Celebrate Your Pride

Children and the LGBT Community

Preeti+ Gupta talks about Unfreedom

WHO HERE HEARS SHORT SHORTS? Palm Springs Shortfest cuts to the celluloid chase 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 Parrenas, 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 LN Magazine App User Guide Tap screen once to bring up top and bottom navigation

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FEATURES Film Festival(S) Matter(S) INSIDE LN LAFF’s Roya Rastegar on procuring cinematic culture. By John Esther HOTSPOTS Ready for summer? Preeti Gupta talks about Unfreedom POETRY Lesbian-centric film banned in India. Codep Anthem By John Esther NOTES FROM NAT Children And The LGBT Community It’s a Rock, Ricky and Olly Society’s and the churches’ mission was to keep children Summer. and the LGBT community as far apart as possible. BOOKS By Carl Matthes “Frog Music” has everything you’d want in an historical novel. LESBIANS ON LOCATION The Dinah 2015 LIFESTYLES FEMASTROLOGY Venus, the planet of love, beauty Comic Of The Month and art, enters Leo on June 6, Tig doesn’t have to come out of the closet; my guess is she 2015, ramping up romance and never had one. creativity in a BIG way. By Linda Montgomery

Travel Hiking the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. By Stephanie Papadakis

Earth Talk I think I had better move from California. By Sheer and Moss Follow Us Online Movies Eye C San Francisco International Film Festival 2015. LESBIANNEWS.COM By John Esther Let us know what Politcally Speaking Society’s and the churches’ mission was to keep you think. children and the LGBT community as far apart as possible. By Carl Matthes

COLUMNS Living Out Sally and her wife take the blame for yet another same-sex wedding. By Sally Sheklow

Positive Reflections How do we see and feel the good in our present circumstance? By Dian Katz, MS

Queerly Questioning As much as you or I would want to construct a safe space, the world sometimes catches up to find you. By Juno Parrenas, PhD

Theorhetically Speaking When age is a matter. By Nikki McCauley

The Coach’s Corner There is so much power in letting go! By Kristi Pallino

Words That Make Sense Many people have the ability but not all have the drive to use it. By Toni Hart

Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video.

| By John Esther Who Here Hears Short Shorts?

he most significant International Film Festival, which selection process? film festival of its is held in January. DM: We have a large kind, the Palm Springs In this exclusive interview, LN programming team, as is necessary International Short spoke to Macdonald about the for any festival dealing with Film Festival and festival – what it does, how it does watching the large number of Film Market will run it and why it does it. submissions we receive and we June 16-22. Typically referred T have meetings prior to starting the to as simply, Shortfest, the five- Lesbian News: How did you get programming process each year day festival will screen over 300 involved in the festival? to talk about what qualities we’re films, plus host seminars, special looking for in the films we book presentations and receptions. Darryl Macdonald: I’d always had a passion for short films, given and how to grade the films being Already one of the few select my interest in the discovery of new watched. While we are scouting Oscar-qualifying short film talent and programmed the short quality shorts year-round, the real festivals in the nation, Shortfest film packages at the other festivals process of booking the bulk of the films also now qualify for BAFTA I ran in Seattle and the Hamptons. festival lineup takes place from (Britain’s Oscar-equivalent) and When I moved here permanently mid-January through the end of BIFA (British Independent Film in early October of 2003, my first May and we confirm films for the Awards) award consideration. order of business was laying out a festival on a rolling basis, booking new game plan for both festivals, as we go. The final process, which Now going stronger than ever in its to revitalize them and make starts in early May, is packaging 20-plus year run, the person most them more audience-friendly and the films in thematic, stylistic or responsible for its rising success industry-friendly. genre-based groupings. is Darryl Macdonald, Festival Director and Head Programmer of LN: As head programmer, can LN: As head programmer, did the festival. He is also the Festival you give us a run down on the all of the 300+ films that made Director for the Palm Springs in it into the festival require your approval? important for our programming DM: The focus of this festival team to reflect similar differences is squarely on newly emerging DM: No. While I book the largest in their own tastes. It makes for a talent, whereas when short films share of films included in the more varied and exciting lineup. are simply included in a festival festival, I’ve handpicked my I do, however, take the lead in mainly given over to feature films, programming team cohorts and the final process -- putting the the short films and filmmakers rely upon their judgment based packages of shorts together and can tend to get lost in the shuffle, on the criteria I’ve put in place to picking the themes and currents with all the attention going to the base the judgment of whether or that those packages represent. feature films and their makers. not a film belongs in the festival. Apart from that, there is something I certainly view all of the short LN: What is/are the driving exhilarating about immersing films included in the festival lineup force(s) behind the Palm Springs yourself in a package of short before the full lineup is finalized International Shortfest? Why is it films, just as a collection of short but given the fact that there are necessary? stories by various authors can roughly 3,500 films to cover over DM: Many reasons, not least of provide a reading experience the course of five months and that which is celebrating the short that is supremely engaging and fewer than one in in 10 makes it film art form. But I’d have to say multifaceted -- quite a different in to the final lineup, selecting the most important reason for the experience than reading a novel them all by myself would be festival to exist is to provide a or biographical work by a single an impossible task. I trust the springboard and a training ground author. judgment of my key programmers for newly emerging talent in the implicitly and even though we LN: What is the greatest obstacle filmmaking field. may disagree on the merits of in holding a film festival with only any individual film, the point is LN: What are the advantages of short films? to be inclusive in programming holding a film festival with only DM: Attracting a large audience tastes; just as individual audience short films? when audiences are conditioned members may have a variety of to seeking out feature-length favorite genres tastes in film, it’s films with massive advertising interested in Shortfest? world. campaigns, known directors and DM: Having programmed and/ LN: It can get quite hot in PS in actors and/or advance publicity. or run a multitude of film festivals June. Why did you choose that While festival audiences are over the years, it’s no secret to month to hold the festival? Is it generally a more adventuresome me that the queer community refuge from the heat? It has been breed of filmgoers, the majority has a heightened interest in the six months since PSIFF and you are not familiar with the short film arts and film is the most vital art need your film festival fix? format. We find that once filmgoers form we have. Short films are on attend an event like ShortFest, DM: All of the above but you the cutting edge of that art form, they tend to become hooked on it, may not be aware that ShortFest providing a forum for exceptional returning year after year. used to be scheduled in August -- newly emerging talent. ShortFest a considerably hotter month than LN: You must get a lot of entries. is known worldwide for the June here in the desert. We moved What is the most common reason excellence of its programming. it up to June seven or eight years why a short does not make it into When the opportunity arises to ago, thinking the more temperate the festival? attend one of the most acclaimed climate might be kinder for and exciting short film festivals DM: The most common reason audiences standing in line and for in the world, why wouldn’t the is that the short lacks distinctive the hundreds of young filmmakers LGBTQ community jump at the elements like a strong filmmaking who fly in each year to participate chance? voice, a fresh approach to its in the event ---unprepared for material or a quality script. LN: Of the dozen or so selections temperatures that could make their I have watched so far, there brains fry. LN: There are quite a few were quite a few -- “Daniel”; LGBTQ films in Shortfest? LN: There is also the Shortfest “Nineteen”; “Manchego”; Will these types of films be Online where people can watch “Morning is Broken”; programmed together or dispersed selected films and vote -- without “Roxanne”; from or connected among other shorts programs. attending the festival in person. to the UK, England in particular That is a bit unusual. Can you DM: While roughly 10 percent of (I also saw two from Australia explain the reasoning behind the programs included in ShortFest and one from Canada). Is that? are made up of 100 percent that a coincidence or are you LGBTQ-themed shorts, there are Shortfest programmers closeted DM: We wanted to provide an a number of other shorts with Anglophiles? opportunity for people that have LGBTQ characters and storylines never been to ShortFest to get a DM: Quite honestly, it wasn’t front and center or woven into taste of what ShortFest is all about. by design. We received a their fabric playing in non- huge number of high-quality LN: How will this year’s Shortfest LGBTQ-themed programs. It’s submissions this year from the UK differ from previous ones? important to have both approaches and ended up programming 26 to programming within a short of them -- more than any country DM: The ShortFest Forums have film festival. While a large number other than the US. The UK films a new Producer: Helen du Toit, of LGBTQ filmgoers in our themselves were exceptionally who’s best known hereabouts as community want to see programs well crafted and acted. Why the the Artistic Director of PSIFF but specifically focusing on a range sudden preponderance of UK who also previously ran the VIFF of LGBTQ stories -- indeed, our submissions I’m not entirely sure, Industry Conference for four years gay film programs at ShortFest are though it may have something and is a key programmer with the among the most highly attended to do with the fact that we were Toronto Film Festival Talent Labs. programs in the lineup every year named this year as a qualifying The focus of this year’s ShortFest -- it’s equally important that all festival for both the BAFTA Forums will be shifting from the filmgoers are exposed to stories awards and the BIFA’s (British business aspects of filmmaking and characters as diverse as the Independent Film Awards). more towards the creative aspects world around us. Concurrently, a huge number of of filmmaking. 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THE TRAVEL COMPANY FOR LESBIANS WWW.OLIVIA.COM Preeti Gupta talks about Unfreedom | By John Esther

