-
Description
-
ToC Women We Love: Nasty Cherry (p8); Drinks: Holiday Cocktails (p24); Wedding: Malory & Katie (p30); Makers: Femme Noir (p52); Interview: Mary Lambert (p58); Cover: The L Word: Generation Q (p64).
See all items with this value
-
issue
-
1
-
Date Issued
-
Winter 2019
-
Format
-
PDF/A
-
Publisher
-
Frances Stevens
-
Identifier
-
Curve_Vol30_No1_winter-2019_OCR_PDFa
-
extracted text
-
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
'
I
,
I
THE L WORD:
GENERA"FION
Q
•
x-:•
y
~····---·
:Jlli:)t
:;/~-~-~~,,_.
--~ •···•·•·•
SUNDAYS :fil•WllME
:-:::::::::::::::
,:::::::::::::::::::.
,.........VJ!iill.M,
~.••···--··
~····lllllliil·"
•••·••
MASTHEAD
CURVE
I
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
Winter 201g » volume30 number1
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, Alex Eugene, Lisa Tedesco, Dave Steinfeld
PROOFING
Proofreader Melanie Barker
ADVERTISING
National Sales Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021
Email todd@curvemagazine.com
ART/PRODUCTION
Art Director Gavin Woodhouse
Assistant Designer Janette Martin
COVER
Cover Image by
Showtime
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Georgie Krokus
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Victoria A. Brownworth, 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 30 Issue 1 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published 4 times per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) by Avalon Media, LLC, PO Box 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 SASE for response. Lack of any
representation only signifies insufficient materials. Submissions cannot be returned unless a self-addressed stamped
envelope is included. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damages. The contents do not 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
WINTER
CURVE 3
WELCOME
Editorial
T
here seems to be so much wrong in
the world right now but one injustice that's been corrected is the tenyear absence of The L Word from our
screens. It seems a lifetime ago that the final episode of The L Word aired on Showtime. In fact,
it wasn't quite that long ago-it was only March
2009. But how the world has changed since
then ... and in many ways not for the better!
Now, The L Word is back and it's The L Word:
Generation Q, fully updated to reflect the evo-
lution of our own community. I'm very excited
to say that we were able to interview the new
cast members and they are as excited as we are
Editorin Chief
MerrynJohns
''The
LWord
isbackand
it'sfullyupdated
toreflect
changes
inourcommunity."
about the reboot of this iconic and groundbreaking show.
Plus we have loads of lovely style recommendations, new music, holiday ideas, food, drink,
gifts and viewing for you to keep cozy with this
festive season. As you read this, we literally
have just a few more days left in the decade.
Make the most of them and may 2020 bring a
whole new beginning.
merryn@curvemag.com
4 CURVE
I
WINTER
/'ffT
OUR TEAM
Contributors
AnitaDolce
Vita
Style
Dave
Steinfeld
Music
JenBiesty
Food
Victoria
A.Brownworth
Politics
AnitaDolceVita
Anita Dolce Vita is a writer, speaker, producer, and consultant focusing on LGBTQ entertainment and fashion. She has produced some of the largest queer fashion shows in the US held at world-renowned institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. In 2016, Anita produced and moderated the first ever queer style panel to be featured at the South by Southwest's (SXSW)
official Sxstyle week. This issue she reports back from queer women of color event, The Weekend Soiree.
DaveSteinfeld
Dave grew up in Connecticut and is now based in New York City. He has been a professional journalist since
1999 and has very possibly written about women in music more than any male journalist in America. Dave's
first piece for Curve,on The Cliks, was published in 2007. Some of the artists he has covered since then
include Patti Smith, Neneh Cherry, Ani DiFranco, Ann Wilson, the Indigo Girls, and Amanda Palmer who once
called him "an honorary lesbian." This issue he catches up with Mary Lambert.
JenBiesty
Chef Biesty brought her bold take on Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine to Oakland's Grand Lake neighborhood in 2014, shortly after competing on Bravo's Top Chef Season 4. Since then, Shakewell has become
a favorite destination for foodies in the Bay Area. Prior to opening Shakewell, Biesty worked in some of
the best restaurants in New York City, New Orleans, London and San Francisco. In 2007, she was named a
Rising Star by Star Chefs. This issue she shares her latest TV experience, and a recipe for Seafood Bomba.
VictoriaA.Brownworth
Victoria is a life-long Socialist, feminist and advocacy journalist, who lives and breathes politics. She has
been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and won the Society of Professional Journalists Award, NLGJA Award,
Lambda Literary Award and was the first out lesbian with a daily newspaper column. She's published two
dozen books, including the award-winning Ordinary Mayhem, Coming Out of Cancer and From Where They
Sit. In 2010 she founded Tiny Satchel Press, which publishes books for kids of color and LGBTQ kids.
WINTER
I
CURVE 5
Content
Women We Love:
Nasty Cherry
24
An all-girl band hand-picked by Charli XCX. They're starring in a reality TV
show and they just released an EP!
Drinks: Holiday
Cocktails
Three different drinks companies have
you pleasantly sozzled this season. But
these spirits also have real feminine flair.
Wedding: Malory &
Katie
New York couple meet on Bumble and
end up having the wedding of their
dreams in real life.
6 CURVE
I
WINTER
Cover: The L Word:
Generation Q
It's been ten years since the ground-
Interview: Mary
Lambert
breaking Showtime series hit our small
screens and turned us all into lesbiansand we're ready for more!
She's vulnerable, she's raw, she's emotive;
Makers: Femme Noir
and she's possibly the most talented poet
and songwriter of our time.
A best-selling author and a talented illustrator team up to bring a noir detective
pulp fiction thriller to life, starring queer
women of color.
WINTER
I
CURVE 7
I
f you loved iconic girl bands like
ecutive producer and she's the master-
gether the world would be a simpler
the Go-Gos, or The Runaways, or
mind behind the band and the series,
place," says Debbie.
