Antigone Rising Launches GIRL BANDS ROCK FOUNDATION + LESBIAN NEWS Melissa Ferrick 3 • October 2015 Once Known as VOL. 41 • NO. the Other Melissa
Nona Hendryx to Play the PALM SPRINGs Women’s JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015 LN Contributors
Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown are owners and wife team of LunaBella Makeup and Hair in Santa Barbara, CA. Originally from Oakland, CA., they met there at 17 years of age and have been together for over 12 years. Legally married in California on October 3, 2008, their company has since taken off. They absolutely love not only what they do but also how uniquely they work together.
Dian Katz works a variety of arenas. With a background in Marriage Counseling and a history as a professional performer, she’s LN’s Entertainment Editor and Self Help columnist. Dian’s also authored a book entitled: Love Hurts - A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness. She sometimes works the motivational speaking circuit. Dian’s an award winning drummer with her own rock band. Out of all the many hats she wears, performing and writing are her biggest passions.
Gladi Adams, PhD is a native New Englander who was recruited in Boston by the Los Angeles Unified School District to teach English in L.A. She studied at Boston University, Cal State Northridge, California Western and UCLA. She.retired as a secondary school principal after 35 years in the system. She is married to Ella Matthes, publisher, and they have been working on the LN together since 2005.
John Esther For nearly a dozen years, Movie Editor John Esther has been writing for Lesbian News. Over time, he has written more than 100 articles for LN on film, music, theater, and culture. His monthlymovie column, Eye C, is currently the longest consecutive- running movie column in LN. John also contributes articles to numerous other publications, plus his own blog. John is currently a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association(GALECA) Juno Parreñas, PhD has been a regular monthly columnist at the Lesbian News since 1997, when she was seventeen years old. Since then, she has lived in three continents, five countries, ten cities, and has three degrees: a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD from Harvard University. When she’s not writing about sexuality, politics, pleasure, culture, desire, and social relations, she works on her research involving orangutans.
Mona de Crinis grew up in a world without Xbox or Netflix, when tweeting was something birds did and “Pinterest” was a bad typo. She relied on her fertile imagination for fun quickly discovering that words threaded together could create a vibrant tapestry of expression. This awareness sparked a passion and subsequent career. For more than 20 years, she has written for and edited regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles.Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids. Karen Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally-designed major in “Humor and Healing.” She earned a Master of Education degree from CSU’s Adult Learning & Development program. Karen Williams, M.Ed, taught Stand-Up Comedy in the Dramatic Arts department of Cleveland State University. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of HaHA Institute and an internationally acclaimed and nationally-known stand-up comic, SPEAK UP! SPEAK OUT! LAUGH OFTEN!
Kristi Pallino is a leader in the field of Life Coaching. She works with Lesbian individuals, couples and large groups. Kristi’s Life Coaching landed her on a cable show called “How Do I Look” as well as five different non-profit organizations teaching Life Skills. She also writes a monthly motivational column called “The Coach’s Corner.” Kristi’s passion is to coach her clients into the purposeful life they are meant to live and beyond. Visit her website at www.lifecoachkristi.com. Contact: [email protected] or 818-321-6830.
Lynda Montgomery was born in Long Beach, a small town in Canada. She loves a pa- rade, so she moved to Long Beach California, a big town, so she didn’t have to be all alone in the Gay Pride parade! She is an activist for animal rights and gay rights, giving priority to gay animals! As a stand-up comic she has survived many dive bars, festivals, and comedy clubs. She is currently trying to get booked onto the “Olivia Cruises” because she heard it’s a great place to meet women!
Mona Elyafi has been writing celebrity magazine profiles, entertainment news and lifestyle columns for two decades. She currently writes for the Huffington Post, and serves as the West Coast correspondent for Diva Magazine (Dubai’s leading Women’s fashion magazine) writing pieces on Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee Simmons and Denise Richards.Born in Beirut, Lebanon, raised in Paris, France, residing in Los Angeles, Elyafi has spent 20 years working in entertainment publicity, heading her own PR Company, ILDK Media. She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from New York University.
Morag Hillsinger is the Nom de Plume of R.J. Birmingham, a local attorney. Winner of an essay competition in 1993 “Trial by Media,” she also has a published case as co-counsel with Lambda Legal (2008) which benefitted gays and lesbians. She is a monthly contributor of Poetry for the LN. Ms. Birmingham practices Estate Planning and Serious Personal Injury at Long Beach Law, Inc. and is working on a book of essays about the practice.
Nat Burns is a professional writer and editor who retired from an editorial systems career in Virginia to relocate to New Mexico. She is an award-winning author and journalist and a book editor for several publishers. Burns has published eight novels to date and her work has appeared in more than thirty anthologies. She has worked for this magazine for six years and is a proud grandmother.
Carl Matthes is the current president of UGLA, Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, an organization providing a support system for gay men, lesbians and education for individuals and the community He is a columnist on the Lesbian News, owned and published by his sister, Ella and her wife Gladi. He was editor of the GLAAD/newsletter, and a GLAAD/LA representative on the Board.In July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 48 years, by Los Angels City Councilmember Jose Huizar. It was a unique gay/ lesbian double ceremony as Carl’s sister Ella and her partner Gladi were also married by Jose. Nikki McCauley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Robert Morris University and spent ten years with Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Accomplishments: Pilot- Godless- 2010- 2012. CD- Spoken Word 2005. Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004 .Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts- Law & Order, The Practice, Cold Case, CSI Las Vegas.
Sally Sheklow came out in 1973 and has been with her Wifey for 25 years. They live in Eugene, Oregon with their two cats. Sally’s “Living Out” column first appeared in Lesbian News in 1999, and twice won both the Houston Press Club’s Lone Star Award for best magazine column and Best of Eugene’s “Best Writer” award. Sally teaches Queer Studies at Portland State University, performs with the all-lesbian improv troupe WYMPROV! And makes art out of old buttons.
Shawn Ryan is a lot of things. He’s an Actor/Singer/Writer/Director and Camp Director but fancies himself a Dancer/Poet/Lyrical Savant/Brother/Son/and Terrific Husband. His greatest wish is that someday Barbara Walters will come out of retirement and make him cry on ABC. He lives in a state of adoring bliss with his husband, actor John Ainsworth, and their furry children, Mr Kitty and Gazpacho the Chihuahua. It seems as though things couldn’t get much better, but day by day, they to do. Follow him on www.Shawn-Ryan.com
Sherron Mills, N.P. has been a lesbian health care practitioner and activist for many years. In 1980 she co-founded Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services, the country’s first non-profit clinic to serve the lesbian community. She then went on in 1984 to launch Pacific Reproductive Services to provide sperm bank, fertility and insemination services primarily to lesbians. Knowing that many of her clients would greatly value the opportunity for their children to meet their sperm donors, should they wish to do so, she was an early pioneer in recruiting men who would contractually agree to meet a child at least once after he or she reaches 18. As a result, PRS today has more “willing to be known” sperm donors than any other U.S. sperm bank.
Stephanie Papadakis is originally from southern California. Stephanie knew she wanted to live in San Francisco from the age of 10 (but had no clue she liked women). When she’s not working at a lesbian travel company in SF, she spends her time cooking delicious paleo meals, climbing rugged mountains, exercising daily, researching random trivia knowledge, making “dream lists” on Airbnb and planning day-, weekend- and week- long dates with her partner, Sara.
Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute. Teresa DeCrescenzo is a social worker, activist, teacher, and writer. After 25 years of advocating for LGBT youth through her work at GLASS, Teresa is adjunct professor at CSUN where she has taught Sociology of LGBT communities, Social Policy, Social Work Practice, and other courses designed to inspire and prepare future generations of social work activists. She is also the Director of Social Services at one of the largest acute care hospitals in California. As Arts & Culture Editor and Book Reviewer, Teresa brings the best of lesbian writing and cultural events to the community-at-large. Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite – freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause.
Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her web site at www.astrologervic.com October 2015
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Photo Credit Kwaku Alston INSIDE LN FEATURES
HOTSPOTS One-On-One With Melissa Ferrick It’s a spooky month a Melissa Ferrick on recording, touring, being out and how comin’..... she’s doing these days. BOOKS By Michel Khordoc If you don’t know who Lillian Faderman is – you should 30 And Counting Andrea Meyerson talks about her documentary in this POETRY Growing exclusive LN interview. By John Esther NOTES FROM NAT Listen close and you’ll hear the Lowland Hum revealing Antigone Rising all the things that Son Little Cultural Ambassadors to the United forgot States Government. LESBIANS ON LOCATION By Michelle Kourdac Long Beach Evening Escapade Art And Music For Moms-To-Be FEMASTROLOGY A man contacts his “willing to be known” sperm Positive changes are on the way… donor and has one of the most important good news after some of the conversations of his young life. confusion of the previous month! By Sherron Mills LETTER TO EDITOR WHY I AM SUPPORTING MY FRIEND, GINNY A LETTER ABOUT FOAT, FOR MAYOR OF PALM SPRINGS DYING, TO MY LESBIAN A powerful woman capable of doing a COMMUNITIES powerful job. By Robin Tyler
We All Need Heroes! Growing up we all need heroes. By Carl Matthes Follow Us Online
LESBIANNEWS.COM LIFESTYLES
Let us know what Comic Of The Month you think. I bought a new car. It came with a free 3 month trial for SIRIUSXM. By Linda Montgomery
Movies Eye C Two documentaries remind us of the relentless war on girls around the world in the name of religion. By John Esther Earth Talk It would take a traditional outdoor farm five acres or fifty times the outdoor area to grow that much food. By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
COLUMNS Living Out What happens when Sally and Wifey get off the sofa and brave the new gay bar. By Sally Sheklow
Positive Reflections Can we demand others to believe the way we do? By Dian Katz, MS
Queerly Questioning My senior lesbian neighbors have a Kasich yard sign. By Juno Parrenas, PhD
Words That Make Sense Do you have a plan for your future? By Toni Hart
Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video.
