LESBIAN NEWS VOL. 44 ∙ NO. 09 ∙ April 2019
DAYA THE QUEEN DOESN’T NEED A KING
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2019
THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR
SEASON OF LOVE LN Contributors
Anne Laure Pineau At 32, Anne Laure is a Parisian journalist working for national magazines (ELLE, Paris-Match, Liberation) on many subjects, from the far-right and conservative movements in France, to the Angola Prison Rodeo in Louisiana. She has the absolute conviction that her job is political and can enlighten the human complexity. As a feminist, as an anti-racist and as a lesbian, she is working daily to give a space to the untold stories. (Photo: Juliette Robert).
Beth Shipp is the first Executive Director of LPAC, the lesbian Super PAC that builds the political power of lesbian, queer, bisexual and transgender women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. She is a political strategist with more than 20 years of experience working for women’s reproductive rights, Democratic candidates and progressive causes. Prior to joining LPAC, Ms. Shipp was the political director for NARAL Pro- Choice and worked on a variety of federal and state campaigns throughout the nation.
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. ln July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 50 years, by Los Angeles 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.
Carla Ferrer Russo, PhD is a Professor of Natural Medicine, a Registered Yoga Instructor, and a pioneering Behaviorist & Life Coach in the field of transformation and consciousness for healthy lifestyle living. For over twenty years, Dr. Carla’s work has focused on sharing both her personal and professional experience addressing the whole being, mind, body and spirit; empowering profound personal and professional break-throughs for individuals and organizations throughout the United States and United Kingdom (EU).
Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown are owners and wife team of LunaBella Makeup and Hair in Santa Barbara, CA. Originally from Oakland, CA. they met there at 17 years of age and have been together for over 12 years. Legally married in California on October 3, 2008, their company has since taken off. They absolutely love not only what they do but also how uniquely they work together.
Dian Katz works a variety of arenas. With a background in Marriage Counseling and a history as a professional performer, she’s LN’s Entertainment Editor and Self Help columnist. Dian’s also authored a book entitled: Love Hurts· A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness. She sometimes works the motivational speaking circuit. Dian’s an award winning drummer with her own rock band. Out of all the many hats she wears, performing and writing are her biggest passions. Dina Evan, PhD is a noted speaker and veteran activist for LGBT Women’s and Human Rights. She is a professional counselor and spiritual coach working with individuals, couples and organizations from coast to coast. She has authored three books, Inspiration Cards, Calendars and Meditation CD’s. She provides tools for creating successful relationships which she believes are the path to consciousness. Dina feels the highest assignment today is simply waking up. (602) 997-1200 • www.drdinaevan.com
Gladi Adams, PhD is a native New Englander who was recruited in Boston by the Los Angeles 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 consecutiverunning - 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.
Lynda Montgomery was born in Long Beach, a small town in Canada. She loves a parade, 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 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 wrote and edited for regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles. Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids.
Mona Elyafi has been writing celebrity magazine profiles, entertainment news and lifestyle columns for two decades. She currently writes for the Huffing ton Post, and serves as the West Coast correspondent for Diva Magazine (Dubai’s leading Women’s fashion magazine) writing 1!11 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 Reba Birmingham is our LN poet, writing until recently under the Nom de Plume Morag Hillsinger. She is also a practicing lawyer and an author with Regal Crest Publishing. Her debut novel, Floodlight, is now available on Bella Books, Amazon and Kobo. It is the first in a series about the LGBT characters that inhabit the fictional town of Merryville California. It is quirky and fun. The sequel will be released in 2018.
Nat Burns is an award-winning novelist and journalist who lives and writes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has authored novels in several genres for four different publishers and has just released her eleventh novel, a lesbian romance called Lights of the Heart. Her shorter works and essays have appeared in more than fifty publications and she’s been writing for LN since 2009. Burns is now writing full time after retiring from her career as editorial systems coordinator for a medical publishing company. www.natburns.com
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: PilotGodless- 2010- 2012; CD- Spoken Word 2005; Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004; Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts: Law & Order; The Practice; Cold Case; CSI Las Vegas.
Robin Tyler is a pioneer activist in the LGBT community. In the 1970’s, she became the first ‘out’ lesbian or gay comic on television, albums and in concert. In addition to 25 Women’s Music and Comedy Festivals, Robin produced the main stages for 3 OD of the LGBT Marches on Washington. Robin and her wife, Diane Olson, were the first lesbian plaintiffs to file the lawsuit that brought marriage equality to California and were the first to marry in Los Angeles County.
Sally Sheklow came out in 1973 and has been with her “wifey” for 25 years. They live in Eugene, Oregon with their two cats. Sally’s “Living Out” column 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 Ill 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 weeklong dates with her partner, Sara.
Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director ofthe Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two ~ decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands - jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute.
Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite- freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause.
Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her website at www.astrologysandiego.com April 2019
CONTENTS
LESBIAN NEWS
COVER STORY
DAYA The queen doesn’t need a king By Nat Burns
FEATURE
INSIDE LN TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2019 LGBTQ stories from immersive to short films HOTSPOTS By Joseph F. Nacino FUN IN THE SUN
POETRY CHRISTCHURCH THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR A powerful film on the transgender civil rights battle FEMASTROLOGY By LN Staff APRIL 2019
SEASON OF LOVE Tello Films and Dash Productions’ queer holiday rom-com By Mona Elyafi VIRGINIA URIBE OBITUARY By Gail Rolf
Follow Us Online! LIFESTYLES LESBIANNEWS.COM MoviesEyeC GIRLS OF THE SUN Women driven to fight Isis in 2014 Let us know By John Esther what you think. Notes From Nat NEVER JUST SITS TO LOOK PRETTY Hard work and respect for women define pop artist Daya By Nat Burns
Book Review A MEMOIR This excerpt originally appeared in My Butch Career By Esther Newton / Published by Duke University Press
Spirituality MORE By Dina Evan, PhD COLUMNS
Words that Make Sense TWO AND A HALF POUNDS OF LOVE A tiny little teacup Chihuahua brings such joy and love. By Toni Hart
Positive Reflections CHILL OUT ON THE STRESS LEVELS One little thing can push you over the edge when you are maxed out on stress. By Dian Katz, MS
Dyke Musing SPRING SONG By Sue Moore
DAYA The queen doesn’t need a king By Nat Burns
t’s coming! Yes, the largest girl party fast, maybe so fast that it didn’t convey exactly starting my initial involvement with music. Then music festival in the world is just moments what she wanted to convey. So, work on her next it just naturally became my thing from three- away. Soon more than twenty thousand album is taking a bit longer as she focuses on years-old on. lesbians and lesbian-friendly people will finding her exact right voice and feelings. She’s converge on Palm Springs, California older now, has grown a lot, is more experienced LN: What do you think Gino Barletta and for a five-day weekend of fun and frolic, in the music biz, so her sophomore piece will Christina Chirumbolo saw in you at age thirteen music and laughter and, one hopes, lots of love. no doubt be truer to who she is becoming as an that got them interested in working with you at One thing is certain and that’s the appearance adult. She also has a girlfriend these days and their music camp? of consistently high-quality entertainment. that first love may just change the tenor of all I future albums. D: I think they recognized how thirsty I was to One Dinah headliner, Daya, is a young get out of the bubble of Mt Lebanon/Pittsburgh phenomenon who hails from Pittsburgh. She We managed to catch up with her and ask her a and get involved in the larger music world, and grew up in a small township there and was few questions. how I’d do anything to get there something of a musical prodigy by the age of three. By the time she was sixteen, she Lesbian News: What prompted your interest in LN: Did you ever dream you would one day be already had a major hit under her belt and was music when you were three and started learning a Grammy-winning artist? Or were you always performing on television and touring with other piano? Was it instigated by your parents or was sure it would happen? musical artists regularly. it something you were really interested in? D: I think of the Grammy win as a direct tribute Throughout that whirlwind of activity, her first Daya: My parents are huge supporters of the to how hard I worked to get there. I’d been album, “Sit Still, Look Pretty”, happened really arts and music, so they played a big role in dreaming of it since I was a kid and once I start dreaming of things, I don’t stop at anything to get there. So partially a manifestation of my will and partially luck because you never really can predict those things.
