Oh, go for pencil thin! (goodeveningworld.com)

I bet there are a few of you out there who remember the “Shave and a haircut” routine. You don’t have to admit it, just smile fondly and keep reading.

Well, some of our boys in Afghanistan have discovered that there is an extra grooming service that Afghan barbers throw in for free: eyebrow shaping. Imagine yourself in your desert cammies, sitting down for a little TLC from a local barber, maybe drifting a bit, and suddenly realizing that this guy is plucking your eyebrows! Hey, I’m a female and I don’t pluck my eyebrows!

Funny thing, though. Once over the shock, more than a few of the guys have gotten real fond of the look, and gone back for touch-ups. Enough, in fact, that the Marine Corps issued a fatwa, ahhh, regulation that “excessive plucking or removal of eyebrows is not authorized, except for medical reasons,”. Gotta love the Marines, that last bastion of macho manliness.

Women in Kabul (api.ning.com)

In Afghanistan, it’s a cultural thing. While advocating that women must cover every possible square inch of sexually inflammatory flesh, men have cultivated a “dreamy” look. This includes, frequently, enough eyeliner to make Priscilla Queen of the Desert‘s Adam/Felicia proud.

Cover of Thomas Dworzak's book "Taliban"

Even those proud defenders of Islam’s most severe cultural prejudices (anyone remember the bombing of the Buddhas?), the Taliban, have been seen preening. In fact, photographer Thomas Dworzak has recently published a book containing photographs he found in Afghanistan of young Taliban fighters posing for the camera, complete with the eye makeup. Considering that photographs were forbidden by the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, these guys had to have a compelling reason to risk this, right? Ummm, actually, the pics look like amateur hour at the online dating site.

I think, though, that in a choice between well-sculpted male brows and the infamous bushy unibrow, I might just go with the tweezers bunch.

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7/7/2011

Most people know how controversial the world of child beauty contests can be.  The Learning Channel‘s Toddlers and Tiaras reveals to the world what parents will do to help their child succeed in the ruthless world of beauty and competition.  Sometimes the show is extremely hard to watch, because some of the things the parents put their children through are harsh and cruel.  However, most episodes show how dedicated the children really are when it comes to competitions like this.  Some of them actually love the spot light, and the work, including a 7 year old boy who loves to compete up on stage with the girls.

Last night, on the premier of the latest episode, the show introduced self-described “diva” Brock Ritter.  According to his mother, Tori Ritter, he became interested in pageants at the age of 2, and when expressing his dream at the age of 5 was bullied by fellow students.

“We dealt with it in kindergarten,” Tori explains during an interview on E!. “A couple of boys in his class said dancing was a girls thing. It took the teacher telling them that football players take ballet for them to understand.”

During the E! interview Tori talked about her son very proudly.

“He loves school, he loves to read,” She said.  She also explained that he is currently in a “hardcore” advanced reading program that has him reading way beyond his age group.

He is also a “tap dancing machine,” she explained, “I asked him ‘What kind of dance do you want to do?’ and he said tap. He’s been dancing for six years now.”

As anyone would ask, where is the father in all of this, and how does he feel about it?  Well according to Tori, Dad is the one mixing and cutting all the music Brock dances to, and his routines are a family affair.  “We don’t work with a coach, we play around at home.”  She said.

Brock has already become a pro at dance and gymnastics, and has earned a half dozen first-place trophies.  He also dreams of performing on stage on Broadway one day.  He even makes up his own routines and songs at home according to Tori.

“He’s not your typical kid.”  She explained.

6/30/2011

I remember when I was young, going to piano classes that my mom would pay for, and enjoying it so much.  The feel of the keys beneath my fingers and the harmonious sound of the notes that filled the room as I practiced.  My instructor always told me I was a really fast learner, and playing the piano quickly became a favorite pastime of mine.  Throughout the years I have drifted away from playing, however the memories still rest deep in my mind of those wonderful days sitting in front of the worlds most beautiful instrument.

From Beethoven to Fiona Apple, many people, gay and straight, have embraced the beauty of the piano’s sound.  Thanks to British artist Luke Jerram thousands of people in NYC can join the musicians around the world by sitting at a piano and performing for the public for free.