Hunter Valentine, you'll love Nasty
hand-picking the members for what
But bands being what they are-a
Cherry, the brainchild of English sing-
she hopes is a real and yet bad-ass, au-
family of egoes, if you will-there's
er-songwriter Charli XCX. Featuring
thentic music industry enterprise. This
plenty of drama and Nasty Cherry
lead singer Gabbriette Bechtel, Chloe
is the first band she has signed to her
are fun to watch as they navigate
Chaidez on lead guitar, Georgia Som-
label, and she believes in them. And
the process of living, writing, and
ary on bass, and Debbie Knox-Hew-
lucky for us, one of the four women is
performing together in LA and New
son as drummer, Nasty Cherry are
her gay session drummer, Debbie! The
York. Writing music is "an intimate,
vulnerable thing to be doing in front
good. They're nice. Okay,they're "nas-
show is all kinds of crazy,and you'll see
ty" and they have a show on Netflix
that Debs is often the calm and collect-
of people" says Debbie. And yet the
and an EP out now. We caught up
ed one, the voice of sanity, the kind
four young women, to their credit,
with drummer Debbie Knox-Hewson
adult, and a kick-ass drummer, too.
work it out. Yes, there are some tears,
"Drummers: we always say-all of
not to mention a fair bit of shopping,
The show I'm With the Band: Nasty
my friends are drummers and we all
drinking, and tying cherry stems with
Cherry,is Charli XCX's debut as an ex-
say-If we all could be in a band to-
tongues ... But who is really leading this
to find out about it.
8 CURVE
I
WINTER
WOMEN WE LOVE
mers, this is a real space that needs
filling. There's so many auditions you
get where they just want a female
drummer. I think it's an outlook thing:
how you want to see it and how you
want to make it work to your advantage. It's something I always found empowering. I remember when I used to
play with Charli XCX,young girls would
come up after the show and say, 'I really want to get a drum kit now, that was
really inspiring.' It was such a thrill."
Debbie has taught drum camps
and workshops for female drummers
around the world. 'The message I try
and convey is, Just do it. If there's not
many bands in your community, make
one. I think the show Nasty Cherry
shares the same message: this idea
that you should just give it a go and you
don't know what you might get from it."
She's out, and proud, and gay, and
has been for some time. "I guess it's
never really been something I don't
highlight about myself, it's part of who
I am and I don't consider it to be an
addition, it's just part of me, I'm very
lucky with the band, and the friends
and family I had growing up, it's never
really been a point of discussion, it's
just always been who I am. We all talk
on the show about being away from
band and calling the shots? And will
was never a parent saying, 'You should
home and missing our partners and it
they make it on the charts and in social
really practice.' It was my own little ad-
sort of just sits in there with the other
media? Gabs is lead singer but Chloe
venture. When I got to 17, 18, I thought
stories about the girls missing their
has all the experience (and a fair bit of
I should take it seriously."
boyfriends."
attitude, too). Lucky for us, this gay girl
Debbie was studying drumming
does us proud: Debs has the rhythm of
when she auditioned for Nasty Cher-
been something I related to because
this whole operation at heart, and she
ry and got it. Now, she's part of a wild
I haven't been 'in'." But she is now 'in'
realy proves, in times of trouble, to be
"start-up" culture and she's totally up
the band Nasty Cherry and they are so
its backbone. "From a very young age
for it. After all, she's been a female
good with that. As are we.
I started drumming and I grew up in a
drummer in an industry which invari-
"Eventhe expression 'out' hasn't ever
family of music lovers," she reveals. "It
ably prefers men, and she has main-
I'm With the Band: Nasty Cherry is
was actually the perfect environment
tained her philosophical approach.
now on Netflix.
for me because I never had any pres-
"On one hand it's something that's
sure on me, it was always something
highlighted and noticed and you're
that I was tinkering away with by my-
being discriminated for it. But on the
self. I always knew the most about it, it
other hand there's so few female drum-
WINTER
I
CURVE 9
BEAUTY
Winter
Wonders
'-1"\lXICATI\G.
The cold weather is harsh on skin, so
we found some products to protect and
pick you up this season.
11
EA.UTITIN 1
~!2./.,,f,,_2;,;,~
Theconceptof cocktails,
appliedto bathtime
Intoxicating
BeautyBodyCareCocktail
Nothing beats the winter blues like a warm bubble bath. Make a bubbly tub with Lime Vodka
Tonic body rinse instead of bubble bath. Vodka is
known for its purifying and beautifying properties
as well as being a wonderful antiseptic and astringent. This refreshing formula is enriched with
Aloe Vera juice and lime oil, leaving skin soft and
invigorated. After soaking, give your skin a scrub
from head to toe (it's even gentle enough for face)
with Lime Vodka Tonic Salt Emollient Twist. These
luxurious oils and ultra-fine salt buff you smooth.
intoxicatingbeautybar.com
DirtyGirlFarm
This mom-owned company was one of the first
"clean" beauty brands, creating a vegan and organic plant-based skincare line of products suitable for females of all ages with sensitive skin.
Now, the brand has products for the whole family
including toddlers and babies. Each product is
lovingly crafted with the intention to nourish skin
from head to toe by tapping into the healing qualities of organic plant matter-but
our favorite is
Liquid Facelift (formerly known as Botox in a Bottle). Oh, and girl, it works!
dirtygirlfarm.com
10 CURVE
I
WINTER
BEAUTY
Gender-fluid
Scents
Scent Beauty has partnered with The Phluid Project, a non-binary fashion company, to introduce
their first-ever Scent Elixir Collection. Three fragrances were created using bi-phase technology
of two complementary essences that, when shaken, become one-and
re-separate to resume their
original form. Perfumers worked hand-in-hand
with the LGBQTIA+ community to craft beautiful,
wearable, provocative scents that transcend tradi-
Finefragrances
fromthe Phluidproject
tion. These fragrances exude color and vibrancy
in three fresh fragrances: Transcend, Balance, and
Intention.
scentbeauty.com
Beauty
Kitchen
Late nights, blue light from increased screen time,
not enough Vitamin D, too much red wine and coffee-you
name it, some of our winter habits can
wreak havoc on the sensitive skin around our eyes.
