these “jabs” towards me at it as an actor and a director, I from the reviewer were that still know I can’t just snap my I was a man writing about a fingers and make a movie. So woman’s experience. And a because I’m such an impatient lesbian’s experience no less! filmmaker, there are times I (though it might be argued I don’t want to wait for the money have more in common with and scrape up what I can to them). Only in the shooting of go film things I’m motivated the film did I actually start to by. When Dolly came to me as wonder if that would come up an idea I immediately thought as an issue. But until that point, of Kacey. We had done a film I never once looked at the film in Bulgaria together where we as anything other than a “human with “Chuck and Corbin” or were both actors (in the movie story” so it had never entered my “Chris and Cathy”. But I really as characters, she was with my mind as being provocative. But just wanted to see a story with brother and I was with her sister, of course if you think about it, these two sensitive, strong and all in the middle ages) and I if someone for instance who is unique people and show MY was very impressed with her homosexual should be restricted experience via them. And as acting ability and her as a human to write for only homosexual a filmmaker, I tell the story with being. So I called her first and characters, we are going to find others and so Anya, Kacey, Lois she jumped on the idea along ourselves in trouble as artists. (the grandmother) and even Lisa with another mutual friend (also While having our premiere our (lesbian) sound mixer have in the same Bulgarian movie) of the film at The Miami Gay all added their own stories and Raffaello Degruttola. From and Lesbian Film Festival, the touches that have helped me there we actually all decided reception I got from a largely shape this. on Anya. I had worked with lesbian crowd was one of LN: How did you come up with Anya briefly when she came on the most sweetest and loving the film title and what is the to my film “Bring Me the Head reactions I had ever got. And meaning behind it? of Lance Henriksen”, but other after the “male peeping Tom” than that I hardly knew her. I comments I got in the review MW: The title sometimes throws showed her picture to Kacey was anticipating something people as not too many people and she said, “yeah, I’d make different but in the end not a realize there is a rose called a out with her”. So I knew we person cared as the story was “Dolly Parton” and one of the were on to a good start. Luckily what they became involved in. story lines revolves around the Anya took a big leap climbing I have always had a close, if discovery of this rose leading on board since she knew none of only somewhat objective, view to other discoveries for all the us and we kidnapped her off to of women in relationships with characters. the Bay Area for a week. Their each other over my lifetime but LN: How did you cast the two chemistry in this is amazing. I did not want to make a film lead roles? Did you already “from the lesbian experience”. LN: What makes the story of have Kacey and Anya in mind? In fact quite the opposite. It your main characters - Anya should in many ways be a film MW: Dolly has been the start of and Kacey – special? that you can replace Charlie MW: I love to find different and Cerina (Kacey and Anya) views and approaches to tell LN: Do you think we’ve made Essentially we are telling a story stories. As I grew up in Berkeley progress when it comes to the about love, loss and human and saw certain lifestyles and depiction & representation of struggle, something that’s trials and growth in people I LGBT characters in films/TV? universal, through two women knew, I wanted this story to who are in love. I would like to AM: I definitely think there reflect that. It’s really about the think any person of any gender has been some progress in the complexity of love and letting or sexual orientation could watch recent years for more roles being go. The lesbian couples I have our movie and relate to it on available that represent the known and grown up around some level because of this. LGBT community. I hope that faced certain challenges that this film and more films come LN: It seems that gay/lesbian others might not, so I always out that give voice to LGBT characters are everywhere now - wanted to create a story from characters. on TV, in films and even online that foundation. But I also feel via Netflix, Amazon etc - do most films I have seen just focus you think that all things LGBT on a more boilerplate story line. related are now becoming the I wanted to do a story that is not Essentially we new normal? so much about “us vs. the world” but of how these lovely qualities are telling a AM: Absolutely! There are more and needs, which are universal in story about people willing to give a voice everyone, are embodied in these and show all aspects of love in characters played by Kacey and love, loss and film and TV. Anya. KB: I do but them I consider LN: What attracted you to your human struggle, myself lucky to live in respective characters? And how something that’s California, one of the most did you prepare for the role? liberal and forward-thinking parts of the United States where Kacey Barnfield : I was universal, through anything LGBT is completely attracted to the role because I normal, no one bats an eyelid. I wanted to play a character that I two women who am aware that there are still parts have not played before. I had a of the world and some people friend at the time going through are in love.” that have some catching up to a similar situation where he and ...Actress Kacey do when it comes to acceptance his partner wanted to adopt a but as a whole we are headed child and it was a very difficult Barnfield in a very positive direction and and daunting process for them. I believe we will get there. The LN: how do you create that more gay/lesbian characters the KB: I think society in general is onscreen chemistry between better! Lets speed this process up making waves when it comes to your two characters? :) LGBT acceptance and equality, Anya Monzikova: The writing which is wonderful and I do I look forward to a day when a and story lent in self to natural think we are making progress celebrity or athlete “coming out” chemistry between the two with how it is depicted in the doesn’t need to be broadcast characters. We all stayed in a arts. The more movies and on the news because it’s as house together during filming TV shows that feature LGBT newsworthy as them choosing to which was a bonding experience characters without making the put sugar in their coffee. for us all. Kacey and I bunked up focal issue their sexuality the LN: Going back to Seeking together during that time and it better. That’s what we hoped to Dolly Parton, what do you hope made it very easy for us to find do with Seeking Dolly Parton. viewers take away with them our groove during rehearsals. from the film? KB: I hope that viewers will to Seeking Dolly Parton. I play Colors,” as it really touches feel touched by the personal opposite Ben Lamb and Iggy on the love and importance we struggles of the characters and Pop. all have for our family and the that they will be able to relate to legacies we leave behind. MW: I have a short film the love and the loss they each currently doing the festival LN: What is the one question experience in their individual circuit that also deals with an you were hoping I would ask ways. The movie is a hopeful LGBT story line called “Our and obviously didn’t, and why? one and so I hope that they are Father,” with Family Ties actor left with a smile on their face. MW: Well, if you had asked Michael Gross. My last film as It’s important to me that the where I found the actress playing a director, “Broken Memories,” lesbian community feels that we the grandmother, I would have with Rance Howard, Ivan depicted their love genuinely and told you she found me since she Sergei and Cerina Vincent has I hope that if the movie reaches is my actual grandmother. She just finished post production anyone with any prejudice when did this film at a young 91 and I’m wrapping shooting on it comes to same-sex love, that years old and was her second an MMA drama called “The we are able to touch them too appearance (the first was “God’s Butterfly Guard” in Salinas and and make them think twice Ears” at 89 years old) in my Oakland California, not too far because they can also relate to “professional career”. Though from where we shot Dolly. the emotions our characters feel as I started making films at 10 and we all feel as people! LN: Not to reveal anything years old she also had parts in about the film, but with the The “Dragon of Esalen” and LN: Where and when will we be ending you gave the story are served as a “body carrier” when able to see the film? we to expect a sequel? as kids we asked her to throw a MW: Right now, with the help fake body off a building so we MW: Well, I won’t give any of our executive producer Bill could film it since we figured formal announcements yet but Bossert and all of the actors no one would stop an “old fifty let me say this: it is the only involved, we are out banging year old” person from carrying a film I have ever written that on the virtual doors of the dummy to the roof. immediately made me want to do internet as well as the many film one. Watching how all the actors KB: Did I enjoy kissing Anya? festivals approaching to start brought these people to life kept YES. this next lap of our journey. We wanting me and them to channel have our Chicago premiere at For more information go to: more of their story. And I easily the 33rd Reeling Chicago Gay saw that next step for them. And Facebook: and Lesbian Film Festival in given the fact that Anya actually www.facebook.com/ September and after that we will has a one year old now and I am SeekingDollyParton also have a temporary release an impatient filmmaker..... you online for streaming before Twitter: @SeekingDolly never know what you might hear it becomes available on other coming from us soon. Watch the trailer: mainstream platforms. LN: And since we’re talking LN: What other projects are you about Dolly … What’s your currently working on? favorite Dolly Parton song and AM: I currently have a recurring why? role playing Claudia on Days of KB: “Jolene”. I love how our Lives and will guest star as she sings so passionately and Ulyana on The League on FX. earnestly about insecurity and PHOTO CREDIT: Grizzly Peak Films KB: I most recently finished a feeling inadequate. movie called ‘Blood Orange’. MW: “The Coat of Many It’s a dark thriller. Very different

