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3 July 2014 Features

14 Nikki And Nora By Michel Khordoc CON 18 Transgender By Chris Angel Murphy 28 Playtime Is Over: Outfest 2014 By John Esther TENTS 29 Appropriate Behavior Required at Outfest By John Esther 36 Theorhetorically Speaking Inside LN By Nikki McCauley

12 GOLF 36 Southern Lesbian Dreams 16 BOOKS By Susan Brittain 18 QUEERLY QUESTIONING 37 Living Out 19 MUSIC By Sally Sheklow 19 COMIC OF THE MONTH 40 Positive Reflections 20 LOL By Dian Katz, MS 28 MOVIES EYE C 30 SOUNDS OF LESBIANS 42 Words That Make Sense By Toni Hart 34 LN GRIN 35 POETRY 38 HOT SPOTS Lifestyles 39 THE WEEKENDER 39 TRAVEL 8 Politically Speaking 41 FEMASTROLOGY By Donna Wade 42 LIFE COACH’S CORNER 10 HERstyle By Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown 17 Humanity Here By Karen Williams 31 Room With A View By Val Watersun

24-27 Cover Story Cover Photo By Soul Kiss Films Anatomy Of A Filmmaker An Interview with Marina Bader By Michel Khordoc

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com When the time is right, keep us in mind.

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5 LESBIAN NEWS

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Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com 7 Politically speaking When Politics Gets Too Personal... What do you do when your friend joins the Tea Party? | By Donna Wade

his month marks the 60th anniversary provides new opportunities for interaction (or creating simply not true," and provide factual backup, before I of my birth, which is astounding to conflict) and affords a less-guarded, sometimes can accept that cognitive dissonance kicked and their me because in my mind, I'm still in uncensored glimpse into our friends and acquaintances. eyes glazed over at the word simply and from then my early 30s. Though I'm on the cusp Since avid users post opinions on everything from on, every point I make will be filtered through a world of senior citizen discounts and early recipes to faith to politics, pop culture and the outrage view rooted in white male privilege, a deep resistance Tbird dining, the fire still burns in my belly for du jour, they sometimes also reveal things you wish you to social change, and an irrational fear and loathing of fighting the good political fight. didn't know. our first black President.

Politically-engaged, uppity grandmothers, both I tend to follow a "read but rarely comment" strategy Should I even dignify by commenting on that friend's Democrats, schooled me in Citizenship 101, and those on social media, because everyone must walk their own new closing line for every new screed: "Is it still cool lessons became part of who I am today. They made path, define their own truth and I respect their right to to be an all-inclusive (not), gentle, nature-loving, certain I understood that if I saw a problem or injustice, do so. Though I'm not averse to spirited also debate progressive, elite, better-educated (not), freewill but did nothing about it, I was part of the problem. To when there's even a glimmer of a chance to change (not) Liberal Democrat?" I will always be a big-tent always to vote, because relatives had fought and died someone's mind on an issue, experience has also taught progressive, non-violent, animal-and nature-loving, so I would have that right. Not voting was out of the me when to shut the hell up. pro-choice, anti-war, anti-government spying, strong- question because it was forsaking one's civic duty. willed, lesbian feminist, bleeding-heart, tree-hugging, When people I've known for decades start posting civil rights advocating liberal and damn proud of it. My grandmothers believed that government exists venomous regurgitations of right wing talking points, But I have little in common with or patience for people to act for the common good when it is an issue of including links to anti-government militias and who see no need to investigate beyond the talking such magnitude that individuals cannot go it alone, conspiracy theories via InfoWars, Freedomworks points, innuendo, manufactured scandals and other but they also understood that sometimes you have to and other "red-meat-for-the-base" websites, I am manipulations. force government to do the right thing. That peaceful dumbfounded. Do they really believe that Obama is assembly in the streets could shift the conversation, the socialist, Muslim, Kenyan E.T./alien, Manchurian 21st century problems like climate change and humanize the "others," and educate and empower Candidate spawn of Communism and Satan and part of diminishing natural resources demand innovative those who feel marginalized, maligned and forgotten. the plot on BENGHAZI!? Or are they just poking the scientific solutions from creative minds or the Sixth They taught me that a democracy is a continual work bear to see my reaction? Great Extinction we're living through may be the last. in progress and I must never let fear or intimidation If the Koch-bankrolled Tea Party 18% ever control keep me from speaking out or raising hell when I feel What would you say to the assertion that the Sandy simultaneously both Houses of Congress and the so moved. Hook Elementary School mass shooting was only a White House, those 57 million mostly old white folks "false flag" CIA operation to gin up public support for will ride herd over the other 260 million of us. They I had my liberal "conversion" in the mid-60s, before Obama's gun-seizing agenda, so no students or teachers will claim to have taken their country back, and that the conservative noise machine reframed the term into actually died that day? their "victory" represents a mandate to decimate the a character defect, and over a decade before I came out. American social contract. My grandmothers believed you do not ignore others in What proof is offered of this assertion? One flyer sent need, because we're all in this American experiment to me claims that the parents and siblings of Newtown's That scares the hell out of me, and it should you, too. together, a core liberal belief, though they never victims did not cry during their teevee interviews just identified as such. a couple of days after the "alleged" incident, it didn't Get involved now to turn out the vote for the November happen. If they were really grieving, logic there must be general election. Let's reduce the Tea Party's oversized Liberals have been behind some of society's most tears. One father chuckled while remembering his dead influence to the point where it can be "drowned in a important efforts to improve the lives of all Americans 9 year old boy during his 30 second segment, so that bathtub," as Republican guru Grover Norquist wishes (40-hour work week, child labor laws, the clean air proves beyond a doubt it never happened. Because there for our federal government. and water legislation, to name a few.) When asked, is no humor in death, so the "father" actually laughing Americans overwhelmingly approve of liberal proves his son, if he really had one, was alive and well. If they want influence, let's make them earn it. Don't proposals, if pollsters don't reveal that liberals came In Benghazi, or something. Because "they" found and hand it to them by default. up with them. It's time to address the negative public interviewed all the actors hired to play the parts and got perception and demonstrate that liberal and progressive them to admit they were part of a conspiracy. Just not are not dirty words, they are the way forward. on the record. [email protected] Social media is a huge influence on public opinion. It How many times must I tell the Tea Party convert "that's By Nat Burns Quit smoking: 1-800-NO BUTTS

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com ©2014 California Department of Public Health

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RPA CDP GEN P4 0120-4 CTCP Page, 4/C, Bleed Lesbian News Herstyle | By Christin & Ashley Kelly-Brown

ummer of Love: headed feeling Aphrodisiacs in the kitchen accompanied by that will really get you two a rush of ‘happy in the mood endorphins’ take you to another planet. Aphrodisiac. Just the word Count me in! alone conjures up feelings Sof pushing the 'kinky envelope', so to Oysters speak. But what is it about aphrodisiacs or certain foods that get us in 'the mood'? Okay, this delectable Is it the look of the food item? The aroma? delicacy probably The color? The resemblance? Now, many of has the biggest you may think of an aphrodisiac as a 'love reputation of any potion' or maybe some roll-on scent that 'love potion' out you can grab as a gag-gift from your nearest there, right? But sex shop. But many of us also believe in why do we gravitate some familiar food items that, in-theory, toward the ocean's sweet surprise that should help us get lucky for the night. Raw what is responsible for the flush cheeks, is also known as 'Crassostrea gigas'? Is oysters, dark chocolates, even cherries and beads of sweat above the lips, and not to it the absolutely stunning aroma of fresh strawberries are just some of the treats that mention the swelling and heat emitting sea water or maybe the taste of sweet, but typically come to mind when on the subject. from the mouth and lips. Capsaicin, the tart fleshy goodness? Many believe that So, would you believe me if I told you that heat chemical in the ribs and seeds of oysters have this mystical effect on us coffee as well as chilies, honey, and even all chili peppers is widely and worldly- ladies because oysters produce two specific avocado can all be considered aphrodisiacs? known for topical pain management and This July issue, we're going to give you other remedies. Currently, the world’s lovely ladies the scoop on what fleshy fruits hottest pepper on the Scoville scale (the and curvaceous edibles that are sure to unit of measurement to determine heat and have you and your lover begging for more. capsaicin in a pepper) is the Carolina Reaper Hopefully. discovered in 2013, measuring a mind- blowing 2.2M on the scale. The habanero, Chilies the undisputed heavyweight champion of Always quick to tantalize the tastebuds, heat only measures a 100,000-350,000 on these little firecrackers of passion are sure the scale. Even if you’re not into all the to have you both reaching for something mouth-watering, ear-ringing sensations, many cannot deny the fact that the response to cool you down. The chilli pepper also acids that actually elevate estrogen levels we get from hot chili peppers mimics the known as capsicum, is the beautiful white in women therefore increasing the libido. flowering plant that we typically see. But sexual response. Even the occasional light-

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com Others believe that it's not so much about Avocado the science or even the taste, but about its beautiful appearance. The oyster, with Its curvy shape and buttery flesh enclose its rougher and even sometimes fuzzy around a fertile seed, waiting to be opened. outer appearance is just the beginning Who would've thought of a ripe avocado of its enticing dance. After a little work, as a fruit of sexual desire? Apparently, the she'll open right up for you only to reveal Aztec culture knew. For centuries, avocados her supple, glistening, lippy-self which were almost considered forbidden because can often resemble something familiarly of their amazing Vitamin B6 properties, feminine. Quite honestly, all this talk about which was valued for its 'enhanced desire kissable parts... I definitely can go for a effects'. Also because they contain a fair quick round, right now. Of oysters, I mean. amount of potassium, avocados also help regulate our female thyroid gland which Chocolate is vital with sex. Between the feminine shape of the green goddess as well as what And we wonder why Valentine’s Day is it resembles, no wonder we're completely such a huge holiday for all of the lovers out drawn to her powers. there! Yes, we’ve heard that eating chocolate is indeed “good for our health”, along with There were so many blogs, research papers, our ‘good friend’ red wine. But is it good her stomach. So, whether its rosemary and even adult stores that dedicate their for us because we can’t get enough of it mashed yukon potatoes or a rosemary studies to aphrodisiacs and what makes or because it’s usually presented to us in a rubbed rack of lamb I'm pretty sure that as the human body ‘turn on’ when consuming lovely box from a girlfriend? It’s fair to say long as you get some of those juices on you certain foods. There were also plenty of both. Chocolate has its antioxidant benefits from cooking her a sexy meal, she's bound foods that I didn’t even mention, that are for sure, but some studies have linked to take a nibble at you. said to be definite ‘mood changing’ items. chocolate lovers to have higher libidos Strawberries, black beans, honey, pine due to the serotonin found in chocolate. nuts, libations (of course), and figs are just Initially, chocolate was considered to be an a few edibles to be on the look out for the aphrodisiac because it was so rare. Now, next time you’re grabbing some treats for our beloved sweet bars of goodness can be your date night. So, what’s the ruling? Are found in any store, but don’t be afraid to aphrodisiacs truth or myth? Do they really venture out into the chocolates that contain get your partner in the mood for loving or cayenne pepper, yellow curry, or perhaps is it all in the mind of the beholder? My passion fruit. With chocolate, there’s no theory is that you can almost make anything such thing as “too exotic”. an aphrodisiac if you’re determined, your partner willing to try, and you’re skills Rosemary to portray the food as sexy as possible. One Valentine’s Day, wifey bought This heavenly herb has driven our noses “Intercourses”, the aphrodisiac cookbook wild for over hundreds of centuries. In fact, by Martha Hopkins, which gives you a rosemary happens to be one of the most bountiful insight for recipes, cocktails, fun recognizable scents in our "scent-memory" quotes from lovers that feel the love from bank, which is our strongest tie to emotional the suggested. No matter what science truly experiences, says writer Cynthia Watson. has to say, I can honestly say that chocolate, ‘Around the medieval times, women would strawberries, and champagne is sure to put infuse their baths with sprigs of rosemary almost any lady in the mood and that’s good to draw in and seduce their wanted lovers’, enough to call it an ‘aphrodisiac’, in my says Watson. These days you can find book. If it does the trick, you’re ahead of rosemary scented fizzy bath bombs as the game. Happy loving, ladies. Xo well as a fresh rosemary perfume from the local apothecary. Now, the chef in me is [email protected] constantly cooking and I’ve found the way to any woman's heart ...and that's through

11 Golf

So, Where Were The Skirts?

| By Karyn Dunphy, LPGA Member, and Founder of New Thought Golf

If you don’t play golf, take it up anyway and go money to put in the swimming pool complex through the experience of visiting the Sandhills at Pine Needles Resort. Great stories abound area of North Carolina, which includes Pinehurst in Peggy’s wonderful book titled, “The Gift of and Southern Pines. It’s totally golf country Golf.” Here’s an excerpt… with a golf course every couple of miles or so. From the beginning Ellen (Griffin) came up with Yes, you can go to Pinehurst and stay at the the word “Golfari” for our women’s golf schools. Carolina Hotel, the Grande belle of the community It’s a take-off on the word “safari” and means a and your experience will indeed be grand. But “week-long excursion into golf.” A full house I suggest you move over to Southern Pines and of ladies, usually around 140, arrive on Sunday spend a few relaxing days at the home of Peggy afternoon during Golfari weeks in February, May Kirk Bell’s two remarkable golf properties, Pine and September. Each day begins with a clinic Needles with me and my son-in-law, former PGA Tour and Mid Pro Pat McGowan followed by instruction, lunch t the time of this writing, both the Pines, both and then golf in the afternoon. Following dinner, men’s and women’s U.S. Open Golf designed there’s usually a lecture or clinic or instruction Championships are still being staged. by Donald video. It’s “gals week out” with golf being the The first shot has yet to be fired and Ross. common thread. (p. 96) for the first time in golf history, both Amen’s and women’s national championships will Make a The influence of Babe Didrikson Zaharias on be played on the same golf course in consecutive reservation Peggy’s life and career was undeniably strong weeks on the No. 2 course at Pinehurst, Pinehurst, at Pine indeed and is well chronicled in the chapter NC. Pinehurst is located in the beauty-filled Needles entitled, My Friend, the Babe. Sandhills area of North Carolina on a diagonal Resort and between Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte. Lodge and Remarkable is an understatement when it comes then move to Babe’s life and career. Babe won two gold This is truly a divine creation co-created by one across the medals and a sliver in the 1932 Olympic Games Donald Ross, a visionary genius who fashioned street to in Los Angeles and could have won more but the earth into amazingly beautiful golfing Mid Pines women were only allowed to enter three events landscapes. Mr. Ross fashioned over 400 courses Inn and sit then! Can you believe that? When Babe was and called Pinehurst #2 his very best effort for a spell on asked how she hit the ball so far, she once competitive golf. This course has challenged, the veranda remarked, “I just hitch up my girdle and give it tortured and tormented the best women and men and sip your favorite beverage. Mid Pines is a all I got.” Upon entering women’s professional golfers on the planet and Pinehurst has been the classic Georgian style Inn built in 1921. She sits golf, she took the country by storm, won foundation of American golf since 1898. I was tall, stately elegant, rich and grand. Understated everything in sight and sadly, finally lost her very fortunate to win the 2012 LPGA T&CP beauty is everywhere. You won’t be sorry. battle with cancer in September 1956. What a National Super Senior Championship on the champion and what a credit to women athletes Donald Ross course in French Lick, Indiana. When you walk in to the Lodge at Pine Needles, everywhere. it’s rustic all the way; the smell of pine wood For anyone who calls themselves a golfer, smoke from the fireplace in the living room Returning to the conversation of holding back-to- going to the Pinehurst area and playing golf is strikes you right away. I’m surprised they don’t back national championships on the same course; the equivalent of going to heaven, being with have pine needles on the floor of the lodge. From time will tell if it was a good idea. Surely the God and having her be your partner for the day! the bar in Pine Needles, your vision sweeps intention of the United States Golf Association is However, you may swear from time to time that across vast sea of green grass, white sand, trees, that this will be good for the game but a question the course is indeed diabolical. Such is life and blue skies and puffy white clouds. And you get to remains as to whether the course will hold up such is golf; life and golf mirror each other. Or play golf on that amazingly beautiful landscape. is it the other way around? Wow! Now that’s divine!