This plant-based line with simple ingredients free of
Apply,.,ndtrtyefor
oFIO minutes,
• minimum
removecolla8en
•y• p1d ind di$cud. Good for
on•
t"me uuonly.
chemicals, sulfates and harsh parabens, allows you
to pamper at home with six collagen eye gel minimasks. Together, they form an LGBTQ-supportive
rainbow range with a portion of profits donated to
the LGBT Center in Los Angeles.
A littleeye-catching
collagen
beautykitchen.net
AuraCacia
We can't rave enough about this brand. It has everything you need to restore a sense of harmony, health
and wellbeing to your home through the sense of
smell. The holidays are a stressful time, but Aura Cacia has a suite of sweet-smelling products to choose
from to help you relax and restore. After a hectic day
have a hot shower with Uplifting Citrus Shower Salt,
put some pure essential Lavender Oil in the aromatherapy diffuser, and a few drops of Pillow Potion on
the bed linen-and sleep like a baby! These are high
quality, 100 percent pure, and effective products for
your bath, bedtime, or beauty routine and they come
from a company that espouses ethical, fair trade, sustainably-sourced ingredients,too.
auracacia.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 11
TRENDS
Gorgeous
Gifts
Some ideas for meaningful
presents this holiday season .
.c
u
ni
a:i
s
0
.c
C.
Hollywood
Holiday
Usher in a new decade with gender-inclusive threads tailored to perfection. Splurge
on something special from Sharpe Suiting!
Colette Johnson wears hi-lo 3D-ruffle Organza Sharpe atelier cocktail dress. Julia
Ensign wears long-sleeve body-con cocktail dress. Lee Dawn Hershey wears Sharpe
bespoke grey herringbone wool overcoat
with contrast black collar. Jordan Gonzalez
wears Sharpe Nice Day for a White Wedding blazer ($545) and May I Have This
Dance black blazer ($575).
sharpesuiting.com
12 CURVE
I
WINTER
• • • • • • • • • • • •
TRENDS
•
FlamingGay
We cannot get through winter without
quality scented candles, so it's a thrill to
find out that our favorite LGBT-supportive
vodka brand, Equality Vodka, had expanded their creativity to Equality Candles.
Presenting two ranges to choose from:
DirtyBartender or Equality Vodka Cocktail
Candles. Both collections are inspired by
favorite gay bars, classic cocktails and the
scents they evoke: think Berry Cosmo to
Intoxicated Leather Bar. They're cheeky,
aromatic, and sure to lift your spirits!
dirtybartender.com
Needa Cuddle
Brave Bear is a company that seeks to
celebrate the unique milestones and ups
and downs in LGBTQfolx lives through the
simple ritual of gift-giving. These are not
moments of materialism, but moments
for human connection that help change
the lives of LGBTQ individuals when they
most need it. Whether you're congratulating someone on coming out, confirming
their gender, birthing a gayby, or just saying thank you for being them ...Brave Bear
Pride has a unique gift for the occasion.
bravebearpride.com
StartPlaying
Games
The holidays can be a stressful time, especially if you have to socialize with new
people-and relatives you only see a couple times a year. Break the ice with a cool
new card game. You Don't Know My Life!
is the ultimate TMI party game with no
wrong answers: Just inappropriate ones.
Okay, you might not want to play it with
your in-laws or grandparents! But with 125
question cards, you'll never run out of fascinating prompts to find out more about
the people around you. Yeah,you'll need a
drink with this one.
youdontknowmylifegame.com
14 CURVE
I
WINTER
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
t
TRENDS
••••••
DivineVinyl
Mary J. Blige, the legendary Grammy and
Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist and honorary Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,
has released an immersive box set of her
biggest 1990s hits along with rare remixes, HERstory,Vol. 1. The collection comes
three ways: a set of eight standard-weight
black 7" vinyl records, a 1CD version, a
2LP set and a digital version. From her
solo 1992 hit "You Remind Me" to the
1993 remix of "What's the 411" featuring
K-Ci (of K-Ci and JoJo) and the Notorious
B.I.G., HERstory, Vol. 1 tells the story of
Blige as she first established herself as a
tour de force of '90s R&B.
Maddow
totheMax
She's the most popular anchor on cable
news and now Rachel Maddow can be
enjoyed between your hands on a snowy
day, by a crackling fire, as you relax, curled
up with this new biography by New York
Times bestselling author Lisa Rogak. The
top MSNBC anchor and author keeps us
sane and find out how she does it, where
she came from and how she went from a
conservative California town to the top of
A Biography
liberal media. After reading this book you'll
see her in a whole new light.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WINTER
I
CURVE 15
TRENDS
I
Happy
Herbs
No, not that kind. Barbari makes the kind of
herbs you can put in your tea, in your bath
tub, and oh, okay, you can even smoke these
in spliffs. Their line of CBD herbal spliffs are
designed for the ambitious, motivated, and
active cannabis consumer as a great alternative to vaping or low-dose smoking. For
people who want to smoke, but not get high,
or addicted. And if you don't toke or smoke,
there are many other calming and non-toxic
ways to use these uplifting and fragrant herbal products.
barbarishop.com
SweetTreats
A parting treat for your house guests or a
delicious thank you gift for the hostess, you'll
find a quality, handcrafted delicacy from
Hilliards Chocolates the perfect gesture,
whether you're craving something sweet for
Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year's Eve. For
over 90 years this high-quality candy brand
has been crafting homestyle chocolates in
Massachusetts. We're in a sugar-high heaven
over the Peppermint Bark... and it's also one
of Oprah's favorite things! Plus, there's plenty more mouthwatering favorites to choose
from including caramels, brittle and fudge.
hilliardscandy.com
•••••••••••••••
16 CURVE
I
WINTER
CURVE
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
CURVE
4 timesa year
• Spring • Summer • Fall • Winter
curvemag.com
LISTEN UP
Petra,
Rachel
&
Tanya
Haden
ti,,
HADEN
TRIPLETS
THE
FAMILY
SONGBOOK
Three sisters with a family history
who collaborated with jazz legend
steeped in music discover their grand-
Ornette Coleman beginning in the
father's lost songs from a forgotten
1950s. You'll love the triplets' layered
America, alongside the music of Josh
harmonies and the selection of songs
Haden (Spain), Kanye West, and The
in The Family Songbook. It includes
Carter Family. The Haden Triplets'
"Every Time I Try;' by the triplets'
haunting cover of "Wayfaring Stranger"
brother Josh, plus "I'll Fly Away,"
is something to hear. An experimental
"Wildwood Flower" and "Pretty Baby."
mix of jazz, folk, and alt-country, the
There's even a unique rendition of
music is a well-timed reminder of the
Kanye West's "Say You Will."
incredible diversity of music in this
country, through good times and bad.