TALL TALES,BOLD TRUTHS AND JAW-DROPPING REALITIES | By Sweet Baby J’ai was at the Hollywood Bowl many years ago to see Sarah Vaughan in concert. It was at the Playboy Jazz Festival and the crowd was ecstatic – electricity in the air. Beach balls were being tossed around; fans readily passed chicken wings, cheese Iand crackers and glasses of wine back and forth. I remember, very distinctly, a fan shouting out to Sarah, “I love you Sarah!” Sarah about musicians from back in the Allen and Esperanza Spalding are replied with, “Sit your drunk ass day. Did you know that Snow, discussing today - compositions, down…and somebody get that while on tour in Denmark in 1941, job opportunities, racism, sexism damn beach ball before I have to was arrested by the Nazis and held or the hippest arrangement of come off this stage!” in a concentration camp? Because Caravan? she was playing in an all female Imagine what the fields, tents and How often have you heard some jazz band she was labeled lesbian RV’s at women’s music festivals little nugget about Sarah, Billie, and thrown in a cell. What about would say; anecdotes about Chris Ella or Dinah? Famous jazz jazz pianist, saxophonist, and Williamson, Linda Tillery, Indigo singers, whose achievements have bandleader, Billy Tipton (born Girls, Bitch, Teresa Trull, Medusa, been trumpeted throughout time Dorothy Lucille Tipton), who Lea DeLaria or others, gaily by critics and fans alike, have had lived and worked as a man so she singing with a backdrop of leaves many stories told and retold with could get work in a sexist music dancing on the wind in the woods. a little twist about them. When industry? we think of women in jazz those From 1976 to 2015 the Michigan are the names that first come to If the concert halls could talk Womyn’s Festival has been a life mind but there are many others; at the rehearsals of the 1940’s force for sisters across the nation - instrumentalists, composers and International Sweethearts of forty years of defining history and arrangers that fan out over time Rhythm, the Prairie View Co-Eds being at the crux of nearly every and have stories of their own. and other bands lead by female political and cultural issue in the bandleaders, what would they lesbian feminist community. And Valaida Snow, known as the Queen say? Would Ina Rae Hutton, though the MichFest will be greatly of the Trumpet, was often compared Nellie Lutcher, Lil’ Hardin, Hadda missed, those tall tales, layered to Louis Armstrong. Her trumpet Brooks, Clora Bryant and Hazel with bold truths and exaggerated, playing was so outstanding, that Scott be talking about the same jaw-dropping realities will she was dubbed “Little Louie.” things those many years ago as continue through time. Satchmo avowed that Snow was present day bandleaders like, DIVA Another milestone is the Kennedy the second best trumpet player Jazz Orchestra’s, Sherrie Maricle, Center’s Mary Lou Williams in the world – that, according to Maiden Voyage’s, Ann Patterson, Women in Jazz Festival, which last my Uncle Vernon, who played Terri Lyne Carrington, Geri bass with Billie and got it on good year switched from a women-only authority. He shared lots of stories showcase to allowing all-male celebration of female artists. This year headliners include the multi Grammy®winning jazz vocalist and pianist, Diane Schuur, genre- spanning soul goddess Nona Hendryx, and young contemporary jazz lioness, saxophonist Jessy J. As Artistic Director of Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival, every year I carefully craft a collection of Women in Jazz All- Stars; extraordinary musicians merging jazz, blues and funk, for a compelling musical tapestry. I recently spoke with two of those remarkable women to get their bands to perform. The prestigious of music. My dad, uncle and aunt stories. event will be keeping the name of (especially my aunt) would share the venerated pianist,composer quips and witticisms. Teddy was Revolutionary art-rock, goddess and arranger renamed the Mary a marvel at reciting events as if Nona Hendryx is a celebrated Lou Williams Jazz Festival. Did they were in real-time. You felt vocalist, producer, songwriter, you know that Williams, who like you were there – in the middle musician and author. A founding wrote and arranged for such of the room – soaking up all the member of Patti LaBelle & the bandleaders as Duke Ellington and smells and sounds. I think weekly Bluebelles, Hendryx has also Benny Goodman, also mentored reminiscing sessions with Aunt recorded and collaborated with Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Ted is the reason many reviewers an impressive line up of artists Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and have dubbed me “the story telling in multiple genres of music: Rap, many others? Born one of eleven jazz singer”. Hip Hop, Rock, Funk, Spoken children, she taught herself to play Word and Jazz. She has worked Often times we can recount an the piano and at the age of six, with many notable performers, event based on what song was was already helping to support her from Prince, Peter Gabriel, popular doing that time. How ten brothers and sisters by playing Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson, many of you can recall what for parties. By age twelve she Living Colour, Afrika Bambata, was playing when you got your was playing with Duke Ellington. Terri Lynn Carrington (Mosaic) first kiss? At the Palm Springs Rumor has it that when she was to George Clinton and P-Funk, Women’s Jazz Festival LGBT fans fifteen, one morning at three am, resulting in several top ten hits and from throughout the nation will she was jamming at Harlem’s a Grammy® nomination (Rock gather to create some new stories. Rhythm Club. Louis Armstrong This House, from her album The The fact that the Festival has entered the room and paused to Heat), with Rolling Stones guitarist moved out of the crowded April listen to her, picked her up and Keith Richards, and a Grammy® calendar is a story that, no doubt, kissed her. That kiss sealed the for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” with has some backdrop of its own. deal on a long lasting love affair Mosaic in 2013. The 2015 Palm Springs Women’s with jazz. Jazz Festival continues to attract Hendryx grew up listening to As far back as I can remember, I some of today’s most acclaimed Mahalia Jackson, Fats Domino, have heard countless stories about jazz musicians to its multi-day Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin and musicians and the late night world Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She has an international reputation for being a soulful rocker…it’s easy to see where she got her influences. With a career that spans six decades, Hendryx is bound to have created some tall tales. I asked her to share a few accounts of life as an out-of- the-box cultural icon. LN: Nona, first of all, what’s up with being known as the quintessential “Funk Mama”? I know that’s a story onto its self. NH: My stage moniker is “Mamafunk”, given to me by my guitarist Ronny Drayton because of the music. My band with Ronny, Warren McRae, Trevor Gale, Kiki Hawkinsand fluid Asa Arnold was so funky that we couldn’t be called anything else but Mamafunk&The Funkrocksters! LN: You’ve played with everyone from Prince to the Talking Heads. I know those halls could tell some tales. Can you share some? NH: Two firsts: One was seeing and meeting the Talking Heads before their big breakthrough, at the Whiskey A Go-Go in Los Angeles with Buster Cherry Jones & Tina Weymouth, both playing bass. It was a booming and brash, itchy and scratchy, angular, make said, but he smiled a lot, shyly. do exist) - my acceptance. your brain twitch sound. I left I was wearing body suits with thinking, “What the ‘F’ was that?” Along with veteran performers, garter belts with stockings -very I didn’t know I’d become part of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz much like the protégés that Prince the extended Talking Head band at Festival is committed to promoting produced, Vanity Six. Maybe I the time, the funkier TH everyone emerging artists; young musicians was the inspiration. Just sayin’! knew from ‘Burning Down The who are starting to add their House’. I was curious and loved LN: You have a large LGBT threads to our musically themed what I heard from that moment. following. What do you attribute family quilt. Jessy J burst onto 2nd first: Prince coming to my that to? the contemporary jazz scene in show in Minneapolis…yes, before 2008, blending her love for Latin NH: My music - my life - my he blew up! I didn’t know who rhythms and jazz on her chart- identity - being Bi-sexual (yes, we he was, and someone introduced topping, award-winning debut us. I can’t remember what he album Tequila Moon. Jessy earned the Radio & Records acts like performing in an off- have taken a while to accept the ‘Debut Artist of The Year’ Award broadway show called Blast and fact that women play instruments, and Contemporary Jazz ‘Song during college I was a performer like the saxophone. There was of the Year’ by both R&R and in the All-Star Collegiate Band a time in my career (when I was Billboard for the title track, which at Disneyland and Disney World. in college) that people thought held the #1 spot on the chart for It was as great experience that I was the girlfriend of someone eight weeks. helped pave the way for my future in the band. I would show up to music business skills. At Disney a gig and ask where the entrance The talented saxophonist, pianist, University they taught us to look to the stage was and they would singer and songwriter who has people in the eye when we perform say, “Musicians only”! I would worked with everyone from The and to make the consumer our top respond, “I am a musician”! It was Temptations to Michael Bublé, priority. Incorporating these habits frustrating at first because I didn’t has been developing her musical into my live jazz shows was a big understand why people assumed voice since she was very young. hit! I met some of my best gay that girls don’t play instruments. Jessy said her latest cd, ‘One buds at Disney and also on tour in After they heard me play it was a and Only’, with heavy influences an Off-Broadway Show. They are whole different story. in Afro-Cuban beats, is another dancers, musicians, actors, and LN: The Evolution of Jessy J – big step in her musical dream of choreographers, and are some of what does that look like? achieving diversity and originality the most talented people I know. through practice, patience, Instrumental music is inclusive to JJ: I have been blessed with gratitude and experience. She is everyone; we all have a story and wonderful mentors in the business excited to share the stage with the can relate to one another through that have helped shape my career, great funkrockster Nona Hendryx the art of music. throughout the years people and plans to bring every ounce of (my peers) have recommended LN: In a genre dominated by men her story to the festival. me for different performance nearly twice your age, how have opportunities. My saxophone LN: For our readers who want to you managed to carve out a niche professor at USC, Jeff Clayton, get to know you – who is Jessy J? for yourself? Where’d you come from and how used to say that luck is when did you get find your way to our JJ: I believe in staying true to hard work meets opportunity LN reader? the music, so I make that my and our job is to be ready for first priority by making sure the any opportunities that come our JJ: I was born in Portland Oregon music sounds unique, vibrant and way. I will continually strive to and raised in Southern California exciting. Then in live performances make music that is relevant and in a town called Hemet. I fell in I enjoy connecting with the resonates with people. Whether love with music at an early age audience to make them feel the it’s a romantic saxophone ballad and pursued it in through out my same way that I do. It is a male or a fun up beat samba song, my education including high school, dominated industry and people goal is connect, tell my story and and college. After graduating from hopefully bring people happiness USC I tried a variety of different through music. You can catch Nona Hendryx and Jessy J, along with many other amazing female artists at the third annual Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival over the Columbus Day Weekend, October 9-11. Word is getting out to jazz lovers everywhere that Palm Springs is the place to be to experience amazing music performed by artists who are among the best on the jazz scene today. After two years of holding the event in April, festival producers chose to make a permanent move to October in order to accommodate its growing audience. “Every year our crowds get larger, so we needed bigger venues with greater availability and more hotel space for attendees,” says producer Gail Christian. “That’s easier to do in October, and the weather is still beautiful and a great destination for people traveling here from other parts of North America.” She attributes the festival’s growth to two things: great reviews and more men. “It’s not a women’s event. It’s a jazz event showcasing women,” laughs Christian. The festival, which generally showcases up to 30 female jazz musicians, was created to honor how far women have come in a musical genre dominated by men. Director and one of the producers, creating our compositions together. I can pretty much guarantee you The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz The festival is a production of L&G a weekend to remember! There Festival promises to create a few Events. There will also be several is a little sumthin’ - sumthin’ for stories of its on. Poignant, funny LGBT after parties for readers who everyone, from straight-ahead, stories that you’ll be able to share just can’t get enough music and Latin and contemporary jazz to many years from now about want the party to continue all night blues, funk, rock and soul. All these women in jazz; singers, long. For details about the festival with a jazz flavor designed to have instrumentalists, composers and visit PSWomensJazzFestival. you sharing your experiences with arrangers, who are standing on the com or call 760-416-3545 friends. We are in this together, shoulders of all those that came musicians and music fans alike, before us. As the festival Artistic Photo Credit: Kwaku Alston for Nona Hendryx, Lori Stoll for Jessy J, PS Jazz Festival - live shots Takemi.