LN: Elvis Duran chose you for his Artist of the Month in 2015 which led to a number of on-air performances. Do you believe that had a crucial impact on how fast your career has skyrocketed?
D: I think so. When you get someone behind your music who has the reputation that Elvis has, the impossible suddenly feels attainable. I’m grateful for Elvis’s support as well as all the other radio personalities and industry names who took a chance on me as a little girl, straight out of high school with absolutely no following.
LN: You went to the White House and met the Obamas! How crazy was that?
D: I diiid. This was probably the most stimulating moment of my career— to have my political values come together with my music at the centerpiece of the country’s government. The Obamas were even more graceful and perfect in person than I expected. Michelle was chill and so interested and made me immediately feel at home. I miss them so much.
LN: You won a Grammy in 2017 for “Don’t Let Me Down” a compilation with The Chainsmokers. How did your part on that track come about? Did they approach you?
D: Yeah, the Chainsmokers approached me at the same time both “Hide Away” and “Roses” were starting to take off, so it was the perfect storm of things. It was my first collaboration so I had no idea how anything worked but I was just so excited about the song I did everything I could to have it. I knew it was something special from the start and am so happy with the reception it’s had.
LN: How freeing was it when you finally came out as bisexual in 2018 for National Coming Out Day? Has doing so changed your life in any significant way?
D: Probably one of the most liberating things in my life is to finally be straight up about it and just be unapologetic in who I am. I think it’s an important part of my identity and I think it’s been really valuable to share it, especially with my fans who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community. Also, I really couldn’t hide it any longer if I tried–my girlfriend and I spend every second we have together.
LN: You’ve written several songs with Gino Barletta. Working with such a big presence could have been overwhelming for a new performer. Did you fall right in step co-writing songs, or did it take some serious adjustment on your part?
D: The reason I initially came out to LA that first weekend, when we wrote “Hide Away”, was to be in a room with LA songwriters and work on my writing. I’d come out of a few years being really intrigued by the process but still needed some polishing, so that was the perfect next step for me. I wouldn’t say that I’m even now where I wanna be with my writing. The exciting thing about it is that there’s always room for more growth and the more I do it, the better I get.
LN: You’ve had a lot of musicians and performers take you under their wing–Gino, Christine, RL Grime, Gryffin, Illenium, The Chainsmoker guys, Alex and Drew, the list goes on. My question is, who of this group would you call first if your car broke down and you were all alone?
D: Hmmm, I think probably Gryffin (Dan). He’s one of the most chill and nicest people I’ve met. I went to his wedding in Malibu a few months ago and it was genuinely one of the most fun nights I’ve had in LA.
LN: So, when you aren’t touring, working in the studio or writing songs, what do you like to do in your down time?
D: I’ve kinda gotten into cooking. I like how mindless and therapeutic it is after rehearsing or being at the studio all day. I also love watching movies. I’ve watched a lot of movies this year.
LN: What’s your favorite food?
D: My favorite meal, ever, is the salmon and mashed potato plate from Granville. I probably have it two to three times a week.
LN: What instrument do you enjoy playing the most? Or is straight up singing the best for you?
D: Piano! LN: Did your family move to LA with you or do they still live in Pennsylvania?
D: PA ❤️
LN: Is it true you have four sisters? Are you able to stay close to the family?
D: Yes, they’re genuinely my best friends and the coolest and smartest people I know. I have no clue where I’d be without them and their support <3
LN: What’s next? What are you working on right now?
D: Next project is coming soon. Stay tuned. Love y’all xx
The Dinah is an annual event created by Mariah Hanson to celebrate, unite and empower women. It’s now celebrating its twenty-ninth year and once more includes high profile musical performers, huge pool parties with DJs and go- go dancers and red-carpet events.
Offerings this year include Taylor Rene, the winner of The Dinah’s Emerging Artist Contest, who will be performing at Zelda’s. Next, at the Hilton poolside is Kodie Shane. Then Leikeli47 is up at the convention center and headliner Bri Steves joins Dorian Electra at the Hilton’s L Word Pool Party. Grammy-award winner Daya will perform Saturday night on the convention center main stage. The Sunday wrap up will include Kiana Lede and Snow Tha Product at Hilton poolside with an evening performance by Diiamon’d Royalty at the Zelda’s closing party. Other performers include Danie, Kat Florex, Kaycee Clark, Kiana Lede, Shai Negron, Fortune Feimster, Rose Garcia, Samiere and Chaunte Wayans. With this lineup, it’s sure to be yet one more memorable year.
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TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2019 LGBTQ stories from immersive to short films By Joseph F. Nacino
GBTQ stories have always been gaming, music, and online work. TRIBECA IMMERSIVE a major part of the Tribeca Film Festival, and this year’s offering is By championing emerging voices and curating Tribeca isn’t one to be let itself be left behind by no different. innovative experiences, Tribeca has also helped technology. Thus, there’s Tribeca Immersive, boost works by LGBTQ creators and stories which presents the intersection of storytelling Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane through premieres, exhibitions, talks, and live and technology in its debut of more than 30 Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001, the New performances. immersive experiences at the Virtual Arcade York City-based festival—which is presented by and Tribeca Cinema360. AT&T and is now on its 18th year—serves as This year’s festival will take place from April La platform to connect visionaries with diverse 24 to May 5 and you can catch what’s going Tribeca Immersive serves as an incubator for audiences even as it celebrates storytelling in to be shown at http://www.tribecafilm.com/ innovation and a global stage for top VR creators. all its forms. But while the festival focuses on festival#Tribeca2019. However, if you want the That’s why visitors to the Virtual Arcade will film (especially independent films) and TV, it’s lowdown, we’ve done the legwork on this year’s find a lineup of 22 compelling VR, AR, and MR also pushing the boundaries by including VR, roster of LGBTQ creators and their works below: experiences and exhibits. Meanwhile, Tribeca Cinema360 has 12 curated screenings in a custom VR theater. (رخآ ملح) ”Another Dream
“Tribeca Immersive remains committed to the power of new technology as a dynamic vehicle for storytelling,” said Loren Hammonds, Senior Programmer, Film & Immersive for Tribeca Film Festival.
This year’s Virtual Arcade also features Storyscapes juried selections that integrate audience participation with interactive installations.
Among the works having its world premiere ملح) ”at the Storyscapes is “Another Dream which shows the gripping, true story of ,(رخآ an Egyptian lesbian couple who are trapped by the post-Revolution backlash against their community and must decide to choose between I Think She Likes You love or home.
TRIBECA SHORT FILMS
There’s also a slew of LGBTQ short films at the festival, which continues to serve as a launch pad for promising filmmakers. This year’s festival has 63 short films—six narrative, four documentary, and one animation—coming from international and US filmmakers, with 31 making their world premieres. Of the total number of filmmakers here, 45 percent are female.
