To some, British comedienne and writer Dawn French is the Fat Lady in the portrait who opens the door to Gryffindor Tower, to others, the star of The Vicar of Dibley. For thirty years, she has been partnered with Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous fame in a team that formed part of the center of a generation of British comedians and actors whose one-degree-of-separation includes Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and just about everyone in British television and movies who’s around 50 years old. People tend to forget that Laurie, of House, and Fry, of Bones, started as a comedy duo within an overlapping group of skit comedy shows.

To women of a certain size, though, Dawn French was an earth goddess who celebrated her “19 stones” weight (265 pounds) on a five-foot tall body and posed nude for some absolutely fabulous artistic portraits during her “Big Is Beautiful” campaign aimed at improving British women’s self-image problems. She carried that weight with far more dignity than Kirstie Alley, but could make fun of it constantly in Dibley with candy-bar binges and jokes about growing up nurturing dreams of being a super model, but never getting tall enough. Geraldine Granger’s romantic encounters were both glorious hosannas to huge boobs and poignant reminders of the manner in which society equates boney rib cages with sex appeal. I was disappointed when she was cast as the Fat Lady in the Gryffindor portrait. I wanted her to play Madame Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons. The Vicar of Dibley was both slapstick comedy and social commentary, touching on such issues as hunger in the third world and the quiet coming-out of an older gay man.

Dawn French, now

At this week’s Glamour Magazine awards in London, French revealed her new body, nearly 25% slimmer than her former self, having shed “four-and-a-half stones” (63 lbs.). Still favoring the tent-like tunic-and-pants look of the past (where are Trini and Suzanne when someone needs to learn What Not To Wear?) Dawn’s new figure became the headline, instead of her award-winning first novel A Tiny Bit Marvellous. She had previously written Dear Fatty, which was not addressed to herself, but was a collection of fictionalized letters to her jokingly-nicknamed, skinnier partner Jennifer Saunders.

The novel was the result of her British-cliche separation and divorce from fellow comedian Lennie Henry, best known to American PBS audiences as the title character in the series Chef!  They continued to share their Cornwall home for nearly a year after separating, just as Prince Andrew and Fergie have continued to share homes. A Tiny Bit Marvellous draws on the people in French’s life for the story of a family in meltdown. French retreated to a few rooms in her home and began writing as a coping mechanism. She continued performing primarily as a guest, but French and Saunders were on a hiatus from their joint work as writers, directors, producers and performers in a broad range of projects while Saunders successfully battled breast cancer.

French explained the weight loss as something that just evolved. She reached the age of 50 and accepted what professionals had been saying about her weight for years in their condemnation of her “Big Is Beautiful” campaign – being overweight is unhealthy. For the sake of her daughter Billie, (now 19) French changed her “life priorities” from “my daughter, writing, chocolate and kissing” to her daughter, writing, walking and kissing, though she’s not revealing who she’s kissing these days. In the course of her career, she’s kissed Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, chef Gordon Ramsay and Hugh Grant – and that doesn’t even include her co-stars. French’s “diet” consisted of making healthy food choices and doing a lot of walking. Though nowhere near the size 0 that is the current standard of beauty on both sides of the ocean, French is poised to become the next role model in the mold of Queen Latifah – a woman who can publicly express the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and strong body while still being voluptuous. We don’t have to trade in our grapefruits for Keira Knightly’s grapes. We can exalt in our natural cleavage instead of relying on Victoria’s Secret trickery.

Now fully recovered from both breast cancer and the debilitating effects of chemo, Saunders is apparently moving ahead with a reunion show for AbFab with Joanna Lumley, and hopefully to more joint projects with French. As individuals, they are extraordinary performers, as a partnership, they have always been greater than the sum of their parts, no matter how zaftig those parts were.

Related articles

• Dawn French is dating again and “open to marrying again” after her split from Lenny Henry (mirror.co.uk)
• Dawn French reveals health fears inspired her weight loss (mirror.co.uk)
• Comic Strip returns for one-off potshot at Tony Blair (guardian.co.uk)
• My Crushes (mradclyffe.wordpress.com)
• The 9 0′Clock News – Victoria Beckham converts her gym to a new nursery (heatworld.com)
• AbFab To Return, Sweetie (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• All jokes aside, there’s nothing funny about obesity (thepunch.com.au)
• Radio review: French and Saunders (guardian.co.uk)

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.