I can say from experience, you will be very Peggy Kirk Bell is truly one of the greats in grateful once you have played golf there. One American women’s golf history. Loved by of the things that stands out is how gracious and everyone, she was a trailblazer in her golf polite and respectful all the folks are down there. career; flying her Cessna, while the other players “Yes Ma’am, no Ma’am …” When you go to drove. She says her flying career came to an end dinner, your host often says, “How’d you play when she flew into a snowstorm and prayed and today?” That’s because 9 out of ten of customers bargained with God to get her safely down on have played golf that day. the ground. She said to God, “If you get me out of this, I will sell this plane and give up flying.” Well, she landed, sold the plane and used the

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com for two major championships in two weeks. The men will play the first week and then the women will play the second week. The men’s event will stress and work the course out for a week, creating thousands of divots, ball marks on the greens and much wear- and-tear from the extreme tournament conditions that accompany a national championship. The next week, the course Meryl Needles is expected to be pristine again for the ladies championship. Again, time will tell as to the Owner/Sleep Specialist wisdom of such a plan and one thing is for sure, regardless of the conditions, the best player of the week will be revealed. Office: (909) 957-8204 Karyn Dunphy, LPGA Member, Class A www.sleepapneaCPAPsupplies.com Note: The above opinions are those of the author only, and not those of the LPGA. 8333 Foothill Blvd. Suite 105 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 [email protected] security that you’ve come to the right place. experience, Cathy is a specialist, helping people just like you through this taxing process, while providing comfort and Cathy Wilson — specializing in a client base with unique needs and ever-changing requirements. With over 20 years Uncharted territory: yes. Double the stress, triple work: possibly. Call upon one of LA’s finest accountants — return, and Individual Federal Tax returns that split income between partners using community property rules. being recognized as a couple. All registered domestic partners are required to file one joint California State Tax registered in California, you’ll be filing more than an individual tax return. Consider that you’re one step closer to Especially when it comes to California State Income Tax. If you count yourself among the many domestic partners NEVER BEFORE HAVE REGISTERED DOMESTI 11965 V L os A ngele s eni c BEEN TREATED SO "SPOUSE-LIKE" e B , C Sui t oule v A 90066 e 404 a r d 11965 w w w . c at h f ax 310-566-7981 y V wilsoncpa. c 310-566-7980 eni c e Bl v om d , Sui t ww w 310 566 7980 e 404 . c  L a t h os A y wilsoncpa. c C PA ngele s RTNERS , C A 90066 om

13 NIKKI AND NORA | By Michel Khordoc

f you haven’t gotten onboard the web series No. We went through the normal studio and network train yet, there is one inescapable show that casting process. But I can’t imagine anyone else in will definitely make you not think twice the roles. about giving up your TV remote control for your mouse and check this new territory out. You should reach out to Liz and Christina and let them talk to you about the process. Their experience of signing up for 5 years to play a lesbian couple with I someone they literally just met, is really interesting. Welcome to the world of “Nikki & Nora”! I give them and our director, John Coles, all the credit Created by Nancylee Myatt who brought us such for making the life, chemistry and truth of Nikki and small screen gems as “South of Nowhere” and Nora jump off the page and onto the stage and the “3Way”, Nikki & Nora follows New Orleans locals screen. Nikki Beaumont (Liz Vassey) and Nora Delaney (Christina Cox), former NOPD cops turned private investigators in the Big Easy post Katrina.

Nikki &Nora marks the first time in history an unaired network pilot has been re-imagined and made for distribution exclusively on the web.

While the pilot sat dormant on a shelf for almost a decade, fans, on the other hand, kept their love alive and relentlessly thriving online through fan-fiction sites. a binge-watching marathon of “Nikki & Nora,” indulging in seven glorious episodes all at once As the show became an Internet phenomenon - a on tellofilms.com. juggernaut of water cooler talk that ran rampant over social media and some of today’s major online trend- The Lesbian News had a chance to catch up with spotters, Nikki & Nora was at last reborn as a web Emmy-Award winner, Nancylee Myatt, the creator series earlier this year. and mastermind behind the critical online smash hit that has garnered one of the biggest cult-following. All made possible by fans that would not let go of this crime fighting lesbian couple in America’s oldest -How did you come up with the idea for “Nikki & party town; notwithstanding, one record breaking Nora”? crow-funding campaign that is to date the largest funded campaign for a series with lesbian lead The original idea came from then President of characters - raising $65,00 and surpassing their goal Regency TV, Gail Berman, who went on to become by 30%. the President of the FOX network. I had written several pilots for her, and she thought I was the right person to create a television series version of the “Nick & Nora – Thin Man” movie franchise of the 1930’s. Only Nick & Nora would be a lesbian -You seem to have a knack for casting actors with couple, Nikki & Nora. great on-camera chemistry: Mandy Musgrave & Gabrielle Christian for South of Nowhere; and now The script eventually wound up at Warner Bros Liz and Christina for Nikki & Nora. What’s your Studios and Laura Ziskin’s Company who produced secret formula? it for us at UPN. We could not have had better advocates for “Nikki & Nora” and shooting in New I wish I could take credit for casting Gaby and Mandy, Orleans than that team. or the chemistry of Spencer and Ashley. But Tommy Lynch, who created the show, had cast them before I - Did you already have Liz Vassey & Christina Cox Fans can now boot up their computers, grab a bowl showed up to run the series. With regard to chemistry, in mind for the lead roles? of popcorn, laissez les bon temps rouler and enjoy Mandy and Gaby were so honest and fearless in their

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com performances it was nothing short of stunning. the N&N fans and we were back on their radar again.

However, I would like to take a little credit for helping Christin Mell and her partners at tellofilms were write and create stories and moments that gave them instrumental in keeping the conversation alive. The the opportunity to represent those coming of age and tellofilms team knows how to maximize visibility to coming out stories truthfully. And to help create a help your webseries rise out of the noise of the World work environment that was safe and allowed everyone Wide Web. in the cast to flourish. - “Nikki & Nora” has obviously been extremely - New Orleans plays an important role in the series well received by the Lesbian community. This is and is almost like a character on its own. What made not the first time you have created LGBT characters you choose the Big Easy as the location for the series? and storylines - How important is it for you to stay connected with the community in your work? It’s MUCH better and with diverse programming I set the show in New Orleans because it was a city for much wider audience. There’s something for that I had spent a lot of time in with my family. It Very important. But to me, the big challenge is to everyone on network, cable, subscription and now was also my favorite place to run to: to play, write tell stories that reach a wide audience. An audience web-based and VOD outlets. And they are all shows and be inspired. As I’ve said before: It’s a city with a that relates to the story, the characters, the setting and that are written for a cross-over audience. Not just rich history and culture. A city of darkness and light. genre, no matter how you identify or who you choose the GLBTQ audiences. Which is what “Nikki & A city with its own voice and look. It’s America’s to love. Nora” was always designed to be. A mystery show original party town and has always been a place were that focuses as much on the personal life of the main the gay community gathered. The Crescent City was characters and it does on the crime of the week… perfect home for Nikki and Nora. - Clearly the Internet has created valuable - You originally wrote the show a decade ago for the opportunities for filmmakers and writers alike to now defunct UPN TV Network. What do you think show their work and rally fans around a project that was the main reason the network turned it down back might otherwise never see the light of day. How then? effective has that medium been in the success of The climate in the country was much more conservative Nikki & Nora? ten years ago. And especially with network television, “Nikki & Nora” is alive today because of the Internet. where the advertisers pay the bills, the heads of the It was kept alive by a faithful and underserved network did not feel they could sell a series with a -Why do you think “Nikki & Nora” is breaking international fan-base, who took the pirated UPN lesbian couple at the front of a show. Hollywood stereotypes when it comes to gay pilot and posted it on places like YouTube and characters on the small screen? Dailymotion. They edited together love-letters to Nikki and Nora, montages set to empowering I think it’s the small stories, the relatable human anthems and love songs. Meanwhile, fan-fiction experiences that are changing the face of writers took matters in their own hands, creating entertainment for and about the lesbian community thousands of pages that kept the stories going in -- No matter what the size of your screen. And size Nikki and Nora’s New Orleans. never mattered much with us, anyway… It makes perfect sense that this re-boot of “Nikki & - Season One debuted earlier this year to massive Nora” was made for the Internet and paid for by the success. Can fans expect a Season Two on cyberspace fans that kept it alive. or will you perhaps revisit the idea of a TV distribution opportunity? - Nikki & Nora marks the first time in history an unaired network pilot has been re-imagined and We recently answered this question to our faithful made for distribution exclusively on the web. Why “Nikki & Nora” was groundbreaking at the time. fan-base who are ready to start the next “Nikki & do think the show became such an online sensation? We were seeing gay people in comedies, but mostly Nora” crowd-funding campaign immediately. We are simultaneously shopping N&N to outlets like Netflix, the boys. The real GLTBQ stories were being told in Just like the loyal fan-base, I had never stopped Amazon, Hulu. It feels right to keep these women and movies, or cable TV dramas about the struggles of thinking about Nikki and Nora. The way we their stories on the Internet. And because we know homosexuals and their battles for health, visibility and tapped back into and rallied this already huge and there are no guarantees in “television” and traditional equality. We were not seeing everyday representations faithful “Nikki & Nora” fan-base was simple. I distribution, we are working on what the 2nd Season – or ordinary people in extraordinary situations, which was producing a crazy-funny web series called of “Nikki & Nora” would look like on tellofilms.com. is a staple of television. “3Way” (starring Maeve Quinlan, Maile Flanagan, We’ll better know what this looks like in the fall. But Jill Bennett, and Cathy Shim) which I co-created and When we knew that “Nikki & Nora” was not going to early reports involve Pirate costume ball, a big Art produced with the talented and foxy Maeve Quinlan get on the network schedule we were encouraged to Heist and the return of Nikki’s father… and maybe (South of Nowhere), and writer/producer, Paige shop it to the cable and subscription based networks. introducing her mother. Stay tuned! Bernhardt (South of Nowhere, Yes Dear). Paige is Places where programmers were not afraid to tell also my wife and partner in MyHardt Productions. stories for a specific audience. Sadly, we did not find To watch “Nikki & Nora” go to: www.tellofilms.com a home there either. The feeling at that time was that In “3Way” we created these ridiculous “spin-off” Twitter: @NikkiandNora the GLBTQ audience was being serviced by reality shows -- An over the top soap opera called “Young shows about fashion and home décor. Doctors Who Cry” and 70’s style crime show called “Lady Cops.” The main characters of “Lady Cops” - How different do you think the entertainment were two super hot cops, who may or may not be landscape – particularly TV - is now in comparison lovers, named “Mikki & Laura” played by Liz to when you first pitched Nikki & Nora? What has Vassey and Christina Cox. The spoof was not lost on changed?