Living Out

Why I Still Go to PRIDE

| By Sally Sheklow

t’s always PRIDE Day. Not Ah, what a campaign year that to see how many of them there are. just because every day we was. Fighting the OCA brought our PRIDE is like that – we get to see can be proud of our out and community together. We came out ourselves en masse, get a sense of awesome selves but because in droves. Our allies took a stand. our magnitude and see living proof a PRIDE celebration is going We proved we were everywhere. that none of us is “the only one.” Ion every month somewhere in the That first PRIDE Festival was all Sure, our PRIDE Festival is rinky- world. From January in Mumbai about celebrating just how normal dink compared to the celebrations and February in New Zealand to (not abnormal), right (not wrong), and parades I’ve been to in bigger November in Palm Springs and natural (not unnatural) and cities. I recommend planting those December in The Philippines, agreeable (antonym of perverse) vivid images in your memory if PRIDE is a year-round and world- we are. The grass was green, the you get the chance. For ever after, wide happening. sky was blue and the rainbows whenever you’re the only LGBTI2- Our PRIDE Festival here my home were flying. I still recall the brave SAPQQA person somewhere, you town of Eugene, Oregon comes souls who stepped up to address can summon a mental picture around every August. I definitely the small but exuberant crowd. In that fuels your queer pride. Ever had to go this year because I’m those days it was risky to side with since I experienced SF PRIDE’s especially proud. us. We cheered like crazy for the Dykes on Bikes I have been able few elected officials who dared to to summon up that sight and I’m proud of my peeps. Proud speak out. We played music, sang, sound and swelling self-respect of all of us lesbian/gay/bi/trans/ danced and registered to vote. which comes in handy at certain intersex/two-spirit/asexual/ family gatherings and other times pansexual /queer/questioning That campaign was a tough fight of isolation and alienation. Even and allies who have been living, and much mud was flung our our local PRIDE festival, small- working and fighting for our rights way. Despite the nastiness we townish as it may be, imprints a and the freedom to be – don’t be endured, that November we ended colorful gaiety on my mental hard shocked–ourselves. up beating the OCA by a huge drive to replay in future moments margin. Our ability to celebrate I’m proud of our resilience, our of need. ourselves proved empowering and perseverance, our creativity, our powerful. And this year especially, with so sense of humor, our courage and much to be proud of, so much to our community. I’m always proud I can’t count how many local celebrate, how could Wifey and of us but I confess, I don’t always PRIDE celebrations I’ve been to I NOT go? The Supreme Court haul my proud self out to PRIDE. since then – a LOT. When there victory. The national tide turning Some years I just haven’t felt like was no specific political battle from bigotry to support. And going. It’s hot. It’s crowded. I underway it was fun to just soak our own Alison Bechdel’s Fun already have the T-shirt. up the good vibes. I’d stroll the Home winning the Tony. All fans booths, buy raffle tickets and I remember our first local PRIDE of Dykes to Watch Out For are wrack my brains to remember Festival in aptly-named Amazon certainly proud of her! the name of the old friend I was Park back in 1992. That was hugging. Being there to witness PRIDE is OUR holiday to share the year Lon Mabon and his and be witnessed made me – and I with all people of goodwill who nefarious OCA put Measure 9 on think all of us – feel stronger and support and celebrate freedom. the ballot which, in case it isn’t less vulnerable. This year I didn’t care how hot or burned into your memory like it crowded it was. Wifey and I went is in mine, would have changed I once heard Timothy Leary talk proudly. I even got another T-shirt. Oregon’s Constitution to declare about the power of the be-ins of homosexuality “abnormal, wrong, the 1960s. He compared it to unnatural and perverse.” birds in flight that will take turns soaring above the rest of the flock © Paop | Dreamstime.com

For Sale

Business Opportunity $75,000 Candy & Ice Cream Shop Located in the San Gabriel Valley *Call for Details* Call - (626)252-8114

This well established candy and ice cream store has been a fixture since the 1970's. Known to many as 'the candy store' it has been a part of people's lives for decades. Providing fine chocolates, ice cream and a wide variety of candy and treats. Open 7 days a week, this sweet shop offers more than 100 color- ful candy jars with new and old favorites available by the pound or by the piece. Display cases show a wide variety of specialty chocolates, treats and a great selection of sugar free candy. Old school meets new on the packaged candy wall where you will find a huge selection of retro candy bars. Another popu- lar favorite is the Thrifty ice cream. They offer milkshakes, malts, sundaes and root beer floats. QUEERLY QUESTIONING

Not So Fun Home | By Juno Parreñas, PhD

saved up my pennies to see couples, which made me think troubling of omissions. the Tony Award winning they were probably donors. So I’m Rereading the book, I was struck Broadway musical Fun sure my giddiness in conversing by what could be presented in Home, 32,000 pennies to be with her was matched with her musical theatre and what seemed exact. Splurging on orchestra relief at not having to talk to them to be actively suppressed. Having Iseats seemed perfectly reasonable just yet! sex with a woman for the first time to my partner and me so that we Flash-forward four years later, I could gain a delightful song but could watch a production based was super excited to see Bechdel’s there is no song for discovering on the graphic novel that launched work in a new medium. I giggled. masturbation or masturbating Allison Bechdel to the greater I cried. I applauded. And then to Anais Nin’s Delta of Venus. recognition that she deserved, after on the long drive home to Ohio Likewise, there are no songs for she spent decades documenting on the 80, passing by Bechdel’s watching polluted sunsets, forests lesbian culture in her much beloved childhood home, I realized: I converted into strip mines nor comic strip Dykes to Watch Out actually hate musical theatre. toxic creeks. For. I am certain that I am one of many who fondly remembers Musical theater is about Of course, the medium of musical flipping through the newspaper amplifying emotion through theatre does not readily allow print pages of The LN to get to the performance. Thus, it steam for a complete reenactment of back page with horoscopes and rolls over nuance with bursts of the book. Perhaps a reenactment two panels of her comic strip. A song. I remembered the book could take a whole weekend, like highlight in my personal life for had more ambivalence when the annual Moby Dick readathon which I should feel embarrassed it came to her father. Yet the that happens in the New Bedford but not really, because I’m an musical portrays him as simply Whaling Museum. [Imagine, unabashed fan girl, was when I abusive. It compelled me to renting the real life childhood got to tell Allison Bechdel to her reread Fun Home. home of Allison Bechdel to do so with both her graphic novels. The face how influential DTWOF was I felt vindicated as I revisited home is now a vacation rental, so on my political imagination as a the moment in Bechdel’s story it is possible!]. baby dyke in the sticks. of visiting New York with her The event happened at Brandeis brothers and father. While the Yet, the omissions are telling. We while she was working on her musical described it as “child shouldn’t think of the musical as second memoir, Are You My neglect in New York,” it was a culmination of making it big. Mother? I showed up early portrayed in Fun Home as a Rather, I hope it encourages us and got to chitchat with her as magical time where her personal to revisit the original works that she killed time. The audience life brushed up against a historical we love and that continue to mostly consisted of elderly and moment in gay New York of 1976. inform us. distinguished looking straight That difference was the least

