And Marriage For All
LESBIAN 12 NEWS • July 2015 VOL. 40 • NO.
Crime Against Humanity LGBT Leaders Speak Out
Introducing+ Lucy Mukerjee-Brown OUTFEST 2015 A FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE Some High Profile Names Seen in This Year’s Outfest Selections 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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Jenny’s Wedding
INSIDE LN FEATURES Orange is the New Black HOTSPOTS is back Mid-summer and there’s still By John Esther plenty to do. POETRY Crime Against Humanity LGBT Leaders The Real Headline Speak Out Violence against Blacks continues to be an enormous NOTES FROM NAT problem in America. Mark Ronson and Christina By Carl Matthes Perri display keen innovation in their latest releases. Introducing Lucy Mukerjee-Brown BOOKS An Interview with Outfest’s new Director of Class differences; over- Programming wrought descriptions of By John Esther lesbian sex.; a mystery that manages to avoid the expected ending, make for a really satisfying read. LIFESTYLES LESBIANS ON LOCATION Long Beach LGBT Gay Marriage Comic Of The Month Rally, Short Film Fest Palm It can be risky to be the first entertainer on a one week Springs cruise. FEMASTROLOGY By Linda Montgomery Full Moons, fireworks and fun, that’s how July begins! Earth Talk Treating animals as property is unfair. By Sheer and Moss
Movies Eye C German director Monika Treut talks about her film, horses and life away from the camera. Follow Us Online By John Esther
Politcally Speaking LESBIANNEWS.COM Many of us have experienced Jehovah Witnesses or Mormon Missionaries ringing our door bell. Let us know what By Carl Matthes you think. Humanity Here Being a gay activist means that we have to do a lot of talking so that we can get our message across to the masses. By Karen Williams, M.Ed
COLUMNS Living Out Most people are not that thrilled when I show up but it’s my job to persuade them to participate in the Census survey. By Sally Sheklow
Positive Reflections A little effort can go a long ways. By Dian Katz, MS
Queerly Questioning It works like Californian red and purple sunsets: it’s part of the everyday and yet completely toxic. By Juno Parrenas, PhD
Words That Make Sense It’s difficult to anticipate all the challenges that aging brings until you get there. By Toni Hart
Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video. OUTFEST 2015 | By John Esther
Jenny’s Wedding A FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE
s someone who but whose stories remained Yet barriers have been broken. has covered closeted. The careers of actors who played the Outfest for LGBTQA characters have not Just a few years ago, there were nearly 20 years, been damaged. In fact, when very few films at Outfest starring it has clearly you look at how many of them well-known actors. These were metamorphosed went on to win Oscar Awards – usually relegated to the galas. from an event Hilary Swank, Boys Don’t Cry; This is not to suggest that of LGBT solidarity to not only Charlize Theron, Monster; Philip A films with popular actors were the most significant LGBT film Seymour Hoffman, Capote; Sean necessarily better but often they festival in the world but it has Penn, Milk; -- plus the numerous were. The truth is talent attracts become a major US film festival. nominations, one could illustrate talent. And a bigger budget often how it could boost a career. The national dialogue and attracts talent, too. attitude toward LGBTQA stories The fear is not so much out Moreover, for someone has considerably changed over there. More and more, LGBTQA whose primary concern was the years. This has not only characters and storylines are fame and fortune over acting happened in the political realm attracting established talent and storytelling, it was often of things but through acceptance, otherwise identified as non- considered risqué to play a appreciation and interest in LGBTQA. As you will see below LGBTQA character, particularly LGBTQA storytelling. Of course, in the following capsule reviews, in a low budget film, out of fear Outfest has played a major quite a few selections from this that one may damage her or his part in shaping, exposing and year’s Outfest – running July brand if that brand is sexually generating stories beyond the 9-19 – feature recognizable attracted to anything beyond the Cartesian-patriarchal paradigm names. And, yes, there are still straight, bourgeois paradigm. of Hollywood -- where many numerous indie choices, bubbling LGBTQA people have worked with fresh faces, too. Fresno
First up: Programming for All Hersh’s amusing Actresses, Girls Gone Global – It seems Girl Friday @ the DGA, July 17. Sara (Taylor Hess) is smitten Americans are not the only by the acting talent and looks of ones with problems of the Girls’ Shorts – Hosted by LN, Danielle (Rebecca Henderson). flesh. In Iceland, a couple the Girls’ Shorts program on All Sara is aspiring actor, too but she commit adultery while LGBT Girl Friday primarily focuses lacks listening skills and she is equal rights are waged back in on domestic short films about deeply insecure. Danielle finds America and beyond in Nanna young women on the brink of “the girl” very adorable and Kristín Magnúsdóttir’s satirical a transformation. One of the talented but how much can she short, Playing with Balls. In most reliable comics around, take? In writer-director Devon Venezuela, two young women David Koechner is the patriarch Kirkpatrick’s Ma/ddy, Skylar (Nia Pérez Herrera and Josette in writer-director Jane Baker’s (Mel Shimkovitz) wants to keep Vidal) are enjoying themselves The Parker Tribe, a family filled her dead wife’s life alive by on the beach. The ride home is with love, humor and Duchenne having a baby from an embryo something a lot less pleasant in Muscular Dystrophy. Mary “Jo” of the deceased. Ma/ddy co-stars Eduardo Giralt Brun’s intense Parker (Cassandra Beske Dunn) Clea DuVall. Other shorts include short, My Journey. From Sweden is the tomboy, a 13-year-old on Tig Notaro’s Clown Service, a comes the story of an elderly the verge of understanding both film about two depressed people slim woman (Lizbeth Zachrisson) eros and thanatos. Another story and Yasmin Almanaseer’s Spare who falls for the much-younger about teenage sexuality is writer- Parts, a funny story concerning a and voluptuous Frida from Home director Angel Kristi Williams’ dildo lecture. Please come early Services (Christine Berglund) in entertaining short, Charlotte. Alex on Friday for the LN pre-party. co-directors Berglund and Sophie (Brianna Cormier) has just made (Girls’ Shorts is scheduled to Vukovic’s superb 09:55-11:55, a new friend, Charlotte (Zayden screen July 17, 9:45 p.m., DGA; Ingrid Ekman, Bergsgaten 4B. Bates), who is sending her mixed July 19, 12:45 p.m., DGA) Three French women (Chantal signals. This short co-stars Denise Boutte. In writer-director Jeremy Summer of Sangaile
Bellavance, Frédérique Proulx known as simply Fresno, the interesting characters and I can and Eloise Tanguay Simard) latest film from Jamie Babbit appreciate its attitude toward the prove to be one too many when (But I’m a Cheerleader; Itty Bitty morning has broken the spell Titty Committee) is a film which, of last night’s ménage à trois in I imagine, is better appreciated Just a few years director Patrick Aubert’s comical while intoxicated. Shannon (Judy short, Pepper. In Poland a kiss Greer) is a sex addict fresh out ago, there were is not just a kiss when Emilia of rehab – or so she says. Her (Agnieszka Zulewska) finds sister, Martha (Natasha Lyonne very few films at herself trying to escape Matylda – who we may no longer see on (Matylda Paszczenko) after a Orange is the New Black), has Outfest starring night of seemingly unexplainable taken Shannon into her home, sex in Filip Gieldon’s entertaining found her a job and cut her social well-known short, The Kiss. On a more life back in order to keep an actors. These serious note, from Mexico, a eye out for her troubled sister. woman comes back for love and But Shannon is bad; so bad she were usually family, only to find fear and hate falsely claims rape before killing in Angeles Cruz’s impressive an innocent guy (Jon Daly). This relegated to the short, The Letter. And from is unfortunate, because the film Britain comes director Shanika – with its plentiful comic talent -- galas. Warren-Markland’s somewhat such as the aforementioned, plus pretentious film, When Fragile Molly Shannon, Fred Armisen, Things Break, about an abusive Alison Tolman and Malcolm titular city. Unfortunately, while relationship. Barrett – was rather entertaining the false rape/murder trope does up until this point. The mouthy lend itself to a couple of laughs, (Girls Gone Global is scheduled meanie Shannon and the it is more offensive and certainly to screen July 17, 7:15 p.m., adorable, optimistic Martha are incredulous – particularly the DGA; July 18, 9:30 p.m., DGA) ending (Shannon would not Addicted to Fresno – Formerly be the only one in jail.). This Jenny’s Wedding
leads back to the intoxicating Hegelian notions of lordship When she decides to come out to suggestion: perhaps if you can and bondage – both literal and her parents, letting them know somehow make yourself forget metaphorical. As if this foray she is gay and that she wants that a woman just killed a guy into non-Victorian notions of to marry Kitty, denial and then after falsely accusing him of rape, sex and power is not enough, anger begin to fly. This is too followed by the ensuing cover-up the film pushes it further with much truth coming too quickly. by numerous parties, you might a trio who are on the verge of a With father, mother and daughter find Addicted to Fresno amusing. polyamory sexual entanglement. each angry in his or her way, Occasionally erotic, fresh, it seems like they will never (Addicted to Fresno is scheduled funny and progressive – while reconcile. Just kidding, thanks to screen July 17, 7 p.m., DGA) there is some occasionally weak to the film’s rather saccharine S&M Sally – More comical acting here (one actor overacts soundtrack and score, viewers are than controversial, writer- throughout most of the film) assured that all will work out for director-actor Michelle Ehlen – Ehlen continues to make the best in writer-director Mary (Butch Jamie; Heterosexual entertaining films on her own Agnes Donoghue’s latest film. Jill) explores what it means to terms. However, aside from the music, be the “dominating butch type” this is an enjoyable film with (S&M Sally is scheduled to in her latest feature. Part three some stellar acting and probably screen July 17, 9:30 p.m., DGA) of the “Butch Jaime Trilogy” the best writing Donoghue has (assuming there will be no The following film reviews are ever done (well, the fighting parts fourth installment), this time listed in chronological order are written much better than the around Jaime (Ehlen) and Jill according to when they are makeup scenes). (Jen McPherson) are trying to scheduled to screen at Outfest (Jenny’s Wedding is scheduled to overcome their sexual stagnation 2015: screen July 10, 7 p.m. DGA) with some BDSM. Only both of Jenny’s Wedding – Making them think they should be the Bare – In the small fictitious its world premiere at Outfest dominant one. Stereotypes would town of Willowpea, Nevada 2015, Katherine Heigl plays the dictate Jamie is the dominant one resides a young woman named titular character who has been but those who know Jamie and Sarah Barton (Dianna Agron). in a 5-year relationship with Jill’s dynamic clearly see Jill as She cannot hold down a menial Kitty (Alexis Bledel) but in a the dominant one. This contrast job at “Super Town,” her lifetime of self-denial with her in expectations leads to humorous boyfriend, Haden (Chris Zylka), provincial family 20 miles away. insights into sexual expectations, is a numbskull, her friends are anxieties and attitudes regarding stupid, petty and aimless. For That’s Not Us