15 BOOKS 2014 Lammys – One For The Books | By Teresa Decrescenzo

contest: Katherine Forrest and Val McDermid. It of us to watch each other’s backs – and to sissy walk. was like Ali v. Foreman, two extraordinarily talented, beloved title-holding public Each year, the Lammys present a number of special figures reluctantly duking it awards, including the James Duggins Mid-career out. As in any final bout, only award, and the Betty Berzon Emerging Writer one can remain standing at the award. These are the only LLF awards that give end. There’s no tie score, no cash stipends to the recipients. This year’s Betty draw, only one winner. “High Berzon winners are Imogen Binnie and Charles Rice- Desert” is the ninth in Forrest’s Gonzalez. Binnie writes Kate Delafield series. If you for a number of ‘zines haven’t yet read this one, and blogs. Her first novel, by all means you should. If “Nevada,” was a finalist you are not familiar with the in these Lammys. Rice- Kate Delafield series, give Gonzalez is a playwright, yourself a summer treat and writer, educator, activist, buy the whole set and gorge yourself. Don’t miss and educator. His debut nlike last year’s Lammys that required McDermid’s Lammy- nominated “Cross and Burn” novel, “Chulito,” has making our way through a torrential either. Coincidentally, like Forrest’s LAPD Detective received a number of spring downpour, the weather gods gave Kate Delafield in “High Desert,” McDermid’s prizes. Radclyffe and Michael Thomas Ford were us plenty of sunshine for the 26th annual Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan is burned the recipients of the James Duggins Mid-career prize. Lambda Literary Awards, and it showed in out and emotionally exhausted, feeling betrayed or Between these two highly-respected and prolific Uthe clothing choices of the presenters and attendees, abandoned by everyone important in her life, and like writers, they’ve produced more than one hundred most smartly attired in bright and lightweight frocks Delafield, she’s cocooning, licking her wounds when books! If they are mid-career, they’ve certainly set and suits. Of course, many were strutting in their best circumstances arise that compel her to get back in the the bar high for others. butch peacock-ery, while the tranny outfits ranged game. I would imagine the judges in this category from outrageous to even more outrageous. Yes, I struggled with almost parallel story lines involving Alison Bechdel won the Board of Trustees Award for know the word “tranny” has encountered considerable remarkable women cops, written by two master Excellence in Literature. In addition to the comic controversy of late, but I’m taking my cue from LLF mystery writers. strip, “Dykes to Watch Out For” that she created for Pioneer awardee Kate Bornstein, who used the word more than twenty-five years, Bechdel has written on stage in her acceptance speech, while admonishing As exciting as all the Lammys were for the winners two graphic memoirs. Her “Fun Home: A Family the audience to stop the inter-community squabbling and their fans, the night belonged to Kate Bornstein. Tragicomic” was named Best Book of 2006 by TIME and shaming. The awards were held for the second In presenting the Lambda Literary Foundation Magazine. This year, she was a finalist for the 2014 year in a row at New York’s Great Hall at Cooper Pioneer Award, Bornstein’s life partner, Barbara Pulitzer Prize for Drama. She remains a dyke to Union, and honored Carrellas, took us from Albert Bornstein’s birth in watch out for. Bechdel also presented the first ever LGBT writers and 1948 to Kate Bornstein’s birth in 1986 after a long Lammy in the category editors in twenty-four struggle to exit the Church of Scientology. Bornstein of Best Graphic Novel categories. received multiple standing ovations, and her remarks to Nicole J. Georges for were frequently interrupted by applause. In a wide- “Calling Dr. Laura.” Comedienne Kate ranging speech, she thanked those who raised more Clinton, back for her than $120,000 to pay for It was a great evening for third stint in a row as her chemotherapy for all of the nominees. This Lammy Mistress of advanced lung cancer, is one of the few awards Ceremonies, kept the as well as specific events where the nominees fast-paced evening individuals, including really are happy just to be moving along, gently nudged forward by her easy writers, editors, her among the nominated, self-deprecating humor. Nothing, it seems though, agent, and of course, so the spirit and energy can stop this event from running more than two hours, her life partner. True in the room are light and, well, gay. Other lesbian- and now they’ve added even more categories. In her to her reputation as specific Lammy-award winners include LESBIAN Pioneer Award acceptance speech, Bornstein urged a firebrand activist, POETRY: Rise in the Fall, Ana Bozicevic, Birds, the Foundation to add more categories. Let us hope Bornstein did not just LLC; LESBIAN MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY: Body that does not happen. take the podium to Geographic, Barrie Jean Borich, University of thank a lot of people. Nebraska Press; LESBIAN ROMANCE: Clean Legendary gay rights activist David Mixner, looking She used her time on Slate, Andrea Bramhall, Bold Strokes Books; fit and relaxed after rebounding from a major health stage to call for the LESBIAN EROTICA: Wild Girls, Wild Nights: True scare a few months ago, presented the first award “three generations” Lesbian Sex Stories, Ed. Sacchi Green, Cleis Press. of the night for LGBT non-fiction to Hilton Als for of sex-and-gender “White Girls” ( McSweeney’s Publishing). theorists, artists and activists who are all The Lesbian Mystery category was like a boxing alive at the same time, [email protected] match for the heavyweight championship of the to come together in a world. All of the nominees in a crowded field of pioneer coalition to deal with race and class within eleven contenders are excellent writers, including our community. She also called on Lambda Literary multiple Lammy-award winner, Ellen Hart. Each Foundation to add several new categories of awards writer produced a terrific example of the genre, that speak more to sex and gender identity, queer but there were really only two contenders in this youth, and spirituality. Bornstein also called on all

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com HUMANITY HERE I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings! | By Karen Williams

I say. she’d just spoken at an HRC event, I stumbled a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being. over my words. I will never forget her smile as It’s in the arch of my back. I mumbled through a hasty introduction where I If our children are to approve of themselves, they mentioned that I knew her niece. “Aah yes!” she must see that we approve of ourselves. The sun of my smile. said…and then proceeded to tell me a story as I I like the person I am becoming. stared at her. Maya Angelou was truly a sight to The ride of my breasts. behold… Luxuriously tall, and big, and broad… Someone was here before you, lost before you, and that voice! That powerful radiantly soft and The grace of my style. ignored before you, and yet, miraculously someone strong voice… has survived with passion, compassion, and humor I’m a woman. and style. I got to hear that voice again…on the Olivia Travel Phenomenally. Equality and Leadership Cruise to the Eastern I am not competing with anyone other than myself. Caribbean in February of this year. Dr. Angelou I want to be excellent at whatever I do. Phenomenal woman. was the special guest on that trip, scheduled to appear on the first night of the cruise. However, due Each of us must care enough for ourselves to be That’s me. to her health issues, Olivia’s guests were treated to ready and able to come to our own self-defense. a telecast of Maya in her home. How mesmerizing --Dr. Maya Angelou to hear her stories of love, wisdom, compassion, I don’t ask anyone to win my freedom or to fight my and respect! She honored us, the women of Olivia, battles better than I can. lesbians, and called us her children, her “sistas” ow stunning! How magnificent! and her “rainbows in the clouds”…a phrase she Life doesn’t frighten me at all. Not at all. Not at How fortunate to bear witness used several times throughout her time with us. all. Life doesn’t frighten me at all. in this lifetime to a wondrous I wept quietly, transfixed by this phenomenal I’ve heard it said that winter, too, will pass and human being like Dr. Maya woman, a living legend who will live eternally in spring a sign that summer is due at last. See, all we Angelou! The deep resounding the spirits of all of those she inspired. have to do is hang on. Hwarm resonance of her voice rose up from an indomitable spirit that embodied the essence of To let you in on some of the poetry, affirmation, You can neither free me nor bind me. living transformation. and wisdom that is Dr. Maya Angelou, the world’s eternal poet, I share… I think a hero is any person really intent on making “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is the this a better place for all people. chronicle of Maya Angelou’s youthful exodus In the course of staying alive, I always love to hear people laugh. I never trust people who don’t laugh from victim to victor. Written in 1969 -- the year I There is something gracious and graceful about or who act as if they put airplane glue on the back graduated from the Bronx High School of Science serving. and was unknowingly four months pregnant – her of their hands and stuck them to their foreheads. autobiographical fictional story fueled my own We can all be happier if we open ourselves to new When you don’t like a thing, change it. If you can’t search for dignity in the midst of trauma. In simple experiences. change it, change the way you think about it. terms, Maya Angelou was an African-American woman, brown like me, who found her voice The woman warrior who is armed with wit and Self-control is true power. not only in words but in truth. She eloquently, courage will be among the first to celebrate victory. brilliantly, and with high sensitivity expressed the Life is worth the living of it. Do it with your whole Since life is our most precious gift, let us be certain harsh reality of her life experiences yet infused heart. that is dedicated to the liberation of the human her readers with power, strength, realization, mind and spirit…beginning with our own. and infinite hope. To say that I admire her is an To those who have given up on love, I say, “Trust understatement. It is truth that Dr. Maya Angelou life a little bit.” Strong women -- precious jewels all … We are able helped save my young life… to enter into the spirit of these women and rejoice Living life as art requires a readiness to forgive. in their warmth and courage. I was again fortunate to become acquainted with her family. Her brother’s daughter is one To have courage is not only admirable, it is Dr. Maya Angelou, I love you. Thank you! of my dearest friends and secret mentor. When inspirational. I encountered – or rather rushed to meet – Dr. [email protected] I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, Angelou alone at the elevator of the lobby where 17 QUEERLY QUESTIONING No Safe Spaces In The Face Of Gun Violence | By Juno Parrenas, PhD

he idea of safe spaces became common was white, wealthy and male. The term ‘Eurasian’ was be a University of California alum. Both Chris Michael- as I came of age in the late 1990s. not a self-invented identity but one that harkens to racial Martinez and Weihan Wang were coincidentally Meetings at the campus LGBT center hierarchies of colonial Britain, which included the part only children: the grief their parents feel is simply and even first days of classroom of Southeast Asia from whence his Chinese-Malaysian unfathomable for me. Chris’ father Richard Martinez discussions seemed to invariably start mother came. He glorified his British ancestry as the bravely uses his grief to fuel a fight for gun control. Why Tout with a ritual declaration that we together would pinnacle of white supremacy and his acts as well as his is it that this country, which loves its safety so much that foster safe space, one in which we would have mutual writings point to the ways in which he internalized both we have to remove our shoes for the TSA has yet to ban respect without judgments or prejudices about our sexual misogyny and racism. His entitlement to white women’s the kind of firearms that allow for these mass killings to orientation, gender, race or ability. bodies and his hatred and disdain towards men of color happen? We both laugh and cry when we see The Onion screams from the pages of his writing: ““How could an headline, “’No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Our efforts back then towards achieving safety seems inferior, ugly black boy be able to get a white girl and Where This Regularly Happens.’ impossibly idealistic now, especially when confronted not me? I am beautiful and I am half white myself. I am with such stories as the Isla Vista killings. The possibility descended from British aristocracy. He is descended Writing to my legislators with the three simple words of of violent death, even in Californian college towns, is from slaves. I deserve it more.” ‘not one more,’ is one of the simple things I can do with never really far away, in a context where anyone is free my grief. Demanding that the University of California to bring concealed weapons into a major university It was too painful for me to watch his YouTube videos or cease investment in gun manufacturers, the companies campus like the University of Colorado at Boulder and in to read the full extent of his hateful “manifesto.” I could that fund the NRA and politicians that advocate gun an age of what Chauncy DeVega has called, “aggrieved only bear reading commentaries of those who could rights, is something that I can do with my rage. In this white male entitlement syndrome” can lead to the violent stand witnessing his profuse loathing and self-loathing. context of threat and risk, safe space is a utopia but one deaths of innocent victims. Instead, I spent hours quietly crying as I read about his worth striving for, even in the face of violent hatred. victims, hailing from cities familiar to me, whose plans Elliot Rodger was “Eurasian” and his sense of entitlement and hopes for the future reminded me of what it is to [email protected] TRANSGENDER Life as a Spork: Stick a Spork in Me; I’m Done!

| By Chris Angel Murphy

t was already an exciting day for me because I didn’t know what to write at first. After some At this time, my interpretation and own belief is I was having a final interview with a potential Internet stalking, I figure she seems harmless, so I that belief systems are not necessarily “right” or employer. Although I do not reference it take the bait. Ultimately, I landed on “I’m following “wrong,” rather it is up to individuals to decide for often, my Coexist magnet (proudly next to up about a note that was left on my car. How can I themselves what they believe and how they choose my Trojan one) came up during the interview. help you? ☺” and hit send. For good measure, I put to carry on with their lives. On a foundation level, IAs I walk to my car, sending good vibes into the “Coexist” in the subject line. Almost five hours later, have empathy for those who believe differently universe that I will be offered a spot on the team, I receive a reply. (“tolerance” always leaves a bad taste in my mouth). I notice a small piece of paper wedged in my rear My personal boundary is when people try to covert window wiper. My first thought is, “Did someone She tells me she genuinely wants to know my me or tell me I am in the wrong. Freedom of speech; hit my car? Do they think I hit their car?” It simply thoughts behind Coexist. Why is it on my car, what it’s within their right, yet who are they to tell me how asks for me to email them about my Coexist bumper is my thought process? Is it in alignment with what to feel, think, or believe? Who am I to unleash that on sticker. What? What even made them think to put the makers of it believe or feel? What was their someone else? Let me come to my own conclusions. it there, and not on my dash or in my door? What intention? Is it about respect for all beliefs? Then she However I see, know, and/or believe… me have my is this bizarre email address? It sounds like a weird starts breaking down examples of how some specific comfort (or not). alternative band. So many questions! religions and beliefs clash and pro mote prejudice, in her eyes. All of this because of an event she alludes All of this to say, my belief system recently changed As I drive home, I mull it over. I didn’t think anything to that set her on a path to seek “the truth.” She signs in a few areas. In my father’s passing, I became more would divert my attention from the interview, yet I it with her name and asks for me to answer honestly. spiritual and started believing certain things I feel wanted to know more. Was this person going to tell to be true. Even the way I see my own gender has me off? Damn hippie! Use it as a way to tell me about I then realize I never looked into it entirely. After changed, and now no longer identify as a “spork.” their religion or beliefs? Are they a Scientologist? Google searching, I find out Jerry Jasper is the Stay tuned for part two! Maybe they don’t know where to get one. I can’t help original creator and his intentions. After reading but fill in stories since I have so little information. some blog entries of people trying to analyze it, I try [email protected] to form my own opinion.

