LESBIAN NEWS VOL. 43 ∙ NO. 10 ∙ May 2018

TONI BRAXTON: HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE: SEASON 2 OUT NOW ON STILL SMARTSEXYCOOL YOUTUBE From keeping steady on CHRISTIE HARDWICK: the music charts to playing KEEPING IT REAL the smart odds against the challenges in her life MICHAELA MENDELSOHN: BEST OF THE BEST 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 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.astrologervic.com May 2018

CONTENTS

LESBIAN NEWS

COVER STORY

TONI BRAXTON: STILL SUPERSMARTSEXYCOOL From keeping steady on the music charts to playing the smart odds against the challenges in her life By Joseph F. Nacino

FEATURE INSIDE LN HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE: HOTSPOTS SPRING-ISH MAY SEASON 2 OUT NOW ON YOUTUBE The one and only talk show that offers marriage advice from happily married non-experts! POETRY By Michel Khordoc WHAT HAPPENED WUZ

FEMASTROLOGY BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY REMAINS THE MAY 2018 NORM New study finds genetic basis for gender identity LOL By Rachel Gold MORACCO VACATION TURKEY VACATION HELENA’S BIRTHDAY SODOM ROAD EXIT EXCERPT By Amber Dawn CHRISTIE HARDWICK: KEEPING IT REAL Author of “The progressive wedding book”, spiritual guide, activist, LGBTQ Non Profit Advisor, performing artist, and leadership guru By Christie Hardwick

Follow Us Online! MICHAELA MENDELSOHN: LESBIANNEWS.COM BEST OF THE BEST The first transgender to receive the Faces of Diversity Award By Michel Khordoc

Let us know Travel what you think. MID-COAST MAINE: SEASIDE PARADISE A home to picturesque seaside villages and some of the world’s finest ocean scenery By Barbara Horngren

LIFESTYLES

MoviesEyeC HIDDEN LIVES Five Films at SFIFF 2018 By John Esther

Notes From Nat BOYTOY: GARAGE-PSYCH-ROCKING Brooklyn-based queer ladies returning with their sophomore album, Night Leaf By Nat Burns Spirituality LEAP By Dina Evan, PhD

COLUMNS Words that Make Sense CAN YOU HANDLE ALL THAT? When too much comes at you all at once By Toni Hart

Queerly Questioning BREAKING BAD PROMISES Was it when my life became a Prince Song? By Rheana Juno Parrenas

Positive Reflections WEED: ITS EFFECTS ON OTHERS AROUND A SMOKER Have you ever felt a contact high by standing or sitting next to someone smoking weed? By Dian Katz, MS

Dyke Musing LAUGHTER FOR A LIFETIME By Sue Moore

TONI BRAXTON: STILL SUPERSMARTSEXYCOOL From keeping steady on the music charts to playing the smart odds against the challenges in her life By Joseph F. Nacino

t’s been 13 years since we last featured for the next big thing while discarding the last STILL HITTING THE TOP pop diva and icon Toni Braxton on one. Lesbian News. Since then, she’s gone Last year, Toni released her ninth studio album, through a lot of challenges—and has From singing to acting in movies, she’s gone Sex & Cigarettes, featuring eight tracks that not always emerged triumphant. into dancing and performing in Las Vegas and only featured the evolution of her music but also on stage—even having her own reality TV show showed her maturity as a person. It’s not surprising: after all, we did say back with her singing siblings, The Braxtons. then that Toni has always played it smart. Since In these songs, she doesn’t sing about first love Ishe first appeared in the industry firmament 26 Enduring and resilient, Toni has braved the or true love. Rather, her smoky voice sings the years ago, her star has always shone bright and challenges in her life and stayed on top while raw edges of pain, something that she could steady in an industry that’s constantly looking still remaining super smart and sexy cool. only do with the added weight of years. This new turn of hers captivates while also cementing her surprise for those of us who remember her as HURDLING LIFE’S CHALLENGES reputation as the R&B queen of heartbreak. the daughter of a Methodist clergyman and a pastor/ opera singer who first began to sing in However, throughout the years, Toni faced a As our very own Nat Burns of LN’s Notes a church choir in Severn, Maryland with her number of sorrows and troubles, ranging from from Nat column says of Toni’s new album, siblings. legal disputes to family and health problems. “Embraced perfectly by an incredible musical accompaniment, Braxton’s smoky voice Toni was first discovered by songwriter and In 1996, she filed a lawsuit against Arista captivates, bouncing between anger, regret, producer William E. Pettaway and in the 1980s, and LaFace Records and filed for chapter 7 and loss in equal measure.” she and her four sisters began to perform as The bankruptcy. This was only settled in 1999, Braxtons. They were signed by Arista Records in which enabled her to record her next album, The Sex & Cigarettes is Toni’s debut album with 1989, which led them to be discovered by music Heat. However, throughout her career after, her Def Jam Recordings, and her first studio album producers LA Reid and “Babyface” Edmonds. albums suffered from lack of support from her since her last album, Love, Marriage & Divorce, record label. in 2014 which she did in collaboration with While being asked by the two to record “Love Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Shoulda Brought You Home” for the soundtrack She left Arista Records in 2003 and signed on with of Eddie Murphy’s film, Boomerang, could be Blackground Records, which was headed by her This album was also given a Parental Advisory cited as the breakout moment for Toni, the cherry manager at the time, Barry Hankerson. In 2007, warning—Toni’s first—so you would probably on top was R&B icon Anita Baker suggesting she later sued Hankerson for “fraud, deception, think that you can expect something a little that she be the one to record the song. and double dealing” as well as mismanaging more risqué in the subject matter of the songs. her relationship with Arista Records. It doesn’t help that the album cover features the Because of this, Toni later signed on with the still-sexy, now 50-year old Toni in lingerie and duo’s Arista label, LaFace Records, where she During her October 2006 concert at the Flamingo holding a cigarette. released her first solo album, Toni Braxton. Las Vegas, Toni announced to the audience This one peaked at number one on Billboard’s that she had learned her second son, Diezel Ky As she tells The Insider about her album: “I feel 200 album chart and won her awards, including Braxton-Lewis, with father musician Keri Lewis, like I’m older, I wanna say what I feel. I don’t two American Music Awards and three Grammy had been diagnosed with autism. (Earlier, she wanna be censored.” awards. It later went on to hit platinum eight had a complicated pregnancy with Diezel that times in the US and sold more than ten million led her to bed rest during the release of her However, the songs are really more about the copies worldwide. album, More Than a Woman, which affected it pain of heartbreak laced with bitterness and launch.) anger. For example, the song “Sex & Cigarettes” Her next album, Secrets, had her most details an unfaithful lover’s infidelities rather recognizable single and the biggest hit of her In November 2009, she announced her than anything else what you’re thinking. (Which career, “Un-Break my Heart,” which earned her separation with Lewis, which led to their is quite right, after all: when do you break out two more Grammy Awards for Best Female Pop divorce in July 2013. But in February 2013, she the cigarettes anyway?) Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album. announced that she was retiring from music and would go into acting, starting with the Lifetime With the album’s release last year, it has been This album was followed by The Heat (2000), Movie Network’s Twist of Faith. However, in mostly reviewed positively by music critics. More Than a Woman (2002), Libra (2005), and June 2013, she announced her return to music It debuted at number 22 on the US Billboard Pulse (2010). In 2014, she did a duet album with with an album with Babyface, Love, Marriage, & 200 and number 14 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Babyface, Love, Marriage, & Divorce, which Divorce. Albums chart. Across the ocean, it hit number earned them both a Grammy Award for Best 33 on the UK Albums Chart and number one on R&B Album in 2015. In 2008, her stint at Las Vegas was cancelled due the UK R&B Albums Chart. to her health when she was briefly hospitalized. She also made her Broadway debut by singing Later on, she was diagnosed with microvascular The single “Deadwood” spent 17 weeks and as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from angina (small vessel disease). In November topped at number 34 on the Billboard R&B/ Hip- 1998-99. This was also the first time an African- 2010, she admitted that she had been diagnosed Hop Airplay chart. Likewise, it spent 21 weeks American woman starred in a Disney Broadway with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an and peaked at number seven on the Billboard musical. autoimmune disease. Adult R&B Songs chart. Moreover, she was invited by The Flamingo Hotel This later affected her tour dates during The and Casino in Las Vegas to be their headline Hits Tour in 2016, though she tried to make up A LIFETIME OF SONGS act in 2006. The show, called Toni Braxton, the cancelled dates by rescheduling them. Revealed, had her performing six nights a week Given how Toni was raised in a strict religious before its end in 2008. household, her new album may come as a BEING STRONG AND SMART

Despite all these challenges, Toni has always recovered and moved on from strength to strength. When her son was diagnosed with autism, she became an advocate for the group Autism Speaks, becoming their International Spokesperson.

When she had her brush with a heart ailment, she became a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

In an interview with LN about that episode, she said, “It’s so easy to say, ‘live your life to the fullest, live like every day might be your last.’ I think the thing I truly felt was, ‘don’t take anything for granted.’ Women put things off all the time and think of themselves last. It’s so important to go with your instincts.”

For each legal dispute, she managed to bounce back, record a new album, and sing her heart out to the audience. She once said about performing “My favourite thing in the world is walking out in the audience and having fun with them—they are one of the biggest forms of amusement you can even imagine!”

