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issue
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Date Issued
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Summer 2019
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PDF/A
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Frances Stevens
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Curve_Vol29_No2-summer-2019_OCR_PDFa.pdf
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LIVING
TRUE
MASTHEAD
CURVE
I
LIVING
TRUE
Summer201g » volume2g number2
Publisher Silke Bader
Founding Publisher Frances Stevens
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Merryn Johns
Senior Copy Editor Katherine Wright
Contributing Editors Victoria A. Brownworth, Lyndsey D'Arcangelo,
Janelle and Melany Joy Beck, Rachel Paulson, Dave Steinfeld
Editorial Assistant Liv Steigrad
PROOFING
Proofreader Melanie Barker
ADVERTISING
National Sales Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021
Email todd@curvemagazine.com
ART /PRODUCTION
Art Director Gavin Woodhouse
COVER
Cover Image by
Ryan Pfluger I Netflix
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Liv Steigrad
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Victoria A. Brownworth, Chloe Govan, Anita Dolce Vita, Alex Eugene,
Dave Steinfeld, Lisa Tedesco
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Grace Chu, Jill Greenberg, Sheryl Kay, Syd London, B. Proud,
Amanda Ramon, Erica R. Ryan, Stephanie Saias, Rachael Zimmerman
CONTACT
Curve Magazine
PO Box 1099
Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
Phone (415) 871-0569
Subscription Inquiries subscriptions@curvemag.com
Advertising Email todd@curvemagazine.com
Editorial Email editor@curvemag.com
Letters to the Editor Email letters@curvemagazine.com
Volume 29 Issue 2 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published 4 times per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) by Avalon
Media, LLC, PO 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia. Subscription price: $35/year, $49 Canadian (U.S. funds
only) and $75 international (U.S. funds only). Returned checks will be assessed a $25 surcharge. Periodicals postage
paid at San Francisco, CA 94114 and at additional mailing offices (USPS 0010-355). Contents of Curve Magazine
may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher. Publication of the name or photograph of any persons or organizations appearing, advertising or listing in Curve may
not be taken as an indication of the sexual orientation of that individual or group unless specifically stated. Curve
welcomes letters, queries, unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Include SASEfor response. Lack of any representation only signifies insufficient materials. Submissions cannot be returned unless a self-addressed stamped envelope
is included. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damages. The contents do not necessarily represent the opinions
of the editor, unless specifically stated. All magazines sent discreetly. Subscription Inquiries: Please write to Curve,
Avalon Media LLC., PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia, email subscriptions@curvemag.com Canadian Agreement Number: 40793029. Postmaster: Send address changes to subscriptions@curvemag.com , Curve, PO
Box 17138, N. Hollywood, CA 91615-7138. Printed in the U.S
curvemag.com
SUMMER
CURVE 3
WELCOME
Editorial
T
his year marks the 50th anniversary of
the Stonewall uprising, but it also marks
the anniversary of something else: almost 30 years of publishing Curve mag-
azine. I couldn't be prouder to be the editor-in-chief
of the world's best-known lesbian magazine, but
the person who needs to take the credit for Curve's
very existence is Frances "Franco" Stevens.
I'm very excited to share with readers the news
that a new documentary is being made about
Franco and her dream to run a lesbian magazine
that would reflect our community in all its truth
and diversity. I'm also happy to report that I met
with the film's director and producer (Jen Rainin
and Rivkah Beth Medow) and they got me on camera to tell my story of what the magazine means
to me; I am but one of many women featured in
this film, and there are countless more whose lives
have been enriched by Franco's vision. I'll be doing
Editorin Chief
Merryn Johns
everything I can to support this project, which is
titled Ahead of the Curve.
Maybe you'd like to contribute, too. If you feel
like chipping in a few dollars on Kickstarter or even
just supporting the project on social media-follow
#CurveMagMovie and #AheadOffheCurve. This
documentary is made by an entirely female-identified crew dedicated to lesbian visibility, one of our
most powerful tools to combat discrimination.
So in the spirit of lesbian trailblazers like Franco,
Happy Stonewall 50, and Happy WorldPride!
merryn@curvemag.com
4 CURVE
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Content
Women We Love:
Devery Jacobs
This young and inspiring, out Indigenous
actor-activist is making a difference on
our screens.
Food: Teresa Montano
The out Los Angeles chef charms us with
a new and delicious take on classic
Spanish tapas.
Style: Swimwear
Female-designed eco-friendly swimwear
for diverse body types will make you look
and feel good this summer.
6 CURVE
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Music: Grayson
We meet some iconic and up-and-coming performers who should be on your
Cover: Tales of the City
Pride playlist this summer.
Showrunner Lauren Morelli brings her
lesbian TV expertise to the reboot of
Interview: Melissa
Etheridge
classic groundbreaking series Tales of the
City, now on Netflix.
Everybody's favorite out rocker will take
to the WorldPride stage in New York City
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
Stonewall.
SUMMER I CURVE 7
OUR TEAM
Contributors
Chloe
Govan
World
VictoriaA.Brownworth
Politics
MaryJensen
Music
ChloeGovan
Chloe is an award-winning writer, author and investigative journalist. After completing degrees in Psychology and Magazine Journalism and working as a travel editor and columnist,
she developed a freelance career, during which she authored 12 books. Her most interesting
career moments have ranged from visiting a crumbling abandoned castle once belonging to
the Marquis de Sade to interviewing a former jihadi bride. A keen supporter of LGBT rights,
her other areas of interest include psychology, feminism and social justice.
VictoriaA.Brownworth
Victoria is an award-winning journalist and the author and editor of nearly 30 books. She has won the
NLGJAand the Society of Professional Journalists awards,the Lambda Literary Award,the Keystone
Award for Best Reporting,and the SPJ Award for EnterpriseReporting. She has been nominated for
the Scripps-Howard Award, RFKAward and the Pulitzer Prize. A contributor to a variety of publications, Victoria's reporting has appeared in the New YorkTimes,the Los AngelesTimes,and others.
She is the longest-serving writer for Curve.@vabvox
MaryJensen
Mary has always been a creative person and feels lost if she's not being productive on
some creative level. She enjoys acting and playing parts where she can really let go. She
freelanced for several newspapers over the years as well as running her own local entertainment magazine for three years. After graduating from the Hallmark Institute of Photography in 2004 she ran Jensen Photography until it faded out due to new technology. "Now
it seems my calling is, once again, writing and I'm good with that." mjensenwriting.com
8 CURVE
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Key West Pride
June 5-9, 2019
keywestpride.org
With our live-and-let-live philosophy and official One Human
Family point of view, Key West takes The Florida Keys'
come-as-you-are attitude to a whole new place. And
with annual events like Key West Pride, you can
celebrate your true colors 365 days a year.
fla-keys.com/gaykeywest
TheFloridaKeys
Key~st
Close To Perfect - Far From Normal
305.294.4603
Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys
WOMEN WE LOVE
The indigenous actor is now in American Gods on Starz and Amazon Prime.
Devery Jacobs' star is on the rise, and she's pushing for
unanimously agreed that I was their Sam Black Crow, and
queer and Native representation in Hollywood.
that somehow they would make the dates work. I have never
Onbeinganoutactor
fought so hard for a role in my life.
There was never a time that I didn't want to act. My first role
Onhowshebecame
involved
inindigenous
activism
was when I was 7 years old, where I played a munchkin in
I grew up in Kahnawa:ke, a Mohawk reservation with the
my reservation's production of The Wizard of Oz, and I was
legacy of the 1990 Oka Crisis (a 78-day standoff between
hooked. But I didn't pursue acting seriously until I was cast
Mohawks and the Canadian Army), so my upbringing was
in my first leading role, as Aila in the feature film Rhymes for
inherently political. I was raised to be passionate about my
Young Ghouls.
culture, and preserving it, and I became one of the found-
Modern indigenous representation is so sparse in the
ing members of the Kahnawa:ke Youth Forum, a group that
media, let alone visibility for people who are indigenous and
organized rallies and protests and participated in creating
LGBTQ+.To be out and living my truth as a queer Mohawk
community legislation. It's my hope that through proper
person is incredibly empowering and meaningful to me, but
representation in Hollywood, audiences can learn about the
I also recognize how important it is for our youth to witness.
many facets of different indigenous cultures and empathize
To have notable artists in the media coming out is hugely im-
with Native stories.
portant in normalizing queerness and creating empathy for
LGBTQ+ people. Our stories and voices are important, and
representation matters.
Onhowshelanded
a roleinAmerican
Gods
I've been a fan of the novel American Gods for years, and
Onhowsheseestheprospects
forotherqueerfemale
actors,
especially
womenofcolor
There hasn't been a better time for queer actresses of color.
Now is the time for us to get our foot in the door and show
that we're here to stay. Even though we don't have many sto-
I thoroughly identified with Sam Black Crow, who is a sar-
ries reflecting our experiences, now is the moment for us to
castic, Cherokee, queer young woman. I hounded my agent
authentically bring our truths as queer women of color, and
to make sure I got to audition for Sam, and I was actually
to determine for ourselves the way we're seen by the media.
selected as the production's first choice! But I was attached
to another project, and it came down to one day when the
schedules conflicted. They just couldn't make it work. I was
gutted; I wrote an email to American Gods' production, explaining how thankful I was for the role, how similar I was to
her, and how heartbroken I was that I wouldn't get to play her.
But I would still be a fan of American Gods, of Neil Gaiman,
and especially of Sam Black Crow.
I guess it worked, because they sent the email across
the production office and Neil Gaiman even read it. They all
Onhashtagfeminism
The attitude on set now feels more cautious, and there are
mandatory videos being shown on sexual harassment, but a
lot of cast- and crew-members still don't take the movement
as seriously as they should. Fortunately, as the number of female LGBTQ+ and people of color creatives behind the lens
grows, so does the level of respect in the workplace.
deveryjacobs.com
SUMMER I CURVE 11
FOOD
Tapas
witha
Touch
ofPride
Teresa Montano is the chef/ owner
of Otofio, a celebrated Spanish tapas
restaurant located in the Highland Park
neighborhood of Los Angeles.
N
ew Mexico-born into a large Hispanic family, Chef Montano proudly
identifies as a gay woman and loves
to embrace diversity and incorporate the
flavors of other cultures into her cooking.
Otofio combines Spanish traditions with LA
flavors.
Onhowshebeganherculinaryjourney
My career started at an organic farm in Malibu.
After college I was deciding what to do with my
future, I did a lot of reflecting on that farm and
decided that I had a passion for food and a talent for cooking. I then went to culinary school
and worked for a catering company in Malibu. I
gained a pretty solid customer service resume
at this time as well working for Starbucks and
any food related job I could find. From culinary
school I got a job at Tender Greens in Culver City.
This was a very formative experience for me.
Not only did I get to work with organic produce,
meats and sustainable seafood, I got to work el-
0
5
this company for several years working my way
through their other restaurant in Santa MonicaBorder Grill-and helping to roll out their taco
truck project. I became sous chef at Border Grill
and am still so grateful for all of the opportunity
that company offered. After Border Grill I spent
a year cooking in New York but quickly returned
to LA.