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com Notes From Nat

ROYKSOPP AND ROBYN The Scandinavian Dream Team Brings Excellence to Emotion | By Nat Burns

’ve eagerly awaited the release of Royksopp & Robyn’s I absolutely love the second track called “SayIt”. In it, the trio new album Do it Again and I’m really liking the EP use, what I believe is the voice synthesizer on an antique Speak that I received. An interesting thing about electronica & Spell (Texas Instruments learning machine). The result, music and something I think few people realize, is Robyn interacting with this machine, is a kicky, creative piece that electronica is all about evoking a feeling. Much that enthralls the listener. The video for this piece, directed by Ilike banding together to sing marching hymns or the feelings Sandberg & Timonen and Kacper KasPrzyk, is just as creative brought on by singing America’s national anthem at a ball game. , if not more so. The editing by Johan Soderberg and Miguel These modern artists labor tirelessly over their drum machines Angel Regalado is an inspired wave for the future. and myriad synthesized instruments to create just the right pitch, rhythm and cadence that will cause the listeners to say, ah yes. The third track and title song “Do it Again” did indeed make me We experience it with our eyes when we enter an art gallery and want to hear it again and again. This catchy title track is a song with our ear upon listening to certain music. with staccato synths and Robyn offering the apology repeatedly, “Don't care what they say, it hurts so good, I don't wanna stop, The term for this type of music is ambient, defined as a style I know I should but let's do it again”. I realized, after studying of instrumental music with electronic textures, used to create or the song for a while—there’s no highlight snare sounds. Odd for enhance a mood or atmosphere popular music these days. An excellent work, overall. Royksopp, the Grammy-nominated Norwegian duo of Svein The next track, “Every Little Thing”, is very similar to Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland, who’ve been making music “Monument”, with the same pace and deliberate movement together since 1998, are experts at producing feelings in their forward. It’s the perfect atmospheric synth ballad. listeners. And although it’s somewhat obvious, they admit they were influenced by the famous electronic pioneers of the 70s, I remember being absolutely enchanted by “Cobrastyle” on the including Vangelis, Tangerine Dream and even Pink Floyd. 2005 Robyn album and this new album is more evocative of that “Monument”, the first track is very much our usual Robyn but than the last Body Talk albums released in 2010. Enjoy! This year they have teamed up with Robyn, a popular Swedish with an innovative metronomic driving beat with spasms of performer, to release Do it Again. This is not the first time for sound much like little ischemic attacks throughout. And great ©2014 Cherrytree Records www. Royksopp.com www. a Scandinavian collaboration of these three artists. “The Girl electronic side riffs during the nine minute song. Unique and Robyn.com different, the track sounds like it uses muffled flutes and other and the Robot”, the second single from the 2009 album Junior, ‘Til next month, featured vocals from the Swedish singer. This is the fifth album woodwind instruments as well as that ever-present steady run for Royksopp and the eighth for Robyn. of drumming. Nat [email protected] Comic of the month Funny and a Bunny! | By Lynda Montgomery

LM: Let’s start with your name fundraising for so many animals’ not just rabbits but dogs and sore hopper and could not skate... LIEZEL RUBIN. It’s not a name cats! I’m hoping you can hop around at our next “Fix Long LM: Wow, I’ve never seen a bunny skate you hear every day; what were Beach” event! LR: It’s hard because of our low center of gravity and our your parents thinking? LR: I would love to be there, but just so you know I’m not skates are always too tight! LR: Well Rubin was a family fixed, I’m a gay bunny, in every way! LM: Besides your characters, what else do you do? name they had to use legally! LM: So you have sex with girl bunnies? LR: In the real world I’m a graphic artist and photographer. LM: Actually I was referring to LM: Yes, and I always “hop on top”! LM: Photography. What are your subjects? your first name LIEZEL. LM: Have you always been a Bunny? LR: Hot girls, like the old fashioned Pin Up Girls, I pose LR: Well it’s short for Liezel LR: No, actually I started as a clown. them with clowns and “little People”, and sometimes hairless Laben; it’s a Pollack thing. LM: Class clown? dogs. LM: I don’t get it? LR: Definitely but I was kicked out because I didn’t like the LM: Where can our readers go to see these unique photos? LR: Okay! Let’s just say I was dress code! LR: Thank you for asking, I do have an exhibit coming up conceived during the “Sound of LM: Where do you do your clothes shopping? on July 5th at an event being held at “Kingston’s Garage” in Music”. LR: Online shopping, because most stores don’t carry bunny Long Beach. LM: Yes, that is a sexy movie! So outfits in my size! LM: How will our readers recognize you? what movie would you think is sexy? LM: This is such a different interview. I’m not sure what LR: I might be the only Bunny there... LR: “Gummo”, it’s a fairytale about Bunnies, and I love to ask. LM: Thanks for the interesting chat, and please quit hopping Bunnies, a lot! LR: Well I haven’t always done the Bunny thing; I have also on me! LM: Well that explains your interesting outfit? been a Monkey and a Mermaid! LR: It’s my alter ego “Lisa Faye”; she’s a bunny and a LM: Oh that helps; so where else do you perform? Lineal Rubin can be reached through www.monkee-buisness. Super Diva! LR: I do a weekly show for my dogs, just to keep it fresh, com or www.fixlongbeach.com for a bunny sighting at their LM: I notice Lisa Faye the Bunny wears a lot of make-up! and I crash events. My last appearance was featured on the next event. LR: I know and “PETA” is upset because they don’t think front page of the “Press Telegram” in Long Beach. I crashed make up on a Bunny, is ever funny! the Long Beach roller derby event called “Running of the LM: PETA should know that you volunteer at so many Dames”! Bunny Faye was using her walker because she had a [email protected]

19 LESBIANS ON who’s LOCATION Huntington Gardens: who? An Evening of Roses

Ella, Don, Ed at Huntington Gardens Friends at Huntington Garden Ella,Bettie,Sandy,Gladi at Huntington Gardens

Lee,Marsha,Annalisa, Gladi at Huntington Gardens Joan and Sharon at Huntington Gardens

Kristy Peters,Director,Foundation&Corporate Relations VP Atkins and wife at Huntington Gardens Justin Vivian Bond

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com AEWW L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center Gala

Sarah Gilbert & Linda Perry LindaPerry, LorriJean, SaraGilbert

Michelle Rodriguez Margaret Cho Performing Lorri Jean Our STAR

21 AEWW L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center Gala

Margaret Cho

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com Olivia Montreal Cruise

Ella and Linda Gladi in Bar Harbor Ella and Gladi

Julie and her mom LaChel and Karen Semo and Carlena at Huntington Gardens

Provincetown and Kate Clinton Gladi,Ashley,Christin,Ella on Cruise Ella, Barbara, Gladi

Jill Cruse and wedding in Bar Harbor Elvira and a friend Michele and Linda

23 ANATOMY OF A FILMMAKER | By Michel Khordoc

The story takes us back six months, when actresses Zoe (Sharon Hinnendael) and Mal (Jill Evyn) fell for each other at exactly the same moment in time while filming a love scene. After five blissful months together Zoe was decimated when Mal walked away. Three miserable weeks later a very lucrative network broadcast deal was in the works. They only had one request...re-shoot the love scene. Welcome to the set! As the driving force behind Soul Kiss Films, her own independent film company, Bader’s mind and artistic direction is only focused on one goal: to create evocative, entertaining and compelling movies by women, for women and about women. And she’s already successfully planting the seeds to do just that with “Anatomy of a Love Seen”, which has already been enjoying a huge online buzz with the trailer garnering well over 125,000 views in less than a week. The Lesbian News is thrilled to be teaming up with Marina Bader as the official Outfest Media sponsor for her film. We sat down with the first-time lesbian director to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop about the making of the film, the Outfest premiere and discuss the challenges – or lack thereof - of shooting an intimate love scene. LESBIAN NEWS: How important is it for you to have your film debut at Outfest? What does the Festival represent for you as a first time filmmaker? MARINA BADER: When I got the news I shouted it from the rooftops! To have our premiere at one of the top LGBT film festivals in the world, in the e all know her 32nd Annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film hometown of our entire cast and crew – it doesn’t as the executive Festival (July10-20) with the world premiere of her get any better than that. I love Outfest – what they producer of the feature film entitled “Anatomy of a Love Seen”. represent, what they do for the community and how all time classic they work tirelessly to keep LGBT cinema thriving. Shot in five days on a small budget, this improvised lesbian films film based on Bader’s story, characters and As a first time filmmaker, being programmed at “Elena Undone” outline fulfilled her desire to create a very organic Outfest represents more than anything some sense of and “A Perfect and visceral experience. Starring Hollywood validation from my peers that what I’m choosing to Ending” but newcomers Sharon Hinnendael, Jill Evyn and spend the last third of my life doing is not complete Marina Bader is now adventuring a step further Constance Brenneman. This film within a film lunacy. on the other side of the camera. W explores love in all its painful and messy glory. LN: You’ve executive produced “Elena Undone” She is making her directorial debut at the

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com and “A Perfect Ending”, two classics in Lesbian who came together to create it – I adore them all. Anatomy of a Love Seen. cinema. What motivated your decision to now jump I think it’s special because it’s not conventional LN: Going behind the scenes of “Anatomy of a into the director’s seat? Was it a difficult transition and because it introduces my audience to three Love Seen”, can you briefly describe the journey you to make? spectacular actresses new to this niche. I think it’s went through to make the film – how was it financed? special because it’s real. MB: I had a wonderful time working on “Elena How long did it take you to shoot it? Etc. Undone” and learned so much – it’s very near and LN: “Anatomy of a Love Seen” addresses the MB: It was a literal 30-day whirlwind to be honest. dear to my heart. That being said, I am a very theme of love and the many sides of it. What would I decided the last week of December that I wanted strong woman with next to no filter and something you say is the overall universal message of the film to make Anatomy of a Love Seen and have it ready to say about almost everything, so the transition to when it comes its definition of love? for a summer release, which meant it had to be in the directing was absolutely necessary for my sanity and can by the end of January. It sounds nutty but I had not difficult to make. I need my hands on everything! such calmness about it. Our EP Jan Miller Corran, LN: In a few words, can you tell our readers what my friend and ally in the world of women's cinema, the film is about? came on board and it was perfect because what she had to invest dictated what came next – the decision MB: Honestly the film is about the pain and joy of to shoot for five days at one location. I then picked love, as seen through the eyes of four women over up the phone and called the only person I knew the course of one day on a movie set. Imagine falling could make this happen with me, Kieran Valla, my in love with your co-star while naked in bed filming first AD and a wonderful filmmaker in his own right. a love scene, being blissful for five months, going I said “I’m taking part in a self-imposed contest and through a devastating breakup and then getting I have to shoot a feature by the end of January, as in back into bed with them to re-shoot that love scene. 30 days.” Kieran says, “Can you send me the script” That’s where our film begins. MB: I think the audience members will take away and I say “there is no script – this just happened LN: What do you think is so special about this different messages because the film leaves room for today”, and Kieran pauses for a moment and says project? interpretation. In my mind love has no hard and “okay, sure, let’s do it” and then we go on to have a fast definitions and it can’t be put into a clean and ten minute conversation at the end of which he says MB: I love the “little engine that could” aspect of tidy sentence or paragraph. Love confounds me “So what do you win in the contest”…he missed the this film. I think it’s special because of the people on a daily basis, which is very clearly reflected in part about self-imposed. All Photos by Soul Kiss Films Soul Kiss by All Photos 25 LN: Digging further into the story, how did you LN: “Anatomy” stars two gorgeous young up and and about women. Why is important for you to approach writing the script? coming actresses, Sharon Hinnendael and Jill Evyn. create content that is unique and directly speaks to How was the casting process like and what made the lesbian community? MB: It didn’t – there was no time. I ended up writing you pick them for the lead roles? an outline based on thoughts I had in my mind about the story. I created characters I fell in love with and MB: All three of my actresses are phenomenal! I then let them evolve as the story morphed each time met with very few ladies because I spent every night I rewrote the outline. This is a fully improvised film. on my computer wading through what turned out There were some key lines I needed and of course to be thousands of submissions looking for just the each scene had character arcs that were discussed, right Zoe, Mal and Anne (Constance Brenneman). and overall story goals were kept in mind at all times In the end I saw eight actresses for Zoe, six for Mal but I loved working this way so much. It was always and none for Anne, because the actress I cast in that real, always fresh. The actors continually challenged part came in for the role of Mal. I think it took me each other – no fear, they went all the way and really all of two minutes to say “look, I know you came in committed. As I would watch the monitor I’d be for Mal but would you please be my Anne, because MB: For the first time in my life I’m part ofa thinking, “oooh, she didn’t see that one coming.” you are so very Anne.” Yippee gut instincts because community, which I love and the majority of my Constance Brenneman was more than I could have friends are lesbians, so it makes sense that I want to LN: Speaking about writing, what stereotypes about dreamed of for Anne. Of the six I read for Mal create content for them. It’s also good business to lesbian characters you feel are still perpetuated in there was not a good fit and since I had no time to have a niche audience when you make indie films, films? Are there ways you have addressed those in go back and start the search over I decided to cast otherwise it’s hard to get your footing and a core of the film? both Zoe and Mal from the actresses who came in committed fans. for Zoe, which was an extremely talented bunch. I LN: Overall, what are you hoping to accomplish for put Sharon Hinnendael (Zoe) together with Jill Evyn “Anatomy” at Outfest? (Mal) for a chemistry read and to see how they did with improvisation and they knocked it out of the MB: The Outfest screening allows our cast and crew park. The even better news is they did the same thing to view our labor of love on the big screen and it will every day on set, so my working relationship with be our worldwide launch! the cast was incredibly satisfying. LN: Where will the film go post-Outfest? Will it LN: Did the fact that they’re not gay in real life pose travel the traditional film festival circuit or do you a problem in terms of the genuineness of their on- hope to secure a distribution deal fairly quickly? camera connection? MB: On July 19, the day after Outfest, Anatomy of MB: I really don’t see it much anymore and certainly MB: No, not at all – they connected on a deeply a Love Seen will be available streaming worldwide, there are many wonderful characters living now on human level, which is evident every moment they’re with subtitles in multiple languages. prime time and cable. We could use more films with on screen. How cool is that!? well-rounded lesbian characters, which is I suppose LN: Your production company, Soul Kiss Films, is my way of addressing the issue. LN: Was your experience as a first time filmmaker dedicated to creating movies by women, for women everything you expected it to be? What were some of

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com the unexpected obstacles you had to overcome? new scenarios to play out in my head. This stayed be clear, at the age of 58 I am just beginning. with me my whole life and I still do it. To actually MB: It’s funny, I’m not sure I ever thought in My advice…figure out how to create films in a way say out loud that I wanted to make movies, to feel terms of expectation but if I had I’m sure the actual that feels organic to you. There are a ton of great confident enough to jump in the deep end – that’s experience would have been more than I imagined. books out there full of information but it’s easy very new. I discovered recently that fear no longer I try very hard to live in the moment and that’s tough to get bogged down in the “rules” to the point of has a place in my life and I’m incredibly grateful to do if you set yourself up with the notion of how loosing your mind! Constantly second-guessing for that. things should roll out. your instincts because it’s not how things are LN: Which films have inspired you the most? supposed to be done just doesn’t work. I read a lot A film set is just a breeding ground for obstacles but of those books and finally said “enough already” – I every one that came up turned out to be a blessing MB: My favorite films have a way of taking me had to find a way that worked for me, keeping in in disguise. somewhere I’ve never been before. The Princess mind my limitations and my gifts. Bride to a land of swordplay, giants and true love. Lord of the Rings to a world of elves, middle earth LN: Anything else you want to add and/or share and the epic battle between good and evil. Connie with us? & Carla to the stage of song, dance, drag and just MB: YES! Ladies, if you want more quality films plain fun. Aliens to the outer reaches of space and that speak to our stories, please give some love the most badass hero of all, Ellen Ripley. to your favorite filmmakers by supporting their LN: What other projects are you currently working projects financially, paying for legal downloads so on? they can make a buck and sharing film titles with your friends so their audience continues to grow. I MB: “Raven’s Touch”, starring Dreya Weber and cannot stress enough how important you are to us! Traci Dinwiddie, is going through the final edit and should be ready to go this fall. I’m also in the “Anatomy of A Love Seen” will be screening beginning stages of a project that will shoot at the Friday July 18th, 2014 at 7:00PM at THE DGA 1, end of this year – the details are under wraps right located in The Directors Guild of America in West now. Then in the fall of 2015 I’m shooting one of Hollywood, CA. The premiere will be followed by my favorite stories called “Red Sky Theater” in an exclusive cocktail reception after-party with the Arizona. This one’s been in my heart for a long time entire cast and crew. and I can’t wait to get started! For More Information go to: LN: You’ve certainly proven that it’s never too late www.anatomyofaloveseen.com to go after your dreams. Facebook: https://facebook.com/ LN: When did you first realize you wanted to become Now that you’ve made your own dream come true, anatomyofaloveseen a filmmaker? what insights/advice do you have for (young and Twitter: @SoulKissFilms MB: It probably goes back to elementary school in older) aspiring filmmakers? one way or another, though it never had a name. I To buy Tickets: www.outfest.com MB: Well you just hit it – it truly never is too late to lived my life as a movie, always coming up with begin the journey to who you want to be, and let me 27 MOVIES EYE C Outfest 2014: Playtime Is Over

