-
issue
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2
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Date Issued
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March 2014
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Format
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PDF/A
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Publisher
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Frances Stevens
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Identifier
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Curve_Vol24_No2_March-2014_OCR_PDFa.pdf
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extracted text
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MARCH
2014
FEATURES
36
THE WOMEN OF
BURNING MAN
Once a year, Black
Rock Desert, Nevada,
becomes the scene for a
queer-friendly spectacle
of self-expression and
discovery at Burning Man.
By Jocelyn Voo
~o
MORE THAN LIP SERVICE
The multifaceted career of
Heather Peace continues.
By Tiffany Lowana
~s
LOCAL LESBIANS
Around the country,
diverse women are making
contributions to their
communities.
60
ANNUAL TRAVEL
SPECIAL
Our guide to the best
lesbian travel for 2014.
From Sapphic Stockholm,
to an oasis in Argentina,
to a lesbian-owned spa in
North Carolina. It's time
to plan your vacation!
COVERPHOTOBYZOEYGROSSMAN
MARCH 2014
CURVE
1
MARCH
2014
IN EVERYISSUE
6
EDITOR'S NOTE
8
FEEDBACK
9
CURVETTES
10
THE GAYDAR
80
STARS
TRENDS
REVIEWS
11 THIS IS WHAT A
LESBIAN LOOKS LIKE
Our monthly profile of the
hottest and most talented
queer girls around.
28 FILM
Miranda Otto's complex role in
the lesbian drama Reaching for
the Moon is her best yet.
By Merryn Johns
14 BEAUTY
Take care of your face and
body even when you're at
high altitude.
30 MUSIC
Rising star Leah Jee is making
music her way and winning
fans through social media.
By Mia Manns
15 HOT TEE
Smart and sexy T-shirts for the
girl about town.
16
LESBOFILE
17
SHE SAID
VIEWS
18
OUT IN FRONT
18 IN CASE YOU MISSED
IT ... News from across the
country.
20 POLITICS
We can combat invisibility
by claiming our herstory.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
22 THE TWO OF US
Our monthly profile of captivating lesbian couples who
live, love and work together.
24 LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK
Our favorite relationship
experts to the rescue.
26 LAUGH TRACK
Funny lady Fortune Feimster.
2
CURVE
MARCH
2014
32 BOOKS
Queer globe trotter Alden
Jones pens a personal tale of
travel and coming of age.
By Merryn Johns
35 TECH
Five gadgets that will
revolutionize the way you
spend your vacation.
By Rachel Shatto
f
(
-----i
~BEST
" "'
PLACES TO WORK
2013
for LGBT Equality
Curve's online selection of must-do, must-try, must-have extras.
K.D.LANG ON BROADWAY!
Heart-stopping vocalists, eye-blurring tap dancers, and now, everybody's favorite
lesbian crooner, k.d. lang, joins the cast of After Midnight as a special guest star.
This new Broadway phenomenon catapults the music of Duke Ellington and
Harlem's Golden Age into the 21st century, with k.d. lang heading up a 17-piece
band, hand-selected by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Find out how to grab
tickets at curvemag.com.
CRUISEAND SCHMOOZE
MSC Cruises, the family-owned, gay-friendly Italian
cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships including the
MSC Divina, christened by the legendary celluloid "diva" Sophia Loren, offers a luxurious sailing
experience at a spectacular 2-for-1 price. Cruise
DANCING
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TRAVELFORADVENTUROUS
WOMEN OVER30
AdventureWomen has launched a new online travel
site for women showcasing the company's women-only
travel experiences, women's travel trends, stories, travel facts and tips, reviews, videos, recipes and more. To
learn more about the business that was honored with
National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime"
award, go to curvemag.com.
4
CURVE
MARCH
2014
What glass
ceiling? Women
Say Something
and Women
Film Something
are a feminist
symposium
and filmmaking
endeavor that seek
to strengthen the
image of women
and reinforce
the rights of
women around the
world. For more
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and how to get
involved go to
curvemag.com.
package, pre-paid service charges or up to $400
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PRIDEDOWN UNDER
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is world famous,
and adding to the legendary lineup of cultural
events, parade and parties is the women's tours and
travel packages now available from exclusive gayowned tour operator, Planetdwellers. Learn more
about the trip of a lifetime at curvemag.com.
WITH THESUPPORTOF THE
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RONTJMERRYN'S
MEMO
curve
THE BEST-SELLING
MARCH
2014
»
LESBIAN
VOLUME
MAGAZINE
24 NUMBER
2
PUBLISHERSilke Bader
FOUNDINGPUBLISHER Frances Stevens
f you're a regular Curve reader, or you follow me on Facebook, you're
probably aware of the fact that I love to travel. It's not because I'm always
on vacation-these trips are often related to a Pride event, a speaking
engagement or a media gathering concerning the LGBT community. But
these reasons aside, I believe in Rainbow travel: I believe that lesbians are
culturally sensitive, ecologically aware, intellectually curious travelers. We may fly
under the radar, but we're an important segment of the travel market.
And others think so, too. The Community Marketing & Insights team in San
Francisco has been conducting LGBT consumer research for 20 years, research
used to inform corporations and industry leaders about the impact of LGBT
spending in the travel market. CMI's 18th Annual LGBT Travel Survey uncovered
some fascinating travel trends for 2013 and 2014. For example, last year saw an
increase in LGBT leisure travel over the
previous year, and New York City remains
the No. l most-visited destination by
LGBT travelers (way to go, Edie Windsor
and marriage equality!). We value hotel
brands that reach out to us, such as Hilton
and Kimpton. A majority of us plan our
vacations-no last-minute package deals
for us! We are fussy about amenities such
as free Wi-Fi, and a majority of us use
our mobile devices to create our travel
itineraries. As countries and states achieve
marriage equality (2013 was a boom
year), there is no clear favorite same-sex
honeymoon destination, although Hawaii
had the highest number of honeymoon
survey participants-and
the number of
newlyweds who choose Hawaii will no
doubt grow now that the Aloha State recognizes marriage equality.
After marriage comes the baby carriage, and we love to travel with our kids!
Among LGBT parents, "child-friendly" has now become more important than
"LGBT-friendly:' But don't worry, we're not thoroughly assimilated yet. Pride
events continue to play an important role in motivating LGBT travel. Who said the
Rainbow is aging? Younger LGBTs are even more likely to travel to another city for
a Pride event than older LGBTs.
It was no surprise to me to read that the LGBT media and the mainstream
media play an equal role in influencing our travel decisions. In Curve's most recent
survey, our readers told us that we were their No. l travel information source. So
this month we bring you our Travel issue. In it I hope you'll find some wonderful
advice from adventurous women who know their stuff, as well as insider tips on
a variety of destinations-from
the exotic to the affordable. Yes: We're here, we're
queer, and we're on vacation!
I
!z
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
merryn@curvemag.com
6
CURVE
MARCH
2014
EDITORIAL
EDITORIN CHIEF Merryn Johns
MANAGINGEDITOR Rachel Shatto
COPY EDITOR Katherine Wright
CONTRIBUTINGEDITORS Victoria A. Brownworth,
Gina Daggett, Jillian Eugenics, Sheryl Kay, Stephanie
Schroeder
EDITORIAL
ASSISTANTCygnus Fogle, Mia Manns
PROOFREADERElizabeth Harper
OPERATIONS
DIRECTOROF OPERATIONS Jeannie Sotheran
EVENTS& MEDIA RELATIONSCOORDINATORRobin Perron
ADVERTISING
CURVE'SMEDIA KIT ourmediakit.com
NATIONALSALES
Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021, todd@curvemagazine.com
BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT
Sallyanne Monti (510) 545-4986, sallyanne@curvemag.com
ART/PRODUCTION
ART DIRECTOR Graham Jones, Meghan Musalo
PRODUCTIONARTIST Kelly Nuti
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melany Joy Beck, Kathy Beige, Jenny Block, Adam L.
Brinklow, Kelsy Chauvin, Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, Traci
Dinwiddie, Maria De La 0, Elizabeth Estochen, Jill
Goldstein, Kristin Flickinger, Gillian Kendall, Kim Hoffman,
Charlene Lichtenstein, Karen Loftus, Sassafras Lowrey,
Emelina Minero, Laurie K. Schenden, Stephanie Schroeder,
Janelle Sorenson, Rosanna Rios-Spicer, Allison Steinberg,
Stella & Lucy, Dave Steinfeld, Edie Stull, Yana Tallon-Hicks,
Sarah Toce, Tina Vasquez, Jocelyn Voo
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lauren Barkume, Alex Styles, Meagan Cignoli,
Sophia Hantzes, Janet Mayer, Syd London, Cheryl Mazak,
Maggie Parker, Robin Roemer, Leslie Van Stelten
CONTACT INFO
Curve Magazine
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LETTERSTO THE EDITOREMAIL letters@curvemagazine.com
Volume 24 Issue 2 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published 8 times
per year (January/Febrary, March, April/May, June, July/August,
September, October, November/December) by Avalon Media,
LLC, PO Box 467, New York NY 10034, Subscription price:
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international (U.S. funds only). Returned checks will be assessed
a $25 surcharge, Periodicals postage paid at San Francisco, CA
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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,
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Lovingthe Sex Issue
I have been a subscriber of
Curve magazine for many years
and I have never seen anything
like your latest issue [Vol. 24#1 ].
At first glance I wasn't sure
that it was Curve!The cover
was very sexy and high end but
when I opened the magazine,
whoa! Talk about sexy! I am
old enough to remember when
the only lesbian erotica to be
found was created by straight
men for straight men. Thank
you, Curve,for keeping up
with the times and bringing
us everything new and cutting
edge in lesbian culture. Even
I learned a few things after
reading this issue!
favorite magazine of all time. I
have a bisexual wife, same goes
for me, that's right, I'm bisexual
also. I am your fan, thank you
for doing a great job on the
magazine. -Anthony G.
-Linda Risso,Sea Cliff,N.Y.
Vequilla,locationnot supplied
Grazie Bellissimo
Thank you for your article
"Where the Girls Are'
[Vol. 23#10] about the Girl
Bar L.A. party at The Abbey
with Venice:The Seriescreator
Crystal Chappell and castalong with rocker Jen Foster.
I'm looking forward to a drama,
love, sex and adventure-filled
Season 5 ! -Neva M. Ziegler,
facebook.com/cu rvemag
WHATYOUTHOUGHT
ABOUTOURGENDERQUEER
COVERFEATURING
JIZ LEE:
OH MY GODI LOVE
JIZZLEE!!Best porn
person ever! -Vaxx Be Dis
A lesbian namedJiz?The
irony. -Ann E. Brailsford
Holy shitballs. I'm going to
go take this somewhere
private... -Ari Travaglini
Simi Valley,Calif.
BisexualFans
I would like to say that I buy
Curvemagazine, the one that
speaks about lesbians [and]
gays. Well I love your magazine,
the way you edit all of it. I have
been reading it for about six
months now. Curveis my
Posts from our
Facebook fans
This cover just melted all
the snow in Brooklyn.
Wedding Belles
I wanted to send out to the
world through Curve that
even in North Carolina they
said we could be arrested for
having our ceremony on their
beach in the Outer Banks
because same-sex marriage is
against the law. I say the times
they are changing.We live
in Virginia where same-sex
marriage isn't legal. So we had
to jump through all kinds of
hoops! But it was the most
special day of my life, to be
able to marry my best friend
and soul mate. Curve,I have
been a subscriber for many
years and supporter. And will
continue until the well runs
dry. Thank you for all you do
for us. -Kelly andJennifer
Copley-Nichols,Richmond, Va.
-Sophia Wallace
Her swag is undeniable.
-Alexander Reynolds
Bought and read already.
-Astrid Duforet
,,., ••.................................................................................................
ii
WHAT'S
YOUR
IDEA
OF
AVACATION?
9%
10%
A day trip to
the city
Snugglingup at
homewith a stack
of foreignfilms
23%
Relaxingon a yacht
to: Curve magazine,
PO Box 467, New York, NY 10034
WRITE
LISISend
Email: letters@curvemagazine.com
Fax: 510.380.7487
Online: curvemag.com/letters
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CURVE
MARCH
2014
Subscriber Services are now available at
curvemag.com/customerservice.
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give a gift
Thanksto Curve Magazine
for the cover and feature
in the Jan/Feb2014 Sex
& Romancedouble issue!
I'm especially grateful for
being included in Jude
Schell'sALL OF HERand
Curve's special spotlight
with my gender and my
preferred pronouns used!
Friends, please share the
word about the issue,
subscribe to the print or
digital version, or pick up
the magazinesoon to be
at your local queer/lesbian
bookstore. *So cool to see
a genderqueersex worker
on a national magazine
cover, and how amazing
that it's ME!* -Jiz Lee
UPFRONT!CURVET
TIFFANYLOWANA
JOCELYNVOO
EMELINA MINERO
Tiffany is the editor of Curve's
Australian sister publication,
LOTL for which she has has
profiled controversial U.K.
feminist Sheila Jeffreys, and
queer Australian laureates
Dorothy Porter and Fiona
McGregor. Tiff has a Bachelor
of Professional and Creative
Writing, was recently accepted
into Archer Magazine and was
also offered a government
grant to create the first
grassroots Writer's Festival
in Sydney. A Scorpio, Tiff
has a weakness for Dykes on
Bikes, Patti Smith, tattoos,
scotch and travel. If she were
religious, she'd pray for a Vegan
Revolution. For Curve she has
interviewed Rosie O'Donnell
and this month, Heather Peace
on page 40. Even though she
loves living in sunny Sydney,
with its famous harbor, she's
still jealous of New Yorkers.
Jocelyn is a documentary-style
photographer specializing
in travel and events, and is a
sucker for the unconventional.
A California transplant now
living in New York City, home
of prime people-watching-realestate, she's made a career out
of examining human behavior
and documenting why we
act the way we do. Prior to
Burning Man, which she
writes about and photographs
on page 36, she spent six
months backpacking solo and
photographing local tribes
in southern and eastern Asia
before returning home to a
land of unicorns, spaceships
and magic. More of her work can
be seen at AwYeahPhoto.com
and her take on lesbian pop
culture can also be found here
in Curve every month in her
column Lesbofile.
Emelina is the founder and
Editor-in-Chief of The Human
Experience, a queer publication
that believes in the validity
of each person's identity.
It's her passion for people
and community that made
covering A-Camp on page 73,
Autostraddle's queer camp,
such a joy. Everything that
Emelina does revolves around
community. She's the founder
of Community Bucket List, an
online community that helps
people to live their passions
through action-oriented bucket
lists, and she's the co-founder
of the Love Warrior Community,
an online community that helps
people build self-love and
acceptance through creative
expression. Find Emelina on
Twitter, @CommKr8veWriter.
ES
__
.....
JANELLESORENSON
& MELANY JOY BECK
Janelle and Melany met in 2009
while Melany was covering
queer rockers Sick of Sarah for
Curve; Janelle was the band's
tour manager. Since then,
the two have collaborated on
multiple projects including
several cover features (read
their feature on Tegan & Sara
on page 43), an award-winning
documentary (Bring It 2 Peter)
and an EPwith Melany's new
alt-country band, Delavan,
which also features former
Hunter Valentine heartbreaker,
and The Real L Word alum, Vero
on bass. Janelle and Melany are
now busy planning their July
wedding. "We met because of
Curve," says Melany. "It's a very
meaningful part of our lives
and we're excited to be able
to work together, doing
something we love."
MARCH
2014
CURVE
9
NDS/
THE GAYDAR
p
~~ THEGAYDAR
Takes one to know one? Let our gaydar help
you decide who's hot, who's not, who's
~ shaking it and who's faking it in lesboland.
%
~
BY RACHEL SHATTO
~
Human tool bag Trestin
Meacham publicly goes on a
hunger strike in opposition to
same-sex marriage in his home
state of Utah
Nothing like a little
homophobia to up
the sibling rivalry
ante between the
Cheney sisters.
Liz Cheney, then
running for Senate,
openly opposes
same-sex marriage.
Married out lesbian,
Mary Cheney calls
her out on Facebook.
Awkward!
As if naked Lizzie Caplan
weren't enough to keep
us coming back for more
Masters of Sex, Showti me
announces that Betty the
lesbian will be back in
season two
I
Toni Braxton "unbreaks"
our hearts by declaring
she still wants to play a
lesbian, preferably on
Orange Is the New Black.
We would so watch that
1
ONORARY
TIME
LESBIA
MBERSHIP
The Voice officially hits its
highest note as Lady Gaga
and Christina Aguilera sing
a duet of "Do What U Want"
while canoodling on stage.
Hot, hot, hot
What's better
than the film
But I'm a
Cheerleader?
The musical,
of course. The
beloved tale of
lezzie love in a
gay-to-straight
'•C,iilll■ conversion
camp is
headed to
the stage
American Idol
cutie-pie Crystal
Bowersox finally
comes out as
bi. Bi the way
Crystal, we
would like to
make out with
you. Just sayin'
Our celebrity crush Maria
Bello comes out about her
long-term relationship with
Clare Munn. From the A-List
to the L-List!
Journalist Robin Roberts
comes out on Facebook,
thanking her long-time
partner Amber Laign.
Talk about good news
Cong,ats to Sa,ah Kate EIHs (
on being named the new CEO
and President of GLAAD!
10
CURVE
MARCH
2014
We just can't get
enough of Kate
McKinnon on
SNL and her latest
sidesplitting take
on Billie Jean King
seals the deal. And
we're not the only
ones. The Daily Beast
declares the out
comic the "future
of SNL"
If you aren't
watching Miss
Fisher's Murder
Mysteries on
Netflix, girl, are
you missing out!
The costumes, the
capers and the
oh-so-debonair
lesbian Dr. Mac
have our hearts
working overtime
Bree,a baby
dyke from
Nevada, leads
the search for
her (and her 15
half siblings')
anonymous
sperm donor on
the endlessly
fascinating,
touching and
entertaining
docu-series
Generation Cryo
>I1-
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co
UJ
2
~0
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"'
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1-
UJ
0..
ikki
From corporate
America, to the
runway to her
own upcoming
YouTube series The
Androgynous Model
Project, Nikki Eason
has turned her
passion for genderdefiant style into a
full-time career.
PICKS
»
PRODUCTS
»
PEOPLE
»
M
CH 2014
CURVE
11
st SCENE
B
arbara Police, 64, loved
bowling since she was
a kid. After she lost her
sight 14 years ago, she was able
to continue playing at a specially
constructed bowling alley for people with visual impairments. But
several years ago, a shoulder injury
made it too painful for her to lift a
bowling ball. Now, thanks to the
new Exergamers NYC program for
seniors, Police is back in the game.
Along with her partner of 38 years,
Pat Sloane, she bowls every week
at The SAGE Center in Chelsea.
Exergaming combines technology
with exercise, allowing seniors
to improve their physical, mental
and social wellbeing by participating in friendly competition and
interactive gaming. The project is
made possible by a public-private
partnership between Microsoft,
NYC Department for the Aging
(DFTA), and NYC Department
of Information Technology and
Telecommunications (DolTT).
A few months ago, the SAGE
Center was given Microsoft
Kinect for Xbox. "Virtual bowling
is terrific for me," Police explains,
"because there's no weight! I just
have to swing and hope for the
best." She says virtual bowling
opens up a new world to her. She's
at less of a disadvantage with
video games since she's able to
use her imagination-and
Sloane,
70, who describes what's on the
screen. "It allows me to think in
my mind what it must look like,"
Barbara explains. She says she'd
love to learn to play other games
using the Xbox.
Seniors in the program use
Kinect for Xbox to make exercise
fun and to supplement other fitness
activities. They compete in virtual
bowling tournaments with their
counterparts at other senior centers around New York City. Though
many have known each other for
decades from their involvement
in political movements, virtual
bowling offers a new opportunity
to preserve and develop those
friendships-in
a light-hearted
environment. (sageusa.org) •
12
CURVE
MARCH
2014
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NDstBEAUTY
2. Facial on the Fl~·
Keep skin clear, soft and supple on the
road with the travel-friendly Spa Sonic
skincare system. This waterproof
device features a variety of brushes
and a pumice stone, so you can
smooth and polish your skin, and get
that just-been-to-a-spa glow from head
to toe. ($85, myspasonic.com)
f
J. Sauc~· S(fUCCZC
Protect your legs and avoid the dreaded travel "cankle" in style with
RejuvaHealth compression socks. Available in a variety of designs
from polka dots to herringbone to this editor's favorite, their
oh-so-sweet rose design. ($40, rejuvahealth.com)
Mile High
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Flying doesn't have to be wasted time. Watch a movie
or sleep, but be sure to apply the BioBliss Anti-Wrinkle
Patch to your forehead and eyes and let it work its magic
from anywhere between 30 minutes and 12 hours. The
patches are embedded with tiny batteries and infused with
hyaluronic acid, plant extracts and vitamins, so that you'll
arrive at your destination wrinkle free. ($80, biobliss.com)
'.lJ.
Tt•aycl Glam
5. rlhc Sliin \e:m'rc In
Travel can be rough on your skin, which
is why New Zealander Sarah McNamara
invented Miracle Skin Transformer,
including a "Miracle Balm" formulated
with over 30 moisturizers and emollients
including Manuka honey, Japanese
licorice root extract, tamanu oil, evening
primrose and blue mountain sage. This
balm is the ultimate carry-on staple to
soothe and hydrate, anywhere head to
toe. ($36, miracleskintransformer.com)
14
CURVE
MARCH
2014
GlamGlow Youth Mud is a 10-minute, professional mud mask
that gently exfoliates and works with the body's natural
moisturizing collagen to leave skin smoother, brighter,
tighter-and absorb impurities without removing natural
oils. Created for backstage
use in Hollywood, it's a
winner of the Neiman
Marcus Beauty Awards and
will have you looking like a
star after a long flight.
($69, glamglowmud.com)
O. lhc Real Peel
Karen Griffin worked for a leading
manufacturer of hospitalgrade products for healing skin
trauma, and during her years
of travel yearned for a skin peel
that was portable, effective,
affordable and didn't itch or
burn. She developed the Real
Chemistry 3-Minute Precision
Peel and now this little tube
gives you up to seven no mess,
no fuss skin peel applications
that instantly result in clearer,
brighter, softer skin-on the go.
($48, myrealchemistry.com)
TRENDS/
HOT Pl
OH THE HUMANI-TEE!
BY RACHEL SHATTO
Threadless celebrates that we are here, queer, and
equal with their wonderful "We Are Here" tee. For
gay and straight allies alike, we say, put this shirt on
your body to become a walking point of interest.
($20, threadless.com)
Tie a Knot
for Marriage
Equality
Jesse Tyler Ferguson is
wearing his activism
and you can too.
BY CYGNUS FOGLE
Whether or not you come
with partner(s) in tow, Jesse
Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) and
Justin Mikita are making sure you have a
stylish way to tie a few knots-both
literally and
figuratively. As you may know, 2013 marked a
good deal of progress in the fight for marriage
equality in the U.S., but the journey is far from
over. The American Foundation for Equal Rights
(AFER) has teamed up with the aforementioned
Hollywood duo and their fresh project, Tie
The Knot to help raise funds for the cause.
With every purchase of Ferguson's specially
designed skinny neckties, bow ties or cufflinks
from The Tie Bar a portion of the proceeds
supports AFER and their efforts towards making
marriage equality a reality. These sassy bow
ties are handmade of 100 percent silk (except
of course the signature JTF Wool Skinny, which
is 100 percent wool), and as an added bonus
TTK's Winter 2013 line features Scott Fujita,
Chris Kluwe and Brittney Griner as guest
designers. Griner's multicolored tie features
hummingbirds and orchids that are
reminiscent of her notable arm
tattoo-i.e.,
totally swoon-
worthy. (thetiebar.com)
MARCH
2014
CURVE
15
NDstGOSSIP
p
~ LESBOFILE
~
~
Meredith gets married, Brandi lesbian baits and Ellen and
Portia deny marriage troubles.
~
BY JOCELYN VOO
Family Ties
Four years after coming out,
Meredith Baxter has made it
official: the Family Ties star and
Nancy Locke, her girlfriend of
seven years, happily said "I do" in
front of their family and friends.
And though it seems that the
thrice-divorced Baxter might've
called off the whole procession
after so many misses, now she
realizes all it took was the right
partner, joking to People magazine: "Now I understand why
marriage caught on!"
A Breath of Fresh Air
Though she was
never one to hide it, and her
obituary cites her partner of
27 years, Sally Ride, the first
female U.S. astronaut in space,
had never been vocal about her
orientation. Now nearly two years
after her death, her partner Tam
O'Shaughnessy has finally opened
up to the Windy City Times about
their relationship. "Sally never
verbally, openly told her mother,
her father, or her sister, Bear, that
she was gay and that we were a
couple," O'Shaughnessy says. "But
Sally never hid it from them ...l was
really part of the Ride family."
Reminiscing on their relationship,
she mused, "In hindsight, Sally
and I could've been open. We
should've been open quite a few
years ago ...l wish I could've married Sally, I would've married her
in a heartbeat."
Happily Ever After
Elvis and Priscilla. John and Jackie.
Ellen and Portia. It just seems
wrong to question the pairing. So
when a celebrity magazine started
16
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MARCH
2014
bubbling that the latter was
breaking up, DeGeneres naturally
turned the speculation into an
opening-bit joke on her TV show,
telling the audience how she saw
the headline "Ellen and Portia
Marriage Crumbles" and thumbed
through the pages to find the article-only to find it ripped out.
"I'll never know what's tearing
my marriage apart," DeGeneres
jokes. Believe us, there's countless
Hollywood relationships on the
rocks, but this one ain't one of them.
(Real) Housewives
Let's face it: it's hard to pick
the biggest fame-whore from
the Real Housewives TV franchise.
However, if I were making a mental list (read: I am), Brandi Glanville
from the Beverly Hills edition
would definitely be a contender.
In a recent episode Glanville confessed to "making out" with her
costar Carlton Gebbia in Gebbia's
Jacuzzi. It was enough to get the
gossip mill going and for Glanville
to make a statement that she was
not, in fact, a lesbian. Boreddon't you know, faux bisexuality
was so last year.•
"[Angelina Jolie] is an
incredible example-
just
an incredible force in terms of
challenging the status quo. I thin
she talked about [being bisexual
honestly, which I love her for.
Honesty is best-staying
quiet c
be so detrimental."
-Amber Heard to
Company magazine
st
-
PROFILE
-
•
rINfJASE
~
YOU
MISSED
II
Alicia Skillman
Detroit» EqualHousing
Advocacy
Advocacy has become second nature to Alicia
Skillman. Memories of volunteering at soup
kitchens and attending city council meetings evoke her childhood-always
with the
guidance and encouragement of her mom.
"Before I went to my first R&B concert, I had
heard lectures by Julian Bond, Nikki Giovanni,
Dick Gregory and Shirley Chisholm," Skillman
recalls. So when she decided to pursue a
career in law, community involvement and
enhancement were going to be the founda-
IT ...
I !~~~~~!~~~~~g~g~!tJ~~~~~~~es~t
two penguins that live together as a couple, were
both female. Penguins are monogamous and
mate for life, and this lesbian couple overlooked
several young male penguins to be together.
Same-sex behavior has been observed in over
1,500 species of animals.
tion of her practice.
At Michigan's Legal Aid & Defender
N.Y.C.
ISKNOWN
FOR
ITS
Association, Skillman addressed housing
vibrant LGBTcommunity, but In
December, weeks before his term
as borough president ended,
Marty Markowitz took Pride to a
new level, declaring Brooklyn to
be the "lesbian capital of New
York City and the Northeast"
discrimination in the counties that surround
Detroit. She litigated instances of discrimination with HUD and the courts, and provided
seminars and training sessions. Skillman says
that when inequality exists, someone has to
stand up and address it. "I know what it feels
like to have no voice, to have others attempt
to stifle your point of view," she says. "If I feel
that way, there must be others who feel the
same way. Inequality comes from all directions and I've experienced it as a woman, a
lesbian, an African American, and as a poor
person. It never feels good." Skillman has
lent her legal prowess to Equality Michigan.
Although many politicians want to be on the
right side of history, they have no idea what
social justice for the LBGT community means
beyond marriage. "There are many other unresolved issues in our community," she points
out, "including the very real plight of transgender people, who are often shunned even
by our own, and the extra challenges facing
lesbians of color. The LGBT community must
work at the crossroads ...we can no longer
operate in silos, and we need to show up and
be active wherever we live and support those
issues that are important to us." -Sheryl Kay
18
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MARCH
2014
GORDON
BISSONNETTE
of Connecticut repeatedly
threatened to "execute" his
lesbian sister and her wife 1fthey
turned his daughter gay, or even
showed up for Christmas dinner
at their mother's house, saying,
"There will be bullets flying She
cannot talk to me I will kill a gay
I will put a bullet In both their
heads" Bissonnette has been
changed with second-degree
1nt1m1dat1on
based on bigotry
bias, second-degree threatening
behavior, and second-degree
harassment. Bissonnette admitted
that he had left eight threatening
voice messages but couldn't
BARBARA
HENDRICKS,
Germany's new environment
minister, has publ1cally come
out as a lesbian In an IntervIew
with the Rhe,nische Post, when
she was asked about how she
planned to spend New Year's
Eve, she answered that she and
her partner would be celebrating
In Berlin Hendricks has been a
strong supporter of LGBT rights In
the German Parliament
WITH
THEHELP
OFTHE
Southern Poverty Law Center,
17-year-oldDestin Holmes, a
lesbian student In M1ss1ss1pp1,
has
filed a federal lawsuit against the
Moss Point School D1str1ctHolmes
cites extreme and consistent
harassment-noting that since she
was In Junior high teachers have
referred to her as "1t,"and wouldn't
let her partIcIpate In girls' actIvItIes
because of her masculine clothing.
When she spoke to the principal,
Holmes reports he said he "didn't
get you rs today.
curvemag.com
Want to see your pet here? We'd love to meet them, too.
Visit curvemag.com/satisfied for details.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
19
POLITICS
»
ADVICE
»
COMMUNITY»
Fighting Our Erasure
We can combat lesbian invisibility by claiming our herstory.
BY VICTORIA
A. BROWNWORTH
I
usually write a column on women's history for March, one that memorializes our
foremothers and addresses the theme of who and where we come from, as women,
as lesbians. In the past, I've cited some of our icons-Jane Addams, who founded
social work, Alice Hamilton, who founded occupational medicine-as
examples
of lesbians who birthed both our feminist movement and some of our most important
social justice movements.
But what about now? How are we making history-or
herstory-for
the next gener~
ation of lesbians, and the generations after that? Who will tell our stories? Or will our
stories be told at all?
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lesbian Herstory
20
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MARCH
2014
Archives in New York. In 1974,Joan Nes~
de, Deborah Edel, Sahli Cavallo, Pamela
Oline, and Julia Stanley, all lesbian mem~
bers of the Gay Academic Union, founded
the Archives. The African American les~
bian activist Mabel Hampton was not a
founder, but she was deeply involved in
the LHA, and there are photos of her in
the Archives to document it.
I interviewed Joan Nestle about the
LHA years ago for Curve. She told me how
the project began, in her New York City
apartment on the Upper West Side. The
goal was to ensure that our history, our
lesbian history, did not disappear. It was a
labor of love for those women. The LHA
is now housed in Brooklyn's Park Slope
neighborhood, in a lovely brownstone that
was purchased to hold the myriad artifacts of lesbian life that the founders had
collected, first filling Nestle's pantry, then
her whole apartment. More than 20,000
books, 12,000 photographs, and 1,600
periodicals are part of the collection, along
with other memorabilia-from
buttons to
jackets to music to leaflets to matchbooks
from lesbian bars.
I'm so grateful for the LHA. It is a
touchstone, a bulwark against the increasing trend toward lesbian erasure, the
very thing its founders were concerned
about when they formed a consciousnessraising group to talk about how lesbians
and women were being elided from "patriarchal history:'
Just using the word "patriarchy" now
elicits a certain smugness. It feels oldfashioned to some, unnecessary to others.
Yet in the 40 years since the LHA was
founded, lesbian voices haven't become
much stronger. Yes, Ellen DeGeneres
and Robin Roberts are on TV five days
a week, so everyone can see an out lesbian if they want to. That is a significant
change from the early post-Stonewall
years. But we still feature the same celebrities over and over in our media. And
last December, The Advocate (for which
I also write regularly) chose Pope Francis
as its person of the year. Not Edie Windsor-the
lesbian who went all the way
to the U.S. Supreme Court to have her
40-year partnership with her wife recognized, the lesbian whose battle wound
up overturning the law banning same-sex
marriage-but
Pope Francis.
And it's not just that startling emblem
of lesbian erasure that rankles. There is
also the word on the street. What I hear
on social media and in the streets is that
lesbians-not queers, not gays, not trans,
not bis, but lesbians-feel
that they are
being silenced, that their voices are growing fainter and fainter in the LG BT din,
that less and less attention is being paid to
them and their issues, that they are lost in
their own LGBT community.
One young lesbian I know, who at 23 is
classically, sexily butch, said to me recently
that she felt the pressures on her to transition from butch lesbian to transman were
intense. Yet she didn't feel male, she felt
female, just butch. A 35-year-old lesbian
of color told me that she was tired of
being called a token in the radical feminist
movement when, for her and her partner,
women-only spaces were where they felt
safest as women of color. A lesbian in her
70s was succinct: "There is no room to be
lesbian anymore. Were supposed to embrace
'queer: I just want to embrace women. That's
who I love. Lesbians:'
The very issue that Joan Nestle and
the other founders of the LHA were
concerned about-a
patriarchal revision
of women's history-has
been realized. In
academia, women's studies departments
are now called gender studies.
"Queer" -a word I myself have been
using for 20 years now, since my book Too
Queer: Essaysfrom a Radical Life came out
in 1995-is one that I've always thought
of as inclusive.
Now, after I've been educated by young
working-class lesbians in New York who
are members of the Lesbian Mafia, "queer"
is a word I try not to use, because I've been
told repeatedly that it is like "gay" was in
the early days of the movement: masculine
by preference and as such exclusive of
lesbians. It took the mafia to school me.
Nestle wrote early on of the LHA, "The
roots of the Archives lie in the silent voices,
the love letters destroyed, the pronouns
changed, the diaries carefully edited, the
pictures never taken, the euphemized distortions that patriarchy would let pass:'
The motto of the LHA is "In memory
of the voices we have lost:'
The rules of the LHA are that the space
should be open to women and that the
collection should be housed in a lesbian
community space staffed by lesbians.
Lesbians cannot be excised, ever.