Ondiscovering
Spanishflavors
bow-to-elbow with the owners as they grew their
My travels to Spain became the cornerstone of
business. After Tender Greens I was eager to get
my cuisine. A few years after returning to LA, I
into a full-scale restaurant and started working
opened my first restaurant, Racion in Old Town
for Ciudad. The two female chef/owners, Susan
Pasadena. Racion was inspired by my travels
Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, were big time
to San Sebastian. After five very successful and
Food Network celebrities and I loved the ex-
formative years at Racion, I left to rest and work
citement of a big, busy restaurant. I stayed with
on an independent project. I returned to Europeat
12 CURVE
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FOOD
this time for about three months where
for me. My family is loving and sup-
My restaurant is certainly supported
I gathered inspiration for my current
portive of me and my brother. Unfortu-
by the LGBTcommunity! I think part of
project. Otofio opened in August of
nately, in college I had a rough coming
it is the location and part of it is me. I
2018. My style is modern Spanish. My
out process and was singled out and
would love to grow and strengthen
food is very urban, very seafood-heavy
alienated. My college soccer coaches
my connection with the community.
and seasonal. I like to let the ingredi-
were clearly homophobic and I was
At Otofio we have created a neigh-
ents express themselves. I don't think I
attending a very conservative and
borhood restaurant that welcomes
can choose one dish but our specialty
very homophobic university. Howev-
and takes care of all guests that come
at Otofio is our Paella.
er, the adversity of coming out in that
through our doors. We will certainly
environment lead me to some amaz-
be throwing a couple of parties at the
OncomingoutandtheimportanceofLBGTQ
community
I'm very lucky that my coming out
process with my family was smooth.
My older brother is gay and came out
to my family a couple of years before
I came out; he says he paved the way
ing people who were going through
restaurant for Pride including some
the same thing; some of those peo-
collaborations with gay rockstars of
ple I met at that time are still some of
the beverage world!
my best friends. I'm grateful for those
hard times because it led me to them
and made me a stronger woman, more
otonorestaurant.com
confident in who I truly am.
SUMMER
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CURVE 13
FOOD
PanconTomatefrom
Chef
Teresa
Montano
INGREDIENTS:
3 of the best tomatoes you can find
2 oz Spanish olive oil plus olive oil for toast
3 cloves of fresh garlic
Sea salt
At Otofio our pan con tomate is our most
popular tapa! It's a satisfyingly simple
combination of crispy, olive-oily bread,
savory fresh tomato and spicy garlic.
Fleur de sel
Focaccia bread sliced into 1 inch thickness
METHOD:
Cut tomatoes in two and grate with a
cheese grater, skin side up into mixing
bowl. Grate meat of tomato all the way
down to the skin. Only the meat of the
tomato is used in this recipe, save the tomato skins for a future project. After all
the tomato is grated into the bowl, peel
the garlic and mircoplane the entire garlic
into the mixture with the tomato. Add the
2 oz of olive oil to the mixture and stir to
combine. Season liberally with salt, the
key to the seasoning is to balance the
acid of the tomato with the right amount
of salt. The fat of the olive oil, the heat of
the garlic and the salt/acid balance of the
tomato create an addictive combination!
Let the mixture sit and marinate while you
get your griddle or pan ready for toast.
Turn griddle or saute pan to medium
heat, once hot, add olive oil and add bread
to pan. You should have enough olive oil
to fully coat the bread. Once the bread is
golden brown, flip with your spatula, add
more olive oil and begin toasting other
side of bread. Once the bread is toasted,
remove from heat and drain on a paper
towel lined sheet tray or plate.
Spoon the tomato mixture on top of
the toast in a nice thick layer, season with
more olive oil and fleur de sel.
I
14 CURVE
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DRINK
I ROSE
I
t's summer, it's Pride, so what
better way to celebrate than by
drinking pink. If you're shop-
ping for seriously delicious rose,
stick to these delightful wines from
Provence in the South of France. You
can't possibly go wrong.
provencerose.com
16 CURVE
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DRINK
Ultimate
Provence
2018,$22
Ultimate Provence, located near the village
of La Garde-Freinet,just 30 minutes from the
lovely seaside mecca of Saint-Tropez, boasts
a 100-acre estate that focuses on one wine:
the meticulously-crafted UP This dry rose
combines Grenache,Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle
grapes to create a pretty, refreshing wine
bursting with bright red fruits balanced by a
touch of spice. This means that you can enjoy UP as an aperitif and continue quaffing it
well into dinnertime. It pairs wonderfully with
everything from sushi to charcuterie to Indian takeout. This complex and versatile wine
is a good excuse to give the Sauvignon Blanc
a rest this summer. If you've ever been torn
between red or white with dinner, think pink.
And what a pretty bottle!
Chateau
deBerne
Romance
2018,$15
Chateau de Berne's Romance is a refreshing,
everyday rose-perfect for a glass after work
or relaxing outdoors with friends. The grapes
are sourced from the Chateau's 330 acres of
vineyards as well as trusted grape growers in
the area. Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah and
Merlot grapes undergo cold soak maceration to produce the pale pink color for which
Provencal rose is famous.
Fermentation
takes place in stainless steel tanks creating
a bright, fresh, well-structured dry rose with
notes of wild strawberry, peach and flowers.
The zesty, mineral finish makes it the perfect
complement for relaxing poolside, but it's
complex enough to pair with food-grilled
fish, or even a hamburger!
SUMMER
I
CURVE 17
I ROSE
DRINK
I ROSE
Chateau
deBerne
Inspiration
2018,$20
Located in Lorgues, nearly 25 miles from the
Mediterranean, Chateau de Berne's 1,235-acre
estate dates back to the 12th century, and
produces high quality, authentic roses characteristic of the region. Chateau de Berne Inspiration a light, yet fragrant Grenache-dominant wine that is something special to share
with friends. The warm Mediterranean climate,
vineyard altitudes and limestone and clay soils
yield grapes that are concentrated in fruit flavor (think white cherry, cranberry and pomegranate), brimming with the luscious freshness we've come to love in rose. This elegant
wine pairs perfectly with a feta and watermelon salad, fresh fruit and cheeses, and shrimp.
It's our pick for the picnic.
18 CURVE
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fiertemtl.com
I
Quebec::
TOUrlSMe/
MonTreaL
ml
fido~.
THE
READY
COMMITMENT
Canada
.·•·.
••:•.·.·=•·
·•;•
CASINO
MONTREAL
Montreal@
TROJAN"
TRENDS
ATaste
of
Summer
Two cool treats with fem ale flair.
Stoli:
Spirit
ofStonewall
Stoli Vodka presents the "Spirit of
Stonewall" limited edition bottle, designed
by award-winning visual artist Lisa Marie
Thalhammer, to honor the 50th anniversary of the 1969 uprising at the Stonewall
Inn in New York City. It's fitting that the
bar that launched the modern LGBTQcivil
rights movement was also the location for
the launch of this LGBTQ-friendly libation.
Stoli has proudly supported our community for more than 25 years and a portion
of the proceeds will benefit the Stonewall
Inn Gives Back Initiative, which supports
LGBTQ causes and programs across the
country. The vibrant design of the bottle
aims to inspire people to find whatever
drives them and to celebrate their authentic selves. Lisa Marie Thalhammer has
reimagined the iconic Russian vodka for
Pride, which is fitting because she's known
for her acclaimed 13-color rainbow "LOVE"
mural in Washington's Blagden Alley, and
her paintings, portraits and public art are
designed to uplift and empower all of us.
stoli.com
Lisa MarieThalhammer
20 CURVE
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TRENDS
Coolhaus:
Inspired
IceCream
Coolhaus co-founders
Natasha Case
and Freya Estreller couldn't be a cooler
couple if they tried. They started baking
cookies, making ice cream, and combining them into "cool houses" just for friends
in 2008. Now, Coolhaus distributes its
all-natural artisan-style sandwiches, pints,
and bars in 7,000+ grocery stores around
the country. Coolhaus found and CEO Natasha recently shared her story with Google, revealing that the idea for a business
occurred to them when "my partner, Freya
Estreller, and I decided to do a Google
search ('hipster ice cream truck') to see
if anything like my ice cream experiments
was already out there. Nothing popped up.
After we did that search, we saw an opportunity to take a leap of faith and turn my
hobby into an actual business. In 2008, we
converted an old postal truck into an ice
cream truck, brought it to a music festivaland Coolhaus was born." Now, they mentor
other female entrepreneurs, making most
BUTTERED
of the technology which is contributing to
TOAST
"a real energy of women helping and sup-
FRENCH
porting each other."
cool.haus
SUMMER
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CURVE 21
The lesbians of Brunei struggle
under Sharia law.
I
ChloeGovan
could be sentenced to death, depend-
n Brunei, celebrating Christmas is
be believed,the maximum sentence for
than sex trafficking. The truth about
females could eventually be upgraded
lesbian life in this country is that you
ing on who you choose to love.
22
CURVE
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tanate of Brunei. Plus, if rumors are to
considered a more serious offence
to the death penalty.
Of course, to an innocent tourist Brunei seems like a blissful holiday para-
A woman collapses to the ground,
dise; it boasts of opulent seven-star
blood seeping out of her lacerated
hotels, swathes of tropical rainforest,
wounds and soaking through her cloth-
and even a cluster of romantic water
ing. A baying crowd gathers around to
villages, which have been labeled the
witness her public punishment, hold-
"Venice of the East:' Plus, residents of
ing up their phones with glee to video
this tiny Southeast Asian country ben-
her in excruciating pain. When the at-
efit from the type of comfortable, tax-
tack is over,she is dragged by the wrist
free lifestyle that would be impossible
to a damp, dirty prison cell that could
in a Western country. The sultan was
be her home for the next 10 years. Her
once the wealthiest man in the world,
only crime? Falling in love with another
with a collection of several thousand
woman.
cars-and courtesy of his extravagant
It might seem like a sadistic scene
oil wealth, locals benefit from free
from a horror movie, but this medieval
healthcare and schooling, and zero
deterrent is potentially a real-life con-
percent income tax.
sequence for a woman daring to make
Yet their financial freedom comes
her lesbian identity public in the sul-
at an enormous personal cost, and
FEATURES
beneath the country's glamorous exterior hides
a truly sinister reality. As a strict Muslim country,
it is now governed by Sharia law, and in April a
shockingly draconian death penalty was introduced for gay men. At the start of May, a temporary halt was called to the 'death by stoning' portion of the law to mark Ramadan, a month where
Muslims are obliged to practise 'kindness.' However,the maximum sentence for lesbians remains
the same: a ten year jail sentence and 40 lashes,
an agonisingly painful deterrent that draws blood
and can cause permanent scarring. In other Muslim areas, including Aceh in Indonesia, this type
of punishment has been held publicly for local
entertainment, with the misery of each "criminal"
shared around on social media as though it were
an episode on reality TV. The very idea that these
brutal attacks could be inflicted on someone simply for loving another person of the same sex is
horrifying.
From the moment I first set foot in the country on a press trip-almost
a decade before this
latest installment of Sharia law-I quickly realized
"Atthestartof May,
atemporary
haltwascalled
to the'deathbystoning'
portionof thelaw."
SUMMER
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CURVE 23
FEATURES
that Brunei had its fair share of unconventional rules. On arrival, I was handed an illustrated brochure on Bruneian
etiquette, containing instructions on
everything from the dress code to how
to sit. For instance, crossing one's legs
at the ankle is acceptable, but crossing them at the knee is frowned upon.
Even worse, not crossing them at all
is considered borderline sinful, with
some hardliners regarding it as an "unladylike" symbol of promiscuity!
However,while Brunei was certainly
eccentric, at the time many aspects
of its culture seemed to have been
exactly the same as those of a more
liberal country. The women I met
spoke with enthusiasm about fashion,
parties, and music, and carried the latest Gucci handbags. Not all females
wore head scarves, and I noticed fish-
ly fearful. It has been suggested that
gays could avoid censorship simply by
using apps such as Grindr, but Zainab
is quick to correct me. "The internet
is policed heavily here in Brunei," she
sighs in resignation. "Our activities are
tracked, and what we do can be traced
back to us, so setting up any kind of
dating profile is dangerous."
There is one solution-using a VPN.
By downloading a program to disguise
her IP number, Zainab can browse the
"Settingup anykindof
datingprofileis
dangerous."
net bodystockings displayed in shop
windows at the malls. It seemed as
though, in spite of its long list of rules,
it also had an easygoing side.