some reason, Sarah hates her a middle-aged, gay, African- and Crystal Fairy and the Magical stepfather (Hank Rogerson). American male from the streets. Cactus), this time Silva takes on Life is pretty bleak for Sarah and Taking that as his starting point, acting duties, too. Freddy (Silva) her ilk. To cope, she spends her writer-director Stephen Winter is a conceptual artist whose time at her dead dad’s old place reimagines the creative process latest project has something to (who is paying for this place?). behind the 12-hour shoot, do with the fact he is trying to It is a place of nostalgia. Perhaps which would be edited down impregnate his best friend, Polly looking back is better than to 105-minutes, casting Sarah (Kristen Wiig). When they learn looking forward? It is also the Schulman as the privileged white his spunk is not up to snuff, place where Dianna meets Pepper female director who summoned they enlist Freddy’s lover, Mo (Paz de la Huerta). Living a life so much honesty of a drunken, (Tunde Adebimpe) to donate filled with drugs, intrigue and tormented, sly poor “hustler,” the semen and thus creating the escape, Pepper’s life is nowhere played to the hilt by Jack Waters kind of family that would drive as boring as Sarah’s life. Pepper (Outfest Acting Award?). A any Teabagging pastor right up will show Sarah the way. The two film which not only reminds to the fiery pulpit to warn white become good friends and soon viewers to seek out the seminal Christians about these menaces enough, Sarah begins to “enter original, Winters’ film explores to society. Speaking of menaces, the void.” Making her feature the dynamics of documentation there is one big one (Reg E. film debut, writer-director Natalia and destructive discourse. It may Cathey) in the neighborhood and Leite’s film is full of wonderful, not be for everyone but I strongly he is not above homophobia. But promising, colorful images – recommend it to any aspiring the violence that comes is not so from the natural skylines of filmmaker or anyone writing on much controversial as it is a bit the open desert to the synthetic film. contrived. Well, its credulousness places of thrills and entertainment is certainly debatable. (Jason and Shirley is scheduled – which are dead set against the to screen July 11, 9:30, REDCAT) (Nasty Baby is scheduled to social determinism of small-town screen July 14, 7 p.m., DGA) life. Nasty Baby – The U.S. Dramatic Centerpiece for Outfest 2015 is That’s Not Us – Shot over eight (Bare is scheduled to screen July one of the most controversial days with no formal script, 11, 9:30 p.m., DGA) films to come out of this year’s director William Sullivan’s Jason and Shirley – In 1966, Sundance Film Festival. Directed feature film looks at three avant garde filmmaker Shirley and written by Sebastián Silva couples who are at a crossroad Clarke made Portrait of Jason, a (the writer-director of The Maid in their relationship. To shake seminal work featuring that rarest things up, the six of them decide of rare cinematic protagonists: to get tighter and getaway for the weekend at a beach house Add the Words – For eight years sobering documentary shedding on Fire Island. Alex (Sarah the Idaho State Legislature has light on today’s infotainment Wharton) and Jackie (Nicole refused to discuss adding the situation. Pursell) have not had sex for a words “Sexual Orientation” and (The Best of Enemies is scheduled long time. “We’re stuck,” says “Gender Identity” to the Idaho to screen July 16, 7 p.m., DGA 1) Jackie. Spencer (David Rysdahl) Human Rights Act, although polls and James (Mark Berger) have show 81 percent of Idahoans are The Summer of Sangaile – The plenty of sex but both are nervous against LGBT discrimination. International Centerpiece for about Spencer’s acceptance After waiting long enough, Outfest 2015, if people are doing into a school in Chicago. Liz activists decide to hold protests his and her jobs, this film should (Elizabeth Gray) and Dougie in the state capitol, thus setting be discussed when considering (Tommy Nelms) are newlyweds, off the tempers of a lot of jerks. the best-directed films of the so the sex is there but so are Co-written/directed by Michael year. Already the winner of the little secrets, too. A solid indie D. Gough and Cammie Pavesic, World Cinema Directing Award film with talented actors, which Add the Words is a sobering at Sundance 2015, co-writer and will unlikely find theatrical reminder that there is much to director Alanté Kavaité’s film distribution, That’s Not Us is why be done for human rights in this tells the story of its eponymous we go to film festivals. country and any other attitude is Lithuanian 17-year-old character cowardice and malicious. Indeed, (Julija Steponaityte) and her love (That’s Not Us is scheduled to the first couple of minutes of this for planes and new best friend, screen July 14, 9:30 p.m., DGA) solid documentary will have you Auste (Aiste Dirziute). The She’s the Best Thing in It seething in your seats. problem for Sangaile is that is – For decades, Mary Louise much easier to express her love (Add the Words is scheduled to Wilson worked successfully for her bohemian friend than screen July 16, 7 p.m., DGA 2) in Broadway, earning multiple aerial acrobatics due to vertigo. Tony Award nominations. When The Best of Enemies -- The While the film does not express she finally won in 2007 for her Documentary Centerpiece for positive eco-friendly attitudes its performance in the musical Grey Outfest 2015 (and this year’s direction, romanticism and style Gardens, the work stopped. After token Gore Vidal documentary are not to be missed. nearly 60 years in New York, the at Outfest) , co-directors Morgan (The Summer of Sangaile is 78-year-old Wilson returned to Neville and Robert Gordon take scheduled to screen July 18, 7 her home town of New Orleans to a look at ten debates between p.m., DGA) teach acting at Tulane University. the “crypto-fascist” William F. This documentary then probes Buckley Jr. and the “queer author And lastly, there are two films, the relationships between the of Myra Breckinridge,” Gore which LN reviewed at Sundance, students and the teacher who can Vidal during the Republican and that are now screening at barely explain why the Meisner Democrat conventions of 1968. Sundance. I strongly recommend technique is the best way for an Each representing the intellectual Jenni Olson’s film essay, The actor to reach her or his potential might of his particular ideological Royal Road (scheduled to screen before getting into biographical predilections, the wildly July 12, 6 p.m., REDCAT); tidbits. It is not that interesting, successful debates changed and the strange story of Sophie even though the likes of Valerie news coverage, certainly when Deraspe’s A Gay Girl in Harper, Frances McDormand it came to major political party Damascus: The Amina Profile and Estelle Parsons chime in. convention coverage, for better (schedule to screen July 12, 4 However, her story could be the and for worse. Ideas and ideology p.m., REDCAT; July 17, 5 p.m., type of film role every actress in were openly discussed on the DGA). Hollywood would fight to play. overwhelming primary media of the times in order to generate For more information about (She’s the Best Thing in It is discussion. However, the result Outfest: www.outfest.org scheduled to screen July 16, 5 became more about competition p.m., DGA) than conversation. An engaging,
EarthTalk®
What are so-called non-human rights? | By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
on-human rights the group. “Just like humans.” mathematicians and predictive is a term coined analysis professionals interested “But they are still considered by animal welfare in lending their expertise to the property, poached and taken activist and lawyer fight for recognizing the legal from their natural habitat, Steven Wise, who rights of nonhumans. separated and held against Nhas campaigned for three decades their will, subjected to cruel “Over the coming years, we will to achieve actual legal rights experimentation, exploited for be filing as many cases as we for members of species other entertainment, sold on the black can afford, so contributions are than our own. His organization, market, used, abused and treated very important, too,” reports the the Nonhuman Rights Project like objects for our amusement group. “We also need funds to (NhRP), is working “to change and financial gain,” says NhRP, help establish sanctuaries for the the common law status of at adding that such experiences animals we’re working to free least some nonhuman animals can scar animals for life. “Yet from captivity.” from mere ‘things’ which lack the law affords them no rights, the capacity to possess any legal Why should we care that animals allowing humans to do with them right, to ‘persons’ who possess have legal rights too? Steven whatever we want.” such fundamental rights as bodily Wise is fond of quoting Abraham integrity and bodily liberty, and Wise and company would like to Lincoln, who said: “In giving those other legal rights to which see animals who are confined for freedom to the slave, we assure evolving standards of morality, use in research or entertainment freedom to the free.” If we don’t scientific discovery, and human have the opportunity to live out want to live in a world where experience entitle them.” their days in a wildlife sanctuary humans are enslaved, why should with a hospitable climate where we tolerate similar treatment According to NhRP, nonhuman they can enjoy “bodily liberty” of our closest animal relatives animals are still considered to pursue their free will. NhRP is and other sentient beings great property in the eyes of the law. working to first establish a legal and small? Whether or not the Even those animals that we know precedent that nonhumans can chimps he is fighting for ever get possess feelings, emotions and have legal rights in the U.S. judicial to a sanctuary, Steven Wise will higher forms of intelligence— system. The organization filed forever go down in history as great apes, elephants, dolphins, its first cases in New York State the Abraham Lincoln of the non- whales—have no more legal in December 2013 representing human rights movement. standing than a shoe, a table or four individual chimpanzees a car. CONTACT: Nonhuman being used in research labs and Rights Project, www. “These are complex animals who for entertainment purposes, and nonhumanrightsproject.org. have deep emotions, understand hopes to expand its caseload to each other’s minds, live in other nonhuman species in the EarthTalk® is a registered complicated societies, transmit near future. trademark of Earth Action culture, use sophisticated Network Inc. View columns at: In the meantime, NhRP communication, solve difficult www.earthtalk.org. is looking for the help of problems, and even mourn the volunteer lawyers, scientists, loss of their loved ones,” reports © Tupungato | Dreamstime.com
