02/09/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Portia De Rossi has come a long day from her Ally McBeal days. BE (Before Ellen) De Rossi was tight lipped about her personal life and opened up just the narrowest crack to allow the public access to her struggle with eating disorders. Today, De Rossi is a beautiful, strong, articulate woman who will go head to head with anyone to defend marriage equality and preservation of positive self image.

De Rossi states in the interview that:

“Ever since Ellen and I got together, I feel like I’ve been given an opportunity to actually—God, this sounds corny…” She rolls her eyes at herself, fidgets, and then forges ahead. “Well, I feel like my life can actually kind of stand for something. And I don’t mean that in a self-aggrandizing way, like, ‘Look at me, I can make a difference.’ But I feel like, maybe I get why I’m here.”

The LGBT community couldn’t ask for a better spokesperson. De Rossi also says that it is up to the LGBT community to fight for marriage equality:

“I think it’s up to us to save marriage,” she says. “Up to gay people across the country, seeing as though we’re fighting for it so vehemently.” De Rossi has an impressive ability to marry the personal and political: “This whole thing has been a wave of excitement and hope, and then it gently falls back into despair. And then it picks us up again. Unfortunately, we’re the ones who have to suffer this—this humiliation, really. There’s kind of a dignity that’s been stripped from us. Gay people are the ones who have to suffer through it—but without it, it won’t change.”

De Rossi also reveals that she is working on a book that will be published in the fall. It will focus on her battle with anorexia.

Check out the rest of the interview here:

http://advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/People/The_Great_de_Rossi/

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02/90/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

Sarah Silverman is known for her controversial comedy. She frequently includes the LGBT community in her many borderline offensive comedy routines. My personal favorite being when she “becomes” a lesbian on The Sarah Silverman Show and says “As a lesbian I resent your laughter and all laughter.” However, Silverman got very serious about marriage equality last friday on the view.

“I can not imagine wanting to get married right now at this time in America. If you’re for equal rights, why would you get married right now? It’s like joining a country club that doesn’t allow blacks or Jews. There’s no difference. Why would I wanna join that club? It’s gross.”

Silverman’s statement is beautiful in its simplicity. Comparing perpetuating institutional prejudice in the form of marriage to the kind perpetuated by those in exclusive country clubs is an argument that is easily understandable and doesn’t allow for very much wiggle room by those seeking to disprove marriage equality.

Silverman is a staunch supporter of LGBT rights and it’s easy to see why she has such a large LGBT fanbase. Watch the Sarah Silverman show on LOGO to support Silverman.

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02/08/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

The Samantha Ronson/Lindsay Lohan romance has been off for a few months now. There have been reports of Lohan dating men, even another DJ that Ronson is acquainted with. When Ronson was asked by paparazzi how she felt about that, she wished Lohan luck with her new romance. Over the past two weeks, there has been more reports of Lohan’s erratic behavior when it comes to Ronson. First, Ronson asked paparazzi if Lohan was sending them after her on purpose. Given Lohan’s relationship with the paparazzi, this seems possible. Also, witnesses at clubs say that Lohan has been grinding with other women in front of Ronson, to try and make her jealous. Lohan has thrown a drink in Ronson’s face and Ronson herself admitted that she got kicked out of a club because Lohan kept flicking cigarette butts at her.

Despite the witnessed violent behavior from Lohan towards Ronson, Lohan is claiming that Ronson is the one who has been throwing the punches, literally. A source has exclusively spoken to Radaronline.com saying:

One time I saw her [Lindsay] and she had a large welt on her head,” the source told RadarOnline.com. “She told me that Sam beat the (bleep) out of her.

“She also said that Sam even punched and choked her one time.”

Ronson has not responded to these allegations. However, they seem out of character for the lesbian DJ, who kept a low profile before her romance with Lohan. No past girlfriends of Ronson’s have come forward to verify this type of behavior on Ronson’s part. I would assume that they are false until proven, because that is the kind of rumor that can ruin someone’s life. Domestic abuse accusations aren’t something one should participate in out of anger towards an ex-girlfriend.

These accusations are very serious. Abuse by a partner is a huge issue and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The LBQ community doesn’t necessarily embrace an open dialogue about domestic violence or rape within our own community, but it happens. Let’s hope that in this case, where there is smoke there isn’t fire.

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02/08/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Rachel Maddow wants you to know that she is not getting married. Maddow is currently living with her long term partner, artist Susan Mikula. Maddow and Mikula met when Maddow was a grad student. Maddow shoveled Mikula’s driveway…among other things.

Maddow said in an interview today:

“This spring, we will have been together for 11 years, and our relationship is serious and happy, mature, monogamous. We like having the right…but we’re making our own decision about whether we should exercise it.”

I don’t want to delve into the validity of Maddow’s relationship. However, statements such as these generally occur right before the couple in question breaks up. This applies to gay or straight relationships. Ladies, feel free to get your hopes up.

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 Equality California is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-rights advocacy organization in California. In the past decade, EQCA has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil-rights protections in the nation. EQCA has passed over 60 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, public education and community involvement.

Each year EQCA honors the inspirational leaders and outstanding allied organizations whose selfless work helps create a better world for all people. The Equality Awards recognize the achievements of the organization, its sponsors, members, staff and volunteers, as well as the LGBT community.

This year EQCA  awards could not be more appropriate given the state of marriage equality in California.  California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno, the court’s sole dissenting voice against last year’s Proposition 8 Campaign, will be honored with the prestigious EQUALITY & JUSTICE AWARD.  I am sure that hearing this most esteemed jurist is a treat one ought not miss.

When he was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California in 2001, Justice Carlos Moreno chose to relinquish his lifetime seat on the U.S. District Court where he had presided over a broad range of complex civil and criminal matters since his appointment in 1998 by President Bill Clinton. On the state’s highest court, he has the opportunity to “really address critical cutting-edge issues involving social policy,” and his service allows him to contribute to “decisions about what direction the law is going to take.”  Proposition 8 proves the point.  

In his dissent, Justice Moreno referred to California’s equal protection clause, which protects fundamental rights of minorities from the will of the majority, as the main principle of the constitution. “Proposition 8’s withdrawal of any of those rights from gays and lesbians cannot be accomplished through constitutional amendment,” he wrote.

Proposition 8, he argued, demonstrated an “unprecedented instance of a majority of voters altering the meaning of the equal protection cause.” Moreno also cited the Iowa Supreme Court’s April argument for allowing same-sex marriage and said today’s majority ruling “weakens the status of our state constitution.”

Sam & Julia Thoron will be honored with the PHYLLIS LYON & DEL MARTIN MARRIAGE EQUALITY AWARD, recognizing their  tremendous contributions to the fight for marriage equality and especially the battle to defeat Proposition 8.  “For those who have not had the chance to meet the Thorons in person, “says PFLAG Executive Director Jody M. Huckaby, “  and experience the passion that they have for securing the right to marry for everyone need not look much further “ as the awards will provide this special opportunity.  Together, they have provided years of leadership to PFLAG, with Sam a Past board president,  on both a local and national level, and it is rare to meet a PFLAG’er who has come in contact with them who cannot speak of how the Thorons touched their lives.

 If you are in the San Francisco area, you can still get tickets to the EQCA event to hear from the Thorons themselves, so check out EQCA website today.  

San Francisco  CITY HALL  1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco. Attire is formal and age minimum is 21 years.  Saturday Feb 13, 2010, 6.00 PM.   Tickets are still available. 
EQCA – Contact information
2370 Market St. 2nd Floor,  San Francisco, CA 94114 -
ph: 415.581.0005 

Melanie Nathan

Melanie Nathan,  nathan@privatecourts.com
who has provided testimony at the invitation of
EQCA for a CA State Resolution
in support of UAFA, will be covering the event for
Lezgetreal  and will provide a detailed report.

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02/07/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Carrie Prejean, the ex-California beauty queen who was projected into fame when openly gay celebrity blogger Perez Hilton asked her to share her views on marriage equality. Prejean stated, in the garbled words of a vapid, silicon implanted, spray tanned barbie doll, that she does not believe in marriage equality. Prejean grabbed onto the fame that statement brought her and rode it as far as she could take it- to a book deal and a spot on Larry King. Prejean was set to be a rising icon for the republican party, when both topless photos and solo sex tapes of her surfaced. She was quickly abandoned by her new found allies in her moment of need.

Luckily for Prejean, she found a rich guy who will marry her. The erstwhile ex-girlfriend of Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps will be entering into the sacred institution of opposite marriage with St. Louis Rams star Kyle Boller. Boller and Prejean have been dating for about six months. Hopefully, once Prejean discovers the joys of marriage, she will change her stance on prohibiting the LGBT community to share in the institution.

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02/07/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Jason Mraz, the well known pop-rock singer/songwriter, best known for his hits “The Remedy” and “I’m Yours” has come out as a straight ally. Jason Mraz posted on his facebook page:

Jason Mraz’s Notes

As a straight man I really have nothing to gain by standing up for equal rights for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, and/or my Transgender friends. Except for the fact that I have many friends who are still subjected to hurtful comments by a society that hasn’t yet embraced fully the nature of… nature.Supporting a limiting system of rules for specific people to follow is prejudice. It’s the Antithesis of Christ Consciousness and (like smoking) it’s Soooo last century.

Allowing love to freely flourish will only enhance the life experience – For All.

Imagine telling cyclists to stay off the road. “These roads are for cars only! Those who dare to pedal on the shoulder will most likely get hit! Drivers will not expect to see you. It will not be the drivers’ fault if you get hurt.”

Yet, by sharing the road, the same rules get to apply to all of us. And surprisingly, we all get somewhere.

No one has to sit at the back of the bus.

A Marriage is a powerful commitment by any two people who are committed to each other’s lives being great. The God that is present in ceremony is looking itself in the eye in the form of the two worthy participants. Their commitment is the divine expression “love loving itself.” Any interference from the outside world be like a bear coming out of the woods and mauling the two lovebirds in front of the entire wedding party, the family and invited guests. Interference is messy and downright rude.

Hosting closed minded thoughts or making lewd comments about the intimate affairs of someone else does not make life great. In fact, it clogs up the judicial system, diminishes entire communities, and turns the clock backwards to our ultimate realization that we are all One – living in harmony with the Earth, with the cosmos, and with great things unseen. Thinking that others are a ‘particular way’ rather than reinventing them as new everyday makes you separate and disconnected from the really easy, peaceful solution.

Life is too short. The age of interfering with someone’s natural rights (and natural born gifts) are over.

Love is too powerful to resist. I think the whole world would be better if we just got out of our own way. It would certainly be sexier.

I understand many people who stumble onto this blog are already dialed in and ready to transform the world. Much of my community is too. But there are some who still don’t care one way or the other about the ways of being in the world. Thereby, it’s up to us to share our positive outlook on our favorite issues.