However, Brunei is declining fast.
Insiders have predicted that the country's oil reserves will run out completely by 2025 and-perhaps to align
with other hardline Muslim countries
that might provide financial support
in the future-the
sultan has started
to install extreme Sharia law. Now, if
someone even puts up a wreath of tinsel at Christmas, the "offender" could
be imprisoned for up to five years, or
charged a hefty fine. Evenmore alarming, the prison sentence for lesbian
sex is more than twice as long as the
four-year term for sex trafficking.
Unsurprisingly, members of Brunei's lesbian community are nervous.
One woman, named Zainab, is keen to
start a relationship, but is desperate-
24 CURVE
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web undetected-for
now. As an ad-
ditional safety measure, Zainab has
written on her dating profile that she
is "single, but not available." In reality,
she is open to a relationship, but the
disclaimer of non-availability means
that if she is discovered, she can claim
to be a "non-practicing" lesbian, and
perhaps avoid punishment. She also
prefers to chat with people from outside her country, out of fear that if she
looks locally, she will be baited by an
undercover police officer. For lesbians
like Zainab, the internet is her only lifeline-her only chance of pursuing a relationship. "Otherwise," she says, "my
whole life, I will be alone."
Meanwhile, another woman, who
would like to be identified only as T,
has been less fortunate. While she
is not in prison, she tells me that she
FEATURES
"might as well be." Prosecution for
being a lesbian is difficult for the sultan to enforce, because it requires
witnesses, a confession, or hard evidence, but the stigma of being under
suspicion can be equally harmful.
T,a petite woman of Chinese ances-
try with a butch appearance and shortcropped hair, is one such suspect, who
suffers implicit discrimination based
on assumptions about who she is. It
began when a "friend" discovered a diary she'd written about her unrequited
love for another woman and betrayed
her by starting to spread rumors about
her sexuality.
Once her boss heard the rumors, he
sacked her from the shop where she
worked, and being bullied at college
eventually led to her dropping out.
Anyone seen to be a sympathizer is
often believed by implication to be a
lesbian as well, and so those around
her,desperate to avoid being labeled in
the same way, made a point of publicly
shunning her. "It was surreal," she re-
tion numerous times. She has now
calls. "People who used to be friendly
been marginalized to the extent that
and laugh and joke with me were sud-
she has even turned to sex work to
denly passing by without a word, as if
earn a living.
I didn't exist. I was too uncomfortable
"I've been told that it is possible to
to confront them for fear of what they
bar me from any institution, any uni-
might say, so I just got lonelier and
versity, any government job," she ex-
lonelier."
plains, "and I don't believe that is an
One telltale sign of her sexuality
empty threat." One of the men who
that seems to perpetuate the abuse is
had found out about her sexuality saw
her butch appearance-but for her it is
it as a way to manipulate her, telling
an important part of her identity, and
her that he could help her find a job
one that she refuses to change. She
and gradually re-enter society if she
feels uncomfortable, and even fake,
agreed to have sex with him. If she
when she is obliged to be feminine. "It
didn't, he would use his contacts and
as if I am hiding my personality," she
influence to label her as a lesbian and
stresses, "and I can't bring myself to
block her access to higher-level work,
do it. My mother tells me things would
perhaps for life. "At the moment, peo-
get better if I tried to look and act more
ple think I'm weird for wanting to look
normal,' but I hate being controlled."
According to the law in Brunei, a
butch persona is akin to the imper-
boyish," she says. "If everyone knew
for sure that I was gay, it would be
much worse."
sonation of a male, which is regarded
For now, sex with the married man
as a sin against Islam. Therefore T's
who is blackmailing her seems like the
aesthetic has been brought into ques-
only option. Prostitution is also crimi-
FEATURES
nalized in Brunei, but it carries a much
dalous stories continue to surface
shorter sentence than lesbianism-
about the antics in his palace, which
up to a year in jail for a first offence.
boasts almost 2,000 rooms, and ha-
Despite his hardline laws, the sultan
rems he allegedly operates within.
is allegedly no stranger to coercing
Society's double standards are
women into prostitution. Back in 1997,
nearly impossible to escape, and for
former Miss USA beauty pageant win-
women like Zainab and T, who are
ner Shannon Marketic attempted to
forced to conceal their identities just
sue him for $90 million, claiming that
to get by, life is already a prison sen-
she had been held hostage by him
tence. Yet they hope to empower
and his royal entourage, drugged, and
themselves through their secret lives
used as a "sex slave." The case was
on the internet, and cling to the hope
dropped when the sultan claimed sov-
that someday liberty for lesbians will
ereign immunity. Yet to this day, scan-
be restored.
26 CURVE
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U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
CDC.gov/tips
STYLE
STYLE
Change
The Saltwater Collective celebrates
body positivity with sustainable
swimwear that flatters a range of
body types.
0
cean-friendly women's swimwear
label, The Saltwater Collective, has
released a new collection that is
redefining the image of sustainable fashion. Ethically manufactured in Toronto, On-
tario from an innovative fabric created out
of recycled ocean waste, Saltwater Collective bathing suits range from sizes XS to XL
and are designed to complement a diverse
array of female physiques.
The emerging Canadian label's new line
includes a form-flattering
one-piece and
two mix-and-match bikini styles or you can
build your own desired look, with various
coverage options and customizable separates. Choose from styles that are feminine,
flattering, curve hugging in a range of vibrant colors such as candy apple red, citrus
yellow, teal blue-or stick to classic black,
ivory and neutrals.
SUMMER
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STYLE
30
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SUMMER
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STYLE
32
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STYLE
Based in Toronto, The Saltwater Collective's owner and designer Camilla James
has followed ethical fashion practices.
The label uses fabrics that are woven from
ocean-friendly ECONYL® yarn, which is
made from repurposed fishing nets and
recycled plastic that otherwise might harm
sea life. All garments are manufactured in
Canada by an independent team of local
seamstresses.
And far from excluding women from a
summer essential that often makes us feel
less than adequate, The Saltwater Collective has been created as an inclusive space
for all women, inspiring self-confidence
and body positivity in the wearer.
thesaltwatercollective.com
SUMMER
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IN THE CROSSFIRE
Stonewall
0
34 CURVE
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----------
IN THE CROSSFIRE
I
belong to the first post-Stonewall generation of
LGBTQpeople. I was 17 at my first Pride march
Where we came from,
where we're going.
VictoriaA. Brownworth
in New York City, and among the quarter million
at the Second National March on Washington for
Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987. In 1989, I was back
in New York City for the 20th anniversary of Stone-
wall. As a reporter, I covered the U.S. Supreme Court
rulings in 1986, 1993, 2015, and 2016 that changed
the legal course of lesbian and gay history.
As I look back over our LGBTQ history since
Stonewall, a history I have helped to make and I
have chronicled as a lesbian journalist, what stands
out for me is how many times I've had to be arrested, how many times I've had to risk my life, how
many times I've had to mourn those who didn't survive, all in the quest for our queer civil rights.
That hot June night in 1969, when butch biracial
drag king lesbian Storme Delarverie threw that
first punch at the Stonewall Inn, our political lives
as a community began in earnest. There had been
SUMMER
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IN THE CROSSFIRE
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remarkable LGBTQ people before the
now, when an out gay man, among
Rebellion that coalesced a movement.
the top Democratic candidates for
That hot June night in 1969, our di-
president of the United States, kisses
verse community-gay men and leath-
his husband on stages all across the
er dykes, drag queens and trans wom-
country as he campaigns.
right
In the course of that journey, lesbi-
there, on Christopher Street, demand-
ans have led the way in nearly every
ing accountability from the police and
struggle for our collective civil rights.
en, white, black, Latino-was
equality for all of us.
The fuse that was lit that night was
36 CURVE
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en. It's been a long road from then to
Days of Rage,but it was the Stonewall
Lesbians were in the forefront of the
Second Wave feminist
movement.
born out of all the nights like it when
Lesbians organized with ACT UP as
no one had dared to protest the way
our gay brothers died of AIDS. Lesbi-
police targeted gay men and drag
ans, who were disproportionately tar-
queens for arrest and subsequent
geted for expulsion from the military
blackmail; the strip searches per-
under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, led the
formed on lesbians to ascertain that
legal challenge for military inclusion.
they were wearing at least three arti-
And it was lesbians, like Edie Windsor,
cles of women's clothing; the sexual
who demanded the right to have our
assaults on lesbians and trans worn-
unions honored by the State, which
IN THE CROSSFIRE
lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage. It's
I
"Lesbian
activism
has
propelled
theentire
LGBTQ
movement
forward."
impossible to summarize all that has transpired
between June 1969 and now, but lesbian activism
has propelled the entire LGBTQmovement forward.
Lesbians, like Barbara Grier (Naiad Press) and Barbara Smith (Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press),
founded presses to publish our subversive lesbian
texts. We created women's music to sing about our
lesbian lives, and companies like Olivia Music became templates for other lesbian-owned and -operated businesses. We broke silence as lesbian nuns
came out. We broke ground as lesbian Sally Ride
became the first woman in space, and Ellen DeGeneres became the first out actor on TV, and black
bisexual Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for The
Color Purple. We re-created the world in our queer
image, and we demanded more from straight society when complete equality remained elusive, even
as the closet became less and less restrictive.
In 1974, Elaine Noble (D-MA) became the first out
SUMMER
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IN THE CROSSFIRE
gay person to be elected to a state leg-
ed, but that broke many of us through
islature. It would take another 25 years
addiction and even suicide as our fam-
until Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) became
ilies rejected us. My own lesbian story
the first out gay person ever elected to
began when I was expelled from my
Congress. Baldwin remained the only
all-girls high school for being a lesbi-
out lesbian in Congress until 2018,
an and a "bad moral influence" on the
when Sharice Davids (D-KS) and An-
other girls. My parents had me com-
gie Craig (D-MN) were elected to the
mitted to the youth unit of the local
House. In April, Satya Rhodes-Conway
mental hospital for conversion thera-
was elected mayor of Madison, Wis.,
py,along with too many others like me.
and Jane Castor was elected mayor
That "therapy" entailed weeks of drug,
of Tampa, Fla. On May 20, Lori Light-
talk, and aversion treatments to "cure"
foot was inaugurated as the first black
me of my lesbianism. When I got out, I
lesbian mayor of Chicago, America's
attempted suicide.
third-largest city.
These milestones don't detail the
38 CURVE
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Those experiences-and
my sur-
vival-made me an activist, propelling
other side of those years since Stone-
me to fight for our lesbian lives and tell
wall-the years of struggle for millions
our lesbian stories. Two decades later,
of LGBTQpeople who made no news,
I would be the first out lesbian colum-
the conflicts that will never be record-
nist for a daily newspaper; yet still, to-
SUMMER
IN THE CROSSFIRE
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day, conversion therapy remains legal
much we have accomplished. But as
in the majority of states.
the U.S. Supreme Court is poised for
On Lesbian Visibility Day, Sen. Eliz-
yet another decision about whether
abeth Warren (D-MA), one of the Dem-
our LGBTQlives are as valid as those
ocratic presidential candidates, tweet-
of our straight counterparts, as it is
ed "On #LesbianVisibilityDay, I want to
scheduled to hear arguments about
be clear. You matter. We see you. We
employment discrimination
won't stop fighting until everyone is
LGBTQ people, we know that this an-
free to love without fear or discrimina-
niversary of Stonewall is a marker but
against
tion:' What a message: "I want to be
not an end point; a celebration but
clear. You matter. We see you:'
also a commemoration of our dead.
In 1969, no politician would even
Fifty years after Stonewall, it is our
have thought this thought, let alone
past and our history, but it is also the
written it out for her millions of social
promise of what can happen when we
media followers, from her office in the
rise up, collectively, and say "No more:'
U.S. Senate.
