Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell’s new talk show will premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, October 10. Her new show will run five nights a week.

In a Reuters interview, Rosie announced that in addition to celebrity chat, games, news topics and the signature Rosie humor, “We’re going to have a controversy segment…….No, we’re not. We are not going to look for controversy, but should it be germane to what is happening in the world, I am sure we will bring up current events.”

Rosie’s original show ran from 1996-2002, and she did a brief stint on The View in 2006. But Rosie had a controversial and confrontational side that tanked her popularity. Between 2002 and 2005, she practically disappeared, but came back with a variety of acting roles from Riding the Bus with My Sister to Drop Dead Diva. Her personal life was also somewhat controversial. She and Kelli Carpenter were together for years before marrying in San Francisco in 2004. They adopted three children and Carpenter gave birth to their fourth. When they announced that they wanted to adopt their foster child, Mia, they ran headlong into Florida’s no-gays adoption law. The state removed Mia from their care. Rosie and Kelli separated in 2007, but didn’t announce it for two years. Rosie and her family divide their time between a home in historic Nyack, New York (north of New York City, where theater legends Helen Hayes and her husband Charles MacArthur lived and are buried) and Star Island, Miami, Florida. Rosie’s brother, Daniel, who is gay, is a New York State Assemblyman, representing the Upper East Side of Manhattan and had the privilege of voting for same-sex marriage in New York.

Rosie, who is 49, chose to return to the talk show format on OWN because, in her words, “It’s a huge stamp of approval that is beyond anyone’s dream. It’s almost like being knighted.” When asked about how she will fit with the aspirational nature of OWN’s programming, she said “I think the reason for my success is taht I am not aspirational, but inspirational because people relate to me because I am not Madonna. I am more the audience….a no-one is at home going ‘if I could only be Rosie O’Donnell, an overweight lesbian who yells too much.” Not the best way to explain it, but it sort of gets the point across. Rosie is like ordinary women, not some size 0, botoxed woman trying to deny aging by any means money can buy. Rosie is real – loud, passionate about her beliefs and capable of flashes of extraordinary talent.

Rosie is hoping to attract celebrity guests, and her wish list includes Russell Brand (“fascinating”) and Adele (“epic gorgeous and fantastic”). The 7 o’clock slot may prove to be a wise choice. It’s either new, reruns of network shows or the Jeopardy/Wheel duo at that hour for most of us. Rosie could be a refreshing change.

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The DVD image for The Real L Word is Scissors...homo they didn't.

It’s Real L Word Season! The second season of this groundbreaking reality show starts June 5th on Showtime. It’s been great for lesbian visibility…but I’m beginning to think that it’s giving straight people the wrong impression. It’s impossible for any show to capture the diversity that exists in our community. So lets take a chill pill and laugh at some of the stereotypes that can be drawn from the franchise we love to hate and hate to love!

1) 90% of all lesbians are hair/makeup artists. How the hell did Illene Chaiken even find so many lesbian hair/makeup artists? Alyssa, Whitney, Romi, Sara, Raquel, etc. Apparently, that’s the field to get into if you want to be a trendy lez.

2) We all have tattoos, at least a half sleeve. I have none! But everyone in the Real L Word universe seems to have millions. The end credits should include the names of their tattoo artists. I’m looking for a good one.

3) Lesbians love hats. This is especially true in the upcoming season of the show. Romi is rocking a pork pie, Cori loves her ascot, Sara only wears bowlers and a smile and Whitney will put anything on her head. Ok fine, maybe this one is actually true.

4) We love having sex on camera! For everyone to see! Sorry to burst your bubble straight male popular. We actually don’t.

5) We don’t have straight girlfriends. Actually we do! They are great because we can’t sleep with them and complicate our lives. So next time you see a lesbian say hi, we are a friendly peoples.

Did I leave anything out? What other misconceptions do you think people have because of the Real L Word?

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The Real L Word Season Two Cast

05/23/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Homo they didn’t! Yes, Homo they did. The Real L Word is back and with 99% more real live girl sex than last time. Remember the scandalous strap-on scene? Well the first episode of Season 2 has more sex than that. I have to admit, I was really shocked by the sex scene in the first season. Basically, I’ve come to accept that The Real L Word is the only reality TV show that can double as porn. Also, tits & tats are awesome, I’m just lying back and um, accepting it. So what else can you expect from this season’s batch of lesbian reality TV participants? Drama, high drama. This year is going to kick last year’s butt. Gone are the older, mature partners in anorexia  and life (Sorry Jill! You aren’t gay! Sorry Nikki, you’re boring!) Gone is drunk but career oriented Mikey and her sexy paramour. Gone is Victoria Secret Model Tracey and Stamie and her Shack O’Children are only distant memories. Who else was on the show? Oh, Rose. Yes, busted Eva Mendez is off the airwaves. Probably drowning her sorrows in a pair of stripper’s saggy pierced tits. But that’s all old news, onto the new!

First, your girl Whitney [Second from the right in the picture]  is back and the show is picking up where it should have started. It’s going to focus on WhitWhit and the dramatic ladies that make up her extended social circle. Whit also has a new found love of kooky hats that I think you’ll all enjoy. Sara (pronounced Sah-dah) is back in the mix and you will get to see her. Probably more of her than you expected too. Alyssa is back as the original Voice of Reason, trying to keep WhitWhit from riding the Sara train to the heartbreak hotel. Only maybe WhitWhit needs to get her heart broken a little, so she can learn not to screw with others.

Also back as a principle player this time is Romi [far right]. Pretty, sweet hardworking Romi is in a relationship and over (?) Whitney. She now dresses like Madonna circa “Desperately Seeking Susan” and she will probably doing sweet things like looking sweet sweetly. Plus, chances are she will get banged on National TV again. Aw, being mean to Romi makes My Little Ponies cry. Sorry girl. I actually really like Romi for some reason. I like her so much that I don’t want to see her vag ever again. (PS there will be RomiVag, for those of you who are into that.)

The New Grrls: Showtime has finally allowed some diversity onto the show and the cast is better than ever!
Rachel [not pictured]: This is WhitWhit’s “original” doormat..I mean girlfriend. Whit cheated on her and left her after 3 years and cohabitation and (of course) dogs. She’s back and living in WhitWhit’s room in a thinly veiled attempt to get her back. Even a thin veil obscure’s Whit’s vision and she seems to have no idea that’s the real reason Rachel is back. Expect this chick to be whiny and annoying. Also, she likes to masturbate. You have to watch the show if you want more info on that, bitches.

There is Sadjah [third from the right] a black queer activist who is newly out and dating. She is smart and lends the show a refreshing change of pace. Meaning, she’s not skinny and alternative and she’s andro. It’s great that Chaikenallowed this girl anywhere near her precious L-franchise, what with her amazing track record of diversity and cultural sensitivity. Watch for Sadjah to introduce viewers to issues within the black queer community and to highlight the social and political aspects of being gay in LA. Also, tits, probably. What did you expect? This is the Real L Word.  

Francine [third from the left]: From what I’ve seen of the new season, Franny seems pretty cool. She has a career, dresses trendy but in a way that no one will be able to make fun of when we look back at pictures in 10 years. Like we did with the 90s. (Oh stirrup pants, wherefore art thou?) The only problem with this girl is that she’s stuck on a loser ex who treats her like crap. Basically, she’s everywoman (it’s all in her) Watch for this chick to be the next Voice of Reason.

Claire  [smack in the middle] is beautiful for about 15 seconds. She’s going to be the show’s “Bad Guy.” If you see the promos she’s Franny’s ex who came to town to see if she could make it work with her or get over her. Only Claire still has a girlfriend back in NYC….that she didn’t break up with…who calls her a “Rice Chaser” cuz she only like Asian girls. Nice. Claire also gives us a great reason to hang in there with the show all season…she’s going to get into a screaming match with WhitWhit over who gets more vag. If that’s not a reason to watch this show, what is?

The Couple [far left] Kori and Casey are married! And they are trying to get pregnant! Yay! Their story will be one about a quest for sperm and bumbling along on a journey towards new parenthood. These two are so normal, like crazy normal. So normal whenever they are onscreen I miss Romy and WhitWhit with the intensity of a thousand burning suns. But it’s great that Chaiken is taking on this topic and I’m sure there are a buttload of you who will be interested in it.

So that’s it! Expect the unexpected and read my recaps even if you don’t watch the show (cuz I’m the funniest ho you know) Did you miss the last season? Never fear, just go back and read the links below to catch up!

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LGR's Melanie Nathan with Stan Wright and Chely Wright

(San Francisco, CA, May 22, 2011)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) presented its highest honors to five trailblazers in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality at its 34th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in San Francisco.

LezGetReal was there to enjoy the dinner and after party, which turned out to be a huge success.  It seems that NCLR out-does itself each year.  The women were magnificent.  The trailblazers inspiring, speeches lending sousing aplauses and standing ovations.  What a night!

Voice & Visibility Award: First-ever openly LGBT country music star Chely Wright and her father, Stan Wright.
Chely, who attended with her fiance, looked stunning in a simple black evening dress, gave a moving acceptance speech, thanking her father Stan Wright for his support and giving special thanks to NCLR’s  (Prop 8 and more) attorney Shannon Minter, whom she described as a close and good friend.

The Awardees:-

• Founder’s Award: NCLR founder and retired San Francisco Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens.
• Justice Award: Former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe.
• Spirit Award: First-ever openly transgender Division I basketball player Kye Allums.

“I am so honored to be recognized with Chely and Stan and such incredible clients, who are my true role models,” said Judge Hitchens. “Their courage and willingness to stand up for what is right is and always has been the real foundation of this organization. I have been lucky to be a part of it from the beginning, and to see NCLR turn 34 is truly amazing.”

Said Howe: “It’s a privilege to be recognized with this honor from NCLR, which has provided me with a tremendous amount of guidance and support over the last six months. They have literally been at my side, helping me through this process and coaching me through media interviews. One of the most memorable experiences was a conference call I had with them the morning before I gave my first interview. Without saying it directly, the tone of that phone call made me understand how influential I suddenly was, and how many people of all ages in all parts of the country were depending on me to represent the LGBT community. I’m truly grateful for them, as well as my Nashville attorney Abby Rubenfeld. I am honored to get to work with such an amazingly powerful group of people, and to receive this award.”

Added Allums: “I am truly humbled that NCLR honored me with the Spirit Award. The love, and support from my friends and family has made my coming out experience an unforgettable one.”

Additionally, NCLR’s special guests were NCLR clients Desiree “Dez” Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, out high school lesbians, who successfully challenged their Minnesota school district in January 2011 so they could walk together as part of the royal court of their school’s winter formal. (Pic: Mel with Dez and Sarah)

“Each of our honorees and special guests are our true role models,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “They stood up for their beliefs, not only changing history, but helping positively change the lives of thousands of LGBT people across the country for years to come—making them champions in our movement for equality and justice.”

More than 1,300 people from across the country attended the Anniversary Celebration, NCLR’s signature event that each year celebrates victories in the movement for full LGBT equality, and honors those who have become role models for thousands of people through their unfailing commitment to justice.

Founded in 1977, NCLR is a national legal organization devoted to advancing LGBT justice and equality through litigation, public policy, and public education. Since its start, NCLR—which helps more than 5,000 people each year—has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues.

About the awards and honorees:

The Voice and Visibility Award: Country Music Star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright

The Voice and Visibility Award honors an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to LGBT people. This year’s award was presented to country music star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright. Chely has shown unwavering courage since coming out in 2010, at the height of her career in Nashville, as the first openly LGBT country music star. She became a role model for others by sharing the painful, inspiring, and moving story of the heartache she suffered by trying to live in the closet, and the despair that finally propelled her to choose between taking her own life or coming out. Chely has used her fame to speak out about the terrible shame, pain, and harm that are inflicted on LGBT people—and especially on LGBT youth—by a culture that still views LGBT people as sinful and immoral. Chely’s father, Stan Wright, has stood by her side through every step of her journey, showing his unconditional love—an example for LGBT children and adults who may fear losing their family’s loving support by living authentically. Chely and Stan continue to stand up and speak out as people of faith, unchanged by the fact that Chely is a lesbian.

Founder’s Award: The Honorable Donna Hitchens

The Founder’s Award acknowledges a person whose life embodies NCLR’s vision and values of equality and justice and who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to activism on behalf of our communities. This year’s award was presented to the Honorable Donna Hitchens, who, known as one of the nation’s most well-respected judges, retired from the San Francisco County Superior Court in November 2010. She has changed the lives of thousands of people through her commitment to justice, not only while serving on the San Francisco County Superior Court bench, but by founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 1977, where her vision of fighting for LGBT equality continues to change the nation’s legal landscape.

Justice Award: Former Belmont University Soccer Coach Lisa Howe

The Justice Award honors an individual who has shown the courage and perseverance to fight for justice and sacrificed to make broad social change for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This year’s award was presented to former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe. Howe stood strong in the face of ignorance and bigotry, becoming a role model for not only her players and students, but this country, by living honestly and loving her family. She has put a face on the continued need to fight employment discrimination in Nashville, Tennessee, where Belmont University is located, and in every corner of this country. Lisa has helped to transform the hearts and minds of her community and colleagues, inspiring them to launch an unprecedented public discussion about the place of openly LGBT people in private Christian colleges and universities, and prompting Belmont to change its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

Kye Allums Photo: Mel Nathan

Spirit Award: George Washington University Basketball Player Kye Allums

The Spirit Award honors an individual whose strength of character embodies and invigorates the spirit of the LGBT community. This year’s award was presented to George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums. Kye is a pioneer in the world of intercollegiate sports. In November 2010, he became the first Division I basketball player to come out as transgender, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and character in living genuinely and unapologetically as a transgender man. Through his simple act of continuing to play the sport he loves as the man he is, he has helped to change the landscape for other athletes.

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Have you heard? Saturday, May 21, 2011 will be the end of the world! It is also NCLR’s 34th Anniversary Celebration. Coincidence? You tell me.

I don’t know about you, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be for the coming of the apocalypse. If you’re going to go out, go out in style, right?*

In all seriousness though, I really do hope you’ll be there. No matter what—end of the world or just another Saturday in May—this will be a night to remember. It always is.

NCLR 34th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Saturday, May 21, 2011
8:00 pm – Midnight

Metreon Cityview
4th & Mission Streets
San Francisco, California

PARTY TICKETS
Tickets $90.00 each
Online: www.NCLRights.org/2011Anniversary

The end of the world calls for the end-all and be-all of fun—and this year we’ve lined up a little something for everybody: body painting, poetry on demand, a photo booth, candy girls, skee-ball, pool, air hockey, and, of course (just in case the world doesn’t end that night), a fortune teller. And a fabulous DJ, delicious finger foods, and plenty of libations.

So get your tickets now!

See you there in all your finery as we prepare for the end of the world as we know it. I’ll be there, ready to party like it’s…2011.

This event is going to be truly historic.

Getting excited,

Kate Kendell
Executive Director, NCLR

* “‘A lot of people might think, ‘The end’s coming, let’s go party…’” That’s right, we would!

P.S. If you’re in town the Friday before our event, I really hope you can join us at our Welcome Reception on May 20th at 5:00 pm at Lime in San Francisco. It’s a great way to kick off your NCLR weekend!

P.P.S. This year we have some truly outstanding incentive prizes for you to enter to win at the Anniversary Party: an Olivia Caribbean cruise, a Sweet trip to Mexico, a week in a vacation home in Mexico, a one-night stay in a Kimpton hotel, a Flip video camera, and a premiere AAA membership. So be sure to enter!

P.P.P.S. Last but not least, if you’re a golf or outdoors lover, I know you’ll want to get in one last round of golf before the end of the world. Be sure to get in on Horizons Foundation’s Golf Fore Good on May 20th, the day before our Anniversary Celebration.

HEY I thought it was the PROM !
-  Michelle Meow- Swirl  and Mel Nathan – LezGetReal will be there!

LISTEN TO OUR MAY 07, 2011 – Swirl Radio INTERVIEW WITH BAHATI – Michelle Meow and Melanie Nathan spoke to David Bahati on Swirl Radio, aired yesterday – and here the podcast can be found by clicking here: First the News, then Bahati- http://swirlradio.com/

READ ARTICLES ON UGANDAN Kill THE GAYS BILL – all articles are located at :- http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Uganda%2C+.