| By John Esther

ife Partners – Light and breezy, the Naomi Campbell, It’s Not Easy to Become a (Morningstar Angeline Wilson) gets a case of Opening Night Film at this year’s Different Person – In a poor Chilean neighborhood the self-identity woes right before she leaves for Outfest tells the tale of two best lives a transgender woman named Yermen. Working college. And Felixia (Carmen Moore) is a trans friends threatened by the changes as an “esoteric friend” reading Tarot cards, Yermen woman in high demand who also wants to make life imposes on even the closest does not have the funds to “cut out the root” of her the Women of the Navajo calendar. The debut film of relationships. Sasha (Leighton problem and thus change her life for good – starting from writer-director Sydney Freeland, Drunktown’s Meester) is in her late 20s. She works in a job with leaving her neighborhood where neighbors Finest uses the narratives of Sick Boy, Nizhoni and Lshe feels is beneath her, filling in the time before she consider her a witch. When she learns of a reality Felixia to illustrate the complexities of life on a makes it as a professional musician. However, Sasha television show involving plastic surgery, she Native American reservation in these days without never does anything to advance her musical career. applies. During the interviewing process Yermen ever resorting to too much melodrama, angst or In fact, Sasha is not really interested in maturing meets a delusional woman who wants to look like anger. It is a good film, unlikely to get a theatrical at all. Even the women she dates are younger and the model Naomi Campbell. The two form a bond release, so I would recommend taking advantage of more immature than Sasha. Contrary to Sasha’s and while the title would suggest more of “Naomi the Outfest screening. situation, her best friend, Paige (Gillian Jacobs), Campbell,” it is a small part of writer-director is on her way toward becoming a very successful Nicholás Videla’s film. Mixing documentarian and Lyle – Once is enough (It is sinister). Written and environmental lawyer (although her diet is not very fictional mediums, Naomi Campbell, It’s Not Easy directed by Stewart Thorndike, this updated version environmental-friendly). Things are also looking up to Become a Different Perso effectively illustrates a of Rosemary’s Baby casts the estimable Gaby for Paige in the love department after she meets Tim complex and rather dislikable person – the kind of Hoffmann as Rosemary, er, I mean Leah, as a mother (Adam Brody), a good looking, dermatologist who brutish working class person found in the works of expecting her second child with June (an excellent is in need of some fashion tips (although Paige’s Emile Zola, Jean Genet, Bertolt Brecht and Upton Ingrid Jungermann). Things are on the upswing for fashion sense for Tim is hardly an improvement). Sinclair. the couple until tragedy hits home. As Leah comes Clearly, these two life partners are at a crossroads. to terms with their loss and the upcoming arrival of Will their friendship stand the test of time? Written Sarah Prefers to Run – Writer-director Chloe her second child, she begins to discern phenomena and directed by Susanna Fogel, Life Partners feels Robichaud’s tale about a young woman with a one- suggesting everyone around her is up to no good. and looks more like a television sitcom more than track mind rests its head on the acting capabilities Despite the superstitious overtones, the film does a cinematic text. It is also 95 minutes long, so of its lead, Sophie Desmaris. However, the thespian build up quite nicely. However, the finale is a real Outfest’s Opening Night Gala should get started can only do so much in a story that runs its course in dud. I am for open endings as much as anyone but relatively early this year (As of this writing, there little time flat. A star runner, the 20-year-old titular this one does not feel right. And with a 65-minute is no mention of an Outfest Lifetime Achievement character is off to McGill University in Montreal to running time, one suspects it was not intentional. recipient either.) run competitively. In order to survive financially, Sarah moves in and then marries Antoine (Jean- X/Y – Written and directed by Ryan Piers Williams BFFS – Somewhat similar in themes to Life Sebastian Courchesne because the government and starring Williams, American Ferrara, Jon Paul Partners, only the characters are older, better written offers bursaries to married students (what, no Phillips, Common and Melonie Diaz, X/Y rambles and more sympathetic (do we really care if people athletic scholarships?). Antoine is essentially an through the sex lives of several New Yorkers in in their 20s have not found themselves yet?), and angel but Sarah really has little interest in life other search of stability – more likely acceptance. Sex is a much, much funnier, director Andrew Putschoegi’s than running – one exception is that she does feel communication device used to explain angst, ennui, BFFS is the story about Kat (co-screenwriter Tara something for her teammate, Zoey (Genevieve anger, alienation and occasionally, or momentarily, Karsian) and Samantha (co-screenwriter Andrea Boivin-Roussy). To fill the void in Sarah, or the amour. While the film deserves kudos with its sexual Grano), two best friends who pose as a lesbian film, it seems Sarah may have a medical condition and racial fluidity (this is a Teabaggers nightmare), couple at a couples retreat called “Closer to which threatens her running career. This really the film is notably uncomfortable with nudity. Closeness.” At first they think the getaway will be does not add up to much either. If you are young, all fun and jokes – hanging out at the pool, laughing confused, feeling a bit alienated due to a sense of Previously reviewed films in LN that we like at at the other couples and their problems, etc., but as self-identity insufficiency, Sarah Prefers to Run Oufest Film Festival 2014: 52 Tuesdays, Alec Mapa: they go through the workshop, the reserved Kat and may send you across the finish line but for the rest Baby Daddy; Appropriate Behavior, Bad Hair; The the insecure Sam start to notice that under all that of us, it might seem like a marathon to finish. Foxy Merkins, and My Prairie Home. non-gay best-friend veneer, there may be a bubbling Sapphic romance to explore. But do they want to Drunktown’s Finest – Sick Boy (Jeremiah Bitsui) [email protected] risk their friendship for an affair which may very is about to become a father but that does not stop well ruin it? him from doing more stupid things. Nizhoni

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com MOVIES EYE C Appropriate Behavior Required at Outfest

| By John Esther

hirin (Desiree Akhavan) is a bit this as their second feature film. So she got them LN: You film is appearing in Outfest, which isa depressed these days. She cannot involved and they raised the money in London. festival that is somewhat defined by marginalization come out to her Iranian-American and categorization. What do you think about festivals parents (Ahn Duong and Hooman LN: How autobiographical is the film? like Outfest and what they do for the community? Majd); her job as a filmmaking teacher for little kids is not exactly DA: The events of the film are not particularly DA: It is kind of different now. Before Outfest was fulfilling; and she has just been dumped by her influenced by my experiences of what I was going often the only venue for GLBT films to be seen. Sgirlfriend, Maxine (Rebecca Henderson). What is a through at the time. I had come out to my parents Now festivals like Outfest are about good films that young, bisexual, Iranian-American woman living a few years before I had started writing this. I was happened to be LGBT. in Brooklyn to do? Well, she does have her buddy, going through a breakup at the time so I wanted Crystal (Halley Feiffer), her supporting parents to write something about that subject matter but I LN: What do you want audiences to get out of (although in denial) and there are always plenty of wasn’t interested in taking the exact events. I wanted Appropriate Behavior? chances for casual sexual encounters. to make something slightly more absurd. It’s personal but I don’t call it autobiographical DA: I am hoping that people just enjoy it and I hope for Also written and directed by Akhavan, Appropriate laughs. Also, I want them to empathize with someone Behavior is very funny, consistently entertaining and LN: In what ways are you different from Shirin? who is Iranian bisexual. I am hoping that they identify refreshingly whimsical in terms of gender, sexual with someone who is out of their personal experience. orientation and race as problematic tropes. DA: I would like to think that I am more mature. And I hope they laugh! Also, I was never closeted. I came out to my parents In this exclusive interview, we spoke to Akhavan as soon as I was in a serious relationship with a LN: What is the best way for someone to approach about her film. woman. I didn’t try to keep that a secret. you at a film festival when they want to share their experiences with you about her similar experiences, Lesbian News: Why did you want to make this film? LN: Shirin’s character has a sexual fluidity but identifying with Shirin? there is also continuity in her behavior regardless Desiree Akhavan: A lot of reasons. First off, I of whether she is with her Iranian family or her DA: [Laughs.] I have no idea. People have been had never seen a coming out story depicting a “white” friends. She moves in and out of these two really lovely. Everyone that we have met says that representative of bisexuality and I wanted to add a groups with ease, while everyone else is stuck in they know a Persian or they know a closeted Iranian, lot more to that dialog of what it is like to come out their own cultural enclaves. Even though she has her which is always really interesting to hear. This is such in a Middle Eastern family. I also wanted to make a insecurities, there is almost a triumph of self-identity. a great part of the process. I am looking forward to comedy that didn’t take itself very seriously. I was Was that deliberate going into the film or did that meeting people and hearing their reactions. writing this while I was in the process of making come about during the creative process? a web series The Slope and this was a really easy LN: Do you have any idea how the Iranian-American extension of that process. DA: Thanks for saying that, I appreciate you noticing community has responded to the film? that. There is something about this character that she LN: Were there other reasons as well? cannot help be who she is. She doesn’t have a poker DA: No. I have no idea. My family has been really face. I also think that there is something about being supportive. Just like I have never felt like I was part of DA: I was also making this film that was absurdly the child of immigrants that you find a way to coexist the gay community, I never felt like I was part of the comic. I was making it with my girlfriend in mind. I in all the different worlds. Iranian community. If anything I felt that I have no was ready to make something really personal and get community. You just find allies where you can. it out of my system. LN: Was that a deliberate portrayal or did that just come about from the creative process? LN: What can you tell us about upcoming projects, LN: What obstacles did you encounter raising the after this movie is released in the theater and you are money to get the movie made? DA: I think it’s inherent in the script that that’s who on to new things? she is. It was from the get go that we saw her as this DA: I was really lucky. A while ago, when I was in person who was very much herself. I find it important DA: I am currently working on a television series that undergraduate school, I met a film producer named when people in movies or television shows have one I am writing. It is about a bisexual woman. I also have Cecilia Frugiuele; she is Italian and we got along specific type and they are so consistent with what another feature script that is a high school comedy really well. We never officially worked together but they like and don’t like. I never find that to be the that is not LGBT at all. It is a totally different project we made a student film – the first film that either one case in life. I think that came out in the script. I think that I am very excited about. of us had ever really made and it was really bad. It it was always there. That was always the story that I was wonderful working together. And I thought, one wanted to tell – about someone who couldn’t quite be [email protected] day we will find a really good project to do together. put into a box. As my web series was getting some good press she was able to sell her company on the idea of financing

29 MOVIES EYE C Outfest 2014: Vanity Kills

| By John Esther

etting old friends together for a first true horror film I saw was Friday the 13th. I was on a weekend away seems like a pretty date and the guy invited me over to his place for pizza and good idea: catch up, get drunk, make a movie and I spent the whole time covering my eyes or a bunch of inside jokes and create a grabbing him. I mean it scared the bejesus out of me, which few new bonds along the way. But was, I am sure, his plan. then people started getting murdered Gin gruesome fashion. LN: Why did you want to make this film? JC: There are a lot of reasons that congealed and created urge and incentive. I was toying with the idea before I had even written Meth Head actually but then Elena Undone came along and that took my attention and then I got the LN: There is a lot of discussion about how women are money for Meth Head and that took my attention. But when portrayed in the mainstream media – especially in reality Meth Head was finished and I was thinking about what to do television programming -- as petty, vindictive, backstabbers next, I knew that I wanted a completely different challenge abandoning the solidarity women need in the struggle for and I wanted something fun. Meth Head was emotionally gender equality for some “prize” -- which is usually some taxing all the way through and to this day when I do Q&A’s guy. How does Crazy Bitches play, deconstruct and work at festivals I find myself fighting back tears. So I wanted to against that trope? do something that was gleeful and completely unique from my past films. And that sums up Crazy Bitches. JC: Unfortunately, reality TV makes its money by pushing the inflammatory aspects of human interaction. And they do LN: Which character in the film do you identify with most it because people will watch it. Viewers may come to this Part of Outfest’s Under the Stars series at the John Anson and why? film expecting the archetypal female characters – the virgin, Ford Ampitheatre, the second feature by Jane Clark (Meth the whore, the brain. And they are all there – the clichés. Head) includes Samantha Colburn, Cathy DeBuono, Liz JC: I can’t say there’s one. Each of them has pieces of me Including the men that you think define them. But no one McGeever and Guinevere Turner. In this exclusive interview, – experiences I’ve had, ideas I hold. I don’t know how to is just one thing and if you look deeper into anyone’s eyes LN spoke to Clark about her bloody film write characters otherwise. Having said that, Princess and you’ll see fear, hurt, insecurity hiding behind arrogance, Taylor probably have more in common with me than any of or conceit. These Crazy Bitches are whole women with Lesbian News: What were your favorite films growing up? the others. They are polar opposites of each other in the film. complex motivations and behaviors and a true love for Princess is the brains but insecure about her attractiveness; each other. At the core, I hope audiences discover that the Jane Clark: Here is my great tragedy. My mother didn’t Taylor is beautiful and confident in that way but is treated characters’ lack of self-love drives their words and actions. like going to the movies. So until I was about 13 and could by people as if she isn’t that bright and she’s scared they I really believe that is the key to raising stronger, happier go to the mall by myself, the only movies I saw were on healthier girls -- to instill a strong sense of self. With a strong TV -- The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music and Rudolph the sense of self there wouldn’t be the need to define yourself by Red-Nosed Reindeer. And I will say I have a fondness for a vanity or a lover – whether it be male or female – to take a all three. But at the point mom started dropping me at the friend down a notch in order to take lift up yourself, to sleep mall, I would go to the theater and spend the day sneaking with someone to reassure yourself that you are an attractive from movie to movie. It didn’t really matter to me what it individual or to withhold helping other women for fear that was about. I just loved the whole experience. The candy and they will surpass you. I present the clichés so that they can popcorn, the way the darkness of the theater would envelope be stripped away and simple humanity can be exposed. My you, throwing your entire being into an alternate universe. hope is that by the time each girl is killed, you care about her Having said that, one of the most impactful films I remember might be right. If you put them together you’d have the both in some way and see past your original assumptions. was The Outsiders. It affected me so much that when I went halves of me -- my dueling selves. to see it for a second time, I started crying at the opening LN: The film will play at this year’s Outfest film festival? credits. I have no idea why. LN: The characters are killed off via her or his vanity; what How do film festivals such as Outfest help filmmakers like would be your undoing? you?

