LESBIAN 10 NEWS • May 2016 VOL. 41 • NO.

Kesha We R Who We R + Travel Clothing Optional After Dark Melissa Etheridge All Aboard!

LN Contributors

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

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

Dina Evan PhD., is a noted speaker and veteran activist for LGBT, Women’s and Human Rights. She is a professional counselor and spiritual coach working with individuals, couples and organizations from coast to coast. She has authored three books, Inspiration Cards, Calendars and Meditation CD’s. She provides tools for creating successful relationships which she believes are the path to consciousness. Dina feels the highest assignment today is simply waking up. (602) 997-1200 - www.DrDinaEvan.com

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

John Esther For nearly a dozen years, Movie Editor John Esther has been writing for Lesbian News. Over time, he has written more than 100 articles for LN on flm, music, theater, and culture. His monthlymovie column, Eye C, is currently the longest consecutive- running movie column in LN. John also contributes articles to numerous other publications, plus his own blog. John is currently a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association(GALECA) Juno Parreñas, PhD has been a regular monthly columnist at the Lesbian News since 1997, when she was seventeen years old. Since then, she has lived in three continents, fve countries, ten cities, and has three degrees: a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD from Harvard University. When she’s not writing about sexuality, politics, pleasure, culture, desire, and social relations, she works on her research involving orangutans. Mona de Crinis grew up in a world without Xbox or Netfix, when tweeting was something birds did and “Pinterest” was a bad typo. She relied on her fertile imagination for fun quickly discovering that words threaded together could create a vibrant tapestry of expression. This awareness sparked a passion and subsequent career. For more than 20 years, she has written for and edited regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles.Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids.

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

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

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

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

Carl Matthes is the current president of UGLA, Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, an organization providing a support system for gay men, lesbians and education for individuals and the community He is a columnist on the Lesbian News, owned and published by his sister, Ella and her wife Gladi. He was editor of the GLAAD/newsletter, and a GLAAD/LA representative on the Board.In July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 48 years, by Los Angels City Councilmember Jose Huizar. It was a unique gay/ lesbian double ceremony as Carl’s sister Ella and her partner Gladi were also married by Jose.

Nikki McCauley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Robert Morris University and spent ten years with Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Accomplishments: Pilot- Godless- 2010- 2012. CD- Spoken Word 2005. Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004 .Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts- Law & Order, The Practice, Cold Case, CSI Las Vegas. Robin Tyler is a pioneer activist in the LGBT community. In the 1970’s, she became the frst ‘out’ lesbian or gay comic on television, albums and in concert.

In addition to 25 Women’s Music and Comedy Festivals , Robin produced the main stages for 3 od of the LGBT Marches on Washington.. Robin and her wife, Diane Olson, were the frst lesbian plaintiffs to fle the lawsuit that brought marriage equality to California and were the frst to marry in Los Angeles County.

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

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

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

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

Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute. Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite – freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause.

Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her web site at www.astrologervic.com May 2016

CONTENTS

LESBIAN NEWS COVER STORY All Aboard Snooze and you may lose a chance to cruise with Melissa Etheridge By John Esther

FEATURES Kesha INSIDE LN We R Who We R By Fernando Lopez HOTSPOTS Look out May… Here we Last Word come!! My friend Pat and I have been best friends for 50 years. POETRY By Robin Tyler Margin Call From Fear FEMASTROLOGY Political Bait & Switch The tide begins to turn this May Churches and Politicians Try to Take-Down Women - Again as Jupiter in Virgo goes direct on By Carl Matthes May 9, 2016 LOL Rainbow Fashion Week 2016 Political Fund Raiser at Who’re wearing? Find out what happens at Rainbow Long Beach Law, The Dinah Fashion Week 2016. Get an exclusive insight into the Entertainers behind the scenes world of Jag - the mastermind behind it all.. By Michel Khordoc LIFESTYLES Follow Us Online Movies Eye C Know justice no peace LESBIANNEWS.COM By John Esther Notes from Nat Let us know what Gwen Stefani croons about love and loss while Walk the you think. Moon takes over her rowdy dance moves. By Nat Burns

Travel Clothing Optional After Dark By Stephanie Papadakis Politically Speaking Women Are Hill-arious. By Beth Shipp

Earth Talk How can I tell if the green certifications and labels on all kinds of products these days are legitimate or just ‘greenwashing’? By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss Spirituality I Long for Truth By Dr. Dina Evan, Phd COLUMNS Words That Make Sense Know who you are talking to on the other side of your phone. By Toni Hart

Living Out Sometimes your pussycat knows best. By Sally Sheklow

Positive Refections What’s good for business, isn’t always good for us. By Dian Katz, MS

Queerly Questioning This isn’t about who was our friend first, but rather what acts are we willing to have committed in our name? By Juno Parrenas, PhD

Theorhetorically Speaking What do you do when your reflection is a lie. By Nikki McCauley

Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video.

All Aboard! | By John Esther his October to me. I certainly didn’t think of it lesbians and, yeah, it’s going to passengers aboard myself. It came to me a long time probably be a majority of women. the Melissa Etheridge ago and it’s just taken me this long And the majority of the women and Friends Rock to say, “Okay, I think maybe it’s will probably be lesbians. And the Boat cruise, will, time. This might be a fun thing to there’s going to be men and gays Twell, do exactly that -- get rocked do.” and straights. And the one thing (and rolled) by the award-winning they will have in common is they LN: A “fun thing to do” was it singer-songwriter as she steers love this rock and roll. They love took? everybody into a six-day sojourn this music. They love the feeling through the Caribbean. ME: [Chuckles] The Flying of what I’m about and that really Dutchmen organization came and excites me. It’s going to be a really In this exclusive interview we said, “Look, we want to do what beautiful mix of people. spoke to this LGBT icon about the you want to do.” I didn’t want to cruise, her music and who she is LN: Looking at the website, this turn my thing into a cruise thing. I supporting for US President. cruise does seem to be more wanted it to be really unique to the inclusive than the usual “Lesbian Lesbian News: How did you get Melissa Etheridge band, because Cruise.” involved with the cruise line the Melissa Etheridge band is business? unique. There are a lot of new ME: Yeah. Melissa Etheridge: Well, it came LN: What can passengers expect on the Melissa Etheridge and and that people will be interested to do, really. The company that Friends Rock the Boat Cruise? in participating in. I’m working with, The Flying Dutchmen, said this is probably ME: Passengers can expect top LN: What are the advantages of what’s going to work best for us at of the line entertainment, frst taking a cruise over other modes this time of year. of all. The frst thing I said was, of travel? “Everybody who’s going to play LN: The cruise begins on October ME: One, you are there! It’s not has to have that soul. That music 31. Will there be a Halloween like I have to wait for everybody love has to move people. It has to costume party? to show up at the car. They are be that if you love music you’re right there. You’ve got your ME: Of course! You better bring going to love this cruise. It’s Joan captive audience for fve days. a Halloween outft! My kids are Jett. It’s myself. It’s Delta Rae. It’s super fun! And being on the going to be there. We’ve got to do It’s Crystal Bowersox. It’s Sonia ocean is incredibly healing in the Halloween! Leigh. It’s powerful, powerful frst place. That’s the frst thing -- performers. And then there are ME: [Laughs] We’ll see which you’re going to drop all of your powerful comedians like Kate costume I wear. My stylist has just defenses and leave all your cares Clinton. You just don’t get any kind of over the top about it. behind because you can’t call better than that. I wanted the day anybody! You’ve got to give all of LN: Other than your music, will time activities and events to be your attention to what’s in front of you be playing any cover songs to flled with the things that really you. commemorate the experience? move me -- so workshops on spirituality, managing money, LN: Why did you pick a Caribbean ME: Yeah. I think because I’m going understating it and the other route? to have multiple opportunities to lifestyle things that really thrill me perform for people, they are going ME: Because it ft what I wanted to hear a lot of different stuff and a lot of unique stuff that they would on a cruise? where at the forefront and there never hear in just one concert. will be environmental awareness ME: Probably just the whole on this tour. LN: Joan Jett is also playing. experience! I enjoy the singing. Why did you pick her to perform? I enjoy the performing with LN: What’s the best pickup line everyone. But I think the relaxation you have ever heard on a cruise? ME: Because she comes from part, where I can just enjoy the sun rock and roll and she’s at the top ME: [Laughs] I’ve always been and the waves and nature is my of my list! I worked with her last with someone on a cruise, so I favorite part. year. We did a bunch of shows haven’t been picked up or picking together last year and she’s just so LN: You’ve been known for your up. wonderful. environmental activism. What do LN: Switching gears a bit, where you say to your critics who say LN: Considering all that’s going do you fnd inspiration for your that cruise ships are not the most on, are you going to be able to songs? environmentally friendly? enjoy the cruise, or are you going ME: Inspiration happens all to be working too hard? ME: Ah! I say, “yes, indeed they the time! Inspiration is what have a long way to go.” But let’s ME: Oh, I try not to work too life’s about. Inspiration is what keep the awareness of this open hard in general in life. So I will everything can be. It can be in a and let’s go in and make that defnitely fnd many ways to enjoy fower. It can be a thought. It can change and do as much as we can. the cruise. be a painting or another song I I knew that when we signed up hear, or a person. Inspiration is LN: What is your favorite activity for this that environmental issues everywhere. LN: How has the music business a new record in Memphis. I’m a lot of stuff on the ballot in changed over the last three making a re-imagined Stacks November and really moving this decades or so? Is it any better for album called “Memphis Rock and forward because California needs women now? Soul.” That’ll be out by the time to be a leader in this. the cruise comes. That’ll be fun. ME: Yes, indeed! Three decades LN: Speaking of politics, are there ago I was trying to get my music LN: So people will be able to hear any presidential candidates who on a radio station and they were the new tracks during the tour? you are excited about or appalled telling me, “Oh, we already by, or something in between? ME: Um-hmm. I hope so. played a woman on our station.” ME: I’m not even going to mention It’s defnitely changed since then. LN: What do you like to do during that guy’s name; I don’t even want Women are a big part of the music your down time? to give him any attention. I’m industry and a big part of the ME: Not much at all. [Laughs] My a Hillary believer. I believe it’s music scene. Slowly, but surely it down time I spend with my family. her time. I believe she can lead has leveled out a bit. It’s family time or work time, this country exactly how it needs LN: Also looking back, how do that’s pretty much my life. The to be. These are important times you feel about the initial hostility two things that I love the most. I in the world and Hillary has got that you encountered when you love my wife and kids. And I take the experience, and she’s got the frst came out in January 1993 care of myself. heart and soul for this. I’m a huge and also about the support at that Hillary supporter. LN: We touched on the time? environment, but are there any LN: You frst came out at the ME: Well, the LGBT movement causes that you are currently Triangle Ball. has been one of steady, slow invested in? ME: I did! Me and the Clintons go movement forward. In getting ME: Oh, I’m all about the back a long way! [Laughs] used to being confdent in our own legalization of cannabis. I have gayness, us being comfortable as LN: Lastly, is there a question my own strains and dispensaries homosexual human beings and that you wish the press would and I believe whole heartedly in coming out, being neighbors always ask you, but haven’t yet the medicinal value of cannabis and in the work place and being done so? and how it can really help change family -- that’s what’s changed society. That’s probably the biggest ME: I’ve been asked everything the world and changed hearts and thing that charges me right now. you can possibly imagine, so I minds. People know gay people can’t think anything that I haven’t now because we, as gay people, LN: Coincidentally, as I am been asked! have said, “Yeah, this is what I am talking to you I am sitting in a and I’m not going to hide this and medicinal marijuana dispensary LN: So I didn’t ask you any I’m a good person.” So, 30 years that was shut down in 2012. original questions? Darn it! It is now a political campaign ago there were less of us feeling ME: Oh, well, you did in a way, offce that’s working to bring that way and we are part of this sure! beautiful fabric of humanity. back the medicinal marijuana dispensaries in the City of Long For more information: www. LN: Other than preparing for Beach by collecting signatures melissaetheridgecruise.com/ this cruise, what have you been and getting in on the ballot in up to lately? I see you’re touring November. this summer. ME: Yeah. Good! We are working ME: I’m touring with Pat Banatar with a lot of people about getting and that will be fun. I’m making