The triplets-Petra,
Produced by Woody Jackson, The
Family Songbookmight be one of the
Rachel and
year's great records, especially for mu-
Tanya-were born in New York City
sicologists, featuring Bill Frisell, Greg
and raised in Los Angeles, but they
Leisz on pedal-steel and Doyle Bram-
sound like they could have come
hall Ill, joined by Don Was and the late
from
bassist Larry Taylor, of Canned Heat.
anywhere, so
absorption
of
rich
musical
is their
influences.
Check it out.
They continue the heritage of their
Samantha Sidley's debut album In-
terior Person was co-written and produced by her wife, Barbara Gruska,
also a musician known as one half of
the duo The Belle Brigade. So intimate
is their artisitc connection, that a painting in Gruska's mother's house inspired
one of the album's most intriguing and
humorous songs. Gruska explains,
"In 1974, my grandmother gave my
grandfather a large painting of a naked woman. That painting got passed
down to my mom when I was a teenager, and then a few years ago to Sam
and me. We went over to my mom's
house to pick it up, and I noticed that
there was a long piece of paper at the
bottom of it, covering something up. I
asked my mom about it and she said,
'Oh yeah, apparently there's a lewd
late father, the bassist Charlie Haden,
hadentriplets.com
the paper out, Sam and I giddily read:
Samantha
'I have a butterfly in my ass.' Jackpot!
It's been hanging over the couch in our
living room ever since."
Of the resulting song, Gruska says,
"When Alex (Lilly) and I decided to write
a song for Sam with the 'dreaded lewd
sentence' as the title, we had to ask ourselves what it meant to 'have a butterfly' in one's ass, and we realized it's the
opposite of having a stick up your ass.
So, the song is also about overcoming
difficult situations ... I guess it's another way of saying, this too shall pass,
and the light at the end of the tunnel, is
a butterfly in your ass!"
And in other news not about butterflies, Sidley has just covered the
Ry Gooder classic, "Drive Like I Never
Been Hurt."
sentence on the painting that got covered up.' When I unscrewed the bottom corners of the frame, and pulled
18 CURVE
I
WINTER
Sidley
samanthasidley.com
SAMANTHASIDLEYI LIKE GIRLS
ONE TO WATCH
Jade
Winters:
Storyteller
Novelist, filmmaker,
out proud black woman.
S
ince she was
seven years
Jade is a born storyteller. Even after
writer
dropping out of school at age 14 she
Jade Winters has wanted to
returned as an adult and earned a grad-
old,
London-based
make a movie. That obsession has
uate degree in journalism-a
been a driving force in her life-when
storytelling.
form of
things were good, and when things
Then, through an ex-partner, she was
were bad. And now, 41 years later, her
introduced to the film and TV world. She
vision of making LGBT films has come
started writing screenplays based on
to fruition. In some ways, Jade's story
her novels. Then she decided to produce
could come from the plot of one of her
the films she had envisaged. She took
own novels! And, of course, it is the clas-
the money she had saved to buy a house
sic tale of a writer's dream come true.
and used it to produce four shorts and a
But how did it all begin? It was when
feature film. Now, you can be the judge
Jade saw the Olivia Newton-John film
of whether or not Jade was wise to risk
Grease many years ago that she fell
it all to see her visions come true! Watch
in love with movies and what the film
Love on the Cards, Twist Of Fate, Let Me
medium could do to engage and in-
Be The One, and The Postie on Vimeo
spire. But first came the written word
on-demand and Amazon Prime.
and Jade wrote her heart out, penning
20 novels, including the newly-released
And stay tuned for her feature film
143, which comes out next year.
thriller Missing Pieces, out now on Amazon Kindle.
jade-winters.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 19
The
T
Weekend
Soiree
A new gathering is disrupting
destination events for queer
womxn.
AnitaDolceVita
he LGBTQ+ travel industry of-
held in a different city, so attendees
a monolith, rendering the rest
with a love for travel not only get to ex-
of the rainbow invisible by creating a
perience new programming, but a new
skewed perception of LGBTQ+ travel-
destination city as well. The sophomore
ers as a homogenous demographic
TWS retreat was held in New Orleans
of white, cis gay men. Adding to this
and it's been announced that the 2020
erasure is the lack of diversity in staff,
event will be held in Washington, D.C.
attendees, and programming at many
Similar to large-scale national con-
existing destination events produced
ferences such as South by Southwest,
specifically for lesbians. Such events
TWS offers tailored session tracks,
are not inclusive of queer womxn across
with each track offering unique curated
a larger spectrum of intersectional iden-
programming. However, unlike exist-
tities, and in the past have focused only
ing conferences and festivals, TWS is
leaving
by and for QPOC,elevating our voices
those with an interest in art, food, travel,
and experiences and affirming that our
fitness, film, fashion, spirituality, politics,
QPOC communities are deserving of
and great dance parties craving more
space to celebrate our diverse talents
and different reasons to come together
and interests.
on alcohol-fueled activities,
and explore.