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

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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

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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Related articles

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• LGR’s Melanie Nathan To Speak At Cape Town (SA) Pride (lezgetreal.com)
• South African Broadcasting Corporation Quotes Melanie Nathan on Uganda (lezgetreal.com)
• Read: Melanie Nathan’s Keynote Speach at Gala Cape Town Pride (lezgetreal.com)
• Interview with Mr. Gay South Africa on his Way to Manila for Mr. Gay World (lezgetreal.com)

Mr. Gay South Africa Photo by Mel Nathan - Copyright

CAPE TOWN - Francois Nel has a face that could launch a thousand gay bars – and a body that makes the Trojan horse look like a Shetland pony!  His is one you will see headlines this week in many a gay publication and if you read this interview you will see why he deserves your vote, as the All inclusive South African Constitution makes him the GLOBAL ambassador for LGBT  human rights and marriage equality.

I had the luxury of a special afternoon – we met at Cape Town at the Cape Royale – in my hotel suite – where the shjoosh  (old South African word for fancy) ambiance soon  fell victim to our comfortable familiarity – the context of our special day – where we would both be proudly asserting our messages at Cape Town Pride’s Pink Gala. So after the interview we indulged in practicing our speeches – by performing them for each other. AND that was fun!

I had one up on Francois – because I was going to be the main speaker, while he was only going to give a small introduction – but hey – talking one up – I challenge you lesbian, gay, transgender, intersex folk out there to find anyone more stunning in face, physique, heart and soul!! AND what an Interviewee – eloquent, profound and most sure of what he has to say!

That is why Francois is Mr. Gay South Africa and that is why he should win Mr. Gay World.

The Interview:  (remember English is Francois’ second language.)

What made you get into Mr. GAY  South Africa:

FN: Mr .Gay South Africa was something that happened at a time when I am approaching the big 30 – 30 is a milestone and I got involved in self reflection. I thought back over the years  about my life and the story I have lived  up until now –  certainly felt that I was reflecting back on the issue of sexuality – and how it was for me and it’s a story that if I share I can show the world how natural a story it can be.

I was always confident and aware of my inherent sexuality. Always aware of my inherent sexuality I have always known since I can remember that I am attracted to the same gender as myself.

The way I felt about being attracted to other men seemed to stand in contradiction to what the world wanted   me to do and entering a competition like MR. GAY SA is about speaking out about this –  as an issue. I wanted to use my personal story to inspire others to deal with acceptance of the natural nature of being gay.

I want to inspire younger people not to waste a lot of years  afraid of their homosexuality – not to be scared of their natural inherent desires  Especially those in societies where they are  taught that it is wrong.  In South Africa we lucky  because our Constitution is protective of us – but still a lot of work needs to be done at ground level.

A lot of perceptions need to change about what homosexuality is about – it is natural and people need to know!

No one wakes up one morning deciding to be different or live in a way that society does not accept – for me it is my natural way of being – and if others feel the way I did growing up then the message is the same for them. Why waste time waiting to feel better.  You are good as you are now!

MEL:  What do you recommend to youngsters who are uncertain about coming out – Should they go to an organization for help in coming out or  come out to parents right away?

FN: It depends – all situations are unique and different. There is no rule for this.   Family dynamics are different and individuals differ just as our stories do.  The real answer  is that  homosexuality (LGBTQI) Should be more socially accepted by the society at large  - then it would be easier to come out. That is what must change.  At the end of day we should be more socially accepted

Sexuality is not an all encompassing reflection of who we are as human beings; we are  multi faceted as gay or straight people! Sexuality does not define heterosexuals. We have a wide variety of characteristics and interests – As gay s we have to keep explaining who we are – why we are gay- we seem to have a lot of explaining to do.

With heterosexuality they have what is supposed to be the norm and there is not explaining to be done.

For me it is normal – its my norm – its always been normal for me – I can focus on the natural part of myself and hope to help others to do the same.

MEL:  If you were to win Mr., Gay World next week,  and I hope you do because you are an imperative and necessary  ambassador,  especially  because of SA’s unique positioning and  Constitution – would you speak out about decriminalization of homosexuality in Africa

With the Gay Flag from CASTRO that was auctioned for $10,000 with Signatures of US activists including MEUSA's Molly McKay and Dan Choi ; Mel Nathan & MEUSA©

FN Certainly -because we must be involved in activism – it comes back to fact that in SA  we are  lucky  we have legal rights to back us up if discriminated against.  That’s not to say there is NO discrimination –  there still is…

Having title of MR. GAY WORLD will extend my time to work on who we are for the world to see  - Education is something I am incredibly  passionate about and who we are.  My sexuality is like my skin color. I must show it and should not have to explain it – it is my normative and I hope I can transgress the explanations to simply show all the facets of my being; but I will speak to that as an issue anyway.