Kesha Coming Out To Support San Diego Pride | By Fernando Lopez

Billboard Music Award for Top certifed old, latinum or multi- Rap Song, an MTV Video Music Platinum in 16 markets (including Award for Best Collaboration, and Platinum in the United States and won the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Double Platinum in Australia Award for Best Collaboration. This & Canada) and was the biggest single has sold over 4.5 million selling debut album from an copies in the US and over 3.7 international female in 2010 in million copies internationally the UK. In the Fall of 2012 Kesha reaching #1 on iTunes in over released an illustrated photo 66 countries. Kesha has more journal and scrapbook entitled than 30 million Facebook likes, “My Crazy Beautiful Life” with more than 3.6 million Twitter Touchstone. The book was a huge esha has taken the followers, and over a billion fan hit and was a precursor to her world by storm since views on YouTube. Between her wildly successful MTV Show the release of her debut album Animal and her last “Kesha: My Crazy Beautiful Life” debut album Animal in release Warrior, Kesha has sold which was the #1 series across all 2010. That year she over 4 million units worldwide. TV in the time period with P12- Kwas declared Billboard’s Hot 100 Kesha has toured the world, playing 34. Kesha joined artists Ludacris, Artist and her smash debut single over 250 live shows in support of Brad aisley, and osh roban “TiK ToK” was named Billboard’s Animal and its companion album as an expert on ABC’s singing #1 Hot 100 Song, was the most Cannibal and an additional 47 competition series “Rising Star,” played song of that year, and was shows in support of her latest which premiered summer 2014. the biggest-selling digital track release, Warrior. She took home The premiere of “Rising Star” in the world. Kesha has had eight the MTV EMA for Best New opened as ABC’s highest-rated consecutive Top 10 hits including Act in November 2010 and was summer series debut in 2 years in four #1 singles: “TiK ToK”, “Your nominated for 2 American Music Adults 18-49 and was the No. 1 Love Is My Drug”, “We R Who Awards, 4 MTV VMA Awards and most-social broadcast series of the We R” and “Timber”. “Timber,” a 6 Billboard Awards. She has sold night. This series averaged 4.6 collaboration with Pitbull, peaked over 35 million combined tracks million viewers and ranked as the at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ringtones in the U.S alone No. 1 broadcast program in its singles charts, Top 40 charts, UK and over 59 million worldwide Sunday time period with Adults charts, European singles charts, to date. Kesha is an international 18-49. and Spotify, was nominated for a powerhouse, Animal has been

Travel

Reasons Why Denver May Be the Best City in the U.S | By Stephanie Papadakis

he secret is out! the best city in the country. biking meetups, rock climbing Denver may be masters, people walking or running 1. Year-round outdoor activities landlocked, but the every day on their lunch breaks. It for the hard-core athlete. The mile-high city has a sure is inspiring! Rocky Mountains hold the secret lot going in its favor. to having an active lifestyle. In the 2. A food scene that can stand up As one of the fastest growing cities T winter, you’re close enough to ski to New York and San Francisco. in the nation, it has the breath- resorts that you’ll be on the slopes With a focus on fresh and local taking backdrop of the Rockies at in an hour (and if you aren’t a skier, ingredients (i.e. grown in the its core, as well as the energetic snowshoeing is even closer). Avid Colorado sunshine) and making pull that draws people from all hikers (there are 53 fourteeners everything from scratch, Denver walks of life to explore its unique in the state) and mountain bikers, chefs know how to create inspiring place as a center for arts, food, you are sure to fnd a trail that will and original dishes. From Boulder culture and adrenaline-inducing (or many) that you can call home. to Denver proper, and everywhere activities. Though the legalization And that’s just the beginning! In in between, the food is prepared of marijuana is just one of the the enver metro area, you’ll fnd with a thoughtfulness you things it’s known for, here are 7 CrossFit and yoga studios, road think you would only see in the reasons why Denver may just be aforementioned cities. Not only is the cuisine creative, so are the good soak. Not many cities have smooth. And if you fancy a road cocktails. Walk into any upscale hot springs within a 45-minute trip? Check out Strawberry Park cocktail bar and you’ll fnd drive that will rejuvenate your Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, balanced, innovative cocktails body and soul every time. The where the pools become clothing shaken (or stirred) to perfection. geo-thermal caves at Indian Hot optional after dark. Springs are said to clear sickness, 3. Natural hot springs. I don’t 4. Jobs. Denver is growing fast and the mineral water swimming know about you, but after a long because companies are moving pool leaves your body silky and day hiking (or a long week at work, their headquarters there. Although for that matter), I like to have a rents have gone up, jobs are plentiful. If you’re looking for 6. Art and culture. With the amphitheater and smaller venues something in the outdoor feld or revitalization of downtown and playing local acts throughout the the tech sector, Denver is the place Union Station (which, trust me, city. to be. you’ll want to check it out for 7. 300 days of sun a year. After the architecture alone), many art 5. Beer. Enough said. Colorado all, Denver is called the mile- galleries and festivals have popped is teeming with killer breweries, high city because it is 5,280 feet up in the last few years showcasing and some say Denver has the above sea level, which means, local artists using everything from best beer in the country. There you’re closer to the sun. Even oil on canvas to astrography, are 75 breweries in Denver alone though you always have to wear the art of shining the Colorado so you know there is some great sunscreen, that not always a bad sunshine through a magnifying beer coming out of there. With thing. The sun is warmer, so even glass on wood. Tedx Denver even places the German-inspired in 30-degree weather it feels 15- hosts art components in addition Prost Brewing, award-winning 20 degrees warmer. Chances are to their talks. The music scene is Great Divide Brewing Co., and highly likely that if it snows one also phenomenal, with Red Rocks my personal favorite, the all- day, it will be sunny and warm the hosting outdoor concerts at the sour Crooked Stave Artisan Beer next. Your gardens last longer, you Project, can exercise outside, and, heck, you can even have a winter BBQ if you want. There you have it. It’s a great place to visit in May, when the fowers are in bloom and the days will likely be in the 70s (except for that occasional snowstorm). Next time you want to take a long weekend getaway, Denver is your spot. The artist who does astrography is my brother, Michael Papadakis. You can view more of his work here.