She added, “I love the connection aspect of performance.”

And while she was describing her album, Libra, with this quote, it’s actually quite appropriate also with her latest album, Sex & Cigarettes: “It’s always such a challenge to keep evolving— that’s the hard part. Music is such a mutating art form. It’s hard to keep up with the times without copying anyone.”

However, she admitted that “it’s so energizing trying new things but still being the Toni Braxton everyone expects.”

And that’s why we’ve come to love Toni: that throughout the years and the different albums, she’s still the same super smart and sexy cool singer we fell head over heels with.

TOP

HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE: SEASON 2 OUT NOW ON YOUTUBE The one and only talk show that offers marriage advice from happily married non-experts! By Michel Khordoc

e’ve all heard These non-experts offer a fresh, funny and that “marriage is uniquely gay perspective on how to make the Bridget McManus is a screenwriter, producer, hard” but what if it most out of married life. A never-been-done director and award-winning performer. She weren’t? before talk show that changes the narrative created and hosted two television shows for about (gay) marriage and offers a refreshing the Logo Network; Bridget McManus Presents: Two married take on married life for lesbian couples. That Time of The Month and the award-winning lesbian couples, Cat Davis and Kristen Smith comedy talk show, Brunch with Bridget. (married for 2 1/2 years) and Bridget McManus Created and produced by Cat Davis & Bridget Wand Karman Kregloe (married for 10 years), McManus, Happy Wife Happy Life just returned McManus had a recurring cameo in season 4 discuss and debate relationship topics in this for a second season. All six episodes were of the Emmy-Award winning series Transparent fun, if not accidentally informative, show. recently released for free on Youtube. Season and garnered a Best Actor nomination at 1 is also available on tellofilms now. London’s Raindance Web Fest for her starring role Maybelle, which McManus penned and co- (winner “Best of the Fest”), The Laugh Factory, For more information go to: produced. The Improv, Ventura Harbor Comedy Club and www.instagram.com/happywifehappylifeseries the Here/Queer Comedy Tour. twitter.com/HWHLseries She also produced and starred in the series Happy Wife, Happy Life, McManusLand, We Cat was the host of the popular AfterEllen blog, tello Link for season 1: Have Issues, Buyer Beware and was featured “Cat on the Prowl” and the co-host of “Is This www.tellofilms.com/series/happy-wife-happy- in Universal’s blockbuster film Wanted, MTV’s Awesome?!” with Fortune Feimster, and the life sketch series Acting Out, the romantic comedy satirical news show “We Have Issues” with November Rule and was the host’s sidekick on Bridget McManus. Watch season 2: CBS’s The Queen Latifah Show. Ep 1: www.youtube.com/ The first live taping of Happy Wife Happy Life watch?v=rCIVoHFYhkQ&t=344s Cat Davis is an LA-based TV writer and performer, was recently shot at ClexaCon in Las Vegas Ep 2: www.youtube.com/ originally from Greenfield, Indiana. She has and garnered massive success – more shows watch?v=tJb0GoY7zPs&t=233s worked as a writer for the Disney Channel and with a live audience will be shot in the future. Ep 3: www.youtube.com/ has appeared on Showtime, Lifetime, LOGO Happy Wife Happy Life was also submitted for watch?v=2LDAeq44Wkk and the CW. She performs improv regularly as a an Emmy Award in the “Outstanding Short Form Ep 4: www.youtube.com/ Main Company member of ComedySportz and as Variety Series” category. watch?v=GRrsyGEoVSw&t=256s part of the improvised musical, “U-sical!” Stand- Ep 5: www.youtube.com/ up credits include LOGO’s “One Night Stand- watch?v=zwYHsiz3l_Q&t=325s Up” and “One Night Stand-Up After Dark,” LA Ep 6: www.youtube.com/ Comedy Festival, Eagle Rock Comedy Festival watch?v=zcGaGw24Egk TOP

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY REMAINS THE NORM New study finds genetic basis for gender identity By Rachel Gold

f you didn’t see this under-reported and its estimated heritability is 0.46 to 0.84, I hope what they’ll discover (and what I think is news in late March, a team of scientists depending on the bones studied. likely) is not only how gender identity is formed, identified a number of genetic variants but that it’s meant to form in a diverse way. having to do with the formation of gender It’s my educated guess that we won’t discover Based on previous studies of trans women’s identity. This adds to the growing body a “transgender gene” any more than we’ve brains, in addition to the study of cis men and of research pointing to the importance discovered a “gay gene.” Much more likely is women’s brains mentioned above, we may find of biological mechanisms in the formation of that we’ll find biological systems that trend that there are eleven kinds of trans women and gender identity and sexuality. toward gender diversity. trans men, eleven kinds of cisgender women I and men, and who knows how many nonbinary It’s often a double-edged sword for women In nature diverse systems tend to be more robust brain types. That’s going to take some pretty when behaviors are tracked back to biology, (yes, that’s a huge oversimplification—for much complicated genetics. but for lesbians, bi and queer women (trans more depth on this, read Joan Roughgarden’s or cisgender) it can be more helpful than not The Genial Gene). And if you look across the For now if you’re the parent of a trans kid, or to have some biological backing as we come history of human culture, you’ll see tremendous someone who looks after trans kids in your out and live our lives. In updating the science diversity around sex and gender: from cultures community, this is another tool in our toolbox in my trans young adult novel, Being Emily, I with six genders to cultures with no gender or for celebrating diversity and getting all our kids also learned that it can be tremendously helpful a contextual sense of gender. (Respectively: the support they need. and comforting to parents of trans kids to know Jewish law, Yoruba pre-colonization, Neolithic there’s a biological basis for their kid’s gender Europe; those are only a few examples from identity—including queer parents raising this hundreds.) next generation of amazing trans and nonbinary kids. More and more science is uncovering that human beings exist on spectrums or as mosaics, not in So what did this new study find? The team, led by discrete boxes. A study of the sex difference Augusta University professor Dr. John Theisen, of human brains, completed in 2015, found sequenced the DNA from 30 transgender that across 1400 people, most brains had a people (14 trans men and 16 trans women). combination of male and female structures. They found 30 genetic variants shared by the Only 0-8% of brains contained all male or all trans people in the study and very rare in the female patterns. In addition, the study looked population as a whole (less than one in 100,000 at stereotypical gender behaviors and found people). Of those 30 variants, nine have to do that people who did all stereotypically-female with production of testosterone or estrogen, or or stereotypically-male behaviors accounted for the growth of brain cells. only 0.1% of those studied.

For a longer report on the study, see: The study’s lead author, behavioral neuroscientist www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/03/scientists- Daphna Joel, at Tel Aviv University in Israel, discover-dna-responsible-gender-identity/ commented that, “There is no one type of male brain or female brain.”

Earlier studies, including twin studies, have Read more about the study here: already pointed to a genetic component to www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/11/brains- gender identity formation. The most detailed men-and-women-aren-t-really-different-study- study to date found an estimated heritability of finds 0.62 for gender identity disorder (which was the diagnosis in place at the time of the study; it’s since been changed to gender dysphoria). To Watch Joel’s TED Talk: give you a comparison: bone mineral density is https://youtu.be/rYpDU040yzc considered to have a strong genetic component

About Rachel Gold

Raised on world mythology, fantasy novels, comic books and magic, Rachel is the author of multiple queer & trans young adult novels, including the award-winning Being Emily—the first young adult novel to tell the story of a trans girl from her perspective. Rachel is a nonbinary lesbian, all around geek and avid gamer. She teaches at the Loft Literary Center an annual class/game for teens called, “I’m Gaming as I Write This.” For more information visit: www.rachelgold.com. TOP

