-
Description
-
ToC Cover: The Real L Word Returns by Rachel Shatto (p54); Stud Seduction by Tina Vasquez (p34); Nikki, Jll and a Baby Makes Three by Merryn Johns (p36); Love is Love by Katherine Wright (p48); Tomboy Chic by Stephanie Schroeder (p50); A Life in Lesbian Letters by Victoria A. Brownworth (p40); Power Shot by Merryn Johns (p42); Freedom Writer by Victoria A. Brownworth (p43); The Medium is the Message by Victoria A. Brownworth (p 44); Lesbian Lens by Stephanie Schroeder (p46): Cover Photo: Jeff Lipsky/Showtime.
See all items with this value
-
issue
-
5
-
Date Issued
-
June 2012
-
Format
-
PDF/A
-
Publisher
-
Frances Stevens
-
Identifier
-
Curve_Vol22_No5_June-2012_OCR_PDFa.pdf
-
extracted text
-
Join Now at TotalRewards.com
Create Your Own Experience
with Total Rewards.
Harralis
w.~.pp·
HoRsEsHoE.
Must be of legal age to gamble
BALLYS 7~
in
HRRVE!:IS
TOTAL
inh planet
SHOWBOAT [ROA!luH,OUSE
J
REWARDS®
~hollywood
a casino Know When To Stop Before You Start
IMPERIAL
PALACE
Gambling
Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700
c
2012 Caesars License Company
LLC
Features JUNE2012
54
The Real L Word Returns
Read our exclusive interviews with the cast and
creator of The Real L Word for a sneak peek at
all the drama, sex and romance season three
has in store. By Rachel Shatto
34
Stud Seduction
Inside a burgeoning butch trend in erotic
entertainment: Dom Dancers. By Tina Vasquez
36
Nikki, Jill and a Baby Makes Three
Our scoop on the glam couple's plans for
parenthood By Merryn Johns
48
Love is Love
Witness the romance of one California
couple's traditional marriage ceremony.
By Katherine Wright
50
Tomboy Chic
Original Tomboy fuses fashion-forward style
with creature comfort for the rough-and-tumble
crowd. By Stephanie Schroeder
;;;:~
w
::;;
i=
::;:
Profilesin Pride
0
I
Cl)
;;::
With Pride season upon us we take a closer
look at some of the people on the cultural
frontier who fight for lesbian identity.
:.'.
Cl)
0..
:J
LL
LL
~
0
~
0
a:
w
40
Memories of lesbian poet and radical feminist
Adrienne Rich. By VictoriaA. Brownworth
a:
~
z
<i:
0
0
Cl)
A Life in Lesbian Letters
42
z
Power Shot
What Pride means to lesbian photographer,
Catherine Opie. By Merryn Johns
f2
_J
<i:
$
:!,
>I
43
0..
a:
('.)
0
I0
I
0..
Cl)
z
Freedom Writer
Jewelle Gomez turns her pen into a
tool for change. By VictoriaA. Brownworth
<i:
44
The Medium is the Message
Michelle Kristel harnesses the power of
mass media. By Victoria A. Brownworth
0
~
(')
:!,
t::
<i:
a:
0
w
>
0
_J
46
Lesbian Lens
Documentarian Heather Connell gives a
voice to the unheard. By Stephanie Schoeder
z
>a:
I
ti:
0
$'
~
z
<i:
:J
0
('.)
<i:
0
0
:.'.
I-
a:
w
[Il
_J
<i:
June 2012
I1
Departments JUNE2012
IN EVERY ISSUE
6
8
10
12
21
24
26
31
80
28
Letters
Contributors
Editor's Letter
30
Lesbofile
32
Lipstick & Dipstick
Scene
E
~
<(
N
<(
~
_J
>a:
w
I
-
Stars
u
.
a§
~
8
_J
Curvatures
Go to Pride in style with the hottest
rainbow-colored looks of the season;
and lesbians get a leg up in the
workforce with StartOut.
22
Politics
There isn't room for Pride in many places
where women's lives are at risk.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
72
14
The Two of Us
Our monthly profile of lesbian couples
who live, love and work together.
This Is What a Lesbian Looks Like
Out in Front
Fitness Advice
Celebrate the female body with Jennifer Kries'
naked yoga program.
Laugh Track
Legendary comic Kate Clinton and
lesbian rocker Christine Martucci
team up for Pride.
74
76
78
<(
Stage: Eyes Wild Drag aims to revolutionize
:::>
(f)
the Italians' view of gender.
>
<(
Music: Singer-songwriter and LGBT ally Dar
t:!
Williams on gods, gender and her new album.
u
Books: Jeanette Winterson unveils her new
u
memoir and lesbian romance author Radclyffe
goes from plastic surgeon to publisher.
ai
Food: Chef Christine Manfield is blazing
her way along the Spice Trail with her new
cookbook TastingIndia.
a:
co
w
S2
>N
z
w
_J
w
a:
co
<(
CJ
-"
N
w
u
::i
~
<(
:i:
Cl.
0
(f)
2
I curve
Reina
Williams
Win a Date with Lesbian Stockholm
Stockholm is gay, gay-friendly-and simply
friendly! Whatever you're looking for, count on a
warm welcome. The sophisticated Scandinavian
city known for its openness, diversity and respect
rolls out its red carpet for you! Stockholm wants
to share the love and invites you to win a date
with Stockholm together with a person you love
or simply your best friend. There is so much to
enjoy in Stockholm-from an action packed
outdoor adventure to a designer shop fest, art
gallery marathon or a nonstop party. There's a
Stockholm weekend to suit everybody! To enter,
simply vote for the Stockholmer whose idea of the
perfect visit appeals to you the most! The prize
is a roundtrip ticket courtesy
of SAS to Stockholm plus a
3-night stay at a Stockholm
Gay & Lesbian Network
partner hotel, breakfasts
included. Not only do you get
the best insider tips on what
to do and see, you'll also get
to experience this with a local
Stockholmer! Hurry, enter now
at curvemag .com/winsweden.
Show Your Pride
Check our listing of
Pride events out our
calendar at curvemag.
com. Plus, party with
the curve team when
we sponsor the
sizzling lnfernoPride.
(infernodances. com)
Reina Williams Mixes It Up
Reina Williams may be most recognized for her time
on The X-Factor, but now the singer-songwriter is
opening up about her new album and queering
gender presentation on
national 1V.
More with
Shelly Hickman
Bad Girls Club alum
and out proud lesbian Shelly
Hickman spills on life after
reality 1V, her continued
passion for marriage equality
activism and what it really
means to be a bad girl.
if)
~
<{
:l
~
(/)
Cl
z
z
z
~
(/)
a:
I
u
41
curve
~~
FAMILY OF CONSUMER COMPANIES
care with
To get up to $65 in brand savings and
learn more, visit www.carewithpride.com
or text PRIDE to 467467~*
PRIDE
•
.
Jeanne Manford, PFLAG's founder, took action against
intolerance by standing beside her son in New York's Gay
Pride March. You can help to continue this mother's legacy
of caring and defuse the growing epidemic of bullying.
PFLAG
For each Care with Pride™ coupon or
rebate redeemed, PFLAG, including
their "Cultivating Respect: Safe Schools
for All" program will receive $1 from the
Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer
Companies.*
©McNEIL-PPG, Inc. 2012
*PFLAG will receive a minimum of $200,000,
**Data rates from your carrier may apply.
and up to $300,000,
...
~,
IIOOtN,_,ttlO<l
.
.. YUll000llVN0
..... WM•11~ ~G
Whhe"•~er,ert.R,u1orcs£n•mel
..._..,_. ...,,,.
f,.;;;;,m
•
1£1lfT2.it10tl)
Use all products
only as directed.
from The Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies for coupon/rebate redemption.
LETTERS
Mademy dayto seeJACKIE
WARNER
on the cover!!!!!!!
:))))))sheis awesome!!!
-Heather QuillenHilley
I absolutelyadore[Jackie
Warner]!I dreamof working
out with her my nexttrip to
L.A.-Dayna Richardson
MAVAA'flL
TAKESTrlE
t~tJiK
fitness
65 reveals
orkoutseC
w
She'sgreatandreally
powerful;-) Welcomeback!
-Marjory Lefevre
Aboutto be a greatevening!
Just got my newcurve mag
in the mail! -Tina Trotter
I just got my curve
magazinefor the first
time in the mailyesterday
andI mustsayit's an
awesomeread... my
girlfriendreadit too and
enjoyedit andfor herto
readsomethingit mustbe
good!lol -Jenna Wilcox
Thanks for another great issue of the maga,
zine [Vol. 22#4]. I am really enjoying how
smart, funny and diverse this magazine is.
It just keeps getting better and better. Great
job on finally including fitness and fashion
editorial on a regular basis, too. And good job
on the eye candy. Jackie Warner and Rachel
Maddow and Martina Navratilova in the same
issuer Yummy!
- Karen B., San Diego
Southern Florida in "Rebuilding Your Life:'
Her story really represents the struggles of
countless Americans in this economy and
gets to the roots of change,making: the desire
to rise above adversity. Additionally, Victoria
Brownworth challenges us all to deeply examine
ourselves in terms of our own day to day deci,
sion making as both role models for others
and in being true to ourselves as feminists.
Keep up the good work!
-Melanie Mead, Tucson, Ariz.
Black Bag Blues
May 2012 [Vol. 22#4] is the most engaging
issue I've read in a while and it's full of solid
back to back articles. I love the diversity of
the various women profiled for the amazingly
unique ways that they impact our society and
connect our communities. I especially felt
inspired reading about Te,Erika Patterson's
efforts with the homeless community in
What
city has
the best
Pride
event?
According
to a
curvemag.com
poll
6
I curve
Oneof the funnest,hippest,
andbestmagazinesI have
everread.A wonderful
wayto connectthe lesbian
population!-Laura McCoy
,ssACK\
May Raves
Poll
I couldn'twait for my issueto
comein the mailso I wentto
B&Nandboughtone.=] LOVE
IT!Angel,our 12-year-old,
saidhewantsto showhis
friends.Howcute is that?=]
-Serina Espinoza
46% SanFrancisco
24% NewYork
9% Sydney
8% Minneapolis
7% Atlanta
3% Boston
2% London
1% Berlin
I love your magazine. I love the articles,
advice and reviews. I love the news that I hear
from nowhere else but your pages. But every
month, when I see that black,plastic package
in my mailbox, I am filled with a sense of dis,
appointment. I know the reasons for sending
your publication out that way-not everyone
is out, not everyone is in a place where it is safe
to receive a lesbian,focused magazine. But at
the same time, that black plastic sends the
message that there is something wrong with
subscribing to your magazine, reading and
enjoying it. I have struggled with internalized
homophobia, I have struggled with fear and
shame and depression over who and what I
am. But I am in a place now where I am com,
fortable with my sexuality. I wonder, does your
little black cover do more harm than goodr
-Elizabeth Wawrzyniak, Milwaukee, Wisc.
SEND LETTERSTO: curve
Editor'sNote:Good news, Elizabeth. Although
we will continue to ship our magazine in a bag
for the protection of some readers'privacy, we
are changing the color!
Weighty Matters
Just a quick note to thank you-and
all
of the people who bring us curve. I love
reading about all of the wonderful things
our community is involved in, and am really
enjoying your travel sections. However, I am
a large,framed butch woman, and not very
often do I see articles inclusive of overweight
people. Let alone large butch women. We are
an untapped, forgotten market. I know these
subjects may not sell magazines from the
stands, but the content may touch base with
some loyal readers, and may even catch the eye
of a few new ones. -Treve, London, Ontario
I Want More
I had the opportunity of reading an issue of
curve and found its information to be embrac,
ing and inclusive. Wow. Although the issue I
read was old [Vol. 21#1], I became enthused
to read more. I was wondering if curve was
still in publication and if so, how can I be a
subscriber.
-A. Clemmons, CorcoranCalif.
Editor'sNote:Yes! We are still going strong!To
subscribego to curvemag.com.
magazine,
POBox467, NewYork,NY10034
EMAIL:letters@curvemag.com
FAX:510.380.7487
GOTO:curvemag.com/letters
• subscribe
• renew
• payyourbill
• getmissingissues
• changeaddress
• givea gift
Womenfest Key West
September 4-9, 2012
women.fest.com
TheFloridaKeys
Key West is home to an abundance of
charming, Victorian-inspired Conch homes.
KeyWest
Close To Perfect - Far From Normal
CONTRIBUTORS
"By offering
business
mentoring,
they're
ensuring that
innovative
women are
given the
support
they need
to succeed
in maledominated
fields."
LaurenLoGiudice
is an actor, model, writer, host, producer, improv comic and amateur chef. A New Yorker
born in Queens, now living out in Brooklyn who likes
to shake the dust of the outer boroughs off to travel
the world, living and working in places that range
from India to Mexico to Italy. Eats her greens and
hates bacon. Read her adventures in Italy on page 72.
(laurenlogiudice.com)
Dar Dowlingis a New York-based writer and visual
artist who's made a 10-year study of culture, sci-fi,
human sexuality, entertainment and fitness, much
of which is reflected in her work. She publishes
regularly in a variety of American and international
magazines and newspapers. You'll find profiles of
celebrities and people of interest including Cynthia
Nixon, Tristan Taormino and Nina Hartley in her
portfolio, along with pieces on lesbian cougars and
open relationships. She's gearing up to launch her
first graphic novel featuring sexy kick-ass lesbian and
bisexual characters. In this issue Dowling explores
naked yoga on page 28.
SassafrasLowreyis a Brooklyn-based, international
award-winning storyteller, author, artist and educator.
Most recently ze received an Honorable Mention from
the 2011 Astrea Lesbian Writers Fund. Lowrey is
s I curve
editor of the two-time American Library Association
honored, and Lambda Literary Finalist Kicked
Out anthology, which brought together the voices
of homeless LGBT youth. Hir prose has been
included in numerous anthologies and magazines.
Lowrey regularly lectures and facilitates LGBT storytelling workshops at colleges and conferences
across the country. Hir debut novel Roving Pack will
be released autumn 2012, and ze is currently editing Leather Ever After, an anthology of BDSM fairy
tale retellings. Read Lowrey's interview with S. Bear
Bergman on page 47. (PoMoFreakshow.com)
Oakland, Cali£ resident LisaGunther
is a marketing
copywriter by day and a freelance writer by night.
She has profiled many Bay Area entrepreneurs, so
when she was asked to interview Marie Trexler about
StartOut's new Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring
Program (page 14), she couldn't turn it down. "The
program is a wonderful addition to the lesbian
community," says Gunther. "By offering business
mentoring, they're ensuring that innovative women
are given the support they need to succeed in maledominated fields:' When she's not typing, Gunther
can be found with her nose in a book, trying out new
recipes, or making up ridiculous songs about her two
beloved cats, Buster and Chloe.
~
a:
~
~
z
0
0
z
g
0
>-
(/)
(IT
U
0
::J
ci
~
~
<(
~
iii
0
z
I
Q
~
Rethink Possible®l.J,
share your life,
sl1arc-!yc,111· 11riclc-!.
Live your life out loud. Stay connected with your Nokia Lumia 900.
(877) 437-1007
www.att.com/curve
©2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks
contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
EDITOR'S
NOTE
I
N ORDINARY
CIRCUMSTANCES,
people are delighted to
see a rainbow, that optical phenomenon that happens
after rain. While scientists know that a rainbow is an
illusion produced by the sun shining on moisture in the earth's
atmosphere, we less scientific folk take rainbows to be a sign of
good fortune, no matter how fleeting. The fact
that Gay Pride is symbolized by a rainbow flag
is both apt and troubling. True, the rainbow
does have a long history of denoting diversity,
inclusiveness and hope. And yet I would not
want to think that our hopes for equality are
as ephemeral as a rainbow. While some queers
may deride the rainbow flag as unfashionable, I
see a new significance in it, especially in an elec,
tion year, as our equal rights are being sidelined
by fiscally obsessed, pragmatic politicos. Our
demands are frequently trivialized as "special
interests:' I don't want special treatment-I
want equaltreatment. But a lot of people in this
country don't want me, or you, to have it. What
are we going to do about that?
If you are in any doubt about how perilous
our position is this year-as a community and
as a significant segment of the population-read
Amy L. Stone's
excellent book, Gay Rights at the Ballot Box. We have won,
she says, citing the campaign tactics and social movements that
sprung up across the country in response to anti,gay legisla,
tion, but mostly we are losing at the ballot box. Remember, it
was on the same night that progressive senator Barack Obama
was elected president of the United States that California
voters passed Prop. 8, defeating the largest LGBT campaign
in U.S. history. Stone wisely argues that campaigns are made,
not born, and that the progress of LGBT rights is not inevi,
table; social gains can be rolled back at any time. So when you
get out your rainbow flag and accessories for this year's Pride
parade, think about what all those colors mean to us. Think
about reallybeing "here and queer;' about occupying a space in
this society.
In real life, rainbows happen randomly and then they're gone.
We need something much more enduring if we are to move
out from the margins and claim our rightful place in main,
stream culture. Weve seen a lot of nasty, anti,female, anti,gay
campaign tactics already this year. There's not a lot you can do
about the way politicians behave, using us as their wedge, their
whipping post. But using your rights as a citizen and voting
could mean getting our community back on a winning streak.
And that would be special.
Special
Interests
ff~
Editor-in-Chief
merryn@curvemag.com
,o I curve
curve
THE BEST-SELLING
JUNE 2012
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
I VOLUME 22 NUMBER 5
Publisher Silke Bader
Founding Publisher Frances Stevens
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief Merryn Johns
Managing Editor Rachel Shatto
Associate Editor Jillian Eugenios
Book Review Editor Rachel Pepper
Contributing Editors Victoria A. Brownworth, Gina Daggett,
Sheryl Kay, Stephanie Schroeder, Constance Parten
Copy Editor Katherine Wright
Editorial Assistant Adam Brinklow, Kim Hoffman
OPERATIONS
Director of Operations Laura McConnell
ADVERTISING
National Sales
Rivendell Media (908)232-2021, info@rivendellmedia.com
East Coast Sales
Kristin R. Thomas (704)837-0171, kristin@curvemag.com
Robin Perron (910)795-0907, robin@curvemag.com
West Coast & Midwest Sales
Deidre Saddoris (303)242-5479, deidre@curvemag.com
Business Development
Sallyanne Monti (510) 545-4986, sallyanne@curvemag.com
ART/PRODUCTION
Art Director Stefanie Liang
Production Artist Kelly Nuti
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Kathy Beige, Kelsy Chauvin, Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, Maria De La
0, Jill Goldstein, Lisa Gunther, Melany Joy Beck, Kristin Flickinger,
Gillian Kendall, Charlene Lichtenstein, Karen Loftus, Sassafras
Lowrey, Ariel Messman-Rucker, Constance Parten, Laurie K.
Schenden, Stephanie Schroeder, Lori Selke, Kristin Smith, Janelle
Sorenson, Allison Steinberg, Dave Steinfeld, Edie Stull, Yana
Tallon-Hicks, Tina Vasquez, Jocelyn Voo
CONTRIBUTING
ILLUSTRATORS
& PHOTOGRAPHERS
Erica Beckman, Meagan Cignoli, JD Disalvatore, Sophia Hantzes,
Syd London, Cheryl Mazak, Maggie Parker, Constance Parten,
Leslie Van Stelten, Katherine Streeter, Kina Williams
PO Box 467
New York, NY i 0034
Phone (415) 871-0569 Fax (510) 380-7487
Advertising Sales (415) 692-5420
Subscription Inquiries (800) 705-0070 (toll-free in us only)
(818) 286-31 02 (outside US)
Digital Edition Subscriptions zinio.com/digital.curvemag
Advertising Email advertising@curvemag.com
Editorial Email editor@curvemag.com
Letters to the Editor Email letters@curvemag.com
Volume 22 Issue 5 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published monthly (except for bimonthly
January/February and July/August) by Avalon Media, LLC, PO Box 467, New York NY
10034. Subscription price: $59.90/year, $59.90 Canadian (U.S. funds only) and $89.95
international (U.S. funds only). Returned checks will be assessed a $25 surcharge. Periodicals
postage paid at San Francisco, CA 94114 and at additional mailing offices (USPS 0010-355).
Contents of Curve Magazine may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part,
without written permission from the publisher. Publication of the name or photograph of any
persons or organizations appearing, advertising or listing in Curve may not be taken as an
indication of the sexual orientation of that individual or group unless specifically stated. Curve
welcomes letters, queries, unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Include SASE for response.
Lack of any representation only signifies insufficient materials. Submissions cannot be
returned unless a self-addressed stamped envelope is included. No responsibility is assumed
for loss or damages. The contents do not necessaraly represent the opinions of the editor,
unless specifically stated. All magazines sent discreetly. Subscription Inquiries: Please write
to Curve, Avalon Media LLC., PO Box 467 New York NY 10034, email crvcs@magserv.com.
Canadian Agreement Number: 40793029. Postmaster:Send Canadianaddresschangesto crvcs@
magserv.com,Curve, PO Box 122, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S8. Send U.S. address changesto
crvcs@magserv.com,
Curve, PO Box 17138, N. Hollywood,CA 91615-7138. Printedin the U.S.
curvemag.com
z
LIU
tr:
cf:
LIU
u
z
~
(/)
z
0
u
3R/OGESTOnE
Your Journey, Our Passion
Pursue Your Own Journey.
Quiet performance. Turanza tires absorb road noise
and deliver a smooth, quiet ride.
ForyournearestBridgestone
Authorized
Dealer,
visitourwebsite
orcall 1-877-TIRE-USA.
bridgestonetire.corn
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
StartOut is helping to put lesbians in the corner office.
Silicon Valley is known throughout the country
as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
But when it comes to finding venture capital for
those new technology companies, the network of
investors is still pretty much a boys' club. That's
why StartOut.org is unique-it's
committed to
fostering business opportunities throughout the
lesbian community and is launching its Lesbian
Entrepreneur Mentoring Program in San Francisco
this June.
To learn more, curve caught up with Marie
Trexler, a former investor for Intel Capital and
currently a StartOut board member. With upwards
of 60 venture investments in her portfolio, Trexler
became involved with StartOut after a poignant
career change-one that focused less on financial
investment and more on investing in the LGBT
community. "It was just a really good fit for me;'
Trexler says, "because I had been looking for a way
to get more involved with the community. Plus,
my career had always been about working with
entrepreneurs, so I just thought this program was a
fantastic idea. It's a great way to get people together:'
"We' re doing it to help create more wealth in the
People like Ramona Pierson, the CEO and
founder of Pierson Labs, Inc., and the recipient
community, and to create successful business
of the Google Innovator Award at the first annual
leaders ... We're not just providing coaches,
StartOut Awards, which were held in March.
Pierson, who has signed on to be a mentor for the
we're providing a value-added resource."
program, remembers firsthand what it was like to be
a young professional in need of a guiding voice.
When asked why mentorship is so important for the lesbian
mentoring program proves successful in San Francisco, it will see
community in particular, Pierson explains, "When you look
a second run in New York.
around at women who have started businesses, especially women
In a statement on the Women 2.0 website, Leanne Pittsfordwho have started technology businesses, there are so few. And this
the founder and CEO of StartSomewhere and a StartOut board
isn't to put down our community, but you see that men have really
member-explains
that the rewards of the program are twofold.
created these strong communities of support through mentoring
"Helping lesbian entrepreneurs serves the dual goals of building
each other, but there are so few women who have come together in
a stronger entrepreneurial community and building a stronger
these professional communities:'
gay community ... StartOut is doing that by starting the Lesbian
Trexler agrees."It's one of the disadvantages that women, regard~
Entrepreneur Mentorship Program. In speaking with lesbian
less of sexuality, have in the world of starting businesses-that
entrepreneurs, it became clear that mentoring was high on the
they aren't as networked, that they don't have that sense of cama~ list of needs, and a simple way to provide immediate value to new
raderie. So we thought that would be a great value to try to bring
business owners:'
to StartOut. But because a mentorship program takes a lot of
"Were doing it to help create more wealth in the community,
resources and time, we wanted to do something very limited and
and to create successful business leaders;' says Trexler. "That's the
specific, so we could learn what the best way to do it would
endgame of our organization ... Were not just providing coaches,
be:' Much is riding on the success of the pilot program. If the
we're providing a value~added resource:'(startout.org) [LisaGunther]
14
I curve
E0K9advantlx®II
II ISFOR
K9ADVANTIX
USE
ONDOGS
ONLY.
•
©2012 Bayer HealthCare LLC,Animal Health Division, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and K9 Advantix
are registered trademarks of Bayer. Frontline is a registered trademark of Merial.
K12778
CURVATURES
We're Not Over the Rainbow
Ring in this year's Pride season in polychromatic style.
By Rachel Shatto
Across the nation, multicolor flags unfurl, floats are festooned in glitter and fringe, and LGBT
chests fill with self~love and the need to shout it from the rooftops. That's right ladies, it's Pride season!
But there is a darker side to Pride. One marked by tacky rainbow~colored fanny packs, feather boas and the dreaded
Labrys symbol. Fortunately it doesn't have to be this way. This year, declare your gayness out loud, proud and
brightly colored with these fashion~forward accessories and apparel.
1. We'reHere,Queer
andAccessorized
Givethe nameplatenecklacean LGBTtwist with NappyHappy'shandcrafted
queernecklace.($16,nappyhappy.
etsy.com)
8. BuckleUp
Forgayladieswhoprefertheir Pride
stylewith a bit moreedge,Craftie
Robot'srainbowbucklecuff is butchie,
cuteandgayall day.($10,craftierobot.
etsy.com)
14. Star Power
Fascinate
herwith this star-studded
handmade
fascinatorfromaccessory
mavenJanineBasil.It's so cuteyou'll
wearit yearround.($24,janinebasil.
etsy.com)
2. HomoHeadgear
Weareso gayfor thisfedorafrom
Kitsonbecausenothingsayship,
hothomolikea rainbow-colored
andoh-so-chicchapeau.
($38,showkitson.com)
9. SapphicSunburst
Wantto shiverin fashionista
horror?Google"rainbowearrings."
Fortunately,
the artisanbehindAnna
Lee'sCraftsprovesthat rainbowcoloredearbaublescanbestylish
with their leathersunburstearrings.
($22,annaleecrafts.etsy.com)
15. QueerCoif
Clip-inrainbowhairextensions
area greatwayto takeyourPride
boundhairdofromso-soto so-sofabulous.As if ourhaircutsaren't
gayenoughontheirown,am I right?
($20,ikickshins.etsy.com)
3. Pocketbook
Pride
Cooperative's
RainbowMoonClutch
is the perfectsidekickfor carting
aroundall yourgoodies.In other
words,it's the perfectsizefor a
pen,ChapStickandall the numbers
you'llgetat the dykemarch.
($20,urbanoutfitters.com)
4. RainbowBright
If thereis anythingthatfierceand
funkyDewberries
ownerJacqueline
Kennedyknows,it's glamour.So,
addsomeglitzto yourPridegear
with herRainbowBlingCuff.
($35,luvthatdewberries.com)
5. Bestof BothBling
Areyouan equalopportunitydater?
DeclareyourbisexualPridein style
with a leatherandrhinestone
cuff in
glitterybi flag colors.($32,mybipride.
etsy.com)
6. StatementPiece
Worriedyou'reflyingunderthe
radarat the dykemarch?Subtlety
is overrated;let the ladiesknow
you'refamilywith the Lesbian
PrideDykeResinRing.($20,
cardcarryinglesbian.etsy.com)
w
w
1-
w
~
>8,
0
a:
~
w
(f)
(f)
~
1O.RingerZinger
Doyouhavea blindspotwhenit
comesto heterolovin'?ThenDyke
Teeshasjust theshirtfor you!
($20,dyketees.com)
11. BinaryBuster
Is dualityof gendernotyourjam?
Declareit defiantly,proudlyand,
mostimportantly,in glitterwith
RowdyBaubles'Gndrfckrnecklace.
($22,rowdybaubles.etsy.com)
12. TheEyesHaveIt
Withall thesparkleandglitterat
Pridethere'sguaranteed
to be
plentyof glare,sowhy notkeep
the sunoutof youreyeswith sassy
glasses?Ourpick:TheRetroRainbow
ZebraSunglasses
fromHotTopic.
($1O,hottopic.com)
13. PumpUpYourPride
Whosaysa paradeanddesignerduds
aremutuallyexclusive?
Glamit up
with BetseyJohnson'srainbow-tastic
LondonLightsBooties.
($90,modcloth.com)
7. Precipitation
ProofPride
Whenit's timeto marchyou'd
betterbe bootedandsuitedfor
all kindsof weather.Buthave
nofear,noonecanrainonyour
Prideparadein theseadorable
RainbowRainBoots.($15,
spencersonline.com)
June 2012
I 17
CURVATURES
THE
GETAWAY
THAT
GETS
YOU
FromTheNeon
Museum,
where
LasVegas'
iconic
artformispreserved
andcelebrated,
toziplinesover
Fremont
Street
andLGBT
poolparties,
LasVegas
istheplace
tobeforgay
funinthesun.Andwhen
thesungoes
down,
theaction
heats
upatLasVegas'
newest
gayhotspot,
Share
Nightclub.
Head
to
VisitLasVegas.com/gaytravel
the rundown
The United States Supreme Court has
denied JohnLatter'sappeal connected to the
Teena,a transgender
1993 murder of Brandon
man. Lotter currently is on death row in
Nebraska for the brutal rape and murder
of Teena and two witnesses. Teena's life
and his murder were depicted in the film
BoysDon'tCry... Rudolpho
Tribulioand Anna
Carmicheal,
students at PalmerHighSchool
in Colorado
Springs,
Colo.,were reportedly
kicked off the staff of their high school
yearbook by the advisor who demanded they remove a photo of a lesbian couple
from a page about student relationships, or the entire page would be cut from
the yearbook. Other students later quit the yearbook staff in protest. The school
alleges the issue wasn't with the sexual orientation of the couple pictured, but
the amount of PDA which went against high school policy. The school district is
couple AliciaandChristina
(last names unknown)
currently investigating ... Toronto
have become the first lesbian couple to get engaged at a National Hockey League
game. Hockey fans watched as Alicia was escorted onto the ice blindfolded and
as the blindfold was removed there was a message from her girlfriend on the
scoreboard. Christina dropped to one knee and proposed to cheers from the
crowd who, unfazed by the same-sex proposal, were reportedly more concerned
that Alicia is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and Christina is a Senators fan ... Iman
Musaand MajidaMugrabi,
a lesbian couple, in Toronto
currently face deportation
back to Israel. The Muslim couple says they will be killed if deported. The
couple, who came to Canada in 2007, have thus far been unsuccessful in gaining
refugee status in the courts arguing threats of violence from their families. Judge
Roger Hughes has granted the couple another hearing before the Immigration
and Refugee board, a result of new information, proof that a cousin of Mugrabi
was refused
confessed to a so-called "honor killing" of his sister ... BarbaraJohnson
CatholicChurchin Gaithersburg,
Md.at the
communion at St.JohnNeumann
funeral mass of her mother because the priest had learned before the service that
Johnson was a lesbian. Rev. Marcel Guarnizo, who refused Johnson communion,
was put on administrative leave by his parish after
Lowrey]
the controversy went public. [Sassafras
andplanyourgetaway
today.
Rocking the rainbow
isn't the only way
to show your Pride.
Instead don a dykon!
We suggest this sporty
nod to Billie Jean King.
($35, 80sTees.com)
OUTINFRONT
Women
Who Do
Advocates do more than
talk the talk. By Sheryl Kay
Changing the Conversation
Research psychologist Anj Hois passionate
about women's issues and queer issues, and
she is using that passion to change hearts
and minds in her home country, Singapore.
But this is no mean feat in a postcolonial
nation where, for instance, there are no
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination
against LGBT people.
As an advocate for gay rights, Ho has
become a public figure throughout Asia.
She began speaking out in 2006 by participating in IndigNation, Singapore's Pride
month, as a panelist on issues involved
with coming out. She also gave educational
lectures on topics including relationship
myths, homophobia and sexual orientation.
Ho has gone on to lecture at Seksualiti
Merdeka, Malaysia's Pride month, as well.
Ho spent several years as an active member of Sayoni, an organization in Singapore
whose aims are to empower queer Asian
women and educate the public. As part of
the administrative committee, she helped to
chart Sayoni's overall direction and to coordinate specific projects, including assessing
Singapore's LGBT needs and developing
resources within the community. She was
also a member of a six-person team that
wrote a guide for people who are experiencing
same-sex attractions and are questioning
their sexual orientation. While she recently
left Sayoni, the group is continuing her
efforts and will be producing a coming-out
guide for parents and friends.
Over the years, Ho has met with activists from Vietnam and Malaysia. Although
their efforts to remove stigma and combat
discrimination are the same, there are always
country-specific issues, and she hopes to
encourage collaboration on processes, practices and lessons learned that will go a long
way toward expediting progress. "None of
us live in isolation;' she says. "What happens in one country serves as a point of
reference for other countries. As global
citizens, we share the pain of people from
other countries when they suffer injustice.
And we wish that the human race as a
whole advances:'
Whenever possible, Ho encourages lesbians to come out of the closet, so that others
can see there is no deviancy in being gay.
"When people around you see that you are
not that negative stereotype, they will come
to realize the truth about gay people;' Ho
says. "That's how society progresses:'
Southern Strategy
As a child, JenniferSmithlearned a lesson
from her community-minded parents that
resonated with her and greatly contributed
to who she is today: If something needs to
be done, do it. "From a young age, I had
opportunities to participate;' she says."I had
that experience of getting others involvedto donate and to be involved in a process,
which gave me qualities of how to lead as
well as follow:'
Smith, a 2010 Point Scholar, could have
worked her way up the ladder in corporate
America, but found the environment to be
the antithesis of what she wanted in her
dream job, recognizing that her passion was
in doing nonprofit and social justice work.
"There was a point I realized two things;'
she says. "One, I wanted to move forward
in that passion in a way that would allow
me to actually get paid to do it, and second,
I realized that I could survive making less
than an MBA or a lawyer, but I couldn't
survive any longer not doing something I
loved, something that made a real difference to real people:'
Almost 10 years ago, Smith put her determination to good use, co-founding Unity
Mississippi, an organization that helps to
establish and promote harmony between
the LGBT and heterosexual communities
by serving as the catalyst for statewide education, interaction, entertainment, community
growth, visibility and awareness.
She also spent five years working with
the National Organization for Women,
first as president of the Mississippi chapter,
and then as a national board member for
the Mid-South Region, all while working
as a volunteer on several national political
campaigns, including Hillary Clinton's
bid for the presidency. As for Obama's
advancement of LGBT affairs, Smith
says that while more could have been
done, it's also important to celebrate the
progressive triumphs that have come with
his administration.
Every individual can make a big difference in the fight for LGBT rights, she says.
"Find how your own personal skills,
talents, or interests can contribute to the
change you want to see;' says Smith. "You
don't have to do everything. Just do something. Do something:' ■
June 2012
I 21
LAUGH
TRACK
Double Trouble
Legendary performers Kate Clinton and Christine Martucci team up for Pride.
By Merryn Johns
Youbothhavebigfollowings.
Whatmakesa lesbianicon?
Christine:
I don't see myself as an icon, but it has a tremendous
meaning to me, and a responsibility to my fans to always be
at the top of my game, to never fail them. I connect with my
audience through my songs and my stories. I am very open and
honest with my fans.
Kate:I have had great success with a silver and titanium
blend. The icon does not scratch, is lightweight and retains
its luster over time. Audiences love to rub their hands over
its smooth curves.
Whatinspiredyouto teamupfor a Prideeventat theStonePony
in AsburyPark,NewJersey?
Christine:
Kate Clinton is a true icon and pioneer, I am a huge
fan. It's Gay Pride weekend in Asbury Park, so when I found
out we both would be performing, her Friday, me Saturday at
the Stone Pony, why not cross~promote?
Kate:Sounds like lesbian~icon maximum capacity. For years
I had heard about Pride at the Stone Pony and several of the
gals were quite insistent, OK, threatening and a bit sinister, i.e.
'We know where you live: With all the geo~location devices
available these days, it just seemed like the safest, funnest
thing to do.
Willthetwoof youactuallyperformtogether?
Christine:
She is Friday, I am Saturday night. I will of course be
at her show to laugh and be entertained.
Kate:If you have ever heard me sing, you would insist that they
be separate gigs. Good judgment on the producer's part.
Kate,if youwerea rockmusician,
whowouldyoube mostlike?
Kate:A combo of Joan Armatrading, Nico, Sinead O'Connor
Joan Jett, with a splash of Sylvester. Did I mention Annie
Lennox?
Christine,
if youwerea standupcomic,whichfunnyladywould
yoube mostlike?
Christine:
I would be a cross between Kate Clinton, Michele
Balan and Lisa Lampanelli. I love comedy, but I picked the
right profession. My friends say I am not that funny!
Fortheuninitiated,
whatdoesa Christine
Martuccishowinvolve?
Christine:
Well, first of all you will be initiated very quickly. As
soon as you walk in the venue there is this awesome feeling
of excitement and love from my Tucci Train, my loyal awe~
some fans! They will bring you right up front of the stage, they
will drink with you and always have your back. Be prepared to
take a journey; I feed off the energy of the crowd, and once we
get going it'sjust this awesome exchange of positive energy. We
rock together all night long!
Kate,Christine's
fansaretheTucciTrain.Whatareyourfanslike?
22
I curve
Kate:A very excited fan hugged me and lifted me up, squeezed
me and said, "I love you Kate Clinton." I think she said that. All
I heard was a pop. I had a cracked rib which forced me to hire
a luggage~toting lesbian Sherpa for the rest of the tour. I am
a job creator.
WhatdoesPridemeanto youandwhyis it important?
Christine:
As a community we have been beaten down, ridi~
culed, arrested, killed for who we are. We will not stand in the
shadows anymore, we are proud of who we are, we are human
beings with hearts and minds and it is so important to keep
celebrating Pride for those who came before us, the pioneers
whose voices were silenced forever.
Kate:Until we get to the day where the very last young LGBT
person comes out or thinks that suicide is his or her only
option, we have work to do. We all work hard and sometimes
it's just good to party as hard.
A very excited fan hugged me and
lifted me up, squeezed me and
said, "I love you Kate Clinton." I
think she said that. All I heard was
a pop. I had a cracked rib which
forced me to hire a luggage-toting
lesbian Sherpa for the rest of the
tour. I am a job creator.
Thereareotherreasons
to headtotheStonePonyonJune1 and2...
Christine:
You will have a blast! On the bill with me are Hunter
Valentine, Christine Havrilla, Virago, Jerzy Girls and Bonnie
Boland. This is my third annual Pride at the Pony, and I
wanted to give something back to the community. The Center
House, a project of The Center in Asbury Park, is a supportive
housing environment where homeless individuals living with
HIV can achieve needed residential stability and live with
dignity, respect and a sense of home.
Kate:Who does not enjoy passing an expensive drink out her
nose? I thought so. All that fun and it's also for a good cause:
Part of the proceeds go to help homeless LGBT in N.J. ■
LESBOFILE
In the Spotlight Celesbians keep us entertained
with TV shakeups and ex drama. By Jocelyn Voo
Progressive radio show host Stephanie
Miller (whose show Talking Liberallywith
Stephanie Miller was recently picked up
by Current TV) came out publicly in the
summer of 2010, even though she was long
out to family and friends. The defining
moment: seeing her friend country singer
Chely Wright on Ellen.
"I remember almost crying, because she
touched me so much. I thought, 'That takes
bravery: Not like a liberal radio host-every~
one thinks we're French and gay anyway.
But to be a country singer and come out was
obviously a big thing. It was very powerful;'
she told After Ellen. "There comes a time for
everybody when it's time to stop cheering
from the sidelines and get down on the field
and be a part of it:'
Amen, sister, amen.
Ex Mess
Mo' Money, Mo' Problems
Love don't cost a thing-but
divorce does.
According to TMZ, Melissa Etheridge's ex
and baby mama Tammy Lynn Michaels is
demanding that the singer up her monthly
child support from its current $23,000
to an undisclosed amount. (Yes, you read
that right.)
Michaels asserts that during their nine~
year relationship, she became accustomed to
a high~roller lifestyle, thanks to Etheridge's
purported monthly income of $177,882.
And now Michaels, who gave up her career as
an actress (remember D.E.B.S.r),is claiming
that she has "virtually no savings" and that
she's been away from work for so long that
she'd need "extensive retraining:'
To her credit, Michaels is taking care of
twins, but reallyr One wonders how many
boxes of Huggies she really needs.
less~than~impressive ratings-and triggered
plenty ofbehind~the~scenes mudslinging.
Though Oprah's public statement shows
nothing but grace and respect for Rosie,
insiders told The Daily Beast that the only
dignified part about it was the initial news;
the rest was as tumultuous as any. Besides
disagreement on how to handle the post~
break up press release (O'Donnell allegedly
refused to speak to Winfrey to collaborate
on verbiage), there was also disagreement on
where the show should be filmed, according
to Radar Online. While Rosie wanted it to
be shot in her stomping grounds ofN.Y.C.,
Oprah insisted on her hometown, Chicago.
The final twist of the knife: Now Radar
Online is reporting that Winfrey is working
to recruit Maria Shriver to fill the void.
In this head~to~head bout of daytime TV
queens, it looks like this is just round one.
Not Everything's Turning Up Rosies
Tune In, Stand Up
Only fivemonths after Rosie O'Donnell's new
talk show premiered on Oprah Winfrey's
OWN network, the show was pulled due to
What's it take for a public figure to come
outr Sometimes another person's bravery is
enough to make a difference.
24
I curve
While it's great to remain friends with your
ex after a breakup, what's not great is having
your ex make creative art "inspired" by your
defunct relationship. Talk about awkward.
Angelina Jolie is not immune to this
phenomenon-her
one~time husband Billy
Bob Thornton has announced that he's
making a film based on their relationship
about a man who picks up a "wild woman''
while on a road trip, and his subsequent
learnings about life and love.
Can't wait to hear what Jolie's new fiance
Brad Pitt thinks of this.
Leading Laugh Ladies
z0
There's only been a handful of out funny
ladies in showbiz, but now we can welcome
Kate McKinnon, the newest rookieand first out lesbian-on
Saturday Night
Live. Prior to making history on SNL,
McKinnon's long~standing history of being
active in the LGBT entertainment com~
munity included appearing in the first three
seasons of Rosie O'Donnell's Big Gay Sketch
Show and the hilarious 2010 web series Vag
z
~
u
good. ■
6
u
[D
z
z
0
:'.l
w
0
w
<{
z
<{
0
[jJ'
Cl
0
a:
w
I
lY,
it
Magazine.
Set your DVRs, ladies-it's
z
(fJ
about to get
w
>
tl:
~
THE NAME YOU TRUST
FOR MEETING LESBIAN
SINGLES ONLINE
Find your soulmate,
she's here waiting
for you!
Try curve
Personals
FREE!
e//o, Weu
success st' Youhav
ove of rn ~r:y.I've
ha k Yltte ony
n s, S.
o
this site. J. and
Thank you for . \ove and are
tare m
\ have me ,
ther. \ \ove
.
home toge
bui\d,~9 a
\ease fee\ free
this s,te and p
s a haPPY
st our story a .
to po
Thanks agam.
hook-UP·
I Want My Cake and I Want to Eat it, Too
What can I do, if I want it all? By Lipstick and Dipstick
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick: I've been gay all my life, single
and a playgirl. Now I have a young hot mama and she wants
children, commitment and a white picket fence. I already did
that, yet I want my cake and I want to eat it, too. What do you
do when the love of your life wants children and you don't?
Wants commitment and you can't? Yet, I truly love her and only
her. All the other affairs mean nothing, really! I've tried to break
up numerous times, and then I call her back, frantic, and she is
crying and takes me back. It's a crazy love. Help! I'm a douche
bag, right?-Lusty in Louisville
Lipstick:
Stop tormenting this woman! You're
preventing her from being happy-do you
realize that? But "douche bag" is too harsh.
How about "selfish"r Have you tried being
honest about your commitment issues? My
hunch is you're playing these games as a
diversion from being a grown-up.