Jerram, sponsored in New York by the non-profit arts group “Sing for Hope,” has placed 88 decorated pianos around NYC for public display and use.  Debuting in 2008, the artist’s musical project has been touring the world ever since.  The decorated street pianos have been seen, so far, in eight cities around the world, with more to come.

What is awesome about this display is that all 88 pianos have been decorated differently by well known, and not so well known, visual artists.  There are pink pianos, rainbow pianos, spatter painted pianos, abstract pianos, flower power pianos, and many more.

“A blank slate for everyone’s creativity” is what Jarram is calling his piano installments.  Which is a very true statement.  Each host city the project hits is given brand new pianos that are painted, and designed, by local students and artists, and then placed randomly around the city.  After the instillation is shut down, the pianos are donated to schools and community centers so the music never stops.

People throughout NYC were skeptical about playing the pianos at first, but not for long.  Soon enough sounds of Beethoven, Billy Joel, Bach, Elton John, Mozart, Alicia Keys, and many more pianists started to flow through the summer air through strange fingers.  These sounds will probably never leave.

The piano instillation will soon be seen in other cities such as Cincinnati, San Jose, and Grand Rapids later this year.  The NYC instillation can  be seen, and played, through July 5th.

Image via Wikipedia

06/03/2011- by Natasia Langfelder

Summer has finally hit NYC this week and women are donning their summer dresses and trying out new looks. The hottest trend? A Blue/Green eye. Not like, 80′s blue where you pile frosty shadow from your lashline to your eyebrow. Here are some tips on how to rock this trend right.

Blue Glitter Eyeliner

A little of this goes a looong way. Find a blue glitter eyeliner, such as Air Guitar from Urban Decay and draw a very thin line from the top inner corner

of your eye and sweep out. Don’t wear shadow with this look and don’t make the line too thick. This will overpower the liner and make you look like a crazed mermaid.

Green Eye Shadow

There is something incredibly fun about painting your lids in a color that’s as bold as vibrant green. MAC just released a collection of shadows called “Surf, Baby!” These limited edition shadows are perfect for the summer. Start by applying a sheer, shimmery light gold to your entire lid. Be sure to highlight your inner eye and browbone for some drama. I recommend using “Short Shorts” for this step. Then take a green like “Surf USA” and sweep out from the middle of your eyelid and just beyond the outer corners. Work some of the shadow up to the crease and blend so that you don’t have a hard division of the two colors. For a nighttime look, add a thin line of black eyeliner and tons of mascara.

Once you are all pretty, go out and find yourself a girl. Good luck, ladies!

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Finally! A spring 2011 trend that femmes and studs can rock! Strap on your peg leg, get your mind out of the gutter and come listen to a tale of sailor themed stripes. This look wears the best when it is loose and casual. The ‘basic’ for this trend is a striped tee, pictured right. But designers are mixing it up for this season. If you wear it too tight and you aren’t super petite you could end up looking like a boat. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Here are some tips to do this trend right:

For the Bois: Pair this t-shirt from Old Navy (aren’t you lucky that this trend won’t break your bank) with either loose dark wash jeans, khakis or sexy white pants. Only do a black pant if the stripes on the shirt are black, not navy blue. You can layer a navy blue, black or eggplant blazer over it to complete the look.

For the Grrls: I love this Victoria Secretoff the shoulder nautical tee. Pair it with wide leg trousers or jeans with a super high heel. I know some of you only feel sexy when your clothes are tight and show off some skin, but keep the shirt loose! The stripes will actually make you look smaller if the top is loose. Feel free to go as tight as you want with the pants!

For the Bold: Personally, I’m going to rock this Urban Outfitters striped bandeau top this summer.I’m going to pair is with a white or floral mini and nude platforms. If you’re an edgy stud, pair this top with khakis or board shorts. Why not? It’s the perfect outfit for cruising girls on the boardwalk.

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Burberry is offering a beautiful pair of purple glasses that are such a dark hue you can wear them on your way to the boardroom. They are also more likely to stay in style for a few seasons if you opt to go this route, because they are so understated. They will also match with anything.