SODOM ROAD EXIT EXCERPT By Amber Dawn

o. Here sits Barbara cross-legged on my bed. I am break-ups. Always one extreme or the other, In. dripping wet in a small towel—shower steam still like having two different mothers, neither of Sit beside. thick behind me. At a standstill in my bedroom them family-sitcom nurturing. door, I try to call off the many memories of She’s always at her apex in the morning before Your mother. her materializing every where all the time, of she begins her routine. Jovially caffeinated, sing- Perform actions of growing up overwhelmed by her pervasive song bright, still robed in her chiffon nightgown. attachment. presence, her disregard for privacy. Or her flip Her huge breasts beached on top of her belly Act tender and maybe real tenderness will side, her talent for ignoring me for weeks on make her look like some sort of a magnificent Gfollow. end—usually timed with new romances or with mermaid. Maybe she came from the lake? And I am a human child she stole? Will she devour dress was a cut-up, oversized black T-shirt from photo was of a ventriloquist’s dummy. Not the me one day, like Lamia? Don’t demonize her, Zellers. But my shoes were Vivienne Westwood body, just the strange grinning face, with the you terrible daughter, I scold myself. My familial stilettos, late ’70s, black leather, and those blown up text, ‘When I hear the word culture I bonds are defective. heavy metal details that tell-tale Westwood. take out my check book.’ Like the art itself is Anyone who knows shoes would recognize making fun of the buyer who can afford the art.” The right thing is to say, “Good morning,” and, those Westwoods, you know? I found them at “Did you sleep well?” What stops me is the the Good fucking Will in Newmarket. Twenty- “Like you?” asks Barbara. sight of one of my suitcases unzipped sodom five dollars! Twenty-five dollars to feel like I road exit on the floor. In her hand is my red and could march on into the Barbara Kruger show.” “I guess so.” I pause. “Sure, like the joke is totally white framed lenticular print by Barbara Kruger, on me, on all of us.” Barbara’s facial expression number three in a series of only six. “Help I’m Barbara stares at me blankly. appears to be neutral as I recount the story, so locked inside this picture,” the caption declares I keep going. My mother knows capitalism is in Kruger’s signature Futura Bold Oblique font. “It’s almost as good as that time we saw the bullshit, right? She was a hippie. She’s a single Barbara’s fingers better not be greased up with identical rocking chair to Nonno’s selling for mother. And so I admit to her, “I wish I would have her bogus Avon Pearls and Lace hand lotion. eight hundred dollars at that antique store,” I thought of that first. Standing in that gallery, I explain. “Eight hundred dollars, but Nonno got felt like Kruger and I are alike, or, like, we all “I bought that in New York,” I take a deep breath his for ten.” Barbara half-smiles in recognition, think alike. We’re all in this rat race, right?” I and say. “At the Annina Nosei Gallery.” nods her head. We can have a conversation, I ask, using one of her hippie expressions, rat encourage myself. She’s listening. “I remember race. “We’re all force-fed the same dumbed- My mother shifts over on my bed, making room the gallery being ridiculously quiet—a mid- down ideology. I understood then how clearly for me. I pull the bath towel tightly around my afternoon on a weekday,” I continue. “The silence the tyranny and the irony of life are totally chest and sit beside her. “Four years ago, I made the Krugers seem so amped up. She, interchangeable, you know? In another time or guess, five? I took the Greyhound bus. I was um, works with all these consumer messages, place I could be Barbara Kruger, showing at the so nervous to go to SoHo my first time. Before you see? Like, she says stuff like, ‘Money can Whitney, at the Met. If I just was braver. More that, I’d never ventured from Museum Mile, you buy you love’ and ‘Buy me I’ll change your life’ ambitious. If I just turned these brainwashed know, Fifth Avenue. SoHo was branching out, and ‘When I hear the word culture I take out messages into art at exactly the right time. I big time. I dressed for the occasion. Well, my my check book.’ That piece really got me. The could be a Barbara Kruger or somebody. We all could. It’s timing, really. Timing and the will to Kruger onto the bed beside me. I raise my voice let it go. “Help I’m locked inside this picture” is just go for it.” as she stands over me, “Come on, we’re going mine mine mine. to fight over art?” My mother hands the print to me. The bath towel starts to inch down my bare torso as I hold it in “We’re going to fight over art,” she mocks me in ------my hands. “You think I don’t know who Barbara an odd attempt at a British accent. Kruger is?” asks my mother. “You think only snot-nosed college flunkies like you read Art in “You’re the one who went snooping in my Sodom Road Exit by Amber Dawn. Published by America.” suitcase.” My pulse chimes in my temples with Arsenal Pulp Press, 2018. Excerpted printed anger. “How about we fight over, I dunno, the with permission from the publisher. “Ma?” fact that you’re a relentless busybody who always goes through my stuff?” Amber Dawn is a writer and creative facilitator “You think the town library is a joke. How many living on unceded territories of the Musqueam, times did I have to hear that bullshit? Well, “I was looking for your address book. You should Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations Miss La Fucking Da, we carry Art in America call a friend. You get strange when you don’t (Vancouver, Canada). Her debut novel Sub and Fuse Magazine and another one ... I can’t have anyone to talk to.” Rosa (2010) won the Lambda Literary Award remember its name because you’re pissing me for Debut Lesbian Fiction and the Writers’ Trust off right now.” “No, Ma, I get strange when I’m forced into these of Canada Dayne Ogilvie Prize. Her memoir ludicrous conversations with you.” How Poetry Saved My Life: A Hustler’s Memoir “Great.” I’m sure I sound sarcastic. (2013) won the Vancouver Book Award. Her “Congratulations.” “How much money did you spend to prove you’re poetry collection Where the words end and my better than your hick mother? Never mind. I don’t body begins (2015) was a finalist for BC Book “You think you’re so much smarter than your want to know about your stuff. I don’t give a Award’s Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. She is hick mother?” “No. I never said that.” She gets goddamn.” She slams my bedroom door behind the editor of two queer anthologies Fist of the up from my bed; her throat flushes pink. What is her. The Kruger only cost $300. It was a lesser Spider Women: Fear and Queer Desire (2009) happening? I replay the conversation to pinpoint piece in 1985 when I purchased it. It’s gone up and With A Rough Tongue: Femmes Write Porn when exactly I pissed her off. Barbara drops the in value since. More then double. But I’ll never (2005).

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CHRISTIE HARDWICK: KEEPING IT REAL CHRISTIEAuthor of “The AND progressive JANE wedding book”, spiritual guide, activist, LGBTQ Non Profit Advisor, performing artist, and leadership guru By Christie Hardwick

fter 12 years of marriage children had turned 18 (I have three, she has on their way. and 13 together, my wife one) and she was on a leave from her work and and I are nearing that point I was working for myself. We decided to go I grew up black and multi-religion in the Silicon when this is the longest on an extended pre-honeymoon, so for our first Valley and she grew up white, Irish/Italian relationship of our lives. year we traveled together and lived bi coastal. Catholic in a little town called Eden, New York. Other than our children who As it turns out, lying in bed one Sunday morning, are in their 30’s, we are heading into the next I lived in the Bay Area of California and she we learned the following facts: we married our decade of unchartered territory. lived in Connecticut and had a small house in former husbands in the same month and year, A Provincetown, Mass. When I told friends that our sons were born three weeks apart, and we We came together later in life, she was 49 and she was going to move in with me after selling divorced our husbands in the same month and I was 46. We knew ourselves well enough that her Connecticut house, they were shocked. I year. We decided we must have been making after a few weeks we both knew this was ‘it’. We had made very clear that no one was going to our way to each other for most of our lives. were in a privileged time. Both of our youngest disturb my solitude since all my children were The day I married Jane, I was calm, happy and she is all in working out the details with me. I way to continue to grow is to move directly into grounded with a certainty that belied how little want to reset my life, my pace, my work and the unknown, to listen carefully and follow your time we’d had together (1 year). In contrast, my joy. I have found that I am moving through intuition, and to tell the truth. I was married to men twice before—one at 18 my life in somewhat of a habitual rather than years of age (resulting in twins a year later who thoughtful, present way. I have not been able The truth is, I don’t know how I want to live going are now 40!) and the other at 26. Moments to make enough adjustments to my schedule, forward. I just know I’m wrapping up things the before each of these weddings you could find my clients, the content of my work, to feel the way I do them now, heading to Italy next year me outside of the church will silent tears rolling level of joy that I know is possible. and letting life unfold. Fortunately for me, my life down my impassive face. Although I loved both partner is willing to keep it real between us. She to the best of my ability at the time, something I have a joy meter that can reach to 100. And is willing to have the hard conversations about didn’t feel right in my gut. I married them both if I am generous I allow myself a few hours or money, self worth, challenge and risk. She and anyway and to this day I believe it was because days of level 50. How do I know there is more? I are also willing to dream about the adventure, we were the only ones to be the parents of our On the rare occasions I give myself what I want, the joy and the growth that the unknown will magnificent three children. space, unstructured time, play and permission surely bring. not to achieve; I feel a level of bliss that keeps I am heading into my 60th year and my wife a smile permanently on my face. I want more One of the things we’ve created together that is is 62. We are thinking about this time as our of this. I know that my wife and everyone in my a gift to our community is an annual fall retreat. final third. Not in a morbid way but in a way life and everyone whose life I touch will benefit I invite you to join Jane and I for Provincetown of appreciating the preciousness of life and from this joy. I need to be myself completely. Inspiration Weekend. It is a three day event recognizing that it has an expiration date, at designed to fill your heart and soul with inspiring least this experience of it. We find ourselves Being myself completely means being real about music, spoken word and experiential workshops. talking about challenging and exciting ideas- what is calling me, what feels good and right Held in beautiful Provincetown, in Cape Cod Oct and implementing some of them. and not what I think I’m expected to do or be 5-7, you will reflect, relax and renew your spirit. or feel. One of the promises we made to each One idea I had was to live for a year in Italy other when we married was that we were both Register here: when I turn sixty next March. At first she was committed to continued growth, spiritual and www.inspirationgatherings.org hesitant about how it could all work but now emotional growth. I have found that the only

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MICHAELA MENDELSOHN: BEST OF THE BEST The first transgender to receive the Faces of Diversity Award By Michel Khordoc