Dipstick:Lipstick, she doesn't want to be a
grown-up. That's her whole issue. Acting
like a teenager is way more fun. She doesn't
have to take responsibility for her actions and
doesn't have to consider the other person's
feelings. But something about this letter
makes me wonder if Lusty isn't thinking of
changing her ways. That's why she wrote in
to us, after all.
Lipstick:If your girl wants to have kids,
Lusty, you've got to honor that. You have
two choices: You can either A) get to a point
where you are willing to go on that journey
with her, or B) cut her loose so she can find
what she wants (that means not calling and
crying and begging her to come back). If you
continue this tug of war and try to persuade
her not to have kids because you've already
"been there, done that;' the two of you will
end up hating each other. And if you do
somehow survive as a couple, despite your
commitment issues, she'll resent you for the
26
I curve
rest of her life. It may be excruciating, but
if you really can't give her the white picket
fence, or monogamy, or the kids, let her go.
It's the right thing to do. If you really care
about this young hot mama, let her actually
be just that with someone else: a mama.
Dipstick:
Lusty, is there any part of you that
wishes you could be a more devoted partner?
How are you going to feel in 20 years, when
you no longer have your dashing good looks
or the will to go out girl hunting? You'll be
sitting around your killer bachelor pad,
hardly remembering all the lovers you've
pressed against the 1000-thread-count
sheets, but longing for a real connection.
And knowing you could have had it, if only
you'd let go of your player ways. Lusty, you'll
take the lonely bus out to the suburbs, look
at all the happy families with their picket
fences, goldendoodles and Dodge Caravans,
and you'll say to yourself, ''All of this could
have been mine, if only I hadn't been so
selfish in my youth:' Be honest with yourself, Lusty. Are you really not willing to
give up being a playgirl, or are you just
afraid to admit you're attracted to that
conventional lifer
DearLipstickandDipstick:I am so confused
aboutwhoI am andwhatto doaboutit. I am
a married40-year-oldmotherof two. I have
alwaysknownthat I am attractedto both
guysandgirls,butI haven'thada trulysexual
lesbianencounterbefore.My husbandhas
S2'
u
ti
0..
g_
a:
w
~
a:
ct
w
a
CJ
<(
::'?:
cz
u
ti
0..
d>z
z
w
~
u
::'?:
s
CL
Lipstick & Dipstick ADVICE
givenme the go-aheadto try it out. I know
thiswomanat mywork,Brandy,whoI would
reallyliketo havethisexperience
with,but I
don'tknowhow to make it happen.We are
friendsand havehungout a few timesoutside of work.She doesflirt with me and is
alwaysveryfriendly.I havea hugecrushon
her.WhatshouldI do?I am scaredto death,
but I needto knowwhat this is like. I never
thoughtI wouldbe experiencing
this typeof
a problemat thisstageof mylife.Anyadvice
wouldbe very muchappreciated.-Probing
in Puyallup
yourself that this is simple, innocent curi~
osity, and it may well be. You could sleep
with a woman and be done with it, happily
going back to your husband and your life,
as it were. The opposite, I warn you, may
also happen. It may be more. Once you finally
feel the softness, taste the sweetness that
is another woman, there may be no turning
back. You may hear angels singing. This
may be the piece that's been missing your
entire life. You may fall in love.
Dipstick:Lipstick, are you freaking crazy?
If she wants to get her groove on with
Lipstick:Congrats on your sexual libera~
tion! And an extra high five-not
only
for telling your husband, but for getting
the permission slip. I say all this with a
disclaimer: Be careful. I'm not inside your
head, but I assume you've negotiated within
another chick, while married,
not be doing it with someone
Probing, take out a Craigslist
bly in a city a few hours away)
a weekend frolic with someone
see again.
she should
from work!
ad (prefera~
and go have
you'll never
Lipstick:You have a point, Dip. Probster,
think twice about double~dipping your
quill at work. What you shouldn't think
twice about, however, is how you approach
the situation. Do not, under any circum~
stances, withhold the truth from whomever
you intend to shag. Promise us you'll be
totally forthcoming beforeyou kiss her lips.
Don't wait to tell her until after you've
already done the deed and are spooning,
discussing where to have breakfast. Or
worse, in a Facebook message the next day.
We're a sensitive bunch and sometimes fall
in love too easily. Please don't burn one of
our sisters. ■
Tune in to curvemag.com/
lipstickanddipstick
to watchThe
Lipstick& DipstickShow.Or
writeto tv@lipstickdipstick.com.
your life your island
KEYWESTBUSINESSGUILD
Theflorid" Keys
KeyWest
Oo..ToPc,fcct-Fo,FromNorrnol
womenfest.com (305) 294-4603
June 2012
I 27
ADVICE Fitness
How to Be a Yoga Goddess
Celebrate the female body with Jennifer Kries.
By Dar Dowling
Like a solarflare or a windstorm,JenniferKries,the woman
behindthe new DVD Yoga Undressed:The GoddessSeries, is
definitelya force of nature. I've had a yoga practicefor over a
decade, but the idea of doing yoga naked is somethingI never
considereduntilI had a chat with Kries.Not only did she have
me consideringit and ultimatelygivingnaked yoga a shot-an
adventureI'll be repeating-but more than that she made me
reallythink about how I feel about my body.
2s
I curve
Over the years, Kries has combined
yoga, dance and Pilates in her professional
life and her personal practice. Starting out
as a dancer, she was introduced to Pilates
at the age of 13 while studying with the
School of American Ballet in New York.
This early mat training in Pilates provided
her with what she calls her "secret bionic
weapon" -the feeling that she was both
artistically and athletically invincible-due
to its power~enhancing effects, allowed
her "to jump higher, turn faster, take bigger
risks without being entirely conscious of
the repercussions:'
Yoga came into the picture years later,
when too much of a good thing led to a
sidelining injury, and an osteopath sug~
gested that she try yoga along with Pilates
as an aid to recovery. Yoga forced her to
slow down, get in touch with her breath,
and relate to her body in a new way."It was
the first time I was literally introduced to
my body as an entity that I was connected
to in all ways and one that deserved my
respect ... yoga taught me patience and self~
love;' explains Kries. While naked yoga
wasn't on Kries' radar yet, she understood
right away that yoga had the potential to
ignite a "body love consciousness:'
I started off our chat by asking Kries
a question that had been on my mind for
days: Why naked yoga? This led to some
complex observations. "It makes me sad
that women tense up when thinking about
getting naked;' says Kries. That uncom~
fortable feeling is one I know well, and I
eventually discovered that Kries knew it
too. While thoughts of tension and sad~
ness were not the answer I expected, they
opened the door to a conversation in which
words like "freedom;' "empowerment" and
"acceptance" rolled off her tongue. The dis~
cussion became less about nakedness and
more about healing body shame through
yoga-through a"revolution of compassion''
where we feel good about being women,
and we feel good about our bodies.
When you see Jennifer Kries today, it's
easy to assume that she hasn't struggled
with body issues, or that she instantly took
to the idea of naked yoga because she has
a good body, but that's not exactly the case.
Naked yoga wasn't something she would
ever have considered doing until a good
friend in San Francisco suggested giving
it a go, and she did-with
unexpected
results. "My self-consciousness about my
"felt compelled to create this series:' She is a
survivor of abuse, and she wanted to bring
women a hands-on way to heal, appreciate
and get in touch with their bodies so they
could move through the world empowered
and whole. Naked yoga has been a part
of her own healing process, starting with
that initial class in San Francisco. Working
While body shame can be experiential,
sociological and cultural at its core, Kries
believes that tantric hatha vinyasa yoga,
which she developed, is a perfect vehicle to
help you overcome it.
Tantra has long been associated with
sensationalized sexuality, but in Sanskrit
its actual meaning is "expansion;' and it is
"My self-consciousness
about my bodyjust evaporated
becausethe other women
were so welcoming,respectful,
kind and relaxed.Any shame
I thoughtI would feel
disappeared."
body just evaporated because the other
women were so welcoming, respectful,
kind and relaxed. Any shame I thought I
would feel disappeared:'
Kries uses a skinny-dipping analogy
to illustrate the innocence of nakedness,
believing that doing yoga undressed can
reconnect women with that "feeling of
innocence and purity and joy we had as
children, as little girls, before life with
other people-grown-ups,
in particularhappened:' Naked yoga, she says, "is one
of the most powerful ways I know to
cultivate abundant self-love, compassion
and courage:'
If you've ever been to the Russian baths,
or perhaps a sauna, you know that after a
while the foreignness of being naked slips
away and, as a friend aptly put it, "skin
becomes just skin:' Kries hopes that doing
naked yoga alone at home, or with friends,
will open women up to talking about their
bodies with other women, and ultimately
rediscovering a sense of their own beauty.
There is an even deeper reason why Kries
through the asanas (hatha yoga postures),
she began to change. "I was overwhelmed
by emotion. I finally felt like I had given
up the fight, the body armor I felt I always
had to wear was not needed anymore. I felt
happy deep inside. I can confidently say
that this work, more than anything I have
ever done, has served to free me from my
past in ways I never could have imagined:'
If you think you need the perfect yoga
body to do YogaUndressed,you don't. While
the trainers featured in the DVD have
amazing yoga bodies, Kries asserts that this
is not a standard of perfection you need to
hold yourself to. "Women are supposed to
look like women, with flesh on their bones:'
The series was designed with real women in
mind, and for all levels of experience, using
poses and breathing exercises to accomplish
what yoga does best-rejuvenate and relax,
while building strength, endurance and
flexibility. The extra benefit, as developed
by Kries, is that the postures, movements
and breathing techniques are designed to
cultivate and ignite a body love connection.
part of the yoga used in this series. When
used in its fullest, as it is here, it releases a
form of energy called kundalini, opening
not only the root chakra associated with
"healthy" sexuality, but all seven chakras.
The combination of tantra and kundalini
with hatha vinyasa is perfection for Kries,
who says, "It is perhaps the most effective
and wonderful combination of yoga practices
I have ever experienced. It creates incredible energy, power, peace and radiance all at
the same time:'
Let's face it-finding
a woman in
today's society who totally and completely
loves her body can be difficult. At first,
shedding your clothes, getting out the
candles and doing yoga undressed may
seem like the last thing to help you work
out your body issues. But perhaps taking
your mind off your flaws and fears, and
putting your focus back on being in
your body and enjoying it, may well be a
healing experience. It may inspire change,
or at the very least be a bit of fun. It was
for me. (yogaundressed.com) ■
June 2012
I 29
THETWOOFUS
Sarah and Misty
Southern lesbians Sarah Jane Moecker, 28, and Misty Lee Branch, 27, started the clothing
company Proud Threads while still keeping their day jobs, and each other. By Merryn Johns
How they met
Sarah:We met on a camping trip through a mutual friend and
clicked instantly. We spent the next few weeks always hanging out
whenever we had the time. I invited Misty to go to Cancun with
my parents and me. Right before the trip, I hurt my back pretty
badly in a snow tubing accident. She helped me do everything on
this trip while I was doped up on pain medicine. I fell in love with
her when I saw how much she truly cared about me and how well
she got along with my parents. I asked her to be my girlfriend on
the flight back home in sign language.
Misty:It was super cute when she asked in sign language, because
she got so shy! She was looking out the window and stopped
signing after "girl" so I grabbed her hand and finished spelling out
"friend" for her. That was one of the best flights of my life!
Starting the business
Sarah:Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be an
entrepreneur. As a petite tomboi, I've always had trouble finding
clothes I felt comfortable in that fit right. I dreamed of making a
clothing company for people just like me. A couple of months into
our relationship, I told my dream to Misty and after a lot of hard
work, Proud Threads was born.
Misty:When Sarah first told me she'd always had this dream of
providing clothes to the LGBT community, I couldn't understand
why she hadn't started it already. I didn't see any reason to put
off starting, so we started researching what we needed to do right
away. We had enough blind optimism to jump into this full force
and never look back.
Why they work so well together
Sarah:Our personalities complement each other really well, in
both our personal life and in business.
Misty:You know how a lot of people always ask which person in
a relationship is more masculine? Well, we don't have the answer
which of us is more anything. One day, Sarah will take charge and
have to push me to be productive. The next day, I'm telling Sarah
what to do and in which order I need it done. I think we both
identify when the other is passionate and focused about some~
thing, and we do what we can to support making it happen. Also,
communication is key. We talk, and we listen. Nothing would
work if each of us couldn't do both well.
What's next for Proud Threads
Sarah:Currently, Proud Threads is a T~shirt company as a stepping~
stone. Soon we will start expanding
products to be more than T ,shirts.
Misty:We are making a splash in the
T ,shirt market and getting our name
out there, so that when we expand to a
full product line, you already know who
we are, what we are about and that you
love us. (proudthreads.com) ■
"As a petite tomboi,
I've always had trouble
finding clothes I felt
comfortable in that
fit right. I dreamed
of making a clothing
company for people
just like me."
30
I curve
SCENE
Living in the Moment
Club Skirts' The Dinah 2012 was wet, wild and wonderful.
In March, curve joined thousands of lady loving women
in gorgeous Palm Springs, Calif. for Spring Break at
The Dinah. Host Club Skirts kicked off the five-day
extravaganza with a picturesque fireside meet and greet at
the Riviera Resort, the focal point for the infamous Dinah
pool parties. This year marked the 22nd annual pilgrimage
that began with the LPGA Golf tournament of the same
name, but has since become famous for its ability to pick
the "next big thing" in entertainment and has in the past
showcased the talents of Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. This
year's Dinah attendees were treated to a musical lineup of
Nina Sky, Chaka Chan, Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Sutta and
CeCe Peniston (who brought down the house at Club
Zeldaz's closing party) as well as a solid list of newcomers
including Neon Hitch, Wynter Gordon, Rye Rye, Porcelain
Black, Meital and Dev.
The curve girls spent their time hanging in the cabana
with of hundreds of bikini-dad amazons and applying
sexy temporary tattoos with a squirt bottle. Just a few of
the A-Listers to stop by included Whitney Mixter, Tucky
Williams, Fortune Feimster, Dani Campbell and director
Dana Dane. The Celebrity Dodgeball game hosted by
comedy royalty Suzanne Westenhoefer and OMLs Battle
of the Lesbian Web Series promised Dinah attendees the
opportunity to see The Real L Word gals like you've never
seen them before. [DeidreSaddoris]
June 2012
I 31
POLITICS
Time for a Lesbian Spring
There isn't room for Pride in many places where women's lives are at risk.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
Over the years, I have wondered where
I would be if I had not come out in high
school and if that coming out hadn't happened in post-Stonewall America. I think
about this often as Pride month approaches.
As bad for lesbians as things still are in the
U.S.-and they are, don't be deluded that
they aren't-it's so much worse elsewhere.
In fact, it can be, well, deadly.
Throughout the past year and a half, as
the so-called Arab Spring revolutionary
movements have spread throughout the
Middle East, I have been struck by how
few female faces there are in news reports.
Even as these revolutions began, women
were largely left out of the equation-and
certainly out of the leadership. Yet these
countries are the ones where women most
need to be involved in the revolutionary
process and its aftermath.
The list of the worst countries for women
is long, but among the top 10 are Congo,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Somalia and
Gaza. That these countries-all but India,
32
I curve
war torn-are
deadly for women is not
surprising. So it is not a shock that lesbian
lives are at risk daily in those places. More
shocking, however, is the fact that Jamaica,
South Africa and Russia are also ranked
among the worst places for lesbians. Why
more shocking:' Because, unlike the other
nations, these countries are not at war, nor
are they in the developing world. So why
are women-especially lesbians-at risk:'
According to the most recent UN Status
Report on Women from November 2011,
in Afghanistan, 87 percent of the women
are illiterate and one in 11 dies in childbirth.
Forced-and
underage-marriage
is the
norm. In Congo, more than 1,100 women
are raped every day, and women can't
sign legal documents without co-signatures
from their husband or a male relative. In
Pakistan, honor killings account for the
deaths of 1,000 women a year, and the
majority of Pakistani women are victims of
domestic violence.
Neighboring India is the world leader
in both female infanticide and sex trafficking. The numbers are so huge-in the
tens of millions-that
they are impossible
to truly comprehend. In addition to the
infanticide and the sex trafficking, half
of all girls are married off before they are
18. The Indian penal code forbids "carnal
knowledge" between women, and lesbians
are often victims of honor killings or are
forcibly married by their families.
In Somalia, 96 percent of all the girls
between the ages of 4 and 11 are genitally
mutilated. When I was living in London
in the late 1980s, a scandal broke: Somali
girls living in the U.K. were being genitally
mutilated both on Harley Street, by noted
physicians, and in the basements of homes
in Brixton. Nearly 25 years later, FGM is
still de rigueur in Somalia, where lesbians
have no rights.
And Gaza:' The Palestinian Territory
usually makes the news because of its ongoing conflict with Israel, but the highly
populated country leads the world in
honor killings. The majority of murders
in Gaza are honor killings.
And what about those first-world countries:' What makes it so terrible for lesbians
there:'
The UN Status Report on Women asserts
that South Africa has the highest number
of rapes per capita in the world. Lesbians
are most at risk for "corrective" rape.
Lesbians face rape, assault, and even death
due to their sexual orientation. More than
30 lesbians have died from corrective rape
attacks. Eudy Simelane, a well-known
soccer player and lesbian rights activist, was
gang-raped and murdered in 2008. Noxolo
Nogwaza, a 24-year-old lesbian rights
activist, was gang-raped and murdered in
2011. Her face and head were disfigured
by stoning, she was stabbed multiple times,
and, in addition to having been raped by
several men, she was also raped and sodomized with a broken beer bottle.
~
u
0
ti
~a:
<{
(/)
~
a:
:::i
~
Jamaica, the island paradise so popular
with American tourists-also
called the
most homophobic place on Earth by
Time magazine-has long been a hotbed
of anti-lesbian violence. In Russia, under
Vladimir Putin's long tenure, the oppression
and repression of queers has intensified.
On February 29, 2012, a law was passed
criminalizing"the participation in or organization of gay groups, websites, books
and periodicals, and LGBT Pride events,
as well as the donning of gay pride pins,
bumper stickers;' and so forth.
I was a freshman in high school when
the Stonewall Rebellion happened. I
wasn't part of the movement that made
it happen because I was so young, but I
became involved in the brand-new gay
civil rights movement at the beginning
of my sophomore year. It was our Arab
Spring, but the newness meant that,
as a just-evolving community, what we
wanted and needed had not yet been
clarified. Solidifying a platform for
change took time.
As we celebrate
anotheryear of LGBT
Pride in the U.S.,
four decades after
Stonewall,isn't it time
we considerwhat it
means to be a lesbian
in other countries?And
think about what we
can do to mitigatethe
sufferingthese women
face just because
they are queer?
What would it take for there to be a
Lesbian Spring in the nations where
women are living shadow lives, and the
patriarchal repression of femaleness is
paramount? South Africa went through
its transition from apartheid to democratic rule under the African National
Congress over 20 years ago, but for lesbians the change from Afrikaner to AN C
rule has not been a positive one.
Culturally, Russia has always associated
itself with the West, yet the repression of
queers there, even in the post-glasnost era,
has been awful. Russia is another world
leader in sex trafficking, and lesbians trying
to exit the country are often its victims.
The U.S. has occupied Afghanistan for
over a decade, but the status of women
has barely changed in that time. Neither
former President Bush nor President
Obama nor our ally President Karzai has
made any effort to help improve the lives
of Afghan women.
The U.S. has provided nuclear weapons
for both India and Pakistan, but has done
nothing for their women.
As we celebrate another year of LG BT
Pride in the U.S., four decades after
Stonewall, isn't it time we consider what
it means to be a lesbian in other countries? And think about what we can do to
mitigate the suffering these women face
just because they are queer?
Imagine being a lesbian in South
Africa, India or Congo. Imagine discovering your sexual orientation in Somalia,
where you are genitally mutilated before
you have your first period. Imagine what
it means to be a lesbian in Afghanistan,
where the average life expectancy for
women is 45 and any hint of sexual impropriety can still result in stoning.
Imagine being in what seems like
a modern country, Russia or Jamaica,
yet finding that being an out lesbian
can get you arrested, beaten or killed.
Imagine being a lesbian in Gaza, where
the world only knows about the conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis,
not about the fact that the women who
are being killed there are the victims of
their own families.
In so many places, just being female
is a daily exercise in fear. To be a lesbian
is terrifying. Coming out could very well
put your life at risk. This year during
Pride month, as you celebrate the freedoms we've achieved, think about what
we might do to help our sisters achieve
them as well. ■
•••••
•••• ••
••••••••••
••••••••
•••••••••
••••••
••
••
••••
••
••
••••••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
••
••••••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
•• •••••••••
••
•
•••
•••••
••
•••••••
•••••••
•••
•••••
••
••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
•• ••
•• ••
•• ••
••
••••••
••••••
••••••
••••••
.,,,.
.....
••••••
••••••
•• ••
••••••••••••••
..
..••••••
....,,..
....
....
..••••••
....••......
.......
.
........ ····-·
••
••••••
•• •• II
••••••II
•• II
•• II
•• II
•• II
••
11...•• 11
11 ••
II ••
II ••
II ••
II II
•--1111••· 1111111111
.. 11111111111111
11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 II 11.. 11 II II
•••• •••• ••••• ••••• •••• •••• •• ••••••••
eep in the dirty heart of the South, women
come from far and wide to see Juice.Box,
a perfect physical specimen complete with
tattoos, dreadlocks and hips that don't lie.
In the past three years, the 26-year-old
stud performer has become the premier attraction
at Club Big Yo's, a mobile LGBT night created by
Yolanda Newmon and Kkay, her partner of over a
decade. Together, they are changing the face of
lesbian entertainment in Houston. Until recently,
dancers and other erotic entertainers were femme,
Inside a burgeoning trend in erotic
entertainment. By Tina Vasquez
and their appearance was informed by mainstream
beauty standards. Juice.Box, whose real name is
Erica Green, brings something different to the table.
With taut abs, not a trace of makeup and an onstage
wardrobe that consists of baggy, low-slung jeans,
sports bra and boots, Juice.Box is a type of erotic
performer the world has never seen before. Not
only is she turning traditional gender roles upside
down, but she and others like her are inadvertently
reshaping the face of African American masculinity.
Erica Green realized she had a knack for dance when
she was a kid, earning the nickname "little Green dancing
machine" from her parents. She eventually became her high
school's mascot, which at the time felt like a big deal."There's
no other way to put it-I was a loser in high school. But
when I put on that mascot costume, it was like becoming
another person. I was able to perform and go crazy and not
worry about what others thought;' Green says.
Something similar happens when she sets foot in a
club to perform. The shy Green morphs into Juice.Box,
her arrogant stud alter ego, who's the life of the party and
unafraid of approaching women. When she was 23 and a
senior in college, a friend dared her to reach out to Big Yo
and Kkay for a chance to dance. To her shock, the pair gave
her the green light. The first song Green performed to was
Lil Wayne's "Pussy, Money, Weed;' and in just two minutes
she'd made $200. Big Yo and Kkay recognized how talented
she was and decided to take her under their wing. Now
Green performs an average of three times a week at clubs
across the country.
"No one requested this type of entertainment, we just
decided on our own to start featuring studs, and we were
the first to bring this type of entertainment to Texas;'
Newmon says. "Sometimes women love it, sometimes they
hate it and sometimes they don't get it. You're going to have
haters whenever you try to do something different, but the
positive responses have outweighed the negative ones:'
While dancers like Juice.Box and Pretty P, who's out of
San Antonio, are becoming increasingly prevalent in the
South, there has also been a surge of interest in stud dancing
34
I curve
>I
a..
cf
CJ
5
I
a..
I
~
I
a..
....J
~
ci
0
on the East Coast thanks to the wildly popular King
Kellz from Brooklyn, N.Y. a nationally recognized stud
performer who's become known for something very special.
"They call King Kellz the Ding-a- Ling King because she
dances with a strap-on, and no one else is doing that;'
Green says. "More and more stud dancers are hitting the
scene, especially in Houston. Are they all successful? No,
but not everyone can be. You have to be willing to work
hard and differentiate yourself'
Everything about the way stud dancers perform is different
from what other erotic entertainers do, and it's important
to understand that the focus of a stud performance isn't to
strip. Green sometimes goes topless, but it's not something
she does at each show. The more apt description of what's
taking place is erotic performance: The crowd circles around
the performer, who dances seductively while pulling women
out of the audience and performing mock sexual acts on
them in front of the crowd. Green is not a stripper.
''A stripper works all night, gets naked, and dances for
men. I perform for women, and my set lasts 20 minutes
and I'm done for the night;' Green says. "I don't look down
on strippers, everyone has their own hustle, but you know
what you're going to get when you walk into a strip club.
You don't know what you're going to get when you go to
one of my performances. Straight women dancers can get
paid big money because of their physical attributes, but we
work hard to become known for our performances:'
According to Siobhan Brooks, an assistant professor of
women's studies at Temple University and the author of
Unequal Desires: Race and Erotic Capital in the Stripping
Industry, stud dancers are privileged because they don't have
to exploit themselves in the
same way that other women
do. Even the way stud dancers are marketed is vastly
different. African American
femmes, whether identifying
as strippers or entertainers
and whether dancing in
straight or gay clubs, will be
photographed from behind,
with the emphasis on their
backsides. For performers
like Juice.Box, however, it's
their masculinity that's being
marketed-their six-pack abs
and long, hard gazes. "These women are marketed the same
way a black man would be marketed, but there's a Catch-22
to that;' Brooks says. "It's more difficult for studs to find
work in this industry because of their look, but when they
do they're not subject to the sexism and management issues
that other women are:'
Stud performers, who appear to be specific to the African
American community, share some experiences with African
American men. Brooks says they have a love-hate relationship with the image of black masculinity because, while it
is seen as dangerous and edgy, it is also sexualized in mainstream media and considered the epitome of masculinity.
"Lesbian women aren't seen as women in black communities,
so by extension a lot of the same assumptions, myths and
stereotypes surrounding black men-the
large penis, the
sexually aggressive nature, etc.-are also applied to studs,
even in lesbian spaces;' Brooks says. "When you have men
or masculine women in female spaces, they are more privileged than the women in those spaces:'
But while other stud performers seem a little too aggressive and often fall prey to the hypersexual myth of African
American masculinity, Juice.Box refuses to play that game.
"There's this stud mentality that I don't prescribe to ... I
don't feel like I have to always be the dominant one. I don't
always have to be aggressive. I don't always have to be the
man. I'll behave and perform however I want to, because at
the end of the day, I'm still a woman, and I'm not trying to
be a man. I can be aggressive or I can be submissive. I don't
live up to any stereotypes;' Green says.
As a physical trainer with a degree in athletic training
and physical therapy, Green also uses her body differently
than other stud performers. Yes, she seduces, but her performances also bring stunts and gymnastics into the sexual
realm in a way that excites and mystifies the women in the
audience. Juice.Box focuses a great deal of her attention on
plus-size women, who she feels don't get the love and attention they deserve-not just in clubs, but in society in
general. Juice.Box will walk into the crowd and seek out
anyone who's shy and unsuspecting of her advances. "I
want to make all women feel beautiful, that's what makes
me happy. Maybe at first I was attracted to the money to
be made, but now it's about the impact I can make. I always
dance on big girls, and if they can't get down on the floor
with me, I'll do whatever I can to accommodate them. In
that moment, I want that woman to feel like it's just she
and I;' Green says.
Obviously, there are complicated issues at play whenever
Green walks into a club to perform as Juice.Box, but what
can't get lost in the sexual politics is her goal of bringing
women happiness and pleasure, and her own personal
goal of bringing recognition to this newly emerging form
of erotic entertainment. "I feel like we're onto something
special, and when I first decided to do this I told myself
that I was going to be serious about it and make this craft
mine;' Green says. "In 20 years, I want them to be saying
that Juice.Box was one of the coolest dancers to ever hit the
floor. I'm going to dance until I can't dance anymore. I'm
going to dance until my legs fall off:' ■
June 2012
I 35
Power couple Nikki Weiss
and Jill Goldstein are
planning for a beautiful
new addition.
es
. .~.
-
--:-.:,'
~,:
,
,_..,....,.....,..---
-
'
•"' ,f',
'I
Iv"
•.
,· ~
Anyone who watched season one of The Real L Word
knows Nikki Weiss and Jill Goldstein-the
chic,
aspirational, completely committed lesbian couple.
That vision of happiness just took on another dimension
with the joyful news that Goldstein is expecting their
first child-due
Oct. 9, the date of their wedding
anniversary. At the time of this writing, the gender of
the baby is unknown. But like everything they do, the
Weiss-Goldstein baby news is both surprising and a
perfectly natural extension of their romance. Behind
the scenes, however, a lot of mind power and has
gone into planning the next chapter in their lives.
For this L.A.-based professional couple-Weiss
owns an agency that represents film directors,
Goldstein is a freelance writer and fitness enthusiasta baby will mean certain adjustments to a pictureperfect lifestyle. In an exclusive interview, they
share their joy with curve readers.
June 2012 I 37
Whendidyoubeginplanning?
Jill:We wanted to enjoy our first year of marriage and be a
little selfish ...
Nikki:... but then we started seriously thinking about it last
summer. We went through a cryobank and it took us four
months to decide on an anonymous donor. We thought
that was the best route for us, as opposed to using some,
body we knew, because we didn't want another parent in
the equation.
Jill:We really took our time in choosing, but then of course
faced the anxiety of''Are we actually readyt And like many
couples I think you're never
truly ready-we had this sense
We had this sense that
that we could spend the next 50
years
living the way we're living
we could spend the
and certainly be happy-but
next 50 years living the
there was always something
more we both wanted. And
way we're living and
building a family together was
certainly be happythe missing piece. It was like,
"Let's do this. Neither of us is
but there was always
getting any younger:'
something more we
Doyouhavefriendswhoare parenting?Wereyou influencedby
both wanted.
thegaybyboom?
Jill: When I realized this was
the type of relationship I was
going to spend the rest of my
life in, at that moment, all
the "shoulds" and "musts" and
•
"had,tos" kind of went out the
window. I'm going to live my life
the way I want to. I don't think
I ever felt any outside influences to start a family other than
our own true desire to do so. We both knew we have so much
love to give a child that that would be enough. Fortunately,
we live in a city where same,sex parenting is more common
and accepted. I think that makes it a little easier.
Nikki:So many of our close friends have children. I think
when they find out-nobody
knows yet other than our
parents-they will be very excited.
Didyoudebatewhowasgoingto carrythebaby?
Nikki:I'm 40 and Jill is 36, so we just went the younger,is,
better route.
Jill:I was up for it. It was something I certainly wanted to
do in my life.
Areyoustopping
at onechild?
Nikki: We'd just like to get through this pregnancy. I was an
only child and I turned out OK.
Jill: I want two. She's open to two.
Nikki:I'm open to two. [But] I think only children are
superb. [Laughs]
Jill: Every time I tease her about something, or come out
with a certain expression, she'll look at me puzzled and I'll
say,"You didn't have a sibling!" I had an older brother and
that's where this stuff comes from. I'd love to have my
children enjoy that kind of special sibling dynamic.
And buildinga
family together
was the missing
piece.
38
I
curve
Didyourchoiceof usinga cryobankmakethingslesscomplicated,legally?
Nikki:It doesn't get any less complicated. I have to adopt
my own child. Even though we are domestic partners in the
state of California, I will be adopting the child as soon as it
is born. We have already reached out to the lawyer who is
handling that. It sounds crazy but a social worker will have
to come to the house while Jill is pregnant to make sure that
I am capable of parenting. Once again, all of these laws come
into play and it's very scary. The minute I found out that
we were pregnant, I put all our assets into a trust. I made
sure that life insurance policies were increased. There are so
many things to take care of to protect our future family.
Doyoufeeloutraged
thatlesbianparentsgothroughthis?
Nikki:Yes. It makes me incensed. Remember, even if you
are legally married in a certain state, it is not recognized
federally. The minute you leave that state, your rights are
challenged. It's so important to implement various mea,
sures-like health care, power of attorney. God forbid you
or your partner are in an accident in another state and you
won't have access to each other in a hospital-just because
you're not recognized as legal spouses. We've spent a lot of
time and energy making sure that everything legally is taken
care 0£ And that's another thing that makes me extremely
angry, that we even have to go to these lengths to receive
the fundamental rights that legal marriage would otherwise
afford us.
Whendidyoubegininsemination?
Nikki:Jan. 17 and 18, and it went off without a hitch. We
had an amazing team of doctors and they held our hands
every step of the way.
Jill:We were pleasantly shocked that it worked on the first
try. During the process of trying to conceive, you learn to
manage your expectations as much as possible. We were
prepared to try for some time, and it rocked our world
when we found out that it worked. On top of the screaming,
the hugging and the crying of that moment, my favorite
quote that came out of Nik's mouth was, "We're the big,
gest overachievers ever!" [Laughs]
Nikki:I've been videotaping everything since the moment
we started this process, and I was able to put together this
beautiful film for Jill's family that documented our journey.
Howdidtheyreactwhenyoubrokethenews?
Jill:We flew to see my parents because we wanted to deliver
the news in person. My mom has a very big birthday coming
up, so we decided we were going to take the latest ultra,
sound and frame it as a gift. As she unwrapped it and stared
at the photo it felt like an eternity for her to process what
we were handing her. Then it clicked and my mother began
to cry-she's a crier when she's happy, so the floodgates
opened. My dad started crying, too. They were elated.
Nikki:We told my mom about a week before we left to visit
Jill's parents in Atlanta, and we handed her a card and inside
was an ultrasound and she was flabbergasted and started to
cry. She can't wait to be the coolest grandmother ever.
Soyou'refilmingeverything
... doI sensea realityTVshow?
Nikki:Since we were on [The Real L Word] we started to
do Flip Fridays on our fan page and YouTube, to give the
Jill: As long as good keeps coming out of it, we welcome
viewers a real sense of who we are, and it took off and we've that.
been doing it for two years now. Eventually, some of the
Whatadjustments
will youmakein yourlifeforthebaby?
footage will be a part of that, but we really are doing it for
Nikki:This house is going to be up for sale very soon.
ourselves.
Jill:I joke around-when the puppies have little accidents I
Howdoyoureflectnowon TheRealL Wordandthe impactit say,"Get used to it!"
hadonyourlives?
Nikki,areyousureyou'rereadyforthis?
Nikki:We use our visibility in a positive way. Many women
Nikki:I can't wait to parent with Jill. I think it's going to be
who were struggling with their sexuality reached out to us
amazing. I talk to her stomach every single day.
during that time and continue to do so. I think weve helped
Speakingof Jill'sstomach,what'sgoingto happento those
a lot of women and for that I'm so grateful, because when I
perfectabs?
came out and I was married-and this was 1997-1 had no
Nikki:She has her six pack and a little pregnant belly.
one to look up to, to reach out to.
Jill: I was looking at the picture in the very first article I
Jill:The visibility in terms of being on TV or being recog~ wrote [for curve], and I was looking at my stomach and
nized is very short~lived and that's not anything Nik and
I'm like, "Wow, those abs were nice:' [Laughs]
I value. But what really did strike us was the amount of
Nikki:You still have them!
women who came forth and thanked us because we were
Jill:Every day they get a little less defined.
an example their parents could digest. The biggest outcome,
Doyouintendto getthemback?
on top of feeling like we helped women, [is that] on our
Jill: Fitness is something that I'll incorporate as long and
Facebook page women have met, befriended and even fallen as safely as I can throughout the pregnancy. I hope to stay
in love with each other. It's become this safe, supportive
active and fit and get back into it as soon as I'm on the
community. It's been awesome. We don't have any regrets.
other end of the pregnancy. It's interesting to watch your
TheAdvocatepublished
youropenletterto KimKardashian, body change, but obviously all my priorities are changing.
protesting
hermarriage.
Willyoucontinue
youractivism?
I giggle now. My belly is getting big, my muscle definition
Nikki:Yes, that is the full reason we're so grateful to The is waning a bit. Six months ago, if that were to happen I
Real L Word-for giving us a platform to be a face and a would probably have thought it a catastrophe, but now it
just makes me laugh. I find it beautiful. ■
voice for marriage equality.
June 2012
I 39
ALIFE
INLETTERS
MEMORIES
OF
LESBIAN
POET
AND
RADICAL
FEMINIST
ADRIENNE
RICH.
BY
VICTORIA
ABROWNWORTH
drienne Rich died on March 27, in Santa Cruz, Cali£ Her death was attributed
to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, which she had battled for decades.
She was just six weeks shy of her 83rd birthday. She is survived by her longtime
partner, the writer Michelle Cliff, and by her three sons, David, Paul and Jacob,
from her marriage to the late Harvard economist Alfred Conrad.
One of the great female poets of the 20th century, Rich was also the best-known lesbian
poet of the past 50 years. Few lesbian writers have garnered both the wide audience and
the critical accolades that she did. Her influence on other writers-me included-was
significant. Unflinchingly feminist and fiercely political, Rich wrote extensively about the
conflicts born of gender inequities. Also keenly aware of her own white, middle-class
privilege, she wrote, "If you are trying to transform a brutalized society into one where
people can live in dignity and hope, you begin with the empowering of the most powerless.
You build from the ground up:' She maintained that perspective throughout her life. In
2005, in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, she said, "For me, socialism represents moral value-the dignity and human rights of all citizens. That is, the resources of a
society should be shared and the wealth redistributed as widely as possible:'
Rich was born May 16, 1929, and grew up in Baltimore. Her mother home-schooled
her until she was 10. She attended Radcliffe College, graduating in 195 L Her first
collection of poetry, A Change of World, won the Yale Younger Poets Award. Almost
immediately afterward, she received a Guggenheim Fellowship, which she used to live
in Italy for a year, writing. When she returned to the U.S., she married Alfred Conrad,
whom she had met at college. Rich has written that the marriage was complicated from
the outset, but that it was not until she became a mother that she discovered her radical sel£
40
I curve
And women were always vital to her. She wrote, "The connections between and among
women are the most feared, the most problematic and the most potentially transforming
force on the planet:'
Rich became deeply involved in the civil rights, feminist, and anti-war movements of the
1960s. She and Conrad separated in June 1970 because her politics was the driving force in
her life. Conrad shot himself to death six months later. After his death, Rich began to explore
lesbianism while raising her three sons. She also wrote prolifically and taught at various
colleges, including Brandeis and Bryn Mawr. Harvard granted her an honorary doctorate.
Rich published six books of poetry between the time of her husband's suicide and the
beginning of her relationship with Michelle Cliff, in 197 6. Cliff was 17 years her junior.
Throughout the 1970s, Rich expanded her literary and political base to include many of
the key lesbian-feminist writers of her generation, like Audre Lorde. She wrote about her
newly uncovered lesbian persona in both poetry and prose. In an interview with the London
newspaper the Guardian in 2002, she said that after her husband's death, "The suppressed
lesbian I had been carrying in me since adolescence began to stretch her limbs:'
She was also expanding her political consciousness. In 1976, she published her
groundbreaking feminist treatise "Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and
Institution;' where she made some of her most decisive statements about living under
patriarchy. She asserted, "Much male fear of feminism is the fear that, in becoming
whole human beings, women will cease to mother men, to provide the breast, the lullaby,
the continuous attention associated by the infant with the mother. Much male fear
of feminism is infantilism-the
longing to
remain the mother's son, to possess a woman
who exists purely for him:'
Her poems were no less political, for all
their lyricism. In 1974, she won the National
Book Award for Diving into the Wreck, but
she declined to accept the award individually. She accepted it, "on behalf of all women;'
with her fellow nominees Audre Lorde and
Alice Walker. In 1997, she was awarded the
National Medal of Arts, which she declined,
citing the cynicism of the Clinton administration with regard to the arts.
Rich wrote several important books of
essays, in addition to her poetry. She continued
to write until her death and, for her, writing
was always a revolutionary act. As she said,
simply and succinctly, "You must write, and
read, as if your life depended on it:' Hers
did: Throughout her writing life she infused
countless others with her activist voice. ■
BISEXUAL
POET
YAZMIN
MONET
LOVES
WITHOUT
LIMITS
Cf)
z
0
~w
a:
u
::::;
[Il
ThoughYazminMonetWatkinsidentifiesas
a bisexualAfricanAmericanwoman,she
isn't oneto attachherselfto otherpeople's
labels-and isn't afraidto coinherown.
Whenhernewbook,LoveWithoutLimits:
TheBi-Lawsof Love,didn'tfit intoan existing genre,shemadeoneup.Shecallsher
multidisciplinary
project"poetography,"
becauseit showcasesnotjust herpoems
but photographs
byseveralphotographers
fromall aroundthe country.
Anartistwith talentsthat includeacting
andwriting,Watkinsdescribesherselfas
someonewhofeelsdeeply."I'm just a humanbeing,tryingto documentthis experienceof beinghuman,"shesays.
"I'm a spokenwordpoet,so a lot of the
poemsthat arein the bookI alsoperform.
I'm workingwith a couplefilmmakersto
makemorepoetry-music
videos.There's
so muchroomfor explorationandcreativity
andgrowth."
Watkinssaysherpoetryis for the masses,
andbringsit to the streetin unexpected
placesas a wayto breakdownbarriersand
challengestereotypes.
Sheonceperformed
at a collegethat shedescribesas "very
fratty."Theevent,LadyRush,wasa talent
pageantthat doubledas a fundraiserfor
the seniorclass.Thecollege'sfeminist
collective,whichwas againstpageantry,
protestedthe eventoutsidethe building.
Inside,Watkinsperformedherpoem"This
IsWhata FeministLooksLike."Shesays,
"It wascoolto beableto infiltratethe
systemandtell mystoryin a waythat was
entertainingbutalsoeducational.
..a couple
basketballjockscameupto meafterward
andsaid,'I canrelateto that.'"
WhileWatkinssaysherqueerfeminist
leaningsmostofteninspireher poetry,
herownlovestoriesandexperiences
with
religioninfluenceherworkas well.She
wrotethe poem"SundaySocks,"in which
shequotesfrom Leviticus,to dealwith
the assertionthat if you'regayyoucan't
bea Christian."I grewup in a Pentecostal
Apostolic,gay-bashing
typeof church,"she
says."I still maintainthat relationshipwith
the spiritof Godor whatever,butthe poem
wasa responseto that."
Watkinssaysit hasbeena learning
experience
to acceptandbecomfortable
with herownvoice,andto beableto share
hermessagewhereversheis. "I think it's an
interestingplace,beingbisexual,because
you'renotfully gay,you'renotfully straight.
Therehavebeena few lookswhereit's like,
'Hey,wait a minute,youwerewith a girl
before,whatareyoudoingwith a guy?'Or
fromthe oppositeside,'Whatareyoudoing
with a girl,I thoughtyouwerestraight?'As
cornyas it sounds,I lovewithoutlimits."
WhetherWatkinsis at queerevents
with a boyfriendor at straighteventswith
a girlfriend,she saysit meansthe most
to her whenpeopleon both sidesof the
fenceremindher that she's alwaysfamily,
regardlessof who she'sdating.
[JillianEugenics]
::::)
0..
LL
w
June 2012
I 41
''
POWER
SHOT
WHAT
PRIDE
MEANS
TO
AMERICA'S
PREEMINENT
LESBIAN
PHOTOGRAPHER,
CATHERINE
OPIE.
BY
MERRYN
JOHNS
'm fine with it;' says Catherine Opie as she cruises through L.A. in her car, on her
way to meet her assistant, contemplating my question as to how she feels about being
labeled a lesbian photographer. In her acclaimed body of work, this Ohio native
and West Coast transplant painstakingly captures diverse subjects-from surfers
waiting for waves, to dawn breaking over Lake Erie, to a sizzling Jenny Shimizu.
I figure I can get away with pinning such a small label on Opie: It is Pride season,
and she seems to be agreeable. True, she is not famous just for photographing lesbians,
although her bold portrait series Girlfriends features queer female icons-from k.d. lang,
to JD Samson, to Kate Moennig-looking powerful and edgy,just the way we like 'em. It
is a landmark series, capturing different aspects of queer female identity. And then there's
her self-portrait, topless and tattooed, breastfeeding her child. It is both essentially queer
and yet strangely conventional. Opie's iconic images seem to say,"We are:'
Opie is proud to have made work in relation to her own community. "(It's] that idea of
creating an archive. For me, it's very political and very important. Now that I'm almost 51
years old, I realize how the work has really influenced a much younger generation as well.