Words That make sense The Years Bring Other Things Besides Birthdays | By Toni Hart
ecently, I realized that This old age stuff comes sneaking fear of “falling” is upper most in I have not seen some gradually into our lives ....and my mind as I walk very carefully of my oldest friends suddenly, without our realizing in and out of the store to my car. and family members it....many of the options we To complicate matters, some for quite some time. formerly enjoyed are suddenly stores have shopping carts that RI also realized that the clock is shut off. lock as you try to exit the store. continually ticking and I really I know they are trying to prevent miss having these people in my the high rate of shopping cart theft life. Days, weeks and months slip but if you are not feeling secure by and suddenly, I knew I would Who knew, walking, having to haul packages have to take action if I wanted to and large bags of groceries to change. while we were your car without a cart, makes it much worse. Yes, there’s handicap Why did this happen? Because parking but sometimes others have we’ve all moved to places where planning our beaten you to these closer places. we could find the most comfort and convenience for our age and lives when we I don’t want you to think I was pocketbook. Now that we’re older, just going to sit back and become driving long distances is no longer were younger, a hermit or recluse...no way. So... an option and driving at night here’s my plan. Grocery shopping becomes a “no-no” for us elder that we would is now done once a week and I folk. Also, I have found that good use a large metal shopping cart transportation is unavailable. Yes, ever get I purchased, to take everything there are trains, buses, Uber and from the car right into the house. taxis to name a few but a direct I’ve also corralled my children to route is difficult to find and some into such a take me to and from the relatives forms of transportation are unsafe I want to see every few months for the elderly. Sometimes, it’s situation? unless they can come my way. just a matter of “You just can’t get I also do a lot of my shopping there from here.” on line which saves me driving, It isn’t just visiting with loved ones We do keep in touch - sort of - by gas and foot work. I haven’t tried that’s a problem but also shopping phone or email but that isn’t the grocery shopping on line as yet has become difficult. I now drive same thing as actually getting but it is available. I still do my slower than I did before. Fear has together. Who knew, while we volunteer work and drive carefully taken over a lot of areas in my were planning our lives when we to and fro. life. I pray that people behind me were younger, that we would ever in traffic will realize I am older So...all you have to do is put your get into such a situation? and will be kind and not honk and mind to work to find solutions. Going everywhere and anywhere give rude gestures as they speed They are out there..... was just a matter of popping into around me. When I park and get our cars and off we could go. out of the car, that ever present
© Ian Allenden | Dreamstime.com
POSITIVE REFLECTIONS One Small Gesture | By Dian Katz, MS
e have all had Perhaps if we knew just how big the counseling field as my graduate times in our those changes could be, we would studies. I love being in the helping lives where take the time to make small gestures field. I also try to help outside of we make a more often. I have personally been a work environment, simply for split second blessed with several of these types the pure need of wanting to help Wdecision not realizing the ripple of happenings. Fortunately, the others and not for the paycheck. effect it produces. As many of us parties who have been touched by I will send messages, voice mails probably know, a bad decision can the simple things I have done, have and texts at random times to those lead to a zillion unwanted things come back to inform me to let me hurting, just to say I was thinking happening. We make a wrong know just how huge of a difference of them. I want to lift spirits and choice and discover all the harm or it made. I would like to share the make folks smile. I don’t always disappointment it has caused. Then following story which happened know the person well but that we kick ourselves later. However, to me to show just how big the doesn’t matter. what about those times we made difference my effort produced. the right decision by making Recently, I befriended someone I will forever be grateful for the one small gesture of kindness on Facebook who had a rough life. following experience.. When to another person? What if that (The individual’s name is private someone is emotionally hurting, I one small gesture’s ripple effect to protect her identity). She is a feel driven to reach out and try to changed the life of one or many by kind soul who has struggled with help. I suppose that’s why I chose making a huge difference? drug addiction and being in and out of prison due to her addiction. I barely knew her but I would This woman cleaned up her life how critical my text that I sent her often send her texts and email by stopping the drug usage, stayed at the time was... messages. Who knew, while we out of trouble with the law and She went on to tell me she was were planning our lives when we worked a regular job for almost done with everything. She was were younger, that we would ever 20 years. She did pretty well she tired of feeling unloved and alone. get into such a situation? said, but on occasion, she still had Although she did say she didn’t the old behavior of numbing out feel alone when I was texting through drugs. She hated herself and messaging her but old habits when she slipped and most of the die hard. She got loaded and also I simply felt people around her did not support loaded a gun. Her finger was on her sobriety. the trigger and ready to pull the the need to On my end, most of the trigger. Nothing was going to conversations I had with her were stop her she said. Suddenly, right be there for to be a listening ear because I before clicking the gun’s trigger, knew she needed one and to just her cell phone (four feet away on tell her every day how “awesome” the table) goes off buzzing with a someone of a person she was. She told text message. She thinks,”before I me how amazing she would feel pull the trigger, I just want to see I new was seeing my texts But she would who cared about me enough to also feel terribly guilty when she text?” felt depressed because she felt she The text was from me. I had not hurting. was letting someone who cared given up on her during her time about her, down! Soon thereafter, of absence from messaging me. I saw her going down a wrong I kept texting her and apparently She began answering them and path of destruction. I picked up texted her right at the moment she told me that using drugs was a that she was extremely depressed was about to pull the trigger and way to numb the pain she felt so I wanted to keep tabs on her. end it all. I texted her, “how are deep inside. Her upbringing was I knew she was going to go out you doing?” At that instant, she the typical middle class American and get loaded so I stayed on her broke down and hysterically cried family. However, her father was a** constantly checking up on her. she said. She realized someone very verbally abusive....constantly Sadly, I lost contact for a short DID care. This Facebook friend yelling at her. Being gay, she felt period. She lived far away so I goes on to say I saved her life that different than her siblings and couldn’t really tell what she was day.. She was so ready to end it all was not accepted by her parents doing but my gut told me it wasn’t and pull the trigger. Wow! I was and consequentially suffered from good. Again, although she shared speechless. depression. Her siblings went on with me about herself, we rarely to college but she dropped out talked on the phone and I had never Why did I share this story and of school and got in and out of met her. I simply felt the need to what have I learned from this trouble. She received her high be there for someone I knew was experience? Taking a minute to school diploma some time later hurting. She finally resurfaced and make someone smile can make a and even went to some college. answered my text. She told me huge difference. You never know After being in and out of jail and what went down. It was just as I when one small gesture, could prison most of her younger years thought, she lost her sobriety and lead to saving a life from a fatal by using and eventually becoming went and got shi*faced. On the gun shot... a runner (one who delivers the other hand, I had no idea of the rest drugs), she finally decided she of the story and what happened wanted to change her life for the after, she got all drugged up. I had better. no idea just how serious this had become... I also had no idea just © Mystock88photo | Dreamstime.com
Comic Of The Month: Cruise Comedy: Audience Of One! | By Lynda Montgomery
stand too close The other comic on the cruise, to the edge of the Elvira Kurt, had the final night. ship. Years ago, I She too had an audience of “One” was flown onto a but this time we were not strangers n audience of “ONE” ship to replace a comic who had and a week of cruising had really in the comedy world done some very tasteless jokes. loosened up the crowd. We had is either a dream It was a boat load of “gay” men more in common and as tired as come true, or your and the well known comic shall we were, I would love to know worst nightmare! go unnamed here. No such where Elvira gets her energy. A worries for Suzanne who looked She bounced around the stage The dream is when you the comic, have enough in common with the great and had an easy way about with the flexibility of “Gumby.” audience, that you too, are at one her, which made a large group At one point she revealed her with the audience of “one”! I of strangers, sharing a similar age as 54, which was as shocking was one of the audience of “one” experience, laugh and laugh! as some of her hilarious jokes. Elvira is a Canadian comic who on a recent Olivia cruise, that It may be a cliché to say but those is very well know in Vancouver, floated 1500 woman to Alaska. who can laugh at themselves where the cruise started and I would guess that the majority shall never cease to be amusing! ended. She was also the bingo of the woman were lesbians and Who would have thought that caller on the cruise and I saw that we were all very excited back surgery could be such a her every night in the “Crows to be at the first show of the funny topic but Suzanne make us nest”, the ships night club. All cruise. The comic was Suzanne all laugh at her recent pain! After her jokes were about our cruise, Westenhoefer and she enjoyed going into detail all about her a wealth of “you had to be there the audience of “one” as much as ordeal; she told the audience that jokes” about a lost green bag and we enjoyed being there. I have this was in no way, an invitation the towel animals! All in all, been a comic on cruises and it can for them to give her details about the perfect way to send us home be risky to be the first entertainer their back problems…I thought laughing! on a one week cruise. If it doesn’t this was brilliant and hilarious, well, you have a week to spend she avoided an entire week of with your critics and you can’t “bad back” conversations .