______________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Image via Wikipedia

04/28/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Hey New Yorkers- want a hot date idea for this Friday (April the 29th) night? You have to get your butt to the New York International Independent Film Festival. Director (& hot lesbian) Gabrielle Lindau will be screening her hilarious lady-queer themed short film “If These Showers Can Talk.” The film is a comedy about the world of lesbian dating and stereotypes. Lesbian singer and rumored Danielle Staub girlfriend, Lori Michaels stars in the film along with adult film star, Brittany Andrews.

Lindau will also be premiering the trailer of her newest project at the festival, a reality webseries based on Brittany Andrew called ”My Real Porn Life.” Although Lindau and Andrews have kept the details of this series under wraps, an inside source says that the series will showcase Brittany’s multifaceted personality as well as her penchant for falling headfirst into drama.

Need the where, when & how? Check it out below:

10:15PM – SCREENING
QUAD CINEMA
34 W. 13th Street
New York, NY 10011

Buy tickets online or at the door: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3603565&pl=itn

Want to know more about Brittany? Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/missbrittanyxxx

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Michael Petrelis and Melanie Nathan

OUTLOOK TV has just released the Video that appeared on their TV show in memory of David Kato – the Video explains who David was – and it features speeches and commentary by Melanie Nathan from LezGetReal  (MEUSA Ambassador to Africa) and Michael Petrelis of Petrelis Files.

On January 26 2011 David Kato was brutally murdered in Uganda. On March 11, 2011 a Rally was held in the Castro in honor of the LGBT Icon . Mere hours before his murder I spoke on the phone with the author of the anti-homosexuality Bill (AHB) otherwise known as the ‘Kill the Gays Bill,’ Member of Ugandan Parliament, David Bahati.

I have come to know David Bahati well, through weekly telephone conversations.      His pursuit and push for the AHB will lead us to the final day of the current 8th Parliamentary session in Uganda.

Notably from the Video back on 3/11, I expressed my distrust toward the Ugandan proponents of the AHB. Bahati had based the need for  AHB  on his assertion that gays were recruiting children into homosexuality in the schools. I informed  OUTLOOK  in the interview -  that I suspected the Ugandans would contrive evidence of so called “recruitment” into homosexuality.  Bahati was hard pressed to produce evidence by Rachel Maddow on USA National TV and then later  reminded by me in various of my conversations with him.

Just this month we have come to find out that in fact people  had been payed to falsely inform of such.

Will the AHB have its hearing; will it be voted upon and if it is will it pass?    These questions are hard to answer, save to say that after speaking with Mr. Bahati, I realize it will prevail in some shape or form  -  via inclusion in other legislation , while we activists remain distracted by AHB, and via sentiment as Ugandans continue to hate gays and lesbians.  The Persecution will not end if the BILL fails and in fact may even step up. Either way the LGBT community in Uganda have lost.

But can Bahati win?  Probably not, because I believe that he has brought much harm to Uganda with the introduction of his bill and the banter that followed -  Whether the Bill or aspects of it are implemented it has placed Uganda in a different category of perception to the outside world and I have no doubt the ramifications will soon be evident.

If AHB and its promotion was ever intended to take the indigenous eye off the real problems – poverty, dictatorship, corruption, and more…. it has failed  – such evidenced by the recent opposition uprising, as well as the additional scrutiny now applied by the USA and other Countries across the Globe.

David Kato will always be remembered.

By Melanie Nathan

nathan@privatecourts.com

Facebook Melanie

twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The new season of The Real L Word debuts on June 5 but Showtime has unleashed their new advertising campaign letting everyone know what is up. The 7 girls, instead of being naked this go round are all covered in mud – I guess to show that they are getting down and dirty this year. Even though, not sure how much more dirty one could get after having their sexually contrive, strap-on tryst documented on TV, right Romi and Whitney?

For those that loved to watch Whitney’s veiled attempts at being a decent human being, you are in luck because not only she is back (with Romi in tow, of course) but it seems the stories are going to focus more around her and her gaggle of friends. How exciting.

What about the other chicks – ya, know – the ones NOT Whitney and Romi? Well, never fear, Entertainment Weekly recently gave brief snippets on all the new faces that plan to grace our television screens this summer:

Claire: The St. Louis native just moved from New York City to Los Angeles and is starting her own online lesbian magazine focusing on the sapphic lifestyle and fashion. Claire’s Showtime report: “We catch her in the middle of a major life change — leaving her life in New York City, amazing girlfriend included, to see what Los Angeles has to offer… and if her ex-girlfriend of five years, Francine, is really ‘the one.’” Which brings us to…

Francine: Claire’s ex from college is a media and business executive who is just now coming into her own on the L.A. dating scene. Apparently, Francine thinks that she and Claire are “tragic” together and “doesn’t know what to make of Claire’s move.” Says Showtime’s official dossier: “She’s already on her way with a successful career and a great group of friends whose support is a welcome presence as she also grapples with whether or not to come out to her traditional Japanese mother.”

Cori & Kacy: The Culver City, Calif., duo are entertainment executives, have been together for five years (legally married for two), and are ready to start a family. They’re excited — and overwhelmed. “They have to find a donor, a doctor and figure out their insemination plan,” says their combined bio from Showtime. “Cori also has to bid adieu to her carefree party days and quit smoking. It’s an emotional journey without a roadmap.”

Sajdah: The resident of Van Nuys, Calif., is an LGBT activist and was once nominated for high school prom queen. Now, Sajdah has gone butch and is finding her way in L.A.’s lesbian world, having just moved from Washington, D.C., where she was the first of her family to graduate from college. Reads her Showtime bio: “Articulate and opinionated, Saj isn’t shy about making friends or speaking out on behalf of the gay community through activist work. Yet, the ins and outs of relationships remain a mystery for her — until she meets her first girlfriend and is forced to learn, and fast!”

I do realize that sex and sensationlism is what sells these days but hopefully with this cast selection, we will get to see that there is much more to our community than sex, fighting, and boring domestic “bliss” (Jill & Nikki). With the addition of their first butch character that is also happens to be a person of color, let’s hope there is a discussion surrounding that and how she fits into the very femme world of the LA lesbians. Being that I wasn’t a fan of the first season, my bar is set quite low but I will make sure to tune in to this upcoming season to see how all this pans out.

Hey sexy queers in the Greater Tri-State, are you looking for something awesome to do on May 9th? You need to check out IN HEAT, the scorching hot play written by Lisa Haas and directed by Jocelyn Sawyer. IN HEAT stars Sally Sockwell as Doris Anderson, a 50-something lesbian who is stumped by today’s genderqueer culture. In fact, Doris is the Executive Director for The Self-Identified Lesbian Community Center, which supports the dwindling population of lesbians since gender-queers have been on the rise.

As a boring, plain old lesbian instead of sexually fluid genderqueer, I’m just the kind of lesbian Doris is trying to preserve! (Although I’m about 20-something years younger, ahem…laaadies) So I know I’m going to check out this kick ass play.

Relax ladies! It’s tongue in cheek, I can feel you all getting your dander up from here. Writer Lisa Haas described IN HEAT to GO Magazine, saying: 

“The overarching theme is get sex now…but on a more serious note, the major themes are time, as in ‘times have changed,’ self creationism and sexual-evolution-revolution”

IN HEAT has been playing since 2009 and has received stellar reviews. Writer Lisa Haas has also been featured in lezzie mags Curve and GO and her writing and solo performances have been showcased both nationally and internationally. You can learn more about her at www.lisa-haas.com

You can friend Doris on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/doris.anderson1 and read her blogs here: http://dorisanderson.wordpress.com/ 

Here is the who, what, where and how of IN HEAT:

How: IN HEAT is part of the One Woman Standing festival in NYC

When: Monday, May 9th at 6:30 pm

Where: TADA Theatre – 15 W. 28th Street (x 5th Ave & B’way)

How much: Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the door!

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Every June for the last 11 years, the gay community in Israel celebrates gay pride in the streets of Tel Aviv. The city of Tel Aviv is bedecked in the rainbow colors for a week with the pride flag weaving from the flagpole all over the city.

This year the 11th of June will be the highlight of Tel Aviv’s pride month, with the biggest parade ever.

The parade will be accompanied by various events and parties, and is a must to participate. Join the party and enjoy, because everyone else will The upcoming parade will take place on June 10th 2011.   A few weeks before the parade itself, the organizers will publish a full list of events which usually take place before and after the parade.  As soon as this list is available, it will be published by Tel Aviv Pride.

Israel is one of the world’s most progressive countries in terms of equality for sexual minorities. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Israel over 20 years ago, and major Supreme Court decisions and groundbreaking legislation soon followed.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda
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San Francisco, CA – With a more than 300% increase in voting turnout this year, the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Committee is pleased to present their 2011 Grand Marshals. Debuting their new online voting system back on March 26th, SF Pride saw an early and dramatic increase in total votes cast. Over the next fifteen days, 2,736 people made their choices known, surpassing a previous high count by more than 500 ballots cast.

The combined votes of the General Membership, Board of Directors, SF Pride Electoral College, and the community at large have elected the following:

Community Grand Marshals: Dr. Aaron Belkin (SFSU professor and key advocate for the repeal of DADT), Victoria Kolakowski (first openly elected transgender Superior Court judge), Christiana Remington (community activist and event producer), Terry Stewart (defense attorney, challenger of Prop. 8), Rev. Roland Stringfellow (builder of relationships between the LGBT and religious communities), and Graylin K. Thornton (Leather Community activist and past-board member for New Leaf Services).

Honorary Grand Marshals: Susie Bright (editor of first women’s magazine: On Our Backs, sexologist, activist), and Ron Wong (API activist, past-board member for SF Pride).

In a vote so close that there was just a 6-point lead, the vote for Local Organizational Grand Marshal goes to the GLBT Historical Society and History Museum.

In addition to the above, Bishop Yvette Flunder has been selected as the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal, and The Trevor Project has been named as the National Organizational Grand Marshal. A contingent of folks from The Trevor Project, the It Gets Better Project, and various other anti-bullying and anti-suicide organizations have been invited to lead off the 2011 Parade, behind the Dykes on Bikes contingent. This honor is given to a different faction or vital issue of the community each year.

When learning the news, Bishop Flunder commented, “As a native San Franciscan and an out leader in the faith community, I am honored and humbled to be recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal by my own community.“

Celebrity Grand Marshals confirmed to date are Chaz Bono, Olympia Dukakis, and Yigit Pura.

Finally, the Pink Brick Award Recipient — the one person who has done the most damage to the LGBT community and/or movement — is Lou Engle.

For full biographies of the grand marshals, and for more information about San Francisco LGBT Pride, please visit sfpride.org

About SF Pride

SF Pride is a nonprofit organization that produces the annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than a dozen community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $1.4 million dollars from donations and proceeds received at the annual event, to local non-profit LGBT organizations and those organizations serving the HIV/AIDS and breast cancer communities. The annual budget is approximately $1.7 million. SF Pride is dedicated to education about the LGBT community, the commemoration of LGBT heritage, and the celebration of LGBT culture and liberation.

This Year Michelle Meow of Swirl Radio will host the Pride TV Program again and Yours truly – yes Mel Nathan -has been invited to join her on the live Interviews.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda
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The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will honor four trailblazers in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality at its 34th Anniversary Celebration on May 21, 2011 at the Metreon Cityview in San Francisco.

NCLR’s Anniversary Celebration is often called “the party of the year,” attracting a sell-out crowd of 1,700 people from across the country to celebrate victories in the movement for full LGBT equality, and to honor those who have become role models for thousands of people through their unfailing commitment to justice.

The Awards and Honorees this May will be:-

The Voice and Visibility Award: Country Music Star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright

The Voice and Visibility Award honors an individual who has helped to give voice and visibility to LGBT people. This year’s award goes to country music star Chely Wright and her father Stan Wright. Chely has shown unwavering courage since coming out in 2010, at the height of her career in Nashville, as the first openly LGBT country music star. She became a role model for others by sharing the painful, inspiring, and moving story of the heartache she suffered by trying to live in the closet, and the despair that finally propelled her to choose between taking her own life or coming out.

Chely has used her fame to speak out about the terrible shame, pain, and harm that are inflicted on LGBT people—and especially on LGBT youth—by a culture that still views LGBT people as sinful and immoral.

Chely’s father, Stan Wright, has stood by her side through every step of her journey, showing his unconditional love—an example for LGBT children and adults who may fear losing their family’s loving support by living authentically. Chely and Stan continue to stand up and speak out as people of faith, unchanged by the fact that Chely is a lesbian.

Spirit Award: George Washington University Basketball Player Kye Allums

The Spirit Award honors an individual whose strength of character embodies and invigorates the spirit of the LGBT community. This year’s award goes to George Washington University basketball player Kye Allums. Kye is a pioneer in the world of intercollegiate sports. In November 2010, he became the first Division I basketball player to come out as transgender, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and character in living genuinely and unapologetically as a transgender man. Through his simple act of continuing to play the sport he loves as the man he is, he has helped to change the landscape for other athletes.

Justice Award: Former Belmont University Soccer Coach Lisa Howe

The Justice Award honors an individual who has shown the courage and perseverance to fight for justice and sacrificed to make broad social change for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. This year’s award goes to former Belmont University soccer coach Lisa Howe. Howe stood strong in the face of ignorance and bigotry, becoming a role model for not only her players and students, but this country, by  living honestly and loving her family. She has put a face on the continued need to fight employment discrimination in Nashville, Tennessee, where Belmont University is located, and in every corner of this country. Lisa has helped to transform the hearts and minds of her community and colleagues, inspiring them to launch an unprecedented public discussion about the place of openly LGBT people in private Christian colleges and universities, and prompting Belmont to change its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation.

Founder’s Award: The Honorable Donna Hitchens

The Founder’s Award acknowledges a person whose life embodies NCLR’s vision and values of equality and justice and who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to activism on behalf of our communities. This year’s award goes to the Honorable Donna Hitchens, who, known as one of the nation’s most well-respected judges, retired from the San Francisco County Superior Court in November 2010. She has changed the lives of thousands of people through her commitment to justice, not only while serving on the San Francisco County Superior Court bench, but by founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 1977, where her vision of fighting for LGBT equality continues to change the nation’s legal landscape.

Special Guests

NCLR’s special guests at the 2011 Anniversary Celebration will be NCLR clients Desiree “Dez” Shelton and Sarah Lindstrom, out high school lesbians, who successfully challenged their Minnesota school district in January 2011 so they could walk together as part of the royal court of their school’s winter formal.

“Each and every one of these individuals is a hero,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “Their willingness and determination to standup for their beliefs have not only changed history, but will continue to improve the lives of thousands of LGBT people across the country for years to come—making them victors in our movement for equality and justice, and role models for each one of us.”

Founded in 1977, NCLR is a national legal organization devoted to advancing LGBT justice and equality through litigation, public policy, and public education. Since its start, NCLR—which helps more than 5,000 people each year—has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues.

The Anniversary Celebration is NCLR’s annual signature event that draws a sell-out crowd. Festivities begin at 8 p.m., with the well-known political humorist Kate Clinton returning for a command performance as emcee.

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

Learn more about the 2011 Anniversary Celebration.

NCLR Coverage by LezGetReal

SEE YOU THERE!!!
mel

Feature Picture : Kate Kendell By Melanie Nathan 2010 NCLR event —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org

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If a Blogger has little to say, you may find a new April 1st  cliche;

with the following words they will begin:

“This is no April Fool’s joke!”

Its the real thing!

And so began the morning for the consummate “unknown” – Ms. Queerty where it was declared today that the ‘non April Fool’ joke would be Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, the early morning national TV show on ABC TV.

Queerty ‘OUTS’ Robin Roberts as a Lesbian in the name of April Fools Day…..

So Queerty is angry with Ms. Roberts because she has apparently accepted a gig with anti gay Chick-fil-A; and he screams: “Why The Hell Is Lesbian GMA Anchor Robin Roberts Teaming Up With Chick-fil-A?”  Is that the way to OUT someone who has never publicly stated they are a lesbian or gay”

Out of Anger or Out for Revenge?  With April Fool as an excuse for a fool?

Say Ms, Queerty: “This is no April Fool’s joke: Robin Roberts, a Good Morning America co-anchor, is headlining a leadership conference put on by Chick-fil-A. What is this lesbian smoking?”