risscrossing Meanwhile, Leela (Preeti Gupta) celebrating the nude woman figure between New is set for an unwanted arranged – some are on canvass, some are on York, USA and marriage. She does not want to a homemade beach bed – against New Delhi, India, marry but Leela does not dare a patriarchal culture notorious for producer-director- tell her prominent father, Devraj arranged marriages between men Cco/writer Raj Amit Kumar’s (Adil Hussain). In fact, Leela and child female brides, rampant film pushes violence and sexual does not want to marry any man. rape against women and rampant taboos against machismo cultural The closeted daughter wants the homophobia, Unfreedom was identities who seek to control the American artist and activist, Sakhi banned by the censor boards of body by any means necessary. (Bhavani Lee). India. Pakistani Husain (Bhanu Uday) It has been a year since Leela and According to the Mumbai has just arrived in New York where Sakhi have seen each other. Leela Mirror, the censor boards were he plans to kidnap and torture did not have the courage to leave not disturbed by the torture and a peace-loving Muslim scholar, her father a year ago but when violence found in Husain’s story Fareed (Victor Banerjee). Husain she shows up at Sakhi’s exhibit, but by the nudity and lovemaking is operating as part of a Muslim Sakhi is not entirely ready to drop between the two women. terrorist cell. Husain’s motives do everything and join Leela – who The lesbianism and nudity “Will not seem ideological so much as has now is wanted by the police at ignite unnatural passions,” Kumar psychological and sexually anti- the urging of her father. was reportedly told by the board. social -- resulting from a traumatic Filled with scenes illustrating and childhood event. In this exclusive interview, LN contacted the Indian actor Gupta to get her thoughts about her role working against time and weather story. in the film, what it may do to her but I think we all took the challenge LN: Why do you think the Indian career and the dangers of banning really well. government banned the film? a film. LN: Were you concerned about PG: Well, there are the reasons that Lesbian News: Why did you want the subject matter? they have given. They are worried to be a part of Unfreedom? PG: Yes, I was. the film will “ignite unnatural Preeti Gupta: Because when I passions.” So that is the topical read the script it moved me very reason for me. But at the deeper deeply. I had read these stories in The lesbianism level I feel the space from which newspapers. I had had friends who any ban arises is fear and mistrust had similar difficult situations and nudity “Will -- not trusting people to have their in their lives because of their ignite unnatural own sense of right and wrong and sexual preferences. I felt getting wanting to impose another alien an opportunity to play a character passions,” Kumar moral sense on them – is, in my like Leela would be a role of a opinion, something that needs to lifetime. was reportedly be looked into very seriously as a society. LN: What do you think you have told by in common with your character? LN: Have you personally the board. experienced any repercussions PG: Ha, Ha, Ha. Well, I think from the Indian government she believes in love like me; and LN: How have audiences because of your involvement with she does believe in this inherent responded to the film so far? this film? goodness in people. PG: I have not interacted with PG: No I have not, yet. LN: What were the conditions the audience yet so I don’t know, like while you were filming? LN: What would you like though I would really like to know audiences to get out of this film? PG: They were different on how people react to Leela and her different days. We were all PG: I would like them to realize the value of life and the beauty of she called my mom to discuss my us how change in a single person it by witnessing the other end to priorities. can lead to change in the destiny which human beings can go to. I of a society. And I see examples LN: What do you think you would would like the audience to develop of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther be doing if you were not acting? humanism and see in their own King Jr. doing that. This sense of lives how they are being oppressive PG: I don’t know but then how empowerment is so special. I wish in little ways and if they can all could I not be acting? It feels to do it through my art. And I’m decide if only after watching the impossible. so grateful that Unfreedom gave film, for one evening, to allow LN: What do you like to do in me an opportunity to play a role everyone, whatever religion or your free time? which could actually make people sexuality to breathe. think. PG: Reading, watching films, LN: Stepping back, how would cooking, eating (I’m a big foodie) LN: Lastly, what do you think you describe your childhood? and having conversations. about these interviews where you talk about your work? Do you PG: It was an interesting childhood. LN: Are there any social causes think interviews serve the work? It was very difficult as I faced a or charities that are near and Should the work speak for itself? lot of violence while growing dear to your heart? up, which is what gives me this PG: I think both have their own inherent dislike for violence in PG: Yes I am a part of Soka Gakkai place. Interviews do what they any form. International (SGI). It’s a lay have to do and the work does what Buddhist Organization that works it has to. LN: When did you know you for a harmonious society through wanted to be an actor? peace culture and education. And PG: When I was 6 in my school we follow practical Buddhist we all had to write an essay on principles to not only better our what we want to become when we own lives but really dedicate grow up and my essay was that I ourselves to encourage and make wanted to grow up and be Sridevi others happy as well. I love this (a popular actress in India back contributive way of life. My then). My teacher got so worried mentor, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, teaches Children And The LGBT Community

| By Carl Matthes

esbians, gay men, learning that we can be who we part of the LGBT fight for equality. bisexual and are and accomplish whatever we There was a time - not too long transgendered want in spite/because of our sexual ago - where the only time gay Americans are in the orientation. men and children were linked in news - constantly! L What I find most compelling in the same sentence was because Whether it’s on TV, in movies, all of this, though, is the way that it was thought that gay men fighting the courts or sparring with the idea of protecting children and were pedophiles. Further, if we religion, never has there been so teen-agers is becoming an even were linked to teen-agers, we much interest in - and controversy more important component in our were recruiting. Some young around - our lives. And, it’s not just affairs and discussions. Whether it transgendered children were coming from the straight world is SCOTUS citing the dignity of thrown out of their homes, beaten, or because of marriage equality. children in same-sex marriages, maimed or even murdered by their This interest in finding out who refusing to reverse a lower court parents. Lesbian mothers were and what we are and what we can which supported a ban on “gay usually easy targets for losing their accomplish - is coming from our conversion therapy,” or the biological children in custody own LGBT insulated universe. murdering of our transgendered battles when vengeful husbands, (11 so far in 2015), those under 18 many times assisted by incredibly The way things are shaking out are now an even more important hateful jurists, ended up penniless, now - regardless of any U.S. childless and disgraced. Long- Supreme Court ruling - we are time same-sex lovers or couples teamed with straight spouses to ban.) or domestic partners were denied condemn some LGBT youth to a President Obama declared May the right to adopt. life of self-hate, drugs, prostitution, to be National Foster Care Month crime and even suicide because Biological families didn’t saying, “With so many children they were born LGBT. Society’s understand our “lifestyle choices.” waiting for loving homes, it is and the churches’ mission was (Where was the term sexual important to ensure all qualified to keep children and the LGBT orientation when we needed it?) caregivers have the opportunity to community as far apart as possible. Our sexual nature was considered serve as foster or adoptive parents, criminal. We were denied the right Now, in the 21st Century, we are regardless of race, religion, sexual to marry by all 50 states and District continuing to see and feel new orientation, gender identity or of Columbia. We were thrown out opportunities. We are building marital status,” according to the of churches of all persuasions, on the successes of early LGBT proclamation. “That is why we treated as criminals by police and pioneers. are working to break down the the courts and as psychologically barriers that exist and investing For instance, recently,SCOTUS or physically defective by the in efforts to recruit more qualified left intact New Jersey’s ban on medical community. parents for children in foster counseling intended to change the care.” The document also directly sexual orientation of gay children. addressed LGBT children. “All Some young The court declined to hear a young people, regardless of what challenge to the law, meaning that they look like, which religion transgendered a ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit they follow, who they love or the Court of Appeals upholding the children gender they identify with, deserve ban is final. the chance to dream and grow in a were thrown In that ruling, the appeals court loving, permanent home.” said the ban did not violate the The time has come for America out of their free speech or religious rights to embrace all of its children, to of counselors offering “gay homes, beaten, protect its children, to facilitate conversion therapy” which they loving homes and provide safe maimed or claim will convert homosexual schools for its children. Likewise, minors into heterosexuals. it is time for all the churches to even murdered The court ruled against these reflect the love and support needed licensed therapists and Christian by all of God’s children. Stop the by their counselors due to their lack of hate. Stop the killing. parents. standing. Religious groups still argue that sexual orientation can be changed. This goes against the American Psychiatric Association To their disgrace, it was the which declassified homosexuality churches who partnered with as a mental disorder in 1973. (In politicians to craft discriminatory June 2014, the court also left intact laws, sheltered pedophile priests, California’s conversion therapy © Janmika | Dreamstime.com

THE COACH’S Letting Go! CORNER | By Kristi Pallino

hy is letting go her and say or do something you Next, stop, look and listen! so difficult? I might regret. Stop telling the story over and over speak from my Is there a way out of this pain? again of how you were wronged. own experience YES!! But it does take some work Talk to a trusted friend, therapist and from a on your end. Remember, you are or a life coach and start creating a Wprofessional standpoint. Going going to get through this! NEW story. through a breakup is such a heavy emotional ride that is extremely Look for ways to make your life painful. Hearing your friends say, work. Yes, I know this one is “She just wasn’t the one for you,” Stop challenging but if you don’t, where or “You deserve better” is nice but does that leave you? Remember the the hurt feels so deep, it is difficult break up is between you and her, for the words to reach your core. telling not you and you! It is important to figure out ways to love yourself. Having been a Life Coach in the Get out in nature if you can. Start Lesbian Community for 13 years, the story creating your own path!! I have heard many stories of heart- wrenching breakups. It is so hard Listen to your gut/intuition and to say goodbye to the woman that over and not your fear. you shared so much with—your Last but not least, stalk her not best friend, your confidant, your and stay away from her Facebook future, your past and your lover. over again posts!!! You might want to Sometimes it feels like the end temporarily “hide” her from of the world. The mind plays the your news feed. Until you have a same tune over and over: Why of how chance to heal, every status update didn’t she want me anymore? is going to make you angry or hurt. What did I do? Maybe if I had___ Haven’t you had enough pain with she would have stayed. Why did you were regard to this woman? she reject me? How can I get her Know that somewhere in this back? Why is she not attracted experience there are amazing to me anymore? Maybe if I give wronged. lessons and a gift! This is a beautiful her some space she will want me time to love, honor, re-invent and back? create the new and improved you. First, journaling is extremely Do these questions sound familiar? You are not alone, you are loved helpful. It has been key for me and When in this frame of mind your and you ROCK!! Your sister and for my clients and students. Write decisions and choices are not in your coach, Kristi Pallino down all of your feelings, good a healthy place. This may lead and bad. This gets them on paper you to call when you know you and out of your head. shouldn’t, text, e-mail or try to see © Voyagerix | Dreamstime.com MOVIES EYE C