In March 2012, one of the lesbians I
have most admired, the poet and essayist
Adrienne Rich, died. She was the most
celebrated literary lesbian in America at
the time of her death. I had studied her
in college-that's where I discovered her,
in one of my women's studies courses. She
had led me to think differently about my
role as a lesbian in this patriarchal culture.
Rich wrote, "It is crucial that we understand lesbian/ feminism in the deepest,
most radical sense: as that love for ourselves and other women, that commitment
to the freedom of all of us, which transcends the category of 'sexual preference'
and the issue of civil rights, to become
a politics of asking women's questions,
demanding a world in which the integrity
of all women-not
a chosen few-shall be
honored and validated in every respect of
culture:'
Rich did not want the elision of lesbians from feminism, from literature, from
history to continue, or to go unnoticed.
She wanted lesbians and lesbianism in the
forefront of feminism and our culture.
Lesbians are at the root of our feminist
and social history. It isn't just the nameless suffragists who were actually lesbians, or the nameless union workers who
were lesbians. It's not just the big-name
lesbians like Addams or Hamilton, who
made their mark on society but whose lesbianism was blotted out. It's not just the
literary lions-Adrienne
Rich and Mary
Daly, Audre Larde and Alice Walker. It's
ourselves-our
lesbian selves.
Where is our current history? Where
will our future be?
The LHA wasn't founded to record
celebrity; it was founded to ensure that all
lesbians, regardless of race or class status,
would matter, would be worthy of archiving,
of memorializing. Women whose names
may never be known outside their own
lesbian families would still have a place in
the LHA.
Now, 40 years later, protecting the lesbian identity of the LHA is codified in the
bylaws of the Archive.
But who will codify our identity in
our own community? Who will ensure
that our voices and our lives are recorded
and remembered, heard and known, even
as "queer" subsumes "lesbian'' and the
pressure to conform to the male-female
binary marginalizes "butch;' "femme;' and
"androgynous" in the lesbian community?
In her poem "Diving into the Wreck"
Adrienne Rich wrote, "the words are purposes / the words are maps:'
Our words-our
lesbian words-are
the cartography of our lives. They are the
evidence of our existence, what we have
been and done in our community.
As we commemorate Women's History
Month this year, think about all those
bits and pieces of us in the LHA and
how determined its founders were to
make sure lesbians were not excised from
history.
Make your own history. State that you,
a lesbian, were here. So they know, in the
future, that we existed, we loved, and we
would not be silenced, we would not be
erased from history. Never again.•
MARCH
2014
CURVE
21
Marta~
Lesley
Marta Dalla Chiesa, 47, and Lesley Cushing, 48,
run Brazil Ecojourneys and have celebrated 21
years of life, laughter and long distances together.
BY MERRYN JOHNS
HOW
THEY
MET
talking, the three of us, and I asked how
MARTA: I was coming back from a friend's
MARTA: I got my pint, my Pink Paper (I was
wedding and decided to have a drink on
not looking for anything!). The bar was
long they were together. Then I found out
my own at the Locomotion, a gay bar in
packed-the
it was a blind date. I was so embarrassed I
only free seat was at their
Leicester Square that I used to go to a lot.
table, so I asked if I could sit. Lesley said
Just a quick drink.
yes. I turned my back to them and started
LESLEY: As she was getting up to leave, I
LESLEY: I was in the bar, on a date, and
reading my paper.
grabbed her knee and said, "Please, stay!"
wanted to leave.
saw Marta walking through the door-and
LESLEY: Even though I was on a date, I kept
MARTA: I really liked the bold move! We
I just knew that she was going to be part
looking, and found her intriguing.
chatted for a while and then we left-just
of my life.
MARTA: For some reason we started
the two of us-for a coffee.
22
CURVE
MARCH
2014
VIEWS/
HOW
THEY
GOT
TOGETHER
LESLEY: Marta had worked in tourism in
MARTA: Well, it is hard to define the couple
Europe, and with me being English we
situation. We went out for a few months in
thought we could be unique in having
a very casual way.
local knowledge and also knowing what
LESLEY: We both had ended relationships
foreign tourists want when they come
not long before.
to Brazil.
MARTA: We ended this "fling" after six
MARTA: I had previous experience in
months.
travel, so I knew the sales side well. With
LESLEY: I even started seeing someone
my previous life in science, I am also
else, but I really missed her. So I asked her
the organized one and the one who
out for lunch-as friends.
plans ahead.
MARTA: The friendship ended half an hour
LESLEY: I had my own business in England,
later with a cinematic kiss outside the
so I had a lot of contact with people
National Film Theatre. Not very common
and was used to running a company. As
in 1993.
such, I do the operational side of Brazil
Ecojourneys and I think we complement
LESLEY: And that was it.
each other.
ONMAKING
ITOFFICIAL
MARTA: We were definitely not into the
HOW
THEY
RESOLVE
DIFFERENCES
second-date U-Haul thing.
MARTA: Of course, argue. Often. Having
LESLEY: I thought we needed some full-
said that, our fights are mainly about the
TWO OF
''
THt~RlrNDSHIP
tNOtD
WITH
A
CINrMATIC
KISS
OUTSIDt
THt
NATIONAl
~llM
TH
tATRt.
NOT
VtRY
COMMON
IN1993
''
time togetherness to see if we would still
business, so they are easier to get over.
or really any time off together. We are a
get along, so we booked a three-week
LESLEY: She is so bossy! So we try to do
small business and both being away
holiday to Turkey.
separate things, and I let her be the final
is difficult.
MARTA: It was a real budget holiday. We
decision-maker. It makes my life easier.
backpacked all around and only had one
LESLEY: Being together 24 hours, seven
days a week, is very hard. We can end up
ADVICE
FOR
COUPLES
WORKING
TOGETHER
talking business all the time.
together. It was almost a year after we
had met up.
LESLEY: It is hard but you have to separate
you decide go down that road, try to have
MARTA: We first did the London Same-Sex
personal and business.
clearly defined roles, and, yes, don't take it
Registry for a civil partnership at the City
MARTA: It is much harder to take holidays
personally. (brazilecojourneys.com) •
fight-and
lots of fun!-so
we moved in
MARTA: Word of advice: Think twice. But if
Hall in 2002. It was not an official thing
then, but it was a good party.
LESLEY: When we went to Brazil, we had to
formalize the relationship to get my visa, so
we registered a civil union there.
MARTA: Marriage is still in our plans.
ONSTARTING
ABUSINESS
MARTA: When we decided to move to
Brazil, we knew we needed to start a
business, as I did not want to go back to
my old life as a scientist, and Lesley would
have difficulties finding a job.
LESLEY: We traveled a lot in Brazil before
that, looking for a place and an opportunity
for business.
MARTA: When we settled on the island
of Florian6polis, we decided on starting
as tour operators, as nobody was doing
that with a focus on bringing international
tourists to this region. We aimed to be
specialists in South Brazil, but with the
perspective of women who had traveled
a lot around the world. We are also the
only lesbian-owned travel company in the
South, so we were gay- and lesbian-friendly
from the start.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
23
Help!NoOne
Believes I'm Gay
Vanquish your femme-invisibility.
BY LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK
Lipstick: I hear tattoos are
Dipstick: Seriously, dude, "a
a bitch on the forehead, so
wildcat in bed"?
good call on the wrist. Besides,
subtlety is way sexier than
Lipstick: The last affirmation
a sandwich board any day.
is optional-but
There is nothing wrong with
worked.
trust me, it's
exuding confidence. What is
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick: I have a major
problem in meeting women. I am a femme
attracted to soft butches and bois, but no
matter where I go, even if it's to a lesbian
function, I am taken for straight. I have been
told by friends that when I enter a room I
"command attention." I take that to mean
I exude confidence. The problem is, it's
not helping me meet women. Should I just
walk into a room with my head down? How
do I let women know I am a lesbian? The
rainbow tattoo on my wrist doesn't seem to
work. Maybe I should have gotten it on my
forehead.-Red-Headed Femme
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
24
CURVE
MARCH
2014
wrong is your belief that no
Dipstick: Oh wait, I think I
one thinks you're gay and,
remember that night! While
therefore, no one wants to talk
I believe in the power of
to you. Believe it or not, you're
positive thinking, these are
actually attracting this "neg-
silly, Lip. With all that Oprah/
ativity" into your life. While
The Secret/Laws of Attraction
it may be true that some are
mumbo jumbo, you can try
intimidated by your femininity
to visualize all the positive
and chutzpah, the Command
outcomes you want, but what
& Conquer vibe you're giving
I can't visualize is a beautiful
off could be the real problem.
femme walking into a room,
Next time you roll into a room
exuding confidence and sex-
full of dykes, give yourself a
iness, and the butches don't
pep talk beforehand and go in
so much as look up from their
with a different attitude. Say
pool game. I know 10 gals
out loud to yourself "I am gay,
who would be stumbling over
I am love, I am attractive, I am
one another to be the first to
a wildcat in bed."
take your jacket, light your
VIEWS/
''
cigarette, and buy you a vodka
Lipstick: While I've never
tonic, Red. Hell, half of them
packed, I do have a serious
the least of it. It's a feeling
case of penis envy. What you
they've had for most of their
WHlltITMAY
BtTRUt
THAT
SOM[
AR[
INTI
MIDAT[ □ BY
YOUR
~[MININITY
AND
CHUTZPAH,
TH[COMMAND
&CONQU[R
VIB[
YOU'R[
GIVING
O~~ COUlD
8[ TH[
R[AlPROBltM.
''
LIPSTICK+DI
PS
couldn't care less if you were
the parts in your pants are
straight. Lipstick is right on
need to do is simply relax
lives-many
one count, though. You need
about it all. We don't always
before they even had any
to change your attitude. The
need to slap labels and mean-
sexual awareness-that
they
issue is not so much the "confi-
ings on things. Just have fun! In
don't feel comfortable
being
dence" but the "commanding."
the same way putting a weenie
a woman. Something never
Lighten up. Tell a cute boi you
in your pants doesn't make you
felt quite right, both in and out
like her tie. Don't walk in with
trans, neither does imagining
of the bedroom. Since you're
your head down-rather,
and, at times, wanting a cock.
questioning
someone's eye, smile at her,
If it were, I would be growing
encourage you to investigate
and go say hi.
a goatee.
catch
of them from
your gender, I
it further. Get online and read
some trans forums and web-
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick:
Dipstick: Lipstick, you're right.
sites and see if you can relate.
I recently went through
Gender play in the bedroom
You'll find it's about more than
the breakup of a 15-year
is a lot of fun, but since PP
just packing and sex play. Pick
relationship. During the year
is writing to us, I think there
up a book-maybe
of healing, I experimented
might be something else
Green's Becoming a Visible
Man or Max Wolf Valeria's
Jamison
with packing. I enjoyed it
going on. Many lesbians pull
and the woman I am seeing
dildos out of their pants,
Testosterone Fi/es-and explore
enjoys it as well, but I find that
rut like a pronghorn on the
whether you see yourself in
the more I pack, the more I
prairie, and never for a second
any of the stories. Or check
feel confused about gender
question their gender, once
out some FTM websites like
identity. I don't want a real
the toys are back in the sock
FTM International or Ingersoll
one, but once in a while it's
drawer. Packing doesn't make
Gender Center. Exploration is
fun. Is this normal?
you trans, and I think most
a good thing. Dig deeper and
-Packing Patty
trans guys will tell you that
see where you land.•
MARCH
2014
CURVE
25
Outrageous
Fortune
The always-fabulous Fortune Feimster is
her own best character eYcYGNus
FOGLE
FEATURES/
Last Comte Standing semi-finalist and Chelsea Lately frequenter Fortune
Feimster has a talent for winging it. Her good humor has always seemed
to grease the wheels, but now it's taking her places she couldn't be
happier to go. While prepping for her performance at The Dinah Comedy
Night in April, Feimster takes a few moments out of her rigorous soccer
season to talk with us about travel, tan-lines and apple strudel in Austria.
You're headlining The Dinah Comedy
Night! Tell us about that.
There's just so many things to talk about!
I always look forward to it. It's becoming a
tradition now, because I think this is the
third year in a row that I've been doing it.
So every year that Mariah [Hanson] asks
I'm like, Really? Are you surer But I guess
it's going well, so that's a good thing. And
I enjoy doing it because I get to perform
comedy and do what I love and also be
surrounded by women for an entire weekend. So how can you not love thatr
There's no losing?
No. I mean it just puts some pressure on
me to write new lesbian jokes. So I've got
until April to come up with some new
ways to talk about lesbos. Hopefully I can
rise to the occasion. But yeah, it's going to
be fun, and I'm excited that this year Erin
Foley and Gina Yashere are performing
as well. They're two comics that I love so
much and it's just going to be a great show.
are a lot of lesbian stereotypes out there
that I can explore. [Laughs] The lesbians
that come to Dinah Shore have a good
time and they're OK with laughing about
ourselves and other people in a good, fun
manner that's not hurtful to anyone. I will
say, even though I'm not going to go to the
gym, that I maybe should work on my tan
a little bit, because it's not pretty, I'll tell
you that. I've got a farmer's tan going on.
When you are mixing with the women
at The Dinah do you ever go into character just to mess with people?
I wonder what character I would even
choose. There's just so many wonderful
characters to choose from. I think just
how I am in everyday life is somewhat of
a character, because I have this big fro and
this thick Southern accent and that in itself is almost like a character.
Before comedy you
went to Spain
How have you prepared the past
couple of years?
English. How
was that?
I've prepared by not going to the gym and
eating way too much food, because if I
were to go to Dinah Shore and I were to
be really funny and super good-looking it
would just be too much for everybody ....
I'd have a lot of marriage proposals and I
am just not ready to take that step, ladies.
At this point I'm lucky that I've experienced it a few times so I know what I'm
getting into when I go there. For me the
biggest preparation will be to write new
jokes, because I don't want to have to present stuff that people have seen in any of the
other performances. So that's going to be
my own personal challenge. Luckily there
I decided when I was graduating college that I wanted
to see the world and I have
never really gotten to experience
that before because I was poor. I
just kind of made that decision that
I was going to try to experience a
whole different culture and do
whatever I could to get over
there, so I worked a bunch of
jobs that summer and earned
money and picked Spain just
because it was in Europe and I
wanted to travel around Europe
and I wanted to learn another
language. I needed to make money
while I was there, so I started
teaching private English as a Second
Language classes-and I have to say
that I was a pretty terrible teacher.
I was not good. It was tough because when
LAUGHTRA
I got to Spain I didn't know any Spanish,
so it was kind of difficult to communicate
with kids who didn't speak English. They
didn't speak any English, I didn't speak any
Spanish, so we just made a lot of faces at
each other and used a lot of hand movements. They loved it and the fact that we
had a lot of fun. They always wanted to play
games and do a lot of silly improv things,
but their parents didn't love it. They were
like, "Hey, my kid's failing English!"
Do you have any really good travel
stories? What's the craziest?
This isn't the craziest but one of the times
that makes me laugh is when I was in
Austria-I'm
a huge fan of The Sound of
Music. It's a little secret, a little unknown
fact about me. I'm a big nerd when it
comes to that movie. So I was super-stoked
because they filmed it in Austria and they
have all these tours where you can go on
a Sound of Music tour, and I signed up.
I was traveling by myself, so I ended up
in this minivan-it's just me and a bunch
of old people. They play the soundtrack
to the movie while you're riding around
Austria. Everybody was like, "This is
terrible" and I was like, "Oh
my God, I love this!" We
have to stop at different
sites and it's just me and
a bunch of old people
taking pictures of each
other and eating apple
strudel. I wish I had a
little bit of a crazier story, but I was jamming to The Sound of Music.
(fortunefeimster.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
27
BY MERRYNJOHNS
FILM»
A
merican audiences are most
familiar with Australian actor
Miranda Otto from The Lord
of the Rings: The Return of the
King-where, as Eowyn, a lovelorn shieldmaiden, she transforms herself into a
cross-dressing warrior with the victorious
battle cry of"I am no man!"
Now, Otto, a porcelain-skinned beauty
whose physical delicacy belies an indomitable strength and intelligence, has given
us another reason to love her. Her role as
Elizabeth Bishop, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who struggled with her art, her
identity and her addictions, again demonstrates strength wrapped in frailty-while
bringing to the screen a neglected slice of
28
CURVE
MARCH
2014
lesbian literary history. Thanks to Reaching for the Moon, a beautifully directed
film by Bruno Baretto, Bishop is no longer
merely a "female poet;' dependent on the
mentorship of her fellow poet Robert
Lowell. She is a complex visionary who
has a long-term relationship with another
equally powerful woman, the Brazilian
architect Lota de Macedo Soares.
"She's a fascinating character, such a
complex person. There are so many different facets to her;' says Otto, who immersed
herself in Bishop's poetry and Remembering Elizabeth Bishop: An Oral Biography.She
also found herself identifying with Bishop
in unexpected ways-from
the moment
she received the script-and
appreciating
the professional magnitude of her co-star,
Gloria Pires, during their "very intense
shoot" in New York and Brazil.
Like a whirlwind love affair, there was
no audition-Otto
was asked to commit
to the role within two days. "This script
arrived to me like a gift. With depth, complexity-and intelligence!" she laughs. "It's
such a wonderful story. Although I only
had a very short amount of preparation
time, I thought, I'm determined. I know
it's my role:'
Then there was her onscreen love interest,
Brazilian telenovela legend Gloria Pires.
"I didn't know Gloria or her work, but I
thought, I hope she's really good because
weve got to do a lot of stuff together;' says
Otto, referring to the intense love scenes between them. Otto was
organizing her working visa for Brazil when officials pressed her for
the identity of her co~star. "I told them and they were, like, 'Oh my
God, she's amazing!' They gave me one of her films to watch in Por~
tuguese, and I looked at her and I thought, Yes, I can fall in love with
her. She's so dynamic and beautiful, and I felt automatically, looking
at her on screen, that it was going to work:'
During the shoot in Brazil, Otto came down with a mysteri~
ous illness that landed her in the hospital. She now thinks it was
food poisoning or an allergic reaction-which
is what happens to
Elizabeth Bishop in the film: She enviously observes Lota frolick~
ing with her lover, Mary, and bites into a cashew fruit, which triggers a
life~threatening allergic reaction and sparks the affair between Elizabeth
and Lota."I actually ended up feelingjust like her, this WASP~y person
in Brazil-loving it but trying to understand how things worked:'
In the end, Otto worked it all out-loving Brazil, loving Bishop,
and Bishop's love for Lota. "It was really important to me in the film
for people to not even think about [Bishop] being gay. I wanted it to
be about two people who fall in love. I wanted people to watch the
movie and go, 'Oh, it's two women in a relationship together. It's a
love story between two people, and they are such powerful people,
it's a very natural thing: I don't have any concerns about playing gay
and, yes, I would play [gay] again, although it depends on the role.
What I liked about this role is that I don't think it was salacious.
It showed love in its many aspects, including compassion and, yes,
sex-but
it was really important for me to run the full depth of
that 15~year relationship:' Otto is aghast at the controversy that
surrounds the portrayal oflesbians in cinema, most recently in Blue
Is the Warmest Color.
'Tm very sensitive about the erotic scenes in films and whether
they're placed correctly and are authentic. That was important to me.
I didn't want gay women to say,'Oh, that's not what it's like!'"
And while Bishop was"a very modern'' character, says Otto, she nev~
ertheless went to lengths to keep her sexuality hidden. "I actually com~
pletely understand her discretion. Elizabeth was someone who didn't
want to be boxed into anything-she didn't want to be classified as a
'female' poet and I think she didn't want [her lesbianism] to be the focal
point either. She just wanted to be recognized as a poet:'•
HOT
PICKS
Trans porn trailblazer Buck Angel, self proclaimed "Man
with a Pussy," shares his story in this entertaining and
illuminating doc. The film features interviews with Angel,
his long-time partner Elayne, and discussions with Angel's
family and a variety of familiar faces including queer
sexperts Tristan Taormina, Dan Savage and trans musician
Lucas Silveira. The film documents Angel's transformation
from female to male, from model to porn star and then from
porn star to trans educator and activist. Angel is candid
in sharing his life, not shying away from dark chapters full
of confusion, drug addiction and suicide attempts. But
Angel's story is inspirational: he has overcome so much to
become the man he is today, one who can share a tale of
self-acceptance and self-love.so that anyone, regardless of
gender or sexual identity, can identify with him.
Perfect
Endings:
The
Nicole
Conn
Collection
(Peccaaillo
Pictures)
It's not often that you are offered a box of romance
(or maybe it is, and you are just one lucky lady) but
with this DVD set, that's exactly what you get. Perfect
Endings: The Nicole Conn Collection, features the out
director's greatest contributions to lesbian cinema: the
groundbreaking film Claire of the Moon, which was the
first modern lesbian film made for us by us: Elena Undone,
which stars Traci Dinwiddie and boasts the longest lesbian
kiss in cinema history: Conn's latest hit film A Perfect
Ending, starring lesbian model turned actor Jessica Clark:
and Cynara, Conn's bodice-ripping short film. For those
who love sweepingly romantic lesbian dramas, this box set
is your perfect match.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
29
ecoming a YouTube sensation isn't the biggest accomplish~
ment of indie pop punk artist Leah Jee; she's had a whole
lot of success in her music career, not least of which is the
freedom to travel and tour for a growing fan base in Amer~
ica. She also has fans internationally and tons of hype surrounding
her first EP, The Rest is Ours.
Jee first caught Curve's eye with her debut video "Coming After
You;' which features her as a sexy cupid hooking up couples in a
bar-many
of them same~sex. It was easy to have her breakout
video feature lesbian lovers, and her crew was incredibly supportive of her vision:
"It was awesome working with the cast and crew that I worked with. They saw what
B
30
CURVE
MARCH
2014
I was trying to do and they hopped right
on board. Everybody that was in the video
was more than willing to be a part of it and
proud to be a part of the project:' She was
able to stay true to her mission: to change
the world through music. Jee adds, "Equal~
ity is one of the most important things
to me. It's definitely the campaign that I
want to spend the rest of my career work~
ing towards. When I did this video I really
wanted to incorporate elements of equality
and show different types of couples:'
What's the song about? It's a reminder to
connect with the people around us. "My
sexy cupid goes around and wakes peo~
ple up because it's really easy to get lost in
your cell phone when you have an amazing
person sitting right next to you. These peo~
ple wake up and they see that the world is
many different colors:'
"Coming After You" may be her break~
out song, but Jee's not new to this. ''I've
been writing music for as long as I can
remember; since I was a little kid:' It's
been 10 years of making it into a career.
At Pride Fest she opened for Cyndi Lau~
per, and it was opportunities like that,
in addition to incredibly supportive and
loyal fans, that helped her take her career
to the next level where she could live her
dream full time.
A native of Southern California, these
days Jee is travelling a lot, "If I'm not in
California, I'm either in Wisconsin or
Illinois;' she tells us. But her home state
is still really important to her. "The music
scene in California is so great:' She put her
band together back in the Golden State,
signed herself to LRT through Universal,
and found more and built up her fan base
there, and has plenty of new projects on
the horizon.
Her most recent YouTube release is
the video for "Hero In Me:' Jee explains,
"It is for the heroes, so I
wanted to give the fans
a little bit of a gift and
really celebrate Veterans
Day. I have a lot of friends
and family that are in the
armed forces. I thought
we'd do something nice
for them as a way to say
thank you:' She wrote it
for friends who had lost
loved ones and felt as if they
never had a chance to say a
proper goodbye. The song is going to be
REV1Ews1MUSIC
featured on Jee's upcoming B~Side release,
along with several other songs that weren't
included on her EP.
Jee also keeps busy, staying in contact
with her fans via social media. "Long gone
are the days where we would go around a
city and plaster flyers up. [Social media]
is just a different way of communicating
with fans. I talk with fans that are in
London or China, and without the social
media presence those things would be
very difficult:'
On Instagram, people can catch a
glimpse of Jee's life outside the studio and
off stage. As a local artist, she can still talk
to people around the world. And she has a
balance of artistic control and success that
wasn't possible in the heyday of the record
label. "I am in control of what I do: when
I release something and what message I
send and how I want to dress and what
shows I want to play. I think the power
of the indie musician is really coming to
light with all the social media and all of
the different options that we have as art~
ists today, and I'm very fortunate for that:'
All of those channels allow her to keep
making the change she believes can hap~
pen through music.
She's making it her job to work as a
musician every day. For Jee, this is a life~
long career, and "the journey has been
long:' There's still more to come from the
successful songwriter, so really, the journey
is only beginning. (leahjeemusic.com) •
HOT
LICKS
))BYRACHEL
SHATTO
& MERRYN
JOHNS
Lady
Gaga
ArtPop
(Streamline
Records)
The contemporary queen of pop Lady Gaga's latest, Art Pop, is the
bisexual singer's most sonically diverse album to date. After taking
the pop world by storm, it's clear with her latest outing that she is
ready to dabble in a variety of other genres-to varying degrees of
success. The R&B infused "Do What U Want" featuring R. Kelly is
naughty triumph, however "Jewels N' Drugs" featuring T.I., Too $hart
and Twista is less impressive. But there is plenty to love on Art Pop
including the album's trippy namesake. The oh-so-catchy "Applause"
is among her best yet and the aching anthem "Gypsy" shows off
Gaga's chillingly powerful voice. While perhaps not her strongest
album, Art Pop is certainly a solid addition to Gaga canon, and is still
leaps and bounds ahead of most of her contemporaries.
Katharine
Cole
There
IsNoGod
(CracKerJill
Music)
As the voice of a fire and brimstone preacher segues into the rich
alto of Katharine Cole-and the decisive strokes of her gutsy electric
guitar-this underground revamp of a music genre lesbians love is a
thrill a minute. A welcome reclamation of roots and rhythms that have
not traditionally included us, and yet to which we instinctively relate,
the opener, "Hymn in E" is a toe-tapping plea for the coexistence of
religion and tolerance. It is followed by the swingin' "All Day," the cruisy
and moody "Heart and Dagger" and then, like a great Gospel choir or
a perfect roots and blues pub gig, the whole album just rips along at a
heartfelt pace-from a jamming and irreverent cover of "Dixie," to the
countryish "Just Some Girl," to a sensitive acoustic version of Joan
Armatrading's "The Weakness In Me." The out and proud Cole belongs
in your collection right next to Roseanne Cash and Mary Gauthier.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
31
W
hen you dust off your pass~
port and leave home, which
do you become, a tourist or a
traveler? And what's the difference? Alden
Jones, the author of The Blind Masseuse:
A Memoir from Costa Rica to Cambodia,
has thought deeply on this subject. Born
in Manhattan and raised in New Jersey,
Jones writes, "While tourists spend their
time away from home seeking out the
comforts of home, travelers risk-even
cultivate-discomfort,
because what they
want is the thrill of a new perspective:' The
exoticist chases the charm of the unfamil~
iar, but then must face the consequences
of this addiction to geographical unfamil~
iarity. Consuming other cultures without
really understanding them raises moral
32
CURVE
MARCH
2014
REVIEWS/BO
questions-especially
when you are an
American woman who's young, educated,
blonde, and single.
Jones begins her journey after college,
when she signs up for WorldTeach in
Costa Rica. There she navigates poverty,
sexism, and the often-underwhelming
local cuisine, which relies heavily on lard.
While the tourist in her urges her to "ditch
this dinky little town and make a beeline
for the beach;' her inner traveler expects
her to learn Spanish and be more culturally sensitive. "You want to be Costa Rican. So
eat the lard, gringa!"
Throughout her journeys, including
trips to Bolivia, Nicaragua, Cuba, Cambodia, Burma, and Egypt, Jones discovers
many things about herself-from
a deep
appreciation of an icy cold Coca-Cola to
the nature of her true sexual preference.
"We travel because we want to be surprised by something we've never seen
before;' Jones tells me from her home
in Boston, where she is busy raising her
6-week-old baby with her wife, Kate. They
met on the 2006 voyage of Semester at
Sea, where the astounding itinerary included San Diego, Hawaii, Japan, China,
Hong Kong, Vietnam, Myanmar, India,
Turkey, Croatia, Spain, and Fort Lauderdale. For Jones, it was essentially a nautical
cure for one of the most turbulent years
in her life, which had included breaking
up with her first lesbian love. Single when
she joined the ship, she had no idea that
she'd meet her future partner, especially
when she saw that the roster of her 16
colleagues listed AOL email addresses.
"They' re all going to be old;' she lamented
to her sister. "I thought there was no way
I was going to meet a fun, young, single
lesbian on board ... and of course I did. It
was just amazing. I was very lucky that the
timing worked our:'
Her destiny, it seemed, was offered up
precisely because she had silenced the
tourist and embraced the traveler, and
consequently she met someone with a similarly adventurous spirit.
A writer at heart, Jones began her career in 1999. Her first travel essay was
about Costa Rica. In 2006, the essay form
lengthened into a book, and much like Eat,
Pray, Love: One Womans Searchfor Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, it
turned out to be a book about the journey
to selfhood. "I actually had a lot of friends
call me up when that book came out and
say, 'I feel like you actually wrote ir; " she
says. The success of Eat, Pray, Love and
other travel memoirs is a testament to the
transformative power of travel, and while
Jones's book is perhaps more cerebral, it's
also a great trip for the lesbian armchair
traveler, charting the author's evolution
from heterosexual to bisexual to lesbian,
all against exotic backdrops.
When The Blind Masseusebegins, Jones is
young, restless, straight, and unable to commit
to relationships. Her friends are getting married and having kids, and she is "horrified" by
their choices. But gradually, as Jones becomes
a better traveler,her true identity also unfolds.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
33
Become
a Better
Traveler
''A lot of people are very thoughtful
about traveling and doing it well;' she says.
"It's important to be positive and aware
of class and cultural differences, rather
than just being drawn to the weirdness of
things:' Travel, for Jones, may have begun
as an escape from responsibility and the
quotidian, but it becomes a lens through
which she can see the appeal of her own
culture. "I always knew one day I would
be ready;' she says about her much more
domestic life.
Now that she has two children, the
debate between tourist and traveler has a
new dimension. "There's no way around it;'
she says, admitting that a Disney vacation
holds an appeal it never did before. And
traveling as a lesbian couple with children
raises new questions of safety and accep~
tance. In Croatia recently, and pregnant
with her second child, Jones was ques~
tioned by another mother who assumed
Jones and Kate were sisters or friends trav~
eling together." 'So, you're pregnant. Was
it planned?' I was like, 'Well, we're gay, so
yes, it was very planned!'"
And while she has always felt relatively
safe traveling as a single woman, keeping
her sexuality on the down~low and trying
to assimilate, she concedes that traveling
under a rainbow banner also has value. "I
tend to avoid tour groups in general, but if
you go in a group [as a gay person] you' re a
little safer. I would love to go on an Olivia
cruise. I think it would be really fun. It's
just fun to be in a group of people who are
like you, in a way:'
Once the rhythms of family life settle,
Jones may hit the road again, if only for a
short trek. Colombia, Thailand, Africa, and
more of South America are at the top of
her list, as well as a return to her beloved
Cambodia. She may finally have embraced
the charms of the ordinary, but for the true
traveler, the call of the exotic never loses its
appeal. (aldenjones.com/blog/) •
34
CURVE
MARCH
2014
Alden Jones, author of TheBlind
Masseuse:A Traveler'sMemoir from
Costa Rica to Cambodia, on how to
leave your inner tourist at home.
1.Learn
theLocal
Language
Even if you are on the tourist trail in a country where people commonly
speak English, take the time to learn, and use, at least little bits of
the local language. Learn how to say"hello;"'goodbye;"'excuse me:'
Always ask,"Do you speak English?" People appreciate it when you
acknowledge that there was effort involved in learning a language,
and they appreciate it when you make the effort to do the same.
2.Adjust
Your
Expectations
If you want to be openly gay and kiss your partner on the street,
it's probably best to avoid Uganda and Russia.You may prefer
Sweden. Take ideology, cultural sensitivity, and personal safety into
consideration when you travel; make sure the destination is right for
you.
3.Visit
Friends
Living
Abroad
Have a friend teaching English in Argentina? Or relocated to Hong
Kong for a job? See if they're up for couch crashing. Expats often
enjoy a visitor from home (especially if you bring them hard-to-get
treats like magazines, books, and peanut butter). It gives them a
good excuse to see the sights, and you can tap into the resources of
someone living as a local.
4.Use
Local
Transportation
There's no faster way to get stuck in a tourist bubble than by traveling
from place to place on a tour bus or a hotel shuttle, or even in a taxi.
Take the train or the bus. Use the process of getting from place to
place as a way to check in, instead of checking out.
5.Plan
Around
theBest
Lesbian
and
Gay
Businesses
...and not just the gay-friendliest locales. Two of my favorite finds:
In Antigua, Guatemala, a cafe called Frida's;and Side by Side, a
lesbian-owned B&B in Galway, Ireland. At these off-the-beaten-path
venues, you find a friendly camaraderie and it is often easy to meet
both locals and international travelers. Connection is the real key to
meaningful travel.
6.Request
One
Bed
If you are traveling with someone of the same sex and it is not obvious
that you are a couple, hotel proprietors often think they are doing
you a favor by giving you a room with two, often single, beds. If you
don't want to get stuck across the room from each other during your
romantic vacation, make sure you put in the double/king bed request!
REVIEWS/
TECH
Found
and
1.Lost
GlobaTrac's Trakdot Luggage Tracker
takes the guesswork out of finding
wayward bags. While in flight it
operates in airplane mode, but once
the plane lands the luggage locator
sends a message with its location
directly to your smart phone. Because
losing your luggage is a terrible way
to kick off a vacation (take it from
someone who once spent three
days in Costa Rica in a tracksuit
waiting for their luggage to reappear).
($60, trakdot.com)
Salutation
2.Sun
Travel
tFor the gal who wants to go off the grid-but
take her gadgets with her-the SolarWrap 400
is the best of both worlds. This lightweight
roll-out solar charger is a convenient and ecofriendly way to keep your camera, smartphone
or tablet all charged up and ready to go-on
the go. ($214, bushnell.com)
Companions
Five gadgets that willrevolutionize
TECH»
the way you vacation.
======:::::J-
ev RACHEL sHATTo
inCase
4.Just
3.IntheTrenches
Goodbye, carry on bag, hello SeV Trench
Coat. With this travel savvy coat you
can take everything you possibly need
to hit the road-in style. This twist
on a classic trench features 18
specialized pockets-all with
magnetic closures-so there
is a place for everything
from your passport to your
iPad all on your person.
($150, scottevest.com)
Water babies, this one's for you. If getting away
means hitting the closest (or most exotic)
body of water, Pyle Audio's SurfSound-PLAY
makes for an excellent travel companion. This
waterproof case and speaker means you can
safely bring your smartphone or MP3 player
along on all your wet and wildest adventures.