20
CURVE
I
WINTER
queer womxn. Each year, the event is
ten treats our communities as
This year's tracks were Enrich (for
Enter The Weekend Soiree (TWS),
healing and wellness); Experience (to
founded by QPOC entrepreneurs lmani
stoke creative juices), and Expand (for
"Grant" Grant and Mary "MOOT' Fuller.
flexing mind over matter), and boasted
TWS is an annual four-day-weekend re-
over 50 activities, including, but not lim-
treat celebrating and empowering dope
ited to (see opposite):
Enrich:
• Bootcamp with Carter the Body
• Twerk til It Hurts Yoga with Leana Marie
• Letters to Our Masculinity with bklyn boihood
Signature daytime events showcased a
faith and spirituality panel and screenings
of the short films Don't Judge Our Love and
Experience:
• Bites & Bubbles presented by LezNorie
• Cooking Up Vegan New Orleans Style with
ChefT
• Curating Sexy Cocktails with The Cocktail
Nymph
Two for One. TWS also offered nighttime
events that rivaled queer destination festivals across the U.S., including a sunset
BBQ, as well as a Saints and Sinners Masquerade Ball hosted by YouTube sensation
Amber's Closet. The weekend closed with
a brunch and awards ceremony that featured prominent politician and activist Les-
Expand:
lie Herod, the first gay African-American to
be elected to Colorado's state legislature,
• MonogamlSH: Exploring Non-Monogamy &
as well as a traditional New Orleans brass
Open Relationships with Dr. Monica Lyn
band that had attendees on their feet, sing-
• Queer Style as Visual Activism presented
by dapperQ, with speakers Anita Dolce Vita,
Azure, Ryley R. Pogensky, and Leon Wu
ing in solidarity, dancing on chairs, and
grooving in between the tables.
In addition to the diverse staff, attendees, and programming, what set TWS
apart from other conferences and festivals was a dedication to developing spaces conducive to making authentic, meaningful connections. As stated in our press
release:
"In a global climate where marginalized
WINTER
I
CURVE 21
people are struggling for representation,
"People
arestruggling
for
representation
andtheircivil
liberties
areunderattack."
and their civil liberties are under attack,
two groups that continue to have the most
difficulties being heard and seen are the
LGBTQ community and Womxn of Color.
And to find yourself at the cross-section
of these two groups, as queer womxn of
color, the need for allies and resources are
compounded."
The TWS community always fosters a
sense of unity. Whether you arrived with a
group or alone, everyone came away with
a renewed interest in listening, sharing,
and continuing conversations and relationships beyond the event. There was not
an ounce of ''You can't sit with us." Instead,
the event was all about "Come share
space with us."
To find out moreaboutTWS'supcoming
events,connecton lnstagram
@theweekendsoiree.
22
CURVE
I
WINTER
I
APFIIL
1•&.
aoao
•
PALM
AH
TALENT
JI
~0
THEDINAH.COM
MiJENTS
STARTING
LINE
UP.
1
1r
JANUARY
1
DRINKS
Not-So-Silent
Nights
Emmy-nominatedactress and LGBTQIA+advocate
LaverneCox deck the halls with Smirnoffcocktails
this seasonwith a new campaignhighlightingcool offeringsfrom this classicbrand!We lovethe zerosugar
Smirnoff Raspberry-a perfectchoicefor sippingover
ice or make an easy spritzerby adding a few splashes of Smirnoff SpikedSparklingSeltzerin Raspberry
Rose!Pinkis such a festivecolor and this mixeddrink
pairs well with everythingfrom appetizersto Chinese
takeout!Orstick to the classicSmirnoffNo.21,a great
basefor Appletinisand Moscow Mules.Turnyour holidaysoireeinto somethingspecialwith a bottle or two
of Smirnoff-and at $12 a bottle it's also an affordable
limited edition liquoroption!
smirnoff.com
24
CURVE
I
WINTER
DRINKS
Retro
Refreshment
And now for something truly unique and female!
The 1970 is the creation of artist Ikeda Feingold
who used her Japanese grandmother's favorite
cocktail recipe from the summer of 1970 in Miyazaki as the basis for an innovative and completely original liquor today. The 1970 uses the
same concept: a spirit infused with natural fruits,
botanicals and spices. This delicious liqueur contains 19 organic ingredients including Asian pear,
blood orange, tamarind, lychee, lemongrass, clove,
ginger and more. It's good for you and it packs a
punch at 70 proof! It makes an exotic base for holiday cocktails but we also love it straight up or over
ice with a splash of ginger.
the1970.com
Curious
Wine
Who said wine must come in a bottle and be
served in a glass? Not adventurous wine comopany ArcherRoose!Yes, you can enjoy it in a can
and it can still be good! They even have a delicious
rainbow-themed low-calorie rose spritzer. So even
though summer is long gone, you can still enjoy
this wine in the hot tub, at your holiday party or
after outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing.
Archer Roose is a fun and festive brand, with numerous wines to choose from including red, white,
and bubbles. Plus, it's also one of the only female-founded, queer-friendly casual wine brands
out there. The head of creative married the head
of operations earlier this summer-and we feature
their wedding on Page 30.
archerroose.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 25
FOOD
Oakland
Strong
Chef Jen Biesty won Chopped
on the Food Network but the
co-owner of Shakewell restaurant in Oakland wins on a daily
basis through strength and dedication to her neighborhood.
C
hef Jen Biesty was one of
four
chefs
who
competed
to win $10,000 on Food Net-
work's Chopped in an October episode titled Weird, Wacky, and Wild!
in which contestants had to incorporate bizarre (and seemingly inedible) ingredients into winning dishes to charm panel judges including
Amanda Freitag, Marcus Samuelsson
and Geoffrey Zakarian. Guess who
came out on top? Chef Biesty did!
Described by judges as a "tornado" in
the kitchen, her winning dishes were
26
CURVE
I
WINTER
FOOD
Pork Uterus Sugo with Bitter Melon
Biesty is a fierce seafood lover and
Pesto (for appetizer), Nutria Kefta
when we spoke it was Dungeness
with Fuzzy Squash RAT-atouille (for
crab season and she was excited
entree), and Caramelized Blood Pan-
about her delicious, mouthwatering
cakes with Banana Milk and Mango-
crab toast dish with Golden Miso Ver-
steen Ice Cream (for dessert).
jus Dressing (pictured bottom left). If
Sounds gross, right? Apparently it
was delicious!