Among the films that have LGBTQ subject matter or actors are: “Black Hat” (Dir. Sarah Smith), “Carlito Leaves Forever” (Dir. Quentin Lazzarotto), “Framing Agnes” (Dirs. Chase Joynt & Kristen Schilt), “His Hands” (Dirs. Arron Framing Agnes Blake & Darius Shu), “I Think She Likes You” (Dir. Bridey Elliott), “Mack Wrestles” (Dirs. Taylor Hess & Erin Sanger), “Momster” (Dir. Drew Denney), “Ponyboi” (Dirs. River Gallo & Sade Joseph), “Stanley Stellar: Here for this Reason” (Dir. Eric Leven), and “This Perfect Day” (Dir. Lydia Rui).
Meanwhile, directors at the festival who identify as LGBTQ include: Drew Denney (“Momster”), Quentin Lazzarotto (“Carlito Leaves Forever”), Eric Leven (“Stanley Stellar: Here for this Reason”), and Adam Yorke (“Bunker Burger”).
You can check out our breakdown of the LGBTQ short films on our Lesbian News website at www.lesbiannews.com/lgbtq-short-films-to- Momster watch-out-for-during-tribeca-2019/
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
Of course, the main feature of Tribeca is its feature program, which includes 103 films from 124 filmmakers. Of this total, 50 percent are women even as 13 percent of the feature films were made by those who identify as LGBTQ.
“Our goal each year is to strike a balance between discovering new talent and showcasing new projects by notable filmmakers and storytellers,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises.
Meanwhile, Festival Director Cara Cusumano noted that Tribeca being based in New York Clementine City is important: “Every festival is shaped by and reflective of its community, and we are fortunate that our hometown just happens to be the most diverse city on Earth.”
Among the directors who identify as LGBTQ at the feature program of the festival are: Bora Kim (“House of Hummingbird”), Lara Jean Gallagher (“Clementine”), Martha Shane (“Picture Character”), Midge Costin (“Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound”), Rachel Mason (“Circus of Books”), and Tanya Wexler (“Buffaloed”).
Likewise, there are LGBTQ works in the Documentary Competition, like “For They Know Not What They Do” by Daniel Karslake, about faith-based families with LGBTQ children living in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Buffaloed legalization of marriage equality. There’s “Seahorse,” which was directed and written by Jeanie Finlay, about a transgender man’s path to parenthood after he decides to carry his child himself.
There’s also “Gay Chorus Deep South,” directed by David Charles Rodrigues, that features the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on their bus tour through the Deep South to celebrate music and challenge intolerance. (As a plus, there’s a special performance by The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus after the premiere screening.)
There are two transgender documentaries featured at the festival The first is “Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts,” which was directed and festival/tickets, or by telephone at (646) 502- written by Nick Zeig-Owens. This documentary For international films, there’s “House of 5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378). features the razor-sharp wit and authentic Hummingbird (Beol-sae),” directed and written Single ticket sales are already available and country music chops of Trixie Mattel, who won by Bora Kim. This film is about an eighth-grader can be purchased online through the festival’s RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Furthermore, who finds an unlikely connection with a new call center. there’s “XY Chelsea,” directed by Tim Travers teacher. Hawkins and is about whistleblower and trans There’s also The Hudson Pass, an all-access woman Chelsea Manning. Among documentaries, there’s “Picture pass to screenings and talks taking place at Character” directed by Martha Shane, which BMCC, Regal Battery Park Stadium, Village LGBTQ WORKS IN FILM discusses the worldwide phenomenon of emojis. East Cinema, and SVA theaters as well as full- On the other hand, Midge Costin made “Making access to all events at the Festival Hub at Spring The great thing about the Tribeca Film Festival Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound,” that Studios. These include VR and Immersive is that it doesn’t just feature LGBTQ films but details sound design from “Apocalypse Now’s” projects, Movies Plus screenings, and access also creations of LGBTQ filmmakers that don’t helicopters to “Star Wars’” lightsabers. to festival lounges. necessarily have to be about the community. What’s important here is that the festival not Lastly, there’s “Circus of Books,” which was Yes, there’s also an app for that as packages only gives a platform to the experiences of the directed and written by Rachel Mason. This and passes are available for purchase with the community, but also to what they do. feature documentary is about a family that runs 2019 Tribeca Film Festival App on iTunes and a gay pornography shop. Google Play. Among the LGBTQ films, Lara Jean Gallagher’s “Clementine” features a heartbroken woman For more information, check out: who strikes up complicated relationship with HOW TO WATCH www.tribecafilm.com provocative younger woman. On the other hand, “Buffaloed,” by Tanya Wexler is a comedy For those interested in watching, selection about a woman finding her calling in an ethically ticket packages are now on sale and they can debatable industry: debt collecting. be purchased online at www.tribecafilm.com/
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THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR A powerful film on the transgender civil rights battle By LN Staff
n early 2016, when a dark wave of anti- Year premiered at the Seattle International transgender “bathroom bills” began From tension-filled Senate hearings in Olympia Film Festival, receiving a runner-up award for sweeping across the nation, The Human to intimate household settings of the families Best Documentary, and went on to win a Best Rights Campaign published a report involved; from thought provoking conversations Social Issue Documentary award at the Atlanta identifying 2016 as the most dangerous with key lawmakers to elucidating facts International Documentary Film Festival. The year for transgender Americans. In explained by leading scientists, The Most film is produced by Vlada Knowlton, along with Washington State alone, six such “bathroom Dangerous Year explores the transgender civil Chadd Knowlton and Lulu Gargiulo. bills” were introduced in the State Legislature. rights battle in all its richness and complexity. Filmmaker Vlada Knowlton captured the ensuing While the film follows the story and outcome of THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR opens in New Icivil rights battle from the perspective of a group anti-transgender legislation in Washington, the York on Friday, April 12 at the Village East of embattled parents as they banded together heart of the film lies in the stories of the families Cinema, and in Los Angeles on Friday, April 26 to fight a deluge of proposed laws that would who made the decision to accept and support at the Laemmle Music Hall. strip away the rights of their young transgender their kids for exactly who they are. children. With the help of a coalition of state For more information about the film, visit: www. lawmakers and civil rights activists, these The Most Dangerous Year is directed by TheMostDangerousYear.com families embarked on an uncharted journey of Seattle based award-winning filmmaker, Vlada fighting to protect and preserve their children’s Knowlton. Knowlton’s first documentary feature, Facebook: human rights and freedoms in this present-day Having It All, was selected by Washington’s PBS www.facebook.com/TheMostDangerousYear/ civil rights movement. As one of these parents, station, KCTS9, as the anchor program for its Knowlton presents an intimate portrait of her own “Women Who Inspire” series in August, 2015, Instagram: struggle to protect her 5-year-old transgender and went on to also be broadcast by Oregon www.instagram.com/VladaKnowlton/ daughter from laws inspired by hate and fear. Public Broadcasting. The Most Dangerous TOP SEASON OF LOVE Tello Films and Dash Productions’ queer holiday rom-com By Mona Elyafi
very holiday season traditional Arnold and Danielle Jablonski -- issued a “Pitch and streaming networks create a to Production” challenge calling for holiday “Family is such an important aspect of the ton of holiday romantic comedies, stories featuring queer women. Following an holidays,” said Trammell. “My hope for this film is but they consistently fail to create overwhelming number of submissions, three that it’s more inclusive of what family means for meaningful stories from the queer winning pitches were chosen. The first pitch the queer community -- that when our audience perspective. winner, Season of Love, will be developed into watches it, they’re a feature film as a joint project between the two able to see their lives reflected in it. The idea Production teams Tello Films and DASH companies scheduled for release in late 2019. of chosen family and family acceptance is Productions are going to solve that problem something queer people can largely all relate Ethis year with “Season of Love”, their first queer “We’ve grown up looking to see ourselves in to but we don’t always see it represented — holiday romantic comedy feature, to address these types of films that highlight romance, especially in film.” the lack of any predominant LGBTQ storylines friendship and family during the holidays,” said in holiday romantic comedy films. Arnold. “We still aren’t seeing these movies The highly anticipated film stars Emily Gross made for our community. We’ve decided that (“Iris”), deaf actress Sandra Mae Frank Of the 52 holiday films released in 2018 between we needed to do it ourselves.” (“Kenna”), and Matthew Bridges (“Charlie”). the two rom-com juggernaut networks, Hallmark Additional casting is actively underway. and Lifetime, no films featured a LGBTQ couple. Written by Kathryn Trammell, directed by Christin The LGBTQ community remains underserved Baker, “Season of Love” follows the lives of LGBTQ representation on television in 2018 hit across all networks in their Christmas movies. three very different queer couples in dealing a record high this year, according to GLAAD’s with their love lives in various interrelated tales annual TV diversity report. Sadly, the same In response, the owners of Tello Films and all set during a frantic time before Christmas can’t be said about its Hollywood counterpart. DASH Productions—Christin Baker, Ashley through New Year. The GLAAD report found that filmmakers and producers miserably failed to include LGBTQ+ In fact, Tello Films have been producing and characters in their work. distributing innovative, high-quality films and series for more than 10 years. Their mission “While we’ve made considerable strides in and passion is to produce content that includes moving the needle culturally, there’s still not the wonderful spectrum of strong women that is enough queer women creating content,” say often lacking in mainstream media. Danielle Jablonski The feature film enters production this summer Looking at the Oscar Nominations this year with an expected theatrical release this holiday is a sad reminder that the lack of women season. representation is still a problem, much less the lack of LGBTQ+ women representation: “Season of Love” will undoubtedly be one of our community’s new favorite holiday traditions! No woman nominated for Best Director. No woman nominated for Cinematography. As they kicked off their IndieGoGo campaign, No woman nominated for Editing. let’s all join this movement and help them make No woman nominated for Music. some noise about “Season of Love” so they can One woman nominated for Adapted Screenplay. bring this next Christmas-binge classic to the One woman nominated for Original Screenplay. world: www.indiegogo.com/projects/season-of- love-queer-holiday-romcom#/ We all must do better!