Living Out
Hi, Gotta Go | By Sally Sheklow
little about me: I to marry. We were outlaws. the conversation to an end. ”And don’t drink, loud this is Wifey” I said, introducing Fast-forward to celebrating the music hurts my ears my eponymous spouse. The opening of The Wayward Lamb, and mingling gives woman shook Wifey’s hand, then dream-child of two local business- me hives. waxed on, effusive about what savvy gay men with the shared A a difference my self-acceptance What on earth, then, was I doing vision of creating an official queer made in her life, that she holds me last weekend in a loud, crowded pub. We’d read all about them in in her heart to this very day and bar? Were it not the grand opening the copious PR they’d rolled out how much it means that she can of this new LGBTQ gathering over the past few months. The finally thank me. place, I’d rather have stayed home town’s been abuzz. with Wifey, cats on our laps, in I’m squirming by now, eyeing the The place was already packed. I quiet comfort. exit. held Wifey’s hand as we entered. But when you live in a small city A sparkling bar and several picnic- Of course it’s awesome every that’s been without any queer style tables filled the front portion, time someone finds their way out space for god(dess) knows how an inner door led to a second bar, of self-denial and I’m honored to long, you gotta get out there and dance floor and a gender-neutral have had some part in her journey. show your support. We went early restroom. Very now. Here she is, after all, fearlessly -- check it out, be counted among queer in a queer club, talking to On the freshly painted walls the supporters, slip away without one of the queerest personalities in hung dozens of framed photos much mingling. town. How perfect that this place of everyone who helped get the is here for her--the way The Riv A tall friendly fellow welcomed place up and running – queers was for me—for anyone seeking us with a sweet smile and stamped and allies of every stripe. Wifey connection, a place be themselves, our wrists with a green-ink logo. and I were perusing the portraits a place to mingle. We were IN! when a woman I didn’t recognize approached. Over the booming I smiled weakly and shot Wifey Years ago, our town had a gay bar music she said she’d seen my a Get-Me-Out-Of-Here look. I that I frequented as a baby dyke. picture in the local newsweekly hugged the woman, then Wifey The Riviera Room was a dark, and earnestly thanked me for deftly eased us out the door. seedy joint that somehow became a putting my lesbian voice out there. safe hangout for the gay and lesbian We passed a long line of people set. Thursday was womyn’s night She pressed on, despite the blaring eager to get in. Our amazing new at The Riv -- spawning ground music. (Have I mentioned my queer nightclub would do just fine for many a steamy romance and tender eardrums and mingle- without our patronage. What a boozy break-up. In those heady phobia?) Turns out she and I took relief. days I loved to get buzzed, dance a class together twenty-five years to gut-thumping music and mingle. ago. Apparently I’d been my usual This was decades before we had out and outspoken self and made any civil rights protections, hate an impression. crimes legislation or the freedom Itching to leave, I tried to steer © Paop | Dreamstime.com
| By John Esther 30 AND COUNTING Andrea Meyerson talks about Clambake
ack in 1984 some caught up with Meyerson to how I’ve seen it grow and thrive women innkeepers, talk about her documentary, her and be such a special place in the restaurateurs and involvement with the annual event world for women. I just thought other entrepreneurs and what life is like when one makes it was worthy of capturing that of Provincetown, independent documentaries. and preserving that as part of our BMassachusetts, got together to lesbian culture and history. Lesbian News: Why did you boost their business during the fall, want to make the documentary, LN: When you went in 1997, was after the summer crowds had gone Clambake? that your first year? away. They called it “Women’s Weekend” and it has been an Andrea Meyerson: I’ve been doing AM: I’ve been taking women annual event since then. women’s travel for nearly 20 there since 1997. I’ve been very years and I started taking Women much part of Women’s Week and With intimate access to the players on a Roll to Women’s Week in have been there almost every year involved, producer-director Provincetown in 1997. When since 1997. Women on a Roll has Andrea Meyerson (Laughing I was there in 2013, I had just been a big part of my life. I just Matters; Letter to Anita) takes a finished Letter to Anita and I was love that – being from California look back at the momentous history wondering what my next project and seeing the fall foliage… of the annual event, which has would be. I just kept thinking about It’s the only lesbian celebration meant so much to so many women the fact that there are not a lot of that is so full of culture. It’s not over the past three decades, in her lesbian events that have sustained just about partying. We are about documentary, Clambake. for 30 years. I just thought about community and culture. It’s a very In this exclusive interview, we special place in the world. It’s still going strong after 30 years and that’s been going on for 30 years been hired to shoot, a pilot. I don’t most of the founding women are in a more modern day perspective. have a documentary in the works. still alive. I mean, it’s pretty cool! I’m just going to be available LN: What are your plans for the for hire as a producer-director. LN: I would imagine that you have documentary now? Are you going I’m taking Women on a Roll to made a lot of friends, attending to go to more film festivals? a higher level. We are going to Women’s Week since 1997. AM: Yeah. We are going to do become much more of a boutique How did you negotiate between the film festival circuit over the travel company for lesbians. So capturing the history and giving next year. Hopefully we will get we’re going to be launching that all your friend’s you have met a distributor to pick it up. You next year. over the years screen time in the just never know with independent documentary? LN: Do you think you are going documentaries but I’m certainly to miss the energy, excitement and AM: I started with the founders – going to try to get it to the masses! stress of not producing your own the original Women Innkeepers. LN: What can you tell us about projects? Really I wanted the story to be your next project? about what they did all those years AM: Yes. Very, very much. I’m ago. I was hoping for a lot more AM: Not much. [Laughs.] I’ve an idea person. All the things archival footage. There really done ten documentaries in the I’ve done are ideas that I’ve just aren’t many archival photos at LGBT community and I’ve done thought of and wanted to bring all. When they started in the 80s, 30 productions – a lot of one offs to fruition. I have to take care of women were going there to kind for TV. The last couple of films myself and financially it’s just of hide, so they didn’t take a lot I’ve made, sadly haven’t sold yet. been hard. I’m so grateful for of pictures. Many of the women This one I’m hoping will sell. But the community. If it wasn’t for didn’t want to be outed. What I’m going to take a little break the community support these last I realized was that it had to be right now, except I am going to be three films would not have been more about the 30th anniversary working on something that I’ve done. I’m grateful but I can’t keep celebration during Women’s Week asking the community to support last year. I had to tell the story the making of these films. It takes a lot! And, you know, I say that but would you give prospective we’re together it’s just like every I just got hired to direct something directors and producers entering moment is precious. Our very and I’m very excited about it! It’s the business now? favorite thing to do together is just just on spec but it’s a TV pilot. I veg out on the couch and binge AM: I didn’t know I was a veteran can’t really talk about it, especially watch Transparent. [Laughs] but my first film was in 2002, so because it’s not mine. I’m glad I guess I have been doing it for a LN: Do you have any hobbies? that I still get to be in production. while. My advice would be to not I love being in production! AM: I try to work out. I love give up. Follow your heart and stay hiking. I hang with my dogs. I LN: As someone who has true to your vision. If you know love the beach. I’m an ocean girl, essentially been her own boss this your vision is worthy of getting a through and through. It makes me whole time, how do you think you film out there, then it probably is feel grounded and get centered. are going to adapt to working for and get it done against all odds. someone else? There is no better feeling than LN: Are there any social causes creating something where there you feel close to? AM: Well, I don’t give up my was nothing that has an eternal creative control, it’s just that they AM: Yes. So many! I don’t shelf life that will be here long are telling me what they want and have a lot of money and I will after we’re gone. they trust me and empower me to support almost anything. Humane give them what they want. As I LN: Switching gears, when you treatment to all animals, that’s a said, I have done 30 productions are not making films, what do you big thing. I love animals so much. and I’ve gotten some notes when like to do? LGBTQ rights, that’s always on I have delivered the content. You the forefront for me – equality AM: What I like doing when I’m can pretty much do what you want for all. And I don’t think anyone not running Women on a Roll and to do but in the end they say, “Oh, should be starving in the world, I’m not making movies, well, you have to take this out.” And so I will support any type of non- my favorite thing is being with you have to listen to them. I can profit that feeds hungry people. my partner. She’s the love of listen to that. my life and we’re long distance. LN: As a veteran, what advice She lives in New York, so when Cynthia I. Miles Certified Public Accountant
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| By Lynda Montgomery