© Bayda127 | Dreamstime.com

“CLASSIC CABARET” | By Carl Matthes

“Classic Cabaret,” an October 11 diversity in developing craft and be represented by her amazing LGBT Pride event in Northeast musical aesthetics. piano composition “Raw Silk Los Angeles, is being produced (A Rag)” which I will perform. On “Classic Cabaret,” Eve will by Uptown Gay and Lesbian Nurit notes that it’s “for Kirk be represented by “Fireside” Alliance (UGLA) in partnership Nurock and Meredith Monk.” (Homage to Ruth Crawford with Renaissance Arts Academy. Seeger) for spoken voice and All in all there will be 23 pieces Featured on the program will be piano. Catherine Card, soprano representing 14 lesbian and gay music written by lesbian and gay and longtime member of Vox composers on “Classic Cabaret.” composers performed by lesbian Femina, will recite Seeger’s The most well-known of the gay and gay musicians. poetry while I accompany her composers would have to be One big happy family! with Eve’s moody and dramatic Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber piano part. Denise’s unpublished and Leonard Bernstein. There will While Eve Beglarian, Denise song, “To Know What It’s be several Los Angeles premiers Dimin and Nurit Tilles may not Like,” will be song by vocal among the performances. be household names, their music stylist Byron Motley. Nurit will - and their perspectives and UGLA is very proud to create backgrounds - displays a wide a program with works by these outstanding composers. other stringed instruments. She recordings, Nurit is especially also plinks piano, mostly to mix proud of her CD featuring ccording to the up her songwriting approach. modern piano rags. The album Los Angeles When speaking about her was produced by Rudi Blesh. She Times, composer compositions, she says, “Simply, has also performed with Brenda and performer I’m a songwriter. I don’t sing or Cummings as the vaudeville Eve Beglarian “is perform. I believe in the reflection team, North and Stepinski. Aa humane, idealistic rebel and of the craft and the soul – and a musical sensualist.” She was Eve’s father, Grant Beglarian, the the melding of both. I’ve always recently awarded the 2015 Robert composer, foundation executive trusted singers and performers Rauschenberg Prize from the and educator served as Dean of to interpret and diversely apply Foundation for Contemporary Performing Arts at USC from their own imprint to my songs.” Arts for her “innovation, risk- 1969 to 1982. He passed away And, she confides, “A song taking and experimentation.” Her in 2002. In a Los Angeles Times without a singer is just ink on a chamber, choral and orchestral telephone interview from her page.” music has been commissioned New York home, she related that and widely performed by groups her father inspired her “to become such as the Los Angeles Master a composer, too - although in a Chorale. Beglarian’s current The most well- roundabout way!” Eve related projects include Descent, an that after high school, she headed immersive music-theater piece known of the to Princeton University to study about a downed female aviator; neurobiology but, “after two the long-term undertaking gay composers months, I was ready to climb the A Book of Days, text/music/ would have walls. I needed music. In a way, I visuals, one for each day of the had to leave home to realize that year; and Brim, the ensemble to be Aaron I needed to do music myself.” and repertoire she has created Eve continued, “At Princeton I in response to her 2009 journey Copland, had all my records but no record down the Mississippi River by player. I thought I would lose kayak and bicycle. Samuel Barber my mind. It was then I realized In addition, her performance that if music was that central to projects include Brim, Songs and Leonard my life, I was going to have to from a Book of Days, The Story find some way of doing music as of B, Open Secrets, Hildegurls’ Bernstein. my profession – because I didn’t Ordo Virtutum, twisted tutu want to be a violin-playing Nurit Tilles has been described and typOpera. Her recordings physicist. So the question was, by the Village Voice in New York are available on New World what am I going to do in music?” City, as “one of new music’s and Naxos, among others and most valuable pianists.” She On the other hand, Denise feels forthcoming on ECM. has performed with Steve Reich that she brings “together words Denise Dimin has written songs & Musicians, was a member of and music; passion and pause. I most of her life, starting with The Mother Mallard Band and blend the plucking of heartstrings her little plastic guitar which has enjoyed a long association with a little whimsy and hope. was replaced many times over with Meredith Monk. Among her My songs are personal, yet by a lifetime of real guitars and accessible. They are intimate, of extended vocal techniques, which is very different from Kirk Nurock’s vocabulary,” said Nurit. Nurit was enrolled at Oberlin Conservatory when she first saw Monk, who had arrived with The House for a month-long residency at the prestigious school. “I became a fan immediately. I thought that what I heard and saw was just special, unique and I continued to go to her concerts and theater pieces...We became friends.” She toured the United States, West Germany, Italy and Switzerland with Monk yearning, wistful – yet specific talk about you. They are songs performing “Music For Voice and focused. They unite realism that capture what we feel, who and Two Pianos.” Monk’s most with desire.” we are and why we care. Why recent album, “Do You Be” we left, or why we have to stay.” On “Classic Cabaret, Denise’s (ECM/PolyGram Classics), is a Her music was selected for airing song, “To Know What it’s Like” collection of songs performed by on Women Of Substance Radio for which she wrote the lyrics as Monk, Tilles and The House. and was included on one of their well as the music, will be sung. “Classic Cabaret” promises to podcasts on iTunes. In addition, The first stanza reads: be a most unique and exciting it went to broadjam.com’s #3 on program. To obtain admission to “Let me kiss you once, just to the Pop – Standards Top 10. see what it’s like. this free October 11, 3pm, Pride Nurit has collaborated as a pianist event, please RSVP to: UGLA at I’m not asking for - the deed to and vocalist with Meredith (323) 258-8842 or by email to: your life. Monk’s performance group, [email protected] The House. It was Monk who I’m not saying I’ll want to kiss When contacting UGLA, please encouraged her to take voice you again, give your name, phone, e-mail lessons. Nurit admits, that before address and if you would like But years from now, I’ll be that, she sang infrequently and the maximum of two tickets. No remembering when, had only one recorded voice one will be admitted without an effort, a collaboration with Kirk I kissed you.” advanced RSVP. Nurock, who recorded an album In listening to a recording of of spontaneous creations. On that this piece, I think Denise is right album, Nurit had to do “more when she says that she’s written or less imitations of animals romantic lyrics wrapped in a and other natural phenomenon. sensuous melody. And, to quote Meredith works in a much more Denise, “...my songs grab the directly conscious musical way listener. They talk about me and and she has her own vocabulary Like The LN on Facebook

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“Oh What A Tangled

Web We Weave.....” | By Toni Hart

n old saying talks others, think for myself. it repeating some of the things about deceiving others said were wrong and were I ended up phoning this person back others and ending overpriced. They listened and and tried very hard to apologize up with a jumble of were very kind and told me they and explain the reasons for my lies and deception. would send someone over to talk unjustified attack. Luckily for me, ASometimes we find ourselves with me and straighten this all out. my “victim” was kind and accepted tangled up in just such an my apology. This gentleman was The person who came was very uncomfortable situation that someone contracting to do repairs calm and took a great deal of becomes harder and harder to in my home. When I mentioned time patiently explaining just how unravel. Why does this happen? this to some of my friends, I got everything would work and well Perhaps we didn’t get the facts all kinds of advice of what was as the payment schedule. When I straight from the “get go?” Or wrong with the bid, other people fully understood the process, all maybe, we got all mixed up and I should contact, as well as all the my anger and rage disappeared angry thinking someone was evils of contractors. and I realized that this was a very guilty of foul play. We may even reputable company and no one was have threatened or jumped all over trying to get away with anything the supposed culprit only to find or charge me excessive rates. we didn’t have the slightest idea I was all fired of what we were talking about! They are now starting the repair So...there you stand, red faced and up and called process and It is going very apologetic trying desperately to smoothly and neatly and I am rectify the situation. the company delighted they are taking extra care not to mess or trash the rest of These problems can occur in my home as they bring tools and our private life or in a business and just let equipment and appliances in and deal. Either way, it is damned out. uncomfortable. Before we rush them have it into “tear someone’s head off” - I have also discovered that the time relatively speaking - it would be repeating some to make sure prices are reasonable more prudent - and safer - to try or appropriate is before you sign a and understand the situation from of the things contract and also before you agree the other person’s point of view to the work that is to be done. before we ‘rev up steam’ and others said First, take the time to get several verbally attack. bids and verify the reliability and workmanship of the contractor This actually happened to me the were wrong you finally select. other day and I don’t even know if I can completely clear up the and were This is probably something you anger and hostility I caused. I don’t know in the back of your mind know about you but sometimes I overpriced. but be sure to put these safeguards get too much advice from others into action before you start and and forget that I too, have a head then your outcome will be the one on my shoulders and should I was all fired up and called the you desire. always.... even after listening to company and just let them have © Artemfurman | Dreamstime.com

Notes From Nat To Pop or Not to Pop. Is That the Question?