This is why the producers and director on this project are women, the writer is a woman, and the lead characters are women. The entire team is committed to adding to the great storytelling landscape supporting women filmmakers. TOP VIRGINIA URIBE OBITUARY By Gail Rolf
ear Friends of Project 10 fight this fight until I have the last breath in me.” everyone to please share the information about Supporter! She meant it! Knowing she was about to leave the Models of Excellence scholarship program this world for a more peaceful place, she gave for Southern California senior high school I am saddened to announce the okay for us to proceed with our fundraising students who have advocated for LGBTQ civil the passing of Dr. Virginia activities for the Models of Excellence rights. Let’s empower our youth to carry on the Uribe, the founder of the scholarship program. Her eyes grew wide with vision of Dr. Virginia Uribe. It would make her LAUSD Project 10 program and the nonprofit excitement when I would share the news a new proud! arm, Friends of Project 10 Inc. Dr. Uribe was donation. Her excitement grew even greater fierce in her determination to make this world when I brought our pet dog to visit with her two Visit friendsofproject10.org/scholarships.html D(including its schools) a safe place for all days before she passed. to learn more about our scholarship program. children, including our LGBTQ youth. Applications are due May 11, 2019. I am now the new Executive Director for Friends I can still hear the echo of her words, “I will of Project 10 Inc. As the director I am asking TOP
MoviesEyeC
GIRLS OF THE SUN Women driven to fight Isis in 2014 By John Esther
ot for the squeamish or misogynistic, co-writer Still in shock, for the women who were not killed Led by Bahar (Golshifteh Farahani), these and director Eva Husson’s (older women were deemed useless and thus women lead the resistance against the “Girls of the Sun” (originally were killed) they were raped, enslaved, sold into misogynist invaders -- literally, as they were titled, “Les filles du soleil”), sex trade, forced into “marriage” with soldiers often the first into combat. Not only was the illustrates a view of who had assassinated her siblings, spouses resistance necessary, for these women seeking patriarchal resistance few in the West – at least and sons. A lot of them killed themselves rather revenge it was doubly sweet as the ISIS soldiers in the United States – could barely manage. than face another moment of horror and loss. believed that if they were killed by a woman they would not be allowed into heaven. (Holy hell, NBased on true events, August, 2014 in Northern Fortunately, a few of were able to escape their how stupid! If there were a heaven ISIS soldiers Iraq/Kurdistan, ISIS (ISIL) upped its genocide horrible plight. While many fled into nearby Syria are not going -- regardless) of the Yazidis. Thousands of men and boys and elsewhere, a few ferocious, courageous were rounded up and killed, with the youngest survivors chose to stay on their land and fight Following these brave resistance fighters is a of males eventually forced to fight for ISIS. the good fight. French photojournalist, Mathilde H. (Emmanuelle Bercot), who chooses to stay and document In between these acts of courage, camaraderie the resistance, even though her husband, who and calamity, we get a lot of back story on was also a journalist, was blown up during the the horrors these women, especially Bahar, war, and who has a daughter back in France. have gone through to get to such a place. We Additionally, she is working with one-eye after understand and admire their intentions. And receiving a sharp nail in her left eye. their male counterparts are back stories, sub plots, tropes. In other words, men are narrative (She makes an incredulous claim about an background to these women. “Assad massacre,” but that is a different matter for another time.) A set up where the lives of men play second fiddle to women are rare enough in film. But, Under such barbaric conditions, it is only natural offhand, I cannot think of any other feature these resistance fighters would start to bond with film where the primary narrative(s) were about the photojournalist. Their lives are constantly women in wartime. under threat while there is little to live for other than the possibility that a sibling or loved one is It is credit to its subjects that the film decided out there, somewhere. It also does not hurt that to focus on the women rather than the typical many of them can speak multiple languages so heteromale normative narrative – bad or good they find the common one and they share. guys. These female resistance fighters deserve this recognition and the film honors that in When they discover ISIL is holding a school droves. of boys nearby, possibly with their sons, the resistance fighters lead the way under a tunnel Disturbing, invigorating and an important film full of mines to an area with suicide bombers. for so numerous reasons: kudos to Husson, the cast and the crew. TOP
Notes From Nat
NEVER JUST SITS TO LOOK PRETTY Hard work and respect for women define this young pop artist Daya By Nat Burns
aised in the relatively small Barletta, and his friend Christina Chirumbolo, township of Mt Lebanon, Keenly interested in all aspects of music, she who ran the conservatory, saw something Pennsylvania, an Allegheny even spent one summer studying songwriting at special in the young musician so they invited County suburb of Pittsburgh, the Interlochen Arts Camp and by the tender age she and her family to Los Angeles as part of little Grace Martine Tandon of eleven, she had enrolled in the Accelerando their Inside Access music camp. Though this was playing the piano by age Music Conservatory in Pittsburgh. It was there was for the express purpose of working on her three. That would be in 2001. By age ten, she she would meet the two people who would change own original material, primarily to shop around Rcould play guitar, flute and saxophone, as well. her life forever. Songwriter and producer, Gino to other performers, no one could predict just how talented the young artist would prove to be.
During one of her sessions at Inside Access, which was part of the Paramount Recording Studios, Tandon wrote and, under the name Daya, which means grace in Sanskrit—her grandfather is from India— released her song “Hide Away”. The original piece, sung in her own voice, was an instant international hit and a radio promo representative, Steve Zap, decided to take Daya on as a client and promote her.