material is “shock Channel 99 “Raw Dog Comedy comedy”! Shock Hits” This seems geared towards Comedy is not real the younger listener who when comedy to me, the his hands aren’t on the wheel, audience laughs he’s using them to masturbate, more because they lots of jerk-off jokes and the are embarrassed comics tend to yell , so one of than amused, so my favorite stations, a joke from bought a new car, it came when you are alone in your car, me!! why suffer, just hit a button and with a free 3 month trial Channel 168 “Canada Laughs” listen to a different comic. The for SIRIUSXM. This is This truly is my favorite station comedy stations vary, so there is advertised as a commercial- and it’s the one I always start and always someone worth listening free music service, don’t often end my trip with. Being too. Starting with Ibelieve it, there are plenty of Canadian might have something services being plugged. Channel 95 “Uncut Comedy to do with this preference, it Also during my free trial period, Direct to Your Brain”, this is lots keeps me in touch with Canadian I was constantly being called of “F-bomb” comedy, which politics, plus its nice to hear to subscribe to the service with doesn’t bother me, since I am a people who don’t talk funny eh! Potty mouth myself but when its enticing introductory offers. The Channel 400 “Carlins Comedy” being used as a noun and a vowel, calls were not necessary, because The one and only George Carlin, or more that 10x in a minute.. as I told them every time, I loved this one is easy if you like George poke..next.. the service and the day before Carlin, having all his books, I my cut off, I did sign up. Why Channel 96 “Fox Hole” have heard a lot of it before but I loved it so much is that I can Presented by Jamie Foxx, and having a bad memory comes in listen to stand-up comedy while if you know Jamie Foxx as an handy and I can laugh again at on the go! Driving is stressful, actor, this station is as diverse as the same jokes so having a few laughs while I he is and you can expect lots of Channel 403 “The Premier sit in traffic has its benefits. variety Comedy Showcase”, I have What makes you laugh is very Channel 97 “Blue Collar” lots never gotten to, which is a good personal, if you like physical of redneck material but funny sign , I have never had to switch comedy, you will not get that with that often and I’ve sat in a lot of Channel 98 “Laugh USA” radio but it’s perfect if you like LA traffic jams! commentary comedy! SiriusXM Family Comedy, this is the warns their listeners that XL may perfect station when you car Listen and Laugh include frequent explicit language pool . Since I have no kids, I or mature programming, they have never actually listened to are not kidding, and some of the this station but its good to know its there. © Candonyc | Dreamstime.com
ONE-ON-ONE WITH MELISSA FERRICK | By Michel Khordoc
inger-songwriter A completely solo effort in its John Hiatt, Weezer, Tegan and Melissa Ferrick is process and creation, Melissa Sara, G-Love & Special Sauce, out with a brand new Ferrick is marking the middle of Dan Bern, Ani DiFranco, k.d. CD - her 12th original her career with a perfect return Lang, Suzanne Vega, Shawn album to date. The to songwriting not to mention to Colvin,The Indigo Girls and Sself-titled album, which in many herself. many others. ways marks a new beginning, The wickedly talented artist An eight-time Boston Music was officially released on July 31 has been performing her deeply Award winner and Gay & and is currently led with her two personal brand of “rock folk” (as Lesbian American Music Awards singles “Careful” and “Scenic she calls it) for more than two (GLAMA) winner, she is also a View.” decades. part-time Associate Professor Written in just over a year, at Berklee College of Music in Ferrick has shared the stage with recorded at home and released on Boston, MA. Bob Dylan, Marc Cohn, Paul her own re-launched label, Right Westerberg, Dwight Yoakam, The LN is thrilled to be chatting On Records, the eponymous with Ferrick in this exclusive album is Ferrick at her very best. one-on-one interview. LN: What is the inspiration ran form there. LN: What is your favorite song behind this new album? off the album? LN: How would you describe MELISSA FERRICK: I would the Melissa Ferrick sound to the MF: I would say Scenic View say production wise for sure uninitiated? and Careful. I can’t pick one. the Bon Iver Album “for Emma MF: Lyric driven and sonically LN: You have a bunch of Forever” which I was pretty emotional. upcoming live shows booked much listening to on an almost mostly on the East coast. Is daily basis in 2014. As far as the LN: Can you tell us about the touring still a crucial part of an songs, they came when they did, process of recording the album? artist career?How much fun is it life happened and I wrote about to be on the road for you? it per usual:) There are two songs MF: I recorded it in my home studio alone. It was a long process, on this album though that came MF: It is crucial because it is it took about 3 months to complete from a less direct place, Stars really the only way I make a living form start to finish. Working on Outnumber our Hearts and Run from my music and it is the only my own schedule is necessary but Out of Me. Stars came from a thing that really keeps me feeling it can be as limiting as it is infinite. lyric writing lesson I give to my connected to my audience. Fun is It’s taken a long time to learn how students asking them to write not a word I would use to describe to set daily goals for my creative about a short period of time_So touringJ I have trouble having work, I think I am getting a lot I tired it..I am not sure I’ve ever “fun” period. I like to work, but better at this. Working at home is really written a song like this I do have a hard time relaxing…. great because I am comfortable before, basically stepped outside any of my friends would tell you and can work for hours without the REAL box and made stuff up. this is true. So, for me touring has worrying about an hourly rate but It was liberating and fun and Run become a lesson in “self care” it’s difficult because I am easily Out Of Me came from writing and trying to enjoy the scenery a distracted by “regular life”, so from a title. I heard a guy say “I bit. I have a long way to go in it’s a balancing act. feel like I’ve run out of me” and this arena. thought what a great line, took part of it turned it into a title and LN: “Scenic View” and “Careful” are the two singles currently you have created. I buy Vinyl of MF: Well, I’d have to go with out. As an indie artist what goes artists I love I listen mostly in my some big names, like Brice into the implementation of your kitchen to these records while I Springsteen, Annie Lennox, marketing strategy - including am cooking a meal, or just sitting Elton John, Chrissy Hines, Dave selecting which singles you’re drinking coffee. It’s a time out for Matthews, The Edge, Taylor going to promote first? me, it’s off line, no screen, good Swift, Emmylou Harris. Sounds speakers, it’s a gift to me to stop like a great diner partyJ MF: My marketing strategy is and just listen. pretty simple, put it out, see what LN: What is the one song you folks like, don’t spend money LN: You’ve been out for a long which you had written? you don’t have and be pro-active while now. How important do you MF: No one’s ever asked me with your relationships within the think it is to be out as musicians this before. I haven’t ever really industry. The selection of songs today?Is it relevant anymore? thought about it either. I think I is ultimately mine, however I Does really anyone care? would go with “Imagine” by John have included the voices of my MF: I think it’s important for me Lennon because it is so simple and fans by creating the space online to live my life as an openly queer yet it’s message moved people for member based inclusion in person because I do believe it from all walks of life. decision-making. Voxco.audio helps those who feel like they are was built by me and Ashley Hall LN: What is your ‘Guilty Pleasure” alone. I have been out for along as a way for my fans to support song we would currently find on time, since 1995 to be exact. It is me financially and have a voice your iPod? relevant and it does matter and in decisions made by my record people do care. It’s easy to think labels. It’s been an incredible MF: “sexy thing” JT being out isn’t a “big deal” and experience and we are going into “doesn’t matter” if you live in a LN: Can you tell us anything our second year with this platform city like Boston or NY or San Fran about what’s next for Melissa in Nov.1, 21015. or any large metropolitan city but the very near future? LN: You plan on releasing the this is not true of lots of other MF: Lot’s of bucket list stuff album on vinyl record. What is places in the US and around the hopefully. Write a book/memoir, the motivation behind that move? world. It’s important to not let the lecture more on speaking your “I’m living in a bubble” scenario MF: My member based fans, truth and being a woman in happen to me. I have to remember they voted overwhelmingly to business, auditioning for an off not everyone lives in a city like release Vinyl. The feedback was or on Broadway production (this Boston. It is my responsibility to undeniable. is a deep big bucket list member) speak and live my truth. Produce more and write with LN: Staying on the topic of vinyl’s, LN: What are some of the biggest other artists. they are clearly making a huge lessons you’ve learned over time comeback - do you think people LN: What is the one question you since you first started? are going back to analog purely wish I had asked (and obviously for a better sounding listening MF: To let people help me, to didn’t) and why? experience? What makes vinyl’s listen to constructive criticism MF: Maybe just how I am these so trendy? and to trust my gut. days? And the answer is I am MF: It’s really for the true fan, LN: What is one word you would good & Happy and pushing on. not just of the artist’s music but use to describe yourself? of the entire process. I feel like it MF: Resourceful is a real statement for a person to buy vinyl. It means, I don’t care LN: You’ve worked a handful about the download, I don’t want of great musicians/singers, who to stream this, I don’t want to else would you be interested in listen while watching, I want to collaborating with? engage in the listening process by physically participating in what Photo Credit: Right On Records
POSITIVE REFLECTIONS
| By Dian Katz, MS CHURCH VS. STATE - WHY DON’T PEOPLE OBEY?
ver the years, it fair to say, due to one’s religious is a clerk in Kentucky who is in organization after beliefs, others who don’t believe the position of issuing marriage organization, have the same should not be allowed licenses. However, due to her tried to deny certain to shop at a particular store or personal beliefs, she refused to people rights due purchase certain goods that are issue licenses to gay couples Oto their religious beliefs. When sold by a particular domination? believing it goes against the word it comes to religion, it often is Perhaps. However, when it comes of God. This happened after gay the gays who are targeted. Other to one person, not respecting the marriage became legal in all 50 groups are also targeted but for law or doing her job because of states. Kim Davis took the matter this particular article, we are going her religious beliefs, it may be into her own hands and broke the to focus on the gay community. time for her to look elsewhere for law by not issuing licenses to gay Religious folks feel engaging in work. couples who were entitled to them. gay acts goes against the word of She was unable to be fired because The most recent party in the God. All have a right to believe or she was an elected official. This news who engaged in this type follow any religion they choose. enraged the gay community who of behavior is Kim Davis. Davis However, is it fair to say one continued to fire back through religion is better than another? Is social media. Now a little background on Ms. put out a statement saying they only ones who matter? Of course Davis. She has been married four were going to “leave the policy this way of thinking and behaving times. For some reason, God’s debate over same-sex marriage goes back throughout history. Take eyes and ears do not apply to her. to the government and political for example, Hitler. Hitler thought Eventually, the law caught up to arena.”