JC: Ahem. What are you suggesting? JC: It is getting harder and harder to get a theatrical release for any film that isn’t already financed or in some way LN: [Laughs] The punishment exceeds the "crime" of the attached to a distributor. So festivals like Outfest give characters in the film? What statements is your film making filmmakers the outlet to show their film on a big screen about the role of vengeance and violence in our society? for a gathered audience -- an amazing gift. An opportunity that can also show to buyers and sellers of movies that JC: The vengeance and violence are exaggerated to make Crazy Bitches can take an audience on a fun, funny, fast the point about two things. One: The damage that bullying entertaining romp worthy of a wider reach. From a word does to young minds -- damage that can hold a person back of mouth standpoint, Outfest is invaluable to reaching the from achieving her or his greater self, at the least and can LGBT audience and the film festivals that program LGBT drive a person to reveal their pain in acts of violence at the film. The Outfest bump makes the difference between a LN: What was the first film that ever scared you? worst. And two: the destructive subtle behavior between summer storm and a tsunami. women that undermines our collective value and the power JC: You mean besides the flying monkeys in The Wizard that sisterhood can hold. [email protected] of Oz? Seriously, those things were really terrifying. The

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com Room With a View Maleficent Can Angelina Jolie bring *real* magic back to the big screen? | By Val Watersun

This particular movie starts with narration, which for entertainment for children and adults alike. There a show, don’t tell diehard such as myself, could have has been a lot of negative banter about the plot being been annoying. But with Disney, a story is a story and weak, the story dated and worn, yada yada, but I narration a viable entity. I shrugged it off. The setting found it to be just the opposite. I was held spellbound is the Moors, a fairy world filled with powerful and by an amazingly creative, innovative tour de force imaginative creatures. Maleficent is a fairy. Yes, that I will rush right out and buy as soon as it becomes I know the horned villainess from the animated available, no matter the cost. There are nuances in this Disney film, Sleeping Beauty, a fairy? Aren’t fairies film that insist on repeated viewings. adorable, tiny, winged creatures of the woodland? Hmm, I’m coming to realize those actually may be I also need to mention the humor and the pathos. called pixies. Anyway, Maleficent is a good, winged Jolie’s humorous nature shines through, just as it fairy child who falls in love with a human child. did in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, another of her successful movies, and most of the other characters populating Though they share ‘true love’s kiss,” he soon betrays this film have fun, humorous sides which manifest her. very well. Including Maleficent’s companion, Diaval, played by Sam Riley. The smiles and happiness of his past week I bravely ventured into All would have been forgotten had the king of the the baby Aurora, the young Aurora (played by Jolie’s a movie theater filled with children humans decided not to invade and vanquish the real life daughter, Vivienne), and the adult Aurora and their parents to see Maleficent, the Moors to get valuable resources for his kingdom. are completely enthralling and engaging. They could Sleeping Beauty story told from the Gee, that sounds familiar. Maleficent, who only not have cast better talent, especially for the role of villain’s viewpoint. wants to be left in peace, is reluctantly forced to Maleficent. This is Jolie’s best work to date, easily T go to war to preserve the fairy world. She and the indicated by how she perfectly emotes the sorrow The excitement was palpable. After all, this movie, fairy world are victorious but the king is filled with of her growing love for the child she has cursed. during its debut weekend, was the highest grossing vengeance and eventually the human who Maleficent She plays the tortured but smitten fairy godmother of Angelina Jolie’s career—one hundred seventy once loved partners with the king and commits an flawlessly. million. Not that the children necessarily knew that, unforgiveable act of treachery. And here is where the but their parents had probably heard this media tidbit. animated Disney version, released in 1959, begins. This is a story about love and goodness, when it’s all The kids were there for Sleeping Beauty and because boiled down to a few words. It reminds me of another it was Disney. Magical, marvelous Disney. I was I don’t want to give too much away, though everyone idyllic movie, Legend, with Tom Cruise and Mia Sara there as an old Jolie fan and because the trailers were alive probably knows how Maleficent cursed the and, just as in that movie, there should be a word of intriguing. king’s child, saying she would prick her finger on a caution—there are some violent scenes. Very young spinning wheel on her sixteenth birthday and die, then children may be frightened. With that said, I believe Imagine a remake of Sleeping Beauty. There have another fairy says no, she’ll sleep until she receives a we owe it to our older children to bring magic back been numerous other fairy tale remakes recently— kiss from her prince. And everyone eventually lives and this is the perfect vehicle for that. look at Mirror, Mirror (2013), Red Riding Hood happily ever after. (2011), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Snow White I give this one a full five stars, for excellent and the Huntsman (2013), Hansel and Gretel: Witch This one is so much more than that. Director entertainment value Hunters (2013) and the two television series, Grimm Robert Stromberg, Angelina Jolie (Maleficent), Elle and Once Upon a Time. The entertainment industry Fanning (Princess Aurora), and Linda Woolverton Val Watersun is a book and movie reviewer. seems crazy about rehashing old, popular things, (screenplay) have pulled together a backstory for Wordsofwatersun.com especially fairy tales. Maleficent and generated an amazing piece of

31 THE SOUND OF LESBIANS: Installment Six

| By Sally Sheklow

Why Gretel. Do come in and tell me all about your I’m not prepared! I really don’t feel that I can co . . . problem. Mistress Superior: Dysmenorrhea (To the tune of How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria, my child, get a grip! Maria?) You are a trained professional. Gretel: How do you deal with your dysmenorrhea? How does it feel to give your cramps a name? You are a skilled therapist. How do you deal with your dysmenorrhea? The irritable moods? The blood on the sheets? The pain? You know how to process feelings. You know how Many a month you've wished that it was over to deal with emotions. You know how to handle Many a month you've longed for menopause attachment and erotic transference. And what’s more e last left Maria and the Von Tramp But what can you do today Maria, you have an even greater gift. You are an women deeply engaged in satisfying To make the pain go away out lesbian who celebrates your own sexuality, who their curiosity about the intersection A Tylenol 3, Advil, or Anaprox? embraces a broad diversity of sexuality and advo- between lesbian sex and S & M. O! how do you deal with your dysmenorrhea? cates for the freedom of sexual expression. Maria, When Gert finds herself aroused by How do you cope with periodic blahs? the Von Tramp women want you to share your gift Wthe idea of being a sexual submissive, she invites with them. Maria outside to talk – and of course, sing and dance. They have just completed a lively little pas When I have my bloods I feel de deux in the gazebo. So disgusting it's unreal And I cannot handle any kind of stress I’m afraid I must recommend that you return at Gert and I, out of breath from our jaunty song once. and dance, hugged and fell into each other’s arms laughing. I agreed to mentor her privately during Breasts so tender and so sore her continuing exploration of playing with restraints Do not touch me any more Maria: and power dynamics in her sex life. Gert was greatly All my sexy panties are a bloody mess encouraged by our little talk but I was somewhat Yes, Mistress Superior. troubled. Oh how do you deal with your dysmenorrhea? How can you be a slut with PMS? I knew she was right. But first I needed to cool my I went back to my room to collect my thoughts. Was I jets. I needed a little R & R before I could jump being irresponsible, introducing these women to sex back into the tumultuous sexual awakenings of the Von Tramp household. I did what wise woman would toys and techniques of which I was hardly a master? *** Of course I was FAMILIAR but opening the doors to do. I phoned a friend. After a relaxing hot tub, a playing with power, punishment and pain put me in [Gretel falls into Maria’s arms, sobbing.] soothing massage and a couple of good night’s, uh, a position of leadership and authority I wasn’t sure sleep I was well rested and relaxed. I thanked my I suggested some herbal remedies and some pres- I could uphold. Why was I suddenly experiencing so friend, loaded up the guitar and the safe sex kit and sure points she might try. much self-doubt? I had just begun these ponderings headed back out to Veneta. when Gretel came into my room. By the time she’d dried her tears, Gretel was feeling When I arrived Liesl greeted me at the door. somewhat encouraged. Maria: Liesl: Why Gretel what is it? But I was troubled. What the HELL was I doing? I was no expert on hormones! I had plenty of my own. Oh, Maria! You would not believe what’s been going Gretel: Where did I get off leading these women to believe on since you’ve been away. The entire lesbian com- Oh, shit, Maria. I don’t know. I’m feeling so darn I could actually help them? Who did I think I was, munity is in an absolute uproar! They’re saying that cranky and irritable. I have no patience with all anyway? Just some wannabe lesbian sex therapist by entertaining new ideas about sexuality WE’RE these questions, and all this new information is so whose ideas are bigger than her experience. It’s not contributing to violence against women. They say annoying. Why do we have to open our minds to right. These women are opening up to me and I’m that our exploration of dominance and submission new things? I want everything back like it used to NOT READY! I flew into a fit of panic. I grabbed makes us tools of the patriarchy! And Maria, listen be. I mean really, all these new words and ideas my guitar and safe sex kit, loaded them into the to this message on our answering machine. and sex toys -- who needs them? None of this is Subaru, screeched out of the driveway and headed sitting right with me. I’d like to get into it, but it’s right back to Eugene. too overwhelming. It’s all so frustrating. I just feel [Liesl plays back message:] Why you’re not even awful about everything. Maria: Real Lesbians! Maria: Oh, mistress superior! I don’t know what I’m doing Liesl: [Gasps.] Really? Awful? About EVERYTHNG? out there in Veneta. [Tune in next time when Maria and the Von Tramps Gretel: come up with a brilliant solution that will surely Yeah. Depressing, isn’t it? I’ll bet it’s all because of I mean these women are starting to depend on me appease the angry mob.] my . . . problem. and have all these feelings and needs and I feel like [email protected] I’ve bit off more than I can chew. It’s more than I can handle. I don’t know how I can deal with every- Maria: thing that’s going on. I don’t feel equipped for it.

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com 33 “Let’s Learn Golf!” Join “Coach Karyn” in beautiful Studio City this spring, and take your golfing skills in to unimagined levels! Don’t have any golfing skills? No worries!

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Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com POETRY Communication Breakdown By Morag Hillsinger

A satellite came crashing down A Zenith, I think The Mercury Retrograde Carnival Crown Circles drain in the sink

(And that horizon I rushed for Has started to shrink)

A surprise! when my feet Cartoon ran in the air That cliff was not planned on But "life isn't fair"

And the tin can we stretched Through the trees on a wire Has been replaced by Someone Shouting. [email protected]

35 Theorhetically Speaking Cerebral Energy | By Nikki McCauley

Observation. 1 And shit, I might be the last of a dying breed Trying to divide the wine at dining time Penning pages scientifically I had an awakening Seems ya’ll living to die and I dying to breath Consumption's pumping false nutrition while To sacred poetry- now it flows from me.. prolific being Told my teacher to hold my head under water until I I’m sending Obey rhymes for the ears that are listening My prose never cease- unfolding time like quantum learn how to think I’m lifting - levitating musically chronology All things being equal I was born by three streams With permission I’m perfect pitching Demystifying the code hidden at the origin of the original Raised on grape riches and Riesling Traveling the curve of her body 13 colonies Surpassed the law spiritual being- found Gd when I Exposing mae’s sonic history One Pennsylvania prodigy - pardon my profanity turned 360 degrees And I’m tri-a-metrically opposed If you think its rude of me to up root these Profound things he found me So, I free flow for downloads Fallen trees exposing rock hard phallic symbology Rare flower rootless tree dripping seedlings Quantum reloading I was born to raise the frequency pay homage 2 elevators- Now I sell Victoria’s Secrets to beauty queens salute the scene Make them my pupils- see- thru- telepathy Raising your frequency believe and be anything So, now I sit on black crystal clouds - sky -side Photographing everything - photographic memory - Or smoke out and dream your dreams While ya’ll seek to sit next to Jack and Jay Ez getting procure my vision Where sex, drugs and games are kings mile highs -from strippers on G-5's Style them with imagery... my life ...my story... my Seems like peace played out is make believe The closest streams I’ve seen.. drug induced hash tag public philosophy MTV - TMZ - Fox and Extra on green screens pound signs- numbs the mind Cube - Upping the energy send them out like curve through the Everything that's real is make believe Programmed artistry off the finest spineless - call it mind gates of the galaxy And am I, I’m raising your frequency food - Now the 9 daughters of Zeus is mad at me Believe and live life free Coke, Crystal and Mollie too - never mind you - Cause they tried to square up everything Or smoke out and dream your dreams Slipped in to and fine tune you Poof... cause square root of truth ... it adds up... to me. Where sex, drugs and games are kings Away from the truth- Where war is peace and lies are comforting Baptizing your point of view- got you addicted to chasing Consequences of passions. 3 Sound of Marshall Mathers and Rhi-Rhi. The so forever elusive...fountain of youth And now facing hate crimes for my face time Taking away Myspace - kicking me off the line [email protected] Realizations .2 Like 60 minutes on at the same night as Dateline SOUTHERN LESBIAN DREAMS

| By Susan Brittain how of hands—how many of you Duck Commander. They have five children, work, but last time I checked my Bible, God’s out there watch Duck Dynasty? and the youngest attend Christian school. Jase work was about loving and accepting all people How many of you think that Duck is supposed to be in charge of manufacturing, regardless—period. There are 21 grandchildren Dynasty represents the majority but most of the time he’s in charge of good ole between Phil’s side and Si’s side of the family. It’s of the people in the South? redneck fun! Missy is his wife, and they have a good bet that one or two of those grandchildren S three children who also attend Christian school. are gay (1 in 10 of the population). What must I wish I could tell you that the Duck Dynasty Jep isn’t part of the business but does film the they be feeling and thinking? If they come out, family is a gross exaggeration, but there are a family hunting. He’s married to Jessica, and they could lose their family, be bullied at school lot of folks just like them in the South—not the they have four children. Finally, son Alan is or worse. If the South is ever going to achieve majority, but they are around. They represent in charge of public relations for the company. equality, religion will have to be removed from (at least in their minds) God, Country, Jesus He joined the show in season four to spread the the equation. Too many church leaders are hell and Family Values. Don’t be fooled though— Word of God to more people. He’s married to bent on perpetuating the myth that being gay they’re laughing all the way to the bank. Lisa and has two daughters. Recently, members makes a person unacceptable to God. The few of the family, Phil in particular, have made passages they site to condemn homosexuals For those of you who have no idea what I’m anti-gay remarks during interviews. A&E have been taken out of context, as have most of talking about, “Duck Dynasty” is a reality series suspended Phil indefinitely last year for several the passages at one time or another to justify a on A & E about the Robertson family from of the remarks he made, but reinstated him nine “cause”. Stop blaming anti-gay sentiment on Louisiana. The Robertson family is made up of days later because they were losing too much God and put it where it belongs, on people who brothers, Phil and Si, (who seems to have taken money on advertising and merchandise sales. are afraid to think for themselves or believe in one too many hits of shrapnel in Vietnam) and a God that accepts and loves everyone. Enough Phil’s sons, Alan, Jase, Willie and Jep. They This is exactly why it’s so hard to be gay in the said—Amen! have made a fortune from creating a duck call South. This family has a public platform to called “Duck Commander”. Are you with me condemn gays because they believe being gay is What do you think? so far?! Willie is the CEO of Duck Commander a sin. I know they believe they are doing God’s and is married to Korie, the Office Manager for