OS ANGELES, CA - transgender “We hired over 40 transpeople of color into our activist Michaela Mendelsohn was restaurants and founded TransCanWork to open selected to be the state and national doors at businesses nationwide to increase the recipient of the Faces of Diversity hiring of transgender employees,” she says. Award. “We train companies in diversity and use our jobs board to advertise their open positions to The annual award is part of the National Restaurant the transgender community. Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) Lcelebration of the “best of the best” in diversity Her work with Senator [Ricardo] Lara in and inclusion, community service and hospitality Sacramento resulted in the passage of SB 396, leadership. which now requires all California companies to include harassment training of management to In partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, the include gender identity, gender expression and Faces of Diversity Awards program honors sexual orientation. individuals in the restaurant industry who have Mendelsohn is in a unique position to teach on realized the American Dream through hard the subject and help others break barriers. work, determination and enterprise. Mendelsohn is also on several boards, including Founded in 2006, this program was created serving as Vice Chair of the Trevor Project, to promote the importance of diversity and a board member of Mayor Garcetti’s L.A. inclusion by highlighting model companies that Workforce Development Board, and is working have excelled in this area, as well as to raise with the Los Angeles Community College District awareness about the important role restaurants and other institutions to “normalize” trans lives. play in providing a ladder of opportunity for And she served as a consultant to the series millions of Americans to achieve the American “Orange is the New Black.” Dream. Mendelsohn is an amazing woman who has had A panel of industry leaders selects the a tremendous impact on the community. winners, who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC to be honored at an This is an annual award presented by a leader awards ceremony at the National Restaurant in the restaurant industry, championing people Association’s Public Affairs Conference Gala from all backgrounds. Awards Dinner. In addition to the ceremony, a What makes Mendelsohn’s story so special and $2,500 scholarship will be made in the name of inspiring is that it shows the world that everyone each winner to an aspiring student pursuing a can be their authentic self and succeed; and that career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. everyone can overcome the challenges they are facing and find their voice. Mendelsohn, CEO of one of the largest El Pollo Loco franchises in the country and the first “In being my best self and telling my story, I transgender member of the L.A. Workforce hope to create “ripples in the pond” to open the Development Board, is the founder of the hearts and minds of one person at a time”, says California Transgender Work Project (CTWP) Mendelsohn. transcanwork.org - a program formed with the mission of promoting a trans positive work For more info: www.transcanwork.org climate throughout the state of California and Watch Michaela’s video: www.youtube.com/ the US. watch?v=GeqwfeIJrtw&t=1s

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MID-COAST MAINE: SEASIDE PARADISE A home to picturesque seaside villages and some of the world’s finest ocean scenery By Barbara Horngren

s seascapes go, Maine summertime seaside vacation. or head for the trails at Camden Hills State Park. has some of the best in the world. My favorites can be Most of the towns here offer sightseeing cruises, In Boothbay Harbor you’ll find a floral found along the state’s mid- fresh fish and seafood meals and, of course, extravaganza, the Coastal Maine Botanical coast, a 100-mile swathe salty ocean breezes. Some offer more. Gardens, stretching along the waterfront. The running northeast from rose garden is a special treat. Bath has been above Portland to Penobscot Bay. To call this For instance, shopping – it’s in mid-coast Maine named a “Distinctive Destination” by the National region picture postcard pretty doesn’t even that you’ll find Freeport as well as hundreds of Trust. It’s easy to see why when you amble Abegin to do it justice. With its sweep of pine- boutiques and outlet stores. Camden probably through downtown with its Federal, Italianate, tree-dotted rocky shorelines, dramatic ocean has Maine’s prettiest harbor. You can get great and Queen Anne buildings or take a trolley tour scenery, appealing villages, and fishing-trawler/ views of it from Camden Harbor Park. If you’d of the Bath Iron Works, a shipyard that has small-boat harbors, it’s the perfect setting for a like to stretch your legs a bit, stroll through town built battleships for the U.S. Navy since 1884. Brunswick also shows off structures in a variety and herbs. “It’s similar to corned beef hash, Rockland is a good place for a boat ride, too, of architectural styles and has a 1.25-mile-long except with lobster,” is how the winning chef either on one of Maine’s fleet of windjammers scenic walkway along the Androscoggin River. described it. (you sail through northern Atlantic waters amongst picturesque islands just offshore), or Rockland, perhaps my favorite mid-coast town, Lobster can be found on the menus of pretty on the Captain Jack Lobster Boat Adventure, a is well known as Maine’s lobster capital, no much every dining establishment in Rockland, 1-1/4-hour cruise to haul in lobster traps. There little because it puts on a yearly Maine Lobster from the casual put-on-the-bib-and-dig-in are fishing poles on board, too, so you can Festival (www.mainelobsterfestival.com). This seaside lobster shanties to the fine-dining, top- try your hand at fishing for mackerel and cod. year’s is the 66th annual, and it runs from July chef variety. But, there’s more to do than eat Or you can just sit back and watch for seals, 31-August 4. Billed as “Five Days of Feasting Maine’s favorite crustacean here. You can porpoises, and whales, all of which are known and Fun on the Fabulous Coast of Maine,” it’s walk on the nearly mile-long Rockland Harbor to inhabit these waters. a carnival (rides, game booths, exhibition tents) breakwater to visit the Rockland Breakwater with lobsters – some 20,000 pounds of lobsters. Lighthouse (open weekends and holidays And, there are interesting museums in the town seasonally). It’s an 18-foot square tower atop – the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, There are events, tours, art shows, a road race, a fog signal house. Maine has 63 lighthouses, which exhibits the works of 18th- and 19th- musical entertainment, a lobster crate race 14 of which are easily accessible to Rockland. century American artists as well as paintings and and, of course, lobster always available in the Each is unique in design and has its own tale of drawings by N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and food tent. According to festival volunteers, it’s shipwrecks, rescues, legends, and ghosts. Owls Jamie Wyeth. The Maine Lighthouse Museum prepared in the world’s largest lobster cooker. Head Light State Park holds the next closest. touts itself as holding the “largest collection of The lighthouse, a 30-foot white-brick conical lighthouse artifacts and mementoes.” There’s a lobster cooking contest, too. The tower, isn’t open to visitors, but the grounds, favorite dish of last year’s judges was Seafood which guard the entrance of Rockland’s harbor, For further information on Rockland and mid- Hash with Lobster Hollandaise Sauce – a blend are. coast Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com. of lobster, sweet and red potatoes, sea scallops,

TOP WOMEN’S WEEK: WOMEN ON A ROLL TRIP TO PROVINCETOWN! “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!” -- Mae West

oin us for the 21st Women On from Boston and Provincetown in this very special town on the tip of Cape Cod A Roll Trip to Provincetown on • Sunset Dunes Tour & Beach Bonfire October 8-14, 2018. • Welcome Reception upon arrival Prices start at: • Welcome brunch or luncheon at a favorite $1,795* without airfare Early bookings are highly local spot $2,295* with round-trip air from LAX recommended to secure your • Our private Group Gourmet Dinner at spot and ensure your preferred room type is one of the most beautiful and highest rated *Prices based on double occupancy and vary available. Prices vary based on room type. restaurants in town based on room type. JSuites and rooms may offer water view or • Farewell Dinner at the Lobster Pot Single occupancy available, please inquire. town view, fireplace and jacuzzi tub. Please (optional) visit www.anchorinnbeachhouse.com for room • Daily Continental Breakfast Reserve your spot: descriptions. Rooms assigned on first come, • Daily Wine & Cheese Hour $500 deposit per person ($300 non-refundable) first served basis. Once we receive your deposit, • Guided Beach Forest Bike Ride (bike Balance will be due on or before August 2, 2018. you will be contacted for room selection. rental not included, weather dependent) • Concierge ticket service and VIP reserved To pay online: Please include your phone # with your deposit seating for the most popular shows in town womenonaroll.com/womens-week-in- or email [email protected] (ticket price not included) provincetown-3 • Free Women On A Roll Party To pay by phone: Call 310-398-1628 • An enormous variety of events: dancing, To pay by check: Mail to P.O. Box 4353, Culver WHAT’S INCLUDED: comedy shows, concerts, art exhibits, movies, City, CA 90231 • Six nights at the Anchor Inn Beach House, bicycling, hiking, football, singles events, Provincetown’s premiere lodging on the water couples events, whale watching, and much To reserve your room now: • Round trip air travel (optional) more. womenonaroll.com/womens-week-in- • Round trip chartered shuttle service to/ • Thousands of women, hundreds of events provincetown-3 TOP

ANGELS WEAR WHITE

MoviesEyeC

HIDDEN LIVES Five Films at SFIFF 2018 By John Esther

ne of the longest running (Wen Qi), is checking out a sculpture of Marilyn suspicious about the man and the two girls – film festivals in the Monroe’s iconic white dress scene in “The suspicious enough that Mia records the image world, the San Francisco Seven Year Itch.” Large, vulgar and seemingly on the monitor to her own camera. But what International Film Festival out of place in a seaside resort of Xiamen, the the camera did not see behind closed doors is (SFIFF) held its 61st girl’s gaze is comical and a light touch about the what counts. A crime has been committed and version April 4-17, 2018. objectification of women in a film where violence an investigation has begun. While the cops Showcasing hundreds of films, many of which toward girls in a corrupt patriarchy is examined. haphazardly investigate one of their own, the have yet to secure domestic distribution (a shame two girls must deal with their lousy, uncaring Oin many cases), the festival has a tradition of Back at work that night, Mia is working the front parents. Meanwhile, Mia is trying to secure a offering films about people -- contrary to most desk at seaside hotel -- one where she could fake ID so she can remain in the country legally. U.S. media narratives -- who are marginalized, never afford to stay in as guest – when a man invisible and poor. shows up with two girls, Xiowen (a marvelous A stark film with ample energy and anger thrown Zhou Meijun) and Xinxin (Zhang Xinyue), who at a society who does not take the violence Here are five selections from this year’s film are supposed to be his own girls yet he gets two toward girls serious, “Angels Where White” festival. different rooms. After Mia delivers beer to the is strong, assured film with plenty of stellar girl’s room, with no adult in sight (say what?), acting going around. This film deserves U.S. ANGELS WEAR WHITE she returns to the front desk and watches the distribution. In the opening scene of writer-director Vivian action captured on the surveillance camera. It Qu’s an adolescent girl named Xiaomi or “Mia” soon becomes clear that there is something THE CLEANERS THE CLEANERS In 2006 Kirby Dick released “This Film Is Not Yet Rated.” A wonderful documentary illustrating the sinister and corrupt procedures a few anonymous members of the MPAA use to determine what shall and shall not be seen by particular, or all, segments of American society. Random, hypocritical and influential these highly-paid, culturally conservative, cultural American arbitrators can stop an image or narrative from ever being seen. But it seems small in comparison to what goes on in social media and the exploited, people from afar, often culturally conservative, who decide what shall and shall not be seen on the likes of Facebook.