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ANTIGONE RISING LAUNCHES GIRL BANDS ROCK FOUNDATION Goal is to educate & inspire young girls around the world to accomplish their goals
Antigone Rising has public concerts. to create innovative programming announced the launch of their dedicated to building confidence Since stepping onto the music foundation dubbed Girl Bands in youth by developing leadership scene, AR fused their success with Rock ( www.GirlBandsRock. and creative skills through musical helping educate youths around the org) workshops, outreach programs world on accomplishing goals and performances. he official kick off, as Cultural Ambassadors to the which took place United States Government. Realizing that the music industry during the band’s 2nd does not provide enough worthy Girl Bands Rock is a not for profit Annual Antigone female role models, especially foundation set to inspire and Rising BeachFest in women in self contained rock educate kids, especially young TSea Cliff, NY on September bands, the Girl Bands Rock girls, to pursue careers in the 19th, comes on the heels of a program provides kids the music industry. two-week-long trip as Cultural opportunity to see women excel Ambassadors of the United States Antigone Rising partners with in a male dominated profession to Vietnam performing outreach school districts and youth centers and offers them strong female role programs, master classes and models to emulate. As Cultural Ambassadors to the political commentator and author philosophy--along with writing U.S. Government, the band has Meghan McCain. undeniably catchy songs--has done outreach programs in Israel allowed this self sustained group Best known for relentless touring and Palestine and has recently to maintain their independence and masterful musicianship, returned from an inspiring trip to and leave an indelible mark on an Antigone Rising played upwards Vietnam this past July, 2015 . industry best known for leaving of 280 shows a year in their early girl (bands) behind. The ladies of Antigone Rising days. Whether it was an open mic have also played a part in LGBTQ on a Monday night or a jam packed For the all-female-boot- advocacy, making news when New York City hometown show, stompin'-alt-country-rock Kristin Ellis-Henderson appeared the ladies and their infamous Vanna band ANTIGONE RISING , on the cover of Time Magazine White (the band's beloved 15 helping aspiring young artists while with wife Sarah Kate Ellis- passenger van) eventually blazed giving back to their community Henderson, the president/CEO of a trail straight to arenas alongside is something that comes second GLAAD, for a feature on marriage some of the biggest names in rock nature to a group that is helping to equality. history including The Rolling create music and history. Stones, Aerosmith, The Allman This past June, the band also came FOR MORE Brothers Band, The Bangles and together along with other artists INFORMATION: www. Rob Thomas. to support LGBT acceptance at girlbandsrock.org ; www. the inaugural Concert for Love Founding sisters Cathy and Kristen AntigoneRising.com and Acceptance, presented by Henderson have always had the Grammy-nominated and Dove same philosophy- play better than Award-winning artist Ty Herndon the boys and make sure the fans and GLAAD and co-hosted by feel like part of the family! That
QUEERLY QUESTIONING Purple State Problems | By Juno Parreñas, PhD
hen I moved they host bible study sessions Living in a purple state has its to Columbus, in their home. On the other side challenges and finding allies Ohio a year is a young heterosexual couple who share beliefs is harder and three with a newborn baby. It’s nice than it would seem, especially months ago, that he’s a stay-at-home dad but since our neighborhood is Wmy queer colleagues described it’s not nice that they hang a supposed to be the lesbian mom two neighborhoods of interest: Cleveland Indians flag with its neighborhood. There’s probably Clintonville, which they racist caricature for a mascot. about a two hundred households described as the lesbian mom It makes me wish that I could on our street. And I think we beat neighborhood and Short North, wave a flag made out of Shelf the statistics because from front the supposedly hip lesbian Life Clothing’s t-shirt spoof porch social habits, it seems that neighborhood. I checked out that reads “Caucasians” and there are at least three same- both and chose the first, a has a corresponding mascot. sex households on our street, neighborhood of bungalows that But something stops me from excluding the one I have with looks like Pasadena or North doing so. It’s because they are my partner. Across the street Berkeley but for a fraction otherwise so nice. from us, an older lesbian couple of the cost. What’s good for likes to sit on their porch when As a friend of mine who grew children is often good for dog- the weather is nice. We always up in Indiana, went to school owners: fenced in yard, parks say hi, even when they had a in Iowa, then Rhode Island and within walking distance and Kasich sign on their lawn. They now works in North Carolina high walk score. I was delighted still have a Romney and Ryan had said: “New Englanders to hear that the zip code in bumper sticker on their car. are macro-tolerant and micro- which I live has a higher than intolerant; Midwesterners are We, too, are learning the game. average concentration of two macro-intolerant and micro- We started playing lawn sign adult women living together: tolerant.” My neighbors are a war. We have a Black Lives a whopping 1% instead of the perfect manifestation of that Matter yard sign that we got national average of .6%. Indeed, idea. These are the kind of from St. Louis’ Left Bank all of my lesbian colleagues live neighbors who sometimes plow Books. While another neighbor in my neighborhood. the snow on our side of the responded with a “I Heart But 1% is different from, sidewalk and they don’t seem Ferguson” yard sign, two of our say, 5%, which is the case for to mind that in fecund Ohio, white neighbors told us they Provincetown or 3%, which is where strawberries grow like wanted “Black Lives Matter” the statistic for the emblematic weeds, we have let our yard signs for themselves. Clearly, lesbian town of Northampton, go completely feral. Their we are in a battlefield state! Massachusetts. My immediate tolerance for the insignificant is neighbors to one side are exemplary. But I would rather Christians who seem to not have it the other way around. believe in birth control and
BOOKS
| By Robin Tyler
The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle By Lillian Faderman Simon & Schuster
movement? First of all, I want to confess: I am in this book. So is my wife. But were we not in this book, I would still regard it as the greatest literary achievement chronicling our struggle for equal rights, human rights, liberation and finally, civil rights. Most of us know —and if you ow do I begin to don’t, you should, so Google even describe Lillian — who Lillian Faderman is. Faderman’s The She is a Lambda Literary and Gay Revolution: Stonewall Book award-winning The Story of the author, scholar and retired college HStruggle? By saying it’s a book professor. (She is also married to Faderman covers everything that nearly every reviewer and Phyllis Irwin and they are mothers from the early witch hunts of activist has described as the most and grandmothers). homosexuals and the first attempts well-written and researched, epic to fight back, to Stonewall to historical book about the LGBT Anita Bryant to “don’t ask, don’t tell” to the marriage equality the comprehensive account of one allies to arrive at this point in time. movement. But what makes of the most extraordinary social This is the story of civil rights for Faderman’s book so compelling is movements in modern history. the 21st century!” — Rev. Troy D that she did over 150 interviews, not As gay people approach equality Perry, founder of the Metropolitan just of the famous activists but under the law, Faderman charts Community Churches everyday LGBT people harmed by the course that brought such “The Gay Revolution will be the the hatred against us. She depicts remarkable changes so swiftly. It standard by which all subsequent the rise and fall of the early gay is a dynamic book that matches histories are measured. The fact rights groups, compelling stories the power of the movement that it is written in clear English is that have not been told very much it describes.” — Cleve Jones, in itself a cause for celebration.” but deserve to be. founder of the Names Project — Rita Mae Brown, author She gets it right about Frank (Rubyfruit Jungle) and lesbian Kameny and Barbara Gittings, activist two people rightfully described The Gay I have left out glowing remarks by as what they called each other: Freedom to Marry’s Evan Wolfson the mother and father of the gay Revolution and other fantastic reviews. What rights movement. The book is a is so astounding about all of the page-turner, very difficult to put reviews is — and I will let you in down. But I am just one activist should be on an open secret — is that many saying that this is a brilliant must activists (dare I say most) have read book. Why believe just me? taught in fought with each other over the So here are some quotes about The decades. Gay Revolution: every civil So what finally brought so many “The Gay Revolution fills a of us to agree on one thing? It yawning gap in history literature, rights class was Lillian Faderman’s book. The providing readers for the first time Gay Revolution should be taught with a history of the entire LGBT in every civil rights class in every civil rights movement, from its in every high high school and on every campus. inception in 1950 up through the And everyone, all of you, should current day. Anyone who reads school and buy it and read it. I won’t ask you Faderman’s passionate narrative to do it for us, the old ones who will recognize it as a story that on every gave so much for so many decades ennobles the human spirit and (although I want to ask but I don’t upholds the democratic ideals at need to guilt you). I will ask you the heart of this country’s founding campus. to do it because this is the most documents.” — David Carter, honest, compelling history of our author of Stonewall: The Riots movement and if you participated, That Sparked the Gay Revolution AIDS Memorial Quilt you will love remembering and “The Gay Revolution documents “The Gay Revolution is the if you did not, it will inspire you the momentous effort to definitive history of the gay rights to passionately rise up and get decriminalize homosexuality and movement in America. This book involved. humanize homosexuals.” — Col. will play with your emotions http://www.advocate.com/ (ret.) Margarethe Cammermeyer, as Lillian Faderman takes the books/2015/9/11/one-thing-all- highest-ranking officer to reader on a roller coaster ride of lgbt-activists-agree challenge the military’s anti gay the victories and sacrifices made policy by the LGBT community and its “Lillian Faderman has delivered
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Notes From Nat The Son Shines Brightly on a New Rising of Folk Music | By Nat Burns
hanksgiving is just that the music was born when they stage name Son Little, has created around the corner so I came together as a married couple, his own unique, Americana-fueled thought I’d focus on a combining two creative energies. sound. He recently released his little bit of Americana It’s evident in the sound but what first EP album, Things I Forget. music to herald in the it boils down to is, it’s really all As a young boy, Little repeatedly Tholiday season. I do love folk music about the lyrics. So much so, that traveled across the United States although I draw the line when it the team hands out a book of lyrics and so brings aspects of all regions comes to bluegrass. And when it at every concert. of this amazing country to his music. comes to the actual country genre, Personal favorites were tracks, He incorporates Southern rhythm I like the newer stuff. My mother “Twine” and “ White Stone”. Both and blues, Midwestern country, was a big Patsy Cline fan, however spoke to me and provided just a Los Angeles pop, Louisiana and hearing her always makes me little soul soaring. “Albatross” zydeco, Detroit soul and of course a bit sentimental. and “Linen” are both long songs, New York fusion. In general, his The jury is still out on how much more than five minutes. Not sure music has no genre because he has I like Lowland Hum, even though this is justified but it is relaxing. cemented all of these aspects into they recorded their latest album his own exclusive sound. This EP Here’s a great video of “Twine”, in my hometown, Charlottesville, never disappoints as it delights the not the official one but an ad hoc VA and deserve some allegiance. senses. performance. Imagine, if you will, a thin man I especially liked “The River” and and wife, reminiscent of Grant here’s a great music video of it: Wood’s 1930 painting, American Here’s a nice little studio concert Gothic, singing together on a large of three songs: wooden veranda. He’s on guitar and she’s on harmony. It’s very peaceful. Homey. Currently, the band is on the road I love that bluesy, hip-hop mix. again, touring to promote their After wedding in 2012, Lauren Okay, one more—here’s “Alice”, latest album, Lowland Hum. Plank and Daniel Goans quit their another good one, in my humble Here’s a song, “Odell” from that day jobs and began singing full opinion. album. time. Within a year of the marriage, an album was born. Called Native Air, the work is a bit like a breath I highly recommend these two of fresh, forest air. The untrained album s for anyone who is looking Check out the EP online and then voices remind one of home for for something new, different from wait impatiently for his next work. the holidays, with Uncle Bernie the cookie cutter popular music so and Mom raising their voices in © 2014 Anti/Epitaph prevalent today. song as the turkey roasts in the www.sonlittlemusic.net oven. Lowland Hum also gently © 2015 Lowland Hum ‘Til next month, uses drums and tambourines www.lowlandhum.com/ and they stand on a specially Nat Another aspect of American music designed thumping platform to is using whatever crosses your add percussion. path to make your own individual This husband and wife duo says music. Aaron Livingston, using the