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

MN Machine

03/23/11 by Alex Fox

Ok, Ladies, I must overtly admit… I get it. I get why you attend volleyball games. Spandex is hot. I also understand the passion for women’s soccer and their muscular behinds. And I suppose there is even a point to those long basketball shorts, short tennis skirts, and thick softball legs, but…

Don’t you ever just want to watch a woman tackle the absolute shit out of another? See the frustrations in their eyes and the bulging muscles in their arms? Women who literally lay-out every last one of their opponents and leave it all on the field? Blood, sweat, tears, and skin included? How about 11 of them? Or better yet, 22.

The time has come. Actually, the time has been here for years without the deserving recognition. In fact, women have been playing tackle football since the 1920s, but with the constant banter and anti-feminist remarks, such teams were banned and forbidden to compete.

Good news, though, Babe! Women’s tackle football is back, and it is here to stay! Beginning as early as the 1990s, multiple leagues have been forming across the United States, including the WFA (“Women’s Football Alliance”), IWFL (“Independent Women’s Football League”), UFL (“United Football League”), and NWFA (“National Women’s Football Association”). (Unfortunately, the likelihood of these individual leagues joining one unified league is slim to none due to numerous disagreements.)

As just one example of the popularity and competitiveness of these leagues, in the WFA alone, there are over 60 teams nationwide. From the Arizona Assassins to the Minnesota Machine, this specific league functions distinctly under the strict NFL rules. Touchbacks, safeties, touchdowns, and field goals. Penalties, flags, offsides, and facemasking. Women’s tackle football is something worth watching.

(I think this just adds to the list of ways that women are equal [cough-cough-superior-sniffle] to men.)

So get out there and support your local women’s tackle football team! If you want more information on this or other gay-thletes, please feel free to contact me, Alex Fox, at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

Melanie Nathan March 15-2011

National Organizations Join GroundSpark’s  Outreach Campaign for Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up

— On the heels of the White House conference on bullying, GroundSpark, the national film, education, and advocacy organization, announced its national partners for the distribution campaign for Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up, the organization’s award-winning documentary film about the pressures teens face today because of gender role expectations.

Partners are publicizing the value of Straightlaced as a critical tool to help improve school social climates, particularly when it comes to addressing stigma and social pressures connected to gender roles, sexuality, and sexual orientation.

“Making the film and playing the film festival circuit were just the first steps in our campaign to open up dialogue about pressures to conform to gender stereotypes,” says the film’s director, Debra Chasnoff. “Working with these valued national partners to reach their millions of members and supporters will help ensure that Straightlaced has a significant impact in supporting youth to flourish, free from bias and harm.”

GroundSpark’s partners are equally determined to expand Straightlaced’s reach. “It’s a must see for anyone who has a young person in their lives,” says Whitney Smith, the founder and CEO of Girls For A Change, who signed on to the campaign “because this dialogue should be part of every curriculum in school.”

Maureen Costello, director of Teaching Tolerance agrees. “Every high school student in America should see it.”

Straightlaced—How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up has been in increasingly high demand as the national media has focused more attention on bias-related bullying and harassment. The film profiles an extremely diverse crossection of teenagers who examine the way that gender-based expectations impact their lives—pressures that lead to bullying, low academic performance, risky sexual behavior, drug abuse, and most seriously, suicide attempts and violence. The film is starting to be used in high schools across the country and teacher education programs to help open up much needed dialogue about gender norms and stigma based on actual or perceived sexual orientation.

www.groundspark.org/straightlaced.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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CAPE TOWN – After my speech at Cape Town pride Pink Gala, I was asked for copies – and also a few magazines wanted to publish it.  So I decided i would post it here. I may have veered or added some bits but this is what I wrote and hopefully said -  I do believe their are audio versions of it – I wrote it for verbal delivery so the writing style may seem different – but here it is – please feel free to republish without permission as long as you link back to this particular post and apply the appropriate accreditation.

KEYNOTE SPEECH
CAPE TOWN PRIDE
SOUTH AFRICA

MELANIE NATHAN

Greetings comrades, lesbians, gays, queers, LGBTQI people, allies, and everyone in between. It is a great honor for me to be here tonight -thanks to my fellow bloggers at www.lezgetreal.com, Swirl Radio America, Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA and my family and friends back home in the US for their help and support.

Thank you Gareth Dallas, and his amazing Cape Town Pride team – thank you British Airways – you got me a long way in style -thank you Hotel Cape Royale, Victoria Junction,  Protea, and to all sponsors of this fabulous gay pride event and most importantly thank you to every single one of you.

In 1965, in Port Elizabeth lived an eight year old girl. She lived in a nice house and never had to worry about anything. She thought everything was perfect in the world just as it was in her house and at her school where, each day, they sang a song everyday called Die Stem and another one “bless this house..”.

The kids learned about history about how Jan Van Riebeeck was a hero for coming to the Cape in 1652 and she was taught that respect must be given to authority and the Prime Minister of her Country, South Africa and that is all she knew.

One day in the windy city, her mother went out; and the little girl stayed home from school with a bad cold.  She listened to the radio – there was no TV – in those days.  Suddenly the program was interrupted and a very serious tone reverberated alarmingly through the airwaves “DR VERWOERD IS DOOD – Dr VERWOERD IS DEAD! “

The Prime Minister had been stabbed while he was inside the Parliament – right here in Cape Town.  The child was perplexed and yelled for her nanny.- who came running into the room to see what she screaming was about.

“Dr. Verwoerd is dead,” repeated the child, looking for comfort. A  smile crossed her nanny’s face and the next thing a wail – or rather a chant llalalalalal – and a dance of joy.

That child was me and how incongruous that dance seemed and her nanny was Mrs. Violet Zinto, of blessed memory.

From that day on I knew something was not right – here and with this world – with this place and my life changed forever.

Something triggered for me – in that moment… but I never knew it would lead to this day…

Little did I know that moment was the beginning of the end… for apartheid – as its architect lay without breath in his House of iniquity and that the very same HOUSE would one day pass a constitution that would go to the ultimate form of inclusion, for full equality.

There was a big struggle ahead to rebuild that place of ‘law making’; and much sacrifice followed and when Madiba (Nelson Mandela) was released came the new promise and a new constitution – one that guaranteed there would never be discrimination again in South Africa – and – it became the first ever country to boast a rainbow people – because in NO  other country is that term used for NOT ONLY LGBTI. But in SA it is used for everyone.  SA is the only country which has earned a rainbow flag with an SA Flag embed-design attached as its LGBT Symbol of freedom and equality- that waves a reflection of that significant truth.

I have come a long way to talk to you tonight./ From those days in Port Elizabeth then to SF and now back here to Cape Town.    Through my own journey over the past 25 years and my multi-national experience – I have come qualified in my heart to bring you a message – it is about you about your importance here in SA, here in Africa and here in the world.

I live in San Francisco – where we like to think we are ground zero for the gay struggle around the world – - – - and I may seem to interfering – but I am asking for help – your help.

Little do they know in SF and they should know – that this place right here- SA – is the real ground zero – It is because of your fight against the oppression of an entire nation, joined together , that this is the only  country on  this continent and one of very few globally to have sexual orientation and gender identity protected in its constitution.

I am here to remind you that not even the United State of America can boast such an accomplishment.

But it is HOW you live that accomplishment that becomes the real achievement.

The real triumph will come when people in South Africa accept all people unequivocally as equals and realize that gay people are normal people who having been born to enjoy love as a human right -we – want nothing more than our right to pursue happiness free of fear, safely with equal opportunities in every arena.

With this Constitution – you are charged with a hefty responsibility – here in South Africa, AND in Africa AND in the World.

You must demand enforcement and respect for those rights you now own.

Here is an example:-

In April 2010, I was contacted by Ndume Funda of Luleke Sizwe, after my online  News Magazine presented a story about the rape of Mille Gaika – I wrote Millie and Ndumie’s story for a year- they were suffering greatly – 15 women in 2 room flooded shack about to be evicted – all rape victims – and I prefer to say survivors – rapists who insulted our lesbian sisters by the denial of their being “ I will fix you and make you a real woman.”

Look at me brothers and sisters -  I am a lesbian and I am woman- I don’t need any help with that thank you,.!

Through these stories on lezgetreal I begged for attention. My Cousin visited Ndumie and the women in Gugu and when she got home from that visit she contacted me in the US and she said “Mel, it is worse than you expected.”

I contacted organizations in South Africa and I received no response – Millie sat injured physically – her body saved, and emotionally – her soul mortally wounded ;  While she may have had opportunities to reach out and accept help – her further victimization endured through a system that had no way of providing the resources in a sensitive or conclusive fashion.

So I started writing to the SA Consul in the US and to Minister Radebe here in SA – I asked – Min. Radebe – How many women must endure a gang rape and then years later another even more brutal rape only to hear your silence; how many woman can stand up and testify at a trial when she and her supporters are there under threat without police protection?  How many women must get on the same bus as her perpetrator who is out on $6.00  bail to go to court to testify; how many MORE must endure the brutality without the government stepping in and educating the public that (SHOUT) – RAPE AND VIOLENCE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE        AND THAT CORRECTIVE RAPE IS A HATE CRIME THAT must be OUTLAWED IN THIS COUNTRY with harsh sentencing ? …… and your continued silence- Members of this Government….

Others joined in the outrage and the more I wrote the more contact I received from the international community, wanting to help and it spread, viral – until Luleki Sizwe received money from a donor to move into a safe house.

Soon a Petition was put on the internet and something like 200,000 emails landed on the desk of Minister Radebe’s staff- resulting in an invitation to meet and discuss the  imperative reforms.  We have drafted some reforms which are necessary for survivors of these rapes and that is part of what we will pursue this month.

So you can see – this is a perfect example of having rights under the law – but not being protected through lack of solicitude, awareness, education and enforcement.

What good is a constitution if one cannot live in peace without fear of attack just because you are gay or lesbian or transgender or intersex.  So you must all demand and you must all support each other – and you must show up in great crowds like we will do tomorrow/.

You must forge a path that shows SA can be a leader;- and in order to do that – you cannot fear being out, open and proud.  You are the soldiers on this the last frontier of acceptability.  Tolerance of us in society, regardless of African Culture is not enough – we must be accepted.

In order for this to happen, it is absolutely imperative that you realize your place in AFRICA and in the WORLD.  You have a unique duty – and the more you express that duty on the greatest level available to you, the more you will be accepted in your own Country.

YOU have to tell the world of the brilliance of the SA Constitution- not even the USA – which purports to lead the world has such inclusion – and the USA still discriminates horribly in its law, through the Federal Defense of Marriage Act which says marriage can only be between one man and one woman.  If I fall in love with a South African and want to marry her and live with her in the USA – I cannot sponsor her for a green card – but straight people can. Here in SA you have that right!

Your rights under your Constitution are born from the hard learned lessons and the excruciating fight out of apartheid- you cannot let the people of SA , nor Madiba, nor the ANC of better memory down.  So you must fight as well on an international level – you must show leadership in Africa and the world and you must tell President Zuma – that he is expected by the SA people to do the same.

From these I have four PLEAS   -  (as in requests!_)

Plea number 1  is  for SA,  Stop the Rape – educate, and support victims with government medical care, with encouragement and help to testify and with all the resources fitting those who endure horrendous pain and torture and legislate appropriate sentencing and bail;

Plea number 2 is for Africa, Stop the criminalization of Homosexuality in AFRICA – we are human beings who love each other and we are families;  we are not criminals just because we fall in love with people of the same sex. We are not hurting anyone. Uganda stop the ‘Kill the Gays Bill.’  David Bahati get the hell out of South Africa, President Zuma take the lead and show that you have dignity and respect for your magnificent constitution – Tell Jon Qwelane to get the (F%CK) out of Uganda  NOW!!!! He must back to South Africa and sit on the same porch and smoke whatever it is that has made him hate.

Tell Museveni that South Africa will pull all its private investment AND government AID until Uganda decriminalizes homosexuality, even as the law stands now. Show the world you believe in the message of the ANC and the new SA and that your Constitution is not a phony patronization of those who joined you in your struggle against apartheid..   That human rights will be protected at all costs – and are critical to the development of South Africa and Africa in the world.

Show some spine President Zuma – stand up for your people – all your people – stand up for Africa- be a leader - live your constitution.

PLEA number 3 Stand up for the World -with great respect – when you express   loyalty to your country and your patriotism you are expected to uphold the constitution and then you are expected to deliver the message from a clean house… a house fully in order,. SA has that power because SA has the ALL TIME CONSTITUTION.  Help us in America teach those that hate how to truly separate church and state – marriage equality is universal – come to us in pride to talk about your constitution and help us attain full inclusion in our Federal law…..

For you my friends I say again thank you for this incredible opportunity. Who would have thought I would have left an apartheid SA 25 years ago to come home to ask you to fight for equality for the WORLD?

Fight for the rights that you already own and unite as one gay movement – avoid the appeal of fragmentation in the name of ego because unless you do that you will not succeed –

First and foremost Be Gay – be lesbian – be out be queer be transgender, be bisexual – intersex be straight – just be who you are there is no shame there can only be gain and you OWN the right!!

I love you,

I love South Africa…

From the deepest place in my heart

Picture above
Ndumie Funda and Mel on stage after speech

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Thank you Cape Town!

(Happy Birthday to both My Children – I miss you)

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• LGR’s Melanie Nathan To Speak At Cape Town (SA) Pride (lezgetreal.com)
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Today thousands of rainbow people marched through the Streets of the magnificent Cape Town – flanked by its signature mountain the magnificence of which belies any captured image. Table mountain endures beyond the snap shot, in the mind of any privileged visitor,  as its flat table beacons the Mother City and the Rainbow Nation its embraces. This is a place flourishing with possibility , yet tainted unless it accepts its charge – the charge of a Constitution that screams: – ‘USE me I am the example for Africa and the World.”

That was the underlying message of the week as, upon my return to the land of my birth, I stood on two stages, hoping to deliver a simple message:- You have an awesome Constitution South Africa, more inclusive than that of the United States of America, where Federal law bars same-gender marriage; however what good is it unless you live it.  You must turn your accomplishment into an achievement and you will only do that when you truly step up from the charcoals of oppression and understand your Constitutional rights, and assert them with the vigor that post Apartheid South Africa deserves.

Homosexuality is a birthright – citizenship is a birthright – love is a birthright – you are a birthright. Now Live it.

South Africa must embrace its Constitution on three frontiers:

At home in South Africa from Village to City to the steps of the Courts and Parliament – ensure that your rights are valued – speak up in large crowds – reform and educate that rape against women is a rape against your Constitution; (Amongst many other issues)

In Africa as a leading power – standing by your principles of all inclusiveness – be a light to Africa not only with your money and resources but with your hard learned principles, born from a struggle so profound – and do not be duped by those (UGANDA and the others) who say “do not interfere with our right to create sovereign laws such as criminalization and death penalties for homosexuality – because the rest of the world was not duped by the excuses for apartheid. Recall Ambassador Jon Qwelane from Uganda, he casts shame on the Constitution of South Africa through his lack of respect for it; and stop investing in Museveni until he directs his parliament to stop legislation that is un-African, discriminatory and fails to separate Church from State.

In the World -  When your house is on order – and you have truly swept out the last of the cobwebs of discrimination – the one that hides like a sleeping snake behind the excuse of ‘Africanism’ – go out to the rest of the World and say “look where we were thirty years ago – and look where we are today – we are a true Rainbow Nation – and you can come visit me in San Francisco and all my brothers and sisters and everyone in between and you can scream at us – “Republican Party – why do you fall behind South Africa – why dis you help us end apartheid and now you fail your own people – those who until they can marry and receive all federal benefits – are second class citizens – just the way we used to be?   US Congress, President Obama,  we are leaders in the world on LGBT rights and we are asking you to repeal DOMA now.

Pride, Cape Town, is more than just a party and when you yelled back and stood up today – I realized that you are ready to fight here for the rights you already own – and for the rights of all in Africa who suffer the hardship of hate and criminalization.

Thank you South Africa for teaching me, Cape Town Pride for inviting me, British Airways for getting me here and home again and to Cape Royale hotel and Victoria Junction.