© Candonyc | Dreamstime.com Cynthia I. Miles Certified Public Accountant
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(714) 919-4455 Fax: (714) 919-4459 QUEERLY The Toxicity Of Racism QUESTIONING | By Juno Parrenas,˜ PhD
n response to the footage from call the police when a group of dignity. Racism is in the 911 the McKinney pool party, black teens convene, instigate caller, with an ugly history as a novelist Marie Myung-Ok Lee fights with children by hurling felon convicted of animal cruelty wrote: “It’s not enough for insults like, ‘go back to section 8 for having maimed farm animals white people to say, “I don’t housing’ and then slap the child hand reared by students at a rival Iuse the ‘N’ word, therefore I’m not brave enough to question such high school, feels entitled to call racist”–this is a self-rationalizing behavior. Even as the world took the cops who then reproduce the trope that willfully ignores, as poet to twitter and Facebook to express caller’s racist projection. Racism Claudia Rankine has said, of how their horror at the abuse leveled and sexism together explain how so many of our daily interactions upon these children by the police a large white guy, a passerby, feels are polluted by racism, whose and their white neighbors, some in entitled to stand disgustingly close toxic effects, like with pollution the community could still have the to the young girl so that his crotch of our air and water, last for years audacity to post signs on their lawn is by her face when she was forced and years–maybe a lifetime. And that read, “Thank you, McKinney to the ground. sometimes leads to death.” Police Department, for keeping us This brutality is ugly. It is as ugly safe.” as an oil spill, as ugly as dead Watching that now infamous albatrosses dying with starved Racism is toxic video in which an adult white male bellies full of human-produced police officer assaults a vulnerable plastic marine waste. These actions enough that no looking black girl crying out for are poisonous and toxic. her mother, it is hard to ignore one wants to be This kind of racism is not always the undertone of sexual violence, blatant. It works like Californian the intense criminalization of called racist, even red and purple sunsets: it’s part of black youth and the absolute the everyday and yet completely authoritarianism the police feel as they do racist toxic. How is it that we have entitled to brandish. Thinking this become acclimated to everyday things. is about the actions of a single forms of violence? How can we rogue cop prone to barrel roll truly understand the violence of The girl who survived Casebolt’s tumbles is a mistake. This is what these images, even as they are attack all too easily could have racism looks like: white children aesthetically striking enough to been one of the 500 killed by the completely ignored by the police want to repeatedly see on Facebook police in the United States thus far while having to witness the cruel, and Twitter? in 2015 alone. This statistic was humiliating and violent behavior released in early June. of the police towards their black Like toxic sunsets, it was not friends who were forced to get always this way: it can change. Racism is toxic enough that no down onto the ground. Racism one wants to be called racist, here is in the behavior of the even as they do racist things, like police who deny these children © Tupungato | Dreamstime.com INTRODUCING Lucy Mukerjee- Brown
| By John Esther
Mukerjee-Brown has been working with Outfest in various capacities over the years. As Director of Programming, she will now oversee the Outfest programs, Outfest Film Festival, Outfest Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival, Outfest UCLA Legacy Project and NewFest in New York. In this exclusive interview, we spoke to the gregarious Long Beach resident about her new position and what to expect from this year’s Outfest, running July 9-19 Lesbian News: Lucy, can you please give us a brief background of who you are and where you’re from?
here have been quite Chair at the Oakwood School. Lucy Mukerjee-Brown: Sure. a few shakeups in It was announced in January at It’s a long story. I’ve been in Outfest over the the Sundance Film Festival’s Los Angeles for 13 years. I past year. One of annual Queer Brunch that Lucy am originally from Sussex in the most important Mukerjee-Brown would be her England, from a very small Tones was the departure of KP replacement. town. Generally it’s expected Pepe, Outfest’s Director of that you’ll stick around and stay Formerly the Vice President of Programming, who left the there and not aspire to much Development at Cinelou Films, topnotch LGBTQA organization more than that. [Laughs] So I to become the Visual Arts rebelled against that, obviously. I went to university in London reviewing the film submissions LN: What is the best thing about and studied English literature for Fusion, which is the festival being a programmer and what’s and film and after working as that takes place in March. That’s the worst thing? an editor for a few years with only a weekend long so it’s sort LM-B: I don’t know that I have writers at a publishing company, of a great way to get into the a worst thing. The best thing I moved out here. eleven-day Outfest film festival. is discovering films that no [Laughs] So I did that first. It’s LN: When you were studying one else has seen that get you about checking out everything English Lit and film, did you excited! There are a few of those that comes in, seeing what makes have a particular focus? in the festival this year that have their World Premieres here. No LM-B: Honestly, English Lit had We are always one else has seen them and this always been my best subject. is a big moment for these films. Since the day I learned to read, looking for films I’m really proud that we do have I never stopped, so I knew I that haven’t been those premieres in the festival. had to study that. Film was not There are six world premieres something I intended to study seen before, and three US premieres and that but they encouraged us to have really speaks volumes about the a minor in something. It was stories that reputation of the festival. That always an interest of mine but haven’t been keeps me motivated and excited. had never occurred to me that it could be a job or something that told before, LN: As a programmer, you I could study, like a craft. That must see a couple of duds that was quite a revelation. perspectives are submitted. What advice do you have for people who are LN: How did you get involved that expand our thinking about submitting their with Outfest? minds and our film? What kind of films are you LM-B: I volunteered for Outfest not looking for in next year’s ten years ago and stayed involved definitions to be Outfest? with the screenwriting lab. I was LGBT. LM-B: [Laughs] That’s a good on the selection committee for question. I don’t know that there the screenwriting lab since 2011. is something that we are not That’s when about ten people get the cut, debating all of the film looking for. If you think back to together in a room a couple of submissions with the team and your first Outfest, the types of times a year and basically debate seeing what else is out there. storylines that were prevalent all of submissions. And there are There is a lot of outreach that then are probably not the kinds easily around 200 scripts. comes with the job because you of storylines that you’ll find this LN: As head of programming, don’t want to be complacent and year because the conversation what does your typical day look just wait for film submissions. nationally is different. There like? You want to actually go and are less “coming out” films look for gems that haven’t been LM-B: It depends on the time nowadays. The majority of the submitted but would have if they films submitted this year were of year. I started in January. had known about the festival. Right off the bat, as soon as I not really about being gay; they came back from Sundance I was were just great films with great stories and the characters happen to be gay. There is a definite sea you would recommend for our would have reacted that way. change in the types of films that readers at this year’s festival? LN: Do you anticipate any are coming our way. What we LM-B: It’s like choosing babies! selections being controversial? are always looking for is films [Laughs] Where do I start? Um, that haven’t been seen before, LM-B: Yeah. [Laughs] There’s obviously, the opening night film, stories that haven’t been told a few. Let’s see, we have S&M Tig. When I saw the film I didn’t before, perspectives that expand Sally which is playing on All- know who she was and now I our minds and our definitions to Girl Friday, which is going feel like I see her everywhere. be LGBT. for controversy. It’s sort of the [Laughs] That’s something I’m comedic version of Fifty Shades LN: How do you think LGBTQA really looking forward to, that of Gray about a lesbian couple film festivals have changed their discovery element as well as those that hasn’t quite decided which role in society over the years? people at the Orpheum Theatre one is the butch of the two; so on opening night talking about LM-B: From a programming there is sort of a power struggle. the film at the after party. One of perspective, probably 33 years They are going for controversy. the films that is really close to my ago when Outfest started, I’m One that might be inadvertently heart is Jenny’s Wedding which guessing, the majority of the controversial is probably Drown, stars Katherine Heigl and Alexis films submitted found a place which is about Australian Bledel. It’s written by Mary in the festival. Nowadays lifeguards. It is very violent but Agnes Donoghue who wrote we are getting almost 1,000 it’s also very sexy. It’s one of Beaches. She wrote and directed submissions. We get to be very those films where you don’t want this film. It really rang true to selective and choose the best to keep watching but you can’t me. It’s about two girls who are of the best and that way those take your eyes away. getting married and in the run up films are higher profile so they to the wedding the parents sort LN: What do hope people get get more press. They get better of voice their disapproval. It’s out of Outfest this year? distribution. They actually get very honest. It really felt like distribution. [Laughs] They have LM-B: What I am hoping is someone had hit “record” during a more visible platform where that people come this year who that period in my life -- not the non-LGBT audiences will see haven’t been before. That’s run up to my wedding, per se them and enjoy them as well, always the hope that the films but just the coming out part. A which I think is the point of the that we select appeal to a broader lot of what the mom says in the festival. audience than just the Outfest film was almost word for word family. We have our hardcore LN: Certainly when I first what my mom said. It definitely festival goers who come back started attending the festival, it hit home and watching it I got year after year and we love them was more of an event. The films a bit teary eyed. The dad is very much! But we definitely were not necessarily why you played by Tom Wilkinson, so it’s want them to bring their straight were there and some of the films an amazing cast and he is very friends as well and maybe their were very hard to get through. warm and tender and sweet and parents and their kids. We want LM-B: It was a social event to nurturing. My dad wasn’t alive to see that audience grow! reunite with old friends and meet when I came out, so I didn’t ever new ones. Those elements are have that conversation with him, still there. though I felt like when I was watching this that I hoped he LN: What are some films that 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 HOT SPOTS | By Dian Katz, MS
with women, attend workshops, activities and other exciting things. There’s even a drum chorus. Oh that does it. I’m going to load up my drums and jet on down there. Female drummers, hold up! I’m coming!!! ::::::::::::::Bam, bang, crash, crunch:::::::::::::::: Oh I’m sorry. You aren’t wearing your earplugs as you read this and I was just doing a little warm up. “Stick” with me ladies. Get it? Stick? Ah never mind. I get no respect. Ugh. Anyway, for more info on this ere we are in the ladies!!! Now this is not some musical event: www.wiaonline. middle of summer and small teensy event that just started. org. you are wondering This is their 40th year!!!! Some “what you can do,” fabulous female entertainers will Out in Detroit, there is an you say??? Oh... let be performing over the course of organization called LGBT Hme tell you. I have a whole slew of this festival. To mention a few, DETROIT who will be hosting things for you to do from the USA slated to perform are June and a community event this month to other parts of the world. Yes, Jean Millington, Cris Williamson, on July 21-26 called: HOTTER WE have Hotspots! So sit down Holly Near, Lucie Blue Tremblay, THAN JULY. “Detroit’s Hotter and take notes because I’m about Tret Fure, Sandra Valls, Margie Than July is the most significant to let you in about a few winners. Adam and so many more!! These social justice and equity rally that Are you ready?? I can’t hear you!! women are seasoned performers combines cultural, spiritual and I said, are you ready????? Ouch! and will provide some superb educational components in its You didn’t have to scream did performances for you. Not only programming. This programming you??? do you get to sit and listen to a includes a candlelight vigil, boat ton of fabulous entertainers but ride, film festival, conference, It’s time again for the NATIONAL you also get to meet women, bond picnic, entertainment, worship WOMEN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL service, brunch and plenty of on July 2-5 in Middleton, WI, partying all week long!” say promoters. Well this sounds like later! I’m all for an Orange is MY GAWD!!!! Where do I sign a great event!!! I think while I the new Splash party!! Let’s all up!!!!! Yes, just you and her and am drumming along at the Music hang out and dance the night well, other you and hers.. hahah... Festival, I’ll pack up the drums and away!! Let’s do this!! Oh wait, going scuba diving, having fun then head over to Detroit. Why the you weren’t planning on doing on watersports, deep sea fishing heck not! Why not make it a little this with me were you...