Our rising has just begun.
More perhaps than our own stories, the evolution of our civil rights
movement leading up to this tweet
tells us how far we have come, how
SUMMER
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Stonewall
50
New-York Historical Society commemorates the 50th anniversary
of the Stonewall uprising and the dawn of the gay liberation
movement with a series of exhibitions and programs, as New York
City welcomes W orldPride.
0
n view until September 22,
including photographs, books and
Stonewall 50 at New-York
manuscripts,
Historical Society features
zines, flyers, and clothes.
two exhibitions and a special instal-
periodicals,
posters,
A special installation, Say It Loud,
lation, as well as public programs for
Out and Proud: Fifty Years of Pride,
all ages. Letting Loose and Fighting
features imagery from New York City
Back: LGBTQ Nightlife Before and
Pride marches and other LGBTQpro-
After Stonewall explores the history
tests from the 1960s to the present
of LGBTQ bars, clubs, and nightlife
day, as well as a timeline of mile-
in New York City during the second
stones and objects from LGBTQhis-
half of the 20th century as oases of
tory including Ellen DeGeneres' 1997
expression, resilience, and resis-
"Yep, I'm Gay" cover story in Time;
tance, which were hard-won in the
and Trans Lives Matter bracelets.
face of policing, unfavorable legisla-
Special public programs-from talks
tion and Mafia control. By the Force
to walking tours to family friendly ac-
of Our Presence: Highlights from the
tivities-focus on the advancement of
Lesbian Herstory Archives examines
LGBTQrights and contributions of the
lesbian lives pre- and post-Stonewall
community. Here are a few of the arti-
with a focus on the contributions of
facts that will be on display.
lesbians and queer women. The exhibition features more than 90 objects,
nyhistory.org
Facingpage(clockwisefrom top):
82 ClubPostcard,late 1950s,New-YorkHistoricalSociety;SuNegrin,graphicdesigner,SuzanneBevier,artist, Peter
Hujar,photographer,
GayLiberationNewYork:TimesChangePress,1970,GraphicsCollection/The LesbianHerstoryArchives;LindaMcKinney(b. 1961), artist, WomonSpiritJacket,1989-1991,TheLesbianHerstoryArchives;
Unidentifiedartist,TheFutureIs Female,ca. 1980s,GraphicsCollection/TheLesbianHerstoryArchives;Dr.Martens,
ChristinaMcKnight'sDykeMarchboots,ca. 1993-2000,TheLesbianHerstoryArchives
2019
• PR/VltTE
VIP
E'IENTS
• POOi.-.
PltRJIES
• FUNltNOSUN
SUMMER
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IN MEMORIAM
Barbara
Hammer
Remembering the lesbian legend, icon, filmmaker.
VictoriaA. Brownworth
S
ome people are so huge in life they deserve all the same adjectives in death.
Legendary lesbian filmmaker Barbara
Hammer was one of those people.
After a long battle with ovarian cancer, Bar-
bara Hammer died in New York City on March
16, two months before her 80th birthday.
Hers wasn't a household name, but Hammer
was a defining voice in lesbian arts and politics
for decades. Her work was vivid and controversial, complex and provocative, subversive and
delightful. She was an extraordinary talent, a
deeply engaged lesbian feminist with a largerthan-life humanity that impelled all her work.
What most defined Hammer's filmmaking
was her deeply political and subversive gaze,
which was not only not male, but was also not
straight. She taught her audience a new way of
seeing the world-through
a lesbian feminist
lens and with a totally fresh vision. There is no
more radical political statement than to present a worldview that is counter to the narrative
we are acculturated to from birth. Hammer did
that. The risks she took as a filmmaker illumined a world previously unseen.
Hammer's work as a pioneer of queer cinema garnered her an international reputation in
the field of experimental cinema. She used the
same transgressive force to chronicle lesbian
and feminist lives that those very lives were
imbued with. In the canon of queer cinema,
Barbara Hammer is unique. Her films are lush,
sensual, vivid, and lyric statements in which
lesbians delight in their lesbianism.
She was born in Hollywood on May 15, 1939,
and though her mother wanted her to be the
42 CURVE
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IN MEMORIAM
next Shirley Temple, she became a
writer Willa Cather,whose lesbian writ-
about the grant she said, "It has been
filmmaker instead. Starting in 1968,
ings were burned at her death, erasing
the goal of my life to put the lesbian
she made 75 short and feature films
her lesbian life. Nitrate Kisses reclaims
lifestyle on the screen. Why? Because
when I started I couldn't find any!"
in her lifetime. In her final years, bat-
Cather's history-and
tling ovarian cancer, she became an
others. Hammer focused much of her
the history of
Of her 2018 film Evidentiary Bodies,
activist for the right to die, which she
work on how lesbian lives, stories, and
Hammer said, "In these horrific times
chronicled in The Art of Dying or (Pal-
even our bodies have been censored.
when lies are blatantly exclaimed as
liative Art in the Age of Anxiety). She
In a 1993 interview with me for Curve
truths, when fear makes us withdraw
was awarded a Guggenheim Fellow-
magazine, Hammer said a critical part
from each other, when difference is
ship in 2013 for Waking Up Together,
her film on Elizabeth Bishop.
In her 20s, Hammer left an early
marriage to a man, bought a Super
8mm camera, and began recording
her life as a lesbian. Her 1974 film
Dyketactics is considered by many to
be the first out lesbian film. It is a lush,
dreamy cinematic tour de force about
the sensuality of women's bodies and
touch. While the male gaze is so often
riveted on women's breasts, Hammer
"Ithasbeenthegoalofmylife
toputthelesbian
lifestyle
on
screen.
Why?Because
whenI
started
I couldn't
findany!"
takes long, languid shots of vulvas.
Her film is a caress: We feel the loving touch as the images dissolve into
of her work was showing lesbian sex
maligned as xenophobia, and when
each other. It's an extraordinary work
through a lesbian lens. In a 2018 inter-
atrocities are committed in the name
even now, but it was groundbreaking
view she said, "I have never separated
of spectacle, we must find and prac-
in 1974, just five years after Stonewall.
my sexuality from my art, even if the
tice a quiet way of compassion, sym-
Hammer considered her 1992 fea-
film has nothing to do with lesbian
pathy, and generosity through E M PA
representation."
THY."
ture, Nitrate Kisses, her best film. She
won several juried prizes as well as a
But it was Hammer's focus on les-
Barbara Hammer had compassion,
National Endowment for the Arts grant
bians and lesbian representation and
generosity, and empathy to spare. She
for the film, an exploration of the re-
that set her work apart. A Gay Day
was an amazing light in an often dark
pression and marginalization of LGBT
(1973), Multiple Orgasm (1976), Sap-
world. She lived her lesbian life to the
people since World War I. In Nitrate
pho (1978), Lesbian Humor (a collec-
utmost and modeled for others-right
Kisses, Hammer depicts various cou-
tion of six short films 1975-87), The
to the end-how to do the same.
ples making love, one of whom is an
Lesbos Film (1981), The History of the
Hammer is survived by her beloved
elderly lesbian couple. Hammer was
World According to a Lesbian (1988),
and loving spouse of 30 years, the hu-
always breaking ground: Women's
The Female Closet (1996), and Tender
man rights activist Florrie Burke, with
bodies are deemed unsexual/unsen-
Fictions (1997) are among her films
whom she once said she shared "the
sual after a certain age. She wanted
that focused a lesbian gaze on lesbian
world and more." Through her work,
to show that lesbians are sexual and
stories. In 2010, The Feminist Press
Hammer has shared the same with us.
sensual beings throughout our entire
published her autobiography, HAM-
Many of Hammer's films can be
lives.
MER! Making Movies Out of Sex and
viewed on YouTube and on her web-
Life, which delves into her philosophy
site.
In many respects, Nitrate Kisses is
one of Hammer's most intimate works,
of filmmaking and activism.
a lesbian and gay history of transgres-
In 2015, Hammer established the
sive sexuality. One of the stories she
Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimen-
tells in the film is that of the American
tal Filmmaking Grant. In a statement
barbarahammer.com
SUMMER
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CULTURETRIP
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44 CURVE
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0
ne of my favorite destinations for a
you'll see the large, wild yellow daisies known
quick and affordable getaway is Mex-
as margaritas, and you may even see some
ico. Occasionally, women ask me two
butterflies and hummingbirds! The town cen-
main things: Where's good? And, is it safe? I've
ter, founded in 1740 by a priest, is a charming
been a frequent visitor to Mexico for numerous
network of cobblestone streets, stone walls,
years now, and I've never had a problem with
and traditional architecture, the centerpiece of
feeling safe or feeling pampered. This past
which is the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno, a
year, I discovered two particular gems that I'm
magnificent church built in the style of Mexi-
excited to share with you here.
can Baroque.
SANMIGUEL
DEALLENDE
springs," and the story goes that one day the
The name of the town means "place of hot
I flew Aeromexico from New York City to
priest had a dream while taking a siesta in the
Mexico City and transferred to Queretaro In-
shade of a mesquite tree, and Christ told him
ternational Airport. Before making the journey
to build a retreat where 'sinners' could make a
to the fabled town of San Miguel de Allende,
pilgrimage to repent. The chapel is both a pa-
in Guanajuato, I stayed overnight in the bu-
triotic and a historic site and one of the reasons
colic wonderland that is Hotel Casa de Aves in
San Miguel de Allende became listed in 2008
the township of Atotonilco (casadeaves.mx).
as a World Heritage Site. For locals, the chapel
This is a unique and sprawling property set in
represents a place where the strength of the
high-altitude landscaped desert. Casa de Aves
Mexican character was tested against Spanish
is a guesthouse comprising numerous casi-
colonial powers. Inside, the frescoes chron-
ta-style suites that each have their own foot-
icle the life and death of Christ, and parts of
print and ambience to the extent that it feels
the story of the conquest of the New World by
like you are staying in someone's home rather
the Spanish. Of course, the area has a strong
than in a hotel-mine
indigenous heritage; Chicimeca and Terasco
boasted a four-poster
bed and a roof deck with its own hot tub. The
property is landscaped over a series of terraces
Indians once lived in Atotonilco.
This area has begun to attract American and
and meandering pathways that feature beauti-
European expats, drawn by its natural beauty
ful plantings of indigenous flora including gi-
and relative inaccessibility compared to other
ant agaves, as well as a swimming pool, and
more touristy areas of Mexico. But the word is
carfelly selected contemporary art.
out, and while Guanajuato is no longer a secret,
It was a delight to linger in Las Terrazas
one of the benefits is that you can enjoy places
Mexican
like the Nirvana Restaurant & Retreat for des-
breakfast before setting off for a quick day-trip
tination dining, a spa, and decidedly upscale
into Atotonilco. This historic town is some-
lodgings (hotelnirvana.mx). I dropped by for
restaurant over a home-cooked
times referred to as the grain bowl of Mexico.
lunch, cocktails, and a relaxing swim. This is
The area is decidedly rural and produces much
the place to enjoy the pool, which is fed by hot
of the fruit and vegetables in Mexico, aside
springs, indulge in a leisurely contemporary
from tropical fruit. I marveled at the beautiful
Mexican lunch or dinner, sample a few wicked-
vegetation: mesquite trees, cacti, desert flow-
ly strong cocktails, and spend the night in one
ers, bougainvillea, and agave. If you visit in the
of the artisanal-style rooms with names like
spring or fall, you'll be charmed by the thickets
Amor and Tranquilidad (you get the picture)-
of wildflowers that line the roadside-perhaps
each suite is uniquely decorated and enjoys a
SUMMER
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CULTURETRIP
secret position within the beautifully landscaped
and mesquite-forested grounds.
But the main attraction in this region is the
stunning downtown of San Miguel de Allende.