To learn more about how you can be a part of the Epic Movement for Equal Rights. Visit The Human Rights Campaign at http://www.hrc.org/ and support the True Colors Fund.

This Year I Resolve to Join the Conversation on Equality. I will Stand Up and be outspoken about Same Sex Marriage and Let Freedom Sing.

Jason Mraz is using his celebrity power for a good cause. The LGBT movement could use the support of more celebrity men who are secure enough in their sexuality and their fame to voice their support.

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02/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Kim Zolciak, of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame, is best known for dating rich men in order to sustain her lavish lifestyle. Zolciak has found huge success as a tv personality and has managed to use that fame to turn her dance single “Tardy for the Party” into a hit. Zolciak has been making the rounds on the party circuit. At an event in NY recently, she was overheard bragging about her latest love interest. When asked who the lucky man was, Zolciak stated “Who said it was a man?” Later, partygoers reported that she was seen getting cozy with out lesbian DJ Tracy Young (www.tracyyoung.com). Fans of Young have also noticed that the popular DJ has been spinning “Tardy for the Party” at her recent gigs. Zolciak has always been gay friendly. She has many gay friends that she features on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and she has gone into business with one of these aquaintances for her wig line. She also posed for the NOH8 campaign, designed to raise awareness for marriage equality.

Zolciak has previously been linked to “Big Poppa” aka Lee Najjar and Joe Francis.   

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02/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Nina Sky, the pop singing duo of twin sisters Natalie and Nicole Albino, had a hit song in 2004 with “Move Ya Body.” While none of their subsequent singles has been as successful, they are still around on the music scene. Natalie and Nicole are Puerto Ricans who grew up in Astoria, Queens. Rumors have been circulating on the internet for years that one of the duo is a lesbian.

Sources say that Nicole is the sister in question. Chueca is a Columbian run LBQ bar/nightclub in Queens. It is largely frequented by Latina lesbians and it’s rumored that Nicole was regularly seen at the bar when she was younger, and will still show up every once in awhile. Sources say that she is very low key and doesn’t throw around her fame or her repuation.    

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02/06/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Natalie Portman was “terrified” when she had to kiss Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, That 70’s Show, Family Guy) in her new movie ‘Black Swan’. Black Swan is a movie about two rival prima ballerinas in the high stakes world of ballet dancing. In the movie (spoiler alert, only if you are planning to see the movie, which I’m pretty sure you aren’t) Portman and Kunis have a sex scene together. In an interview Portman states:

“I was terrified. At the moment I lived in a state of inner terror.”

Inner terror? Kissing a beautiful accomplished actress is terrifying? Portman who has previously shot nude scenes and played a stripper in the movie “Closer” is also worried the lesbian sex sequence is overshadowing the plot of the film and worries it will make her be taken less seriously as an actress. She added: “Nudity is something absolutely natural and I’m not prudish – but in a film it can be distracting. But stripping isn’t? Portman goes on to say:

“Doing ‘Black Swan’ I couldn’t say no. The project is a huge opportunity for me to show a new me. I can’t always play the nice mothers. My other problem is that single pictures are being taken out of context and put on the internet.” Right, Portman is always playing the nice mother, or the nice stripper. Playing a nice lesbian is a huge leap for her. There is nothing wrong with strippers, but it’s sad that Portman regards playing a lesbian as her least family friendly role.

Portman studied psychology at Harvard has a reputation for being “I can guarantee you I’m not one of the most intelligent actresses of the world.” I completely agree with you Natalie and to prove it, I’m running some of Portman’s best quotes below:

“Star Wars hasn’t changed my life at all.”

Except for the millions of dollars you made and the wooden acting that eventually will become your legacy among the millions of Star Wars fans worldwide.

“When a guy tells me I’m cute, it’s not something desirable. Cute is more like what you want your pet to be.”

Cute is awesome. We can’t all be devastatingly gorgeous in a half-fed way.

And then there was the time she compared meat lovers to rapists: I say that Foer’s ethical charge against animal eating is brave because not only is it unpopular, it has also been characterized as unmanly, inconsiderate, and juvenile. But he reminds us that being a man, and a human, takes more thought than just “This is tasty, and that’s why I do it.” He posits that consideration, as promoted by Michael Pollan in The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which has more to do with being polite to your tablemates than sticking to your own ideals, would be absurd if applied to any other belief (e.g., I don’t believe in rape, but if it’s what it takes to please my dinner hosts, then so be it).

Portman told Allure magazine in an interview, regarding being famous: “I’m not black, but I know what it feels like.” That quote speaks for itself. Natalie Portman: Not America’s Smartest Actress.

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02/04/2010- by Natasia Langfelder It was surprising to everyone when FOX announced that Ellen DeGeneres would be filling the vacant judging spot left by Paula Abdul. It was however, a genius move. America loves Ellen. She gave an interview to Entertainment Tonight about her upcoming appearances as a judge on American Idol. She says about the show:

“I had one idea of Simon when I came in, and it’s changed. He’s actually meaner than I thought. … It’s hard to listen to him tell people things and me not to go, ‘You poor thing!…I’m getting good at delivering bad news, myself, but I’m trying to do it in a tender way. … I hate hurting people’s feelings, so that, I think, is the hardest part…I think we have good people … I’m going to fight very, very hard to keep the people that I believe in, so that we have a wide variety … somebody for everybody, I hope.”

Ellen’s statement is in line with her personality, there is no way she is going to bring the bitter bite that Simon Cowell brings when it comes to judgingthe contestants. Ellen makes her debut as a judge on the February 9 episode of the show. Simon will exit the show at the end of this season. I’ve never watched American Idol, but I’ve been watching this season so I will know what to expect when Ellen is on the show. Will you be watching Ellen on American Idol?

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 by Melanie Nathan:-  Annual gala to be held on Saturday, May 1 at Metreon Cityview in San Francisco

(San Francisco, California, February 2, 2010) — Vicki Randle, lead singer and percussionist of the acclaimed Tonight Show Band, will be honored at the 33^rd Anniversary Celebration for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Metreon Cityview. NCLR is the nation’s premier national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. NCLR will also honor Will Phillips, the ten-year-old fifth grader from Arkansas who gained international attention for his refusal to say the United States Pledge of Allegiance at West Fork Elementary School because of its false promise of “liberty and justice for all.”

 “While this past year has been a rollercoaster of victories and setbacks, we are more committed than ever to our core mission of advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people and their families,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “We are especially thrilled to have young Will Phillips, whose conviction to hold true to his values and principles has inspired all of us and given us an overdue renewed sense of faith during these difficult times. The example he has shown—incredible patience and perseverance in the face of threats and ridicule—provides all of us who are dedicated to making a difference with an extraordinary model to follow.”

 In addition to celebrating the achievements of the past year, NCLR will honor Randle and Phillips for their commitment to advancing the rights of the LGBT community.

 Randle, a vocalist, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, will receive the Voice and Visibility Award, which recognizes an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Randle has worked openly as a lesbian in the music and television industry for more than 20 years. For the past 14 years, she has been the lead singer and percussionist of the acclaimed Tonight Show Band led by Kevin Eubanks, playing the diverse and eclectic mix of styles that makes the band so unique. Her musical career began as a singer and acoustic guitarist, and she divided her early career between political causes such as anti-war, gay and women’s rights rallies of the 70’s and 80’s and showcase clubs around Southern California, notably the Ice House and the Bla Bla Cafe. Celebrated singer-songwriter and pioneer of women’s music Cris Williamson will present the Voice and Visibility Award.

 Arkansas fifth-grader Will Phillips captivated the nation when he innocently stated his support for LGBT equality. During an interview with CNN, he explained, “I’ve grown up with a lot of people and I’m good friends with a lot of people who are gay and I think they should have the rights all people should, and I’m not going to swear that they do.” To recognize his courage and support, NCLR will honor Phillips with the Fierce Ally Award, presented by Judy Shepard, activist and founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

 The 33^rd Anniversary Celebration is NCLR’s annual signature event that draws a sell-out crowd of 1,700 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their supporters. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with the ever-witty Kate Clinton returning by command performance as emcee.

 Presenting Sponsor of the Anniversary Celebration is Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors are AAA and American Airlines: Rainbow.

 For more information on NCLR’s 33^rd Anniversary Celebration, visit http://www.nclrights.org/2010ann.

 Posted by Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com

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02/01/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Out creator Darren Star, best known for his work on HBO’s “Sex and the City” series is being tapped by HBO to direct a biopic of anti-gay activist, Anita Bryant. Anita Bryant was a well known beauty queen, singer and celebrity spokesperson. However, her lasting legacy has been her political campaigning to further alienate the LGBT community from mainstream society.

Some illuminating quotes from Bryant, during her campaign to repeal anti-discrimination legislation in Florida are:

“What these people really want, hidden behind obscure legal phrases, is the legal right to propose to our children that theirs is an acceptable alternate way of life. [...] I will lead such a crusade to stop it as this country has not seen before.”

“As a mother, I know that homosexuals cannot biologically reproduce children; therefore, they must recruit our children” and “If gays are granted rights, next we’ll have to give rights to prostitutes and to people who sleep with St. Bernards and to nail biters.”

“All America and all the world will hear what the people have said, and with God’s continued help we will prevail in our fight to repeal similar laws throughout the nation.”

Chad Hodge, who has worked on Tru Calling and Runaway, is set to write the script for the biopic. Hodge had a personal connection to Bryant, as they both went to Northwestern together. Hodge insists that Bryant has had an interesting life and is a worthy object for biopic. Despite her career being pretty mundane and overall, a failure. The most interesting thing about Bryant, is the reaction she provoked in the gay community. Gay Bars in Florida, banded together to protest Orange Juice (Bryants most widely known shilled product) by removing screw drivers from their menus and naming a drink after her.

The real question is, why is a gay director attached to a project about an anti-gay activist? We will have to wait and see.

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2/1/10- by Paula Brooks

Album of the Year
Taylor Swift, Fearless
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Beyonce, Halo
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Jason Mraz, Make It Mine
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Run This Town
Best Rock Album
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown
Record of the Year
Kings of Leon, Use Somebody
Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band
Song Of The Year
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Beyonce
Best Pop Vocal Album
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Best Rock Song
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon
Best Dance Recording
Poker Face, Lady Gaga
Best Electronic Dance album
The Fame, Lady Gaga
Best Remixed Recording
When Love Takes Over, DJ David Guetta

Best Reggae Album DID NOT go to accused drug dealer and gay basher extraordinaire Buju Banton… That Grammy went to Stephen Marley for Mind Control.