Now onto FUNKY. Every brand is offering a pair of glasses, so you have a ton of options. Most of the glasses are offering bright purple, plastic frames that will cover half your face and hold back your hair in a pinch. Personally, I went for a bright purple pair that is translucent, like this pair from Salvatore Ferragamo.

I plan on wearing them with floral print dresses and mini skirts paired with thigh high stockings or knee socks. Also, don’t be afraid to clash and pair your purple sunglasses with red. Yes, I’m giving you permission to mix purple and red. The most contrast between your glasses and your outfit the better! Don’t be afraid to experiment, girls! Happy sunning!

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Natasia Langfelder

 Every girl loves flowers, but do you want to wear them on your feet? Designers this season are going out on a ledge and saying, ‘yes.’ This trend is very feminine so it might not be the best fit for everyone. They are also really a daytime look and won’t transition from work to the club. But if you want to unleash your inner princess, these shoes are a fun way to go!

 When you wear a floral print shoe, make sure you pair it with a simple outfit. For a professional look with an edge that you can rock at work, pair these shoes with a pair of black, white or tan capris, a solid color t-shirt and a fitted jacket. For a flirty day look, they would also be great with a solid color or two tone dress. Liiiiike this babydoll pink dress from the Akira Black Label. This is totally a great first date look, you will knock her socks (or Doc Martens) off.

There are also a ton of options for the shoe itself. You can find floral print shoes with a wedge, stacked heel, kitten heel, platform, peeptoe. Don’t settle for the first shoe you see, don’t buy something unless you love it! Happy spring!

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 Alright ladies, it’s officially spring, so put away OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and start trying out this seasons sexy new trends.

 Purple

Sparkly purple is the breakout color this spring and purple is the color of queer, so I couldn’t be happier! Ever since Jennifer Lopez appeared on American Idol with sparkling violet nails, women on the small screen and on the street have been wearing this color like crazy. Personally, I love Essie. So I’m recommending Sexy Divide. If you are more of an OPI girl, go for Houston We Have a Purple from their new Texas line. Ladies, show the straight girls how to rock this color.

Taupe

 This is a trend for the super-fashionistas out there. If you aren’t serious about your fashion, then don’t go here. Very few women can pull off this sandy color, it can look muddy if you pick the wrong shade for your skin tone. If you want to go this route, have your manicurist try on a few different shades and pick the one you want. Also, don’t wear taupe nails with sneakers. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Classics

Spring is a great time of the year to start wearing corals and pastels. You can’t go wrong with Essie classics like Angel Food and Ballet Slippers. These colors are around every year for a reason. Also, it’s harder to see the chips, so your manicure will last a litttttttle bit longer!

Happy painting ladies!

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NOW WE must support him with our VOTE!

Huge is Holding the SA Gay Flag which he designed and makes at his own cost ; I am holding 170,000 signatures for delivery to Minister of Justice in SA. Huge is raising money for corrective rape org.

I met Eugene “HUGE” Brockman when I went to Cape Town to speak at Gay Pride. He was one of the friends who made sure I was well looked after. Huge forms part of  a group of other South African gay men -  each living their lives in a manner befitting anyone worthy of  the Title Activist.

My friend Huge accomplishes his name – not for what you Gay Men may be thinking – but for what I witnessed for myself – Eugene has a HUGE HEART!

Together with his partner Henry, they have all but given up their income producing lives to a Project called the “Gay Flag of South Africa.”  Huge designed the Flag – extraordinary in its simplicity as it embraces the Rainbow, we all identify as ours, together with key features of the South African Flag – the very flag meant to symbolize a post oppression and equal South Africa. The one Country in Africa where the Constitution embraces equality, but the fight to own it continues.

What touched me more than anything else – in Cape Town – was how the group of Gay White Men  friends – of which Eugene, is part all embraced the issue of corrective rape of lesbians, expressing devastation by its impact on the women whom they treat as sisters;  not only in advocacy and support, but literally by taking some of the women under their wing.  It sort of reminded me of how lesbians in San Francisco came out to care and advocate for those with HIV/AIDS  in the 80′s.