| By Nat Burns

all is on the way. I felt it better on his 2009 release, The Boy with a new release, Sucker. It was this morning as I enjoyed Who Knew Too Much. At least in released in December of 2014 and sipping coffee out on my these previous works he could be immediately debuted at number patio. The days still run compared to Elton John or Prince. twenty-eight on the US Billboard in the nineties here in “Grace Kelly” was probably his 200—her first album to enter that Fthe west, don’t get me wrong but breakout hit from that first album chart. The tracks from this album there’s a hint of fall in the early and successfully landed him on are pop at its purest, with tracks hours. Just to remind us that the the music radar. Here’s a bit of titled “Break the Rules”, Doing it”, Autumnal Equinox approaches. that: “Breaking Up” and “Die Tonight”. Many people, during this time, Probably the most well-known turn inward, both physically and track is “Boom Clap” which was mentally and I see evidence of this Another one I like of his is “Happy featured in the soundtrack of the in Mika’s new album No Place in Endings” which can be viewed film The Fault in Our Stars. Heaven. here: Sucker is Charli XCX’s second Three years was too long to wait studio album and was named for this release and I would feel the sixth best album of the Watch the title song from Mika’s better about the wait, if this album year by Rolling Stone. I highly third album, The Origin of Love delivered. There’s a few good recommend it. here: tracks, such as “Oh Girl, You’re Here’s the “Famous” video: the Devil” and the title song “No Place in Heaven” but most of the So, now, want a touch of selections on this album qualify bewildering, bizarre Eurofashion? as easy listening more than pop. Here’s the “Talk About You” video In interviews about this album, And an awesome video for the from Mika’s latest album. Mika says this album is his version rebel anthem, “Break the Rules”: of trying to bring back 60s pop. I personally see it as a bio-epic about I won’t subject you to further being gay in a straight world. videos (such as the one for “Last This album isn’t going to appeal to Party”) but we still want to pay ©2014 Asylum Atlantic the hardcore pop lovers, nor is it attention to Mika. Though he’s www.charlixcxmusic.com/ likely to appeal to Barry Manilow big in Europe, he’s got a way to go ‘Til next month, fans. However, music is an art and to become an American pop icon. like a painting or any other work Nat © 2015 Casablanca Records of art, it’s subjective. In this new www.mikasounds.com work, I believe he’s lost the pop edge he had in 2007 with Life in On the other side of the coin, Cartoon Motion. I also liked him Pop maven Charlie XCX is back

MOVIES EYE C WAITING TO EXHALE

| By John Esther

arly on in Mélanie mother (Isabelle Carré) is a bit to genuinely care about Charlie. Laurent’s Breathe flaky, suspecting (sometimes It is just that she just finds teenage (Respire), a classroom rightfully so) the infidelity of gossip, banter and the general way full of high school Charlie’s father, (Rasha Bukvic). of life in this small French town seniors discuss what it The couple continually fights; just a bit predictable and blasé. Emeans to have passion and what Charlie’s mother is too weak to Fortunately, or so it would seem, passion means to human beings. put her foot down, send the father a ray of change shines on Charlie Plato, Nietzsche and a few other away and her father does not seem one school day when Sarah (Lou highbrow names are quoted and to take anything serious. This de Laâge) enters the classroom. discussed, forbearing what will leaves Charlie stuck in between Smart, generous, easy on the come in Laurent’s follow up to and bored. Perhaps her studies are eyes and full of stories about life her debut film, Les Adoptes (The a refuge from her parent’s drama? in Nigeria with her heroic mom, Adopted). Beyond getting an education, the slightly introverted “sulking” Charlie (Joséphine Japy) is 17, an school does not hold much Charlie cannot get enough of only child and one of the smartest, interest for Charlie, either. She is Sarah. The gregarious, bold Sarah most disciplined kids in her class. not a loner per se; Lucas (Louka seems to dig Charlie, too. Where she gets these studious Meliava) seems to still like her Soon enough, the two become skills seems to be somewhat amorously and her friends seem nearly inseparable, perhaps of a mystery considering her silently crushing on the other (well, one of them does for sure). Breathe is based on the titular indoors – where teenagers smoke. novel by Anne-Sophie Brasme, Without exception Laurent and Then during one vacation things which was published when the director of photographer Jacques take a strange turn for the worse. author was just 17. Laurent also Royer frame it to look at times One of them becomes extremely read the novel when she was 17 refreshing or just plain cool. manipulative while the other and has wanted to adapt it since. (Yes, French teenagers smoke tries harder to bring back the (Her first filmThe Adopted, was at an alarming rate, higher rate wonderful friendship they had. an original screenplay.) than most European countries Has one become “a psycho” or but that is no reason to make it is there an ulterior motive? I say, But this is not just a film for a story look pleasurable.) This seems “Psycho.” for 17-year-old females. In its to contradict rather than play own small way, Breathe reminds Anyway, soon it becomes a against or ironically refer, to the the viewer that you can only push game of wills and Breathe now title of the film. people so far – regardless of how is setting up for something(s) far loyal she has been in the past, more tragic than we anticipated. before the rebel (or murderer) Featuring excellent performances instantaneously emerges. by the two leads (and a fine If there is one drawback to the supporting cast) whose ill-fated French film, it is the glamorization characters are not as good for of cigarette smoking. There are each other as the surfaces once numerous scenes -- a lot of the time suggested (reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures),

EarthTalk®

Make sure your hotel is one of the members of the Green Association for Hotels. | By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

efore Booking Your learn the whole language in full, respect. If you have little doubt Travel: you can learn a few words at in your mind, never visit the least. religious places during your Research the Route: travel. You should do a bit Ask for Tips: You can ask your B of research while tour operators to suggest some Use Public Transportation: deciding your route. You can essential tips for you so that When you are using the public go for the direct routes instead you can responsibly manage transport of a particular place, of the break journeys. This your travel. Depending on you are actually supporting will save your energy as well their experience, they may that particular community as money. As air travel emits provide tips on the local culture and reducing carbon emissions. largest carbon, you can avoid and people. When You Return Home: the interstate flights as much as Difference between Tourist and possible. If there are road and Provide Feedback: You can Traveler: Learn the difference rail routes within the states, you provide feedback to your tour between a tourist and a traveler. A can easily opt for that. operators so that they can tourist is never flexible and turns provide eco travel to their future Committed Tour Operators: out to be dissatisfied with little travelers. Ask about a commitment from changes. A traveler is someone the tour operators to make sure who welcomes new things in the Send Gifts After Return: If you that they are not harming the new environment. They learn and have promised any one to send environment, local communities observe throughout their trip. gifts, send accordingly. Keeping and wildlife in any situation Try to be a traveler to enjoy the your words shows a respect for during your travel. travel in the green way. the community. Select Eco Friendly Hotels: During the Travel: If you are touched by the Make sure your hotel is one community where you have Buy Local Goods: You can of the members of the Green traveled recently, send some support the local business by Association for Hotels. You money to a donation program buying the locally manufactured can check whether their waste which is supporting that products. disposal method is environment particular place or the community. friendly or not. Go for the hotels Local Guide: If you are hiring a You should be thankful to all the which invest a lot in greenery local guide, they can earn from people who helped you in your and plantation. you. Besides, the local people travel. Support all the causes are also aware of the place of green travel to become a Before the Travel: better than the guide outside responsible traveler. Learn Local Languages: When the community. you learn local language, it Respect Local Cultures: shows respect for that particular Regarding the religious places, community. If you are unable to you should have a proper

BOOKS

| By Kim Weiss

THE PERFECTION DECEPTION:Why Trying to Be Perfect Is Sabotaging Your Relationships, Making You Sick and Holding Your Happiness Hostage By Dr. Jane Bluestein HCI Books ISBN: 978-0-7573-1825-2 www.hcibooks.com