I get thanked quite often for making the images that I make, so I don't really mind being
pigeonholed in relationship to (lesbian] identity. It's something that I'm proud of-that
I've been able to make work that has been poignant for a lot of people:'
Identity politics is important to Opie, including the identity of the artist, and the
methods necessary to make a body of work. "I feel that it's really important for people to
understand artists and see our processes;' says Opie, who teaches her students at UCLA
the finer points of photography, so that one day they, too, might earn a place in the pantheon of great contemporary female photographers: Cindy Sherman, Annie Leibovitz,
Nan Goldin, Catherine Opie. She is one of such a small group of female image-makers
to have gained mainstream recognition. Her exhibition at the Guggenheim in 2009
included an extensive catalogue of her work since 1988, and she was recently featured
along with a handful of exemplary artists in the Art21 TV series on PBS. That she is an
out lesbian makes her success even sweeter for us.
42
I curve
While Opie is proud of her mainstream
visibility- I suggest that it seems to be a sign
that the culture is changing-she feels that
we still have a long way to go. "Homophobia
is strong and very prevalent, especially in the
American political system. Were in the middle
of an election-it ramps up homophobia like
anything. We still have an enormous amount
of gay suicides, we have a huge misunderstanding in relationship to transgender issues,
so theres a lot of work still to be done:'
Rolling up her sleeves comes naturally
to Opie, whether it's working on a shoot or
discussing why Pride parades are still vitally
important. If you imagine Opie breathing only
the rarified air of the cosmopolitan art world,
think again. 'Tm proud, I'm proud;' she says.
Asked how she will celebrate Gay Pride this
year she says, "I probably will go to the parade
in L.A. with my son. I'll probably celebrate
with my family:'
Opie believes that this spectacle of diversity is still essential. Even though she does
not cultivate a singular identity-not
as an
individual or as an artist-she is not one to
think that rainbow flags, drag queens, sequins
and glitter hold us back from making serious political headway or alienate us from the
mainstream. "I think the biggest problem
with our image is the misconceptions from
outside the community. Wave your rainbow
flag, wear as much glitter as you want. We
need to queer up the world:'
She cites Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein
as innovators whose homosexuality is often
reduced to a footnote in history books. "What
we need more of is to be included in relationship
to what we have done on a historical level-to
challenge the mainstream to a certain extent:'
She hopes that one day textbooks will identify
queer game-changers and celebrate "the incredible achievement of culture that my community
has brought forth:'
Progress is slow but steady-much
like
Opie's labors, and those of her friend and
photographic subject, out American marathon swimmer Diana Nyad. The 62-year-old
world champion is a worthy symbol of our
community-determined,
resolute in the face
of obstacles. It took an endless plague of stinging jellyfish to make her quit her most recent
marathon swim. In Opie's portrait of Nyad,
the athlete stands battered and yet brave, an
enduring image and a reminder that Pride
will march on, just as Nyad will attempt the
Cuba-to-Florida swim once more. ■
FREEDOM
WRITER
JEWELLE
GOMEZ
WRITES
TOWARD
SOCIAL
CHANGE.
BY
VICTORIA
A.BROWNWORTH
wenty-one years after the publication of her award-winning novel, The Gilda
Stories, and many books, essays, poems and plays later, Jewelle Gomez remains
an icon of the lesbian literary scene in the U.S. Now in her mid-60s, still a stunning femme with light gray hair and sparkling eyes, Gomez strikes an imposing
figure-as a lesbian, a woman of color, a writer and an LGBT activist.
"Everything I write, and my activism as well, centers around creating community,
the responsible use of power and the feminist understanding that we're all connected;'
Gomez explains. 'J\nd that includes our oppressions:• But Gomez is far from pedantic.
'Tm always trying to write about these things without boring people to death! The issues
are always there, underneath everything in our lives. It just seems like we can deal better
if we are conscious of their influences and use our smarts:•
Her much-beloved lesbian vampire, Gilda, exemplifies how Gomez does this-bringing
political issues to the fore in an accessible context.
"When I sit down to write, Gilda is there, waiting like a friend;' Gomez says. "She's
both my past and my future-she
carries all of the hopes and fears that I do. Writing
genre fiction makes it easier to convey the principles I'm concerned about. Readers will
sink into Gilda's vampire world and not pull back, because it's a feminist worldview. That's
why I keep writing her:' Gilda devotees will be pleased to hear that Gomez hopes to get
another Gilda novel, The Alternate Decades, out in the next couple of years.
Finding the time to write, and the money to live while she's writing, is always an issue for
Gomez-a former NEA grant recipient. "My friends and contemporaries who have been
mourning the loss of Adrienne Rich recently are also mourning the absence of the vibrant
ti:
cf
u
w
g
z
1I:
I
t:c
u
lesbian community that nurtured her work, as
well as that of Audre Lorde, Cheryl Clarke and
many others;• she says. The impact of the economy and monolithic corporations like Amazon
has taken its toll on lesbian literature.
"Because there are almost no independent
bookstores, you have to work harder to
find lesbian-feminist writers;• Gomez says.
'J\ttending readings, reading biogs, helping
to create the dialogues that we used to have
in lesbian-feminist journals throughout the
year" is a way to make that artistic and feminist connection
Much sought after as a speaker, Gomez is
presenting the keynote address at the Golden
Crown Literary Society Conference this year,
speaking at the Goldie Awards ceremony
about how lesbians must create their own
stories. "The mythology we've grown up with
helps shape how we think, what we believe,
the actions we take-or
don't. Whether it's
vampire lore or ethnic folktales or television,
we learn how to be ourselves from these mythologies. We can make our own mythology
as lesbian feminists. Look at what others have
done that is heroic. If we embrace a largerthan-life mythology, we can actually change
the world and not feel like everything is out
of our control:'
In recent years, Gomez has focused on
playwriting, and Waitingfor Giovanni, her play
about James Baldwin, has made her realize
the importance of giving voice to people traditionally silenced by mainstream culture-like
women, LGBT people and people of color.
"I guess as I've gotten older what is most
important has shifted and changed," she
explains. 'J\s I've been working on my play
about James Baldwin and watching audiences
positively crackle with the knowledge about
him, a gay man of color who made a difference
in our world, I see that for many Baldwin is
a new entity. Working on moving the play to
other cities after its San Francisco premiere,
and working on my next play, I feel compelled
to make the history of queer people of color
a living thing. Theater reaches an interesting
cross-section of people, and I love the idea
that they all have to sit in seats beside each
other and how dynamic that interaction is:•
Generating that kind of excitement is tantalizing for Gomez and part of what propels
her."Social change is what it's always about for
me as a lesbian-feminist writer;' she says. And
that change is what she has dedicated her art,
her writing and her life to. ■
June 2012
I 43
THE
MEDIUM
ISTHE
MESSAGE
MICHELLE
KRISTEL
HARNESSES
THE
POWER
OF
MASS
MEDIA.
BY
VICTORIA
A.BROWNWORTH
n the Life, the LGBT news and topical events program on PBS, celebrates its 20th
anniversary this year. As the executive director of In the Life Media, Michelle
Kristel brings a wealth of personal experience to the program-but
no one is more
surprised at the show's longevity. "It is quite remarkable to have been on the air for
20 years;' she says. "Not only to join a rarefied group of television programs that
have survived 20 years of radically changing media production, distribution and
consumption standards, but to have done so as a nonprofit organization is a source of
tremendous pride:'
Kristel has been with ITL for 10 of its 20 years and has seen major changes in queer
visibility on TV during that decade. "Early in my tenure, we covered Pedro Zamora
on The Real World;'she recalls. ''At the time, it was an anomaly to have an out, openly
HIV,positive person on reality TV. Today, there are LGBT people on many, if not
most, reality shows. Although it is lamentable that participants on these shows don't
reflect the full diversity of our community, out people on TV are no longer newsworthy:'
Kristel adds, "Likewise, queer characters and story lines on scripted shows are notable
not just for their sheer numbers, but for their range and depth. We are no longer Just'
stereotypes and comic devices-we are as richly drawn and as shallow and silly as our
straight counterparts:'
She explains that early in her stint at ITL, she went to Hollywood to talk with NYPD
Blue'sgay African American director, Paris Barclay, and Bill Brochtrup, the out gay cast
member who played administrative aide John Irvin. Brochtrup's out gay character was
one of the first on a mainstream TV show.
Kristel hasn't always been involved in television. She spent the first part of her career in
the upper echelons of Wall Street. The switch from Wall Street to Hollywood Boulevard
was a defining career choice. "I left Wall Street not knowing where I wanted to go, but
certain that I needed more from my professional life;' she says. "I was privileged, after
I left, to have some time to go back to school and explore other opportunities. I gravi,
tated toward media, doing stints as a script reader for a film company, a copy editor for
a website and a copywriter for an advertising agency. In 2002, I met Katherine Linton
use media to advance
and began volunteering for In The Life Media. The mission-to
equality for LGBT people-resonated
with me:'
Kristel has never regretted that switch. "I consider myself extremely fortunate;' she
asserts. "I am passionate about our work, our programs, and their impact:'
TV has long been considered the best medium for giving a mass audience a short,
sweet education about minority experience. Kristel wants to see ITL promote more
understanding and acceptance of LGBT people. She says, "Public television is a highly
effective way of reaching a mass audience-one
that includes not only LGBT people
but, importantly, our allies and potential allies. Our digital initiatives are key to reaching
new audiences and advancing equality for our communities. Through traditional media
and social media, we are harnessing the power of media to educate and engage viewers
around the world:'
Lesbians, however, are often excised from the discourse on gay life in the mainstream
media. Kristel says that in order to promote lesbian visibility in the popular culture, the
answer must start with lesbians themselves.
"I hear the words of Harvey Milk: 'You must come out;" she says. "We owe it to
ourselves, to our community, to the promise of diversity, inclusion and acceptance to
come out. Ellen's coming out was a game changer. Having Rachel Maddow and Jane
44
I curve
Velez, Mitchell on TV every night is changing
the tide, but there are more of us on the big
screen and small who are not out. Promoting
visibility starts with us. Those who are a
part of the popular culture, in front of and
behind the camera and especially those in
the executive suites, have a responsibility to
come out:'
And yet, LGBT people are notoriously
reluctant to give money to LGBT causes and
concerns. It's estimated that only about 5
percent of our community actually contrib,
utes to our own issues. But, Kristel says, ITL
plods on.
"From the $2 money order that comes in
every month, to the extraordinary million
dollar anniversary gift we received from our
board co,chair, Henry van Ameringen, we
are fortunate to have supporters who share
our passion for leveraging the power of media
to advance equality for the LGBT community.
The people who get it are totally committed
to doing what they can to ensure that we
continue serving our mission;' says Kristel.
"We received a $5 check recently with a note
that said, 'I wish I could add a couple of
zeroes. Keep up the good work: Meeting the
people who make our work possible is one of
the greatest privileges of my position. Their
dedication and generosity is an inspiration
to me:' ■
OLIVIA EL
TRAV
E
H
T
IS
Y FOR
N
A
P
COM
NS!
A
I
B
S
LE
LESBIAN
LENS
DOCUMENTARY
FILMMAKER
HEATHER
CONNELL
GIVES
AVOICE
TO
THE
UNHEARD
BY
STEPHANIE
SCHROEDER
ne thing you should know about documentary filmmaker Heather Connellalways expect her to surprise (and educate and inform) you. A passionate activist
for social change, she founded her company, Displaced Yankee Productions, as
a platform for awakening social consciousness and promoting political activism
through entertainment. ''As a gay woman, I certainly recognize our community's
own need for social change and justice;' says Connell. ''As a filmmaker, there are
many issues that I am passionate about and I want to draw attention to:'
Connell's award-winning film, Small Voices:The Stories of Cambodia'sChildren, documents the struggles of the garbage dump children of Phnom Penh, and her forthcoming
film, ForgetUs Not, brings to light the persecution and death of the 5 million non-Jewish
victims of the Nazi Holocaust. Both films focus on untold stories and help people emerge
from the shadows of history.
ForgetUs Not highlights the European Roma and Sinti (also known as Gypsies), the
Catholic priests and the countless others who were murdered during World War II
because of their religion, ethnicity, political views, sexual orientation or physical handicaps.
''About 20 years ago, I visited Dachau for the first time and learned about the classification
chart and the different colored triangles used to mark various targeted groups. I was
appalled at my own lack of knowledge about these other groups, including the Roma and
gay men;' says Connell.''As a lesbian woman who has a pink triangle tattooed on my body,
to not know the full story and origins of the pink triangle was upsetting:'
For most of us, the Holocaust is the story of the horrific murder of 6 million Jewish
people, but in fact 11 million people were killed. "From an educational and historical
aspect, I realized the story of the 5 million who made up other targeted groups was one
that needed to be told:'
ForgetUs Not is currently in post-production. "I would like to be finished with the film
by September, in time for the first round of the 2013 festival deadlines;' Connell says.
"However, this story is very important and I don't want to rush for the sake of a festival
or premiere:'
46
I curve
The making of Connell's debut feature
documentary, Small Voices,and how it came
to be, is an intriguing tale of serendipity. An
off-the-cuff pitch became a passion, according to Connell. "I was planning on making a
feature-length documentary that focused on
poverty and children, in particular in a country that had suffered a genocide. Cambodia
was number three on the list. I was very
interested in going to Sudan:'
At the premiere of Hotel Rwanda, Connell
found herself in conversation with Angelina
Jolie. "I realized I would never have this
opportunity again, so Cambodia went from
number three to number one, and I actually
told her I was already in pre-production with
a documentary. I completely made up a project
on the spot;' says Connell. "She was gracious
and truly passionate about her work there. I
walked her to her car. She gave me her card
and told me to send her my project proposal.
I thanked her, shook her hand, shut the car
door and then stayed up all night drafting
one. She probably doesn't even remember
speaking to me, but that conversation kickstarted Small Voices,a project that wound up
changing my life completely. A few months
later, I was in Phnom Penh for a production
trip. Standing in the mountains of garbage
at Stung Meanchey, the city's dump, and
filming those kids picking through and
sleeping in trash, I realized it was a story I
needed to tell:'
Connell continues to visit Cambodia several
times a year to spend time with the kids in her
documentary. She says she didn't want to walk
out of their lives once the film was over.
Coming to filmmaking by way of necessity and invention, Connell, who studied
theater, started her film career when she moved to Los Angeles in 2001. "There was a
writer's strike going on, which didn't make it the ideal moment to break into the scene;'
she recounts. "My girlfriend at the time wanted to act, so I decided to make a short film
so she could be in it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was completely hooked on
the filmmaking process:'
These days, between making films, Connell continues her work in Cambodia with
Safe Haven, an outreach program she founded and funds. Its mission is to provide
disabled Cambodian children with the educational and therapeutic care they need to
survive and thrive. Needless to say, her time is booked solid.
"I am in Cambodia three times a year for up to a month each trip. With ForgetUs Not,
I was all over the place last year. I was in Europe three times and interviewed survivors
here across the United States:'
Without a 9-to-5 lifestyle,"dating is really hard;' admits Connell."While most of my
trips are only a few days or a week at a time, I can also be gone for a month, in a village
somewhere or filming in~country. In truth, my life always sounds more romantic in
theory to women than [it is] in reality. Finding an independent woman who loves to
travel and is OK with my unconventional schedule would be lovely:'
Her passion for social justice didn't develop
in a vacuum. "I come from a large, loving and
supportive family;' Connell says. "My mother
was the executive director of the Greater
Gardner [Mass.] United Way and has always
been an inspiration as an advocate:'
Connell's commitment to social change is
unwavering: "I think it is impossible to live in
the world today, to be a witness to what is hap~
pening on a global level in terms of injustice,
poverty, war, hunger, disease ... and not want
to be involved on some level, large or small.
There are people who wait for the world to
change and those who change the world. It's
really easy to say that all the problems, both
here at home and abroad, are so vast, how can
one make a difference? But even the smallest
act of kindness has a lasting effect:' ■
PICTURE
BOOKS,
CDS
AND
BEAR,
OH
MY!
:3
w
~
w
Whilesomebearshibernateall winter long,
S. BearBergmancertainlydoesn't!We
caughtup with Bearto learna little about
the dizzyingarrayof projectsze hascooking
(Bergmanprefersusingthe gender-neutral
personalpronouns"ze" and"hir"). You
mightknowaboutBearfrom hir two witty
essaycollections,ButchIs a Nounand The
NearestExitMayBeBehindYou,or from
GenderOutlaws:TheNextGeneration,
an
anthologyof essaysandothercommentary
by newtransandgenderqueer
voices,
whichze co-editedwith KateBornstein,
but the newfocal pointof hir work is what
ze calls"gender-independent"
children.
AfterseveralpublishinghousesBearhad
previouslyworkedwith turneddownthe
ideafor this bookproject,claimingthat
the marketfor booksfeaturingtransgender childrenwastoo limited,Bearandhir
partner,j Wallace,decidedto start their own
press,FlamingoRampant.ThisJune,Bear's
publishinghousewill releaseits first two
books,TheAdventuresof Tulip,Birthday
WishFairyand BackwardsDay.
In TheAdventuresof Tulip,BirthdayWish
Fairy,the title characterhasthe responsibilityof handlingthe birthdaywishesof
all the 9-year-oldsin NorthAmerica.Given
an insidelookat what happenswith the
wishes,readersfollowasTulipdiscovers
a wish he doesn'tknowhowto handle.
Thedifficultwish comes
from a child knownas
Davidwho wantsto live as
Daniela.BackwardsDayis
set onTenalp,a planetwith
17 seasons,includingone
wherebubblegumrainsfrom
the sky,anda daywhere
everythingeverywhereis
backwards.Andrea,who
lives onTenalp,looksforward to BackwardsDayeach
yearso she canturn into a
boyfor a day,but oneyear
she becomesa boyand staysthat way.
Readerswill haveto wait and seewhat
happenswhen his parentstake him to
be examinedby the Backwardsologists.
FutureFlamingoRampantprojectsinclude
a coloringbookandpostersetfeaturing
animalsthat changetheir own sex
characteristics.
Whilechildren'sprojectshavebeen
takingup a lot of Bear'stime,in the fall
of 2013ze will bringus anotherbookof
essays;the workingtitle is Alright Then,I'll
TellYouBoth.Thetitle storyis basedon a
conversationBearhadwith a research
librarianwho respondedwith that line
whenze askedwherethe washroomwas.
Bearhasbeentouringheavilyacrossthe
UnitedStatesandCanadawith fellow
storytellerIvanCoyote.Sometimethis
summer,the two will be releasinga live CD
recordedat a showin Seattle,anda new
tour throughcentralCanadaandthe States
is in the planningstages.
Alwaysbusy,Bearhasa newsoloshow
in theTorontoFringeFestivaloverthe
summer.Muchlighterthan hir lastfulllengthshowaboutthe Holocaust,
the new
oneis titled TheVirginityLostandFound.
In this show,Bearplaysthe government
functionarywho is in chargeof a certain
LostandFoundDepartment.
Zedescribes
the showas 75 percentimprovsexcomedy
and25 percentguerrillasexeducationchallengingthe ideaof heterosexual-style
penis-in-vagina
intercourse
asthe be-alland
end-allof virginity.[Sassafras
Lowrey]
C}
,w
0
N
June 2012
I 47
L
One California couple and their romantic butch-femme wedding ceremony.
By Katherine Wright
Photos by Peter Tran/ Icon Photography
California, it sometimes seems as though the legal status
f same-sex marriage will never be resolved. The California
Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in
2008, and the State began granting marriage licenses
to same-sex couples in June of that year. But on Nov. 5,
2008, came the passage of Prop. 8, a constitutional amendment providing that only a marriage between a man and a
wotp.an was valid. On Aug. 4, 2010, a federal court declared
the ban unconstitutional, a decision that was upheld in the
Ninth Circuit Court on Feb. 7, 2012. But legally, same-sex
marriage is still on hold pending further appeal.
Luckily, California's endless legal wrangling did not
dampen the spirits of Julie Nicole McMaster, 26, and Joy
Marie McMaster (nee Scruton), 25, who had their wedding
ceremony at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu on July 9, 2011.
The women, both of whom are Catholic, were introduced
by a mutual friend and felt an almost instant connection.
The first time Joy saw Julie she "didn't know what it was
at the time, but I knew I wanted to know more about her.
A few months went by before we saw each other again,
although I always had her in the back of my mind. She came
to my birthday party and the connection we had was undeniable. We've been together every day since:•
But it was Julie who proposed to Joy. They had plans
to go to dinner after work, Joy recalls. "She picked me up
and we headed to her place to take care of her cats before
we went out. When we got
to her door she opened it
without using her keys, and I was more concerned as to
why she hadn't locked her door. But the second we walked
in I knew ... There were candles everywhere and our song
was playing in the background. She got down on one knee
and promised to take care of me and love me forever:'
The wedding ceremony was a dream come true for
Joy. ''As a little girl, I would imagine my dream wedding.
However, it never involved a man:' Sixty-five guests came
to witness the couple's commitment to each other, with
celebrant Gary Blinn officiating. "Every step that we take
from this day forward will be as one. You are my perfect,
you are my love, you are my forever;' promised Julie. "You
are a miracle to me and one of the best wishes that God
has ever granted. You are the one I had always dreamed
of;' said Joy.
For their big day,Julie wore a black fitted suit with a pink
button-down dress shirt and custom-order black-andwhite wing tip Vans (which all her "bridesmen" wore). Joy's
ivory A-line gown by Maggie Sottero featured a sweetheart
top and corseted back. They exchanged rings: Joy's was a
princess cut diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds,
which continue down the eternity band. Julie's ring was a
black ceramic carbide band with a brushed finish engraved
with "My Forever 7 /9/11:'
The wedding was held outdoors before a scenic backdrop of waterfalls and vegetation. Their first dance was to
Faith Hill's "Give In to Me" and the couple danced under
twinkling lights as the sun set. Joy tossed her bouquet and
the DJ played Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl:'
Guests commented on how normal and
how special the wedding was. "It was the
first time most of our guests had attended a
same-sex wedding, and I'm sure they didn't
know what to expect;' says Joy. "Everyone
had the same thing to say. It was just a beautiful wedding between two people who love
each other very much. I'm glad that's what
people took away from our ceremony. I hope
it can inspire more people [to understand]
that love is love:•
UPDATE: The coupleskipped their honeymoon to start afamily and welcomedtheirfirst
child,a girl, in May. ■
t;omboychic
A new brandof clot;hingfor t;herough-and-1:iumble
crowd
fuses fashion-forward
st;ylewit;hcreat;urecomfort;.
By SbephanieSchroeder • Phobosby AlfonsoCanbarero
''I've always been a tomboy, and for as long as I can
remember, I've had an inclination to do things and dress
in ways that are considered more boy than girl;' says
designer Alicia Hardesty. ''A few years ago, I modeled for
a photoshoot with the theme tomboys in vintage dresses,
and it got me thinking more specifically about the name
'Original Tomboy' and where I could take that as a brand.
I grew up in Kentucky, and my childhood and upbringing
are inspiration for Original Tomboy (O.T.):'
O.T., the company and its latest collection, embody
Hardesty's definition of tomboy. "I grew up surrounded by
strong female influences;' she says. ''A tomboy is someone
who is very comfortable in her own skin, tough-mentally
and physically-and can run with the best of'em. Tomboys
so I curve
can handle whatever life throws at them, and we are problem
solvers. When it comes to appearance, there is a range of
what tomboy might look like, but generally we wear a lot
of pants:'
Of her brand, Hardesty, who is 28, says,"The style and fit
welds the sensibility and timelessness of vintage attire with
modern design aesthetics. We want you to feel modernly
brand new and Tom~Sawyer~like all at once and experience
an heirloom, homegrown quality when you wear it:'
Tomboys have had a huge influence on lesbian culture, a
visibility she says is not tied specificallyto the LGBT commu~
nity."Tomboys are tomboys, and many times we happen to
be gay, but often we're just women who live and dress how
we want, who don't answer to anyone but ourselves:'
Surplus stripe
vest $150; B
raglan $79
cropped de
$150; Gr
suspen
Sliylist;
Lauren Lynn King
Makeup
Joanna Berdzinska
Models
Unique Jenkins, Nala,
Meagan Gorman
er V-neck $79;
vintage dyed denim
oonshine leather/
uspenders $69
Hardesty studied fashion at Colorado State University,
"The perfect place for a tomboy interested in fashion;' she
muses. After graduation and an internship with the organic,
sustainable clothing company, Loomstate, Hardesty lived
in New York City and worked for Aeropostale as a junior
designer. She honed her knowledge of domestic production
in Los Angeles, where she and her girlfriend, Lauren Lynn
King, are now based. The first O.T. collection was funded
by a Kickstarter campaign and now Hardesty is focused
on selling the 2012 line to showrooms, boutiques and
buyers in major U.S. cities as well as to online retailers.
"We hope to launch a store on our website this summer:'
Readers should visit theoriginaltomboy.com to see where
they can find O.T. gear.
The reception of O.T. in Kentucky has been amazing,
according to Hardesty. "To them, I'm just a girl from
Meade County out in the world pursuing her fashion
dreams. Where I come from, a tomboy is just a tomboy;
they don't advertise sexuality, and yes, they're pretty con~
servative. It's kind of a live and let live attitude:'
Among her support base, Hardesty finds a wide
range of tomboys interested in the brand, even those who
52
I curve
"Fora Ioli of people,iti'sabout;
somelihingdifferent;beingofferedin
lihe way of womenswear,somelihing
lihey can relatielio."
purport not to care about fashion. "For a lot of people,
it's about something different being offered in the way of
womenswear, something they can relate to. Our garments
embody much more than fashion or style, [O.T] is about
a way oflife:'
There are no fashion victims at O.T. The collection is
made in the U.S. and everyone with whom the company
works gets paid a living wage."We are part of a movement of
conscious shopping for quality goods that matter. Original
Tomboy is conscious and responsible in its business and
production;' explains Hardesty, "and the company strives to
leave only necessary and desirable footprints behind. We
want to be a brand you can trust:'
The young designer hopes to extend the business inter~
nationally: "For all the other original tomboys out there,
we hear you and we've got what you've been looking for:'
( theoriginaltomboy.com)■
0
a:
w
a:
~
z
(3
0
(J)
z
5'.
_J
<l'.
FJZ_ANf:l5C
JUNE 23, 2012
Saturday,
Sp to 2a Adv. Tixs15 - s20 at the door
DANCE·FOOD·GO~O~-FUN!
Open to the entire LGBTQCommunity
101 4th Street,
SF, CA 94103
Advance tickets on sale at
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/237295
SANFRANCISCO
~
NAtlCINAL
0
fl[rulf@[f'[ru@@l
Lll'<f.lif
l'OR'-ll'ltllA.k
HIGHl!i,
P IDE
om
Season three of TheRealL Word
returns with a new cast, new
romance, new rivalries, and all the
sex and drama we,ve been craving.
fig'Rad&etcSl&all&
fllu!g' Te~
"fllaered
"efi •
ablendof#U!,W,
,relalion,,Jhifw,
and
IU!,W,
,rwaltrielJ,
IU!,W,
dilu.alJ.onA
iCd ~uail.elg
going I& Jalag oul,
inleretJlinglg.,,
For fan favorite Whitney Mixter, season
three is the latest chapter in her ongoing
journey of personal exploration and growth,
and we are going to see some big changes in
her life. Things have changed for her since
Juicy, the dub night she began in season
two, has taken off and it's now eating up
all her working hours. "It grows bigger and
bigger every month, pretty much. And we
actually took it on tour. It's a blessing and
a curse, in a sense, because it's like I don't
regret being busy, but I do miss doing the
special effects:'
But making sacrifices is all a part of her
continued progress. "I feel like I'm putting
my big~girl pants on now. I'm still making
mistakes, and I'm still tripping along the
way,but think I'm coming into my own:' But
that's not to say her Lothario instincts have
gone the way of her season one castmates.
" 'm trying to tame it in, but everything is
a process:' As to what we're in store for this
'
season, Mixter teases, "There's definitely a
blend of new relationships, new rivalries,
new situations and it's definitely going to
play out interestingly:'
One storyline we can expect to see
play out is Mixter's on~again off~again
relationship with her girlfriend, Sara
Bettencourt. In last season's finale, the two
had reunited-a move that surprised a lot
of viewers. From a storytelling perspective,
it exposed a weakness in the reality TV
format, a flaw that Chaiken and her crew
are working to address. Chaiken explains,
"I would admit that in the first season, and
to a lesser extent in the second season, there
were moments when things happened and
things changed, but you didn't necessarily
get to fully understand what had happened,
or why, or how a change of heart had come
about. Some of it is just the logistics of
producing a reality show, but some of it is
just that the people we're working with are
now understanding that it actually is better
storytelling, and makes them look better, if
we can really understand them:'
Bettencourt, for one, is eager for the
audience to understand her better. "I feel
as though I've kind of been portrayed
as a villain;' she says. "It's been kind of
frustrating. I have been a character in all
three [seasons]. But not being a main cast
member, I felt it has hindered my char~
acter because I haven't really been able to
show my side of the story. And to me, it
is important for me to be able to show all
the dimensions of who I really am:'
So, what can audiences expect to learn
about Bettencourt? "I think you get to see
the softer side of me. You get to see the
side of me that's not so protected. I'm not
holding a wall against myself. I'm just kind
of letting you in and showing my insides,
if you will:'
One aspect of herself that Bettencourt
hasn't been shy about exposing in past sea~
sons is her sexy side. Bettencourt explains,
"This might seem crazy to people, [but] it
is easier for me to be open with my body ...
that's just easier for me than to bare my
emotions. It's just hard to be soft on cam~
era and to let people pick you apart:' The
show will also focus on Bettencourt's very
conservative family, and she hopes this will
resonate with people in similar situations.
"Both of my parents come from a small
island off the coast of Portugal. And they
are so traditional. I mean, my parents have
never really heard of anyone being gay, and
it's really important to me that people who
think they cannot come out to their parents
and be accepted for their sexuality see my
story. You never think that your parents can
ever accept something like that, but really it
just takes love and courage:•
However, one plotline Bettencourt is not
looking forward to revisiting the collapse of
her friendship with cast mate Romi Klinger.
"It's a really tough thing for me to talk about,
because I really held my relationship with
Romi dearly. There's been so many things
have happened that have led me to not trust
her ever again ... but it makes me sad all the
time. Just the other day I started crying about
it, because it breaks my heart. It's a loss, it
really is. It's a big loss;' Bettencourt says.
~own,
I& fiUdutetJd
Klinger shares Bettencourt's sadness over
the loss of their friendship, but has a more
philosophical take on it. "Whitney and I are
not friends. I love her and Sara. I honestly
wish them the best in everything that they
do. It's sad and it breaks my heart, but this
is what happens in life. What we had in
common once, and what tied our friendship
together at one point, doesn't exist anymore.
And I'm not the same person I was when I
met them:'
Klinger is all about moving forward,
whether that's in her personal life or in busi~
ness, and season three will be another roller
coaster ride for the jewelry designer."There's
a lot going on this season. I can barely keep
up mysel£ let alone hope the cameras keep
up with it. It's a journey, it's a growing year.
I'm really digging deep to explore creative
sides of mysel£ sexual sides of myself and
just who I am as a woman;' says Klinger.
Part of that journey is building on her
brand, Casa Por Vida, branching out to
create fashion and even an album. Yes, that's
right: Klinger has a dance album in the
works. And it seems the sky is the limit for
her. "I think that when you put your mind
into things, and you really dedicate your life
to your passions and your dreams-and it's
so cliche and cheesy, but you only live once.
And it's almost like my work has become
my new addiction. I'm such a workaholic:•
However, it's not all business for Klinger,
who promises that season three will not dis~
appoint in the sexiness department. "Every
year, I do something sexual on the show.
We are who we are, and we all have sex.
And you're watching the show because you
want to see what lesbians are, or you want
to see what our sexual preference is. You
want to jump in and you want to see these
lives. All of our lives are around our work
and our love and our relationships andguess what?-sex. And that's why we are
on Showtime and we're not on another
network, because we are able to let you
into every aspect. Sex is a huge part of our
culture and our lives. So, you want to give
it all, and that's what we do. We definitely
give you sex;• says Klinger, who jokingly
adds, "My vagina needs an agent!"
On a more serious note, Klinger offers,
"There's a sexual journey with me. And I
think that people this year are going to find
that I am just really trying to find the truth
of who I am, and be digging into areas of my
life that I have put on hold or numbed up
for a really long time. And it really took me
getting sober and digging deep into who I
am to realize that I am totally open:' And
to those who disapprove of the choices she
makes, she says simply, 'Tm not going to
live my life so that the audience feels like
they're OK with who I am. I'm going to live
my life so that I'm OK with who I am:'
But to detractors of show's sexual
content, it's Chaiken who gets the last
word. "It's a matter of personal taste and
threshold. I've always liked stories about
sex and sexuality, I think that it's one of
the great human stories, and we choose
to tell those stories. If it's not to someone
else's taste, then they can choose to go
elsewhere for their stories:•
"fT'ltiddeadOR,
fa,w will get QA
better uwide
mallWJ~ofa
,na;rriage
fhe
even,
~
and
whal,U,~
f,O, ,nuke
ll,
no,~
whaL"
,/
June 2012
I 57
!Tanailg MaJten,
Also returning for the third season are
reality TV's most adorable married lesbian
couple, Kacy and Cori Boccumini. When
we last saw them, they were going through
the incredibly complicated (and expensive)
process of starting a family. In the new
season, it continues. "The path to building
a family always seems to be an emotional
roller coaster. The great thing about fans of
the show is how open they are in reaching
out and sharing their struggles. It lets us
know that no matter what we have been
through ... we are not alone. This season, the
fans will get an even better inside look at all
aspects of a marriage and what it takes to
make it, no matter what;' says Cori.
There is one misconception, however,
that they are eager to dear up: "In all honesty,
we don't talk about sperm all that much;'
jokes Kacy.
Punkfiod,,fjitrld
While some might consider all the alums
of the show rock stars, season three is get~
ting two new real ones with the addition
Kiyomi McCloskey and Somer Bingham of
Hunter Valentine. With the recently mar~
ried Bingham, audiences will be privy to her
attempts to reconcile her domestic life with
her wild~girl past and, as the newest mem~
ber, to find her place in the band as they
tour and work on their latest studio album.
Whereas Bingham is happily partnered,
the season opens differently for McCloskey
who is very single.'Tm trying to really nav~
igate what it's like to be on the road and
be single and stay focused on the task at
hand, which is to play shows every night.
But a lot of our fan base is female, and that
can get you into trouble on the road-and
can be a wonderful, amazing time;' says
McCloskey.
Despite spending most of her nights
center stage, when it comes to living all her
life in front of the camera, McCloskey has
trepidations. 'Tm not going to lie, it's scary
to expose yourself in this way, and I'm not
really sure how I'm going to react to it. But
I committed to exposing myself and being
vulnerable in front of the camera, and
hopefully I'll just come across as exactly
who I am:'
One thing that isn't in doubt is that the
band now has a massive platform to help
grow their fan base. ''As a musician, I think
this is kind of like a dream. The amount of
exposure that the band will get is amazing.
I'm really excited about how much reach
the show has on an international level.
You never really know who you're going
to reach, and that's a really exciting thing;'
says McCloskey.
fit·C-oadtal
fie11tled
Also hailing from N.Y.C. is newcomer
Amanda Lee Dunn, a publicist and true~blue
New Yorker who prefers the faster pace of
life on the East Coast."! am very outspoken.
So that definitely gets me into trouble. I
mean, I'm from New York, so that just sort
of comes with the territory. In L.A., every~
body's really mellow, and it's a much slower
pace, and [everybody] is like, 'Let's go run~
ning and get some wheat grass at the juice
bar: Everybody in New York is like, 'Come
on, let's go, let's go, get the fuck out of my
way'-you know?"
But despite her love of life in the Big
Apple, when her best friend and co~star
Lauren Russell made the move to L.A.,
Dunn followed a year later. "Lauren and I
have been best friends for, like, five years.
And we had always lived in the same city
and hung out all the time. And then all of a
sudden we're so far away from each other:'
Russell is excited to share her life and
her business with the world. The designer
of gorgeous and edgy Lyon Fine Jewelry
decided when she was cast that she would
hold nothing back. The process was "thera~
peutic, challenging, surprising, exciting,
life~changing, and, in the end, really brought
me a happiness I didn't have before:'
It's not all dub nights and lezzie hookups
for Russell, who says that this season,
audiences will be following her hardships
as well, including dealing with an illness in
the family and her own bouts of anxiety.
But she hopes that if she's honest about all
the areas of her life, viewers will get a clear
picture of her. "I don't mind being judged,
no one is perfect. [But I am] someone that
has a big heart, that loves her friends and
family. A person that has a passion for her
work, but that does struggle with problems
like anxiety. Someone that isn't closed off
to love, but at the moment is working on
herself and is on a personal growth journey;'
says Russell.
fTlwrd
trllne d the
to everyone, the show has been consistently
entertaining, and the decision to make this
year's cast bi~coastal and bring in new per~
sonalities like McCloskey and Bingham
lends some extra edge to the already deca~
dent series. At the very least, it promises to
give us more: more sex, more drama, more
storytelling, more ... geography.
Perhaps Klinger says it best: "It's defi~
nitely got a fresh vibe. You've got he East
Coast~West Coast deal, you've got more
of a wild group of girls this season. I think
there's a lot more cattiness to the show, and
there's a lot more drama and sex. I mean,
isn't that what we always do? But we really
pumped it up this season:' ■
Ch,a;r,n
Like Chaiken, we can't help but be optimis~
tic about how The Real L Word continues
to evolve. While it can never be everything
click
away
When you subscribe
to our interactive
digital edition you
get curve in your
inbox before it hits
the stands. Flick
through pages, watch
videos, listen to
songs, forward stories
to friends and best of
all, no more recycling.
Just download and
click away!
subscribe + save at
curvemag.com
■■■ SUMMERADVENTURE
A MCHIGAN
STATEOF
MIND
As the first day of the 2011 Michigan
week of music, comedy, movies under the stars,
Michigan's
Womyn's Music Festival draws to a
dancing, rain, fireworks, workshops, vegetarian
beloved and
close, a boisterous thunderstorm passes
food, controversy and community has begun!
controversial
over the 650 acres where thousands of
2012 promises to be another exciting year,
lesbian summer with headliners that include Amy Ray, Dar
attendees are camped. Torrential rains
music festival.
Williams and Dorothy Allison. Festie-goers
batter our tents and tear branches off the
By Julia
can, once again, participate in the Drumsong
trees overhead. The ground shakes with
Orchestra with Ubaka Hill and the One World
thunder. Suddenly, there's an earsplitting
Steinecke
Inspirational Choir with Aleah Long. Veteran
crack and a supernatural flash, brighter
performers Cris Williamson and Holly Near
than sunlight at noon. A moment later,
will be back. Among the new faces will be R&B
the land erupts with the sound of
women, near and far, whooping and cheering the power
punkers Joan As Police Woman, fronted by Joan Wasser,
the highly accomplished singer-songwriter who plays violin
of Mother Nature.
and keyboards (the band's male musicians will be replaced
That's the spirit of this festival, which is often referred
by an "awesome" lineup of female musicians, says producer
to simply as "Michigan:' Since 1976, women from North
Lisa Vogel). Straight-faced comedian Karinda Dobbins
America and beyond have traveled by air, Greyhound,
carpool and motorcycle to create a unique, temporary village will be making her debut on her birthday at the Sunday
on "The Land:'
Day Stage.
This year's Intensive Workshops have been announced,
We arrive in the gray light before dawn and join "The
with options such as ''Adios, Barbie" for Teens, Stilt
Line;' a string of cars that always forms along the quiet
Walking, and Breast Casting for Womyn of Color. Other
country road leading up to the festival gates. A couple of
presentations in the General Workshop program are usuminutes later, we hear the crunching of tires on gravel as the
ally announced on opening day. Last year's topics included
next car tucks in behind us. We climb on top of our camplaughter yoga, zine making and polyamory. Finally, there
ing gear and fall asleep. Midmorning, everyone emerges for
a few hours of socializing, reunions, gossip, flirting, political are the unofficial events, some of which take place in the
debates and, finally, a last hamburger, from the women who
Twilight Zone, a camping area where partying goes late
sell them off their truck every year.
into the night. Look for the Unofficial Schedule of Events
After lunch, my girlfriend stays with the car while I hike
& Meet- Ups in the bulletin board at michfest.com/ forums.
up to the front of the line to enter as a walk-in. It takes almost
In the past, there's been a uniform party, a cheese ball contest,
an hour to get to the gate, but car numbers scratched in the
speed dating and much more.
gravel let me know how far I have to go. At 1 p.m., while a
It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the things to do:
couple dozen of us stand in line, the festival workers begin
Some festie-goers spend a busy week rushing between
events, while others take it slow and enjoy leisurely hours
the countdown:"Ten, nine, eight ... " and the gate rolls open
to cheering that spreads all the way down the line. Another
hanging around their campsite with friends. Either way,
60
I curve
~
w
a:
0
LL
ui
(')
~
<!],
z
ci
a:
::J
co
<(
z
0
~
w
0
(/)
w
0
TRANS WOMEN AND MICHIGAN
The Michigan Womyn's Music
Festival is one of the primary
women-only events in North
America. Through years of controversy and debate, organizers have
worked hard to make Michfest more
accessible to low-income participants,
women of color, differently abled
women and others.
The question of accessibility for
trans women was hotly debated in
1991 , after security staff told a suspected trans woman named Nancy
Burkholder to leave the festival. This
led to the founding of Camp Trans,
an event for trans women and their
allies that is held on land outside the
festival gates.
In 2006, an out trans women
purchased a ticket at the gate and
entered Michfest. Producer and
co-founder Lisa Vogel issued a press
release saying that the festival's
intention was still to welcome WBW
only, and she hoped others would
respect this.
In 2011, the Trans Women Belong
Here group sponsored a few trans
women, who attended the festival
and promoted inclusion. They sold
T-shirts, set up a safe tent, and held a
workshop for their allies.
62
I curve
At the same time, some supporters
of the WBW intention put up posters
proclaiming "Girlhood Is Significant,"
indicating that Womyn Born Womyn
have much in common from the experience of being raised as girls.
Some festie-goers see this conflict
as a struggle to protect their sacred
space from those who don't share
their experiences as women. Some
WBW supporters don't acknowledge
gender transition at all, and others
say they do support trans women,
but they want to have a WBW space
to retreat to, if only for one week of
the year.
Other participants (this writer
included) also see trans inclusion as
a human rights issue-one group of
women excluding another group of
women. Though this is a very complex
issue, there are parallels to the exclusion of people on the basis of race,
citizenship and sexual orientation.
Some trans inclusion supporters
have boycotted the festival itself, and
some have boycotted performers
who play at Michigan. Others encourage trans women's allies to attend
the festival, so they can support the
trans women there. (transwomenbelonghere.blogspot.ca) [JuliaSteinecke]
you'll be welUueled by a generous vegetarian
menu, which has changed very little over
the years: Thursday night burritos still draw
the biggest line-ups. The staff that runs the
enormous outdoor kitchen relies heavily
on help from attendees. Work shifts are
part of the price of admission-the
part
that keeps monetary costs down-and
everyone is asked to do at least one shift in
the kitchen, if possible. You'll get into fascinating discussions and make new friends
while chopping carrots.
Trans inclusion, one of the most challenging issues for festie-goers lately, will
certainly be debated again this year.