Cape Town is a fantastic destination for Pride – Lets get the rest of the World here next year – watch out Sydney and San Francisco!
Melanie with Rev. Ekklesia D Lange – Kicked out of Methodist Church
For Being a lesbian when she married her wife.
Fighting the Arbitration of her Case.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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Melanie Nathan with Ndumie Funda from luleki Sizwe

Table Mountain, Gareth Pride Organizer, Mel and SABC NEWS TV

Ms. Cape Town; Ms. Pride , Ms All

NEW SA Lesbian Magazine to Launch

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Pride Soccer World Cup Stadium

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Los Angeles, CA –  Look who’s coming to the biggest lesbian event in the world, The Dinah, this April 2011: the newest and first REAL gay Housewife of OC, Fernanda Rocha!

The jaw-dropping, sexy Brazilian fitness instructor, entrepreneur and newest cast member on the original and most viewed OC reality TV Series is already taking Orange County by storm and is readying to cause quite a sandstorm in the desert strutting her hot bikini bod as she joins the 15,000-plus lesbian participants flocking to Palm Springs to attend the yearly legendary Lesbian pilgrimage known as The Dinah.

More than a simple gay event, The Dinah, now in its 21st year,  has become a cultural phenomenon seeing not only as a unique traditional rite of passage for lesbians around the world but as well as an event consistently producing a spectacular entertainment program delivering the hottest hitmaking artists in the music industry blending award-winning performers with emerging artists. From Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Colbie Caillat,  to (this year) Natasha Bedingfield, Luciana (“I Like That”), Chely Wright and Dev & The Cataracs (“Like a G6″, “Bass Down Low”), The Dinah has undeniably grown to become quite a sought-after music festival that almost every major recording artist wants to play!

Fernanda Rocha is a personal trainer who has been featured in the past on The Real Housewives of Orange County. She is an openly out Lesbian fitness trainer who specializes in a workout called Brazilian Booty. In September 2010, it was announced that Rocha would join the cast of this Bravo hit full-time. Friends with Tamra Barney, the trainer has created her own line of DVDs and clothing and resides in Laguna Beach.

As untraditional as it gets, 33-year-old out lesbian Rocha has been making headlines for being the first gay REAL housewife.

Rocha already took shots at Kim Zolciak and Danielle Staub, saying they were experiencing a “faux lesbian experimental stage. I’m the real thing.” Indeed, Fernando is the REAL deal and redefining what it means to be a HOUSEWIFE!

The new season of “The Real Housewives of OC” kicks off on Bravo March 6, 2011. Rocha will be attending The Dinah March 30 through April 3, 2011 at The Riviera Spa & Resort in Palm Springs, California (www.TheDinah.com).

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• NCLR Selected as 2011 Beneficiary for Linashore Golf Classic (lezgetreal.com)
• The Dinah 2011 – Headliners for Palm Springs (lezgetreal.com)

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan- Feb 17-2011

“My Mama told me when I was young – we are all born superstars – She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on in the glass of her boudoir There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are  so hold your head up girl and you will go far Listen to me when I say …………………   Born this Way!   Love yourself and you are all set – No other way – Born this way ………..  on  right track. Don’t be a drag – just be a queen!!! Rejoice and love your self today.  I’m beautiful….”

… and so the snippets from Lady Gaga’s new number 1 hit – already covered and felt  by a bevy of little and bigger than little Monsters.

Lady Gaga has  indeed birthed a movement and this song tops its impetus as kids as young as the little Monster in the Video below realize and absorb its truth… the new generation and the new reality….. Born Queer, born gay, born lesbian, born straight, born transgender, born inter-sex – BORN FREE!

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

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Melanie Nathan – San Francisco, CA, February 15, 2011

—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is proud to announce that it has been selected as the sole beneficiary of this year’s Linashore Golf Classic, the renowned women’s charity golf tournament held during the Dinah Shore weekend.

Now in its 23rd year, Linashore—set for April 1-2, 2011—is one of the most popular events held during Dinah Shore, which each year lures hundreds of thousands of lesbians and bisexual women to Palm Springs, CA for a series of parties and social events.

This year’s Linashore is shaping up to be the best yet, with a number of events surrounding the golf classic—including a special dinner and dance—benefiting NCLR, a national legal nonprofit devoted to advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality through litigation, public policy, and public education.

Since its start in 1977, NCLR—which helps more than 5,000 people each year—has embraced every aspect of the diverse LGBT community through its work, recognizing that the community comes from many different backgrounds and faces a wide range of issues. NCLR has always been on the cutting edge of legal and social issues, and was the first legal organization to create permanent projects for same-sex binational couples, LGBT asylum seekers, LGBT elders, transgender people, LGBT farmworkers, LGBT youth, low-income LGBT people seeking services from legal aid organizations, and LGBT athletes and coaches.

“We’re honored that Linashore selected NCLR and our life- and law-changing work as this year’s beneficiary,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, who will be the guest of honor at the golf classic and will also deliver special speeches at a luncheon and dinner. “This is a great opportunity for folks to take part in an incredible series of fun events, while helping our work that impacts the lives of their friends, their families, their loved ones, and all members of our LGBT community.”

Caroline “Lina” Haines, founder and organizer of the Linashore Golf Classic, “chose NCLR as the beneficiary because it has been an unwavering advocate for women and LGBT people for 34 years, often the first to stand up for justice, and work alongside our community in a relentless pursuit of equality. It’s a privilege to be able to recognize such a worthy cause that has a national impact, helping anyone, anywhere.”

Other special guests at the Linashore Dinner Dance include the legendary Rosie Jones, who, before retiring, was the only openly lesbian golfer in the LPGA. After retiring, Jones worked for the Golf Channel and forged a new path for women in sports broadcasting as one of very few women in the industry.

Linashore events include:

Friday, April 1

Happy Hour—Welcome Reception
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Trio Restaurant
707 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA

Prize drawings and hosted bar with complimentary appetizers. Generously underwritten by NCLR’s Seattle supporters Joey, Nancy, and Leslie.

To RSVP, contact Eleanor Palacios at EPalacios@NCLRights.org (please include “Dinah Reception” in the subject line) or at 415.365.1309.

Dine Out for NCLR
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Trio Restaurant
707 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA

Early Bird Special from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ten percent of dinner proceeds benefit NCLR.
Saturday, April 2

Linashore Golf Classic
8:00 a.m.
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
1100 E. Murray Drive
Palm Springs, CA

Linashore Dinner | Dance
6:30 p.m.
Agua Caliente Resort
32-250 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA

In addition, NCLR is one of many non-profits participating in the second-annual Integrated Wealth Management Tickets Fore Charity Program at the 40th Kraft Nabisco Championship, held from March 28 through April 3, 2011. In its inaugural year, the Tickets Fore Charity Program raised $150,000 for various non-profit causes and has the goal of increasing that amount to $450,000 in 2011. Through this program, supporters can designate NCLR to receive the proceeds of their advanced ticket purchase.

For a complete list of events that NCLR will be participating in as well as ticket and sponsorship information, please visit: www.NCLRights.org/DinahShore

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Mel Nathan and Michelle Meow

Last night I went to EQCA Award dinner with Michelle Meow of Swirl Radio. Uncontrived and unrehearsed we made a significant team, having fun, doing what we both like to do most – work! Michelle is extraordinary – she is a force to be reckoned with; socially shy – until she pulls the weapon – her microphone and recorder- and then Meow the natural born talent purrs… Unscripted she exudes confidence and style and asks pointed and engaging questions, indicative of her flair with a myriad of issues.

Michelle took the lead and together we interviewed Geoff Kors and the Equality and Justice Award winner, Judge Kolakowski who made history last year, becoming the nation’s first openly transgender trial judge. A trailblazing pioneer and inspiration to the LGBT community, Kolakowski has been a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, previously serving on the board of the Transgender Law Center and Equality California, where she was a founding board member.

Michelle Meow, Phyliis Lyon, Sandy and Kate Kendell

Michelle asked the Judge what her biggest challenge had been since being elected, the Judge said that because she is now a Judge she is unable to speak as an activist or provide her opinion on issues. She mentioned she had been quite vocal through her professional  life; and now her expression would be curbed

Michelle will air portions of our interviews and LGR will publish the transcript linking to SWIRL Radio.

In this vein Swirl and LezGetReal will collaborate in more endeavors.

Like all years past, this EQCA Gala Dinner was a terrific success,  amidst awards and inspiring speeches,  supporters had to say a sad farewell to Geoff Kors, Executive Director of the  organization.  Kate Kendell of NCLR spoke about Geoff’s service with EQCA, highlighting the  accomplishments  of EQCA in the California legislature.

Judge Victoria thanked her wife and moved the audience to a standing ovation.

Stay tuned…over to you Mich………………………

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LOS ANGELES, CA – Celebrating its 21st anniversary (March 30- April 3, 2011), Mariah Hanson & The Dinah  (www.TheDinah.com) are once again breaking grounds by delivering the creme de la creme of all things entertainment – and yes this year again it includes THE Billboard buzz-heavy breakthrough artist of the moment.    Mariah Hanson, the visionary and envelope pushing event producer behind The Dinah, has secured another extraordinarily exceptional entertainment line-up for the 2011 Dinah held at The Riviera Resort & Spa and the Hilton Hotel in Palm Springs, CA featuring: Dev & The Cataracs, Luciana and Chely Wright.

The Dinah is also making history this year by going Country Western for the first time with an exclusive headlining performance by Award-winning country music superstar, Chely Wright. Named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”, FHM’s Sexiest Women in Music, the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist and recently snatching the coveted title of Out Magazine’s annual “100 People of the Year 2010”, Chely Wright earned another prestigious title earlier this year as the first major country artist to officially come out. Quite an uncharted territory for country music as there’s never been a major star in this genre – often considered socially conservative – to reveal his or her homosexuality.

Dev and The Cataracs had everybody partying in 2010 with their Far East Movement collaboration “Like A G6”. The hit single landed on the Billboard Hot 100 in a big way climbing all the way to # 1 and becoming an instant international smash hit. The song bearing the trademark lead vocals of Dev and the distinctive sound of her sampled previous hit singe “Booty Bounce”, has sold 3 million paid downloads in the U.S. It was number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks ending November 6, 2010, and then again for the week of November 27 of the same year. It is one of only eight singles in Billboard history to return to #1 after two or more other singles had succeeded it in that position. “Like A G6” is nominated in the Best Rap/Hip Hop Dance Track category at this year’s International Dance Music Awards.

Dev and The Cataracs continue their electric collaboration with her newly released Universal Republic debut single, “Bass Down Low.” With big radio support, “Bass Down Low” has become anthem across the United States. The song’s hyper-charged music video has received over one million hits on YouTube, and has become a staple on MTV.

Sexy British pop sensation Luciana will definitely “beat your drum hard” at The Dinah. Creative, funky, funny and cool, Luciana promises to become one of the U.K.’s hottest exports as this femme fatale recently knocked Lady Gaga and Beyonce out of the number one slot in several countries around the world.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

LezGetReal is about to roll into the next countdown to yet another mIllion page views-  a Newish News Magazine that is two years plus a bit -  for the first full year we hit under a million and in  the second full year we hit under 2 million – we are about to explode into 3,000,000.   For a fledgling, unfunded, non monetized endeavor we are indeed proud.

The site serves as a News-Mag-blog from “a gay gals view of the world” -  and as a popular and influential platform for LGBT activism, both globally and domestically; we have readers all over the world!  We are a small bunch of gals working and working and working for what we believe in and to share our perspective. The reward? You !Having you visit and appreciate and criticize and debate and pass on…. that is the reward – opening eyes and hearts — well that too!

We know our articles are read by Presidents and Senators and Members of Parliament- and ….. people …. and ..straight and LGBTQI  of course our  co-bloggers, and readers who fuel our fire with sourcing and comments and just the odd pat on the back that makes us feel it is all worth it.

So join us in celebrating and we do not make a habit of this – but if you feel so inclined I think we do have a paypal button for donations somewhere on this site – not that I have ever noticed it!!

Posted by Mel.

Lets Make it A  LezGetReal SuperBowl Sunday at 5.30 PM PST we need 613 Page Views to hot the 3 Million Mark

We Are Everywhere- Washington D.C. California, New York, Vermont…. and our Guests around the World…….

Here are All time top hits for LezGetReal-

Most  Viewed:

Number One:-    Woman-attacks-her-wife-with-turkey-baster-full-of-sperm

Number Two:-  Lesbian-corrective-rape-victim-has-her-day-in-court

Most Discussed

Hate-crimes-open-lesbian-gang-raped-in-california/#comments

Current Writers to Explore:

Dr. Paula Brooks 1273 Posts – http://lezgetreal.com/author/paula-brooks/

Bridgette LaVictoire  2,853  – http://lezgetreal.com/author/sei/

Melanie Nathan 1186 Posts http://lezgetreal.com/author/melnathan/

Natasia Langfelder – 695 Posts – http://lezgetreal.com/author/natasia-rose/

Rachel Wahba 12 Posts – http://lezgetreal.com/?s=Rachel+Wahba

L. S. Carbonell – 115 Posts http://lezgetreal.com/author/bridgettepl/

Crusades: (Ahem…) – ur Amen…:
Catholic Church and Pedophiles
Anti- Hate and Right Wing Rhetoric
Religious Fundamentalism
So Called Corerctive Rape
Violence Against WOmen
Africa and Genocide of Gays and Lesbians and Transgender People
Equality and LGBTQI Civil Rights
Human Rights
US Progressive Politics
Exposing Hypocrisy
And…. Mainstream Mix…

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The Editors – LGR Media – February 01,2011.

Tila Tequila, also known as Tila Nguyen, is ready willing and able….. to sue, that is. Seething fire and chomping on the bit (the bit?) the reality star has to deal with a sex tape scandal. Oh no we would never have expected such a thing.

Vivid Entertainment set the tape for release on Valentine’s Day, but an online porn site has now leaked the footage, of the intimate lesbian sex that Tila has tried to hold close to the belt. Tila was seen on an episode of “My Dad Says” on CBS just last week.

According to Ace Showbiz, a representative made this statement on behalf of Tequila:-

“Tila Nguyen is in total shock and livid right now that someone had the audacity to leak out an intimate tape made with her and her two girlfriends without her consent. That tape was not meant for the public and she has been fighting fiercely in court to not have anything released. We are currently working with her lawyer’s to decide what the next steps are.”

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Tila Tequila furious at release of lesbian sex tape – Phoenix TV | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-phoenix/tila-tequila-furious-at-release-of-lesbian-sex-tape#ixzz1Clsq9uky

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Michelle Clunie and Dan Choi Tonight, NYC

Tonight gay activists stood up and told their stories at a NYC Special Screening of the Documentary “March On” to benefit Marriage Equality NY. (MENY) Michelle Clunie, of “Queer as Folk, ” Dan Choi and others were guests on hand to talk about their experiences in the  documentary and equality movement.

The documentary explores a group of families who took time off their day to day life, work, spent money and traveled to Washington DC; their hopes and how it changed their lives. Guest Britta tells LezGetReal that the documentary was not only informative as an important piece of advocacy for our fight for equality and civil rights, but very moving indeed, leaving most in tears.

We contacted Michelle Clunie, a relentless ally and activist, after the event:-

“The night was great!! Thee place was packed. Laura McFerrin, the director was there. The audience seem to love it, laughing in all the right places.  It seemed to really move people as it was from the ground up…about people who have really struggled and telling their personal stories on the way to the March. “

One man in the audience asked about progress how it seems we move forward but we also move backwards and Michelle responded “progress doesn’t happen in a clean, linear line..that it is 2 steps forward one step back…but that we have come a long way when you look back over the last 50 years.”

Michelle Clunie with Activists

Michelle continued: “ It is us, people…people connecting with others and reaching out, whether it be through Facebook, phone calls, text messages, e-mails or walking across a room and meeting a fellow activists and saying, ‘call me if you need anything”…I said, it’s us…the people we are a force that cannot be stopped when we are united and connect.”

Michelle told me that she mentioned a case in point “My friend Melanie reached out to me to introduce myself to Britta and Carla who are here tonight and they are fighting a case…. Britta stood up and told their story… and that is how communication works that is the power of communication and the role it plays not only in life and relationships but in activism….communication is the universal solvent.”

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Pictures for LezGetReal©

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Melanie Nathan – January -25-2011- PALM SPRINGS, CA -  This year Girl Bar takes the party to the Palm Springs strip and joins forces with The Truck Stop Girlz to put the action into high gear for GIRL BAR DINAH SHORE WEEK 2011, happening March 30-April 3, 2011.  For event information and updates, visit: www.dinahshoreweekend.com

All new for 2011, Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week happens at the center of the action, the landmark Palm Springs Hyatt Regency Resort, located in the heart of the world famous Palm Springs strip downtown on Palm Canyon Drive!   In addition, highly sought-after VIP packages are again available at Hotel Zoso, just a block away on Indian Canyon Drive.

Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week passes and VIP Weekender packages are on sale now, along with Hyatt and VIP Hotel Zoso reservations at www.dinahshoreweekend.com.  Purchase early and save!

“We’ve got a hot new spot for this year’s Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week host hotel,” said co-founder Sandy Sachs.  “We’re thrilled to head over to the stunning and newly remodeled Hyatt Regency right at the center of all the downtown Palm Springs girl action.”

“We’re putting this year’s event into overdrive by hauling out Linda Fusco & Michelle Agnew and The Truck Stop Girlz to grind gears and rev it up with our world-famous Girl Bar Go-Go’s!” exclaimed co-founder Dr. Robin Gans.

“The Truck Stop Girlz are always ready for some high octane fun.  So when the women behind Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week asked us to join the party, we couldn’t resist,” added Michelle Agnew, co-founder of The Truck Stop Girlz.   “We’re working with Girl Bar to bring you just the ‘right’ amount of ‘wrong’ in the desert this spring.”

Via Mel:-PHOTO Above :  Robin, Carmen & Sandy – Old Friends doing New things …and old things too, I Hope!!!

Girl Bar Dinah Shore Week 2011 events include:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

Meet n Greet Cocktail Party at the Hyatt Lounge Bar and Pool deck
Theme: “Hello my name is…..Single!” Who will you meet for the weekend??
8pm-11pm

THURDSAY, MARCH 31

Funny Girlz 6 Comedy Show hosted by Stamie K. and Tracey Ryerson from “The Real L Word“  featuring comics Liz Feldman, Erin Foley, and Michelle Buteau

Hotel Zoso Grand Ballroom
Doors open: 7:30pm   Showtime: 8:30 pm

Welcome Party at Hunters Night Club and Video Bar
Go-Go Girls, Dance Party
Doors open at 8pm-2am

FRIDAY APRIL 1

TGIF Pool Party at the Hyatt Pool deck
Dj’s from the US and Europe!
Noon-5pm

VIP & Sponsor Cocktail Party at the Hotel Zoso Restaurant and Pool Deck
Hosted by Diageo…and light bites courtesy of Girl Bar
8pm-11pm

Pure White Party at Hotel Zoso Grand Ballroom
Girl Bar Go-Go’s and The Truck Stop Girlz… LA’s hottest dance clubs.

DJs.  Live performance by hot new singing sensation Wynter Gordon singing her dance club hits “Dirty Talk” and “Believer”
Doors open at 9pm-2am

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Wet n Wild Pool Party at the Hyatt
Dance Battles between Girl Bar Go Go’s & The Truck Stop Girlz poolside all day!!

DJs from Girl Bar and Truck Stop.

Vendor Fair at the Hyatt upper pool deck!
Doors open at 9am-4pm.

Chill Out Pool Party at the Hotel Zoso
For Hotel Zoso VIP Package guests.  Live DJ.
Doors open at 10am-4pm

Gurlesque at the Hotel Zoso Grand Ballroom

The main dance party event of the weekend!

Burlesque Show live on stage by the Girl Bar Go-Go’s and The Truck Stop Girlz
Salsa Room.   Live performance by a national recording artist
Doors open at 9pm-2am

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Splash Pool Party at the Hyatt
Dance Battles from the Girl Bar Go-Go’s and The Truck Stop Girlz
Live performance by a national recording artist

DJs from Girl Bar and Truck Stop
Doors open at 9am-5pm

Closing Party at Hunters Night Club and Video Bar
DJ’s and Go-Go Girls
Doors open at 9pm-2am

For the latest event updates, hotel reservations and information, visit: www.dinahshoreweekend.com.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Photo Credits © 2011 Christine Chew

Director Christine Chew’s films all have a common theme…hot lesbian protagonists! Chew’s films include ”CLICK”, about a heartbroken 30 year old lezzie who gets her heart broken, who’s well meaning friends try to hook her up online and “Falling for Caroline,” which is the prequel to ”CLICK.” In both these films, Chew was giving us girl finds girl “love-disaster” stories. However, the buzz is her newest offering is something completely different.

An  inside source tell us that Chew’s “Slow Burn” is a “winter western” and utilizes many of the traditional directing tricks found in traditional Hollywood westerns, only “more stylized.” The film is going to center on two tattoo artists who are in love for the same girl, who are each vying to pop her tattoo cherry. Sound hot enough for you? The film stars Briana Templeton, Kat Letwin (who wins lesbian fan fav even in an oversized poncho), Cat Oliver and Renita Fillatre.

Enjoy the pics and don’t forget to visit www.christinechew.comor find her on Facebook to stay on top of all her projects!  

Photo Credits © 2011 Christine Chew

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Melanie Nathan- Jan 19, 2011- San Francisco   – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, announced today the nominees for its 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. By recognizing and honoring media for outstanding images of the LGBT community, the GLAAD Media Awards serve as a benchmark for the media industry and complement GLAAD’s work to bring LGBT images and stories to Americans.

Among the nominees: Lisa Cholodenko’s Golden Globe®-nominated film The Kids Are All Right, I Love You Phillip Morris, starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, Howl, starring James Franco, the summer hit film Easy A, HBO’s acclaimed drama True Blood, Fox’s hit show Glee, ABC’s hit comedy Modern Family, NBC’s hit sitcom 30 Rock, Prodigal Sons, a documentary about a transgender woman and her family, season eight of Project Runway, The Oprah Winfrey Show for Ricky Martin’s first televised interview, MSNBC’s interview with Fort Worth City Council member Joel Burns, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Essence.com’s “Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle,” the Scissor Sisters, Chely Wright, and Spanish-language nominees Levántate, Aquí y Ahora, Caso Cerrado, Casos de Familia, and openly gay music artists Christian Chávez and Fedro.

In 2011, the GLAAD Media Awards will also celebrate GLAAD’s 25th anniversary year, looking back at a quarter-century of work to build acceptance and advance equality through LGBT images in the media.

“This year’s nominees represent some of the images and stories at the root of the growing acceptance of our community and support for our equality,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “They also have created a benchmark for inclusion of our community that other media outlets should look to. As GLAAD celebrates 25 years of working with the media, we are proud to recognize this year’s nominees, and we challenge the industry to share more stories that reflect the diversity of our community and the challenges that gay and transgender people face.”

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 19, 2011 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square; in San Francisco on May 14 at San Francisco Marriott Marquis and in Los Angeles (details to be announced).

GLAAD announced 114 nominees in 23 English-language categories, and 33 Spanish-language nominees in 9 categories. In the English-language categories, cable networks earned 22 nominations, while broadcast networks garnered 11 nominations.

This year GLAAD introduced a new category to recognize independent blogs, in recognition of the growing role of online media in shaping today’s culture. The first nominees in this category are The Bilerico Project, Blabbeando, Joe. My. God., Pam’s House Blend, and Rod 2.0.

Special Honorees for each city will be announced in the coming weeks.

A complete list of English-language nominees is available at: www.glaad.org/mediaawards/22/nominees.

A complete list of Spanish-language nominees is available at: www.glaad.org/mediaawards/22/nominees/spanish.

Additional facts and figures about this year’s 147 nominees are available at: www.glaad.org/mediaawards/22/factsandfigures.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

The 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards nominees were published, released or broadcast between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Nearly 1,000 media projects were considered by over 85 volunteers serving on seven nominating juries. Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 supporters to raise nearly $3.5 million for the organization’s work.

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About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

Outstanding Talk Show Episode

“Constance McMillen” The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated) “Neil Patrick Harris” The Talk (CBS) “Rebuilding Home After Tragedy: The Seth Walsh Story” The Nate Berkus Show (syndicated) “Ricky Martin Coming Out as a Gay Man and a New Dad” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated) “Transgender Kids: Too Young to Decide?” The Dr. Oz Show (syndicated)

Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (series) The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC) “Gay Teen Suicides” (series) Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN) “Katie Miller: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Outside the Lines (ESPN) “Olson and Boies on Same-Sex Marriage” Bill Moyers Journal (PBS) “Transitions” Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO)

Outstanding TV Journalism Segment

“Don’t Ask…” CBS Sunday Morning (CBS) “Fort Worth Speech” The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (MSNBC) “Gay Teens Talk Their Truth” CNN Newsroom (CNN) “Images of Protest” ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (ABC) “Mom, Dad… I’m Coming Out” Today (NBC)

Outstanding Newspaper Article

“Coming Out, Fitting In” by Rosemary Winters (The Salt Lake Tribune) “D.C. Gay Couple Caps a Momentous First by Tying the Knot” by Monica Hesse (The Washington Post) “Rutgers Student Tyler Clementi’s Suicide Spurs Action Across U.S.” by Judy Peet (The Star-Ledger [Newark, N.J.) “A Tragic Love Story” by Steve Friess (LA Weekly) “Worlds Apart” by Lauren Smiley (SF Weekly)

Outstanding Newspaper Columnist

Peg Mcentee (The Salt Lake Tribune) Leonard Pitts, Jr. (The Miami Herald) Frank Rich (The New York Times) Eugene Robinson (The Washington Post) Rev. Byron Williams (The Oakland Tribune)

Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage

Atlanta Journal Constitution Denver Post Los Angeles Times The New York Times The Salt Lake Tribune

Outstanding Magazine Article

“All That’s Left is God” by Michelle Theall (5280 Magazine) “‘I Was Scared to Sleep’: LGBT Youth Face Violence Behind Bars” by Daniel Redman (The Nation) “It’s a Shocking Trend: Gay Teens Being Bullied to the Point of Suicide” by Kenneth Miller (Ladies’ Home Journal) “Just Another Girl (Who Used to be a Boy)” by Genevieve Field (Glamour) “What Happens When You Find the One…And He’s Nothing – Nothing – Like You Expected?” by Allison Cooper (O, The Oprah Magazine)

Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage

The Advocate/Out The Chronicle of Higher Education Entertainment Weekly People US Weekly

Outstanding Digital Journalism Article

“The Camera in the Closet: Gay Service Members Speak Out to ABC News About Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” by Mary Kathryn Burke (ABCNews.com) “‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Hurts African-American Women the Most” by Lynette Holloway (TheRoot.com) “Ice Cracks Beneath Weir’s Critics” by LZ Granderson (ESPN.com) “View From Washington” (series) by Kerry Eleveld (Advocate.com) “Wrestler Hudson Taylor a Champion for Gay Rights” by Jim Buzinski (Outsports.com)

Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia

“Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle” by Bobbi Misick (Essence.com) “Censoring Wojnarowicz” (IntheLifetv.org) “A Gay Family Album” (Newsweek.com) “Kicked Out But Ready to Go Back” by Jon Groat (Newsweek.com)

Outstanding Blog

The Bilerico Project Blabbeando Joe. My. God. Pam’s House Blend Rod 2.0

Outstanding Comic Book

Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Scott Allie, Brad Meltzer, Joss Whedon (Dark Horse Comics) Fogtown by Andersen Gabrych (Vertigo/DC Comics) Veronica by Dan Parent (Archie Comics) X-Factor by Peter David (Marvel Comics) Young Avengers: Children’s Crusade by Allan Heinberg (Marvel)

Outstanding Los Angeles Theater

Dr. Cerberus by Robert Aguirre-Sacasa Haram Iran by Jay Paul Deratany Revolver by Chris Phillips Something Happened by L. Trey Wilson The Twentieth-Century Way by Tom Jacobson

Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off-Broadway

In the Wake by Lisa Kron The Kid, book by Michael Zam, lyrics by Jack Lechner, music by Andy Monroe Passion Play by Sarah Ruhl The Pride by Alexi Kaye Campbell Secrets of the Trade by Jonathan Tolins

Outstanding New York Theater: Off-Off Broadway

Lay of the Land by Tim Miller Let Them Eat Cake by Holly Hughes, Megan Carney and Moe Angelos This One Girl’s Story, book by Bil Wright, music and lyrics by Dionne McClain-Freeney Vaginal Davis Is Speaking from the Diaphragm by Vaginal Davis When Last We Flew by Harrison David Rive

Mel Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Melanie Nathan – Jan 16 -2011.

What a great acknowledgment that Lesbian films embracing reality, from bed death to affairs, to confusion to sperm donors to children can actually captivate interest from talent such as Bening enough to bring a slice of America to the big screen. AND HEY BY THE WAY hellooooo the elephant in  the room…  – that couple in that movie have no Federal Rights – they are missing 1,138 rights that straight couples have.

As an activist what a shame that Bening did not refer to equality and BEG on behalf of the LGBT community for a repeal of the Defense of marriage Act, DOMA.

Her speech indeed referred to “About two women who are deeply in love trying to keep their family together,  Juliane Moore my partner- made it all possible…. It was a labor of love.”

So all we can do as lesbians living as second class citizens is to hope that there will be more brave actors who normalize our de facto existence and  hopefully find a way to embrace the realities of our de jure pain, at any given opportunity.

UPDATE : – Best Screenplay – goes  to Erin Sorkin Social Network and NOT the lesbian movie okay okay….

In Solidarity,

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

@oblogdeeoblogda

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Melanie Nathan Jan 16-2011 – -Hollywood ‘s Big Night,  Golden Globe Awards, which are given out by the nearly 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, on Sunday scooped  its gaydar for the much deserving Chris Colfer,  from Glee – who in sweet voice trembling thanked his “fair godfather and spoke about bullies in the schools saying “screw that kids!”

Christopher Paul “Chris” Colfer^[1][2] (born May 27, 1990) is an American actor and singer, known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on Glee, for which he has received several nominations and awards. 1.

Melanie Nathan – Jan 13, 2011- San Francisco

Note: The Film can be viewed on the site.

The Production website notes: “Lead With Love – Watch the Film If you are a parent of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual child, we applaud your courage in looking for resources to help support your family. This film was made for you. If you are someone else who cares about these issues, we hope that you will enjoy this entertaining and informational film, and share it with others. Thank you for your interest.”

Jenny Mackenzie, PhD, Director

Dr. Mackenzie is an award winning documentary filmmaker whose mission is to produce films that create and promote social change. Her most recent film, KICK LIKE A GIRL, aired on HBO, played at over 50 international film festivals, and is currently being used by the US State Department to discuss gender equity globally. As a clinician, researcher, former non-profit administrator, and mother of three, Dr. Mackenzie uses her professional experience, humor, and real life passion to address the power of social impact filmmaking as a motivational speaker. www.jennymackenziefilms.com

David Huebner, PhD, MPH, Executive Producer, Writer

Dr. Huebner is a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Utah. He has spent the past 10 years researching how discrimination affects physical and mental health, and exploring ways that interventions can help improve health among minority and marginalized communities. He was the recipient of a 5-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, part of which provided the funding for LEAD WITH LOVE. www.psych.utah.edu/davidmhuebner

Resources:  PFLAG
http://pflag.org

Posted by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan; January 09-2010-   There is a song sung in Temple at almost every Jewish reform service. It is in our prayer book at Rodef Sholom, Marin County and many others around the world. When we sing the song, Mi Shebeirach, we start out by naming those who need healing .    On Friday, this past Shabbat evening service, Rabbi Michael Lezak asked our Congregants in a very full  Temple, to pray for Debbie Friedman as we sing the Mi Shebeirach; that we pray for  –  the composer of the profound healing song.

A profound moment, the honor to pray with Debbie’s song for Debbie, but sadly she did not survive her devastating illness. Indeed, Debbie Friedman, the popular singer and songwriter, widely credited with reinvigorating synagogue music, has died.

Over the course of her distinguished career, and legendary in her own time, the American Jewish composer, singer, and recording artist,  released over 20 albums and performed in sold out concerts at Carnegie Hall and in hundreds of cities around the world. Her work has been lauded by industry critics and she has been honored by numerous national and international organizations with their most prestigious awards.

Debbie is credited with creating a whole new genre of contemporary, accessible Jewish music. From the beginning of her career, she took the prayers, teachings and melodies of the Ancient Jewish Texts and set them to contemporary music. Because of her own powerful commitment, her belief in the expression of the values found in the text, as well as the quality and beauty of her songwriting abilities, her music is beloved by people of all ages and religions.

Debbie’s songs have universal appeal in part, because they “speak” to each listener in an intimate and personal way. One of the most famous, Mi Shebeirach (the prayer for healing), is sung in synagogues and churches across the nation.