however, explains the dangers of sense of worth. Commercials, reaching for total perfection. There ads, television shows, movies, is a difference between reaching magazines are just some examples for great achievement and the of where these deep-seated ideals physical wound that develops, or of perfectionism can be found. the voice of the inner critic that No matter how many outlets use screams “failure” even at the face perfectionism as a sign of a good of true effort and success. thing, striving for perfectionism can be dangerous. On the other Since beginning her research, hand striving to do your best is a predictable Dr. Bluestein has uncovered a healthy response to any goal in life. reaction to Dr. Jane wide variety of places where Because of the confusion this idea Bluestein’s new perfectionism presents itself. There brings, Dr. Bluestein specifically book The Perfection is a constant barrage of information states that perfectionism is not Deception would about what a person should be, look necessarily a positive. She wants Abe the question “What’s wrong like and act that leads to corrosive to make it clear that perfectionism with perfectionism?” (HCI Books effects on how people see their is akin to an addiction. $14.95). The idea of perfectionism bodies, relationships, work and is confused by most to be a healthy As a result of her work she hopes to drive for excellence. Dr. Bluestein, help people recognize the various forms in which perfectionism can Formerly a classroom teacher to answer that question! The seep into a person’s ideals. From in inner-city Pittsburgh, crisis- shortest possible answer compares there she moves on to explaining intervention counselor, teacher perfectionism (and the need to how perfectionism shapes and training program coordinator and pull off a certain image or avoid defines our reality or identity. volunteer with high-risk teens at anticipated negative reactions Dr. Bluestein tackles this issue a local Day Treatment Program, from making mistakes) with the head-on by defining the ways Dr. Bluestein currently heads healthy pursuit of excellence. perfectionism affects a person’s Instructional Support Services, I’m actually quite a big fan of well being. In the last section of Inc., a consulting and resource firm accuracy, precision and doing the the book she works to heal those in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For best we can do. As an educator, suffering from perfectionist ideals. more information, please visit I also know that our best efforts She employs different solutions www.janebluestein.com. can always be improved upon and for fighting perfectionistic habits that growth and learning involves Available wherever books are and as a victim herself, Dr. imperfect steps along the way. sold. Bluestein admits it takes time and What does perfectionism look hard work to make progress. But To order directly from the publisher, like? imperfect progress is at least an contact: www.hcibooks.com or attainable goal. Some of the issues (800) 441-5569 JB: This is where it gets tricky, that stem from perfectionism are because it can look a lot like the deep-seated and will come back healthier version of trying to do to challenge you when it is least our best. But “healthy striving” expected. Growth and change, The idea of does not usually involve trying to she believes, are possible. Her life prove ourselves or our worth nor experiences have shown that with perfectionism would it likely be used as a way of the right information and tools avoiding feelings or dealing with people can work towards a life is confused by the real issues in our lives. Not where the need to have perfection only that but my perfectionism does not run their lives. This book most to be a may look very different from how is in turn Dr. Bluestein’s way of it shows up in someone else. delivering that information and I tend to cross the line when tools to anyone in need. healthy I’m over-committing or over- About the Author: correcting or when I actually drive for think I can accomplish a to-do Dr. Jane Bluestein is an list that would reasonably take educator and an award-winning excellence. weeks to finish. For other people, author of twelve books. She it may demand plastic surgery or is a dynamic and entertaining self-starvation to get their body speaker who has worked with to look a certain way, a failure to thousands of counselors, At the beginning of the book you start a project (or finish one), not healthcare professionals, parents, mention that you had several letting their kids have friends over childcare workers, educators people asking you, “What’s because it will mess up the house and other community members wrong with perfectionism?” How or, say not being able to work if worldwide. She has appeared did you answer them? there is one stray paper clip on internationally as a speaker and their desk. talk-show guest, including several Dr. Jane Bluestein: Well, it appearances as a guest expert actually took most of the book You talk about the impact of the on CNN, National Public Radio media, mentioning that “the and The Oprah Winfrey Show. media may be the easiest to target, but it is also the hardest JB: A few of the resources I used angry, for example. That makes to ignore.” Does that mean the mentioned a biological, inborn sense—trying to create a sense of media causes perfectionism? personality trait that makes safety from the people on whom some of us more hard-wired we depend. But there are also JB: No, I wouldn’t blame the media for perfectionistic tendencies. perfectionistic parents who “turn for perfectionism. The images and However, each of these resources their tots into trophies,” looking values that confront us in the media also acknowledged the impact of for status in their children’s (and especially advertising) do, an environment and experiences, achievements, performance however, encourage the pursuit of especially when we’re very young. or appearance. That’s a lot of certain ideals that are not especially Infants and young children who pressure to put on kids and fusing realistic for most people. We are are not getting the responses they our identity and worth to another barraged with messages about need from the adults in their lives person is always going to be a who we are supposed to be, how - including very basic needs such risky endeavor. we’re supposed to look, what our as food, safety or attention - will lives are supposed to look like. I How can parents encourage do everything in their power to get don’t think that’s likely to change. their kids without encouraging these needs met. perfectionism? My main concern was about what Unfortunately, a lot of parents, makes us vulnerable to these JB: It’s all about responses—to including well-intentioned adults, messages; a feeling like we’re achievements and mistakes. If have other issues and stress inadequate if we don’t drive a we express anger, impatience or they’re dealing with and aren’t certain car, wear a certain brand— even disappointment whenever always there for their kids the not to mention size, make a certain kids make mistakes, it’s easy to way their kids need them to be. So income or live up to standards that develop a false sense of our ability their children develop a repertoire really are not appropriate for who to influence and control how of coping, which often includes we really are. people feel. The same is true when trying to be good enough or trying we connect their achievements to Why is fear such a big component to keep the parents happy enough our happiness. I’d like to see kids of perfectionism? (to avoid the parents getting making choices for some outcome angry) and trying to control a lot JB: I was a bit surprised how often besides how-other-people-will- of factors that are not within their that word came up in the research react. (Look at the connection ability or responsibility to manage. and interviews I did while I was to the power of peer pressure This can also happen with parents working on this book. The whole here.) Kids’ mistakes are great who are a little too over-attached idea of needing to be (or appear) opportunities for helping them or smothering. If we’re not getting perfect is almost always linked learn how to make better decisions the responses we need from the to some kind of fear, whether next time. people on whom we depend, it’s we’re talking about a fear of easy to start believing that there If we can shift from labeling kids failure, rejection, intimacy or must be something wrong with us. as “good” or “smart” to focusing abandonment or risk to our job or on their efforts, we don’t tie up financial security or social status. You mention parents on both ends their value with their performance. What fascinated me was how much of the spectrum. How can these Likewise, if we can describe these fears can cost us in terms of contribute to the development of what kids have done and connect our physical and mental health perfectionism in a child? their choices to some meaningful and in some instances, financially JB: Children will try to get positive outcomes of their efforts, as well. attention and approval from a kids start to see the power they have How does our early upbringing parent who might be neglectful, to influence and change their lives affect our tendency toward distracted, depressed, addicted or when something isn’t working for perfectionism? them. Let’s just quit telling kids that they’re good or worthwhile or that they make us happy when That will put a lot of pressure on a paper a dozen times, starve they do good things and respond any relationship. or carve myself to fit into some to failures and mistakes simply as random cultural ideal of beauty, Look at the wide range of possible steps along the way to learning. meet an unrealistic deadline or perfectionistic behaviors and say, choose a career or mate based What would you say is the biggest you’ll see a spectrum stretching on pressure to get conditional problem perfectionists’ face? from highly self-focused on one approval or acceptance from some end to outwardly hypercritical at JB: Well, clearly there are quite person or group that’s important the other—with plenty of people a few but I think that most of the to me. I guess the bottom line is: likely to be quite capable of both problems start with a tendency are we having fun yet? extremes. That said, I’m frankly toward all-or-nothing thinking. more concerned with the feelings Is there a cure for perfectionism? That’s where we get the idea that and needs at the core of these mistakes equal failures, where one JB: Rather than looking for a expressions of perfectionism than cookie leads to a binge, where not cure—which, frankly, feels like I am with the direction in which being at the top of our class tempts a rather all-or-nothing approach they are projected. Whether our us to drop out, procrastinate or to healing perfectionism—I think actions represent a lack of self- assume we are at the bottom of the it might make more sense to look worth or a disregard for the heap, even if we’re only in second at ways we can recognize our dignity and emotional safety place. It’s what drives us to “get it inclinations and perhaps get to a of someone else, I see similar right” and what inspires us to just point where they aren’t running threads of anger, impatience, give up when we can’t. It’s the our lives. I also think that it may frustration, disappointment and “always” or “never” statements be easier to “get” this disorder on even contempt. we make about our worth or our an intellectual level than it is to abilities. It’s incredibly disabling You recently got an email from actually heal the parts of ourselves and it’s so much a part of our someone asking, “How can deep down that created these culture that we don’t even realize you tell if you’re trying to be tendencies in the first place. how often we reduce a person to perfect?” How did you answer Yes, we need to deal with the some superficial, 2-dimensional that question? anxiety and stress and depression tagline that we nevertheless accept JB: I said I’d probably start by but if we don’t look at the belief as real. looking at my intentions: Am system that says “I’m not good We know that perfectionism can I doing something to satisfy enough unless (or until)…” then affect a person’s physical and curiosity or a particular passion we’re really only dealing with a mental health. How does it impact or am I’m doing it to look good, surface piece of what could be a relationships? get approval, gain self-worth or challenging recovery process, one avoid negative reactions from that could take some time to get JB: Perfectionists can be really others? There’s a big difference through. I would not recommend annoying. When we bring in motivation. If I’m interested in looking for a quick fix for dealing perfectionism to a relationship, growth—learning, improving, or with these issues. we also bring along a set of producing, trying to get ahead of expectations and standards— where I was when I started, then whether for our self or the other I’m not quite so worried about person—which can create a great getting it right, especially in the deal of stress and alienation. When beginning. I also said that I’d want our sense of worth depends on to look at the cost against whatever being right, it often comes at the benefit I’m seeking. Is it worth the expense of someone else’s dignity stress, pain, health risks to rewrite and worth, because we insist on making them wrong (win-lose).