Officially, Michfest has a guideline stating that "womyn born womyn" (WBW)
are welcome to attend. Supporters of the
WBW intention say they need this separate space, while trans women and their
allies say the festival should be for all
women. In 2011, some WBW supporters
wore red T-shirts and armbands, while
some who supported trans inclusion wore
T-shirts and buttons that read "Trans
Womyn Belong Here:'
As the second week of August draws
closer, along with the varied political conflicts, we'll remember the great music, the
flaming arrows arching over our heads at
Opening Celebration last year, and the
pleasure of moving through the forests and
meadows of The Land in the company of
womyn. ( michfest.com)■
z
ci
a:
::J
co
<(
z
0
~
w
0
(/)
w
0
Cclearchannel
MEDIA+ ENTERTAINMENT
SAN-----»
F.=tANCISCO
TOYOTA
,,,.america
joie de vivre ®
KAISER
~
PERMANENTE.
thrive
w
SFPride's
Women's
Stage
will beat
McAllisternear
Leavenworth
on Sunday,
June24
sfpride.org
■■■ SUMMER ADVENTURE
A PASSAGE
TO INDIA
You know times are changing when India,
queering of the subcontinent seems perLesbians have a
historically a country with a complicated
snickety, if not naive. Sure, there is a thrivspecial invitation
relationship with same-sex relationships,
ing LGBT community in Mumbai, there
to visit one of
shows keen interest in the lesbian travel
is a gay presence in Delhi and Goa is
the most exotic
market. Well, one tour company in particubecoming a resort town that attracts gay
destinations in
lar is extending a warm welcome to lesbian
men. But Western expectations of a rainthe world.
travelers who wish to visit the land of silk
bow flag welcome should be left at home.
saris and exotic spices. In November of
Nevertheless, a cosmopolitan, friendly
By Merryn Johns
last year, I joined the first LGBT press
and women-focused vacation is now
possible, if you place yourself in the catrip organized by Out Journeys ( their
tagline is Come Out in India) and was curipable hands of Out Journeys. These guys
ous as to exactly how gay they could make our itinerary.
(and just to be clear, they are all guys, albeit sensitive ones)
The answer is ... not very. But the expectation was perhaps
have taken the time and trouble to understand American
unreasonable. India is so vast and diverse, and the expelesbians. They were there at the First Asian Symposium
rience it offers travelers is so intense, that to insist on a
on Gay and Lesbian Tourism, presented by Community
(/)
z
I
~
z
1r
a:
w
~
ENTICINGINDIA
(/)
z
I
~
z
tr
a:
w
~
Marketing Inc. in Delhi, a conference that aimed to raise
the profile of the LGBT market segment in a land where
business owners crave hard facts about the legendary "pink
dollar:' If you've been paying attention to global economics,
you know that India (along with Brazil) is on the rise, fiscally;
its middle class is thriving and the country now has many
Western symptoms of prosperity: huge malls, luxury cars,
much real estate development. The chance to harvest the
low~hanging fruits of capitalism has led to open minds in
India, as well as open wallets. So if you've longed to visit
the land of the Taj Mahal but didn't dare, now is your time
to venture forth among open~minded people, with tour
guides who are respectful of your sexual preference or gender
identity-important
in a country known for heaping a
bewildering array of challenges on you even before you even
get out of the airport!
I traveled with Abhinav Goel, the founder of Out
Journeys, who is also the ambassador to India for the
International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. On top
of building business for Out Journeys, he considers his role
with the IGLTA as important because he sees his home
country as a destination to be proud 0£ and one that has a
lot of potential-economically,
culturally and spiritually.
''As an emerging destination, India needs a lot of focus
and attention to make it a truly LGBT~welcoming place;' he
says. "Being an ambassador allows me to work closely with
Out Journeys is offering tours
for lesbians and women in
September 2012 and January
2013. Prices start at $1,980.
The itinerary takes in Delhi,
Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra,
Ranthambore and Jaipur.
Highlights include:
A rickshaw ride and tour
of bustling New Delhi, a visit
to the famous Qutb Minar,
a pillar monument built in
1199, Humayun's Tomb,
India Gate, the President's
House, Parliament House,
Government Secretariat
Buildings and Connaught
Place shopping centeras well as a modern Hindu
temple. A visit to Varanasi,
one of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in the world,
and a holy city in the eyes of
Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
Hindus believe that to die here
and be cremated on the banks
of the Ganges is the sacred
culmination of existence and
a release from the cycle of life
and death. Take a morning
boat excursion and witness
the cremation ghats, and the
people there to bathe and
offer prayers to the rising sun.
Visit the city of Khajuraho
and its world-famous group
of temples boasting diverse
erotic sculptures, which only
prove that homophobia is a
relatively recent invention.
Built by the Chandela Rajputs
between 950 AD and 1050 AD,
these monuments are some of
the finest in India.
Agra is the city of the Taj
Mahal, a monument that is
the ultimate gesture of eternal
love, built by the Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan as a
memorial to his wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. This sublime, luminous,
white marble mausoleumthe world's finest example
of Muslim architectureoutshines all preconceptions.
This sight alone will make your
visit to India worthwhile.
Animal-lovers will be thrilled
to visit Ranthambore National
Park and go on a tiger safari
in a forest. Attend a tribal
school for a unique, interactive learning experience with
local children. Assist a local
nonprofit doing exemplary
work in tiger conservation and
the rehabilitation of tribes that
were previously engaged in
poaching wildlife.
Jaipur is the gemstone
capital of India, and a
shopper's paradise. Take a
stroll along the secret lanes
of the Walled City, where
the old ways of life continue
uninterrupted.
Spend your rupees at the
Jaipur bazaars and take home
some unique mementos of
your visit. Learn the art of
haggling, try some sweets
from a street vendor and
take in the time-honored arts
and crafts that still flourish
in the bazaars. A ride on
an elephant at the stunning
Amber Fort and an optional
ride in a hot air balloon over
the city will make your visit
truly transcendental. This is
the capital of Rajasthan, and,
fittingly for LGBT travelers,
it was given a coat of pink
paint a century ago in honor
of a visiting prince and has
retained this color ever since.
In the evening, go for a
Rajasthani cooking class and
master the bewitching art of
spicy Indian food.
June 2012
I 65
CURVESLEPTHERE
India has a wide variety of accommodations
to choose from, low-rent to luxury, boutique to
chain. We can recommend the following
establishments as exceedingly comfortable,
authentically Indian, and very gay-friendly:
ShantiHome,Delhi
A boutique accommodation in the heart of a
chaotic city, Shanti Home offers an oasis with
tastefully decorated rooms, outdoor dining and
bar facilities, excellent food, locally-made wine,
and friendly service. (shantihome.com)
UdaiVilasPalace,Bharatpur
Old World with a contemporary flair, this stately
hotel is elegant and homey, with spacious rooms,
pleasant gardens, an in-ground pool, an airy restaurant, and, if you're lucky, a traditional puppet
show each night. (udaivilaspa/ace.com)
Suryodaya
Haveli,Varanasi
Tucked away at the end of one of Varanasi's
crooked laneways and perched on the banks of
the Ganges, this lovely small hotel offers pointblank views of the sunrises and the teeming
life that make this sacred river such a profound
hotels, airlines and also the government to drive the changes neces~
sary to achieve our goal. It also makes me responsible to spread the
good word around and connect India's vast and diverse LGBT com~
munity and businesses to the global traveler;' he explains.
When it came to the logic behind starting Out Journeys, Goel
says his motivation was part patriotic, part humanitarian, part
financial: "Once the Indian courts struck down the draconian law
which had criminalized same~sex relationships, we experienced
India's LGBT community coming out in the open and expressing
itsel£ This threw up opportunities from a business standpoint that
were compelling. India offers tremendous opportunities for tourists,
with its diverse culture, history, landscape and cuisine. And the idea
of merging these attractions with the LGBT lifestyle was too good
to pass up:'
Goel had learned through surveys that Americans were keen on
exploring India but were unsure about its gay~friendliness, concerned
for their personal safety, even dubious about the state of its facilities.
He set about demystifying these issues so that we would feel welcome.
Among travelers from Europe, North America and Australia, the
response so far has been positive. Goel is attuned to the differences
in tastes between male and female gay travelers, and, to the extent
that it's possible, he has fashioned an itinerary aimed at lesbians."We
conducted a large survey in North America to gauge the interest
and preferences of both gay and lesbian travelers, and it clearly came
attraction. (amritara.co.in/varanasi/suryaudayhaveli.html)
Treeof Life,Jaipur
This rural estate offers unbeatable luxury against
a rustic backdrop. The collection of immaculate
pink villas (some have in-ground splash pools
and stone massage tables) are designed around
gardens following Hindu principles, and emanate
a spiritual tranquility. As I listened to the gentle
clang of goat bells from the nearby fields and
sipped a post-massage cup of Darjeeling tea I
didn't want to leave, but I gave thanks to the gods
for a fitting end to an amazing journey.
(treeofliferesorts. com)
~
0
u
u.i
~
0
I
i=
z
<C
I
(/)
,:..:c
iii
<C
z
<C
a:
f
(/)
z
I
~
z
1r
a:
w
~
66
I curve
out that lesbian travelers were attracted by India's culture,
cuisine and adventure. Over the past several months, we
have also invested significantly in training and coaching
our staff and partner service providers to be aware of and
sensitive towards gay and lesbian communities. The fact
that we now work only with gay~welcoming hotels, guides
and transport services gives us the confidence that
lesbian travelers can explore India without any
concerns;' he says.
While I was already familiar with the Indian
word namaste (a friendly greeting or farewell), I
had not heard the word namaskar, which is more
formal and was the preferred salutation among
the Indians we traveled with. Rather than offering
a simple greeting to a person, it acknowledges the
manifestation in the self of the supreme conscious~
ness that unites all of us. The subtle and yet significant
difference between the two words perhaps symbolizes the
difference between venturing to India in the closet, on your
own, or with a straight tour operator, or making the trip as
an out and proud lesbian, with Out Journeys. Namaskar!
( ou0ourneys.com) ■
June 2012
I 67
■■■ SUMMER ADVENTURE
A LESBAN
IN LONDON
Finally! You're in London! Whether
gender,benders will appreciate Tatty Devine,
Part two of our
it's for World Pride or the Olympics or
an accessories store with a sense of humor.
pre-Olympics
just to have fun, you know it's one of the
travel special tells Even shop,a,phobic butches can spend happy
most expensive capitals in Europe, but
hours getting a shirt tailored to fit exactly
you what to see,
right at Wolsey, maker of "men's" clothing
you want to rock it anyway. Here's how
where to shop,
to live like a London lesbian, even on a
since before America was a country. Finally,
and how to drink
lavender budget.
no one who likes sex can go past Coco de Mer,
Gay culture (not to mention a date)
an
opulent adult boutique featuring unlikely
like a Brit.
is easy to find anywhere in this city, but
looking sex toys and expensive wisps of satin
By Gillian
the Theatre District in Soho, and par,
you suddenly, urgently, need.
Kendall
Also, Seven Dials features every good
ticularly Old Compton Street, is Queer
European shoemaker in Europe-and
so
Central. Beyond Candy Bar (the only real
lesbian hangout, but famous enough to
what if you spend a month's salary on a
have its own reality TV show) and G.A.Y. and Heaven
pair of shoes at Josef Siebel, Fly, Russell & Bromley or
(both mostly for men, and kind of intense), London offers
Camper? They'll last you the rest of your life!
a panoply of historic, artistic and architectural attractions
CLASS AND CULTURE
that will appeal to just about everyone.
World,dass museums, many of them free, include the
THE ROYALTREATMENT
British Museum, the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery
Fans of the regal lifestyle can swan around several palaces:
(insider's tip: the cafe under the steps has a lesbian manager),
the recently renovated Kensington Palace; a perfectly pre,
served miniature palace, Queen Anne's dollhouse at
Windsor Palace; and old,reliable Buckingham Palace
for its Changing the Guard Ceremony, a must,see.
Summer 2012 is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, so stock
up on "60 Years a Queen" memorabilia for your tiara,
wearing friends.
LOSINGPOUNDSQUICKLY
Some of the best shops in England are on narrow pedestrian,
friendly streets at Seven Dials in Covent Garden, where
rows of boutiques are interspersed with amazing places
to eat and drink, such as Hotel Chocolat (buy gifts to
take home, so your friends won't hate you). Femmes of
size (such as me) will love Base, with its impossibly desir,
able designer clothes; mothers can get divine things at
Irish designer Orla Kiely's retro shop; and tomboys and
June 2012
I 69
and dozens more. Parks are also free, highly civilized, and,
like most churches, always open. Be sure to patronize
London's last gay bookshop, Gay's the Word, at 66
Marchmont Street, a few Tube stops from Soho (a lesbian
discussion group meets every Wednesday night).
The West End of London offers theatre on a par with
Broadway, and you can get tickets for even the newest shows
(including the Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical
of 2012, the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The
Musical, based on Roald Dahl's Matilda) at discount ticket
booths at Leicester Square.
GREENVS. PLASTIC
Credit and debit cards in the U.K. all have chips these days,
so you can't swipe your striped card everywhere. The good
news is that many high-end stores or hotels will charge
your card in dollars, saving you currency-conversion fees.
Request to be charged in your home currency in shops and
hotels; otherwise, use cash from an ATM (known as a"hole
in the wall;' or a "cashpoint").
BOPPINGAROUND
Without a helicopter, getting around London in July 2012
is going to be a bore, a drag, a Sisyphean feat. Don't even
consider renting a car. On top of rental fees that start at
about $190 a week for a miniature car, gas at $95 to fill it,
70
I curve
and insurance (high), you'd have to pay a $16-per-weekday
"congestion charge" for the privilege of having a vehicle in
central London. And even at that price you still won't be
able to drive, because traffic in London is worse than in
L.A. or Atlanta.
Taxis and minicabs are available, but they get stuck in
traffic too. Most Londoners use the Tube (the clean, safe,
ubiquitous subway system). Buy an Oyster card as soon as
you arrive and put about $10 on it for every day you plan to
stay in London, on top of the $8 deposit. Be sure to "swipe
on" and "swipe off" every time you start or end a journey
by bus or Tube, and the Oyster will magically calculate the
best fare, based on your usage. At the end of your visit, take
your Oyster card back to any ticket booth for recycling and
get back your £5 deposit, plus any amount you've paid for
but haven't used. Saved the stress of buying tickets for every
journey, you get to feel as cool as the locals look, casually
swiping your blue-sheathed Oyster as you breeze through
the turnstiles.
Or not. Already, there are posters all over the Tube
advertising that "Delays may occur on some lines during the
Olympics;' with an oh-so-amusing cartoon of two bodybuilders trying to shoulder past each other getting out of
the Tube, while a flock of hapless non-athletes are stuck
behind them.
Walking in London is famously great because there are
fascinating plaques, pubs and maps to investigate every few
paces. However, the streets are crowded even in the offseason, and navigating around clumps of other touristsespecially the ones consulting guidebooks in the middle of
the narrow footpaths-isn't a good use of your vacation time.
The best, most economical option for able-bodied people
is to rent a bike from one of the Barclays rental stands that
are all over central London. Hiring a bike for up to half an
hour costs only $1.60, and fees go up to $80 for 24 hours.
They're comfortable, well-maintained, and lighter than they
look, but it can be difficult to return a bike at your chosen
destination if the racks are full and time is tight.
And if your ride takes you near Covent Garden, stop at
The Icecreamists ("Liberating the world one lick at a time"),
a "fetish" ice cream parlour-PG-rated
menu and decor,
adult-interest ice cream. What could be better?
SLEEPINGWITHTHE BESTOF BRITAIN
No one over 21 comes to London to stay at a youth hostel,
but good accommodation in London isn't cheap (though
there may be some special deals during the week after the
Olympics, before the Paralympics).
The Radisson Edwardian, in the center of Seven Dials,
has swish, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates, and the
cocktails at the Dial Bar are all creatively based on the
fruits and herbs of nearby Covent Garden: The goldencolored Garden Pear, with fresh ginger, made us feel
particularly jubilant, regal and damn near British. God
save the Queen! ■
a:
;ii
E:i
z<{
u
<{
a:
w
CD
:J
_J
w
s:
ct
V .ISi·t ••
-•
Sweden
www.visitsweden.com
~
Stockholm
The Capitalof Scandinavia
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
Scandinavian
Airlines
REVIEWSSapphic Stage
Wild In Italy
A performance troupe aims to revolutionize the Italians' view of gender. By Lauren LoGiudice
from masculine to feminine presentation
within seconds. Delicious.
It takes guts to stage a queer performance
in a country where being publicly gay or
lesbian is still an anomaly. Eyes Wild Drag
not only performs but, with spunk, glitter
and pizzazz, has created a community in
which they are understood, supported and
celebrated-an
incredibly fabulous way to
create a revolution.
TheRoadto Gender
Performance
Revolution
Six years ago, after watching Venus Boyz,
After dodging a group of tourists armed
with giant cameras, I hopped onto a bus
and squished myself in between two women
speaking and gesturing at lightning speed. I
held on tight as the bus zoomed past the
Vatican, turned right onto Via Vittoria
Colonna, and then snaked around Piazza
Cavour. Within 20 minutes, I arrived at
my destination, a Centro Sociale Occupato,
one of the socialist community spaces that
support free speech and liberal expression
in Rome.
I slipped into a rehearsal that was already
in progress. A striking woman with the
feminine wiles of a young Barbra Streisand
stood on the stage directing two masculine
women. She spoke loudly. "Piuforte!" I sat
straighter in my chair. She turned on the
music and the three of them began to enact a
721curve
mimed story about a gender misfit set to the
song"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
I smiled to mysel£ I was less than two miles
away from the conservative-stalwart-whoshall-not-be-named and watching Italy's
first drag king group in action.
Eyes Wild Drag is Senith, Spruzzy and
Bianco-three
mavericks, each with a signature style. Senith is the focal point of the
troupe, the most rompicoglioni(vulgarly, "a
ball buster;' loosely, "a nuisance''), proudly
the first faux queen in Italy. Real drag queens
are often jealous of the attention she gets.
Well, they can eat her eyelashes, because
she has talent to boot. Spruzzy is the physical comedian of the group. She reminds me
of Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wandapassionate, exuberant and zany. Bianco plays
with gender lines like D.R.E.D., changing
Gabriel Baur's 2002 documentary about
drag culture in New York City, these three
friends were inspired to form their own performance troupe. They had no role models
to fall back on, no performances to compare
to, beyond the few they had glimpsed in the
movie. They simply felt strongly, as queer
individuals, that they wanted to explore
gender on stage. That was their starting
point. They made the rest up as they went
along. And Eyes Wild Drag is their name.
At first, they looked to their native
Italian culture for inspiration. They used
the traditional forms of pantomime and
cabaret to create a story of redemption
for gender-variant
individuals. In the
process, they subverted the traditional
gender roles inherent in those forms.
And they continue to do this today, while
being faithful to their original messageincredibly entertaining and wholly charming, if not downright steamy.
As the troupe started to perform in
dub and cabaret venues around Italy, they
quickly realized they had a problem. A
large portion of their audience was baffied:
What were these three people, with their
glued-on facial hair and/ or high heels and
wigs, doing on stage? Some people took
offense, probably shocked by the novelty
of it all. As Senith says, "We were creating
new ways of being in society:' Lesbian feminists questioned the need to portray male
characters, and drag queens laughed at the
idea of a woman as a female impersonator.
In 2009 and 2011, they hosted a transgression extravaganza called Genderotica.
This daylong event included a drag show,
workshops and photography and video
exhibitions. Artists from all over Europe
and the United States showcased their
work at the festival. Italian LGBT guests
and their friends attended in droves and
drank deeply from the gender-bending
well that EWD provided for them.
The members of EWD soon realized
they needed to create the queer culture
that would embrace their performance.
They were already cultural pioneers; now
they would become activists. They began
with drag king workshops. Afternoons
were spent educating participants in how
to incorporate "male" gender performance
into their lives.
Enlightening small groups of people at
a time was helpful, but the workshops fell
short of reaching their entire community.
So they got cleverer. They knew that if an
Italian audience saw foreigners performing
in drag, they would more readily accept
that type of performance from Italian
artists. With this in mind, they set about
inviting a slew of international artists to
Italy. Each artist they hosted was a hit and
brought EWD closer to congregating its
ideal audience.
The troupe became more ambitious .
Bringin the FauxQueens
During our interview, EWD reiterated
many times that although they have tried
to enlighten them, drag is still something
new to most Italians. Regardless, the trio
continues to push the envelope. Starting
last year, EWD began to educate the community about the faux-queen concept. In
February 2011, they brought a little New
York City flair to Florence, inviting the
notorious Victoria faux-queen party from
Stonewall Inn to perform. They coupled the
performance with a photography exhibition
about faux-queens from around the world.
To say it was successful is an understatement. Over a thousand people came-and
surely left shimmering with glitter and a
newfound appreciation of drag performance
in all its erotic glory.
''A little magical moment happens between
us and the audience when we perform;' says
Spruzzy. ''And that is the most important
thing:'
Like any dedicated artists, Senith, Spruzzy
and Bianco are finding all means necessary to
produce and showcase their work. Next time
you are in Italy, check their website for performance dates. If you are on the East Coast
this June, prepare to be dazzled. EWD is
spreading the wings they patched together
in Italy and embarking on a tour to span the
globe with their message of queer vitality.
(eyeswilddrag.it)
■
•
.,.. ...
•••
••
••••
··•-:••···
Saturday 11om - 7pm • Sunday 1Qom - 6pm
Coorslight PrideFestParade 9.30am
www.denverpridefest.org
D Nationwide"
ftfflT;'ffl!I
~
Insurance
~~
••••
II• ;:__
'RBITZ-
June 2012
I 73
REVIEWSMusic Watch
Greek Gods and Gender Roles
A conversationwith singer-songwriterand LGBT ally, Dar Williams. By Dave Steinfeld
When singer-songwriter Dar Williams was
gearing up to record her eighth studio effort,
the song "You Will Ride With Me Tonight"
came to her first. She wanted to write a biker
song-about joyrides with Hermes, the Greek
god who takes the souls of the dead to the
afterlife, for a god's eye view of the span oflife,
"through the tunnel to the light:' This led to
the idea of doing a whole album inspired by
Greek mythology. But, she says, "I ended up
breaking from that concept-which is a good
thing!" Instead, Williams wound up using
the Greek gods as a loose jumping-off point
to write about more current and personal matters. The result, In the Time of Gods, is her first
album of new material since 2008.
Despite being inspired by the concept of
Greek mythology (and being produced by
Kevin Killen, a titan whose previous clients
include 02), In the Time of Gods doesn't feel
grandiose. Quite the opposite. There are only
10 songs on the album and most of them have
understated arrangements. Yet ideas about
the use and abuse of power are at its core.'Tm
interested in power right now;' Williams says.
"There were a lot of pieces of my life that were
exciting to look at through the lens of Greek
mythology. They're stories of pride coming
before a fall, and people who have a lot of
power, who use the power to uphold civilization or abuse the power and lose everything.
What you do with chaos is the thing that can
really scare you about yoursel£ So the song
'The Light and the Sea'' [is about] a more
humane or positive way of acting. Because
there is that light-whether it's the small, still
voice, or the light in the distance, or words
from the Bible, or something wise that your
car mechanic told you. Even in my most complicated, chaotic moments as an adult, there
were a lot of teachings and principles that I
took in at times that weren't chaotic. And they
guide me:'
"Storm King;' which closes the album, is a
lovely song about a mountain that overlooks
the Hudson River and is also about the
folk icon and political activist Pete Seeger.
"In Greek mythology, there is a king of the
74
I curve
"They're storiesof
pride coming before
a fall, and people
who have a lot of
power,who use the
power to uphold
civilizationor abuse
the power and lose
everything.What you
do with chaos is the
thingthat can really
scare you about
yourself."
gods;' Williams explains. "When Zeus
gets angry, he can hurl thunderbolts at
you and turn you into a little pile of ash.
That hurling~the~thunderbolt, sleeping~
with~everything~that's~not~nailed~to~the~
ground, temperamental boy is not a father
figure to me-or to a lot of people. I think
we've evolved on that one. The screaming,
bullying father on the soccer field is not a
popular dude anymore! I thought, If you're
going to assign an otherworldly patriarch
to your pantheon, it's more someone like
Pete Seeger, who has endured political
assaults and all the brutality of time and
the tides in this country and has come
out as a guide. He models the life that
we could all live, be it chopping wood or
writing songs. [He's] a real father figure
we can be proud of:'
"Storm King itself is the mountain that's
basically across from where Pete lives;'
she continues. "It's a very striking, beauti~
ful mountain. It was going to be used for
a massive energy project, but the people
united and struck that down. I guess that's
what Pete and the mountain have in com~
mon-being sort of diminished and drilled
into and exploited for their resources. But
they've kept the integrity of their vision.
They both have become treasures to us:'
It makes sense that Williams would favor
a father figure like Pete Seeger. She has
long been an advocate of nontraditional
gender roles, beginning with the very first
track on her debut album, "When I Was a
Boy"-a beautiful song that still resonates.
"I think that civilization hangs in the bal~
ance of whether we can embrace a wider
definition of personal gender choices;' says
Williams. "I was just writing it from my
own kind of thing, but the '90s was the
time to write that song! There was nothing
like it before. There [had been] women's
music, which said 'I can do whatever a man
can do' or 'Women are different and that's
good'-like the two prongs of the feminist
movement. But I felt very strongly that the
same understanding hadn't been extended
in the public realm to men-and that men
really needed it:'
Williams herself grew up in a house full
of powerful females. She had two older
sisters, and her mother was an outspoken
liberal. Asked about how her upbringing
shaped her understanding of gender, she
responds, "When you're all girls, there's
a lot of energy to fill the masculine void.
So we all had things about us that could,
you know, Julie knew how to drive a trac~
tor. Meredith was the math whiz. I was
the swamp adventurer. And we were all
hairbrush rock singers-raunchy, unself~
conscious people. Back in the day, as much
as my mom was reading all that stuff about
raising strong girls and working at Planned
Parenthood, I think she had an uphill battle
in my town:' Looks like she did a hell of a
job. (darwilliams.com)■
REVIEWSIn The Stacks
Mattersof the Heart
Two non-fiction works on romance, revelationand one life-alteringreunion. By Rachel Pepper
the answers for yet. She writes, ''All
my life I have worked from the
wound. To heal it would mean an
end to one identity-the
defining
identity. But the healed wound is
not the disappeared wound; there
will always be a scar. I will always
be recognizable by my scar ... and
so will my mother, whose wound
it is too, and who had to shape a
life around a choice she did not
want to make:' This book will hold
special relevance for anyone who
has been adopted, for those who have found salvation
through books or through love, and for longtime fans of a writer
whom we treasure as much for what she has survived as for what
she has written.
HereComethe Brides!:Reflectionson lesbian love and Marriage,
editedby AudreyBilgerand MicheleKort(SealPress):If you think
WhyBe HappyWhen YouCouldBe Normal?,JeanetteWinterson wedding bells may ring in your future, toss the wedding plan,
(Grove/Atlantic):
Over the course of an amazing career as a novelist,
ner aside and pick up a copy of Here Come the Brides! instead.
an essayist and a critic, Jeanette Winterson has written many times
This substantial collection of first,person narratives touches on
about love and the primal wound she suffered: her own adoption
every topic a potential bride would want to know about, from
into a family of Pentecostal evangelists at a few weeks old and her
the radically political to the highly practical. Although most
abandonment by her birth mother. But she's never written about
writers in the collection acknowledge that they want to be in a
it like this before. Whereas OrangesAre Not the Only Fruit, her
legal, long,term, socially sanctioned relationship, there is a wide
prize,winning debut novel, contains many autobiographical ele,
diversity of opinion about what this really means. Most of the
ments, it is a book that also brims with humor, Why Be Normal is pieces celebrate the idea of queer nuptials, but there are dissenting
a much darker and more insightful work, a version of Orangesthat
voices: Stephanie Schroeder's "I Don't Want to Be Part of Your
could only have been written in Winterson's reflective middle age. (De)volution" reminds us that the institution of marriage hasn't
In it, she opens up about her own mental health issues (not just
been an empowering one for most women throughout history, and
her adoptive mother's)-the
effects of her childhood abuse on her
Linda Villarosa prompts readers to consider that the marriage
temperament and self,esteem, how this played out in her own
movement, while "overshadowing most other issues in the national
conversation;' has caused "nearly all of our political eggs" to be
destructive relationships (including physically hurting her past
lovers until, she writes, she realized she shouldn't do that), and her
"placed squarely in the marriage basket:' For many activists working
lifelong uncertainty about her capacity for love. Although she is for social change, this is an ongoing problem. As Holly Hughes
currently involved with the well,known psychotherapist and writer
writes, "Marriage is a big hungry ancient beast .... Will we be able
Susie Orbach, Winterson has wondered if she would ever be able to
to 'queer' it the way we've queered Shakespeare?"
really love another person, and be fully loved in return. "In my work
However, for the majority of writers in Here Come the Brides!,
marriage, and all the rights and responsibilities it brings, is
I found a way to talk about love-and that was real. I had not found
something they are more than ready to embrace. Therefore, the
a way to love. That was changing:' Orbach supported Winterson in
majority of the book is an ode to the institution of queer marriage
tackling her adoptive past, a history concealed by the Wintersons.
itsel£ for better or for worse. Some authors deal with the legalities
In fact, "Mrs. Winterson" (as the writer calls her adoptive mother)
that make couples consider marriage, such as co,owning property
told her that her birth mother had died when she was actually very
or having children together. Others write about the details of the
much alive and hoping to be found. Some of the book's most moving
ceremony they had or wish to have, or the significance of selecting
passages occur during Winterson's search for her birth mother, and
their rings, or explaining their union to their families of origin. Still,
reveal how finding her raises new questions that she doesn't have
76
I curve
(/)
w
Cl
0:
0
CL
z<(
0
others explore what a second marriage means; planning a (lesbian)
wedding after an earlier heterosexual union didn't last, or finding
love again after divorcing a previous wife. And there are also
some who write touchingly about how they have been swayed to
marry by what they have witnessed over their lifetimes, both in
the LGBT community and in the ever~changing national political
scene. Far from feeling that their union is holding the rights of
the LGBT community back, many feel that the blessing of their
love is a sign of progress. In "More Today Than Yesterday;' Bette
Skandalis writes, "I am proud that our marriage has contributed
to the political conversation-the
revolutionary idea that
joining with someone is not a right accorded to a privileged,
heterosexual few, but for anyone lucky enough to find somebody to
share a life with:' ■
ROMANCE REVOLUTION
Radclyffe's
pathfromprosperous
plasticsurgeonto proudwriterandpublisher.
Theaward-winning
lesbian
romancewriterRadclyffe
celebratedthe publication
of her40th
novel,NightHunt,in Marcheven
thoughsheonlybeganwritinga
dozenyearsago.Inaddition,she
foundedandrunsBoldStrokes
Books,oneof theworld'slargest
independent
LGBTpublishers.
Reflecting
on herprodigious
output,theseven-time
Lambda
LiteraryAwardfinalistsays,"I'm
notanonlychild,butmybrother
is 1Oyearsolder,so I grewup
havingto entertainmyself.I
remember
being7 yearsoldand
creatingmyownlittleworlds."
Althoughshe'shadnoformal
trainingasa writer,LenBarot
(whowritesundertwo pseudonyms,Radclyffe
andLL. Raand)
creditsherwaywithwordsto
herloveof reading.In heryouth,
shestumbleduponDaphnedu
MaurierandCharlotte
Bronte,and
throughthembecamehookedon
romance.
Butit waswhenshe
cameacrosslesbianromance
writersAnnBannon,
Katherine
ForrestandSarahAldridgethat
herimagination
reallystartedto
heatup.
"I startedwritingbecause
therewasn'tverymuchin the
wayof lesbianfiction.I started
writingfor myownpleasure."
Givenhervoracious
appetite,she
quicklyconsumed
the lesbian
romancecanon.Bythe mid-'90s
shediscovered
onlinewriting
groupsandto distinguish
herself
fromthe mostlymalecontributorsshechosethe username
"Radclyffe,"
asan homageto
Radclyffe
Hall,the authorof The
Wellof Loneliness,
oneof the
first novelswithovertlesbian
themes.Yearslater,whenBarot
wasreadyto publishherfirst
novel,herwell-knownInternet
handlefelt comfortable
asa
pseudonym.
Shehadbuiltupan
onlinefollowingbythen,andshe
wantedreadersfromtheforum
to recognize
herbooks.These
days,mostpeoplein andoutof
the literaryworldreferto heras
Radclyffe,
or simplyRad.
Herotherpseudonym
is LL.
Raand,
a nameshegaveherself
whenshepublished
herfirst
bookof paranormal
fiction."By
thetimeI gotreadyto publisha
paranormal
romance,
I'd written
over30 romances,
so myreadershipknewwhatto expect[from
Radclyffe]."
Tosignalto hercore
readership
thatthis bookwould
bedifferent,shecameupwith
anothersurname,
butonethat
startswiththesametwo letters,
in partbecauseshewanted
herbooksto beclosetogether
onbookstore
shelves.
Aswell
as havingseveralpennames,
Radclyffe
hasenjoyedtwofulltimecareers.
Whenshebegan
writingromance,
shewasa
medicalresident,
just startingout
in plasticsurgery."I usedto write
at night,"sheexplains.
"It was
a stressfultimein mylife,and
writingmademefeelgood."For
a while,thetwo careersworked
wellalongside
eachother,but
eventually
sheknewthat if
shewereevergoingto break
throughasa writer,she'dhave
to makepublishing
a priority.
At first,herbookswerewith
smallindependent
publishers
that hadlimitedresources.
Then,
shewitnessed
twoof herthree
indiepublishers
go under.She
sawa newavenuefor herto
explore."WhenI beganpublishto buyRadclyffe
sometimeto
ing,"shesays,"I reallywanted
write,andto adjustto hernew
to learneverything
aboutthe
wayof life.
business.
I wasalreadydoinga
Inthefirst yearthatsheran
lot of myownwork,"shesaysof
BoldStrokesBooks,shesigned
thoseearlydays."I hadmyown
coverartist.I hadmyowneditor, sixauthors.Now,the Bold
whoeditedmyworkbeforeI even Strokesauthorlist comprises
sentmymanuscripts
in." Forher, nearly80 queerwriters,andthe
publishing
companyhasover
takingon moreaspectsof the
300titlesin its catalogue.
Her
business
seemedreasonable,
so
shebeganself-publishing.
"I very workscheduleshowsnosigns
quicklyrecognized
thattherewas of slowingdown."I generally
writefor aboutfivehourseach
a ceilingthat I wasnevergoing
to getbeyond,becauseI needed day,andthe restof thetimeI
spendworkingat the publishing
realdistribution.
Theonlywayto
business."
Radclyffe
spendsan
getthatwasto usea traditional
averageof ninehoursa dayin
publishing
model."
heroffice,whichisjust downthe
WhenRadclyffe
firstthought
drivewayfromherhouse.She
aboutgivinguphersurgical
andLeeliveona 180-acrefarm
practice,sherealizedit would
involvea potentially
overwhelming nearAlbany,N.Y.,wherethey
changein lifestyle.Sheknewshe keephorsesanddogs-and an
hadto prepareherselffor a cut in officecat.All in all,it seemsshe's
salary,yetshewasdetermined createdthe idealplacefor her
to flourish
to followherheart.SheandLee, romanticimagination
andherbusinessmodelto sucherpartnerof 14 years,sold
[MetteBach]
theirhouseandoneof theircars ceed.(radfic.com)
June 2012
I 77
REVIEWSFood
A Tasteof Adventure
ChristineManfieldis blazing her way along the Spice Trail. By Constance Parten
Antipodean omnivores have long
admired Christine Manfield, one of the
few out chefs Down Under. Pairing
nicely with her upfront identity is
her expertise in international flavors,
and her cookbooks Stir, Spiceand Fire
place her squarely on the culinary map
( along with her upscale restaurants
East@West in London, now closed;
the legendary Paramount in Sydney;
and Universal, also in Sydney, which
was named one of Australia's 50
great restaurants in 2009). This year,
Manfield finds herself showered with
more accolades for Tasting India. It
took five years to write, and during that time
Manfield made 11 month~long trips to India,
a country she has been in love with for at least
20 years. Consequently, TastingIndia is much
more than a recipe book. It's a travelogue and
semi~autobiography, but the recipes are defi~
nitely there-and
all 250 of them cover most
of the subcontinent. Unlike in her other books, Manfield didn't
create the recipes. Instead, they are heirlooms from Indian
cooks, passed down through the generations. Manfield hasn't
altered them.
"The recipes were entrusted to me to be passed on, to be shared,
and they are very much a reflection of where they come from. It's
not a Westerner's interpretation of Indian food;' she says. The
celebrity chef with her own line of food products spent her time
in India in people's kitchens, by the roadside, in restaurants and
even palaces, taking notes and collating the work. The recipes, she
says, are mostly simple, because they come from modest homes
that lack the kitchen equipment we are used to in the West.
"The recipes were entrusted to me
to be passed on, and they are a
reflection of where they come from."
"I wanted to reflect food in India today. Some of it is ancient.
Some of it is based on anecdotal family recipes. Elsewhere, you
can see the influences of the world:' And the pictures in the book
are stunning-from
street scenes to photos of the dishes repre~
sented by the recipes. In contrast to many cookbooks in which
dishes are tricked out to look impossibly delectable, the foods
photographed for this volume were created by cooks in their own
homes and were unaltered. "They would be cooking it, and when it
78
I curve
was finished we photographed and then ate it;' says
Manfield, with her refreshing Australian matter~of~factness."That
gives it a special character:'
The book is a labor oflove; this epic project weighs in at a stunning 6.5 pounds. And it is a thing of beauty that appears to
glow. "The cover is a turmeric~gold color embossed with shiny
pink filigree. It looks like a sari. " It's a "design statement;' says
Manfield, who nevertheless hopes that readers will cook from it.
Tasting India is packed with beautiful images culled from thousands of photos but the recipes actually work and Manfield has
enough extra information on the history of Indian food to follow
this book up with a second. Already on sale in the U.K., Australia
and India, TastingIndia has been welcomed as authentic by experts
on Indian cuisine, even though its author is a foreigner. The book is
also "a valuable travel resource;' says Manfield, who wanted to encour~
age and empower people to travel. "India is entirely different to
anywhere else. It's such a rich culture. You can't talk about Indian
food in isolation:'
Because TastingIndia has as many facets as its subject, it's little
wonder it has already won two prizes, Cookbook of the Year, and
the Culinary History Award, at the 34th Annual International
Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Awards in New
York City this year and is a contender for a third prize in Australia
as well. Despite the accolades, Manfield maintains her modesty
and her perspective. "When people say,'What's next:'; I say,'India:
■
It's a never~ending story." (christinemanfield.com)
cucxe
marketolace
CIVIL UNIONS
Now LEGAL FORALL
KOltlNONRl'IIDINI
IN HAWAII
\NllRI\IDINJ\
Summer Hill Road, Vacy,
HUNTER REGION, NSW,
AUSTRALIA
p. +61 2 4938 8233
e. enquiry@
eaglereach.com.au
www.eaglereach.com.au
www.pearlskeywest.com
S2SUnited
Street•KeyWest,FL33040
1.800.749.6696
• Member
IGLTA
comeliffliltf
~
•
L
L1m1n[ lo"-mm]
-verb
Legal arriage,
Honeymoons
and RomanticGetaways
Caribbean translation relaxing
~
--~--
_..,._,__
j
..-... .. c....,,.
sondcostleonthebeoch.com
1.800.524.2018
www.highlandsinn-nh.com
1-877-LES-B-INN
June 2012
I 79
STARS
Summer Romance
With Venus in retrograde, June is the time for love.
By Charlene Lichtenstein
Gemini(May22-June 21)
Twins are personality plus this June as you outshine
all competition for center stage. You are such a shining star that your glitter may stun the adoring crowd.
Turn some attention to domestic matters and see if
you can make your home the perfect entertainment
center for an adoring crowd of one.
Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec.22)
It is so easy to direct all your attention and effort to
advancing your career but you now do so at the
expense of certain relationships. My advice is to strive
for balance this June. You can't neglect lovergrrls and
think that they will be waiting for you when you finally
get that big juicy raise. Or maybe they will.
Cancer(June22-July 23)
The street is abuzz with gossip about you. It is not all
down and dirty and much of it is complimentary and
true. Feed the buzz with some good gay deeds, charitable efforts and your naturally magnetic and diplomatic
personality. This mellow vibe can easily last through
the summer and stoke many a summer romance.
Capricorn(Dec.23-Jan. 20)
As much as you would appreciate co-workers' help on
a particular project, don't wait for them to jump in.
Work tasks take longer to do for a variety of reasons.
One reason is your wandering attention through the
month. It might be hard to focus on the mundane
when you are entranced on faraway adventure and
international travel. Satisfy your wanderlust and then
get back to work.
Leo(July24-Aug.23)
Gal pals are up to something and that "something" has
Gemini(May 22-June 21) your name on it. Don't be surprised if you find yourself
Geminidykesarealwayson immersed in a series of social activities, some of which
the goandthereforedon'tput will have a hefty price tag attached. You can only do so
muchstockin onepermanent much and spend so much, Lioness. Watch your budget
abode.Don'tbe surprised
if and only spend what you can afford to.
shemovesoften,perhaps
evenacrossthe countryand
back,in the spanof a few
years.Chances
aresheis not
currentlylivingin thetown
whereshewasborn.Likeher
opposite
astrological
sister
signSagittarius,
Gemini
sisterslivebythe credo,
homeis whereyouhangyour
hat.ForthoseTwinswho
havea bit moreearthin their
charts,thisenergymayresult
in owningmorethanone
homeor livingout of a couple
of placesat once.Misplacing
the keysbecomes
an event!
Virgo(Aug.24-Sept.23)
Turn on the charm around bosses this June and see
how far your charisma can push you up the corporate
ladder. You may climb fairly far up before your sweetness turns to saccharine. So keep a watchful eye on
how you behave and what you do. Tempering what
you say so it at least sounds sincere is the sincerest
form of success.
Libra(Sept.24-0ct. 23)
"Wilde" romance comes in many shapes and sizes.
This June, Libras find their match in some of the most
unlikely places and in the most unusual circumstances.
Make yourself open to new experiences, spread your
wings and prepare to be amazed. For those in a
relationship, explore highly romantic destinations
designed to sweep her off her feet.
Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22)
There is the chance that you will mix up the platonic
Charlene
Lichtenstein
is
theauthorofHerScopes: with the romantic this June. This is entirely your
decision and a big first move, Scorpio. But consider
A GuidetoAstrology
the
aftershocks should your bout with love become
(Simon&
for Lesbians
a knockout. Can things go back to normal? Well,
Schuster)
(tinyurl.com/HerScopes).
Nowavailableasan ebook.
maybe it will become a new normal.
so I curve
Aquarius(Jan.21-Feb.19)
June is filled to the brim with festivities and quite a bit
of romance too. Your cup runneth over with splashy
choices so be careful of any spillage. There is the risk
of over-extending and taking on more than you can
comfortably handle and truly enjoy. Try to spread your
joy through the entire summer if possible.
Pisces(Feb.20-March20)
June is the time to feather your nest and spruce up
your surroundings. You never know who will fly in.
But try to leave all the major renovations and moves
for later in the fall. You want your space to be ready
for anything. Plan a gathering of your girlfriends for
intimate get-togethers. Of course, how intimate is
entirely up to you.
Aries(March21-April 20)
Lambda Rams do more than their fair share of idle
dit chat this June. You seem to know just what to say
to get what you want, when and where you want it.
But your mouthy ways can get you into trouble if you
begin to mix and match your various amours. Ladies
are not interchangeable.
Taurus(April21-May 21)
Your various creative pastimes can become very expensive if you indulge every little whim this June. You will
enjoy your treasured moments more if you can scale
down the festivities to a more manageable level. At
least find a partner who can keep your energy up. ■
■
Celebrating 25 years of commitment
to the LGBT community
Helping to create safe schools, inclusive workplaces, and financial success
The LGBT community has come a long way in the last 25 years, and Wells Fargo has been right there.