"I was hoping for a fun basket on
Chopped,but I had no idea what I had
you're in Oakland for crab season be
sure to drop in for a bite or two. Otherwise, try her signature Seafood Bomba on Page 28.
in store for me!" reveals Biesty. "At first
Prior to opening Shakewell, the out
I thought, this is going to be hard, but it
lesbian chef honed her talents in New
actually wasn't too bad. I mean, I never
York City (her home town), New Orle-
cooked pig uterus before or nutria a.k.a.
ans, London and San Francisco. In
a giant swamp rat, but I just stayed fo-
2007, she was named a Rising Star by
cused on the ingredients and how I
Star Chefs and has since competed on
could make them delicious and create
Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay. Chef Bi-
a beautiful plate that the judges would
esty lives in Oakland with her wife and
love, or at least not hate," she laughs. "I
young daughter and continues to lead
think the laser focus I had is really why
the casual and stylish Shakewell as a
I won."
That focus has made her a beloved
home away from home for the LGBTQ
community.
But between her own
and highly successful figure in the
family, as well as the chosen family
competitive kitchen world of the Bay
that congregate at Shakewell (brunch
Area. If you don't already have her
there is something!), how does she es-
on your radar, Chef Biesty has been
tablish a work-life balance?
plating up bold and shareable Med-
"Family life is busy busy but great;
iterranean and Spanish favorites at
my daughter is two and a half and so
Oakland's hip and very gay-friendly
much fun. She is learning something
Shakewell, which has become a favor-
new every day, and she just cracks us
ite foodie (and queer) destination in
up. Spending time with my family is
the Bay Area.
a priority and Shakewell is a priority,
"Shakewell is still gay, yes, we are
so I have to make the balance work
a happy people," says Biesty, wink-
and so far it has. I am very thankful
ing. "We are constantly changing the
for the Shakewell team and my busi-
menu to bring in the season and find-
ness partner; it's a team effort to keep
ing new ingredients for the menu and
Shakewell strong and successful."
keeping our fan favorites as well."
For example the fall mushroom
And this tornado is making it work,
deliciously.
season looked to be bountiful and delicious so Biesty was sure to add wild
mushrooms to her menu, as well as
shakewelloakland.com
featuring local cheese makers.
WINTER
I
CURVE 27
FOOD
Seafood
Bomba
28
CURVE
I
WINTER
One of Shakewell's signature items is its Bomba, a woodfired rice dish similar to paella. Bomba is also the name of
the Spanish short-grain rice used to make the dish.
JenBiesty
FOOD
Serves4
Specialequipment:10-12 inch
JALAPENOSOFRITO (makes 1 quart)
1 cup diced yellow onion
paella pan
2 cups diced carrots
FORTHE BOMBA
114 cup diced celery
2 cups bomba rice
114 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 cups white wine
1 112 cups carrot jalapef\o sofrito (see
recipe)
1 cup roasted red peppers
2 quarts fish stock
1 lb squid, cleaned and sliced
2 lbs. clams
½ lb shrimp
1 cup parsley, chopped
Julienne preserved lemons, jarred
Pickled Fresno chilies (see recipe)
Aioli (see recipe)
112 cup diced fennel
112 cup diced red onion
3 jalapenos, deseeded and diced 112
cup garlic, sliced
Olive oil
Add vegetables to a stainless steel pot,
cover with olive oil and cook on low
heat for 20-30 minutes or until flavors
come together, stirring vigorously. Refrigerate and use for up to two weeks.
PREPARATION:
Heat the fish stock to a boil then turn
off the heat. Preheat the oven to 450
degrees. Heat paella pan on medium
heat. Add canola oil, then salt, then rice
Parsley for garnish
to the oil and stir the rice with a wooden
AIOLI
sofrito to the rice and stir continuously
2 egg yolks
112 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon garlic, grated on a microplane
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/ 4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup canola oil
Put eggs, mustard, garlic, lemon, salt
and pepper into the KitchenAid mixer
and slowly add oils to emulsify. Add
cold water as necessary to adjust thickness.
PICKLEDFRESNOCHILIES
4 Fresno chilies, sliced into thin rings
spoon to toast the rice slightly. Add the
until the rice is coated with the sofrito.
Add wine to deglaze the pan. Immediately add the squid ink and stir the
rice. Once the wine has evaporated add
your fish stock and stir again to mix
evenly. Bring the stock to a boil, but do
not stir again! Place the pan in the hot
oven and bake for 15 minutes. Season
the squid, clams and shrimp with salt,
pepper and olive oil and put on top of
the rice. Place back in the oven 10-20
minutes until all the stock is evaporated and the seafood is cooked. Remove
paella pan from the oven and garnish
with preserved lemons, pickled chilies,
chopped parsley and aioli. Serve immediately.
Seasoned rice vinegar
Soak chilies in hot water for five minutes. Drain and soak again for three
shakewelloakland.com
minutes. Drain. Cover with seasoned
rice vinegar. Use right away or refrigerate for up to three weeks.
WINTER
I
CURVE 29
WEDDING
.c>C.
co
6,
.s
0
.c
Cl.
iv
co
.c(.)
:E
GI
iv
.c
(.)
30 CURVE
I
WINTER
WEDDING
Malory
& Katie
A message on Bumble led to a dream
wedding in Brooklyn.
Images:MichaelBusseI ChelliseMichael
Photography
M
alory Wheaton, 29, and Katie Frouman, 32, first connected when Katie
sent Malory a message on dating
app Bumble. The missive said something
like, 'Turns out 24 hours is not enough time
for me to come up with a smooth but aloof
message to intrigue you with. But I think you're
super cute so figured sacrificing my coolness
was the right move." Malory messaged back
with her phone number and a cheeky riposte,
"Lucky for you I'm not into cool, smooth and
aloof."
Basically,they were together from that point
forward. Katie proposed on the one year anniversary of their first date. She took Malory
to the same restaurant as their inaugural outing (hip New York seafood shack Mary's Fish
Camp) and they went to the same bar afterwards (Cubbyhole, of course). While they were
out Katie had their friend and neighbor, Travis,
WINTER
I
CURVE 31
WEDDING
place about 100 candles on their balcony, and set up
a bluetooth speaker to play the song that was playing
during their first kiss (which would also be their first
dance song).