($70, pyleaudiocom)
aDream
5.Like
Let's face it-those u-shaped
travel pillows we've all
been lugging around
for long flights are just
not cutting it. Meet
the next generation
of travel pillow, the
NapAnywhere. This
thin foam padded
shelf rests between
your shoulder and
face, cradling your
head for maximum
support and travel
snooze time.
($59, napanywhere.net) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
35
lD-ton
neon
clipper
ships
and
hot
women
infeather
bikinis?
Itcould
only
beBurning
Man.
Text
&Images
byJocelyn
Voo
f the many summertime festivals, Burning Man
will always be a standout because nobodynobody-who hasn't attended will really
understand what you mean when you attempt
to explain it. It's you and 48,000 of your soon-to-be closest
friends wandering into the blazing Nevada desert for a
weeklong celebration of art, music, self-expression and
survival. It's trampolines and Hula Hoops, industrial yurts
and bisexual perverts, 50-foot sculptures and 15-hour
dance marathons. It's madness. It's the unthinkable It's
love and acceptance on a unilateral scale The creative
dreamers who make up the Burning Man community
exude vivacity, which is as evident in their welcoming
smiles as it is in their facepaint and feathers. Once you're
there, you understand why people call it "Home." Of them
all, though, some women stood out amongst the rest.
Here, in their own words, they try to explain what Burning
Man means to them •
Amy
e tall for
"I get to b
I'm fivee.
g
an
a ch
half. I like
a
two and
half."
adding the
l-faraandWildfire(right)
Wildfire: "Everything here is accepting.
We can just be ourselves."
38
CURVE
MARCH
2014
J
FEATURE/
PICTORI
FEATURES/
There is just no
stopping Heather
Peace.In 2013 alone
she had two soldout U.1<.concert
tours; she wowed
Australia at the Gay
and Lesbian Mardi
Gras; she became
the first artist to record a live album
at London's iconic
Jazz Cafe; she explored risky territory on Waterloo
Road for the BBC.
And somehow, she
found the ti me to
get married.
The British actor and musician came out
and into our living rooms in 2010 as
Detective Sergeant Sam Murray, all hands~
in~pockets swagger and silky deep voice, in
the BBC TV series Lip Service.The show,
about a group of lesbians in Glasgow,
Scotland, was not just groundbreaking per
se, says Peace, but was "mostly responsible"
for her music career. "I had always been
gigging, and that was the only thing that
had changed:' All in all, it was a fantastic
stroke of luck that she chose to play suave,
sexy as hell DS Murray.
Accepting the job on Lip Service also
meant that coming out in her own good
time was no longer an option for Peace.
She would never have lied about her
sexuality, so when the inevitable "Are you
or aren't you?" buzz started up, Wham! she
catapulted into lesbian consciousness the
world over. "It's honestly the best thing I've
ever done. I feel really liberated by it;' she
says. So, do women actually tell her it's
been easier to come out since she's been
there for them as a role model? "Everyday;'
she says. Then there are those who reach
out to her, grasping for a life raft in a dark
sea. "The best thing I can say is just to find
a friend. It's made me realize how many
people do have massive issues. It's quite
frightening, actually:'
And the Lip Servicedomino effect keeps
THE L LI
rolling on: Because Peace had already
come out, she didn't have to hide the fact
that she was getting married. Her wife,
though, hasn't surfaced in the press."Ellie's
not someone I talk about, to be honest. I
don't post pictures of her. I don't think it
would be fair to. She's not a show~off like
I am. It's just unfortunate for her that she
fell in love with me!" What she will say is
that Ellie is her best friend, they want to
have kids, and her idea of joy is just the
two of them watching the sun play on the
sea from a hilltop.
As we speak, Peace is on the verge of
recording a follow~up to her 2012 debut
album, Fairytales.Slated for a Spring 2014
release, it's "completely different" from her
first. "I mean, there's still a theme to ithow do you keep relationships alive-plus
there's definitely true stuff on there, but not
necessarily about heartache and breakup,
'cause I'm at a different age, 38 now, and at
a different stage. But it's still very raw and
very real. I hope I bring something to my
songwriting that One Direction can't do!"
Now, I've seen Peace moonwalk, but
when I ask her who has influenced her
music the most, her choice at first seems
a curious one. But then she elaborates:
"Michael Jackson is the reason I got into
Motown, which got me into the blues,
which got me into jazz. He was the door
MARCH
2014
CURVE
41
TURES/
THE L LIST
through to a genre that perhaps otherwise I
wouldn't have gotten into:'
Peace easily crosses geographical borders,
too, and is no stranger to travel. She has had
a thing for Sydney since she was 21. "I know it
almost as much as I know London:' No doubt
she'll tussle the surf at Bondi Beach when she
performs again for her huge Australian fan
42
CURVE
MARCH 2014
base at the 2014 Mardi Gras. This year she's
even trekking as far as Western Australia on
her Down Under circuit. As for America, "It's
a really tricky one. There are so many supertalented people there!" Her slight reticence
about the U.S. reminds me of what she's said
about getting occasional bouts of stage fright,
moments where she can't even see the shape
of the piano keys. "Opening night is
always really nerve-wracking. It also
depends on how I'm feeling, you
know:' If I'm premenstrual, the idea
of actually going out on stage with
everybody looking at me is a total
nightmare. Sometimes that happens,
but I try to time it so it doesn't!"
Will we see her play Nikki Boston on Waterloo Road again:' While
she hasn't absolutely closed the door
on acting, Peace has "never experienced the music stuff at this level
before. There just came a point
where I couldn't focus on the two:'
She says that she has the same
"no-nonsense" approach as her wellknown characters, Sam and Nikki,
but that "neither of them is very
emotionally developed. I'm outwardly a lot softer, but I've probably
got a bit more strength on the inside
than either of those two:' And we
needn't worry about Peace's eventual return to acting-'Tm
gonna
change perceptions and become the
first female Doctor Who!"
Peace is so acutely unaffectedyou just can't imagine anyone not
liking her. When I'm wrapping up
the interview and almost ready to
hang up the phone, she darts in
with, "Have a good sleep!" Then she
spends the next few minutes asking
me about the weather, wishing
me a "lovely" Christmas and New
Year. Peace has somehow managed
to achieve an exquisite balance
between coy and self-assured.
"I stutter and have some weird
facial twitches. I've never said that
before! It happens when I'm tired
and uncomfortable. My eyes will
start twitching and then-"
she's
laughing so hard she can't finish her
sentence."Sometimes I can't actually
get my words out! My wife will just
sit there and wait for me:' And
Peace
definitely-refreshinglytells it like it is."My gob does get me
into trouble!" What's her favorite
line from one of her songs:' "It
would have to be 'Fairytales have
got a lot to answer for: Yeah:' Then
her throaty laugh resonates before
she finishes her thought: "Because
what a load of bullshit they are!"
(heatherpeace.com) •
The "indie" darlings reach the top and
make our hearts throb.
BY JANELLE SORENSON AND
MELANY JOY BECK
MARCH
2014
CURVE
43
egan Quin swears she
never saw it coming.
Long known as half of
the Canadian indie rock
band Tegan and Sara,
she says she had no idea
that their latest studio
album would catapult
them to such mainstream
pop success. In fact, the
thought that she would
even have a career in
music had never crossed
her mind when she was
young. (She and her twin
sister Sara are now 33.)
"We didn't really imag,
ine we'd be doing this,
so I think Kid Tegan
would be like, 'Whaaat2
Whaaat?' We didn't sit
down and decide that
this is what we wanted
to do;' she says, at home
in Los Angeles on a rare
break from touring.
Sara agrees, phon,
ing in from her own
vacation to discuss the
remarkable changes in
the duo's more than
10,year career.
"Our audience has
44
CURVE
MARCH
2014
become so diverse;' Sara
says. "We play shows
with Paramore and Katy
Perry and it's 13,, 14,,
15,year,old
teenagers
now, all kinds of kids.
And we weren't intro,
duced to them as a gay
band. We were intro,
duced to them through
a mainstream pop song
on the radio:'
When the twins were
just teenagers themselves,
they started out playing
earnest,
guitar,driven
alternative music with
life, and when you get
to your 30s you're going
to write something im,
portant, you' re going to
reach people, and you' re
going to experience
something. I don't think
Young Tegan would
have understood that;'
she says.
Now that they are
·we have never
been indie
anything.
We signed to a
major label
when we were
19 years old ■the impudence that's
characteristic of most
kids their age.
"We
thought
we
knew everything, like
any 15,year,old;'
says
Tegan. "Our label was
like, 'You don't know
anything about love or
actually in their 30s,
Tegan and Sara have
written a glossy pop
masterpiece, an album
that stands out from
their previous six.
Each song on Heartthrob leads into another, narrating love and loss
with the angst of a John Hughes film, plus a whole lot of shiny pro~
duction. The latter is something Sara hopes the duo can bring to their
upcoming headline slot as part of the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Week~
end, held April 2-6 this year in Palm Springs.
"It seems like such a totally different type of event from something
we would normally do;' says Sara. "We do a lot of festivals, but they're
mostly indie rock festivals, so there are a lot of shorts and sunburns.
From what I gather from my friends, [Dinah Shore] is more of a glam~
orous event. It's sort of like Spring Break. People are there to mingle
and meet. Everyone's all about being hot, and they're there for a really
good time. We'll have to bring our A game:'
No doubt they will. "Closer;' the debut single on Heartthrob, has
made its way onto Billboard charts and Top 40 radio across the
country. Until now, that was unexplored territory for the sisters, who
were counted among the darlings of indie music by critics and fans alike.
"Even though people have called us indie for 10 years, we have never
been indie anything;' says Tegan. "We signed to a major label when we
were 19 years old. To us, what indie rock means is that we were niche,
or not popular. What's been super interesting about delving into that
pop world and allowing our music to be on the radio and in film and
on television, with more corporate mainstream attachment, is that it
has allowed us to meet more people. It's about reaching more people
and keeping the music alive:'
46
CURVE
MARCH
2014
Since Heartthrob's release, at~
tention from the media has
evolved to include the morning
news staple The Today Show as
well as public radio. The duo has
made major guest appearancesthe most notable of which was
a sold~out Staples Center show
in Los Angeles with pop~coun~
try megastar Taylor Swift. This
marks a departure from the last
time Curve talked with Tegan
and Sara.
The tracks that now make up
Heartthrob existed amid more
than 40 new songs, a collection
that needed to be whittled down
to 12. "We put it up to a vote;'
Tegan says, explaining how they
chose the tracks that would go on
to become Heartthrob.
"We had a group of people we
really trusted listen to the songs
and we would vote, and it always
came back to the same 12 songs.
They were leaning more toward
pop music, so we picked a producer who would both respect
what we had built and also bring
us into new territory.
Sara and I felt that making another record that sounded like
Sainthood or The Con would be
repetitive or counterproductive
to what we have created. As artists, we wanted to challenge ourselves and challenge our audience to do something different;'
Tegan says.
"One of the things that I'm
quite proud of about the band is
that we re a very versatile band;'
says Sara. "We like to think that
we're able to meet the needs of
whatever audience we're playing
for, which has allowed us to do
a lot of different kinds of things.
We've toured solo, we've opened
for people, we've done rock tours,
we've done pop tours. We really
think we're able to tailor our body
of work and build a set list and
a show to be appropriate for any
audience:'
"When we went into the studio, it quickly became obvious
that we were making a much bigger record that would stand up
against a lot of the music that was
out there-and
that to us was a
thrill because for a long time it
felt like we had a glass ceiling over
our head;' Tegan says. "I think it
was selfimposed:'
Although Heartthrob has brought
Tegan and Sara many new fans,
some of their longtime supporters are uncomfortable with this
mainstream success, a fact that
Tegan is keenly aware of.
"We wanted to make new music
and we wanted it to sound completely different;' she says. "We
wanted to access the mainstream
and make a difference, and from a
musical perspective we wanted to
be heard by more people, and it
"It's a pretty big spectru~;'
Tegan says, recounting some epIC
moments in the Heartthrob record
cycle.
"Standing on stage with Ellie
Goulding and Katy Perry and
Sara Bareilles, and all of those
moments are fucking crazy, headout-of-body experiences. On the
other end of the spectrum is debuting on the Billboard charts,
or in the Top 20 on Top 40 radio.
These are all crazy achievements
·we wanted to access
the mainsheam and
make a difference. -but we are stillTegan
and Sara and that
hasn't changed:
has changed the game for us and
it does feel good, but we are still
Tegan and Sara and that hasn't
changed:'
With the success of Heartthrob
has come opportunities for song
placements and corporate sponsorships, an often-divisive subject
among indie music fans, and yet
another new opportunity for the
women.
Making music together for
more than 15 years is an accomplishment that the Quins value,
and one that they never lose sight
o£ despite the thrilling moments
they have racked up recently.
that I never assigned any value to
until recently, and to have them
appear in our life, and to realize
how valuable they are, these are
all incredible things that I am
terribly, terribly proud of'
As for what's next, the women
are content to continue riding
the wave of Heartthrob, touring
until Christmas 2014 and reaching more fans, new and old alike.
As Tegan says, "Every day you
pick up a little more speed, and
you spread your arms a little bit
wider:' ( teganandsara.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
47
W
ith a voice as smooth and
rich as molasses, Sweet Baby
J'ai, artistic director of the
Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival, loves
"making shit happen:' The Kansas City jazz
singer has taken on the world. She grew up
with "tree~lined streets, beautiful fountains,
the best barbecue in the world, and every
sort of music-not just the legendary jazz
and blues the city is known for, but also rock,
R&B, classical and country, if you looked for
it;' she explains. Missouri may be the Show~
Me State, but J'ai decided to look around
for hersel£ too, living in New York City, San
Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Portland, Chicago,
Tokyo and finally Los Angeles, where she
has settled.
Her mom nicknamed her Sweet Baby
when she was born, and growing up sur~
rounded by music, it's no accident that J'ai
became a jazz singer. "Nicknames create a
certain fascination and mystery;' she says.
"Think about Lady Day, the Count, Bird,
Satchmo-when
you hear those names,
jazz lovers know instantly who you're talking
about. In fact, those jazz musicians were
some of my earliest influences. My father
was a jazz and blues guitarist, and I grew
up listening to his collection of music. My
uncle played with Billie (Holiday] and my
cousin played with Dizzy [Gillespie], so I
got the interesting stories that went along
with the names:'
J'ai has gone on to share the stage with
music legends Etta James, Melissa Etheridge,
Sheila E., Chaka Khan, k.d. lang, and Jill
Scott. She knows the kind of musical talent
lesbians love, so she's perfect to be running
this jazz festival,which will take place during
Dinah Shore Week.
"I thought it would be a brilliant idea to
bring a jazz festival to The Dinah, but not
just any jazz festival-an all~women'sjazz
fest! Dinah Shore Week is one of the largest
lesbian events in the world, so it made per~
feet sense to host the Palm Springs Women's
Jazz Festival that weekend:'
In addition, the festival aims to provide
entertainment to a specific demographic,
"anyone over 30 and all of those golfers in
town for the LPGA who are too tired from
being on the green all day to stand up in
a packed club with a bunch of teenagers;'
laughsJ'ai.
As artistic director, J'ai is responsible for
attracting national and local talent; help~
ing to make the festival look, sound, and
be world class; and delivering one of the
best lineups in women's jazz today. There is
something for everyone, she says-'contem~
porary jazz, smooth jazz, straight~ahead,
blues, Latin jazz, soul, funk, and a whole
lotta love and estrogen!"
The festival, which debuted last April,
was a success then and is set to grow."I have
a recipe for a good show, which is similar to
my recipe for Sweet Baby's 'Slap Yo' Mama'
Greens-guaranteed
to wake you up and
leave you begging for more;' she laughs.
"By bringing together a carefully crafted,
eclectic selection of exceptional performers,
my Women in Jazz All~Stars always pro~
duce memorable and unexpected surprises!
The festival features an amazing lineup of
talent, including the Smooth Jazz Super~
stars, trumpeter Cindy Bradley and saxo~
phonist Pamela Williams, the vocalist and
Living Legend Award-winner Lady GG,
Grammy~nominated vocalist Perla Batalla,
the saxophonist Carol Chaikin, the multi~
award~winning guitarist Mimi Fox, inter~
nationally renowned violinist Karen Briggs,
and many more! It is so much fun I can't stop
smiling. I've got a lil' sumptin'~sumptin' for
you. I'll be singing and playing my butt off!"
She invites all Curve "divas" to support
the festival,which takes place over four days,
April 3 through April 6, 2014, with 10 con~
certs, a gala brunch show, the full spectrum
of jazz and blues, after parties, tributes to
legendary divas, food, drinks, warm weather,
beautiful views of the San Jacinto Moun~
tains-and over 40 acclaimed female musi~
cians."I think it's very important that women
support other women. Music tells a storyevery chord, every note, every word-and
every woman on that stage will have a story
to tell:' (sweetbabyjai.com) •
Palm Springs:
Sweet Baby ,T'ai
BY GEORGIA KROKUS
48
CURVE
MARCH
2014
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
MARCH
2014
CURVE
49
ovincetown:
ndrea
Meyerso
A
ndrea Meyerson might well be
known as "Ms. Lesbian Show~
biz''-that
is, if she weren't as
famous for her activism as she is for her
lesbian entertainment. A producer of
concerts and live comedy shows, and the
founder of StandOut Productions, Mey~
erson has staged events featuring some of
the country's best~known comics and sing~
ers, including Wanda Sykes, Roseanne
Barr, k.d. lang, Brandi Carlile, and Joan
50
CURVE
MARCH
2014
Armatrading. She completed and released
her first film, Laughing Matters, in 2003
and has more than 30 productions to her
credit, most of which have aired on tele~
vision in the U.S. and Canada. In 2002,
she was the recipient of the Los Angeles
Gay & Lesbian Center's L.A.C.E (Les~
bians Active in Community Empower~
ment) Award; in 2004, PowerUp honored
her as one of the 10 Amazing Women in
Showbiz; and in 2006, she received the
Outstanding Woman Award from
the Women's Image Network and
was a finalist for PlanetOut's En~
trepreneur of the Year. In 2007,
Meyerson became the first out
lesbian to receive the YWC/\.s
Women of Achievement Award in
Arts & Entertainment for empow~
ering women and eliminating rac~
ism; and in 2008, she received the
Human Rights Campaign's Local
Hero Award. During their Alaska
Cruise in 2013, Pride of the Ocean
Film Festival at Sea honored her
with their "Body of Work'' Award.
She's also the founder of Women
On A Roll, one of the country's
largest travel and social organiza~
tions for lesbians-and
you might
say that Meyerson herself is on
quite a roll.
Born and raised in Southern
California, where she still lives,
Meyerson is staging her next big
adventure in Provincetown, which
has for some time provided a back~
drop for her contributions to les~
bian culture. "My very first visit to
Provincetown was during an East
Coast trip with an ex~girlfriend in
1994. We had spent time in Bos~
ton and Martha's Vineyard and
only stayed in P~town for the day.
I loved it. It is such a special place
and I always knew I'd go backjust didn't know I would go back
another 15 times, and counting!"
In 1998, Meyerson offered a
Women On A Roll trip there
during Women's Week. "We took
28 women on that first trip and
everyone loved it, including me! I
decided it would become an annual
trip for Women On A Roll. Now it
typically sells out, as we can only
accommodate up to 45 women:'
Those lucky women come from all over
the country to participate in this land~
mark lesbian event. "We provide the best
opportunities available during their stay. In
addition to offering group outings to see
top talent and attend all the main events,
we organize exclusive dining at the finest
restaurants. We also provide sand dune
hikes and bike rides on the secluded Beech
Forest Trail. And we stay at one of the
most beautiful inns in town-Anchor
Inn
Beach House-where
we host a free party
FEATURES/
every year. We take over the entire inn, so
it's always lots of fun just hanging out in
the lobby or on the veranda:'
While some feel that P-town appeals
only to older lesbians, Meyerson disagrees.
"I really don't think it matters if you're older
or younger. It truly offers something for
everyone. It's ageless and timeless and provides an absolutely beautiful place in the
world for us to be ourselves. Aside from
the dancing and partying, there is a lot of
culture-our
culture! Most of our favorite
lesbian entertainers perform there: Kate
Clinton, Vickie Shaw, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Karen Williams, Jessica Kirson,
Jennie McNulty, Mimi Gonzalez, Melissa
Ferrick, Cris Williamson, Suede, the list
goes on and on. There are several lesbianthemed plays, shows, and art exhibits-and
then there's Kate Clinton's famous touch
football-not
to be missed!"
For those new to P-town, Meyerson
recommends visiting in October, during
Women's Week! And she has a few favorite
activities to recommend, too, such as taking the Beech Forest bike ride; dropping
in to the Lobster Pot for a Bloody Mary,
a lobster roll, or a bowl of dam chowder;
hiking through the sand dunes; and, of
course, checking out a lesbian stand-up
comedy show. "But don't ask me to pick
which ones! They are all top-notch comics
and you really can't go wrong," says Meyerson.
(womenonaroll.com) •
LOCAL LESBIA
BE
APART
OFP-TOWN
HISTORY
2014 marks the 30th
anniversary of Women's
Week in Provincetown.
The organizers and founders have allowed Andrea
Meyerson to capture this
milestone event in her
eighth documentary,
Clambake: 30 Years of
Women's Week in Provincetown, which she is
currently crowd funding.
Donations to the project
are 100 percent taxdeductible and come with
"thank you" rewards, not
to mention the satisfaction of knowing that you
contributed to making
a part of lesbian history.
(clambakethemovie.com)
MARCH
2014
CURVE
51
W
hen Jamie Yocono first began
working with wood in her
father's workshop in Los
Angeles, she was just a kid. Back then, she
never dreamed that she'd actually found
her niche in life. And that what had be,
gun as a childhood pastime would lead to
a college degree in furniture design and
a career in woodworking. Today, she lives
much of her life surrounded by sawdust
and students, commissions and cameras.
52
CURVE
MARCH
2014
(Her popular blog Let's Talk Wood was
recently named one of the top 20 wood,
working blogs on the web.)
Jamie is the owner and operator-or,
as she puts it, chief cook and bottle wash,
er-of Wood It Is! in Las Vegas, where
she builds custom cabinetry and teaches
people how to work with wood. In her
industrial,size
woodshop,
she offers
classes on everything from the very basics
to advanced furniture,making. She offers
classes through local colleges, in their
Continuing Education departments, and
also teaches one,on,one.
"Private lessons are a wonderful alter,
native for anyone coming to Vegas who
might want to squeeze in something
besides gambling;' she says, adding that
Las Vegas is finally becoming an arts
community, rich in all mediums-wood
included.
When Yocono moved to Vegas 10
years ago, she realized that it was easier
to find a GSA meeting than a woodwork,
ing community-prompting
her to start
Sin City Woodworkers, a group that
includes everyone from hobbyists to pro,
fessionals. They meet at her woodshop
once a month to share techniques, ideas,
and tips. "Since there wasn't a community
here, I had to create one;' she says. And
that she has.
Of course, living in Las Vegas brings
a unique dynamic to her woodworking
clientele-she's
taught private lessons
to poker pros and Cirque du Soleil art,
ists, and built commissions for Air Force
generals, brothel workers, Thunderbird
pilots and even members of the Saudi
Arabian royal family.
Three of her pieces were recently com,
missioned by the Royal Saudi Air Force
and now hang in various Saudi Arabian
palaces-as a lesbian the irony is not lost
on her. Not bad for someone who started
by making rubber band guns and skate,
board cars at the age of 6. By the time she
was 16, Yocono was building full,size
furniture and thinking about studying
furniture design in college. After earn,
ing her degree from Ohio University,
she opened up Wood It Is! and started
making custom furniture.
"Someone told me to find a way to
make a living doing what I love and it will
never feel like work;' she says. Clearly,
she's one of those lucky enough to have
found a way to do it.
Yocono's classes, which fill up quickly and
have equal numbers of men and women,
keep her busy most weeknights. In her
spare time, she turns to clay for fun. She
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
operates a complete ceramic studio in her
backyard, where she makes the tile inlays
that she uses in her furniture.
''A day offr That's for working on my
own pieces;' she says, or for getting inspiration from her surroundings-whether
mountain biking in the desert or heading
to Chinatown for a good meal. The local
community is also important.
"I love collaborative art. I'm always on
the hunt to work with other artists-be
that mixing our mediums or simply discussing our work;' says Yocono, before
she fires up her table saw and begins
cutting wood, prepping for an upcoming
class. 'Tm immersed in wood, it's what I
love-how lucky am It (wooditis.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
53
L
ike many New Yorkers, Linda
Schlapp pursued the good life,
going for the best that Manhattan had to offer, working in fashion, real
estate, and information security. And yet
she felt that something was missing in her
life. Upon reflection, she decided that her
greatest joy came from her volunteer work,
and therefore chose to pursue a different
career path. Her first job in the nonprofit sector was with Global Volunteers, an
international development organization
where she became the first country manager in China. After she had developed
new programs for them around the
54
CURVE
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2014
world, she went on to work for other
nonprofit organizations, including the
International Gay and Lesbian Human
Rights Commission.
"It is hard to pinpoint the exact moment
of my epiphany. It was more like a series
of events;' says Linda Schlapp about why
she now dedicates her career to LGBT
voluntourism. These events included seeing
people lined up outside Chick-fil-A to
support Dan Cathy's homophobic statements; reading the hate speech signs carried by members of the Westboro Baptist
Church in Kansas; hearing about the "Kill
the Gays" bill in Uganda and the anti-gay
protests around the world. "I kept thinking, 'These people hate me and they don't
even know me! They don't take time to see
that I am human: And I knew it was time
to show the haters, and the world, who we
really are:'
While LGBT activists play an essential
role in changing laws worldwide, LGBT
volunteers-or citizen diplomats-in communities around the world make an enormous impact at a human level. In her
years of volunteering with global communities in need, Schlapp saw firsthand
how fear and prejudice dissipate when
people work together, share ideas, and
listen to one another. "I knew if I provided
the LGBT community with the opportunity to work side-by-side with others
from different communities, ultimately
people would learn that we're all more
alike than different:'
Schlapp approached Global Volunteers
because "for the past 30 years they have
promoted understanding between different races, traditions, religions and ethnic
heritages to help build a foundation for
world peace and justice through service:'
At her suggestion, they expanded their
mission to include LGBT volunteer vacations and to promote understanding between people of all sexual orientations
and genders.
In travel, "safety trumps everything,"
says Schlapp, who notes that some countries are not yet ready for such a program.
"Global Volunteers does not send volunteers to countries where it would be
dangerous to be an openly outi member
of the LGBT community. Instead, we
focus on [sending volunteers to] our existing program locations, in countries with
an emerging awareness of LGBT human
rights, which we can help move forward
while still providing a safe environment
for the volunteers:'
Global Volunteers has programs on
every continent except Antarctica, and by
2015 it will have LGBT-designated teams
or exclusive group travel in Italy, Greece,
Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba,
the Cook Islands, Vietnam and bhe Blackfeet Nation in Montana. When asked
about her favorite destination, Schlapp,
who has traveled to 40 countries around
the world, reveals that going to Vietnam,
on her first trip with Global Volunteers,
changed her life. "The experience gave me
the opportunity to step outside of myself
FEATURES/
and away from my life back home. The
Vietnamese I met were so peaceful and
content. I will never forget the serene faces
of the people who became my friends, nor
their generosity, even though they had so
little for themselves. It made me want to
live a life of service;' she says. Vietnam
also made her "look deeply inward to what
would really make me happy and who I
really was. I came out to me in Vietnam:'
While voluntourism is transformative
to both the host community and the volunteer, there are some things that enthusiastic newbies need to keep in mind. "Be
flexible and open-minded and you'll be
amazed at what you'll experience-what
you'll see and the people you'll meet;' says
Schlapp. She also says that although the
experience offers a non-touristy weeklong
vacation, and the opportunity to see a new
environment through the eyes of the locals,
with your evenings and weekends free
to enjoy the local color, a full-day work
itinerary at the invitation and under the
direction of local community partners is
involved. "Don't be afraid to roll up your
sleeves and work hand-in-hand
with
local people, because this is when true
friendships are born and prejudices are
eradicated:'
And if you're worried that the experience won't be enough of a gay-cation for
you, Schlapp says that as part of your free
time, a program of LGBT cultural activities will be offered. Prominent local LGBT
activists and allies from the arts, politics,
and academia will be invited to discuss
issues relevant to the LGBT community,
and outings to local LGBT centers, social
clubs, restaurants, and other establishments
may also be arranged-all
depending on
the nature and accessibility of the LGBT
community in the host country.•
LOCAL LESBIA
IFYOU
GO
Global Volunteersis a nonprofit internationaldevelopment organization.Service
program fees for volunteer
vacations and all programrelated expenses (including
travel, visas,and the like) are
tax-deductible for U.S.taxpayers,except for the Cuba
Now! People-to-PeopleProgram. Service program fees
range from $995-$3,795
and include three meals a
day, lodging in tourist-class
accommodations, ground
transportation,emergency
evaluation insurance,a
trained team leader, project
materials,and administrative costs. The itinerariesfor
2014 include Italy, April 26May 3; Greece, August 2-9;
Peru, September 20-27; and
Ecuador,November 22-29
(globalvolunteers.org)
MARCH
2014
CURVE
55
Colorado:
Pa~cha McKeough
BY EDIE STULL
G
uffey, Colo., population under
100, sits at 8,600 feet in the
Southern Rockies, west of Colo~
rado Springs. It's a town that time forgot,
a page ripped out of Roadside Americafull of odd sculptures, historic buildings,
antiques and old vehicles-it
even has
a cat as the honorary mayor. Outside of
town, your next~door neighbor is prob~
ably acres away-and could be a lesbian
drawn to the area's solitude, beauty, and
sense of community.
Pascha McKeough found Guffey de~
cades ago, when she decided to make
some significant life changes, including
living as a lesbian.
In the early 1980s, Pascha stepped
back and looked at her life-28 years of
marriage, 45 years of Catholicism, and 30
years in medical technology-and
real~
ized that none of it was working. "With
the support of my spiritual director, a
wonderful mystical elderly Franciscan
nun, I, with great trepidation, left those
areas of my life, one by one.
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2014
"I came from Wisconsin and was look~
ing for a special place in the mountains
for a healing and wellness center. When I
found this piece of 28 acres looking out at
Pikes Peak, I knew it was home:'
In 1994, she went to Taos to take a
break from the small pup tent in which
she was living. It was there that she
discovered Michael Reynolds and his
Earthships-passive
solar houses con~
structed from natural and recycled ma~
terials. Earthships use local resources
and maximize the sun for heating and
light, while their thick outer walls reg~
ulate interior temperatures. "I realized
that building sustainably, living simply,
honoring Mother Earth ...all were where
my heart was:' She decided to build an
Earthship instead of a log cabin.
She got Reynolds' books, found an
Earthshipper architect, and started to
build her home. "Since I had never built
anything before, I decided to get lots
of books out of the library, especially
plumbing and electricity, and studied
each night ...then went out and did what
I had learned:'
Pascha started her Earthship in 1994,
when she was 54 years old. "The 12 years
it took me to build was really my 12~year
technical school. I just kept putting one
foot in front of the other and now have
this amazingly warm, cozy, nontoxic
home to enjoy:'
The foundation of the house is formed
out of earth~filled vehicle tires. "Gaia is
the goddess of the Earth, and since the
Earthship has so much earth packed into
each of her 1,600 old tires, and earth
adobe on her walls and floors, I decided
to name her Gaia:'
While she was building the Earthship,
she lived in a lO~foot~by~12~foot cabin
with no plumbing and no refrigerator,
although it did have electricity, a phone,
and a wood~burning stove. "I lived simply
for those 12 years and it was wonderful.
I learned how much less I needed to be
happy in life:'
The project generated some concerns-
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
Pascha overcame a mountain of regulatory barriers in order to use alternative
construction methods-and
more than
once she considered giving it up, until she
realized that she was building a house
and herself.
Pascha's four children and 10 siblings
were unsure about her life-altering decision. "It was a time of growth and transition for them as well as for me ... yet all
came and helped when they could, and
now my children all come every year to
enjoy the beauty of this remote, quiet,
pristine mountain space:' She moved into
the unfinished home during the summer
of 2006.
Pascha's Gaia Wellness Center offers a
retreat where women can escape the fast
track of life. "They can come and enjoy the
quiet, eat healthy home-cooked meals, sit
by a sacred bonfire or drum away if they
like, soak in an outdoor wood-fired hot
tub, walk the labyrinth, or sit meditatively
in the spirit lodge and enjoy the mountain views. Each person sets their own
pace and way of finding the divine spark
within. Mother Nature and the quiet do
the rest:' (gaiaretreat.magix.net/public/)
•
MARCH
2014
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57
"I used to make scrapbooks as a child with
photos I would cut out of magazines;' says
Layton. "Then, I started taking photos of
rocks, flowers, ducks, etc. When I was 15
years old, I was looking at National Geographic magazine on my couch. As I was
flipping through the pages, I said to my
mom, who was sitting in the room with
me, "I would love to take photos like these:'
She said, 'You know, you can do that for
a living, if you want: I slammed my hand
on the magazine page and said, 'That's
what I'm going to do: I researched the best
[photography] school in the country, Ohio
University, and was lucky enough to have
David Alan Harvey [a National Geographic
photographer who lived down the street]
mentor me. I never looked back and have
enjoyed every moment since:'
"My parents were my biggest fans and
my mentors;' she says."They always encouraged me to follow my dreams. It began with
them, and without their unconditional
love and support I would not be where I
am today:' National Geographic continued
to be an influence, as did the fine art photographer Raymond Gehman, known for
his majestic and epic landscapes.
Layton shoots both portraits and landscapes, which is unusual for a photographer, and she credits her 16 years as a
photojournalist at five different newspapers across the country with giving her
wide-ranging skills. "I had to be good at
photographing just about anything and
everything, in any given light and on deadline;' she says. "Photographing landscapes
and doing portraiture are similar in that,
as a photojournalist, I capture what is real.
For others it may not be, but for me it's
similar, as I look for the inherent energy in
all subject matters:'
This training also helped Layton to learn
how not be intimidated by her celebrity
subjects. "Sometimes I have been intimidated photographing a famous subject.
But then my instincts kick in, and I quickly
realize that they are just people, too. I just
start doing my thing, capturing the moment
and the person before me:'
The out lesbian photographer might
spend her time behind the lens, but she
believes in the power of coming out and
being up-front about it.