You see these men live in the City of Cape Town (as do many white lesbian women – very few of which came forward to help their black lesbian sisters)  and the black lesbian and colored lesbian women live predominantly in the Townships.

These men opened their homes, provide money to the women for airtime on the internet and cell phones (extraordinarily expensive in SA) and also money for expensive taxis to get to the various events, including Parliament ion the day the corrective rape issue had its  meeting.

Well today I received this note from my friend HUGE and I want to support him in his quest to win Mr. SA Leatherman (South Africa)  and I hope you will join me in doing so.

As you will see that after my trip to Cape Town and discussions around how we can help Ndumie Funda to keep running Luleki Sizwe – for the immediate care and urgent needs of lesbian victims of “corrective rape” in Gugulethu, it became apparent that HUGE and HENRY would be willing to provide support for the women from an organization raising money around proceeds for this magical FLAG .

This is what he wrote to me:-

GAY SA FLAG at Cape Town Vigil for David Kato

Hi Melanie,

Had a good morning!

Please post on your facebook wall for people to support me in SA Leatherman…

I am invited to take the flag and promote it at the IGLTA Global Convention in Ft Lauderdale in middle-May, which would then raise funds for Luleki Sizwe!

This is a week or so before International Mr. Leather in Chicago May 27th!

If I win SA Leatherman I will be able to get a free ticket to Chicago!

This means I can promote Luleki Sizwe, the Flag and South Africa at both international events!

Please ask people to vote for me by e-mailing “SALM02″ in the subject line to 2011salm@gmail.com – they will then stand in line to win prizes in the States, Europe and Africa!

Thanks for your support my friend!

Huge

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

VOTE FOR HUGE FOR MR. SA LEATHERMAN

PLEASE support Huge so we can get him to the USA .  We desperately need money for Luleki Sizwe ‘s victims of so called “Corrective “Rape.

vote by e-mailing “SALM02″ in the subject line to 2011salm@gmail.com – they will then stand in line to win prizes in the States, Europe and Africa!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

It’s spring!…ish! Women and the retail stores that love them are gearing up for the change in the weather. This season, retailers are trying to lure in lovely ladies with the promise of a butterfly dress. Cavalli has one for $660 and Neiman Marcus can give you wings for $858. However, after doing some all important field research at Macy’s, H&M and Forever 21, I’m here to tell you there are cheaper options.

This trend is beautiful and feminine and you definitely want to get on board, but I’m also predicting this trend won’t survive past 2011. So skip the expensive pieces, a butterfly dress will never be a “basic” piece. (For those of you who are just starting to build your wardrobe, a basic is a staple in your closet that you can mix and match for a few years. You want these pieces to be high quality. ex. a little black dress is a great splurge)

So indulge in the butterfly trend, if you want to go middle of the road head to Macy’s for dresses in the 50-100 range. If you want to spend around $25-20 head to H&M or Forever 21. Those stores are also good options if you want to break up the look by purchasing separates. Like, if you only want butterflies over your boobs and not your lady bits, Forever 21 has a bunch of cute options. Pair a butterfly print with wedge sandals, preferably platform and brown or nude based. Happy shopping, ladies!

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Mr. Gay World 2011 - Francois Nel, South Africa

CAPE TOWN – The South African LGBTI community is ecstatic -  Francois Nel, Mr. Gay South Africa has won Mr. Gay World today!  He also helped secure South Africa, Johannesburg as the 2012 location for Mr. Gay World. This is the second year in a row that Mr. Gay World has been a South African.

How did I know that Francois would do his Country proud ?  I met Francois, Mr. Gay South Africa, in Cape Town the week before he left for the Pageant in Manila, socialized with him,  mutual friends and activists and had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon alone, interviewing him and sharing our thoughts and ideas about the state of LGBTI in South Africa and the Continent.

We published my lengthy interview with him last week and found that his personality, commitment to social justice and compassionate activism far outweighed his physical magnificence- hard to beat!