Four months later, at age sixteen, she was performing the song on the Today Show as Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month. One month after that, she released her first EP, Daya, with six songs, including “Hide Away”. The EP debuted at number one hundred sixty-one and quickly climbed to number forty on the Billboard Pop Songs Chart.
“Hide Away”— youtu.be/8zxhX381ZsA
Daya as Artist of the Month on the Today Show— youtu.be/vQOV57Untl4
She began touring less than a year later, opening for other performers and she lent her sultry voice to The Chainsmokers song, “Don’t Let Me Down”, for which she later won a Grammy in 2017 for Best Dance Recording. It too, became an international hit, peaking within the top ten in twenty countries, including the US and the UK, and quickly sold three million copies worldwide
“Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya— youtu.be/Io0fBr1XBUA
Finally, in 2016, her much anticipated debut album, Sit Still, Look Pretty was released through Z Entertainment, and Daya’s small independent label, Artbeatz. Though the album was met with mixed reviews, two of the songs, “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty” have been certified platinum.
“Sit Still, Look Pretty”— youtu.be/uPHKkewD1G0
After signing with the more commercial Interscope Records label, Daya released two of her own singles, “New” and “Safe”.
“New”— youtu.be/9yfMplVU0m0 “Safe” — youtu.be/v9I-uVG51ic
She also collaborated with Gryffin/Illenium on “Feel Good” and RL Grime on “I Wanna Know”.
“Feel Good” featuring Daya— youtu.be/gBkWR-WfEeU
“I Wanna Know” featuring Daya— youtu.be/LwiOGuKEgkY
Daya was invited to perform at the Obama White House Easter Egg Roll in 2016 and has been touring almost non-stop for the past two years. Currently, she is writing and recording her second, as yet unnamed, studio album. She will be performing as a headliner at The Dinah, Palm Springs, in April.
Daya at the White House— youtu.be/LkdACKsFhUY
In addition to performing amazing music for one so young, Daya has become a powerful voice for the equality—and notable presence— of women, evidenced by the lyrics in “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty”. During Coming Out Day in 2018, she announced that she is bisexual, and she says often that her music reflects her strong belief in equal opportunities for young girls and women.
Here’s one more fun song:
“Talk”— youtu.be/O_1SNoJvxkE
© 2016 Z Entertainment, Art Beatz, and RED Distribution www.theofficialdaya.com/
Always remember, if the links won’t open, copy and paste them into your browser.
‘Til next month— Nat
TOP Book Review
My psychiatrist was a middle-aged Jewish man, and luckily for me, he was sympathetic, supportive, and caring. Haltingly, I told him that I hated Palo Alto High School; that I felt trapped between my rejecting mother, whom I loved, and my grandmother, whom I did not; that I missed my father and New York. How my wish to escape to boarding school after my sophomore year had been vetoed by my mother, who, despite our conflicts, did not want me to leave home. How during this, my junior year, we had fought incessantly.
All this took a couple of months of talking. Then one day, as semitropical gardens were blooming around the suburban Victorians and ranch houses, I blurted, “There’s something I have to tell you.” The doctor nodded, listening intently. Then I sat there. And twiddled my hair, looked at the floor. And sat there. Unable to open my mouth, unable to say the words that I had recently written in my journal, but never said aloud, even to myself, words that could never be taken back. This went on for three weeks.
Finally, I looked down at the floor and mumbled, “I think I might be a homosexual.” The doctor
A MEMOIR This excerpt originally appeared in My Butch Career By Esther Newton Published by Duke University Press considered while he took this in. My heart beat frantically. It seemed I must be struck dead, that the stucco walls of his house would hate me, crush me. This was in the spring of 1957. The doctor said, “What’s so bad about that?”
If you are only as sick as your secrets, as they say in Alcoholics Anonymous, then telling that sweet doctor, and his acceptance, was a giant step toward health. I wish I could say that from then on I suffered no more than the usual ups and downs that young people endure. This is what one sees in gay youth fairly often today. But so many other voices, my own and those all around me, were telling me what ruin this would lead to, how I would be forever a weirdo, outcast, condemned to a life that would be even worse than my high school misery, and, above all, how I would never find anyone to love and love me back.
Like me, many Americans never recover fully from bullying and other torments of their adolescence. The damage is permanent no matter how much success adulthood brings. Some years ago I dreamed I came upon a brown bear surrounded by a boisterous crowd of street people. I approached the bear obliquely from the back; it was sitting upright and motionless in a hole; only the back of its torso and head were visible. The people were shouting at it and throwing garbage. I realized that they meant in the end to kill it and were only tormenting it from the fun of destroying a robust, beautiful animal who was hopelessly outnumbered. I woke in terror and threw myself into my girlfriend’s arms. “It’s you, the bear,” she said. “But it’s only a dream.”
ESTHER NEWTON, one of the pioneers of gay and lesbian studies, is formerly Term Professor of Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan and Professor of Anthropology at Purchase College, State University of New York. She is the author of several books, including Margaret Mead Made Me Gay: Personal Essays, Public Ideas and Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in America’s First Gay and Lesbian Town, both also published by Duke University Press, as well as the groundbreaking Mother Camp: Female Impersonators in America.
Copyright © 2018 by Esther Newton. Reprinted here with permission.
TOP Spirituality
MORE By Dina Evan, PhD
Are you doing what you came here to do and being who you came here to be?
Your unconscious thoughts arise to remind you that you have more to discover.
There is more yet to do, more to learn, more to contribute.
TOP
Words that Make Sense
TWO AND A HALF POUNDS OF LOVE A tiny little teacup Chihuahua brings such joy and love. By Toni Hart
recently acquired this miniature ball of she loves to be - nice and warm. Does she stay my face and heart light up whenever I see her. love - a teacup Chihuahua. And is she a there? No way. When I get up for whatever She was a very sick little Chihuahua the first lover! When she isn’t nipping at you with reason, she follows me around and watches me few months of her life. Apparently, she didn’t her tiny little baby teeth, she is jumping dress. She thinks she’s helping me by jumping get her shots as the seller said she had and up and down in a bid to be held. Cute and up and down and trying to steal my socks or other found myself nursing her around the clock. But lovable doesn’t even begin to describe small items while I dress. I have to fight her for with the help of the vet and friends, staying up her. She loves everyone and the feeling is these things as her grip is quite strong for such to take care of her and administer meds every definitely mutual! a little puppy. Her fav item is a Kleenex, which two hours became easier, and she healed and she shreds in to a zillion pieces and leaves all became strong. IWhen everyone leaves for work in the morning, over my room. this wee fur ball comes running into my bedroom I must say… she is definitely worth every minute and rushes up the tiny stairs provided for her I named her “Lollypop” which fits her to a “T.” It’s I’ve spent and luckily is now frisky and strong to get aboard my bed. The she begins to nip an immediate friendship because you can’t help and racing around like the tiny trooper she is. and squeal and climb under the covers where yourself loving her. I don’t know what it is, but Which just proves that “You can’t lick Lollypop!”