EarthTalk®
What advantages do so-called “vertical farms” have over traditional gardens and farms? | By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
When Dickson Despommier’s with no pesticides.” project like this. Everybody’s book The Vertical Farm: so much more aware of the need Aerofarms is currently Feeding the World in the 21st to reduce transportation, and constructing what will be the Century was first published, people like to know their farmer world’s largest indoor vertical there were no vertical farms. and where food’s coming from.” farm. The $30 million, 69,000 Now, it’s an exciting movement square-foot complex in a former In 2013, FarmedHere opened in U.S. food production, steel mill in Newark, New its vertical farm in an abandoned providing pesticide-free leafy Jersey’s Ironbound District will warehouse in the industrial greens and herbs to a fast- grow up to two million pounds Chicago suburb of Bedford growing population. of kale, arugula and other greens Park. The farm, which was the ontreal’s Lufa annually. At the groundbreaking first of its kind to receive USDA Farms grows red ceremony in July 2015, New national organic certification, has cocktail tomatoes Jersey Acting Governor Kim been successfully distributing its and lots of other Guadagno said: “By 2050, there produce to an extensive array crops on vertical will be nine billion people who of grocers within the Greater Mwalls. need to eat every day. And the Chicago area, including Whole solution is right here on the Foods, Mariano’s, Shop & Indoor vertical farms use LED property you’re standing on.” Save and Pete’s Fresh Market. (light emitting diode) lighting FarmedHere reuses 97 percent of for efficient photosynthesis in Vertical Harvest’s three story, its water, uses no herbicides or place of sunlight, and can grow 13,500 square-foot vertical farm pesticides, and takes advantage plants year round—in half the is also now under construction of indoor growing technology to time and with far less water in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. create optimal-tasting plants. compared to outdoor, open-field With an average annual snowfall farms. There’s also no risk of of 450 inches, one might not The plants have better nutrients, genetically modified (GMO) equate the mountainous region better growing conditions, and seed contamination or crop with year-round local food, but actually we can tweak the taste failure due to weather conditions Vertical Harvest’s tiny 1/10 with lighting and with nutrients, like drought. acre lot next to a parking garage with temperatures, with turning aims to grow up to 100,000 lights on and off at certain times “On average, we’re growing in pounds of tomatoes, herbs and of the day and with humidity,” 16 days what otherwise takes 30 greens annually. It would take said Paul Hardej, who founded days in a field—using 95 percent a traditional outdoor farm five FarmedHere with his wife, less water, about 50 percent acres, or 50 times the land area, Jolanta. “We have conducted a less fertilizers, zero pesticides, to grow that much food. “We’re lot of blind tests with the best herbicides and fungicides,” says replacing food that’s being chefs in Chicago and we found David Rosenberg, chief executive grown in Mexico or California our products to be a winner.” and co-founder of AeroFarms. and shipped in,” explains Penny “People don’t want chemicals McBride, a Vertical Harvest on their food. And we’re able to co-founder. “We feel like the offer them a residue-free product community’s really ready for a © Dutchscenery | Dreamstime.com We All Need Heroes! | By Carl Matthes
ptown Gay and diversity of thought and creative was a favorite of my junior high Lesbian Alliance spirit. classmates!) After high school (UGLA) is and beginning to be out and I am Chair of the event as well as celebrating its about, the fear of being caught President of UGLA. Northeast Los - by friends, family, school UAngeles Pride Event with When I was a teenager, growing- officials, police - was great and “Classic Cabaret,”at 3pm on up gay - even in a city like Los constant. Sunday, October 11. Featuring Angeles - was something to be As I look back, I am struck by the music by 3 lesbian and 8 gay hidden. In addition, being a fact that I had a hero! Someone composers, the program will be classical piano player and the I was first introduced to when I in Eagle Rock at RenArts, 1800 youngest person in my high was 14 years old: Aaron Copland! Colorado Blvd, 90041. While school class (I graduated high Copland was becoming known as these 10 composer are only a tiny school at 16), I was constantly the Dean of American composers percentage of composers who on guard, sometimes teased and and the man who captured the are lesbian and gay, their music even called names. (“Marylou” spirit of an “American” sound captures our community’s wide in his compositions. At that time, I learned his now ultra- and amiable correspondences the Los Angeles Premier of famous piano piece “Cat and with Copland on this project. I Byron Motley’s “Songs of My the Mouse.” What made that so still treasure the letters. People.” These five songs were meaningful, was that, at the same written to various poems and Finally, in college, I read about time, Copland was called before the piano accompaniments were Copland’s personal life. His GOP Senator Joseph McCarthy’s written by Barbara Sherrill. trysts with Leonard Bernstein Senate Permanent Subcommittee Catherine Card will return as and his mentoring and helping on Investigations accused of the singer in Byron’s pieces and so many of America’s young being a communist or, at best, a as the reader in Eve Beglarian’s composers. What an amazing sympathizer! How could this be, rendering of Ruth Crawford man, I thought. He is truly an I thought? Copland wrote “Cat Seeger’s poem, “Fireside.” Los American Hero! and the Mouse”! Angeles composer Denise Dimin will have her song “To Know My interest in Copland continued What It’s Like” sung by Byron into college where, at USC, I A Tribute and then he will sing his own learned his “Piano Variations.” original composition “Paris.” Written in 1930, this piece struck to Lesbian The program’s closing segment fear into most listeners, due to will be “Ragtime Bass” by Virgil it’s unrelenting dissonance and, and Gay Thompson, “Ricercare” by Gian according to Leonard Bernstein Carlo Menotti, “Somewhere” who championed the piece, Composers from “Westside Story” by Leonard could be counted on to empty Bernstein and “Toccata,” which most auditoriums after the first Copland will be represented by I wrote. few notes were played! (In fact, three of his settings of poems when I was about 20, I played UGLA is currently in its 32nd by Emily Dickinson sung by the Variations at a concert at a year of community activism. It Soprano Catherine Card. His Los Feliz Catholic Church here is a charitable and educational famous “Cat and the Mouse” will in Los Angeles. In the audience public service organization follow and a choreography to was my mother who overheard recognized by the Internal the music will be danced. After a Catholic priest whisper to Revenue Service. Its primary that his Piano Violin Sonata his companion, “that boy has a goals are to provide a support will be performed. Next will be troubled soul!”) system for gay men and lesbians selections from “Winter Words” and education for individuals When I debuted in London, by Benjamin Britten as sung by and the community-at-large on I programmed Copland’s Tenor Scott Blois. This will be the true nature of homosexuality. Variations and sent him The followed by two Los Angeles UGLA supports charitable Times of London’s review. To Premiers: Neil Weikel will projects and institutions thereby my excitement, I received a recite his “Poem 161” with an enhancing all Northeast Los letter from Copland thanking accompaniment I wrote and the Angeles and the greater Los me for playing his piece! Later, first half closes with “Raw Silk,” Angeles area. I began working on a project a rag for piano by Nurit Tilles. with the Rockefeller Foundation The second half will open with to record all of Copland’s piano music. I had several personal © Olena Sokalska | Dreamstime.com
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You’re Getting Older - Now What? | By Toni Hart
es, life marches the time you retire. Think how frustrated. on and sometimes much more valuable you would be To avoid frustration, decide first quicker than we wherever you go, if you use your “What” you want to do. What field want. Another gray total brain instead of just a tiny do you really enjoy? Do you like hair, another pain part. The problem happens because to build, create, design? Are you Yhere and there, another birthday.. many volunteer associations think skilled in technology, art, fashion, No, it’s not all bad. There are many first in the number of bodies they food or sports? Have you a dream good parts to growing older. need, rather than what these bodies of starting your own company can offer or need.. Some of us are able to retire and with a product you designed? If take on what we really like to do. you watch “Shark Tank” on ABC, Need to warn you though, funny you will be amazed at the ideas things happen when you retire. At long last, people come up with to start their At first it’s heavenly. You sleep own businesses and then go to late, have whole days where you you have time these entrepreneurs for money to can shop, lunch with friends, visit make things happen. museums, afternoon matinees on your hands Take time to think about what and all sorts of fun. At long last, you would like to do. You know, you have time on your hands and as you age, the days, weeks and can actually finish that book you and can actually years go faster and faster and always wanted to. finish that book you don’t want to be left behind. It’s fun in the beginning but after Perhaps you can brainstorm with awhile, if you don’t have a daily you always like minds and work up something routine, you may feel at ends with together. nothing demanding to do. At work, wanted to. Not everyone can or wants to go you had a system but retirement into business....it may bring a lot doesn’t have one built in. You may of stress before you get it working consider volunteering somewhere. Believe me, I know. When I first and may also take a lot of cash There are zillions of places that started to look for volunteer work, to get started. Perhaps a job in desire your help and time. But be I started with the schools because I a like industry would work for careful and choosy. A lot of these felt I could aid elementary students you - where you could learn the places have menial or grunt jobs. in grammar, language, reading and business and the hows and whys Not that there is any problem with writing, etc. Schools that I visited on someone else’s dime. Whatever that if you don’t want to use your took me on without knowing or it is you decide or not, remember, mind or your brain. However, you having a plan of what I would be this is your retirement time and didn’t get to where you are by doing. I wanted to work with the what, if or where you want to go doing brainless tasks. students, not cut, paste and file is totally up to you. Most likely you have a great deal for the teachers. The schools just of experience and know how by didn’t get it. And..I was totally © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com HOT SPOTS | By Dian Katz, MS
just chillaxin... Ahem, oh sorry, sorry. Lots of great entertainers such as Poppy Champlin, Tret Fure, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Jennie McNulty and more. So hurry up ladies! Mark your calendars and get over there! For more info: womensweekprovincetown. com. COMING OUT DAY is here on OCTOBER 11th!! Yes, it’s national Coming Out Day. Come out, come out wherever you are! I’d like to OOOOOOO!! Here It was a huge success at the think that many of us are already we are again! It’s Provincetown International Film out and it’s a gay world after all... SPOOKTOBER!! I Festival in June. Now Andrea BUT I know how it’s a personal absolutely love this hopes to show it around the world decision and some simply aren’t time of the year. at all film festivals. So look, you ready or wanting to. That is fine. BEveryone dresses up for a holiday, get to see it at women’s week But if there is any chance you can there is a mystical feeling in the and it’s all about the event you stick your left toe out of the closet air.. I don’t know. It just is so cool. are attending! How rad is that!! just a pinch, it’s for a great cause. Wowzers! In addition to film The more people come out and Oh Provincetown ladies... This is festivals, there are a ton of other just be themselves, the more lgbt your time of year!! It’s WOMEN’S exciting things to do during the becomes normalized. Sure, there WEEK PROVINCETOWN week. There will be cabarets, are always going to be people October 12-18. So many exciting dances and sunset sails. Oh now, who don’t like us you know but things happen at this event. My that sounds amazing. I would just hey, look how far we have come!! friend Andrea Meyerson will be chillin’ like a villain aboard that Things are changing ladies and be showing her World Premiere sailboat. Don’t annnyone bother it’s all because more and more of her film CLAMBAKE. It’s a me. I’m taking in a few rays and have decided to stand up to what’s documentary on the history of important and not sit in the back Women’s Week in Provincetown. of the bus, so to speak. There are show their support for lesbian, to attend this month. How about a plenty of nationwide activities gay, bisexual and transgender Pride Fest in JOHANNESBURG going on around the USA, so (LGBT) youth,” say promoters. on October 31st!!!! Yes, there check out your local centers and The reason they wear purple is actually is a pride festival in South HRC for a schedule!! because it “symbolizes spirit on Africa. I know we have heard some the rainbow flag.” GLAAD really terrible things go on in different WEST HOLLYWOOD comes helps our community through parts of Africa but good to know alive on October 31’s for their media so whenever we can, we the gay community still bonds HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL!!!. need to support them. For more together and holds their heads Want to be part of one of the information:www.glaad.org/ high. The title of the festival, “I largest, craziest, Halloween events. AM WHO I AM.” I was about to festivals? Get yer booty down to go into my “I’m Popeye the Sailor west Hollywood on Halloween In Reno, Nevada, there’s going to man.” Sorry.. NOW I understand night and you will be astonished be more than gambling going on. WHY he sang that song!! Ohhhhhh by all of the fabulous costumes OUTWEST FILM FEST will emmmmm ggggg! I get it!! Popeye and activities going on. There will be hosting its event on October was a you know! I mean come on be vendors, great entertainment 16-18 celebrating LGBTQ films! think about it. He eats his spinach and food. This celebration is Dontcha just love these lesbo film singing that corny song I am what HUUUUUGE! If you have never festivals??? It is such a different I am. Wow! He was way ahead of gone, you have to go at least atmosphere to head into an all gay his time. Ahem, sorry, sorry. Got once. And you don’t have to be friendly theater. If you haven’t carried away by my childhood gay to attend. There are plenty of tried it, you really need to! I usually theme song. And you wonder why non-gay people in costumes and pull out my binoculars and look I turned out the way I am