RAINBOW FASHION WEEK … C’EST CHIC! | By Michel Khordoc

eet Jaguard Each year she - under the RFW The answer is simple … she listened (Jag) Beckford umbrella - takes on the task of to her mother’s advice: live the life the founder and launching a social responsibility Ad you want. producer of campaign. And this year Jag decided Hence in 2013, Jag decided to Rainbow Fashion to do something revolutionary by pursue her passion and launched MWeek. hosting the very frst carbon neutral Jaguar and Company Clothier Rainbow Fashion Week. Now in its third year, Rainbow where she presently designs “male Fashion Week (RFW) is set to take How does one go from providing identifed clothing for women. place June 17 through the 26, 2016 contract administration for SONY, Realizing that what makes each in New York City. producing music festivals for fashion event a success, is not just Rachelle Farrell, Stan Getz, Stevie A former entertainment attorney, the designer, but all the behind the Ray Vaughn, Etta James, BB King, Jag is an amazingly inspirational scenes hands from make-up, hair, to producing Rainbow Fashion woman and business entrepreneur styling and beyond, she used her Week? who, going from ordinary to own funds to give birth to Rainbow extraordinary, continues make a Fashion Week and give these talent difference within the community. a platform to present and produce. the rt of ashion show that brings the spotlight on them – and that was the birth of Rainbow Fashion Week. The fashion industry is already known to be extremely gay friendly. In fact, an overwhelmingly percentage of fashion designers and employees are gay. So why the need for a “rainbow” fashion week? I went out and found an awesome team who all wanted to do a Fashion Week that highlighted who we are and what we do, the way we’d like to do it. So imagine events where all members of our community see themselves on display as non- gender or gender specifc models, MUA’s, Stylist, performers in a venue that allows us to change the manner in which we present fashion. How would you say your event differs from the regular Fashion Week events taking place in NY, LA and Paris every year? What makes RFW special and unique and a MT-TTE event My team and I wanted to fnd a time in NYC that did not compete with It brought to New York City and a company called Jaguar and the other Fashion Week Brands, introduced to the United States the Company Clothier, INC., or during a time that is very much frst Inaugural ays of ueer agando for the gender fuid recognized by the fashion industry Pride Fashion Shows. Over the last women all around me. I thought to add legitimacy to what we are 2 years, Rainbow Fashion Week because I had produced many shows doing. June/July is known as Pre- has attracted over 25,000 queer and around the world, this would be a Resort/Fall when fashion houses gay friendly attendees and over 5 breeze. Not so much! I realized such as Ralph Lauren, Givenchy, million impressions. when taking my bows, that actually Yves Saint Laurent etc., show there were so many different talent lines that don’t actually ualify The Lesbian News got a chance to acting behind the scenes. These for the formalities of the regular chat with Jag to get an exclusive individuals who always stay behind fashion weeks globally. We also behind the scenes look into Rainbow the curtain are all the key players wanted to fnd the best time during Fashion Week 2016. making the magic happen. I thought those months when we are the How did the idea of Rainbow to myself “wouldn’t it be great to most festive and anxious to have Fashion Week come to life? have fashion shows that featured inviting programming as part of our BT celebration. Hence On April 27, 2013, I launched ays of ueer ashion. ainbow how much energy we consume better environment? Fashion Week’s tagline is “Not when we are utilizing a venue My team and I attended an event our verage ashion how. and how little attention we give to sponsored by the Hudson Institute, transportation our guests in more This year you are putting the which honed in on water quality energy friendly vehicles. So our social responsibility emphasis on issues that impact the health and well objective this year is to reduce our producing a “carbon Neutral” being of our local and international energy consumption by at least 25% event. Can you elaborate a bit water body. This summit addressed by the utilization of specially built more on what it means; Why is it the destruction of the Himalayan 12,000-kilowatt solar generators. relevant; and, concretely speaking, glaciers and speaking with Sharon We will reduce the usage of how you’re achieving that “green” Kahn of Water Keeper Alliance, bottled water by by utiliing endeavor? we re-wrote our mission statement hot and cold-water dispensers. We and it is now our global pledge The team worked hard in creating are working on an Initiative for to educate new designers and the social responsibility campaigns. the ity to do mandatory oggie fashion industry as a whole of the Our green objective however is oop omposting through our responsibilities they bare when very endearing to us. We see how ainbow ets Event, whose ordering, utilizing and disposing much we do during the putting on social responsibility message is textiles to consider bio safe vendors an event. We saw when certain biodegradable doggie poop bags, as well as considering several “re- fashion week brands used out door which should be placed in “City purposing ideals. o this year, we tenting, we said why would you rent Installed ompost Bins. These will work hard to accomplish these almost ten 9,000 Kilowatt diesel are just some of our objectives to objectives. So we can get on it very fuel generators to power up, when create more awareness within the loudly and proclaim to others their the sun is right there to assist you. fashion Industry and world abroad. responsibility or we can shut up or We watched how much food we #RFWNYgoescarbonneutral put up. So we’ve decided to do the consume at our events that is wasted Speaking about going green, later putting up our best efforts. and people are hungry in the City. in your opinion overall what is We noticed how we dispose of our Tell us more about yourself - how do the fashion industry’s duty and waste and possible recycled goods you go from being an entertainment responsibility in contributing to a in black garbage bags and just asked lawyer, to launching your own to take the bags with us. We noticed clothing line and producing this massive fashion event in New York pages all across the world. So last How do you juggle running your City? year we brought in designers from own Clothing line all year long Australia. This year we have some and producing a fashion show I did entertainment law for 15 coming from London. I also solicit once a year? years, worked for SONY, Festival models, designers, and creative Productions producing festivals My line does suffer attention. I talent through Instagram and over the globe as well as represented have not picked up my sketchbook, Twitter. But the real credit goes and worked with clients such as or sewing machine for 3 months… to the entire production team who Chrisette Michelle, Eric B and but I’ve got my plans in place with reaches into their networks and Rakim, Amy Winehouse and Stevie our Production Manager Patricia brings us talent from within the very Wonder to name a few. Funny thing ai u uiterre who is helping same fashion industry. I’m amazed is I designed clothing to get me to us organie the very frst ainbow at who is friend’s with whom, who law school and had a table in the ashion eek ream cademy is doing whomever a favor, who community room everyday and our c arm. created a can’t wait to be in what show. supported myself making things for Women’s Economic Empowerment That is what’s amazing about the people to wear. It wasn’t a strange Micro Loan Program in Roatan RFWNY family and their personal transition at all. A few years ago, Honduras. We are setting up 10 and professional networks. That is my mom got very sick and said, women with 3,ooo watt solar how we fnd fabulous designers. you did all the Mom and ad are generators, 100-watt panels and a proud of you thing life is very Does the event inspire you on a heavy duty Singer sewing Machine short so do what you love. ne creative level for your own new and will rollout production for year later I launched JagandCo. collections? JagandCo in May 2016. So I’ll have more hands than I need to be ready What are some of the biggest Eactly. I have my day called The for Haus of agando on une . challenges you face every year Haus of agando. My concept putting it all together? is welcome to my house, where Overall what do you hope to unlike the regular fashion week, One accomplish with Rainbow Fashion Hierarchical EGO’s. I try to keep designer presents his/her collection Week? What do you hope attendees egos out of the scenario. to their audience. I’m not afraid to leave with? This is your third year producing have a competing designer present What I want our attendees to leave the event, what are you most to my audience, so I welcome them with message wise is that we can excited about this year? into my house. My inspiration all make a difference, if each of us comes from my ideas for shows. ur -ay line up is going to be puts our efforts forward. Over the last 3 years I have watched bananas. We are developing our 9 of my models transition and I What is the one question I haven’t very own ueer ids icks wanted to salute and support their asked, which you wish I had, and App for the Sneaker Competition. decisions. I wanted them to still why? Also, I’m very excited that we feel a place of acceptance. I wanted have 2 powerhouses repping us: Jag, what haven’t you done? I to create a place where they could ream House MB as our brand wish you’d asked me this question call home, my Haus. So this year’s manager to get us sponsorship, and because I would like people to know show is dedicated to them and I Media a great company that we should all produce the best called Tran’sitions. focusing, presenting and facilitating of our greater selves and the best our presence to the perfect media What does fashion mean to you? way to do that is to be passionate outlets. about what we call “work. Fashion means commitment to my How do you select the designers community to produce wearable For more information go to: www. you showcase during Rainbow products that allows one to express rainbowfashionweek.com Fashion Week? them without claiming gender norms. That’s what fashion means I am a social media whore, and I to me. love the people I meet on my Twitter Notes From Nat From Talking is Hard to “Don’t Speak”, it’s all “Hella Good” for Spring | By Nat Burns

wen Stefani, of has lost that critical connection to I loved this award-nominated, No Doubt fame, hip hop and R&B. She has also 80s-sounding song so I got a copy of certainly still lost all of the ska elements that their album called Talking is Hard. knows how to stir were made her a star with No This is their third studio album things up. She was Doubt and I kind of miss that. I’m and features a newly reconfgured Gmarried to Bush lead singer, Gavin a huge reggae and ska fan and she band and a somewhat new sound. Rossdale, for thirteen years and was really good at it. The rest of the album, beyond that has three children with him. They song that caught my attention, is The album’s not bad. It’s just more divorced in 2015 and then, while more mellow than expected. It was schmaltzy than anything she has serving as a judge on The Voice, good but nothing else much stood done before. she ends up falling in love with co- out. Here’s a few fun videos from judge and country music star Blake A live version of “Misery”: that album. Shelton. This breakup and new Many of these tracks are sad “Work this Body” relationship, according to Stefani, because of the divorce but also “Different Colors” inspired a new album. She calls it moony as she croons about new

Is This What Truth Feels Like? love and missing her love (Blake, This Ohio based band formed in Here’s one of the more popular no doubt). She states that this 2006 and have been part of the tracks, “Make Me Like you”: endeavor was an effort to be more live music circuit for some time. honest and real and to help her heal I’ve long been a Gwen Stefani fan Walk the Moon is currently made and deal with issues after a long, but actually, if I’m honest, more a up of front man Nicholas Petricca spotlighted marriage dissolved. I fan of No Doubt than of her solo plus Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman, guess we can cut her some slack career. Her frst solo album, ’s and Eli Maiman. Now, with their but I do hope her high energy ska Love.Angel.Music.Baby. still had ever-rising popularity, I predict and R&B comes back soon. many of the elements that carried we’ll hear a lot more from these her in that earlier band, featuring Here’s one more (strange) bonus entertaining guys. electropop, dance-rock and new video, “Used to Love You”: Here’s one more fun video— wave. Even her 2006 album, The © 2016 Interscope Records an oldie that ushered in their Sweet Escape, sounded like her www.gwenstefani.com popularity—“Anna Sun”: feet were still steadily enclosed in No Doubt bedrock with a more Now on to some alternative retro © 2014 RCA Records urban, modern feel. Then this new music. Walk the Moon (named for www.walkthemoonband.com one came along. the song “Walking on the Moon” by The Police) is an American new I feel that Is This What Truth Feels wave band that recently released ‘Til next month— Like? shows an almost too mature, a huge hit single “Shut Up and Nat thoughtful Stefani. More than any Dance”. of her other solo albums. Listening to this work, I fully believe she is “Shut Up and Dance”: a settled mother of three, one who

EarthTalk®

How can I tell if the green certifications and labels on all kinds of products these days are legitimate or just ‘greenwashing’? | By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

s sustainability and that companies are trying tropical agricultural goods, becomes more to meet that need,” says Jessica the Forest Stewardship mainstream, more Rich, director of the FTC’s Council for timber and more products Bureau of onsumer rotection. and wood producers, and today advertise But companies that don’t the .. reen Building Atheir green credentials—with have evidence to support the Council’s LEED program for many displaying third-party environmental claims they construction and building. certifcations on their labels. But make about their products Perhaps the granddaddy of all how can consumers know which erode consumer confdence and third-party eco-certifcations certifcations are legit undermine those companies that is reen eal, which has certifed are playing by the rules. thousands of businesses, mericans’ confdence in green government agencies and labels reached a low in 2011 when The FTC also hopes to stem nonprofts since its inception in the Federal Trade Commission the rising tide of greenwashing 1989 and essentially started the (FTC) busted “Tested Green” for through publication of its free green labeling movement. selling unverifed environmental Green Guides, which help certifcations backed up by companies understand the While some regional, industry unualifed eperts at general principles that apply and proprietary labels may be supposedly independent frms that to all environmental marketing valid as well, buyers should be were actually owned by the same claims, how consumers are likely wary of any certifcations they person. Tested reen used its to interpret particular claims and haven’t heard of or can’t verify website and mass e-mails to drum how to substantiate such claims, via a uick check online. ne up more than 100 customers— and how to back up claims to way to fnd out if an eco label and si fgure revenuesfalsely avoid deceiving consumers. irst is legit is by checking it out on claiming to be the “nation’s released in 1992 and revised most the Ecolabel Inde, the largest leading certifcation program recently in 2012, the latest version global directory of sustainability with over , certifcations incorporates guidance on the use oriented certifcation labels, in the nited tates. ccording of third-party certifcation seals currently tracking 463 ecolabels to the FTC, the company never and claims about carbon offsets in 199 countries across 25 tested any of the companies it and “renewable” materials and industry sectors. certifed and instead awarded energy sources. CONTACTS: FTC Green use of its label and a link to a For their part, consumers should Guides, www.ftc.gov/news- certifcation verifcation page investigate any green certifcation events/media-resources/ on its website for any customer labels they see on products to truth-advertising/green- willing to spend . on a ascertain whether or not they are guides Ecolabel Inde, www. apid certifcation, or . valid. ome of the certifcations ecolabelindex.com. for a ro certifcation. we know we can all trust include EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Tested Green is far from the only the federal government’s USDA Scheer and Doug Moss and is a such case the T has pursued. Organic label for organically registered trademark of Earth The agency has investigated produced food, the ENERGY Action Network, a 501(c)3 non- thousands of cases of misleading T label for energy effcient proft. or more information, or to green labeling and works hard electronics and appliances; make a donation, check out www. to ferret out and shut down independent agency certifcations earthtalk.org. end uestions offenders. It’s no secret that from Cradle to Cradle for to: uestionearthtalk.org. consumers want products that manufacturers, the Rainforest are environmentally friendly, Alliance for coffee and other © Neculai Iulian Dorin | Dreamstime.com - Set of stamp Bride Pride Sets Out To Grab Guinness World Record For Largest Lesbian Wedding On Planet

n October 15, We wanted to create an amazing com/bride-pride for additional 2016, women from experience at a fraction of the cost information. all over the planet of a traditional wedding. It will For more information or to book a will converge on be the coolest wedding setup ever stay at Roux Provincetown, please Provincetown with with events lead- ing up to and visit www.roux-provincetown. Oa singular intention – to marry following the event and, oh, the com. at Bride Pride, a group wedding whole planet is invited,” Baldwin scheduled during Provincetown’s said. Photos/Graphics accompanying legendary Women’s Week, now in this release are available at: Provincetown Director of Tourism its 32nd year. Tony Fucillo said, “Events like http://www.rouxprovincetown. According to Allison Baldwin Bride Pride remind us all of another com/media and Ilene Mitnick, Bride Pride great day (June 26, 2013) when the organizers and owners of the BT community flled the streets award-winning Roux Bed and across the country to celebrate Breakfast property where the the defeat of DOMA (Defense wedding will be held, “If there of Marriage Act). What bet- ter are at least 100 couples, the brides place to celebrate LGBT marriage will become part of recorded equality than Provincetown - the history.” The duo has applied to ‘Best Gay and Lesbian Resort Guinness Book of World Records Town in America, ‘ according to in an effort to capture the title GayCities.com? for “World’s Largest Lesbian edding. rovincetown is flled with stories of love, equality and adventure and it’s meant to be shared with lovers,” said Mitnick.