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1/31/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Amy Winehouse, the troubled UK singer best known for her drug fueled eccentric behavior and hospitalizations, has been outed as bisexual. There has been speculation about Winehouse’s sexuality in the past, as she has tattoos of sexy pin up girls on her arms and has emanated a ‘tough-girl’ persona. A friend of Winehouse is blabbing about Winehouse’s romantic preferences to British Tabloids. The friend is claiming that she is speaking with Winehouse’s full permission. She says that during a conversation about Winehouse’s ex-husband dating a transsexual who is also an Amy Winehouse impersonator; Winehouse stated:

So what? I like girls as well. I have had relationships with other women but that doesn’t mean I don’t still love Blake [Fielder-Civil]. There is something about being with a woman that is very satisfying. I don’t care what people think about me being bi – I do what feels good.

The friend, also gave a statement of her own, saying:

There is nothing restrained about Amy’s sexuality. She doesn’t hold back and says what she feels. She often talks about other women. Her favourite [sic] is Cheryl [Cole, member of the British band ‘Girls Aloud’], who she really fancies. Most women can appreciate another woman’s beauty but Amy definitely takes that to the next level.

It is difficult to know whether or not these statements are true. Even if Winehouse is bisexual, her public entrance into the LGBT community would probably not do much in terms of perpetuating a positive image for bisexuals. At this point in her career, Winehouse is more well known for her disgusting exploits and nasty drug habit than for her singing abilities. Hopefully this is a rumor that will quickly be denied by Winehouse, because the LBQ community doesn’t need this kind of celebrity as a spokesperson.

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1/31/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

It has been no secret in NYC lately has been that Alicia Keys and rapper Swizz Beatz have been looking for an apartment together.  Now, sources say that the two are engaged. Beatz reportedly gave Keys a seven carat diamond ring for her 29^th birthday and the two are currently in Hawaii together on vacation. Keys’ spokesperson is denying the engagement.

The denial of the engagement comes as a surprise, when so much of managing Keys’ career is dispelling the lesbian rumors that have persisted since her career first took off. In 2003 and 2007 Keys released statements directly addressing the lesbian rumors and denying them. Since then, much publicity centering around Keys’ has been to remind the general public that she likes men. A lot. All the time. We get it, she says she’s straight. Also, Keys’ relationship with Swizz Beatz has been so heavily publicized that it makes no sense for her handlers to back off now.

If they are engaged, congrats to the happy couple. For any of you holding out hope that Keys will someday admit she plays for our team, don’t hold your breath, ladies.

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1/31/2010- by Natasia Langfelder            

Dolly Parton, a longtime supporter of LGBT rights, told the Times of London that she believes in marriage equality and that LGBT rights are human rights, not political fodder.  Parton says that while she is not a posterchild for gay rights, she has many LGBT friends that she feels have the right to marriage.

Parton has a large gay following and while she embraces her fans and their rights, she has never been the most outspoken celebrity in a political sense. In the interview, she states that she doesn’t want the controversy suffered by stars such as the Dixie Chicks, who made polarizing political statements. It seems unlikely that Parton will suffer a backlash from these comments, as it is generally known among her fans that she embraces her LGBT fanbase.

1/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

In a public display of open homophobia rarely seen by large corporations today, CBS rejected an ad featuring two men kissing from the Super Bowl lineup. The ad was for the gay dating site, ManCrunch.com. CBS stated that the ad”is not within the Network’s broadcast standards for Super Bowl Sunday.” However, in the past Super Bowl ads have featured half naked women violently fighting with each other while being sprayed with water. These are the values that CBS feels are more appropriate to align themselves with.

 CBS is known for running the most entertaining and cutting edge commercials during the Super Bowl, as advertisers go all out in terms of both expenditure and creativity to catch the eye of the large viewing audience. Even news websites, such as Slate, run reviews of Super Bowl commercials, making the commercials more of a part of the viewing experience of the game than an afterthought.  Excluding representation of gay men from the airwaves during the event, is effectively exiling them from sharing in this Nationwide event.    

Advocates for CBS are making the argument that ManCrunch staged this as a publicity stunt. However, how could this stunt be staged without the presumption of anti-gay bias on behalf of both CBS and Super Bowl viewers? Refusing to air this ad during the Super Bowl is insulting to every straight man who watches the Super Bowl, who is comfortable with his own sexuality and with the gay community. CBS is assuming ignorance and homophobia on behalf of a large population of men. It’s unfair to paint football fans with the same brush.  Hopefully, with increased media pressure, CBS will change their stance and air the ad.

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1/29/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Rosie O’Donnell is doing the media rounds as she promotes her new HBO special, “A Family is a Family is a Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration.” She first made headlines, at least during promotions for her HBO special, when she announced on Oprah that lesbians can stay better friends after breakups than heterosexuals. Now, she is talking to LocateTV, with her son, Parker, by her side.

O’Donnell admits that she is not looking for a full time position on TV. Her family is her first priority. The interview shows a different side of O’Donnell, who is frequently over exposed. O’Donnell and her son show a genuine affection for each other and come off as very down to earth, despite their wealth and stardom. Parker says of his mother:  

LOCATETV: What’s your relationship with your mom? Does she know as much as maybe you thought she did a few years ago? (laughter) How do you guys get along?

PARKER: I’m going to get in trouble.

ROSIE: No, take it. Say the truth.

LOCATETV: Be honest now. (laughter)

PARKER: Well, me and mom have been close probably, yeah, since I was born. (laughter) Yeah. So I would probably say I talk to her a lot about a lot of stuff that’s going on. And she probably knows most of the stuff that she needs to know. (laughter)

 If you are interested in Rosie (not all of us are) you can read the rest of the interview here:

http://www.locatetv.com/blog/mamas-family-rosie-odonnell-style/

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1/26/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

The radio morning show Sarah & Vinnie, which airs from 5:30 to 10am every morning on San Francisco radio station 97.3 has recently come under fire for suspected use of gay slurs. Monday morning Sarah and Vinnie were suspiciously missing from the air. Rumors are floating around the internet that the show received an outpouring of angry remarks from viewers regarding on the January 22^nd show.

Many suspect this is a hoax meant to rouse interest in the show.  No one, most surprisingly the bloggers who make the rounds in the blogosphere have the details on what was actually said or who said it. Some bloggers going to far as to check Sarah and Vinnie’s facebook pages for updates or comments from fans about the remarks. There are none. Sarah is also reportedly on vacation and was not set to appear on the show on Monday anyway.   Vinnie is already notorious for being kicked off the show for allegedly passing out at a company function due to excessive alcohol consumption in 2002. He rejoined the show in August of 2008.  

Whether or not this particular incident is a marketing ploy, using a serious issue such as discrimination against the LGBT community is a disgusting way to generate interest in a morning radio show. Sarah & Vinnie’s marketing team should be taken to task if they are using homophobia as a way to promote their show.

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Melanie Nathan, San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2010 ,  - Celebrity stand-up comedian & media personality, Rosie O’Donnell is making her highly anticipated return to stand-up comedy at the much talked about Club Skirts Presents The Dinah® on Friday, April 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center – the sunny Oasis’ largest concert venue. 

The Dinah and Rosie

“I am beyond thrilled to have Rosie O’Donnell join our stellar entertainment line-up on our 20^th Anniversary,” says Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®, “my customers love Rosie. She’s a role model, a beacon of hope, and a voice of truth.  And at The Dinah, once again, she’ll do what we have missed from her for years: stand up. And no one, and I mean no one, does it better than Rosie!”

While O’Donnell’s stand-up career went on hiatus in 1995, the comedian has since then remained in the spotlight with a slew of highly mediatized projects – from hosting her own syndicated talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”, gracing the Broadway stage in “Grease”, co-hosting the daytime women-oriented talk show “The View”, to now emceeing her own on-air daily two-hour show “Rosie Radio” on Sirius XM Radio.

“This year we are presenting some great party with a cause themes. Rosie headlining our main comedy show is a perfect fit. Not only is she hilariously funny, but she has long been a fervent advocate for not only our own LGBT causes but for children via her ‘Rosie’s Broadway Kids’ and ‘For All Kids’ charity Foundations, and her current philanthropist endeavors to foster Haitian orphans. Her presence at our event is the perfect fit.  Rosie is yet another proven example that it’s possible to have the time of your life at The Dinah, and at the same time make a difference,” adds Hanson.

O’Donnell’s Dinah show will officially mark her long-awaited, and overdue, return to stand-up – a debut which O’Donnell distinctively wanted to offer as an exclusive to Mariah Hanson and Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®.

Commemorating its landmark 20^th Anniversary, The Dinah 2010 will take place March 31 through April 4, 2010 at The Hilton Hotel, The Hyatt Regency and the Palm Springs Convention Center. Despite the current economic climate, ticket sales are up from last year and the Hilton Hotel sold out in record time over the holidays. The newly renovated high-end Hyatt Regency is almost at capacity.

“Leisure diversion becomes a necessity for many who will seek relief of some sort,” explains Hanson,  “especially when it delivers the caliber of entertainment The Dinah has continuously been providing for many years combined with the top of the line selection of social entertainment venues and the financial incentive of all-inclusive package deals.”
 Speaking of The Dinah’s legendary fun-filled weekend of out-of-this-world entertainment, Hanson is premiering many other groundbreaking activities.

A special “No H8″ Sunday Pool Party hosted by award-winning fashion photographer Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, co-founders of the iconic N0 H8 campaign, will take place at The Hilton Hotel on Sunday, April 4^th. As a continuous effort to protest against Proposition 8 banning gay marriages, Dinah participants will have a chance to get their faces painted with the symbolic NoH8 black and red logo, have their picture taken and be part of a Dinah group shot that will be added to the ongoing campaign.  Continuing her activist efforts to raise awareness among the LGBT community about marriage and equality rights, Hanson, who sits on the Board of Equality California, is certainly producing THE ultimate Dinah – the party of a lifetime, but nevertheless a party with a cause.   To that end, a unique celebrity fashion show sponsored by “No H8” Campaign will be hosted during the White Diamond Party on Friday, April 2 following Ke$ha’s performance with parts of the proceeds going to Equality California. 

For the first ever since her coming out, “Family Ties” actress Meredith Baxter will make a public appearance joining the prestigious panel of celesbians and entertainment luminaries that will grace the catwalk in support of the LGBT community’s fight for equality.

 “It was important for me to invite Meredith Baxter to participate in this fashion show,” comments Hanson, “it was very courageous of her to come out the way she did and to right off the bat publicly take such an activist stand for same-sex marriage. I have nothing but admiration for her and was thrilled when she said yes.”
 Also new this year is the creative and original battle of the webisodes hosted by OML, and a never-been-done-before astonishing circus in and beer garden.

… a  jillion things and bundles of fun that will make you go: The Dinah…I wanna!