There are numerous charming boutique hotels
and guesthouses from which to choose, but I
stayed at the impeccable Hotel Hacienda el Santuario, within easy walking distance of SMA's historic center and the landmark cathedral of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. Hotel Hacienda is
constructed around a central courtyard and each
suite has its own character, furnished and decorated with local artwork (haciendaelsantuario.
com). It is a sanctuary-a beautiful and peaceful
place to stay. Relax in your room, book a massage,
borrow a bicycle and a hat, and start exploring; or
go for a stroll in the cobblestone streets and do
what I like to do: get a little bit lost. In addition to
mysterious winding streets, you'll notice heavy
wooden doors and decorative door-knockers;
the liberal use of a warm color palette of ochres,
yellows and pinks; stone carvings and wooden
signs; wrought iron lanterns, gates and windows;
tile-work and ceramics; and numerous charming
shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bars, each
promising the discovery of some secret or delight
within. It's all of these elements that today give
San Miguel de Allende its famed "fairytale" ambience. But the truth is, the Spanish flocked to the
region in the 16th century to mine silver, making
San Miguel an important commercial site. Today,
that resource extraction has been commuted into
something much more benign-tourism.
But the beating heart of it all is still the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. This striking, almost
implausible Mexican version of a Catholic catheQJ
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dral is truly a sight to behold. It is many things: a
religious monument; a tourist attraction; and the
center of a community, drawing people far and
wide to traditional activities and festivities. When
46 CURVE
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CULTURETRIP
I visited, the town was in the grip of a very holy
celebration: a multiday festival in honor of San
Miguel Arcangel. This included many activities
such as street fairs, a parade of floats and largerthan-life puppets known as mojigangas, villagers
in indigenous costume, conchero dancers, huge
floral arrangements made of cactus fronds and
marigolds, music, fireworks, and something quite
startling: Voladores de Papantla or pole flying, in
which four men climb up bamboo poles, balance
on the top, and then leap from the poles and spin
around suspended by an ankle-as a fifth man
sits on a tiny platform and plays the flute. Then,
the four men slowly descend to the ground in
time with the music. But that's not all! You need
to either stay awake or get up very early for the
"Dawn"-a concert beginning at 4:00 a.m. with
mariachi groups, dancing, and thousands of fireworks, as hundreds of people sing "Las Mananitas" in honor of the patron saint of San Miguel. If
you don't love noise and crowds, this event isn't
for you. But if you want to see the corazon of Mexican culture, it's on full display here.
I love Mexican food, and there is nowhere bad
to eat in San Miguel. I tried meals at three outstanding establishments: rustic cantina Los Milagros is perfect for lunch and a couple of cold beers
after walking and exploring; La Posadita, an elegant Mexican cocina with a laid-back vibe, serving up local staples and great frozen margaritas;
and trendy, contemporary Quince Rooftop, which
has a lovely view of the cathedral's glowing pink
spires-my pick for something special on your final night, especially if you crave some fine wine
and sushi and wish to marvel at a destination that
has somehow managed to passionately preserve
the past for the present day.
visitmexico.com
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48 CURVE
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RIVIERA
NAYARIT
Order an icy cold Mexican beer and a plate
Also known as Mexico's Pacific treasure, Riviera Nayarit-and
in particular, the
beachside communities of Sayulita and Punta
de Mita-are an easy road trip from the LGBTQ
mecca of Puerto Vallarta and well worth a
detour to experience what is a Pacific Coast
paradise with its own sleepy charm.
I arrived in the township of San Francisco (known by the locals as San Pancho) and
checked into a gorgeous boutique property,
Hotel Cielo Rojo (hotelcielorojo.com), right
in time for a spectacular rosy sunset. Cielo
Rojo ("red sky," perhaps named after the vistas afforded at sundown, or the michelada
cocktail-a refreshing concoction of beer and
tomato juice) is a lovely hotel, owned by Californian expat Gisela Marin, who has infused
the property with her own aesthetic and ethics, which include an organic vegan restaurant
and an excellent tequila (you may even find a
complimentary bottle in your room for sampling), made under the expertise of the chef/
manager, Calixto. Cielo Rojo is the best hotel
in town but it's not a traditional hotel: It's a
rambling casa that has been converted into a
special place to stay. If you want big beds, big
bathrooms, and big-screen TVs, this is not the
place for you. But if you prefer art, books, and
of shrimp at Restaurant Las Palmas and exhale slowly, with your toes in the golden sand.
There's no better way to end a day of travel.
A short drive from San Pancho is Sayulita,
the surf capital of Riviera Nayarit and part the
"magical towns of Mexico." This former fishing village tucked into a jungle-clad bay at the
mouth of a rich alluvial river (the sand sparkles
with "fool's gold") is an unassuming paradise,
a tourist-friendly
but bohemian art colony
with a thriving expat community. Sayulita is
the place to chat with friendly locals; browse
the fine art galleries, boutiques, and artisanal
souvenir stores; and pick up some memorable
gifts featuring locally made clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and art (many made by Sayulita's female artists, who work in intense colors;
note, also, the dazzlingly geometric beaded
designs of the Huichol Indians). Reward your
good taste with a long, lazy lunch at one of the
many beachfront restaurants and cafes, luxurious villas, small hotels, and spas. For lunch
on the beach, you can't do better than Don
Pedro's. Tuck into a whole roasted snapper
with chips and guac and wash it down with an
ice-cold Pacifico.
To truly get a sense of the grandeur of the
Mexican Pacific Coast, continue on to Punta
the bed-
de Mita, also known as "the glamour peninsu-
San Pancho is considered to be the cul-
if you stay at the W Punta de Mita, which offers
everything certified organic-even
sheets and soaps- this is it.
tural capital of the state of Nayarit, thanks to
the many local initiatives that promote environmentalism, culture, and education (I was
especially heartened by the Entre Amigos initiative, which educates and supports young
people). But best of all, San Pancho is right
on the water, and a short walk from Cielo Rojo,
past several vibrant boutiques, bars, cafes,
and galleries, brings you to the beach, where
you can take a seat at a table in the sand and
watch the moon rise as the sun sets, and hear
the waves pound the shore in a poetic rhythm.
la." At Los Veneros, you can kick it up a notch
a total immersion in contemporary Mexican
culture through the signature brand that is
the W (marriott.com). Checking in to my suite,
which was expansive, open-plan, and decorated with the same sense of Latin American
whimsy and modern sensibility that extends
throughout the resort, infused me with the
desire to never leave. My certainty that I had
found paradise only increased with a visit to
the stunning Away Spa and was further confirmed when I ordered tacos and a margarita
at the truck on the white sand beach and marveled at the unspoilt expanse of ocean before
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CULTURETRIP
me. Dinner at Venazu is an indulgence in contemporary Mexican fine food and wine (this is
also where the generous and healthy breakfast is served). But a night at Jean-Georges
Vongerichten's Spice Market proves how thoroughly at the top of its game this property is.
During my stay, the W was the location for an
LGBTQ-themed movie, and the property was
populated with the diverse and quite queer
cast and film crew. LGBTQ-friendly?Absolutely! This is the "glamour" peninsula after all.
Do leave the property, if only for a day excursion with Punta Mita Expeditions, to tour the
Marietas Islands. From mid-December to the
end of March, this is the majestic stone portal to Banderas Bay, where you can go whale
watching, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling. The
boat trip out can be a little rough, so be sure
to be prepared if you suffer from seasickness.
The friendly, good-humored and knowledgeable guides (puntamitaexpeditions.com) will
assist you as you explore the stunning uninhabited islands, archways, and secret caves
and beaches of Islas Marietas National Park.
This part of the world is in the midst of a
food revolution, so after your adventures on
land and sea, stop in at Thierry Blouet's casual-but-refined waterside restaurant, Tuna
Blanca (tunablanca.com), and enjoy rich and
innovative twists on Mexican favorites-using
the freshest organic ingredients. The Blue Bay
Tuna Tostada with ginger oil and marinated
seaweed is to die for and, like much of my trip,
was a taste that left me craving more.
rivieranayarit.com
so CURVE I
SUMMER
SHOPPING
Marketplace
r---------------------------------------1
TheHighands
Inn
IN A SENTENCE:Known as "A Lesbian Paradise," the
Highlands Inn is a 13-room women's resort on 100 private acres in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
WHAT MAKESOURSERVICESPECIAL:We have operated
continuously as a popular lesbian destination.
FIND US: highlandsinn-nh.com
WildRainbow
African
Safaris
IN A SENTENCE:Lesbian-owned and guided safaris that
show you the real Africa while keeping safety, comfort, and
fun top priorities.
WHAT MAKESOURSERVICESPECIAL:Owner and expert
Jody Cole has traveled to Africa more than 75 times.
FIND US: wildrainbowsafaris.com
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IN A SENTENCE:Instant free access to the nation's top
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over 20 LGBTQnon-profits nationwide.
FIND US: GayRealEstate.com
SUMMER I CURVE 51
WEDDINGS
A Chicago femme and stud tie the
knot with glam and panache.
PhotosbyEricaR.Anthony
S
aminta T. Williams, 45, a lesbian femme,
and Charlotte R. Williams, 46, a lesbian
stud/dam, were wed at the stylish Dana
Hotel and Spa in Chicago on December 31, 2018.
Saminta wore an original gown from Eva's Bridal
International, Orland Park. Charlotte wore a custom piece from Jojayden Customs, Hyde Park.
"Lesbian visibility is important in bridal and
lifestyle imagery because being a triple threat in
America ain't easy," says Saminta. "We need more
images of our community for the next generation
and those to come. Besides-we
are currently
here, we been here and we gonna be here in the
future, and we deserve the same respect and positive representation as anyone else."
"Our photographic style is journalistic with a
bit of romantic glam," says photographer Erica R.
Anthony. "I love to capture our couples in a natural
moment with minimal direction from us.
"Unless you're searching specifically for reflections of your relationship, same-sex couples
are not yet the standard for commercial, bridal or
lifestyle photography. The more these couples
are celebrated like their traditional/heterosexual
counterparts, the closer we'll be to normalizing all
intersections of marriage in media."
Congratulations to Saminta dn Charlotte!
ericaranthony.com
54 CURVE
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WEDDINGS
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INTERVIEW
Still
Thirsty
After more than 30 years on the music charts,
Melissa Etheridge is still our elixir of choice.
MaryJensen
t t Bring Me Some Water," the hit single from
Melissa Etheridge's self-titled debut album,
powerful. They rock you to your very core. Once
again, Etheridge collaborated on the album with
earned a 1988 Grammy nomination for Best
producer John Shanks, who'd previously worked
Female Rock Vocal Performance. Over the past
with her on Fearless Love, Breakdown, and
three decades she's had 15 Grammy nomi-
Lucky. "He is like a brother to me, and he knew
nations and two wins; she's sold over 25 mil-
I had very a specific sound in mind and a very
lion albums, with five going platinum and three
specific purpose for this album. He stayed right
multi-platinum. In 2006, she won an Oscar for
on method with that," says Etheridge.
Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for "I Need
Referring to the album, she says, "It's about
to Wake Up," from the documentary An Inconve-
hope, healing, pulling together, and there's a
nient Truth.
new thought about our health and our wellness
Etheridge has not slowed down and shows no
signs of doing so anytime soon. She continues
and our own responsibility to it-and that sort of
change in thought changes the world."
to tour extensively, performing hits like "Come
The title track is fun and upbeat. Etheridge
to My Window," "I'm the Only One," and "I Want
sings, "Let's all go to the medicine show, high-ho
to Come Over" for audiences worldwide. She is
high-ho!" She loves to get the audience involved,
happily married to actress, writer, and producer
"E-I-E-I-O."