Debbie’s music is now performed in synagogues around the world more than that of any other living composer.

If ever there was a need for the music of Debbie Friedman, it is now. As Debbie explained: “From the beginning of my career, I’ve tried to help people see how prayer can be a source of comfort in both good times and bad. This is particularly the case with my latest CD, As You Go On Your Way: Shacharit – The Morning Prayers, which I hope will give people the opportunity to pray in an intimate and personal way with the goal of helping them get through these difficult times. I want to help people to begin their day with an open heart; to learn to pray in a comfortable, non-threatening way. Maybe, they’ll first experience it as music but, over time, they may learn the prayers. In this time of tremendous uncertainty, when so many are feeling anxious and stressed, the comfort and sense of peace that prayer brings is a wonderful thing. To be able to start your day that way, is even better.”

Debbie Friedman has created a powerful and euphoric body of work.
New York Times

The heart of her musical activity is her emotionally stirring concerts.
Billboard.com

She is one of the foremost figures in contemporary Jewish music
Los Angeles Times

Debbie Freeman is a Phenomenon –
Jerusalem Post.

“Debbie Friedman was an extraordinary treasure of our movement and an individual of great influence,” said Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism. “Twenty-five years ago, North American Jews had forgotten how to sing. Debbie reminded us how to sing, she taught us how to sing. She gave us the vehicles that enabled us to sing. Then she impacted our youth and our camps and, ultimately, from there she impacted our synagogues.

Thank you Debbie……..

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

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Mi Shebeirach by Debbie Friedman

Typical Sabbath Service signing the Healing Song- Mi Shebeirach

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I wrote a brief critique here on LGR asserting that the first episode was unrealistic.  There were too many a scene where Frankie,   gorgeous, overtly sensual, and sexually aggressive , would conquer straight and lesbian alike, with a quick swoop of the eye and a quick orgasmic fracas against the walls of  studios, funeral-homes walls a- top office desks.

But things tapered off becoming more realistic, though equally hot,  through the following five episodes.  It would be nice to see a second season – if not for the story form the more fascinating realm where straight woman actors ditch long hair and dresses for boots and matching haircuts.  Below are some Video depictions to give the US a taste – so to speak – and the pictures depict the characters’ real life look and lesbian transformation.  Who said stereotypes could not be cool and sexy?

Produced by Kudos Film and Television (Spooks, Hustle) through BBC Scotland, Lip Service demonstrates BBC Three’s ongoing commitment to original UK drama for 16 to 34 year olds.

Laura Fraser, Ruta Gedmintas and Fiona Button lead the cast of twenty-something lesbians whose sex lives and love affairs thrilled each week. Lip Service attracted an average audience of over half a million across all six episodes and enjoyed massive support from fans and the online community.

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, says: “Lip Service is the second drama I’ve recommissioned on BBC Three; the audience clearly have a real appetite for original home grown young drama on the channel and I’m thrilled Harriet Braun’s fresh and contemporary take on relationships will return.”

Harry Lansdown, Acting Controller, BBC Three, says: “I’m delighted to announce there will be a second series of Lip Service; a deserved return for both the drama and its fantastically loyal following.”

Writer and creator Harriet Braun says: “I am incredibly happy to be given this opportunity to take the characters forward and to allow all of our loyal viewers a chance to get to know them even better. I’ve got some great twists, turns and surprises up my sleeve for series two.”

Derek Wax, Executive Producer, Kudos Film and Television, says: “Lip Service was a wonderful series to make, and we were overwhelmed by the hugely enthusiastic response from the audience. Kudos are thrilled at the prospect of making a second series with Harriet Braun, and proud to be setting out once again on this adventure in Glasgow with our wonderful cast and team. We are of course delighted by the BBC’s continued support for the series.”

Matthew Read, Executive Producer, BBC Drama, says: “We were delighted by the audience response to Lip Service – both in terms of its loyal fan base and the level of discussion online – so its incredibly exciting to be moving forward with a second series.”

MONTAGE OF ALL EPISODES

THE FINAL  SEX SCENE   and end…

WAITING FOR SEASON TWO.

Meet Lesbian favs

Franki – Ruta Gedmintas

Ruta Gedmintas

Frankie and Cat AS Lesbians

Frankie, Ruta Gedmintas , before role

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Sam (Heather Peace)

A detective sergeant with the police, Sam is Cat’s first date since her break-up with Frankie. Sam is stable, funny, cynical and insightful. She rarely hides her feelings, preferring things out in the open – Sam can be disarmingly honest and expects the same level of honesty back. She doesn’t like to play games in her relationships. Although she can be very understanding she has a lot of self-respect and won’t be messed around.

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

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Kimberly S

Melanie Nathan – Dec 19 -  2010 - Billed as one of the largest gatherings of lesbians in Mexico, Vallarta Girl  (www.VallartaGirl.com) is kicking off with a bang as celebrities and world class DJs flock to this famous fishing village from throughout North America. From Friday, February 18th, to Monday the 21st, 2011 (President’s Day in the U.S.), the beaches, nightclubs, jungles and rivers of Puerto Vallarta will be filled with female party-goers for three days and nights of fun in the sun and dancing under the stars. An affordable getaway, there will be a lot more to do – pool party, excursions and the like.  LezGetReal is supporting this event mainly because of one Lez Super Star, in the merging mega world of DJ Mix – read on…

The party begins Friday evening with a Vallarta Girl Welcome Dinner at El Arrayan, Puerto Vallarta’s #1 Mexican restaurant owned by Carmen Porras and her partner Claudia, with dinner and entertainment, followed by the Pink Party.

Vallarta Girl will revel in a multitude of talent, crammed into three days –   celebrity hosts Rose, Natalie, and Whitney from Showtime’s hit reality show The Real L Word, plus top notch talent including world renowned DJ Kimberly S., known for spinning Girl Bar Dinah Shore Weekend & White Party in Palm Springs, Aqua Girl in Miami, Two Queens Party in Singapore, and Black Cherry in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also the sexy DJ Lezlee, who spins the tunes at Kyss Here Lounge Thursdays, The Catwalk, The Push Party Saturdays in Los Angeles, plus mega clubs Tao, Lavo, Marquee, and Voodoo Lounge in Las Vegas, and Club Skirts’ The Dinah in Palm Springs.

LezGetReal’s Melanie Nathan interviewed Kimberley S, Circuit DJ phenomenon and martial arts expert, and  about the event and her meteoric rise to the top of the DJ pack,  “I’m strong, I’m hot and I can spin my ass off,” asserts the super-DJ.

Kimberley has built a legions of fans – to include a bevy of some of Hollywood’s best known celebrities.  Each week, thousands of Kimberly S. enthusiasts converge to hear the black belt karate expert play at venues across America. Specializing in in soulful house, pulsing tribal beats, trance and vocal club anthems, she wants to meet her lez fans old and new, cub and cougar,  in Peurto Vallarta, to celebrate the best in Mix, House and dance.  “I am a lover of house music in its purest form,” she explains. “House and Dance integrates all different genres into its flow, and as a result, it enables people to feel an array of different emotions: joy, love, nostalgia, inhibition, passion… I want my sets to serve it all to my fans on the dance floor.”

She is also noted for her exceptional mixing skills and superior set programming and credits her martial arts experience with giving her the discipline to succeed as a DJ.

Kimberly’s  “big break” came when she was the headlining DJ at Girlbar in Los Angeles, where she met Jeffrey Sanker, the Steve Rubell of west coast gay nightlife. Jeffrey recruited Kimberly for Factory, LA’s largest gay disco, where she co-headlined “Factory Saturdays”, the clubs most popular night. She played the Ultra Suede room – a room in the back of the club that was smaller than the main floor. The main floor was reserved for the celebrity guest “circuit” DJ that had been flown in, usually from NYC where most of the national DJs at the time resided. Oddly, the main room always closed early because Kimberly would draw everyone to the back.

This lez DJ is known for giving her male counterparts a ‘run for their money’ proving that she is able to spin amongst the best, whether a straight or gay venue.

Today, Kimberly performs at some of the nation’s biggest parties including New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, One Mighty Party in Orlando, Miami’s Winter Party and Chicago’s Fireball. Most recently, she has concentrated on international headlining appearances including Circuit Asia in Manila, Philippines (2004 and 2005), Snowball in Taipei (2005), Song Kran II in Bangkok (2008), and many performances in Brazil and Mexico. In 2009 and 2010, Kimberly took on Asia with her highly acclaimed “Dharmanation Tour”, which landed her in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia.  It may sound ambitious, but Kimberly believes it’s important that people set goals for themselves. “It’s the best way to get what you want out of life – and it really works!”

The Vallarta Girl   includes Parties on Saturday, Jandy Cheeks Beach Party on Los Muertos Beach, a sail away with an open bar and music on the Chicas To The Wind Booze Cruise down the beautiful Banderas Bay coast.    Vallarta’s famous nightlife will be an option with Saturday night at the Chicas Chicas dance party. Sunday’s always “Funday” in Puerto Vallarta, and they will be partying poolside at the GoGayPuertoVallarta.com Tardeada Tea Dance.

This sounds like a unique and must do event.

If you are interested in booking your trip – it seems easy enough to do – visit VALLARTA GIRL at www.vallartagirl.com

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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@Oblogdeeoblogda
www.facebook.com/melanie.nathan1

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Melanie Nathan – 12-16-2010 – Los Angeles, CA – Award-winning country music Singer-Songwriter superstar, Chely Wright is the latest major recording artist to proudly add Club Skirts Presents The Dinah to her touring resume.

Continuing Club Skirts’ groundbreaking trend of a high profile, entertainment packed and star filled legacy, Wright will carry on The Dinah tradition joining fellow alumni Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Meredith Baxter, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Colbie Caillat, The Indigo Girls, India Arie and Ke$ha, to name a few.

The newly-Out 39 year-old musician with a Nashville pedigree and a repertoire filled with # 1 Billboard charting hits will be trekking to the Sunny Oasis on Friday, April 1, 2011 to deliver an exclusive live concert at The Riviera Resort and Spa, which recently underwent an estimated $90 million rejuvenation becoming the epic and contemporary deluxe Mecca for high-end world-class travelers.

“We are thrilled to have Chely perform at The Dinah,” says Mariah Hanson, founder of Club Skirts Presents The Dinah. “Symbolically speaking, The Dinah has ultimately become a celebration of the tapestry of women around the world giving every one of them a reason to embrace and honor who they are, and as Chely epitomizes that very concept it was only fitting that we invite her to celebrate our milestone 21^st Anniversary,” adds Hanson.

Named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”, FHM’s Sexiest Women in Music, the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist and recently snatching the coveted title of Out Magazine’s annual “100 People of the Year 2010”, Chely Wright earned another prestigious title earlier this year as the first major country artist to officially come out.

The “Shut up & Drive” hitmaker made history by publicly announcing and acknowledging she’s a lesbian – quite an uncharted territory for country music as there’s never been a major star in this genre – often considered socially conservative – to reveal his or her homosexuality.

“It’s a little known fact but lesbians are avid Country & Western music fans. We are beyond pleased to showcase Chely, applaud her courage and celebrate her entertainment career. Much like Chely took a chance going against Nashville’s reticence about her announcement, we stand by her and want to support her message to not only show the willingness of country fans to accept gay artists, but as well show record labels the marketing presence and buying power of the LGBT market,” comments Hanson.

Her announcement, which came the same week that her memoir, “Like Me: Confessions of a heartland Country Singer,” and her first album in five years, “Lifted off the Ground,” were released, made national headlines. Wright was invited on some of the major daytime, primetime and late night talk shows including Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, The View, Larry King Live, and on NBC’s Today Show (the most widely watched morning talk show on network Television), among many others, to share her personal struggles and heartfelt story.

Now riding a wave of success since bravely coming out of the closet, Chely Wright is touring the country in support of her commercially successful seventh album produced by Rodney Crowell and her Random House published memoirs, entitled “Like Me”. The singer will also host a special book-signing event prior to her concert, on Friday afternoon at the main pool area at the Riviera Hotel.

She’s also founded this year the “Like Me” charity organization providing assistance, resources and education to LGBT individuals and their family & friends, staying within the socio-political zeitgeist of the current Anti-Gay bullying movements in the likes of “It Gets Better” and the MTV affiliated “Love is Louder” for which she’s already lent her support to.

As Chely Wright readies this spring to grace the stage of the Riviera Spa & Resort for Club Skirts Presents The Dinah, and perform in front of thousands of her screaming fans, Dinah attendees, in the meantime, will surely be fine-tuning their vocal chords readying to belt out the singer’s 1999’s girl-power rallying anthem, “Single White Female.”

For more information about Chely Wright’s Dinah concert & book signing event and/or to purchase tickets please visit: www.TheDinah.com

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
www.privatecourts.com

Melanie Nathan Dec 03-2010 7.30 pm est — calling on LezGetReal ‘s friends to support this project - 

This project will only be funded if at least $9,000 is pledged by Friday Dec 3, 10:01pm EST.

Imagine starting a screen play in July, casting it, shooting it and then being in post production a mere six months later. Well this is an accomplishment borne from passion and talent. Wendy Jo Carlton is an award winning film maker who is known for the popular woman- queer film,   “Hannah Free” starring Sharon Gless.

Her latest of three feature films is already in post production and the film maker is raising funds to see it through to completion and distribution.  With our help  to complete post production  – and by the sounds of this new project, “Jaime and Jessie are Just Friends ,”  Carlton may be headed for more accolade.

What attracted me to this project is Carlton’s  willingness to use depth of character to tell the story and explore the inner and tacit world of heart mind and soul.

While entertaining, her new film explores and celebrates the particulars of the type of relationships where women tend to “experience gray areas relating to intimacy,” such as those with ex’s and friends.  Carlton enjoys not being bound by words, and so instead of overt dialogue, the under currents prevail as powerful transmitters of tacit truths, Issues are expressed and tackled through character development and subtext – the tension between the characters  reveals deeper complexities – not through what is said, but through what is not said. The talent and work is exposed through the revelations that are allowed to transcend the silence.   ‘ The visual and body language are integral to the scene,” say Carlton, as she speaks of her craft. “I have tried to make a clear film to appeal to masses; entertaining and funny and provocative- I hope this will be very refreshing , as I believe it gives voice to something that I have not seen on screen in a feature film; queer women and their friendship and gray areas of intimacy with a lot of  messy stuff happening, such as taking a friend for granted.”

I for one, cannot get enough of queer cinema; – I want more and I want the movies to be good.  I want mainstream America to see queer movies from the perspective of equal, and not alternate or weird!  To  get over the idea that being a lesbian queer, et al is a mere pornographic suggestion.  That being gay is relational and not sexual.  Most importantly as a community we are indeed obligated to support at the very least proven and accomplished artists who lay everything on the line to bring us positive visibility and entertainment that we can enjoy.

This project will only be funded if at least $9,000 is pledged by Friday Dec 3, 10:01pm EST.

Backers – 91 so far- CLICK HERE TO FUND

$4,778 – amount raised

Needed $4,300 in two hours

pledged of $9,000 goal

____________________________________________________________________________

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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Melanie Nathan Nov 30, 2010 -  This Film is in post production and the film makers could do with some help to complete post productions – let us help support lesbian artists.

So if you have you ever fallen in love with your best friend? The donate, watch trailer and hope for a great movie….. and if not …well the same rule applies…

WATCH trailer  “Jamie and Jessie are Not Together” is about two women whose codependent friendship is fraught with erotic tension. It’s not about “coming out”, but about two intimate friends, figuring out how to grow together or how to grow apart. (think GLEE with lesbians & a beach)

WEBSITE:  to donate http://tinyurl.com/2egqfjh

Written and Directed by Wendy Jo Carlton, the director of the award-winning feature film Hannah Free, which starred Emmy-winning Sharon Gless!

Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts. com

- Add Yours to Comments.                Posted by Meanie Nathan – 11-27-10
PA: JUDY GOLD PERFORMS FOR THE LGBT EVENT: LADIES 2000 SUNDAY IN NEW HOPE

Event Date

Sunday, November 28 2010 : 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Location The Center Michael Matthews, a Long Island Reiki practitioner, and Catherine Desmond, a Reiki Master, are hosting a fund raiser to benefit The Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center on Long Island, a facility that provides support services to gay youth and young adults. At the event Reiki practitioners, energy healers and massage therapists will provide sessions for a suggested $10 donation. Individual donations may also be made online.www.ligaly.org  Check website for Address in New York

Price   $10.