About Roux Roux Provincetown is a unique bed and breakfast located in the East End Gallery district of In honor of those who will marry at Provincetown, Massachusetts Bride Pride, Baldwin and Mitnick whose owners share a love of will be making a contribution to art, music, and cuisine. After a GLAD. “We want to thank GLAD 4-month and 11-day renovation, both for the work they’ve done the inn opened its doors July, Award-winning political humorist to make a day like this possible, as 2014. Roux was awarded Boston and LGBTQ icon Kate “Mad well as to support the battles they Magazine’s Best of Boston title Vow” Clinton will per- form the still wage on a daily basis for our for 2015 Best Inn on Cape Cod, nuptials. “Nothing says World’s equality,” said Baldwin. and is consistently ranked among Largest Lesbian Wedding like the top Provincetown B&Bs on Provincetown and I’m thrilled to This epic event will take place Trip Advisor. Innkeepers, Alli- be a part of it,” said Clinton. on the beautiful grounds of Roux son Baldwin and Ilene Mitnick, Bed and Breakfast locat- ed at 210 After the ceremony, the whole strive to create an enchanting Bradford Street, Provincetown, town will turn into a party for the environment where guests can MA at 11 a.m. on October 15, 2016 newlyweds as they join thousands experience “The Art of Staying.” of women in hundreds of events Advance registration for Bride planned for Women’s Week. “It’s Pride is required. Please visit the perfect backdrop for a wedding. http://www.rouxprovincetown. Cynthia I. Miles Certified Public Accountant

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(714) 919-4455 Fax: (714) 919-4459 Long Island’s Legendary DJ Theo to Honor Nile Rodgers Along with Former Lead Singer of Chic, Sylver Logan Sharp iverhead, NY -- On examples on guitar, Long 2005 hit All This Time – which May 7, the DJ and Island’s own legendary producer proved her multi-generational producer that set the and partymaker Theo – seminal appeal by reaching #1 Hot Dance tone for Long Island’s Program Director for Party 105 Airplay and Hot Dance Music/ club scene will pay FM- will be joined by the original Club Play. And she has performed Rhomage to the Long Island singer of ile odger’s frst band and/or recorded with Patti Label, producer that helped to establish Chic- Sylver Logan Sharp – for Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, generations of national music an evening that will feature a live Whoopi Goldberg – just to and club scenes as The Suffolk performance by Sylver, a club name a few. Her fashion label Theater presents LEGENDS: night spun by Theo, and original SYLVERWEAR clients include THEO – NILE RODGERS remixes of Nile Rodgers hits as Omar Hakim, Nile Rodgers, Sir REMIX featuring SYLVER interpreted by Theo (separate Elton John, Chaka Khan, and LOGAN SHARP (Fr Chic). ticket). others. They will be joined by The event will follow a daytime Party 105 FM DJ Eddie Tegone. Known throughout Long Island seminar presented by East End and beyond for helping to establish Arts with Nile Rodgers himself. LEGENDS: THEO – Nile the Hamptons and East End club Rodgers Remixed Featuring The entire day will pay homage scene, Theo is also the founding Sylver Logan Sharp of Chic to Nile Rodgers, the legendary Program Director of Party 105 May 7, 2016 music producer that created FM – Long Island’s premier The Suffolk Theater , Riverhead, some of the biggest hits of each dance radio station. He is best NY generation since the 1970s. known for his mix series, Nervous Tickets: $25 (advance); $30 These include: Chic’s Le Freak Nitelife: Summer Clubbing (day of) (C’est Chic), David Bowie’s (Volumes 1-4). Sylver Logan 21+ Let’s Dance, Daft Punk’s Get Sharp is not only the original lead To Purchase Tickets Online, Lucky, and he even produced singer of the seminal disco group VISIT: Madonna’s groundbreaking Like CHIC, known for hits including http://bit.ly/1U6Eoz9 a Virgin. After a daytime seminar Le Freak, (These are the) Good presented by East End Arts Times, Dance Dance Dance, and where Nile Rodgers discusses his more – she is also known for her career in music and showcases © Nicolas De Corte | Dreamstime.com Political Bait & Switch | By Carl Matthes

sing “Political Bait & evident in ortheast os ngeles component is stepping up to stop Switch,” conservative E. eligious demonstrators this hateful religious activity: right-wing politicians, were at the corner of Townsend and other religious folk! supported by olorado in Eagle ock. There, The Disciples of Christ, for frightened religious about elderly women, some eample, was one of the frst Ufolk, are trying to deny women and with their eyes closed and moaning religious groups to speak the LGBT community freedom and prayers, were standing in front out against Indiana’s equality under the law. They want of signs which read bortion is threatening to move its national to confate womens’ healthcare not Healthcare and bortion is convention from Indianapolis if and LGBT rights with their right to Murder.” Others were reading out was not vetoed. Episcopal religious liberty, i.e., their religious loud from Bibles. Graphic photos bishop atherine aynick, of the views trump freedom and equality. of supposed aborted fetuses were Diocese of Indianapolis, issued a The issues of womens’ health and also present. pastoral letter saying the LGBT equality is switched to the Personally, I believe these women is “an embarrassment to Hoosier issue of religious freedom. are devoted, true believers. I don’t Hospitality.” Bishop Gene Using a strategized doctrine of believe, for instance, that they are obinson, the frst openly-gay tates’ ights, where individual political operatives or dupes of Episcopal bishop, has repeatedly states are protected by the U.S. such! I was impressed with their denounced such laws. In addition, Constitution from interference devotion and willingness to stand the United Church of Christ and by the federal government, a outside on a drizzly cold morning the resbyterian hurch , bevy of laws have been passed practicing their religious rights which recently voted to embrace by state legislatures to stop the while assembling and speaking. same-se marriage, decried implementation of marriage . B players were refusing However, religious doctrine and other Federal rights legally to appear in Indiana and North cannot be used as Federal laws! available to all. This strategy is arolina for games if those tates’ called The eligious reedom On the other side, lawmakers adopted punitive laws. estoration ct . across the country are facing The fght for gender and BT staunch criticism for introducing or too many years, similar tates’ equality under the law is not over. “religious liberty” bills. Some of ights strategy has allowed right- Here in E, where we live in our nation’s best known athletes, to-life groups to effectively chip the bluest congressional district in businesses and celebrities have away at the upreme ourt’s the bluest state in the nation, we called lawmakers and placed ads oe vs ade decision. woman’s enjoy the freedom of inclusion and calling on state legislatures to f right to privacy to choose services euality. et’s not stop until all their state s to ensure they from her doctor is switched to people in our country, regardless of cannot be used to deny services to murder by anti-abortion folk. race, ethnicity, gender and seual LGBT people. orientation, enjoy these freedoms. ecently this murder tactic was Further, a most important societal © Msdogan | Dreamstime.com - Supreme Court Visit Us Online or Use Our FREE Mobile App For a Complete Version of The Essential Gay & Lesbian Directory www.GayAndLesbianPages.com

Download Your FREE App on Your Smartphone Now! 1. Go to Your App Store for iPhone or Android 2. Click on Your Search Icon in the Right Hand Corner - Usually a Magnifying Glass 3. Enter Keywords Gay Pages in Your Search 4. Click on Our Logo to Download the FREE App 5. Enjoy Your FREE App - Support Our Community

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For Further Questions, Please Contact Us at [email protected] Toll Free 1-866-718-GAYS (4297) www.GayAndLesbianPages.com www.YourGayApp.com MOVIES EYE C

The Confirmation of Patriarchal Power | By John Esther

f you have not had a chance (in form and in theory) by Kerry seeing any retribution against her to see the HBO movie, Washington, Confrmation picks accuser, but merely speaking the Confrmation, please, make up with the immediate US Supreme truth because she was asked to do time to do so. Sure, this Court history and the denial of so. story about a courageous obert Bork’s confrmation. Along these sexual politics along Iwoman who stands up to sexual We are moving to the 1990s, but race lines, there is interesting harassment ends in a tragedy all the illness of the US President subplot involving the justice’s wife, of us our still enduring, but it is Ronald Reagan Administration’s Virginia Thomas (Alison Wright), quite a lesson on how very little assault on Americans has received and her attitudes, suspicions and has changed for American women a third term in the form of the support during the hearings. The over the past 25 years. Although it elder Bush (whose pernicious flm seems to suggest that both tends toward to the melodramatic presidency actually looks husband and his white wife have at times, it is also quite well done. benevolent compared to both both a strong distaste and a strong In 1991 President George H.W. his predecessor’s and his son’s desire for beautiful black women. Bush nominated Federal Judge presidencies) and as 1991 ends, A further exploration into the Clarence Thomas for the United Bush nominates Thomas (Wendell psychology of these two could States Supreme Court. A staunch Pierce) to the US Supreme Court. prove to be very interesting. opponent of civil rights (and When an investigation into onfrmation also reminds us how humanity) the African-American Thomas’ background leads to Hill, current US Vice President Joe Thomas was an extremely cynical she is thrown into the spotlight of Biden (played with panache by choice to replace Supreme Justice millions as the dynamics of sex, Greg Kinnear) and his Democrat Thurgood Marshall, the only power and race play out. cohorts really dropped the ball (to African American to sit on the put it politely). highest court in the land prior to Written by Susannah Grant (Erin Thomas, and a true civil rights Brokovich) and directed by Rick Naturally, the naysayers have been icon (once he got over that death amuyiwa ope, onfrmation deriding the HB special flm, penalty thing). succinctly recaptures those picking out irrelevant points or tumultuous times when women just making up stuff up about the t frst, it seemed the unualifed dared not speak out against flm or the actual history or both. Thomas would receive their sexual harasser. Thomas’s confrmation by the .. enate. But, of course, there will always confrmation and hearings led to Then came Anita Hill and judicial be men (and women) who dismiss a national dialogue about sexual hearings were never the same. the idea that women remain harassment in the work place. oppressed in their workplace. Played with the utmost respect Grant’s screenplay makes repeated and understanding of Anita Hill efforts to show how Hill was not