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com Living Out Our Normal Hearts | By Sally Sheklow

ifey and I don’t eat out much and please don’t read any more into that than our restaurant habits, thank you very much. We fix good meals at home – fresh and organic – and we Wshare food prep and clean up, so it’s not really much of a hassle. But sometimes, facing another night of KP is just too LGBT FILM FESTIVAL much. This was such a night. JULY 10-20, 2014 We’d just met with a retirement planner about how to make our dollars stretch from the time we stop working until we croak. Death and taxes – I know they’re inevitable but OUTFEST.ORG discussing them is draining. “Wanna get dinner?” I asked Wifey “Just what I was thinking,” she said. I steered the car toward our neighborhood Chinese restaurant. The hostess seated us at a quiet booth. Our tea hadn’t even arrived when Wifey said, “Look who’s here!” In walked three dear friends of ours. “Boyfriends!” We hugged all around “Join us!” The server suggested we’d be happier at the family-sized PRESENTED BY GRAND SPONSORS table. When it’s just us two, I’m a little envious of the big families at the round tables with built-in lazy Susans. Now the five of us get to sit at a family table. We are family. We each ordered and agreed to share. While we waited, we caught up. News, work, retirement planning. Normal stuff. We’ve known two of these guys since they first came to town. After 28 years together they finally got married when Oregon lifted the ban in May. Their photo ran on the front page. Treating them to dinner was another old pal of ours who, with his boyfriend, were the first couple in Eugene to The Ultimate Resource in register as domestic partners back in 2008. All five of us have had our picture in the paper at various times for some aspect of this long struggle for equality. Southern California Our food arrived dish by steaming dish. It was fun spinning the revolving tray, filling our plates with steamed rice, eggplant with garlic sauce, baby bok choi and all the rest, everyone’s standbys a new experience for the others. “So, how did you two get together?” one of the guys asked. Wifey launched into our story. I love telling it but it’s even better hearing her describe the details of our meeting, Use Our App to attraction and first kiss 26 years ago. The guys followed with their love stories – stories polished by sharing over Find Out Which the years. Businesses I found myself thinking how precious it is to have these wonderful gay men in my life. Maybe because I’d just Support watched Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart I was especially Our conscious of my generation’s AIDS losses. People we’ll never run into at a restaurant. Who never got to plan their Community! retirement. All that grief and the outrage at government’s slow and inadequate response are woven into who we are, motivate us to keep working for an end to the stigma, discrimination and inaction that fueled the AIDS crisis, the hate crimes and the suicides that have plagued our community. All of us at this table are part of that change, making our connection all the sweeter. We split the check and boxed up our leftovers. While we munched our fortune cookies we discussed our optimism for full equality in the near future. None of the little paper strips GayAndLesbianPages.com said so but it’s for sure our fortune. Tom Adler, [email protected] Owner 1-866-718-GAYS (4297)

37 HOT SPOTS

| By Dian Katz, MS

ireworks, sizzle and fun are the OUTFEST LOS ANGELES is happening swim and of course taste a little wine. If wine highlights of this month. We’ve July 10-20! Now I KNOOOOW, a lot of you tasting is not your thing, this still sounds like a got Hotspots lighting up the would rather sit on a couch and just watch lot of fun. Heck, just crack open a can of soda place like sparklers. I suppose movies than get out and hit a Hotspot. Get or a water bottle. Anything’s possible right? if you are reading this and don’t yer tush up and head over to Outfest! This is a For more info on this, skip and hold hands and Flive in the USA, your Hotspots might not be great place to watch movies and yes, you can click www.lesbian.com. so patriotic but still just as exciting during the still be sitting! Sheesh! But at least all of these summer months. Time to rock the heat! Let’s movies are gay/lesbo themed if you know Now people, if you aren’t near one of these talk about things to do and see! what I mean. Don’t get me wrong. I sit and Hotspots or of course the numerous Hotspots watch Lifetime movies all of the time, with around the world, there are always Pride I don’t know about you, but this sounds kind my tub of popcorn and a box of Kleenex. Oh Festivals going on during the summer. l of fun! For you New Yorkers out there, how stop it! You know you probably do that too!!! highly recommend looking for one in your would you like to watch or even participate Here I am revealing such a delicate piece of city and attending. Why? No, not just to party. in NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOG personal information and you are there rolling I say this every year and will continue to say EATING CONTEST? On Fourth of July you your eyes and laughing at me!! Ooops... it. There are power in numbers. In order for can do just that at Brooklyn’s Coney Island There I go again, carrying on a conversation the lgbt community to have more pull and at the Original Nathan's Famous Frankfurters. by myself when I am supposed to be telling become part of everyone’s world, we have This will be the finals after the contest started you about great Hotspots. I don’t know what to support the communities and things that in 12 other cities around the country. Be here comes over me sometimes! As I was saying, help us get there. Through supporting your on this day and you get to see the champions! Outfest rocks! LN usually sponsors a girl local pride festivals, you are bonding and You’ll see what millions watching live will night so you certainly don’t want to miss that banding together to do just that. And of course see on ESPN. People pounding down as one. Go over to the puder and check out the this year with all of the states legalizing gay many hot dogs as they can. “Sonya Thomas times, places and of course, LN’s not-to-miss marriage, my gaaawd, there are going to be of Alexandria, VA will defend her title as event. I’m usually there so if I don’t see you, some serious celebrations happening at a lot Female Champion; she consumed 36 3/4 Hot I am going to jump out of your computer of these events! Besides, you get to have fun, Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes last year,” say screen and talk to you! That probably scared make friends, hang out with your old buddies, promoters. Okay, I’m feeling a tad queasy at you into getting tickets! hahahah.. for more your girlfriend or maybe even find a new one. the thought and reaching for my bottle of Tums info, reel over and click: www.outfest.org. So get going!! I need to be like your personal but I do think it would be a kick to watch this. sergeant and stand next to you and yell GO!!! Why not, right? For all the exciting scoop, In Los Angeles this month, it’s GLAAD’S Okay, now give me ten pushups. Oh sorry. get your buns down there and learn more info HANCOCK PARK SUMMER PARTY Just got a little carried away with the sergeant at: http://www.nathansfamous.com/index. on July 26th from 3:00pm until 6pm. It thingy. php/hot-dog-eating-contest. will be held at the home of Dean Hansell. These parties are always so much fun. Meet Ahem... Speaking of a few great Pride In Oakland, California there’s a party just for great people and....for a great cause. “Enjoy Festivals.. There is always SAN DIEGO you. It’s called: THERAPY TEA DANCE delicious tasting stations from incredible, PRIDE on July 18-20. AT THE BEACH AND SPEED DATING. Era Art Bar & high-end Los Angels restaurants and caterers, WEEKEND - BLACK PRIDE is hosting Lounge will be having a party for women on entertainment, and an amazing food and its annual party on July 3-6 in Los Angeles. July 12th from 5:00pm until 9:00pm. Short wine-themed silent auction,” say producers Let’s just say there are magnificent pride party but packed with fun, fun, fun... Dance of Glaad Hancock Park. For more info, turn parties going on around the globe and I have the night away downstairs at the club or for your burgers on the grill and click: www. found a great site for a listing of all of them. you singles out there, try out some speed glaad.org. To get the scoop and be able to mark your dating upstairs. Perfect way to get involved calendars, head over to this link: http://www. and let down your hair! The price? Only $5 Also in southern California, singles over 40 can nighttours.com/gaypride/. bucks to get in and there is no cover for those enjoy an awesome event. How about heading of you wanting to participate in the speed over to SHE SHE SINGLE’S RETREAT See you next month ladies!!! dating. You just need to pre-register. For more IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE info, speed over to the computer and and click COUNTRY on JULY 4th to July 6th? Hang [email protected] this link: http://www.lesbian.com/events/ out with other like minds, make new friends hey-girl-hey-therapy-tea-dance-and-speed- and possibly your, you know.. special friend.. dating-2014-07-12/. You’ll be able to golf, bike,

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com The Weekender TRAVEL The Best Sandy Stretches Sun, Sand, and More – the Caribbean in the U.S. | By Barbara Horngren | By Barbara Horngren

ou don’t have to travel the world to You could say that Christopher Columbus was rail and touch them. There are first-rate beaches here, find good beaches. According to Dr. the Caribbean’s first tourist. He explored this area and the diving is excellent: Curacao has some 65 Beach, the U.S. has sandy stretches several times in the late 15th century. And just about individual dive sites which are accessible from shore as fine as any. every explorer of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries or boat. followed him. Their vessels flew the flags of all the Y major maritime nations, so the islands here are rich in St. Martin/Sint Maarten has two personalities, one culture, European culture especially. shaped by the French, the other courtesy of the Dr. Beach is actually Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a Dutch. In Philipsburg, you’ll find shops galore, some coastal scientist, professor of environmental studies, You will find traces – and sometimes more than decorated with painted tulips and other Dutch motifs. and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research traces – of France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Marigot, on the French side of the island, has shops, at Florida International University. He’s been rating Scandinavia all over the Caribbean. There is a flavor too: Rue de la Republique, for instance, is lined with beaches along the Pacific Coast, the Atlantic Ocean of Africa, too, and even a hint of home, since some of boutiques offering clothes, jewelry, craft items, and and the Gulf of Mexico since 1991. He says that beaches are the number one recreational destination the islands have strong ties to the U.S. more. The street ends at the harbor, where artists for Americans. “Nothing restores the body and soul often exhibit and sell their works, boats bob at their like a stay at the beach,” he adds. “We are naturally That’s one of the reasons the Caribbean is a great moorings, there is a produce market cum community drawn to the rhythmic pounding of the waves, as if place to visit. Another is this: Year-round the sun is gathering spot, and you’ll find small café’s where you returning to our primordial beginnings.” warm, shedding a honey-golden glow on powdered- can rest, refresh, and watch the passing scene. sugar beaches. That same sun causes the sea here to Crowning his list of Top 10 beaches for 2014 is a gleam molten sapphire. The French influence is evident on Martinique, also. Honolulu strand named for Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, This is the place to try some Creole cuisine, a blend the Olympic gold medal swimmer called the “father of here are thousands of islands of French, African and native Caribbean ingredients modern surfing.” It’s a crescent of well-groomed sand and country-edges that border or and recipes, or stroll through shops selling products bounded by the Ala Wai small boat harbor and the are surrounded by the Caribbean by Chanel and Hermes. In the town of Trois-Ilets are Hilton Hawaiian Village catamaran pier. A shallow Sea. Generally, they are divided the ruins of the plantation where Napoleon’s Empress offshore reef protects the beach from big waves. geographically into three parts – Josephine was born. TEastern, Western, and Southern – although there According to Leatherman, cleanliness, safe conditions is some overlap: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize, Of course, there are multitudinous other islands and amenities pushed Duke Kahanamoku Beach into the Mexican east coast and Yucatan Peninsula, to visit: Along its sheltered northern coast, St. first place this year. Plus, “the water quality is great, Costa Rica, Haiti, and Panama are in the Western Barthelmy (generally called St. Barts) strings some and the vistas are right off the scale….” Caribbean. The Eastern Caribbean includes Puerto of its best swimming beaches. Also, you can find Rico, the Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Antigua, Anguilla, windsurfers for rent here and the kind of sun-warmed Actually, three of the top five beaches on his 2014 list Dominica, Martinique, and Haiti. And the ABC water ideal for trying your skill with them…. On were in Hawaii. Sandy stretches in Florida, North islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – as well as Jamaica, a popular expedition is to Dunn’s River Carolina, South Carolina, and Massachusetts also made St. Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Kitts, Barbados, and Falls, a 600-foot cascade of water that can be climbed the cut. In two through ten order, they are: Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, Bonita Springs, Florida; Dominica are among the islands that make up the and, in a way, swum. Guides hired at the bottom St. George Island State Park, Florida; Waimanalo Southern Caribbean. escort you up natural stone steps past and sometimes Bay State Park, Oahu, Hawaii; Hamoa Beach, Maui, into frothy pools. “Sit,” the guides say, pointing to Hawaii; Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina; Why you would choose one island over another to them. When you do, you find yourself neck deep in Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida; Coast visit depends on your interests: Barbados seems foamy-white water not unlike a bubble bath…. Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Beachwalker more British than England. You can see cricket Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina; and Delnor- matches here – at Kensington Oval – and have tea Have I whetted your appetite? Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida. and crumpets. If you want to shop, Bridgetown is the place; if you want to find a fine seascape, head A popular way to visit the Caribbean is via cruise ship. To evaluate beaches, Leatherman uses a rating scale for Bathsheba, on the island’s rugged northeast coast, Numerous lines – among them Royal Caribbean, that covers 50 criteria, ranging from beach width, sand where the surf pounds and the beach isn’t crowded. Norwegian, Holland America, Carnival and Princess quality, water temperature, and strength of currents. To get there, you’ll have to drive through the island’s -- make port calls at many of the islands. That means He also looks at “human impact issues,” such as landscape, which is equally fine, filled as it is with you easily can visit some and assess which you might lifeguards, the presence of litter, and undesirable sugarcane fields and brightly painted cottages. like for a longer vacation. Or, you can do a bit of noise. internet research. The site www.caribbeantravel. Willemstad, Curacao, will remind you no little com can help you find your perfect island in the sun. Has he found the “perfect” beach? Leatherman says of Amsterdam, with stair-step gables on houses there is no such thing by his rating standards – but overlooking the bay. I was on a ship the first time I [email protected] there are “many great ones.” For more information, visited Curacao – we cruised past a swinging pontoon go to www.drbeach.org. bridge and so close to the buildings on either side of the narrow channel I thought I could reach over the