In the car on the way home, Katie texted Travis
to have him light all the candles and activate a hidden video camera. When they arrived home, Malory
thought Katie had just gone all out for their first anniversary until Katie dropped to one knee and popped
the question. Malory said yes, then ran to their neighbor's place where she was keeping the ring for Katie, raced back and proposed in the same spot-just
before midnight.
The couple were married two blocks away from
their apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn at
Akwaaba Mansion. It was really the only location
they considered as it's on their favorite block in the
32
CURVE
I
WINTER
'luckyforyourm
notintosmooth,
coolandaloof
..."
WEDDING
neighborhood and they walk their
not share the pick-up experience with
dogs past it almost every day. Also,
me."
the word 'Akwaaba' is Twi, a Ghana-
Malory wore a dress from Fame
The cake was a Peach Melba cake
from Wegmans-a white vanilla cake
with raspberry jam in between the lay-
ian language, and Katie had lived in
and Partners (the Zion Dress). She
ers, whipped cream as frosting with
Ghana for two years during college.
wore a vintage beaded bolero on top
fresh raspberries and peaches on top.
When she first moved in with Malory
for the ceremony ($25 on Etsy and
Since the couple is Jewish, they
who showed her Awkaaba, it was a
then tailored to perfection by Ellen
stepped on a glass at the end of the
Couture in midtown). Mal's earrings
ceremony (but used a lightbulb to
very special moment-kismet.
were
were from Forever 21 and her shoes
get the best "pop" effect). That was
company
were Imagine by Vince Camuto. She
the extent of anything religious-they
Wwakes. "We didn't want anything
also had beaded trim added to her
were married by a Buddhist officiant
too large or flashy-we wanted some-
dress that she bought at M & J Trim
(and friend) who incorporated Bud-
thing that felt like a part of our bodies
in the garment district and was added
dhist passages into the ceremony.
since we were going to wear it ev-
to the dress by Ellen. "Honestly, the
They signed their marriage certificate
eryday," says Katie. "Plus we're New
best tailor/seamstress ever. It was a
during the ceremony to acknowledge
Yorkers so they had to be black-we
very DIV,modestly priced look that El-
the relatively recent legality of the
went for a linear design with three
len made fancy AF,"says Katie.
ceremony. Their siblings acted as wit-
Their
engagement
custom-made
by
rings
local
nesses.
black diamonds," says Malory. "Orig-
Katie wore a C Mulligan dress from
inally, Katie was going to pick them
Floravere (also tailored by Ellen),Sam
Malory and Katie honeymooned in
the Greek Islands of Santorini, Naxos
up and do a sneaky proposal, but at
Edelmen heels and earrings from Ta-
the last minute she realized that it
aru Majeure in Larchmont, NY that
and Tinos, and in Paris. They expect
didn't make sense-we do everything
were sourced from Senegal by the
to stay in the New York area and plan
together and she was too excited to
Senegalese shop owner.
on having kids in the next few years.
WINTER
I
CURVE 33
IN THE CROSSFIRE
ca
:.s
cu
C.
:ii:
'i
34 CURVE
I
WINTER
IN THE CROSSFIRE
AfterKatie
Hill
Is there really room for queer women in politics?
VictoriaA. Brownworth
0
n February 3, 2020, the Dem-
Hillary Clinton won three million more
protect and expand as president. While
ocratic primary moves into a
votes than Trump, but was shut out of
the House passed the Equality Act
new phase: voting. The Iowa
the White House by the Electoral Col-
under the guidance of Speaker Nancy
caucus is the first contest, followed
lege system, which should have been
Pelosi, it has languished since May in
on February 11 by the New Hamp-
abolished along with slavery. (The
the Senate, not even brought up for a
shire primary. Two of America's least
Electoral College was intended to pro-
vote by GOP majority leader Mitch Mc-
populous and least racially diverse red
tect slave owners, and did so well into
Connell.
states will set the tone for who wins
Reconstruction.)
In October, Trump ordered his De-
Twice in 20 years the Electoral Col-
partment of Justice to argue before
fundamentally biased against both
lege has ceded Democratic presiden-
the U.S. Supreme Court that gay men,
diversity and progressivism, yet that
cies-
lesbians, and trans people have no
the nomination. It's a system that is
where the popular vote was
structural bias influences our choice
won-to
Republican candidates, each
protections under Title VII of the 1964
for the presidential nominees. Occa-
time with disastrous results. Pundits
Civil Rights Act. Under Obama's DOJ,
sionally we get it right. Sometimes we
suggest that it could happen again as
they had standing to file discrimination
get it horrifyingly wrong, which is how
the Electoral College favors Republi-
suits.
Donald Trump beat out 17 competitors
cans where red states, with less pop-
Trump has also ruled that religious
less egregiously racist, misogynist, ho-
ulous, overwhelmingly white demo-
freedom laws allow federal contrac-
mophobic, and xenophobic than he is.
graphics get more weight than larger
tors to fire or not hire LGBTQ people
For a year, the largest field ever in
blue states, with their more diverse
on religious grounds. Under another
demographics.
Trump ruling, medical professionals
Democratic history has fought for ascendancy. Six women, five people of
Thus the primary voting looms, as a
can refuse to treat LGBTQ people if it
color, one gay man, four Jews, and a
harrowing year for LGBTQ Americans
violates their religious beliefs. HUD
Hindu, as well as both the youngest
and women draws to a close. Trump
Secretary Ben Carson reinforced his
and the oldest candidates ever, have
has eviscerated many of the civil rights
biases against LGBTQpeople in hous-
tried to capture the attention of an ever
that queer and trans people had se-
ing, while also making transphobic re-
more broad electorate.
cured under former President Barack
marks. And Education Secretary Betsy
It's impossible to look at 2020 with-
Obama, and that former Secretary of
DeVos repeatedly sided against gay,
out revisiting the hijacking of 2016.
State Hillary Clinton had pledged to
trans, and gender nonconforming stu-
WINTER
I
CURVE 35
IN THE CROSSFIRE
every area of political office. But nearly
dents in her policies.