QUEERLY QUESTIONING

Why I’m Voting for Bernie | By Juno Parreñas, PhD

ow much can a Eight years ago, I overlooked Under the Obama presidency, president of the how instrumental she and her the US has launched 400% more United States of husband were in welfare reform drone strikes than under George America actually that stripped away benefts and W. Bush. President Obama has do? Some voters paved a way for Draconian also issued the least number of Hemphasize the president’s power measures such as having federal pardons by any president in the to appoint people to the Supreme assistance stop after a mere two history of the United States. The Court as one of the longest lasting years. Eight years ago, I lived by presidential candidate Obama legacies a president can have. the idiom that the devil you know promised to close Guantanamo. Others see that the power to sign is better than the devil you don’t Not only does it continue to or veto laws as the most important know. This was before Honduras, function as a detention center, duty of the president. For me, Berta Caseras, and Libya. the strategy for its closure has one the most important issue been to merely continue its Hilary Clinton stands for the is the responsibility of being a indefnite detention elsewhere. Democrat Party of the New commander in chief of the largest With American taxpayer support, Left, the party that welcomed military force in the world. Will Israel wages a brutal occupation neoliberalism as a way to redefne we have a president that continues of Palestine, with Gaza still left the party following Republican drone warfare? What kind of in rubbles from the siege against successes of the 1980s. The foreign policy will our tax money it in 2014. legacies of this move toward the support? Will our future president right of the political spectrum We cannot continue this status see Henry Kissinger as a hero to meant NAFTA, the demise of quo. Are we not tired of the emulate instead of a war criminal social welfare, and the idea of violence that we condone to admonish? With these kinds of being tough on crime. In the through our silence and inaction? questions in mind, the prospect years following Bill Clinton’s This is why I voted for Bernie. I of either a Republican or Hillary presidency, the Clintons have could add that he was one of the linton in offce compels me to amassed billions of dollars earliest proponents of legislation do all that I can to support Bernie through their philanthropic protecting LGBT folks from Sanders. organization the Clinton housing discrimination and Eight years ago, I voted for Foundation. Their purpose is that he advocated for same-sex Hillary in the California primary. to “strengthen the capacity of marriage while Hillary Clinton What changed for me in the eight people throughout the world to was stumping for the Defense of years is precisely the very thing meet the challenges of global Marriage Act. This isn’t about that her supporters laud as her interdependence” and continues who was our friend frst, but experience. I don’t blame her for their political infuence. rather what acts are we willing to her support of the crime bill that have committed in our name? The War on Terror of the her husband signed, although I get Bush years further pushed the it now that her words and actions Democrat Party towards the right. in the 1990s were race baiting.

© Danielfela | Dreamstime.com - Election 2016

POSITIVE REFLECTIONS

Bad Business Is Big Business | By Dian Katz, MS

as a professional you because it pays more than the better if the professionals have known and seen HMO. A Financial professional came to us and explained the for years, ever passed might want to give up his less situation informing us that they you over to his/her money making clients for a more appreciated our business but due colleague, assistant, elite demographic. However, this to circumstances, we need to see Hintern without any notice? does not feel good to the one their associates. Unfortunately, Sometimes, turning a loyal client being handed over. We might this doesn’t always happen and over to someone else’s caseload wonder what is wrong with us we frst discover we have been without letting you know, shows that they don’t want to work with passed on when we show up for poor customer service and a lack us any longer. We might also feel our appointment. Surprise! On the of caring about the individual. the loyalty we have given to this other hand, it’s not really a personal professional seems to have fown thing or that we aren’t good clients These things happen more often out the window. or patients. Another emotion we than we’d like to think. It’s big might feel is anger. Here we were business. A surgeon might want We’d probably feel somewhat their clients and patients while to take the patient with the PPO they were climbing the ladder and building their practice. Now view of the city. Needless to say, disappointed and somewhat mad. that they are so great at what they you knew that Jeff was probably Why didn’t they call and tell me do, they no longer need us. It is working with big money making this? And why did they wait until defnitely not a good feeling to be clients. He even mentioned that he practically the last minute so it on our end. has clients who are millionaires would be diffcult to fnd another and billionaires. As always, once decent tax person? Also, I felt like What inspired me for this column my taxes were completed by Jeff, Jeff didn’t care at all because he was an experience I had with my I felt very satisfed. His fee is not couldn’t even give me a call back tax guy. I was seeing the same cheap. It has steadily gone up into to explain. CPA for several years. I met him the hundreds. Fortunately, Jeff after my previous tax guy retired Since I was unable to talk to Jeff, I gives me a decent fee I can afford. and referred me to him. When I decided to email him. I expressed frst met the new guy, he was so This year, I booked an appointment my disappointment on how it was welcoming and gracious and was with Jeff far in advance. Usually, handled. I also said that if I was working out of a tiny offce on only the ta frm calls me to confrm my informed that he was unavailable, one foor and across the street from appointment. Although I called far I would have made an appointment a residential area. You’d walk in in advance, my appointment was with someone closer to home and and sign in. The one woman staff scheduled a week before the tax less of a drive. He answered a was the receptionist, secretary and deadline. Since I had not heard short time later. (Would have been greeter. After having Jeff (not his from anyone, I called myself the nice if he just called) He explained real name) do my taxes, I realized day before my appointment just to how he had to let some clients go he was brilliant in fnding ways to make sure I was good to go. When I and he is sorry. He also said he help me get a decent refund with called, I was informed that I didn’t would understand if I went to see all of the positions I held. have an appointment with Jeff but someone else and if I stayed, I I had one with his assistant. I said, would be in good hands with his The following year, he moved to “whoa, wait a minute. I made an assistant. Wow! That didn’t make a much more prestigious area. It appointment with Jeff.” Which me feel much better. I decided to was no longer near a residential was followed by, “we’re sorry but just keep the appointment. It was area and you even had to take a Jeff is completely booked up until far too late to fnd someone else. parking ticket to pay for when you after tax season. It is written down The next day, I saw the guy. He left. The new high rise building that you have an appointment with was a very nice guy but seemed was amongst many other upscale so and so.” I was stunned that no less experienced than Jeff. He businesses. There were little one called me so I thought there seemed like he just got out of waterfalls and long glass windows must be some mistake. I told the college. Maybe he was an intern. with huge elevator towers receptionist, “I’m sorry, there I don’t know. My refund? Far less throughout the main lobby. It was must be some mistake. I called than the previous years. so beautiful when you walked in, way in advance and was told I had it looked like an upscale mall. I So what is the lesson here? Many an appointment with Jeff.” Again I had to take one of the many fancy businesses are about... MONEY. It was told that I had an appointment elevators to the rd foor. nce I really isn’t personal. On the other with Jeff’s assistant and Jeff had got there, he now had a staff in hand, there are good professionals to hand over some of his clients a lobby of his new offce. The in the business world who care to one of his partners.Then I was third year I went to see him, his about their clients. If you get in a put on hold. When the receptionist frm was moved to several fights situation like I did, or are passed got back on the phone, he said higher. He not only now has a onto someone else where it doesn’t that Jeff can’t talk to me because gorgeous lobby and staff, he also sit right with you, fnd another he is extremely busy but said he has many offces surrounded by professional. They’re out there. is sorry and just can’t see me this glass windows and a phenomenal time around. I hung up and was © Gordan | Dreamstime.com - Money background

Have you

read them all?

Nat Burns Have you www.natburns.com read them all?

Nat Burns www.natburns.com

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ow that I’m here, Wifey hit the pause button. I over the round, illuminated ears, queer, and pretty much grabbed the fashlight. The vine down the long whiskers and across everyone I know is now shook and shimmied like it the tip of a hard-to-not-call-it-cute used to it, I get my does in a windstorm, although the pink nose. ya-yas the low-key night was calm. Pussy froze in “Yeah,” I conceded, “but it’s a Nway. Dinner for two at home with warrior pose, making that weird T! my darling Wifey provides pretty throaty noise and the scary hunting much all the excitement I need. A face that sometimes overtakes the A few taps on the window with the little nightcap of some gynocentric drowsy mug of our docile kitty. fashlight and atso lumbered off programming like Broad City or into the night. The clematis was defnitely Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries rocking. I shone the light into Pussy stood guard for a while, delivers just enough entertainment the darkness, traced the leafy then abandoned her post for to top off the evening and segue us vine from one side to the other. another stint of lap time. The TV from our busy workdays toward a ussy’s intent stare was fed on nurses deftly midwifed another restful night’s sleep. Life is good. something. But what hat! newborn into the world. Wifey and Except when it’s not. I snuggled back up until bedtime. Then we saw it. A furry creature Take the other night. Wifey and wobbling its way across the Way too much excitement for me. I were peacefully snuggled up clematis like a tipsy tightrope I couldn’t relax. If there’s one on the homo-sectional watching walker. The tail was possum-like rat, there’s a whole pack of rats the latest tear-jerking episode of but the body was unmistakable. and they’re nesting right outside Call the Midwife. Out of the blue, We had ourselves a big. Fat. Rat. our house. Do rats really carry Hairy Pussy (not her real name) T! disease r is that just one of sprang from my lap, few onto the those stereotypes like all those Knowing the thing was outside back of the sofa and lunged at the myths about how dangerous queer and we were safe inside kept me window. people are hat do I know, I’m from jumping into the cartoon not a city girl. The rat was awful “Probably just a moth,” Wifey Eek! stance, but I was seriously cute. I reached for my laptop and said, nonchalant. skeeved. rat t our house looked it up: Eeeyew! r maybe a fy I offered Rat bites and scratches can hopefully, not wanting to re you sure it’s a rat ifey result in disease and rat-bite interrupt our focus on the latest asked, Patsy and Delia’s repressed fever. Rat urine is responsible for developments of Patsy and Delia’s action suspended on the TV. the spread of leptospirosis, which closeted love affair. ook at it! I said, beaming the can result in liver and kidney But Pussy kept at it, raking her light directly into the rodent’s damage. It can also be contracted claws against the glass. T beady little eye. through handling or inhalation of scat. Complications include Now we heard something, too. The Wifey, Pussy, and I all hunched renal and liver failure, as well as clematis vine that twines along over the back of the couch and cardiovascular problems. the back of our house was rubbing peered out the window. The rat against the siding. It sometimes stopped. Apparently unfazed That did it. does that when squirrels scamper by our panic indoors, it began I called the eco-exterminator in across in search of fallen bird seed washing its face. the morning, with barely a twinge from the feeder. But squirrels are “It’s actually kind of cute,” Wifey of guilt. not nocturnal. ight ight said, as the little pink feet rubbed