39 Positive Reflections The Child And The Pin | By Dian Katz, MS

ecentlyL.A. GAYon Dateline, & LESBIAN there was continued control over the victim’s thoughts.” still be in shock. No healing will take place a show about a woman who On the other hand, others said things like, until the person is able to come out of denial. wasBEACH raped, beaten CENTER’S almost to “I say kill the perpetrator, then forgive.” So death and set on fire in her many wanted to see the perpetrator suffer like Next, there is a bargaining stage. Maybe one ownBEACH home. With CLASSIC broken bones the victim. Perhaps it’s only human to want to bargains with God that he/she will be better Rall over her body, she jumped out of her make another feel similar pain. In order to not next time so this doesn’t happen again. It has burning house to escape. As she was on her think and feel like that, one has to be able to nothing to do with being “better next time.” way to the hospital, she suffered a massive work through an immense amount of pain and A sick person will harm others regardless of stroke from her injuries. Doctors placed her anguish and take the higher road, so to speak. how healthy and “good” another person is. into a coma and she amazingly survived this Simply, this person would have to rise above Bargaining is a coping strategy and is sort horrible ordeal. Even more remarkable about her situation to release her pain. of a prolonged denial stage but usually the this story, is what she did next... individual comes out of it. One may bypass Most of the folks questioned about this the bargaining stage altogether and most The criminal, who had also killed another, was situation were able to see the importance and likely move into the next stage.. the anger caught and tried. The victim, still struggling need for forgiveness. However, the bottom stage. to speak, went into the courtroom and told line was, could they forgive? Actually, the perpetrator of her horrible ordeal that she what would it take to help us forgive such a The anger stage is typically a must but forgave him. She chose love over holding situation? Remember, forgiveness doesn’t not necessarily bad unless you hold onto onto her hatred. How many of us could have necessarily include the ability to forget. it too long. Anger should be dealt with survived such pain and suffering and still in a constructive manner and if it’s a forgiven the monster who caused it? Forgiveness is a process. For some it takes serious offense, should be dealt with by a a short amount of time, for others, it takes professional. If it’s more minor, a support I know many of us hold onto unnecessary a lifetime. Starting that journey is what’s group, close confidant or friend can help anger against those who have let us down important here. Once that journey has instead. Each person has to determine how or wronged us. A lot of people these days go begun, the individual is no longer a victim serious is the anger in order to determine ballistic if someone just gets in front of them but a survivor. The first step is just the whether a professional is needed. Either in the fast food line or accidentally pulls in realization that one was wronged and it was way, releasing anger is vital to forgiveness. front of them with her car. Forgiveness is not his/her fault. This means placing the If released, often times the next stage of not an easy task but a most necessary one. It responsibility and blame where it belongs... depression sets in. Again, depending on doesn’t always need to serve the individual on the perpetrator. So many who are abused how intense or serious the depression is, who did the damage but rather the person who in some form, often feel they are somehow to determines whether a professional should be was victimized. Through forgiveness, it sets blame. By feeling guilty and responsible, they involved. the victim free. Anger and hatred can ruin have a more difficult time breaking through lives. It can destroy relationships, one’s well- that barrier of pain and bitterness. Placing Lastly, the final stage is acceptance. This being and physical health. the guilt in the rightful place, empowers the does not mean one must accept the actual act individual. Survivors need constant reminders that happened. It just means one must accept I’ve researched this by asking others if they from others that they did not “cause” this that the act “did” happen. Often times, those could forgive someone who did such an act. situation and they are not responsible for what who have been harmed are able to accept The majority of the answers were no. Most happened to them. We may be asking why a something happened to them by going out of them said they “knew it was important to person who has been abused would feel the and helping others. Advocacy is a beautiful forgive” but simply couldn’t do it. Look, if blame? Depending on the emotional well- way to make peace with a horrible situation. it’s that difficult just to forgive someone who being of that individual, the feeling of blame has stolen our girlfriend or boyfriend, can is a complex issue. In other words, those with The survivor of this ordeal who appeared on you imagine what it must be like to forgive low self esteem, may feel blame at a much dateline was extremely evolved. She took the someone who tortured and tormented us? deeper level and have a more difficult time high road and was able to rise above what A few individuals when asked the above healing. happened to her in order to free herself and question, said they would definitely forgive also help others. She “chose love” and by because they had to and knew it was the Godly Forgiveness is much like grief. Those affected doing so, she was able to release the mental and right thing to do. One said it was “a form must go through the exact same stages. First and emotional torment. Could you choose of letting go and a way to not live in pain from there is denial that something so horrible love? resentment. It might keep the abused from really did happen. It almost seems surreal, having continued emotional anguish towards like it was a dream and the person made it up. [email protected] her attacker. It could also prevent the perp from Only it wasn’t a dream and the victim may

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com FEMASTROLOGY | By Victoria Bearden July 2014 Astrological Forecast

he month begins with Mercury going direct Aries (March 21-April 19) Aries born in Libra (September 23-October 22) Your (yippee) on July 1, 2014. Issues connected early April are probably wondering what outer world beckons now. Put energy into to communication, travel, computers, home remodels, machinery, cars, and new projects the *&)(% as the Universe keeps demanding career goals. Let people see you and what you will be much more positive now. So, if they break from their old patterns. All Rams are capable of. Don’t be lazy. Now is the time Tyou’ve been holding your breath about making new will benefit now by taking time to bring more to stretch your wings. Don’t cling to old goals plans, you can exhale now! balance and harmony into the home and that haven’t materialized. Concentrate on the As usual, I’d like to add a note of caution for July. If I didn’t, family department. NEW. I wouldn’t be a good astrologer. The Sun in Cancer will be opposing Pluto in Capricorn, and then squaring Uranus in Taurus (April 20-May 20) Taureans, Scorpio (October 23-Novemeber 21) Aries during the first days of the month. July 4 and July 8 will be key dates. This will “re-activate” the Grand Cardinal particularly those of you born in early Saturn in Scorpio has probably become Cross, a controversial and volatile astrological influence that May, are learning powerful lessons about your BFF by now. And that’s a good thing. occurred in late April of 2014. Those of you who were on relationship. Don’t waste time with those who You should have the energy and patience to that wild roller-coaster ride around the last two weeks of do not reciprocate. Pay attention to writing remove obstacles and forge ahead. This month April will remember it well, I imagine. and communication now. Get to the point and could be both pleasant and productive. Without being all doom and gloomy, suffice it to say that avoid being scattered. Take care of car issues. the beginning of July may have some drama associated with Sagittarius (November 22-December it. Power struggles are likely during this period, both on the Gemini (May 21-June 20) Venus, the 21) Finish up old business and get personal level, and in the political arena. Oh, and the fact that the Sun/Pluto opposition is exact on July 4th makes it Love Goddess, is in your sign! Single ready to truly put the past behind you. It’s an auspicious and tense day for the Good Ole US of A, as twins (oxymoron) should expect to get lucky! time. Sagittarians me be wondering about that it her birthday. And a head’s up for Cancers born July Your creativity will be high, so use it! On the relationships, both business and personal, that 1-10. This will be a year of strong transformational energy more mundane front, take care of any loose are not quite tangible. My advice: connect for you! ends pertaining to money. This includes any with those whose interest in you is obvious. There’s a Full Moon in Capricorn on July 12/13. Full Moons financial obligations you have with a partner. are a focal point for energy each month. With the Sun in Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Cancer and the Full Moon in Capricorn, the energy will be Cancer (June 21-July 21) Powerful The challenge this month: how to make about the Yin/Yang polarity, responsibility, commitment, and family. This Full Moon sheds light on the balance, or forces are pushing you to change the yourself happy, and please others at the same lack thereof, between business life and personal life. Use the way your present yourself to the world, and time. Frankly, if you are having anxiety about strong energy of the Full Moon to align yourself with your some of your most important relationships. committing to things or people, it’s probably spiritual side, but remember to keep your feet on the ground! Your life is transforming. Make a conscious your “gut” telling to take a step backwards. There’s a New Moon in Leo on July 26, opening up a window effort to gain clarity about your top priorities. for new thoughts and plans. New Moons are quiet, neutral, Fateful decisions now will open new roads to Aquarius (January 20-February 18) and potent times for inward reflection and preparation for achievement and personal satisfaction. Sometimes you just have to attend to the future action. business at hand. If things aren’t flowing in Astro-Opportunity Days: July 7, 8, 9, 16, 20, 25, 29 and 30. Leo (July 23-August 22) This is a good your personal world, health, and your home time to slow things down a little and environment, it will affect your outer world Femastrology Horoscopes for July 2014 regroup. Take care of your health and all eventually. Find your inner balance. matters of daily life. Jupiter will be in your For all the Sun Signs: Mercury direct will be a wonderful opportunity to get connected to your aspirations and sign soon enough, and you will want your Pisces (February 19-March 20) Use ambitions. Some of the things that happened last month may wits about you. Many amazing things will be your inspiration and creative energy to have been frustrating. This is a great time to fix up anything possible in the weeks to come. Conserve your manifest your own needs. Sounds simple, that went haywire in June and put it behind you. Watery energy. right? But if you are not being clear about energy abounds with the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio, and Neptune in Pisces. Take advantage your true needs and priorities, suddenly, it of this unique vibe. Connect to your emotions. Share your Virgo (August 23-September 22) This becomes impossible. Eyes wide open! feelings. Work with your psychic abilities. Connect to your could be a highly fortuitous period for dreams. All things “watery” are enhanced during this time social interaction. Helpful people abound…so period. Even being in or near water has a more powerful effect! So plan a trip to an ocean, lake, or river near you! make sure you are making out their connecting This is also a fantastic time for art and creativity. to them. You may feel some nervous energy around finances. Just keep putting energy into [email protected] progress there, and things will improve.

41 Words That make sense Success...What Does It Mean To You? | By Toni Hart

e all have our own ideas about slim, children’s clothes were too small and woman’s too from the design center to continue. I became a stay at success. When we are very big. So in order to look nice, sewing my own clothes was home mom which involved guiding my three beautiful young, success might mean my only option. children into becoming wonderful human beings. being able to tie our shoes or dress ourselves. As we grow Lucky for me, a friend of my mother’s offered me a job My husband’s employment was in the aerospace industry Wolder, the meaning of success changes as we age. At in the design salon of a world famous couture. I jumped which was good when it was good but there were many first little accomplishments bring us happiness. As time at the chance to work vacations and weekends. I was low times as well. As time passed, we realized we needed goes by, the challenges for us change and the course we just a seamstress at the time as I was only sixteen but the two incomes to survive. I took a part-time job as a pursue may be full of obstacles to avoid or conquer in excitement of working at this famous Beverly Hills salon secretary nearby, where I could work while the kids were order to feel successful. still gives me a thrill. in school. Later on, I was offered a job in the mortgage industry that allowed me to go up the ladder from loan Stop and think back upon your accomplishments. At 17, I started at UCLA and enrolled in their apparel processor to eventually, vice president and administrator Life has a way of offering us different paths through a design course. I also took many science, journalism, art of the mortgage department. hypothetical series of doors that we can enter or pass by. and English courses and attended both summer sessions As I venture now through my senior years, I can think as well. I couldn’t get enough. College was so exciting. Step by step,things fell into place. I had done well and back upon the different careers life offered me. When now it was time to retire. I needed something satisfying I was very young, I loved to draw and make clothes After I graduated, I took a position of assistant designer to do. Volunteering became my new career. Giving back for my dolls. I was good at this and dreamed about that later evolved into designer. I designed sportswear, has been the most satisfying of all my careers as I love becoming a clothing designer. Making my own clothes robes, negligees and children’s clothes. It was a thrilling helping and working with children and adults in the was a delightful challenge for me and I became a talented career and a lot of hard work and fun as well. As time schools, aquarium, local playhouses, AARP...and LN! seamstress. In those years you were either a child or a went on, I decided to start my family and that halted my woman as far as clothes went. Since I was very tall and design career. My hubby and I bought a home too far [email protected] THE COACH’S CORNER Pain Does Not Have to Dictate Your Life | By Kristi Pallino

oday I speak to you—the one who has you to direct your heart to that area. Love that part of Keep a journal and write down all of your feelings, pain. Pain in your body, mind and in your body. What can you do for yourself on a mental anger, disappointments, fears, and triumphs. Get your life. I suffered a lot of pain at level? For instance, instead of giving this physical these feelings out of you and onto paper. We need more than one occasion. I had physical pain power over your whole life, put your thoughts in to get the negative emotions out of the way so the pain in my lower back, which in turn a loving place. I know it’s challenging sometimes, but positive affirmations will have a place to root. Tcaused emotional and mental pain. So I speak it beats being in a place of fear, right? from having been there. There is no easy way Fear is so present in times of pain. It will tell you out, but there is a way! Have patience and compassion for your body and everything in the book to freak you out! But mind. Also, stay away from negativity. If you are remember, the acronym for FEAR is: False Evidence I was losing jobs, girlfriends and friends due to my watching TV, chose something uplifting. Read books Appearing Real! pain. Sometimes it was so bad I was in and out of the that will inspire you. hospital. The doctors knew how to treat the physical When you start to hear fear making noise, change the pain (with pills) but I was left with the emotional Research what you can do on your own to heal what channel to the truth. What is true about you? Affirm pain—the fear, and everything else that comes with pains you. Eat clean food like vegetables and fruits, constantly your strengths, your passions, your love, feeling pain! so these foods will help heal your body. If you are etc. This will correct the message fear wants you to in bed, check with your doctor and see if you can hear. Separate fear from you so it does not reside in Many clients have had some kind of pain that walk. I remember using a walker for a month—was you. Give it a face, so you can see how squirmy it is. redirected the course of their lives and dreams. That I embarrassed at first! But it was so nice to get out Now show it who’s boss!! is why I thought it crucial to write this month’s into fresh air! column. I will get straight to the point. You may feel You are not alone! And know you are loved! Your pain, but there is something in you that wants more— When you are getting ready for bed, close your eyes sister and Life Coach, Kristi Pallino more than this! and envision a healing light in your body. Affirm to yourself how strong, beautiful, Intelligent, healthy [email protected] What kind of pain are you suffering? Now I want and creative you are.

Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com 43 LGBT FILM FESTIVAL | JULY 10-20, 2014 OUTFEST.ORG

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Lesbian News Magazine | July 2014 | www.LesbianNews.com