As well as the education of safe sex – lot of focus on belief systems – some speak to abstinence – safe sex is imperative and abstinence is a dangerous waste of educational resources because people are going to have sex anyway.

Education in schools we should be first taught about the different sexual contexts and sexualities that exist and then we should talk about the applicable safe sex

My own education in safe sex was not enough.  I was lucky because I worked in medical field so I was very aware.  I am blessed – as I worked with a doctor who worked with HIVAIDS

MEL: What are they are going to expect of you when you go to Manila on Monday in the Competition?

FN: It is an international beauty pageant and so much more. It seeks an ambassador from every country – I for example I am proudly South African and so am able to represent my country.

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,

Africa is important for us to bring it here in 2012 because LGBTI  are considered criminals in 37 countries just because of the love – and as you said Mel, we are not hurti9ng anyone else. Science teaches us that one is  born gay or lesbian – why should everyone not enjoy the human right of being who they were born to be.  The African continent must learn that …. So we must bring attention here.

Francois Nel

MEL: SO What would you say to David Bahati  - the author of the kill the Gays bill:

(FN: haha now you start….)

Mel: where he says  “ homosexuality is not a human right and we are a sovereign country and you cant tell us how to make our rules”: how would you answer him?

FN : My immediate response would be that having lived my life I know I was born this way and that any other human who is gay has clearly also been born that way. That person who loves a person of the same sex in no way impinges upon or hurts anyone else.  I  feel as the human race -  we need to embrace the LOVE that exists in the world – regardless of who it is between, whether a man and a man or a woman and a woman – or a man and a woman it is all life and we are all human. The fact that someone can be persecuted for that , or land up in prison because of it, is a problem and definitely hurts the right of the human love. One can never justify such persecution..

MEL: And his answer to that (you see I am kinda preparing you for Manila to (we both laugh).. … “gays have come to Uganda to the schools recruiting our children to become gay – that is how he would answer you – you are speaking from your personal experience and I can relate because mine is the same – but that is what he would say and he says it like he believes it even though despite being asked he has no proof. Your response:

FN: I know people are born gay – its not possible what he says – especially children how do you influence a child that way. We have studies that have been done. Some people have dedicated their lives to such studies . Look at Kingsley for example – sexuality is not as predefined as people think – there is a large spectrum  of sexuality. Evident through the centuries.  Nobody can be recruited. Studies done show that gay people whom adopt kids or have their own – those kids turn out to be completely heterosexual mostly; and I have heterosexual brothers – why are they not gay if our upbringing was exactly the same and I was never recruited.  I was never molested no such influence just my natural sexuality.

MEL:  Sex is a TINY Facet of who we are – as you said not all encompassing – do you think one can be religious and gay?

When it comes to personal belief systems you have a right to believe in whatever  you want to believe or brought up to believe – as long as it does not cause prejudice, judgment towards any minorities  or discrimination  - being part of a democracy means you can believe what you want and hence be at ease with your homosexuality.

MEL: In the  USA rise of right wing Evangelicals – separate from Christianity in general   is hard for us especially activists because they use Christianity as mask of their hate. They say Gay is an abomination as per Leviticus. My understanding is that religion mostly speaks to love, loving kindness and spirituality – that supersedes everything that is the love for fellow human. If an evangelical right winger came to you and quotes Leviticus and calls you an abomination or says your sexual acts are what is your response?

Personal space and personal freedom is something we are all entitled to. My personal space starts here (points to self) and ends here (point to an inch from me) We are in our own spaces.  People can believe what they want and follow what they want. It becomes a problem if they come into my space with their belief system. The bedroom that is my space is mine alone and \those who I invite in and it cannot hurt anyone. So do not trespasses not enter uninvited, because you may find you have entered a belief system different to your own,

We live in a beautiful world. Life expectancy is to be cherished.  We get to embrace our sexuality so we can enjoy our time here.   Doing good on earth toward your fellow human being. If we gay people embody that how can we be judged badly for it?

THANKS for wearing THE SHIRT!!!!