A small excerpt from our chat:

If we look at our past it has been very eventful  - we have moved truly toward s being a rainbow nation  – a Mecca of different cultures and societies. Look at soccer world cup – what we embody as a nation is so unique to us and we have a constitution that most other competing countries do not have – that includes gender ID and Sexual orientation so I feel my ambassadorship is critical in this competition.

I am very excited to work with like minded individuals from all over the world. It is as much about our unity as it is about the competition itself.

We all want to educate about being gay, Lesbian, transgender and bisexual. We all want to show how it is to be open…

We want 2012 to be on African continent and I hope we can bring it here…..” read more  Interview with Mr. Gay South Africa on his Way to Manila for Mr. Gay World (lezgetreal.com)

And Indeed he did it!!

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

Congratulation from the GALS et al, at LezGetReal

Mr. Gay World, Francois Nel & Melanie Nathan

==============================================================================================

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In this very special installment of Lez Ask the Boi and the Femme, Riley and Natasia tackle the sensitive and ouchy subject of waxing. Some of us do it, most of us need it so read our tips to stay on top of your sexy.

Dear Riley & Natasia, I couldn’t decide whether to ask the Boi or the Femme so I decided to ask you both. I really like this girl I work with and she agreed to go on a date with me! This is my first date with another girl and I want to look ultra good and sexy for this date. I’m thinking about doing something I’ve never done before…WAXING. I’m scared it will hurt. I’m thinking like what if I kiss her and we get all up close and she can see every hair on my face? I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself but should I also be prepared in case we go all the way? Everyone says it hurts a lot and I’m scared I will be all red and sore after. Where should I go and what should I get done?

Harry

Hi Harry, Thanks for writing in! You are helping to shed light on an aspect of being a woman that we don’t like to talk about, unwanted hair removal! First of all know you are not alone, there is a waxing salon on every other block in Manhattan and they all do good business.

Waxing Your Lady Bits

I’m going to tackle the lady bits waxing issue with you. Make an appointment a few days before your date to get waxed; this will help just in case there is some redness after the wax.  You will have a few days for it to go away and you can always help it along with a hypoallergenic lotion. Make an appointment with a salon in your neighborhood that you have walked by before and that looks clean and sanitary. If you book an appointment with a place and go in and don’t feel like it’s clean enough, say “no thanks” and walk out. Don’t be embarrassed; your vadge is tooooo important.

Pain Prevention

Right before you leave the house to get to your appointment, take some rapid release painkillers such as Tylenol to help take some of the sting out of the waxing. I can’t lie, it’s gonna hurt. No matter what you do, it’s gonna hurt. It’s a fact of life.

Types of Wax

There are two types of waxing methods: hard wax and strips. Strip waxing is when hot wax is applied and then a strip of paper is stuck on and that rips off the hair. Hard wax is when hot wax is applied and it hardens and gets pulled off. Basically the results differ for different people. Personally, I know a lot of women that think hard wax hurts less, so that’s a good tip for a first timer.

Styling

Let’s talk about the um…hairstyle you want. Brazilians are still popular, that’s when the whole enchilada comes off, including the backside. Some women adore it and some feel too naked. Also popular is a landing strip, when only a small strip of hair is left in the middle on the top. It’s kind of a more “adult” look. There is also a plain old bikini wax, where the waxer will only remove the hair that would show if you were hitting a beach in your bikini. Bikini waxing is by far the least ouchy and is also a good place to start for a first timer. Also Harry, you might want to ask your waxer for a “stomach strip” during your wax if you have a treasure trail. It’s cheap and really helps complete the sexy look of your wax. The upside of waxing these sensitive areas as opposed to shaving is that the more you wax, the finer and thinner the hair grows back and most women are generally less prone to ingrown hair.

So go for it, baby dyke! Let me know if your girl gets that far! Now Riley is going to fill us in on the deets of facial waxing.  

Um, Waxing Your Other Bits?

 
I’m going to pretend there isn’t a reason I’m getting handed the section on facial waxing.  Eh, to hell with the pretending, sometimes those of us with a lil’ more testosterone are predisposed to looking a little more “boy” than “boi” when it comes to our faces.  I’ll start by saying that there are some chicks who dig a girl with a ‘stache, so if you are going for the JD Samson look, or maybe are even in the process of transitioning, by all means, skip over this paragraph.  And Frida Kahlo never had any trouble with men OR women.  If you wanna wear it, wear it proud!