"My philosophy has always been, be
100 percent yourself and we can change
the world by coming out to one person at
a time:'
Her latest project, Hoop: The American
Dream, contains both landscape or portrait photography. This lush and colorful
book is quintessential Americana-basketball hoops and the wildly different settings they belong in-and she hopes these
images will "inspire people and children to
follow their dreams.
"Ten years ago, a friend of mine sent
me some basketball hoop photos he had
taken, and I told him that he should do
a book, cards, calendars. He wasn't interested in doing it at all. Years later, I saw a
hoop in the snow and decided to take a
photo of it. I immediately got the 'hoop
bug: I called him right then and asked if he
still didn't want to do it, and if he would he
mind if I did. He said, 'Go for it!"'
The project may have taken Layton all
around the country, but she still calls
Seattle home. That's where she lives with
her partner of six years, Shakti Chen, and
their four adopted rescue dogs.
"I travel quite a bit;' says Layton, "but
just like the old saying goes, there's no
place like home:' (robinlayton.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
59
Theexcitementof beingin Stockholmstarts whenyou are
striding throughbaggageclaim at Arlanda Airport. The
Swedish celebssuch as Ingrid Bergman,featuredin the
StockholmHall of Fame,instantly establish the magical
land upon whichyou've arrived.
Our adventure hurtled head~on into suit~
ing up and boarding a rigid~hulled in~
flatable (RHIB) boat (oppethav.se). This
high~speed adventure is not for the faint
hearted! Board with delight, but be pre~
pared to have the elements flying in your
face. The bodysuit, life vest and goggles
are compulsory, and when you're skim~
ming over the water at 60 mph, clutching
the handle~bar for dear life, you are cer~
tainly grateful for their protection-and
pleased you chose to put your phone
away rather an attempt a selfie.
The second half of our journey to Island
Lodge (islandlodge.se) was another kind
of thrill. Once accustomed to the adren~
alin of the RHIB, we found ourselves
switching pace to a beautiful yacht. We
were served tea, coffee and delicious pas~
tries as we relaxed on a gentle saunter
62
CURVE
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through the Stockholm archipelago. Our
navigators stopped the engines, raised the
sails and we were almost lulled to sleep
watching the late afternoon sun gently
fall to the horizon.
As we disembarked at the remote
Island Lodge I immediately felt the click
of coming off the work grid. Founders and
hosts, Kristina and Torkild took us on a
tour of their small, uninhabited island
( there was no electricity-let
alone Wi~
Fi-until we were back on the mainland
the following day). We immediately
jumped at the chance to relax by grabbing
a beer and heading into the floating sauna.
After reaching a state of intolerable heat,
we braved the frigid elements and jumped
into the ice~cold Baltic with screams of
delight. It was an invigorating, self induced
spa treatment as the sun set and slowly
disappeared. When we finally dragged
ourselves away from our play, our hosts
greeted us with warm, candlelit smiles,
a spread of local fare and delicious wine
presented on locally sourced wooden
tables under the custom~made seafront~
dining tent.
If you need to disconnect from life's
stress, then spend time with loved ones
on this 'glamping" site. You are immersed
in the most glorious natural elements, yet
Torkild will ensure that the wood~burn~
ing stove is stoked in your spacious
high~tech geodesic tent before you tuck
yourself into a comfy bed with fine lux~
ury linen. I can't remember sleeping so
soundly.
After braving the stunning elements
with an open~air shower, and brushing
my teeth over a river stone wash basin, I
warmed up with hand-pumped espresso
coffee and accompanied my friends on
a final exploration of the island's fascinating former rock shelter torpedo
workshop. Here we discovered that old
military patrol tracks still exist amid a
potentially unique event space actually
carved out of the island. However, there
was little time to fantasize as Torkild and
Kristina were waiting to whisk us away to
the ferry back to civilization.
Your passions can dictate how you
spend a Saturday in Stockholm. The city
spoils you for choice with 87 museums,
numerous art galleries and abundant
shopping. On top of that, just walking
down the streets, soaking up the ornately
designed structures is a treat unto itself.
For a visitor, the public transportation is
superb and the locals seem accustomed to
non-Swedish speakers.
The exhibits in the contemporary photography museum Fotografiska (fotografiska.eu)
are haunting, romantic and poetic, with
a hint of sexy. The cutting-edge global
and political, statements in some of the
exhibitions shock you into awareness of
the human plight. The fashion and glamour in others leave you with a myriad of
takeaways-and
a desire to load up in the
souvenir gallery.
Now who doesn't like a little "Dancing
Queen"? Like many of the attractions I
visited, ABBA The Museum ( abbathemuseum.com)
is highly interactive.
Once you have browsed through The
Swedish Music Hall of Fame, which
is housed alongside, you enter the
game-infused delights of this new culture hotspot dedicated to Swedish pop
music-and
of course the legendary
pop band, ABBA. This exhibit is great
for kids and adults alike. Sing on stage
with the band, recording your track in
the studio, and even practice your dance
moves in the dressing room.
Although I had "Super Trouper" stuck
in my head, we took a completely different tack and headed to The UNESCO
World Heritage Woodland Cemetery
(skogskyrkogarden.se)
for a moment
by Swedish screen legend Greta Garbo's gravesite. We made a beeline to pay
homage to the late legendary Hollywood
movie star. Her simple gravestone, with
her signature engraved in gold, stands at
the back of a circular, empty, grassy stage.
To our delight a ginger cat summoned
an appearance and we instantly declared
that here was the spirit of Garbo herself.
After a day's culture there are many
places to let your hair down in Stockholm, especially on a Saturday night. A
unique experience is to kick-off with a
cocktail at The Icebar (icebarstockholm.se)
where everything, including your glass,
is made of ice. Thank goodness for the
thermal capes and gloves, which are provided in order to enjoy the ambiance for
at least a few minutes without enduring
frostbite!
Stockholm's architecture is a welcome feast. I was struck by the buildings' unscathed magnificence. I walked
in wonderment to the The Royal Palace,
(royalcourt.se) where the modern, inclusive Swedish Royal family still resides.
The family is reflective of the general
attitudes of the people and government,
which reports that theirs "was the first
country in the world to include work on
LGBT-related issues in its fundamental law:' Swedish marriage law has been
gender neutral since 2009. Sweden allows
transgender people to serve openly in
their military-something
the United
States, despite the repeal of "Don't' Ask,
Don't Tell;' still bans by policy.
To discern the sumptuous, grandiose,
17th century palace the Royals still call
home, which legally and culturally welcomes all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is certainly a
charming demonstration that tradition
and modernity can co-exist. (gaylesbian.
visitstockholm.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
63
EAT
SLEEP
SEE
SHOP
STOCKHOLM
EAT:
Hotel
Skeppsholmen.
the black and white
tiled ambiance to
make a cozy yet
lively meal to share.
(zinkgrill.se)
The social dining
experience and
SLEEP:
cuisine resemble
EttHem.If you
the twist of this
can afford it, do it.
over 300-year-old
Quite simply this
listed building,
is the place to stay.
which now boasts
Built in 1910 this
modern design
luxury hotel weland eco-friendly
comes you home.
amenities. The
hotel sits on a lush
With only 12
rooms, sojourners
island in the heart
eat in the kitchen
of the bustling
and relax in the
capital providing
living room. The
a tranquil yet
highlight of this
accessible venue.
(hotelskeppsholmen.se) establishment is the
quintessential garLe Rouge.
den and outdoor
Romance is a
dining experience,
which is made
given at this French
fine-dining estabpossible year round
lishment, hidden
with a heated
in the historic city
glass wall veranda.
(etthem.se)
quarters, conjuring
sensibilities of the
Sheraton.
This
Moulin Rouge.
5-star hotel is
(lerouge.se)
ZinkGrill.Around
your shopping,
enjoy a delicious
breakfast, lunch or
dinner here in the
chic Bibliotekstan
district. Family
style dining adds to
conveniently
located within
walking distance of
several museums,
government buildings and public
transportation. The
hotel meets your
expectations in
terms of comfort
and style, and offers
stunning views of
the city. Breakfast is additional
although the buffet
is sumptuous and a
typical Swedish
experience.(sheraton- pieces on display.
stockholm.com)
(millesgarden.se)
SEE:
Millesgarden.
Carl
Milles' wife was a
strong inspiration
for this Swedish
sculptor's breathtaking work. Saunter the grounds and
be fascinated by his
portrayal of powerful women. There
are also homoerotic
department store
offering Swedish
and international
TheVasamuseum. brands such as
The Vasa sank in
Hermes, Mulberry,
Stockholm harbor
J Lindeberg, Filipin 1628 on her
pa K, Acne and
maiden voyage.
Anna Holtblad. At
This incredibly
NK Saluhall visiornate warship was
tors can sample the
rescued from the
best Sweden has
to offer in culinary
seabed in 1961 and
is the world's only
delights. Rosenperfectly preserved
rummet is a private
17th century ship.
lounge that offers
Today visitors learn
assistance with
of the period's rich
personal style and
history on and off
shopping. (nk.se)
deck. (vasamuseet.se)
A StartupStore.
SHOP:
Nordiska
Kompaniet
(NK).
Six-level designer
Initiated from the
non-profit organization Business
Challenge, this
store, showroom
and gallery in
Kulturhuset,
Stockholm features
products and pieces
from Swedish
entrepreneurs. The
prevailing theme
is that hard work
and not giving up
on your dreams
leads to success.
(astartupstore.se)
TRANSPORT:
TheArlanda
Express
is the best
airport transportation. Just 20
minutes from
the Stockholm
Central Station,
you can't go wrong.
(arlandaexpress.se)
IF YOUGO:Buses, trams, trains and ferries are safe, cleanand efficient
in Stockholm.Usethem to your heart's content.Swedendoes not regulate
prices, so taxi fares can vary greatly.Onlyuse thosetaxis with a yellow
numberplate.Ask your hotelconciergefor guidance.
64
CURVE
MARCH
2014
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The history-and
popularity-of
this
green and gentle part of the world, how ever, dates back to La Belle Epoque, when
late 19th century prosperity bequeathed
to the area some stunning European-style
architecture, courtesy of the nouveau riche.
Today, a boat ride through the Parana Delta, the fifth-largest in the world, reveals a
wide range of dwellings-from fin de siecle
mansions, to mid-century modern vacation
homes, to modest holiday bungalowsmost with their own private dock.
But the land and the climate are what
make this place special. The Parana Delta
has its own unique microclimate, which
helps to foster its verdant and exotic
appearance. The heart of this Eden is
undoubtedly Isla El Descanso, a grand
garden estate on the Sarmiento River.
The owner, Claudio Stamato, has
transformed the property over a 20-year
period; and with the help of his partner,
Andres Felipe Duran, who is the director
of public relations for the property, Stamata seeks to promote it internationally
as a center for art appreciation, flora and
fauna, relaxation and well-being.
68
CURVE
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2014
Isla El Descanso has already garnered
international attention: Madonna, who
visited in 2008, liked to take her tea
among the ferns at the river's edge
and wave to passersby as they traveled
through the property by boat. The landscaped gardens are in themselves a work
of art. Water flows through and irrigates
the property, whose soil is fed by nutrient-rich river sediments. I have rarely seen
such stunning vegetation, which changes
dramatically each season. The absence of
roads and cars means that the only sounds
come from the hundreds of
waterways; the somewhat
damp climate helps regulate
frost and blight, providing a sanctuary for plants
from many diverse latitudes.
This is indeed a nature lover's paradise. Stamato and
Duran have carefully manicured the grounds, keeping everything as natural
as possible. The trees grow
around the water, and where
the land dips at the center
of the property are wetlands
and a forest of reeds and willows.
A lagoon provides a safe haven for
countless varieties of birds.
Isla El Descanso came about
through the vision of Claudio
Stamato, who purchased the property in 1993 from the descendants
of the first constitutional president of Argentina. With nothing
but the original marshland for
inspiration, Stamato envisioned
and then built a weekend retreat
where friends could visit. Encouraged by the richness of the land,
he began gardening, and this
quickly grew from a hobby into a
passion. He filled in some of the marsh to
create solid ground, but never forgot the
heritage of the land. The palm trees originally planted by Domingo Sarmiento in
1860 still stand, and the abandoned garden, initially used by the original caretakers, was excavated to reveal decades-old
magnolias, irises, orange blossoms and
other plantings.
Today, the gardens occupy fully half of
the 40-acre park. But perhaps the most
dazzling improvement upon nature has
been the addition of modern art, which
has been strategically incorporated into
the landscape. Large steel sculptures
made by Alberto Baston Diaz, an Argentine who studied in Europe, rise majestically from the grounds. Resembling
the sails, bow, and anchor of a ship, one
such sculpture represents the voyages
that brought so many immigrants to
Argentina. Another stunning work is a
series of bronze music stands that grace
a field of grass. This work of art by Carlos Gallardo was commissioned for the
island and is titled A Toda Orquesta con
la Naturaleza (Everything is in Harmony
With Nature). Perhaps my favorite is the
Talking Bench, a "spaghetti" bench made
from ribbons of metal, which allows
couples in love to sit and contemplate
the little lagoon and other structures in
the garden, such as the Bridge of the Angel of Love and the Temple of Faith.
Because in addition to nature and
art, Stamato and Duran have cultivated
a spiritual purpose for the garden, designing it so that 11 bridges connect its
different areas and symbolize different
things. For example, the first bridge is
called the Bridge of the Angel of Love to
demonstrate the idea that any new venture should begin with love. This bridge
is draped in purple wisteria blossoms and
could have been plucked straight from an
Impressionist painting.
There are many lovely spots in this
garden: here, what appears to be a sea
of singing grasses; there, a secret arbor
inhabited by a statue of Venus. As I
strolled these grounds, I could think of
no better place for a wedding ceremony,
which is indeed one of the services that
Isla El Descanso offers. "Depending on
the budget of the couple, you can include
an orchestra, a carpet of flowers, or even
helicopters filming the ceremony from
the sky;' says Duran.
Other services, in addition to weddings, include bird watching, gastronomy,
guided tours, art events, and corporate
retreats. My visit consisted of a day trip,
a guided garden tour with the handsome
and charming Stamato and Duran, and
an Argentine barbecue lunch.
It was an unforgettable day of relaxation and reflection. To discover that
such places exist in the world because of
the vision of people who seek to work in
harmony with nature was truly inspiring.
I hope to return one day. Now, where's
my bride-to-be? (islaeldescanso.com)
•
V •ISi·t. •• Sweden
www.vi s itswed en .com
Stockholm
The Capital of
Scandinavia
II
Scandinavian
Airlines
igh
Whether you're seeking spring blooms,
summertime farmer's markets, fiery fall
foliage, or a winter hideaway, Blowing
Rock will beckon you into the outdoors to
come enjoy the Appalachian air.
A geological wonder, the "rock" of Blow~
ing Rock is an immense granite outcrop~
ping over a deep green river gorge. This
unique formation, coupled with strong
mountain winds, creates an updraft so
powerful that it lifts light objects-and
has
even inspired an ancient American Indian
love story. According to legend ( and Wiki~
pedia), the Blowing Rock area was claimed
by both the Cherokee and the Catawba
when a brave and a maiden, one from each
tribe, fell in love. When the brave learned
that he had been called to fight against
his lover's people, he threw himself off the
rock in despair. The maiden prayed for his
return and, in answer, a great gust lifted
him back up into her arms. Even now, the
area continues to draw visitors back season
after season for a Blue Ridge blend of hos~
pitality and beauty.
On the way into the town of Blowing
Rock, stop by the rock itself ( theblowin~
grock.com). Ripley'sBelieveIt or Not quips
that Blowing Rock is "the only place in the
world where snow falls upside down:' This
oddity of nature is a sight to behold and
so too are the panoramic views of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and the undulating for~
ests along the Johns River Gorge. Through
old~timey viewfinders, take a gander at
Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east
of the Mississippi River, and its nearby
neighbor, the craggy dome of Grandfather
Mountain. Before leaving, take a free local
map from the gift shop. The village covers
only three square miles, but the streets are
as winding as rhododendron roots, and the
cell service is spotty.
eaven
FEATURES/
TR
WHERETOSTAY
Westglow Resort and Spa offers
such a delightful experiencesix sumptuous rooms, the fine
Rowland's
restaurant,
and
an award-winning spa-that
guests really do leave glowing
( westglowresortandspa.com).
The owners, Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, who have been
a couple for 21 years, have
restored the Greek Revival
mansion and 42-acre estate
to the impeccable standards
of Relais & Chateaux. When
I was there, feminine touches
such as two pairs of women's
slippers, a "makeup" washcloth
for each of us, and a nightly
box of chocolate truffies left
with flowers on both of our
pillows made my partner and
me feel entirely welcome.
"Fog likely" is a local saying that warns visitors about
the ever-changing mountain
weather. If clouds descend,
there is no better place to be
than the Westglow Spa. Voted one of the best boutique destination spas in the country, Westglow lives up to its promise
to guests: "Come to the top of the mountain, leave on top of
the world:' At the spa, you can take advantage of an array of
luxurious, rejuvenating body services, including a Grandfather
Stone Massage and Blue Ridge Body Wrap, as well as facial,
salon, wellness, and fitness services. The quiet relaxation room
at the spa, with a fireplace, hot ginger tea, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lush lounge furniture, will have you floating on cloud
nine in no time.
WHERETOGO
Greet the day with Westglow's generous complimentary breakfast. Each morning, there are surprise specials to try, including
fresh fruit smoothies, warm-from-the-oven muffins, and other
seasonally inspired dishes from either the indulgent menu or
the spa menu.
Afterward, join the ladies of the spa for a guided group hike.
If you need to pick up some hiking gear ( as I did, coming from
New York), stop by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters
(footsloggers.com). Trail shoes and a raincoat are a good idea, as
is a local guide for solo hikes. While you' re at Footsloggers, run
upstairs for a cup of organic coffee from the local favorite, Bald
Guy Brew (baldguybrew.com).
Westglow is situated just moments away from the many walking trails in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (blueridgeheritage.
com). Twenty-five miles of sloping carriage roads wind through
the 3,500-acre country estate. On a clear day, the Watch Tower
Trail offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountaintops.
The ambling 2.5-mile path winds through wildflower fields and
white pine, oak, and hemlock forests. On the way down, follow
the signs to Flat Top Manor.
Flat Top Manor was once the home of Moses Cone, a textile
industrialist known as the Denim King. The view of the horizon, all soft blues and a hazy navy where the ridge meets the
sky, is spectacular. The manor now houses the Parkway Craft
Center, which is full of Appalachian artisan handicrafts (southernhighlandguild.org). For a working studio nearby, visit Bolick
Pottery, currently showcasing traditional clayware made by the
fifth generation of family potters ( traditionspottery.com).
Meander along Blowing Rock's Main Street, strolling through
boutiques, galleries, and a turn-of-the-century
treasure trove,
the Martin House (1098 Main Street). Kilwins Chocolates &
Ice Cream is a delicious treat (kilwins.com). However, if you're
in the mood for something merrier, veer off onto Sunset Drive
and make your way to the Inn at Ragged Gardens (raggedgardens.com). Boasting the area's best wine cellar, and beers
from the village's first microbrewery, Ragged Gardens invites
one and all to enjoy live music on the lawn on Fridays at 5:30
p.m., weather permitting.
We were fortunate to visit during a sunny spell, making it
possible to enjoy these outdoor festivities in the evening and
then rise the next morning for an unforgettable hike in Julian
Price Memorial Park. Susceptible to flooding, the Boone Fork
Loop Trail was-for once in a blue moon-passable.
The invigorating 5-mile hike is part of the North Carolina Mountainsto-Sea Trail and it was well worth its challenges (ncmst.org).
Mist-shrouded forests above, mossy rhododendron roots below,
boulders ahead, mountain creeks alongside, with every step it
was a pleasure to join nature at play.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
71
WHERETOEAT
Blowing Rock is a stone's
throw from the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Rippling for 250
miles through North Carolina, the parkway is full
of dazzling overlooks and
vista trails. Head south toward the Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304). This
breathtaking
bridge was
built around the highest
peak in the chain, Grandfather Mountain, to preserve
its environmentally fragile
terrain. Driving at 35 mph
over this feat of engineering
feels similar to riding' round
the bend of a roller coaster.
Don't speed; tickets start at
$250.
For lunch, exit the parkway and zigzag toward
Spruce Pine. The farm-totable eatery Knife & Fork
merits the 30-mile meander
(knifeandforknc.com). Chef
Nathan Allen serves up
inspired dishes from locally grown produce and fowl. The seasonal menu
changes daily, but the Buttermilk Fried Chicken is
not to be missed-nor
is dessert. Heading back on
the parkway, stop at Milepost 316 for a 1-mile leg
stretcher to lovely Linville Falls.
For dinner in town, the landmark Bistro Roca
and Antlers Bar on Wonderland Trail delights
locals and visitors alike with its robust American fare (bistroroca.com). Start with the Antlers'
wood-fired flatbread and finish with a piece of
homemade buttermilk pie. The Habi Burger, with
all the fixins basted in homemade habanero sauce,
and the Mountain Trout with pistachio pesto are
excellent choices in between. Make a reservation
for the three-season back porch and hope for a
thunderstorm.
But no one would blame you if you went no farther than Westglow's own world-class restaurant.
Rowland's proudly serves hearty steaks, seafood,
and game meats alongside fresh-from-the-farmer'smarket fare. In the Library Bar, be sure to have
a nightcap of regional wine or southern whisky.
As you enjoy the cordial company, you'll find
yourself surrounded by floor-to-ceiling portraits
of Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer as they welcome
to Westglow such esteemed guests as k.d. lang,
Hillary Clinton, and Gloria Steinem. In this
deeply red state, the Shaefers provide a wellspring of true-blue hospitality.•
72
CURVE
MARCH
2014
S/eep-owqyadventuresat
Autostrodd!e's
A-Comp4.0
BY EMELINA MINERO
I PHOTOS BY ROBIN ROEMER
MARCH
2014
CURVE
73
Wednesday,
Odoter 9
Imagine 300 queer women and trans people
camping together, 16 to a two-bathroom
heated cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains-that's what awaited me last fall as I
arrived at LAX by way of SFO at 9 a.m.
Heading to A-Camp for the first time,
I recalled my memories of being a camp
counselor and an undergrad at RandolphMacon Woman's College. I imagined
A-Camp would be something like both
those experiences: safe, welcoming and
liberating. I was right. I noticed a congregation of women in the airport and
introduced myself, catching each of their
names and some of their stories. By the
time I got on the shuttle-and
I do recommend taking the shuttle to A-Camp.
It's a safe space, within a bubble, and
makes you feel welcome before camp
even starts-I
felt like I had about 100
new queer friends and things were off to
a great start.
I met Brittney from Louisiana. This
was her second year at A-Camp. She
told me about the color wars, how different cabins compete to win the title of
the color war champion. I met Kate from
Illinois. She was filled with energy and
conversation, and she brought me back
an iced vanilla latte on her airport Starbucks run. I met Cassie and Karrie from
Canada. I learned about the political climate in their country, and their passion
for and involvement with music. I told
them that I was performing standup for
the first time at the A-Camp Carnival,
that I'd be giving a CAMP Talk as well,
and that I hadn't prepared for either one.
They promised to sit up front, cheer
me on, and laugh at my jokes, even if I
wasn't funny.
As we were entering the campgrounds,
74
CURVE
MARCH
2014
I felt like Lucy from The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe when she exits the
wardrobe into a snow-covered forest.
As I walked toward the registration cabin among 60 other queers, my carry-on
in one hand and my backpack over my
shoulder, I saw campers who'd arrived
before us already making snow angels
FEATURES/
TR
Thursday,
October I0
>
and throwing
snowballs. When we
neared the registration cabin, we were
greeted by "Hello"s and "Welcome"s. It
was surreal to be in this queer utopian
society where everyone was open and
friendly. As someone who feels truly at
home in very few environments, I have
to say this was one of them.
A-Camp is part sleep-away camp, part
conference, and all queer. Each day, there's
a mix of panels, workshops, and outdoor
activities. The panels are interactive and
the audience participation is heavy. They
aren't just one-way conversations-they're
group discussions.
My favorite panel today was Crazy/
Beautiful. It was about mental health
within the queer community. In general,
mental health issues are grossly misrepresented and shrouded in shame. I was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder about a year ago, and it was both surreal and amazing
to listen to so many people talk openly about their depression and anxiety, their bipolar,
eating, or borderline personality disorders. Just as it is with our sexuality, if our mental
health status differs from the accepted norm, we're taught to keep it to ourselves. That
panel put a lot of faces to labels that most people identify as "other;' and that included
staff, counselors, and campers. It normalized the variety within the mental health spectrum. At first, I felt anxious walking into that
panel. By the end of it, I
realized that I still held
on to shame around
my mood disorder, and
through the discussion
at that panel, through
those shared stories, and
through A-Camp, I was
able to begin to let go of
that shame.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
75
Friday,October I I
Today was filled with a lot of my
favorite activities: the Tardy for the
Party panel, the A~Camp Carnival,
performing my first standup routine
during Comedy Night, and dancing
at A~Camp~alooza and Club Deer.
Every night, Deer Cabin turned from
a venue where we attended panels and
workshops into our very own night~
club. A different A~Camp staff would DJ each night and it was
the spot for debauchery, dancing and drinking. The Tardy for
the Party panel, about coming out later in life, has been my
favorite so far, and it was the panel I could relate to least. Staff
and campers shared their stories about not realizing they were
queer until further into adulthood, and what it was like to come
out and explore their sexuality later in life. Some of them spoke
about ending their marriages, about what it's like to start dating
again after they'd had kids, and feeling silly exploring their
gender expression later in life. It was great being exposed to a
diversity of experiences and people outside my daily life.
-=
-~
Saturday,October 12
....
:~--
;_~_;.~~·:,_~--
I filled my day with interviews, a wine tasting, CAMP Talksthey're like TED Talks-and
queer prom. Today was a lot more
slow~paced, not due to a lack of activities but because I made
one~on~one conversations my main focus. I interviewed a hand~
ful of staff and campers about their A~Camp experience (you
can watch all my interviews at curvemag.com).
On my way to Club Deer, where I had planned to interview
some people during the Femmecraft workshop, I ran into Kathy
Wolfe, the founder of Wolfe Video, and her girlfriend, Barbara
Verhage. That was one of the highlights of my day. They told me
that when they were younger they went to a similar queer camp,
in fact it was how they first met, although they didn't start dat~
ing until 10 years later. I learned how Wolfe Video and Lesbian.
com got started, and we talked about the progression of LGBT
rights during Kathy's lifetime. She's really looking to younger
generations to carry on this work of furthering our rights. I felt
honored that she and Barbara shared some of their history and
some of their hopes with me.
I took away a lot from A~Camp. I left feeling more at home with
mysel£ more in love with mysel£ and more accepting of mysel£ I
also left with new friends and great relationships that I'll foster out~
side of A~Camp-that is, until we reunite next year! (a~camp.org) •
76
CURVE
MARCH 2014
GO:
The question really is, what's not to do?
For those water sports enthusiasts who
want to experience the thrill of a life~
time, Fury's Famous Ultimate Adventure
(furycat.com/key~west) is a must. And
there's no need to be skillful-the
staff
will teach you all you need to know.
With jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking
and parasailing, free wine and beer,
breakfast and lunch included, it's a fun~
filled all~day adventure-not
to mention
the fact that the staff is quite the eye
candy too.
To get a true all~lesbian experience,
hop aboard Venus Charters ( venuschar~
ters.com), for a day of fishing, snorkel~
ing, or dolphin watching. Who knows?
Maybe you'll even find your catch of
the day.
If you're tight on cash, head over to
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic
State Park, Key West's only
natural beach. It's known for its
great snorkeling, beautiful coral
reefs, swimming, picnicking (yes,
they have a grill), and nature trails
great for bicycling.
Not interested in getting wet?
Then head over to Mallory Square
and stroll through the streets to
find boutiques, museums, live theater
and restaurants. Take the Gay & Les~
bian Historic Trolley Tour to see the
sights of Key West in a most fabulous
and humorous fashion. At sunset, the
ocean's beautiful backdrop is the perfect
setting for acrobats and musicians,
who fill the streets with life as the dusk
turns to night.
EAT:
Key West has an abundance of great
restaurants, though no one would argue
if you put the Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
( thefl.amingbuoy.com) right at the top.
With its chic and romantic fl.air,it's the
place to take your honey for some of
the best surf and turf in the city. Not to
mention the deliciously decadent lobster
macaroni and cheese. If your motto is
"Sharing is caring;' then Abbondanza
Italian Restaurant ( abbondanzakeywest.
com), with its oversize portions, is the
place for you-and
a large group of
friends and family. For brunch, check out
Martin's Restaurant (martinskeywest.
com); the eggs Benedict is definitely
worth a try. If you're looking for a quick
bite to eat, B.O:s Fish Wagon (bosfish~
wagon.com) has a unique and rustic
atmosphere, and is known for its crack
conch "seawiches:' For dessert, you must
try Better Than Sex (betterthansexkey~
west.com). The place will seduce your
taste buds-and
it's perfect for whisper~
ing late~night sweet nothings in her ear.
You can't leave Key West without trying
a slice of key lime pie. Stop by Kermit's
Key Lime Pie Shop (keylimeshop.com)
for a chocolate~covered frozen key lime
pie on a stick, and then grab an authentic
cup of Cuban coffee from Sandy's Cafe
(kwsandyscafe.com).
WHERETOMEETGIRLS:
Key West is known as a wide~open town;
so, believe me, even though it has no spe~
cific lesbian hangouts, the Pink Triangle
area on Duval Street can offer a girl every~
thing she needs. The area hosts many
gay~ and lesbian~owned businesses but
Aqua (aquakeywest.com) stands out, first
among equals, as a great place for lesbians
to indulge in some drinking, dancing and
drag shows-especially on the weekends.
However, you can also create plenty of
memories at WomenFest, the annual
event (Sept. 4-7 this year) where lesbians
from all over the world gather for the south~
ernmost lesbian party (womenfest.com)
in America. Talk about "Come on down"!
(fl.a~keys.com) •
MARKtTP
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MARCH
2014
CURVE
79
TLOOKtSTARS
AlI Bets Are Off
So much for "in like a lion and out like a lamb" with
Mars in retrograde this March. By Charlene Lichtenstein
Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20)
want to reveal this month and
intuition says, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
You are too hot to handle this
no more. Be polite but firm
try to be non-committal
March. Your love life is rife
about your privacy. The rest
you see how the games play
with incredible sex, jealousy
will be grist for the gossip mill.
out. Even tiny actions have a
Leo (July 24-Aug. 23)
mountains as long as you
and passion. Some Guppies
like it that way but others see
huge impact. It is OK to move
the value in quiet, behind
Lionesses are tempted to roar
know where you are going to
the scenes maneuvering and
to anyone and everyone this
place them.
massaging, slow and steady.
March but there are some
things that are better left
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Aries (March 21-April 20)
unsaid. Instead of complaining,
Gal pals want to get into your
Are lovergrrls starting to get on
look at the sunny side of life,
business but you need to
your nerves? Are you finding
especially with your treasured
know where to draw the line.
more comfort in your platonic
relationships. You may find that
Thankfully Sagittarians seem
relationships? You're tempted
rubbing hot oil works better
to have the gift of the gab this
to make a dramatic decision.
than splashing cold water.
But don't do anything extreme,
PISCES %
(Feb. 20-March 20) %
%
Guppies ache for a %
faithful relationship. %
She is in love with love %
%
and can't wait to find %
a lovergrrl with whom %
to share her dreams %
of blissful happiness. %
%
She loves children %
and avidly seeks a %
partnership with a %
%
like-minded woman. %
If you settle in with a %
Sapphic Pisces, expect %
%
the pitter-patter of %
little feet within the %
first two years, and I %
don't mean cats! Her %
%
naive optimism in %
relationships is often %
put to the test and, as %
%
much as she desires a %
forever, she is a mutable %
sign who knows when %
%
forever simply means %
for the time being. %
%
%
%
Charlene
Lichtenstein
istheauthor%
%
of HerScopes:
A Guide
to Astrology
%
(Simon
& Schuster)-%
forLesbians
%
tinyur/.
com/HerScopes.
1/,
Nowavailable
asanebook.%
80
CURVE
MARCH
2014
until
March and can turn on their
sweet spigot to let their honey
Aries. There is no reason to
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23)
flow. You wow the masses.
throw out your baby with her
Hold onto your dough this
Now you need to figure out
dirty bath water, especially
March and watch it rise
how to make good use of this
when a dirty bath for two can
through the spring. You work
supportive energy.
calm any turgid whirlpool.
far too hard for too long to
waste it on gaudy trinkets, no
Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20)
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
matter how sexy and attractive
If you are angling for a raise
If work is piling up so much
they seem to be. Focus on
or a promotion, you can ask
that you feel that it can bury
investments and savings.
for it this March. Capricorns
you, maybe you need someone
Virgins with an urge to splurge
are bursting with charm and
to work under you? Taureans
should remember to save a
charisma and are ready to
can be very charming to
little something for a rainy day.
spread their oil on any hot
and find ways to polish the
Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)
you get from bosses, the
apple where it does not seem
You burst on the scene like a
harder they expect you to
obvious. The politics will go
supernova, Libra. Will you have
work. Are you up for the
staying power or will you be
challenge? If so, go and grab.
the corporate powerbrokers
your way.
plate. Of course the more
just a flash in her pants? It may
If not, butter and prime your
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
not make a difference to you
powerbrokers now and wait
Fun and travel mix into a
this March because you are
until the summer to BBQ.
potent concoction this March.
having so much fun doing what
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)
Expand your horizons with a
you are doing. Go on, have fun
last minute vacation or, if time
and party hearty but try to rein
Aqueerians have the world on
and money are tight, try things
in your more "exotic" moves
a string this March as ladies
that you have never tried
when you are hobnobbing with
from all over the world enter
before that are a little closer to
the noobs, lest your own knobs
your orbit. Will your global
home. Adventuresome Twins
get singed.
outreach bring you love? Will it
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
you propel your long hoped for
Cancer (June 22-July 23)
There are bundles of "wilde"
goals into the stratosphere?
What is it about certain
energy going on behind the
Anything is possible this
relatives that makes them so
scenes. It shakes up your
March. But you have to take
nosey about your personal
landscape and charges you up.
careful, calculated action to
business? Reveal what you
But no matter how much your
make it happen.•
can get into mischief.
bring you influence? Will it help
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MARCH
2014
FEATURES
36
THE WOMEN OF
BURNING MAN
Once a year, Black
Rock Desert, Nevada,
becomes the scene for a
queer-friendly spectacle
of self-expression and
discovery at Burning Man.