MEL: In USA we have DOMA – which denies us federal rights. Even if we can marry under the law of another country or a state in the USA we still cannot sponsor our foreign spouse for a green card to immigrate.   Two weeks ago President Obama gave a favorable sign about the DOMA being unconstitutional – but in USA legislation to repeal it is long and arduous. The current Congress has an antigay majority –

1. My question is – Do you think that same-sex marriage could cause harm to traditional marriage?

2.  What would you say to a Republican Congress holding us back from marriage equality?

FN: I think I would like to answer both the same – firstly to get married is a human right for gays – but not all may want it – I am passionate about the fact that if gay people want it , then it is available equally with all the rights and obligations it confers .  At the end of the day love in its many phases for gay people is exactly the same as it is for heterosexual people.

Deny anyone a love is detrimental to society – denying love and equality in its infinite and ultimate attainment is detrimental to society.

Remember Mel our conversation the other evening about other campaigns,. We have progress I feel DADT in US shows progress. It comes back to fact that sexuality cannot harm your job – being gay is not all encompassing and we are multifaceted and dropping DADT will show that and before DADT was dropped that was the case,

MEL: Would you be willing as MR GAY WORLD or even Mr. GAY South Africa to come to USA to speak out about your all inclusive constitution and ask questions about why the USA does not have marriage equality?

FN:Yes I would be very excited to do that – like I said the journey around this competition starts with oneself. But it does not start and stop with ME.

MEL: This has been an inspiring conversation. I cannot imagine any other contestant woirthy of this title., English your second language is magnificent – and Sheez you are gorgeous.

FN: At a competition like this we are there competing BUT we are there for same reasons and you we all want to do the same work to inspire people to be who they are and for acceptance in our countries and the world. Just by being there we are all winners.

I am mostly excited that I will be working for charities that provide shelters to those who are homeless because they exiled or gay….  That will be the case no matter what.

MEL: Francois Nel you are an inspiration ….

FN: Oh Melanie thank you for inspiring me!

Tonight Francois texted me from the plane – he is on his way to Manila – his message is poignant and he tells it in a poised and assured way – with unique twists that make his message glow – he is gentle, softly spoken and yet forceful.  I will be voting for him every day … Bon Voyage my Vriend -  you are a winner no matter what!

JUST NOTICED YOU CAN VOTE AT

Copyright Melanie Nathan© 2011 All rights reserved

FRANCOIS WEBSITE   http://francoisnelmrgaysa2010.wordpress.com/

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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Related articles

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• Thousands turn out for Cape Town PRIDE at Street Parade & World Cup Soccer Stadium (lezgetreal.com)
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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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By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

Before we completely indulge ourselves with the wonderful world of sports, one thing needs to be confirmed:

All female athletes are lesbians.

Ugh. Ok. You got me. They’re not, but… They should be.

I mean think about it. Woman versus woman. The sweat. The grunts. The grabbing. Groping. The constant contact. The aggression. The passion…

And those muscles!

But alas, they’re not, and I we have to accept this and eliminate the misconception. Stereotyping is a way of classifying others and dividing them into specific groups so one is able to categorize and justify another’s traits, actions, and general appearance. Too frequently people provide themselves with answers before even posing the question, purely based on the assumptions they have made from past experiences or from what they have heard. As notorious as the general public is for creating stereotypes, we are smarter than that. Growing up as a female athlete, I have heard it all; from teammates to friends to family to friends’ families, “No girl can be that athletic and be straight.” Unfortunately, they can be.

However! Fortunately for us, sometimes that statement is true. Sometimes that girl you’re guarding is keeping that hand on you for another reason. The girl on the other side of the net is checking out your spandex. That cheap tackle was just to get you to land on top of her… It wasn’t until I kissed my first girl (a teammate, ironically enough), that it all made sense. The stereotypes made sense.

So the next time you see a girl wearing nothing but a wife beater and long basketball shorts with her hair in a pony tail, remember that not all female athletes are lesbians. And perhaps an even greater reminder: not all lesbians are athletic. It’s always the ones who don’t fit into the stereotypes that confuse us the most, isn’t it?

Consider this your first glance into the world of: Lesbians and Sports.

Have questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email me directly at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

Melanie Nathan; 8-18-10

Almost 50 at the time, back in In 2007 tennis great Martina Navratilova signed with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as the group’s Health & Fitness ambassador.  Navratilova continues in this capacity, where she makes appearances at AARP events and offers online tips for AARP members on things like diet and fitness for the senior (that word?) crowd.