1/25/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Out lesbian actress Jane Lynch will marry her girlfriend, Dr. Lara Embry, this May, according to shewired.com. There are no details about the ceremony or where the two will marry.

Lynch is currently on Glee and played a lesbian on The L Word and in the movie Best in Show. Since appearing on Glee Lynch’s career has picked up even more steam and she is rapidly closing in on Ellen Degeneres and Rosie O’Donnell as America’s favorite gay actress.  

 Embry, is a psychologist who made headlines last year for her triumph in a landmark same-sex custody lawsuit in Florida.  She was honored by the National Center For Lesbian Rights with the organization’s Justice Award.

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1/25/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

The much anticipated Joan Jett biopic, The Runaways debuted at Sundance last night. The Runaways focuses on the all-girl group of the same name that rose to popularity in the 70’s. The film is directed by Floria Sigismondi. Which brings into full circle the “girl-power” message of the both the group and the film.

The movie has been getting a lot of attention from LGBT-ers because of the sexual orientation of Jett and the romance between her and fellow band mate Cherie Curie. In particular, there has been much coverage of the kiss between Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, the actresses who play each band member, respectively. Fanning is fifteen, so this film is great for teenagers who either are out and proud or those who are questioning and looking for role models.

The marketing campaign for The Runaways focused on Joan Jett as the center of the film, however, the film is actually based on the book “Neon Angel,” by Cherie Curie which explains the heavy focus on Curie in the film. The reviews of the movie range from “okay” to “good.” Entertainment Weekly comes down on the film for being too scattered in terms of it’s portrayal of Curie’s character and for not giving Jett’s character a deeper storyline. A few reviewers stated that they went into the movie without high hopes and came away surprised. Fanning’s ability as an actress was never in doubt. But there was concern about whether Kristen Stewart could pull off the part of Joan Jett, based on her wooden acting in the Twilight movies. Cinematical had this to say

Beware Twihards and Twi-Moms, this is not your sweet and innocent Bella. Kristen Stewart’s Joan Jett urinates on electric guitars, pops pills, snorts coke, and loves other ladies. Just a fair warning.

Quality LBQ movies are few and far between. Hopefully, The Runaways will make a bigger splash when in wide-release. Read the rest of the review here: http://www.cinematical.com/2010/01/24/the-runaways-sundance-review/

For more reviews, check out these links:

http://movie-critics.ew.com/2010/01/25/the-runaways-is-no-knockout/

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/16166/sundance-review-the-runaways-

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1/24/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

Julianne Moore is straight. She is married to director Bart Freundlich and they have two children together, a boy and a girl. However, Moore has never shied away from taking on unconventional roles, roles that perhaps most straight actresses wouldn’t want to take on.  Moore first made it onto my radar when I read a quote from the actress saying that she was hungry all the time.  It’s rare for an actress to admit, with that type of honesty, that she has to make that kind of sacrifice to be able to practice her craft. Moore first made it onto the LGBT radar when she starred in The Hours (2002), alongside Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep, as a closeted 50’s housewife who goes on to leave her husband and child in order to stay true to her identity.  Moore’s performance was as beautiful as it was heart-wrenching and she was nominated for her work in the film by both the Screen Actors Guild and the Academy.

Moore is getting a lot of buzz for her recent choices in roles in two soon to be released movies. The film “Chloe” stars Moore and Amanda Seyfried (Momma Mia, Mean Girls) as a wife who pays an escort to seduce her husband and said escort, respectively.  Recently, screen shots of the movie have surfaced showing that Seyfried’s character, at the very least, kisses Moore’s character. At first blush, the plot of Chloe sounds more suited to the playboy channel than in the repertoire of an academy award winning actress. But so does the plot of Boogie Nights, a film that earned Moore nominations from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and the Academy.  The LBQ audience has to trust that Moore would not take this role unless it depicted the community in an honest light, if not in the most flattering light.

Moore will be starring as a lesbian parent, alongside Annette Benning, in the film “The Kids are Alright.”  The film centers around two lesbian parents who conceived their two children through artificial insemination with sperm purchased from a sperm bank. When the children want their biological father brought into the picture, complications arise for the family. The movie was recently shown at the Sundance Film Festival.  

Moore’s three LBQ roles could not be more diverse and truly do represent the diversity among women who love women. Moore’s stable background as a heterosexual wife and mother combined with her prolific on-screen roles and artistic consistency in her acting, probably helps to account for her sustained popularity among straight audiences as well as gay. However, if this stability helps her to explore and break new ground in queer films, it proves her commitment to the LGBT community and to visibility for an often overlooked group of people.

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1/24/10-by Melanie Nathan

ROSIE O'DONNELL- CREDIT: ABC/ DONNA SVENNEVIK

What is a family? Sometimes it’s a mom and dad and their kids. Or it might be kids with just a mom or dad. Or it could be kids who have more than one mom or dad. While the answer varies, all families share one vital ingredient: love.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY, A ROSIE O’DONNELL Documentary set to premier on HBO JAN. 31 (7:00-7:40 p.m. ET/PT), is a moving portrait of the remarkable diversity of families today that challenges stereotypes, highlighting same-sex parents, mixed-heritage families, single parents and stories of adoption. Children speak from the heart about parents, siblings, marriage and love in the exclusive documentary.

In the special, Rosie O’Donnell also talks with her daughter Vivienne Rose about how their family which includes sister Chelsea, brothers Parker and Blake and parents Rosie and Kelli came about. Following her recent separation from Kelli, O’Donnell reaffirms the importance of family in a talk with Vivienne Rose, saying, “Even though Mommy Kelli and I aren’t living in the same house anymore, we’re still a family. Family is forever. And family is love.”

In A FAMILY IS A FAMILY, kids offer touching, profound and often funny insights about what being a family means to them. Among those featured are: children with two fathers or two mothers; a girl whose mother and father adopted her in China; three brothers who live with their mother and grandmother; a pair of mothers who are getting married to make one big family; and families with adopted kids and children born through in-vitro fertilization.

Interspersed with these portraits are musical performances and animated interludes, including: reggae star Ziggy Marley, his mother Rita Marley and sister Cedella Marley performing “I Love You Too”; four-year-old Najorae and her father singing their original song “Love Is the Thing;” 11-year-old Martin and his seven brothers and sisters performing “Cario (My Love),” nine-year-old Joey singing “Raised on Love,” a song he wrote with his mom and dad; and folk musician Elizabeth Mitchell performing “Blue Clouds” with husband Daniel Littleton and seven-year-old daughter Storey.

O’Donnell’s tongue-in-cheek performance of “My Science Project” tells the animated story of a young girl whose class project describes the scientific way she came to be. And Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Too Marvelous for Words” is accompanied by an animated sequence of a sperm in top hat serenading a glamorous egg.

The soundtrack of A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY also includes original songs written for the special, among them: “And Mom and Kid,” by They Might Be Giants, “My Family,” by Sweet Honey in the Rock and “A New Generation (Conner’s Theme),” by Charles Strouse. In addition to “Too Marvelous for Words,” classic recordings featured are “Baby Mine,” sung by Bonnie Raitt and Was (Not Was) and “A Bushel and a Peck,” performed by Doris Day.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY is directed and produced by Amy Schatz, whose credits include such award-winning HBO family productions as the “Classical Baby” series and the special “Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepy time Tales.” Some of the recordings are brought to animated life by Emmy(R)-winning animator Maciek Albrecht, whose previous HBO credits include the “Classical Baby” series and numerous other productions.

A FAMILY IS A FAMILY IS A FAMILY: A ROSIE O’DONNELL CELEBRATION is executive produced by Rosie O’Donnell and Sheila Nevins for HBO Documentary Films; directed and produced by Amy Schatz; produced by Beth Aala and Sabina Barach; edited by Tom Patterson; directors of photography, Alex Rappoport and Joel Shapiro; animation by Maciek Albrecht; music supervisor, Linda Cohen; production executive, Susan Benaroya; supervising producer, Jacqueline Glover.

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1/24/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

Courtenay Semel, the heiress to the Yahoo fortune and self labeled “Lesbian Don Juan,” opened up to E! entertainment news and gives new details about her relationship with Casey Johnson.  Semel maintains that despite her turbulent romance with Johnson, which ended long before Johnson’s death, that Johnson was her other half and the love of her life.  She describes their relationship, detailing that she and Johnson knew each other their entire lives.  They initially beefed in high school, when Johnson’s ex-boyfriend began dating Semel. However, one night the two women found themselves together at Hyde, and knowing no one else, sparked up their friendship again. Semel, who had come out by that time, even going so far as to try to set Johnson up with Semel’s brother. That relationship never sparked, and Semel reveals that Johnson told her she wanted to date women. After that the girls were inseparable, according to Semel.

Semel tells E! that Johnson predicted her own death, Johnson telling Semel that she wouldn’t make it past her 30^th birthday. Semel also says that she has no doubt in her mind that Johnson’s death was attributed to drugs. Which is an odd thing to say to the world about the “love of your life,” which Semel repeatedly states in the interview regarding Johnson. Semel reveals that days before Johnson died, they argued and Semel lied and told Johnson she was dating someone new. They day after, Johnson began her much publicized relationship with Tila Tequila. Semel ends the interview saying that she has regrets and that she will always love Johnson.

The interview does seem heartfelt, but one has to wonder how someone could open herself up enough and say those types of statements to the world, if they are completely true.

This interview probably marks the next step in Semel launching herself into reality stardom. In the pictures they show of Semel and Johnson, they both look young, innocent, sweet, sober; A marked difference from Johnson’s pictures with Tila Tequila. It is In Semel’s defense she always looked awkward on the red carpet with Tila, almost like she was embarrassed and fighting the urge to hide her face. When she was dating Lindsay Lohan, her face was never visible to cameras. Lohan’s rumored girlfriend was an impression of thick black hair and skinny jeans.

Even Semel’s relationship with Johnson was low-key until January 14^th, 2009 when the women got into a physical fight and Semel was accused viciously beating Johnson and of lighting Johnson’s hair on fire.  It is interesting to see the evolution of Semel from the woman behind the scenes, to the woman who is quickly becoming as famous as Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian. Semel seems to be drawn to drama, but with this interview she proves that she is no longer willing to be on the sidelines.  Semel is very well spoken and on the surface, she appears to be a very intelligent young woman. It will be interesting to see if she, as an out lesbian, will be able to land the television and endorsement deals of her straight counterparts.

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Jean Simmons, the British actress  renowned for her role opposite Laurence Olivier in “Hamlet” died today at her Santa Monica, California  home after a battle with lung cancer.  She became a star whose during the 1950s and1960s in such films as “Guys and Dolls, “Elmer Gantry” and “Spartacus.” 