Arts & Entertainment
Salvador Dali: The Late Work” @ The High

The first major exhibition to reevaluate the last half of Salvador Dalí’s career. In the late 1930s, the most well known surrealist artist in history underwent a radical change in which he embraced Catholicism, developed the concept of nuclear mysticism and, in effect, reinvented himself as an artist. Comprising more than 40 paintings and a related group of drawings, prints and other Dalí ephemera, Salvador Dalí: The Late Work will explore the artist’s enduring fascination with science, optical effects and illusionism as well as his connections to such artists and celebrities of the 1960s and 1970s as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Willem de Kooning and Alice Cooper. High Museum Hours: Monday- Closed Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2010. The High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309. For more info visit www.high.org.

____________________________________________________________________________

WILL IT BE A BROKE BACK OSCAR

Source The Advocate.

Editors LGR.

Melanie Nathan recently wrote a piece for LGR that seems to pre-empt the competitive attitude of  one of the Filmakers – read here -

http://lezgetreal.com/2010/11/cholodenko-defying-equality-on-lesbian-sex-scenes/ Now that these movies may actually be in the competition stadium, perhaps Ms. Cholodenko should lay off her critique of the competition -

http://lezgetreal.com/2010/09/natalie-portman-black-swan-shocker-at-venice-film-festival/

http://lezgetreal.com/2010/01/julianne-moore-rising-lesbian-icon/

Tribbing is the lesbian sex act more commonly known as scissoring. The word TRIBADE  -  is archaic Greek terminology for lesbian. The refusal to advertise the production comes from the word’s similarity to tribadism.  According to one of the students if you Google the word tribade in Images, apparently the word tribadism appears, which is a sex act and therefore it was determined inappropriate. The picture bottom left appears.

In response to the school’s decision not to promote the play, the students opted for a live demonstration, so to speak.  The protest was akin to a  flash mob, a new popular protest genre where a group assembles in a public venue for a short period of time to increase  awareness about an issue, by using physical gestures or acts, such as dance, song and now add tribbing.

The students protesting paired up, posing in positions known as tribadism (they scissored) for just over 10 minutes, clothed of course.   A few of the students donned shirts with “tribade” printed on them, and tape with “censored” written across it on their mouths, according to a She Wired report.

Students are concerned by the discriminatory aspect of the College Refusal , citing that this is the same marquee that has words on it such as genocides, such as rape, and these produce violent graphic images ; whereas tribadism would not.   They express disappointment citing this as a form of censorship.

In the context of  a visual impact of the picture on the left  would this title be exempt: “The Night of The Missionary” – after all we know exactly what position that conjures up – ah yes then that is about straight sex not lesbian sex. ok Ok OK!    Oh here is what I found when I googled Missionary via Images

Protester have planned to discuss the censorship issue following The Night of the Tribades on Nov. 20 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach California.

Source She Wired Via Daily49

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Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Source: She Wired.

Melanie Nathan- 11-11-10-

Firstly there will be guest judges with the most well known of them being Pamela Anderson.Anderson will not only judge but also take to  the dance floor . Pamela Anderson will not be replacing any judge on Dancing with the stars she will just be a guest  in to the lineup of existing judges.

As well as the arrival of Pamela Anderson to the Dancing with the Stars set in Israel the Israeli producers have also taken the bold step of allowing a same sex couple to dance in the ball room dancing competition.

This is the first of the Videos,  and the pair, Gili Shem Tov, tall and lanky in contrast to the dancer body of Milman,   is still hot, despite the gawkiness experienced by all first timers on the show. I am sure just like in all of the show, the non-pro dancers will take a while to find their feet and the oddness of their first endeavor may be attributable to the fact that this is the beginning of the series.

LGR says Kol ha’kavod Israel!

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda

Israel’s version of Dancing With The Stars, Rokdim Im Kokhavim- is to include the show’s first same-sex couple in the new series. The winner of the show will be revealed in January.

Contestant Gili Shem Tov, a TV presenter has a female partner in real life, said dancing with another woman is “natural” for her.  Her partner is a straight professional dancer, Dorit Milman.

The couple will take it in turns to take on the traditional male role of leading the dances.

“The challenge to dance with a woman in a public contest interested me because it’s unique and has never been done before.  “Because I share my life with a woman and have a family with her, to me this is the most natural thing to do.”

As it happens Pamela Anderson will be a guest on the Show.

Kol Hakavod Israel!

Melanie Nathan- Nathan@privatecourts.com (@oblogdeeoblogda)  www.visualcv.com/melnathan

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Hot – Hot- Hot; that is why more than half a million viewers tuned in to watch – the debut of the BBC lesbian drama “Lip Service.”  The six-episode drama, which follows the lives of a group of 20-something lesbians, premiered Monday on BBC3. That is true! Groundbreaking? Nah!

Creator Harriet Braun told BBC Newsbeat that she wanted the show to feel authentic: “It was important to me that the lesbian characters came across as authentic to a lesbian audience.”  Hogwash Harriet – that is not true!  You did not succeed in your quest for authenticity but you did succeed in increasing the temperature in my San Fran foggy night living room.

I must say that authentic it was not – not in the US sense of Lesbian drama or sex for that matter.   No way does every gorgeous woman stare at androgynous post butch beauty walking down the street. No way does ‘butchy’ androgynous beauty screw or should  I say “shag” everyone on a one day walk  in the path of her troubled life….no way do we pin straight women against walls or have them knocking over lamps in their living rooms while they seduce us! But we can dream or give “lip Service…”

The women are beautiful- no- magnificent- and hope for the sake of the world they are all really lesbians – because yes they did it for me – if that was the goal hallelujah – but dream on BBC team- there was nothing authentic about the milieu.

Harriet, the Creator – added that she was looking to “tell stories about people’s passions, not their sexuality.”  Well first episode – nada – no way – mission not accomplished – anyway not the mission of the creator!   The only passion I saw was sex, more sex and sexy sex with straight beauties bedded – not in bed- but against walls – the way we see men do it in the movies.   No lovemaking yet!Maybe episode 2; because episode one  is  all lust and thrust amidst the real one – a sweet femme lipstick lez  lovelorn going without!

“Often gay characters in drama, the storyline centers on their sexuality, so there’s stories of coming out or issues around homophobia. I guess what I would like to see more of is gay characters where their stories are potentially about fighting crime or being a doctor.”

Hmmmm maybe the Glasgow / BBC crowd has yet to pick up on American TV, where we have lesbian characters all over the professional field.

The show – dubbed the “British L Word” – features Ruta Gedmintas (Spooks) as Frankie, (  Shane seem like a kid from a Teensville coming of age flick)  young woman whose return from America to Glasgow for the funeral of her beloved aunt creates a stir among her friends. Her former girlfriend, Cat (Laura Fraser, Vanilla Sky) becomes anxious when she learns that her old flame has returned after a two year absence. “Exciting – but wild – Frankie quickly gets the town talking.” say the critics… thats it?

I rest my case!

Melanie Nathan

Out and proud queer director Gabrielle Lindau hit the NYC scene hard with her short, sexy comedy “These Showers Can Talk.” Although Gabrielle is working on a reality webseries starring adult film star Brittany Andrews, she still has time to address serious issues through the art of film. She is currently in the development stages of “Who You Are.” On her Facebook fan page, Gabrielle describes the motivations behind the project and what she hopes to achieve with it.

In light of the recent Pride Celebration in Serbia where 6,000 gay hating rioters took to the streets and protested, please view this exclusive look at “Who You Are”- “Who You Are” is a feature length film telling the story of hate crimes against lgbt communities around the world. Coming soon exclusive video clips from… “Who You Are” that address the current hate crimes and suicide related deaths in America. – Filmmakers Gabrielle Lindau and Vertna Bradley. For inquires please contact whoyouare@gmail.com

This isn’t Gabrielle’s first time tackling issues of homophobia and injustice. She directed a music video for pop-star and Real Housewife flipper, Lori Michaels. The song is called, “The Right” and it focused on the right of the LGBT community to marry. In it, Gabrielle recreated anti-marriage equality rallies and captured the raw animus and ignorance that drives the protesters as well as the effect that hatred has on queer individuals.

For updates on Gabrielle’s webseries and “Who You Are,” visit her Facebook fan page.  

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Tania Katan Photograph by Angela Ellsworth

Tania Katan is an author, playwright and performer. A breast cancer survivor,her humor is sharp, poingnant and incredibly naughty. Katan’s memoir My One-Night Stand With Cancer was the winner of the 2006 Judy Grahn Award, a 2006 ALA’s Stonewall Book Award honoree, and a 2006 Lambda Literary Award finalist. Even Melissa Etheridge is a Tania Katan Fan, she said, “This book rocks! It’s passionate, playful, and downright beautiful.”

Tania has been performing a stage version of the book in prestigious venues both Nationally and Internationally. Katan can also be seen on the Comedy Central Stage with Sit-n-Spin. She is a guest speaker at universities across the country, so if you want her at your school, let her know! In her interview with LGR, she talks about starting a show called Hoedown with Tania Katan, licking Apple Pucker off a stranger’s breasts, the most important part of a sandwich and saving her privates. What to know what any of that means? Well, you have to read the interview to find out!

LGR: You are currently performing a one-woman show, Saving Tania’s Privates. How did that show come about?

TK: It all started when my mother took me to see the Woody Allen film, Every Thing You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask when I was 4 years old. There was something about watching a 300-foot tall breast chasing people down the street that informed the way in which I see the world. By exploring the absurdity of the body, whether queer or ill or healthy or in motion, I was able to write my first book My One Night Stand With Cancer. Adapting the book into a one-woman show felt imperative; I couldn’t just write about the body without inhabiting it. That’s why it’s urgent for me to read aloud, perform live, and to connect with an audience so I can say, I’m here, I’m alive, this is my story, what’s yours?

LGR: Your show is something that resonates with people on a personal level. What kind of communication do you have from your fans?

 TK: Women showing me their breasts after shows, throwing bras onstage, wanting me to sign their chests in red frosting, you know, the usual rock star/groupie exchanges.

 LGR: In the show, you mention that male security guards sometimes pat you down at the airport rather than females performing the task. Have you received any feedbackfrom your fans indicating that others have that same experience?

TK: Actually, most of my fans are male airport security guards and as you probably know they are constantly practicing proper patting procedures on each other. They’re not gay; they’re just doing their jobs.

LGR: Tania, you were so young when you were diagnosed with breast cancer. How did your age affect your reaction to the diagnosis and how has that overall experience affected the way you live your life now? 

TK: At 21 years old, after somehow managing to survive breast cancer, I was happy to return to some semblance of a normal life. But then at 30 years old, when I was diagnosed with a second breast cancer, I realized that nothing is certain, which adds to the urgency for me to live my life as authentically as I can.

LGR:  How do you find the humor in something as serious and scary as cancer? 

TK:  Alan Alda’s character in the film Crimes and Misdemeanors “Comedy is tragedy plus time.” The fact that humor springs from a place of fear, discomfort and otherness and yet somehow allows us to feel less fear, discomfort and otherness feels like magic. Humor is magic.

LGR: In 2005 you published a book, “My One Night Stand with Cancer” and Melissa Etheridge endorsed it! Which was more exciting, publishing the book or knowing that Melissa liked it?

TK: Let’s just say, hypothetically, that in 1989 when I was still a heterosexual, or at least my hair was (long spiral perm), I was in the front row of Melissa’s Brave and Crazy tour in Mesa, Arizona. And after the show, feeling a little brave and crazy myself, I decided to wait for Melissa to come out and sign my concert ticket. I waited in line with hordes of lesbians, certain that all of them wanted to sleep with me, which totally grossed me out at the time and now, well, I WISH. Melissa finally made her way over to the line to autograph whatever we had to autograph. Soon I found myself facing Melissa and she said to me, “Touring is so exhausting. It’s like having a series of one-night stands.” And I said to her, “Yeah, like, how can you even dance without sleeping?” And she said, “I wish I could slow down, save private moments, you know?” So, really, she was destined to endorse my book. And, I don’t mean to brag, but I used to wash windows in Los Angeles. Sometimes even at night, by the light of the moon.

LGR:  In your act, you’ve mentioned that your partner wanted to go on a Mormon retreat. Did you ever get to put the queer in pioneer or churn butter with irony?

TK: Are you referring to this? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-walker/putting-the-queer-in-pion_b_565888.html

I’m actually pitching a show to the Food Network; it’s called Hoedown with Tania Katan, like Throwdown with Bobby Flay, but with less cooking and more wrestling! There will be a lot of butter, butter type substances, like ghee, spread on several industrial strength garbage bags, and women wearing pioneer bonnets (and not much else) will square dance with each other, on the ghee, while answering difficult culinary questions.  It’s a really strong concept; I just hope the execs can see it.

LGR: Has anything ever gone horribly wrong during a performance? How did you fix it?

TK: The worst thing is going blank. When the words and thoughts and reasons why you are standing on stage depart and there are no other actors to help feed you a line, you are alone and starving for language. In those moments, the only way to find my way back is to relax, which feels antithetical to the extreme sense of panic that is trying to take over my body and brain. The antidote is always to find a sense of calm and then reenter the world of the play.

LGR: You’ve gone to a ton of pride parades, what’s the craziest thing you have ever seen at one?

TK: The hand of a young, half-naked woman, reaching for the back of my head as she guided my face towards a light green syrup known as Apple Pucker, which was drizzled on her bare breasts. It tasted like Jolly Rancher candy and loss of innocence.

LGR: You talk about your partner a little in your act, does she approve of your sharing stories about your personal life with her? Are there certain topics she wants to keep off limits?

TK: My “partner” is not my lover we are associates in a law firm.

LGR: What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Can they find any of thisadvice in the workshops you offer on your website, www.twolittlewishbones.com?  

TK: Whenever I tell people that I’m a writer, without fail, 9 out of 10 people say, “I’ve got an idea for a really great book/play/screenplay in my head and when I get a chance I’m going to write it.” What makes someone believe that they will be proficient in something they’ve never practiced? Just because you’ve read a book, seen a play, gone to a movie, doesn’t mean you can write, rewrite, craft, plot, avoid, excel, eat excessively, hide, cut, cut, cut, doubt, celebrate, doubt, trust, submit. I would never say, after someone told me that they were a Sommelier, “Oh, really, because I have a revolutionary idea for a totally new wine, it’s in my head, but I’m thinking it will be something like 20% Shiraz, 20% Zinfandel, and 60% Raisins.” Aspiring Writers, listen up! You need to get your ass into the writing gym every day and flex your literary muscles! Come to Italy with us and we’ll practice writing, drawing and drinking good wine!

LGR: How did www.twolittlewishbones.com get started?

TK: My partner, in at the firm, Angela Ellsworth, lived in Tuscany for six years. Italy was the place where she learned how to make, and teach, art. When we went to Italy for the first time together, several years ago, we were amazed at how committed the Italians are to preservation and sustainability. Whether it’s using Etruscan methods of farming or tempera painting; there is an understanding of how everything we need to be creative comes from nature. In our workshop, Topography of Memory, we explore the possibilities of being creative when all you have is paper, a pencil and the landscape. We call it Creative Sustainability. Basically we created the kind of workshop that we wish we had time to take!

LGR:  People know that you are a talented writer and performer, do you have a hidden talent that no one knows about?  

TK: Painting on nontraditional canvases, juggling produce, and beating British men in billiards.

LGR: Time for a hard hitting question: Which part of a sandwich do you think is the most important and why?

TK: I don’t even know what to say. Who are you? The last time I thought about a sandwich was when I wore a sandwich board to promote Saving Tania’s Privates in Edinburgh. In which case, the most important parts of the sandwich board are the straps, because if those fucker snap, you’re not selling any tickets to your show no matter how many times you’ve survived cancer!

LGR: You’ve mentioned that you have performed at Edinburgh, if you could choose any celebrity to leave stranded in a cold Scottish moor, who would it be?  

TK: Wow, that’s pretty cold, I’m not cold, I’m warm, so I would have to say that the celebrity that I would most like to spoon with in the wetlands would be either Dana Delany or Natalie Portman. Or both. Was there a sandwich question earlier in the interview? Dana, Natalie…if you’re reading this, just send me a Facebook note and my assistant will get back to you shortly.

LGR: Dogs, cats or fish?   