In the deep slums of Manila, Philippines, anonymous people view around 25,000 images a day. Exposed to the worst humanity has to offer – i.e. public executions, mass slaughters, child pornography, bestiality – the eponymous characters of the film delete these images, regardless where they were posted (often thousands of miles away) and without much discernment or discretion.

It can be argued these atrocities should not be available to the public, but it can also be argued that people have the right to know what is going on, no matter how horrible.

Things become even trickier when images are seemingly satirical and pretty harmless – like I AM NOT A WITCH an artist’s nude illustration of President Don the Con Trump in the nude, which was removed. The reasons and motivations by these people – who are definitely exploited and often uneducated THOSE WHO ARE FINE and superstitious – are hardly convincing. Some of them are grossly hypocritical, if not downright antagonistic toward a more civilized, better informed world populace.

Directors Moritz Block and Moritz Rieswieck’s documentary is valuable one and a bleak one at that - one where no viewer will view the world as a better place than before the filmgoer started the documentary.

I AM NOT A WITCH Because bad things happen to stupid people in a village in Zambia and she is a loner who does not talk much, a nine-year-old girl (Margaret Mulubwa) is accused of being a witch. As a TIGRE

result, she is forced to join a convent of witches discussions thereof. TIGRE who serve as a tourist attraction when they are Down in the Argentina Parana Delta sits an not providing cheap labor. Told in vignettes with little crossover, the closest ancient island full of vegetation and bugs with thing to a protagonist is Alice (Sarah Stauffer). bulldozers threatening to modernize the area Now known as Shula, the little girl’s stay with Alice works at some phishing phone bank to the point of erasing its face off past of the her grownup witches is short-lived. Mr. Banda where all kinds of unscrupulous offers are made earth. One family and friends has returned to (Henry BJ Phiri) has better ways to exploit her. to gullible citizens. When she is not screwing the island to say goodbye. Before they take the The first one is for Shula to use her powers strangers of their money at work, Alice has this money and run (and smashy smashy), a few to decide who has stolen money. Of course, side project where she finds an aging person narratives, involving three generations, will play she has no such powers, but she has to name who is losing her mental faculties and calls out among the swampy milieu. somebody – probably somebody innocent. up, pretending to be her granddaughter who needs a lot of money. After the grandmother Rina (Marilú Marini), an older woman who may From this the situation the Shula’s story becomes withdraws the money, Alice, pretending to be be ailing in health, has returned to sell the grimmer and yet funnier, but it is hard to laugh the granddaughter over the phone tells grandma home. Accompanied by a younger woman and when society is controlled by superstition and she cannot meet grandma, but can grandma friend, Elena (Maria Ucedo), who has brought the “demons” are women and these women please meet her best friend, played by Alice, and some kids and their friends, and a boyfriend, must be controlled by men, even witch doctors. give the money to her. Alice is leaves without a along for the memorable occasion, tensions trace. begin to smolder has the hormones and heat hit A fantastic film begging for U.S. distribution, Alice does run into a few of the other recurring the mostly adolescent cast of characters. The however unlikely, writer-director Rungano characters in this 67-minute film. These most odd of these narratives involves a young Nyoni’s film takes aim at a conmen and the characters carry on some pretty mind-numbing local adolescent girl and the games she plays gullible, ignorant public who turn a blind side to conversations while being paid to protect a with two adolescent boys. his grift. Sound familiar? border. Written by Silvina Schnicer and co-directed by Formalized, satirical, and sometimes angry, Schnicer and Ulises Porra Guardiola, “Tigre” is THOSE WHO ARE FINE writer-director Cyril Schäublin’s delightful debut a rather mellow film offering fine performances Set in the outskirts of Zurich, Switzerland the is reminiscent of Norway’s Roy Andersson’s “A and an ending questioning what would happen denizens here seem to be divided between the Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence” next for these particular islanders. Part II, scammers and the scammed, with no solidarity (although there is nothing here as horrific as please. other than everyone seems to have internet/ that simian torture scene). data complications on their cell phones or TOP

Notes From Nat

BOYTOY: GARAGE-PSYCH-ROCKING Brooklyn-based queer ladies are returning with their sophomore album, Night Leaf. By Nat Burns

OYTOY is a summer-time strut tube amps, analog tape machines and a slew of Youtube: down a New York City sidewalk old trucks, RV’s, and surfboards. https://youtu.be/UL3hwFgcSSA as the sun slips behind the horizon where cement meets With a fresh collection of genuine tunes and Spotify: the shore and waves crash contagious rhythms, founding members Saara https://open.spotify.com/ on pavement. They will be Untracht- Oakner (vocals, guitar) and Glenn artist/1ffDZMTt0bQ4zADeiJK6n8 returning with their sophomore album, Night Michael Van Dyke (vocals, guitar), were joined Leaf, April 27th via PaperCup Music/Burger by Chase Noelle (drums, ex-Thelma and The Website: www.boytoyband.com BRecords. Sleaze) and Lena Simon (bass, La Luz), to Facebook: www.facebook.com/boytoyband record at producer Kyle Mullarky’s renowned BOYTOY’s sound ebbs and flows between Pump House Studio. Mullarky is well known PRE ORDER NIGHT LEAF ON VINYL: natural harmony and destruction—embodying for his work producing and recording California http://papercupmusic.limitedrun.com/ the bright grooves of the 1960’s with heavy bands including The Growlers and Allah-Las. products/611637-boytoy-night-leaf guitar riffs snatched from the Lower East Side of the 1970’s. Night Leaf was born on a ranch A first single, “Mary Anne” https://youtu.be/ in Topanga Canyon, California, surrounded by nWYbAcNJiOc , arrived late Feb., with second ‘Til next month— three dogs, two pigs, nostalgic tones of warm single, “Static Age”, arriving late March. Nat TOP Spirituality

LEAP By Dina Evan, PhD

Sometimes, it takes a tsunami to wake us up; Address it in somewhat the same way that we a serious illness, a major loss, a government feel thankful we only broke our toe, rather than in shambles or making an error so grievous it our back, before we finally moved the table we brings us to our knees. Einstein knew that and kept tripping over. said only the most courageous create these things so that they can become conscious. Now just get still, take a breather, and ask

yourself, “What quantum leap is my soul

So, let’s take a minute or two to congratulate asking me to take?”, and then no matter ourselves. In other words, don’t take a lot of what… leap! It’s time. time beating your self up.

TOP VISIT VISIT SITE WEBSITE

Vendange is the perfect getaway desti- You’ll see what makes Vendange a once The separate Cottage Suite offers a gen- nation located in the village of Carmel - in a lifetime stay. Their gardens, the grand erous 650 square feet of living space. by - the - Sea. It is the fi rst wine themed pergola, drinking a glass of wine around With a California King bed, 50” high defi - Inn in all of Carmel and Monterey. the fi re pit, or stopping by the lobby for nition fl at screen television, gas fi replace nightly hors d’oeuvres, will make your trip and kitchenette, it’s the perfect place for Each room is named after a local winery. more memorable. a honeymoon or romantic getaway. These partnered wineries design their own rooms in their own creative man- There are 18 rooms in the Inn which is The Inn offers breakfast daily. Wine ner, providing guests with a memorable owned and operated by the Lee family. Themed Rooms: are Dawn’s Dream, and fun experience. Carmel Beach, has Sleeping areas are appointed with mem- Galante, J. Lohr, Joullian, Manzoni, McIn- exquisite shops, world class restaurants ory foamtop beds, deluxe linens, WiFi, tyre, Otter Cove, Pierce Winery, Tudor, and beautiful beaches. and high-defi nition fl at screen TV. Twisted Roots, Ventana, Cima Colina. Words that Make Sense