Sworn Virgin FROM THE VIRGIN TO THE LAMB | By John Esther

he San Francisco five selections from SFIFF 2015. carry a gun unless she undergoes International Film burmesha by way of Kanun, a Sworn Virgin – Winner of the Festival recently tradition which allows her to festival’s Golden Gate Award, concluded its 58th run, be treated like a man as long as which goes to a first-time once again presenting she dresses like the other men filmmaker, Laura Bispuri’s Sworn Tsome fresh filmmaking faces (wrapping her breasts) yet swears Virgin is a welcome addition to from around the globe. to remain a virgin for life. For 14 the rising presence of transgender years Hana (Alba Rohrwacher) The oldest film festival in the stories in film festival narratives. has lived life as Mark. When Americas, SFIFF ran April 23- It also offers two interesting her adopted mother (Ilire Vinca May 7 with 252 screenings of responses to a rigid patriarchal Celaj?) expires, Mark heads to 183 films from 47 countries. system. In a remote village located Italy in search of her sister, Lila Plus there were events, parties, in Northern Albania therein lies a (Flonja Kodheli), who left the seminars, etc. stark gender system where men small village years ago in order are catered to and adhered to Showcasing the diversity to escape her arranged marriage. by the women. Submissive and of the film festival – from a Although the two were once traded into marriage, a female transgender woman in Albania very close, the time and tide of may not drink alcohol, smoke, to an elderly lesbian vacationing their oppressive childhoods has engage in “male” labor, play in the Dominican Republic to considerably driven them apart. music, talk with men, sing, or a Vietnamese story about an Nonetheless, Italy does wonders unplanned pregnancy -- here are for Mark’s fate. She gets a job, an Sand Dollars

apartment and maybe a lover? She for her to remember him. She deserve what they get – may have may also be able to become Hana accepts the memento and by the worked if there was some kind again. Piecing the story between time the Frenchman is over the of historical context involved in then and now, Bispuri’s low-key Atlantic, Yeremi has pawned it off the plotline. Instead, it comes story does not throw information for some petty cash. Enter Anne off as somewhat of a reactionary at the viewer but rather lets Hana/ (Geraldine Chaplin picking up morality tale. Mark’s life unfold over its quick accolades for her performance). Flapping in the Middle of 87-minute running time. Anne, for similar delusional Nowhere – Huyen (Thuy Anh reasons, believes she can transfer Sand Dollars – Noeli (Yanet Nguyen) lives in Hanoi, Vietnam her relationship with Noeli to Mojica) is a poor girl living and with her transgender friend, Linh something beyond a financial working on the sunny beaches of (Thanh Duy Pham Tran). She is transaction. At first Noeli says the Dominican Republic. Her trade supposed to be there getting an no but her defenses start to break is her young, smooth, brown flesh education but instead she starts after seeing Anne’s tenderness, and she knows how to peddle it to dating this loser, Tung (Hoang perseverance and eventual denial elderly Europeans, regardless of Ha), who gets her pregnant. of Noeli’s modus operandi. gender or sexual orientation. For Neither of them is happy about This puts Noeli in an unusual her favors, both man and woman the pregnancy so they try to and sometimes uncomfortable pay Noeli handsomely. Even so, get the money to terminate solution. Co-directed and written payment for flesh is often not the pregnancy. Then other by Laura Amelia Guzman and enough. In order to make more complications ensue. Huyen Israel Cardenas, Sand Dollars money to survive – and support is not even sure she wants an has its moments, which means it her lazy boyfriend, Yeremi abortion even though she has no would have made a much better (Ricardo Ariel Toribio) -- Noeli money, her boyfriend absconded short film than full length feature. is not beyond manipulation and with the moneys they raised the The film has more than its share outright fabrications in order to first time and her parents are of dance scenes, people driving get what she wants out of visiting unaware of their daughter being mopeds and some really stilted Europeans who have more in a family way. Directed by dialogue. The film’s overall money than lucidity to spare. In Diep Hoang Nguyen, politically message – rich Europeans who the opening scene, a Frenchman speaking Flapping in the Middle pay for non-European flesh (Bernard Bizel) offers Noeli of Nowhere lacks the guts of some extra dough and a memento Gillian Robespierre’s Obvious Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere

Child or Cameron Crowe’s Fast by her coach, the aptly-named tragedy with increasingly bizarre Times at Ridgemont High with Jason Crutchfield, Shields went and violent behavior. He steels the protagonist of the former on to become the first American cars, attacks kids, screws over prolonging the sensible solution woman to win an Olympic gold his father-in-law (Julio Jung) and to her dire predicament. On medal in boxing. Co-winner for sets up a few executions (some at another hand, Flapping in the the festival’s Audience Award for his own hands) and yet he feels Middle of Nowhere is nowhere as Best Documentary Feature and a no remorse, pity or regret. This is reactionary as the romanticized Special Recognition nod by the not some narrative by Edgar Allen teenage pregnancy story jury, the first feature by Zackary Poe, Fyodor Dostoyevsky or illuminated in Jason Reitman’s Canepari and Drea Cooper is a Hollywood where guilt consumes Juno or the romanticized riveting, interesting and inspiring the protagonist. Set in 1990s Chile, unplanned pregnancy of Judd story of one girl’s journey to play director Juan Francisco Olea Apatow’s Knocked Up. by her own standards and succeed and writer Nicolás Wellmann’s on her own terms – with the help outstanding film, El Cordero T-Rex – Claressa Shields hails of a cool coach. (The Lamb) is another recent from the rough and tumble film to come out of that country neighborhood of Flint, Michigan El Cordero – Domingo (an where the personal plight of an (made infamous in Michael excellent Daniel Muňoz) was a everyman is actually a penetrating Moore’s 1989 documentary, mild-mannered catholic, family indictment on a country that was Roger & Me). The city is tough man who led the quiet life of faith all too complicit in and with the and so is life at home. While and desperation until the day he violence of its former illegal others respond to their dire accidentally killed someone. right-wing government (backed predicament with crime, drugs, Found innocent of manslaughter, by the US.). teenage pregnancy and violence, Domingo is deeply concerned he Shields went to the local boxing feels no guilt for the taking of ring and trained hard, real hard. a life. Unable to find a sense of With natural talent, a hard work guilt or solace in this life-altering ethic, and positive mentoring event, Domingo responds to the

COMIC OF THE MONTH: Tig Nataro | By Lynda Montgomery

road trip, at one not the usual set up/ punch variety. point she shaves his My favorite bit, is how her bad neck and to return haircut protected her from being the favor, he buys sexually assaulted! She doesn’t her a tombstone, swear in her act ( a goal I’ve failed I did say quirky at ). The worst, is the title of one of right? her many videos “Effin Funny- Little Titties”. If you would like a Tig doesn’t have to visual, there is also a topless shot come out of the closet; my guess nock of Tig in jeans and nothing else is she never had one. Her outfits Knock on her website. It’s not a glamour look like they have been pulled out its Tig” shot, again proving that fashion of the laundry basket, it’s a look and glamour are not her thing. that works for her. It’s jeans or She might live in Hollywood but cargo shorts and always a t-shirt, showcases on Showtime her roots are still in Mississippi. “K (often inside out), unless it’s the this month. Tig looks like Her rapport with her audience is t-shirt available on her web site the “Tomboy next door” but genuine, not staged and that’s the saying “Good One” and sporting don’t expect references to her reason she may have chosen to her head shot! sexuality. It’s refreshing that it’s do smaller venues on her tour. A not necessary. You can expect Her recent health issues, (she had smaller group may seem easier to quirky, off the wall, dry, silly and 3 brushes with death during a 4 entertain but the opposite is true. original material, which is making month period), are chronicled in When you first start out in comedy, her famous. She has appeared on “Pod Casts” and on NPR’s “This the only option you have is to do Conan and is a Grammy winner American Life”. Somehow all of small groups at open mikes etc. for “Best Comedy Album”. True to this and the death of her mother, but once you attain any type of her nature, instead of capitalizing make it into her act with a funny recognition you take the easy, well on her popularity, in this special edge. She has taken advantage of paid route with bigger venues “doc-u-comedy”, Tig does her act our right to marry. Stephanie, her and fewer shows. Tig is big but as in people’s living rooms, barns wife is mentioned, when a straight expected does the unexpected! I or back yards. The lucky hosts fan confesses her big crush on Tig. love Tig and I hope you will to, go auditioned by submitting videos; Tig stresses, not to get her hopes to her web site before she runs out Tig chooses where her tour will up, she would never never cheat of T-Shirts..Good one! take her. She is driven by her side (I am paraphrasing here), so Tig is kick and opening act, John Dore. also loyal and her new wife was They amuse each other during the probably listening! Her jokes are © Candonyc | Dreamstime.com

LIVING OUT Sweet Traditions | By Sally Sheklow

othing says June like We won’t be dining there for our holy matrimony. Friends came, of a wedding. anniversary this year, though. course. We were married before We’ll be attending the wedding a total of 69 witnesses. (Yeah, I This summer solstice of our dear friends Miriam and know, I know 69, right? I swear it Wifey and I will Janine (not their real names-- just worked out that way. ) celebrate our 17th N they’re not closeted or anything wedding anniversary—woo hoo! Things are different now. We’ve but I am trying to be at least a Call us traditional but every had a massive public sentiment skosh discreet in case you know anniversary we go out for dinner shift since our 1998 wedding. them and weren’t invited.) at the same place where we had Miriam and Janine’s relatives and our first date 28 years ago. It’s These two lovebirds, like Wifey extended family wouldn’t miss it miraculously still there, with the and me, knew each other for for the world. They have a total same menu, the same India-print ages before their OOH-LA-LA of 225 invited guests so it will be tapestries adorning the walls and moment, which occurred five years a lot bigger than ours. Marriage we suspect, some of the same dust ago at, coincidentally, Wifey’s and is now legal here in Oregon and bunnies from our first date. my joint birthday party. (We were this wedding will be the only one born ten days apart and yes, I’m they’ll ever need, unlike Wifey’s Wifey and I were the cougar.) Because our birthday and my multiple ceremonies festivities were the spawning evidenced by our wall of licenses, the first lesbian ground for their romance, Miriam certificates and other less-than- couple married and Janine like to give us some of equal documents that we’ve the credit for their union or hold signed on our long journey toward in our synagogue us responsible, depending on how equality. you look at it. way back before Otherwise, Miriam and Janine’s Wifey and I were the first lesbian wedding will be pretty similar marriage equality couple married in our synagogue to ours. They’ll be married by had come to any of way back before marriage equality the same rabbi, under the same had come to any of the states. And wedding canopy, with the same the states. now, here we are with the freedom blessings -- a sweet tradition that to marry in 37 states and the US makes their nuptials extra special More often than not we run into Supreme Court on the verge of to us. From here on out Wifey and our old pals Bob and Fred whose making marriage legal nation- I will share a wedding anniversary wedding, BTW, we not only wide--fingers crossed! with these two beaming brides. attended but I had the honor of Times have sure changed. Nobody I guess I’d better let Bob and Fred officiating. Bob and Fred are from my family would come to know they won’t find us at our special friends and they happen our wedding except my gay cousin favorite old eatery this year. Next to really like the same restaurant, and his boyfriend. Wifey’s mom year we’ll have to get a table for so invariably the four of us end up came, so did her lesbian cousin six. dining together – good thing we’re and her girlfriend. But that was the open to sharing. only blood family witnessing our © Sheli Spring Saldana | Dreamstime.com The Lesbian Visibility Committee of the City of West Hollywood and Christopher Street West present... WeHo Dyke March Friday, June 12, 2015, 7 p.m.