TOP VISIT SITE Positive Reflections
CHILL OUT ON THE STRESS LEVELS One little thing can push you over the edge when you are maxed out on stress. By Dian Katz, MS
Have you ever had days on end feeling like necessary for a productive life and helps us in to me recently that exemplifies this issue. I you’re in a pressure cooker? Then one small body, mind and spirit. Stress also isn’t always a work with children who have special needs. I thing happens and you just explode. Suddenly, bad thing that’s happening. We could have an love my job but there are times it can be quite all of your pent up stress comes pouring out of exciting new job, and experience a tremendous challenging. I have to deal with tantrums day in you like a volcano. Why is it that being unable amount of stress on the first day of working. We and day out but continue striving to help these to find your glasses or something simple, can could be driving through a snowstorm to get to kids. I can’t let the outbursts distract me from lead to practically a mental breakdown? the ski resort and that could be stressful. So my goals and I certainly can’t let it detour me in let’s not assume that “all” stress is horrible. It’s any way. I just try different things to help them To begin with, stress is in inevitable. Without not. Anything that taxes our body can be seen and to decrease the tantrums. The challenges it, we wouldn’t grow emotionally. We need as stress but some of the experiences can also can be stressful. Sometimes it can take months the resistance in life. For example, think of a be paired with excitement. before I see a little progress. So I go home each body builder. Every day, the athlete works day having to decompress for a while. I know out with weights putting tremendous pressure On the other hand, too much stress is bad for myself so well and know that my decompression and resistance onto the muscles. This in turn, our health. The amount of stress we need in our time or “downtime” is necessary for me to deal encourages the muscles to get stronger. The lives is to the degree that we can easily handle with the stress of the day. Don’t get me wrong, same theory works with stress in our lives. it. Too much is unmanageable and starts to it is quite rewarding at times but it definitely has Without it, we would be less motivated, less complicate everything. And then, as mentioned its stressful moments. demanding on ourselves and things could before, the simplest thing can tip the scales for actually be quite boring. So, in short, stress is the worse. For example, something happened So here I am dealing with work stress. Then I had my hands full with a new puppy that is I am looking all over the house. Where are my relieved my work stress better. Perhaps a regular wreaking havoc in my house by not minding damn keys!!! I’m running around the house like a massage, more disciplined physical activities me. As many of you probably know, puppies chicken with its head cut off. I’m throwing things and quiet time could have helped. As for my require a lot of patience and can be loads of all over the place trying to find the keys but to puppy, I could have turned to more friends who stress. So this is one of those “good stressors.” no luck. What am I going to do if I can’t find my have dealt with new doggy issues. With family I love having a puppy but more challenges, keys? I am going to have to call my school and member stress, I could have found ways to vent more stress. On top of work stress, new puppy tell them I am not coming in. Nooooo, I don’t my feelings and fears about the situation. Doing stress, I have a family member who has been want to do that today. I need to be there! Clothes all of these things I just mentioned would make dealing with physical challenges. Her health are strewn everywhere. I feel like a dog digging not finding my keys less of a big deal. I would has been in jeopardy and this was an extremely a hole under its doghouse. I’m digging through have probably shrugged my shoulders and said, stressful and difficult time for the family. Then I clothes, and papers, and anything else where a “they are around here somewhere. And if I can’t have the stress of making sure I am taking care set of keys could be hiding. All of the sudden, find them, I will take the day off and look for of my relationship and my girlfriend’s needs. In my cup runneth over. My stress from everything them!” addition to my romantic relationship, I’m trying starts oozing out and I just put my hands on to fit in seeing some of my good friends and this my face and start to cry out of frustration. Yes, So before you let your world crumble and fall requires time and attention. Everyone needs to I eventually found my keys and was about 15 because one little thing ruined your whole day… nurture their relationships but when you have minutes late. But what happened here didn’t slow down and deal with what’s bubbling just several other things happening that can produce have to go down like this. Had I dealt with a lot below the surface. This will help to make little a fair amount of stress, doing some of these of my stressors beforehand, I wouldn’t have felt things less significant and not so enormous. other things can lead to more stress. Plus, I had so helpless and probably even found my keys Examine those issues, concerns and worries deadlines to meet for our LN magazine and my sooner. and let go of some of that stress. Remember, too band. To sum up this example, I felt like I was much stress can kill… So do what is necessary being squeezed by a vice! That ol’ saying, “the straw that broke the camel’s and deal with it! back,” applies here. How could I have lessened THEN, one morning, I am about to leave for work the chance of becoming so physically and and I can’t find my keys!!! I don’t have time for emotionally upset? By dealing effectively with this!!! I have about 5 minutes left to leave and each stress as it arises. Maybe I could have
TOP Dyke Musing
SPRING SONG By Sue Moore
it’s spring it’s spring
doors swing open
hinges sing
forgetfulness streams in
and startles the dusty shadows
of remembering
the steady penetrating sun
turns everything
tender healing gree
our squeaky skin
finds grass and soapsuds
to go nakedly dancing in
it’s spring, it’s spring!
TOP Dyke Musing
HotSpots
FUN IN THE SUN Spring continues on in LN Land By Dian Katz, MS
e’re just getting “DAYA” and comedy with FORTUNE Feimster parties… all ages. So if you aren’t up for half started in pride and CHAUNTE Wayans. Some of the venues naked hot women by the pool, get your laugh on fashion to prepare include the Palm Springs Convention Center, at the Comedy show and go dance your arseeee you for the summer the Hilton, and Zelda’s Nightclub. off! months around the corner! For now, Look ladies, I used to go to The Dinah every For more info on this great weekend, pack your strut your spring attire, baby. I have the perfect year. I would never miss one. They were insane bags and go to: thedinah.com/events-2019 Hotspots for you to do just that! fun!!! I mean seriously, where can we go to party, celebrate, meet women, enjoy amazing W entertainment and be amongst thousands of KRAVE DINAH SHORE WEEKEND women? Yup, Dinah Shore Weekend. While in Palm Springs, you might want to strut SWEEEEEET DINAH SHORE WEEKEND ladies I would be on a high for about four days and over to the Saguaro Hotel to the KRAVE party will be under the hot, hot sun of the desert in the come home exhausted, but in a great way. It on April 5 to 8. gorgeous Palm Springs, California! It’s a never was surreal. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous to miss extravaganza on April 4 to 7. women in one place! And it’s the kind of place “Krave Spring Break is a three-day Women’s where you can’t move because you are squished Weekend in Palm Springs, CA, during the “From pool parties to comedy shows and up against some other woman in standing room famous Dinah Shore Weekend. Started four upscale dances, The Dinah (as locals call it) is only venues. Now that may sound like too much years ago, Krave quickly rose in popularity, “the largest and most famous lesbian/queer girl to some, but trust me, it’s a wild experience and and now completely taking over The Saguaro party music festival in the world,” says Dinah it’s out of this world fun. Hotel hosting thousands of women from around promoters. Get busy mingling at the social events the World. We pride ourselves on an incredibly designed for singles and couples. Grab a cool There’s events that cater to different ages. For inclusive environment for the LGBTQI community drink and kick it by the pool with thousands of example, the pool parties seem to attract the with the celebration of diversity being the other women just like yourself. Dance the night 20 and thirty something crowds. The comedy epicenter of our vision, Siya and more, alongside away to parties with some of the hottest female shows seem to attract the older generations our roster of the hottest DJs from around the DJs. Check out the fabulous entertainment by along with the younger ones. And the dance country,” says Krave producers. Now what is a ClexaCon you may ask? “As the Well, I can tell you this you guys. I am KRAVING For more info, KRAVE this party and visit: www. first and largest multi-fandom event for LGBTQ some Krave parties. Get it? KRAVING? Oh kravespringbreak.com women and allies, ClexaCon brings together stop it!!! You know it was funny!!! Geez, I just thousands of diverse LGBTQ fans and content can’t get any hurrahs around here. Never mind. creators from around the world to celebrate Putting that point aside, Krave will rock your CLEXACON positive representation for LGBTQ women in the world ladies. Although a little smaller than the media. ClexaCon provides a platform to build Dinah Party, it doesn’t mean the fun is smaller. Maybe Vegas is more your style? Head on out to community, bringing together a diverse group of And if you don’t believe me, go try it out and CLEXACON on April 11 to 15 at the Tropicana, LGBTQ fans and content creators from around the come back and tell me you didn’t have any fun. Las Vegas. world. Networking events connect filmmakers, Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!! Ha! actors and industry professionals while panels, workshops, and autograph sessions connect Over on the east coast of America is FLING - weather mood. Look at all of these Hotspots I creators with fans. ClexaCon aims to empower WOMEN’S PRIDE WEEKEND MIAMI BEACH mentioned this month. They are all in hot cities, media creators to produce and distribute more on April 5 to 7. with hot weather, hot pool parties, and of course positive LGBTQ content, providing educational HOT women!!! I will be flying from the west resources for the community to aid in the push Another festival??? Y’all are killing me! Well, coast to the east coast to partake in the fun and for better representation. ClexaCon strives to in a goooood way
TOP TOP
Poetry
CHRISTCHURCH By Reba Birmingham
Don’t bring your hate here. And your murderous malignant heart
Your fear. Your gun. Is burning. Flames fanned by
Keep them in your cabin. Like minded souls waving a flag.