But for those of you that could do without the unwanted hair that may rest above your lip or below your chin, Natasia has already laid out some good advice.  Book a day or two in advance of any potential dates and let the waxer work her magic.  I recommend allowing a professional to do the honors, rather than attempting it at home with any of the over-the-counter products.  It isn’t much more expensive and there is no mess to clean.

And let’s not forget eyebrows.  If they have a tendency to wander down your face, ask your waxer for a natural shape and you should be able to keep up the maintenance on your own at home.

Good luck!  I hope we’ve helped you out of a ‘hairy’ situation!

Have a question for the Boi or the Femme? Email askafemme@yahoo.com or rdylan1980@gmail.com or become our Facebook friends! www.facebook.com/natasiarose www.facebook.com/rdylan1

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My aunt arrived at our family Thanksgiving with a cute new ‘do. While everyone complimented her on it, she told us she asked her stylist for the “Victoria Beckham.” Funny, I’ve always asked for the David Beckham. What? That guy always has great hair! “I’ll take the David Beckham 2007, please.”

Modesty aside, I’ve always had great hair, too. It’s thick, it’s straight, it’s shiny and it does what I want. I often have other lesbians (and gay men) ask me who does my hair. Um, well, I do. I know they want to know which stylist I go to, but to be truthful, having good lez hair is about a lot more than that. You have to know what cut to get, what product to use, how to style it, etc.

On more than one occasion I’ve wanted to scoop up those bois and butches in the bar that look like they’ve just come from the barber, bring them home and give them a lesson in good hair. I’ve wanted to scoop up a few straight boys, too! This being relatively impossible, I might as well provide a few tips here.

But first, this wouldn’t be a proper article about lez hair if I didn’t pay tribute to those brave lesbians that have paved the way for us, like k.d. lang and Ellen Degeneres. k.d. had one the first short, boyish ‘dos, and Ellen started out with an Indigo Girls-style she-mullet before marrying Portia De Rossi and automatically becoming infinitely hotter.

Speaking of the Indigo Girls, at a recent concert it became obvious that a large number of their fans remain true to both the Indigo Girls music AND their hair. Yikes.

Lesbian hair is even on display in the media today, with Rachel Maddow modeling her perfectly coifed boy cut on MSNBC. Does anyone else just wanna reach into the screen and mess it up? Just me? Also rising in popularity since The L Word is “The Shane,” which I think is supposed to be the lez version of “I’ve just rolled out of bed, see how sexy?” I’ve seen plenty of failed attempts at this because, really, you need Kate Moennig’s face to pull it off, otherwise you end up looking like “you’ve just rolled out of bed and your hair looks like shit.” And really, Shane only had good hair in Season 1. Pretty sure Jackie Warner has been attempting the “Shane” in recent months, the result being a definite drop in hotness. Bring back butch Jackie!

And of course there are those lesbians with dreads. These can most recently be seen on Whitney of The Real L Word. Gross. I can’t help the feeling that I’m going to see a small animal crawl out of her hair. Seriously, who wants

to be in the middle of a lil’ bedroom fun and have their hand get stuck in that

tangle? Not me, I use my hands, thanks.

Finally, an alarmingly large number of lesbians have been spotted with Justin Bieber hair. Ohhhh nooo. See: Tegan and Sara. See: Dani Campbell. And for more fun, see: lesbianswholooklikejustinbieber.tumblr.com

But I digress. What goes into having good hair? In all honesty, I can only speak for the bois.

First of all, you’ve got to choose the right stylist. Note, I didn’t say, “barber.” Things to consider: What does his/her hair look like? What is their sense of style? I like to see originality. Are the majority of their clients men or women? Are they asking you hair-related questions while cutting your hair? Don’t let them be lazy after the first few cuts. I’m not afraid to stylist hop if I’m not getting what I need. Personally, I trust mostly gay men and lesbians with my hair.