WeHo Social Hour 6 -7 p.m. Lavender Menace – Celebrating Women until midnight, No Cost march! Gather at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. & Santa Monica Blvd. honor! Etheridge Award recipient Jeanne Cordova celebrate! Main stage, LA PRIDE Festival grounds, West Hollywood Park gourmet food trucks, and dancing entertainment! Tamar Braxton and more!

Information (323) 848-6510 www.weho.org or www.lapride.org

LVC Lesbian Visibility Committee of the City of West Hollywood POSITIVE REFLECTIONS What Do You See? | By Dian Katz, MS

magine yourself driving of a car. The analogy is about the miss the faces and expressions of down a road by a beautiful, driver of your life. those around her. She might miss majestic place. What do you everything that is happening. How exactly do we drive through see? Hopefully, most of us are life? Do we hold our head down Now...how do we look at life? watching the road! Is it just when we walk? Looking down Do we only see the negative in a Ithe road we look at or do we look can actually have a negative situation or what we don’t have? further? Where and what we look psychological effect. Those who It’s difficult to focus on what we at can be similar to how we handle look down may feel down in the do have when we are angry or life’s challenges... dumps. Their backs are hunched depressed. However...focussing on The driver might only be focusing over, they walk with a little shuffle the good things can be much more on the asphalt and the car ahead of and things often appear gloomy. rewarding. Pushing ourselves to her. The problem is, she might not They may possibly suffer from make the choice of gratitude can see what’s ahead of that car or the depression. Now of course, this is a help us to feel good and also give next. Perhaps there is an accident, generalization. Not everyone who us a sense of purpose. You know, a sudden stop, construction and so looks down feels this way. The we always have choices. We either on. If she continues looking only point is, walking and looking down chose to see things as hopeless at the asphalt and only the car in can encourage one’s emotions or hopeful. We can choose to see front of her, she might not be able to experience depression. What ourselves as victims or fighters. to avoid rear ending the car in would someone looking down We can choose to see things as front if the driver suddenly stops. see? Not too much. She might good or bad. A lot of the way we In fact, she needs to see all around see things has to do with one major her. This isn’t really about a driver aspect.. how our minds perceive things. There are many factors that low self esteem individual might perception, we can change the way influence our perception. Biology, suddenly think her girlfriend must we feel. Acceptance is one option environment and circumstances, be with someone else because of changing perception. Letting can all directly affect perception. it’s odd - she didn’t call. Another go is another way. Releasing one’s insecure individual might panic anger and forgiving is also a way Perception is an interesting topic. thinking something terrible must of changing perception. Moving We can take two biological siblings have happened to her girlfriend. on is still another way. and discover they may see things The high self esteem healthy totally different. The way our If we go back to our original individual will be thinking her brains are wired and reinforced example of the three girls with girlfriend got held up at work and has a tremendous connection three different views of how was unable to call. Here we have to perception. And perception they interpreted their girlfriend three individuals with completely can make all of the difference in not calling, we can utilize these different perceptions. Now, how how we feel as well. Remember techniques. When the girlfriend do we think the first two are going the glass half empty or half full didn’t call, what could we have to feel? They are going to feel scenario? Those who see the glass done differently or how could we either angry, fearful or terrified. half empty are usually negative have seen it in a better light to How about the last individual? types. Those who see the glass make us feel less pain? We could She will most likely feel neutral half full are often people who live ask ourselves, “what things may or unaffected. with positive attitudes. Here’s a have happened?” Then we would real important key to remember. By this time we might be thinking, go through the list in our head. Yes, Perception can be changed. It is what do we do when we feel like the our girlfriend may be having an not set in stone and we can train first or second girl we mentioned? affair or may have had an accident our minds to see things differently. We certainly don’t like feeling but she might also just be tied up insecure or out of control. What with work. After coming up with could we do differently? possibilities, we can continue to imagine what will happen if we Whenever Whenever there are challenges in think either way. In other words, our lives, the way we must deal if we think she is having an affair, with them is by being calm. In there are we are going to get pissed off our minds, we need to go through and then when she calls we are all the possibilities as to why challenges in going to be angry and hostile. She something is happening the way it will in turn get angry and will is to determine if we can change our lives, the probably not want to call us back. it. Is there something we can do Get the picture? We played out the to change the situation? We also whole thing in our head before it way we must need to imagine all the outcomes happened and hopefully realized for each solution. In other words, it was a poor option. We could deal with them if we do this, then this will happen. continue on until we discover the When we do that, that will happen most healthy and peaceful option and so on. By imagining all the is by being and choose that one. possible solutions and outcomes calm. for a challenge, we are more likely Changing perception is hard work to make the right decision. On the when we are used to thinking in other hand, what if there is nothing a negative manner but it can be Let’s use some examples to we can do to alter the situation, done. Not only is positive thinking explain the perception philosophy meaning we cannot change it? Then necessary for our own good but further. Our girlfriend calls we need to change our perception. it also helps those around us feel us every day from work at a There’s that word again.. That’s better too. particular time. One day she right. We need to choose another doesn’t call. There is a spectrum way of seeing things. Sure, of reactions that can occur among whatever is upsetting us might different individuals. An insecure, be painful but by changing our © Julos | Dreamstime.com

THEORHETICALLY SPEAKING

Democracy And Law | By Nikki McCauley

acebook like Twitter and other social media Therapists highly recommend reading parenting pipelines have become a platform for many books before the child is born. So we understand social issues and debate. Social media, hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy and post whether beloved, indifferent, reviled, etc. pregnancy. That the metabolic systemic restructuring has given a face and returned a voice to the may make irrationality and hyper sensitivity. Fdemocracy that we wish we were under. It stands Children are emotionally driven and not conceptually to reclaim the voice of the people that otherwise comprehensive centric. Few are born with profound surrender to politicians who in turn sell off our many wisdom like the prodigies among us; the rest require voices to a few with special interests creating a time to develop. At five most homes and pools are “Silencing of the Lamb” and this I celebrate. still child proofed. They still wet the bed, are unable The evolution of the internet and information sharing to complete simple tasks without multiple reminders, technologies is sparking minds bringing social issues are convinced sweets are nutritious, will break a toy to the table of consciousness where awakening and expect it to work and walk off with a stranger. occurs. When I was a child, I loved playing with fire. My A friend shared a Facebook post with me. A family grandmother chased fires, literally hear a fire alarm, decided to allow there five year old child to reinterpret tune in, hop in the car and go watch the outcome! I or redetermine the child’s gender identification and was often with her and subsequently drawn to fire: its my friend wanted to my perspective, as she too felt power, its presences, its beauty. It was magical; and gender mis-assigned at an early age. consequently, I set someone’s curtains on fire and could not put out the flames and me and the other I submit, choice is a gift and should be granted to all children hid in the room with the fire raging, climbing in context of the capability of ones executive function the walls and ceiling! capacity. This is relatively easy to answer based on present judicial law, public policy and Science. First, I did not understand the full and comprehensive today, Science reports that the brain in particular the scope of playing with matches to determine properly prefrontal cortex which control the executive suite is if it was wise to become a pyromaniac. Fortunately, still developing until age 25. Secondly, laws govern no one was hurt but there were damages, valuable when a child can be home alone, drive, marry, vote, items were destroyed and most importantly, I hadn’t smoke and drink. Laws and Liability!. learned the lesson. Indicators of collective consciousness 15, 16, 18, 21, So, should a five year old be responsible for re- 25 you can rent a car or are they the voice of the few? gendering? No, he should be loved and not labeled In most states there are laws against sex with a minor. and free to evolve as all children do. Sexually identity Why? Shouldn’t an adult be able to appropriately self is a cruel focus for anyone when a human beings full evaluate the predatory nature of such decisions? potential is so vast!

© Laurajel | Dreamstime.com EarthTalk®

Where will be the best places to live if global warming gets the best of us?

| By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

f temperatures around may be mid-latitude developing take the brunt of global warming’s the globe continue to rise countries, including most of Africa fury. In his 2010 in the face of human- and South Asia. The countries ND- book, Climatopolis, Kahn predicts induced climate change as GAIN predicts will be hardest hit that Detroit will be one of the climatologists expect, some by climate change include Chad, nation’s most desirable cities Iof the world’s most populous Eritrea, Burundi, the Democratic by 2100. Other climate change areas could become uninhabitable. Republic of Congo, the Central winners could include Vermont, Rising sea levels will flood out African Republic, Sudan, Niger, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and coastal areas, while increasing Haiti, Afghanistan and Guinie Colorado. drought will make survival in Bissau. already arid areas difficult at best. Not everyone agrees that Detroit Americans looking for the best While we may have at least a few will be the golden city of our place to live domestically as the decades of runway to prepare future world. Author Giles Slade world warms should also look ourselves for the worst, advance contends in his 2013 book, north. Alaska and the Pacific planners might want to think American Exodus, that we all Northwest, both blessed with carefully about where to put down may be heading for northern plenty of water and plenty of roots now. Canada when global warming’s terrain well above sea level, are fury really starts to kick in. “The According to the Notre Dame generally acknowledged to be the safest places will be significant Global Adaptation Index (ND- best parts of the country to be in communities in the north that are GAIN) that measures and ranks 175 under a new climate regime. In not isolated, that have abundant countries based on vulnerability fact, University of Washington water, that have the possibility and readiness to adapt to climate atmospheric science professor of agricultural self-sufficiency, change, Scandinavian countries— Cliff Mass believes the Pacific that have little immediate risk of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Northwest will be “a potential forest fires, that are well elevated, Denmark—just might be the safest climate refuge” in coming decades. and that are built on solid rock,” spot in the carbon-compromised He writes in his popular weather he writes. “Our northern lands are world of the future. blog that Washington State our Noah’s ark—a vital refuge could soon become the nation’s ND-Gain researchers stress against the moment of mankind’s premiere wine production region that residents of just about any greatest need.” as California’s vineyards continue developed country (including to be slammed by years and years CONTACTS: Notre Dame Global the U.S., Canada, Australia, of drought. Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN), New Zealand, Russia, China and www.gain.org; Cliff Mass Weather most of Europe) will likely be Meanwhile, UCLA environmental Blog, cliffmass.blogspot.com. fine staying put given the fact economics professor, Matthew that better-heeled governments Kahn, says that otherwise fading EarthTalk® is a registered are already gearing up to adapt cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee trademark of Earth Action to warmer temperatures, more and Detroit will become more Network Inc. View www.earthtalk. intense storms, rising sea levels and more attractive as their org. Or e-mail us your question: and other expected changes. On counterparts to the south (Miami, [email protected]. the flip side, the worst places to be Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego) © Kodo34 | Dreamstime.com