By Jocelyn Voo
~o
MORE THAN LIP SERVICE
The multifaceted career of
Heather Peace continues.
By Tiffany Lowana
~s
LOCAL LESBIANS
Around the country,
diverse women are making
contributions to their
communities.
60
ANNUAL TRAVEL
SPECIAL
Our guide to the best
lesbian travel for 2014.
From Sapphic Stockholm,
to an oasis in Argentina,
to a lesbian-owned spa in
North Carolina. It's time
to plan your vacation!
COVERPHOTOBYZOEYGROSSMAN
MARCH 2014
CURVE
1
MARCH
2014
IN EVERYISSUE
6
EDITOR'S NOTE
8
FEEDBACK
9
CURVETTES
10
THE GAYDAR
80
STARS
TRENDS
REVIEWS
11 THIS IS WHAT A
LESBIAN LOOKS LIKE
Our monthly profile of the
hottest and most talented
queer girls around.
28 FILM
Miranda Otto's complex role in
the lesbian drama Reaching for
the Moon is her best yet.
By Merryn Johns
14 BEAUTY
Take care of your face and
body even when you're at
high altitude.
30 MUSIC
Rising star Leah Jee is making
music her way and winning
fans through social media.
By Mia Manns
15 HOT TEE
Smart and sexy T-shirts for the
girl about town.
16
LESBOFILE
17
SHE SAID
VIEWS
18
OUT IN FRONT
18 IN CASE YOU MISSED
IT ... News from across the
country.
20 POLITICS
We can combat invisibility
by claiming our herstory.
By Victoria A. Brownworth
22 THE TWO OF US
Our monthly profile of captivating lesbian couples who
live, love and work together.
24 LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK
Our favorite relationship
experts to the rescue.
26 LAUGH TRACK
Funny lady Fortune Feimster.
2
CURVE
MARCH
2014
32 BOOKS
Queer globe trotter Alden
Jones pens a personal tale of
travel and coming of age.
By Merryn Johns
35 TECH
Five gadgets that will
revolutionize the way you
spend your vacation.
By Rachel Shatto
f
(
-----i
~BEST
" "'
PLACES TO WORK
2013
for LGBT Equality
Curve's online selection of must-do, must-try, must-have extras.
K.D.LANG ON BROADWAY!
Heart-stopping vocalists, eye-blurring tap dancers, and now, everybody's favorite
lesbian crooner, k.d. lang, joins the cast of After Midnight as a special guest star.
This new Broadway phenomenon catapults the music of Duke Ellington and
Harlem's Golden Age into the 21st century, with k.d. lang heading up a 17-piece
band, hand-selected by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Find out how to grab
tickets at curvemag.com.
CRUISEAND SCHMOOZE
MSC Cruises, the family-owned, gay-friendly Italian
cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships including the
MSC Divina, christened by the legendary celluloid "diva" Sophia Loren, offers a luxurious sailing
experience at a spectacular 2-for-1 price. Cruise
DANCING
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TRAVELFORADVENTUROUS
WOMEN OVER30
AdventureWomen has launched a new online travel
site for women showcasing the company's women-only
travel experiences, women's travel trends, stories, travel facts and tips, reviews, videos, recipes and more. To
learn more about the business that was honored with
National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime"
award, go to curvemag.com.
4
CURVE
MARCH
2014
What glass
ceiling? Women
Say Something
and Women
Film Something
are a feminist
symposium
and filmmaking
endeavor that seek
to strengthen the
image of women
and reinforce
the rights of
women around the
world. For more
information about
their initiatives
and how to get
involved go to
curvemag.com.
package, pre-paid service charges or up to $400
shipboard credit. For full details go to curvemag.com.
PRIDEDOWN UNDER
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is world famous,
and adding to the legendary lineup of cultural
events, parade and parties is the women's tours and
travel packages now available from exclusive gayowned tour operator, Planetdwellers. Learn more
about the trip of a lifetime at curvemag.com.
WITH THESUPPORTOF THE
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AND
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RONTJMERRYN'S
MEMO
curve
THE BEST-SELLING
MARCH
2014
»
LESBIAN
VOLUME
MAGAZINE
24 NUMBER
2
PUBLISHERSilke Bader
FOUNDINGPUBLISHER Frances Stevens
f you're a regular Curve reader, or you follow me on Facebook, you're
probably aware of the fact that I love to travel. It's not because I'm always
on vacation-these trips are often related to a Pride event, a speaking
engagement or a media gathering concerning the LGBT community. But
these reasons aside, I believe in Rainbow travel: I believe that lesbians are
culturally sensitive, ecologically aware, intellectually curious travelers. We may fly
under the radar, but we're an important segment of the travel market.
And others think so, too. The Community Marketing & Insights team in San
Francisco has been conducting LGBT consumer research for 20 years, research
used to inform corporations and industry leaders about the impact of LGBT
spending in the travel market. CMI's 18th Annual LGBT Travel Survey uncovered
some fascinating travel trends for 2013 and 2014. For example, last year saw an
increase in LGBT leisure travel over the
previous year, and New York City remains
the No. l most-visited destination by
LGBT travelers (way to go, Edie Windsor
and marriage equality!). We value hotel
brands that reach out to us, such as Hilton
and Kimpton. A majority of us plan our
vacations-no last-minute package deals
for us! We are fussy about amenities such
as free Wi-Fi, and a majority of us use
our mobile devices to create our travel
itineraries. As countries and states achieve
marriage equality (2013 was a boom
year), there is no clear favorite same-sex
honeymoon destination, although Hawaii
had the highest number of honeymoon
survey participants-and
the number of
newlyweds who choose Hawaii will no
doubt grow now that the Aloha State recognizes marriage equality.
After marriage comes the baby carriage, and we love to travel with our kids!
Among LGBT parents, "child-friendly" has now become more important than
"LGBT-friendly:' But don't worry, we're not thoroughly assimilated yet. Pride
events continue to play an important role in motivating LGBT travel. Who said the
Rainbow is aging? Younger LGBTs are even more likely to travel to another city for
a Pride event than older LGBTs.
It was no surprise to me to read that the LGBT media and the mainstream
media play an equal role in influencing our travel decisions. In Curve's most recent
survey, our readers told us that we were their No. l travel information source. So
this month we bring you our Travel issue. In it I hope you'll find some wonderful
advice from adventurous women who know their stuff, as well as insider tips on
a variety of destinations-from
the exotic to the affordable. Yes: We're here, we're
queer, and we're on vacation!
I
!z
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
merryn@curvemag.com
6
CURVE
MARCH
2014
EDITORIAL
EDITORIN CHIEF Merryn Johns
MANAGINGEDITOR Rachel Shatto
COPY EDITOR Katherine Wright
CONTRIBUTINGEDITORS Victoria A. Brownworth,
Gina Daggett, Jillian Eugenics, Sheryl Kay, Stephanie
Schroeder
EDITORIAL
ASSISTANTCygnus Fogle, Mia Manns
PROOFREADERElizabeth Harper
OPERATIONS
DIRECTOROF OPERATIONS Jeannie Sotheran
EVENTS& MEDIA RELATIONSCOORDINATORRobin Perron
ADVERTISING
CURVE'SMEDIA KIT ourmediakit.com
NATIONALSALES
Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021, todd@curvemagazine.com
BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT
Sallyanne Monti (510) 545-4986, sallyanne@curvemag.com
ART/PRODUCTION
ART DIRECTOR Graham Jones, Meghan Musalo
PRODUCTIONARTIST Kelly Nuti
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melany Joy Beck, Kathy Beige, Jenny Block, Adam L.
Brinklow, Kelsy Chauvin, Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, Traci
Dinwiddie, Maria De La 0, Elizabeth Estochen, Jill
Goldstein, Kristin Flickinger, Gillian Kendall, Kim Hoffman,
Charlene Lichtenstein, Karen Loftus, Sassafras Lowrey,
Emelina Minero, Laurie K. Schenden, Stephanie Schroeder,
Janelle Sorenson, Rosanna Rios-Spicer, Allison Steinberg,
Stella & Lucy, Dave Steinfeld, Edie Stull, Yana Tallon-Hicks,
Sarah Toce, Tina Vasquez, Jocelyn Voo
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lauren Barkume, Alex Styles, Meagan Cignoli,
Sophia Hantzes, Janet Mayer, Syd London, Cheryl Mazak,
Maggie Parker, Robin Roemer, Leslie Van Stelten
CONTACT INFO
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Volume 24 Issue 2 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published 8 times
per year (January/Febrary, March, April/May, June, July/August,
September, October, November/December) by Avalon Media,
LLC, PO Box 467, New York NY 10034, Subscription price:
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Publication of the name or photograph of any persons or
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Lack of any representation only signifies insufficient materials,
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Lovingthe Sex Issue
I have been a subscriber of
Curve magazine for many years
and I have never seen anything
like your latest issue [Vol. 24#1 ].
At first glance I wasn't sure
that it was Curve!The cover
was very sexy and high end but
when I opened the magazine,
whoa! Talk about sexy! I am
old enough to remember when
the only lesbian erotica to be
found was created by straight
men for straight men. Thank
you, Curve,for keeping up
with the times and bringing
us everything new and cutting
edge in lesbian culture. Even
I learned a few things after
reading this issue!
favorite magazine of all time. I
have a bisexual wife, same goes
for me, that's right, I'm bisexual
also. I am your fan, thank you
for doing a great job on the
magazine. -Anthony G.
-Linda Risso,Sea Cliff,N.Y.
Vequilla,locationnot supplied
Grazie Bellissimo
Thank you for your article
"Where the Girls Are'
[Vol. 23#10] about the Girl
Bar L.A. party at The Abbey
with Venice:The Seriescreator
Crystal Chappell and castalong with rocker Jen Foster.
I'm looking forward to a drama,
love, sex and adventure-filled
Season 5 ! -Neva M. Ziegler,
facebook.com/cu rvemag
WHATYOUTHOUGHT
ABOUTOURGENDERQUEER
COVERFEATURING
JIZ LEE:
OH MY GODI LOVE
JIZZLEE!!Best porn
person ever! -Vaxx Be Dis
A lesbian namedJiz?The
irony. -Ann E. Brailsford
Holy shitballs. I'm going to
go take this somewhere
private... -Ari Travaglini
Simi Valley,Calif.
BisexualFans
I would like to say that I buy
Curvemagazine, the one that
speaks about lesbians [and]
gays. Well I love your magazine,
the way you edit all of it. I have
been reading it for about six
months now. Curveis my
Posts from our
Facebook fans
This cover just melted all
the snow in Brooklyn.
Wedding Belles
I wanted to send out to the
world through Curve that
even in North Carolina they
said we could be arrested for
having our ceremony on their
beach in the Outer Banks
because same-sex marriage is
against the law. I say the times
they are changing.We live
in Virginia where same-sex
marriage isn't legal. So we had
to jump through all kinds of
hoops! But it was the most
special day of my life, to be
able to marry my best friend
and soul mate. Curve,I have
been a subscriber for many
years and supporter. And will
continue until the well runs
dry. Thank you for all you do
for us. -Kelly andJennifer
Copley-Nichols,Richmond, Va.
-Sophia Wallace
Her swag is undeniable.
-Alexander Reynolds
Bought and read already.
-Astrid Duforet
,,., ••.................................................................................................
ii
WHAT'S
YOUR
IDEA
OF
AVACATION?
9%
10%
A day trip to
the city
Snugglingup at
homewith a stack
of foreignfilms
23%
Relaxingon a yacht
to: Curve magazine,
PO Box 467, New York, NY 10034
WRITE
LISISend
Email: letters@curvemagazine.com
Fax: 510.380.7487
Online: curvemag.com/letters
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MARCH
2014
Subscriber Services are now available at
curvemag.com/customerservice.
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give a gift
Thanksto Curve Magazine
for the cover and feature
in the Jan/Feb2014 Sex
& Romancedouble issue!
I'm especially grateful for
being included in Jude
Schell'sALL OF HERand
Curve's special spotlight
with my gender and my
preferred pronouns used!
Friends, please share the
word about the issue,
subscribe to the print or
digital version, or pick up
the magazinesoon to be
at your local queer/lesbian
bookstore. *So cool to see
a genderqueersex worker
on a national magazine
cover, and how amazing
that it's ME!* -Jiz Lee
UPFRONT!CURVET
TIFFANYLOWANA
JOCELYNVOO
EMELINA MINERO
Tiffany is the editor of Curve's
Australian sister publication,
LOTL for which she has has
profiled controversial U.K.
feminist Sheila Jeffreys, and
queer Australian laureates
Dorothy Porter and Fiona
McGregor. Tiff has a Bachelor
of Professional and Creative
Writing, was recently accepted
into Archer Magazine and was
also offered a government
grant to create the first
grassroots Writer's Festival
in Sydney. A Scorpio, Tiff
has a weakness for Dykes on
Bikes, Patti Smith, tattoos,
scotch and travel. If she were
religious, she'd pray for a Vegan
Revolution. For Curve she has
interviewed Rosie O'Donnell
and this month, Heather Peace
on page 40. Even though she
loves living in sunny Sydney,
with its famous harbor, she's
still jealous of New Yorkers.
Jocelyn is a documentary-style
photographer specializing
in travel and events, and is a
sucker for the unconventional.
A California transplant now
living in New York City, home
of prime people-watching-realestate, she's made a career out
of examining human behavior
and documenting why we
act the way we do. Prior to
Burning Man, which she
writes about and photographs
on page 36, she spent six
months backpacking solo and
photographing local tribes
in southern and eastern Asia
before returning home to a
land of unicorns, spaceships
and magic. More of her work can
be seen at AwYeahPhoto.com
and her take on lesbian pop
culture can also be found here
in Curve every month in her
column Lesbofile.
Emelina is the founder and
Editor-in-Chief of The Human
Experience, a queer publication
that believes in the validity
of each person's identity.
It's her passion for people
and community that made
covering A-Camp on page 73,
Autostraddle's queer camp,
such a joy. Everything that
Emelina does revolves around
community. She's the founder
of Community Bucket List, an
online community that helps
people to live their passions
through action-oriented bucket
lists, and she's the co-founder
of the Love Warrior Community,
an online community that helps
people build self-love and
acceptance through creative
expression. Find Emelina on
Twitter, @CommKr8veWriter.
ES
__
.....
JANELLESORENSON
& MELANY JOY BECK
Janelle and Melany met in 2009
while Melany was covering
queer rockers Sick of Sarah for
Curve; Janelle was the band's
tour manager. Since then,
the two have collaborated on
multiple projects including
several cover features (read
their feature on Tegan & Sara
on page 43), an award-winning
documentary (Bring It 2 Peter)
and an EPwith Melany's new
alt-country band, Delavan,
which also features former
Hunter Valentine heartbreaker,
and The Real L Word alum, Vero
on bass. Janelle and Melany are
now busy planning their July
wedding. "We met because of
Curve," says Melany. "It's a very
meaningful part of our lives
and we're excited to be able
to work together, doing
something we love."
MARCH
2014
CURVE
9
NDS/
THE GAYDAR
p
~~ THEGAYDAR
Takes one to know one? Let our gaydar help
you decide who's hot, who's not, who's
~ shaking it and who's faking it in lesboland.
%
~
BY RACHEL SHATTO
~
Human tool bag Trestin
Meacham publicly goes on a
hunger strike in opposition to
same-sex marriage in his home
state of Utah
Nothing like a little
homophobia to up
the sibling rivalry
ante between the
Cheney sisters.
Liz Cheney, then
running for Senate,
openly opposes
same-sex marriage.
Married out lesbian,
Mary Cheney calls
her out on Facebook.
Awkward!
As if naked Lizzie Caplan
weren't enough to keep
us coming back for more
Masters of Sex, Showti me
announces that Betty the
lesbian will be back in
season two
I
Toni Braxton "unbreaks"
our hearts by declaring
she still wants to play a
lesbian, preferably on
Orange Is the New Black.
We would so watch that
1
ONORARY
TIME
LESBIA
MBERSHIP
The Voice officially hits its
highest note as Lady Gaga
and Christina Aguilera sing
a duet of "Do What U Want"
while canoodling on stage.
Hot, hot, hot
What's better
than the film
But I'm a
Cheerleader?
The musical,
of course. The
beloved tale of
lezzie love in a
gay-to-straight
'•C,iilll■ conversion
camp is
headed to
the stage
American Idol
cutie-pie Crystal
Bowersox finally
comes out as
bi. Bi the way
Crystal, we
would like to
make out with
you. Just sayin'
Our celebrity crush Maria
Bello comes out about her
long-term relationship with
Clare Munn. From the A-List
to the L-List!
Journalist Robin Roberts
comes out on Facebook,
thanking her long-time
partner Amber Laign.
Talk about good news
Cong,ats to Sa,ah Kate EIHs (
on being named the new CEO
and President of GLAAD!
10
CURVE
MARCH
2014
We just can't get
enough of Kate
McKinnon on
SNL and her latest
sidesplitting take
on Billie Jean King
seals the deal. And
we're not the only
ones. The Daily Beast
declares the out
comic the "future
of SNL"
If you aren't
watching Miss
Fisher's Murder
Mysteries on
Netflix, girl, are
you missing out!
The costumes, the
capers and the
oh-so-debonair
lesbian Dr. Mac
have our hearts
working overtime
Bree,a baby
dyke from
Nevada, leads
the search for
her (and her 15
half siblings')
anonymous
sperm donor on
the endlessly
fascinating,
touching and
entertaining
docu-series
Generation Cryo
>I1-
UJ
co
UJ
2
~0
~
0
~
>
g
"'
UJ
1-
UJ
0..
ikki
From corporate
America, to the
runway to her
own upcoming
YouTube series The
Androgynous Model
Project, Nikki Eason
has turned her
passion for genderdefiant style into a
full-time career.
PICKS
»
PRODUCTS
»
PEOPLE
»
M
CH 2014
CURVE
11
st SCENE
B
arbara Police, 64, loved
bowling since she was
a kid. After she lost her
sight 14 years ago, she was able
to continue playing at a specially
constructed bowling alley for people with visual impairments. But
several years ago, a shoulder injury
made it too painful for her to lift a
bowling ball. Now, thanks to the
new Exergamers NYC program for
seniors, Police is back in the game.
Along with her partner of 38 years,
Pat Sloane, she bowls every week
at The SAGE Center in Chelsea.
Exergaming combines technology
with exercise, allowing seniors
to improve their physical, mental
and social wellbeing by participating in friendly competition and
interactive gaming. The project is
made possible by a public-private
partnership between Microsoft,
NYC Department for the Aging
(DFTA), and NYC Department
of Information Technology and
Telecommunications (DolTT).
A few months ago, the SAGE
Center was given Microsoft
Kinect for Xbox. "Virtual bowling
is terrific for me," Police explains,
"because there's no weight! I just
have to swing and hope for the
best." She says virtual bowling
opens up a new world to her. She's
at less of a disadvantage with
video games since she's able to
use her imagination-and
Sloane,
70, who describes what's on the
screen. "It allows me to think in
my mind what it must look like,"
Barbara explains. She says she'd
love to learn to play other games
using the Xbox.
Seniors in the program use
Kinect for Xbox to make exercise
fun and to supplement other fitness
activities. They compete in virtual
bowling tournaments with their
counterparts at other senior centers around New York City. Though
many have known each other for
decades from their involvement
in political movements, virtual
bowling offers a new opportunity
to preserve and develop those
friendships-in
a light-hearted
environment. (sageusa.org) •
12
CURVE
MARCH
2014
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the magic of
*
rl199~~
NDstBEAUTY
2. Facial on the Fl~·
Keep skin clear, soft and supple on the
road with the travel-friendly Spa Sonic
skincare system. This waterproof
device features a variety of brushes
and a pumice stone, so you can
smooth and polish your skin, and get
that just-been-to-a-spa glow from head
to toe. ($85, myspasonic.com)
f
J. Sauc~· S(fUCCZC
Protect your legs and avoid the dreaded travel "cankle" in style with
RejuvaHealth compression socks. Available in a variety of designs
from polka dots to herringbone to this editor's favorite, their
oh-so-sweet rose design. ($40, rejuvahealth.com)
Mile High
Makeover
PROTECTYOUR FACEAND BODY EVENWHEN YOU'REAT
HIGH ALTITUDE.BYRACHELSHATTO&MERRYNJOHNS
SKiF:J
TRANSFORMER
BODY 20
a. Patch
HYDRATE• ENHANCE • TONE • PROTECT
Pcra·cct
Flying doesn't have to be wasted time. Watch a movie
or sleep, but be sure to apply the BioBliss Anti-Wrinkle
Patch to your forehead and eyes and let it work its magic
from anywhere between 30 minutes and 12 hours. The
patches are embedded with tiny batteries and infused with
hyaluronic acid, plant extracts and vitamins, so that you'll
arrive at your destination wrinkle free. ($80, biobliss.com)
'.lJ.
Tt•aycl Glam
5. rlhc Sliin \e:m'rc In
Travel can be rough on your skin, which
is why New Zealander Sarah McNamara
invented Miracle Skin Transformer,
including a "Miracle Balm" formulated
with over 30 moisturizers and emollients
including Manuka honey, Japanese
licorice root extract, tamanu oil, evening
primrose and blue mountain sage. This
balm is the ultimate carry-on staple to
soothe and hydrate, anywhere head to
toe. ($36, miracleskintransformer.com)
14
CURVE
MARCH
2014
GlamGlow Youth Mud is a 10-minute, professional mud mask
that gently exfoliates and works with the body's natural
moisturizing collagen to leave skin smoother, brighter,
tighter-and absorb impurities without removing natural
oils. Created for backstage
use in Hollywood, it's a
winner of the Neiman
Marcus Beauty Awards and
will have you looking like a
star after a long flight.
($69, glamglowmud.com)
O. lhc Real Peel
Karen Griffin worked for a leading
manufacturer of hospitalgrade products for healing skin
trauma, and during her years
of travel yearned for a skin peel
that was portable, effective,
affordable and didn't itch or
burn. She developed the Real
Chemistry 3-Minute Precision
Peel and now this little tube
gives you up to seven no mess,
no fuss skin peel applications
that instantly result in clearer,
brighter, softer skin-on the go.
($48, myrealchemistry.com)
TRENDS/
HOT Pl
OH THE HUMANI-TEE!
BY RACHEL SHATTO
Threadless celebrates that we are here, queer, and
equal with their wonderful "We Are Here" tee. For
gay and straight allies alike, we say, put this shirt on
your body to become a walking point of interest.
($20, threadless.com)
Tie a Knot
for Marriage
Equality
Jesse Tyler Ferguson is
wearing his activism
and you can too.
BY CYGNUS FOGLE
Whether or not you come
with partner(s) in tow, Jesse
Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) and
Justin Mikita are making sure you have a
stylish way to tie a few knots-both
literally and
figuratively. As you may know, 2013 marked a
good deal of progress in the fight for marriage
equality in the U.S., but the journey is far from
over. The American Foundation for Equal Rights
(AFER) has teamed up with the aforementioned
Hollywood duo and their fresh project, Tie
The Knot to help raise funds for the cause.
With every purchase of Ferguson's specially
designed skinny neckties, bow ties or cufflinks
from The Tie Bar a portion of the proceeds
supports AFER and their efforts towards making
marriage equality a reality. These sassy bow
ties are handmade of 100 percent silk (except
of course the signature JTF Wool Skinny, which
is 100 percent wool), and as an added bonus
TTK's Winter 2013 line features Scott Fujita,
Chris Kluwe and Brittney Griner as guest
designers. Griner's multicolored tie features
hummingbirds and orchids that are
reminiscent of her notable arm
tattoo-i.e.,
totally swoon-
worthy. (thetiebar.com)
MARCH
2014
CURVE
15
NDstGOSSIP
p
~ LESBOFILE
~
~
Meredith gets married, Brandi lesbian baits and Ellen and
Portia deny marriage troubles.
~
BY JOCELYN VOO
Family Ties
Four years after coming out,
Meredith Baxter has made it
official: the Family Ties star and
Nancy Locke, her girlfriend of
seven years, happily said "I do" in
front of their family and friends.
And though it seems that the
thrice-divorced Baxter might've
called off the whole procession
after so many misses, now she
realizes all it took was the right
partner, joking to People magazine: "Now I understand why
marriage caught on!"
A Breath of Fresh Air
Though she was
never one to hide it, and her
obituary cites her partner of
27 years, Sally Ride, the first
female U.S. astronaut in space,
had never been vocal about her
orientation. Now nearly two years
after her death, her partner Tam
O'Shaughnessy has finally opened
up to the Windy City Times about
their relationship. "Sally never
verbally, openly told her mother,
her father, or her sister, Bear, that
she was gay and that we were a
couple," O'Shaughnessy says. "But
Sally never hid it from them ...l was
really part of the Ride family."
Reminiscing on their relationship,
she mused, "In hindsight, Sally
and I could've been open. We
should've been open quite a few
years ago ...l wish I could've married Sally, I would've married her
in a heartbeat."
Happily Ever After
Elvis and Priscilla. John and Jackie.
Ellen and Portia. It just seems
wrong to question the pairing. So
when a celebrity magazine started
16
CURVE
MARCH
2014
bubbling that the latter was
breaking up, DeGeneres naturally
turned the speculation into an
opening-bit joke on her TV show,
telling the audience how she saw
the headline "Ellen and Portia
Marriage Crumbles" and thumbed
through the pages to find the article-only to find it ripped out.
"I'll never know what's tearing
my marriage apart," DeGeneres
jokes. Believe us, there's countless
Hollywood relationships on the
rocks, but this one ain't one of them.
(Real) Housewives
Let's face it: it's hard to pick
the biggest fame-whore from
the Real Housewives TV franchise.
However, if I were making a mental list (read: I am), Brandi Glanville
from the Beverly Hills edition
would definitely be a contender.
In a recent episode Glanville confessed to "making out" with her
costar Carlton Gebbia in Gebbia's
Jacuzzi. It was enough to get the
gossip mill going and for Glanville
to make a statement that she was
not, in fact, a lesbian. Boreddon't you know, faux bisexuality
was so last year.•
"[Angelina Jolie] is an
incredible example-
just
an incredible force in terms of
challenging the status quo. I thin
she talked about [being bisexual
honestly, which I love her for.
Honesty is best-staying
quiet c
be so detrimental."
-Amber Heard to
Company magazine
st
-
PROFILE
-
•
rINfJASE
~
YOU
MISSED
II
Alicia Skillman
Detroit» EqualHousing
Advocacy
Advocacy has become second nature to Alicia
Skillman. Memories of volunteering at soup
kitchens and attending city council meetings evoke her childhood-always
with the
guidance and encouragement of her mom.
"Before I went to my first R&B concert, I had
heard lectures by Julian Bond, Nikki Giovanni,
Dick Gregory and Shirley Chisholm," Skillman
recalls. So when she decided to pursue a
career in law, community involvement and
enhancement were going to be the founda-
IT ...
I !~~~~~!~~~~~g~g~!tJ~~~~~~~es~t
two penguins that live together as a couple, were
both female. Penguins are monogamous and
mate for life, and this lesbian couple overlooked
several young male penguins to be together.
Same-sex behavior has been observed in over
1,500 species of animals.
tion of her practice.
At Michigan's Legal Aid & Defender
N.Y.C.
ISKNOWN
FOR
ITS
Association, Skillman addressed housing
vibrant LGBTcommunity, but In
December, weeks before his term
as borough president ended,
Marty Markowitz took Pride to a
new level, declaring Brooklyn to
be the "lesbian capital of New
York City and the Northeast"
discrimination in the counties that surround
Detroit. She litigated instances of discrimination with HUD and the courts, and provided
seminars and training sessions. Skillman says
that when inequality exists, someone has to
stand up and address it. "I know what it feels
like to have no voice, to have others attempt
to stifle your point of view," she says. "If I feel
that way, there must be others who feel the
same way. Inequality comes from all directions and I've experienced it as a woman, a
lesbian, an African American, and as a poor
person. It never feels good." Skillman has
lent her legal prowess to Equality Michigan.
Although many politicians want to be on the
right side of history, they have no idea what
social justice for the LBGT community means
beyond marriage. "There are many other unresolved issues in our community," she points
out, "including the very real plight of transgender people, who are often shunned even
by our own, and the extra challenges facing
lesbians of color. The LGBT community must
work at the crossroads ...we can no longer
operate in silos, and we need to show up and
be active wherever we live and support those
issues that are important to us." -Sheryl Kay
18
CURVE
MARCH
2014
GORDON
BISSONNETTE
of Connecticut repeatedly
threatened to "execute" his
lesbian sister and her wife 1fthey
turned his daughter gay, or even
showed up for Christmas dinner
at their mother's house, saying,
"There will be bullets flying She
cannot talk to me I will kill a gay
I will put a bullet In both their
heads" Bissonnette has been
changed with second-degree
1nt1m1dat1on
based on bigotry
bias, second-degree threatening
behavior, and second-degree
harassment. Bissonnette admitted
that he had left eight threatening
voice messages but couldn't
BARBARA
HENDRICKS,
Germany's new environment
minister, has publ1cally come
out as a lesbian In an IntervIew
with the Rhe,nische Post, when
she was asked about how she
planned to spend New Year's
Eve, she answered that she and
her partner would be celebrating
In Berlin Hendricks has been a
strong supporter of LGBT rights In
the German Parliament
WITH
THEHELP
OFTHE
Southern Poverty Law Center,
17-year-oldDestin Holmes, a
lesbian student In M1ss1ss1pp1,
has
filed a federal lawsuit against the
Moss Point School D1str1ctHolmes
cites extreme and consistent
harassment-noting that since she
was In Junior high teachers have
referred to her as "1t,"and wouldn't
let her partIcIpate In girls' actIvItIes
because of her masculine clothing.
When she spoke to the principal,
Holmes reports he said he "didn't
get you rs today.
curvemag.com
Want to see your pet here? We'd love to meet them, too.
Visit curvemag.com/satisfied for details.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
19
POLITICS
»
ADVICE
»
COMMUNITY»
Fighting Our Erasure
We can combat lesbian invisibility by claiming our herstory.
BY VICTORIA
A. BROWNWORTH
I
usually write a column on women's history for March, one that memorializes our
foremothers and addresses the theme of who and where we come from, as women,
as lesbians. In the past, I've cited some of our icons-Jane Addams, who founded
social work, Alice Hamilton, who founded occupational medicine-as
examples
of lesbians who birthed both our feminist movement and some of our most important
social justice movements.
But what about now? How are we making history-or
herstory-for
the next gener~
ation of lesbians, and the generations after that? Who will tell our stories? Or will our
stories be told at all?
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lesbian Herstory
20
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MARCH
2014
Archives in New York. In 1974,Joan Nes~
de, Deborah Edel, Sahli Cavallo, Pamela
Oline, and Julia Stanley, all lesbian mem~
bers of the Gay Academic Union, founded
the Archives. The African American les~
bian activist Mabel Hampton was not a
founder, but she was deeply involved in
the LHA, and there are photos of her in
the Archives to document it.
I interviewed Joan Nestle about the
LHA years ago for Curve. She told me how
the project began, in her New York City
apartment on the Upper West Side. The
goal was to ensure that our history, our
lesbian history, did not disappear. It was a
labor of love for those women. The LHA
is now housed in Brooklyn's Park Slope
neighborhood, in a lovely brownstone that
was purchased to hold the myriad artifacts of lesbian life that the founders had
collected, first filling Nestle's pantry, then
her whole apartment. More than 20,000
books, 12,000 photographs, and 1,600
periodicals are part of the collection, along
with other memorabilia-from
buttons to
jackets to music to leaflets to matchbooks
from lesbian bars.
I'm so grateful for the LHA. It is a
touchstone, a bulwark against the increasing trend toward lesbian erasure, the
very thing its founders were concerned
about when they formed a consciousnessraising group to talk about how lesbians
and women were being elided from "patriarchal history:'
Just using the word "patriarchy" now
elicits a certain smugness. It feels oldfashioned to some, unnecessary to others.
Yet in the 40 years since the LHA was
founded, lesbian voices haven't become
much stronger. Yes, Ellen DeGeneres
and Robin Roberts are on TV five days
a week, so everyone can see an out lesbian if they want to. That is a significant
change from the early post-Stonewall
years. But we still feature the same celebrities over and over in our media. And
last December, The Advocate (for which
I also write regularly) chose Pope Francis
as its person of the year. Not Edie Windsor-the
lesbian who went all the way
to the U.S. Supreme Court to have her
40-year partnership with her wife recognized, the lesbian whose battle wound
up overturning the law banning same-sex
marriage-but
Pope Francis.
And it's not just that startling emblem
of lesbian erasure that rankles. There is
also the word on the street. What I hear
on social media and in the streets is that
lesbians-not queers, not gays, not trans,
not bis, but lesbians-feel
that they are
being silenced, that their voices are growing fainter and fainter in the LG BT din,
that less and less attention is being paid to
them and their issues, that they are lost in
their own LGBT community.
One young lesbian I know, who at 23 is
classically, sexily butch, said to me recently
that she felt the pressures on her to transition from butch lesbian to transman were
intense. Yet she didn't feel male, she felt
female, just butch. A 35-year-old lesbian
of color told me that she was tired of
being called a token in the radical feminist
movement when, for her and her partner,
women-only spaces were where they felt
safest as women of color. A lesbian in her
70s was succinct: "There is no room to be
lesbian anymore. Were supposed to embrace
'queer: I just want to embrace women. That's
who I love. Lesbians:'
The very issue that Joan Nestle and
the other founders of the LHA were
concerned about-a
patriarchal revision
of women's history-has
been realized. In
academia, women's studies departments
are now called gender studies.
"Queer" -a word I myself have been
using for 20 years now, since my book Too
Queer: Essaysfrom a Radical Life came out
in 1995-is one that I've always thought
of as inclusive.
Now, after I've been educated by young
working-class lesbians in New York who
are members of the Lesbian Mafia, "queer"
is a word I try not to use, because I've been
told repeatedly that it is like "gay" was in
the early days of the movement: masculine
by preference and as such exclusive of
lesbians. It took the mafia to school me.
Nestle wrote early on of the LHA, "The
roots of the Archives lie in the silent voices,
the love letters destroyed, the pronouns
changed, the diaries carefully edited, the
pictures never taken, the euphemized distortions that patriarchy would let pass:'
The motto of the LHA is "In memory
of the voices we have lost:'
The rules of the LHA are that the space
should be open to women and that the
collection should be housed in a lesbian
community space staffed by lesbians.
Lesbians cannot be excised, ever.