Our commitment goes back to 1987, when we added sexual orientation to our non-discrimination
policy. Since then, we've contributed to LGBT organizations, lent our support to anti-bullying efforts,
and continued to foster a culture of equality in the workplace. Then, in 2011, Wells Fargo Advisors was
the first in the industry to have Financial Advisors earn the Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorsM
designation. We are only as successful as the communities we serve. Here's to the next quarter-century.
wellsfargo.com/lgbt
El BEST
Together we'll go far
PLACESTO WORK
2012
for LGBT Equality
100% CORPORATE EQUALITY INDE~
Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers:
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.
Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor'M is a service mark of the College for Financial Planning®
© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
See all items with this value
-
Join Now at TotalRewards.com
Create Your Own Experience
with Total Rewards.
Harralis
w.~.pp·
HoRsEsHoE.
Must be of legal age to gamble
BALLYS 7~
in
HRRVE!:IS
TOTAL
inh planet
SHOWBOAT [ROA!luH,OUSE
J
REWARDS®
~hollywood
a casino Know When To Stop Before You Start
IMPERIAL
PALACE
Gambling
Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700
c
2012 Caesars License Company
LLC
Features JUNE2012
54
The Real L Word Returns
Read our exclusive interviews with the cast and
creator of The Real L Word for a sneak peek at
all the drama, sex and romance season three
has in store. By Rachel Shatto
34
Stud Seduction
Inside a burgeoning butch trend in erotic
entertainment: Dom Dancers. By Tina Vasquez
36
Nikki, Jill and a Baby Makes Three
Our scoop on the glam couple's plans for
parenthood By Merryn Johns
48
Love is Love
Witness the romance of one California
couple's traditional marriage ceremony.
By Katherine Wright
50
Tomboy Chic
Original Tomboy fuses fashion-forward style
with creature comfort for the rough-and-tumble
crowd. By Stephanie Schroeder
;;;:~
w
::;;
i=
::;:
Profilesin Pride
0
I
Cl)
;;::
With Pride season upon us we take a closer
look at some of the people on the cultural
frontier who fight for lesbian identity.
:.'.
Cl)
0..
:J
LL
LL
~
0
~
0
a:
w
40
Memories of lesbian poet and radical feminist
Adrienne Rich. By VictoriaA. Brownworth
a:
~
z
<i:
0
0
Cl)
A Life in Lesbian Letters
42
z
Power Shot
What Pride means to lesbian photographer,
Catherine Opie. By Merryn Johns
f2
_J
<i:
$
:!,
>I
43
0..
a:
('.)
0
I0
I
0..
Cl)
z
Freedom Writer
Jewelle Gomez turns her pen into a
tool for change. By VictoriaA. Brownworth
<i:
44
The Medium is the Message
Michelle Kristel harnesses the power of
mass media. By Victoria A. Brownworth
0
~
(')
:!,
t::
<i:
a:
0
w
>
0
_J
46
Lesbian Lens
Documentarian Heather Connell gives a
voice to the unheard. By Stephanie Schoeder
z
>a:
I
ti:
0
$'
~
z
<i:
:J
0
('.)
<i:
0
0
:.'.
I-
a:
w
[Il
_J
<i:
June 2012
I1
Departments JUNE2012
IN EVERY ISSUE
6
8
10
12
21
24
26
31
80
28
Letters
Contributors
Editor's Letter
30
Lesbofile
32
Lipstick & Dipstick
Scene
E
~
<(
N
<(
~
_J
>a:
w
I
-
Stars
u
.
a§
~
8
_J
Curvatures
Go to Pride in style with the hottest
rainbow-colored looks of the season;
and lesbians get a leg up in the
workforce with StartOut.
22
Politics
There isn't room for Pride in many places
where women's lives are at risk.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
72
14
The Two of Us
Our monthly profile of lesbian couples
who live, love and work together.
This Is What a Lesbian Looks Like
Out in Front
Fitness Advice
Celebrate the female body with Jennifer Kries'
naked yoga program.
Laugh Track
Legendary comic Kate Clinton and
lesbian rocker Christine Martucci
team up for Pride.
74
76
78
<(
Stage: Eyes Wild Drag aims to revolutionize
:::>
(f)
the Italians' view of gender.
>
<(
Music: Singer-songwriter and LGBT ally Dar
t:!
Williams on gods, gender and her new album.
u
Books: Jeanette Winterson unveils her new
u
memoir and lesbian romance author Radclyffe
goes from plastic surgeon to publisher.
ai
Food: Chef Christine Manfield is blazing
her way along the Spice Trail with her new
cookbook TastingIndia.
a:
co
w
S2
>N
z
w
_J
w
a:
co
<(
CJ
-"
N
w
u
::i
~
<(
:i:
Cl.
0
(f)
2
I curve
Reina
Williams
Win a Date with Lesbian Stockholm
Stockholm is gay, gay-friendly-and simply
friendly! Whatever you're looking for, count on a
warm welcome. The sophisticated Scandinavian
city known for its openness, diversity and respect
rolls out its red carpet for you! Stockholm wants
to share the love and invites you to win a date
with Stockholm together with a person you love
or simply your best friend. There is so much to
enjoy in Stockholm-from an action packed
outdoor adventure to a designer shop fest, art
gallery marathon or a nonstop party. There's a
Stockholm weekend to suit everybody! To enter,
simply vote for the Stockholmer whose idea of the
perfect visit appeals to you the most! The prize
is a roundtrip ticket courtesy
of SAS to Stockholm plus a
3-night stay at a Stockholm
Gay & Lesbian Network
partner hotel, breakfasts
included. Not only do you get
the best insider tips on what
to do and see, you'll also get
to experience this with a local
Stockholmer! Hurry, enter now
at curvemag .com/winsweden.
Show Your Pride
Check our listing of
Pride events out our
calendar at curvemag.
com. Plus, party with
the curve team when
we sponsor the
sizzling lnfernoPride.
(infernodances. com)
Reina Williams Mixes It Up
Reina Williams may be most recognized for her time
on The X-Factor, but now the singer-songwriter is
opening up about her new album and queering
gender presentation on
national 1V.
More with
Shelly Hickman
Bad Girls Club alum
and out proud lesbian Shelly
Hickman spills on life after
reality 1V, her continued
passion for marriage equality
activism and what it really
means to be a bad girl.
if)
~
<{
:l
~
(/)
Cl
z
z
z
~
(/)
a:
I
u
41
curve
~~
FAMILY OF CONSUMER COMPANIES
care with
To get up to $65 in brand savings and
learn more, visit www.carewithpride.com
or text PRIDE to 467467~*
PRIDE
•
.
Jeanne Manford, PFLAG's founder, took action against
intolerance by standing beside her son in New York's Gay
Pride March. You can help to continue this mother's legacy
of caring and defuse the growing epidemic of bullying.
PFLAG
For each Care with Pride™ coupon or
rebate redeemed, PFLAG, including
their "Cultivating Respect: Safe Schools
for All" program will receive $1 from the
Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer
Companies.*
©McNEIL-PPG, Inc. 2012
*PFLAG will receive a minimum of $200,000,
**Data rates from your carrier may apply.
and up to $300,000,
...
~,
IIOOtN,_,ttlO<l
.
.. YUll000llVN0
..... WM•11~ ~G
Whhe"•~er,ert.R,u1orcs£n•mel
..._..,_. ...,,,.
f,.;;;;,m
•
1£1lfT2.it10tl)
Use all products
only as directed.
from The Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies for coupon/rebate redemption.
LETTERS
Mademy dayto seeJACKIE
WARNER
on the cover!!!!!!!
:))))))sheis awesome!!!
-Heather QuillenHilley
I absolutelyadore[Jackie
Warner]!I dreamof working
out with her my nexttrip to
L.A.-Dayna Richardson
MAVAA'flL
TAKESTrlE
t~tJiK
fitness
65 reveals
orkoutseC
w
She'sgreatandreally
powerful;-) Welcomeback!
-Marjory Lefevre
Aboutto be a greatevening!
Just got my newcurve mag
in the mail! -Tina Trotter
I just got my curve
magazinefor the first
time in the mailyesterday
andI mustsayit's an
awesomeread... my
girlfriendreadit too and
enjoyedit andfor herto
readsomethingit mustbe
good!lol -Jenna Wilcox
Thanks for another great issue of the maga,
zine [Vol. 22#4]. I am really enjoying how
smart, funny and diverse this magazine is.
It just keeps getting better and better. Great
job on finally including fitness and fashion
editorial on a regular basis, too. And good job
on the eye candy. Jackie Warner and Rachel
Maddow and Martina Navratilova in the same
issuer Yummy!
- Karen B., San Diego
Southern Florida in "Rebuilding Your Life:'
Her story really represents the struggles of
countless Americans in this economy and
gets to the roots of change,making: the desire
to rise above adversity. Additionally, Victoria
Brownworth challenges us all to deeply examine
ourselves in terms of our own day to day deci,
sion making as both role models for others
and in being true to ourselves as feminists.
Keep up the good work!
-Melanie Mead, Tucson, Ariz.
Black Bag Blues
May 2012 [Vol. 22#4] is the most engaging
issue I've read in a while and it's full of solid
back to back articles. I love the diversity of
the various women profiled for the amazingly
unique ways that they impact our society and
connect our communities. I especially felt
inspired reading about Te,Erika Patterson's
efforts with the homeless community in
What
city has
the best
Pride
event?
According
to a
curvemag.com
poll
6
I curve
Oneof the funnest,hippest,
andbestmagazinesI have
everread.A wonderful
wayto connectthe lesbian
population!-Laura McCoy
,ssACK\
May Raves
Poll
I couldn'twait for my issueto
comein the mailso I wentto
B&Nandboughtone.=] LOVE
IT!Angel,our 12-year-old,
saidhewantsto showhis
friends.Howcute is that?=]
-Serina Espinoza
46% SanFrancisco
24% NewYork
9% Sydney
8% Minneapolis
7% Atlanta
3% Boston
2% London
1% Berlin
I love your magazine. I love the articles,
advice and reviews. I love the news that I hear
from nowhere else but your pages. But every
month, when I see that black,plastic package
in my mailbox, I am filled with a sense of dis,
appointment. I know the reasons for sending
your publication out that way-not everyone
is out, not everyone is in a place where it is safe
to receive a lesbian,focused magazine. But at
the same time, that black plastic sends the
message that there is something wrong with
subscribing to your magazine, reading and
enjoying it. I have struggled with internalized
homophobia, I have struggled with fear and
shame and depression over who and what I
am. But I am in a place now where I am com,
fortable with my sexuality. I wonder, does your
little black cover do more harm than goodr
-Elizabeth Wawrzyniak, Milwaukee, Wisc.
SEND LETTERSTO: curve
Editor'sNote:Good news, Elizabeth. Although
we will continue to ship our magazine in a bag
for the protection of some readers'privacy, we
are changing the color!
Weighty Matters
Just a quick note to thank you-and
all
of the people who bring us curve. I love
reading about all of the wonderful things
our community is involved in, and am really
enjoying your travel sections. However, I am
a large,framed butch woman, and not very
often do I see articles inclusive of overweight
people. Let alone large butch women. We are
an untapped, forgotten market. I know these
subjects may not sell magazines from the
stands, but the content may touch base with
some loyal readers, and may even catch the eye
of a few new ones. -Treve, London, Ontario
I Want More
I had the opportunity of reading an issue of
curve and found its information to be embrac,
ing and inclusive. Wow. Although the issue I
read was old [Vol. 21#1], I became enthused
to read more. I was wondering if curve was
still in publication and if so, how can I be a
subscriber.
-A. Clemmons, CorcoranCalif.
Editor'sNote:Yes! We are still going strong!To
subscribego to curvemag.com.
magazine,
POBox467, NewYork,NY10034
EMAIL:letters@curvemag.com
FAX:510.380.7487
GOTO:curvemag.com/letters
• subscribe
• renew
• payyourbill
• getmissingissues
• changeaddress
• givea gift
Womenfest Key West
September 4-9, 2012
women.fest.com
TheFloridaKeys
Key West is home to an abundance of
charming, Victorian-inspired Conch homes.
KeyWest
Close To Perfect - Far From Normal
CONTRIBUTORS
"By offering
business
mentoring,
they're
ensuring that
innovative
women are
given the
support
they need
to succeed
in maledominated
fields."
LaurenLoGiudice
is an actor, model, writer, host, producer, improv comic and amateur chef. A New Yorker
born in Queens, now living out in Brooklyn who likes
to shake the dust of the outer boroughs off to travel
the world, living and working in places that range
from India to Mexico to Italy. Eats her greens and
hates bacon. Read her adventures in Italy on page 72.
(laurenlogiudice.com)
Dar Dowlingis a New York-based writer and visual
artist who's made a 10-year study of culture, sci-fi,
human sexuality, entertainment and fitness, much
of which is reflected in her work. She publishes
regularly in a variety of American and international
magazines and newspapers. You'll find profiles of
celebrities and people of interest including Cynthia
Nixon, Tristan Taormino and Nina Hartley in her
portfolio, along with pieces on lesbian cougars and
open relationships. She's gearing up to launch her
first graphic novel featuring sexy kick-ass lesbian and
bisexual characters. In this issue Dowling explores
naked yoga on page 28.
SassafrasLowreyis a Brooklyn-based, international
award-winning storyteller, author, artist and educator.
Most recently ze received an Honorable Mention from
the 2011 Astrea Lesbian Writers Fund. Lowrey is
s I curve
editor of the two-time American Library Association
honored, and Lambda Literary Finalist Kicked
Out anthology, which brought together the voices
of homeless LGBT youth. Hir prose has been
included in numerous anthologies and magazines.
Lowrey regularly lectures and facilitates LGBT storytelling workshops at colleges and conferences
across the country. Hir debut novel Roving Pack will
be released autumn 2012, and ze is currently editing Leather Ever After, an anthology of BDSM fairy
tale retellings. Read Lowrey's interview with S. Bear
Bergman on page 47. (PoMoFreakshow.com)
Oakland, Cali£ resident LisaGunther
is a marketing
copywriter by day and a freelance writer by night.
She has profiled many Bay Area entrepreneurs, so
when she was asked to interview Marie Trexler about
StartOut's new Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring
Program (page 14), she couldn't turn it down. "The
program is a wonderful addition to the lesbian
community," says Gunther. "By offering business
mentoring, they're ensuring that innovative women
are given the support they need to succeed in maledominated fields:' When she's not typing, Gunther
can be found with her nose in a book, trying out new
recipes, or making up ridiculous songs about her two
beloved cats, Buster and Chloe.
~
a:
~
~
z
0
0
z
g
0
>-
(/)
(IT
U
0
::J
ci
~
~
<(
~
iii
0
z
I
Q
~
Rethink Possible®l.J,
share your life,
sl1arc-!yc,111· 11riclc-!.
Live your life out loud. Stay connected with your Nokia Lumia 900.
(877) 437-1007
www.att.com/curve
©2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks
contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
EDITOR'S
NOTE
I
N ORDINARY
CIRCUMSTANCES,
people are delighted to
see a rainbow, that optical phenomenon that happens
after rain. While scientists know that a rainbow is an
illusion produced by the sun shining on moisture in the earth's
atmosphere, we less scientific folk take rainbows to be a sign of
good fortune, no matter how fleeting. The fact
that Gay Pride is symbolized by a rainbow flag
is both apt and troubling. True, the rainbow
does have a long history of denoting diversity,
inclusiveness and hope. And yet I would not
want to think that our hopes for equality are
as ephemeral as a rainbow. While some queers
may deride the rainbow flag as unfashionable, I
see a new significance in it, especially in an elec,
tion year, as our equal rights are being sidelined
by fiscally obsessed, pragmatic politicos. Our
demands are frequently trivialized as "special
interests:' I don't want special treatment-I
want equaltreatment. But a lot of people in this
country don't want me, or you, to have it. What
are we going to do about that?
If you are in any doubt about how perilous
our position is this year-as a community and
as a significant segment of the population-read
Amy L. Stone's
excellent book, Gay Rights at the Ballot Box. We have won,
she says, citing the campaign tactics and social movements that
sprung up across the country in response to anti,gay legisla,
tion, but mostly we are losing at the ballot box. Remember, it
was on the same night that progressive senator Barack Obama
was elected president of the United States that California
voters passed Prop. 8, defeating the largest LGBT campaign
in U.S. history. Stone wisely argues that campaigns are made,
not born, and that the progress of LGBT rights is not inevi,
table; social gains can be rolled back at any time. So when you
get out your rainbow flag and accessories for this year's Pride
parade, think about what all those colors mean to us. Think
about reallybeing "here and queer;' about occupying a space in
this society.
In real life, rainbows happen randomly and then they're gone.
We need something much more enduring if we are to move
out from the margins and claim our rightful place in main,
stream culture. Weve seen a lot of nasty, anti,female, anti,gay
campaign tactics already this year. There's not a lot you can do
about the way politicians behave, using us as their wedge, their
whipping post. But using your rights as a citizen and voting
could mean getting our community back on a winning streak.
And that would be special.
Special
Interests
ff~
Editor-in-Chief
merryn@curvemag.com
,o I curve
curve
THE BEST-SELLING
JUNE 2012
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
I VOLUME 22 NUMBER 5
Publisher Silke Bader
Founding Publisher Frances Stevens
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief Merryn Johns
Managing Editor Rachel Shatto
Associate Editor Jillian Eugenios
Book Review Editor Rachel Pepper
Contributing Editors Victoria A. Brownworth, Gina Daggett,
Sheryl Kay, Stephanie Schroeder, Constance Parten
Copy Editor Katherine Wright
Editorial Assistant Adam Brinklow, Kim Hoffman
OPERATIONS
Director of Operations Laura McConnell
ADVERTISING
National Sales
Rivendell Media (908)232-2021, info@rivendellmedia.com
East Coast Sales
Kristin R. Thomas (704)837-0171, kristin@curvemag.com
Robin Perron (910)795-0907, robin@curvemag.com
West Coast & Midwest Sales
Deidre Saddoris (303)242-5479, deidre@curvemag.com
Business Development
Sallyanne Monti (510) 545-4986, sallyanne@curvemag.com
ART/PRODUCTION
Art Director Stefanie Liang
Production Artist Kelly Nuti
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Kathy Beige, Kelsy Chauvin, Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, Maria De La
0, Jill Goldstein, Lisa Gunther, Melany Joy Beck, Kristin Flickinger,
Gillian Kendall, Charlene Lichtenstein, Karen Loftus, Sassafras
Lowrey, Ariel Messman-Rucker, Constance Parten, Laurie K.
Schenden, Stephanie Schroeder, Lori Selke, Kristin Smith, Janelle
Sorenson, Allison Steinberg, Dave Steinfeld, Edie Stull, Yana
Tallon-Hicks, Tina Vasquez, Jocelyn Voo
CONTRIBUTING
ILLUSTRATORS
& PHOTOGRAPHERS
Erica Beckman, Meagan Cignoli, JD Disalvatore, Sophia Hantzes,
Syd London, Cheryl Mazak, Maggie Parker, Constance Parten,
Leslie Van Stelten, Katherine Streeter, Kina Williams
PO Box 467
New York, NY i 0034
Phone (415) 871-0569 Fax (510) 380-7487
Advertising Sales (415) 692-5420
Subscription Inquiries (800) 705-0070 (toll-free in us only)
(818) 286-31 02 (outside US)
Digital Edition Subscriptions zinio.com/digital.curvemag
Advertising Email advertising@curvemag.com
Editorial Email editor@curvemag.com
Letters to the Editor Email letters@curvemag.com
Volume 22 Issue 5 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published monthly (except for bimonthly
January/February and July/August) by Avalon Media, LLC, PO Box 467, New York NY
10034. Subscription price: $59.90/year, $59.90 Canadian (U.S. funds only) and $89.95
international (U.S. funds only). Returned checks will be assessed a $25 surcharge. Periodicals
postage paid at San Francisco, CA 94114 and at additional mailing offices (USPS 0010-355).
Contents of Curve Magazine may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part,
without written permission from the publisher. Publication of the name or photograph of any
persons or organizations appearing, advertising or listing in Curve may not be taken as an
indication of the sexual orientation of that individual or group unless specifically stated. Curve
welcomes letters, queries, unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Include SASE for response.
Lack of any representation only signifies insufficient materials. Submissions cannot be
returned unless a self-addressed stamped envelope is included. No responsibility is assumed
for loss or damages. The contents do not necessaraly represent the opinions of the editor,
unless specifically stated. All magazines sent discreetly. Subscription Inquiries: Please write
to Curve, Avalon Media LLC., PO Box 467 New York NY 10034, email crvcs@magserv.com.
Canadian Agreement Number: 40793029. Postmaster:Send Canadianaddresschangesto crvcs@
magserv.com,Curve, PO Box 122, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S8. Send U.S. address changesto
crvcs@magserv.com,
Curve, PO Box 17138, N. Hollywood,CA 91615-7138. Printedin the U.S.
curvemag.com
z
LIU
tr:
cf:
LIU
u
z
~
(/)
z
0
u
3R/OGESTOnE
Your Journey, Our Passion
Pursue Your Own Journey.
Quiet performance. Turanza tires absorb road noise
and deliver a smooth, quiet ride.
ForyournearestBridgestone
Authorized
Dealer,
visitourwebsite
orcall 1-877-TIRE-USA.
bridgestonetire.corn
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
StartOut is helping to put lesbians in the corner office.
Silicon Valley is known throughout the country
as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
But when it comes to finding venture capital for
those new technology companies, the network of
investors is still pretty much a boys' club. That's
why StartOut.org is unique-it's
committed to
fostering business opportunities throughout the
lesbian community and is launching its Lesbian
Entrepreneur Mentoring Program in San Francisco
this June.
To learn more, curve caught up with Marie
Trexler, a former investor for Intel Capital and
currently a StartOut board member. With upwards
of 60 venture investments in her portfolio, Trexler
became involved with StartOut after a poignant
career change-one that focused less on financial
investment and more on investing in the LGBT
community. "It was just a really good fit for me;'
Trexler says, "because I had been looking for a way
to get more involved with the community. Plus,
my career had always been about working with
entrepreneurs, so I just thought this program was a
fantastic idea. It's a great way to get people together:'
"We' re doing it to help create more wealth in the
People like Ramona Pierson, the CEO and
founder of Pierson Labs, Inc., and the recipient
community, and to create successful business
of the Google Innovator Award at the first annual
leaders ... We're not just providing coaches,
StartOut Awards, which were held in March.
Pierson, who has signed on to be a mentor for the
we're providing a value-added resource."
program, remembers firsthand what it was like to be
a young professional in need of a guiding voice.
When asked why mentorship is so important for the lesbian
mentoring program proves successful in San Francisco, it will see
community in particular, Pierson explains, "When you look
a second run in New York.
around at women who have started businesses, especially women
In a statement on the Women 2.0 website, Leanne Pittsfordwho have started technology businesses, there are so few. And this
the founder and CEO of StartSomewhere and a StartOut board
isn't to put down our community, but you see that men have really
member-explains
that the rewards of the program are twofold.
created these strong communities of support through mentoring
"Helping lesbian entrepreneurs serves the dual goals of building
each other, but there are so few women who have come together in
a stronger entrepreneurial community and building a stronger
these professional communities:'
gay community ... StartOut is doing that by starting the Lesbian
Trexler agrees."It's one of the disadvantages that women, regard~
Entrepreneur Mentorship Program. In speaking with lesbian
less of sexuality, have in the world of starting businesses-that
entrepreneurs, it became clear that mentoring was high on the
they aren't as networked, that they don't have that sense of cama~ list of needs, and a simple way to provide immediate value to new
raderie. So we thought that would be a great value to try to bring
business owners:'
to StartOut. But because a mentorship program takes a lot of
"Were doing it to help create more wealth in the community,
resources and time, we wanted to do something very limited and
and to create successful business leaders;' says Trexler. "That's the
specific, so we could learn what the best way to do it would
endgame of our organization ... Were not just providing coaches,
be:' Much is riding on the success of the pilot program. If the
we're providing a value~added resource:'(startout.org) [LisaGunther]
14
I curve
E0K9advantlx®II
II ISFOR
K9ADVANTIX
USE
ONDOGS
ONLY.
•
©2012 Bayer HealthCare LLC,Animal Health Division, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and K9 Advantix
are registered trademarks of Bayer. Frontline is a registered trademark of Merial.
K12778
CURVATURES
We're Not Over the Rainbow
Ring in this year's Pride season in polychromatic style.
By Rachel Shatto
Across the nation, multicolor flags unfurl, floats are festooned in glitter and fringe, and LGBT
chests fill with self~love and the need to shout it from the rooftops. That's right ladies, it's Pride season!
But there is a darker side to Pride. One marked by tacky rainbow~colored fanny packs, feather boas and the dreaded
Labrys symbol. Fortunately it doesn't have to be this way. This year, declare your gayness out loud, proud and
brightly colored with these fashion~forward accessories and apparel.
1. We'reHere,Queer
andAccessorized
Givethe nameplatenecklacean LGBTtwist with NappyHappy'shandcrafted
queernecklace.($16,nappyhappy.
etsy.com)
8. BuckleUp
Forgayladieswhoprefertheir Pride
stylewith a bit moreedge,Craftie
Robot'srainbowbucklecuff is butchie,
cuteandgayall day.($10,craftierobot.
etsy.com)
14. Star Power
Fascinate
herwith this star-studded
handmade
fascinatorfromaccessory
mavenJanineBasil.It's so cuteyou'll
wearit yearround.($24,janinebasil.
etsy.com)
2. HomoHeadgear
Weareso gayfor thisfedorafrom
Kitsonbecausenothingsayship,
hothomolikea rainbow-colored
andoh-so-chicchapeau.
($38,showkitson.com)
9. SapphicSunburst
Wantto shiverin fashionista
horror?Google"rainbowearrings."
Fortunately,
the artisanbehindAnna
Lee'sCraftsprovesthat rainbowcoloredearbaublescanbestylish
with their leathersunburstearrings.
($22,annaleecrafts.etsy.com)
15. QueerCoif
Clip-inrainbowhairextensions
area greatwayto takeyourPride
boundhairdofromso-soto so-sofabulous.As if ourhaircutsaren't
gayenoughontheirown,am I right?
($20,ikickshins.etsy.com)
3. Pocketbook
Pride
Cooperative's
RainbowMoonClutch
is the perfectsidekickfor carting
aroundall yourgoodies.In other
words,it's the perfectsizefor a
pen,ChapStickandall the numbers
you'llgetat the dykemarch.
($20,urbanoutfitters.com)
4. RainbowBright
If thereis anythingthatfierceand
funkyDewberries
ownerJacqueline
Kennedyknows,it's glamour.So,
addsomeglitzto yourPridegear
with herRainbowBlingCuff.
($35,luvthatdewberries.com)
5. Bestof BothBling
Areyouan equalopportunitydater?
DeclareyourbisexualPridein style
with a leatherandrhinestone
cuff in
glitterybi flag colors.($32,mybipride.
etsy.com)
6. StatementPiece
Worriedyou'reflyingunderthe
radarat the dykemarch?Subtlety
is overrated;let the ladiesknow
you'refamilywith the Lesbian
PrideDykeResinRing.($20,
cardcarryinglesbian.etsy.com)
w
w
1-
w
~
>8,
0
a:
~
w
(f)
(f)
~
1O.RingerZinger
Doyouhavea blindspotwhenit
comesto heterolovin'?ThenDyke
Teeshasjust theshirtfor you!
($20,dyketees.com)
11. BinaryBuster
Is dualityof gendernotyourjam?
Declareit defiantly,proudlyand,
mostimportantly,in glitterwith
RowdyBaubles'Gndrfckrnecklace.
($22,rowdybaubles.etsy.com)
12. TheEyesHaveIt
Withall thesparkleandglitterat
Pridethere'sguaranteed
to be
plentyof glare,sowhy notkeep
the sunoutof youreyeswith sassy
glasses?Ourpick:TheRetroRainbow
ZebraSunglasses
fromHotTopic.
($1O,hottopic.com)
13. PumpUpYourPride
Whosaysa paradeanddesignerduds
aremutuallyexclusive?
Glamit up
with BetseyJohnson'srainbow-tastic
LondonLightsBooties.
($90,modcloth.com)
7. Precipitation
ProofPride
Whenit's timeto marchyou'd
betterbe bootedandsuitedfor
all kindsof weather.Buthave
nofear,noonecanrainonyour
Prideparadein theseadorable
RainbowRainBoots.($15,
spencersonline.com)
June 2012
I 17
CURVATURES
THE
GETAWAY
THAT
GETS
YOU
FromTheNeon
Museum,
where
LasVegas'
iconic
artformispreserved
andcelebrated,
toziplinesover
Fremont
Street
andLGBT
poolparties,
LasVegas
istheplace
tobeforgay
funinthesun.Andwhen
thesungoes
down,
theaction
heats
upatLasVegas'
newest
gayhotspot,
Share
Nightclub.
Head
to
VisitLasVegas.com/gaytravel
the rundown
The United States Supreme Court has
denied JohnLatter'sappeal connected to the
Teena,a transgender
1993 murder of Brandon
man. Lotter currently is on death row in
Nebraska for the brutal rape and murder
of Teena and two witnesses. Teena's life
and his murder were depicted in the film
BoysDon'tCry... Rudolpho
Tribulioand Anna
Carmicheal,
students at PalmerHighSchool
in Colorado
Springs,
Colo.,were reportedly
kicked off the staff of their high school
yearbook by the advisor who demanded they remove a photo of a lesbian couple
from a page about student relationships, or the entire page would be cut from
the yearbook. Other students later quit the yearbook staff in protest. The school
alleges the issue wasn't with the sexual orientation of the couple pictured, but
the amount of PDA which went against high school policy. The school district is
couple AliciaandChristina
(last names unknown)
currently investigating ... Toronto
have become the first lesbian couple to get engaged at a National Hockey League
game. Hockey fans watched as Alicia was escorted onto the ice blindfolded and
as the blindfold was removed there was a message from her girlfriend on the
scoreboard. Christina dropped to one knee and proposed to cheers from the
crowd who, unfazed by the same-sex proposal, were reportedly more concerned
that Alicia is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and Christina is a Senators fan ... Iman
Musaand MajidaMugrabi,
a lesbian couple, in Toronto
currently face deportation
back to Israel. The Muslim couple says they will be killed if deported. The
couple, who came to Canada in 2007, have thus far been unsuccessful in gaining
refugee status in the courts arguing threats of violence from their families. Judge
Roger Hughes has granted the couple another hearing before the Immigration
and Refugee board, a result of new information, proof that a cousin of Mugrabi
was refused
confessed to a so-called "honor killing" of his sister ... BarbaraJohnson
CatholicChurchin Gaithersburg,
Md.at the
communion at St.JohnNeumann
funeral mass of her mother because the priest had learned before the service that
Johnson was a lesbian. Rev. Marcel Guarnizo, who refused Johnson communion,
was put on administrative leave by his parish after
Lowrey]
the controversy went public. [Sassafras
andplanyourgetaway
today.
Rocking the rainbow
isn't the only way
to show your Pride.
Instead don a dykon!
We suggest this sporty
nod to Billie Jean King.
($35, 80sTees.com)
OUTINFRONT
Women
Who Do
Advocates do more than
talk the talk. By Sheryl Kay
Changing the Conversation
Research psychologist Anj Hois passionate
about women's issues and queer issues, and
she is using that passion to change hearts
and minds in her home country, Singapore.
But this is no mean feat in a postcolonial
nation where, for instance, there are no
laws prohibiting workplace discrimination
against LGBT people.
As an advocate for gay rights, Ho has
become a public figure throughout Asia.
She began speaking out in 2006 by participating in IndigNation, Singapore's Pride
month, as a panelist on issues involved
with coming out. She also gave educational
lectures on topics including relationship
myths, homophobia and sexual orientation.
Ho has gone on to lecture at Seksualiti
Merdeka, Malaysia's Pride month, as well.
Ho spent several years as an active member of Sayoni, an organization in Singapore
whose aims are to empower queer Asian
women and educate the public. As part of
the administrative committee, she helped to
chart Sayoni's overall direction and to coordinate specific projects, including assessing
Singapore's LGBT needs and developing
resources within the community. She was
also a member of a six-person team that
wrote a guide for people who are experiencing
same-sex attractions and are questioning
their sexual orientation. While she recently
left Sayoni, the group is continuing her
efforts and will be producing a coming-out
guide for parents and friends.
Over the years, Ho has met with activists from Vietnam and Malaysia. Although
their efforts to remove stigma and combat
discrimination are the same, there are always
country-specific issues, and she hopes to
encourage collaboration on processes, practices and lessons learned that will go a long
way toward expediting progress. "None of
us live in isolation;' she says. "What happens in one country serves as a point of
reference for other countries. As global
citizens, we share the pain of people from
other countries when they suffer injustice.
And we wish that the human race as a
whole advances:'
Whenever possible, Ho encourages lesbians to come out of the closet, so that others
can see there is no deviancy in being gay.
"When people around you see that you are
not that negative stereotype, they will come
to realize the truth about gay people;' Ho
says. "That's how society progresses:'
Southern Strategy
As a child, JenniferSmithlearned a lesson
from her community-minded parents that
resonated with her and greatly contributed
to who she is today: If something needs to
be done, do it. "From a young age, I had
opportunities to participate;' she says."I had
that experience of getting others involvedto donate and to be involved in a process,
which gave me qualities of how to lead as
well as follow:'
Smith, a 2010 Point Scholar, could have
worked her way up the ladder in corporate
America, but found the environment to be
the antithesis of what she wanted in her
dream job, recognizing that her passion was
in doing nonprofit and social justice work.
"There was a point I realized two things;'
she says. "One, I wanted to move forward
in that passion in a way that would allow
me to actually get paid to do it, and second,
I realized that I could survive making less
than an MBA or a lawyer, but I couldn't
survive any longer not doing something I
loved, something that made a real difference to real people:'
Almost 10 years ago, Smith put her determination to good use, co-founding Unity
Mississippi, an organization that helps to
establish and promote harmony between
the LGBT and heterosexual communities
by serving as the catalyst for statewide education, interaction, entertainment, community
growth, visibility and awareness.
She also spent five years working with
the National Organization for Women,
first as president of the Mississippi chapter,
and then as a national board member for
the Mid-South Region, all while working
as a volunteer on several national political
campaigns, including Hillary Clinton's
bid for the presidency. As for Obama's
advancement of LGBT affairs, Smith
says that while more could have been
done, it's also important to celebrate the
progressive triumphs that have come with
his administration.
Every individual can make a big difference in the fight for LGBT rights, she says.
"Find how your own personal skills,
talents, or interests can contribute to the
change you want to see;' says Smith. "You
don't have to do everything. Just do something. Do something:' ■
June 2012
I 21
LAUGH
TRACK
Double Trouble
Legendary performers Kate Clinton and Christine Martucci team up for Pride.
By Merryn Johns
Youbothhavebigfollowings.
Whatmakesa lesbianicon?
Christine:
I don't see myself as an icon, but it has a tremendous
meaning to me, and a responsibility to my fans to always be
at the top of my game, to never fail them. I connect with my
audience through my songs and my stories. I am very open and
honest with my fans.
Kate:I have had great success with a silver and titanium
blend. The icon does not scratch, is lightweight and retains
its luster over time. Audiences love to rub their hands over
its smooth curves.
Whatinspiredyouto teamupfor a Prideeventat theStonePony
in AsburyPark,NewJersey?
Christine:
Kate Clinton is a true icon and pioneer, I am a huge
fan. It's Gay Pride weekend in Asbury Park, so when I found
out we both would be performing, her Friday, me Saturday at
the Stone Pony, why not cross~promote?
Kate:Sounds like lesbian~icon maximum capacity. For years
I had heard about Pride at the Stone Pony and several of the
gals were quite insistent, OK, threatening and a bit sinister, i.e.
'We know where you live: With all the geo~location devices
available these days, it just seemed like the safest, funnest
thing to do.
Willthetwoof youactuallyperformtogether?
Christine:
She is Friday, I am Saturday night. I will of course be
at her show to laugh and be entertained.
Kate:If you have ever heard me sing, you would insist that they
be separate gigs. Good judgment on the producer's part.
Kate,if youwerea rockmusician,
whowouldyoube mostlike?
Kate:A combo of Joan Armatrading, Nico, Sinead O'Connor
Joan Jett, with a splash of Sylvester. Did I mention Annie
Lennox?
Christine,
if youwerea standupcomic,whichfunnyladywould
yoube mostlike?
Christine:
I would be a cross between Kate Clinton, Michele
Balan and Lisa Lampanelli. I love comedy, but I picked the
right profession. My friends say I am not that funny!
Fortheuninitiated,
whatdoesa Christine
Martuccishowinvolve?
Christine:
Well, first of all you will be initiated very quickly. As
soon as you walk in the venue there is this awesome feeling
of excitement and love from my Tucci Train, my loyal awe~
some fans! They will bring you right up front of the stage, they
will drink with you and always have your back. Be prepared to
take a journey; I feed off the energy of the crowd, and once we
get going it'sjust this awesome exchange of positive energy. We
rock together all night long!
Kate,Christine's
fansaretheTucciTrain.Whatareyourfanslike?
22
I curve
Kate:A very excited fan hugged me and lifted me up, squeezed
me and said, "I love you Kate Clinton." I think she said that. All
I heard was a pop. I had a cracked rib which forced me to hire
a luggage~toting lesbian Sherpa for the rest of the tour. I am
a job creator.
WhatdoesPridemeanto youandwhyis it important?
Christine:
As a community we have been beaten down, ridi~
culed, arrested, killed for who we are. We will not stand in the
shadows anymore, we are proud of who we are, we are human
beings with hearts and minds and it is so important to keep
celebrating Pride for those who came before us, the pioneers
whose voices were silenced forever.
Kate:Until we get to the day where the very last young LGBT
person comes out or thinks that suicide is his or her only
option, we have work to do. We all work hard and sometimes
it's just good to party as hard.
A very excited fan hugged me and
lifted me up, squeezed me and
said, "I love you Kate Clinton." I
think she said that. All I heard was
a pop. I had a cracked rib which
forced me to hire a luggage-toting
lesbian Sherpa for the rest of the
tour. I am a job creator.
Thereareotherreasons
to headtotheStonePonyonJune1 and2...
Christine:
You will have a blast! On the bill with me are Hunter
Valentine, Christine Havrilla, Virago, Jerzy Girls and Bonnie
Boland. This is my third annual Pride at the Pony, and I
wanted to give something back to the community. The Center
House, a project of The Center in Asbury Park, is a supportive
housing environment where homeless individuals living with
HIV can achieve needed residential stability and live with
dignity, respect and a sense of home.
Kate:Who does not enjoy passing an expensive drink out her
nose? I thought so. All that fun and it's also for a good cause:
Part of the proceeds go to help homeless LGBT in N.J. ■
LESBOFILE
In the Spotlight Celesbians keep us entertained
with TV shakeups and ex drama. By Jocelyn Voo
Progressive radio show host Stephanie
Miller (whose show Talking Liberallywith
Stephanie Miller was recently picked up
by Current TV) came out publicly in the
summer of 2010, even though she was long
out to family and friends. The defining
moment: seeing her friend country singer
Chely Wright on Ellen.
"I remember almost crying, because she
touched me so much. I thought, 'That takes
bravery: Not like a liberal radio host-every~
one thinks we're French and gay anyway.
But to be a country singer and come out was
obviously a big thing. It was very powerful;'
she told After Ellen. "There comes a time for
everybody when it's time to stop cheering
from the sidelines and get down on the field
and be a part of it:'
Amen, sister, amen.
Ex Mess
Mo' Money, Mo' Problems
Love don't cost a thing-but
divorce does.
According to TMZ, Melissa Etheridge's ex
and baby mama Tammy Lynn Michaels is
demanding that the singer up her monthly
child support from its current $23,000
to an undisclosed amount. (Yes, you read
that right.)
Michaels asserts that during their nine~
year relationship, she became accustomed to
a high~roller lifestyle, thanks to Etheridge's
purported monthly income of $177,882.
And now Michaels, who gave up her career as
an actress (remember D.E.B.S.r),is claiming
that she has "virtually no savings" and that
she's been away from work for so long that
she'd need "extensive retraining:'
To her credit, Michaels is taking care of
twins, but reallyr One wonders how many
boxes of Huggies she really needs.
less~than~impressive ratings-and triggered
plenty ofbehind~the~scenes mudslinging.
Though Oprah's public statement shows
nothing but grace and respect for Rosie,
insiders told The Daily Beast that the only
dignified part about it was the initial news;
the rest was as tumultuous as any. Besides
disagreement on how to handle the post~
break up press release (O'Donnell allegedly
refused to speak to Winfrey to collaborate
on verbiage), there was also disagreement on
where the show should be filmed, according
to Radar Online. While Rosie wanted it to
be shot in her stomping grounds ofN.Y.C.,
Oprah insisted on her hometown, Chicago.
The final twist of the knife: Now Radar
Online is reporting that Winfrey is working
to recruit Maria Shriver to fill the void.
In this head~to~head bout of daytime TV
queens, it looks like this is just round one.
Not Everything's Turning Up Rosies
Tune In, Stand Up
Only fivemonths after Rosie O'Donnell's new
talk show premiered on Oprah Winfrey's
OWN network, the show was pulled due to
What's it take for a public figure to come
outr Sometimes another person's bravery is
enough to make a difference.
24
I curve
While it's great to remain friends with your
ex after a breakup, what's not great is having
your ex make creative art "inspired" by your
defunct relationship. Talk about awkward.
Angelina Jolie is not immune to this
phenomenon-her
one~time husband Billy
Bob Thornton has announced that he's
making a film based on their relationship
about a man who picks up a "wild woman''
while on a road trip, and his subsequent
learnings about life and love.
Can't wait to hear what Jolie's new fiance
Brad Pitt thinks of this.
Leading Laugh Ladies
z0
There's only been a handful of out funny
ladies in showbiz, but now we can welcome
Kate McKinnon, the newest rookieand first out lesbian-on
Saturday Night
Live. Prior to making history on SNL,
McKinnon's long~standing history of being
active in the LGBT entertainment com~
munity included appearing in the first three
seasons of Rosie O'Donnell's Big Gay Sketch
Show and the hilarious 2010 web series Vag
z
~
u
good. ■
6
u
[D
z
z
0
:'.l
w
0
w
<{
z
<{
0
[jJ'
Cl
0
a:
w
I
lY,
it
Magazine.
Set your DVRs, ladies-it's
z
(fJ
about to get
w
>
tl:
~
THE NAME YOU TRUST
FOR MEETING LESBIAN
SINGLES ONLINE
Find your soulmate,
she's here waiting
for you!
Try curve
Personals
FREE!
e//o, Weu
success st' Youhav
ove of rn ~r:y.I've
ha k Yltte ony
n s, S.
o
this site. J. and
Thank you for . \ove and are
tare m
\ have me ,
ther. \ \ove
.
home toge
bui\d,~9 a
\ease fee\ free
this s,te and p
s a haPPY
st our story a .
to po
Thanks agam.
hook-UP·
I Want My Cake and I Want to Eat it, Too
What can I do, if I want it all? By Lipstick and Dipstick
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick: I've been gay all my life, single
and a playgirl. Now I have a young hot mama and she wants
children, commitment and a white picket fence. I already did
that, yet I want my cake and I want to eat it, too. What do you
do when the love of your life wants children and you don't?
Wants commitment and you can't? Yet, I truly love her and only
her. All the other affairs mean nothing, really! I've tried to break
up numerous times, and then I call her back, frantic, and she is
crying and takes me back. It's a crazy love. Help! I'm a douche
bag, right?-Lusty in Louisville
Lipstick:
Stop tormenting this woman! You're
preventing her from being happy-do you
realize that? But "douche bag" is too harsh.
How about "selfish"r Have you tried being
honest about your commitment issues? My
hunch is you're playing these games as a
diversion from being a grown-up.
Dipstick:Lipstick, she doesn't want to be a
grown-up. That's her whole issue. Acting
like a teenager is way more fun. She doesn't
have to take responsibility for her actions and
doesn't have to consider the other person's
feelings. But something about this letter
makes me wonder if Lusty isn't thinking of
changing her ways. That's why she wrote in
to us, after all.