Next, find an appropriate style. Faux hawks are still hot if you can style them correctly; Mohawks are fun and there are many versions. Mine goes down the back of my head and ducktails out. Or find a picture of the hot celebrity of your choice. Have the stylist use the scissors rather than the clippers, even if the sides are super short, for a softer look. And don’t forget to have it texturized with a razor for easier styling.

Regardless of who cuts your hair, or what style you end up with, you need to spend decent money on a good product. I prefer Pureology Texture Twist or American Crew Pomade. Cheap products are going to quit working after a few hours, or else make your hair so stiff that the wrong dance move could stab your date. Spend a little more money and you’ll be able to restyle throughout the day.

When it comes to styling, be careful how much of that expensive product you’re using! You don’t want your girl coming away with sticky fingers after she runs her fingers through your hair. Disgusting. Besides, the wet look is out. Shine is in.

Remember, the most important factor in good lesbian hair is the confidence of the person rocking it! Be original, ladies! It’s hair; it grows back. My last bit of advice: nothing brings out a great boi cut better than a little bit of guyliner.

Don’t say I never gave you anything!

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LA based lesbian photographer, Aimee Boschet, is putting the beauty of tattoos on display. Her newest project is photographing tattooed individuals in ways that put their tattoos on the forefront. While the project is ongoing, I love the out-of-the-mainstream looks that Aimee is featuring, especially when it comes to young, queer women.

For the Real L Word lovers, you might want to friend Aimee on Facebook. Aimee is in talks with playgirl Whitney to feature her for the shoot, as well as with the owner of Fubar, the hangout that was frequented by the ladies on the show.  If you are in LA and would like to be considered for the photo shoot, shoot her an FB message! For more pics of hot girls (oh yeah and artistic shots) check out Aimee’s website http://www.aimeeboschetphotography.blogspot.com/ or be her fan on Facebook by clicking HERE

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One Tree Hill star and Chad Michael Murry ex Sophia Bush is boycotting Urban Outfitters. Bush is upset over a shirt the company is selling that says “Eat Less,” the actress is outraged that they would promote anorexia so blatantly. Bush wrote an open letter to the store to raise awareness of the problem.

“I have been a supporter of your store for many years, but now I’m through.”

“I am fortunate enough to star on a wonderful TV show called One Tree Hill. I play a fashion designer named Brooke Davis, who started a campaign on the show called “Zero Is Not A Size” and the outpouring of love and gratitude that came my way from girls and women ALL OVER THE WORLD (sic) who have body image issues brought me to tears.”

“To promote starvation? To promote anorexia, which leads to heart disease, bone density loss, and a slew of other health problems, not least of all psychological issues that NEVER go away? Shame on you. I will no longer be shopping at your stores. And I will encourage the tens of thousands of female supporters I have to do the same. I have fought to boycott BP. I never imagined I would also be boycotting affordable fashion.”

“You should issue a public apology, and make a hefty donation to a women’s organisation that supports those stricken with eating disorders. I am sickened that anyone, on any board, in your gigantic company would have voted ‘yes’ on such a thing, let alone enough of you to manufacture an item with such a hurtful message. It’s like handing a suicidal person a loaded gun. You should know better.”

“I sincerely hope that next time you decide that making fun of serious issues is comedic, or ‘snarky in a cool way’, that you re-think your decision.”

[Source]

Due to the controversy, Urban Outfitters has removed the shirt from their website and hopefully, from their stores. This is not the first time Bush has shown her socially responsible side, she recently visited the Gulf Coast to survey the damage done by the BP Oil Spill and help raise awareness and donations to the clean up efforts. How awesome is she? I’m totally down to boycott Urban Outfitters. I had no plans to wear a lace bra top or tee shirts with ironic sentiments on it this summer anyway

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With thanks to Miss New York Claire Buffie!

Guess what – you can be a beauty Queen and you can be Pro-LGBT rights. Yes You Can!  Move over anti-  Carrie Prejean is OUT , and the newest Miss New York, Claire Buffie is IN,  (well lezzies you may prefer it the other way around or ? Oh whatever! )

This is the first Miss America contestant, ever, to use LGBT rights as her contestant platform.