Ms Simmons, won an Emmy Award for her role in the 1980s miniseries “The Thorn Birds. “  She started her career at the young age of 14 and worked her way toward two academy nominations one in 1948 (Hamlet) and the other, some twent years later, as an alcoholic wife in the “Happy Ending”
 
Posted by Melanie Nathan. nathan@privatecourts.com

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001739/

Melanie Nathan:-  1/19/10 =5.00 pm San Francisco :- Judge Judy makes a BIG Lesbian / Gay faux pas– but she probably did not realize it.  I love having TV on in the background while I work. I never watch it though. (okay, okay only Bachelor and the News ok and Desperate Housewives…)  For some reason the erstwhile Judge was really annoying me and as I was about to change the channel when my remote froze – I could not help but hear the remark – and it was made at me?  

Am I over sensitive because of the prop 8 trial;  the disdainful and gut wrenching testimony directed at me –  where as a sister of an entire population am rendered invalid until the possible stroke of another Judge’s pen?   I am begging for recognition.  Now in the Gay Diaspora ,  that is the rest of the world, my safety is shirked as I hear that my life and love ought to be rolled back like an old classic movie on a reel; I keep hearing it “ undo you- undo who you are- you can change your ways–   you don’t count! ”  It is a self possessed mantra that does not leave me any peace.

Oh get out of me and back to my  real TV Judge – The case – Jennifer and Joanne are roommates.  They are not lovers, so that is not where I am going with this. Clearly straight roommates they opened a joint checking account for shared apartment expenses.  They came to Judge Judy’s Court with a related dispute – The Judge roared at them both – “How could you be so stupid, who opens a bank account with someone with who you have no marriage contract?   You open bank accounts with husbands and that’s tough enough said the well meaning Judge.

So here is my piece – Judge Judy what if they were lesbians and had no marriage contract available to them– because the law of the United States prevented them from having such?   Would they still be stupid to open a bank account together?   Without a marriage contract? 

Now I am not looking for an apology, only a little bit of sensitivity …. Notice – to America – We are a minority and the subjects of daily discrimination.  Be it words, be it laws, be it whatever.

 by Melanie Nathan   – nathan@privatecourts.com

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Natalie Cassidy is a British actress who appeared on the popular UK soap, EastEnders for 16 years. Cassidy played “Sonia Jackson” since she was ten years old, but left the show in 2007 after Sonia had an affair with Naomi, a fellow nurse.

Cassidy told Reveal Magazine that she left EastEnders because she didn’t feel comfortable with her character engaging in a same sex relationship.  She calls the relationship not true to the character of Sonia and calls the lesbian story itself “shocking.” Cassidy goes on to display her ignorance further when she says that she would consider going back to EastEnders, but only if Sonia was the star of a really “shocking” storyline. Basically, she is claiming she would return to the show for the same reason she says she left the show. Someone call MENSA, this girl is a genius. Obviously, Cassidy is upset that she was cast as a lesbian. I would like to applaud EastEnders for including lesbians in their stories, lesbians exist in real life and deserve to be represented on the screen. Only most of us are much more attractive than Natalie Cassidy. Cassidy has also appeared on the UK version of dancing with the stars, “Strickly Come Dancing.” I would like to nominate Cassidy to appear on Oxygen’s “Dance Your Ass Off.” That show is much more appropriate for her.

1/19/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

Katy Perry shot to fame with her lez-ploitacious song, “I Kissed a Girl,” has never actually kissed a girl. But that hasn’t stopped her from using her image as teasingly bisexual to make herself appear more attractive to heterosexual men and to build up a loyal LGBT audience.

Perry, who has a body hot enough to distract you from her bug eyes and insipid personality, is currently dating/engaged to Russell Brand. Brand is a British comedian best known for his role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” The two have been out and about and ensuring the paparazzi catch them at the appropriate intimate moments. She has even hinted at being pregnant over her twitter feed, to create buzz for herself.

Perry’s latest attention grab again involves pretending to be gay-ish. She told the Daily Star newspaper that if Russell Brand ever cheated on her, she would become a lesbian. Because being a lesbian is something you can “become,” at least according to Perry. She goes on to say something even stupider:

““I have a soft spot for women… if any of my boyfriends ever fail me, I’ll turn to them!” Some women walk into the room, and they’re so beautiful and you’re like: ‘I wanna smell you,’ you know.”   

 She wants to smell beautiful women? Gross. Hopefully Russell Brand will never cheat on her. She would make a really creepy fake lesbian.

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01/18/10-by Natasia Langfelder

In a refreshing change of pace, Eva Green, best known for her role as a generic Bond Girl #48923 in Quantum of Solace, expressed a desire to delve deeper into the sexuality of her lesbian character. Green is referring to her role as Ms. G, a headmistress at a boarding school, in the movie Cracks.

Cracks has been released overseas and will be released in the US in 2010. The movie focuses on Ms. G, the headmistress of a boarding school for girls. Ms. G has the admiration and respect of her students and her relationship with them borders on flirtation. However, one student in particular catches her eye leading her to cause jealousy among the other women.  Green is currently making the rounds and giving interviews to promote the film.  In one of her many interviews, Green states:  

“The love scene is soft – I wanted to go even further. In the book, she’s more sexual.  I read the book many times, which was very helpful to understand Miss G’s obsession.  She’s completely obsessed in the book. She’s quite manly, she’s wearing overalls and smoking cigars! She’s more sexual. In the film, she’s very delicate, sophisticated and feminine – it’s not the same.”

I love this quote. It’s rare for anyone in Hollywood to refer to a gender-bending woman as sexy or express a desire to play a less feminine role. Most actresses giggle and talk about how the other actresses they had love scenes were “hot” or how different it was from kissing a man.  

Perhaps this is because Green isn’t a Hollywood native. She’s French and created a stir when she was cast in Casino Royale as she never really fit the bond girl mode. I’m going to see the movie. I hope that it portrays it’s queer characters as well as Green does.

CLUB SKIRTS PRESENTS THE DINAH® CELEBRATES ITS 20TH MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY  WITH A MUSIC LEGEND: SALT-N-PEPA Headlining Saturday Night’s “Hollywood Party” At the Palm Springs Convention Center .
by Melanie Nathan,  : -  

Palm Springs, CA - Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah®, has just announced another HUGE headliner for the 2010 highly anticipated Dinah weekend held March 31 through April 4 (www.TheDinah)  in the sunny Oasis.  Joining the stellar line-up is the legendary Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa who will rock the house during Saturday night’s “Hollywood Party” at the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

As the first all female rap crew, Salt-N-Pepa historically changed the face of the music scene. The groundbreaking cult band has broken many records in the music industry and is, to this day, credited as being one of the first rap artists to cross over into pop mainstream, laying the groundwork for a number of other female artists in the likes of TLC, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce. 
Selling over 15 million albums and singles worldwide, Salt-N-Pepa became the first female rap Grammy winners; the first female rap act to go gold or platinum; and the first female rap act to have a multi-platinum album.

“Much like The Dinah has over the years changed the face of lesbian event production, Salt-N-Pepa have changed the face of women in music. We herald them as the perfect headliner for our signature event,” says Hanson.   

Blending the old with the new, Hanson is commemorating The Dinah’s milestone 20th Anniversary by delivering a never-been-seen before star-studded entertainment program – a sure crowd-pleaser and show stopper event! 

After all who else but Hanson can bring together on the same stage, under one roof for one weekend ONLY, the hottest, sexiest and most talented music divas of yesterday and today – from Ke$ha, the current # 1 Billboard charting artist in the country (who stole Lady Gaga’s “most downloaded song on iTunes” record), Paradiso Girls, Lolene to music legend Salt-N-Pepa? 

This year club Skirts Presents The Dinah® is not just breaking grounds, it is making history!   www.TheDinah.com

Note:       K$sha was announced as anothe scoop  Headliner at http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24549 some weeks ago and now this adds to the extraordinary line-up for the weekedn long series of lesbian entertainment and  events.
Pictures Courtesy The Dinah/ 1. Salt-N-Pepa and 2. Mariah Hanson on stage with Katy Perry at The Dinah.

By Melanie Nathan, nathan@privatecourts.com
www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

@oblogdeeoblogda

01/14/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

 Well ladies, it was only a matter of time. The Daily Mail is reporting that a 47 second scene featuring Lohan and a “mystery” man is being shopped around LA.  It is said that the man is a waiter at a Carl’s Jr. chain and that he or his camp will eventually sell the tape offshore, rendering Lohan powerless to stop it’s release.

I know Lindsay is a hot mess, but I feel bad for her. I really do. She shouldn’t have been stupid enough to make sex tape and it’s possible that at this point in time she wants it to be released so she can stay in the public eye.  Even if this is something she thinks she wants, in the end it will only humiliate her and cause her to spiral further out of control. If this tape really is being released without her consent, then that is unequivocally wrong and there should be ways to better protect women’s privacy.

 Let’s hope the tape doesn’t make it offshore. I don’t think that any of us are rooting for Lindsay to end up like Casey Johnson.

01/14/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

In a new interview on Afterellen.com, Lucy Lawless reveals that she regrets the way the series ended.

AE: I know you’ve spent the last ten years talking about Xena, but I have to tell you how much pleasure that show gave me. Sitting with you now, I’m reminded how moved I was in that final episode when Xena faded away, dead, and Gabrielle (played by Renee O’Connor) was left on the boat, alone.
LL: I kind of wish we hadn’t done that, actually. At the time, we thought that was a really strong choice, but I think it really hurt the fans.

AE: My theory has always been that Xena and Gabrielle traded places. They completed each other and Gabrielle became the warrior and Xena became the selfless person of total good, like Gabrielle.
LL: And isn’t it funny how when someone dies, you do somehow absorb them, and they are now available to you all the time. Maybe with the time that’s left, the fans will become less…

AE: They’re still angry.
LL: They’re still angry?

AE: They’re still angry…

Afterellen.com asserts that the fans are still angry and it shows in the comments left by readers on the interview:

“Yeap, I agree with everything you said. But more than angry, I think I was very sad and disappointed. That’s why I emersed myself in fanfiction trying to believe in an alternative ending…”

“Yeah… I’m still angry.  Was an avid fan.  Love Lucy… Love Renee… Not so happy with Rob.  Won’t watch reruns… ”

“Why did they have go and break my heart.  The end didn’t even make sense with the rest of the show.  Already wrote about this once… but someone wasn’t paying attention to continuity of story! ”

“The death of Xena was the death of Xena for me in everyway. If Xena haven’t died I’ll probably be watching the show on DVD right now. But no they killed her and killed it for me forever.”

“I have all the DVDs, a gift from my loving partner, but I was so pissed off at how Rob had killed Xena off — off with her head — that it was a really awful way to end the series. Us lesbigay fans had so much invested with these characters, the likes of which we had never seen before on our TVs, only to have Rob & Co. minimalize us by ending the show the way he did. It STILL hurts. Can’t watch the show ever again like I used to. LOVED Xena until that hurtful ending.”