Lipstick:If your girl wants to have kids,
Lusty, you've got to honor that. You have
two choices: You can either A) get to a point
where you are willing to go on that journey
with her, or B) cut her loose so she can find
what she wants (that means not calling and
crying and begging her to come back). If you
continue this tug of war and try to persuade
her not to have kids because you've already
"been there, done that;' the two of you will
end up hating each other. And if you do
somehow survive as a couple, despite your
commitment issues, she'll resent you for the
26
I curve
rest of her life. It may be excruciating, but
if you really can't give her the white picket
fence, or monogamy, or the kids, let her go.
It's the right thing to do. If you really care
about this young hot mama, let her actually
be just that with someone else: a mama.
Dipstick:
Lusty, is there any part of you that
wishes you could be a more devoted partner?
How are you going to feel in 20 years, when
you no longer have your dashing good looks
or the will to go out girl hunting? You'll be
sitting around your killer bachelor pad,
hardly remembering all the lovers you've
pressed against the 1000-thread-count
sheets, but longing for a real connection.
And knowing you could have had it, if only
you'd let go of your player ways. Lusty, you'll
take the lonely bus out to the suburbs, look
at all the happy families with their picket
fences, goldendoodles and Dodge Caravans,
and you'll say to yourself, ''All of this could
have been mine, if only I hadn't been so
selfish in my youth:' Be honest with yourself, Lusty. Are you really not willing to
give up being a playgirl, or are you just
afraid to admit you're attracted to that
conventional lifer
DearLipstickandDipstick:I am so confused
aboutwhoI am andwhatto doaboutit. I am
a married40-year-oldmotherof two. I have
alwaysknownthat I am attractedto both
guysandgirls,butI haven'thada trulysexual
lesbianencounterbefore.My husbandhas
S2'
u
ti
0..
g_
a:
w
~
a:
ct
w
a
CJ
<(
::'?:
cz
u
ti
0..
d>z
z
w
~
u
::'?:
s
CL
Lipstick & Dipstick ADVICE
givenme the go-aheadto try it out. I know
thiswomanat mywork,Brandy,whoI would
reallyliketo havethisexperience
with,but I
don'tknowhow to make it happen.We are
friendsand havehungout a few timesoutside of work.She doesflirt with me and is
alwaysveryfriendly.I havea hugecrushon
her.WhatshouldI do?I am scaredto death,
but I needto knowwhat this is like. I never
thoughtI wouldbe experiencing
this typeof
a problemat thisstageof mylife.Anyadvice
wouldbe very muchappreciated.-Probing
in Puyallup
yourself that this is simple, innocent curi~
osity, and it may well be. You could sleep
with a woman and be done with it, happily
going back to your husband and your life,
as it were. The opposite, I warn you, may
also happen. It may be more. Once you finally
feel the softness, taste the sweetness that
is another woman, there may be no turning
back. You may hear angels singing. This
may be the piece that's been missing your
entire life. You may fall in love.
Dipstick:Lipstick, are you freaking crazy?
If she wants to get her groove on with
Lipstick:Congrats on your sexual libera~
tion! And an extra high five-not
only
for telling your husband, but for getting
the permission slip. I say all this with a
disclaimer: Be careful. I'm not inside your
head, but I assume you've negotiated within
another chick, while married,
not be doing it with someone
Probing, take out a Craigslist
bly in a city a few hours away)
a weekend frolic with someone
see again.
she should
from work!
ad (prefera~
and go have
you'll never
Lipstick:You have a point, Dip. Probster,
think twice about double~dipping your
quill at work. What you shouldn't think
twice about, however, is how you approach
the situation. Do not, under any circum~
stances, withhold the truth from whomever
you intend to shag. Promise us you'll be
totally forthcoming beforeyou kiss her lips.
Don't wait to tell her until after you've
already done the deed and are spooning,
discussing where to have breakfast. Or
worse, in a Facebook message the next day.
We're a sensitive bunch and sometimes fall
in love too easily. Please don't burn one of
our sisters. ■
Tune in to curvemag.com/
lipstickanddipstick
to watchThe
Lipstick& DipstickShow.Or
writeto tv@lipstickdipstick.com.
your life your island
KEYWESTBUSINESSGUILD
Theflorid" Keys
KeyWest
Oo..ToPc,fcct-Fo,FromNorrnol
womenfest.com (305) 294-4603
June 2012
I 27
ADVICE Fitness
How to Be a Yoga Goddess
Celebrate the female body with Jennifer Kries.
By Dar Dowling
Like a solarflare or a windstorm,JenniferKries,the woman
behindthe new DVD Yoga Undressed:The GoddessSeries, is
definitelya force of nature. I've had a yoga practicefor over a
decade, but the idea of doing yoga naked is somethingI never
considereduntilI had a chat with Kries.Not only did she have
me consideringit and ultimatelygivingnaked yoga a shot-an
adventureI'll be repeating-but more than that she made me
reallythink about how I feel about my body.
2s
I curve
Over the years, Kries has combined
yoga, dance and Pilates in her professional
life and her personal practice. Starting out
as a dancer, she was introduced to Pilates
at the age of 13 while studying with the
School of American Ballet in New York.
This early mat training in Pilates provided
her with what she calls her "secret bionic
weapon" -the feeling that she was both
artistically and athletically invincible-due
to its power~enhancing effects, allowed
her "to jump higher, turn faster, take bigger
risks without being entirely conscious of
the repercussions:'
Yoga came into the picture years later,
when too much of a good thing led to a
sidelining injury, and an osteopath sug~
gested that she try yoga along with Pilates
as an aid to recovery. Yoga forced her to
slow down, get in touch with her breath,
and relate to her body in a new way."It was
the first time I was literally introduced to
my body as an entity that I was connected
to in all ways and one that deserved my
respect ... yoga taught me patience and self~
love;' explains Kries. While naked yoga
wasn't on Kries' radar yet, she understood
right away that yoga had the potential to
ignite a "body love consciousness:'
I started off our chat by asking Kries
a question that had been on my mind for
days: Why naked yoga? This led to some
complex observations. "It makes me sad
that women tense up when thinking about
getting naked;' says Kries. That uncom~
fortable feeling is one I know well, and I
eventually discovered that Kries knew it
too. While thoughts of tension and sad~
ness were not the answer I expected, they
opened the door to a conversation in which
words like "freedom;' "empowerment" and
"acceptance" rolled off her tongue. The dis~
cussion became less about nakedness and
more about healing body shame through
yoga-through a"revolution of compassion''
where we feel good about being women,
and we feel good about our bodies.
When you see Jennifer Kries today, it's
easy to assume that she hasn't struggled
with body issues, or that she instantly took
to the idea of naked yoga because she has
a good body, but that's not exactly the case.
Naked yoga wasn't something she would
ever have considered doing until a good
friend in San Francisco suggested giving
it a go, and she did-with
unexpected
results. "My self-consciousness about my
"felt compelled to create this series:' She is a
survivor of abuse, and she wanted to bring
women a hands-on way to heal, appreciate
and get in touch with their bodies so they
could move through the world empowered
and whole. Naked yoga has been a part
of her own healing process, starting with
that initial class in San Francisco. Working
While body shame can be experiential,
sociological and cultural at its core, Kries
believes that tantric hatha vinyasa yoga,
which she developed, is a perfect vehicle to
help you overcome it.
Tantra has long been associated with
sensationalized sexuality, but in Sanskrit
its actual meaning is "expansion;' and it is
"My self-consciousness
about my bodyjust evaporated
becausethe other women
were so welcoming,respectful,
kind and relaxed.Any shame
I thoughtI would feel
disappeared."
body just evaporated because the other
women were so welcoming, respectful,
kind and relaxed. Any shame I thought I
would feel disappeared:'
Kries uses a skinny-dipping analogy
to illustrate the innocence of nakedness,
believing that doing yoga undressed can
reconnect women with that "feeling of
innocence and purity and joy we had as
children, as little girls, before life with
other people-grown-ups,
in particularhappened:' Naked yoga, she says, "is one
of the most powerful ways I know to
cultivate abundant self-love, compassion
and courage:'
If you've ever been to the Russian baths,
or perhaps a sauna, you know that after a
while the foreignness of being naked slips
away and, as a friend aptly put it, "skin
becomes just skin:' Kries hopes that doing
naked yoga alone at home, or with friends,
will open women up to talking about their
bodies with other women, and ultimately
rediscovering a sense of their own beauty.
There is an even deeper reason why Kries
through the asanas (hatha yoga postures),
she began to change. "I was overwhelmed
by emotion. I finally felt like I had given
up the fight, the body armor I felt I always
had to wear was not needed anymore. I felt
happy deep inside. I can confidently say
that this work, more than anything I have
ever done, has served to free me from my
past in ways I never could have imagined:'
If you think you need the perfect yoga
body to do YogaUndressed,you don't. While
the trainers featured in the DVD have
amazing yoga bodies, Kries asserts that this
is not a standard of perfection you need to
hold yourself to. "Women are supposed to
look like women, with flesh on their bones:'
The series was designed with real women in
mind, and for all levels of experience, using
poses and breathing exercises to accomplish
what yoga does best-rejuvenate and relax,
while building strength, endurance and
flexibility. The extra benefit, as developed
by Kries, is that the postures, movements
and breathing techniques are designed to
cultivate and ignite a body love connection.
part of the yoga used in this series. When
used in its fullest, as it is here, it releases a
form of energy called kundalini, opening
not only the root chakra associated with
"healthy" sexuality, but all seven chakras.
The combination of tantra and kundalini
with hatha vinyasa is perfection for Kries,
who says, "It is perhaps the most effective
and wonderful combination of yoga practices
I have ever experienced. It creates incredible energy, power, peace and radiance all at
the same time:'
Let's face it-finding
a woman in
today's society who totally and completely
loves her body can be difficult. At first,
shedding your clothes, getting out the
candles and doing yoga undressed may
seem like the last thing to help you work
out your body issues. But perhaps taking
your mind off your flaws and fears, and
putting your focus back on being in
your body and enjoying it, may well be a
healing experience. It may inspire change,
or at the very least be a bit of fun. It was
for me. (yogaundressed.com) ■
June 2012
I 29
THETWOOFUS
Sarah and Misty
Southern lesbians Sarah Jane Moecker, 28, and Misty Lee Branch, 27, started the clothing
company Proud Threads while still keeping their day jobs, and each other. By Merryn Johns
How they met
Sarah:We met on a camping trip through a mutual friend and
clicked instantly. We spent the next few weeks always hanging out
whenever we had the time. I invited Misty to go to Cancun with
my parents and me. Right before the trip, I hurt my back pretty
badly in a snow tubing accident. She helped me do everything on
this trip while I was doped up on pain medicine. I fell in love with
her when I saw how much she truly cared about me and how well
she got along with my parents. I asked her to be my girlfriend on
the flight back home in sign language.
Misty:It was super cute when she asked in sign language, because
she got so shy! She was looking out the window and stopped
signing after "girl" so I grabbed her hand and finished spelling out
"friend" for her. That was one of the best flights of my life!
Starting the business
Sarah:Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be an
entrepreneur. As a petite tomboi, I've always had trouble finding
clothes I felt comfortable in that fit right. I dreamed of making a
clothing company for people just like me. A couple of months into
our relationship, I told my dream to Misty and after a lot of hard
work, Proud Threads was born.
Misty:When Sarah first told me she'd always had this dream of
providing clothes to the LGBT community, I couldn't understand
why she hadn't started it already. I didn't see any reason to put
off starting, so we started researching what we needed to do right
away. We had enough blind optimism to jump into this full force
and never look back.
Why they work so well together
Sarah:Our personalities complement each other really well, in
both our personal life and in business.
Misty:You know how a lot of people always ask which person in
a relationship is more masculine? Well, we don't have the answer
which of us is more anything. One day, Sarah will take charge and
have to push me to be productive. The next day, I'm telling Sarah
what to do and in which order I need it done. I think we both
identify when the other is passionate and focused about some~
thing, and we do what we can to support making it happen. Also,
communication is key. We talk, and we listen. Nothing would
work if each of us couldn't do both well.
What's next for Proud Threads
Sarah:Currently, Proud Threads is a T~shirt company as a stepping~
stone. Soon we will start expanding
products to be more than T ,shirts.
Misty:We are making a splash in the
T ,shirt market and getting our name
out there, so that when we expand to a
full product line, you already know who
we are, what we are about and that you
love us. (proudthreads.com) ■
"As a petite tomboi,
I've always had trouble
finding clothes I felt
comfortable in that
fit right. I dreamed
of making a clothing
company for people
just like me."
30
I curve
SCENE
Living in the Moment
Club Skirts' The Dinah 2012 was wet, wild and wonderful.
In March, curve joined thousands of lady loving women
in gorgeous Palm Springs, Calif. for Spring Break at
The Dinah. Host Club Skirts kicked off the five-day
extravaganza with a picturesque fireside meet and greet at
the Riviera Resort, the focal point for the infamous Dinah
pool parties. This year marked the 22nd annual pilgrimage
that began with the LPGA Golf tournament of the same
name, but has since become famous for its ability to pick
the "next big thing" in entertainment and has in the past
showcased the talents of Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. This
year's Dinah attendees were treated to a musical lineup of
Nina Sky, Chaka Chan, Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Sutta and
CeCe Peniston (who brought down the house at Club
Zeldaz's closing party) as well as a solid list of newcomers
including Neon Hitch, Wynter Gordon, Rye Rye, Porcelain
Black, Meital and Dev.
The curve girls spent their time hanging in the cabana
with of hundreds of bikini-dad amazons and applying
sexy temporary tattoos with a squirt bottle. Just a few of
the A-Listers to stop by included Whitney Mixter, Tucky
Williams, Fortune Feimster, Dani Campbell and director
Dana Dane. The Celebrity Dodgeball game hosted by
comedy royalty Suzanne Westenhoefer and OMLs Battle
of the Lesbian Web Series promised Dinah attendees the
opportunity to see The Real L Word gals like you've never
seen them before. [DeidreSaddoris]
June 2012
I 31
POLITICS
Time for a Lesbian Spring
There isn't room for Pride in many places where women's lives are at risk.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
Over the years, I have wondered where
I would be if I had not come out in high
school and if that coming out hadn't happened in post-Stonewall America. I think
about this often as Pride month approaches.
As bad for lesbians as things still are in the
U.S.-and they are, don't be deluded that
they aren't-it's so much worse elsewhere.
In fact, it can be, well, deadly.
Throughout the past year and a half, as
the so-called Arab Spring revolutionary
movements have spread throughout the
Middle East, I have been struck by how
few female faces there are in news reports.
Even as these revolutions began, women
were largely left out of the equation-and
certainly out of the leadership. Yet these
countries are the ones where women most
need to be involved in the revolutionary
process and its aftermath.
The list of the worst countries for women
is long, but among the top 10 are Congo,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Somalia and
Gaza. That these countries-all but India,
32
I curve
war torn-are
deadly for women is not
surprising. So it is not a shock that lesbian
lives are at risk daily in those places. More
shocking, however, is the fact that Jamaica,
South Africa and Russia are also ranked
among the worst places for lesbians. Why
more shocking:' Because, unlike the other
nations, these countries are not at war, nor
are they in the developing world. So why
are women-especially lesbians-at risk:'
According to the most recent UN Status
Report on Women from November 2011,
in Afghanistan, 87 percent of the women
are illiterate and one in 11 dies in childbirth.
Forced-and
underage-marriage
is the
norm. In Congo, more than 1,100 women
are raped every day, and women can't
sign legal documents without co-signatures
from their husband or a male relative. In
Pakistan, honor killings account for the
deaths of 1,000 women a year, and the
majority of Pakistani women are victims of
domestic violence.
Neighboring India is the world leader
in both female infanticide and sex trafficking. The numbers are so huge-in the
tens of millions-that
they are impossible
to truly comprehend. In addition to the
infanticide and the sex trafficking, half
of all girls are married off before they are
18. The Indian penal code forbids "carnal
knowledge" between women, and lesbians
are often victims of honor killings or are
forcibly married by their families.
In Somalia, 96 percent of all the girls
between the ages of 4 and 11 are genitally
mutilated. When I was living in London
in the late 1980s, a scandal broke: Somali
girls living in the U.K. were being genitally
mutilated both on Harley Street, by noted
physicians, and in the basements of homes
in Brixton. Nearly 25 years later, FGM is
still de rigueur in Somalia, where lesbians
have no rights.
And Gaza:' The Palestinian Territory
usually makes the news because of its ongoing conflict with Israel, but the highly
populated country leads the world in
honor killings. The majority of murders
in Gaza are honor killings.
And what about those first-world countries:' What makes it so terrible for lesbians
there:'
The UN Status Report on Women asserts
that South Africa has the highest number
of rapes per capita in the world. Lesbians
are most at risk for "corrective" rape.
Lesbians face rape, assault, and even death
due to their sexual orientation. More than
30 lesbians have died from corrective rape
attacks. Eudy Simelane, a well-known
soccer player and lesbian rights activist, was
gang-raped and murdered in 2008. Noxolo
Nogwaza, a 24-year-old lesbian rights
activist, was gang-raped and murdered in
2011. Her face and head were disfigured
by stoning, she was stabbed multiple times,
and, in addition to having been raped by
several men, she was also raped and sodomized with a broken beer bottle.
~
u
0
ti
~a:
<{
(/)
~
a:
:::i
~
Jamaica, the island paradise so popular
with American tourists-also
called the
most homophobic place on Earth by
Time magazine-has long been a hotbed
of anti-lesbian violence. In Russia, under
Vladimir Putin's long tenure, the oppression
and repression of queers has intensified.
On February 29, 2012, a law was passed
criminalizing"the participation in or organization of gay groups, websites, books
and periodicals, and LGBT Pride events,
as well as the donning of gay pride pins,
bumper stickers;' and so forth.
I was a freshman in high school when
the Stonewall Rebellion happened. I
wasn't part of the movement that made
it happen because I was so young, but I
became involved in the brand-new gay
civil rights movement at the beginning
of my sophomore year. It was our Arab
Spring, but the newness meant that,
as a just-evolving community, what we
wanted and needed had not yet been
clarified. Solidifying a platform for
change took time.
As we celebrate
anotheryear of LGBT
Pride in the U.S.,
four decades after
Stonewall,isn't it time
we considerwhat it
means to be a lesbian
in other countries?And
think about what we
can do to mitigatethe
sufferingthese women
face just because
they are queer?
What would it take for there to be a
Lesbian Spring in the nations where
women are living shadow lives, and the
patriarchal repression of femaleness is
paramount? South Africa went through
its transition from apartheid to democratic rule under the African National
Congress over 20 years ago, but for lesbians the change from Afrikaner to AN C
rule has not been a positive one.
Culturally, Russia has always associated
itself with the West, yet the repression of
queers there, even in the post-glasnost era,
has been awful. Russia is another world
leader in sex trafficking, and lesbians trying
to exit the country are often its victims.
The U.S. has occupied Afghanistan for
over a decade, but the status of women
has barely changed in that time. Neither
former President Bush nor President
Obama nor our ally President Karzai has
made any effort to help improve the lives
of Afghan women.
The U.S. has provided nuclear weapons
for both India and Pakistan, but has done
nothing for their women.
As we celebrate another year of LG BT
Pride in the U.S., four decades after
Stonewall, isn't it time we consider what
it means to be a lesbian in other countries? And think about what we can do to
mitigate the suffering these women face
just because they are queer?
Imagine being a lesbian in South
Africa, India or Congo. Imagine discovering your sexual orientation in Somalia,
where you are genitally mutilated before
you have your first period. Imagine what
it means to be a lesbian in Afghanistan,
where the average life expectancy for
women is 45 and any hint of sexual impropriety can still result in stoning.
Imagine being in what seems like
a modern country, Russia or Jamaica,
yet finding that being an out lesbian
can get you arrested, beaten or killed.
Imagine being a lesbian in Gaza, where
the world only knows about the conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis,
not about the fact that the women who
are being killed there are the victims of
their own families.
In so many places, just being female
is a daily exercise in fear. To be a lesbian
is terrifying. Coming out could very well
put your life at risk. This year during
Pride month, as you celebrate the freedoms we've achieved, think about what
we might do to help our sisters achieve
them as well. ■
•••••
•••• ••
••••••••••
••••••••
•••••••••
••••••
••
••
••••
••
••
••••••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
••
••••••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
•• •••••••••
••
•
•••
•••••
••
•••••••
•••••••
•••
•••••
••
••
••
••
••
••
•••••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
•• ••
•• ••
•• ••
••
••••••
••••••
••••••
••••••
.,,,.
.....
••••••
••••••
•• ••
••••••••••••••
..
..••••••
....,,..
....
....
..••••••
....••......
.......
.
........ ····-·
••
••••••
•• •• II
••••••II
•• II
•• II
•• II
•• II
••
11...•• 11
11 ••
II ••
II ••
II ••
II II
•--1111••· 1111111111
.. 11111111111111
11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 11.. 11 II 11.. 11 II II
•••• •••• ••••• ••••• •••• •••• •• ••••••••
eep in the dirty heart of the South, women
come from far and wide to see Juice.Box,
a perfect physical specimen complete with
tattoos, dreadlocks and hips that don't lie.
In the past three years, the 26-year-old
stud performer has become the premier attraction
at Club Big Yo's, a mobile LGBT night created by
Yolanda Newmon and Kkay, her partner of over a
decade. Together, they are changing the face of
lesbian entertainment in Houston. Until recently,
dancers and other erotic entertainers were femme,
Inside a burgeoning trend in erotic
entertainment. By Tina Vasquez
and their appearance was informed by mainstream
beauty standards. Juice.Box, whose real name is
Erica Green, brings something different to the table.
With taut abs, not a trace of makeup and an onstage
wardrobe that consists of baggy, low-slung jeans,
sports bra and boots, Juice.Box is a type of erotic
performer the world has never seen before. Not
only is she turning traditional gender roles upside
down, but she and others like her are inadvertently
reshaping the face of African American masculinity.
Erica Green realized she had a knack for dance when
she was a kid, earning the nickname "little Green dancing
machine" from her parents. She eventually became her high
school's mascot, which at the time felt like a big deal."There's
no other way to put it-I was a loser in high school. But
when I put on that mascot costume, it was like becoming
another person. I was able to perform and go crazy and not
worry about what others thought;' Green says.
Something similar happens when she sets foot in a
club to perform. The shy Green morphs into Juice.Box,
her arrogant stud alter ego, who's the life of the party and
unafraid of approaching women. When she was 23 and a
senior in college, a friend dared her to reach out to Big Yo
and Kkay for a chance to dance. To her shock, the pair gave
her the green light. The first song Green performed to was
Lil Wayne's "Pussy, Money, Weed;' and in just two minutes
she'd made $200. Big Yo and Kkay recognized how talented
she was and decided to take her under their wing. Now
Green performs an average of three times a week at clubs
across the country.
"No one requested this type of entertainment, we just
decided on our own to start featuring studs, and we were
the first to bring this type of entertainment to Texas;'
Newmon says. "Sometimes women love it, sometimes they
hate it and sometimes they don't get it. You're going to have
haters whenever you try to do something different, but the
positive responses have outweighed the negative ones:'
While dancers like Juice.Box and Pretty P, who's out of
San Antonio, are becoming increasingly prevalent in the
South, there has also been a surge of interest in stud dancing
34
I curve
>I
a..
cf
CJ
5
I
a..
I
~
I
a..
....J
~
ci
0
on the East Coast thanks to the wildly popular King
Kellz from Brooklyn, N.Y. a nationally recognized stud
performer who's become known for something very special.
"They call King Kellz the Ding-a- Ling King because she
dances with a strap-on, and no one else is doing that;'
Green says. "More and more stud dancers are hitting the
scene, especially in Houston. Are they all successful? No,
but not everyone can be. You have to be willing to work
hard and differentiate yourself'
Everything about the way stud dancers perform is different
from what other erotic entertainers do, and it's important
to understand that the focus of a stud performance isn't to
strip. Green sometimes goes topless, but it's not something
she does at each show. The more apt description of what's
taking place is erotic performance: The crowd circles around
the performer, who dances seductively while pulling women
out of the audience and performing mock sexual acts on
them in front of the crowd. Green is not a stripper.
''A stripper works all night, gets naked, and dances for
men. I perform for women, and my set lasts 20 minutes
and I'm done for the night;' Green says. "I don't look down
on strippers, everyone has their own hustle, but you know
what you're going to get when you walk into a strip club.
You don't know what you're going to get when you go to
one of my performances. Straight women dancers can get
paid big money because of their physical attributes, but we
work hard to become known for our performances:'
According to Siobhan Brooks, an assistant professor of
women's studies at Temple University and the author of
Unequal Desires: Race and Erotic Capital in the Stripping
Industry, stud dancers are privileged because they don't have
to exploit themselves in the
same way that other women
do. Even the way stud dancers are marketed is vastly
different. African American
femmes, whether identifying
as strippers or entertainers
and whether dancing in
straight or gay clubs, will be
photographed from behind,
with the emphasis on their
backsides. For performers
like Juice.Box, however, it's
their masculinity that's being
marketed-their six-pack abs
and long, hard gazes. "These women are marketed the same
way a black man would be marketed, but there's a Catch-22
to that;' Brooks says. "It's more difficult for studs to find
work in this industry because of their look, but when they
do they're not subject to the sexism and management issues
that other women are:'
Stud performers, who appear to be specific to the African
American community, share some experiences with African
American men. Brooks says they have a love-hate relationship with the image of black masculinity because, while it
is seen as dangerous and edgy, it is also sexualized in mainstream media and considered the epitome of masculinity.
"Lesbian women aren't seen as women in black communities,
so by extension a lot of the same assumptions, myths and
stereotypes surrounding black men-the
large penis, the
sexually aggressive nature, etc.-are also applied to studs,
even in lesbian spaces;' Brooks says. "When you have men
or masculine women in female spaces, they are more privileged than the women in those spaces:'
But while other stud performers seem a little too aggressive and often fall prey to the hypersexual myth of African
American masculinity, Juice.Box refuses to play that game.
"There's this stud mentality that I don't prescribe to ... I
don't feel like I have to always be the dominant one. I don't
always have to be aggressive. I don't always have to be the
man. I'll behave and perform however I want to, because at
the end of the day, I'm still a woman, and I'm not trying to
be a man. I can be aggressive or I can be submissive. I don't
live up to any stereotypes;' Green says.
As a physical trainer with a degree in athletic training
and physical therapy, Green also uses her body differently
than other stud performers. Yes, she seduces, but her performances also bring stunts and gymnastics into the sexual
realm in a way that excites and mystifies the women in the
audience. Juice.Box focuses a great deal of her attention on
plus-size women, who she feels don't get the love and attention they deserve-not just in clubs, but in society in
general. Juice.Box will walk into the crowd and seek out
anyone who's shy and unsuspecting of her advances. "I
want to make all women feel beautiful, that's what makes
me happy. Maybe at first I was attracted to the money to
be made, but now it's about the impact I can make. I always
dance on big girls, and if they can't get down on the floor
with me, I'll do whatever I can to accommodate them. In
that moment, I want that woman to feel like it's just she
and I;' Green says.
Obviously, there are complicated issues at play whenever
Green walks into a club to perform as Juice.Box, but what
can't get lost in the sexual politics is her goal of bringing
women happiness and pleasure, and her own personal
goal of bringing recognition to this newly emerging form
of erotic entertainment. "I feel like we're onto something
special, and when I first decided to do this I told myself
that I was going to be serious about it and make this craft
mine;' Green says. "In 20 years, I want them to be saying
that Juice.Box was one of the coolest dancers to ever hit the
floor. I'm going to dance until I can't dance anymore. I'm
going to dance until my legs fall off:' ■
June 2012
I 35
Power couple Nikki Weiss
and Jill Goldstein are
planning for a beautiful
new addition.
es
. .~.
-
--:-.:,'
~,:
,
,_..,....,.....,..---
-
'
•"' ,f',
'I
Iv"
•.
,· ~
Anyone who watched season one of The Real L Word
knows Nikki Weiss and Jill Goldstein-the
chic,
aspirational, completely committed lesbian couple.
That vision of happiness just took on another dimension
with the joyful news that Goldstein is expecting their
first child-due
Oct. 9, the date of their wedding
anniversary. At the time of this writing, the gender of
the baby is unknown. But like everything they do, the
Weiss-Goldstein baby news is both surprising and a
perfectly natural extension of their romance. Behind
the scenes, however, a lot of mind power and has
gone into planning the next chapter in their lives.
For this L.A.-based professional couple-Weiss
owns an agency that represents film directors,
Goldstein is a freelance writer and fitness enthusiasta baby will mean certain adjustments to a pictureperfect lifestyle. In an exclusive interview, they
share their joy with curve readers.
June 2012 I 37
Whendidyoubeginplanning?
Jill:We wanted to enjoy our first year of marriage and be a
little selfish ...
Nikki:... but then we started seriously thinking about it last
summer. We went through a cryobank and it took us four
months to decide on an anonymous donor. We thought
that was the best route for us, as opposed to using some,
body we knew, because we didn't want another parent in
the equation.
Jill:We really took our time in choosing, but then of course
faced the anxiety of''Are we actually readyt And like many
couples I think you're never
truly ready-we had this sense
We had this sense that
that we could spend the next 50
years
living the way we're living
we could spend the
and certainly be happy-but
next 50 years living the
there was always something
more we both wanted. And
way we're living and
building a family together was
certainly be happythe missing piece. It was like,
"Let's do this. Neither of us is
but there was always
getting any younger:'
something more we
Doyouhavefriendswhoare parenting?Wereyou influencedby
both wanted.
thegaybyboom?
Jill: When I realized this was
the type of relationship I was
going to spend the rest of my
life in, at that moment, all
the "shoulds" and "musts" and
•
"had,tos" kind of went out the
window. I'm going to live my life
the way I want to. I don't think
I ever felt any outside influences to start a family other than
our own true desire to do so. We both knew we have so much
love to give a child that that would be enough. Fortunately,
we live in a city where same,sex parenting is more common
and accepted. I think that makes it a little easier.
Nikki:So many of our close friends have children. I think
when they find out-nobody
knows yet other than our
parents-they will be very excited.
Didyoudebatewhowasgoingto carrythebaby?
Nikki:I'm 40 and Jill is 36, so we just went the younger,is,
better route.
Jill:I was up for it. It was something I certainly wanted to
do in my life.
Areyoustopping
at onechild?
Nikki: We'd just like to get through this pregnancy. I was an
only child and I turned out OK.
Jill: I want two. She's open to two.
Nikki:I'm open to two. [But] I think only children are
superb. [Laughs]
Jill: Every time I tease her about something, or come out
with a certain expression, she'll look at me puzzled and I'll
say,"You didn't have a sibling!" I had an older brother and
that's where this stuff comes from. I'd love to have my
children enjoy that kind of special sibling dynamic.
And buildinga
family together
was the missing
piece.
38
I
curve
Didyourchoiceof usinga cryobankmakethingslesscomplicated,legally?
Nikki:It doesn't get any less complicated. I have to adopt
my own child. Even though we are domestic partners in the
state of California, I will be adopting the child as soon as it
is born. We have already reached out to the lawyer who is
handling that. It sounds crazy but a social worker will have
to come to the house while Jill is pregnant to make sure that
I am capable of parenting. Once again, all of these laws come
into play and it's very scary. The minute I found out that
we were pregnant, I put all our assets into a trust. I made
sure that life insurance policies were increased. There are so
many things to take care of to protect our future family.
Doyoufeeloutraged
thatlesbianparentsgothroughthis?
Nikki:Yes. It makes me incensed. Remember, even if you
are legally married in a certain state, it is not recognized
federally. The minute you leave that state, your rights are
challenged. It's so important to implement various mea,
sures-like health care, power of attorney. God forbid you
or your partner are in an accident in another state and you
won't have access to each other in a hospital-just because
you're not recognized as legal spouses. We've spent a lot of
time and energy making sure that everything legally is taken
care 0£ And that's another thing that makes me extremely
angry, that we even have to go to these lengths to receive
the fundamental rights that legal marriage would otherwise
afford us.
Whendidyoubegininsemination?
Nikki:Jan. 17 and 18, and it went off without a hitch. We
had an amazing team of doctors and they held our hands
every step of the way.
Jill:We were pleasantly shocked that it worked on the first
try. During the process of trying to conceive, you learn to
manage your expectations as much as possible. We were
prepared to try for some time, and it rocked our world
when we found out that it worked. On top of the screaming,
the hugging and the crying of that moment, my favorite
quote that came out of Nik's mouth was, "We're the big,
gest overachievers ever!" [Laughs]
Nikki:I've been videotaping everything since the moment
we started this process, and I was able to put together this
beautiful film for Jill's family that documented our journey.
Howdidtheyreactwhenyoubrokethenews?
Jill:We flew to see my parents because we wanted to deliver
the news in person. My mom has a very big birthday coming
up, so we decided we were going to take the latest ultra,
sound and frame it as a gift. As she unwrapped it and stared
at the photo it felt like an eternity for her to process what
we were handing her. Then it clicked and my mother began
to cry-she's a crier when she's happy, so the floodgates
opened. My dad started crying, too. They were elated.
Nikki:We told my mom about a week before we left to visit
Jill's parents in Atlanta, and we handed her a card and inside
was an ultrasound and she was flabbergasted and started to
cry. She can't wait to be the coolest grandmother ever.
Soyou'refilmingeverything
... doI sensea realityTVshow?
Nikki:Since we were on [The Real L Word] we started to
do Flip Fridays on our fan page and YouTube, to give the
Jill: As long as good keeps coming out of it, we welcome
viewers a real sense of who we are, and it took off and we've that.
been doing it for two years now. Eventually, some of the
Whatadjustments
will youmakein yourlifeforthebaby?
footage will be a part of that, but we really are doing it for
Nikki:This house is going to be up for sale very soon.
ourselves.
Jill:I joke around-when the puppies have little accidents I
Howdoyoureflectnowon TheRealL Wordandthe impactit say,"Get used to it!"
hadonyourlives?
Nikki,areyousureyou'rereadyforthis?
Nikki:We use our visibility in a positive way. Many women
Nikki:I can't wait to parent with Jill. I think it's going to be
who were struggling with their sexuality reached out to us
amazing. I talk to her stomach every single day.
during that time and continue to do so. I think weve helped
Speakingof Jill'sstomach,what'sgoingto happento those
a lot of women and for that I'm so grateful, because when I
perfectabs?
came out and I was married-and this was 1997-1 had no
Nikki:She has her six pack and a little pregnant belly.
one to look up to, to reach out to.
Jill: I was looking at the picture in the very first article I
Jill:The visibility in terms of being on TV or being recog~ wrote [for curve], and I was looking at my stomach and
nized is very short~lived and that's not anything Nik and
I'm like, "Wow, those abs were nice:' [Laughs]
I value. But what really did strike us was the amount of
Nikki:You still have them!
women who came forth and thanked us because we were
Jill:Every day they get a little less defined.
an example their parents could digest. The biggest outcome,
Doyouintendto getthemback?
on top of feeling like we helped women, [is that] on our
Jill: Fitness is something that I'll incorporate as long and
Facebook page women have met, befriended and even fallen as safely as I can throughout the pregnancy. I hope to stay
in love with each other. It's become this safe, supportive
active and fit and get back into it as soon as I'm on the
community. It's been awesome. We don't have any regrets.
other end of the pregnancy. It's interesting to watch your
TheAdvocatepublished
youropenletterto KimKardashian, body change, but obviously all my priorities are changing.
protesting
hermarriage.
Willyoucontinue
youractivism?
I giggle now. My belly is getting big, my muscle definition
Nikki:Yes, that is the full reason we're so grateful to The is waning a bit. Six months ago, if that were to happen I
Real L Word-for giving us a platform to be a face and a would probably have thought it a catastrophe, but now it
just makes me laugh. I find it beautiful. ■
voice for marriage equality.
June 2012
I 39
ALIFE
INLETTERS
MEMORIES
OF
LESBIAN
POET
AND
RADICAL
FEMINIST
ADRIENNE
RICH.
BY
VICTORIA
ABROWNWORTH
drienne Rich died on March 27, in Santa Cruz, Cali£ Her death was attributed
to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, which she had battled for decades.
She was just six weeks shy of her 83rd birthday. She is survived by her longtime
partner, the writer Michelle Cliff, and by her three sons, David, Paul and Jacob,
from her marriage to the late Harvard economist Alfred Conrad.
One of the great female poets of the 20th century, Rich was also the best-known lesbian
poet of the past 50 years. Few lesbian writers have garnered both the wide audience and
the critical accolades that she did. Her influence on other writers-me included-was
significant. Unflinchingly feminist and fiercely political, Rich wrote extensively about the
conflicts born of gender inequities. Also keenly aware of her own white, middle-class
privilege, she wrote, "If you are trying to transform a brutalized society into one where
people can live in dignity and hope, you begin with the empowering of the most powerless.
You build from the ground up:' She maintained that perspective throughout her life. In
2005, in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, she said, "For me, socialism represents moral value-the dignity and human rights of all citizens. That is, the resources of a
society should be shared and the wealth redistributed as widely as possible:'
Rich was born May 16, 1929, and grew up in Baltimore. Her mother home-schooled
her until she was 10. She attended Radcliffe College, graduating in 195 L Her first
collection of poetry, A Change of World, won the Yale Younger Poets Award. Almost
immediately afterward, she received a Guggenheim Fellowship, which she used to live
in Italy for a year, writing. When she returned to the U.S., she married Alfred Conrad,
whom she had met at college. Rich has written that the marriage was complicated from
the outset, but that it was not until she became a mother that she discovered her radical sel£
40
I curve
And women were always vital to her. She wrote, "The connections between and among
women are the most feared, the most problematic and the most potentially transforming
force on the planet:'
Rich became deeply involved in the civil rights, feminist, and anti-war movements of the
1960s. She and Conrad separated in June 1970 because her politics was the driving force in
her life. Conrad shot himself to death six months later. After his death, Rich began to explore
lesbianism while raising her three sons. She also wrote prolifically and taught at various
colleges, including Brandeis and Bryn Mawr. Harvard granted her an honorary doctorate.
Rich published six books of poetry between the time of her husband's suicide and the
beginning of her relationship with Michelle Cliff, in 197 6. Cliff was 17 years her junior.
Throughout the 1970s, Rich expanded her literary and political base to include many of
the key lesbian-feminist writers of her generation, like Audre Lorde. She wrote about her
newly uncovered lesbian persona in both poetry and prose. In an interview with the London
newspaper the Guardian in 2002, she said that after her husband's death, "The suppressed
lesbian I had been carrying in me since adolescence began to stretch her limbs:'
She was also expanding her political consciousness. In 1976, she published her
groundbreaking feminist treatise "Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and
Institution;' where she made some of her most decisive statements about living under
patriarchy. She asserted, "Much male fear of feminism is the fear that, in becoming
whole human beings, women will cease to mother men, to provide the breast, the lullaby,
the continuous attention associated by the infant with the mother. Much male fear
of feminism is infantilism-the
longing to
remain the mother's son, to possess a woman
who exists purely for him:'
Her poems were no less political, for all
their lyricism. In 1974, she won the National
Book Award for Diving into the Wreck, but
she declined to accept the award individually. She accepted it, "on behalf of all women;'
with her fellow nominees Audre Lorde and
Alice Walker. In 1997, she was awarded the
National Medal of Arts, which she declined,
citing the cynicism of the Clinton administration with regard to the arts.
Rich wrote several important books of
essays, in addition to her poetry. She continued
to write until her death and, for her, writing
was always a revolutionary act. As she said,
simply and succinctly, "You must write, and
read, as if your life depended on it:' Hers
did: Throughout her writing life she infused
countless others with her activist voice. ■
BISEXUAL
POET
YAZMIN
MONET
LOVES
WITHOUT
LIMITS
Cf)
z
0
~w
a:
u
::::;
[Il
ThoughYazminMonetWatkinsidentifiesas
a bisexualAfricanAmericanwoman,she
isn't oneto attachherselfto otherpeople's
labels-and isn't afraidto coinherown.
Whenhernewbook,LoveWithoutLimits:
TheBi-Lawsof Love,didn'tfit intoan existing genre,shemadeoneup.Shecallsher
multidisciplinary
project"poetography,"
becauseit showcasesnotjust herpoems
but photographs
byseveralphotographers
fromall aroundthe country.
Anartistwith talentsthat includeacting
andwriting,Watkinsdescribesherselfas
someonewhofeelsdeeply."I'm just a humanbeing,tryingto documentthis experienceof beinghuman,"shesays.
"I'm a spokenwordpoet,so a lot of the
poemsthat arein the bookI alsoperform.
I'm workingwith a couplefilmmakersto
makemorepoetry-music
videos.There's
so muchroomfor explorationandcreativity
andgrowth."
Watkinssaysherpoetryis for the masses,
andbringsit to the streetin unexpected
placesas a wayto breakdownbarriersand
challengestereotypes.
Sheonceperformed
at a collegethat shedescribesas "very
fratty."Theevent,LadyRush,wasa talent
pageantthat doubledas a fundraiserfor
the seniorclass.Thecollege'sfeminist
collective,whichwas againstpageantry,
protestedthe eventoutsidethe building.
Inside,Watkinsperformedherpoem"This
IsWhata FeministLooksLike."Shesays,
"It wascoolto beableto infiltratethe
systemandtell mystoryin a waythat was
entertainingbutalsoeducational.
..a couple
basketballjockscameupto meafterward
andsaid,'I canrelateto that.'"
WhileWatkinssaysherqueerfeminist
leaningsmostofteninspireher poetry,
herownlovestoriesandexperiences
with
religioninfluenceherworkas well.She
wrotethe poem"SundaySocks,"in which
shequotesfrom Leviticus,to dealwith
the assertionthat if you'regayyoucan't
bea Christian."I grewup in a Pentecostal
Apostolic,gay-bashing
typeof church,"she
says."I still maintainthat relationshipwith
the spiritof Godor whatever,butthe poem
wasa responseto that."
Watkinssaysit hasbeena learning
experience
to acceptandbecomfortable
with herownvoice,andto beableto share
hermessagewhereversheis. "I think it's an
interestingplace,beingbisexual,because
you'renotfully gay,you'renotfully straight.
Therehavebeena few lookswhereit's like,
'Hey,wait a minute,youwerewith a girl
before,whatareyoudoingwith a guy?'Or
fromthe oppositeside,'Whatareyoudoing
with a girl,I thoughtyouwerestraight?'As
cornyas it sounds,I lovewithoutlimits."
WhetherWatkinsis at queerevents
with a boyfriendor at straighteventswith
a girlfriend,she saysit meansthe most
to her whenpeopleon both sidesof the
fenceremindher that she's alwaysfamily,
regardlessof who she'sdating.
[JillianEugenics]
::::)
0..
LL
w
June 2012
I 41
''
POWER
SHOT
WHAT
PRIDE
MEANS
TO
AMERICA'S
PREEMINENT
LESBIAN
PHOTOGRAPHER,
CATHERINE
OPIE.
BY
MERRYN
JOHNS
'm fine with it;' says Catherine Opie as she cruises through L.A. in her car, on her
way to meet her assistant, contemplating my question as to how she feels about being
labeled a lesbian photographer. In her acclaimed body of work, this Ohio native
and West Coast transplant painstakingly captures diverse subjects-from surfers
waiting for waves, to dawn breaking over Lake Erie, to a sizzling Jenny Shimizu.
I figure I can get away with pinning such a small label on Opie: It is Pride season,
and she seems to be agreeable. True, she is not famous just for photographing lesbians,
although her bold portrait series Girlfriends features queer female icons-from k.d. lang,
to JD Samson, to Kate Moennig-looking powerful and edgy,just the way we like 'em. It
is a landmark series, capturing different aspects of queer female identity. And then there's
her self-portrait, topless and tattooed, breastfeeding her child. It is both essentially queer
and yet strangely conventional. Opie's iconic images seem to say,"We are:'
Opie is proud to have made work in relation to her own community. "(It's] that idea of
creating an archive. For me, it's very political and very important. Now that I'm almost 51
years old, I realize how the work has really influenced a much younger generation as well.