In March 2012, one of the lesbians I
have most admired, the poet and essayist
Adrienne Rich, died. She was the most
celebrated literary lesbian in America at
the time of her death. I had studied her
in college-that's where I discovered her,
in one of my women's studies courses. She
had led me to think differently about my
role as a lesbian in this patriarchal culture.
Rich wrote, "It is crucial that we understand lesbian/ feminism in the deepest,
most radical sense: as that love for ourselves and other women, that commitment
to the freedom of all of us, which transcends the category of 'sexual preference'
and the issue of civil rights, to become
a politics of asking women's questions,
demanding a world in which the integrity
of all women-not
a chosen few-shall be
honored and validated in every respect of
culture:'
Rich did not want the elision of lesbians from feminism, from literature, from
history to continue, or to go unnoticed.
She wanted lesbians and lesbianism in the
forefront of feminism and our culture.
Lesbians are at the root of our feminist
and social history. It isn't just the nameless suffragists who were actually lesbians, or the nameless union workers who
were lesbians. It's not just the big-name
lesbians like Addams or Hamilton, who
made their mark on society but whose lesbianism was blotted out. It's not just the
literary lions-Adrienne
Rich and Mary
Daly, Audre Larde and Alice Walker. It's
ourselves-our
lesbian selves.
Where is our current history? Where
will our future be?
The LHA wasn't founded to record
celebrity; it was founded to ensure that all
lesbians, regardless of race or class status,
would matter, would be worthy of archiving,
of memorializing. Women whose names
may never be known outside their own
lesbian families would still have a place in
the LHA.
Now, 40 years later, protecting the lesbian identity of the LHA is codified in the
bylaws of the Archive.
But who will codify our identity in
our own community? Who will ensure
that our voices and our lives are recorded
and remembered, heard and known, even
as "queer" subsumes "lesbian'' and the
pressure to conform to the male-female
binary marginalizes "butch;' "femme;' and
"androgynous" in the lesbian community?
In her poem "Diving into the Wreck"
Adrienne Rich wrote, "the words are purposes / the words are maps:'
Our words-our
lesbian words-are
the cartography of our lives. They are the
evidence of our existence, what we have
been and done in our community.
As we commemorate Women's History
Month this year, think about all those
bits and pieces of us in the LHA and
how determined its founders were to
make sure lesbians were not excised from
history.
Make your own history. State that you,
a lesbian, were here. So they know, in the
future, that we existed, we loved, and we
would not be silenced, we would not be
erased from history. Never again.•
MARCH
2014
CURVE
21
Marta~
Lesley
Marta Dalla Chiesa, 47, and Lesley Cushing, 48,
run Brazil Ecojourneys and have celebrated 21
years of life, laughter and long distances together.
BY MERRYN JOHNS
HOW
THEY
MET
talking, the three of us, and I asked how
MARTA: I was coming back from a friend's
MARTA: I got my pint, my Pink Paper (I was
wedding and decided to have a drink on
not looking for anything!). The bar was
long they were together. Then I found out
my own at the Locomotion, a gay bar in
packed-the
it was a blind date. I was so embarrassed I
only free seat was at their
Leicester Square that I used to go to a lot.
table, so I asked if I could sit. Lesley said
Just a quick drink.
yes. I turned my back to them and started
LESLEY: As she was getting up to leave, I
LESLEY: I was in the bar, on a date, and
reading my paper.
grabbed her knee and said, "Please, stay!"
wanted to leave.
saw Marta walking through the door-and
LESLEY: Even though I was on a date, I kept
MARTA: I really liked the bold move! We
I just knew that she was going to be part
looking, and found her intriguing.
chatted for a while and then we left-just
of my life.
MARTA: For some reason we started
the two of us-for a coffee.
22
CURVE
MARCH
2014
VIEWS/
HOW
THEY
GOT
TOGETHER
LESLEY: Marta had worked in tourism in
MARTA: Well, it is hard to define the couple
Europe, and with me being English we
situation. We went out for a few months in
thought we could be unique in having
a very casual way.
local knowledge and also knowing what
LESLEY: We both had ended relationships
foreign tourists want when they come
not long before.
to Brazil.
MARTA: We ended this "fling" after six
MARTA: I had previous experience in
months.
travel, so I knew the sales side well. With
LESLEY: I even started seeing someone
my previous life in science, I am also
else, but I really missed her. So I asked her
the organized one and the one who
out for lunch-as friends.
plans ahead.
MARTA: The friendship ended half an hour
LESLEY: I had my own business in England,
later with a cinematic kiss outside the
so I had a lot of contact with people
National Film Theatre. Not very common
and was used to running a company. As
in 1993.
such, I do the operational side of Brazil
Ecojourneys and I think we complement
LESLEY: And that was it.
each other.
ONMAKING
ITOFFICIAL
MARTA: We were definitely not into the
HOW
THEY
RESOLVE
DIFFERENCES
second-date U-Haul thing.
MARTA: Of course, argue. Often. Having
LESLEY: I thought we needed some full-
said that, our fights are mainly about the
TWO OF
''
THt~RlrNDSHIP
tNOtD
WITH
A
CINrMATIC
KISS
OUTSIDt
THt
NATIONAl
~llM
TH
tATRt.
NOT
VtRY
COMMON
IN1993
''
time togetherness to see if we would still
business, so they are easier to get over.
or really any time off together. We are a
get along, so we booked a three-week
LESLEY: She is so bossy! So we try to do
small business and both being away
holiday to Turkey.
separate things, and I let her be the final
is difficult.
MARTA: It was a real budget holiday. We
decision-maker. It makes my life easier.
backpacked all around and only had one
LESLEY: Being together 24 hours, seven
days a week, is very hard. We can end up
ADVICE
FOR
COUPLES
WORKING
TOGETHER
talking business all the time.
together. It was almost a year after we
had met up.
LESLEY: It is hard but you have to separate
you decide go down that road, try to have
MARTA: We first did the London Same-Sex
personal and business.
clearly defined roles, and, yes, don't take it
Registry for a civil partnership at the City
MARTA: It is much harder to take holidays
personally. (brazilecojourneys.com) •
fight-and
lots of fun!-so
we moved in
MARTA: Word of advice: Think twice. But if
Hall in 2002. It was not an official thing
then, but it was a good party.
LESLEY: When we went to Brazil, we had to
formalize the relationship to get my visa, so
we registered a civil union there.
MARTA: Marriage is still in our plans.
ONSTARTING
ABUSINESS
MARTA: When we decided to move to
Brazil, we knew we needed to start a
business, as I did not want to go back to
my old life as a scientist, and Lesley would
have difficulties finding a job.
LESLEY: We traveled a lot in Brazil before
that, looking for a place and an opportunity
for business.
MARTA: When we settled on the island
of Florian6polis, we decided on starting
as tour operators, as nobody was doing
that with a focus on bringing international
tourists to this region. We aimed to be
specialists in South Brazil, but with the
perspective of women who had traveled
a lot around the world. We are also the
only lesbian-owned travel company in the
South, so we were gay- and lesbian-friendly
from the start.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
23
Help!NoOne
Believes I'm Gay
Vanquish your femme-invisibility.
BY LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK
Lipstick: I hear tattoos are
Dipstick: Seriously, dude, "a
a bitch on the forehead, so
wildcat in bed"?
good call on the wrist. Besides,
subtlety is way sexier than
Lipstick: The last affirmation
a sandwich board any day.
is optional-but
There is nothing wrong with
worked.
trust me, it's
exuding confidence. What is
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick: I have a major
problem in meeting women. I am a femme
attracted to soft butches and bois, but no
matter where I go, even if it's to a lesbian
function, I am taken for straight. I have been
told by friends that when I enter a room I
"command attention." I take that to mean
I exude confidence. The problem is, it's
not helping me meet women. Should I just
walk into a room with my head down? How
do I let women know I am a lesbian? The
rainbow tattoo on my wrist doesn't seem to
work. Maybe I should have gotten it on my
forehead.-Red-Headed Femme
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
24
CURVE
MARCH
2014
wrong is your belief that no
Dipstick: Oh wait, I think I
one thinks you're gay and,
remember that night! While
therefore, no one wants to talk
I believe in the power of
to you. Believe it or not, you're
positive thinking, these are
actually attracting this "neg-
silly, Lip. With all that Oprah/
ativity" into your life. While
The Secret/Laws of Attraction
it may be true that some are
mumbo jumbo, you can try
intimidated by your femininity
to visualize all the positive
and chutzpah, the Command
outcomes you want, but what
& Conquer vibe you're giving
I can't visualize is a beautiful
off could be the real problem.
femme walking into a room,
Next time you roll into a room
exuding confidence and sex-
full of dykes, give yourself a
iness, and the butches don't
pep talk beforehand and go in
so much as look up from their
with a different attitude. Say
pool game. I know 10 gals
out loud to yourself "I am gay,
who would be stumbling over
I am love, I am attractive, I am
one another to be the first to
a wildcat in bed."
take your jacket, light your
VIEWS/
''
cigarette, and buy you a vodka
Lipstick: While I've never
tonic, Red. Hell, half of them
packed, I do have a serious
the least of it. It's a feeling
case of penis envy. What you
they've had for most of their
WHlltITMAY
BtTRUt
THAT
SOM[
AR[
INTI
MIDAT[ □ BY
YOUR
~[MININITY
AND
CHUTZPAH,
TH[COMMAND
&CONQU[R
VIB[
YOU'R[
GIVING
O~~ COUlD
8[ TH[
R[AlPROBltM.
''
LIPSTICK+DI
PS
couldn't care less if you were
the parts in your pants are
straight. Lipstick is right on
need to do is simply relax
lives-many
one count, though. You need
about it all. We don't always
before they even had any
to change your attitude. The
need to slap labels and mean-
sexual awareness-that
they
issue is not so much the "confi-
ings on things. Just have fun! In
don't feel comfortable
being
dence" but the "commanding."
the same way putting a weenie
a woman. Something never
Lighten up. Tell a cute boi you
in your pants doesn't make you
felt quite right, both in and out
like her tie. Don't walk in with
trans, neither does imagining
of the bedroom. Since you're
your head down-rather,
and, at times, wanting a cock.
questioning
someone's eye, smile at her,
If it were, I would be growing
encourage you to investigate
and go say hi.
a goatee.
catch
of them from
your gender, I
it further. Get online and read
some trans forums and web-
Dear Lipstick and Dipstick:
Dipstick: Lipstick, you're right.
sites and see if you can relate.
I recently went through
Gender play in the bedroom
You'll find it's about more than
the breakup of a 15-year
is a lot of fun, but since PP
just packing and sex play. Pick
relationship. During the year
is writing to us, I think there
up a book-maybe
of healing, I experimented
might be something else
Green's Becoming a Visible
Man or Max Wolf Valeria's
Jamison
with packing. I enjoyed it
going on. Many lesbians pull
and the woman I am seeing
dildos out of their pants,
Testosterone Fi/es-and explore
enjoys it as well, but I find that
rut like a pronghorn on the
whether you see yourself in
the more I pack, the more I
prairie, and never for a second
any of the stories. Or check
feel confused about gender
question their gender, once
out some FTM websites like
identity. I don't want a real
the toys are back in the sock
FTM International or Ingersoll
one, but once in a while it's
drawer. Packing doesn't make
Gender Center. Exploration is
fun. Is this normal?
you trans, and I think most
a good thing. Dig deeper and
-Packing Patty
trans guys will tell you that
see where you land.•
MARCH
2014
CURVE
25
Outrageous
Fortune
The always-fabulous Fortune Feimster is
her own best character eYcYGNus
FOGLE
FEATURES/
Last Comte Standing semi-finalist and Chelsea Lately frequenter Fortune
Feimster has a talent for winging it. Her good humor has always seemed
to grease the wheels, but now it's taking her places she couldn't be
happier to go. While prepping for her performance at The Dinah Comedy
Night in April, Feimster takes a few moments out of her rigorous soccer
season to talk with us about travel, tan-lines and apple strudel in Austria.
You're headlining The Dinah Comedy
Night! Tell us about that.
There's just so many things to talk about!
I always look forward to it. It's becoming a
tradition now, because I think this is the
third year in a row that I've been doing it.
So every year that Mariah [Hanson] asks
I'm like, Really? Are you surer But I guess
it's going well, so that's a good thing. And
I enjoy doing it because I get to perform
comedy and do what I love and also be
surrounded by women for an entire weekend. So how can you not love thatr
There's no losing?
No. I mean it just puts some pressure on
me to write new lesbian jokes. So I've got
until April to come up with some new
ways to talk about lesbos. Hopefully I can
rise to the occasion. But yeah, it's going to
be fun, and I'm excited that this year Erin
Foley and Gina Yashere are performing
as well. They're two comics that I love so
much and it's just going to be a great show.
are a lot of lesbian stereotypes out there
that I can explore. [Laughs] The lesbians
that come to Dinah Shore have a good
time and they're OK with laughing about
ourselves and other people in a good, fun
manner that's not hurtful to anyone. I will
say, even though I'm not going to go to the
gym, that I maybe should work on my tan
a little bit, because it's not pretty, I'll tell
you that. I've got a farmer's tan going on.
When you are mixing with the women
at The Dinah do you ever go into character just to mess with people?
I wonder what character I would even
choose. There's just so many wonderful
characters to choose from. I think just
how I am in everyday life is somewhat of
a character, because I have this big fro and
this thick Southern accent and that in itself is almost like a character.
Before comedy you
went to Spain
How have you prepared the past
couple of years?
English. How
was that?
I've prepared by not going to the gym and
eating way too much food, because if I
were to go to Dinah Shore and I were to
be really funny and super good-looking it
would just be too much for everybody ....
I'd have a lot of marriage proposals and I
am just not ready to take that step, ladies.
At this point I'm lucky that I've experienced it a few times so I know what I'm
getting into when I go there. For me the
biggest preparation will be to write new
jokes, because I don't want to have to present stuff that people have seen in any of the
other performances. So that's going to be
my own personal challenge. Luckily there
I decided when I was graduating college that I wanted
to see the world and I have
never really gotten to experience
that before because I was poor. I
just kind of made that decision that
I was going to try to experience a
whole different culture and do
whatever I could to get over
there, so I worked a bunch of
jobs that summer and earned
money and picked Spain just
because it was in Europe and I
wanted to travel around Europe
and I wanted to learn another
language. I needed to make money
while I was there, so I started
teaching private English as a Second
Language classes-and I have to say
that I was a pretty terrible teacher.
I was not good. It was tough because when
LAUGHTRA
I got to Spain I didn't know any Spanish,
so it was kind of difficult to communicate
with kids who didn't speak English. They
didn't speak any English, I didn't speak any
Spanish, so we just made a lot of faces at
each other and used a lot of hand movements. They loved it and the fact that we
had a lot of fun. They always wanted to play
games and do a lot of silly improv things,
but their parents didn't love it. They were
like, "Hey, my kid's failing English!"
Do you have any really good travel
stories? What's the craziest?
This isn't the craziest but one of the times
that makes me laugh is when I was in
Austria-I'm
a huge fan of The Sound of
Music. It's a little secret, a little unknown
fact about me. I'm a big nerd when it
comes to that movie. So I was super-stoked
because they filmed it in Austria and they
have all these tours where you can go on
a Sound of Music tour, and I signed up.
I was traveling by myself, so I ended up
in this minivan-it's just me and a bunch
of old people. They play the soundtrack
to the movie while you're riding around
Austria. Everybody was like, "This is
terrible" and I was like, "Oh
my God, I love this!" We
have to stop at different
sites and it's just me and
a bunch of old people
taking pictures of each
other and eating apple
strudel. I wish I had a
little bit of a crazier story, but I was jamming to The Sound of Music.
(fortunefeimster.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
27
BY MERRYNJOHNS
FILM»
A
merican audiences are most
familiar with Australian actor
Miranda Otto from The Lord
of the Rings: The Return of the
King-where, as Eowyn, a lovelorn shieldmaiden, she transforms herself into a
cross-dressing warrior with the victorious
battle cry of"I am no man!"
Now, Otto, a porcelain-skinned beauty
whose physical delicacy belies an indomitable strength and intelligence, has given
us another reason to love her. Her role as
Elizabeth Bishop, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who struggled with her art, her
identity and her addictions, again demonstrates strength wrapped in frailty-while
bringing to the screen a neglected slice of
28
CURVE
MARCH
2014
lesbian literary history. Thanks to Reaching for the Moon, a beautifully directed
film by Bruno Baretto, Bishop is no longer
merely a "female poet;' dependent on the
mentorship of her fellow poet Robert
Lowell. She is a complex visionary who
has a long-term relationship with another
equally powerful woman, the Brazilian
architect Lota de Macedo Soares.
"She's a fascinating character, such a
complex person. There are so many different facets to her;' says Otto, who immersed
herself in Bishop's poetry and Remembering Elizabeth Bishop: An Oral Biography.She
also found herself identifying with Bishop
in unexpected ways-from
the moment
she received the script-and
appreciating
the professional magnitude of her co-star,
Gloria Pires, during their "very intense
shoot" in New York and Brazil.
Like a whirlwind love affair, there was
no audition-Otto
was asked to commit
to the role within two days. "This script
arrived to me like a gift. With depth, complexity-and intelligence!" she laughs. "It's
such a wonderful story. Although I only
had a very short amount of preparation
time, I thought, I'm determined. I know
it's my role:'
Then there was her onscreen love interest,
Brazilian telenovela legend Gloria Pires.
"I didn't know Gloria or her work, but I
thought, I hope she's really good because
weve got to do a lot of stuff together;' says
Otto, referring to the intense love scenes between them. Otto was
organizing her working visa for Brazil when officials pressed her for
the identity of her co~star. "I told them and they were, like, 'Oh my
God, she's amazing!' They gave me one of her films to watch in Por~
tuguese, and I looked at her and I thought, Yes, I can fall in love with
her. She's so dynamic and beautiful, and I felt automatically, looking
at her on screen, that it was going to work:'
During the shoot in Brazil, Otto came down with a mysteri~
ous illness that landed her in the hospital. She now thinks it was
food poisoning or an allergic reaction-which
is what happens to
Elizabeth Bishop in the film: She enviously observes Lota frolick~
ing with her lover, Mary, and bites into a cashew fruit, which triggers a
life~threatening allergic reaction and sparks the affair between Elizabeth
and Lota."I actually ended up feelingjust like her, this WASP~y person
in Brazil-loving it but trying to understand how things worked:'
In the end, Otto worked it all out-loving Brazil, loving Bishop,
and Bishop's love for Lota. "It was really important to me in the film
for people to not even think about [Bishop] being gay. I wanted it to
be about two people who fall in love. I wanted people to watch the
movie and go, 'Oh, it's two women in a relationship together. It's a
love story between two people, and they are such powerful people,
it's a very natural thing: I don't have any concerns about playing gay
and, yes, I would play [gay] again, although it depends on the role.
What I liked about this role is that I don't think it was salacious.
It showed love in its many aspects, including compassion and, yes,
sex-but
it was really important for me to run the full depth of
that 15~year relationship:' Otto is aghast at the controversy that
surrounds the portrayal oflesbians in cinema, most recently in Blue
Is the Warmest Color.
'Tm very sensitive about the erotic scenes in films and whether
they're placed correctly and are authentic. That was important to me.
I didn't want gay women to say,'Oh, that's not what it's like!'"
And while Bishop was"a very modern'' character, says Otto, she nev~
ertheless went to lengths to keep her sexuality hidden. "I actually com~
pletely understand her discretion. Elizabeth was someone who didn't
want to be boxed into anything-she didn't want to be classified as a
'female' poet and I think she didn't want [her lesbianism] to be the focal
point either. She just wanted to be recognized as a poet:'•
HOT
PICKS
Trans porn trailblazer Buck Angel, self proclaimed "Man
with a Pussy," shares his story in this entertaining and
illuminating doc. The film features interviews with Angel,
his long-time partner Elayne, and discussions with Angel's
family and a variety of familiar faces including queer
sexperts Tristan Taormina, Dan Savage and trans musician
Lucas Silveira. The film documents Angel's transformation
from female to male, from model to porn star and then from
porn star to trans educator and activist. Angel is candid
in sharing his life, not shying away from dark chapters full
of confusion, drug addiction and suicide attempts. But
Angel's story is inspirational: he has overcome so much to
become the man he is today, one who can share a tale of
self-acceptance and self-love.so that anyone, regardless of
gender or sexual identity, can identify with him.
Perfect
Endings:
The
Nicole
Conn
Collection
(Peccaaillo
Pictures)
It's not often that you are offered a box of romance
(or maybe it is, and you are just one lucky lady) but
with this DVD set, that's exactly what you get. Perfect
Endings: The Nicole Conn Collection, features the out
director's greatest contributions to lesbian cinema: the
groundbreaking film Claire of the Moon, which was the
first modern lesbian film made for us by us: Elena Undone,
which stars Traci Dinwiddie and boasts the longest lesbian
kiss in cinema history: Conn's latest hit film A Perfect
Ending, starring lesbian model turned actor Jessica Clark:
and Cynara, Conn's bodice-ripping short film. For those
who love sweepingly romantic lesbian dramas, this box set
is your perfect match.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
29
ecoming a YouTube sensation isn't the biggest accomplish~
ment of indie pop punk artist Leah Jee; she's had a whole
lot of success in her music career, not least of which is the
freedom to travel and tour for a growing fan base in Amer~
ica. She also has fans internationally and tons of hype surrounding
her first EP, The Rest is Ours.
Jee first caught Curve's eye with her debut video "Coming After
You;' which features her as a sexy cupid hooking up couples in a
bar-many
of them same~sex. It was easy to have her breakout
video feature lesbian lovers, and her crew was incredibly supportive of her vision:
"It was awesome working with the cast and crew that I worked with. They saw what
B
30
CURVE
MARCH
2014
I was trying to do and they hopped right
on board. Everybody that was in the video
was more than willing to be a part of it and
proud to be a part of the project:' She was
able to stay true to her mission: to change
the world through music. Jee adds, "Equal~
ity is one of the most important things
to me. It's definitely the campaign that I
want to spend the rest of my career work~
ing towards. When I did this video I really
wanted to incorporate elements of equality
and show different types of couples:'
What's the song about? It's a reminder to
connect with the people around us. "My
sexy cupid goes around and wakes peo~
ple up because it's really easy to get lost in
your cell phone when you have an amazing
person sitting right next to you. These peo~
ple wake up and they see that the world is
many different colors:'
"Coming After You" may be her break~
out song, but Jee's not new to this. ''I've
been writing music for as long as I can
remember; since I was a little kid:' It's
been 10 years of making it into a career.
At Pride Fest she opened for Cyndi Lau~
per, and it was opportunities like that,
in addition to incredibly supportive and
loyal fans, that helped her take her career
to the next level where she could live her
dream full time.
A native of Southern California, these
days Jee is travelling a lot, "If I'm not in
California, I'm either in Wisconsin or
Illinois;' she tells us. But her home state
is still really important to her. "The music
scene in California is so great:' She put her
band together back in the Golden State,
signed herself to LRT through Universal,
and found more and built up her fan base
there, and has plenty of new projects on
the horizon.
Her most recent YouTube release is
the video for "Hero In Me:' Jee explains,
"It is for the heroes, so I
wanted to give the fans
a little bit of a gift and
really celebrate Veterans
Day. I have a lot of friends
and family that are in the
armed forces. I thought
we'd do something nice
for them as a way to say
thank you:' She wrote it
for friends who had lost
loved ones and felt as if they
never had a chance to say a
proper goodbye. The song is going to be
REV1Ews1MUSIC
featured on Jee's upcoming B~Side release,
along with several other songs that weren't
included on her EP.
Jee also keeps busy, staying in contact
with her fans via social media. "Long gone
are the days where we would go around a
city and plaster flyers up. [Social media]
is just a different way of communicating
with fans. I talk with fans that are in
London or China, and without the social
media presence those things would be
very difficult:'
On Instagram, people can catch a
glimpse of Jee's life outside the studio and
off stage. As a local artist, she can still talk
to people around the world. And she has a
balance of artistic control and success that
wasn't possible in the heyday of the record
label. "I am in control of what I do: when
I release something and what message I
send and how I want to dress and what
shows I want to play. I think the power
of the indie musician is really coming to
light with all the social media and all of
the different options that we have as art~
ists today, and I'm very fortunate for that:'
All of those channels allow her to keep
making the change she believes can hap~
pen through music.
She's making it her job to work as a
musician every day. For Jee, this is a life~
long career, and "the journey has been
long:' There's still more to come from the
successful songwriter, so really, the journey
is only beginning. (leahjeemusic.com) •
HOT
LICKS
))BYRACHEL
SHATTO
& MERRYN
JOHNS
Lady
Gaga
ArtPop
(Streamline
Records)
The contemporary queen of pop Lady Gaga's latest, Art Pop, is the
bisexual singer's most sonically diverse album to date. After taking
the pop world by storm, it's clear with her latest outing that she is
ready to dabble in a variety of other genres-to varying degrees of
success. The R&B infused "Do What U Want" featuring R. Kelly is
naughty triumph, however "Jewels N' Drugs" featuring T.I., Too $hart
and Twista is less impressive. But there is plenty to love on Art Pop
including the album's trippy namesake. The oh-so-catchy "Applause"
is among her best yet and the aching anthem "Gypsy" shows off
Gaga's chillingly powerful voice. While perhaps not her strongest
album, Art Pop is certainly a solid addition to Gaga canon, and is still
leaps and bounds ahead of most of her contemporaries.
Katharine
Cole
There
IsNoGod
(CracKerJill
Music)
As the voice of a fire and brimstone preacher segues into the rich
alto of Katharine Cole-and the decisive strokes of her gutsy electric
guitar-this underground revamp of a music genre lesbians love is a
thrill a minute. A welcome reclamation of roots and rhythms that have
not traditionally included us, and yet to which we instinctively relate,
the opener, "Hymn in E" is a toe-tapping plea for the coexistence of
religion and tolerance. It is followed by the swingin' "All Day," the cruisy
and moody "Heart and Dagger" and then, like a great Gospel choir or
a perfect roots and blues pub gig, the whole album just rips along at a
heartfelt pace-from a jamming and irreverent cover of "Dixie," to the
countryish "Just Some Girl," to a sensitive acoustic version of Joan
Armatrading's "The Weakness In Me." The out and proud Cole belongs
in your collection right next to Roseanne Cash and Mary Gauthier.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
31
W
hen you dust off your pass~
port and leave home, which
do you become, a tourist or a
traveler? And what's the difference? Alden
Jones, the author of The Blind Masseuse:
A Memoir from Costa Rica to Cambodia,
has thought deeply on this subject. Born
in Manhattan and raised in New Jersey,
Jones writes, "While tourists spend their
time away from home seeking out the
comforts of home, travelers risk-even
cultivate-discomfort,
because what they
want is the thrill of a new perspective:' The
exoticist chases the charm of the unfamil~
iar, but then must face the consequences
of this addiction to geographical unfamil~
iarity. Consuming other cultures without
really understanding them raises moral
32
CURVE
MARCH
2014
REVIEWS/BO
questions-especially
when you are an
American woman who's young, educated,
blonde, and single.
Jones begins her journey after college,
when she signs up for WorldTeach in
Costa Rica. There she navigates poverty,
sexism, and the often-underwhelming
local cuisine, which relies heavily on lard.
While the tourist in her urges her to "ditch
this dinky little town and make a beeline
for the beach;' her inner traveler expects
her to learn Spanish and be more culturally sensitive. "You want to be Costa Rican. So
eat the lard, gringa!"
Throughout her journeys, including
trips to Bolivia, Nicaragua, Cuba, Cambodia, Burma, and Egypt, Jones discovers
many things about herself-from
a deep
appreciation of an icy cold Coca-Cola to
the nature of her true sexual preference.
"We travel because we want to be surprised by something we've never seen
before;' Jones tells me from her home
in Boston, where she is busy raising her
6-week-old baby with her wife, Kate. They
met on the 2006 voyage of Semester at
Sea, where the astounding itinerary included San Diego, Hawaii, Japan, China,
Hong Kong, Vietnam, Myanmar, India,
Turkey, Croatia, Spain, and Fort Lauderdale. For Jones, it was essentially a nautical
cure for one of the most turbulent years
in her life, which had included breaking
up with her first lesbian love. Single when
she joined the ship, she had no idea that
she'd meet her future partner, especially
when she saw that the roster of her 16
colleagues listed AOL email addresses.
"They' re all going to be old;' she lamented
to her sister. "I thought there was no way
I was going to meet a fun, young, single
lesbian on board ... and of course I did. It
was just amazing. I was very lucky that the
timing worked our:'
Her destiny, it seemed, was offered up
precisely because she had silenced the
tourist and embraced the traveler, and
consequently she met someone with a similarly adventurous spirit.
A writer at heart, Jones began her career in 1999. Her first travel essay was
about Costa Rica. In 2006, the essay form
lengthened into a book, and much like Eat,
Pray, Love: One Womans Searchfor Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, it
turned out to be a book about the journey
to selfhood. "I actually had a lot of friends
call me up when that book came out and
say, 'I feel like you actually wrote ir; " she
says. The success of Eat, Pray, Love and
other travel memoirs is a testament to the
transformative power of travel, and while
Jones's book is perhaps more cerebral, it's
also a great trip for the lesbian armchair
traveler, charting the author's evolution
from heterosexual to bisexual to lesbian,
all against exotic backdrops.
When The Blind Masseusebegins, Jones is
young, restless, straight, and unable to commit
to relationships. Her friends are getting married and having kids, and she is "horrified" by
their choices. But gradually, as Jones becomes
a better traveler,her true identity also unfolds.
MARCH
2014
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33
Become
a Better
Traveler
''A lot of people are very thoughtful
about traveling and doing it well;' she says.
"It's important to be positive and aware
of class and cultural differences, rather
than just being drawn to the weirdness of
things:' Travel, for Jones, may have begun
as an escape from responsibility and the
quotidian, but it becomes a lens through
which she can see the appeal of her own
culture. "I always knew one day I would
be ready;' she says about her much more
domestic life.
Now that she has two children, the
debate between tourist and traveler has a
new dimension. "There's no way around it;'
she says, admitting that a Disney vacation
holds an appeal it never did before. And
traveling as a lesbian couple with children
raises new questions of safety and accep~
tance. In Croatia recently, and pregnant
with her second child, Jones was ques~
tioned by another mother who assumed
Jones and Kate were sisters or friends trav~
eling together." 'So, you're pregnant. Was
it planned?' I was like, 'Well, we're gay, so
yes, it was very planned!'"
And while she has always felt relatively
safe traveling as a single woman, keeping
her sexuality on the down~low and trying
to assimilate, she concedes that traveling
under a rainbow banner also has value. "I
tend to avoid tour groups in general, but if
you go in a group [as a gay person] you' re a
little safer. I would love to go on an Olivia
cruise. I think it would be really fun. It's
just fun to be in a group of people who are
like you, in a way:'
Once the rhythms of family life settle,
Jones may hit the road again, if only for a
short trek. Colombia, Thailand, Africa, and
more of South America are at the top of
her list, as well as a return to her beloved
Cambodia. She may finally have embraced
the charms of the ordinary, but for the true
traveler, the call of the exotic never loses its
appeal. (aldenjones.com/blog/) •
34
CURVE
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2014
Alden Jones, author of TheBlind
Masseuse:A Traveler'sMemoir from
Costa Rica to Cambodia, on how to
leave your inner tourist at home.
1.Learn
theLocal
Language
Even if you are on the tourist trail in a country where people commonly
speak English, take the time to learn, and use, at least little bits of
the local language. Learn how to say"hello;"'goodbye;"'excuse me:'
Always ask,"Do you speak English?" People appreciate it when you
acknowledge that there was effort involved in learning a language,
and they appreciate it when you make the effort to do the same.
2.Adjust
Your
Expectations
If you want to be openly gay and kiss your partner on the street,
it's probably best to avoid Uganda and Russia.You may prefer
Sweden. Take ideology, cultural sensitivity, and personal safety into
consideration when you travel; make sure the destination is right for
you.
3.Visit
Friends
Living
Abroad
Have a friend teaching English in Argentina? Or relocated to Hong
Kong for a job? See if they're up for couch crashing. Expats often
enjoy a visitor from home (especially if you bring them hard-to-get
treats like magazines, books, and peanut butter). It gives them a
good excuse to see the sights, and you can tap into the resources of
someone living as a local.
4.Use
Local
Transportation
There's no faster way to get stuck in a tourist bubble than by traveling
from place to place on a tour bus or a hotel shuttle, or even in a taxi.
Take the train or the bus. Use the process of getting from place to
place as a way to check in, instead of checking out.
5.Plan
Around
theBest
Lesbian
and
Gay
Businesses
...and not just the gay-friendliest locales. Two of my favorite finds:
In Antigua, Guatemala, a cafe called Frida's;and Side by Side, a
lesbian-owned B&B in Galway, Ireland. At these off-the-beaten-path
venues, you find a friendly camaraderie and it is often easy to meet
both locals and international travelers. Connection is the real key to
meaningful travel.
6.Request
One
Bed
If you are traveling with someone of the same sex and it is not obvious
that you are a couple, hotel proprietors often think they are doing
you a favor by giving you a room with two, often single, beds. If you
don't want to get stuck across the room from each other during your
romantic vacation, make sure you put in the double/king bed request!
REVIEWS/
TECH
Found
and
1.Lost
GlobaTrac's Trakdot Luggage Tracker
takes the guesswork out of finding
wayward bags. While in flight it
operates in airplane mode, but once
the plane lands the luggage locator
sends a message with its location
directly to your smart phone. Because
losing your luggage is a terrible way
to kick off a vacation (take it from
someone who once spent three
days in Costa Rica in a tracksuit
waiting for their luggage to reappear).
($60, trakdot.com)
Salutation
2.Sun
Travel
tFor the gal who wants to go off the grid-but
take her gadgets with her-the SolarWrap 400
is the best of both worlds. This lightweight
roll-out solar charger is a convenient and ecofriendly way to keep your camera, smartphone
or tablet all charged up and ready to go-on
the go. ($214, bushnell.com)
Companions
Five gadgets that willrevolutionize
TECH»
the way you vacation.
======:::::J-
ev RACHEL sHATTo
inCase
4.Just
3.IntheTrenches
Goodbye, carry on bag, hello SeV Trench
Coat. With this travel savvy coat you
can take everything you possibly need
to hit the road-in style. This twist
on a classic trench features 18
specialized pockets-all with
magnetic closures-so there
is a place for everything
from your passport to your
iPad all on your person.