© Yegor Larin | Dreamstime.com - Portrait of domestic rat on a gray background

Words That make sense Beware! Scams Are Increasing And Scammers Have Got Your Number! | By Toni Hart

t a luncheon today food, drinks, entertainment, and of offers too good to be true. with some of my sometimes even free airfare. And...then, there’s the computer fav lady friends, the Hopefully, you will remember scam. Someone calls you on your subject of scams that adage, “ain’t nothing free.” phone to tell you your computer was the main topic. So, put your wallet and credit card has been “hacked!” Geez...how AEveryone pitched in with their away and just hang up. scary is that? We just want to sit latest involvement with crooks, down and work on our computer Oh Lordy! How many contractors scammers, boiler-room deals and without even thinking who has can possibly be on MY block today. con artists. The discussion got hot gotten hold of our passwords and And “NO!” I don’t remember and heavy and the delicious lunch entered our sacred sites. We get talking to you about a year ago was all but ignored while the gals all panicky while the person on about work I need done in my dished their disgust and fear of the other end of the phone tells house. When you want work done, what is happening and how to us “not to worry,” they are here talk to your friends and neighbors protect yourself. to help. For a “handsome fee,” about workers who have done they will handle all the details of Since we’re a mature group, work on their property. You have a getting our systems back in order several had received supposedly better chance of getting someone and “cleaned up.” desperate phone calls from reliable and reasonable than a young people posing as their salesman picking your name out At this point, many of us are scared grandchildren in trouble with the of the phone book. I’m sure a few and vulnerable and fall for this law. What grandmother could are legit, but I wouldn’t count on scam. I don’t know anyone whose resist a teary call from a dear it. computer has been fed this child in need? Of course, this had way, but I have heard from several Same is true with solar panels, to do with immediately sending people who have given out their artifcial turf, wall insulation and money to the child somewhere in credit card numbers and regretted it new windows to name a few. Put jail to bail him/her out. Luckily immediately. Beware of strangers that checkbook away until you for this group, out of many who on the phone who offer you help. know the people you are talking had received these calls, there was YOU initiate the call and be sure to are honest and reliable. This is plenty of worry but only one had YOU know who you are talking to sometimes hard to determine...so sent and lost money in this bogus before you agree to anything. be careful! transaction. I don’t know where all these I’ll bet you have received offers scams are coming from. It of “absolutely free” vacations seems we have to look over our to popular places on the globe. shoulders constantly and be aware These go so far as to “include” © Karenr | Dreamstime.com - Scam Alert Maybe it’s time to write him off - and make this year’s returns far less taxing. And far more rewarding. One of the fnest accountants in town, with over 20 years of experience, Cathy Wilson is the most accessible. And knows every individual tax return starts with the individual. Whatever your needs, whatever your schedule, Cathy will make you feel comfortable. And secure in knowing, at last, you’ve come to the right place.

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Women Are Hill-arious | By Beth Shipp, Executive Director of LPAC

olitics provides us Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell, Lea of the ticket, was the frst with our comedic DeLaria, Cameron Esposito, Judy national LGBT organization to punchlines; when Gold, Karen Williams, Marga endorse Hillary Clinton for U.S. politics angers us, ome, es Tom, Marsha arfeld, president. LPAC’s goals are to comedy provides an and Rhea Butcher will deliver elect Hillary Clinton, elect U.S. Pavenue to vent our frustration; a night of outstanding comedy. Senate candidates who will work and, comedy raises our voices Special musical guest BETTY will with President Clinton when she’s – in the form of a joke – to perform. Our honorary co-chair for elected, and to elect LGBTQ challenge our social and political the evening is the amazing Billie women in key races up and down marginalization. Political satire, Jean King. And award-winning the ballot in 2016. parody, and old-fashioned stand-up graphic-novelist Alison Bechdel While 2016 seems like a political have long provided opportunities (author of Fun Home) designed parody, the stakes in this election to turn the serious struggles we the event poster. are high for LGBTQ women and face into a relatable and unifying The event’s goal is to inspire our families. With three states human emotion: laughter. And, lesbian and queer women, along enacting anti-LGBT laws in March within these comedic genres, with our allies, to actively and and April alone, and court cases lesbian and queer women are vocally participate in the 2016 that threaten to further erode our true headliners. We have been election. Funds raised will be used constitutional rights and access visible and out as leaders, using for political education, organizing, to healthcare at the U.S. Supreme jokes and stand-up to challenge and mobilization efforts to support Court, this election could be one the traditional heteronormative LPAC endorsed candidates. LPAC of the most critical of our lifetime. patriarchy. only supports pro-LGBTQ and Each of these endorsements Born from this mix of laughter and pro-choice champion and this matters. But beyond that, our activism comes a historic night of year’s endorsements currently community must engage if we comedy to support LPAC’s work include candidates who go above want to win. We must register and to elect LGBT and women’s rights and beyond in their support for turnout to vote; we must donate champions this election year. issues that matter most to us. and volunteer for our candidates. Thursday, June 16th at New York The 2016 slate currently includes LPAC’s Levity & Justice for All is City’s historic Town Hall, the U.S. Senate candidates Tammy a ridiculously fun and empowering nation’s only super PAC for lesbian Duckworth (D-IL), Donna opportunity for LGBTQ women and queer women is hosting Levity Edwards (D-MD), Russ Feingold and our allies to join together & Justice for All. This one-evening (D-WI) and Patrick Murphy (D- and claim our collective political performance features top lesbian FL); out Congressional candidates power. and queer comics and women’s Angie Craig (D-MN) and Denise Tickets for the event start at $60 rights champions celebrating uneau -MT our nation’s frst at www.teamlpac.com/levity; the political voices, humor, and out bi-sexual governor, Kate Brown sponsorships start at $500. For activism of LGBTQ women. of Oregon; and our own LPAC more information, you can email board member Tina Podlodowski The line-up includes a diverse [email protected]. (D-WA), running for Washington cast of all-star headliners: Kate Secretary of State. And, at the top © Beriliu | Dreamstime.com - Rainbow flag

It’s Never Too Late to Matter | By Dr. Dina Evan, Phd

never thought of myself as special has a deeper, more themselves, a tool for dealing with special. My kids get after spiritual meaning. It’s a character their own negative voices or just me when clients or seminar issue that asks, Have I done what a genuine adoring look of love attendees credit me with I came here to do, what is still which they can’t avoid or deny. their quantum leaping and I unfnished If I am to push my Can I share my own brokenness Irespond, “No, you did the work,” soul farther before I leave, what so they can better accept theirs instead of, “thank you.” I don’t is left Each developmental stage I am grateful, not just for the believe I get the credit. I also in life offers us the opportunity to answers but more for the questions know that when people put you embrace a new calling. If we miss because life is an opportunity for on a pedestal, they will ultimately the calling, we miss the gift. honing our character and pushing need to knock you off to feel My gate code in my community our souls forward. As long as we equal. So feeling special is not is thirty-two-seventy-three. I are asking the questions we remain a characteristic for which I have remember it by saying, I wish alive and vital. Life has meaning longed. I long for truth. I was thirty-two but I am past and we are still relevant. We get So, it is weird that in the twilight seventy-three. So what can to start our next life with a higher of my life, I am fghting with an the calling of a seventy-three level of consciousness than the unfamiliar need to feel special. plus-some be I have identifed level we began with in this one. Clearly in this quandary, is the one major challenge, which is Without a spoken word we add righteous indignation coming embracing my body as it falls to the vibrational frequency in from my activist spirit as I watch apart in increments and degrees. I the universe that offers hope and the elderly in our country become watch as my kids’ add grandkids compassion. There is no time when more expendable and invisible. do the fun, exciting things we did our existence is meaningless, not We have become less relevant; as together in their youth and I try for a minute. Every minute is an has our wisdom and experience to remember it’s their season, not opportunity for us to be better and in the struggle between selfes mine. I am thrilled as they make for those whose lives we touch to and self. each new memory. I ask my wise be blessed. Don’t miss a minute, mind what gift of spirit do I still no matter how old you are. Until However, having been blessed need to give my family and my your last breath, and beyond, you with a family that cares deeply, clients Is it a greater belief in matter. the issue of wanting to feel

© Studio Grand Ouest | Dreamstime.com - Older woman opening up her arms to exercise yoga outdoors See Barbara Higbie Live in Concert

Dear Friends, private ITE TIE H I hope this note fnds you well May - rench arden, anta and enjoying the spring. is Rosa ovember , jam-packed with loads of great May - akeport Theater, rescott, music and fun! I am so happy to akeport, be performing a series of double ovember , bills in May with an idol of mine, Saturday, June 11, 2016 edona, H E! lease join me, reight and alvage ride Holly and bassist, an Martinelli. omedy ight ovember , The shows are sure to be with isa och, icki haw, TB East oast everything from deeply inspiring oanna ard to down-right fun! I am cruising Barbara is special musical guest ecember , in Holland with the livia gals irkland, right now. If you missed the boat June 26- July 4, 2016 this time, join me for the ortugal livia ortugal to ublin - ecember , to Ireland cruise une to uly cotland ruise ent, or ublin--cotland cruise oin ris illiamson and Barbara! uly -! peaking of livia Tickets still available! ecember , gals, the unny irl gig listed ortland, below will sell out - so act fast. incoln Theater lso, aurie ewis and I are July 23, 2016 organiing a beneft for Tom ie pecial ig lert ecember , that will be at the reight. Tom aurie ewis and I are organiing a Bremerton is a recording engineer who has beneft for Tom ie at the reight. been so wonderful to us all for Tom is the recording engineer who ecember , years, and he has a fast moving has been so wonderful to us all for armel, form of cancer. e are raising years, and he has a fast moving unset erforming rts enter money for his treatmentsa. Teresa form of cancer. e are raising indham Hill inter olstice Trull is even coming from ew money for his treatments. Teresa ill ckerman, Barbara Higbie, ealand to perform! Then, there is Trull is even coming from ew le erassi my new solo release concert ealand to perform! oin us for of piano music ctober at The a wonderful concert at benefting ecember , reight!, and, of course, more an awesome engineer with a big anta Barbara, . obero inter olstice gigs at year’s end presence in our music community. Theater with ill ckerman and le e rassi. There are plenty of gigs in eptember ecember , between all these highlights, too! hio esbian estival Marin ivic enter, : pm I would love to see you. ove, Barbara Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, 8:00 pm ecember , ***NEW CD RELEASE*** olsom ake ollege erforming May 13-16, 2016 Barbara Higbie ET rts enter orthern double bills with reight and alvage, Berkeley Holly ear and an Martinelli! www.barbarahigbie.com May - ccidental May - akmont, anta osa Vendange Carmel Inn | By Lillian Jensen