Her platform is “Straight for Equality: Let’s Talk”

Ms. Buffie tells The Advocate “that it’s really important to promote equality for all people, ‘all’ being the main word. As a straight ally, I think it’s so necessary to have that straight allies’ support for the LGBT community.”

Bringing equality to such a high profile platform is a courageous indictment of the hostility many straight people feel toward gay people, reminiscent of the Earlier Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s.  Twenty -50 years from now, if you are not carrying a banner “Straights for LGBT Right” you and your children will be ashamed.   If my Parents would not have carried their Pro Black Civil Rights Banner – today I would be ashamed.

So – That Said Thank you from Lez Get Real  and the pits of discriminatory hell to Claire Buffie – AND if you need any education as to what our movement in fact needs- have your peeps call us (Nathan@privatecourts.com) and we will tell you all about the new  GAY CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT  – The American Equality Bill and Uniting Amrican Families Act.  It is not about gay marriage it is about Absolute and unequivocal  Equality.

Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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“After locating two different companies offering “dentist strength” teeth whitening products online, Cathy took her idea a step further–to save even more money (as if the trials alone weren’t enough). Cathy (with the help of her son, as she quickly admits) was able to obtain TWO different discount coupons that would drop the shipping price for each trial to less than $1.99–meaning she could get her hands on both trials by paying less than $4 total.

“I was amazed… this was a steal, and I just couldn’t be more thankful. I was able to get both of the products, used them one after another, and the difference is astounding. This is better than I would have expected from my dentist.”

Cathy has been able to use the internet to share her secret with thousands through publications such as this one. If you are interested in following her routine, we have provided the coupon codes and links to the trial offers below:

Step 1: Click here for Dazzle White (Use Promo Code: whiteteeth)
Step 2: Click here for Smile Brite (Use Promo Code: smilenow)”

Now this makes a lot more sense than spending hundreds of dollars at the dentist office. Goes to show that even in a recession, you can still find something to smile about, right? I’ve tried these types of products in the past, as well, and they worked wonders on my poor smoke abused teeth. It’s really worth the five bucks, especially if you’ve got a job interview coming up.

Shading, contours, colors, and concealer… these ladies can do it all!

JoAnne Fowler, best known for her work on The L Word, has founded her own cosmetic firm Sappho Cosmetics. Fowler founded the company at the prompting of L Word actresses Mia Kirshnir and Jennifer Beals. Both Kirshnir and Beals felt that there was a need for safer, chemical free cosmetics. Their fears are well founded. Since the mass production of cosmetics, many chemicals have been used to either soften or tint make up that were highly toxic. Several heavy metals were used in cosmetics for centuries. Today, many less noticeably risky, but just as dangerous chemicals, are used in cosmeitcs.

Sappho Cosmetics specifically does not use Parabens and Pfthalates. Parabens are used to preserve cosmetics, and pfthalates are used to soften and make cosmetics silky. Both have been linked to various forms of cancer. Sappho Cosmetics uses natural materials for their cosmetics and refuses to test their products on animals.

According to their website “Sappho Cosmetics is all about making up fearlessly. It’s about learning how to make up and being as daring as you please but even more importantly it’s about putting products on our faces and bodies that will not harm us.”

They have a wide array of cosmetics for the eyelids, cheeks, lips and face. As with all cosmetics of quality, they are expensive. The website also includes a how to and explanation guide concerning make up application. Many of the product names make mention to L Word actresses, and while not explicitly marketed to the lesbian community, the company is certainly inviting.

Ms Fowler is not the only person working behind the scenes of Hollywood to head on out and make their own line. Bob Mackie, best known for designing clothes for Cher, has his own line of clothing, many of which are designed with the plus sized woman in mind.

Currently Sappho Cosmetics can only be found online. The website is simply laid out and extremely easy to use.

http://sapphocosmetics.com/

Sei is a trans-lesbian who lives in Vermont and has a strong passion for LGBTI rights. She has a BA in History and her hobbies include sci-fi, anime, fantasy, action movies, video games, and more. You can visit her Blogger profile here.