CAN YOU HANDLE ALL THAT? When too much comes at you all at once By Toni Hart

ately, I feel like a target for stuff I of those agencies. It is annoying to do this and never wanted. A couple months ago be constantly calling for pickups and delivery I had an unexpected accident. When to those places I have to go. Just keeping track I pushed open the door to my car to is a full time job. However, I’m so glad they are exit, it bounced back with such force around to use. that the corner of the door went into my lower leg. There wasn’t a lot of pain but I’m also thankful that there are such good there was a ton of blood pouring out of my leg. doctors and nurses out there to handle these LSince we were at a concert hall, I asked my problems before they become bigger problems. companion to see if there was a first aid person Boy! Talk about traveling to and from all these available. Luckily, there was and he took care facilities and also waiting for your turn at the of the wound and bandaged it securely so we various offices not to mention calling for pickup could attend the venue that we had come to see. after the visits and waiting for the van or bus to come and get me to take me home. It’s a big It was very slow to heal, but it didn’t hurt too production but I’m so grateful that there are so much so I didn’t go to the doctor and just figured many options out there. it would take time. If you are ever stuck in this position, be sure to Somehow later on, it didn’t look right and I look around and see what is available. Actually, showed it to my primary care physician who it’s a good thing to check on this long before then sent me to the wound care facility at my you need it as you never know when that will hospital. They didn’t like the look of it and said it be. had become infected. Then, they started me on a series of daily injections of antibiotics which If you are older like me, be sure to ask at the my daughter could handle with the help of a senior center of your community or perhaps at visiting nurse. She did a great job with all the the city hall in your town. It’s a big help and procedures necessary that go with the injections you will be surprised as well as delighted to see - such as sanitizing everything. how many options are available for you that are less expensive than Uber or Lyft and are just as Next, my significant other came down with reliable or more so. Of course the ride sharing shingles (out of nowhere), complicated with companies are also available to fall back on if weakness in the legs and had to go to the you need them and sometimes you do. I use hospital. them if I don’t have a lot of lead time to book the other options. Of course, because of my situation, I couldn’t visit. This left each of us alone in different parts So, even though this has been a trial, I’m of the city at a time where we needed to be confident that soon, this too shall pass. Soon, together. all will be taken care of and once again, we will be together, well and sassy as usual. In addition, because I don’t drive anymore, I have had to contact various agencies to pick me up and deliver me to the numerous doctors’ visits etc. that I have to do. This results in trying to find the tickets to buy to avail myself TOP JUNE 19-25 2018

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BREAKING BAD PROMISES Was it when my life became a Prince Song? By Rheana Juno Parrenas t took me four months to break my new new year’s resolution was a bad one: breaking and anti-racist activists’ campaigns. It’s not the year’s resolution of not buying new it was just a matter of time. Instead, I need to only force of change, but it is one to reckon. clothing. Might it have been the dreariness come to a more pragmatic set of goals, ones of winter, with storms so frequent, we got that are achievable instead of being doomed to Secondly, more than ever, it is crucial to to the letter X? Was it when my life became fail. So here are my amended goals for 2018: financially support progressive causes. We do a Prince Song, “Sometimes it Snows in not yet know how hard the middle class will April,” instead of another song by Prince that Firstly, I am shopping from businesses that be hit by the Republican tax overhaul and it I would much rather have materialized, like match my values. Hence, I am shopping at REI promises to be bad for the middle class folks I“Erotic City” or “Pink Cashmere”? Or was it like a summer intern at the Lesbian National who itemize their deductions. Personally, I have the thwarted promise of spring, made manifest Parks and Services. The performance artists grown accustomed to making donations in time by the cherry buds that have yet to blossom, Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, aka Lesbian to deduct from taxable income, but it looks like when Facebook reminds me they should have Rangers, are truly an inspiration! Seriously, I it will be more advantageous to have a standard bloomed weeks ago? Or was it the REI member appreciate REI’s efforts to diversify outdoor deduction instead of itemized deductions. Those sale? All of these are perhaps trifling excuses. recreation by featuring women of color and their who pay a lot of state and local taxes in cool efforts to advocate for inclusive public lands. I coastal states are going to feel the red hot burn I think what it comes down to is the deep desire also sincerely appreciate REI’s advocacy for of Republican animosity. to escape from my circumstances. Refusing Bear’s Ears and their support of indigenous to buy clothing ignores the immediacy of my groups with longstanding claims. And now, Having just participated in a bowling fundraiser own circumstances—of changing seasons, I wash my clothes in mesh bags that filter for Women Have Options, a progressive deteriorating fabric, expanding girth, and synthetic fibers instead of depositing them in organization that helps make abortion loosening of elastic. Likewise, it’s the success waterways. accessible, word across the lanes was that of clothing marketers for showing me photos of charitable donations for progressive causes the outdoors and tapping into a deep desire I While I am often wary of consumer activism, dropped in 2018. I don’t have any data on this, have to run off to woodland peaks. Either way, because it suggests that our value only lies in our but it is a cause of concern if it’s true. they got me! ability to buy things, I am becoming increasingly aware of how quickly corporations respond to With Prince in mind, Prince was able to do both: Alas, I have to come to the realization that my pressure from LGBT, feminist, pro-gun control, have a great wardrobe and generously give.

TOP Positive Reflections

WEED: ITS EFFECTS ON OTHERS AROUND A SMOKER Have you ever felt a contact high by standing or sitting next to someone smoking weed? By Dian Katz, MS

essons can be learned just about with specific seats and unable to sit somewhere smelly, skunky, strong marijuana scent, kind anywhere. I always seem to get else. I always get stuck sitting next to someone of pungent guy. What happened? I suddenly learning adventures when I attend with an annoying habit or weirdness. One time it burst out laughing. I was like… Oh crap!!! Why the movies. And… here’s one from was the guy slurping the popcorn butter off every am I laughing??? HAHAHAHAH. Nothing was the other night. finger ALL night which sounded like someone funny but I needed to laugh. HAHAHAHAH walking in squeaky wet rubber boots. Another Have you ever had one of those times you know I joined a couple of friends for an evening of time, it was the popcorn cruncher who chewed you shouldn’t laugh but then you just do??? laughter, dinner, and a movie. After a good like an army of soldiers stomping through a Every once in a while, I will get the giggles in Lmeal, the 3 of us got to the theater and found our forest of dry leaves! @#!$ And once, it was the a place I know I need to be quite. So there I seats. We got there early before the lights went family of five eating a 7 course meal complete was in this theater, before the show, thankfully, down. As always, I had another “interesting” with hot dogs, desserts, crunchy snacks, drinks and I was cracking up! I told myself… Holy movie-goer sitting next to “lucky” me. This and the rest of the concession stand! What is hell!!! Oh noooo... Don’t laugh Dian! No don’t!!! time, my movie neighbor reeked of marijuana!!! it with me and movie theaters? I suppose it’s HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Everything seemed so Now, I know many of you are probably saying, the universe’s way of grabbing my attention funny in that moment. I just couldn’t stop “awesome,” but for someone who doesn’t smoke in a setting I enjoy. Perhaps we are all better HAHAHAHAHAH. and has NEVER even tried it, well let’s just say, at learning something when we are a captive to me, it stunk!!! It was super strong and my audience. Otherwise, we would just walk away My friends were totally staring at me like what in friends agreed they could smell his weed odor when encountering situations we would rather the world????? They had pretty serious faces... from their seats. He smelled like a skunk!!! avoid. well... that was until I told them “why” I was laughing. I leaned over and whispered to my There I was once again in a packed movie theater So NOW, I was sitting next to this stinky, two friends... “shhhh... I think I am high off this guy’s pot fumes.” Then my two friends burst into some reason, this became even more hilarious me a contact high? I’m not sure what the lesson laughter!!! I wondered why they were laughing to those around me. I leaned over and said was or if there even was one, but it sure was at what I said then I started laughing again! something out loud to my buddies and then they fun. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. We all were rolling in our just lost it. I said, “I have the munchies.” Those seats. I seriously thought the movie officials two were laughing so hard, tears were rolling We were all so silly the rest of the night. were going to come in and take us away. But down their cheeks. Why was that so funny??? Everything in the movie seemed funnier than quite the opposite happened. Others around us I was high off this guy and he gave ME the normal and every time I asked my friends if started laughing too. OMG… What have I done! munchies! Isn’t that how marijuana works right? this was what it feels like to be high, they just It was weird. Everyone was laughing and no one Those who heard me said I had the munchies started laughing again. I can’t seem to get a seemed to be able to stop. Did everyone smell began laughing harder too. Seriously people!! I straight answer from anyone. Sheesh! At least this guy’s weed and was getting intoxicated? did! I ate the whole large bucket of popcorn in whatever happened in that theater put us all in Apparently, none of our laughter or anything I about 10 minutes. HAHAHAHAHAH... ouch my great moods. said fazed the stinky guy. He was too high!!! sides… HAHAHAHAHA. I even cracked myself But I leaned over again to my friends and said, up telling you the story! Laughing is so good for the soul and boy did I “See! I AM high too!!!!” which caused another need it. However, I don’t think this experience roar of louder laughter by them. When the movie started, we all stopped laughing will lead me to smoking pot. But whatever and settled down. I of course, was totally happened, it was fun. Later that night on the But it got worse. You know those times when relaxed. I think I got used to the guy’s stinky- ride home, I DID learn at least one thing. One you start laughing and not only can you not ness because I no longer could smell him. Or of my friends turns and said to me, “Well Dian, stop, but you practically go into hysterics. Why I really WAS high and the marijuana had a it looks like you can no longer say you never did it get worse you ask? Are you ready for this relaxation effect on me. had any marijuana!” We all broke into laughter answer? Apparently, the laughter amongst my once again and laughed all of the way home, of friends and movie goers around us escalated to So what exactly did I learn? Bring a gas mask course at my expense!!! Why am I always the another level. It happened because.... Out of the next time? Or maybe I should have changed “bud” of all the jokes!!! I have such adventures blue, I got super hungry and started pounding seats with one of my friends who weren’t so at the movies. This adventure included a contact down my popcorn. Everyone was laughing supersensitive to the aroma? Or was this simply high. Do you all think I may still have that TLC already so I thought eating popcorn would help a placebo effect? Or did I not learn anything in my system from Friday night? me calm down and stop the giggles. But for and just happened to sit next to a guy who gave