Film Festival(S) Matter(S) | By John Esther

ow in its 21st year, Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca there is a younger, maybe more the Los Angeles Film Film Festival and the Santa Cruz popular feel to the festival this Festival has become Women of Color Film Festival. year. a staple of cinematic In this exclusive interview, LN LN: How do independent film culture in the city spoke to Rastegar about LAFF, festivals, such as LAFF, benefit Nknown for the greatest excesses in what our readers may want to the Lesbian community? movie making. While LAFF does see and the negotiations between have its Hollywood moments, RR: That’s a really good question. art, commerce and film for a film its commitment to independent Los Angeles Film Festival, which festival in Los Angeles. filmmaking has remained evident is produced by Film Independent, over the years. Lesbian News: So what can has really aligned itself with audiences expect from this year’s Film Independent’s position Assuring that commitment LA Film Festival programming? of diversifying the camera and continues, last year LAFF brought innovation and uniqueness of on Roya Rastegar as Associate Roya Rastegar: One of the things perspective. All of the stories are Director of Programming and is that we have a lot of really great told from interesting perspectives Curated Content. discoveries of new talent, so that’s – perspectives that aren’t normally a really exciting thing. There are A film critic whose work has seen in mainstream film or films also a lot of films that are really appeared in The Nation, Huffington that are released by the studio accessible and fun. In general, Post, and Camera Obscura, system. Independent films are a Rastegar has also worked at the really cool place for storytellers Another thing that is great about Film Independent is that we approach diversity not just in terms of gender but from a multifaceted point of view. So we are looking at gender and race and sexuality. Our programming team is proudly diverse. We have a number of queer people on the programming team, as well as a lot of people of color and we are mostly women on the team as well. LN: What films do you recommend our readers search out during this year’s film festival? RR: What is really, really exciting and awesome is our opening night film is Grandma. When we saw it at Sundance we fell head over heels in love with it. We are also giving (“Grandma”) Lily Tomlin a Spirit of Independence award because of all of her service to independent culture and outstanding work. She has been such an icon for so many of us. I know so many people like the character Lily Tomlin plays in Grandma. It’s really great to be able to see a multigenerational story! We also have a really cool film called Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice, Mapping a Detroit Story, the documentary made by Dream Hampton. The film looks at the murder of a young, Transgender who aren’t represented in the larger male dominated and studies have black woman who was murdered film culture to be able to explore shown that independent films tend in large part for how the police their voice and connect to their to be more women filmmakers. used her in a drug bust. What’s audiences. All film festivals can Is that something that you have really great about this film is that do that but what I am really proud found to be true regarding it’s not just about her murder and of is that we actually are doing this year’s programming and talking about how horrible it is but that this year. It’s very exciting to selections as well? it’s also about trying to understand not just talk about diversity but the larger circumstances around RR: Yeah. Almost 40 percent of actually be able to do something her murder and how to create a our films are directed by women. about it. social justice movement that will help keep safe other trans people. LN: Obviously, Hollywood is still Another really compelling film is female authors of romance fiction. Polynesian immigrant community called Oriented. It’s directed by It talks about how this whole in Salt Lake City and the high Jake Witzenfeld. He’s a British industry is really frowned upon schoolers there who want to director who is living in Tel and in a way it is kind of like the become football players. We also Aviv. The film is a fly-on-the- dirty part of publishing because have Overnight which stars Jason wall portrait of these three gay people don’t take it seriously but it Schwartzman and Taylor Schilling. Palestinian-Israelis. is actually the most profitable part So we have kind of higher profile of the industry. It’s helped really films in the Buzz section. Then we We also have two other films that keep the publishing industry afloat. have six competitions this year really highlight how it’s still really It features a lot of really awesome and that’s where we really focus hard, especially for young people, authors of romance fiction and on discovering new talent. The to come out. One is Sweet and Len Barot, who writes under the competitions are the places where Vicious. It’s about a young girl pseudonym Radclyffe. we really are able to get into the who is part of a high class network thick of our submissions. We of families in Columbia. She has receive thousands and thousands a boyfriend but she is struggling It’s very exciting of submissions and it’s where we with her sexuality. She struggles go to get our hands dirty and go against her family’s expectations to not just talk and discover new voices from all and those of their community. It corners of the globe. Festivals has a really strong cinematic style. about diversity have to figure out a way of carving Another film that has a really strong but actually out a space to be able to have a cinematic style, from another part platform for independent voices of the world, New Orleans, is by be able to do but we are doing that alongside director Ty Hodges. A Girl Like showing higher profile films with Grace has a really awesome cast something about known talent. The hope is that and breakout star, Ryan Destiny we can have a crossover between and also stars Raven-Symone as a it. the two so agents and studios mean girl/bully. will look at breakout actresses or directors who are making their LN: Can you discuss some of In addition, we have a new section first films. At the same time we the curatorial process. The this year which is called Launch, hope that younger filmmakers and festival is in such close proximity which is really thinking about the emerging talent will be able to to Hollywood; is it difficult to expanded storytelling across the attend and make connections. web. So we have a number of maintain an independent voice? really cool films inside our new RR: That’s a really great web series competition. One is observation. I am glad you asked Speaking of film festivals, The Genderton Project created by that. One of the things that film Andrea Meyerson’s Clambake: Drew Droege, who did the Chloe festivals have to do is create a Reflecting on the 30-year Sevigny parodies. It’s really structure in which independent history of Women’s Week in exciting to have the premiere of that and emerging voices and new Provincetown will have its world web series. We have another web talent can be discovered. premiere at, where else, the series called The Impossibilities Provincetown directed by Anna Kerrigan. This One of the ways we do that is one is like a day in the life of that we have a really fun section this woman, who is gay and her of films called Buzz, which is sexuality is not even a thing. a section of some of the most anticipated titles of the year and Another film LN readers might festival favorites, and we wanted enjoy is called Love Between the more popular titles. So we have In Covers. It’s a documentary about Football we Trust which is about a

Notes From Nat Latin Crooning, A Bit Of Brit Smoothness And A Music Festival That Welcomes Everyone | By Nat Burns

t’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Quien Quiera Escuchar (To Those as “Almas del Silencio”. Festival time again—for the Who Want to Listen). Not too All things Ricky Martin can be fourteenth year, believe it or bad. His American music is good found at www.rickymartinmusic. not. Beginning June 11th and but here, in his native tongue, he com/ running through the 14th, really shines. Check out “Cuanto Ithis hardcore rock festival offers Me Acuerdo de Ti”. Beautiful. You can follow his film appearances a lineup of some of today’s The first single from this album, here, www.imdb.com/name/ blockbuster musicians. Folks such “Adios”, a world-beat flavored nm0005193/ and some of his as Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, piece, became Martin’s twenty- important humanitarian work here, Earth, Wind & Fire, plus newer fourth top ten US Billboard Hot www.rickymartinfoundation.org/ bands such as Rudimental and The Latin Songs single. en/ Wallies. Enrique Martín Morales was Oh, and just for a little fun, a video. Held in Manchester Tennessee, the born in December, 1971, in San festival is generally attended by Juan, Puerto Rico and began more than eighty thousand people singing as a very young boy, who usually camp there to daily mostly imitating eighties bands © 2015 Sony Music Latin crowd around ten stages of almost such as Led Zeppelin and REO continuous musical performances. Speedwagon. And oddly enough, Remember how I like British One perk this year, in partnership the boy band Menudo. Later, musician Olly Murs, of X Factor with Noisetrade, is the release after gaining success working in fame? Oh my. He has a new album, of the Bonnaroo Mixtape 2015 Puerto Rican TV commercials, he Never Been Better. And he has— featuring thirty eight songs from auditioned to be part of Menudo. never been better. The track, “Let the upcoming performers. More He was rejected the first time but Me In”, is a beautiful ballad. Oh info, plus a free download of the his persistence paid off and in heck, they’re all beautiful ballads. mixtape is available at— noisetrade. 1984, when he was just thirteen, The title song, “Never Been com/bonnaroonoisetradesampler/ he joined the group. Four years Better”, is a soft rock song with a bonnaroo-mixtape-2015 later, after eleven albums and big band feel. A lot of his works numerous tours, exhausted, he left Two of my favorites are “Stay come across like stage tunes but the group. He went on to become a Here With Me” by Jesse Terry and they have a rounded rock mix air novella (Spanish soap opera) star “Waves” by Bahamas. that is intriguing. I’m not sold on and an award-winning film star. In their popularity here in the states Go to www.bonnaroo.com for 1990, he signed with Sony music but after more than a year of work, tickets, schedules and the full and released several solo albums the album dropped in November lineup. while he acted on the side in roles of last year and debuted at number that caught his interest. To follow them on Facebook, one on the UK Chart. check out www.facebook.com/ He released his first English ©2015 Sony Music bonnaroo album in 1999. The album, Ricky www.ollymurs.com/home/ Martin, debuted at number one Here’s some info about Billboard’s on the Billboard 200 and sold choice for the best acts from A really lyrical video of his song six hundred sixty copies during last year. www.billboard. “Up” featuring Demi Lovato: its first week of release, the com/articles/columns/music- most successful album debut on festivals/6121482/bonnaroo-best- the Billboard charts by a Hispanic performances-2014-elton-john- singer. His success was sealed and frank-ocean-janelle-monae ‘Til next month, who today doesn’t sing along to Nat Handsome humanitarian and “Livin’ la Vida Loca”? Since 2003 singer, Ricky Martin, has just Martin has leaned more toward his released a new Latin album, A Latin roots, releasing albums such