($150, scottevest.com)
Water babies, this one's for you. If getting away
means hitting the closest (or most exotic)
body of water, Pyle Audio's SurfSound-PLAY
makes for an excellent travel companion. This
waterproof case and speaker means you can
safely bring your smartphone or MP3 player
along on all your wet and wildest adventures.
($70, pyleaudiocom)
aDream
5.Like
Let's face it-those u-shaped
travel pillows we've all
been lugging around
for long flights are just
not cutting it. Meet
the next generation
of travel pillow, the
NapAnywhere. This
thin foam padded
shelf rests between
your shoulder and
face, cradling your
head for maximum
support and travel
snooze time.
($59, napanywhere.net) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
35
lD-ton
neon
clipper
ships
and
hot
women
infeather
bikinis?
Itcould
only
beBurning
Man.
Text
&Images
byJocelyn
Voo
f the many summertime festivals, Burning Man
will always be a standout because nobodynobody-who hasn't attended will really
understand what you mean when you attempt
to explain it. It's you and 48,000 of your soon-to-be closest
friends wandering into the blazing Nevada desert for a
weeklong celebration of art, music, self-expression and
survival. It's trampolines and Hula Hoops, industrial yurts
and bisexual perverts, 50-foot sculptures and 15-hour
dance marathons. It's madness. It's the unthinkable It's
love and acceptance on a unilateral scale The creative
dreamers who make up the Burning Man community
exude vivacity, which is as evident in their welcoming
smiles as it is in their facepaint and feathers. Once you're
there, you understand why people call it "Home." Of them
all, though, some women stood out amongst the rest.
Here, in their own words, they try to explain what Burning
Man means to them •
Amy
e tall for
"I get to b
I'm fivee.
g
an
a ch
half. I like
a
two and
half."
adding the
l-faraandWildfire(right)
Wildfire: "Everything here is accepting.
We can just be ourselves."
38
CURVE
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2014
J
FEATURE/
PICTORI
FEATURES/
There is just no
stopping Heather
Peace.In 2013 alone
she had two soldout U.1<.concert
tours; she wowed
Australia at the Gay
and Lesbian Mardi
Gras; she became
the first artist to record a live album
at London's iconic
Jazz Cafe; she explored risky territory on Waterloo
Road for the BBC.
And somehow, she
found the ti me to
get married.
The British actor and musician came out
and into our living rooms in 2010 as
Detective Sergeant Sam Murray, all hands~
in~pockets swagger and silky deep voice, in
the BBC TV series Lip Service.The show,
about a group of lesbians in Glasgow,
Scotland, was not just groundbreaking per
se, says Peace, but was "mostly responsible"
for her music career. "I had always been
gigging, and that was the only thing that
had changed:' All in all, it was a fantastic
stroke of luck that she chose to play suave,
sexy as hell DS Murray.
Accepting the job on Lip Service also
meant that coming out in her own good
time was no longer an option for Peace.
She would never have lied about her
sexuality, so when the inevitable "Are you
or aren't you?" buzz started up, Wham! she
catapulted into lesbian consciousness the
world over. "It's honestly the best thing I've
ever done. I feel really liberated by it;' she
says. So, do women actually tell her it's
been easier to come out since she's been
there for them as a role model? "Everyday;'
she says. Then there are those who reach
out to her, grasping for a life raft in a dark
sea. "The best thing I can say is just to find
a friend. It's made me realize how many
people do have massive issues. It's quite
frightening, actually:'
And the Lip Servicedomino effect keeps
THE L LI
rolling on: Because Peace had already
come out, she didn't have to hide the fact
that she was getting married. Her wife,
though, hasn't surfaced in the press."Ellie's
not someone I talk about, to be honest. I
don't post pictures of her. I don't think it
would be fair to. She's not a show~off like
I am. It's just unfortunate for her that she
fell in love with me!" What she will say is
that Ellie is her best friend, they want to
have kids, and her idea of joy is just the
two of them watching the sun play on the
sea from a hilltop.
As we speak, Peace is on the verge of
recording a follow~up to her 2012 debut
album, Fairytales.Slated for a Spring 2014
release, it's "completely different" from her
first. "I mean, there's still a theme to ithow do you keep relationships alive-plus
there's definitely true stuff on there, but not
necessarily about heartache and breakup,
'cause I'm at a different age, 38 now, and at
a different stage. But it's still very raw and
very real. I hope I bring something to my
songwriting that One Direction can't do!"
Now, I've seen Peace moonwalk, but
when I ask her who has influenced her
music the most, her choice at first seems
a curious one. But then she elaborates:
"Michael Jackson is the reason I got into
Motown, which got me into the blues,
which got me into jazz. He was the door
MARCH
2014
CURVE
41
TURES/
THE L LIST
through to a genre that perhaps otherwise I
wouldn't have gotten into:'
Peace easily crosses geographical borders,
too, and is no stranger to travel. She has had
a thing for Sydney since she was 21. "I know it
almost as much as I know London:' No doubt
she'll tussle the surf at Bondi Beach when she
performs again for her huge Australian fan
42
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MARCH 2014
base at the 2014 Mardi Gras. This year she's
even trekking as far as Western Australia on
her Down Under circuit. As for America, "It's
a really tricky one. There are so many supertalented people there!" Her slight reticence
about the U.S. reminds me of what she's said
about getting occasional bouts of stage fright,
moments where she can't even see the shape
of the piano keys. "Opening night is
always really nerve-wracking. It also
depends on how I'm feeling, you
know:' If I'm premenstrual, the idea
of actually going out on stage with
everybody looking at me is a total
nightmare. Sometimes that happens,
but I try to time it so it doesn't!"
Will we see her play Nikki Boston on Waterloo Road again:' While
she hasn't absolutely closed the door
on acting, Peace has "never experienced the music stuff at this level
before. There just came a point
where I couldn't focus on the two:'
She says that she has the same
"no-nonsense" approach as her wellknown characters, Sam and Nikki,
but that "neither of them is very
emotionally developed. I'm outwardly a lot softer, but I've probably
got a bit more strength on the inside
than either of those two:' And we
needn't worry about Peace's eventual return to acting-'Tm
gonna
change perceptions and become the
first female Doctor Who!"
Peace is so acutely unaffectedyou just can't imagine anyone not
liking her. When I'm wrapping up
the interview and almost ready to
hang up the phone, she darts in
with, "Have a good sleep!" Then she
spends the next few minutes asking
me about the weather, wishing
me a "lovely" Christmas and New
Year. Peace has somehow managed
to achieve an exquisite balance
between coy and self-assured.
"I stutter and have some weird
facial twitches. I've never said that
before! It happens when I'm tired
and uncomfortable. My eyes will
start twitching and then-"
she's
laughing so hard she can't finish her
sentence."Sometimes I can't actually
get my words out! My wife will just
sit there and wait for me:' And
Peace
definitely-refreshinglytells it like it is."My gob does get me
into trouble!" What's her favorite
line from one of her songs:' "It
would have to be 'Fairytales have
got a lot to answer for: Yeah:' Then
her throaty laugh resonates before
she finishes her thought: "Because
what a load of bullshit they are!"
(heatherpeace.com) •
The "indie" darlings reach the top and
make our hearts throb.
BY JANELLE SORENSON AND
MELANY JOY BECK
MARCH
2014
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43
egan Quin swears she
never saw it coming.
Long known as half of
the Canadian indie rock
band Tegan and Sara,
she says she had no idea
that their latest studio
album would catapult
them to such mainstream
pop success. In fact, the
thought that she would
even have a career in
music had never crossed
her mind when she was
young. (She and her twin
sister Sara are now 33.)
"We didn't really imag,
ine we'd be doing this,
so I think Kid Tegan
would be like, 'Whaaat2
Whaaat?' We didn't sit
down and decide that
this is what we wanted
to do;' she says, at home
in Los Angeles on a rare
break from touring.
Sara agrees, phon,
ing in from her own
vacation to discuss the
remarkable changes in
the duo's more than
10,year career.
"Our audience has
44
CURVE
MARCH
2014
become so diverse;' Sara
says. "We play shows
with Paramore and Katy
Perry and it's 13,, 14,,
15,year,old
teenagers
now, all kinds of kids.
And we weren't intro,
duced to them as a gay
band. We were intro,
duced to them through
a mainstream pop song
on the radio:'
When the twins were
just teenagers themselves,
they started out playing
earnest,
guitar,driven
alternative music with
life, and when you get
to your 30s you're going
to write something im,
portant, you' re going to
reach people, and you' re
going to experience
something. I don't think
Young Tegan would
have understood that;'
she says.
Now that they are
·we have never
been indie
anything.
We signed to a
major label
when we were
19 years old ■the impudence that's
characteristic of most
kids their age.
"We
thought
we
knew everything, like
any 15,year,old;'
says
Tegan. "Our label was
like, 'You don't know
anything about love or
actually in their 30s,
Tegan and Sara have
written a glossy pop
masterpiece, an album
that stands out from
their previous six.
Each song on Heartthrob leads into another, narrating love and loss
with the angst of a John Hughes film, plus a whole lot of shiny pro~
duction. The latter is something Sara hopes the duo can bring to their
upcoming headline slot as part of the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Week~
end, held April 2-6 this year in Palm Springs.
"It seems like such a totally different type of event from something
we would normally do;' says Sara. "We do a lot of festivals, but they're
mostly indie rock festivals, so there are a lot of shorts and sunburns.
From what I gather from my friends, [Dinah Shore] is more of a glam~
orous event. It's sort of like Spring Break. People are there to mingle
and meet. Everyone's all about being hot, and they're there for a really
good time. We'll have to bring our A game:'
No doubt they will. "Closer;' the debut single on Heartthrob, has
made its way onto Billboard charts and Top 40 radio across the
country. Until now, that was unexplored territory for the sisters, who
were counted among the darlings of indie music by critics and fans alike.
"Even though people have called us indie for 10 years, we have never
been indie anything;' says Tegan. "We signed to a major label when we
were 19 years old. To us, what indie rock means is that we were niche,
or not popular. What's been super interesting about delving into that
pop world and allowing our music to be on the radio and in film and
on television, with more corporate mainstream attachment, is that it
has allowed us to meet more people. It's about reaching more people
and keeping the music alive:'
46
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MARCH
2014
Since Heartthrob's release, at~
tention from the media has
evolved to include the morning
news staple The Today Show as
well as public radio. The duo has
made major guest appearancesthe most notable of which was
a sold~out Staples Center show
in Los Angeles with pop~coun~
try megastar Taylor Swift. This
marks a departure from the last
time Curve talked with Tegan
and Sara.
The tracks that now make up
Heartthrob existed amid more
than 40 new songs, a collection
that needed to be whittled down
to 12. "We put it up to a vote;'
Tegan says, explaining how they
chose the tracks that would go on
to become Heartthrob.
"We had a group of people we
really trusted listen to the songs
and we would vote, and it always
came back to the same 12 songs.
They were leaning more toward
pop music, so we picked a producer who would both respect
what we had built and also bring
us into new territory.
Sara and I felt that making another record that sounded like
Sainthood or The Con would be
repetitive or counterproductive
to what we have created. As artists, we wanted to challenge ourselves and challenge our audience to do something different;'
Tegan says.
"One of the things that I'm
quite proud of about the band is
that we re a very versatile band;'
says Sara. "We like to think that
we're able to meet the needs of
whatever audience we're playing
for, which has allowed us to do
a lot of different kinds of things.
We've toured solo, we've opened
for people, we've done rock tours,
we've done pop tours. We really
think we're able to tailor our body
of work and build a set list and
a show to be appropriate for any
audience:'
"When we went into the studio, it quickly became obvious
that we were making a much bigger record that would stand up
against a lot of the music that was
out there-and
that to us was a
thrill because for a long time it
felt like we had a glass ceiling over
our head;' Tegan says. "I think it
was selfimposed:'
Although Heartthrob has brought
Tegan and Sara many new fans,
some of their longtime supporters are uncomfortable with this
mainstream success, a fact that
Tegan is keenly aware of.
"We wanted to make new music
and we wanted it to sound completely different;' she says. "We
wanted to access the mainstream
and make a difference, and from a
musical perspective we wanted to
be heard by more people, and it
"It's a pretty big spectru~;'
Tegan says, recounting some epIC
moments in the Heartthrob record
cycle.
"Standing on stage with Ellie
Goulding and Katy Perry and
Sara Bareilles, and all of those
moments are fucking crazy, headout-of-body experiences. On the
other end of the spectrum is debuting on the Billboard charts,
or in the Top 20 on Top 40 radio.
These are all crazy achievements
·we wanted to access
the mainsheam and
make a difference. -but we are stillTegan
and Sara and that
hasn't changed:
has changed the game for us and
it does feel good, but we are still
Tegan and Sara and that hasn't
changed:'
With the success of Heartthrob
has come opportunities for song
placements and corporate sponsorships, an often-divisive subject
among indie music fans, and yet
another new opportunity for the
women.
Making music together for
more than 15 years is an accomplishment that the Quins value,
and one that they never lose sight
o£ despite the thrilling moments
they have racked up recently.
that I never assigned any value to
until recently, and to have them
appear in our life, and to realize
how valuable they are, these are
all incredible things that I am
terribly, terribly proud of'
As for what's next, the women
are content to continue riding
the wave of Heartthrob, touring
until Christmas 2014 and reaching more fans, new and old alike.
As Tegan says, "Every day you
pick up a little more speed, and
you spread your arms a little bit
wider:' ( teganandsara.com) •
MARCH
2014
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47
W
ith a voice as smooth and
rich as molasses, Sweet Baby
J'ai, artistic director of the
Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival, loves
"making shit happen:' The Kansas City jazz
singer has taken on the world. She grew up
with "tree~lined streets, beautiful fountains,
the best barbecue in the world, and every
sort of music-not just the legendary jazz
and blues the city is known for, but also rock,
R&B, classical and country, if you looked for
it;' she explains. Missouri may be the Show~
Me State, but J'ai decided to look around
for hersel£ too, living in New York City, San
Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Portland, Chicago,
Tokyo and finally Los Angeles, where she
has settled.
Her mom nicknamed her Sweet Baby
when she was born, and growing up sur~
rounded by music, it's no accident that J'ai
became a jazz singer. "Nicknames create a
certain fascination and mystery;' she says.
"Think about Lady Day, the Count, Bird,
Satchmo-when
you hear those names,
jazz lovers know instantly who you're talking
about. In fact, those jazz musicians were
some of my earliest influences. My father
was a jazz and blues guitarist, and I grew
up listening to his collection of music. My
uncle played with Billie (Holiday] and my
cousin played with Dizzy [Gillespie], so I
got the interesting stories that went along
with the names:'
J'ai has gone on to share the stage with
music legends Etta James, Melissa Etheridge,
Sheila E., Chaka Khan, k.d. lang, and Jill
Scott. She knows the kind of musical talent
lesbians love, so she's perfect to be running
this jazz festival,which will take place during
Dinah Shore Week.
"I thought it would be a brilliant idea to
bring a jazz festival to The Dinah, but not
just any jazz festival-an all~women'sjazz
fest! Dinah Shore Week is one of the largest
lesbian events in the world, so it made per~
feet sense to host the Palm Springs Women's
Jazz Festival that weekend:'
In addition, the festival aims to provide
entertainment to a specific demographic,
"anyone over 30 and all of those golfers in
town for the LPGA who are too tired from
being on the green all day to stand up in
a packed club with a bunch of teenagers;'
laughsJ'ai.
As artistic director, J'ai is responsible for
attracting national and local talent; help~
ing to make the festival look, sound, and
be world class; and delivering one of the
best lineups in women's jazz today. There is
something for everyone, she says-'contem~
porary jazz, smooth jazz, straight~ahead,
blues, Latin jazz, soul, funk, and a whole
lotta love and estrogen!"
The festival, which debuted last April,
was a success then and is set to grow."I have
a recipe for a good show, which is similar to
my recipe for Sweet Baby's 'Slap Yo' Mama'
Greens-guaranteed
to wake you up and
leave you begging for more;' she laughs.
"By bringing together a carefully crafted,
eclectic selection of exceptional performers,
my Women in Jazz All~Stars always pro~
duce memorable and unexpected surprises!
The festival features an amazing lineup of
talent, including the Smooth Jazz Super~
stars, trumpeter Cindy Bradley and saxo~
phonist Pamela Williams, the vocalist and
Living Legend Award-winner Lady GG,
Grammy~nominated vocalist Perla Batalla,
the saxophonist Carol Chaikin, the multi~
award~winning guitarist Mimi Fox, inter~
nationally renowned violinist Karen Briggs,
and many more! It is so much fun I can't stop
smiling. I've got a lil' sumptin'~sumptin' for
you. I'll be singing and playing my butt off!"
She invites all Curve "divas" to support
the festival,which takes place over four days,
April 3 through April 6, 2014, with 10 con~
certs, a gala brunch show, the full spectrum
of jazz and blues, after parties, tributes to
legendary divas, food, drinks, warm weather,
beautiful views of the San Jacinto Moun~
tains-and over 40 acclaimed female musi~
cians."I think it's very important that women
support other women. Music tells a storyevery chord, every note, every word-and
every woman on that stage will have a story
to tell:' (sweetbabyjai.com) •
Palm Springs:
Sweet Baby ,T'ai
BY GEORGIA KROKUS
48
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MARCH
2014
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
MARCH
2014
CURVE
49
ovincetown:
ndrea
Meyerso
A
ndrea Meyerson might well be
known as "Ms. Lesbian Show~
biz''-that
is, if she weren't as
famous for her activism as she is for her
lesbian entertainment. A producer of
concerts and live comedy shows, and the
founder of StandOut Productions, Mey~
erson has staged events featuring some of
the country's best~known comics and sing~
ers, including Wanda Sykes, Roseanne
Barr, k.d. lang, Brandi Carlile, and Joan
50
CURVE
MARCH
2014
Armatrading. She completed and released
her first film, Laughing Matters, in 2003
and has more than 30 productions to her
credit, most of which have aired on tele~
vision in the U.S. and Canada. In 2002,
she was the recipient of the Los Angeles
Gay & Lesbian Center's L.A.C.E (Les~
bians Active in Community Empower~
ment) Award; in 2004, PowerUp honored
her as one of the 10 Amazing Women in
Showbiz; and in 2006, she received the
Outstanding Woman Award from
the Women's Image Network and
was a finalist for PlanetOut's En~
trepreneur of the Year. In 2007,
Meyerson became the first out
lesbian to receive the YWC/\.s
Women of Achievement Award in
Arts & Entertainment for empow~
ering women and eliminating rac~
ism; and in 2008, she received the
Human Rights Campaign's Local
Hero Award. During their Alaska
Cruise in 2013, Pride of the Ocean
Film Festival at Sea honored her
with their "Body of Work'' Award.
She's also the founder of Women
On A Roll, one of the country's
largest travel and social organiza~
tions for lesbians-and
you might
say that Meyerson herself is on
quite a roll.
Born and raised in Southern
California, where she still lives,
Meyerson is staging her next big
adventure in Provincetown, which
has for some time provided a back~
drop for her contributions to les~
bian culture. "My very first visit to
Provincetown was during an East
Coast trip with an ex~girlfriend in
1994. We had spent time in Bos~
ton and Martha's Vineyard and
only stayed in P~town for the day.
I loved it. It is such a special place
and I always knew I'd go backjust didn't know I would go back
another 15 times, and counting!"
In 1998, Meyerson offered a
Women On A Roll trip there
during Women's Week. "We took
28 women on that first trip and
everyone loved it, including me! I
decided it would become an annual
trip for Women On A Roll. Now it
typically sells out, as we can only
accommodate up to 45 women:'
Those lucky women come from all over
the country to participate in this land~
mark lesbian event. "We provide the best
opportunities available during their stay. In
addition to offering group outings to see
top talent and attend all the main events,
we organize exclusive dining at the finest
restaurants. We also provide sand dune
hikes and bike rides on the secluded Beech
Forest Trail. And we stay at one of the
most beautiful inns in town-Anchor
Inn
Beach House-where
we host a free party
FEATURES/
every year. We take over the entire inn, so
it's always lots of fun just hanging out in
the lobby or on the veranda:'
While some feel that P-town appeals
only to older lesbians, Meyerson disagrees.
"I really don't think it matters if you're older
or younger. It truly offers something for
everyone. It's ageless and timeless and provides an absolutely beautiful place in the
world for us to be ourselves. Aside from
the dancing and partying, there is a lot of
culture-our
culture! Most of our favorite
lesbian entertainers perform there: Kate
Clinton, Vickie Shaw, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Karen Williams, Jessica Kirson,
Jennie McNulty, Mimi Gonzalez, Melissa
Ferrick, Cris Williamson, Suede, the list
goes on and on. There are several lesbianthemed plays, shows, and art exhibits-and
then there's Kate Clinton's famous touch
football-not
to be missed!"
For those new to P-town, Meyerson
recommends visiting in October, during
Women's Week! And she has a few favorite
activities to recommend, too, such as taking the Beech Forest bike ride; dropping
in to the Lobster Pot for a Bloody Mary,
a lobster roll, or a bowl of dam chowder;
hiking through the sand dunes; and, of
course, checking out a lesbian stand-up
comedy show. "But don't ask me to pick
which ones! They are all top-notch comics
and you really can't go wrong," says Meyerson.
(womenonaroll.com) •
LOCAL LESBIA
BE
APART
OFP-TOWN
HISTORY
2014 marks the 30th
anniversary of Women's
Week in Provincetown.
The organizers and founders have allowed Andrea
Meyerson to capture this
milestone event in her
eighth documentary,
Clambake: 30 Years of
Women's Week in Provincetown, which she is
currently crowd funding.
Donations to the project
are 100 percent taxdeductible and come with
"thank you" rewards, not
to mention the satisfaction of knowing that you
contributed to making
a part of lesbian history.
(clambakethemovie.com)
MARCH
2014
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51
W
hen Jamie Yocono first began
working with wood in her
father's workshop in Los
Angeles, she was just a kid. Back then, she
never dreamed that she'd actually found
her niche in life. And that what had be,
gun as a childhood pastime would lead to
a college degree in furniture design and
a career in woodworking. Today, she lives
much of her life surrounded by sawdust
and students, commissions and cameras.
52
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MARCH
2014
(Her popular blog Let's Talk Wood was
recently named one of the top 20 wood,
working blogs on the web.)
Jamie is the owner and operator-or,
as she puts it, chief cook and bottle wash,
er-of Wood It Is! in Las Vegas, where
she builds custom cabinetry and teaches
people how to work with wood. In her
industrial,size
woodshop,
she offers
classes on everything from the very basics
to advanced furniture,making. She offers
classes through local colleges, in their
Continuing Education departments, and
also teaches one,on,one.
"Private lessons are a wonderful alter,
native for anyone coming to Vegas who
might want to squeeze in something
besides gambling;' she says, adding that
Las Vegas is finally becoming an arts
community, rich in all mediums-wood
included.
When Yocono moved to Vegas 10
years ago, she realized that it was easier
to find a GSA meeting than a woodwork,
ing community-prompting
her to start
Sin City Woodworkers, a group that
includes everyone from hobbyists to pro,
fessionals. They meet at her woodshop
once a month to share techniques, ideas,
and tips. "Since there wasn't a community
here, I had to create one;' she says. And
that she has.
Of course, living in Las Vegas brings
a unique dynamic to her woodworking
clientele-she's
taught private lessons
to poker pros and Cirque du Soleil art,
ists, and built commissions for Air Force
generals, brothel workers, Thunderbird
pilots and even members of the Saudi
Arabian royal family.
Three of her pieces were recently com,
missioned by the Royal Saudi Air Force
and now hang in various Saudi Arabian
palaces-as a lesbian the irony is not lost
on her. Not bad for someone who started
by making rubber band guns and skate,
board cars at the age of 6. By the time she
was 16, Yocono was building full,size
furniture and thinking about studying
furniture design in college. After earn,
ing her degree from Ohio University,
she opened up Wood It Is! and started
making custom furniture.
"Someone told me to find a way to
make a living doing what I love and it will
never feel like work;' she says. Clearly,
she's one of those lucky enough to have
found a way to do it.
Yocono's classes, which fill up quickly and
have equal numbers of men and women,
keep her busy most weeknights. In her
spare time, she turns to clay for fun. She
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
operates a complete ceramic studio in her
backyard, where she makes the tile inlays
that she uses in her furniture.
''A day offr That's for working on my
own pieces;' she says, or for getting inspiration from her surroundings-whether
mountain biking in the desert or heading
to Chinatown for a good meal. The local
community is also important.
"I love collaborative art. I'm always on
the hunt to work with other artists-be
that mixing our mediums or simply discussing our work;' says Yocono, before
she fires up her table saw and begins
cutting wood, prepping for an upcoming
class. 'Tm immersed in wood, it's what I
love-how lucky am It (wooditis.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
53
L
ike many New Yorkers, Linda
Schlapp pursued the good life,
going for the best that Manhattan had to offer, working in fashion, real
estate, and information security. And yet
she felt that something was missing in her
life. Upon reflection, she decided that her
greatest joy came from her volunteer work,
and therefore chose to pursue a different
career path. Her first job in the nonprofit sector was with Global Volunteers, an
international development organization
where she became the first country manager in China. After she had developed
new programs for them around the
54
CURVE
MARCH
2014
world, she went on to work for other
nonprofit organizations, including the
International Gay and Lesbian Human
Rights Commission.
"It is hard to pinpoint the exact moment
of my epiphany. It was more like a series
of events;' says Linda Schlapp about why
she now dedicates her career to LGBT
voluntourism. These events included seeing
people lined up outside Chick-fil-A to
support Dan Cathy's homophobic statements; reading the hate speech signs carried by members of the Westboro Baptist
Church in Kansas; hearing about the "Kill
the Gays" bill in Uganda and the anti-gay
protests around the world. "I kept thinking, 'These people hate me and they don't
even know me! They don't take time to see
that I am human: And I knew it was time
to show the haters, and the world, who we
really are:'
While LGBT activists play an essential
role in changing laws worldwide, LGBT
volunteers-or citizen diplomats-in communities around the world make an enormous impact at a human level. In her
years of volunteering with global communities in need, Schlapp saw firsthand
how fear and prejudice dissipate when
people work together, share ideas, and
listen to one another. "I knew if I provided
the LGBT community with the opportunity to work side-by-side with others
from different communities, ultimately
people would learn that we're all more
alike than different:'
Schlapp approached Global Volunteers
because "for the past 30 years they have
promoted understanding between different races, traditions, religions and ethnic
heritages to help build a foundation for
world peace and justice through service:'
At her suggestion, they expanded their
mission to include LGBT volunteer vacations and to promote understanding between people of all sexual orientations
and genders.
In travel, "safety trumps everything,"
says Schlapp, who notes that some countries are not yet ready for such a program.
"Global Volunteers does not send volunteers to countries where it would be
dangerous to be an openly outi member
of the LGBT community. Instead, we
focus on [sending volunteers to] our existing program locations, in countries with
an emerging awareness of LGBT human
rights, which we can help move forward
while still providing a safe environment
for the volunteers:'
Global Volunteers has programs on
every continent except Antarctica, and by
2015 it will have LGBT-designated teams
or exclusive group travel in Italy, Greece,
Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba,
the Cook Islands, Vietnam and bhe Blackfeet Nation in Montana. When asked
about her favorite destination, Schlapp,
who has traveled to 40 countries around
the world, reveals that going to Vietnam,
on her first trip with Global Volunteers,
changed her life. "The experience gave me
the opportunity to step outside of myself
FEATURES/
and away from my life back home. The
Vietnamese I met were so peaceful and
content. I will never forget the serene faces
of the people who became my friends, nor
their generosity, even though they had so
little for themselves. It made me want to
live a life of service;' she says. Vietnam
also made her "look deeply inward to what
would really make me happy and who I
really was. I came out to me in Vietnam:'
While voluntourism is transformative
to both the host community and the volunteer, there are some things that enthusiastic newbies need to keep in mind. "Be
flexible and open-minded and you'll be
amazed at what you'll experience-what
you'll see and the people you'll meet;' says
Schlapp. She also says that although the
experience offers a non-touristy weeklong
vacation, and the opportunity to see a new
environment through the eyes of the locals,
with your evenings and weekends free
to enjoy the local color, a full-day work
itinerary at the invitation and under the
direction of local community partners is
involved. "Don't be afraid to roll up your
sleeves and work hand-in-hand
with
local people, because this is when true
friendships are born and prejudices are
eradicated:'
And if you're worried that the experience won't be enough of a gay-cation for
you, Schlapp says that as part of your free
time, a program of LGBT cultural activities will be offered. Prominent local LGBT
activists and allies from the arts, politics,
and academia will be invited to discuss
issues relevant to the LGBT community,
and outings to local LGBT centers, social
clubs, restaurants, and other establishments
may also be arranged-all
depending on
the nature and accessibility of the LGBT
community in the host country.•
LOCAL LESBIA
IFYOU
GO
Global Volunteersis a nonprofit internationaldevelopment organization.Service
program fees for volunteer
vacations and all programrelated expenses (including
travel, visas,and the like) are
tax-deductible for U.S.taxpayers,except for the Cuba
Now! People-to-PeopleProgram. Service program fees
range from $995-$3,795
and include three meals a
day, lodging in tourist-class
accommodations, ground
transportation,emergency
evaluation insurance,a
trained team leader, project
materials,and administrative costs. The itinerariesfor
2014 include Italy, April 26May 3; Greece, August 2-9;
Peru, September 20-27; and
Ecuador,November 22-29
(globalvolunteers.org)
MARCH
2014
CURVE
55
Colorado:
Pa~cha McKeough
BY EDIE STULL
G
uffey, Colo., population under
100, sits at 8,600 feet in the
Southern Rockies, west of Colo~
rado Springs. It's a town that time forgot,
a page ripped out of Roadside Americafull of odd sculptures, historic buildings,
antiques and old vehicles-it
even has
a cat as the honorary mayor. Outside of
town, your next~door neighbor is prob~
ably acres away-and could be a lesbian
drawn to the area's solitude, beauty, and
sense of community.
Pascha McKeough found Guffey de~
cades ago, when she decided to make
some significant life changes, including
living as a lesbian.
In the early 1980s, Pascha stepped
back and looked at her life-28 years of
marriage, 45 years of Catholicism, and 30
years in medical technology-and
real~
ized that none of it was working. "With
the support of my spiritual director, a
wonderful mystical elderly Franciscan
nun, I, with great trepidation, left those
areas of my life, one by one.
56
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2014
"I came from Wisconsin and was look~
ing for a special place in the mountains
for a healing and wellness center. When I
found this piece of 28 acres looking out at
Pikes Peak, I knew it was home:'
In 1994, she went to Taos to take a
break from the small pup tent in which
she was living. It was there that she
discovered Michael Reynolds and his
Earthships-passive
solar houses con~
structed from natural and recycled ma~
terials. Earthships use local resources
and maximize the sun for heating and
light, while their thick outer walls reg~
ulate interior temperatures. "I realized
that building sustainably, living simply,
honoring Mother Earth ...all were where
my heart was:' She decided to build an
Earthship instead of a log cabin.
She got Reynolds' books, found an
Earthshipper architect, and started to
build her home. "Since I had never built
anything before, I decided to get lots
of books out of the library, especially
plumbing and electricity, and studied
each night ...then went out and did what
I had learned:'
Pascha started her Earthship in 1994,
when she was 54 years old. "The 12 years
it took me to build was really my 12~year
technical school. I just kept putting one
foot in front of the other and now have
this amazingly warm, cozy, nontoxic
home to enjoy:'
The foundation of the house is formed
out of earth~filled vehicle tires. "Gaia is
the goddess of the Earth, and since the
Earthship has so much earth packed into
each of her 1,600 old tires, and earth
adobe on her walls and floors, I decided
to name her Gaia:'
While she was building the Earthship,
she lived in a lO~foot~by~12~foot cabin
with no plumbing and no refrigerator,
although it did have electricity, a phone,
and a wood~burning stove. "I lived simply
for those 12 years and it was wonderful.
I learned how much less I needed to be
happy in life:'
The project generated some concerns-
FEATURES/
LOCAL LESBIA
Pascha overcame a mountain of regulatory barriers in order to use alternative
construction methods-and
more than
once she considered giving it up, until she
realized that she was building a house
and herself.
Pascha's four children and 10 siblings
were unsure about her life-altering decision. "It was a time of growth and transition for them as well as for me ... yet all
came and helped when they could, and
now my children all come every year to
enjoy the beauty of this remote, quiet,
pristine mountain space:' She moved into
the unfinished home during the summer
of 2006.
Pascha's Gaia Wellness Center offers a
retreat where women can escape the fast
track of life. "They can come and enjoy the
quiet, eat healthy home-cooked meals, sit
by a sacred bonfire or drum away if they
like, soak in an outdoor wood-fired hot
tub, walk the labyrinth, or sit meditatively
in the spirit lodge and enjoy the mountain views. Each person sets their own
pace and way of finding the divine spark
within. Mother Nature and the quiet do
the rest:' (gaiaretreat.magix.net/public/)
•
MARCH
2014
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57
"I used to make scrapbooks as a child with
photos I would cut out of magazines;' says
Layton. "Then, I started taking photos of
rocks, flowers, ducks, etc. When I was 15
years old, I was looking at National Geographic magazine on my couch. As I was
flipping through the pages, I said to my
mom, who was sitting in the room with
me, "I would love to take photos like these:'
She said, 'You know, you can do that for
a living, if you want: I slammed my hand
on the magazine page and said, 'That's
what I'm going to do: I researched the best
[photography] school in the country, Ohio
University, and was lucky enough to have
David Alan Harvey [a National Geographic
photographer who lived down the street]
mentor me. I never looked back and have
enjoyed every moment since:'
"My parents were my biggest fans and
my mentors;' she says."They always encouraged me to follow my dreams. It began with
them, and without their unconditional
love and support I would not be where I
am today:' National Geographic continued
to be an influence, as did the fine art photographer Raymond Gehman, known for
his majestic and epic landscapes.
Layton shoots both portraits and landscapes, which is unusual for a photographer, and she credits her 16 years as a
photojournalist at five different newspapers across the country with giving her
wide-ranging skills. "I had to be good at
photographing just about anything and
everything, in any given light and on deadline;' she says. "Photographing landscapes
and doing portraiture are similar in that,
as a photojournalist, I capture what is real.
For others it may not be, but for me it's
similar, as I look for the inherent energy in
all subject matters:'
This training also helped Layton to learn
how not be intimidated by her celebrity
subjects. "Sometimes I have been intimidated photographing a famous subject.
But then my instincts kick in, and I quickly
realize that they are just people, too. I just
start doing my thing, capturing the moment
and the person before me:'
The out lesbian photographer might
spend her time behind the lens, but she
believes in the power of coming out and
being up-front about it.