© Irochka | Dreamstime.com MADCATFISH BLUES FESTIVAL

MADCatfish has feature a two-day line-up of Blues Margaritas, Bloody Marys and wiggled off his music luminaries. Shamblee Metropolitans. Our Blues Festival hook to leave his said, “I am very excited to be is named after our official Chief birthplace deep in starting a new tradition here in the Mascot Officer (CMO), Cecil Ray the Mississippi Delta Southland with the establishment Bailey, aka MADCatfish,” Aand is heading west to kick-off the of a regional music festival Performers at the Blues Festival 1st Annual Southern California focused on showcasing the Blues. will include: Barbara Morrison MADCatfish Blues Festival, a This year’s festival represents the (Grammy Award Nominee) two-day fun-filled, power packed, launch of a new three-year plan to accompanied by the Bu Crew, Ray foot-stomping, all-star musical establish the MADCatfish Blues Bailey, Brenda Lee Eager, Jay extravaganza to be held at Santa Festival as the premiere annual Jackson (Blues Singer and Popular Anita Park on Labor Day Weekend, Labor Day weekend destination Television Personality), Sunnie Saturday and Sunday, September Blues celebration in Southern Paxson-Mark Vincent All Star 5 and 6 from 11:00 am.- 6:00 pm. California. The Festival will also Band, Leslie Baker, Marguaret Also, a Juke Joint event will be include a Tribute to the late Blues Love, The Delgado Brothers, held on Saturday night, September great, B.B. King. The Scorch Sisters, Yu Ooka, 5, 2015 from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. In keeping with our Blues mantra, Kenyatta Mackey (aka BabyDoll), Presented by MADCatfish Santa Anita Park will be offering Corney Mims & The kNOW-IT- Entertainment, LLC and food and thematic drinks for ALLz Band and Richard Cameron Executive Producer, La Quetta purchase throughout the day, Lovely. (Artists and Schedule are M. Shamblee, the1st Annual including: MADCatfish Mimosas, subject to change). James Janisse MADCatfish Blues Festival will of www.KJMJRAdio.com will serve as Masters of through Brown Paper Ceremonies. Tickets by calling 1-800-838-3006, and Ernest L. Thomas will then pressing Extension Host a late night Juke 1 for the Call Center to Joint, An Evening of purchase tickets for these Comedy & Blues on events, which are listed as Saturday, September 5, Event Number 2018738. 2015 in the Santa Anita To buy tickets directly Park Concourse Room online, please visit the featuring comics King website at: http://www. Kedar, Keith Morris, brownpapertickets.com/ Edwonda White and event/2018738 A Surprise Guest, along with Song Stylist For further updates Marguaret Love and her and to learn more Band. The Juke Joint about the MADCatfish will feature a gumbo Blues Festival, please mix of entertainment, visit the website www. including: table games madcatfish.net like playing cards and Get Social with us by dominoes, an Open visiting us on https:// Mic, comics and www.facebook.com/ musical performances, MADCATFISHBLUES dancing, and a special MADCatfish Blues Festival Step General Admission; $115 each and https://twitter.com/ and Repeat Banner and Red for a Premium Ticket which madcatfishblues Carpet Area for selfies and photo includes access to the Preferred Hilton Garden Inn, 199 North ops. Food and Drinks will also be Parking section; and $250 each Second Avenue, Arcadia, available for purchase. for a VIP Private Terrace Ticket CA 91006 is the official host hotel Tickets for One Day Admission which includes VIP seating, Valet of the MADCatfish Blues Festival Passes to the Blues Festival on Parking, a gourmet lunch and non- and is located within a mile from Saturday or Sunday, September alcoholic beverage and admission Santa Anita Park, where the 5 or 6, 2015 are $40 each for a to the Juke Joint event. event will take place. The hotel General Admission Ticket; $65 Tickets for the Juke Joint event on is offering a special discounted each for a Premium Ticket which Saturday evening, September 5, rate for Festival attendees. For includes access to the Preferred 2015 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. are discounted rates, please click on Parking section; and $150 each $15 each for General Admission, Hilton Garden Inn link on the for a VIP Private Terrace Ticket and $25 each for the Juke Joint and Home Page of the website, www. which includes VIP seating, Valet a Red Carpet Reception. Tickets madcatfish.net Parking, a gourmet lunch and non- for the Juke Joint event are alcoholic beverage and admission separate from the Blues Festival to the Juke Joint event. held during the day. Tickets for Two Day Admission Tickets for both the MADCatfish Passes to the Blues Festival on Blues Festival and the Juke Joint Saturday and Sunday, September event can be purchased 24/7 5 and 6, 2015 are $75 each for THEORHETICALLY SPEAKING

In The Valley Of Decision | By Nikki McCauley

n the valley of decision the path lays before me Higher Altitude A labyrinth of options connected to a myriad of Identity crisis is epidemic, as we scream “I”- choices everything, we lack individuality… we seek to mirror and mimic- re-tweeting everything! We believe we The mountaintop costs … skin and time and are the trees, wind, sun and stars- outer space and IBand-Aids for blood under the microscope are particles smaller than quark But the call from above, I can’t ignore; as I release all – how do we describe the invisible, which is equally I’ve gathered - to climb and take on more – from the phenomenal… I am descendant of no animal … I promise of the promisor am, that, I am… creations perfect purpose for which I am born. Awakening to my true identity from a I face the heartache of leaving love nightmare of norms; I mother the motherless and A treasure once worth dying for raise the dead, heal the sick and reconcile rivals by cutting off the heads! My hands show no blood for I Open to the passion for the pressure – the birthplace revive the dead! This is the celebration of the living of growing expectation in the spirit! Even great grapes of the vine welcome the threshing In the valley is where I scrapped my knees – on floor… for the transcendence to the crystal glass that’s the climb to the mountaintop is where my toes and corked for a decade or more- the road to priceless is fingers bleed- between the two are vast oceans and happily endured… sea- I expanded my lungs and learned buoyancy – My The Ascent… hope lives in the power of a the meaning of a name… woven into to my soul my soul was renamed – now In The darkness …is the light that I am… and if I I am nothing of my former self nor former days… I choose to focus and be not afraid- then shall the light almost remember nothing until I see it ahead in days- be my lead. But if I should embrace fear and it’s so if you see and I don’t remember- it’s just because absence of faith then I shall trip and stumble in the I left and have not chosen reentered death- Shall we night though it be day… meet again on a now plain, may we come together My enemies speak false witnesses and claims of and communicate but as for now the connection is deceit; and they who know me not are tricked into lost. believing. Darkness is the prevailing and I am to And finally, blame. I entertained the lightless and static energy remains… my eyes have been closed for the beliefs I Now free from the prison of the gracious host that engaged, misinformation or ignorance either – I lost held me hostage, I leave, you the keys to freedom of my way. We perish for lack of knowledge- we are the slavery and bondage…perception, is not certain lead astray- information is endless of which shall I reality. partake? Nosce Te Ipsum… © Itzhaki | Dreamstime.com