“Yeah, I’m still angry too. And I haven’t even seen FiN in its entirety, the episodes were shown with a year’s delay here, so I had plenty of time to read the reactions online and prepare – but then I still couldn’t bring myself to watch it. I own all the DVDs and re-watch episodes frequently, and I’ve watched parts of FiN and listened to the commentary, but… no. I’m so glad she realizes how much it hurt the fans, though, she’s said things like this in interviews for a while now”

The comments range from sad to heart-breaking. So many women have invested pieces of themselves in this series. It’s easy to see why, there are so few positive relationships on television that it was easy to emotionally latch onto Xena and Gabrielle. It’s understandable that lesbians would be upset with the ending to the series. While it is a bold move, artistically, to have the main character of a series die at the end, to lesbians this is just another tragic lesbian ending among many. It’s clear that the lesbian audience is ready for their happy ending.  

 http://www.afterellen.com/people/2010/01/afterelton-lucy-lawless-interview?page=0%2C1

01/13/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

The LA Critics Association has named Mulholland Dr. the best film of the past decade. Mulholland Dr. is a psychological thriller that focuses on the relationship of two women (Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harring) and the drama that ensues. The film has received critical acclaim for it’s artistic bent and the integrity of the producer’s artistic vision. Mulholland Dr. seems more well known for its confusing flashbacks and convulsive plot twists than for it’s LBQ characters.   

http://www.lafca.net/decade.html

01/13/2010-by Natasia Langfelder

 Logo, the only television channel aimed specifically at the LGBT community, is launching four new series for 2010. These include “The Robert Verdi Show starring Robert Verdi”, “RuPaul’s Drag U”, “The Arrangement” and “Kept.”

 With the possible exception of “The Arrangement,” which focuses on florists showcasing their talents in a traditional elimination style reality competition, all the new series are focused around gay men, not women. “Kept” follows in the footsteps of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” series, with a cast of gay men who are supported by their more financially solvent husbands. RuPaul’s Drag U teaches everyday straight women to release their “inner diva.” As a lesbian, I have no interest in seeing pathetic straight women try to follow the advice of drag queens in order to make themselves more conventionally attractive to straight men. Really Logo?

The most readily available explanation for the lack of picking up a new show that includes the L in LGBT is that gay men outnumber gay women and Logo’s best chance of building up an audience and making money for their sponsors is to focus on their male audience. However, it is worthwhile to take note of the noticeable lack of women in the new shows they are producing.

 There is some good news, Logo has also ordered new episodes of “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” which address the entire LBGT community and is produced by Rosie O’Donnell as well as the popular series “Exes and Ohs,” which is the first scripted series about lesbians on basic cable. The series is returning to the air after an extended hiatus.    

The National Inquirer is reporting that Rosie O’Donnell and her new girlfriend, Tracy Katrick-Anders have moved in together. Rosie seems to be moving quickly with this relationship, as she announced her split from Kelli Carpenter in December.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I am a huge Kelli Carpenter fan and I liked her and Rosie together. I hope they find their way back together sometime down the road, especially since there are children involved.

01/06/09-by Natasia Rose
The media has been in a frenzy covering the tragic death of Casey Johnson, the heiress to the Johnson & Johnson fortune. Johnson first appeared on my radar when she began dating Courtenay Semel, another heiress who lived with Lindsey Lohan for a hot minute before Lohan met DJ Samantha Ronson. At the time, I thought it was great that two almost famous heiresses were out and proud. Johnson and Semel had a chance to be yet another example to the world of beautiful, successful lesbians. However, their erratic behavior that included violence and ended with one woman setting the other woman’s hair on fire, quickly excluded them from joining the ranks of positive, high profile celesbian couples.

After parting ways with Semel, Johnson became very publicly involved with Tila Tequila. Tequila is a bisexual who climbed her way up to fame from MySpace. She is best known for her MTV reality dating show, “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila.” Tequila is also an ex-girlfriend of Semel’s. Johnson became more famous as Tequila’s fiancée than she had ever been before. They were all over red carpets, looking inebriated and making out in front of the paparazzi. Johnson got more airtime from gossip blogs than ever before. After her death, the media has sensationalized her story by frequently using terms like “Lesbian Lover” to describe her relationship with Tequila.

Johnson’s death is certainly untimely and sad. However, what I have been thinking about the most since her death is how she, and celebrities like her, have impacted the public view of lesbians and bisexual women. I don’t think that anyone takes these women seriously as role models, but they are very visible members of our community. Perhaps the tendency for most people is to assume that for most conventionally feminine women, lesbianism is a phase or done for the pleasure of men. Maybe no one takes party girls who look and act as if they are perpetually high seriously about anything, much less their sexuality. Thankfully, Rush Limbaugh and Pat Buchanan aren’t rushing onto the scene to hold up Tila Tequila and Casey Johnson up as examples of insidious lesbians running rampant and spreading their depraved values on society.  

Johnson was never on the path to be a leading lesbian spokesperson. But, she did live her life loud and publicly, proving that lesbians are just like anyone else. We can make mistakes, be vulnerable, be bored, hang with the wrong people, and fall madly and desperately in love.

 

                                                                    Reported by Melanie Nathan

Following a Press release in LOS ANGELES, CA -  Celebrating its 20th milestone anniversary (March 31- April 4, 2010), Club Skirts The Dinah (www.TheDinah.com) is once again breaking grounds by delivering the creme de la creme of all things entertainment – and  this year again it includes THE Billboard pop artist with the current # 1 hit in the country and two other buzz-heavy breakthrough performers. 

She’s done it again!  Mariah Hanson, the visionary master brain and envelope pushing event producer behind The Dinah, has secured another extraordinarily exceptional entertainment line-up for the 2010 Dinah Shore weekend held at the Hilton Hotel and The Hyatt Regency in Palm Springs, CA!

In the span of two decades, Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts, has turned The Dinah into a MUST SEE, MUST BE SEEN AT event, building a reputation as a trendsetter and the catalyst propelling new young artists to the top of the charts – Lady Gaga and Katy Perry were the breakthrough artist of 2009, Colbie Caillat in 2008 and The Pussy Cat Dolls back in 2006.

If The Dinah 2009 was EPIC not only securing the performances of a Grammy nominee and a Top Ten Billboard artist with the then # 1 Song in the country, but as well making it the most attended Dinah ever despite the economic crisis, The Dinah 2010 will be HISTORIC!

Meet The Dinah 2010 performers who will grace the stage of the prestigious Convention Center in the Sunny Oasis:

 Pop singer Ke$ha, who only this past few weeks, who came out about her bisexuality a few days ago, just scored her first # 1 hit with her contagiously catchy tune ”Tik Tok”  ending Jay-Z and Alicia Keys‘ five-week reign at the top of the US singles chart-  and bumped Lady Gaga off the number spot in Australia last week ….. number one in New Zealand, too and Canada.

Ke$ha is scheduled to perform at the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary of Club Skirts The Dinah (March 31 thru April 4) during Friday night’s White Diamond Party at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Ke$ha   gained exposure in the mainstream media after being featured on Flo Rida’s single, “Right Round”.    ”Right Round,” soared to No. 1, selling more than 636,000 downloads its first week out, and shattering the all-time one-week digital single sales record. (Ke$ha also contributes her sassy vocal stylings to “Touch Me,” another track from Flo Rida’s upcoming 2009 album R.O.O.T.S.)

Also Featuring:
PARADISO GIRLS -The “Will I Am” Produced all Girl-Band from the creator of The Pussy Cat Dolls
LOLENE – The Dance Club Billboard Chart-Topper British Sire

  The countdown has started … tik tok … tik tok … it’s Dinah time!    www.TheDinah.com

  Posted by Melanie Nathan
 

 Posted by: Melanie Nathan   
nathan@privatecourts.com

01/05/09- by Natasia Rose
Jillian Michaels, the tough guy trainer for NBC’s hit series, “The Biggest Loser,” comes out as bisexual in the upcoming Februrary issue of Ladies Home Journal.

 The statement is fairly ambiguous, but fans have suspected that Michaels was gay for awhile now. Michaels was one of the original owners of Sky Sport, along with Workout Star Jackie Warner. There are also various reports on messageboards of women claiming to have spotted Michaels at Weho lez bars.  It remains to be seen if she will clarify on this statement or open up further about her personal life.

The Biggest Loser is a reality TV show where contestants compete to see who can lose the most weight.

12/29/09-by Paula Brooks
Despite 2009 being called “year of gay China” by the official China Daily, there are reports coming out of China is has been anything but for about 10 LGBT websites in that country.

“Some of the hosting service providers even told us that gay chatting was illegal,” said Geng Le, the Webmaster of a gay website in Beijing.”

According to Geng, some site owners have been forced to host their websites on foreign servers.

Another Webmaster who goes by the on line name of Chen, said his website in Beijing was closed by his web hosting company, after that company told him gay websites might hold immoral information and pornographic literature.

“I would bet that most gay websites are more ‘clean and healthy’ than websites not closed by the government,” he said.

“As a gay Webmaster, we are more careful about all the information on the website, because we want to remove the prejudice on the gay group. We want to let them know we are healthy.”

According to an article last week in the China Daily, The Chinese Association of HIV/AIDS NGOs, made the statement on Wednesday confirming that gay websites in China have been recently forced to close or had their accounts deleted by their server hosting companies and that it would provide free legal aid to those webmasters …

“More than 20 lawyers in our institute can provide legal aid to those webmasters for free. If the case does not happen in Beijing, we can transfer it to other NGOs,” said Lan Yujiao, an official in Aizhixing Institute, an NGO for protecting the legal rights of special groups in Beijing…. via China Daily.

While the number of gays in China remains unclear, statistics from China’s Ministry of Health in 2004 showed the total number of gay men in China is estimated between 5 and 10 million. However an official statistic, quoted in a news report in the China Daily article, put the figure for the People Republic of China at “approximately 30 million.”

Although the Communist Government repealed the laws against homosexuality or same-sex acts between consenting adults in 1997, there are also no laws in China protecting LGBT’s from discrimination.

It is widely assumed that the official Chinese Government policy towards gay rights issues remains the “Three nos”: no approval, no disapproval, and no promotion and gay in China still undergo prejudice from the justice system and harassment from police, including detention and arrest.

The government in China has also banned many public media items related to gay topics, and denied release of Western films like Brokeback Mountain, considering them to be “going against the healthy way of life in China”.

China is also experiencing a soaring rate of HIV and AIDS infections among all segments of its population, for which many in the government are try to lay the blame on China’s Gay Community. Hao Yang, deputy director of China’s disease prevention and control bureau, said on Wednesday that HIV/AIDS transmission among gay men has been more severe in recent years.