"My philosophy has always been, be
100 percent yourself and we can change
the world by coming out to one person at
a time:'
Her latest project, Hoop: The American
Dream, contains both landscape or portrait photography. This lush and colorful
book is quintessential Americana-basketball hoops and the wildly different settings they belong in-and she hopes these
images will "inspire people and children to
follow their dreams.
"Ten years ago, a friend of mine sent
me some basketball hoop photos he had
taken, and I told him that he should do
a book, cards, calendars. He wasn't interested in doing it at all. Years later, I saw a
hoop in the snow and decided to take a
photo of it. I immediately got the 'hoop
bug: I called him right then and asked if he
still didn't want to do it, and if he would he
mind if I did. He said, 'Go for it!"'
The project may have taken Layton all
around the country, but she still calls
Seattle home. That's where she lives with
her partner of six years, Shakti Chen, and
their four adopted rescue dogs.
"I travel quite a bit;' says Layton, "but
just like the old saying goes, there's no
place like home:' (robinlayton.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
59
Theexcitementof beingin Stockholmstarts whenyou are
striding throughbaggageclaim at Arlanda Airport. The
Swedish celebssuch as Ingrid Bergman,featuredin the
StockholmHall of Fame,instantly establish the magical
land upon whichyou've arrived.
Our adventure hurtled head~on into suit~
ing up and boarding a rigid~hulled in~
flatable (RHIB) boat (oppethav.se). This
high~speed adventure is not for the faint
hearted! Board with delight, but be pre~
pared to have the elements flying in your
face. The bodysuit, life vest and goggles
are compulsory, and when you're skim~
ming over the water at 60 mph, clutching
the handle~bar for dear life, you are cer~
tainly grateful for their protection-and
pleased you chose to put your phone
away rather an attempt a selfie.
The second half of our journey to Island
Lodge (islandlodge.se) was another kind
of thrill. Once accustomed to the adren~
alin of the RHIB, we found ourselves
switching pace to a beautiful yacht. We
were served tea, coffee and delicious pas~
tries as we relaxed on a gentle saunter
62
CURVE
MARCH 2014
through the Stockholm archipelago. Our
navigators stopped the engines, raised the
sails and we were almost lulled to sleep
watching the late afternoon sun gently
fall to the horizon.
As we disembarked at the remote
Island Lodge I immediately felt the click
of coming off the work grid. Founders and
hosts, Kristina and Torkild took us on a
tour of their small, uninhabited island
( there was no electricity-let
alone Wi~
Fi-until we were back on the mainland
the following day). We immediately
jumped at the chance to relax by grabbing
a beer and heading into the floating sauna.
After reaching a state of intolerable heat,
we braved the frigid elements and jumped
into the ice~cold Baltic with screams of
delight. It was an invigorating, self induced
spa treatment as the sun set and slowly
disappeared. When we finally dragged
ourselves away from our play, our hosts
greeted us with warm, candlelit smiles,
a spread of local fare and delicious wine
presented on locally sourced wooden
tables under the custom~made seafront~
dining tent.
If you need to disconnect from life's
stress, then spend time with loved ones
on this 'glamping" site. You are immersed
in the most glorious natural elements, yet
Torkild will ensure that the wood~burn~
ing stove is stoked in your spacious
high~tech geodesic tent before you tuck
yourself into a comfy bed with fine lux~
ury linen. I can't remember sleeping so
soundly.
After braving the stunning elements
with an open~air shower, and brushing
my teeth over a river stone wash basin, I
warmed up with hand-pumped espresso
coffee and accompanied my friends on
a final exploration of the island's fascinating former rock shelter torpedo
workshop. Here we discovered that old
military patrol tracks still exist amid a
potentially unique event space actually
carved out of the island. However, there
was little time to fantasize as Torkild and
Kristina were waiting to whisk us away to
the ferry back to civilization.
Your passions can dictate how you
spend a Saturday in Stockholm. The city
spoils you for choice with 87 museums,
numerous art galleries and abundant
shopping. On top of that, just walking
down the streets, soaking up the ornately
designed structures is a treat unto itself.
For a visitor, the public transportation is
superb and the locals seem accustomed to
non-Swedish speakers.
The exhibits in the contemporary photography museum Fotografiska (fotografiska.eu)
are haunting, romantic and poetic, with
a hint of sexy. The cutting-edge global
and political, statements in some of the
exhibitions shock you into awareness of
the human plight. The fashion and glamour in others leave you with a myriad of
takeaways-and
a desire to load up in the
souvenir gallery.
Now who doesn't like a little "Dancing
Queen"? Like many of the attractions I
visited, ABBA The Museum ( abbathemuseum.com)
is highly interactive.
Once you have browsed through The
Swedish Music Hall of Fame, which
is housed alongside, you enter the
game-infused delights of this new culture hotspot dedicated to Swedish pop
music-and
of course the legendary
pop band, ABBA. This exhibit is great
for kids and adults alike. Sing on stage
with the band, recording your track in
the studio, and even practice your dance
moves in the dressing room.
Although I had "Super Trouper" stuck
in my head, we took a completely different tack and headed to The UNESCO
World Heritage Woodland Cemetery
(skogskyrkogarden.se)
for a moment
by Swedish screen legend Greta Garbo's gravesite. We made a beeline to pay
homage to the late legendary Hollywood
movie star. Her simple gravestone, with
her signature engraved in gold, stands at
the back of a circular, empty, grassy stage.
To our delight a ginger cat summoned
an appearance and we instantly declared
that here was the spirit of Garbo herself.
After a day's culture there are many
places to let your hair down in Stockholm, especially on a Saturday night. A
unique experience is to kick-off with a
cocktail at The Icebar (icebarstockholm.se)
where everything, including your glass,
is made of ice. Thank goodness for the
thermal capes and gloves, which are provided in order to enjoy the ambiance for
at least a few minutes without enduring
frostbite!
Stockholm's architecture is a welcome feast. I was struck by the buildings' unscathed magnificence. I walked
in wonderment to the The Royal Palace,
(royalcourt.se) where the modern, inclusive Swedish Royal family still resides.
The family is reflective of the general
attitudes of the people and government,
which reports that theirs "was the first
country in the world to include work on
LGBT-related issues in its fundamental law:' Swedish marriage law has been
gender neutral since 2009. Sweden allows
transgender people to serve openly in
their military-something
the United
States, despite the repeal of "Don't' Ask,
Don't Tell;' still bans by policy.
To discern the sumptuous, grandiose,
17th century palace the Royals still call
home, which legally and culturally welcomes all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is certainly a
charming demonstration that tradition
and modernity can co-exist. (gaylesbian.
visitstockholm.com) •
MARCH
2014
CURVE
63
EAT
SLEEP
SEE
SHOP
STOCKHOLM
EAT:
Hotel
Skeppsholmen.
the black and white
tiled ambiance to
make a cozy yet
lively meal to share.
(zinkgrill.se)
The social dining
experience and
SLEEP:
cuisine resemble
EttHem.If you
the twist of this
can afford it, do it.
over 300-year-old
Quite simply this
listed building,
is the place to stay.
which now boasts
Built in 1910 this
modern design
luxury hotel weland eco-friendly
comes you home.
amenities. The
hotel sits on a lush
With only 12
rooms, sojourners
island in the heart
eat in the kitchen
of the bustling
and relax in the
capital providing
living room. The
a tranquil yet
highlight of this
accessible venue.
(hotelskeppsholmen.se) establishment is the
quintessential garLe Rouge.
den and outdoor
Romance is a
dining experience,
which is made
given at this French
fine-dining estabpossible year round
lishment, hidden
with a heated
in the historic city
glass wall veranda.
(etthem.se)
quarters, conjuring
sensibilities of the
Sheraton.
This
Moulin Rouge.
5-star hotel is
(lerouge.se)
ZinkGrill.Around
your shopping,
enjoy a delicious
breakfast, lunch or
dinner here in the
chic Bibliotekstan
district. Family
style dining adds to
conveniently
located within
walking distance of
several museums,
government buildings and public
transportation. The
hotel meets your
expectations in
terms of comfort
and style, and offers
stunning views of
the city. Breakfast is additional
although the buffet
is sumptuous and a
typical Swedish
experience.(sheraton- pieces on display.
stockholm.com)
(millesgarden.se)
SEE:
Millesgarden.
Carl
Milles' wife was a
strong inspiration
for this Swedish
sculptor's breathtaking work. Saunter the grounds and
be fascinated by his
portrayal of powerful women. There
are also homoerotic
department store
offering Swedish
and international
TheVasamuseum. brands such as
The Vasa sank in
Hermes, Mulberry,
Stockholm harbor
J Lindeberg, Filipin 1628 on her
pa K, Acne and
maiden voyage.
Anna Holtblad. At
This incredibly
NK Saluhall visiornate warship was
tors can sample the
rescued from the
best Sweden has
to offer in culinary
seabed in 1961 and
is the world's only
delights. Rosenperfectly preserved
rummet is a private
17th century ship.
lounge that offers
Today visitors learn
assistance with
of the period's rich
personal style and
history on and off
shopping. (nk.se)
deck. (vasamuseet.se)
A StartupStore.
SHOP:
Nordiska
Kompaniet
(NK).
Six-level designer
Initiated from the
non-profit organization Business
Challenge, this
store, showroom
and gallery in
Kulturhuset,
Stockholm features
products and pieces
from Swedish
entrepreneurs. The
prevailing theme
is that hard work
and not giving up
on your dreams
leads to success.
(astartupstore.se)
TRANSPORT:
TheArlanda
Express
is the best
airport transportation. Just 20
minutes from
the Stockholm
Central Station,
you can't go wrong.
(arlandaexpress.se)
IF YOUGO:Buses, trams, trains and ferries are safe, cleanand efficient
in Stockholm.Usethem to your heart's content.Swedendoes not regulate
prices, so taxi fares can vary greatly.Onlyuse thosetaxis with a yellow
numberplate.Ask your hotelconciergefor guidance.
64
CURVE
MARCH
2014
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The history-and
popularity-of
this
green and gentle part of the world, how ever, dates back to La Belle Epoque, when
late 19th century prosperity bequeathed
to the area some stunning European-style
architecture, courtesy of the nouveau riche.
Today, a boat ride through the Parana Delta, the fifth-largest in the world, reveals a
wide range of dwellings-from fin de siecle
mansions, to mid-century modern vacation
homes, to modest holiday bungalowsmost with their own private dock.
But the land and the climate are what
make this place special. The Parana Delta
has its own unique microclimate, which
helps to foster its verdant and exotic
appearance. The heart of this Eden is
undoubtedly Isla El Descanso, a grand
garden estate on the Sarmiento River.
The owner, Claudio Stamato, has
transformed the property over a 20-year
period; and with the help of his partner,
Andres Felipe Duran, who is the director
of public relations for the property, Stamata seeks to promote it internationally
as a center for art appreciation, flora and
fauna, relaxation and well-being.
68
CURVE
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2014
Isla El Descanso has already garnered
international attention: Madonna, who
visited in 2008, liked to take her tea
among the ferns at the river's edge
and wave to passersby as they traveled
through the property by boat. The landscaped gardens are in themselves a work
of art. Water flows through and irrigates
the property, whose soil is fed by nutrient-rich river sediments. I have rarely seen
such stunning vegetation, which changes
dramatically each season. The absence of
roads and cars means that the only sounds
come from the hundreds of
waterways; the somewhat
damp climate helps regulate
frost and blight, providing a sanctuary for plants
from many diverse latitudes.
This is indeed a nature lover's paradise. Stamato and
Duran have carefully manicured the grounds, keeping everything as natural
as possible. The trees grow
around the water, and where
the land dips at the center
of the property are wetlands
and a forest of reeds and willows.
A lagoon provides a safe haven for
countless varieties of birds.
Isla El Descanso came about
through the vision of Claudio
Stamato, who purchased the property in 1993 from the descendants
of the first constitutional president of Argentina. With nothing
but the original marshland for
inspiration, Stamato envisioned
and then built a weekend retreat
where friends could visit. Encouraged by the richness of the land,
he began gardening, and this
quickly grew from a hobby into a
passion. He filled in some of the marsh to
create solid ground, but never forgot the
heritage of the land. The palm trees originally planted by Domingo Sarmiento in
1860 still stand, and the abandoned garden, initially used by the original caretakers, was excavated to reveal decades-old
magnolias, irises, orange blossoms and
other plantings.
Today, the gardens occupy fully half of
the 40-acre park. But perhaps the most
dazzling improvement upon nature has
been the addition of modern art, which
has been strategically incorporated into
the landscape. Large steel sculptures
made by Alberto Baston Diaz, an Argentine who studied in Europe, rise majestically from the grounds. Resembling
the sails, bow, and anchor of a ship, one
such sculpture represents the voyages
that brought so many immigrants to
Argentina. Another stunning work is a
series of bronze music stands that grace
a field of grass. This work of art by Carlos Gallardo was commissioned for the
island and is titled A Toda Orquesta con
la Naturaleza (Everything is in Harmony
With Nature). Perhaps my favorite is the
Talking Bench, a "spaghetti" bench made
from ribbons of metal, which allows
couples in love to sit and contemplate
the little lagoon and other structures in
the garden, such as the Bridge of the Angel of Love and the Temple of Faith.
Because in addition to nature and
art, Stamato and Duran have cultivated
a spiritual purpose for the garden, designing it so that 11 bridges connect its
different areas and symbolize different
things. For example, the first bridge is
called the Bridge of the Angel of Love to
demonstrate the idea that any new venture should begin with love. This bridge
is draped in purple wisteria blossoms and
could have been plucked straight from an
Impressionist painting.
There are many lovely spots in this
garden: here, what appears to be a sea
of singing grasses; there, a secret arbor
inhabited by a statue of Venus. As I
strolled these grounds, I could think of
no better place for a wedding ceremony,
which is indeed one of the services that
Isla El Descanso offers. "Depending on
the budget of the couple, you can include
an orchestra, a carpet of flowers, or even
helicopters filming the ceremony from
the sky;' says Duran.
Other services, in addition to weddings, include bird watching, gastronomy,
guided tours, art events, and corporate
retreats. My visit consisted of a day trip,
a guided garden tour with the handsome
and charming Stamato and Duran, and
an Argentine barbecue lunch.
It was an unforgettable day of relaxation and reflection. To discover that
such places exist in the world because of
the vision of people who seek to work in
harmony with nature was truly inspiring.
I hope to return one day. Now, where's
my bride-to-be? (islaeldescanso.com)
•
V •ISi·t. •• Sweden
www.vi s itswed en .com
Stockholm
The Capital of
Scandinavia
II
Scandinavian
Airlines
igh
Whether you're seeking spring blooms,
summertime farmer's markets, fiery fall
foliage, or a winter hideaway, Blowing
Rock will beckon you into the outdoors to
come enjoy the Appalachian air.
A geological wonder, the "rock" of Blow~
ing Rock is an immense granite outcrop~
ping over a deep green river gorge. This
unique formation, coupled with strong
mountain winds, creates an updraft so
powerful that it lifts light objects-and
has
even inspired an ancient American Indian
love story. According to legend ( and Wiki~
pedia), the Blowing Rock area was claimed
by both the Cherokee and the Catawba
when a brave and a maiden, one from each
tribe, fell in love. When the brave learned
that he had been called to fight against
his lover's people, he threw himself off the
rock in despair. The maiden prayed for his
return and, in answer, a great gust lifted
him back up into her arms. Even now, the
area continues to draw visitors back season
after season for a Blue Ridge blend of hos~
pitality and beauty.
On the way into the town of Blowing
Rock, stop by the rock itself ( theblowin~
grock.com). Ripley'sBelieveIt or Not quips
that Blowing Rock is "the only place in the
world where snow falls upside down:' This
oddity of nature is a sight to behold and
so too are the panoramic views of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and the undulating for~
ests along the Johns River Gorge. Through
old~timey viewfinders, take a gander at
Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east
of the Mississippi River, and its nearby
neighbor, the craggy dome of Grandfather
Mountain. Before leaving, take a free local
map from the gift shop. The village covers
only three square miles, but the streets are
as winding as rhododendron roots, and the
cell service is spotty.
eaven
FEATURES/
TR
WHERETOSTAY
Westglow Resort and Spa offers
such a delightful experiencesix sumptuous rooms, the fine
Rowland's
restaurant,
and
an award-winning spa-that
guests really do leave glowing
( westglowresortandspa.com).
The owners, Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, who have been
a couple for 21 years, have
restored the Greek Revival
mansion and 42-acre estate
to the impeccable standards
of Relais & Chateaux. When
I was there, feminine touches
such as two pairs of women's
slippers, a "makeup" washcloth
for each of us, and a nightly
box of chocolate truffies left
with flowers on both of our
pillows made my partner and
me feel entirely welcome.
"Fog likely" is a local saying that warns visitors about
the ever-changing mountain
weather. If clouds descend,
there is no better place to be
than the Westglow Spa. Voted one of the best boutique destination spas in the country, Westglow lives up to its promise
to guests: "Come to the top of the mountain, leave on top of
the world:' At the spa, you can take advantage of an array of
luxurious, rejuvenating body services, including a Grandfather
Stone Massage and Blue Ridge Body Wrap, as well as facial,
salon, wellness, and fitness services. The quiet relaxation room
at the spa, with a fireplace, hot ginger tea, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lush lounge furniture, will have you floating on cloud
nine in no time.
WHERETOGO
Greet the day with Westglow's generous complimentary breakfast. Each morning, there are surprise specials to try, including
fresh fruit smoothies, warm-from-the-oven muffins, and other
seasonally inspired dishes from either the indulgent menu or
the spa menu.
Afterward, join the ladies of the spa for a guided group hike.
If you need to pick up some hiking gear ( as I did, coming from
New York), stop by Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters
(footsloggers.com). Trail shoes and a raincoat are a good idea, as
is a local guide for solo hikes. While you' re at Footsloggers, run
upstairs for a cup of organic coffee from the local favorite, Bald
Guy Brew (baldguybrew.com).
Westglow is situated just moments away from the many walking trails in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (blueridgeheritage.
com). Twenty-five miles of sloping carriage roads wind through
the 3,500-acre country estate. On a clear day, the Watch Tower
Trail offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountaintops.
The ambling 2.5-mile path winds through wildflower fields and
white pine, oak, and hemlock forests. On the way down, follow
the signs to Flat Top Manor.
Flat Top Manor was once the home of Moses Cone, a textile
industrialist known as the Denim King. The view of the horizon, all soft blues and a hazy navy where the ridge meets the
sky, is spectacular. The manor now houses the Parkway Craft
Center, which is full of Appalachian artisan handicrafts (southernhighlandguild.org). For a working studio nearby, visit Bolick
Pottery, currently showcasing traditional clayware made by the
fifth generation of family potters ( traditionspottery.com).
Meander along Blowing Rock's Main Street, strolling through
boutiques, galleries, and a turn-of-the-century
treasure trove,
the Martin House (1098 Main Street). Kilwins Chocolates &
Ice Cream is a delicious treat (kilwins.com). However, if you're
in the mood for something merrier, veer off onto Sunset Drive
and make your way to the Inn at Ragged Gardens (raggedgardens.com). Boasting the area's best wine cellar, and beers
from the village's first microbrewery, Ragged Gardens invites
one and all to enjoy live music on the lawn on Fridays at 5:30
p.m., weather permitting.
We were fortunate to visit during a sunny spell, making it
possible to enjoy these outdoor festivities in the evening and
then rise the next morning for an unforgettable hike in Julian
Price Memorial Park. Susceptible to flooding, the Boone Fork
Loop Trail was-for once in a blue moon-passable.
The invigorating 5-mile hike is part of the North Carolina Mountainsto-Sea Trail and it was well worth its challenges (ncmst.org).
Mist-shrouded forests above, mossy rhododendron roots below,
boulders ahead, mountain creeks alongside, with every step it
was a pleasure to join nature at play.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
71
WHERETOEAT
Blowing Rock is a stone's
throw from the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Rippling for 250
miles through North Carolina, the parkway is full
of dazzling overlooks and
vista trails. Head south toward the Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304). This
breathtaking
bridge was
built around the highest
peak in the chain, Grandfather Mountain, to preserve
its environmentally fragile
terrain. Driving at 35 mph
over this feat of engineering
feels similar to riding' round
the bend of a roller coaster.
Don't speed; tickets start at
$250.
For lunch, exit the parkway and zigzag toward
Spruce Pine. The farm-totable eatery Knife & Fork
merits the 30-mile meander
(knifeandforknc.com). Chef
Nathan Allen serves up
inspired dishes from locally grown produce and fowl. The seasonal menu
changes daily, but the Buttermilk Fried Chicken is
not to be missed-nor
is dessert. Heading back on
the parkway, stop at Milepost 316 for a 1-mile leg
stretcher to lovely Linville Falls.
For dinner in town, the landmark Bistro Roca
and Antlers Bar on Wonderland Trail delights
locals and visitors alike with its robust American fare (bistroroca.com). Start with the Antlers'
wood-fired flatbread and finish with a piece of
homemade buttermilk pie. The Habi Burger, with
all the fixins basted in homemade habanero sauce,
and the Mountain Trout with pistachio pesto are
excellent choices in between. Make a reservation
for the three-season back porch and hope for a
thunderstorm.
But no one would blame you if you went no farther than Westglow's own world-class restaurant.
Rowland's proudly serves hearty steaks, seafood,
and game meats alongside fresh-from-the-farmer'smarket fare. In the Library Bar, be sure to have
a nightcap of regional wine or southern whisky.
As you enjoy the cordial company, you'll find
yourself surrounded by floor-to-ceiling portraits
of Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer as they welcome
to Westglow such esteemed guests as k.d. lang,
Hillary Clinton, and Gloria Steinem. In this
deeply red state, the Shaefers provide a wellspring of true-blue hospitality.•
72
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MARCH
2014
S/eep-owqyadventuresat
Autostrodd!e's
A-Comp4.0
BY EMELINA MINERO
I PHOTOS BY ROBIN ROEMER
MARCH
2014
CURVE
73
Wednesday,
Odoter 9
Imagine 300 queer women and trans people
camping together, 16 to a two-bathroom
heated cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains-that's what awaited me last fall as I
arrived at LAX by way of SFO at 9 a.m.
Heading to A-Camp for the first time,
I recalled my memories of being a camp
counselor and an undergrad at RandolphMacon Woman's College. I imagined
A-Camp would be something like both
those experiences: safe, welcoming and
liberating. I was right. I noticed a congregation of women in the airport and
introduced myself, catching each of their
names and some of their stories. By the
time I got on the shuttle-and
I do recommend taking the shuttle to A-Camp.
It's a safe space, within a bubble, and
makes you feel welcome before camp
even starts-I
felt like I had about 100
new queer friends and things were off to
a great start.
I met Brittney from Louisiana. This
was her second year at A-Camp. She
told me about the color wars, how different cabins compete to win the title of
the color war champion. I met Kate from
Illinois. She was filled with energy and
conversation, and she brought me back
an iced vanilla latte on her airport Starbucks run. I met Cassie and Karrie from
Canada. I learned about the political climate in their country, and their passion
for and involvement with music. I told
them that I was performing standup for
the first time at the A-Camp Carnival,
that I'd be giving a CAMP Talk as well,
and that I hadn't prepared for either one.
They promised to sit up front, cheer
me on, and laugh at my jokes, even if I
wasn't funny.
As we were entering the campgrounds,
74
CURVE
MARCH
2014
I felt like Lucy from The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe when she exits the
wardrobe into a snow-covered forest.
As I walked toward the registration cabin among 60 other queers, my carry-on
in one hand and my backpack over my
shoulder, I saw campers who'd arrived
before us already making snow angels
FEATURES/
TR
Thursday,
October I0
>
and throwing
snowballs. When we
neared the registration cabin, we were
greeted by "Hello"s and "Welcome"s. It
was surreal to be in this queer utopian
society where everyone was open and
friendly. As someone who feels truly at
home in very few environments, I have
to say this was one of them.
A-Camp is part sleep-away camp, part
conference, and all queer. Each day, there's
a mix of panels, workshops, and outdoor
activities. The panels are interactive and
the audience participation is heavy. They
aren't just one-way conversations-they're
group discussions.
My favorite panel today was Crazy/
Beautiful. It was about mental health
within the queer community. In general,
mental health issues are grossly misrepresented and shrouded in shame. I was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder about a year ago, and it was both surreal and amazing
to listen to so many people talk openly about their depression and anxiety, their bipolar,
eating, or borderline personality disorders. Just as it is with our sexuality, if our mental
health status differs from the accepted norm, we're taught to keep it to ourselves. That
panel put a lot of faces to labels that most people identify as "other;' and that included
staff, counselors, and campers. It normalized the variety within the mental health spectrum. At first, I felt anxious walking into that
panel. By the end of it, I
realized that I still held
on to shame around
my mood disorder, and
through the discussion
at that panel, through
those shared stories, and
through A-Camp, I was
able to begin to let go of
that shame.
MARCH
2014
CURVE
75
Friday,October I I
Today was filled with a lot of my
favorite activities: the Tardy for the
Party panel, the A~Camp Carnival,
performing my first standup routine
during Comedy Night, and dancing
at A~Camp~alooza and Club Deer.
Every night, Deer Cabin turned from
a venue where we attended panels and
workshops into our very own night~
club. A different A~Camp staff would DJ each night and it was
the spot for debauchery, dancing and drinking. The Tardy for
the Party panel, about coming out later in life, has been my
favorite so far, and it was the panel I could relate to least. Staff
and campers shared their stories about not realizing they were
queer until further into adulthood, and what it was like to come
out and explore their sexuality later in life. Some of them spoke
about ending their marriages, about what it's like to start dating
again after they'd had kids, and feeling silly exploring their
gender expression later in life. It was great being exposed to a
diversity of experiences and people outside my daily life.
-=
-~
Saturday,October 12
....
:~--
;_~_;.~~·:,_~--
I filled my day with interviews, a wine tasting, CAMP Talksthey're like TED Talks-and
queer prom. Today was a lot more
slow~paced, not due to a lack of activities but because I made
one~on~one conversations my main focus. I interviewed a hand~
ful of staff and campers about their A~Camp experience (you
can watch all my interviews at curvemag.com).
On my way to Club Deer, where I had planned to interview
some people during the Femmecraft workshop, I ran into Kathy
Wolfe, the founder of Wolfe Video, and her girlfriend, Barbara
Verhage. That was one of the highlights of my day. They told me
that when they were younger they went to a similar queer camp,
in fact it was how they first met, although they didn't start dat~
ing until 10 years later. I learned how Wolfe Video and Lesbian.
com got started, and we talked about the progression of LGBT
rights during Kathy's lifetime. She's really looking to younger
generations to carry on this work of furthering our rights. I felt
honored that she and Barbara shared some of their history and
some of their hopes with me.
I took away a lot from A~Camp. I left feeling more at home with
mysel£ more in love with mysel£ and more accepting of mysel£ I
also left with new friends and great relationships that I'll foster out~
side of A~Camp-that is, until we reunite next year! (a~camp.org) •
76
CURVE
MARCH 2014
GO:
The question really is, what's not to do?
For those water sports enthusiasts who
want to experience the thrill of a life~
time, Fury's Famous Ultimate Adventure
(furycat.com/key~west) is a must. And
there's no need to be skillful-the
staff
will teach you all you need to know.
With jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking
and parasailing, free wine and beer,
breakfast and lunch included, it's a fun~
filled all~day adventure-not
to mention
the fact that the staff is quite the eye
candy too.
To get a true all~lesbian experience,
hop aboard Venus Charters ( venuschar~
ters.com), for a day of fishing, snorkel~
ing, or dolphin watching. Who knows?
Maybe you'll even find your catch of
the day.
If you're tight on cash, head over to
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic
State Park, Key West's only
natural beach. It's known for its
great snorkeling, beautiful coral
reefs, swimming, picnicking (yes,
they have a grill), and nature trails
great for bicycling.
Not interested in getting wet?
Then head over to Mallory Square
and stroll through the streets to
find boutiques, museums, live theater
and restaurants. Take the Gay & Les~
bian Historic Trolley Tour to see the
sights of Key West in a most fabulous
and humorous fashion. At sunset, the
ocean's beautiful backdrop is the perfect
setting for acrobats and musicians,
who fill the streets with life as the dusk
turns to night.
EAT:
Key West has an abundance of great
restaurants, though no one would argue
if you put the Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
( thefl.amingbuoy.com) right at the top.
With its chic and romantic fl.air,it's the
place to take your honey for some of
the best surf and turf in the city. Not to
mention the deliciously decadent lobster
macaroni and cheese. If your motto is
"Sharing is caring;' then Abbondanza
Italian Restaurant ( abbondanzakeywest.
com), with its oversize portions, is the
place for you-and
a large group of
friends and family. For brunch, check out
Martin's Restaurant (martinskeywest.
com); the eggs Benedict is definitely
worth a try. If you're looking for a quick
bite to eat, B.O:s Fish Wagon (bosfish~
wagon.com) has a unique and rustic
atmosphere, and is known for its crack
conch "seawiches:' For dessert, you must
try Better Than Sex (betterthansexkey~
west.com). The place will seduce your
taste buds-and
it's perfect for whisper~
ing late~night sweet nothings in her ear.
You can't leave Key West without trying
a slice of key lime pie. Stop by Kermit's
Key Lime Pie Shop (keylimeshop.com)
for a chocolate~covered frozen key lime
pie on a stick, and then grab an authentic
cup of Cuban coffee from Sandy's Cafe
(kwsandyscafe.com).
WHERETOMEETGIRLS:
Key West is known as a wide~open town;
so, believe me, even though it has no spe~
cific lesbian hangouts, the Pink Triangle
area on Duval Street can offer a girl every~
thing she needs. The area hosts many
gay~ and lesbian~owned businesses but
Aqua (aquakeywest.com) stands out, first
among equals, as a great place for lesbians
to indulge in some drinking, dancing and
drag shows-especially on the weekends.
However, you can also create plenty of
memories at WomenFest, the annual
event (Sept. 4-7 this year) where lesbians
from all over the world gather for the south~
ernmost lesbian party (womenfest.com)
in America. Talk about "Come on down"!
(fl.a~keys.com) •
MARKtTP
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MARCH
2014
CURVE
79
TLOOKtSTARS
AlI Bets Are Off
So much for "in like a lion and out like a lamb" with
Mars in retrograde this March. By Charlene Lichtenstein
Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20)
want to reveal this month and
intuition says, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"
You are too hot to handle this
no more. Be polite but firm
try to be non-committal
March. Your love life is rife
about your privacy. The rest
you see how the games play
with incredible sex, jealousy
will be grist for the gossip mill.
out. Even tiny actions have a
Leo (July 24-Aug. 23)
mountains as long as you
and passion. Some Guppies
like it that way but others see
huge impact. It is OK to move
the value in quiet, behind
Lionesses are tempted to roar
know where you are going to
the scenes maneuvering and
to anyone and everyone this
place them.
massaging, slow and steady.
March but there are some
things that are better left
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)
Aries (March 21-April 20)
unsaid. Instead of complaining,
Gal pals want to get into your
Are lovergrrls starting to get on
look at the sunny side of life,
business but you need to
your nerves? Are you finding
especially with your treasured
know where to draw the line.
more comfort in your platonic
relationships. You may find that
Thankfully Sagittarians seem
relationships? You're tempted
rubbing hot oil works better
to have the gift of the gab this
to make a dramatic decision.
than splashing cold water.
But don't do anything extreme,
PISCES %
(Feb. 20-March 20) %
%
Guppies ache for a %
faithful relationship. %
She is in love with love %
%
and can't wait to find %
a lovergrrl with whom %
to share her dreams %
of blissful happiness. %
%
She loves children %
and avidly seeks a %
partnership with a %
%
like-minded woman. %
If you settle in with a %
Sapphic Pisces, expect %
%
the pitter-patter of %
little feet within the %
first two years, and I %
don't mean cats! Her %
%
naive optimism in %
relationships is often %
put to the test and, as %
%
much as she desires a %
forever, she is a mutable %
sign who knows when %
%
forever simply means %
for the time being. %
%
%
%
Charlene
Lichtenstein
istheauthor%
%
of HerScopes:
A Guide
to Astrology
%
(Simon
& Schuster)-%
forLesbians
%
tinyur/.
com/HerScopes.
1/,
Nowavailable
asanebook.%
80
CURVE
MARCH
2014
until
March and can turn on their
sweet spigot to let their honey
Aries. There is no reason to
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23)
flow. You wow the masses.
throw out your baby with her
Hold onto your dough this
Now you need to figure out
dirty bath water, especially
March and watch it rise
how to make good use of this
when a dirty bath for two can
through the spring. You work
supportive energy.
calm any turgid whirlpool.
far too hard for too long to
waste it on gaudy trinkets, no
Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20)
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
matter how sexy and attractive
If you are angling for a raise
If work is piling up so much
they seem to be. Focus on
or a promotion, you can ask
that you feel that it can bury
investments and savings.
for it this March. Capricorns
you, maybe you need someone
Virgins with an urge to splurge
are bursting with charm and
to work under you? Taureans
should remember to save a
charisma and are ready to
can be very charming to
little something for a rainy day.
spread their oil on any hot
and find ways to polish the
Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)
you get from bosses, the
apple where it does not seem
You burst on the scene like a
harder they expect you to
obvious. The politics will go
supernova, Libra. Will you have
work. Are you up for the
staying power or will you be
challenge? If so, go and grab.
the corporate powerbrokers
your way.
plate. Of course the more
just a flash in her pants? It may
If not, butter and prime your
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
not make a difference to you
powerbrokers now and wait
Fun and travel mix into a
this March because you are
until the summer to BBQ.
potent concoction this March.
having so much fun doing what
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)
Expand your horizons with a
you are doing. Go on, have fun
last minute vacation or, if time
and party hearty but try to rein
Aqueerians have the world on
and money are tight, try things
in your more "exotic" moves
a string this March as ladies
that you have never tried
when you are hobnobbing with
from all over the world enter
before that are a little closer to
the noobs, lest your own knobs
your orbit. Will your global
home. Adventuresome Twins
get singed.
outreach bring you love? Will it
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
you propel your long hoped for
Cancer (June 22-July 23)
There are bundles of "wilde"
goals into the stratosphere?
What is it about certain
energy going on behind the
Anything is possible this
relatives that makes them so
scenes. It shakes up your
March. But you have to take
nosey about your personal
landscape and charges you up.
careful, calculated action to
business? Reveal what you
But no matter how much your
make it happen.•
can get into mischief.
bring you influence? Will it help
LIVE GRANDLY.
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