POSITIVE REFLECTIONS A Dead Animal For A Trophy? | By Dian Katz, MS

few months ago, an Female hunters who were proud of me. I joined the online masses in American dentist their kills, were seen posing with discussing these horrendous acts. made headlines after the giraffes, lions, leopards and In fact, I found myself cursing at killing for sport, a other exotic animals they hunted. Amanda’s Facebook page. She popular lion named So many people were sickened by basically egged others on by telling ACecil. The news swept through what they saw. others they were just haters. She social media like a firestorm and quoted the Bible as a reason for I must say, I too was devastated a lot of the world was outraged. killing and being proud about it. after seeing the pictures. I knew What would drive a person to She seemed so entitled and cocky this type of hunting existed but kill a beautiful exotic animal about her trophies and unafraid hadn’t really seen it so up close simply for a trophy to hang on the to confront anyone who tried and personal. Bull fighting is wall? Should hunting for sport to stop her. I’m sure if any of us something that has always repulsed be outlawed? The brutality and were to say, “Amanda, look at that me but I can now add trophy reasoning for such attacks is what beautiful animal you just killed. It hunting to my list. Those beautiful is now being discussed worldwide. needs to live freely and peacefully animals - dead - with proud male in its own habitat without you Dr. Walter Palmer had help in and female hunters grinning ear killing it!” Amanda would just tell the killing of Cecil. The lion to ear next to them, broke my us where we can take our views was lured into an area where it heart. I have never seen myself as and put them. would be legal to kill the animal. an animal activist but this whole After being shot with an arrow Cecil the Lion and another hunter So what drives people to do these by Palmer, Cecil lay dying for 40 named Amanda proudly standing types of acts? Is it a “who are we hours before being shot and killed. next to her dead giraffe, sickened to judge” kind of situation? Most This act of violence brought out a people can understand hunting for slew of others into the limelight. food but when it’s hunting simply for pride and ego and to show off the animal without the weapons makes it even more real and in our what one has destroyed, it’s much and there will be much more of a face. As painful as it is to see such more difficult to swallow. Those challenge between hunter and the brutality, it can promote change. who can put the head of the animal hunted. These hunters also don’t Movements against sport hunting they killed on their wall seem to seem to be affected by the hatred are popping up everywhere and have less of an appreciation for and anger hurled at them. Sure Mr. individuals are jumping on the nature and life in general. How can Palmer was apologetic but was bandwagon to stop this type of one be appreciative of the beauty that because he is being hunted killing. Even airlines such as Delta, of animals while looking at its himself by the public? Does he have joined the fight by banning dead head? How can one justify really feel bad for killing the lion game trophies on their planes. the killing of an endangered and the many other kills he had The more difficult it becomes for animal? There are so few left and done over the years? Will public these hunters to bring home their one day - maybe none! Are they outcry change him? It is very prized possessions, the greater the simply insensitive people? Are likely the fear of his life and the chances of them going to places they evil people? Or do they just danger he will have to live with on such as Africa to hunt them. Will have this need to kill? a daily basis will be the motivating it change these individual is the factor for stopping him from way they think about nature and hunting for sport ever again. On appreciation of all living things? the other hand, there are hunters Probably not but it might lessen Those who can or “huntresses” such as Kendal the kills. Jones and Rebecca Francis who Again, hunters might be saying put the head of practically invite people to say there is nothing wrong with what something nasty about them. They they do and as long as it’s legal, the animal they are proud of what they do and they should be allowed to kill what they have killed. They love whatever animal they choose. killed on their showing off their trophies and the But many of these killings are power of conquering something so NOT legal. The important point wall seem to exquisite. Francis feels she is being that needs to be reiterated again “one with the animal” by killing it and again is that some of these have less of an and says she will also eat its meat. animals will not be here for long She made headlines as she smiled if people keep killing them. Some appreciation for laying next to the beautiful giraffe of these gorgeous animals such as she killed. She especially loves lions and giraffes, are diminishing nature and life posing next to the dead corpse. Is and we might find ourselves one a giraffe really powerful? Will she day enjoying their beauty only in in general. really eat giraffe meat? Francis books. Prevention is the key here. now receives death threats but Education and awareness will nothing is going to slow her down. help to continue the fight. Each She loves what she does and loves These individuals have a strong of us must take a stand and say her trophies. drive to control. They thrive on the “NO MORE.” We all are living sense of power. They need to prove Something positive can come out on this planet together, so let’s to themselves that they can destroy the destruction of life - awareness. include “all” living things living anything they put their minds to. Sure many are aware that others in harmony.. not just humans... They aren’t really challenging hunt and do all sorts of things themselves against the wild beast they would not do themselves or because they use guns and other approve. However, to see these weapons that quickly and easily types of things in social media and kill. Put the person up against splashed across every news outlet, © Ryan Faas | Dreamstime.com

LESBIANS ON LOCATION World premiere of “Raven’s Touch”, starring Dreya Weber and Traci Dinwiddie.

The film,which was written by Dreya Weber, produced by Marina Rice Bader, and co-directed by both, was a completely donation based project and was made by hundreds of people who chose to get involved and help Bader and Dreya bring Raven to life.

Blaming herself for a tragic accident, Raven Michaels (Dreya Weber) secludes herself at a remote family cabin. She wanders the woods on the verge of a breakdown, seeking peace in isolation. In a last ditch attempt to save her family, Kate Royce (Traci Dinwiddie) takes her two teenagers camping far from the distractions of technology and young romance. When Raven and Kate’s worlds collide they offer each other unexpected opportunities for intimacy and healing.

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Unity Ball, Celebrity Showtime Sundays, pool parties and so many more festivities to list. Check this out.. they even have an Annual Party Bus Ride to Strip Club & White Party.. :::::::::::::::::::: screech :::::::::::::::::: Did they just say Strip Club?? Close the front door!!! I haven’t heard of any Pride parties in my area frequenting a strip club!!! Wowzers!! Thousands of women converging onto these facilities for one slamming good time! If you need more ay it ain’t so..... back DIAN STOP!! Oh my bad! I need info:atlantaprideweekend.com/ to school..... Ugh. Well to LEAVE ya all alone!! hahah.. femaleevents. look on the bright side, get it? Leave??? Ah forget it. fall is about here and What’s happening this month. Now here’s a party for you it’s a beautiful time of gals in Barrington, NH.. How about over in Atlanta for Sthe year. Leaves are turning color STARGAZE FESTIVAL - you folks over there.. I have a on the east coast of the US... on WOMEN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL Hotspot for ya. BLACK PRIDE the west coast.. not so much... heat happening on September 25-27 at WEEKEND on September and more heat. Oh puleeeeeze. Barrington Shores Campground 2-7 will be happening at a few Can we talk? In other parts of the on 7 Barrington Shores Drive in different locations for the ladies. world, well, I’m not sure about Barrington. Did I really just say Some parties will be held at the their lives. Can any of you over in Barrington three times? Geez! Georgian Terrace Hotel, Lake Europe or elsewhere, let me know That’s a lot of Barringtons! What Lanier and Piedmont Park. These what color your leaves are? Not color are your leaves there? girls know how to party with that anyone really needs to know Melissa Ferrick swag. They have girl dances, soul what color your leaves are. But if will be performing at this festival food poetry slam jazz brunch, you want to share what color your along with a slew of other female leaves are it would be kind of fun. musicians. I’m guessing at a festival entitled Stargaze, you just in Mallorca, Spain!! Hey Boss!! are! Yup! Along with the leaves, kick back with some sexy woman Do you see this??? You have there is going to be some excellent and gaze up at the stars, or in her been turned into an international entertainment, workshops, eyes, or on the band if you’re event!!! LOL.. okay for those vendors and much more. Here are single LMAO!!! Okay, I’m just of you who are wondering what some of the entertainers slated being my silly self. Oh that silly the heck I am saying.. Our LN for this festival: Antigone Rising, Dian. Stop being so silly!!! Ahem, Publisher is named Ella!!! So, I Poppy Champlin, Karma Mayet ah yes! There is going to be some thought I’d be a little playful and Johnson, Julia Weldon, Emma’s fabulous entertainment here for tell her she has a whole worldly Revolution, Crys Matthews, and you at the Barrington THREE festival named after her!! Hey, we so much more!! For the third camp.. Get it? Three <------so I have fun here at Lesbian News!!! straight year, they are having a don’t have to say Barrington three You guys aren’t the only ones who Sexuality Space! Geez!! What is times? Ugh.. No one listens to can have a good time! Sheesh!!! going on!! Are the planets aligning me. For more information and to Anyho, this festival looks muy or what???? I mean one party is gaze upon the details, go to: www. caliente!! I mean seriously, I am bussing women over to a strip bar, lesbiannightlife.com/stargaze. getting weak in the knees reporting the sisters are having a safe space on it. Those sexy women of Spain!! for women over18 to explore um, Oh it’s that time again. My how Woah!! And the venue itself also “sensual erotic play.” Holy Sister time flies.. I was just writing about.. looks sizzling! Oh.... I am getting Moly!!! I am just besides myself KEYWEST WOMENFEST and my tickets right now for the plane. typing this!! Okay, okay, enough here it is again! The festival will Hang on Ella!! Here I come!!! with the jokes. Yes, Dian is the be happening from September In addition to dances and beach only one besides her. Har har 10th to September 13th at the parties, there will also be things har.. just stop it! For more info on Marriott Key West Beachside. like “Ella Talks” - inspirational hanging out in Sisterspace with How I would love to just be laying talks with a cocktail & networking! all your sisters,: www.sisterspace. out gazing at the stars and looking Ella!!! You are talking again! I’m org. for those leaves in the keys.. well, listening!! Man, you have got I probably wouldn’t find many Well ladies, next month we will be to see this website! My heart is leaves but I would find a lot of moving into the holiday season. pounding with excitement just women!!! You know they will be For now, check out some of these from looking at it! Holy smokes! having pool parties, beach parties, fall Hotspots and book your I’m on fire!!! Thanks Ella!! 2 dinner gatherings and so much calendars! Go in your backyards Thumbs up for your party!! hahah more.. Can anyone stuff me in a and look at your leaves.. or your For more information on my boss, suitcase and bring me??? I have my stars, or your sisters, or your er the Ella Festival I mean, salsa snorkel right here!!! I want to see lady friends!! Just look, would over: www.ellafestival.com. the colorful fishies. Oh stop! I want ya????!!! Happy September! to see the women too but come on! SISTERSPACE is going on Can’t I like the fishies??? I mean this month from September 11- the water is just so beautiful there. 13 in Delaware. No, you are not Who knows! I might find a few hanging out just with your sisters. leaves!!! For more information on They mean sisters as in hey, this fabulous east coast festival: you’re my sistah.. like your soul www.womenfest.com. sister.. your woman friend.. your lady pal.. OH YOU GET THE Here’s one for you that I’m getting PICTURE!!!@#$@ You are all a kick out of.. it’s the ELLA just messing with me now. Moving INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN on! Hmph! Hey, I bet Sisterspace FESTIVAL on September 1-9 has colorful leaves where they © Hypnocreative | Dreamstime.com Vendange Carmel Inn | By Lillian Jensen