POLITICALLY SPEAKING

Scouts and the LGBT Community | By Carl Matthes

he Girls Scouts of opportunistic officeholders and become a part of the program. the United States of misguided clergy have found This change will put young America (GSUSA) it very lucrative to stoke the innocent girls at risk.” and the Boy Scouts fears of dedicated Christians. Grassroot conservatives want of America (BSA) Mistreating children is not the gays and lesbians to form their Tare attracting the wrath of those work of the LGBT community. own scout groups, i.e., Gay who do not want to accept the For instance, the American Scouts of America. They want fact that the LGBT community Family Association (AFA) - to keep LGBT kids separate is an integral and important which, in 2010, was listed as a hate from the “normal, regular kids.” part of America. These folks, group by the Southern Poverty Separate but equal? Hmmm. many who claim that their lives Law Center - has launched a Sound familiar? are governed by religion, do petition demanding the GSUSA not want these young LGBT Andrea Bastiani Archibald, rescind their policy welcoming kids included in America’s the GSUSA’s chief girl expert, transgender girls. AFA’s petition mainstream. Somewhere in their explained, “While the AFA is reads: “This means girls in the Bible, they have found that God’s apparently just paying attention organization (GSUSA) will be creative power and love does not to the Scouts’ policies, the forced to recognize and accept include those who are lesbian, transgender-inclusive policy transgenderism as a normal gay, bisexual or transgendered. is actually four years old!” lifestyle. Boys in skirts, boys in My Bible speaks of love and She noted that the GSUSA has make-up and boys in tents will acceptance. I think pseudo “valued and supported all girls,” protect-the-family organizations, not just “one type of girl,” since the organization was founded in to BSA policies which prohibits that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” 1912. “Our position is not new,” adults who are “open or avowed the policy that barred openly she said. “It conforms with homosexuals” from having jobs gay individuals from serving in our continuous commitment to or memberships. the military, was ended. (Gates inclusivity.” served as U.S. Secretary of It was only last year that the Defense under both George W. Archibald elaborated, “If a girl BSA stopped denying or taking Bush and Barrack Obama.) By is recognized by her family, away leadership positions from all standards, the undermining school and community as a girl openly gay young scouts. These of military morale predicted by and lives culturally as a girl, Girl restrictions denied young, adversaries of lifting DADT Scouts is an organization that openly gay youth from enjoying never materialized. The same can serve her in a setting that is the challenges, the camaraderie should be true for the BSA. After both emotionally and physically and the training gained from all, the first rule of Scouting safe. Inclusion of transgender scouting. demands that all scouts “Be girls is handled at a council level Gates said he was not asking the Honest.” on a case by case basis, with the Boy Scouts’ national board to welfare and best interests of all Perceptions and acceptance of make any policy change at the members as a top priority.” the LGBT community - in all current meeting. However, “the of its diversity - is changing in To date, the AFA, which begged group’s ban on adult gay leaders many positive ways. As I wrote their folks to “Sign our petition needs to end. We must deal with recently, “ Not too many years to tell the GSA to stop this the world as it is, not as we might ago, LGBT folk were denied the nonsense by rescinding this wish it to be. The status quo in right to marry in all 50 states. dangerous policy now!,” has our movement’s membership We were thrown out of churches collected a little more than 38,000 standards cannot be sustained,” of all persuasions, treated as signatures which, sorry folks, said Gates. criminals by police and the amounts to hardly any support at As part of his advocacy for courts and as psychologically all. In fact, as some are saying, change, Gates cited the recent or physically defective by the it’s “Practically nothing!” protests against Indiana Governor medical community.” Change And, now, the Girl Scouts are Mike Pence’s signing of has happened and it’s going to not alone. discriminatory legislation aimed continue as the country moves at allowing businesses to deny Christian conservatives are forward. services to those they thought apoplectic over statements made As Gates said, “The one thing were LGBT. The outcry against by Boy Scout President Robert we cannot do is put our heads the legislation was so strong that Gates at a national BSA meeting in the sand and pretend this the legislature and the governor in Atlanta. Gates said, “Dozens challenge will go away or abate. had to backtrack and withdraw of states - from New York to Quite the opposite is happening.” the law. The country’s attitude Utah - are passing laws that And Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout toward the LGBT community is protect employment rights on the and executive director of Scouts rapidly changing said Gates. basis of sexual orientation. Thus, for Equality, said, “We are 180 between internal challenges Having Gates speak-out degrees from where we were and potential legal conflicts, for inclusion of and non- a year ago. This is a very, very the Boy Scouts of America discrimination against gay scouts positive development.” finds itself in an unsustainable is typical of his leadership style position.” Gates was referring as it was under his leadership

© Walleyelj | Dreamstime.com

QUEERLY QUESTIONING

Who are “We” In this Community? | By Juno Parrenas,˜ PhD

efore organizers This is not about policing bad completely oblivious to harsh cancelled its release, practices or passing moral forms of everyday violence or this year’s International judgments. It’s about questions of they know and are complicit. Ms. Leather’s T-shirt life, death and freedom: who has The same can be said for those logo and theme was the unquestioned right to live as who apologize by saying, “Sorry Bperhaps the most controversial they wish? Whose very lives are I offended you.” It is not about yet. With the phrase, “locked under threat? offending me, or people who feel and loaded,” it featured a purple the same as me; it’s about the deep Such responses made me lose dildo in the barrel of a gun. Many injustice of our times and how we esteem for my fellow people in the thought of this as just a t-shirt. each relate to it. Do we ignore it? scene. As a teenager, having my But just as many were alarmed Or do we confront it? Who can world opened by Gayle Rubin’s at its visual fetishization of the even ignore it? essay “Thinking Sex,” I have gun. Why now, at this moment in long held the idea that BDSM is Revisiting Gayle Rubin’s essay not which people are calling out that about outlaw sexuality, inherently too long ago, she makes the point “Black Lives Matter” in response subversive in its opposition to that sexuality is just one vector to extra-judicial fatal shootings mainstream propriety and sexual of oppression: a rich white male and murders of black people in morals. And now, I am compelled pervert enjoys social standing, this country? Why glorify the fact to wonder if such sentiments were freedoms and social advantage that some in this country have the merely romantic idealizations. more than a poor brown female freedom to play with guns and pervert. I may share multiple axis engage gun culture while others, of difference along with people like a little twelve-year old boy This is not about who go to IMsL. Yet it’s clear that playing with a toy gun, can be other vectors of oppression shape gunned down and killed by the policing bad the sense of who “we” are. police for doing the same? We need to have communities that Those who defended this imagery practices or offer respites and sanctuaries from stated objections and questions passing moral the real world, in which we can like, ‘why are you so sensitive?’ or find ways to cope with the harsh ‘‘I can tell the difference between judgments. inequalities that confront us the an image and real violence— moment we leave our bedroom why can’t you?’ Others resented doors. But such spaces are only having to reflect on the political Accusing others of being too possible if we have shared trust. implications of their acts of sensitive in this harsh world What happens if you cannot share pleasure, saying that criticism where punishment is meted out that trust? And as much as you against it was like politically differently according to points or I would want to construct that correct policing during the Sex of perceived difference along the safe space, the world sometimes Wars of the 1980s, when realistic lines of race, class and gender catches up to find you. dildos offended lesbian anti- conformity suggests that those patriarchal aesthetics and were doing the accusing are either thus not allowed. © Elenaphoto21 | Dreamstime.com

Words That make sense Do We Change Situations Or Do The Situations Change Us? | By Toni Hart

hose of us who are in our began more complicated exploits. name was ADRIAN. If you saw elder years have lived My mother was generous and the “Wizard of Oz” then you saw thru many a decade. I bought me the material and his fashion magic as he designed certainly have. And... supplies that I needed and away I all the costumes for that film and as life goes on, we went. Patterns were inexpensive many other big scale flicks as well. Tchange. Sometimes these changes and the instructions were fairly He was the fashion designer to the are small - like a new hairstyle or easy to follow. New outfits were stars and created gorgeous attire in color. Sometimes these changes filling my closet. I was styling. his workshop. are huge and require thought and I begged my mother’s friend to planning. They also require extra introduce me and before you know sharp hearing to be alert for that it, at 16, I was sewing beautiful knock of opportunity. The test of At around gowns in a workshop full of women your mettle is how you handle the from many other countries. Many twists and turns and your ability sixteen I had were schooled in convents where to leap into action when that they learned fine sewing. Talk perfect situation presents itself. become very about happy...I was in dreamland. Sometimes it means reinventing The designs, the fabrics (which he yourself to get what you desire. proficient in also designed) the fashion shows, When I look back at my diverse (we were sometimes allowed to life, I see many happy years as my craft and watch from the wings), made me well and some sad times. From the deliriously happy and set the stage time I was a little girl and made was able to for my own career later on clothes for my dolls out of bits of After graduation from UCLA, I fabric, I wanted to be a fashion change pattern secured the position of Designer designer. I never wavered in that at a children’s clothing company. desire. As I grew older and became From then on, each job change a preteen, I decided to try making styles to suit brought me higher and higher in things for me to wear. My mother rank and salary. After several years bought me an old treadle sewing my tastes. I was fulfilling my needs as well machine and with the help of the as my childhood dream of being a home economics classes in school fashion designer. those days, I began to sew. At first At around sixteen I had become it was easy attire like gathered very proficient in my craft and was In the years after having my family, skirts and peasant blouses. Sewing able to change pattern styles to I pursued several successful was not an idle task for me. The suit my tastes. As luck would have careers but none brought me the stores only featured children’s or it, a friend of my mothers was a happiness I found in the fashion woman’s clothes at that time and pattern maker in the Rodeo Drive, world. I fit into neither category. At 12, I Beverly Hills couture workshop was almost 5’7”. of one of the World’s most famous fashion designers of that era. His From those early beginnings, I © Photographerlondon | Dreamstime.com