TK: I’ll eat anything! Oh, you mean for a pet? Well, in the past I’ve pretended to like cats when I wanted to sleep with their owners. I love all dogs except for those haughty customs beagles that always sniff out the apple I smuggled in from another county. Fish? Look, until they can do a menial domestic task, like buy me some slippers and then fetch them, they don’t count.

LGR: What closing words of wisdom would you like to leave our readers with? 

TK: Based on living in Arizona at this time in history I’d have to say…Incite a riot. Change someone’s perception. Honor the wisdom of history by giving your closing words to someone else.

“Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.”                                                                                          –Zora Neale Hurston

You can learn more about Tania Katan at www.TaniaKatan.com or fan her on Facebook to stay on top of her tour dates.

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Two female employees of Dallas Fire-Rescue filed suit last month agianst DFR, alleging ongoing sexual harassment and discrimination. The lawsuit filed by a former DFR maintenance worker  and a current firefighter is just the latest in a string of such lawsuits and allegations of misconduct dating back to 2006, according to this story by WFAA.com.

One worked for 21 years with Dallas Fire-Rescue in the department’s maintenance office. She alleges that she found semen in her coffee cup and smeared on her desk — including on her daughter’s photo.  The other still works as a firefighter for the city. She said she would often find personal items destroyed and once discovered someone had urinated on the rug near her bed. She was transferred to another fire station.

The lawsuit alleges, the women who complained, were demoted or fired.

Leanne Siri, the highest-ranking woman at Dallas Fire-Rescue, was fired in August 2009 — months after she sued the city for sexual harassment.

The city insists her termination was not related to the lawsuit, but Siri’s attorney, Amy Davis, believes more women who want to come forward are afraid of retaliation.  “I believe there are many, many other women who are victims of the same sort of conduct,” she said.

Now a group of activists in the LGBT community are stepping up to stand behind the female firefighters: Get Equal Now is planning a “Ribbons and Roses” rally and candlelight vigil for Sunday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in front of Dallas City Hall. And to raise money to pay for the rally, some women will become “kings” when they stage the “King for A Night” drag king fundraising show on Friday, Oct. 15, at 10 p.m. at The Brick.

The show will star C.D. “Jaime Fauxx” Kirven, Elizabeth “Julian” Pax, AB aka Twisher, Laura R. aka Prynce, and more. And if you want to be one of the “more,” just e-mail Kirven at cdkirven@aol.com by Tuesday, Oct. 5.

For more information, check out the “King for A Night” Facebook page. Show up with a copy of the flier below and get into the show free. Fliers will be available at businesses along Cedar Springs Road and at Resource Center Dallas.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/discrim-102831154.html ; http://www.dallasvoice.com/kings-stage-raise-money-awareness-female-firefighters-1046890.html

This Fundraiser was neither solicited nor endorsed by the Plaintiffs in the case.

The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else week is almost over! Our last interview with the stellar cast of the popular webseries is with Jennifer Weaver. Jennifer plays Rasha’s curvy financee Liz. Liz combines feminism with a pin-up girl flair. Liz provides a sharp contrast to Rasha’s group of zany friends, she is down to earth and doesn’t buy into media stereotypes of what a woman should be. Also, Jennifer gets to make out with Robin Dalea, which is an awesome job to have. Also, series creator, Carmen Elena Mitchell might have turned Jennifer into a lezzy. You have to read the interview to find out how!

Jennifer Weaver, in addition to playing Liz, is also an Associate Producer. Jennifer is gearing up to scream in an upcoming horror film. 

LGR:  Liz kind of gets the fuzzy end of the lollipop in season 1, do you hope things will get better for her in season 2?

JENNIFER:  Ha! Yeah that is true, isn’t it. She deserves better so maybe the writer will see to it.

LGR: I hear that your “research” for the role of Liz got a little out of control. Can you tell us about that?

JENNIFER:  Uh…in short - I went from dating men to dating a woman before I knew it! Talk about how life imitates art!

LGR: Why do you think Vanna and Liz have so much tension?

JENNIFER:  Vanna just wants a Liz and Rasha sandwich! Well, I think it’s very common for tension to exist between best friends and the significant other, not that that has ever happened to me, of course. Both are vying for the same person’s attention, often in different ways, but still there’s a competition. Vanna always has crazy ideas and actually alters Rasha’s appearance - tension is bound to happen, i.e. who wants to look at an ugly vag?

LGR: Like lots of aspiring artists, you gave waitressing a try. What’s your best ‘bad waitress’ story?

JENNIFER: Oy. One chick yelled at me when I tried to clear her plate, “We’re eating!” One guy grabbed my arm when I told him he shouldn’t drink anymore (he was sh*t-faced) and protested. One old business man slapped my ass as I walked by. Those are the top 3.

For more Jennifer, check out http://www.jenniferleeweaver.com/

For everything Real Girl’s, go to www.therealgirlsguide.com

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NPR heralds the queer friendly webseries, “The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else” as the nuevo “Sex and the City.”

The Real Girl’s focuses on engaged lesbian Rasha and her trio of wacky friends, Vanna, Angie and Sydney. Rasha relies on her friends to help her with a chick lit book she must write in order to keep her career thriving. Reena Dutt plays Sydney, the most outgoing character of the Real Girls ensemble. In every scene she is in, there is no telling what Sydney will do to provoke a reaction from her friends or get a laugh from the viewers. Reena is also an Associate Producer on Real Girls and has appeared on many primetime television shows such as “Criminal Minds,” “Medium,” and “Out of Practice.”

LGR:      Sydney is the most outgoing character on the show. Are there any similarities between you and her? i.e., would flash your giney to your friends?

REENA: My giney stays hidden in the bush down-under.  He’s also an Aussie.  So with that comes a lot of beer-drinking, and with that comes a brash and blunt R-Du.  So, yes, I am very similar to Sydney…in general (insert uncomfortable clearing-of-throat here)

LGR:      As an Indian American actress in the comedy genre, do you get compared to Mindy Kaling often and what will you do to the next person who asks you this question?

REENA: Whoah! I WISH!!! That would be most amazing.  And I would make out with the *first* person who asks me that…

LGR:      Have you figure skating abilities ever come in handy while you are acting?

REENA: Only when shooting horror movies. Funny thing – almost every figure skating movie’s character breakdown is Caucasian only! I guess Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan had a huge impact on the industry.

LGR:      There is some tension between Angie and Sydney, because they are so opposite. Do you think they will end up fighting or making out in season 2? 

REENA: Both, in that order. But only after Sydney gets her kicks mocking her best friend

For more on Reena Dutt, check her out at www.ReenaDutt.com

For all the latest Real Girl’s news, become their fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Real-Girls-Guide-to-Everything-Else/268171856391?ref=ts or if you want to watch Reena as Syndey flash her giney, watch the first season of The Real Girl’s at http://therealgirlsguide.wordpress.com/

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We’ve spoken with Robin Dalea, Carmen Elena Mitchell and Heather de Michele of the popular queer themed webseries, “The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else.” Now, it’s actress Nikki Brown’s turn to be put in the hot seat! Nikki plays Rasha’s bestest best friend and head bitch in charge, Vanna. Nikki as Vanna is the leader of Rasha’s group of friends and bosses around the other ladies mercilessly. She is known for her fashion sense, beauty and general hardassedness. The plot of the first season of Real Girl’s see’s it’s main character, Lebanese lesbian, Rasha researching how to act like a straight woman in order to write a rom-com based in Afghanistan. Her best friend Vanna takes the lead in teaching Rasha how to act like a stereotypical straight woman, much to the chagrin of Rasha’s fiancee, Liz.

Nikki herself is a multi-talented actress and singer with a busy schedule of theater and film projects. She is also a producer with Sheroes in Production. She lives her life fearlessly and in this interview she opens up about Real Girl’s, Oprah and her sexy co-star!

LGR:      It’s a little known fact that you are a big Oprah fan. Why? Also, do you think her and Gayle King get down and dirty together?

NIKKI:  How did you discover this information?….Uhhm, she is my long lost Aunt! I WISH! She is just such an amazing woman and when there weren’t many role models and representations of me as a young girl…there was Auntie Oprah! Who knows? My wish may come true! So…Oh, I am sorry but we don’t tell family secrets…I plead the 5^th!

LGR:      You and Robin have a ton of chemistry on camera. Do you think there is tension between Liz and Vanna because Vanna secretly has feelings for Rasha?

NIKKI:   Oh, for sure! I mean Rasha and Vanna were college roomies, ya know.  Besides who doesn’t want Robin? I mean Rasha…

LGR:      What do you love about Vanna?

NIKKI:    That I was chosen to play her! Other than that I LOVE that all of her friends just follow her every word…LOL!

LGR:      You have played Shelby from Steel Magnolias in the past, who do you think would win in a mud-wrestling match, Vanna or Shelby?

NIKKI:    LMAO!!! This the best question EVER!! Hmmm, I think Shelby would totally kick Vanna’s Bootay. She has a lot more at stake, besides Vanna would be to busy wondering if the mud was from Glen Ivy.

Want more Nikki? Check her out at http://nikkibrown.wordpress.com/

For all the latest Real Girl’s news, become their fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Real-Girls-Guide-to-Everything-Else/268171856391?ref=ts

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Christine Chew is a photographer turned writer, director and producer. In her life as a photographer, she focused on entertainment and sports photography. Now that she is pursing her other interests, she is making lesbian films about lesbos. Her latest film is “Click,” a comedy that focuses on the relationships between a group of lesbians. Christine is more used to pimping out the actors in her films to the media, but LGR managed to get a hold of the funny lady long enough to turn her into a reluctant media whore, herself!  

LGR:   Christine, you are currently filming “Click”. Can you tell our readers what this film short is about?

CC:     “Click” is a comedy about lesbians trying to connect without too much dyke drama. And we all know how likely that scenario is! So of course, you can expect mayhem, melodrama and unnecessary complications. This is a world where lesbians are front and center after all…

LGR:   How much of your personal life, if any, is reflected in “Click”?

CC:     I completely ripped off and riffed off my private life so “Click” could have the ring of truth. But seriously, that’s not 100%  true…. just maybe 30% true. I did …ahem… *borrow* certain elements of events that happened in my life and friends who know me will see the 30% and everyone else….well, you’re just going to have to guess which are the real-life bits!  :)  But it may be possible to bribe me to reveal more… I’m partial to meals featuring lots of bacon.

LGR:   You’ve mentioned that “Click” is somewhat of a sequel to an earlier work of yours, “Falling for Caroline”. In what ways is “Click” a sequel and where can fans find “Falling for Caroline”?

CC:     Our intrepid and klutzy heroine Darcy from “Falling For Caroline” returns in an all-new love-disaster story in “Click”. All the other characters are new …. the whole feel and look of “Click” is quite different from “Falling For Caroline”. This is a deliberate choice because I wanted to make a film that goes in a new direction with a story that only peripherally references the previous film… the “Click” story is very different and has more layers because there are more women in it! They get up to all kinds of shenanigans and this story with an ensemble cast needed to be told in a different way visually. By the way, this is a rocking cast… i’m just saying… but you’ll see and agree …

Fans can buy “Falling For Caroline” on DVD in the UK as part of the very fun shorts compilation “Here Come The Girls 2: Gleeful Desire”   http://www.peccapics.com/View/id,212  You get Jane Lynch and Angela Robinson’s short “DEBS” in the same package…that’s a sweet deal, you gays! I’m just so thrilled to be part of anything that includes Angela Robinson and those girls in their Catholic schoolgirl outfits… do you know I’m a lapsed Catholic? I’ll have the rights to sell “Falling For Caroline” on DVD in Canada and the US by May next year so if you’re interested, be a fan of “Click” on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Click/128153940532391?ref=ts

and join Click Nation on the film website to get the latest updates!

LGR:   You won an ImageOut audience award for “Falling for Caroline” – congratulations! Why do you think audiences responded to the film so positively?

CC:     Thanks! Yes, that was the first Audience Award for “Falling For Caroline”. I was so excited I abused the exclamation point shamelessly in all my emails for weeks!!!  I think audiences can all identify with the feeling that so much is out of control when you fall in love and “Falling For Caroline” is really just a simple story of wanting to find The One and how falling in love can turn you into a giant klutz. The actors ..Yanna Baizer, Shannon Currie, Denise Mader and Claire Duncan … were really great and I think they made their characters so sweet and lovable and that really connected with the audience. The film also won Audience Awards at Montreal’s Image+Nation and Queersicht in Berne, Switzerland. The Swiss award was named The Pink Glasses Award and when it arrived in the mail, it was the most fun day I ever had with a pair of glasses. The award really is a pair of pink glasses and it arrived all wrapped up in strips of film negative in a film can!!  I enclose a photo of me wearing said award. Can’t see a thing through the lenses but LOVE them so much!!

LGR:   You’ve made four films in the last 12 months; what’s your most embarrassing on set story?

CC: Okay, I can’t tell you that right now because that would reveal a huge spoiler   but I can tell you many embarrassing off-set stories. They mostly involve me falling into potholes on the street, tripping and somersaulting over my bed like a ninja and giving myself a concussion while doing laundry. 

LGR:   Is it difficult to teach actresses to act like lesbians? Do you keep a lot of plaid flannel shirts and Indigo Girls CDs on hand for training purposes?

CC: It was really easy because the cast of Click is totally awesome and they were all really eager to wear plaid.  I’m proud to say I have several plaid shirts in my wardrobe but I don’t use them for training purposes. The actors in both “Click” and “Falling For Caroline” are all straight… sorry, you gays… but they’re really amazing actors and quite hot (in or out of plaid) and very funny. Most people find them to be completely convincing lesbians. This must be due to:

• 1. their fantastic acting skills
• 2. my fantastic Lesbianism 101 tutorials. First thing I do with the actors is to check their nails and inform them that they MUST keep them short or the lesbian audience will tar and feather me for this oversight. For “Falling For Caroline”, I sent the cast YouTube clips of what I consider convincing girl-kissing … Sue and Maud in ‘Fingersmith’, Helen and Nikki in ‘Bad Girls’ , etc. etc. For “Click”, I asked Sarah Sherman to wear plaid and Kat Letwin to listen to Sleater-Kinney and Sick of Sarah. They’re both such amazing actors … you’d totally want to win a toaster oven and try to convert them after you see “Click”.  I also asked them all to watch the U-Haul Rap video by That’s What She Said and worship at the altar of Sarah Waters

LGR:   You’ve had a very accomplished career in photography; why did you make the leap to film?

CC:      I decided to stop being a control freak in my creative life. You have a lot of individual control over the final creative output as a photographer. Filmmaking requires you to trust other creative people… it’s the most collaborative medium I know. I figured it was time to grow. But more than that, I really think we don’t have enough films that reflect our lives as gay women so i just want to make films that will do that … and tell stories about my life, my friends’ lives and yours! And in the process, if you laugh a little and have fun watching these stories, that will warm the cockles of my little heart. I think it’s worth the leap!

LGR:   Why is Tina Fey your hero? What would you say to her if you met her?

CC:     Three reasons – she’s smart, funny and wears sexy librarian glasses. I will succumb every time for this trifecta of fabulousness. Words may well fail me in her presence… can you suggest something for me to totally win her over and have her become more than just my imaginary girlfriend? I’m really quite a shy person … having to promote “Falling For Caroline” on its festival run turned me into a pimp ( I pimped the actors and film shamelessly at every opportunity) and a reluctant web-whore.

LGR:   Do you think Tina Fey has the power to save Lindsay Lohan?

CC:     Tina has many super-magical powers but the only person who can save Lindsay Lohan is Lindsay Lohan. Even the ruler of Planet Earth – Oprah – couldn’t save her.

LGR:   Explain to our readers what an “equipment porn moment” is. 

CC:     When you see the light catching the sexy hot curves of a 6mm fisheye lens that few have laid eyes on, when your heart races and you get the good shivers because of that, that’s when you know you’ve had an equipment porn moment and that’s also when you should really consider getting a real girlfriend.

LGR:   I’ve always been confused by the expression, “hair of the dog.” What do you think it means?

CC:     Hmmm… maybe I should ask Tina Fey that… Tina knows more than Wikipedia. My hero!

LGR:   Is there anything I should have asked you but didn’t?

CC: Yes! How much time do you have? Call me.

If you don’t have Christine’s number you can find her at www.christinechew.com or become a fan of Click on Facebook to stay on top of her latest project! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Click/128153940532391?ref=ts

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