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

We Can’t Save

Them All | By Robin Tyler

e can’t save was. She didn’t want to tell me, York. I heard that there were them all. but finally said 79. I am 74. other people who were ‘out’ and I needed to find them. When I came She said she was coming to LA out in 1959, this weekend to spend time with But I never forgot these women W the first her friends in Beverly Hills. and the fear they lived with. lesbian I met was a woman Who I asked? The silence This memory drove me into only 5 years older then me. was deafening. And then I activism. I went from being But she seemed much wiser. remembered she had a younger Arlene Chernick to Robin Tyler. She introduced me to the friend who is still in the closet But yesterday’s conversation gay women’s community in so she would not name her. Not with my old friend brought Winnipeg. (We weren’t lesbians even a first name. After all, everything back…the mistrust, then.) Although I never slept the closet needs to be protected the fear, the paramount goal of with her, she was my ‘guide at all times, and why, after 50 protecting the closet no matter into the community, and I years, should she trust me? what. really looked up to her. Several (Like, whom would I tell? I years ago we got in touch with don’t even out famous people And I was sad all day, like I had each other as both of us live in unless they go to harm us.) been punched in the stomach. Southern California. We got Last night Diane and I went It was like a punch in the together a few times. to an event ‘BrosforHillary’ stomach, not just because she in WEHO and ran into several She called me yesterday to tell didn’t trust me, but because she activists I knew, and new ones. me that her partner (I am not brought back all the memories Their age range was from very sure if they got married) of 49 of coming out in the 50’s with young, to my age and older. And years died of colon cancer last women who were so frightened we laughed and planned and December. I felt terrible and of loosing everything, that committed to continue our fight kept the conversation going. She the number of alcoholics was for Hillary. The cloud lifted. I has a sister here, and a few good unbelievable. (So was the was with my peers and we were friends who were taking care of suicide rate.) There was such all out and proud. I felt such a her. I asked her to come over shame! And when I insisted sigh of relief. swimming and for a weekend, that I would not be in a closet, I and she said she hated pools. was shunned by many, and felt OK, well, we could barbecue so isolated. This is why I left then. I asked her how old she Winnipeg and moved to New Preview: © Ruslan Huzau | Dreamstime.com - Senior sad woman

THEORHETICALLY SPEAKING In the End | By Nikki McCauley

ow deep the pain, the fre, under the If you have ears to hear-wake up! ou need to be surface listening Mirror perfect corching the bones and boiling the Because greater I am - is what he is saying and I blood don’t mind lying to you if you don’t Mind suspending Hharp words, cutting and birthing delusional thoughts reality. rushing the soul with descriptive adverbs But the truth will prevail but by then iminishing hope and on the branch the will is obody’s listening you’re being bullied, your kids strangled are missing and being ancing with rope, and hadow boing with death ed drugs while high off porn screaming and this Holding hands with the fallen-falling creepy culture onder why I am-I am so close to dying rofts and receives awards ow you’re in the trenches but no one can hear you utpouring of volcanic ash the sacrifces of the for deep are your ditches damned ow you’re in crisis and your feeling ignored and Human remains-remain, they are laughing, while you’re angling feet barely Humanity crumbles Trumpets announce riots touch the foor emocracy is kneeling-nable to stand Invisible party-invisible line no more nder the weight of the monuments ou bang, there’s no answer and now little Timmy is The mouth pieces of rhetoric and not in vain born esigned and erected in the images of mans ability the outcast takes comfort in persona of rebellion to imagine Epressing his outrage with bloodshed Trump Towers, the brand-the name ow well acuainted with the meaning of less than tatues and landscapes a man reat visions and inventions with no accountability uns blaing, news cast tuned in- s and corporate interest Body count for interest-twitter bliard Built not upon a rock but near rushing waters-the ow they are listen cause little Timmy is hash tagging lovely aesthetic He’s become an assassin with massive ammunition n unstable sands n talking war strategies, Tom lancy before a couple of hours of masturbating to uitars heroes Eastern seaboards complaining-peoples-sea-oceans and rapping to uture before passing out to the The of peoples-sea shores-see more ure a citiens reed. elease the beast issed off the sea inhales deep for frustration builds eeking irvana-speaking his message before the nd we sigh seeing no peace-ehale and destroy, courts seeking mass relief But like so many-Ending like edger, ackson, Mass destruction-carbon fbers rushing inehouse, Murphy, and obane. The optics, perfection ivided by everything creating a craving for escape lesh and decay we are an eroding state pace labs and Mars ish food-once was bait Houston we have a problem... Irony of preferred taste and impeccable plates e can’t make it on earth so we seek outer space ike an etch a sketch urther eposing the lie of euality for the human The sands lay waiting race carred and naked o much for being born this way ameras recording everything - capturing history- hen what is gapping is what’s been hiding nd the evidence means nothing In the refection of the mirror or we have the evidence but all he does is The absence of a human face oint back at meas if I did not see-what was seen

Preview: © Ruslan Huzau | Dreamstime.com - Senior sad woman

POETRY My Muse Has Left | By Morag Hillsinger

My muse has left Me a barnyard fool The straw that broke! Kicked by a mule!

The ticking clock f fve year’s on h, I’ll be married I’ll be gone

So nonchalant o cavalier A tragic Margin call From fear

The question I should not have asked

I should have known! We would not last.

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he MOMS Denise they discussed their new movie Byrne said it has been great to play Albert and Melissa The Meddler. arandon’s daughter in the flm, Musen Gerstein, with and that Sarandon has been great in In the Q&A, Susan Sarandon Kmart and Peter Pan offerering advice on motherhood lightheartedly offered insights into Simply Ground Peanut and answer any all all questions the challenges of motherhood and TButter, hosted a Mamarazzi® that she may have had. Byrne also raising teenagers. Sarandon said Event and conversation with Susan jokingly added that everything she usually has too busy a schedule Sarandon, Rose Byrne, Lorene does take surprisingly much longer to do too much meddling herself, Scafaria and Joy Gorman Wettels with a baby on tow, and that even but rather she and her children tend on Monday, April 18th, 2016 at leaving the house can take two to meddle an equal amount back the Crosby Street Theater. The hours because when you are fnally and forth. Sarandon does think, event brought together infuential out the door, it is time for another however, that “it is better to overstep moms and media for a special diaper change! than not to meddle” and brought advance screening of new flm The up some examples from her own Writer/Director Lorene Scafaria Meddler, an endearing comedy children’s pre-teen and teenage told the audience about how she which arrives in cinemas right in years where she was always very managed to get Sarandon on board time for Mother’s Day. The movie, much involved and inquisitive as for the movie (apparently she sent which is produced by Joy Gorman to what the youngsters were up to. Sarandon a 5 minute clip with her Wettels, has been described as “A She pointed out that although they own mother playing Marnie, the valentine to mothers everywhere”. may have not appreciated it at the mother, which convinced Sarandon It tells the story of an eternally time, they hopefully saw later on to take the part!) and how they as optimistic mother who moves from that this was all out of concern for a team spent 3-4 month to get all New Jersey to Los Angeles to be them and appreciated it as a way of the funding and resources together closer to her daughter, a successful wanting to be there for them. She before they could fnally start screenwriter, and smother her with also brought up the issue of boys flming. cafaria is a long-time fan motherly love. and girls being raised differently, of Sarandon and the movies she’s Before the screening, guests which contributes to many of the starred in. She also mentioned how gathered outside the theater for stereotypes we see today. The she personally admires Sarandon’s interactive displays with event co- actress herself made it her mission warm and generous persona, and hosts Peter Pan Simply Ground to instill a sense of responsibility the fact that Sarandon is actively Peanut Butter and Kmart. Peter in her boys and ensure they realize supporting various social and Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter that they are not only responsible political causes. The feeling seems offered guests delicious recipes for their own actions but also for perfectly mutual, as Sarandon and provided a build-your-own the feeling of others. As a parent expressedly said she laughed out dipping station where guests could she believes in openness and loud when she frst read the movie create their own custom peanut to anticipate issues with your script and was incredibly moved butter treats. Kmart showcased children, which was something by the story and the characters that spring apparel items and passed she was happy to share with the Scafaria had created. out swag bags with giveaways, audience at the movie screening. The Meddler is a heartwarming product information and gift Rose Byrne, who is a new mother, flm which suits all ages and up cards. Immediately following the discussed the somewhat sleep that highlights important aspects of screening, Susan Sarandon, Rose deprived but wonderful frst personal connections, motherhood, Byrne, Lorene Scafaria and Joy months of motherhood and how and relationships – some of Susan Gorman Wettels sat down for a it has been a dream come true to Sarandon’s favorite ingredients for Q & A with The MOMS Denise star in a movie with Sarandon. starring in a flm. Albert and Melissa Gerstein where HOT SPOTS By Dian Katz, MS |