HOT SPOTS | By Dian Katz, MS

there are even events within this little Walt Disney gay world that are specifically for the women??? Oh hell to the yes!!! Girls in Wonderland “Traffic Jam” dance party is just one of the several parties just for you gals. And they are going to be wearing certain colors to show your status.. Red is for taken, yellow means approach with caution and green means go for it!!! Just to mess with everyone, I am going to wear a red jacket, with a yellow bandana and green o June gloom here the east coast of U.S.A.??? Well I pants!!! Or not.. baybeeeee. Summer will tell you. Peter Pan is hanging Now that I think about it, those is here! I mean out with Goofy while Snow White colors won’t get me anywhere. seriously, many of is hanging out with the Frozen I’m wearing the green!! ALL you need some warm Princess. Where you ask? Why green from head to toe! I am going Nair. On the other hand, us southern at GAY DAYS, ORLANDO to stick out like Gumby! Ahem, so Californians need a little FLORIDA of course!!!! June come on down or up to Gay Days, cool air and perhaps some water!! 2-7 comes alive with you-knows Orlando Florida and join the fun. The grass always seems greener running around all over the park For schedule of events, where somewhere else.. we want some and guest hotels. You can’t imagine to go and tickets, head over to: snow, the east wants some heat just how many of us converge gaydays.com/Calendar/Girls/. and so on. How about you folks on one of the happiest places in on the other side of the world? the world. I mean serious magic Now out in the desert, LN How you doing? Okay, magic side, the Magic Kingdom, amazing film festival. PALM okay, time to get on with our where all of your little dreams SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL fabulous monthly Hotspots! come true.. And did you know, SHORTFEST will be taking place June 16-22. You see, it’s a festival Do you know what’s happening on for those who like to wear shorts. Now mind you, there are plenty mention a few prides happening Who knows. But I’m sure big or of golfers in Palm Springs in their each month during this time. Here in shorts, it’s going to be one heck golf shorts.. So you’ll see them, and in the U.S. there are some huge of a good time!!!! Put on your so many people wearing shorts. Pride festivals happening during cowboy hat: pridehouston.org. wait....hold please... someone the month of June. We’ve got LA Okay, I’m a little Pride Festival’d is texting me:::::::::::::::::::::::::: PRIDE happening on June 12-14. out. I need to talk about something what????:::::::::::::::::::: Oh That’s Los Angeles for you out of else. Not to worry. I will continue emmmmmm geeeeeee! I am soooo the country gals. LA girls are hot, sending you over to festivals but sorry. I was just informed that it is hot, hot. So if you are vacationing sheesh, I gotta take a little breather. NOT a festival for people wearing over in southern California during Or is that a “short” breather??? Oh shorts. It is a festival for films that the month of June, you might want nooooo... Somebody stop her!! are a tad short. My bad. Bad Dian!! I to head over to their pride lapride. She’s out of control!!! was so looking forward to hanging org. Up in northern California, we out with girls in shorts but not to have another Pride festival going There is some big party worry! I love a festival with short on. This one is SAN FRANCISCO happening in the Mediterranean. movies. Gives me more time to PRIDE happening on June 27-28. It’s called: OLA GIRLS: THE run to the bathroom and grab some The northern California girls rock LESBIAN MEDITERRANEAN popcorn. Oh, sorry, sorry. Palm the city as well. Quite a different GETAWAY on June 5-7. I have Springs International Shortfest feel between the north and no idea what kind of party this is going to be sensational!!! LN southern lesbos in California. But sounds like but I’m hungry and doesn’t sponsor anything but the neither here nor there, they all love Mediterranean food sounds best events!!! So, I need to be to have wicked fun. Check this out delish! Oh, okay. You want me to reeeeeel-ly serious now and give while there - sfpride.org. And over give you the scoop now don’t you! you the info link. Did you get that? on the east coast, the New Yorkers Hold on. Let my secretary get back reel-ly like film and reel, oh forget have their humongous festival with your secretary and tell you it! No one pays attention to the NEW YORK PRIDEFEST on what this party is all about. ::::::: person behind the screen anyway. June 28th in addition to several Hang on. I will ring someone up I feel like the great and powerful other lgbt events going on during in Spain for this celebration:::::::: Oz who is really just a little man. the week. You talkin’ to me??? Oh Hola! Que is Girls: The Lesbian noooo. I’m doing my Sylvester Mediterranean Getaway por favor? The grass always Stallone voice again. It was the Oh also, yo hablo espanol mucho whole New York thing that brought pero comprendo nada. Oh, si. Yo seems greener it on. Alright, I’ll stop. Geez! For comprendo. The promoters said, somewhere else.. more info on New York’s Pride,: “Todas las lesbianas de Europa en nycpride.org/events/. CHICAGO una cita lesbica international.” Got we want some snow, PRIDE happens on June 22. it! They said it’s a retirement party the east wants The windy city has you-knows for a couple of women in shorts everywhere as well. They like to who love to eat pizza!!! Perfect! some heat party too! chicagopride.gopride. I am sooooo there! A and so on. com. Let’s see, I will give you one toast to the OlaGirls!! For more more festival for the road.. how information,:olagirls.com. Isn’t about those Texans? They seem to it supposed to be Ole’? Ah never I’m just little ol’ me.. Just stop it like everything big yanno. Well, mind. Dian!!! Check out: psfilmfest.org/ they will be having one big festival index.aspx. in Texas - HOUSTON PRIDE WEEK happens June 21-28. Big Most of you know we started steaks, and lots of other big things Pride Season. I always like to or maybe people in shorts! © Hypnocreative | Dreamstime.com

TRAVEL

SERIOUS ADVENTURERS ONLY: INQUIRE WITHIN | By Stephanie Papadakis

o some, walking uphill looms overhead, a whopping time before realizing I wasn’t on uneven terrain 14,179 feet above sea level. sure what I was looking at, nor and sleeping on hard, did I have any idea where I was Shasta has been calling my name rocky ground sounds going. for a long time now and even like a nightmare (it’s though I knew I was not going Fast forward to Labor Day Tdefinitely not for the faint of to climb to the top any time soon weekend (and a couple of heart). For others, perhaps those (upon further research, I learned pointers from the internet) and seeking adventure and the thrill of one needs an ice axe, serious Sara and I were off. We decided walking on top of the world, the climbing boots and quite possibly to make it a Saturday – Tuesday Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a guide), surely there are other trip thinking it would be crowded one place to do just that. Located breathtaking peaks to climb and the last three-day weekend of just south of the Oregon border in glacial lakes to swim through. the summer. Though we left San North Central California, the 2.2 So I did what any obsessive- Francisco relatively early, we still million acre forest encompasses compulsive person does when hit tons of holiday traffic, which five wilderness areas, hundreds they get excited – bought a topo means we didn’t hit Redding of mountain lakes and 6,278 map and stared at it for a long until about 4pm. We didn’t have miles of streams and rivers. As if quite a handle on where we were that’s not enough, Mount Shasta going to camp that night so we deserted. It was a good reminder only eating protein and veggies. stopped to look at the map while that the drought is effecting We drank some bourbon to help filling up with gas one last time ecosystems and communities all us fall asleep so we’d be refreshed before we hit the backcountry. over the state and that we must for a long day of hiking. Once we chose our destination, be mindful with every drop of Big Bear Lake Scott Mountain, which didn’t water we use. look so far on the map, we We woke up the next morning to We arrived at Scott Mountain ascended for the final leg. The lots of smoke; there was a fire campground with just a little bit three hour drive was beautiful burning about 30 miles northeast of daylight left. To our surprise, (you’ll see quaint mountain and the winds had shifted in our there was only one other group towns like Whiskeytown and direction. I think we were both a there and they were in an RV. Weaverville); it also told us a little nervous but a park ranger Working quickly, Sara started a lot about the state of the drought drove by at just the right time to fire and I set up camp. We wanted in California. We drove passed let us know we were ok. So we to throw dinner on the grill (this Trinity Lake, which was once packed up the car and headed to is an improved campground, a huge boating destination, and the Big Bear Lake trailhead, a meaning there are fire grills and the tow-in areas were completely 9-mile roundtrip out & back hike toilets); in this case, we created dry. The water had receded so in the heart of the Trinity Alps. steam packs because we were far from the original edge that This hike is…hard (it was all the campsites around it were probably harder given the smoke it was a lot colder than it had filled with families and large and the heat; and the fact that been the morning before. The groups (granted, we had just spent I was dehydrated). With an 3.5 mile hike to Lower Deadfall the last two days seeing maybe elevation gain of 2,800 feet (you Lake is pretty easy; it follows five people total), we decided realize it even more on the way the Pacific Crest Trail and has to stay at the third, given it was back), you really do earn the right incredible views of the Trinity late and we had to leave the next to see the lake, which is set in Alps to the south. Once you get day. We set up camp and passed a granite cirque. The trail starts to the lake, you can’t help but out quickly, drunk off the beauty off walking along a creek bed for strip and swim (there were no we’d witnessed earlier that day. the first mile or so before turning people around for miles), for the Castle Lake further west to ascend into the water is clear and warm and is trees. Ferns, oaks, cedars and nestled in a mountain valley. We Knowing we had to leave this firs abound here and the closer took a quick dip and went back morning, we packed up early and you get to the lake the more on our way. headed out on a final 5-mile hike beautiful it gets. As you continue to Castle Lake. We didn’t know The next two miles saw us to climb, granite spires become that you actually begin at the passing Middle and Upper visible beyond the trees and you lake itself, so we decided to hike Deadfall Lakes (not swimmable) know you are getting close. We to the peak right above the lake. and forced us to climb 1,200 feet reached the granite crossing and Technical and somewhat steep, (the mountain had no mercy on immediately the lake came into this hike is great for another us) up switchbacks. Sara has view. It was unfortunately, so gorgeous lookout, this time of killer quads and made it to the smoky that you couldn’t see the Mount Shasta and Black Butte. top before me so she decided far end of the lake very clearly Since we didn’t have much time, to video my reaction as I came but the spires were just bright we came back down for a quick to the summit. It’s a great thing enough to make them out. We swim in the lake (which was the she did – I have never been more hung out at the lake for about coldest of the lakes we swam astounded in my life. Straight an hour to eat lunch and to in) before driving back to the ahead is Mount Shasta and you rehydrate, as I had gotten sick city. All in all, it was a beautiful have a 360-degree view of the from not drinking enough water. experience, albeit the smoke and Trinity Alps to the south and the dehydration (which I vow Feeling refreshed, we hiked back west, Klamath National Forest to to never let happen again) and I to the car to celebrate Day 1 with the north and Lassen Peak to the highly recommend it to anyone the not-so-cold beer waiting for east. It was simply breathtaking. who wants a challenge. us. We headed back to camp We enjoyed the view while eating for dinner (more steam packs) lunch, then attempted to descend For more information about the and planned our hike for the the backside of the mountain by Shasta-Trinity National Forest, next day…the ever-ambitious following a trail that was not please visit www.fs.usda.gov/ Mount Eddy, the second highest really a trail. We walked about main/stnf/home. peak in the forest after Mount half a mile or so on the saddle, Shasta, which sits at 9,026 feet thinking maybe we could slide in elevation. down the bowl to Upper Deadfall Mount Eddy Lake but I eventually chickened out as I did not want to start a We left our tent the next morning rock slide. We went back the way surprised at how clear the sky we came and hustled to the car. was (it was also really cold). Nearing sunset, we still did not We said goodbye to our camp as have a place to camp. Stopping we packed up and headed out to at three different sites we thought the Deadfall Lakes/Mount Eddy might be remote but were each parking lot, bundling up because Cynthia I. Miles Certified Public Accountant