Navratilova, has won 59 grand slam tennis titles (the last one six weeks shy of her 50th birthday). Martina has been named “Tour Player of the Year” by the Women’s Tennis Association, “Female Athlete of the Year” by the Associated Press, and one of the “Top 40 Athletes of All Time” by Sports Illustrated.

“Because I’m in my 50s, I’m very concerned about flexibility. I know how much it helps me recover from tough matches or workouts and prepare for exercise the next day. And there are other benefits, too. Staying flexible can help you prevent injury, as well as avoid muscle knots and tightness brought on by daily activities. It improves your posture, reduces stress, and generally keeps your body feeling youthful and agile.” asserts Martina on site in one of many articles available to non members as well.

Here is a Video from the AARP website showcasing an example of the health and fitness advice offered
by the now over fifty ambassador.

http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-08-2010/martina_stretching.html

Navratilova will be at the AARP Orlando@50+ in Orlando, FL: September 30 – October 2, which thousands of AARP members and their friends are expected to attend

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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On August 21, 2010, Fifty Master Level Swimmers will plunge into the Great South Bay to swim from Sayville to Fire Island Pines,   to raise funds to benefit the Stonewall Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Those sponsoring the swimmers and friends from all walks of life will be on hand to cheer them on as they make their way through the 5 K open water route, and to congratulate them as they emerge at the Swim’s endpoint in The Pines in the 2^nd Annual Stonewall Swim.

“The inspiration for many of us lies in combining our passion for swimming and sport with our desire to benefit a group like Stonewall that provides grants to so many LGBT community organizations,” said Bradley Matthews, a Stonewall Swim participant and donor.

Last year, the Stonewall Swim raised $100,000 for the Foundation’s vital work.  This year, the swimmers and organizers hope to double their fundraising effort.

“The Stonewall Community Foundation is  committed first and foremost to building community and giving all who care about strengthening the LGBT community a chance to contribute to that goal,” said Paula Ettelbrick, Stonewall’s Executive Director.

The Swim will start at 9:00 am, with the first swimmers reaching The Pines around noon.

About the Stonewall Community Foundation

Since inception in 1990, the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to more than 400 organizations.

Stonewall Community Foundation develops leadership in the NYC LGBTQ community and works with like-minded donors to fund and incubate emerging organizations serving an evolving set of issues.  The Foundation’s Stonewall Institute formally trains organizations and key individuals on mission critical skills for running and growing their organizations and offers programs to inspire community members to personal and financial commitments to organizations.  Our Stonewall Quarter Share engages and develops the largest young donor group training them on community needs and helping them learn about grantmaking and leadership development and Stonewall Out in Front will annually develop 40 next generation board leaders for the movement.

The following individuals are available for interviews about The Stonewall Community Foundation, Stonewall Swim 2010 and the LGBTQ community.

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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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4-20-10- Melanie Nathan; The Women’s Conference® community is a global network of women who gather every year at the nation’s premier forum for women, hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. For two full days, more than 100 internationally-acclaimed leaders, visionaries, authors, journalists and artists come together with more than 25,000 women from all walks of life to be educated, inspired and empowered to be Architects of Change in their own lives, within their communities and around the world.

Beyond the annual event, The Women’s Conference community gathers daily online at www.WomensConference.org and throughout the year at events that serve, support and strengthen the larger community. The mission of The Women’s Conference is to create Architects of Change – people who see a problem and seek to create the solution, be it in their homes, their communities, their states or the world.

The Women’s Conference has become a “must attend” transformational event and full day passes sell out in record-breaking time each year. In 2009, tickets sold out in less than two hours. In response to this surging popularity and demand, The Conference expanded the event to two full days with the addition of A Day of Transformation and Night at The Village.

May 14-16:      I Can Do It! San Diego Conference

The Mind, Body & Soul Retreat featuring dozens of your favorite speakers including Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Cheryl Richardson, Joan Z. Borysenko, Ph.D., Louise L. Hay, and many more workshops ranging from health to spirituality.

• San Diego Convention Center

For more information visit www.icandoit.net or call 800-654-5126

June 9:     The Women’s Conference Press Announcement

Two weeks prior to registration, The Women’s Conference 2010 announces conference events, speakers & ticket information. Information will be available at www.womensconference.org.