Linda Wallem, has four amazing children, and is
"I've been a big believer in the healing me-
an advocate for the LGBTcommunity and for the
dicinal properties of cannabis, and I've been
legalization of marijuana.
advocating to end the prohibition of it. I've been
Her latest album, The Medicine Show, was
released this past April
and resonates with
arrested in North Dakota for possession of cannabis, and I also realize there are a whole lot of
the universal themes of resilience, reconcilia-
people's lives that are being ruined and spent in
tion, and recovery. The music and the lyrics are
jail because they had possession of cannabis, so
SUMMER
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CURVE 59
INTERVIEW
I thought I'd write a song of rising up and
music and went back in the studio and sat
let's get together and change this." And
down with it. Then the lyrics came really
that is how the album begins.
easily."
I asked Etheridge what emotions led her
Throughout the whole album, an im-
to write the first single, "Faded by Design."
portant theme is recovery. "Here Comes
She says she began writing it in Nashville,
the Pain" is about the opioid crisis and the
in the studio of her bassist, David Santos.
hope for healing, "Shaking" is about nation-
"I started with the chords," she says, then
al anxiety, and "Last Hello" was inspired by
sings over the phone: "I'm feeling all my an-
the incredible strength and courage of the
gels. Oh yeah, I'm faded by design."
survivors of the Parkland school shootings.
"I just started singing," she says. "I
Etheridge says all 11 tracks are an ex-
thought, What is this? I started kinda go-
pression of who she is, "but probably 'Fad-
ing down this corridor of feel-good and, ya
ed by Design' is closest, and then 'I Know
know, hey don't worry about me. The idea
You,' because that's such a personal,
that we have to police other people on their
grown-up love song."
I
~~Going
through
allofthat
wasareallifechanger.
It
changed
myattitude
about
myownbody."
own journey, on their own extension and
The Medicine Show Tour runs through
exploration of their own consciousness, is
the summer, so "Let's all go to the medicine
ridiculous, and so 'Faded by Design' was
show! High-ho, high-ho!"
Etheridge was diagnosed with breast
born."
"Wild And Lonely" is the second single
cancer in 2004. She's been cancer free for
from the album. "It's about life, love. That's
15 years now and is feeling better all the
just me on the road feeling wild and lonely.
time. She talks of how surviving breast
That's just a lust song," she says, laughing.
cancer has changed her life. "It affects
The inspiration for "This Human Chain,"
everything, my whole personality. Going
the eighth track, came from the TV news.
through all of that was a real life changer.
Etheridge saw that when a man in France
It changed my attitude about my own body,
was caught in a riptide and was drowning,
because I realized that I am what I think. If
people on the beach linked together and
I think I'm not well and not good enough,
made a human chain to pull him out. "The
then I'll be not well and not good enough. I
song is about people pulling together and
really started working on my thoughts and
helping each other," she says. "I wrote the
my inner strength, working on what my pri-
music first, in a day, and then I took that
orities were, and I started making joy more
60 CURVE
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INTERVIEW
of a priority than stress. It really inspired and
ignited me, so I put that in my music and in
everything I do."
In 2016, Etheridge was thrilled to team up
with Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation to begin the Pink Ribbon Gardens, a project to grow organic, healthy food for patients
fighting breast cancer. The gardens are maintained by survivors. For each bag harvested,
another bag is collected for patients currently
in treatment. The first pink, ribbon-shaped,
raised-box garden was planted in Orlando,
Fla. The second was launched last year in
Albany, N.Y. "It's one thing to raise money
for research, but when the research over and
over again is pointing to how our health depends on what kind of food we eat, and if we
eat processed food we're going to get sick, it
shows how important real food is to us. There
is such a food injustice in the world, so we
are trying to bring the gardens in and bring in
knowledge of how to garden, how to eat, how
to cook, and how to make it a priority. Those
are what we are trying to build here. We are
just at the beginning," says Etheridge. The
third garden is scheduled to be planted in
Nashville this year, with many more to come.
After hearing of the horrific Pulse Nightclub
shooting in Orlando in June of 2016 Etheridge
did what she does best to help herself copeshe wrote the single "Pulse" in dedication to
the victims and their families. In the fall of the
same year Etheridge set sail hosting her first
ME cruise. Flying Dutchman Travel (her cruise
charter) decided to donate 40 cabins to Pulse
Nightclub and breast cancer survivors. Libby's Legacy is based in Orlando, only a block
from the shootings. Robin Maynard Harris,
the founder of Libby's Legacy, was happy to
help in any way she could, so she used her
connections to Pulse and Libby's Legacy to
help make it happen.
Some of the artists who sailed and performed included Delta Rae, Joan Jett, Arriv-
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62 CURVE
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INTERVIEW
al From Sweden (Abba tribute band),
Crispo, Sonia Leigh and Delta Rae,and
Crystal Bowersox, Sonia Leigh, and
there were many new ones as well,
including Paula Cole, Joan Osborne,
Melissa Crispo.
Etheridge had been asked for years
to host a cruise, but she was hesitant.
Serena Ryder,and Shawn Colvin.
In January of this year, Lively Mc-
"I didn't know what it would be like. I
Cabe Entertainment announced they
was kind of scared. It didn't seem like
are developing a musical stage adap-
something I wanted to do until I finally
tation of the 1988 romantic comedy
went on one and thought, Wow, this is
Mystic Pizza. Guess who is writing
awesome! It is a great opportunity for
all the lyrics and music for it? "They
me to really super-serve those fans
called and asked me if I would do it.
that are into my music and that whole
They said when they thought of the
thing that we do."
music they thought of me. The movie
Etheridge had so much fun on the
has three strong female leads. It's a
first cruise that she decided to host
story about what immigrants bring to
I
''Itisagreatopportunity
forme
tosuper-serve
fans"
a second one in the spring of 2018
this country and how important that is.
and another in 2019. The 2018 cruise
It was just very topical, so I said yes!
hosted Sarah Mclachlan, Dwight and
We are looking at 2020, starting to get
Nicole, Melissa Crispo, Crystal Bower-
it off its feet. I'm not sure if you'll see it
sox, Sonia Leigh, Halcyon, and more.
Cruisers
supported
numerous
in 2020 or 2021, but it's moving right
along."
fundraising efforts onboard to bene-
Being an avid Kansas City Chiefs
fit Libby's Legacy and the victims of
fan, Etheridge is excited about their fu-
the Parkland school shooting. Addi-
ture. "Oh yes! You have no idea! So ex-
tionally, while in port in Puerto Rico,
cited! I've been watching the draft. I've
Etheridge presented a check for over
been watching it all. I'm totally thrilled
$33,000 to the city of San Juan to help
with it! This is definitely our year!"
I asked Etheridge to share a mes-
the hurricane relief effort.
"I'm super-psyched about it! This
sage with you. "Be strong, speak true,
one's going to be the best one yet!"
spread the peace, and choose only
Etheridge predicted, when the third
love."
cruise set sail in the spring of this year.
On all her cruises, Etheridge performs
several shows, does a Q & A, signs au-
melissaetheridge.com
tographs, poses for pictures with the
fans, and much more. On this cruise,
returning
artists
included
Melissa
SUMMER
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~•w:J
... .
• i-~
.
.
Y,
•
,
T
wenty-five years ago, when the
original Tales of the City was in
the works, Lauren Morelli was
just 11 years old. She had no way of
knowing that she'd end up coming out
as a lesbian, getting married to Samira
Wiley, launching her writing career on
Orange /s the New Black, and helming
the 2019 revival of the iconic LGBT serial Ta/es of the City, which will air on
Netflix right in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.
Stonewall put gay rights at the forefront of the modern civil rights movement, and Armistead Maupin's beloved
books captured what it meant to be
part of a gay community. Morelli was in
New York recently, where she saw the
New York Public Library's Stonewall 50
exhibit and the full impact of the relevance of the new Tales hit home.
"It was really profound to look at all
of those images and think about all of
the people who came before me. I really appreciate what a privilege it is to get
to be here-and talk to you-and have
this show be released," she says.
Morelli is the executive producer
and showrunner of Tales. But how that
came about is a testament to how far
she has come-and
how the culture
has evolved. "I got a call one day from
Working Title, which is one of the producers of the show, and they were having a hard time really nailing down the
voice of a young, female, queer character who was going to be played by
COVERSTORY
Ellen Page, and [they asked me] could
lesbian, coming to terms with her
itself is emblematic of our community
I come in and help them with the voice
trans partner.
since Stonewall, since the AIDS crisis,
and rewrite some of those scenes.
Re-casting Anna Madrigal came
"So I came in and did a little con-
up for discussion, says Morelli. If they
and into the evolution of the contemporary queer movement.
sulting on Shawna's character and
were casting the role for the first time
tried to mold her into a fairly authen-
in 2019, they would absolutely have
privilege-that
tic representation of what it is to be
cast a trans actor, she reveals.
that are seen on a global scale, and
"I feel like I have this tremendous
I get to make shows
a young queer woman, from my own
"But what was complicated about it
perspective, and then I ended up doing
was that the new version of Taleswas
activism: offering people a safe space.
more rewriting, and then when Net-
always in conversation with the orig-
There are so few safe spaces, and
flix decided to pick up the show they
inal Ta/es, and we knew that Olympia
that's what Anna Madrigal is doing on
asked me if I would showrun. And here
Dukakis is Anna Madrigal, and we
the show: Barbary Lane is their safe
we are. It's become my entire life," she
went in knowing that Olympia would
space, and so shouldn't the show it-
says.
come back. But it felt really important
self be a safe space, specifically for
to make sure we were acknowledging
anyone who wants to watch it but es-
that decision," says Morelli.
pecially for the queer community?"
"How funny, this is like my wheelhouse now. It's such an honor."
that it feels to me like my version of
Morelli, who identifies as lesbian,
"There
aresofewsafespaces,
andthat'swhatAnnaMadrigal
is
doing.
Barbary
Laneistheirsafe
space."
ponders my question about why there
is so much drama surrounding lesbian relationships, and why lesbian relationships make for such good drama.
Does she know what I mean?
"I do, I do, and I'm happy to be having the conversation. It's something I
think about a lot, because I think part
of the problem is a lack of representation. Because we have lived without
any representation for so long that ev-
Under Morelli's tutelage, the show
In fact, they reimagined the Anna
has moved female, lesbian, queer, and
Madrigal character to the extent that,
ery time we get a chance to see two
trans voices to the center of the narra-
in the stunning episode-long flash-
women being happy together, but then
tive. Original cast members Laura Lin-
back in which we meet the young Anna
we see them breaking up, it feels like
ney and Olympia Dukakis are back as
and follow her story, trans actor Jen
our own heartbreak. It's so devastat-
Mary Ann Singleton and Anna Mad-
Richards was cast-and
she's lovely
ing. Of course, a part of me thinks that
rigal, but the new cast and storylines
and brilliant in the role. "So that's re-
couples on television break up all the
feature many more queer characters,
ally our comment and answer to that
time, because we're making television,
played by Ellen Page, Zosia Mamet,
question, which I think is how have
and if everyone was just always to-
May Hong, and the gender-noncon-
things progressed since that original
gether and happy it would be very bor-
forming actor Garcia. It's especially
Talescame out," says Morelli.
ing. And with Ta/es, Ben and Michael
heartening to see Hong play an Asian
66 CURVE
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Like that casting choice, the show
don't end up together. But even that
COVERSTORY
feels slightly less offensive, because
for some reason we've seen more gay
men on television than we've seen gay
women. I think The Fosters is a great
example-we're
now starting to see
more women [characters] in healthy
and loving relationships with one
another. I think we just need more of
them, so that women can get together and break up and represent a range
of emotional experience. So that each
and every time it doesn't feel like, well,
here we are again."