500 N. State College Blvd. Suite 1100 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 919-4455 Fax: (714) 919-4459

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| By Morag Hillsinger

She makes me mad And asks too much But I can’t live Without her touch

She cut me to The very quick The thought of leaving Makes me sick

There’s nothing that I Can’t forgive I’d rather hurt Than really live

© Margaritavasina | Dreamstime.com

BOOKS

| By Teresa Decrescenzo

n 2010, Emma Donoghue year prior to the publication of wrote a book called, “ROOM,” “ROOM” that Jaycee Lee Dugard that was an amazing, almost was rescued from her kidnapper/ incredible story about a rapist after almost twenty years in kidnapped woman who gave captivity in California. She, too, Ibirth to two children fathered by had borne two children, so why her kidnapper. One child died should Donoghue’s “ROOM” be but the other one lived and the incredible? Probably because the narrative is driven by the little boy’s skill of the writer in telling the perspective and experience. I say horrific story made it so painful the story is “almost” incredible, to read. Since 2009, there have because “ROOM” is based on a been at least a dozen other rescues notorious crime that came to light of long-term kidnap victims, so in 2008. An Austrian girl named we know the tales are credible. Elizabeth Fritzl was rescued by “ROOM” will be released as a local authorities after having spent feature film in the near future. twenty-four years captive in the Meanwhile, Donoghue had me basement of her family’s home, hooked on her work, so when imprisoned by her own father, who I saw her name as the author repeatedly raped her and fathered Frog Music of “Frog Music,” I picked it up the seven children Elizabeth by Emma Donoghue with no idea what it was about or bore. Donoghue was especially Little Brown even that it is a work of historical touched by the five year-old Felix New York, NY fiction, not necessarily my favorite Fritzl, who inspired the character, www.littlebrown.com sub-genre. What a terrific read “Jack,” the five year-old narrator this is! It has everything you’d of “ROOM. want in an historical novel. First, Closer to home, it was only a it is meticulously researched, so the setting, San Francisco in the summer of 1876, is as authentic as you’d want. Second, it’s a murder woman in men’s clothing, lacking is okay, which he very much is mystery that is another Donoghue in social graces and polish but not. Arthur finds the baby to be novel based on a true story. This soon becomes enchanted with very intrusive and seems to have time, Donoghue discovered Jenny, and eventually falls hard for arranged to have P’Tit disappear a murder in which police her, to the dismay of many in the soon after he arrives home. Dead? investigators “solved” the case and neighborhood. This also included Kidnapped? To be revealed. closed the books on this homicide, Blanche’s male partner, Arthur, a The racial tensions with the except that Donoghue didn’t buy fancy dresser, who seems to have Chinese play a significant role the convenience of “case closed” no visible means of support and in this fascinating story as well. in this instance. Why? occasionally pimps Blanche to At one point during the struggle wealthy men and working men just Could it be that police were between Arthur and Blanche, on a spending spree who lust after eager to stamp this case “closed” Arthur precipitously - and illegally the sexually talented Blanche. because the victim was a lesbian? - sells the one material asset It seems that Jenny Bonnet was an One of the fascinating aspects Blanche owns, a rooming house out lesbian. It’s possible that she of “Frog Music” is the way it in the city, to a Chinese man, who was trans but more likely closer moves back and forth in time. It unceremoniously evicts Blanche, to how lesbian novelist-memoirist does take a bit of work to keep leaving her homeless and penniless Alison Bechdel recently (New track of what happened when and on the streets of San Francisco. York Times Magazine May 17, who said what to whom but like There’s a fair amount of hard-core 2015) described herself as, “a a puzzle, the pieces do all come sex, including at least one three- kind of unusual woman.” Jenny together in the end, as Donoghue way and encounters where Blanche wore men’s clothing and had offers an alternative solution to joyfully discovers the pleasures even been imprisoned for her the mystery of who killed Jenny of lesbian sex, including a scene sartorial choices (it being a crime, Bonnet. Long before we reach that where she favorably compares a of course, in 19th century San point, however, we are immersed wrist to a penis. It all comes to an Francisco for women to wear in San Francisco life during one end one night, when Jenny is shot clothing of the opposite gender). of the hottest summers on record. through the window of a saloon Despite being frequently subjected Everyone is sweltering and in on the outskirts of San Francisco. to police harassment, Jenny was terror of the smallpox epidemic Blanche is devastated by the loss cheerfully defiant about her gender that is sweeping across the city, of Jenny and is determined to presentation, challenging anyone wiping out entire families within track down her killer. It’s through to question her attire or her sexual a few days. the search for Jenny’s killer that orientation. It is in the context of what is literally Donoghue is able to offer her Jenny’s occupation was most a hothouse that the relationship alternative ending to the real- unusual, to say the least. She was between a cross-dressing lesbian life investigation. Four years a self-employed frog-catcher. She and a stripper-prostitute with a after Jenny’s murder, police had caught frogs and delivered them jealous man-friend whose male identified a suspect who they were to upscale San Francisco French secretary loathes Jenny while planning to extradite from Canada. restaurants. Frog legs were so enjoying Blanche’s sexual favors That suspect committed suicide, popular in local restaurants that as part of his friendship with which enabled the police to close Jenny easily sold every frog she Arthur, flourishes. the case and consider the murder caught. Jenny could almost be solved. Donoghue envisioned the The plot gets more complicated described as happy-go-lucky ending differently. when Blanche and Arthur’s son, in her unusual lifestyle when P’Tit, now almost one year old, Draw your own conclusions but she catches the eye of Blanche suddenly comes to live with them do read “Frog Music” if you can. Beunon, a high-class burlesque from a poorly run boarder-baby It is a compelling tale. dancer and prostitute. At first facility after Blanche rescues him Blanche is put off by this bold during a visit to ensure that he © Irochka | Dreamstime.com You can watch all the Gay USA video’s by clicking the video above. Internet Connection required.

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 “AN EMOTIONAL

TRIUMPH”– LA Times DEAFSPRING WEST THEATRE’S AWAKENING BOOK AND LYRICS BY STEVEN SATER | MUSIC BY DUNCAN SHEIK | DIRECTED BY MICHAEL ARDEN MAY 21 - JUNE 7, 2015

PRODUCED BY WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, DEAF WEST THEATRE AND CODY LASSEN Tullier Tate Photo by Austin McKenzie.

BUY TICKETS FEMASTROLOGY | By Victoria Bearden

e start the very likely. so things will begin to straighten month off with out after that time but give it a Venus, the planet of love, beauty a Full Moon in week or so to catch up with itself! and art, enters Leo on June 6, fiery, exciting These cycles, which happen 3 2015, ramping up romance and Sagittarius on times a year, are not always the pits creativity in a BIG way. Of course, WJune 2, 2015 at 9:19 AM Pacific but can be extremely challenging, if you are a Leo it’s even better Time. And it could be quite so patience, patience, patience! as you already have Jupiter in unpredictable on the day of the Realize that others may be even Leo bringing in all kinds of great Full Moon, as she will oppose more scrambled than you and try opportunities. Must be nice! Still, Mars in Gemini in the afternoon. to be the “calm” one if possible. there is enough for everyone, with This can make people extremely On the upside of things, often you positive vibrations from Venus, excitable, for better or worse. will get insight and possible help Jupiter and Uranus in fire stirring And with Mercury in Gemini still relating to past unsolved issues. up and igniting the possibilities for Retrograde, issues connected to love, abundance and new starts. Other notable events in June communication, transportation include the New Moon in Gemini and technology could become The one fly in the ointment on June 16, and Summer Solstice pretty messed up! This energy has to be Mercury Retrograde. on June 21. won’t last long but it could pack Missed appointments, poor quite a punch. So enjoy the communication, inaccurate data, Astro-Opportunity Dates in creative energy wave (particularly failed equipment, car problems and June: 2, 3, 6, 7,9, 13, 18, 29, and in the evening) but keep your wits all manner of mess ups abound! 30 about you, as disruptive events are Mercury will go direct on June 11, For all the Sun Signs: Put off new starts and of the month promises to be productive and big decisions until after June 20 if possible. you’ll be able to fix anything that went wrong They will go much more smoothly with Mercury over the last few weeks. Retrograde completely out of the way. The end

Aries (March 21-April 19) Many life changes Libra (September 23-October 22) This could be have occurred and you may be wondering if you an extremely fortunate period for you if you have are on the right track. You need to process things, so identified your goals. Your social network is humming make sure you give yourself time to contemplate your and people want to connect to you. Travel would be new realities. Then, embrace the new and stretch past uplifting and encouraging, whether for business or your old boundaries. Fiery and airy planets help motivate pleasure. you as the month evolves. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Financial Taurus (April 20-May 20) Finances may seem pressures seem to demand solutions. You will complicated but there are also opportunities to find them by being patient and focused. Consider any grow and make solid choices now. Press forward with business partnerships or joint endeavors carefully. You plans in a steady way and you will see major progress do not want to be obligated to people who are not willing as the month ends. The big picture of your life is getting to pull their own weight. If you have unfinished business clearer. This is a good time to set long range goals. with anyone, now is the time to end it! Then you will have a truly fresh start in July. Gemini (May 21-June 20) The beginning of the month highlights your personal growth and Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Major relationship changes. Important message and information changes are surfacing in your life. You may feel will arrive. Pay attention to your decisions and look very differently about what you want to put your time and before you leap! You may feel like racing ahead with energy into now. Your emotional reactions are powerful some of your plans but don’t skip the preparation phase. and could throw you off balance. Relationships could be exciting and even demanding. Cancer (June 21-July 21) You need to check in to your Body, Mind, Spirit department and get Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Time to some things in order. Health issues may need attention make sure your life is in order. You may have and you must consider removing some stress from your gotten out of sync with your inner needs. You may also daily routine. It’s time for some inner work and reflection have gotten off kilter with your schedule and routine. about your true priorities. Things will be getting much Attention to the mundane aspects of daily living is the busier for you in months to come, so get yourself into agenda right now. balance now and things will go much smoother as 2015 unfolds. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Single Aquarians could have wild ride with all the Leo (July 23-August 22) It’s great to be you romance energy in the air this month. This is a creative and right now! If it’s not, you truly need to get out fortunate time for you. Don’t sit by and let opportunities of your own way. Helpful people will show up when slip through your fingers. Time to take a chance! needed. And romance is full of surprises, mostly good ones! Take advantage of this unusually lucky period to Pisces (February 19-March 20) Changes at work advance towards some of your heartfelt dreams. You are might seem upsetting at first, but will provide closer than you think! you with needed perspective about your true role. Your personal world needs attention, too. Don’t put off making Virgo (August 23-September 22) There could be changes that will enhance your home environment. You some confusion in the career area now and it may need a safe oasis of bliss when you are in your lair. be messing with you in a very personal way. A calm and focused approach to problem solving will be required. Try now to let your emotions run away with you as this could lead you to some questionable decisions.

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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. Diane Bernstein, L.C.S.W. Psychotherapy - Individuals & Couples

Specializing in alternative parenting and lesbian couples. Practicing in the community for over 30 years. (310) 398-3981 [email protected] 5392 Janisann Ave., Culver City, Ca. 90230

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