I get thanked quite often for making the images that I make, so I don't really mind being
pigeonholed in relationship to (lesbian] identity. It's something that I'm proud of-that
I've been able to make work that has been poignant for a lot of people:'
Identity politics is important to Opie, including the identity of the artist, and the
methods necessary to make a body of work. "I feel that it's really important for people to
understand artists and see our processes;' says Opie, who teaches her students at UCLA
the finer points of photography, so that one day they, too, might earn a place in the pantheon of great contemporary female photographers: Cindy Sherman, Annie Leibovitz,
Nan Goldin, Catherine Opie. She is one of such a small group of female image-makers
to have gained mainstream recognition. Her exhibition at the Guggenheim in 2009
included an extensive catalogue of her work since 1988, and she was recently featured
along with a handful of exemplary artists in the Art21 TV series on PBS. That she is an
out lesbian makes her success even sweeter for us.
42
I curve
While Opie is proud of her mainstream
visibility- I suggest that it seems to be a sign
that the culture is changing-she feels that
we still have a long way to go. "Homophobia
is strong and very prevalent, especially in the
American political system. Were in the middle
of an election-it ramps up homophobia like
anything. We still have an enormous amount
of gay suicides, we have a huge misunderstanding in relationship to transgender issues,
so theres a lot of work still to be done:'
Rolling up her sleeves comes naturally
to Opie, whether it's working on a shoot or
discussing why Pride parades are still vitally
important. If you imagine Opie breathing only
the rarified air of the cosmopolitan art world,
think again. 'Tm proud, I'm proud;' she says.
Asked how she will celebrate Gay Pride this
year she says, "I probably will go to the parade
in L.A. with my son. I'll probably celebrate
with my family:'
Opie believes that this spectacle of diversity is still essential. Even though she does
not cultivate a singular identity-not
as an
individual or as an artist-she is not one to
think that rainbow flags, drag queens, sequins
and glitter hold us back from making serious political headway or alienate us from the
mainstream. "I think the biggest problem
with our image is the misconceptions from
outside the community. Wave your rainbow
flag, wear as much glitter as you want. We
need to queer up the world:'
She cites Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein
as innovators whose homosexuality is often
reduced to a footnote in history books. "What
we need more of is to be included in relationship
to what we have done on a historical level-to
challenge the mainstream to a certain extent:'
She hopes that one day textbooks will identify
queer game-changers and celebrate "the incredible achievement of culture that my community
has brought forth:'
Progress is slow but steady-much
like
Opie's labors, and those of her friend and
photographic subject, out American marathon swimmer Diana Nyad. The 62-year-old
world champion is a worthy symbol of our
community-determined,
resolute in the face
of obstacles. It took an endless plague of stinging jellyfish to make her quit her most recent
marathon swim. In Opie's portrait of Nyad,
the athlete stands battered and yet brave, an
enduring image and a reminder that Pride
will march on, just as Nyad will attempt the
Cuba-to-Florida swim once more. ■
FREEDOM
WRITER
JEWELLE
GOMEZ
WRITES
TOWARD
SOCIAL
CHANGE.
BY
VICTORIA
A.BROWNWORTH
wenty-one years after the publication of her award-winning novel, The Gilda
Stories, and many books, essays, poems and plays later, Jewelle Gomez remains
an icon of the lesbian literary scene in the U.S. Now in her mid-60s, still a stunning femme with light gray hair and sparkling eyes, Gomez strikes an imposing
figure-as a lesbian, a woman of color, a writer and an LGBT activist.
"Everything I write, and my activism as well, centers around creating community,
the responsible use of power and the feminist understanding that we're all connected;'
Gomez explains. 'J\nd that includes our oppressions:• But Gomez is far from pedantic.
'Tm always trying to write about these things without boring people to death! The issues
are always there, underneath everything in our lives. It just seems like we can deal better
if we are conscious of their influences and use our smarts:•
Her much-beloved lesbian vampire, Gilda, exemplifies how Gomez does this-bringing
political issues to the fore in an accessible context.
"When I sit down to write, Gilda is there, waiting like a friend;' Gomez says. "She's
both my past and my future-she
carries all of the hopes and fears that I do. Writing
genre fiction makes it easier to convey the principles I'm concerned about. Readers will
sink into Gilda's vampire world and not pull back, because it's a feminist worldview. That's
why I keep writing her:' Gilda devotees will be pleased to hear that Gomez hopes to get
another Gilda novel, The Alternate Decades, out in the next couple of years.
Finding the time to write, and the money to live while she's writing, is always an issue for
Gomez-a former NEA grant recipient. "My friends and contemporaries who have been
mourning the loss of Adrienne Rich recently are also mourning the absence of the vibrant
ti:
cf
u
w
g
z
1I:
I
t:c
u
lesbian community that nurtured her work, as
well as that of Audre Lorde, Cheryl Clarke and
many others;• she says. The impact of the economy and monolithic corporations like Amazon
has taken its toll on lesbian literature.
"Because there are almost no independent
bookstores, you have to work harder to
find lesbian-feminist writers;• Gomez says.
'J\ttending readings, reading biogs, helping
to create the dialogues that we used to have
in lesbian-feminist journals throughout the
year" is a way to make that artistic and feminist connection
Much sought after as a speaker, Gomez is
presenting the keynote address at the Golden
Crown Literary Society Conference this year,
speaking at the Goldie Awards ceremony
about how lesbians must create their own
stories. "The mythology we've grown up with
helps shape how we think, what we believe,
the actions we take-or
don't. Whether it's
vampire lore or ethnic folktales or television,
we learn how to be ourselves from these mythologies. We can make our own mythology
as lesbian feminists. Look at what others have
done that is heroic. If we embrace a largerthan-life mythology, we can actually change
the world and not feel like everything is out
of our control:'
In recent years, Gomez has focused on
playwriting, and Waitingfor Giovanni, her play
about James Baldwin, has made her realize
the importance of giving voice to people traditionally silenced by mainstream culture-like
women, LGBT people and people of color.
"I guess as I've gotten older what is most
important has shifted and changed," she
explains. 'J\s I've been working on my play
about James Baldwin and watching audiences
positively crackle with the knowledge about
him, a gay man of color who made a difference
in our world, I see that for many Baldwin is
a new entity. Working on moving the play to
other cities after its San Francisco premiere,
and working on my next play, I feel compelled
to make the history of queer people of color
a living thing. Theater reaches an interesting
cross-section of people, and I love the idea
that they all have to sit in seats beside each
other and how dynamic that interaction is:•
Generating that kind of excitement is tantalizing for Gomez and part of what propels
her."Social change is what it's always about for
me as a lesbian-feminist writer;' she says. And
that change is what she has dedicated her art,
her writing and her life to. ■
June 2012
I 43
THE
MEDIUM
ISTHE
MESSAGE
MICHELLE
KRISTEL
HARNESSES
THE
POWER
OF
MASS
MEDIA.
BY
VICTORIA
A.BROWNWORTH
n the Life, the LGBT news and topical events program on PBS, celebrates its 20th
anniversary this year. As the executive director of In the Life Media, Michelle
Kristel brings a wealth of personal experience to the program-but
no one is more
surprised at the show's longevity. "It is quite remarkable to have been on the air for
20 years;' she says. "Not only to join a rarefied group of television programs that
have survived 20 years of radically changing media production, distribution and
consumption standards, but to have done so as a nonprofit organization is a source of
tremendous pride:'
Kristel has been with ITL for 10 of its 20 years and has seen major changes in queer
visibility on TV during that decade. "Early in my tenure, we covered Pedro Zamora
on The Real World;'she recalls. ''At the time, it was an anomaly to have an out, openly
HIV,positive person on reality TV. Today, there are LGBT people on many, if not
most, reality shows. Although it is lamentable that participants on these shows don't
reflect the full diversity of our community, out people on TV are no longer newsworthy:'
Kristel adds, "Likewise, queer characters and story lines on scripted shows are notable
not just for their sheer numbers, but for their range and depth. We are no longer Just'
stereotypes and comic devices-we are as richly drawn and as shallow and silly as our
straight counterparts:'
She explains that early in her stint at ITL, she went to Hollywood to talk with NYPD
Blue'sgay African American director, Paris Barclay, and Bill Brochtrup, the out gay cast
member who played administrative aide John Irvin. Brochtrup's out gay character was
one of the first on a mainstream TV show.
Kristel hasn't always been involved in television. She spent the first part of her career in
the upper echelons of Wall Street. The switch from Wall Street to Hollywood Boulevard
was a defining career choice. "I left Wall Street not knowing where I wanted to go, but
certain that I needed more from my professional life;' she says. "I was privileged, after
I left, to have some time to go back to school and explore other opportunities. I gravi,
tated toward media, doing stints as a script reader for a film company, a copy editor for
a website and a copywriter for an advertising agency. In 2002, I met Katherine Linton
use media to advance
and began volunteering for In The Life Media. The mission-to
equality for LGBT people-resonated
with me:'
Kristel has never regretted that switch. "I consider myself extremely fortunate;' she
asserts. "I am passionate about our work, our programs, and their impact:'
TV has long been considered the best medium for giving a mass audience a short,
sweet education about minority experience. Kristel wants to see ITL promote more
understanding and acceptance of LGBT people. She says, "Public television is a highly
effective way of reaching a mass audience-one
that includes not only LGBT people
but, importantly, our allies and potential allies. Our digital initiatives are key to reaching
new audiences and advancing equality for our communities. Through traditional media
and social media, we are harnessing the power of media to educate and engage viewers
around the world:'
Lesbians, however, are often excised from the discourse on gay life in the mainstream
media. Kristel says that in order to promote lesbian visibility in the popular culture, the
answer must start with lesbians themselves.
"I hear the words of Harvey Milk: 'You must come out;" she says. "We owe it to
ourselves, to our community, to the promise of diversity, inclusion and acceptance to
come out. Ellen's coming out was a game changer. Having Rachel Maddow and Jane
44
I curve
Velez, Mitchell on TV every night is changing
the tide, but there are more of us on the big
screen and small who are not out. Promoting
visibility starts with us. Those who are a
part of the popular culture, in front of and
behind the camera and especially those in
the executive suites, have a responsibility to
come out:'
And yet, LGBT people are notoriously
reluctant to give money to LGBT causes and
concerns. It's estimated that only about 5
percent of our community actually contrib,
utes to our own issues. But, Kristel says, ITL
plods on.
"From the $2 money order that comes in
every month, to the extraordinary million
dollar anniversary gift we received from our
board co,chair, Henry van Ameringen, we
are fortunate to have supporters who share
our passion for leveraging the power of media
to advance equality for the LGBT community.
The people who get it are totally committed
to doing what they can to ensure that we
continue serving our mission;' says Kristel.
"We received a $5 check recently with a note
that said, 'I wish I could add a couple of
zeroes. Keep up the good work: Meeting the
people who make our work possible is one of
the greatest privileges of my position. Their
dedication and generosity is an inspiration
to me:' ■
OLIVIA EL
TRAV
E
H
T
IS
Y FOR
N
A
P
COM
NS!
A
I
B
S
LE
LESBIAN
LENS
DOCUMENTARY
FILMMAKER
HEATHER
CONNELL
GIVES
AVOICE
TO
THE
UNHEARD
BY
STEPHANIE
SCHROEDER
ne thing you should know about documentary filmmaker Heather Connellalways expect her to surprise (and educate and inform) you. A passionate activist
for social change, she founded her company, Displaced Yankee Productions, as
a platform for awakening social consciousness and promoting political activism
through entertainment. ''As a gay woman, I certainly recognize our community's
own need for social change and justice;' says Connell. ''As a filmmaker, there are
many issues that I am passionate about and I want to draw attention to:'
Connell's award-winning film, Small Voices:The Stories of Cambodia'sChildren, documents the struggles of the garbage dump children of Phnom Penh, and her forthcoming
film, ForgetUs Not, brings to light the persecution and death of the 5 million non-Jewish
victims of the Nazi Holocaust. Both films focus on untold stories and help people emerge
from the shadows of history.
ForgetUs Not highlights the European Roma and Sinti (also known as Gypsies), the
Catholic priests and the countless others who were murdered during World War II
because of their religion, ethnicity, political views, sexual orientation or physical handicaps.
''About 20 years ago, I visited Dachau for the first time and learned about the classification
chart and the different colored triangles used to mark various targeted groups. I was
appalled at my own lack of knowledge about these other groups, including the Roma and
gay men;' says Connell.''As a lesbian woman who has a pink triangle tattooed on my body,
to not know the full story and origins of the pink triangle was upsetting:'
For most of us, the Holocaust is the story of the horrific murder of 6 million Jewish
people, but in fact 11 million people were killed. "From an educational and historical
aspect, I realized the story of the 5 million who made up other targeted groups was one
that needed to be told:'
ForgetUs Not is currently in post-production. "I would like to be finished with the film
by September, in time for the first round of the 2013 festival deadlines;' Connell says.
"However, this story is very important and I don't want to rush for the sake of a festival
or premiere:'
46
I curve
The making of Connell's debut feature
documentary, Small Voices,and how it came
to be, is an intriguing tale of serendipity. An
off-the-cuff pitch became a passion, according to Connell. "I was planning on making a
feature-length documentary that focused on
poverty and children, in particular in a country that had suffered a genocide. Cambodia
was number three on the list. I was very
interested in going to Sudan:'
At the premiere of Hotel Rwanda, Connell
found herself in conversation with Angelina
Jolie. "I realized I would never have this
opportunity again, so Cambodia went from
number three to number one, and I actually
told her I was already in pre-production with
a documentary. I completely made up a project
on the spot;' says Connell. "She was gracious
and truly passionate about her work there. I
walked her to her car. She gave me her card
and told me to send her my project proposal.
I thanked her, shook her hand, shut the car
door and then stayed up all night drafting
one. She probably doesn't even remember
speaking to me, but that conversation kickstarted Small Voices,a project that wound up
changing my life completely. A few months
later, I was in Phnom Penh for a production
trip. Standing in the mountains of garbage
at Stung Meanchey, the city's dump, and
filming those kids picking through and
sleeping in trash, I realized it was a story I
needed to tell:'
Connell continues to visit Cambodia several
times a year to spend time with the kids in her
documentary. She says she didn't want to walk
out of their lives once the film was over.
Coming to filmmaking by way of necessity and invention, Connell, who studied
theater, started her film career when she moved to Los Angeles in 2001. "There was a
writer's strike going on, which didn't make it the ideal moment to break into the scene;'
she recounts. "My girlfriend at the time wanted to act, so I decided to make a short film
so she could be in it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was completely hooked on
the filmmaking process:'
These days, between making films, Connell continues her work in Cambodia with
Safe Haven, an outreach program she founded and funds. Its mission is to provide
disabled Cambodian children with the educational and therapeutic care they need to
survive and thrive. Needless to say, her time is booked solid.
"I am in Cambodia three times a year for up to a month each trip. With ForgetUs Not,
I was all over the place last year. I was in Europe three times and interviewed survivors
here across the United States:'
Without a 9-to-5 lifestyle,"dating is really hard;' admits Connell."While most of my
trips are only a few days or a week at a time, I can also be gone for a month, in a village
somewhere or filming in~country. In truth, my life always sounds more romantic in
theory to women than [it is] in reality. Finding an independent woman who loves to
travel and is OK with my unconventional schedule would be lovely:'
Her passion for social justice didn't develop
in a vacuum. "I come from a large, loving and
supportive family;' Connell says. "My mother
was the executive director of the Greater
Gardner [Mass.] United Way and has always
been an inspiration as an advocate:'
Connell's commitment to social change is
unwavering: "I think it is impossible to live in
the world today, to be a witness to what is hap~
pening on a global level in terms of injustice,
poverty, war, hunger, disease ... and not want
to be involved on some level, large or small.
There are people who wait for the world to
change and those who change the world. It's
really easy to say that all the problems, both
here at home and abroad, are so vast, how can
one make a difference? But even the smallest
act of kindness has a lasting effect:' ■
PICTURE
BOOKS,
CDS
AND
BEAR,
OH
MY!
:3
w
~
w
Whilesomebearshibernateall winter long,
S. BearBergmancertainlydoesn't!We
caughtup with Bearto learna little about
the dizzyingarrayof projectsze hascooking
(Bergmanprefersusingthe gender-neutral
personalpronouns"ze" and"hir"). You
mightknowaboutBearfrom hir two witty
essaycollections,ButchIs a Nounand The
NearestExitMayBeBehindYou,or from
GenderOutlaws:TheNextGeneration,
an
anthologyof essaysandothercommentary
by newtransandgenderqueer
voices,
whichze co-editedwith KateBornstein,
but the newfocal pointof hir work is what
ze calls"gender-independent"
children.
AfterseveralpublishinghousesBearhad
previouslyworkedwith turneddownthe
ideafor this bookproject,claimingthat
the marketfor booksfeaturingtransgender childrenwastoo limited,Bearandhir
partner,j Wallace,decidedto start their own
press,FlamingoRampant.ThisJune,Bear's
publishinghousewill releaseits first two
books,TheAdventuresof Tulip,Birthday
WishFairyand BackwardsDay.
In TheAdventuresof Tulip,BirthdayWish
Fairy,the title characterhasthe responsibilityof handlingthe birthdaywishesof
all the 9-year-oldsin NorthAmerica.Given
an insidelookat what happenswith the
wishes,readersfollowasTulipdiscovers
a wish he doesn'tknowhowto handle.
Thedifficultwish comes
from a child knownas
Davidwho wantsto live as
Daniela.BackwardsDayis
set onTenalp,a planetwith
17 seasons,includingone
wherebubblegumrainsfrom
the sky,anda daywhere
everythingeverywhereis
backwards.Andrea,who
lives onTenalp,looksforward to BackwardsDayeach
yearso she canturn into a
boyfor a day,but oneyear
she becomesa boyand staysthat way.
Readerswill haveto wait and seewhat
happenswhen his parentstake him to
be examinedby the Backwardsologists.
FutureFlamingoRampantprojectsinclude
a coloringbookandpostersetfeaturing
animalsthat changetheir own sex
characteristics.
Whilechildren'sprojectshavebeen
takingup a lot of Bear'stime,in the fall
of 2013ze will bringus anotherbookof
essays;the workingtitle is Alright Then,I'll
TellYouBoth.Thetitle storyis basedon a
conversationBearhadwith a research
librarianwho respondedwith that line
whenze askedwherethe washroomwas.
Bearhasbeentouringheavilyacrossthe
UnitedStatesandCanadawith fellow
storytellerIvanCoyote.Sometimethis
summer,the two will be releasinga live CD
recordedat a showin Seattle,anda new
tour throughcentralCanadaandthe States
is in the planningstages.
Alwaysbusy,Bearhasa newsoloshow
in theTorontoFringeFestivaloverthe
summer.Muchlighterthan hir lastfulllengthshowaboutthe Holocaust,
the new
oneis titled TheVirginityLostandFound.
In this show,Bearplaysthe government
functionarywho is in chargeof a certain
LostandFoundDepartment.
Zedescribes
the showas 75 percentimprovsexcomedy
and25 percentguerrillasexeducationchallengingthe ideaof heterosexual-style
penis-in-vagina
intercourse
asthe be-alland
end-allof virginity.[Sassafras
Lowrey]
C}
,w
0
N
June 2012
I 47
L
One California couple and their romantic butch-femme wedding ceremony.
By Katherine Wright
Photos by Peter Tran/ Icon Photography
California, it sometimes seems as though the legal status
f same-sex marriage will never be resolved. The California
Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in
2008, and the State began granting marriage licenses
to same-sex couples in June of that year. But on Nov. 5,
2008, came the passage of Prop. 8, a constitutional amendment providing that only a marriage between a man and a
wotp.an was valid. On Aug. 4, 2010, a federal court declared
the ban unconstitutional, a decision that was upheld in the
Ninth Circuit Court on Feb. 7, 2012. But legally, same-sex
marriage is still on hold pending further appeal.
Luckily, California's endless legal wrangling did not
dampen the spirits of Julie Nicole McMaster, 26, and Joy
Marie McMaster (nee Scruton), 25, who had their wedding
ceremony at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu on July 9, 2011.
The women, both of whom are Catholic, were introduced
by a mutual friend and felt an almost instant connection.
The first time Joy saw Julie she "didn't know what it was
at the time, but I knew I wanted to know more about her.
A few months went by before we saw each other again,
although I always had her in the back of my mind. She came
to my birthday party and the connection we had was undeniable. We've been together every day since:•
But it was Julie who proposed to Joy. They had plans
to go to dinner after work, Joy recalls. "She picked me up
and we headed to her place to take care of her cats before
we went out. When we got
to her door she opened it
without using her keys, and I was more concerned as to
why she hadn't locked her door. But the second we walked
in I knew ... There were candles everywhere and our song
was playing in the background. She got down on one knee
and promised to take care of me and love me forever:'
The wedding ceremony was a dream come true for
Joy. ''As a little girl, I would imagine my dream wedding.
However, it never involved a man:' Sixty-five guests came
to witness the couple's commitment to each other, with
celebrant Gary Blinn officiating. "Every step that we take
from this day forward will be as one. You are my perfect,
you are my love, you are my forever;' promised Julie. "You
are a miracle to me and one of the best wishes that God
has ever granted. You are the one I had always dreamed
of;' said Joy.
For their big day,Julie wore a black fitted suit with a pink
button-down dress shirt and custom-order black-andwhite wing tip Vans (which all her "bridesmen" wore). Joy's
ivory A-line gown by Maggie Sottero featured a sweetheart
top and corseted back. They exchanged rings: Joy's was a
princess cut diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds,
which continue down the eternity band. Julie's ring was a
black ceramic carbide band with a brushed finish engraved
with "My Forever 7 /9/11:'
The wedding was held outdoors before a scenic backdrop of waterfalls and vegetation. Their first dance was to
Faith Hill's "Give In to Me" and the couple danced under
twinkling lights as the sun set. Joy tossed her bouquet and
the DJ played Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl:'
Guests commented on how normal and
how special the wedding was. "It was the
first time most of our guests had attended a
same-sex wedding, and I'm sure they didn't
know what to expect;' says Joy. "Everyone
had the same thing to say. It was just a beautiful wedding between two people who love
each other very much. I'm glad that's what
people took away from our ceremony. I hope
it can inspire more people [to understand]
that love is love:•
UPDATE: The coupleskipped their honeymoon to start afamily and welcomedtheirfirst
child,a girl, in May. ■
t;omboychic
A new brandof clot;hingfor t;herough-and-1:iumble
crowd
fuses fashion-forward
st;ylewit;hcreat;urecomfort;.
By SbephanieSchroeder • Phobosby AlfonsoCanbarero
''I've always been a tomboy, and for as long as I can
remember, I've had an inclination to do things and dress
in ways that are considered more boy than girl;' says
designer Alicia Hardesty. ''A few years ago, I modeled for
a photoshoot with the theme tomboys in vintage dresses,
and it got me thinking more specifically about the name
'Original Tomboy' and where I could take that as a brand.
I grew up in Kentucky, and my childhood and upbringing
are inspiration for Original Tomboy (O.T.):'
O.T., the company and its latest collection, embody
Hardesty's definition of tomboy. "I grew up surrounded by
strong female influences;' she says. ''A tomboy is someone
who is very comfortable in her own skin, tough-mentally
and physically-and can run with the best of'em. Tomboys
so I curve
can handle whatever life throws at them, and we are problem
solvers. When it comes to appearance, there is a range of
what tomboy might look like, but generally we wear a lot
of pants:'
Of her brand, Hardesty, who is 28, says,"The style and fit
welds the sensibility and timelessness of vintage attire with
modern design aesthetics. We want you to feel modernly
brand new and Tom~Sawyer~like all at once and experience
an heirloom, homegrown quality when you wear it:'
Tomboys have had a huge influence on lesbian culture, a
visibility she says is not tied specificallyto the LGBT commu~
nity."Tomboys are tomboys, and many times we happen to
be gay, but often we're just women who live and dress how
we want, who don't answer to anyone but ourselves:'
Surplus stripe
vest $150; B
raglan $79
cropped de
$150; Gr
suspen
Sliylist;
Lauren Lynn King
Makeup
Joanna Berdzinska
Models
Unique Jenkins, Nala,
Meagan Gorman
er V-neck $79;
vintage dyed denim
oonshine leather/
uspenders $69
Hardesty studied fashion at Colorado State University,
"The perfect place for a tomboy interested in fashion;' she
muses. After graduation and an internship with the organic,
sustainable clothing company, Loomstate, Hardesty lived
in New York City and worked for Aeropostale as a junior
designer. She honed her knowledge of domestic production
in Los Angeles, where she and her girlfriend, Lauren Lynn
King, are now based. The first O.T. collection was funded
by a Kickstarter campaign and now Hardesty is focused
on selling the 2012 line to showrooms, boutiques and
buyers in major U.S. cities as well as to online retailers.
"We hope to launch a store on our website this summer:'
Readers should visit theoriginaltomboy.com to see where
they can find O.T. gear.
The reception of O.T. in Kentucky has been amazing,
according to Hardesty. "To them, I'm just a girl from
Meade County out in the world pursuing her fashion
dreams. Where I come from, a tomboy is just a tomboy;
they don't advertise sexuality, and yes, they're pretty con~
servative. It's kind of a live and let live attitude:'
Among her support base, Hardesty finds a wide
range of tomboys interested in the brand, even those who
52
I curve
"Fora Ioli of people,iti'sabout;
somelihingdifferent;beingofferedin
lihe way of womenswear,somelihing
lihey can relatielio."
purport not to care about fashion. "For a lot of people,
it's about something different being offered in the way of
womenswear, something they can relate to. Our garments
embody much more than fashion or style, [O.T] is about
a way oflife:'
There are no fashion victims at O.T. The collection is
made in the U.S. and everyone with whom the company
works gets paid a living wage."We are part of a movement of
conscious shopping for quality goods that matter. Original
Tomboy is conscious and responsible in its business and
production;' explains Hardesty, "and the company strives to
leave only necessary and desirable footprints behind. We
want to be a brand you can trust:'
The young designer hopes to extend the business inter~
nationally: "For all the other original tomboys out there,
we hear you and we've got what you've been looking for:'
( theoriginaltomboy.com)■
0
a:
w
a:
~
z
(3
0
(J)
z
5'.
_J
<l'.
FJZ_ANf:l5C
JUNE 23, 2012
Saturday,
Sp to 2a Adv. Tixs15 - s20 at the door
DANCE·FOOD·GO~O~-FUN!
Open to the entire LGBTQCommunity
101 4th Street,
SF, CA 94103
Advance tickets on sale at
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/237295
SANFRANCISCO
~
NAtlCINAL
0
fl[rulf@[f'[ru@@l
Lll'<f.lif
l'OR'-ll'ltllA.k
HIGHl!i,
P IDE
om
Season three of TheRealL Word
returns with a new cast, new
romance, new rivalries, and all the
sex and drama we,ve been craving.
fig'Rad&etcSl&all&
fllu!g' Te~
"fllaered
"efi •
ablendof#U!,W,
,relalion,,Jhifw,
and
IU!,W,
,rwaltrielJ,
IU!,W,
dilu.alJ.onA
iCd ~uail.elg
going I& Jalag oul,
inleretJlinglg.,,
For fan favorite Whitney Mixter, season
three is the latest chapter in her ongoing
journey of personal exploration and growth,
and we are going to see some big changes in
her life. Things have changed for her since
Juicy, the dub night she began in season
two, has taken off and it's now eating up
all her working hours. "It grows bigger and
bigger every month, pretty much. And we
actually took it on tour. It's a blessing and
a curse, in a sense, because it's like I don't
regret being busy, but I do miss doing the
special effects:'
But making sacrifices is all a part of her
continued progress. "I feel like I'm putting
my big~girl pants on now. I'm still making
mistakes, and I'm still tripping along the
way,but think I'm coming into my own:' But
that's not to say her Lothario instincts have
gone the way of her season one castmates.
" 'm trying to tame it in, but everything is
a process:' As to what we're in store for this
'
season, Mixter teases, "There's definitely a
blend of new relationships, new rivalries,
new situations and it's definitely going to
play out interestingly:'
One storyline we can expect to see
play out is Mixter's on~again off~again
relationship with her girlfriend, Sara
Bettencourt. In last season's finale, the two
had reunited-a move that surprised a lot
of viewers. From a storytelling perspective,
it exposed a weakness in the reality TV
format, a flaw that Chaiken and her crew
are working to address. Chaiken explains,
"I would admit that in the first season, and
to a lesser extent in the second season, there
were moments when things happened and
things changed, but you didn't necessarily
get to fully understand what had happened,
or why, or how a change of heart had come
about. Some of it is just the logistics of
producing a reality show, but some of it is
just that the people we're working with are
now understanding that it actually is better
storytelling, and makes them look better, if
we can really understand them:'
Bettencourt, for one, is eager for the
audience to understand her better. "I feel
as though I've kind of been portrayed
as a villain;' she says. "It's been kind of
frustrating. I have been a character in all
three [seasons]. But not being a main cast
member, I felt it has hindered my char~
acter because I haven't really been able to
show my side of the story. And to me, it
is important for me to be able to show all
the dimensions of who I really am:'
So, what can audiences expect to learn
about Bettencourt? "I think you get to see
the softer side of me. You get to see the
side of me that's not so protected. I'm not
holding a wall against myself. I'm just kind
of letting you in and showing my insides,
if you will:'
One aspect of herself that Bettencourt
hasn't been shy about exposing in past sea~
sons is her sexy side. Bettencourt explains,
"This might seem crazy to people, [but] it
is easier for me to be open with my body ...
that's just easier for me than to bare my
emotions. It's just hard to be soft on cam~
era and to let people pick you apart:' The
show will also focus on Bettencourt's very
conservative family, and she hopes this will
resonate with people in similar situations.
"Both of my parents come from a small
island off the coast of Portugal. And they
are so traditional. I mean, my parents have
never really heard of anyone being gay, and
it's really important to me that people who
think they cannot come out to their parents
and be accepted for their sexuality see my
story. You never think that your parents can
ever accept something like that, but really it
just takes love and courage:•
However, one plotline Bettencourt is not
looking forward to revisiting the collapse of
her friendship with cast mate Romi Klinger.
"It's a really tough thing for me to talk about,
because I really held my relationship with
Romi dearly. There's been so many things
have happened that have led me to not trust
her ever again ... but it makes me sad all the
time. Just the other day I started crying about
it, because it breaks my heart. It's a loss, it
really is. It's a big loss;' Bettencourt says.
~own,
I& fiUdutetJd
Klinger shares Bettencourt's sadness over
the loss of their friendship, but has a more
philosophical take on it. "Whitney and I are
not friends. I love her and Sara. I honestly
wish them the best in everything that they
do. It's sad and it breaks my heart, but this
is what happens in life. What we had in
common once, and what tied our friendship
together at one point, doesn't exist anymore.
And I'm not the same person I was when I
met them:'
Klinger is all about moving forward,
whether that's in her personal life or in busi~
ness, and season three will be another roller
coaster ride for the jewelry designer."There's
a lot going on this season. I can barely keep
up mysel£ let alone hope the cameras keep
up with it. It's a journey, it's a growing year.
I'm really digging deep to explore creative
sides of mysel£ sexual sides of myself and
just who I am as a woman;' says Klinger.
Part of that journey is building on her
brand, Casa Por Vida, branching out to
create fashion and even an album. Yes, that's
right: Klinger has a dance album in the
works. And it seems the sky is the limit for
her. "I think that when you put your mind
into things, and you really dedicate your life
to your passions and your dreams-and it's
so cliche and cheesy, but you only live once.
And it's almost like my work has become
my new addiction. I'm such a workaholic:•
However, it's not all business for Klinger,
who promises that season three will not dis~
appoint in the sexiness department. "Every
year, I do something sexual on the show.
We are who we are, and we all have sex.
And you're watching the show because you
want to see what lesbians are, or you want
to see what our sexual preference is. You
want to jump in and you want to see these
lives. All of our lives are around our work
and our love and our relationships andguess what?-sex. And that's why we are
on Showtime and we're not on another
network, because we are able to let you
into every aspect. Sex is a huge part of our
culture and our lives. So, you want to give
it all, and that's what we do. We definitely
give you sex;• says Klinger, who jokingly
adds, "My vagina needs an agent!"
On a more serious note, Klinger offers,
"There's a sexual journey with me. And I
think that people this year are going to find
that I am just really trying to find the truth
of who I am, and be digging into areas of my
life that I have put on hold or numbed up
for a really long time. And it really took me
getting sober and digging deep into who I
am to realize that I am totally open:' And
to those who disapprove of the choices she
makes, she says simply, 'Tm not going to
live my life so that the audience feels like
they're OK with who I am. I'm going to live
my life so that I'm OK with who I am:'
But to detractors of show's sexual
content, it's Chaiken who gets the last
word. "It's a matter of personal taste and
threshold. I've always liked stories about
sex and sexuality, I think that it's one of
the great human stories, and we choose
to tell those stories. If it's not to someone
else's taste, then they can choose to go
elsewhere for their stories:•
"fT'ltiddeadOR,
fa,w will get QA
better uwide
mallWJ~ofa
,na;rriage
fhe
even,
~
and
whal,U,~
f,O, ,nuke
ll,
no,~
whaL"
,/
June 2012
I 57
!Tanailg MaJten,
Also returning for the third season are
reality TV's most adorable married lesbian
couple, Kacy and Cori Boccumini. When
we last saw them, they were going through
the incredibly complicated (and expensive)
process of starting a family. In the new
season, it continues. "The path to building
a family always seems to be an emotional
roller coaster. The great thing about fans of
the show is how open they are in reaching
out and sharing their struggles. It lets us
know that no matter what we have been
through ... we are not alone. This season, the
fans will get an even better inside look at all
aspects of a marriage and what it takes to
make it, no matter what;' says Cori.
There is one misconception, however,
that they are eager to dear up: "In all honesty,
we don't talk about sperm all that much;'
jokes Kacy.
Punkfiod,,fjitrld
While some might consider all the alums
of the show rock stars, season three is get~
ting two new real ones with the addition
Kiyomi McCloskey and Somer Bingham of
Hunter Valentine. With the recently mar~
ried Bingham, audiences will be privy to her
attempts to reconcile her domestic life with
her wild~girl past and, as the newest mem~
ber, to find her place in the band as they
tour and work on their latest studio album.
Whereas Bingham is happily partnered,
the season opens differently for McCloskey
who is very single.'Tm trying to really nav~
igate what it's like to be on the road and
be single and stay focused on the task at
hand, which is to play shows every night.
But a lot of our fan base is female, and that
can get you into trouble on the road-and
can be a wonderful, amazing time;' says
McCloskey.
Despite spending most of her nights
center stage, when it comes to living all her
life in front of the camera, McCloskey has
trepidations. 'Tm not going to lie, it's scary
to expose yourself in this way, and I'm not
really sure how I'm going to react to it. But
I committed to exposing myself and being
vulnerable in front of the camera, and
hopefully I'll just come across as exactly
who I am:'
One thing that isn't in doubt is that the
band now has a massive platform to help
grow their fan base. ''As a musician, I think
this is kind of like a dream. The amount of
exposure that the band will get is amazing.
I'm really excited about how much reach
the show has on an international level.
You never really know who you're going
to reach, and that's a really exciting thing;'
says McCloskey.
fit·C-oadtal
fie11tled
Also hailing from N.Y.C. is newcomer
Amanda Lee Dunn, a publicist and true~blue
New Yorker who prefers the faster pace of
life on the East Coast."! am very outspoken.
So that definitely gets me into trouble. I
mean, I'm from New York, so that just sort
of comes with the territory. In L.A., every~
body's really mellow, and it's a much slower
pace, and [everybody] is like, 'Let's go run~
ning and get some wheat grass at the juice
bar: Everybody in New York is like, 'Come
on, let's go, let's go, get the fuck out of my
way'-you know?"
But despite her love of life in the Big
Apple, when her best friend and co~star
Lauren Russell made the move to L.A.,
Dunn followed a year later. "Lauren and I
have been best friends for, like, five years.
And we had always lived in the same city
and hung out all the time. And then all of a
sudden we're so far away from each other:'
Russell is excited to share her life and
her business with the world. The designer
of gorgeous and edgy Lyon Fine Jewelry
decided when she was cast that she would
hold nothing back. The process was "thera~
peutic, challenging, surprising, exciting,
life~changing, and, in the end, really brought
me a happiness I didn't have before:'
It's not all dub nights and lezzie hookups
for Russell, who says that this season,
audiences will be following her hardships
as well, including dealing with an illness in
the family and her own bouts of anxiety.
But she hopes that if she's honest about all
the areas of her life, viewers will get a clear
picture of her. "I don't mind being judged,
no one is perfect. [But I am] someone that
has a big heart, that loves her friends and
family. A person that has a passion for her
work, but that does struggle with problems
like anxiety. Someone that isn't closed off
to love, but at the moment is working on
herself and is on a personal growth journey;'
says Russell.
fTlwrd
trllne d the
to everyone, the show has been consistently
entertaining, and the decision to make this
year's cast bi~coastal and bring in new per~
sonalities like McCloskey and Bingham
lends some extra edge to the already deca~
dent series. At the very least, it promises to
give us more: more sex, more drama, more
storytelling, more ... geography.
Perhaps Klinger says it best: "It's defi~
nitely got a fresh vibe. You've got he East
Coast~West Coast deal, you've got more
of a wild group of girls this season. I think
there's a lot more cattiness to the show, and
there's a lot more drama and sex. I mean,
isn't that what we always do? But we really
pumped it up this season:' ■
Ch,a;r,n
Like Chaiken, we can't help but be optimis~
tic about how The Real L Word continues
to evolve. While it can never be everything
click
away
When you subscribe
to our interactive
digital edition you
get curve in your
inbox before it hits
the stands. Flick
through pages, watch
videos, listen to
songs, forward stories
to friends and best of
all, no more recycling.
Just download and
click away!
subscribe + save at
curvemag.com
■■■ SUMMERADVENTURE
A MCHIGAN
STATEOF
MIND
As the first day of the 2011 Michigan
week of music, comedy, movies under the stars,
Michigan's
Womyn's Music Festival draws to a
dancing, rain, fireworks, workshops, vegetarian
beloved and
close, a boisterous thunderstorm passes
food, controversy and community has begun!
controversial
over the 650 acres where thousands of
2012 promises to be another exciting year,
lesbian summer with headliners that include Amy Ray, Dar
attendees are camped. Torrential rains
music festival.
Williams and Dorothy Allison. Festie-goers
batter our tents and tear branches off the
By Julia
can, once again, participate in the Drumsong
trees overhead. The ground shakes with
Orchestra with Ubaka Hill and the One World
thunder. Suddenly, there's an earsplitting
Steinecke
Inspirational Choir with Aleah Long. Veteran
crack and a supernatural flash, brighter
performers Cris Williamson and Holly Near
than sunlight at noon. A moment later,
will be back. Among the new faces will be R&B
the land erupts with the sound of
women, near and far, whooping and cheering the power
punkers Joan As Police Woman, fronted by Joan Wasser,
the highly accomplished singer-songwriter who plays violin
of Mother Nature.
and keyboards (the band's male musicians will be replaced
That's the spirit of this festival, which is often referred
by an "awesome" lineup of female musicians, says producer
to simply as "Michigan:' Since 1976, women from North
Lisa Vogel). Straight-faced comedian Karinda Dobbins
America and beyond have traveled by air, Greyhound,
carpool and motorcycle to create a unique, temporary village will be making her debut on her birthday at the Sunday
on "The Land:'
Day Stage.
This year's Intensive Workshops have been announced,
We arrive in the gray light before dawn and join "The
with options such as ''Adios, Barbie" for Teens, Stilt
Line;' a string of cars that always forms along the quiet
Walking, and Breast Casting for Womyn of Color. Other
country road leading up to the festival gates. A couple of
presentations in the General Workshop program are usuminutes later, we hear the crunching of tires on gravel as the
ally announced on opening day. Last year's topics included
next car tucks in behind us. We climb on top of our camplaughter yoga, zine making and polyamory. Finally, there
ing gear and fall asleep. Midmorning, everyone emerges for
a few hours of socializing, reunions, gossip, flirting, political are the unofficial events, some of which take place in the
debates and, finally, a last hamburger, from the women who
Twilight Zone, a camping area where partying goes late
sell them off their truck every year.
into the night. Look for the Unofficial Schedule of Events
After lunch, my girlfriend stays with the car while I hike
& Meet- Ups in the bulletin board at michfest.com/ forums.
up to the front of the line to enter as a walk-in. It takes almost
In the past, there's been a uniform party, a cheese ball contest,
an hour to get to the gate, but car numbers scratched in the
speed dating and much more.
gravel let me know how far I have to go. At 1 p.m., while a
It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the things to do:
couple dozen of us stand in line, the festival workers begin
Some festie-goers spend a busy week rushing between
events, while others take it slow and enjoy leisurely hours
the countdown:"Ten, nine, eight ... " and the gate rolls open
to cheering that spreads all the way down the line. Another
hanging around their campsite with friends. Either way,
60
I curve
~
w
a:
0
LL
ui
(')
~
<!],
z
ci
a:
::J
co
<(
z
0
~
w
0
(/)
w
0
TRANS WOMEN AND MICHIGAN
The Michigan Womyn's Music
Festival is one of the primary
women-only events in North
America. Through years of controversy and debate, organizers have
worked hard to make Michfest more
accessible to low-income participants,
women of color, differently abled
women and others.
The question of accessibility for
trans women was hotly debated in
1991 , after security staff told a suspected trans woman named Nancy
Burkholder to leave the festival. This
led to the founding of Camp Trans,
an event for trans women and their
allies that is held on land outside the
festival gates.
In 2006, an out trans women
purchased a ticket at the gate and
entered Michfest. Producer and
co-founder Lisa Vogel issued a press
release saying that the festival's
intention was still to welcome WBW
only, and she hoped others would
respect this.
In 2011, the Trans Women Belong
Here group sponsored a few trans
women, who attended the festival
and promoted inclusion. They sold
T-shirts, set up a safe tent, and held a
workshop for their allies.
62
I curve
At the same time, some supporters
of the WBW intention put up posters
proclaiming "Girlhood Is Significant,"
indicating that Womyn Born Womyn
have much in common from the experience of being raised as girls.
Some festie-goers see this conflict
as a struggle to protect their sacred
space from those who don't share
their experiences as women. Some
WBW supporters don't acknowledge
gender transition at all, and others
say they do support trans women,
but they want to have a WBW space
to retreat to, if only for one week of
the year.
Other participants (this writer
included) also see trans inclusion as
a human rights issue-one group of
women excluding another group of
women. Though this is a very complex
issue, there are parallels to the exclusion of people on the basis of race,
citizenship and sexual orientation.
Some trans inclusion supporters
have boycotted the festival itself, and
some have boycotted performers
who play at Michigan. Others encourage trans women's allies to attend
the festival, so they can support the
trans women there. (transwomenbelonghere.blogspot.ca) [JuliaSteinecke]
you'll be welUueled by a generous vegetarian
menu, which has changed very little over
the years: Thursday night burritos still draw
the biggest line-ups. The staff that runs the
enormous outdoor kitchen relies heavily
on help from attendees. Work shifts are
part of the price of admission-the
part
that keeps monetary costs down-and
everyone is asked to do at least one shift in
the kitchen, if possible. You'll get into fascinating discussions and make new friends
while chopping carrots.
Trans inclusion, one of the most challenging issues for festie-goers lately, will
certainly be debated again this year.