TOP Dyke Musing

LAUGHTER FOR A LIFETIME By Sue Moore

How far is far That afternoon, we met at Grandma’s house We had lots of laughs that day My mother asks me (even though Grandpa bought it, The boys poked their usual wicked fun Her face soft and wrinkled it was still HER house) Swang golf clubs, imitating one another’s As an old yellow apple to say goodbye to the boys. swing. Stored in the winter cellar The grass seemed especially green that day We laughed and laughed. Her five-year old child-eyes The cinder crunched sharply underfoot in the Laughed ourselves silly, Blazing with delight. driveway. Giddy, falling down to the ground laughter As near as my hand, I answer The three boys were handsome in their Side-splitting laughter. Extending a handful of bleached seashells uniforms. Laughter enough to last a lifetime. Plucked recently from the shore. Handsome and crisp. They were proud and so were we. A rustling sound interrupted the fun. * * * * We took a bunch of posey family pictures: A dark snake slithered in the grass next to the One on the back lawn with Grandma and driveway. Summer of 1944 lay warm upon our shoulders, Grandpa Bert scotched it with a deft swing of his club Languorous, cherry-ripe. One of the three boys standing alone Struck it clean in half. We thought this stupid war would soon be over One with the girls What kind of snake it was, It had not come close to us yet, One with me,. I don’t know. Fought fiercely on a distant shore. The smallest witness. An old harmless garden snake, I suppose. We were full of summer games, Tennis, golf, picnics and laughter A year later, Dane and George were dead. A little weary of our small war rituals The war had come to our shore, at last. Air-raid sirens and rationing Stomping tin cans on the kitchen floor Sue Carroll Moore But still eager to be of help. March 5, 1995 TOP

HotSpots

APRIL HOTSPOT SHOWERS So many things to do this springtime. By Dian Katz, MS

AAAAAY? It’s May So blow up that raft and visit: womens-weekend already??? Well I’ll be… www.womensweekendrussianriver.com/home. It was just holidays in html LONDON LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL December. I have a fabulous Hotspot for all of you ladies Now every time I go SINGLE WOMEN’S WEEKEND in London, Ontario, Canada. Wow, there is to the movie theater, they show previews of actually a place called London in Canada? Who movies coming in December again!! Would you Calling all single ladies!!! How would y’all knew! Probably everyone but me. Hahahah. Mpleeeeease slow down time! I can barely keep like to attend a weekend in Provincetown, up with you. One minute it’s one season, the Massachusetts??? Join lots of other lovely women at the LONDON next it’s another!!! I guess like anything else, LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL on May 4 to 6. we just have to go with the flow. Geez! On Well here’s your chance!!! SINGLE WOMEN’S another note, , there are some fabulous WEEKEND is slated for May 18 to 20 in “The London Lesbian Film Festival is a Hotspots happening this month. Provincetown. celebratory gathering at which we project our images, challenge our politics, and reflect So I shall carry on… Shy? Nervous? Or just a big mouth! upon our lives. The festival aims to portray the Not to worry! There will be plenty of activities richness and diversity of lesbian experiences to choose from such as “speed meeting, dance and to strengthen our communities. We are 38TH ANNUAL RUSSIAN RIVER WOMEN’S parties, mixers, dune tour, spin-the-bottle, great a registered not-for-profit organization. The WEEKEND 2018 food, and so much more!” Festival is held every year in London, Ontario, Canada. There are usually 3 days of films, and Women in northern California!!! You need Wait, did they say spin-the-bottle??? I haven’t each screening lasts 2-3 hours. The London NOT miss this Hotspot! It’s the 38TH ANNUAL played that since 7th grade but hell to the yes!!! Lesbian Film festival is organized every year by RUSSIAN RIVER WOMEN’S WEEKEND 2018 How fun is that? Well, as long as the one you the Reeling Spinsters,” says LLFF. on May 18 to 20. It’s entitled: THREE DAYS OF get to kiss is um, you likey. Otherwise, you EMPOWERMENT. might be crying in your beer hahahahahaha… Reeling spinsters! Are they reeeeelly spinsters? just kidding! Get it? Reeeeelly? Ah forget it. Oh hell yeah! I love when women are empowered. It’s about time I say! This all takes place on the “We understand how daunting it can feel to They say, “We are a diverse group of lesbian, Russian River Resort in Guerneville, California. find and meet new people, so we invented bisexual and queer women who work hard all year Funds raised help Our Event raises funds to Single Women’s Weekend. It’s a fast, fun, and long screening films, fundraising, advertising “support several non-profit organizations in guaranteed way for single lesbians to meet other and putting on the festival. The committee is our community such as Sonoma County Pride, single lesbians – live and in person. Women entirely volunteer.” Forgotten Felines, and West County Health love our events, and 99% of previous weekend Centers (Women’s Health).” participants have either found someone they I think women’s film festivals are rad. You get want to date or, at the very least, have made to kick back and be yourself amongst a crowd Ah man... what a great way to welcome in great new friends or had fun. We’re also proud of like minds. And you can always hide a bag summer. You could be lying on a raft and floating to report that Single Women’s Weekend has also of popcorn in your purse or messenger bag along on the river with other women floating on produced several Massachusetts Marriages,” . Shhhhhh... I wouldn’t want you their rafts. Knowing me, I’d keep bumping into says Single Women’s promoters. to get in trouble. Don’t crunch too loud!!! the girl I was interested in. “Oh I’m sorry! Did my raft hit yours?” There will be lots of For more info strut your single self over to the For more info, reeeeeel over to the computer fun activities and events happening during this computer and go to: and hit the spinsters up at: www.llff.ca fabulous weekend. www.provincetownforwomen.com/single- GAY DAYS AT DISNEY WORLD meet ups, and tons of other amazing activities Maiden Alley Cinema. designed just for you. Oh and what about you ladies who want to go “Cinema Systers Film Festival was created to the happiest place on earth? GAY DAYS AT There are also pool parties, and of course, Red to uplift the visions and voices of Lesbian DISNEY WORLD on May 31 to June 3. Shirt Days where you go to the park and find all filmmakers, and to provide a dedicated space of your kindred souls dressed in red shirts too!!! to publicly showcase their art. Lesbians have Disney World never publicizes the Gay Days There will be a Universal Studios Day, Disney been an acutely under-represented voice in event. Just so our community can be recognized World Day, Sea World Day, and lots and lots the film industry. The mission of this festival and let it be known that our event exists, many of… Wait for it… WOMEN!!! is to strengthen and connect this diverse attend an expo shortly before Gay Days. community of women/womyn. We intend to For more info on the happiest day of YOUR life, build bridges among audiences, filmmakers and LN would like to help get the word out that YES, act Goofy and visit: www.gaydays.com the community at large through the exhibition there IS a set of special days for us too!! If you of Lesbian produced films and other events live in or near the Orlando area, it would be scheduled throughout the weekend,” says really great for you to attend and support this CINEMA SYSTERS FILM FESTIVAL CSFF. event. Ladies in Paducah, Kentucky, how would YOU For more info, grab your horse and trot over to The more these things continue to exist and get like to attend your own women’s film festival? I the computer and go to: recognized, the more being LGBT is normalized. mean you guys all need something more than www.cinemasysters.com/home.html Sooooooo what are you waiting for!! How fun just the Kentucky Derby right? does this event sound??? Gather around with others and attend the Mystery Dinner Shows. CINEMA SYSTERS FILM FESTIVAL happens Have some great meals, engage in the dances, Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 to 27, at the

TOP

Poetry

WHAT HAPPENED WUZ By Morag Hillsinger

At a party. “You called me what?” Her friends laughed. I counted to ten and said “She doesn’t matter.” Then you said it again. Kindness is not weakness, but. Sometimes we just have to take off our earrings and say. “Hold my drink.”