Lambertville, New Jersey! Wow! You Penn gals get to meet up with Jersey girls! That ought to be some kind of fun! They start their Pride Fest off by the Rainbow Pride Flag ell hello my Dang! I can’t make any jokes here. that friends in Key West loaned. precious Everyone is so touchy . How nice of those Key West girls!! readers! I’m They need to join in the festivities It’s kick-off season around the glad you made too and make it a three-fer.. you globe for most Pride Festivals. it over to know, Penn women, Jersey girls Each month I will try to report one WHotspots this May! Don’t ya just and Key West hotties. That’s what or two that might be of interest love springtime!!! Okay, okay, I’m talking about!! But the two to you. Some will include well- maybe you don’t, but just go with states are just fne as well. et the known massive Pride Fests while me for a minute, would ya??? I games begin!!! For more info on I will also try to share with you am here every season of the year. I this grand festive party,: www. small Pride Festivals that don’t am here every month of the year. I newhopecelebrates.com. always get the recognition they am hear to make your lives happy deserve. I did mention Florida women so with all of the Hotspots I report I must share a Hotspot regarding on. So smile now! Hey, I don’t Let’s start off May with NEW you gals. It’s AQUA GIRL 2016 see you smiling!! Not that I could HOPE & LAMBERTVILLE on May 11-15th. (psst.. This is right see you anyway since I am over PRIDE 2016 on May 15-22. before the two state pride festival here behind a computer screen. This festival is held in two states so you can still attend both). This But I certainly know if you ARE - New Hope, Pennsylvania and festival brings in women from smiling!!! Okay, okay. I’ll stop! around the world. It’s a party with all kinds of fabulous women. it slowly) : midwestfestival. together to celebrate women’s This festival is very similar to the weebly.com. rights! Damn straight!! er or Dinah Shore festivals on the west damn gay!! Ack! You know what Man, there are festivals galore coast. You know, the east coasters I mean!!! For more information this month. Here’s another very don’t want to be left out. With on the Dyke march and where to popular one... RUSSIAN RIVER Aqua Girl, they’re not! There are meet and what to say (besides Hi WOMEN’S WEEKEND on May pool parties, dance parties, social Ho, Hi Ho) : www.facebook.com/ 19-22. This one of course is near gatherings, and all sorts of fun LongBeachDykeMarch/. a river - the Russian River. I’m activities to engage in. This year’s Hungarian so I am waiting for I salute our soldiers in the military. host hotel is The Raleigh Hotel the Hungarian River Women’s This month, OUTSERVE- in South Beach. There is a group Weekend. Not sure when there SLDN will be hosting its 5TH code on Aqua’s site in case you will be one but I will keep waiting ANNUAL LGBT MILITARY want to get a discount at the hotel. . This weekend has LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE They have all sorts of surprises some really cool things going in Washington, DC, on the 19-22. for you with the entertainment on. They will have a FireWalk “OutServe-SLDN’s 2016 LGBT line up. So if this sounds like your and Drumming Circle. How Military Leadership Conference kind of party, say it three times.. awesome is that!!! There will be is an outstanding opportunity Aqua Girl, Aqua Girl, Aqua Girl leather parties, crack that whip.. to join other active-duty service and click your heels while you are you can whip it~ Oh I’m sorry. members and veterans, advocates, at it. www.aquagirl.org. I just got this Devo song in my government offcials, community Speaking of festivals, you head.. crack that whip.. never organizations, businesses and women out in the midwest might mind. The weekend will also experts for a three-day discussion be interested in MIDWEST include pool parties, workshops, on issues, concerns and future WIMMIN’S FESTIVAL on drag king shows, dance parties planning for the LGBT military May 10-15 in Lake of the Ozarks and more. Oh and they also will community,” says OutServe. State Park in Missouri. Okay, have “Lesbitarian Karaoke.” I’m That’s what I’m talking about!! that was a mouthful!! But I’ll tell not quite sure what that means. These men and women serve ya, it sounds really cool. Lake of Maybe they will be singing only the USA and have to battle with the Ozarks. Try saying that three lesbian songs? Or maybe only unique issues that pertain to LGBT times... Lake of the Ozarks, Lake lesbians will sing. I don’t know. military people. It’s diffcult to do of the.... oops, my bad. Bad Dian. I guess if you are not a lesbo, what they do as it is, let alone have I just start mumbling something stop singing!!!! For more info to deal with stressful lgbt issues. and it comes right out my mouth on this super fun festival, : www. If you want to support these folks, and through my fngertips to the womensweekendrussianriver. get over to DC and show up for this keyboard I am typing on. I’ll try com. incredible conference. For more to watch that nasty habit. This information, : www.lgbtmilitary. Out in Long Beach, California, festival has been going on since org. there will be a special march the 70’s! Woah!! And it’s still going on. DYKE MARCH AND Happy May! See you in the going strong. “Wimmin and girl RALLY on May 20. This is where summer. That’s next month to children and boy children under all these women march and say those of you that thought I was 4 years are welcome. Childcare things while they walk. They don’t leaving for a long time. You can is not provided,” say promoters. say it three times but they do say forget that idea!!! Now the spelling of wimmin is not some very inspirational things for a typo I made. That’s what they call the community. What I have stuck the women at Midwest Wimmin’s in my head is Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off Festival. Say wimmin three times.. to work I go.. Bad Dian! That’s not hahahah.. Gotcha!! For more info something they will be saying!! on this incredible festival in the These women are gathering O.Z.A.R.K.S. Park, (I was saying © Hypnocreative | Dreamstime.com “Fighting for your rights? Priceless!”

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he tide begins to turn better news! Mark your calendars for May 9, this may as Jupiter in 2016, as Mercury will cross in Mercury Retrograde continues Virgo goes direct on front of the Sun! This is a unique to be a pest for most of month, May 9, 2016. It will event that only happens 13-14 but turns direct on May 22, take a little while to times a century. The next one 2016. This is good news, but be noticeable, but rest assured, it won’t occur until 2019. This may T to be honest, we will not likely is a step in the right direction in trigger solar fares, weather shifts, really notice things straightening terms of economic momentum and earthquake activity. Look for out until the end of the month. and growth. Some feel that auspicious events around the time Mercury rules communication Jupiter in Virgo is a bit of a buzz of the Mercury Occultation. and can wreck all kinds of kill, but this isn’t necessarily the havoc in many areas, including There’s a New Moon in Taurus case. Virgo is an Earth Sign and correspondence, contracts, on May 6, 2016 and a Full Moon is strongly linked to service and technology, appointments, and in Sagittarius on May 21, 2016. work. With Jupiter moving at a travel. Things tend to break faster pace, the benefts from the Opportunity Days: May 3, 8, down or go sideways. It’s best Virgo energy will be much more 15, 19, 20, and 30 to slow down and take a “time apparent, particularly regarding out” whenever possible during Femastrology Horoscopes for employment statistics. There are Mercury Retrograde periods, but May 2016 positive planetary connections that isn’t always practical. If you between Jupiter in Virgo, Venus For all the Sun Signs: Although must forge ahead with new plans, in Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn May is a bit of a mixed bag, the major purchases, or elective that signal potential gain and general trend is positive. It’s a surgeries, try to be patient and increase this month. In the Fall good month to get your ducks in good-natured if any setbacks Jupiter will move into Venus a row fnancially to pave the way occur. ruled Libra, which should be even for success in the months to come.

Aries (March 21-April 19) It’s time to take stock Libra (September 23-October 22) There is of your fnancial reality and responsibilities. a great deal of focus on your Inner World at Make sure your true values are being refected in your this time. Relationships and shared resources are economic choices. For some this may mean working highlighted. You may need to make plans to “end” harder and planning for expansion. For others it may or fnish up some old business. Much can be gained indicate cutting back on work in favor of having by fnding the courage and inner resolve to face more time of other pursuits and obligations. This is a problems and fnd solutions to things that have been good time for restructuring your schedule and use of holding you back. resources. Financial gain is possible. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) There is Taurus (April 20-May 20) Happy Birthday enormous energy highlighting your relationship Taurus! It should be a good one, with an area. This is favorable for love, but also any other abundance of planetary energy in Earth Signs. It’s a important connections, including teacher/student, or great time to be you! Enjoy some rest and relaxation business partnerships. Share your feelings with others with friends and loved ones. But don’t forget to take you trust. A conservative but progressive approach to advantage of the immense productive potential of fnances will insure success. this period. This is good for business and fnance as well as creative endeavors. Health and Love are also Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) favorable. Concentrate on establishing a solid sense of routine that supports your body, mind, and spirit. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Seek inner wisdom This is a time for inner growth. Resist the urge to race and serenity. Let go of impatience and develop ahead. Instead, take a step back from hectic activities a sense of inner calm. Your intuitive side will be your and simplify your life. Right now, less is more. best asset now, as many things will become clear if you “tune in.” Some Geminis may need to look Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You into a residential move or change in the household. have a great opportunity to get your creative Relationships hold challenges but can be improved. groove back on! ingle aps could fnd romance. Resist the urge to make snap decisions. Slow and There are many great opportunities for growth and steady wins the race now. learning. People may become much more interested in your services, and your company. Enjoy! Cancer (June 21-July 21) Social networking, parties, and good times with colleagues are all Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Home is in the offng. ccept offers of support from others. where the heart is, and now is a good time to Your ideas are abundant and potent. Speak and others get things in order in your inner world. Take care of will listen. This is a favorable time, both emotionally any unresolved issues with your domestic and family and on the practical front. Pay attention to any health concerns. And consider purging any unwanted needs you may have let fall to the wayside. connections, both in business, and personally. Be patient, June holds much promise. eo uly -ugust There is defnitely a system of checks and balances at work now. Pisces (February 19-March 20) Lots of ideas Your opportunities to expand may be somewhat are surfacing. What will you do with them? curtailed. Nevertheless, abundance and prosperity are elationships could fourish. ingle isces could fnd well within reach, but through conservative means. love. Enjoy creative moments, but don’t forget your You will be looked up as an authority at work and in work obligations! Pay attention to health concerns. the family.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) It’s time to turn over a new leaf. Look at the big picture of your life. Sign up for things that will help you expand your horizons. Clear up doubts and misgivings surrounding relationships. Better yet, take some time off from your concerns with others and focus on your own needs. This is a good time invest in your SELF.

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n her work of the past three apparent. Masterpol recapitulates of e ooning, icasso, et al, as years ose Masterpol has that infuence with remarkable just that eamples of spirit, more been oscillating between a intelligence and sensitivity: these important to her for their attitude drawn line, animated by color are genuine, unabashed bstract than for their manner. he has as well as its own fagellating Epressionist works right down learned from them, for instance, Itrail, and a more painterly stroke to their urrealist reliance on the to pace herself across a visual that provides given epanses with impulsive mark and their ubist feld but the pace she maintains is teture as well as hue. The drawn articulation of space. entirely her own. he has learned line assumes a rhythmic animation to segue strategically from color akin to graffti writing and on The irony is that Masterpols to color rather than simply dump occasion even cartoon caricature, more historic painting is, if paint in various areas but the colors seeming almost choreographed. anything, less studied than her result from her own perception, Here Masterpol, deliberately or more contemporary work. hen and her segues embody her own not, proposes a translation of hip- she responds to the bold moves sensibility. ith every lesson hop and other urban dance into and bright contrasts of todays learned, Masterpol fnds herself non-objective painting, perhaps pop idioms she picks up on more profoundly as a painter. even a kind of notation certainly, their styliations no less than on she is re-purposing the energy of their power she refects the fact ose Masterpol would seem to be the street to painterly effect. that, even while they depend on two painters in one. In fact, she boundless invention, the popular is one painter paying attention That level of energy carries over arts allow their artists limited to two modes of epression. into Masterpols larger, even more freedom. ike any good pop artist, Both those modes are urgent and ambitious canvases but in these, Masterpol capitalies on such convincing, and she responds to she puts aside the self-conscious restraint by playing off it, letting both with insight, conviction, and project of contemporary refection restricted modality amplify her unmistakable personality. Those and allows herself the luury inventiveness. two modes would seem to have of pure painting. If the drawn little to say to each other but, like paintings manifest a vigorous but or truly liberated painting, someone brought up bi-lingually, studied response to pop culture, however, she turns to a tradition Masterpol speaks both with poetic the painted paintings embody of liberty that she can only inherit fuency and effortless translation, Masterpols eually fervent but from fellow painters. In this regard, fnding and building vivid entirely spontaneous response Masterpol proceeds in the wake connections between them. to artists who have come before of her infuences with voluble her. he cites oan Mitchell, confdence, studying and feeling or more information on ose ollock, icasso, e ooning, rather than simply imitating their Masterpol’s works, please line, and Motherwell as models, imagery or their method. Indeed, visit her website and their infuence is readily she comprehends the eamples SUSAN ST. THOMAS GALLERY

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

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