knocked on the door of the Her wife! here she is!” she said. They kissed cute little cottage and admired hello at the door. I’d been so focused on reciting my the creative front yard décor initial spiel that I hadn’t noticed “Hi, I’m your friendly Census while I waited for what I the haircut, the shirt, the shorts, worker,” I piped up. Then, to rule hoped would be a friendly the shoes. Obvious $3-dollar bill. out any doubt, announced, “And Iface. My part-time U.S. Census I offered up a friendly grin. “Isn’t I’m family.” Bureau job requires me to visit it great to be able to say that?” addresses statistically selected for She laughed. “Short hair, tailored interviews during the ten years in “Yes, yes it is.” Was her gaydar shirt, sensible shoes -- of course between the national census. Most was pinging or not? “We were you are!” people are not that thrilled when married last year,” she said, “Right While they cuddled on the sofa I show up, many outright hostile after Oregon made it legal.” She we swapped wedding stories, but unless my safety is threatened, held the door and invited me in. shared our hopefulness for a good it’s my job to persuade them to Just naturally friendly or was she Supreme Court ruling, marveled participate in the Census survey. reading me? that the musical based on Allison You’d think all my years of we’re- “Well congratulations,” I said, Bechdel’s Fun Home had just won here-we’re-queer activism would doing my best to beam dykeness the Tony, then got down to Census have thickened my skin but I still through my government agent get- businesses. wither when people are mean to up. Census workers are supposed me. Doing these interviews is by to be professional and not too definition a lopsided interaction. Looked like these folks sure chatty, just get the interview and Here they’d provided all sorts of enjoyed getting jiggy with garden move on. But considering the less- details about their lives and all I geegaws. Gnomes, pinwheels, than-friendly uber-straight people could offer them was the scripted brightly painted plumbing fixtures I’d visited earlier, I longed for a “Thank you for your participation, supporting flowers and climbing lesbian oasis. you’ve been very helpful.” vines – probably not the work of a She offered me a glass of water sourpuss. I hoped not, anyway. “Oh, thank YOU!” Apparently I’d and sat on the sofa. Could she tell? inspired them that their marriage When the front door opened I I settled into a cushy chair. “Hello, could last as long as Wifey’s and launched into my trained routine, Kitty,” I said to the calico sniffing mine and, since they were new in introduced myself and the purpose my pant leg. I wondered if they town, they appreciated my offer of of my visit, showed my government called her “Hairy Pussy” like the name of our handy-dyke. Just ID badge and asked whether she Wifey and I call our cats. Not an doing my job. had received the letter from the appropriate question for an official Census Bureau explaining this Census Field Representative, even survey. here in LesboLand. “Oh, right, my wife mentioned Just when I opened my government- that. She’s not home yet. “ issue laptop a car pulled up. “Ah © Iakov Filimonov | Dreamstime.com
Notes From Nat Extra Creativity Gives A New Edge To Another Year’s Music | By Nat Burns
his summer seems to dancing. Well and America, too. Can Dance, a song that became a be a slow one for new He has worked closely with Amy breakout hit. Here’s the video for it: music. I just can’t get Winehouse, Adele and with just too interested in the about every other popular singer, Billboard top ten list, especially those with an 80s funk Then she wrote and sang Talthough I do see that “Uptown sound. His collaboration with what could be the perfect Funk” by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk”, wedding song—“A Thousand Bruno Mars, has moved up to reached the top ten in every country Years”—for the 2011 Twilight number five. I just love that song. where it aired. It earned him the Saga movie, Breaking Dawn. You’ve got to see this video. 2015 Brit award for British Single Watching it will have you on of the Year. your feet and dancing along. She has a really good voice and is All this is very cool but what is willing to stretch it creatively, which really different and unique is that endears her to my ears. Her 2014 Ronson sought out celebrated, Actually, let’s talk about this entire album Head or Heart is a jewel that award-winning author, Michael album, Uptown Special by Mark might just stretch into the summer Chabon, to pen the lyrics for Ronson. It’s amazing and easily of 2015. Listen to “Lonely Child” nine of the songs. Together they hit number one on the UK album and you will see what I mean. created a bit of retro 80s to bring charts. It starts off with a little back music the way it used to be. Stevie Wonder, then progresses through hardcore rap (“Feel One more fun video-the Good writing, great tattoos and Right”) to electronica (“Crack rap song from the album: natural beauty, not to mention in the Pearl”) to rock (“In Case muse-inspired creativity, lead me of Fire”) and then to general all to predict a great future for this around pop (everything else). It Okay—one more must see video, young artist. This thirteen track has a little something for everyone. a young boy’s cover of “Uptown album is a very good example of Funk”: her talent. Ronson, who left the British Isles in the mid-eighties, is still very big © 2014 Atlantic Records www. in England. His portrait, painted in christinaperri.com © 2015 Sony Music www. 2011 by Brit artist Joe Simpson, markronson.co.uk ‘Til next month, was even exhibited all around the UK. The word is, he’s known as You’ve probably heard Christina Nat a very stylish dresser and that’s Perri’s talent. She is the in addition to his mad music and Pennsylvania native whose song DJ skills. He obviously knows “Jar of Hearts” was featured on the the rhythms that keep Britain 2010 TV show, So You Think You HUMANITY HERE Equal Rights! Special Rights! | By Karen Williams, M.Ed
eing a gay activist women and children ~ during the movement exists and thrives in means that we have to writing of the Constitution. love, compassion, acceptance, do a lot of ‘splaining tolerance, unity and appreciation We have yet to pass the ERA ~ and talking so that we of diversity. Do these altruistic and Equal Rights Amendment ~ in this can get our message of high-minded qualities play out in country… Bequal rights across to the masses. every one of our encounters? Of Some folks still believe that what Women are still paid less – dollar course not. However, the space gay people want are “special for dollar – than their male for dialogue exists and continues rights” rather than equal rights. counterparts doing the same work! to be created in our communities; and it is in those interspecific In one of my early comedy And the list of injustices interactions that change ~ real routines, I told audiences that I surrounding EQUALITY goes on soul level life-affirming and life- didn’t want special rights as a and on… altering dynamism ~ takes place. gay person however, I would like In practice, the trajectory of one’s discounts. I wanted to walk into life expands and real haters can my local grocery store and shout: Our LGBTQIC become true lovers. At least, that’s “Hey, I’m a black lesbian mom… what I pray for! Bag ‘em up!” movement must So while I would love to get While that riff got a lot of laughs, be, become discounts on my groceries, it was ludicrous to even imagine clothing, cars and homes based such an action taking place. and remain a on identifying as a black lesbian mom, the truth is that I feel special Another challenge we continually and unique enough just being face is telling people that we want human rights me. What I want…what I really, marriage equality…that there is really want is EQUALITY as I no such thing as “gay marriage” movement journey along my road pursuing no matter the gender of the two happiness, enlightenment and people tying the knot or jumping based on equal absolute freedom! the broom. rights for all Our LGBTQIC movement must After much thought, contemplation, be, become and remain a human and meditation on the subject, I So the notion that LGBTQIC rights movement based on equal finally got it! (Lesbian Gay Bisexual rights for all… There I said it! We Americans have a helluva Transgender Queer or Questioning Now let’s do it! time wrapping our minds around Intersex and Curious) people dare Let’s create a new story, one which “EQUALITY!” to compare and choose equal we will all be proud to share with rights over special rights is mind- After all, we have to live with the generations to come! boggling, mood-altering and collective memories of a slave downright antithetical to the very system that rivaled any other such fabric of American life as we know system in our human history. Even it. our nation’s forefathers had to wrestle with the notion of “equal Division, divisiveness and hatred rights” as it applied to their chattel of difference appear to be the property ~ which also included order of the day. However, our
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Flawed Pollster, Flawed Poll, Flawed Idea | By Carl Matthes