Officially, Michfest has a guideline stating that "womyn born womyn" (WBW)
are welcome to attend. Supporters of the
WBW intention say they need this separate space, while trans women and their
allies say the festival should be for all
women. In 2011, some WBW supporters
wore red T-shirts and armbands, while
some who supported trans inclusion wore
T-shirts and buttons that read "Trans
Womyn Belong Here:'
As the second week of August draws
closer, along with the varied political conflicts, we'll remember the great music, the
flaming arrows arching over our heads at
Opening Celebration last year, and the
pleasure of moving through the forests and
meadows of The Land in the company of
womyn. ( michfest.com)■
z
ci
a:
::J
co
<(
z
0
~
w
0
(/)
w
0
Cclearchannel
MEDIA+ ENTERTAINMENT
SAN-----»
F.=tANCISCO
TOYOTA
,,,.america
joie de vivre ®
KAISER
~
PERMANENTE.
thrive
w
SFPride's
Women's
Stage
will beat
McAllisternear
Leavenworth
on Sunday,
June24
sfpride.org
■■■ SUMMER ADVENTURE
A PASSAGE
TO INDIA
You know times are changing when India,
queering of the subcontinent seems perLesbians have a
historically a country with a complicated
snickety, if not naive. Sure, there is a thrivspecial invitation
relationship with same-sex relationships,
ing LGBT community in Mumbai, there
to visit one of
shows keen interest in the lesbian travel
is a gay presence in Delhi and Goa is
the most exotic
market. Well, one tour company in particubecoming a resort town that attracts gay
destinations in
lar is extending a warm welcome to lesbian
men. But Western expectations of a rainthe world.
travelers who wish to visit the land of silk
bow flag welcome should be left at home.
saris and exotic spices. In November of
Nevertheless, a cosmopolitan, friendly
By Merryn Johns
last year, I joined the first LGBT press
and women-focused vacation is now
possible, if you place yourself in the catrip organized by Out Journeys ( their
tagline is Come Out in India) and was curipable hands of Out Journeys. These guys
ous as to exactly how gay they could make our itinerary.
(and just to be clear, they are all guys, albeit sensitive ones)
The answer is ... not very. But the expectation was perhaps
have taken the time and trouble to understand American
unreasonable. India is so vast and diverse, and the expelesbians. They were there at the First Asian Symposium
rience it offers travelers is so intense, that to insist on a
on Gay and Lesbian Tourism, presented by Community
(/)
z
I
~
z
1r
a:
w
~
ENTICINGINDIA
(/)
z
I
~
z
tr
a:
w
~
Marketing Inc. in Delhi, a conference that aimed to raise
the profile of the LGBT market segment in a land where
business owners crave hard facts about the legendary "pink
dollar:' If you've been paying attention to global economics,
you know that India (along with Brazil) is on the rise, fiscally;
its middle class is thriving and the country now has many
Western symptoms of prosperity: huge malls, luxury cars,
much real estate development. The chance to harvest the
low~hanging fruits of capitalism has led to open minds in
India, as well as open wallets. So if you've longed to visit
the land of the Taj Mahal but didn't dare, now is your time
to venture forth among open~minded people, with tour
guides who are respectful of your sexual preference or gender
identity-important
in a country known for heaping a
bewildering array of challenges on you even before you even
get out of the airport!
I traveled with Abhinav Goel, the founder of Out
Journeys, who is also the ambassador to India for the
International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. On top
of building business for Out Journeys, he considers his role
with the IGLTA as important because he sees his home
country as a destination to be proud 0£ and one that has a
lot of potential-economically,
culturally and spiritually.
''As an emerging destination, India needs a lot of focus
and attention to make it a truly LGBT~welcoming place;' he
says. "Being an ambassador allows me to work closely with
Out Journeys is offering tours
for lesbians and women in
September 2012 and January
2013. Prices start at $1,980.
The itinerary takes in Delhi,
Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra,
Ranthambore and Jaipur.
Highlights include:
A rickshaw ride and tour
of bustling New Delhi, a visit
to the famous Qutb Minar,
a pillar monument built in
1199, Humayun's Tomb,
India Gate, the President's
House, Parliament House,
Government Secretariat
Buildings and Connaught
Place shopping centeras well as a modern Hindu
temple. A visit to Varanasi,
one of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in the world,
and a holy city in the eyes of
Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
Hindus believe that to die here
and be cremated on the banks
of the Ganges is the sacred
culmination of existence and
a release from the cycle of life
and death. Take a morning
boat excursion and witness
the cremation ghats, and the
people there to bathe and
offer prayers to the rising sun.
Visit the city of Khajuraho
and its world-famous group
of temples boasting diverse
erotic sculptures, which only
prove that homophobia is a
relatively recent invention.
Built by the Chandela Rajputs
between 950 AD and 1050 AD,
these monuments are some of
the finest in India.
Agra is the city of the Taj
Mahal, a monument that is
the ultimate gesture of eternal
love, built by the Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan as a
memorial to his wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. This sublime, luminous,
white marble mausoleumthe world's finest example
of Muslim architectureoutshines all preconceptions.
This sight alone will make your
visit to India worthwhile.
Animal-lovers will be thrilled
to visit Ranthambore National
Park and go on a tiger safari
in a forest. Attend a tribal
school for a unique, interactive learning experience with
local children. Assist a local
nonprofit doing exemplary
work in tiger conservation and
the rehabilitation of tribes that
were previously engaged in
poaching wildlife.
Jaipur is the gemstone
capital of India, and a
shopper's paradise. Take a
stroll along the secret lanes
of the Walled City, where
the old ways of life continue
uninterrupted.
Spend your rupees at the
Jaipur bazaars and take home
some unique mementos of
your visit. Learn the art of
haggling, try some sweets
from a street vendor and
take in the time-honored arts
and crafts that still flourish
in the bazaars. A ride on
an elephant at the stunning
Amber Fort and an optional
ride in a hot air balloon over
the city will make your visit
truly transcendental. This is
the capital of Rajasthan, and,
fittingly for LGBT travelers,
it was given a coat of pink
paint a century ago in honor
of a visiting prince and has
retained this color ever since.
In the evening, go for a
Rajasthani cooking class and
master the bewitching art of
spicy Indian food.
June 2012
I 65
CURVESLEPTHERE
India has a wide variety of accommodations
to choose from, low-rent to luxury, boutique to
chain. We can recommend the following
establishments as exceedingly comfortable,
authentically Indian, and very gay-friendly:
ShantiHome,Delhi
A boutique accommodation in the heart of a
chaotic city, Shanti Home offers an oasis with
tastefully decorated rooms, outdoor dining and
bar facilities, excellent food, locally-made wine,
and friendly service. (shantihome.com)
UdaiVilasPalace,Bharatpur
Old World with a contemporary flair, this stately
hotel is elegant and homey, with spacious rooms,
pleasant gardens, an in-ground pool, an airy restaurant, and, if you're lucky, a traditional puppet
show each night. (udaivilaspa/ace.com)
Suryodaya
Haveli,Varanasi
Tucked away at the end of one of Varanasi's
crooked laneways and perched on the banks of
the Ganges, this lovely small hotel offers pointblank views of the sunrises and the teeming
life that make this sacred river such a profound
hotels, airlines and also the government to drive the changes neces~
sary to achieve our goal. It also makes me responsible to spread the
good word around and connect India's vast and diverse LGBT com~
munity and businesses to the global traveler;' he explains.
When it came to the logic behind starting Out Journeys, Goel
says his motivation was part patriotic, part humanitarian, part
financial: "Once the Indian courts struck down the draconian law
which had criminalized same~sex relationships, we experienced
India's LGBT community coming out in the open and expressing
itsel£ This threw up opportunities from a business standpoint that
were compelling. India offers tremendous opportunities for tourists,
with its diverse culture, history, landscape and cuisine. And the idea
of merging these attractions with the LGBT lifestyle was too good
to pass up:'
Goel had learned through surveys that Americans were keen on
exploring India but were unsure about its gay~friendliness, concerned
for their personal safety, even dubious about the state of its facilities.
He set about demystifying these issues so that we would feel welcome.
Among travelers from Europe, North America and Australia, the
response so far has been positive. Goel is attuned to the differences
in tastes between male and female gay travelers, and, to the extent
that it's possible, he has fashioned an itinerary aimed at lesbians."We
conducted a large survey in North America to gauge the interest
and preferences of both gay and lesbian travelers, and it clearly came
attraction. (amritara.co.in/varanasi/suryaudayhaveli.html)
Treeof Life,Jaipur
This rural estate offers unbeatable luxury against
a rustic backdrop. The collection of immaculate
pink villas (some have in-ground splash pools
and stone massage tables) are designed around
gardens following Hindu principles, and emanate
a spiritual tranquility. As I listened to the gentle
clang of goat bells from the nearby fields and
sipped a post-massage cup of Darjeeling tea I
didn't want to leave, but I gave thanks to the gods
for a fitting end to an amazing journey.
(treeofliferesorts. com)
~
0
u
u.i
~
0
I
i=
z
<C
I
(/)
,:..:c
iii
<C
z
<C
a:
f
(/)
z
I
~
z
1r
a:
w
~
66
I curve
out that lesbian travelers were attracted by India's culture,
cuisine and adventure. Over the past several months, we
have also invested significantly in training and coaching
our staff and partner service providers to be aware of and
sensitive towards gay and lesbian communities. The fact
that we now work only with gay~welcoming hotels, guides
and transport services gives us the confidence that
lesbian travelers can explore India without any
concerns;' he says.
While I was already familiar with the Indian
word namaste (a friendly greeting or farewell), I
had not heard the word namaskar, which is more
formal and was the preferred salutation among
the Indians we traveled with. Rather than offering
a simple greeting to a person, it acknowledges the
manifestation in the self of the supreme conscious~
ness that unites all of us. The subtle and yet significant
difference between the two words perhaps symbolizes the
difference between venturing to India in the closet, on your
own, or with a straight tour operator, or making the trip as
an out and proud lesbian, with Out Journeys. Namaskar!
( ou0ourneys.com) ■
June 2012
I 67
■■■ SUMMER ADVENTURE
A LESBAN
IN LONDON
Finally! You're in London! Whether
gender,benders will appreciate Tatty Devine,
Part two of our
it's for World Pride or the Olympics or
an accessories store with a sense of humor.
pre-Olympics
just to have fun, you know it's one of the
travel special tells Even shop,a,phobic butches can spend happy
most expensive capitals in Europe, but
hours getting a shirt tailored to fit exactly
you what to see,
right at Wolsey, maker of "men's" clothing
you want to rock it anyway. Here's how
where to shop,
to live like a London lesbian, even on a
since before America was a country. Finally,
and how to drink
lavender budget.
no one who likes sex can go past Coco de Mer,
Gay culture (not to mention a date)
an
opulent adult boutique featuring unlikely
like a Brit.
is easy to find anywhere in this city, but
looking sex toys and expensive wisps of satin
By Gillian
the Theatre District in Soho, and par,
you suddenly, urgently, need.
Kendall
Also, Seven Dials features every good
ticularly Old Compton Street, is Queer
European shoemaker in Europe-and
so
Central. Beyond Candy Bar (the only real
lesbian hangout, but famous enough to
what if you spend a month's salary on a
have its own reality TV show) and G.A.Y. and Heaven
pair of shoes at Josef Siebel, Fly, Russell & Bromley or
(both mostly for men, and kind of intense), London offers
Camper? They'll last you the rest of your life!
a panoply of historic, artistic and architectural attractions
CLASS AND CULTURE
that will appeal to just about everyone.
World,dass museums, many of them free, include the
THE ROYALTREATMENT
British Museum, the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery
Fans of the regal lifestyle can swan around several palaces:
(insider's tip: the cafe under the steps has a lesbian manager),
the recently renovated Kensington Palace; a perfectly pre,
served miniature palace, Queen Anne's dollhouse at
Windsor Palace; and old,reliable Buckingham Palace
for its Changing the Guard Ceremony, a must,see.
Summer 2012 is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, so stock
up on "60 Years a Queen" memorabilia for your tiara,
wearing friends.
LOSINGPOUNDSQUICKLY
Some of the best shops in England are on narrow pedestrian,
friendly streets at Seven Dials in Covent Garden, where
rows of boutiques are interspersed with amazing places
to eat and drink, such as Hotel Chocolat (buy gifts to
take home, so your friends won't hate you). Femmes of
size (such as me) will love Base, with its impossibly desir,
able designer clothes; mothers can get divine things at
Irish designer Orla Kiely's retro shop; and tomboys and
June 2012
I 69
and dozens more. Parks are also free, highly civilized, and,
like most churches, always open. Be sure to patronize
London's last gay bookshop, Gay's the Word, at 66
Marchmont Street, a few Tube stops from Soho (a lesbian
discussion group meets every Wednesday night).
The West End of London offers theatre on a par with
Broadway, and you can get tickets for even the newest shows
(including the Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical
of 2012, the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda The
Musical, based on Roald Dahl's Matilda) at discount ticket
booths at Leicester Square.
GREENVS. PLASTIC
Credit and debit cards in the U.K. all have chips these days,
so you can't swipe your striped card everywhere. The good
news is that many high-end stores or hotels will charge
your card in dollars, saving you currency-conversion fees.
Request to be charged in your home currency in shops and
hotels; otherwise, use cash from an ATM (known as a"hole
in the wall;' or a "cashpoint").
BOPPINGAROUND
Without a helicopter, getting around London in July 2012
is going to be a bore, a drag, a Sisyphean feat. Don't even
consider renting a car. On top of rental fees that start at
about $190 a week for a miniature car, gas at $95 to fill it,
70
I curve
and insurance (high), you'd have to pay a $16-per-weekday
"congestion charge" for the privilege of having a vehicle in
central London. And even at that price you still won't be
able to drive, because traffic in London is worse than in
L.A. or Atlanta.
Taxis and minicabs are available, but they get stuck in
traffic too. Most Londoners use the Tube (the clean, safe,
ubiquitous subway system). Buy an Oyster card as soon as
you arrive and put about $10 on it for every day you plan to
stay in London, on top of the $8 deposit. Be sure to "swipe
on" and "swipe off" every time you start or end a journey
by bus or Tube, and the Oyster will magically calculate the
best fare, based on your usage. At the end of your visit, take
your Oyster card back to any ticket booth for recycling and
get back your £5 deposit, plus any amount you've paid for
but haven't used. Saved the stress of buying tickets for every
journey, you get to feel as cool as the locals look, casually
swiping your blue-sheathed Oyster as you breeze through
the turnstiles.
Or not. Already, there are posters all over the Tube
advertising that "Delays may occur on some lines during the
Olympics;' with an oh-so-amusing cartoon of two bodybuilders trying to shoulder past each other getting out of
the Tube, while a flock of hapless non-athletes are stuck
behind them.
Walking in London is famously great because there are
fascinating plaques, pubs and maps to investigate every few
paces. However, the streets are crowded even in the offseason, and navigating around clumps of other touristsespecially the ones consulting guidebooks in the middle of
the narrow footpaths-isn't a good use of your vacation time.
The best, most economical option for able-bodied people
is to rent a bike from one of the Barclays rental stands that
are all over central London. Hiring a bike for up to half an
hour costs only $1.60, and fees go up to $80 for 24 hours.
They're comfortable, well-maintained, and lighter than they
look, but it can be difficult to return a bike at your chosen
destination if the racks are full and time is tight.
And if your ride takes you near Covent Garden, stop at
The Icecreamists ("Liberating the world one lick at a time"),
a "fetish" ice cream parlour-PG-rated
menu and decor,
adult-interest ice cream. What could be better?
SLEEPINGWITHTHE BESTOF BRITAIN
No one over 21 comes to London to stay at a youth hostel,
but good accommodation in London isn't cheap (though
there may be some special deals during the week after the
Olympics, before the Paralympics).
The Radisson Edwardian, in the center of Seven Dials,
has swish, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates, and the
cocktails at the Dial Bar are all creatively based on the
fruits and herbs of nearby Covent Garden: The goldencolored Garden Pear, with fresh ginger, made us feel
particularly jubilant, regal and damn near British. God
save the Queen! ■
a:
;ii
E:i
z<{
u
<{
a:
w
CD
:J
_J
w
s:
ct
V .ISi·t ••
-•
Sweden
www.visitsweden.com
~
Stockholm
The Capitalof Scandinavia
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
Scandinavian
Airlines
REVIEWSSapphic Stage
Wild In Italy
A performance troupe aims to revolutionize the Italians' view of gender. By Lauren LoGiudice
from masculine to feminine presentation
within seconds. Delicious.
It takes guts to stage a queer performance
in a country where being publicly gay or
lesbian is still an anomaly. Eyes Wild Drag
not only performs but, with spunk, glitter
and pizzazz, has created a community in
which they are understood, supported and
celebrated-an
incredibly fabulous way to
create a revolution.
TheRoadto Gender
Performance
Revolution
Six years ago, after watching Venus Boyz,
After dodging a group of tourists armed
with giant cameras, I hopped onto a bus
and squished myself in between two women
speaking and gesturing at lightning speed. I
held on tight as the bus zoomed past the
Vatican, turned right onto Via Vittoria
Colonna, and then snaked around Piazza
Cavour. Within 20 minutes, I arrived at
my destination, a Centro Sociale Occupato,
one of the socialist community spaces that
support free speech and liberal expression
in Rome.
I slipped into a rehearsal that was already
in progress. A striking woman with the
feminine wiles of a young Barbra Streisand
stood on the stage directing two masculine
women. She spoke loudly. "Piuforte!" I sat
straighter in my chair. She turned on the
music and the three of them began to enact a
721curve
mimed story about a gender misfit set to the
song"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
I smiled to mysel£ I was less than two miles
away from the conservative-stalwart-whoshall-not-be-named and watching Italy's
first drag king group in action.
Eyes Wild Drag is Senith, Spruzzy and
Bianco-three
mavericks, each with a signature style. Senith is the focal point of the
troupe, the most rompicoglioni(vulgarly, "a
ball buster;' loosely, "a nuisance''), proudly
the first faux queen in Italy. Real drag queens
are often jealous of the attention she gets.
Well, they can eat her eyelashes, because
she has talent to boot. Spruzzy is the physical comedian of the group. She reminds me
of Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wandapassionate, exuberant and zany. Bianco plays
with gender lines like D.R.E.D., changing
Gabriel Baur's 2002 documentary about
drag culture in New York City, these three
friends were inspired to form their own performance troupe. They had no role models
to fall back on, no performances to compare
to, beyond the few they had glimpsed in the
movie. They simply felt strongly, as queer
individuals, that they wanted to explore
gender on stage. That was their starting
point. They made the rest up as they went
along. And Eyes Wild Drag is their name.
At first, they looked to their native
Italian culture for inspiration. They used
the traditional forms of pantomime and
cabaret to create a story of redemption
for gender-variant
individuals. In the
process, they subverted the traditional
gender roles inherent in those forms.
And they continue to do this today, while
being faithful to their original messageincredibly entertaining and wholly charming, if not downright steamy.
As the troupe started to perform in
dub and cabaret venues around Italy, they
quickly realized they had a problem. A
large portion of their audience was baffied:
What were these three people, with their
glued-on facial hair and/ or high heels and
wigs, doing on stage? Some people took
offense, probably shocked by the novelty
of it all. As Senith says, "We were creating
new ways of being in society:' Lesbian feminists questioned the need to portray male
characters, and drag queens laughed at the
idea of a woman as a female impersonator.
In 2009 and 2011, they hosted a transgression extravaganza called Genderotica.
This daylong event included a drag show,
workshops and photography and video
exhibitions. Artists from all over Europe
and the United States showcased their
work at the festival. Italian LGBT guests
and their friends attended in droves and
drank deeply from the gender-bending
well that EWD provided for them.
The members of EWD soon realized
they needed to create the queer culture
that would embrace their performance.
They were already cultural pioneers; now
they would become activists. They began
with drag king workshops. Afternoons
were spent educating participants in how
to incorporate "male" gender performance
into their lives.
Enlightening small groups of people at
a time was helpful, but the workshops fell
short of reaching their entire community.
So they got cleverer. They knew that if an
Italian audience saw foreigners performing
in drag, they would more readily accept
that type of performance from Italian
artists. With this in mind, they set about
inviting a slew of international artists to
Italy. Each artist they hosted was a hit and
brought EWD closer to congregating its
ideal audience.
The troupe became more ambitious .
Bringin the FauxQueens
During our interview, EWD reiterated
many times that although they have tried
to enlighten them, drag is still something
new to most Italians. Regardless, the trio
continues to push the envelope. Starting
last year, EWD began to educate the community about the faux-queen concept. In
February 2011, they brought a little New
York City flair to Florence, inviting the
notorious Victoria faux-queen party from
Stonewall Inn to perform. They coupled the
performance with a photography exhibition
about faux-queens from around the world.
To say it was successful is an understatement. Over a thousand people came-and
surely left shimmering with glitter and a
newfound appreciation of drag performance
in all its erotic glory.
''A little magical moment happens between
us and the audience when we perform;' says
Spruzzy. ''And that is the most important
thing:'
Like any dedicated artists, Senith, Spruzzy
and Bianco are finding all means necessary to
produce and showcase their work. Next time
you are in Italy, check their website for performance dates. If you are on the East Coast
this June, prepare to be dazzled. EWD is
spreading the wings they patched together
in Italy and embarking on a tour to span the
globe with their message of queer vitality.
(eyeswilddrag.it)
■
•
.,.. ...
•••
••
••••
··•-:••···
Saturday 11om - 7pm • Sunday 1Qom - 6pm
Coorslight PrideFestParade 9.30am
www.denverpridefest.org
D Nationwide"
ftfflT;'ffl!I
~
Insurance
~~
••••
II• ;:__
'RBITZ-
June 2012
I 73
REVIEWSMusic Watch
Greek Gods and Gender Roles
A conversationwith singer-songwriterand LGBT ally, Dar Williams. By Dave Steinfeld
When singer-songwriter Dar Williams was
gearing up to record her eighth studio effort,
the song "You Will Ride With Me Tonight"
came to her first. She wanted to write a biker
song-about joyrides with Hermes, the Greek
god who takes the souls of the dead to the
afterlife, for a god's eye view of the span oflife,
"through the tunnel to the light:' This led to
the idea of doing a whole album inspired by
Greek mythology. But, she says, "I ended up
breaking from that concept-which is a good
thing!" Instead, Williams wound up using
the Greek gods as a loose jumping-off point
to write about more current and personal matters. The result, In the Time of Gods, is her first
album of new material since 2008.
Despite being inspired by the concept of
Greek mythology (and being produced by
Kevin Killen, a titan whose previous clients
include 02), In the Time of Gods doesn't feel
grandiose. Quite the opposite. There are only
10 songs on the album and most of them have
understated arrangements. Yet ideas about
the use and abuse of power are at its core.'Tm
interested in power right now;' Williams says.
"There were a lot of pieces of my life that were
exciting to look at through the lens of Greek
mythology. They're stories of pride coming
before a fall, and people who have a lot of
power, who use the power to uphold civilization or abuse the power and lose everything.
What you do with chaos is the thing that can
really scare you about yoursel£ So the song
'The Light and the Sea'' [is about] a more
humane or positive way of acting. Because
there is that light-whether it's the small, still
voice, or the light in the distance, or words
from the Bible, or something wise that your
car mechanic told you. Even in my most complicated, chaotic moments as an adult, there
were a lot of teachings and principles that I
took in at times that weren't chaotic. And they
guide me:'
"Storm King;' which closes the album, is a
lovely song about a mountain that overlooks
the Hudson River and is also about the
folk icon and political activist Pete Seeger.
"In Greek mythology, there is a king of the
74
I curve
"They're storiesof
pride coming before
a fall, and people
who have a lot of
power,who use the
power to uphold
civilizationor abuse
the power and lose
everything.What you
do with chaos is the
thingthat can really
scare you about
yourself."
gods;' Williams explains. "When Zeus
gets angry, he can hurl thunderbolts at
you and turn you into a little pile of ash.
That hurling~the~thunderbolt, sleeping~
with~everything~that's~not~nailed~to~the~
ground, temperamental boy is not a father
figure to me-or to a lot of people. I think
we've evolved on that one. The screaming,
bullying father on the soccer field is not a
popular dude anymore! I thought, If you're
going to assign an otherworldly patriarch
to your pantheon, it's more someone like
Pete Seeger, who has endured political
assaults and all the brutality of time and
the tides in this country and has come
out as a guide. He models the life that
we could all live, be it chopping wood or
writing songs. [He's] a real father figure
we can be proud of:'
"Storm King itself is the mountain that's
basically across from where Pete lives;'
she continues. "It's a very striking, beauti~
ful mountain. It was going to be used for
a massive energy project, but the people
united and struck that down. I guess that's
what Pete and the mountain have in com~
mon-being sort of diminished and drilled
into and exploited for their resources. But
they've kept the integrity of their vision.
They both have become treasures to us:'
It makes sense that Williams would favor
a father figure like Pete Seeger. She has
long been an advocate of nontraditional
gender roles, beginning with the very first
track on her debut album, "When I Was a
Boy"-a beautiful song that still resonates.
"I think that civilization hangs in the bal~
ance of whether we can embrace a wider
definition of personal gender choices;' says
Williams. "I was just writing it from my
own kind of thing, but the '90s was the
time to write that song! There was nothing
like it before. There [had been] women's
music, which said 'I can do whatever a man
can do' or 'Women are different and that's
good'-like the two prongs of the feminist
movement. But I felt very strongly that the
same understanding hadn't been extended
in the public realm to men-and that men
really needed it:'
Williams herself grew up in a house full
of powerful females. She had two older
sisters, and her mother was an outspoken
liberal. Asked about how her upbringing
shaped her understanding of gender, she
responds, "When you're all girls, there's
a lot of energy to fill the masculine void.
So we all had things about us that could,
you know, Julie knew how to drive a trac~
tor. Meredith was the math whiz. I was
the swamp adventurer. And we were all
hairbrush rock singers-raunchy, unself~
conscious people. Back in the day, as much
as my mom was reading all that stuff about
raising strong girls and working at Planned
Parenthood, I think she had an uphill battle
in my town:' Looks like she did a hell of a
job. (darwilliams.com)■
REVIEWSIn The Stacks
Mattersof the Heart
Two non-fiction works on romance, revelationand one life-alteringreunion. By Rachel Pepper
the answers for yet. She writes, ''All
my life I have worked from the
wound. To heal it would mean an
end to one identity-the
defining
identity. But the healed wound is
not the disappeared wound; there
will always be a scar. I will always
be recognizable by my scar ... and
so will my mother, whose wound
it is too, and who had to shape a
life around a choice she did not
want to make:' This book will hold
special relevance for anyone who
has been adopted, for those who have found salvation
through books or through love, and for longtime fans of a writer
whom we treasure as much for what she has survived as for what
she has written.
HereComethe Brides!:Reflectionson lesbian love and Marriage,
editedby AudreyBilgerand MicheleKort(SealPress):If you think
WhyBe HappyWhen YouCouldBe Normal?,JeanetteWinterson wedding bells may ring in your future, toss the wedding plan,
(Grove/Atlantic):
Over the course of an amazing career as a novelist,
ner aside and pick up a copy of Here Come the Brides! instead.
an essayist and a critic, Jeanette Winterson has written many times
This substantial collection of first,person narratives touches on
about love and the primal wound she suffered: her own adoption
every topic a potential bride would want to know about, from
into a family of Pentecostal evangelists at a few weeks old and her
the radically political to the highly practical. Although most
abandonment by her birth mother. But she's never written about
writers in the collection acknowledge that they want to be in a
it like this before. Whereas OrangesAre Not the Only Fruit, her
legal, long,term, socially sanctioned relationship, there is a wide
prize,winning debut novel, contains many autobiographical ele,
diversity of opinion about what this really means. Most of the
ments, it is a book that also brims with humor, Why Be Normal is pieces celebrate the idea of queer nuptials, but there are dissenting
a much darker and more insightful work, a version of Orangesthat
voices: Stephanie Schroeder's "I Don't Want to Be Part of Your
could only have been written in Winterson's reflective middle age. (De)volution" reminds us that the institution of marriage hasn't
In it, she opens up about her own mental health issues (not just
been an empowering one for most women throughout history, and
her adoptive mother's)-the
effects of her childhood abuse on her
Linda Villarosa prompts readers to consider that the marriage
temperament and self,esteem, how this played out in her own
movement, while "overshadowing most other issues in the national
conversation;' has caused "nearly all of our political eggs" to be
destructive relationships (including physically hurting her past
lovers until, she writes, she realized she shouldn't do that), and her
"placed squarely in the marriage basket:' For many activists working
lifelong uncertainty about her capacity for love. Although she is for social change, this is an ongoing problem. As Holly Hughes
currently involved with the well,known psychotherapist and writer
writes, "Marriage is a big hungry ancient beast .... Will we be able
Susie Orbach, Winterson has wondered if she would ever be able to
to 'queer' it the way we've queered Shakespeare?"
really love another person, and be fully loved in return. "In my work
However, for the majority of writers in Here Come the Brides!,
marriage, and all the rights and responsibilities it brings, is
I found a way to talk about love-and that was real. I had not found
something they are more than ready to embrace. Therefore, the
a way to love. That was changing:' Orbach supported Winterson in
majority of the book is an ode to the institution of queer marriage
tackling her adoptive past, a history concealed by the Wintersons.
itsel£ for better or for worse. Some authors deal with the legalities
In fact, "Mrs. Winterson" (as the writer calls her adoptive mother)
that make couples consider marriage, such as co,owning property
told her that her birth mother had died when she was actually very
or having children together. Others write about the details of the
much alive and hoping to be found. Some of the book's most moving
ceremony they had or wish to have, or the significance of selecting
passages occur during Winterson's search for her birth mother, and
their rings, or explaining their union to their families of origin. Still,
reveal how finding her raises new questions that she doesn't have
76
I curve
(/)
w
Cl
0:
0
CL
z<(
0
others explore what a second marriage means; planning a (lesbian)
wedding after an earlier heterosexual union didn't last, or finding
love again after divorcing a previous wife. And there are also
some who write touchingly about how they have been swayed to
marry by what they have witnessed over their lifetimes, both in
the LGBT community and in the ever~changing national political
scene. Far from feeling that their union is holding the rights of
the LGBT community back, many feel that the blessing of their
love is a sign of progress. In "More Today Than Yesterday;' Bette
Skandalis writes, "I am proud that our marriage has contributed
to the political conversation-the
revolutionary idea that
joining with someone is not a right accorded to a privileged,
heterosexual few, but for anyone lucky enough to find somebody to
share a life with:' ■
ROMANCE REVOLUTION
Radclyffe's
pathfromprosperous
plasticsurgeonto proudwriterandpublisher.
Theaward-winning
lesbian
romancewriterRadclyffe
celebratedthe publication
of her40th
novel,NightHunt,in Marcheven
thoughsheonlybeganwritinga
dozenyearsago.Inaddition,she
foundedandrunsBoldStrokes
Books,oneof theworld'slargest
independent
LGBTpublishers.
Reflecting
on herprodigious
output,theseven-time
Lambda
LiteraryAwardfinalistsays,"I'm
notanonlychild,butmybrother
is 1Oyearsolder,so I grewup
havingto entertainmyself.I
remember
being7 yearsoldand
creatingmyownlittleworlds."
Althoughshe'shadnoformal
trainingasa writer,LenBarot
(whowritesundertwo pseudonyms,Radclyffe
andLL. Raand)
creditsherwaywithwordsto
herloveof reading.In heryouth,
shestumbleduponDaphnedu
MaurierandCharlotte
Bronte,and
throughthembecamehookedon
romance.
Butit waswhenshe
cameacrosslesbianromance
writersAnnBannon,
Katherine
ForrestandSarahAldridgethat
herimagination
reallystartedto
heatup.
"I startedwritingbecause
therewasn'tverymuchin the
wayof lesbianfiction.I started
writingfor myownpleasure."
Givenhervoracious
appetite,she
quicklyconsumed
the lesbian
romancecanon.Bythe mid-'90s
shediscovered
onlinewriting
groupsandto distinguish
herself
fromthe mostlymalecontributorsshechosethe username
"Radclyffe,"
asan homageto
Radclyffe
Hall,the authorof The
Wellof Loneliness,
oneof the
first novelswithovertlesbian
themes.Yearslater,whenBarot
wasreadyto publishherfirst
novel,herwell-knownInternet
handlefelt comfortable
asa
pseudonym.
Shehadbuiltupan
onlinefollowingbythen,andshe
wantedreadersfromtheforum
to recognize
herbooks.These
days,mostpeoplein andoutof
the literaryworldreferto heras
Radclyffe,
or simplyRad.
Herotherpseudonym
is LL.
Raand,
a nameshegaveherself
whenshepublished
herfirst
bookof paranormal
fiction."By
thetimeI gotreadyto publisha
paranormal
romance,
I'd written
over30 romances,
so myreadershipknewwhatto expect[from
Radclyffe]."
Tosignalto hercore
readership
thatthis bookwould
bedifferent,shecameupwith
anothersurname,
butonethat
startswiththesametwo letters,
in partbecauseshewanted
herbooksto beclosetogether
onbookstore
shelves.
Aswell
as havingseveralpennames,
Radclyffe
hasenjoyedtwofulltimecareers.
Whenshebegan
writingromance,
shewasa
medicalresident,
just startingout
in plasticsurgery."I usedto write
at night,"sheexplains.
"It was
a stressfultimein mylife,and
writingmademefeelgood."For
a while,thetwo careersworked
wellalongside
eachother,but
eventually
sheknewthat if
shewereevergoingto break
throughasa writer,she'dhave
to makepublishing
a priority.
At first,herbookswerewith
smallindependent
publishers
that hadlimitedresources.
Then,
shewitnessed
twoof herthree
indiepublishers
go under.She
sawa newavenuefor herto
explore."WhenI beganpublishto buyRadclyffe
sometimeto
ing,"shesays,"I reallywanted
write,andto adjustto hernew
to learneverything
aboutthe
wayof life.
business.
I wasalreadydoinga
Inthefirst yearthatsheran
lot of myownwork,"shesaysof
BoldStrokesBooks,shesigned
thoseearlydays."I hadmyown
coverartist.I hadmyowneditor, sixauthors.Now,the Bold
whoeditedmyworkbeforeI even Strokesauthorlist comprises
sentmymanuscripts
in." Forher, nearly80 queerwriters,andthe
publishing
companyhasover
takingon moreaspectsof the
300titlesin its catalogue.
Her
business
seemedreasonable,
so
shebeganself-publishing.
"I very workscheduleshowsnosigns
quicklyrecognized
thattherewas of slowingdown."I generally
writefor aboutfivehourseach
a ceilingthat I wasnevergoing
to getbeyond,becauseI needed day,andthe restof thetimeI
spendworkingat the publishing
realdistribution.
Theonlywayto
business."
Radclyffe
spendsan
getthatwasto usea traditional
averageof ninehoursa dayin
publishing
model."
heroffice,whichisjust downthe
WhenRadclyffe
firstthought
drivewayfromherhouse.She
aboutgivinguphersurgical
andLeeliveona 180-acrefarm
practice,sherealizedit would
involvea potentially
overwhelming nearAlbany,N.Y.,wherethey
changein lifestyle.Sheknewshe keephorsesanddogs-and an
hadto prepareherselffor a cut in officecat.All in all,it seemsshe's
salary,yetshewasdetermined createdthe idealplacefor her
to flourish
to followherheart.SheandLee, romanticimagination
andherbusinessmodelto sucherpartnerof 14 years,sold
[MetteBach]
theirhouseandoneof theircars ceed.(radfic.com)
June 2012
I 77
REVIEWSFood
A Tasteof Adventure
ChristineManfieldis blazing her way along the Spice Trail. By Constance Parten
Antipodean omnivores have long
admired Christine Manfield, one of the
few out chefs Down Under. Pairing
nicely with her upfront identity is
her expertise in international flavors,
and her cookbooks Stir, Spiceand Fire
place her squarely on the culinary map
( along with her upscale restaurants
East@West in London, now closed;
the legendary Paramount in Sydney;
and Universal, also in Sydney, which
was named one of Australia's 50
great restaurants in 2009). This year,
Manfield finds herself showered with
more accolades for Tasting India. It
took five years to write, and during that time
Manfield made 11 month~long trips to India,
a country she has been in love with for at least
20 years. Consequently, TastingIndia is much
more than a recipe book. It's a travelogue and
semi~autobiography, but the recipes are defi~
nitely there-and
all 250 of them cover most
of the subcontinent. Unlike in her other books, Manfield didn't
create the recipes. Instead, they are heirlooms from Indian
cooks, passed down through the generations. Manfield hasn't
altered them.
"The recipes were entrusted to me to be passed on, to be shared,
and they are very much a reflection of where they come from. It's
not a Westerner's interpretation of Indian food;' she says. The
celebrity chef with her own line of food products spent her time
in India in people's kitchens, by the roadside, in restaurants and
even palaces, taking notes and collating the work. The recipes, she
says, are mostly simple, because they come from modest homes
that lack the kitchen equipment we are used to in the West.
"The recipes were entrusted to me
to be passed on, and they are a
reflection of where they come from."
"I wanted to reflect food in India today. Some of it is ancient.
Some of it is based on anecdotal family recipes. Elsewhere, you
can see the influences of the world:' And the pictures in the book
are stunning-from
street scenes to photos of the dishes repre~
sented by the recipes. In contrast to many cookbooks in which
dishes are tricked out to look impossibly delectable, the foods
photographed for this volume were created by cooks in their own
homes and were unaltered. "They would be cooking it, and when it
78
I curve
was finished we photographed and then ate it;' says
Manfield, with her refreshing Australian matter~of~factness."That
gives it a special character:'
The book is a labor oflove; this epic project weighs in at a stunning 6.5 pounds. And it is a thing of beauty that appears to
glow. "The cover is a turmeric~gold color embossed with shiny
pink filigree. It looks like a sari. " It's a "design statement;' says
Manfield, who nevertheless hopes that readers will cook from it.
Tasting India is packed with beautiful images culled from thousands of photos but the recipes actually work and Manfield has
enough extra information on the history of Indian food to follow
this book up with a second. Already on sale in the U.K., Australia
and India, TastingIndia has been welcomed as authentic by experts
on Indian cuisine, even though its author is a foreigner. The book is
also "a valuable travel resource;' says Manfield, who wanted to encour~
age and empower people to travel. "India is entirely different to
anywhere else. It's such a rich culture. You can't talk about Indian
food in isolation:'
Because TastingIndia has as many facets as its subject, it's little
wonder it has already won two prizes, Cookbook of the Year, and
the Culinary History Award, at the 34th Annual International
Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Awards in New
York City this year and is a contender for a third prize in Australia
as well. Despite the accolades, Manfield maintains her modesty
and her perspective. "When people say,'What's next:'; I say,'India:
■
It's a never~ending story." (christinemanfield.com)
cucxe
marketolace
CIVIL UNIONS
Now LEGAL FORALL
KOltlNONRl'IIDINI
IN HAWAII
\NllRI\IDINJ\
Summer Hill Road, Vacy,
HUNTER REGION, NSW,
AUSTRALIA
p. +61 2 4938 8233
e. enquiry@
eaglereach.com.au
www.eaglereach.com.au
www.pearlskeywest.com
S2SUnited
Street•KeyWest,FL33040
1.800.749.6696
• Member
IGLTA
comeliffliltf
~
•
L
L1m1n[ lo"-mm]
-verb
Legal arriage,
Honeymoons
and RomanticGetaways
Caribbean translation relaxing
~
--~--
_..,._,__
j
..-... .. c....,,.
sondcostleonthebeoch.com
1.800.524.2018
www.highlandsinn-nh.com
1-877-LES-B-INN
June 2012
I 79
STARS
Summer Romance
With Venus in retrograde, June is the time for love.
By Charlene Lichtenstein
Gemini(May22-June 21)
Twins are personality plus this June as you outshine
all competition for center stage. You are such a shining star that your glitter may stun the adoring crowd.
Turn some attention to domestic matters and see if
you can make your home the perfect entertainment
center for an adoring crowd of one.
Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec.22)
It is so easy to direct all your attention and effort to
advancing your career but you now do so at the
expense of certain relationships. My advice is to strive
for balance this June. You can't neglect lovergrrls and
think that they will be waiting for you when you finally
get that big juicy raise. Or maybe they will.
Cancer(June22-July 23)
The street is abuzz with gossip about you. It is not all
down and dirty and much of it is complimentary and
true. Feed the buzz with some good gay deeds, charitable efforts and your naturally magnetic and diplomatic
personality. This mellow vibe can easily last through
the summer and stoke many a summer romance.
Capricorn(Dec.23-Jan. 20)
As much as you would appreciate co-workers' help on
a particular project, don't wait for them to jump in.
Work tasks take longer to do for a variety of reasons.
One reason is your wandering attention through the
month. It might be hard to focus on the mundane
when you are entranced on faraway adventure and
international travel. Satisfy your wanderlust and then
get back to work.
Leo(July24-Aug.23)
Gal pals are up to something and that "something" has
Gemini(May 22-June 21) your name on it. Don't be surprised if you find yourself
Geminidykesarealwayson immersed in a series of social activities, some of which
the goandthereforedon'tput will have a hefty price tag attached. You can only do so
muchstockin onepermanent much and spend so much, Lioness. Watch your budget
abode.Don'tbe surprised
if and only spend what you can afford to.
shemovesoften,perhaps
evenacrossthe countryand
back,in the spanof a few
years.Chances
aresheis not
currentlylivingin thetown
whereshewasborn.Likeher
opposite
astrological
sister
signSagittarius,
Gemini
sisterslivebythe credo,
homeis whereyouhangyour
hat.ForthoseTwinswho
havea bit moreearthin their
charts,thisenergymayresult
in owningmorethanone
homeor livingout of a couple
of placesat once.Misplacing
the keysbecomes
an event!
Virgo(Aug.24-Sept.23)
Turn on the charm around bosses this June and see
how far your charisma can push you up the corporate
ladder. You may climb fairly far up before your sweetness turns to saccharine. So keep a watchful eye on
how you behave and what you do. Tempering what
you say so it at least sounds sincere is the sincerest
form of success.
Libra(Sept.24-0ct. 23)
"Wilde" romance comes in many shapes and sizes.
This June, Libras find their match in some of the most
unlikely places and in the most unusual circumstances.
Make yourself open to new experiences, spread your
wings and prepare to be amazed. For those in a
relationship, explore highly romantic destinations
designed to sweep her off her feet.
Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22)
There is the chance that you will mix up the platonic
Charlene
Lichtenstein
is
theauthorofHerScopes: with the romantic this June. This is entirely your
decision and a big first move, Scorpio. But consider
A GuidetoAstrology
the
aftershocks should your bout with love become
(Simon&
for Lesbians
a knockout. Can things go back to normal? Well,
Schuster)
(tinyurl.com/HerScopes).
Nowavailableasan ebook.
maybe it will become a new normal.
so I curve
Aquarius(Jan.21-Feb.19)
June is filled to the brim with festivities and quite a bit
of romance too. Your cup runneth over with splashy
choices so be careful of any spillage. There is the risk
of over-extending and taking on more than you can
comfortably handle and truly enjoy. Try to spread your
joy through the entire summer if possible.
Pisces(Feb.20-March20)
June is the time to feather your nest and spruce up
your surroundings. You never know who will fly in.
But try to leave all the major renovations and moves
for later in the fall. You want your space to be ready
for anything. Plan a gathering of your girlfriends for
intimate get-togethers. Of course, how intimate is
entirely up to you.
Aries(March21-April 20)
Lambda Rams do more than their fair share of idle
dit chat this June. You seem to know just what to say
to get what you want, when and where you want it.
But your mouthy ways can get you into trouble if you
begin to mix and match your various amours. Ladies
are not interchangeable.
Taurus(April21-May 21)
Your various creative pastimes can become very expensive if you indulge every little whim this June. You will
enjoy your treasured moments more if you can scale
down the festivities to a more manageable level. At
least find a partner who can keep your energy up. ■
■
Celebrating 25 years of commitment
to the LGBT community
Helping to create safe schools, inclusive workplaces, and financial success
The LGBT community has come a long way in the last 25 years, and Wells Fargo has been right there.
Our commitment goes back to 1987, when we added sexual orientation to our non-discrimination
policy. Since then, we've contributed to LGBT organizations, lent our support to anti-bullying efforts,
and continued to foster a culture of equality in the workplace. Then, in 2011, Wells Fargo Advisors was
the first in the industry to have Financial Advisors earn the Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorsM
designation. We are only as successful as the communities we serve. Here's to the next quarter-century.
wellsfargo.com/lgbt
El BEST
Together we'll go far
PLACESTO WORK
2012
for LGBT Equality
100% CORPORATE EQUALITY INDE~
Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers:
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.
Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor'M is a service mark of the College for Financial Planning®
© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
See all items with this value