In Tales,we see Millennial lesbians
and queer women trying to connect
and have relationships, negotiating
issues such as polyamory, casual sex,
commitment, and trying to bridge the
cisgender-trans divide. The diverse
storylines are really the product of the
fact that Morelli employed an entirely
queer writers' room, and they drew on
their own experiences, bringing authenticity and richness to the show.
"We got to have these conversations:
let's talk about the queer experience
as individual and nuanced, instead of
as the one thing that is sold to us on
television, and all we get to do is that
one thing."
Laura Linney (who is an executive
producer) and other straight talent
were completely onboard with the new
direction and needed no gay-splaining. But the show isn't preachy; it's
heartfelt but also fun and soapy.
"I often feel that when we are handed queer stories we're handed these
very self-serious melodramas-we're
SUMMER
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COVERSTORY
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68 CURVE
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COVERSTORY
allowed to have queer stories as long
as someone is suffering
because
they're gay," says Morelli.
"The cast and the crew and Netflixeveryone was so open and expansive
about what we were doing. There was
never a single moment of 'Oh could
you tone that down?' Or 'That scene is
going to be confusing for people, could
you rewrite it in a way so that straight
people will get it?' Everyone was just
so much a part of a whole and moving
in the same direction, and it felt really
magical."
Of course, Morelli hopes the show
appeals to all generations and persuasions, but especially the "next" generations. "I know for myself how meaningful it is to be part of something
where queer stories are centered," she
says, referring to her time writing Or-
ange Is the New Black. "So I really hope
the young people who need it, find it."
Talesof the Cityis nowon Netflix.
SUMMER
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MUSIC
TheWildOne
Pioneering rock chick Suzi Quatro returns.
DaveSteinfeld
S
uzi Quatro embodies a number of
clicked; her self-titled debut became a huge
contradictions. She's a gutsy wom-
hit when it was released in England, in 1973.
an with a big lesbian fan base-but
Suzi Quatro featured a mix of classic rock
she's straight. She's an American who grew
covers and originals, and presented Quatro
up in the blue-collar Midwest-but she's no-
as a female bandleader and a no-nonsense
where near as big here as she is in England
rocker-not exactly common 45 years ago.
and Australia. She's a balls-to-the-wall
Throughout the '70s, Quatro's star contin-
rocker known for strutting around in black
ued to ascend. Her first hit, "Can the Can,"
leather-but
set the tone for a string of similar rockers,
her biggest hit was a ballad.
She is an accomplished musician-but she's
most of which became smashes in the UK.
not a guitarist (she plays bass).
These include "48 Crash," "Devil Gate Drive,"
Susan Kay Quatro was born in 1950 in
"The Wild One" (as close to a theme song
Detroit. Her father Art was a musician and
as she's ever recorded), and the change-
gave little Suzi her first instrument, a 1957
of-pace ballad "Cat Size." A recurring role
Fender Precision Bass. "It [still] hangs on my
on the insanely popular '70s sitcom Happy
wall in the front room," she says. Seeing Elvis
Days further cemented her popularity. Qua-
Presley perform was another turning point,
tro played Leather Tuscadero, the tough-
and by the time she was in her teens, Quatro
talking, bass-playing older sister of Fonzie's
was seriously pursuing a career in rock 'n'
girlfriend, Pinky Tuscadero. She ended the
roll. In 1971, she was offered a record deal by
decade with her biggest hit ever. "Stumblin'
an English record producer who happened
In," became a top-five hit and made the al-
to be in Detroit, and she promptly crossed
bum If You Knew Suzi her most popular disc
the Pond. Quatro's talent, and her timing,
in America.
70
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MUSIC
"It was a great song," Quatro tells
me when I ask her about "Stumblin' In."
"One of Chinn [and] Chapman's best.
We were at an awards ceremony in
Germany...and there was a band playing at this VIP party afterwards. I was
trying to get somebody to come up
and sing with me [but] nobody wanted
to. I finally grabbed Chris [Norman] and
dragged him up onstage and we started jamming and singing. Mike Chapman was watching and he thought, 'I
like that.' He went away and he wrote
'Stumblin' In' and it was a great track.
We did it in the studio, face to face, as
it was written. People loved that [song]
all around the world."
The '80s weren't as kind to Quatro.
She never stopped releasing albums,
and she dabbled in various styles over
the years, but she never returned to
the charts, at least in her homeland.
Her latest effort, No Control, arrived
in March. There is some blues on the
album ("Going Home," "Don't Do Me
Wrong," the closing track, "Going Down
Blues") and one foray into "Tide Is
High"-style reggae ("Love Isn't Fair").
But this is a rock 'n' roll record, plain
and simple. And that's obvious from
the title track, "No Soul/No Control,"
which opens the disc. "[That] started
with a riff," says Quatro. "I had chills up
the back of my neck [recording it]. It's
a way of life for me, that song. It says,
'You can't take me, you can't break me,
I'm in control.' And [that's] my message for everybody."
No Control marks the first time Qua-
tro has worked with Richard Tuckey,
her son from her first marriage, to guitarist Len Tuckey, and a talented ax-
72
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MUSIC
eman in his own right. "It wasn't some-
right? I was there before anybody else
thing we planned on," she says. "It just
had a twinkle in their eye...So my feel-
happened by accident. [Richard] grew
ings are hurt. I've been polite about it
up at the feet of his dad, watching him
for many years, and now I don't want
play guitar in my band. And he tried
to be polite anymore.''
different things [over] the years. Then
It's worth noting, of course, that
he finally picked up the guitar and he
Quatro is not the only artist (male
got quietly good on it; nobody saw it
or female) who feels they've been
happening. And he's been saying to
snubbed by the Hall. And it's equally
me periodically, 'You need to make this
true that she has gotten a lot of rec-
kind of album.' He has this unswerv-
ognition over the years from a variety
ing vision of the kind of album I should
of sources. Joan Jett, among others,
make. Finally, he came to me and said,
has cited her as an influence. She has
'I need to write with you'-and he was
sold millions of records worldwide and
ready. He showed me a little lick and I
has been inducted into the Michigan
said, 'Richard, I can work with that.'"
Legends Hall of Fame online. Back in
Quatro's pride extends from her
2011, the lesbian writer and perfor-
family to herself. Indeed, she thanks
mance artist Khaela Maricich devoted
herself in the new album's liner notes!
an entire blog to Quatro.
When I mention "Bass Line," my favorite song on No Control, she replies,
"Suzi Quatro's appearance in the
'70s is what I traditionally assumed a
"Don't you just love that I put a bass
lesbian looked like," wrote Maricich.
solo where a guitar solo should go?
"[And] it seems pretty certain that other
Who else would have the balls to do
people picked up on the idea that she
that but me?" And when I ask Quatro if
was a totem of lesbian appearance,
there were any women who influenced
because so many of us have followed
her when she was coming up, either
suit...[But] Quatro isn't a lesbian. She is
musically or otherwise, she says, "No!
quoted as being really into dudes and
I mean, the blueprint didn't exist. There
is pretty explicit about having enjoyed
were no female rock 'n' roll stars pick-
being physical with them. She's just
ing up an instrument. I was the first.''
a real tough straight lady, and that is
A thorn in Quatro's side is the fact
awesome. I personally am more ex-
that she has not been inducted into the
cited about living in a world where you
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Earlier this
can't tell from first glance what some-
year, in fact, she talked publicly about
thing is.''
it-even though there were two female
So there you go. The enigmatic
solo artists (Janet Jackson and Stevie
Suzi Quatro. A mass of contradictions
Nicks) in the Hall's class of 2019. "It's
in black leather-but we'll always be
disgusting that I'm not [in]," she told
happy to acknowledge her as the first.
Billboard magazine. "I'm a real stick-
ler for the truth, and I'm pissed off that
history is being rewritten. I was first,
suziquatro.com
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A
llison Miller does it all. Wheth-
while it is a true jazz album, the rock el-
er she is touring with her own
ements ensure that there is something
band, Boom Tic Boom, for
for everyone. The fierce title originated
the release of their fifth studio album,
from somewhat of a family joke.
Glitter Wolf, or playing drums for mu-
"I wrote most of the music in 2017.
sical heavyweights like Sara Bareilles
That was the year my son was born,
and Ani DiFranco, or teaching at The
and his middle name is Wolf. My
New School, it seems like Miller can do
daughter loves to dress him up and he
just about anything, and she does it all
is into wearing her butterfly wings. One
well. The release of Glitter Wolf marks
day he had been wearing her butter-
the l 0-year anniversary of Boom Tic
fly wings and for weeks we had been
Boom, and the album is a celebratory
finding glitter on him and it became
joyride showcasing the talent of both
kind of a joke, calling him glitter wolf,"
Miller and her whole band. The fact
Miller says.
"I started thinking about that name
and how it could represent a lot of
things, like diversity, fluidity, being
"I'madrummer
soof
course
I lovegroove.''
fierce and fabulous, and embracing all
of those things within each of us."
Through the music, Miller and her
band effortlessly tell the tale of our
modern world. Reflecting on themes
of gender, equality, politics, and family, the album winds its way through
intense and chaotic peaks to smooth
and melodic valleys.
"There is a sense of urgency and
that they've stayed together so long is
motion and dichotomy, and a lot of the
a bit of an anomaly in the jazz world, a
music that I wrote during that time was
fact not lost on Miller.
"It's not as common to have a band
influenced by the different feelings I
was having," she says. When asked
that sticks together for so long, but I
how she portrays these ideas without
come from many different genres. I
the use of lyrics, Miller explains how
like to transfer the rock-and-roll model
the music speaks for itself.
into the jazz world. I really try to keep
"I am influenced by all types of
the band together. So it's exciting to be
music and I love playing all types of
celebrating l 0 years," Miller says.
music, so I think all of those different
The album itself has l 0 tracks, and
genres seep in. I don't think of music
SUMMER
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MUSIC
as one genre-I think of it as music.
within all of this chaos there is a really
Good music is good music. I think
beautiful thing happening."
'I've never seen a girl play drums,' and I
say 'Really? There are a lot of them and
When she isn't on the road with
you're about to see one!' It never fails
strong melodies. I also think groove is
Boom Tic Boom, Miller gigs with vari-
that by the end they are blown away,
really important. I'm a drummer so of
ous artists. Many die-hard Ani DiFran-
totally psyched, and it totally chang-
course I love groove. The importance of
co fans know Miller from her position
es their perspective of who can play
groove came from loving jazz and also
as DiFranco's drummer, and she has
drums," Miller says.
from being a big Prince fanatic growing
recently appeared with Sara Barielles
Reflecting on the release of Glitter
up," Miller says.
on The Late Show with Stephen Col-
Wolf and her career as a whole, Miller
bert. She also has an upcoming stint
says, "I feel proud of my band Boom
it's important for good songs to have
When it came to the actual creation
of an album of this caliber, Miller had
an open-minded approach to putting
''Sometimes
ayoung
boy
willcome
uptomeandsay,
'I'venever
seenagirlplay
drums',
andI say,
'Really?"'
it all together. "I'm not a trained composer at all, I'm winging it. I've been
winging it for 15 years. What happens
with me is that I trust myself more, and
I don't judge my lack of knowledge like
I used to. I used to think, 'Oh my gosh
I don't know what I'm doing,' and now
it's more in the vein of 'Hey, I don't know
what I'm doing, and maybe that means
I will do something cool.' Then I'll go
and sit at the piano and try," she says.
"There's this song called 'The Rise'
guesting with the studio band on Late
Tic Boom. I think it's really hard to write
that was literally written because I got
Night with Seth Meyers. The variety
music that just comes completely from
home from a Christmas vacation with
keeps things interesting for Miller, who
following my creative muse and not the
my kids and my wife, and I was so done.
also spends time teaching at The New
masses. I am proud that I have stuck to
It was like, 'Wow, this is amazing. I love
School and showing young people that
my guns and my creative spirit for each
my kids so much, but that was hard.' I
the world of drumming is not exclusive
one of my albums."
was so exhausted but also peaceful in
to men.