he Los Angeles leaders announced. In fact, it was Brett inadvertently outed himself Times has become an discovered that those running by leaving a “I love you” phone important conduit for the program - the Los Angeles message for his lover, Jason informing the public LGBT Center’s Leadership Lab White, which, as he was saying about LGBT activity. under the direction of Michael it, was overheard by a fellow TWhile information from its own LaCour - had out-and-out lied sailor. The sailor “turned him in,” LGBT advocates and sources about important basic facts which, in 2002, a time before the is disseminated widely among gleaned from the study as well discriminatory policy of “Don’t LGBT folk, the Times isn’t just as the operation of the poll, its Ask, Don’t Tell” was lifted, “preaching to the choir.” structure and its conclusions. resulted in him being the target of “an investigation designed to Two cases in point were featured The second article was a page A6 dishonorably discharge him.” recently. The first was a front placement of a human interest page, column one article titled story by David Zucchino titled, The article then went on to tell of “LGBT lobbying success “Love makes its way to first Brett and Jason being ostracized detailed, dashed.” While the title openly gay Navy Seal.” This by the small Alabama town of doesn’t tell all, the article covered catchy-titled article chronicled Toney (pop. 13,000). They had the story of a 1,000 strong the real-life drama of Brett Jones, moved there to be together and volunteer campaign aiming to a member of one of America’s raise their 13-year old son, Ethan, “...push back against prejudice most elite fighting units - Navy a child from Jason’s marriage. (against marriage equality), Seals - while hiding the fact that Though forming a family unit house by house.” Unfortunately, he was gay. and indulging in community the campaign was not even life, when Brett and Jason attend remotely as successful as its Ethan’s school baseball games, Zucchino writes that, “...coaches their earthly mission to carry the move from the home that be built and other parents (would) barely message. For them, if someone for his family to a nearby larger speak to them. There are loud sees the light and begins city (Huntsville) in order to live whispers and hard stares. No following in their footsteps that in peace and safety. Obviously, one will sit with them.” Further, would be icing on the cake! none of his example of honesty according to Zucchino, “parents or background changed attitudes, What would happen if of Ethan’s friends refuse to allow let alone beliefs, in Toney, undocumented workers began them to spend the night in the Alabama. going door-to-door in California house Brett and Jason built...” precincts where a majority In Los Angeles The LGBT And, for me, this is where the voted for Prop 187, the 1994 Center’s Leadership Lab, two articles converge. ballot initiative to establish a LaCour’s co-author, Columbia state-run citizenship screening University political scientist The Center’s Leadership Lab poll system to prohibit illegal aliens Donald Green, wrote, “I am protocol was to train volunteers to from using health care, public deeply embarrassed by this turn cold-knock on doors in precincts education, and other services in of events and apologize...” And, which had voted for Prop 8, the the State of California? Would despite all of this, a sister project California ballot proposition and the unsuspecting occupant relish by the LA Leadership Lab, to state constitutional amendment the chance to have an “honest take place in Miami is still in the which passed in 2008 banning conversation” about amnesty? works and workers are “eager to same-sex marriage. They were Is the outcome a foregone embrace the opportunity to have to engage the occupants on their conclusion? Does it have to be our work measured...” attitudes about gay people and studied? Do funds have to be gay marriage. Pollster LaCour It’s a shame that the integrity of spent to train a 1,000 volunteers skewered the data which emerged this project has been shattered. to “...push back against prejudice, from these encounters and went However, that doesn’t change house by house?” on to publish a false report that what I perceive to be the wrong- claimed “...honest conversation Further, how about sending headedness of the concept. and open minds could bring young black couples to Toney, I’m not sure if this equates but people together,” i.e., people who Alabama, where Brett and looking at this from a married voted to ban same-sex marriage Jason live, to go door-to-door couple’s viewpoint, how would were converted by meeting with and engage the occupants in couples react if they were “open and honest” nice gay men an honest conversation on the interviewed at their front door and lesbians and became gay need for unfettered access to the about making divorce illegal? marriage supporters! Flawed voting booth? Divorce is very personal, it has pollster, flawed poll, flawed idea. When we talk about beliefs - morality and religion at its base Many of us have experienced some of which are formed by and is practiced by about 50% of Jehovah Witnesses or Mormon the Bible where it says in a married couples. Would minds Missionaries ringing our door couple of places, seized upon by be changed to make it illegal to bell and beginning their spiel on conservatives that homosexuality divorce? the superiority of their religious is wrong - can that belief system Anybody want to start a beliefs, with bibles and religious be changed by strangers at my referendum? tracts in hand. Religion is a door? I think Mr. LaCour had to personally-held belief. A short ‘tweak” a lot of data to prove his at-the-door conversation with point! strangers won’t change beliefs. Here we have evidence of a However, these two religious Navy SEAL, who has served his groups continue to go door-to- country with honor, trying to live door to further their own personal the American Dream, having to salvation. They are practicing © Racorn | Dreamstime.com
Orange is the New Black is Back
| By John Esther
f you are like me, this June you characters, too. Probably the most schemes being played out behind spent a good chunk of 2-3 days interesting one was that of Tiffany bars. From the suicidal, to the binge-watching the latest 13 “Pennsatucky” Doggett (Taryn vengeful, to the prison-for-profit, episodes of Orange is the New Manning, the most underrated actor that crazy science-fiction sex novel Black on the show) and how bad guys and by Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren I rape have followed her throughout (Uzo Aduba), and the profit-by- In many ways Season 3 proved to her life. The relationship between used underwear (both legit and be a pivotal year for the popular Big Boo (Lea DeLaria) and her illegitimate), the incarcerated Netflix series. The tumultuous parents was rather sad – and far women of Orange is the New relationship between Piper too common. The least interesting Black were not sitting idly doing Chapman (Taylor Schilling) and and incredulous story involved their time. Alex Vause (Laura Pepron looking Aleida Diaz (Elizabeth Rodriquez) great in those black glasses) went Fortunately, Netflix has already and her daughter, Dayanara Diaz from the comical to the absurd to committed to a fourth season. Of (Dascha Polanco). One minute the kaput. Meanwhile, Alex got course, the big questions on every mommy says horrible things to together with newcomer Stella viewer’s mind for next season is: her children; the next minute she Carlin (Ruby Rose) while Alex will we ever see Nicky Nichols is a saint. Speaking of Dayanara, lived in fear of new inmate Lolly (Natasha Lyonne), Stella and the ordeal between her and the Whitehill (Lori Petty, AKA “Tank Alex, again? mother of her rapist, Delia Powell Girl.”), who Alex thought was out (Mary Steenburgen), is pure pop to kill her. As it turns out, Alex’s melodrama. Oh, and what about suspicions were not completely the quiet and recluse Chang (Lori crazy – even if Lolly is crazy. Tan Chinn)? Vicious! And, it turns There were also some really out, so is Piper. interesting backstories to the Of course, there were many Sonic Awakening Sunday, November 15, 2015, 4pm First Congregational Church of Los Angeles 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. LA, CA 90020
Women of Note Saturday, February 27, 2016, Spm Zipper Concert Hall, Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave. LA, CA 90012
Vox Rocks! Saturday, June 11, 2016, Spm Zipper Concert Hall, Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave. LA, CA 90012
Are you interested in becoming a member ofLA's premier women's chorus? Auditions are held every August. Please visit our website for details: www.voxfemina.org
POETRY The Real Headline
| By Morag Hillsinger
Senseless killing propelled by hate Fodder for the gun debate A barber’s sheers still plugged in It’s owner taken by another’s sin In Charleston
Pain so deep they can hardly breathe Many would only shout and seethe Looking for the right revenge In their grief, become unhinged But not Charleston.
Nine lives taken just like that One said the devil was in him strong They welcomed him “they were so nice” Yet his warped soul was bent on wrong In Charleston
There is no eye to take for this eye Or tooth for any tooth To go that rout just serves the cloven Hooved creature hiding in the booth Watching Charleston
Mother Emanuel spoke with grace from holy God above No death penalty talk No “Rot in Hell!” They spoke forgiveness/spoke of love In Charleston.
Yes, the roof, the roof, the roof was on fire And he put us all in pain There was evil in his heart Some will say he was insane
But the love is the story ! It made his match wet A stillborn race war A name we will forget
But the love is the story ! It made his match wet A stillborn race war A name we will forget
And when it comes to fire, Mother is made of stone. in Charleston.