June 23:    The Women’s Conference 2010 Online Ticket Registration

(Please note: Date is subject to change.)

To learn more about The Women’s Conference 2010, click HERE.

**Check out The Great Giveaway for a chance to win 2 free Special Guest Passes to The Women’s Conference 2010.

September 10-12:    Best Buddies Challenge

JOIN TEAM MARIA on a cycling adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which also includes an optional 5K & 3K walk. For more information, click HERE.

October 10:     Pier del Sol

JOIN US at a family festival & fundraiser for Special Olympics, Southern California

• Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
• 10am – 2pm

October 25-26:     The Women’s Conference 2010

The Nation’s Premier Forum for Women

• A Day of Health, Wellness & Transformation and Night at The Village – Oct. 25
• A Day of Empowerment & The Minerva Awards – Oct. 26
• Long Beach Convention Center
• To learn more about The Women’s Conference 2010, click HERE.

**Check out The Great Giveaway for a chance to win 2 free Special Guest Passes to The Women’s Conference 2010.

December 7:    Season of Giving Event – Sacramento

The Women’s Conference supports a statewide holiday food drive and tree lighting event.

• California State Capitol, Sacramento

December 14:    California Hall of Fame Event – Sacramento

To honor legendary people who embody California’s innovative spirit.

• The California Museum, Sacramento
• Visit www.californiamuseum.org

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The Women’s Conference 2010

October 25 & 26

Posted by Melanie Nathan

from Site of Womens Conference

 • Among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, the health of bisexual and transgender people is somewhat worse than their heterosexual and non-transgender counterparts, respectively.

• The health of lesbian, gay, people is comparable to that of heterosexual respondents. However, lesbians were less likely to have routine pap tests compared with their heterosexual female counterparts.

• Transgender persons had worse outcomes with respect to self‐reported health, disability status, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, and lifetime violence victimization.

• Bisexual respondents how worse outcomes with respect to self‐reported health, disability status, suicide ideation, as well as lower rates of mammography for bisexual women compared with their heterosexual female counterparts.

• Legally married same‐sex couples were more likely to obtain health insurance through their spouse’s employer than non‐legally same sex couples.

 This research validates the research on other minority populations that associates stigma and other social determinants with poor health outcomes.  The health disparities faced by minority groups are all too common. Increasingly, there are more theories regarding the factors that lead to health disparities. Research increasingly points to a range of social inequities including income, access to health care or insurance, and housing as factors that impact everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender. However, there are theories specific to minority groups that add additional factors based on minority status.

 Recent changes, including marriage equality, may be helping to reduce disparities for lesbians and gay men, possibly by providing greater access to health insurance.  However, transgender persons still face major barriers with respect to employment nondiscrimination, public accommodations and general social acceptance. This report finds transgender persons reporting the highest level of health disparities.  See http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/commissioner/lgbt_health_report.pdf

One big hit is when it comes to  Gay Men and Women with Diabetes  -    Could the medical community be overlooking 2.5 million people who have diabetes?  Currently, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8 percent of the population, have diabetes. Although an estimated 17.9 million of them have been diagnosed, 5.7 million (nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.  If lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people comprise 10 percent of the U.S. population, then 10 percent of people with diabetes are part of the LGBT community-about 2.5 million people.  (Another reason to participate in the 2010 census.)

Lack of equality has always been a problem as we all know, but when it comes to specific stories we realize just how hard we must fight, because our lack of rights  detrimentaly impact  every aspect of our lives.  When Jim went to a local emergency room  for kidney stones, he experienced an episode of hypoglycemia. While he was trying to get a nurse’s attention to explain what was happening, his blood sugar sank to a dangerous 19 mg/dL and he began to have a seizure. The emergency staff rushed to raise his blood sugar and admit him to the intensive care unit, but no one bothered to tell his spouse, John, who was scared and confused.   Yet another example of the loneliness of marriage for a gay couple in the US.

“ Diabetes is a stress in any relationship and  when you combine that with the added stresses of life as a lesbian or a gay man-whether you are open about it or not-there is a great need for LGBT people with diabetes and the partners who support them to receive services and information geared to their unique needs, “  Said John from DANG Foundation.   

With the help available in the myriad of articles and unique content provided by  pre-eminent sites like the Diabetes Health Website,  and an increased awareness of one’s right to fight…. my message is fight for your rights and fight for your health…and fight for your health so you can fight for your rights.

Blog by Melanie Nathan