Waving our flag.
You are spitting resentful, fed
By the devil of your own anger. How will we keep our kids safe?
Don’t bring your fear here. Houses of worship. Worship!
Unsuspecting while you
We were fine. Polish your gun.
Praying. Praying!
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Femastrology
APRIL 2019 By Astrologer and Psychic, Victoria Bearden pril gets off to a great start giving us even more insight about the events with Mercury Direct! The of the past 6 months. Millennials around the planet of communication age of 26 and 27 are getting a major spiritual was retrograde in Pisces “download” this year, as they were born under for most of March, bringing a planetary alignment in the same degrees of many confusing twists and Capricorn back in the early 90’s! I hope they turns into our lives, and into the headlines. It will have many important realizations to share with be nice to put all the delays and complications the reset of us. behind us as we move forward into the Spring Acycle. You might still find yourself doing a little There’s a New Moon at 15° Aries on April “clean-up” on some of the issues that went 5, 2019, so get ready to set intentions for new sideways in March, but it should be easier. Take projects and activities. New Moons are a cosmic advantage of the change and dive in to your “to “reset” of the energy that affects us here on do” lists early in the month. earth. Each month with get a moment to collect our selves and gather up our inner resources Jupiter in Sagittarius goes retrograde on in preparation for what lies ahead. Aries is the April 10, 2019. The planet of expansion and warrior, ready to spring into action to conquer growth will be “chillin’ out” for the next four challenges and achieve goals. Use the energy months, bringing in a chance to review some of the Aries New Moon to find your courage, face of the many changes that have rolled out this your fears, and bring action to your thoughts and year. Sagittarius is linked to law, truth, justice, ideas. Fire sign Aries represents the positive religion, philosophy, and the quest for freedom. side of ego and individuality. Affirmations about These themes will be a powerful force in self-esteem and self-image can be very potent 2019. It is also related to the need for positive at this time. interactions with foreign people and countries. During Jupiter’s retrograde period we will get There’s a Full Moon at 29° Libra on April 19, some clarity regarding problematic legal, moral, 2019. This is the second Full Moon in Libra this and cultural issues. Regardless of retrograde year, as the Full Moon on March 20, 2019 was or direct, Jupiter in its home sign of Sagittarius also in the sign of the Scales of Justice. Having remains a benefit for everyone during the a Full Moon at the final or “critical” degree of any months to come. sign is a symbol of an important tipping point and turn of events. The Aries/Libra polarity has Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn are only a to do with blending our individual needs with our few degrees apart, highlighting many of our needs for compromise and relationship. Since world’s problem areas, as we humans struggle the Sun in late Aries will be close to revolutionary to evolve. We will continue to witness and must Uranus, there will be a big energy build up and confront the ways society and governments subsequent release with this Full Moon, so get have abused authority and failed to protect ready! Keep yourself grounded and enjoy the their most vulnerable members. When outer ride. There is always strong magic in the air planets like Saturn and Pluto line up we get a during the Full Moon, so get those intentions much clearer view of the pros and cons of our and affirmations ready to roll. lives, both individually and collectively. And the “cure” for the problems we see will come The Sun enters Earth Sign Taurus on April from embracing the positive traits of Capricorn, 20, 2019, the day before Easter. The Sun will be such as determination, motivation, hard work, in alignment with Uranus over Easter weekend, responsibility, discipline, prudence, and so expect some surprises and revelations. honesty.
With Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn during 2019, it’s time to pay the piper. We can’t wiggle Opportunity Days: out of the reality we have created anymore. April 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 19, 22, 26, and 27 So, we need to roll up our selves and fix what has been broken so the road to progress will be cleared. Both Saturn and Pluto will go into their retrograde cycles at the end of the month, Aries (March 21-April 19) smooth out some difficulties in your closest Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Change is in the air and you will feel relationships. Mantra: Competence If you are not having a good time right motivated and ready for action. This is now, you are definitely getting in your your solar return time, a new beginning full of Leo (July 23-August 22) own way! If you’ve been feeling stuck, you’ll possibilities. The challenge is getting the big The Sun in fiery Aries inspires insight probably feel some wind in your sails now. picture of your life into focus. Make peace with and idealism. This is a favorable time to There is a ton of energy in your favor, so go for your responsibilities so you can free your mind expand your current sphere of activity. Your the gusto. Embrace the support of the Universe. from worry. Things you’ve been waiting for will creative ideas are quite potent, so put them Love and romance are looking good, and single click into place now, so you’ll be able to move to use in professional or personal projects. If Sagittarians could get lucky! It’s also not a bad on to new projects and goals. You will benefit you need to take a chance on something new, time to take tests or ask for a raise. Too much greatly from changing up your daily routine to now is the time. Leo’s looking for love could hit of a good thing could be a problem, so keep an give yourself more free time. Get out of your the jackpot, so put yourself out there! This is a eye on tendencies to over-spend, over-indulge, comfort zone and try some new things. Mantra: generally lucky time, so enjoy the good vibes. If or over-extend yourself. Mantra: Enthusiasm Ignite Your Passion you need to look in to new solutions for health issues, this would be a good time to do so. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Taurus (April 20-May 20) Mantra: Positivity Find ways to harmonize your personal Sometimes it’s okay to make the world go world. You are going through powerful away. Find a quiet oasis and stay there for Virgo (August 23-September 22) emotional changes and might need a time out. a while to find your center, rest, and regenerate. You are having an awakening regarding If you feel you need to take a stay-cation, this This is a good time for activities that help you your closest relationships. Recent would be a good time to do so. Sometimes, it’s align your physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences have helped you to see what is good to retreat from the demands of the world needs. You will benefit greatly from creative working, and what is not working with partners to connect with your source. Spending time experiences such as art making or live music. and loved ones. Don’t be afraid to let others know in nature will recharge your spirit. Bring new Tune in to your inner guidance to gain insight what you really feel, and where your boundaries creativity and color into your home environment. on the many changes that are coming up for you are. Old patterns that have been holding you Be nice to yourself. Mantra: Self Care as Uranus in Taurus continues to inspire you to back need to come to an end. Clear your mind, transform your life. Mantra: Serenity clear your desk, and clear the path for new Aquarius (January 20-February 18) experiences nest month. Mantra: Realization The lines of communication are open! Gemini (May 21-June 20) Express your ideas and share your Mars is in your sign this month, and you Libra (September 23-October 22) thoughts with others. This is a good time for will be on fire! Make sure to look before You are in a cycle of positive change. brainstorming and networking. Creative projects you leap, as you may be somewhat restless Circumstances are shifting and you will will flourish. You may get some great inspiration and impatient. Your social arena is full of have new opportunities now. You are beginning about how to increase your earnings or improve new possibilities, as allies show up to help, to see the bigger picture of your life and you’ll your financial status, so following your hunches. and positive new relationships develop. Over- want to share that with those closest to you. This is a high energy time, but you’ll need to confidence may tempt you to expand too Be clear in your communication to enlist the aid resist the temptation to put too much on your quickly, so a more measured pace will benefit and understanding of others. This is a pregnant plate. Mantra: Innovation