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Crime Against Humanity LGBT Leaders Speak Out | By Carl Matthes
ords can’t and prayers are with them view of the State House — express and their families, and their a Confederate one — flew, the community doesn’t say enough according to reports, “as high outrage to convey the heartache and and as proud as ever, flapping over the the sadness and the anger that in the breeze on a sunny day.” Wactions of Dylan Storm Roof we feel.” For 300 years, about 12 killing nine people at Emanuel Some of the anger is being generations before the Civil African Methodist Episcopal directed at the Confederate War, and for years afterwards, Church in Charleston, South Flag which is still flown, slavery was the official, state- Carolina. even at this moment, on the sanctioned social/political President Obama tried to grounds of Columbia, South structure in South Carolina. In convey his sorrow, the sorrow Carolina, the state capitol. Just the six generations since the of his family and of the nation for the record, after Roof’s end of the Civil War, many saying, “I spoke with...leaders hate-inspired massacre, our of those who now live in the of Charleston to express our U.S. flag and South Carolina’s former Confederacy, still cling deep sorrow over the senseless palmetto flag flew at half-staff. to the historic importance of the murders that took place last However, a third flag, within flags which once represented night...And to say our thoughts their “unrecognized, renegade country.” influential LGBT organizations shooting and murder in have all released statements Charleston of nine black Roof reveres that flag. South about the shooting, which is African American parishioners Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, being investigated by federal in a hate fueled racially a candidate for the Republican authorities as a hate crime. motivated attack leaves us presidential nomination, said bereft and sick. There are really responsibility for the violence no words. We grieve for the lay solely with shooter Roof. Many of those families and for our country. “It’s him…not the flag,” who now live We know our nation cannot go Those who are in sympathy with on like this and yet, here we are. the cause of the Confederacy in the former Will enough ever be enough? are able to articulate ethical, Until we are willing to address moral, legal, historic and Confederacy race and entrenched racism in patriotic reasons why that flag still cling to this country, the headlines will should continue to be seen continue.” on public grounds. 450 years the historic Statement from Human Rights after the inception of slavery Campaign President Chad in our country we are still importance Griffin: unable to politically get rid of of the flags a symbol which now glorifies “Today we are once again that despicable period of our which once tragically reminded of the nation’s history. serious and widespread represented problem we face as a nation In contrast, the symbols, flags, with violent, hate-motivated insignia, uniforms, slogans and their crimes — a problem which forms of greeting, of the National ‘unrecognized we as a nation must commit Socialist German Workers’ to addressing. Our thoughts Party (Nazi Party), which renegade and prayers are with the controlled Germany for about victims, their families, and the 12 years, have been outlawed country. communities impacted by this by the German Criminal Code horrific and senseless tragedy in (Strafgesetzbuch section 86a). Statement from National Center Charleston seemingly targeted This “denazification” efforts for Lesbian Rights Executive because of their race. As this followed the fall of the Third Director Kate Kendell: heinous crime reverberates Reich. “There are moments when across the entire country, we What’s wrong with our political a headline is too much to stand united with allies and system? comprehend. This is such friends nationwide to end the America’s largest and most a moment. The nightmare cycle of violence motivated by hatred.” “We thank the U.S. Justice “It is disgusting and deplorable Department for providing that some are painting this act Statement from National support in the investigation of hatred as anything other LGBTQ Task Force Executive of this national tragedy. The than racially motivated. The Director Rea Carey: perpetrator of this horrific Emmanuel AME church is a “It is with a heavy heart that we act must be brought to justice symbol of black liberation and join in mourning those killed and we must all work harder the killer was explicit about his in last night’s tragic shooting to create a society free from motivation - even going so far at a Charleston historically murder, violence and hate as to tell a survivor he spared Black church. Our thoughts crimes.” her so she could tell others and prayers are with the what happened. Those who try Statement from Pride at Work families of the murder victims to paint this as anti-Christian Executive Director Jerame and the entire community of violence are deplorably Davis: Charleston. engaging in whitewashing the “The horrendous crime that “This massacre is frighteningly truth of the matter to perpetuate took the lives of nine African- reminiscent of the tragedies a false narrative. Americans at the Emmanuel of another era taking place in “The violence, the racism, and AME church in Charleston, churches in the South. While the denial all must end. We are South Carolina yesterday is many would like to think that better than this.” heart wrenching. In moments our nation has eliminated like these, words often fail, What flag is Dylan Storm Roof racism and discrimination, but we must speak out when saluting when he hears, “Oh, this appalling act of hate senseless, racist violence takes say can you see by the dawn’s shows that we have not. As innocent lives. Our thoughts early light, What so proudly this violent epidemic, the go out to the victims and their we hailed at the twilight’s last targeting and killing of Black families. gleaming?” people, continues with no end in sight — it becomes ever “There is no justice that will more clear that it is everyone’s bring back these nine people nor responsibility to end all forms salve the grief of the surviving of racism and discrimination. family members. The racist No one, absolutely no one, motivation of this murderer is should ever fear for their lives another stark reminder that we when stepping out of their must speak up and out to declare homes, walking down the street that #BlackLivesMatter. We in their own neighborhood, or will not rest until every corner attending a prayer services in of our country has heard that their place of worship. message and takes it to heart.
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MOVIES EYE C
MONICA TREUT ON OF GIRLS AND HORSES
| By John Esther
eturning to her for a while, there is nobody her spoke to the German director childhood for age. She has a lot of attitude but about her film, horses and life inspiration, director the resident horse trainer, Nina away from the camera. Monika Treut (Vanida Karun) is too wise for Lesbian News: Why did you want (Unknown Gender: the adolescent wiseacre to get to make Of Girls and Horses? RDas Dritte Geschlecht; Dr. impatient or disciplinary. Paglia; Female Misbehavior; Monika Truet: When I was young With nothing better to do and under Tigerwomen Grow Wings; and I was very attracted to horses Nina’s guidance, Alex begins to Lesbian Nation) offers a quiet and ponies. Now, like many spend a lot of time with horses coming of age story about an edgy older people, I was remembering (beautiful horses). Initially, Alex 16-year-old high school dropout the older days of my youth and does not appear too interested, who needs to find something or I always wanted to work with yet over time she really begins to someone to bond with as she finds horses in a movie. enjoy and appreciate her equine herself in Of Girls and Horses mates. Then life gets better when LN: What is it about horses that (Von Mädchen und Pferden). Kathy (Alissa Wilms) shows up fascinate you? Alex (Ceci Chuh), has been sent at the horse farm. MT: I guess I am not alone with to a remote horse farm where In this exclusive interview, LN my fascination with horses. It’s her phone barely works, she can a phenomenon between girls, only smoke outside and, at least starting from a very early age, like change your attitude toward camera. 5, 6, 7 and later on into the teenage working with horses or using LN: Could you explain the years. I believe it’s the affection horses as characters in your casting choices? to be able to master a very strong film? animal, which is much stronger MT: I had never worked with than you are and feeling really horses in a film before and I was strong. There are lots of different After I make a very pleasantly surprised. At first aspects. One aspect is also the I was a bit nervous. There is a narrative film grooming and the closeness to a saying, “It’s really hard to work really big and beautiful animal. I I long to do a with small children and animals think it’s less common with boys. in film,” and we did not have a documentary LN: Which character do you wrangler or anybody special to identify with the most and why? help with the horses during the because it’s like a filming. But I was lucky enough MT: Of course the rebellious girl. to find a really wonderful farm mirror. I was having troubled years as a with wonderful farmers. The teenager myself. I come from quite horses were extremely relaxed. a complicated family. My parents MT: I worked with two young They live in a herd, so it’s a had lots of problems with each actresses who are not very well really nice way for the horses to other so home wasn’t very cozy. known in Germany. I was going live partly in the open. They also I also was rebellious in school so through the Internet. All the had an open stable. They were my escape was the horse stable. I agencies these days have their absolutely wonderful to work would go every afternoon when I actors on video, so I watched a with and they actually very much came back from school and spent lot of reels of young actresses enjoyed being on camera. They most of my afternoons with the and I came up with a choice of almost were jealous with each ponies. about ten young actresses. Then other. They all wanted to be on we did a casting session and we LN: How did making this film talked a lot and the good thing but I find it fascinating to really money for the project. The film was that Alissa Wilms -- the one take in all kinds of things that played at lots of film festivals and who plays the blond, upper class happen by accident. So I really was aired many, many times in girl -- has her own horse. I went believe in happy accidents. Also, Europe on television. Through the to see the horse and I casted the you have a very small crew with film the project, PROJETO UERE, horse with her. Ceci Chuh, who documentaries so it’s easier to gets to this very day substantial plays the rebellious girl, Alex, was move around and change plans. funds from different foundations. just totally wonderful and I really With this film, Of Girls and Horses, I am with the project. I have a felt from the very beginning that I opted to have a very tiny crew godchild there and I pay for her she was the right one. I put these because we were so low budget education. I am quite close to the two together to see whether the and it was almost a documentary project. I try to go there every chemistry would work and it did. feeling with the crew. We also year. Right now I am making a The horse trainer, Vanida Karun, lived together in the farmhouse follow up documentary on this is a friend of mine and I knew during the shoot and we had to be project because it’s an avant- that she was a good rider. She had extremely flexible because of the garde project about the education done some work as an actress on ever changing weather situation of kids who live in crisis and war horseback so she was the choice – not like Los Angeles! We had zones. It’s a special methodology from the very beginning. weather changes every two hours. that has been created by the It would rain and then the sun founder of the project. LN: You move back and forth would shine and then it would between fiction features and LN: Lastly, what do you think rain again. We had to constantly documentaries. Do you have a about these interviews where change our shooting schedule. preference? you talk about yourself and your LN: When you are not making film? Do you think that they MT: I like both, actually. After I films, what do you like to do? serve the film or do you want the make a narrative film I long to do film to just speak for itself? a documentary because it’s like a MT: So far, I really like to spend mirror. Documentaries for me are time with animals and horses MT: Of course, yes, ideally the easier to shoot but much harder in particular. Now, I have a film speaks for itself. I guess to edit. And with fiction it’s the condition so I cannot ride at the they are still a good way to make other way around, they are a moment. It’s a big problem for people know that the film is out. bit trickier to shoot but then the me to not have horseback riding It’s a necessary evil. [Laughs]. editing is easier because there is as an outlet. Otherwise, I like to a storyline so you don’t have too be out in nature. Most of the time, many choices. because of work, I don’t have enough time to really indulge in LN: Other than the editing, outdoor activities. do you find one that is more challenging, more demanding, LN: Do you have any social one that allows you more causes you are particularly freedom? passionate about? MT: With documentaries, MT: I made a documentary in Rio the shoot can be even more de Janeiro fifteen years ago about improvised because there is, of a human rights project in a shanty course, some kind of a story that I town. This documentary, Warrior would like to tell in a documentary of Light, helped quite a bit to raise