Related articles by Zemanta

• China’s First Official Gay Bar Opens (lezgetreal.com)
• China’s Internet: Two Media Declarations (advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org)
• China drops hepatitis B testing to fight discrimination (ctv.ca)
• Assistant Secretary of State Meets with Advocacy Organizations on Uganda “Anti-Homosexuality” Bill (hrcbackstory.org)

12/21/09-by Paula Brooks
It would seem that Tila Tequila is trying to make news again….

Tila Tequila has made another shocking announcement. Taking to her Twitter page on Sunday, December 20, the MTV reality TV star confirmed that she is currently expecting her brother’s baby. “I am going to become a SURROGATE MOTHER for my brother and his Wife!!…That is my xmas present to them. I’m pregnant!!!” she wrote.

Before coming out with the pregnancy posting, Tila has gushed about giving a present for her brother that would “CHANGE HIS LIFE AND MINE FOREVER!!!! ITS HUGE!” through her Twitter page as well. Nonetheless, she didn’t provide any further details about the due date of the baby and the reason why she decided to become a surrogate mother….(via Tila Tequila Pregnant With Brother’s Child)

Earlier this month Tila announced that she had gotten engaged to her lesbian partner, Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson just about two month after she took to her Twitter page to announce that she has decided to commit a suicide…. That was right after she accused her then boyfriend, NFL player Shawne Merriman, of choking her in September.

Every family has a character like Tila you know… For mine it is my Uncle Rusty, who swears that the Kennedy Assassination and the Obama Birth Certificate are all part of the same conspiracy.

But like most families, we don’t really like to talk about it much… and we certainly wouldn’t trust him with the well being of an unborn child for nine months…

Related articles by Zemanta

• NFL star Merriman arrested in domestic incident (cbc.ca)
• Tila Tequila Continues Her Ustream Video Meltdown [LIVE VIDEO] (mashable.com)

12/20/09-by Paula Brooks
For Meredith Baxter, it has been a busy month…

Speaking to Matt Lauer on a December 2 episode of NBC’s Today show, Baxter, who played popular TV mom Elyse Keaton on the ’80s sitcom “Family Ties”, officially came out as lesbian to the nation.

Then latter, there were the rumors that Baxter and her partner, building contractor Nancy Locke, were planning to get married sometime next year in either Massachusetts or Canada.

Now the actress and skin-care company owner apparently has a book deal…

The Broadway Books imprint of Crown Publishing Group announced last week it had acquired the publishing rights to a book to be written by Ms. Baxter.

According to a news release from Baxter’s new publisher, …

Ms. Baxter “will present a fully realized portrait of her life as an actress, mother of five children, and grandmother, and will candidly discuss her fight with breast cancer, her 19 years of sobriety, entrepreneurship, and her decision to come out.”… (via NYTimes.com)

Terms of Baxter’s book deal, as well as the prospective publication date, have not yet been announced.

  O K K I E S (ah-keez’) n.: plural of Okkie, familiar form of Oscar   – When I first arrived in New York City from South Africa, albeit an attorney , my foreign-ness made finding work near impossible.  I moved to Los Angeles and soon found myself running around the City with one of Los Angeles’ most well known celebrity stylists.  As it happens Lauren Landau Hines is my first cousin and I could not be more proud of her achievements.  She scooped me in her protective arms and I was able to help her with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, working specifically with the late great Cyd Charrise who had a cameo in one of the music videos as well as a few other exciting projects.  Lauren has since honed her skills to fill a gap (no pun intended) -  she found that there was no loose comfortable  stylish clothes for boys.

Although accomplished, Lauren is probably the single most modest person one could meet, never touting her  ‘own horn’ and it’s a big one that should be blasted loudly. There is barely an issue of People, US, OK and other tabloids that does not show a celebrity child wearing one of Lauren’s simple and recognizable  OKKIE designs.  Now Lauren tells her career story in her own words:-

The thread that repeatedly weaves its way through my life and career is, well, literally thread. Actually, it’s the cut, color and fabrication of clothing that are among my most important memories and, later, my influences.

Born in South Africa, I attended a conservative elementary school that required me to wear uniform dress – a blazer, button-down shirt, skirt, hat and tie. Freedom came at the end of the day and on weekends when I donned my favorite outfit: bright yellow cropped palazzo pants paired with a tank top. I can picture the pants clearly; I remember how they felt against my body.  

At 14, my family and I immigrated to Los Angeles, where in High School, freed from a dress code, clothing was a means of self-expression. I used my mom’s idle sewing machine to make my own clothes that broadcast my membership in the artsy crowd. I was really into upholstery fabric in high school, I made an upholstery fabric pajama outfit with gold buttons that I lived in.

After high school, I moved to New York City to attend design school. Soon my school internship turned into a full-time job: I worked as a freelance editorial stylist for Interview, Details and Face, the fashion-forward magazines of the day. My work was heavily influenced by the aesthetic of my favorite designers Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo, whose clothing lines continue to inspire. These Japanese designers effortlessly reduce fashion to simple sophistication; it is amazing how they delineate colors using a monochromatic color palette. And their designs artfully balance practicality with playfulness, seriousness with humor. Yet their clothes don’t overwhelm, instead they enable the wearer to express his or her own personality. 

In 1987 I returned to LA to broaden my freelance stylist and costume designer career. I created costumes for music videos, concert tours and album covers, adding Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones and Sting, to my client list. I also collaborated with television and print-ad directors styling and designing costumes for A-List commercial accounts such as Coke, Nike and Visa/MasterCard.

In 2001 I added motherhood to my resume with the birth of Hugo and, later, Oscar – nicknamed Okkie by his big brother. Watching my two young, constantly moving boys was easier than finding boy-appropriate clothing. At that time, girls had many fashion choices, boys much fewer. I struggled to find comfortable, easy-care, hip boys’ wear. Choices seemed locked into a few silhouettes merchandised in standard denims, fleeces and twills, in boy-accepted primary colors.

It was in the limited boys’ wear market that I saw opportunity. In 2005, as a natural next-step in my 20 years experience in the fashion industry, I designed and introduced OKKIES, a line of boys’ pants. With four pant silhouettes merchandised in a variety of fashion-forward colorations and menswear patterns, OKKIES debuted in five stores its first season. By fall 2006, I was designated best new designer by the online children’s clothing expert jamesgirone.com. In October 2008, Earnshaw’s national retail survey named OKKIES one of the top three best-designed collections in the boys’ wear industry. 

I am very excited to introduce my newest lifestyle-designed collection: OKKIES ‘girl’, a full line of feminine, but not frilly, interpretations of OKKIES’ best-selling silhouettes, for fall, 2009.

OKKIES girls’ wear Fall 2009 line features 16 styles in a full line silhouettes – from pants to shirts, dresses to leggings, sweaters, jackets and beanies – for size 3 months to 12 years. OKKIES boys’ wear Fall 2009 line features 19 styles – from pants to shirts, sweaters and hoodies, to beanies also for sizes 3 months to 12 years.

I have created OKKIES as a lifestyle approach to clothing – a lifestyle of ease of wear, clothing that allows them to move, stretch, run, climb and relax without restriction. For parents, that lifestyle is about comfort and more. It’s about clothes that are high-quality; that are wash-and-wear; that are appropriate for a full day of activity, going from a play date to dinner with grandma; that reflect an awareness and appreciation of fashion trends without being fussy or over done; that don’t express ‘generic kid’ but allows an individual’s personality to shine.

Up until now OKKIES have been available in over 500 specialty stores throughout the country, but moving forward, we will be offering our lifestyle approach to clothing directly to our customers on our website.

 Enjoy! go to http://okkies.com/information.php/about-i-1     You can take advantage of the online 48 hour sale – great Holiday Gifts

Posted by Melanie Nathan

 Follow my Twittering  @oblogdeeoblogda

12/15/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Niel Patrick Harris has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, Miniseries, or Movie (Television). The Golden Globe is presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association annually and covers both film and television. Harris is most famous for his role on Doogie Howser, MD. Harris has been open about his sexuality to the public since 2006 though he had been open about it personally for quite some time. Harris has played the womanizing Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother since 2005. Since coming out, Harris has starred in a number of different roles and hosted the Emmys. In fact, one of the movies he provided the voice in, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, is up for its own Golden Globe in Best Animated Movie.

Sigourney Weaver was also nominated for her role in the TV Movie Prayers for Bobby. The movie, based on real events, follows mother Mary Griffin, played by Weaver, who believes that her son can be “cured” of his homosexuality through faith and prayer. Eventually her son became depressed and committed suicide. Mourning her loss, she eventually reaches out to the LGBT Community.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Picture, Drama: “Avatar,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Inglorious Basterds,” “Precious: Based on the Novel ’Push’ by Sapphire,” “Up in the Air.”

Picture, Musical or Comedy: “(500) Days of Summer,” “The Hangover,” “It’s Complicated,” “Julie & Julia,” “Nine.”

Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”; George Clooney, “Up in the Air”; Colin Firth, “A Single Man”; Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”; Tobey Maguire, “Brothers.”

Actress, Drama: Emily Blunt, “The Young Victoria”; Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”; Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”; Carey Mulligan, “An Education”; Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the Novel ’Push’ by Sapphire.”

Director: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”; James Cameron, “Avatar”; Clint Eastwood, “Invictus”; Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”; Quentin Tarantino, “Inglorious Basterds.”

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon, “The Informant!”; Daniel Day-Lewis, “Nine”; Robert Downey Jr., “Sherlock Holmes”; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “(500) Days of Summer”; Michael Stuhlbarg, “A Serious Man.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Sandra Bullock, “The Proposal”; Marion Cotillard, “Nine”; Julia Roberts, “Duplicity”; Meryl Streep, “It’s Complicated”; Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia.”

Supporting Actor: Matt Damon, “Invictus”; Woody Harrelson, “The Messenger”; Christopher Plummer, “The Last Station”; Stanley Tucci, “The Lovely Bones”; Christoph Waltz, “Inglorious Basterds.”

Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, “Nine”; Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”; Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”; Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel ’Push’ by Sapphire”; Julianne Moore, “A Single Man.”

Foreign Language: “Baaria,” “Broken Embraces,” “The Maid (La Nana),” “A Prophet,” “The White Ribbon.”

Animated Film: “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” “Coraline,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Up.”

Screenplay: Neill Blomkamp, “District 9”; Mark Boal, “The Hurt Locker”; Nancy Meyers, “It’s Complicated”; Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”; Quentin Tarantino, “Inglorious Basterds.”

Original Score: Michael Giacchino, “Up”; Marvin Hamlisch, “The Informant!”; James Horner, “Avatar”; Abel Korzeniowski, “A Single Man”; Karen O, Carter Burwell, “Where the Wild Things Are.”