TOP

Femastrology

MAY 2018 By Astrologer and Psychic, Victoria Bearden

he Sun in Taurus highlights of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Earth consciousness and value set, perhaps our physical reality. Earthy energies are at their strongest and most active. out of shear necessity. Taurus is linked to our bodies, It is a time to plant seeds and begin new the land, food, shelter, and undertakings. There’s a New Moon at 24° Taurus on nature. Tuesday, May 15, 2018. New Moons Uranus enters Taurus on May 15, 2018. This represent a clean slate and a chance Taurus is the sign most associated with planet is BIG! Uranus is the planet of change and to renew our intentions. This New Moon Earth herself, presiding over fertility and revolution. It stays in each sign of the zodiac has even more significance, with Uranus Tabundance. The emphasis on Earth Energy this for about 7 years. The last time it was in Taurus going into Taurus on the same day. month will show us where we need to grow and started in 1935! The world was changing a lot at Use this powerful energy to reignite change in terms of how we nourish ourselves, that time, most notably was the rise of Nazism your Kundalini energy. Connect to your and how we relate to our home, Mother Earth. and Hitler in Germany. Much has changed in the physical body, and your divine creative world since then…but has it really? Perhaps we power. Embrace the radiant forces of life It’s time to get more in tune with our material need to review some of the lessons humanity stirring within your own being. There is a and physical wellbeing. It is easy to see that learned during the last go around of Uranus in strong force of liberation at work today, human beings still have a long way to go when Taurus! We don’t need another World War. and you can channel this into whatever it comes to re-connecting to the natural world, it is you wish to manifest. This would which we are a part of, not apart from. Now, The Uranus in Taurus revolution is directly be a profound day for meditation, ritual, more than ever, we need to take responsibility connected to our relationship and impact on prayer, creativity, and healing. Venus for our impact on the environment. planet Earth. We will undoubtedly see more ruled Taurus is associated with Earth and more evidence of our effect on the planet, Goddess energy. The Sun in Taurus asks us these questions: and our need to make radical changes in our Are you in touch with your body? Do you need collective habits, behaviors, and beliefs. There The Sun enters Air Sign Gemini on May to be more grounded? Do you have a positive will be many breakthroughs in the next 7 years 21, 2018, signaling a time of increased relationship with the material world and money? related to food production, green technology, communication and activity. This is great Are you in tune with your sensuality? Would you and the environment. And not a moment too for learning and networking. like to be more connected with nature? Do you soon, as unstable conditions we have created feel good about the food you eat, and how it demand solutions! May the rise of the Divine There’s a Full Moon at 08° Sagittarius affects you? How can you help the world become Feminine show us the way. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. The Full Moon a “greener” place? With the Sun in Taurus and in Sagittarius sparks our need for freedom Saturn in Capricorn, we have a chance to merge We could see some major “Earth Changes” and truth. The Sun in Gemini represents the principles of abundance and realism. with the onset of Uranus in Taurus. The very our ability to learn and communicate. The day Uranus went into Aries, on March 11, 2011, Full Moon in Sagittarius is the doorway Taurus wants to experience the physical world there was a 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan, to use our intelligence to support the to the fullest. Good food, good sex, comfort, and which triggered the largest nuclear accident higher mind and expanded awareness. security. Capricorn wants the same things, but in history. I am certainly hoping we don’t see Sagittarius energy is also a lot of fun, so puts security first, and knows work is required to something of this nature, but there is often a go have an adventure! live “the good life.” If we meld these principles, powerful “signature event” associated with we can learn to enjoy what the world has to offer these planetary movements. in a responsible and conscious way. We can Opportunity Days: also learn how to share our wealth, instead of Many astrologers believe Uranus in Taurus from May 10, 15, 16, 19, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28 becoming possessive, selfish, and materialistic. 2018-2026 will stimulate massive restructuring and shake up of global financial institutions. May 1, 2018 is Beltane, the ancient Celtic This may sound unsettling, but ultimately, this festival of May Day. It represents the peak period could give rise to a more “earth-centered” Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Find balance in your material world. Drop limiting thoughts about TYou can finally get closure about some things this month. It’s time money and health and embrace prosperity and healing. Attend to to finish up old business and tie up loose ends. Complete existing things that add security and comfort to your daily life. This is a good projects so you can move ahead with your new ideas. Don’t be afraid time for investments and business matters. Aries seeking employment or to purge and let go of some stuff you don’t need. You will benefit from opportunities should do well. Mantra: Abundance and Vitality lightening your load and paring things down. Finances should be good. Mantra: Completion Taurus (April 20-May 20) Happy Birthday Taurus! Every year at this time you are going Scorpio (October 23-November 21) through a period of renewal and growth. This is favorable for all This is a great time for you shy Scorpions to get out there and kinds of new endeavors. In a sense, you get to begin again, which could connect with people. Open up to what others have to offer. Mutually be valuable if you’ve felt a little stuck during April. Things will move beneficial relationships can be formed, both professionally and personally. forward with less resistance now. Uranus going into Taurus may spark This is a good time to establish partnerships. Jupiter in Scorpio continues some real brainstorms and new ideas. Mantra: New Beginnings to nudge you in the right directions, so you can let your spiritual and intuitive side guide your life more and more. Single Scorpios could find Gemini (May 21-June 20) love. Mantra: Reach Out Your intuition will be strong, so don’t ignore your hunches and impressions. You may need to step back a little from hectic situations Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) or competition. Take a couple of “mental health” days and get away from Healing, both physically and emotionally, is a main theme this month. it all if you can spare the time. Gemini doesn’t like to slow down, but this Put some energy into YOU. Get into a good routine to achieve the is a good time to step back a bit to gain some perspective. Sometimes balance you need to be feeling your best. You may be busy with work, but you need to detach and recalibrate. And now is one of those times. don’t blow off your need to nurture yourself. It is important to recharge Mantra: Inner Peace your energy, and this is a good time to do that. You may also be called upon to help someone who needs healing. Mantra: Healing Energy Cancer (June 21-July 21) This is an extremely positive month for all kinds of social activities. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) In business, your leadership abilities will shine, and you’ll be a Throw off your worries and cares and dive in to your creativity. good team player, too. If you have been wanting to get out more, now This is a fantastic time for socializing, adventure, and fun. Artistic is definitely the time. Others will be supportive of your plans. Cancers projects will turn out well. You may be uncommonly lucky, so go buy looking for love may get lucky. Creativity will be flowing, so put it to good a lotto ticket, just in case. Single Capricorns could find a good match. use. Mantra: Create! Existing relationships will perk up, too. Mantra: Express Yourself

Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Things should be looking up regarding career and your goals in You will benefit greatly from making your personal world as peaceful life. If you want to make big changes, or expand in some way, and harmonious as possible. You need serenity and comfort in your now is the time. Open up your mind to new possibilities. This is also a environment. Mars has entered your sign, so you’ll want to blaze ahead, fortunate time to look into home improvements or investing in property. but pace yourself. You’ll get more accomplished with forethought and a Leos seeking employment or improvement in the job area should fare measured pace. Make peace with any family issues that seem to need well. This is a positive and productive time. Mantra: New Directions attention. Mantra: Harmony

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Earthy Energies are at your disposal. You will have the motivation Communication is enhanced. If you need to present your ideas to and drive to accomplish things. This is a favorable time for any someone, now is the time. You will be busy, so make sure not to kind of class or workshop. You may have an opportunity to teach. This take on too many projects. This is a favorable period to gain knowledge, is a good a time for travel, or just expanding your horizons with new or to teach what you know. Travel is also favorable now. This is an active knowledge. This is a lucky period, so take a few chances, you’ll be glad and vibrant time, and a good time to share your thoughts with others. you did! Mantra: Expansion Mantra: Communicate

TOP

Lesbians On Location

Meryl and Diane in Moracco Diane’s Camel taking a rest The Olive Store in Moracco Moracco’s Herb Store

Diane on vacation in Moracco Meryl showing off in Morocco

Reba and Stephanie Vacation in Turkey

A special picture with 3 past presidents and their wifes and Arianna

Special dance in Turkey Stephanie in NY delicious pizza

Tour in Turkey

A special picture with 3 past presidents and their wifes and Arianna

Special dance in Turkey Helena’s Birthday with family and grandchildren Helena with grandchildren Helena and family having fun Helena blowing her birthday candle

TOP LESBIAN NEWS Gift Guide

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Sunlight Trio $42.99 Frozen Feathers $39.99 Sinuous Serpents $57.99 The Company: Novica.com is an online Fair I have a special fascination for marcasite jewelry. Trade marketplace filled with handmade and I think it has its own unique value because the handcrafted artisan products that range from stones allow me to create and design thousands jewelry and apparel to home décor. Every of patterns. It is truly a must for the jewelry Novica product is a Gift That Gives Back. lover, especially when it is designed delicately and neatly, featuring the small black glitter of Since 1999, we have sent over 50 million dollars marcasite all over. It really looks great on one’s to artisans in: the Andes, Bali & Java, Brazil, body. Central American, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa. I am learning to combine the two. I have worked with Novica for over four years. Today I am able to take care of my parents and It has changed my life – I can share my designs myself and to provide an income for the artisans around the world. I never dreamed when I began that work with me. to work with Novica that so much opportunity would come to me. To share my work with the The Artisan - Narinee: I am Narinee a jewelry readers of The Lesbian News is a dream come artisan from Chiang Mai, Thailand. I love to see true. a woman wearing my jewelry – especially my earrings. Did you know that in Asia earrings I do not consider myself a businesswoman – I symbolize strength and some people regard am an artist and I am learning to combine the earrings as fetishes that tell of their individual two. Today I am able to take care of my parents personalities and identities? and myself and to provide an income for the artisans that work with me. 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 Icaricature, seeming almost choreographed. The irony is that Masterpol’s more “historic” the colors result from her own perception, and Here 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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