MOVIES EYE C
GIRLS, INTERRUPTED | By John Esther
ne day a 15-year-old Yousafzai and she is the subject siblings. “Out of love,” says girl in Pakistan’s of what may be the most positive Malala.) By comparison, Malala Swat Valley was documentary of the year. is quite conservative compared returning home from to her surroundings. She dresses Directed by Davis Guggenheim school when a group modestly yet quite colorfully. (An Inconvenient Truth), He Oof ignorant, impotent, incompetent Named Me Malala catches up However, Malala is no ordinary ideologues approached her and with Yousafzai in Birmingham, person. Now a Nobel Peace Prize opened gunfire, shooting her in England, as a teenager surviving winner, Malala wrote a blog for the head and elsewhere. Two of in a different culture. (Returning the BBC detailing her life under her friends were injured. to Pakistan is not an option. The Taliban rule and she promoted You see, the girl had it coming Taliban have made it quite clear education for girls. This did not because she dared to advocate they will kill her if she returns.) sit well with the likes of Maulana education to females in a staunchly Fazullah, who was imposing Like other teenage girls, Malala patriarchal society. Sharia law in the mountainous struggles with adolescent concerns region of Swat Valley, Pakistan. “She was not shot by a person; she such as school, dating and siblings. Presumably, he ordered the hit on was shot by an ideology,” says her English is not her first language; Malala. father, Ziauddin Yousafzai. although she is pretty fluent. She finds British girls naughty and With fierce courage, the attempted Miraculously, the girl survived, her two brothers can give the assassination has not stopped going on to be an international middle child a hard time. (Oddly, Malala one single iota. Her symbol of inspiration and courage, there is mild violence amongst organization, The Malala Fund, earning the Nobel Peace Prize works to assure quality education in 2014. Her name is Malala to girls around the world. “We cannot all succeed if half of established. Those who disobeyed members and other began to raise us are held back,” says Malala. were shunned. To put it mildly, their voices. Warren eventually this was and is an ideal situation became a wanted man. When he Remarkably, Malala holds no for a megalomaniac who wished went into hiding, Warren was on anger for the ideologue dupes who nothing more than unwavering the FBI Top Ten list right next to tried to kill her yet paralyzed a obedience. Osama bin Laden. part of her face and perforated her eardrums but she holds no fear of After Rulon Jeffs died – under Thanks to the hard work of them as well. “Humility forgives,” suspicious circumstances – Warren reporters and private detectives, she says. Steed Jeffs took over FLDS. The Warren could only escape the law second of numerous children, for so long. Eventually, he was At a brisk 87 minutes, He Called Warren was a little creep for as brought to justice and sentenced Me Malala hits the necessary points long as people remember. When he to life plus 20 years. of one courageous girl, serene was young Warren would act like beyond her age, who stood up to Nonetheless, Warren’s a weirdo but thanks to his mother the “religious freedoms” of the incarceration did little to stop the – the sixth wife of his father, she far right in Pakistan. Guggenheim flow of his followers. Millions of would attack others rather than injects himself at points to create dollars had been raised. Members address her son’s behavior. Little an intimate effect of his adorable of the cult have been trained. Like Warren took note. When it became subject. The animation team also a criminal lord, bars have not clear his father was very ill, Warren adds a bit of flare. While the subject stopped Warren’s rule. took steps to make sure he was in may be a bit stressful at times, this charge of his father’s affairs. Once Arriving at a time when people are is the kind of documentary I wish his father died, Warren pretended using religion to oppress others in every child in the United States to talk to his father from “the other the name of “religious liberty,” (and Pakistan) would watch. side.” However, that pretext was Berg’s thorough, engaging Nowhere as inspiring yet equally soon abandoned and Warren acted documentary is a blistering as important for youth culture like the earth’s prophet with God indictment on blind obedience to acknowledge is writer- talking to him. amounting to nothing less than director Amy Berg’s Prophets religious privilege at the expense With such power and obedience Prey, a damning look into the of young girls married as young at his command Warren began utter patriarchal control of the as the age of 12. Indeed, there are conducting his affairs with brutal Fundamentalist Church of Jesus some ghastly images of Warren and joyless precision, constantly Christ of Latter-Day Saints kissing little girls on the mouth. demanding that his follower prove (FLDS). And then there is the sex tape with their worthiness before his and a 12-year-old. After years of religious persecution, God’s eyes – something about in 1890 the Church of Latter Day “oneness” and other mumbo Combined, He Named Me Saints (AKA Mormons) decided to jumbo. Males needed to donate Malala and Prophet’s Prey once abandon polygamy, the highest of their labor to the church while again reminds viewers that there 100 commands God had given its females had to serve the prophet. remains a tragic, relentless war founder, Joseph Smith. Mormons The fact that he was a goddamn on girls around the world in the who disliked such anti-patriarchal pedophile did little to curb his name of religion. Of course, it is ideals formed the FLDS. increasing power. Those who not really a religion but rather a questioned, the apostates, were ruse, a discourse of demand and Shunned for their illegal and excommunicated. The local police denounce. And of course, the idiotic behavior, members of were under his control so they leaders never give up anything, the FLDS pretty much isolated were useless. only their followers. themselves from the rest of the world. Unexposed to the outside Fortunately, Warren created Look to find both documentaries on world, church leaders were able enough enemies who found the the short list of best documentaries to indoctrinate their members courage to stand up, starting to of 2015. through isolation and a lack of bring lawsuits against Warren. education. A staunch hierarchy was Raped girls and raped family male WHY I AM SUPPORTING MY FRIEND, GINNY FOAT, FOR MAYOR OF PALM SPRINGS | By Robin Tyler
hen I told Ginny’s compassion is her Since Palm Springs is considered a my friend competency. For years Ginny has ‘gay’ city, one would not consider Ginny, who been on the Palm Springs City this a problem. But of course, it was Executive Council and has helped develop even makes it more of a problem. Director of and advance (through the network For some of the gay men who WCaring for Babies with Aids, that of Palm Springs neighborhoods) still worship talented but tragic I was going to try to get Princess many of the policies that have figures like Judy Garland (whom Diana for their yearly fundraiser, taken Palm Springs from a sleepy I adore), it is difficult to accept a she did not bat an eyelash. Ginny little 1950’s crumbling village, strong lesbian. Oh yes, they loved had worked with me when I was the to, during the worst economic us during the AIDS crisis. Our Producer for the Main Stage at the crisis of our times, financial strength and dedication to helping 1987 March on Washington, and stability, a balanced budget, an them go through this Holocaust, what we both had in common was A+ credit rating, innovative ideas has been mentioned time and time our ability to dream big. (Princess for economic investment in the again. But that was then and this Diana did accept, through her community, its infrastructure, and is now. executive secretary. I kept the through Measure J, the streets. faxed letter from Kensington When I visited Palm Springs I use Hopefully, this will not stop Ginny Palace for years. ) to shop in Rancho Mirage or Palm from becoming the Mayor of Palm Desert. Springs. But it could. Because, But the Princess was going through like Hillary, when the attacks come a divorce, and when I notified Now, I never have to leave Palm and the vitriol comes, it goes from Ginny she could not come, instead Springs. Ginny has always had being a drop of water to a tsunami of being upset, Ginny was very vision and she knew how to of hatred. So, here’s to Ginny and concerned that Diana was OK. implement it. She sounds like a here’s to Hillary. You have both This is the absolute essence of ‘shoo in’, doesn’t she? But, like been through so much and are both Ginny Foat. the most competent politician so phenomenal, that hopefully, After coming from a background running for President today, for once, our community and our of being a battered woman, to Hillary Clinton, Ginny has one country will do the right thing by becoming not just a survivor large drawback. They are both electing you. but a winner, Ginny’s sense of strong women. And like Hillary, compassion was and is unending. Ginny has to constantly defend To support Ginny, go to Perhaps that is why there is now her record, constantly earn trust VOTEFOAT.COM a state of the art no kill animal and constantly, fight the misogyny shelter in Palm Springs. and ‘whisper campaign’ that goes with being a powerful women The only thing that matches capable of doing a powerful job. FOR MOMS-TO-BE | By Sherron Mills
ne of the decisions of his young life. He stopped smiling and the donor accomplishments decided to pursue the option of assured him he very much looked I’m most proud of contacting his sperm donor. With forward to meeting him. “It was as the director of a mixture of nerves, anticipation such a moving experience,” a lesbian-focused and a desire for a degree of closure, Cooper said. They have stayed in Osperm bank was our decision more he filled out the request to Pacific contact. than 30 years ago to ensure we Reproductive Services for the But not all young people have could provide our recipients a wide donor’s information. shown the same interest as Connor range of “willing to be known” “I don’t know what to expect, what and others in making contact with donors when a child reaches 18. to feel,” Cooper said. “Just to know their donors. At least not yet. They It was a huge challenge at that his name is pretty great.” His may at some point in their lives. time – donor anonymity was the moms, for different reasons, were But the main thing for me – and rule – and we were one of only just as nervous. “I just hope it goes for their mothers – is that they two sperm banks working to find well – it’s so momentous,” one have that option open to them. donors willing to make this major commented. commitment. Sherron Mills The long-awaited telephone I’ll never forget Cooper, one of the Founder and Director conversation was captured forever first babies conceived using sperm Pacific Reproductive Services by a film crew working on an from one of these donors. At the Sperm Bank, Fertility and MTV documentary on gay parents age of 19 and with the full support Insemination Services and their children. Connor never of the lesbian couple who are his pacrepro.com parents, he made one of the biggest
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A Letter About Dying, to My Lesbian Communities | By Jeanne Cordova, September 8,2015