Original Song: “Cinema Italiano” (written by Maury Yeston), “Nine”; “I Want to Come Home” (written by Paul McCartney); “Everybody’s Fine”; “I Will See You” (written by James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell); “Avatar”; “The Weary Kind (Theme from ’Crazy Heart’)” (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett); “Crazy Heart”; “Winter” (written by U2), “Brothers.”

Television

Series, Drama: “Big Love,” HBO; “Dexter,” Showtime; “House,” Fox; “Mad Men,” AMC; “True Blood, HBO.

Actor, Drama: Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”; Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”; Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”; Hugh Laurie, “House”; Bill Paxton, “Big Love”

Actress, Drama: Glenn Close, “Damages”; January Jones, “Mad Men”; Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”; Anna Paquin, “True Blood”; Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer.”

Series, Musical or Comedy: “30 Rock,” NBC; “Entourage,” HBO; “Glee,” Fox; “Modern Family,” ABC; “The Office,” NBC.

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”; Steve Carell, “The Office”; David Duchovny, “Californication”; Thomas Jane, “Hung”; Matthew Morrison, “Glee.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”; Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”; Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”; Tina Fey, “30 Rock”; Lea Michele, “Glee.”

Miniseries or Movie: “Georgia O’Keeffe,” Lifetime Television; “Grey Gardens,” HBO; “Into the Storm,” HBO; “Little Dorrit,” PBS; “Taking Chance,” HBO.

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Joan Allen, “Georgia O’Keeffe”; Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens”; Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens”; Anna Paquin, “The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler”; Sigourney Weaver, “Prayers for Bobby.”

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance”; Kenneth Branagh, “Wallander: One Step Behind”; Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Endgame”; Brendan Gleeson, “Into the Storm”; Jeremy Irons, “Georgia O’Keeffe.”

Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jane Adams, “Hung”; Rose Byrne, “Damages”; Jane Lynch, “Glee”; Janet McTeer, “Into the Storm”; Chloe Sevigny, “Big Love,”

Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Michael Emerson, “Lost”; Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”; William Hurt, “Damages”; John Lithgow, “Dexter”; Jeremy Piven, “Entourage.”

HFPA List Of Nominees
Picture via Wikipedia

Edited to fix typo.

12/13/09-by Paula Brooks
Controversial Anti-Gay reggae singer Buju Banton is making headlines for wrong reasons once again after he was arrested Thursday in Miami on federal drug charges.

According to the DEA, Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, has been charged with possession of more than five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Florida DEA spokesman David Melenkevitz said Friday, “Mr. Myrie was arrested on a case based in Tampa. He is charged with intent to distribute cocaine, five kilos or more,” Right now he’s in custody in South Florida and he’ll be transferred to Tampa.”

If convicted, Banton could face as many as 20 years in prison.

Buju Banton has drawn the anger of the LGBT Community for years, in large part because of the violently homophobic lyrics of his 1992 single “Boom Bye Bye,” in which celebrated the murder and torture of gay people by pouring acid on them and shooting them in the head.

Banton also was charged in connection with a 2004 incident in which he, and a group of about a dozen other men, allegedly beat six men believed to be gay, after forcing entry into a house in Kingston, near Banton’s recording studio. One of the victims lost use of an eye in the attack. Charges against Banton were eventually dismissed in that case in January 2006, “for lack of evidence.”

Banton has continued to sing “ Boom Bye Bye” on his current US concert tour. In October 2009, Banton was quoted as saying, “This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs ‘there is no end to the war between me and faggot’ and it’s clear.”

Due to an outcry by LGBT activist, promoters across the United States ended up canceling the bulk of shows scheduled on Banton’s US tour, and after an announcement that Baton’s latest album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for a Grammy award, Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive  protesting that nomination.

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12/13/09-by Paula Brooks
Former Family Ties star Meredith Baxter is reportedly getting ready to marry her longtime partner.

In an interview with Today show host Matt Lauer earlier this month, the 62-year-old Baxter revealed that she had had a “later-in-life recognition” of her sexuality and has been in a relationship with her partner 54-year-old building contractor Nancy Locke for four years.

Now according to the National Enquirer, the couple is preparing to make their union official. However, Baxter and Locke are residents of California, and will not be able to marry in their home state. California’s Proposition 8 eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry last year in that state.

A source says the couple reportedly plan to go elsewhere, “They’re talking about getting married either in Canada or Massachusetts.”

Baxter, a three time Emmy winner, is best known for her role as Elyse Keaton in the series Family Ties, on which she played the ex-flower-child mother of Michael J. Fox. But in 1994, Baxter also won a Daytime Emmy Award for her role as a lesbian mother raising a young son, in a CBS Schoolbreak Special titled Other Mothers.

Meredith Baxter getting married? ABC15.com.

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12/9/09-by Paula Brooks
The former editor of the now-defunct gay and lesbian newspaper Southern Voice has announced she will be launching a new publication early next year called Georgia Voice.

Last month, Window Media, which owned the Southern Voice, the Washington Blade and other publications, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, silencing some of the strongest of the voices for the LGBT movement and leaving about a dozen former Southern Voice staffers without paychecks.

Not to be defeated however, Chris Cash, the former owner of the Southern Voice, and Laura Douglas-Brown, the former editor, began a drive to save the publication soon after the Southern Voice was shut down permanently by it creditors and obtained a $12,000 matching grant from the Lloyd E. Grant Foundation of Atlanta.

“It became so clear in such a short period of time how much this publication was needed,” Douglas-Brown told the Atlanta Journal Constitution, last month.

Douglas-Brown has her work cut out for her, and is now busy contacting potential staffers and advertisers.

Douglas-Brown and Cash are also reaching out to the Atlanta LGBT community to help raise more seed money for the new venture at www.savesovo.com and are looking for donations from SoVo supporters to help get their project off the ground.

In an interview yesterday with Atlanta Public Radio station WABE Douglas-Brown said her top priority is making the new publication financially sustainable…

“That will mean certainly a smaller staff than Southern Voice and David magazine shared. It will mean using more freelancers, and it might even mean using volunteers. There are certainly people who have volunteered to help us on a pro-bono basis as we get started.”

Douglas-Brown also said in the interview, while some publications have become Web-only, she really wants to get out a traditional a print version of the publication.

“You want to be first and fast on the Web and sometimes that doesn’t leave as much time to look at the big picture of a story, really get analysis and feedback, and thats what we see doing in the print publication.”

via WABE: New gay publication planned for Atlanta 2009-12-08.

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 Airing Dec. 9 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC, “Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009

Today, Barbara Walters tells the Ladies of the View that this year’s group of most fascinating people is edgier, more current and less obvious than usual.  That sounds refreshing and perhaps a worthy watch.

Her most ‘edgy’ fascinators would apparently be Adam Lambert and the very Lady Gaga, who responded to Barbara Walters direct questions about her sexuality.  When asked, she admits she “likes” women, but has only ever fallen in love with men.  Walters on this morning’s VIEW, showed the clip where she honed in for the kill; with an “have you ever slept with a woman?”    Lady G looked as if she had been clonked on the head – and nailed an actual smile (nervously) and gasped “Barbara…”  Answer cut and the teaser was over.  Interviewed wearing a paradoxical black Chanel Suite – a must watch.

Written by Melanie Nathan

12/7/09-by Paula Brooks
Big Love, the HBO drama series revolving around your typical fictional fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah who just also happen to also practice polygamy, is scheduled to begin its fourth season on January 10.

Big Love follows the trials and tribulations of suburban Salt Lake City polygamist Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) who just happens to be married to three different women at the same time, that also just happen to live in neighboring houses connected with one common backyard.

However, since polygamy is technically illegal in Utah, Bill is forced to jump through hoops to keep his multiple-marital status on the down low.

But if having three wives in the closet is not trial and tribulation enough, Bill also has to deal with his expanding chain of home improvement stores in a very tough economy, wives who run up $60,000 dollar credit card bills, sister-in-laws who poison people with anti-freeze, and an un-married pregnant daughter who is in ex-Mormon therapy, not to mention his constant struggle with his now murdered very malevolent father-in-law, Roman Grant, who just happened to be the “Prophet” the fundamentalist polygamist Mormon sect Bill belongs to.

Confused yet? No? Well let’s see if this does it…

Bill’s poop-head now murdered Daddy-in-Law, Roman, has been succeed as the leader of the polygamist Mormon sect by his equally poop-headed son, Alby, played by actor Matt Ross.

Besides making life for Bill and his family as miserable as he possibly could on the behest of his dad, Alby is also a real poor adherent to 5th, 6th and possibly the 10th commandments… and plotted the murder of both his parents so he could take over the cult.

However, Alby blew himself up with a letter bomb he intended for his mother before he could kill either parent, leaving Bill’s brother Joey to suffocate Roman with a pillow over the totally unrelated matter of Roman having killed one of Joey’s potential wives.

Notwithstanding Alby’s incompetence as a parental assassin, Alby, is now not only apparently the leader of the murderous polygamist cult, but he is also a closeted gay guy who has been involved in numerous gay affairs since the show began in 2006….

And according to Entertainment Weekly the show is preparing to take a look at the ex-gay movement and the Mormon Church’s relationship with the LGBT community in a storyline will center on Alby’s character.

The character is “being groomed for an incredible season,” teases co-creator/executive producer Will Scheffer. Adds counterpart Marc V. Olsen: “Alby’s boyfriend, Dale (Benjamin Koldyke), is appointed head of the UEB — a trustee. They stumble into a relationship, and this guy is [just like Alby] struggling with his urges. He’s been going to [reparative therapy] for several years… unsuccessfully. Alby is going as well.”

But attempts to “pray the gay away” are just the tip of the iceberg. “There’s a provocative nature to what we’re doing,” Olsen suggests. “It’s more than just the Mormon culture. We’re highlighting certain aspects of the church’s relationship with its gay members that I think, as the story unfolds, is going to cause no [small] amount of controversy.”

via Well, Alby Damned: ‘Big Love’ Gives Gay Villain a BF! | Ausiello | EW.com.

Big Love has won its share of critical acclaim since it first aired. Last year it was nominated for 4 Golden Globes, an Emmy and won the BMI Cable Award, but the show has not exactly been a viewing favorite for leadership or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Besides the touchy topic of Mormon polygamy, Big Love really pissed off the LDS after the shows producers portrayed an endowment ceremony in a Mormon temple, which the Mormons only allows selected individuals and members in good standing of the church to witness, on its March 15 show this year. In fact they were so pissed off, they the called for a boycott of HBO, AOL, and Time Warner Inc, and anything to do with the TWI conglomerate that owns HBO.

Now I have been watching this show since it first came on… and something tells me that this new gay storyline… probably won’t be winning many GLAAD approvals either.

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