And just as we went to press, Miller announced a brand new venture: an
the feeling that it is amazing that I have
"I feel really proud of the educational
two kids and a family. I wanted to con-
outreach I've done. I think it's really im-
indie jazz collaboration with violinist
vey the first part of the song with a real-
portant for young girls to have a female
Jenny Scheinman and pianist Carmen
ly rambunctious drum solo and kind of
mentor, but it's even more important for
Staaf for a new band-Parlour Game.
a crazy section that was supposed to
young boys to have a female mentor.
convey this feeling of chaos, and right
Their mind is shifted. I do a lot of stuff
after that section there's this quiet,
where I go into high schools and middle
beautiful, almost classical section that
schools and do outreach. Sometimes a
was completely different, as if to say
young boy will come up to me and say,
76
CURVE
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allisonmiller.com
T
wenty-one-year-old musician Grayson
much of the last four years figuring out both
is a star on the rise. The non-binary
their sound and their identity. After forming the
artist is a true creative, with their hands
synth-pop band NeuYouth and then ultimately
in a bit of everything. Their lnstagram account
settling in Los Angeles, Grayson partnered with
is a veritable gallery of their experimentation in
young production whiz Aiden to start working
music, makeup, and art, and their enthusiasm
on what would ultimately become Head to
for life is contagious. Their debut EP,Head to
Head.
Head, out now, is wise beyond their years, com-
"I didn't really know what my sound was-I
bining introspective lyrics and a mainstream
had a million sounds. I know I'm 21, but I had
pop sensibility with intimate interludes record-
been working for a long time and I've always
ed straight from the voice memos on Grayson's
recreated myself. This is super-exciting be-
phone. With a fresh voice and the optimistic
cause I really believe in this EP; it is something I
openness that comes from finally settling into
have fully signed off on. I feel really proud of it, it
their true identity, Grayson is breaking down
really helped me find my sound," Grayson says.
barriers in life and music.
As for the writing process itself, Grayson
Having grown up in the Mormon Church,
says, "My preferred process is always all at
then relocating to Seattle at the age of 17 to
once. I come [up] with a melody and the lyrics
explore a career in music, Grayson has spent
come at the same time."
SUMMER
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MUSIC
With
10
tracks,
including
the
voice-memo interludes, Head to Head
is a collection of songs that highlight
the singer's soulful voice and unique
sound. The production is slick, but the
interludes feel like the listener is eavesdropping on the life of an intriguing
stranger. The lead singles "Brother"
and "Cherry Pits" both have an intensity that feels ground-breaking and
liberating.
"My favorite is 'Where'd You Go.'
When I went to New York back in September the EP was almost done, and
so I listened to it the whole time I was
I
creative energy on other skills. "I've al-
culture, so now being able to live their
ways loved directing. I'm a double Leo,
true identity and have an awareness of
so put me in charge and give me atten-
other non-binary and trans individuals
tion and I love it. I like photography and
in the spotlight is even more impactful.
modeling, I love all of it," they say.
"I can't stop. Everyone around me
Having been brought up according
is so powerful and everyone that has
to the dictates of the Mormon Church,
come before and paved this road for
they were sheltered from much of
me to have visibility in the way that I
mainstream pop culture. Today, much
do-I just am so excited about all of
of their constant stream of inspiration
this inspiration I have been getting,
is due to the fact that so much of their
and it just keeps coming." Grayson is
musical and cultural discovery is new.
now in a position to empower other
"Growing up in the Church influ-
queer, non-binary, and trans youth.
ences everything, and in ways I don't
"I'm proud of myself as an artist, I'm
think I can even express. I only left the
just proud that I am finally able to live
in my identity and openly. It's a huge
"Iwas17whenI sawmy
firstqueer
kiss.It wasina
Hayley
Kiyoko
video."
deal and it is something that took a really long time to understand in myself.
I am still understanding it. I think I am
proud of the honesty that I have been
sharing," Grayson says.
When asked what they would say
to young people exploring their gender and sexual identity, Grayson offers, "Don't rush yourself; don't feel
pressure to come out, especially if
there and I couldn't help but put on
'Where'd You Go,' like a million times,"
Grayson says before adding, 'Come
Out on Top' is a certified banger."
They're not wrong. The slinky jam
is a perfect soundtrack for a night out.
Having started playing music at the
age of 3, Grayson has spent years honing their craft.
"I have a really musical family. I
started playing out, which was not
easy to do in my town, when I was 12.
I would go to the college and make
money so I could pay my siblings to
drive me to the Shake Shop and play at
the open mic nights. Music has always
been my baby," Grayson says.
While music has been the main
focus, they have spent considerable
78
CURVE
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Church about four years ago, so I think
you're not in a safe space. I first kind
I am still finding out how it affects me
of rushed myself, which turned out
and how it will continue to affect me.
okay because I had incredible friends
There's a lot of really beautiful things
and family who have been showing up
that I took from my childhood, but
for me, but it is not always like that, so
there's a lot of things that I was maybe
don't rush yourself. Also, reach out to
cut off from," Grayson says.
any sort of queer community that you
"I feel like I am just now discovering
can find, because that is what changed
Grace Jones and Madonna and An-
everything for me. Also, love yourself."
nie Lennox and all of these icons that
With the release of Headto Headand
I never had access to. There was no
plans for an upcoming tour and music
queer infiltration to my youth. I was 17
videos in the works, Grayson is poised
when I saw my first queer kiss; it was
to head straight to the top, breaking
in the Hayley Kiyoko "Girls Like Girls"
down walls every step of the way.
video. Right now, I get to experience all
of these things for the first time. Right
now I am inspired by everything."
While their exposure to more widely
known pop icons was minimal, there
was even less awareness of queer
@graysoninthe
MUSIC
SUMMER
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Books
mart
Ladies'
Night
Two new movies put
women at the centre.
If you loved Lady Bird, but it
wasn't lesbian enough for you'll love
Dever. "She supports a lot of causes
Booksmart. Best friends and academic
and after graduation plans to go to
overachievers Amy (Kaitlyn Dever-one
Africa to help women. When it comes
of Variety's 10 Actors to Watch) and
to fighting for others, Amy is a pit bull,
Molly (Beanie Feldstein) have taken
but when it comes to her own interests,
their final year in high school super-se-
she isn't very courageous."
riously, positioning themselves for Ivy
CURVE
I
SUMMER
Amy and Molly might be good at
League colleges, and feeling superior
studying but they're awkward and
to their party-hard peers. But on the
close to useless when it comes to
eve of their graduation, these BFFs and
partying, and this provides most of
type A wallflowers fear they've missed
Booksmart's comedy. At the heart of
out on all the fun and make a pact to
this transformational teen movie is
catch up-all in one night.
an ode to female friendship. "I haven't
Amy is gay and wants to attract the
80
is very sweet and innocent who has a
by-the-book approach to life," explains
seen a movie in a while like this, where
attention of her (unworthy, oblivious)
I think, 'Oh, that's like me and my best
girl-crush and Molly, who is straight,
friend,"' says Dever. "This movie re-
just wants to see her bestie happy.
minds me a lot of the relationships and
Dever's Amy is a social justice warrior
friends that I have in real life, and I think
with a heart of gold who is yet to sync
that's what's so special about this
up her expectations with reality. "Amy
movie. Booksmart is a love story, when
POPCORN
it comes down to it. It really is."
"Molly teaches her [Amy] to stand up
with," recalls Dever.And Booksmart has
the best use of Morissette's anthem of
for herself and be strong," says Dever,
incipient female agency "You Oughta
who appreciated that Amy being gay
Know,"that we've heard lately.
was not the focal point of her story arc.
This delightfully improbable, hilar-
"The gay characters in a lot of films,
ious and heartwarming comedy is
even today, have to have a coming out
that rare thing: a post-teen comedy
story. But in Booksmart, the coming out
complete with graduation climax, but
part of the story is about Molly reveal-
told from a female point of view. It's
ing to Amy that she likes Nick, which is
a witty, wild, queer-friendly ride pro-
not usually the case. That's what was
duced by Annapurna Pictures' Megan
so awesome about this movie, and an-
Ellison-studded
other aspect that drew me to the film
gems, including Jason Sudeikis, Skyler
because that never happens."
with
performance
Gisondo, and Billie Lourd who come
And it's true: this directorial debut
close to stealing the show. And while
from actor Olivia Wilde is sharp, smart,
Booksmart delivers possibly the most
and unspools at a cracking pace. It
awkward and unfortunate first-time
assumes you'll be hip with these odd-
lesbian sex scene on screen, we'd be
girls-out, otherwise you'll miss out on
up for a sequel if Ms. Wilde would care
all the fun. And the soundtrack is so
to resolve Amy's romantic struggles!
much fun. "I listened to a lot of Helen
Reddy and Alanis Morissette to start
Booksmartis nowplaying.
SUMMER
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POPCORN
comedy and television, two venues
that have not been very kind to women,
and both characters are a bit like me."
Thompson, who is butchly decked
out in a menswear-inspired silhouette,
says Kaling handed her a dream role.
"I was astonished and honored that
she had written it with me in mind.
The quality of the script is extraordinary. When people say they've written
something for you, it can be touch and
go, but her comic take, her timing, the
cadences in her writing are just beautiful for all the characters."
Director Ganatra, who says she is
often the only woman of color on a
sylvania. A lifelong fan, Molly faces the
LateNight
V)
.Q
-g
U)
C:
0
N
C1J
E
<(
ultimate challenge: to prove that she is
After almost 30 years at the top of
more than a 'diversity hire' by turning
late night Tv, trailblazing female talk-
her idol's career around. But compli-
show host Katherine Newbury (Emma
cations ensue when it turns out that
Thompson) discovers she will be re-
Newbury has a moral misdemeanour
placed if she doesn't make her show
buried in her impeccably-tailored clos-
more relevant. What's intriguing about
et, and Molly starts to fall for the ene-
screenwriter-actor Mindy Kaling's de-
my-one of the very white male writers
but feature Late Night, is that such a
(Hugh Dancy) who contributes to the
woman does not exist in real life. "Sad-
dominant culture that oppresses her.
ly,there hasn't been a female late-night
Late Night is directed by Nisha
talk show host on any big network
Ganatra (Chutney Popcorn) from a
since Joan Rivers' show in the 1980s,"
screenplay by Kaling (The Mindy Proj-
admits Kaling, "which lasted less than
ect) ,and even if Emma Thompson
a year." Nevertheless, Kaling mines
feels like the sort of establishment
this "what if" scenario for all it's worth,
success story we'd be lucky to have as
mostly to examine the lack of diversity
a problem, the fact is it's a bit like those
in mainstream storytelling and the per-
movies where America has a female
sistence of a 'white savior' mentality
president: we aren't there. However,
when it comes to transforming modes
Late Night is entertaining and raises
of entertainment from within.
Newbury has an all-male writers'
important issues along the way-and
there's a lot to love for lesbians. Kaling
room and has been accused of being
says she wrote the story specifically
a "woman who hates women." In order
for Thompson.
to disprove this, she impulsively hires
"I think of it almost as a love story
Molly Patel (Kaling), a chemical plant
between two women of different gen-
efficiency expert from suburban Penn-
erations who have the same passions:
82
CURVE
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movie set, says the film acts partly as
wish-fulfillment: "Seeing Molly subvert
the system through sheer chutzpah
was inspiring and fun. To even have a
shot at a job like that is fantasy fulfillment for me and a lot of people, as is
the idea of Katherine as a late-night
television host."
And while there aren't any women at
the top of late night Tv, Thompson and
Kaling have given us a premise that
one day, hopefully, will come true.
Late Night is now playing.
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