endange is the drinking a glass of wine around the for a honeymoon or romantic perfect getaway fire pit, or stopping by the lobby getaway. destination located for nightly hors d’oeuvres, will The Inn offers breakfast daily. in the village of make your trip more memorable. Carmel-by-the- Wine Themed Rooms: are Dawn’s There are 18 rooms in the Inn Sea. It is the first wine themed Dream, Galante, J. Lohr, Joullian, V which is owned and operated by Inn in all of Carmel and Monterey. Manzoni, McIntyre, Otter Cove, the Lee family. Sleeping areas are Each room is named after a local Pierce Winery, Tudor, Twisted appointed with memory foam- winery. These partnered wineries Roots, Ventana, Cima Colina. top beds, deluxe linens, WiFi, design their own rooms in their and high-definition flat screen own creative manner, providing televisions. guests with a memorable and fun experience. Carmel Beach, The separate Cottage Suite offers has exquisite shops, world class a generous 650 square feet of restaurants and beautiful beaches. living space. With a California You’ll see what makes Vendange King bed, 50” high definition flat a once in a lifetime stay. Their screen television, gas fireplace and gardens, the grand pergola, kitchenette, it’s the perfect place

POETRY You and i

| By Morag Hillsinger

I don’t mind being odd man out Silent, while you preach My mere presence, instills doubt Your morals out of reach

My love is a 3D thing And it Can Teach.

© Margaritavasina | Dreamstime.com You can watch all the Gay USA video’s by clicking the video above. Internet Connection required. FEMASTROLOGY | By Victoria Bearden

ig astrological Virgo will oppose Chiron in Pisces, just tend to break down or go happenings make bringing up themes of healing wrong. Since it’s in Libra issues of September a fateful for body, mind and spirit. This “fairness” are likely to arise. My month, so ready or not, could be stressful but extremely advice? Stay calm and carry on. here it comes! The Sun enlightening at the same time. Just deal with things as they come Bopposes Neptune the first few days Consider using this eclipse as a up, and do what you need to do. of the month, which is mystical but chance to do a Shamanic Journey, On September 17, the same confusing. Mars and Venus conjoin Vision Quest or Meditation to day Mercury turns retrograde, in Leo on September 1, 2015. This repair some damaged areas in your Saturn finally leaves the sign of is wildly sexy and creative but with being. It could be very powerful. Scorpio, re-entering Sagittarius Venus still retrograde, things could On September16 Jupiter opposes where it will stay until 2018. easily slip sideways. So, if you see Neptune, which is a uniquely Early Sagittarians and Geminis a volcano of drama about to erupt spiritual and creative combination. will notice Saturn’s presence as in your love life, best duck and For those interested in mystical increased responsibilities arise. cover! But on September 6 Venus energies, this will be an amazing turns direct!!! This is good news, September 23, 2015 is Fall psychic portal. The influence will as romance and finance should be Equinox, as the Sun enters Libra last for a few days, so enjoy it. easier to handle. at about 10:51am Pacific Time. Things get complicated as Take time to celebrate a new cycle. Motivation meets inspiration with Mercury in Libra turns Retrograde Autumn is about harvest and a Mars/Uranus trine on September on September 17, 2015. Actually, gratitude. This is a good day to get 8. It only lasts about a week, so use the “Shadow” of this vibration in tune with your higher purpose. it for something amazing. Then we starts creeping in at the very end have a New Moon/Solar Eclipse Then get ready for a Total Lunar of August! The first “Storm” or at 20 degrees Virgo on September Eclipse in Aries on Sunday, really dicey part of the cycle goes 12/13, 2015. Check your local September 27, 2015. It’s a Super from about September 13-21. time zone to see which day it Moon and will have a powerful Mercury goes direct on October falls in your area. Eclipses always punch! This one may stir up some 9, 2015, with the second “Storm” stir things up, as they “re-orient” dramatic weather patterns and/ occurring from October 6-13. The the cosmic vibrations, allowing or earth quakes. And in our own last Shadow phase (much weaker different levels of spiritual energy lives, it will bring up many karmic but still noticeable) will end on and information to enter our lives. messages regarding relationships, October 24, 2015. During Mercury This is why “fateful” events tend so pay attention! Retrograde, it’s best to avoid big, to roll on out around the time of irrevocable decisions or purchases. Astro-Opportunity Dates: the eclipse and the reverberations Communication is often difficult September 1, 8, 23, 24, 26, and 28 keep on going for many months and quite honestly, lots of things afterwards. The Sun and Moon in

Aries (March 21-April 19) Many changes have Libra (September 23-October 22) This is a good left you a bit tired and somewhat disoriented. This time for soul searching and spiritual pursuits. is the perfect time to get a major body tune up. Massage You may feel overwhelmed or over stimulated by the and other healing modalities are in order. You would demands of others. Calm down your vibration. You’ll benefit greatly from some rest and relaxation. Store up come back with a clear head and a better perspective your energy as October will be fast paced. about your priorities.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This will be a creative, Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Say good- romantic, and inspirational period. The “luck” bye to your inner recluse and check in with your factor is with you, so roll the dice. Single Taureans may social contacts. This could be a time of great benefit if just meet a Soul Mate! you put yourself out there and let others know what you are trying to create. You may get needed assistance from Gemini (May 21-June 20) Important issues allies who want to see you succeed. surface regarding family and your home. Take care of anything that needs attention right away and be Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Career the peace-keeper if tempers flare up. Some Geminis may and Life Direction are highlighted. Get clear about be contemplating an important residential move. your path and your goals. Much can be achieved now if you know what you are aiming for. Commit! You can do Cancer (June 21-July 21) You are busy and it! productive but you are being pulled in many directions. You would benefit from a slightly slower Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Spiritual pace. Important, even life-changing information will be and educational pursuits yield great benefit for made available to you. you now. You have a chance to “redirect” your energy and goals. Put action behind your heart-felt intentions Leo (July 23-August 22) You need to take a good and you will see great things start to take shape. look at finances and goals now, to make sure you are on track and you know where you want to go. This is Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Pay attention still a very positive period for you if you can focus your to all matters connecting you to others financially. energy. There could be some fireworks, both good and This is also a time of significant “endings.” Let go of bad, in romantic relationships. anything that no longer serves you and don’t struggle against change. New possibilities await. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Jupiter in Virgo gives wings to your dreams. What do you want? Pisces (February 19-March 20) Your important What changes are you ready for? Put your best foot relationships are shifting. Some relationships will forward. Consider updating your look. People will be not last. Others will become much stronger. Some people noticing you so make that first impression count. will offer welcome assistance.

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“Stardust Reveries” An exhibit of celestial abstract art by Susan St. Thomas at the Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N Main St Sebastopol CA 95465. www. sebastopol-gallery.com. 707 829- 7200 With over 40 years as a professional astrologer, Susan combines her fascination with the language of the stars and her lifelong expression as an artist. This collection is inspired by the images captured by the Hubble telescope of deep space – a boundless realm of ever changing form. Susan uses layered glazes of acrylic to create depth and a dance of light and color, sometimes mixing media and collage. Capable of both precision painting and loose free flowing washes, she integrates a variety of innovative techniques to express her imagination. Subscribe To Lesbian News NOW

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Domestic Abuse / Violence - Get Help Domestic abuse and violence have been front-page news lately, and a topic of discussion throughout the country. The US Department of Justice defines domestic violence as, “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” It can be: Physical Sexual Emotional Economic Psychological

If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there is help out there. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) LESBIAN NEWS

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