your greatly. Use your new-found enthusiasm to pause before a significant new beginning. Things spearhead plans and try out new options. This you learn and information you receive will prove Pisces (February 19-March 20) should be a successful month for both business to be extremely valuable for your important Your creativity, compassion, and intuition and your personal life. Mantra: Boldness projects and goals. Mantra: Advancement are very strong now. Apply your insights to your practical world. Work on finding the Cancer (June 21-July 21) Scorpio (October 23-Novemeber 21) balance between the spiritual and material Your hard work and ability will be noticed This will be a busy month and you’ll want needs. Don’t let your inspirations just hang by many and there will be rewards for your to strive to get the balance right. Work will out there in the ether. Look for ways to bring previous efforts. This is a good time to gain be demanding and you can accomplish a lot. But your dreams into reality. Where there’s a will, focus and perspective about your outer world. you must also remember to pay attention to your there’s a way. Being grounded in your physical You are learning about just how capable you physical needs so you have enough energy for body will be very helpful now. Exercise and really are. There is wind in your sails regarding everything you want to do. This is a productive movement will help you clear your thoughts. career and goals. If you are seeking a change period, so projects can be completed. There is Mantra: Encouragement in employment you are likely to find a good also a lot of creative energy floating around in opportunity now. It’s easy for Cancer natives your consciousness, so find ways to express it. to get very wrapped up in their responsibilities Mantra: Industrious towards others, so don’t forget the importance of your own personal vision. You may have to TOP
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Rose Masterpol Gallery Rose Masterpol Gallery n her work of the past three years Rose models, and their influence is readily apparent. examples of De Kooning, Picasso, et al, as just Masterpol has been oscillating between Masterpol recapitulates that influence with that – examples of spirit, more important to a drawn line, animated by color as well remarkable intelligence and sensitivity: these her for their attitude than for their manner. She as its own flagellating trail, and a more are genuine, unabashed Abstract Expressionist has learned from them, for instance, to pace painterly stroke that provides given works right down to their Surrealist reliance on herself across a visual field – but the pace she expanses with texture as well as hue. The the impulsive mark and their Cubist articulation maintains is entirely her own. She has learned drawn line assumes a rhythmic animation akin of space. to segue strategically from color to color rather to graffiti writing and on occasion even cartoon than simply dump paint in various areas – but caricature, seeming almost choreographed. The irony is that Masterpol’s more “historic” the colors result from her own perception, and IHere Masterpol, deliberately or not, proposes painting is, if anything, less studied than her her segues embody her own sensibility. With a translation of hip-hop and other urban dance more “contemporary” work. When she responds every lesson learned, Masterpol finds herself into non-objective painting, perhaps even a kind to the bold moves and bright contrasts of more profoundly as a painter. of notation; certainly, she is re-purposing the today’s pop idioms she picks up on their energy of the “street” to painterly effect. stylizations no less than on their power; she Rose Masterpol would seem to be two painters in reflects the fact that, even while they depend one. In fact, she is one painter paying attention That level of energy carries over into Masterpol’s on boundless invention, the popular arts allow to two modes of expression. Both those modes larger, even more ambitious canvases; but in their artists limited freedom. Like any good pop are urgent and convincing, and she responds to these, she puts aside the self-conscious project artist, Masterpol capitalizes on such restraint by both with insight, conviction, and unmistakable of contemporary reflection and allows herself playing off it, letting restricted modality amplify personality. Those two modes would seem to the luxury of pure painting. If the “drawn” her inventiveness. For truly liberated painting, have little to say to each other; but, like someone paintings manifest a vigorous but studied however, she turns to a tradition of liberty that brought up bi-lingually, Masterpol speaks both response to pop culture, the “painted” paintings she can only inherit from fellow painters. In this with poetic fluency and effortless translation, embody Masterpol’s equally fervent but entirely regard, Masterpol proceeds in the wake of her finding – and building – vivid connections spontaneous response to artists who have come influences with voluble confidence, studying and between them. before her. She cites Joan Mitchell, Pollock, “feeling” rather than simply imitating their imagery De Kooning, Kline, Gorky, and Motherwell as or their method. Indeed, she comprehends the Twisted Roots Vineyard
Happy New Year! Well we are officially into the and cannot be done by machine. Ross, who end up killing the old vines. While only 4 acres New Year and that means a fresh new start, with spent his entire life on the vineyard and learned remain of the original vineyard from 1918, we new goals and expectations of what is ahead from his father on how to properly prune our always struggle with wanting to maximize the of us this year. Well the vineyards of Twisted vines, so that just the right amount of grapes number of bottles each year, we always want Roots are no different, we too are eagerly would be produced and the best quality would to protect our family history and want to make awaiting a new start to our growing season. be achieved. sure that the vines are going to be around for Currently the vineyard is pretty bare, so much so the future as well. that one might not see the future as too bright, If we leave too many buds, which means lots given the almost dead look to the vines. This of grapes will be produced, then our wine will So next time you are out and about, and happen time of year, the vines are completely dormant be light and flabby, too few buds and we lose by a vineyard, remember that while it might look and bare, with all the leaves falling off and the tonnage and don’t have enough great wine to like nothing but twigs, there is a lot more going canes all over the place. That being said, this go around. on out there. Someone, somewhere is focused is a very important time of the year, a time that and concerned about how to handle this mess can determine the production and quality of the When it comes to our “1918” Old Vine Zinfandel of twigs. grapes that will ultimately become our 2015 vineyard, the entire situation of pruning changes. vintages. Even though our family has been at As you can see from the picture here, these this for three generations now and almost 100 vines are wild and twisted by their very nature, Cheers, years, it is still the time of year that causes us so pruning becomes very difficult. The key to concern. Pruning is an art of delicate balance; our rich, bold, yet soft flavors in our “1918” Old Josh Ruiz too much will cause small, uneconomical crops; Vine Zinfandel wines, is pruning these vines Co-Owner/Winemaker too little will cause over-cropping and low- so that they don’t over produce and over work quality fruit. Pruning also facilitates cultivation, these old vines. With most of thewood on these disease control and harvesting, when the vines vines being dead and hollow, if we leave the For more info: are trained to a grow in a particular shape. It is same number of buds as the rest of our vines, http://twistedrootsvineyard.orderport.net/wines/ a skill that requires experience and judgment we would end up over working the vines and Current-Releases Susan St. Thomas Gallery
“Stardust Reveries”
An exhibit of celestial abstract art by Susan St. With over 40 years as a professional astrologer, precision painting and loose free flowing washes, Thomas at the Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N Main Susan combines her fascination with the language she integrates avariety of innovative techniques St. Sebastopol, CA 95465. of the stars and her lifelong expression as an to express her imagination. www.sebastopol-gallery.com artist. This collection is inspired by the images 707 829-7200 captured by the Hubble telescope of deep space Reception for the artist plus 14 other gallery – a boundless realm of ever changing form. member artists: October 11, 4-6pm.
Susan uses layered glazes of acrylic to create Free artists talk, “Art and Astrology” at the depth and a dance of light and color, sometimes gallery: October 22, 7pm. mixing media and collage. Capable of both
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