his letter is meant as a Exploratory project and I finished fingers and hands feel tingling and notification and thank my third book, When We Were numb like when you fall asleep on you to the thousands of Outlaws. The cancer came back your leg or hands. Only, it doesn’t members of the national in 2013. Metastasized first to my go away. I can’t stand up without lesbian community lungs and then to my cerebellum. holding onto a wall or background Twhose activism, lives and loves Yes, my head. With brain and back- support. I can’t feel where my have touched my own. Especially of-the-neck cancer it has been a feet are. Yeek! I freak myself out those dykes who have become downhill experience the last three talkin’ about it! How about you? family and siblings of choice over years, with multiple operations, A guru once told me, “We die in the last 40 years. Yes, the rumors radiation and Chemo. This increments, one piece at a time.” are true, I have metastasized to- February I had Chemotherapy. She meant one part of our body the-brain cancer. I am dying from Among a host of side-effects, it’s suddenly ceases to work, an elbow it in my cerebellum. given me “chemo brain,” which or a tongue. Seemingly for no amounts, basically, to “getting I have had cancer since 2008. reason, like a worn out knee. This stupid.” Just saying. This month’s Colon cancer. For the first four came as a surprise. I thought we so-called side effect is peripheral years I brushed it off, as I’ve get old or die...suddenly and all at neuropathy. That’s from Chemo, done many times with physical once. Not so! they say, and it makes your feet, illness or difficulties. I continued Many of us have gotten cancer and my activism with the Lesbian died. I write publicly to the women national paper of record, as the or loved ones have gone through who have defined my life because historians say, for the lesbian death rituals these last years. It I want to share this last journey, feminist generation. And on it went makes me feel like one-of-the as I have shared so much of my for multiple decades of marches gang...again! activist life with you. You gave and later online organizing--this I really don’t know when or if I can me a life’s cause. It is wonderful time intersectionally, to include write again. Mental competency to have had a life’s cause: freedom all of me and my Latina identity. and all that. The choice appears and dignity for lesbians. I believe Somewhere in the middle of all to be living with chemo forever that’s what lesbian feminism is that I, somewhat accidentally, off and on, or dying. I will make really about, sharing. We built a invented the Gay & Lesbian that choice soon enough. In the movement by telling each other Community Yellow Pages, a first meantime, please write or speak our lives and thoughts about the for our by-then national tribe. your own truth in living with dying way life should be. We cut against This Los Angeles 400 page guide (*3) to your lesbian newspaper or the grain and re-thought almost that helped us still-half-hidden my blog below(*4). everything. With just enough left people to connect, politically I undone for our daughters to re- thought initially, with businesses I want to say THANK YOU to all invent themselves. Death should and professionals that spoke to us of you who have loved another be a part of life. Not hidden, not within our own identities. That it woman-identified-woman, who a secret, something we never said did but this directory and lucky have loved me, or have loved out loud. timing in life-long real estate, Lesbian Nation. I wish I could still also enabled me to fulfill an early write about this kind of love more Being an organizer and journalist personal vow to give back half of eloquently. Lesbians do have a in the lesbian, gay, feminist and my estate to our movement. I do this special love for one another. I have women of color communities— with Astraea Lesbian Foundation felt it many times when women and loving it--has been the focal for Justice (out of New York City) are with each other. I am happy point, of my life. It has been a and other organizations. I believe and content to have participated wild joyous ride. I feel more it so critical to our transforming in it for most of my very full and than adequately thanked by the movements to leave our estates to happy life. Least you be too sad, many awards I have received our LBGTQ charities, not some know that I have this kind of love from all the queer communities errant heterosexual relation we not only with my family of choice, and through all the descriptions hardly know! More on this political but with a straight arrow spouse and quotes in history books that news and views to follow. (*1) with whom I have journeyed these have documented my role as an last twenty-six years. organizer, publisher, speaker and I believe that cancer or any author. Thanks to all of you who terminal disease is the luck of the *1 Lesbian newspaper out have given me a place in our draw. As my mother used to say of Ann Arbor, MI. Email; history. of my Aunt who was also a nun [email protected]. of ninety years, “At that age, you From the age of 18 to 21, I painfully *2 See press release from Astraea. got to die of something.” I have looked everywhere for Lesbian read the obituaries in Lesbian *3 Cordova is in the process of Nation. On October 3, 1970, a day Connection (*2) these last years a fourth book due out “maybe I celebrate as my political birthday, as they chronicle the passage of someday,” called Living With I found Her in a small DOB my 2nd wave generation. The one Dying. (Daughters of Bilitis) meeting. message that rings out clearly is That’s when my life’s work became *4 Cordova’s blog; that so many, many in these pages clear. Shortly thereafter I became thislesbianworld.blogspot.com were activists who articulated a core organizer for two national social justice in their local or lesbian conferences, one of which regional spaces. Many dykes re-directed my path to create The making change. So many of you Lesbian Tide news-magazine, a Vendange Carmel Inn | By Lillian Jensen
endange is the drinking a glass of wine around the for a honeymoon or romantic perfect getaway fire pit, or stopping by the lobby getaway. destination located for nightly hors d’oeuvres, will The Inn offers breakfast daily. in the village of make your trip more memorable. Carmel-by-the- Wine Themed Rooms: are Dawn’s There are 18 rooms in the Inn Sea. It is the first wine themed Dream, Galante, J. Lohr, Joullian, V which is owned and operated by Inn in all of Carmel and Monterey. Manzoni, McIntyre, Otter Cove, the Lee family. Sleeping areas are Each room is named after a local Pierce Winery, Tudor, Twisted appointed with memory foam- winery. These partnered wineries Roots, Ventana, Cima Colina. top beds, deluxe linens, WiFi, design their own rooms in their and high-definition flat screen own creative manner, providing televisions. guests with a memorable and fun experience. Carmel Beach, The separate Cottage Suite offers has exquisite shops, world class a generous 650 square feet of restaurants and beautiful beaches. living space. With a California You’ll see what makes Vendange King bed, 50” high definition flat a once in a lifetime stay. Their screen television, gas fireplace and gardens, the grand pergola, kitchenette, it’s the perfect place LESBIANS ON LOCATION Long Beach Evening Escapade Art & Music
Film premiere of Clambake Film premiere of Clambake Ashley, Gladi, Ella, Christin Breakfast with Ashley, and Christin
Christin and Ashley at home Ella and Gladi at Luna Bella
Ella, hair cut from Christin Gladi with French Toast POETRY Growing
| By Morag Hillsinger
Hanging on to vacation’s shirttail “Don’t Go!” Time to air out the linens And prepare for the show
Do I trust God has got this? Do I go with the flow?
How I wish for sweet childhood Slamming fist in leather pocket and Yelling “Bring it On!”
(But now that I know about spiders/ and don’t lay on the lawn.)
If there’s a tween between adulthoods This is dark before dawn.
© Margaritavasina | Dreamstime.com FEMASTROLOGY | By Victoria Bearden
ositive changes are broken.” Consider holding off on and the Dear Departed are more on the way…good big decisions until a few days after accessible. A great time of year for news after some of October 9, if possible, as things truth seekers, ghost hunters and the confusion of the will be much smoother. spiritual detectives! previous month! Venus, the planet of love, leaves There’s a Full Moon at 3 degrees PSeptember was tense; with extravagant Leo and enters Taurus on October 27. The eclipses, Super Moons, Mercury discriminating Virgo on October Scorpio/Taurus polarity helps us Retrograde and then some! 8, remaining in this sign for about determine what is truly essential October signals a return to balance 6 weeks. This will help us to focus and meaningful, both physically (think Libra!) But we still need to and channel creative energy. It also and spiritually. Release things that get Mercury out of retrograde to can help us to be more practical are no longer serving your highest “get the lead out.” This occurs on concerning matters of the heart. good. October 9, 2015 but don’t assume all systems are “GO” until a few There is a New Moon at 19 degrees Opportunity Days: October 2, 5, days later. When Mercury goes Libra on October 12, 2015, which 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, direct, it’s still packing a powerful will be a great moment of change 27, and 28. and revelation for many. The Sun punch for at least a few more days, Femastrology Horoscopes for and Moon in Libra will oppose if not longer. October 2015 Uranus in Aries, highlighting and During these Mercury Retro cycles potentially disrupting stagnant For all the Sun Signs: Even things tend to go bananas. This situations in relationships. This though Mercury Retrograde is includes thoughts, communication, unique “New Start” could free us still in tow, prepare for new starts technology, machinery, and travel. from restrictive patterns if we are and opportunities. By mid-month It’s hard to know what’s up during ready. Oppositions from Venus, there’s a Cosmic Green Light for these periods, as misinformation is Mars, and Jupiter in Virgo to just about anything you might have common, mistakes are more likely mysterious Neptune in Pisces call in mind. Special Note: Those born and things just tend to reverse attention to the need to separate in 1980 will find the New Moon themselves. Not everything goes fact from fantasy when it comes on October 12 profound, as the wrong during Mercury Retrograde, to our heart’s desires. Sun and Moon in Libra highlight however. Often, important people Uranus’ opposition to your natal The Sun enters Scorpio on and issues from the past resurface Pluto. Many 35-year-olds will October 23, 2015, as we head for and we get a chance to review, have some truly monumental Halloween, All Saints and Dia reconnect and renew. Lessons in Love around this time! de los Muertos. This is the time Mid-October brings clarity and a when the veil between the worlds chance to “fix that which has been is thin and messages from spirit
Aries (March 21-April 19) Radical change and Libra (September 23-October 22) You have transformation continues with revolutionary the spotlight, what will you do with it? People Uranus deep into your sign. Rams born April 8 are noticing you and want to hear what you have to through 12 know exactly what I’m talking about! say. Libras born in early October will feel the winds Be courageous and step into new territory. The New of change very strongly now. Don’t be afraid to take Moon on the 12th will help you get clarity regarding the lead in key relationships. important relationships and legal issues. Time to break old patterns and step into the unknown. Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Explore your inner depths and get in tune with your spirit. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’ll need to focus You may have gotten a bit side tracked recently. But on practical matters of work, health and your don’t stay in Zen contemplation too long. This month daily routine but will get a major shot in the arm to is also a great time to re-establish your connections do so from a quartet of planets in Earth Signs. This to friends and groups. could be an incredibly productive month! Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) Love, fun and Career and social connections are active and creativity are the order of the day but don’t lose much can be accomplished. But Saturn in Sagittarius track of the big picture. You need to consider your is front and center and you need to keep it REAL. future needs and use some of this inspiration towards Don’t run away from responsibilities. Tackle them! your goals. This is a favorable time to network and Time to get really clear about what you are doing and connect. what you are all about!
Cancer (June 21-July 21) Intense energy Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Career surrounds issues of home, family and security. and life goals should be your top priority now. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! And Make necessary changes with your schedule and Cancers know how to tackle problems, both pinchers in the home to enhance your ability to get with the snapping! Be prepared to release some old plans and FLOW. Take care of things that have held you back. allow the Universe to provide something better. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) This Leo (July 23-August 22) Tons of activity and is an important time to deal with any legal change may have you running in circles! Try or financial issues tying you to others. This could to maintain some semblance of order, as this month be a very fortunate period, so you don’t want to be could be quite beneficial financially if you have encumbered. your head on straight. If you don’t, you may tend to squander resources or miss opportunities because Pisces (February 19-March 20) Helpful people your plate is too full and/or you are distracted. Some arrive, commitments must be made about Lions must attend to important legal matters. career and life direction and you must stay grounded! If your feet are on the ground, your inner guidance Virgo (August 23-September 22) Luck is will take you to where you need to go. smiling upon you, with possible financial gain and a chance for attention and recognition. This is not a time to be hesitant. But you must make sure you are applying your energies towards realistic goals!
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“Stardust Reveries” An exhibit of celestial abstract art by Susan St. Thomas at the Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N Main St Sebastopol CA 95465. www. sebastopol-gallery.com. 707 829- 7200 With over 40 years as a professional astrologer, Susan combines her fascination with the language of the stars and her lifelong expression as an artist. This collection is inspired by the images captured by the Hubble telescope of deep space – a boundless realm of ever changing form. Susan uses layered glazes of acrylic to create depth and a dance of light and color, sometimes mixing media and collage. Capable of both precision painting and loose free flowing washes, she integrates a variety of innovative techniques to express her imagination. You can watch all the Gay USA video’s by clicking the video above. Internet Connection required. Subscribe To Lesbian News NOW
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Domestic Abuse / Violence - Get Help Domestic abuse and violence have been front-page news lately, and a topic of discussion throughout the country. The US Department of Justice defines domestic violence as, “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” It can be: Physical Sexual Emotional Economic Psychological
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