BOOKS
| By Teresa Decrescenzo
his book was collapse, due to the absence of published last year. men to provide money and the It took me this long money-management skills women to get to it but it was are presumed to lack. Both of worth the wait. If you Frances’ brothers died in World Thaven’t already read it, the year- War I and her father is also dead, long delay only means that you leaving the two women to fend can buy the book for about eight for themselves. In desperation, dollars instead of the thirty dollars Frances decides – holding her nose it originally cost! This story has all the while – to take in boarders – it all: class differences played out gasp! Leonard and Lilian Barber as only the Brits can; overwrought soon arrive and occupy the suite descriptions of lesbian sex as only of rooms vacated by the martyred Waters can; mystery that manages brothers. Mr. Barber is crude and to avoid the expected ending, vulgar and assuredly of a much making for a really satisfying read; lower class than Frances and her and long, lugubrious passages that mother. Lilian is also lower class THE PAYING GUESTS are just delicious (unless you hate but she is the object of Frances’ By Sarah Waters long, lugubrious, bodice-ripping growing ardor. Frances is slowing writing – it’s definitely an acquired becoming enchanted with her. Riverhead – Penguin Books, New taste). With Waters’ sly writing style, York the reader initially thinks that this Frances Wray and her mother http://www.penguin.com crush is one of those “non-lesbian, are on the verge of financial I- wouldn’t- be- with- anyone- except- for- this- special- woman- because-I’m-not-that-way” flings and press of her breasts and hips, and link arms in public, the two but no, there’s more as they say in combined with the yield and women decide to chuck it all and Britspeak, “ than meets the eye.” wetness of her mouth, gave the go off together to live happily ever embrace a sway, a persuasion…It after, only to discover that Lilian is Frances goes to London for a brief was like nothing Frances had ever pregnant. Determined to induce a visit with her friend Christina. known. She seemed to have lost miscarriage, Lilian takes a potion If you peer closely enough – a layer of skin, to be kissing not bought from the local chemist or maybe that’s easy to say in simply with her lips but with her and waits for the inevitable. The hindsight after finishing the book things Lilian “says to her egg” – you will pick up hints about are almost unendurably silly. For the relationship between Frances example, “Fly away little egg to and Christina. They parted “on I hope they some poor woman who wants a bad terms” after a long, close baby…” Really? friendship. Fate or chance brought make a them back together. After “an This is a five hundred-page book, initial awkwardness,” they saw by the way, so even with all the each other two or three times a Masterpiece action thus far, we still have a lot month. Eventually, Frances will more drama left in this tale. Think use her relationship with Christina Theater or Downton Abbey. Lilian tells her as a vehicle to begin the process husband that she is leaving him of coming out – really, more like something for Frances. Naturally, he does coming on – to Lilian. She does not exactly accept the news with this by confessing to Lilian that she out of “The equanimity. In fact, he assaults her, and Christina had been more than so what choice does Frances have just friends back in the day. To but to knock him on the head with the writer’s credit, Waters avoids paying the large ashtray? They haul his diminishing the relationship body away, clean up the house and between Christina and Frances. To Guests.” settle in for the police interrogation the contrary, Frances eventually that follows. A convenient rogue, characterizes it as “a thing of the who has already made trouble heart and the head and the body,” for poor Leonard is arrested for nerves, her muscles, her blood. It and finally owns that she and the murder and surprisingly, is was nearly too much. They pulled Christina dreamed of sharing a life acquitted, leaving the now-not-so- apart, breathing hard, their hearts together. When she discovered her happy-couple free to follow their thumping.” Love it or hate it. daughter’s relationship, Mommy dreams. No more spoilers. Buy That’s Sarah Waters. The lovers Dearest humiliated Frances until this book on the cheap and enjoy know they will never be able to be Frances broke up with Christina. it. I hope they make a Masterpiece like Christina and Stevie and live Before we know all this, we also Theater or something out of “The openly as a couple. Yet, tiring of meet Stevie, boyish haircut, etc., paying Guests.” By the way, the sneaking off for secret couplings another clue from Waters about home-abortion-kit worked just in the scullery and other unlikely what’s coming. fine! places and after using roller- Then it happens. “…the push skating as a device to hold hands
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ull Moons, fireworks, a “tipping point.” This transit may in Leo bogged down for almost 6 and fun, that’s how July motivate some folks to make a big weeks, best to plan weddings and begins! There’s a Full push for what they want, no matter such in mid-September. This is Moon in Capricorn on what. Watch out for aggressive an interesting vibration and can July 1, 2015 that comes behavior from more volatile bring up all kinds of “review” Fwith a touch of wildness from an personality types around this time sessions about past relationships. opposition to Mars and a touch of period. You may have some amazing creativity with a trine to Neptune. insights about your own feelings It should be a good one! With We have a New Moon in Cancer on if you are willing to dig deep. It’s Venus and Jupiter conjunct in Leo July 15, 2015, bringing in strong not impossible to have a good on Full Moon Day, it’s bound to emotion and creative energy in time with Venus Retrograde but it be emotional, exciting and maybe connection with other watery does tend to bring up underlying a little bit over the top! Positive planets. Mercury and Mars in tensions in relationships. Uranus aspects roll on July 4 promoting Cancer will oppose Pluto around in Aries goes retrograde right good vibes for the holiday. And the time of the New Moon, which around the same time as Venus… of course, Mercury Retrograde is a pretty intense and challenging hmmm, the end of the month is is long gone now and things are vibration. People will be likely to going to get a little strange! Keep looking up! get very agitated very easily, so your wits about you as the energy keep your cool and avoid crazy vibrations shift. There’s also a By July 6th things heat up a little people if possible around this time second Full Moon in Aquarius on with a powerful and transformative period. July 31, making things even more opposition between the Sun in interesting and unusual. Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn. Big news about Venus, the planet This could be a “combustible” of love and beauty…she’s going Astro-Opportunity Days: July day, with emotions running high Retrograde on July 25. With Venus 1, 2, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 27 and important situations reaching For all the Sun Signs: The beginning of the on July 15, which is a good time to “lay low” if month should be a good time for just about you catch my drift. And be prepared for whatever anything. Things will tend to heat up and could lessons Venus Retrograde may have in store for get a little ugly around that New Moon in Cancer you as the month ends.
Aries (March 21-April 19) The focus will be on Libra (September 23-October 22) Career and life home, family and your personal life this month direction take center stage. Friends and associates and there may be some tension to contend with. You are could prove very beneficial and encouraging. Changes continuing on the path of great personal change so don’t in love relationships will either improve things…or shy away from lessons that present themselves now. perhaps free you up to do something more in line with Nevertheless, good vibes from Jupiter in Leo will bring your higher good. opportunities for romance and creativity. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Positive Taurus (April 20-May 20) Important energy is available for work, travel and projects. communications may arrive early in the month. Stay Apply your skills and you’ll impress those in powerful grounded and use the information to help get a handle on positions. This is a good month to get in touch with your some of your long range goals. Avoid the temptation to important goals and put some serious effort towards start too many projects at the same time. Energy around them. home and personal life should be harmonious. A good time for home improvements. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Powerful forces are at work, causing you to Gemini (May 21-June 20) Take a good look at question the validity of some of your choices. Don’t be your finances and get things into balance there. afraid to pull the plug on things (or people) who just You may be questioning some things in the career aren’t working for you. Edit out things that no longer zone. Best to keep things on even keel there rather than represent you. upsetting the apple cart. Don’t let restrictions get you down. Positive communication with those around you Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You will will encourage you. have a big impact on people this month so make sure it’s a good one! Most people will get on board with Cancer (June 21-July 21) Tons of energy is rolling you, a few may challenge you. Choose your battles. your way. Keep yourself from going overboard Relationships are highlighted. though, you might exhaust yourself! Don’t let petty irritations turn into bigger issues in key relationships. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Get your You may end up in a bit of a power struggle with a few daily routine in good order and you’ll be very people. Stand your ground but keep your cool. Positive productive this month. There is lots of positive energy news in the financial department. in your relationship zone. Single Aquarians may fall in love. This is a positive time for partnership endeavors. Leo (July 23-August 22) You’ll probably be feeling pretty happy about yourself as the month Pisces (February 19-March 20) Romance and begins and this might make you want to rush ahead and creativity are highlighted this month. It should be possibly bite off more than you can chew! Best to slow exciting if you aren’t lost in a fantasy that’s unattainable. down a bit. Take care of any nagging health issues early Pressures surface at work, but can be handled with a in the month. Pay attention to your intuition. methodical approach.
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Good vibrations bring you spiritual peace, creativity and love if you are open to it! Friends and associates will bring you exciting ideas and may also challenge you, too. This is a good time to take a look at the nature of your most important relationships. Align yourself with those who have proven their loyalty.
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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. Like The LN on Facebook
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