Trump's racist immigration
poli-
cies have hit LGBT people especially
propel candidates into higher office
100 new LGBTQcandidates won office
later. She said, 'The LGBTQcandidates
in state and local seats nationwide.
who were elected to school boards are
Among the LGBTQ wins, the large
our future state legislators. And those
corrective rape and honor killings of
percentage of women candidates is
who won state legislative races are our
lesbians, as recently as November an-
significant. While men represented the
future U.S.Congress members and our
other lesbian was denied asylum, even
majority of LGBTQcandidates who ran
future governors."
though her life had been threatened in
for office, women won more of their
hard. Despite increasing instances of
She pressed the point that "we are
her native Uganda, and she had barely
races. Additionally, nearly 30 percent
building a pipeline of out LGBTQ lead-
escaped with her life.
of the LGBTQcandidates who ran were
ers at every level of government so we
In the midst of this anti-LGBTQback-
people of color, and of those, 35 per-
can advance equality today, and so we
lash from Trump and his GOP cohorts
cent won-a critical expansion of diver-
are positioned to run for higher-level
offices in greater numbers tomorrow."
in the House and Senate, all the Demo-
sity. And six trans women won seats-
cratic candidates have shown support
two of whom were re-elected, including
Parker noted that many of the candi-
for the LGBTQcommunity, each pledg-
Danica Roem, the first trans woman to
dates had faced homophobic attacks
ing to pass the Equality Act. But only
be elected to a state legislature. Roem
from the GOP while campaigning. "For
three have put forward serious LGBTQ
was first elected to the Virginia House
too long, openly LGBTQ candidates
policy proposals: Pete Buttigieg, who is
of Delegates in 2017.
were defeated by opponents who
openly gay; Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA),
who has a history of support for the
Victory Fund is the only national
organization
dedicated to
electing
appealed to bigotry in a desperate attempt to win tight races;' she said.
queer community dating back to 2004,
openly LGBTQ people. Its mission is
But is there a place for LBTQwomen
when as District Attorney of San Fran-
to further LGBTQ equality at all levels
in higher office, and how far will oppo-
cisco she was marrying gay and lesbi-
of government. Annise Parker, pres-
nents be willing to go to stop them?
an couples; and Sen. Elizabeth Warren
ident and CEO of Victory Fund, con-
Rep. Katie Hill's experience over the
(D-MA), who has been an LGBTQsup-
textualized the importance of the No-
past few months has called that idea
porter since her election to the Senate.
Other candidates have voiced their
support, but lack policy proposals-an
obvious contradiction.
These facts on the ground raise anxieties for 2020 with regard to the Democratic nominee. Who will best represent the queer and trans communities
against an egregiously anti-LGBTQ
··LGBTQ
candidates
whowon
willarguably
havea greater
impactoneveryday
lives.''
administration? And can we trust Iowa
and New Hampshire to make that de-
vember elections, saying, "Americans
into question and made other young
cision?
are understandably focused on the
women running for office leery of hav-
Though 2019 was an off-year elec-
2020 presidential and congressional
ing the details of their sexual lives on
tion, one measure of excitement for
elections, but the LGBTQ candidates
display as GOP candidates play dirty.
queer and trans people was a blue
who won will arguably have a greater
Hill resigned on Oct. 27 via a state-
wave of new candidates voted in on
impact on the everyday lives of their
ment on Twitter and gave her final,
Election Day,Nov. 5. LGBTQpeople are
constituents."
angry speech on Oct. 31 from the floor
vastly under-represented nationally in
36 CURVE
I
WINTER
Parker noted that local elections
of the House. Hill had been a rising
IN THE CROSSFIRE
WINTER
I
CURVE 37
IN THE CROSSFIRE
star in the Democratic Party. Endorsed
by Obama, Hill trounced the Republican
incumbent in a district that was solidly GOP for 30 years, and did so while
rejecting PAC money-only
accepting
money from small donors. Her campaign was the subject of a Vice News
documentary that highlighted her left
political positions and called it "the most
Millennial campaign, ever."
Hill was appointed as vice chair of the
powerful Oversight and Reform Committee; she was also appointed to the
Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Commit-
E'
0
-~
la
..c
ca
ni
E
ca
.:.::
tee, and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The only
openly bisexual member of the House,
she was a member of the LGBT Equality
Caucus.
For two years, Hill was involved in
a relationship with a woman, Morgan
Desjardins, who was a one-time aide to
her election campaign. While there are
no laws in California against such relationships, it's a murky ethical area, and
many consider the power imbalance
a problem. But the couple traveled together and were in love with each other,
as published text messages show. Hill
ended the relationship when she moved
to Washington, much to Desjardins' dismay.
Cl.
Hill's husband, Kenny Heslep, who understood the women to be in a menage
with him, was also angry. So much so
that he leaked sexual photos of Hill and
Desjardins to various conservative websites and then filed for divorce. Revenge
porn attacks are a crime in California
and 39 other states, and in the District
38 CURVE
ca
:s
GI
I
WINTER
:.i:
IN THE CROSSFIRE
of Columbia, but Heslep has not been
two women together has long been a
considering a run for office have on
charged.
staple of straight cisgender pornogra-
their phones? Does every potential
In her final speech, Hill said, "I am
phy. Shaming Hill for her bisexuality
new candidate also have the potential
leaving now because of a double stan-
by turning her consensual relationship
for scandal?
dard. I am leaving because I didn't want
into something smutty was very much
Soon after her own election, Rep.
a part of the dynamic surrounding
Alexandria
the dirtiest gutter politics that I've ever
press reports of the photos and texts.
the most popular young Democrat in
seen, and the right-wing media to drive
And the highly personal nature of both
America, was targeted by the GOP for
clicks and expand their audience by
made every viewer into a complicit
a video she had done in college where
distributing intimate photos of me tak-
voyeur.
she replicated a scene from the film
to be used by shameless operatives for
Ocasio-Cortez, arguably
en without my knowledge, let alone my
Hill said, "I am leaving because of
Footloose. It was promoted by the
consent, for the sexual entertainment
a misogynistic culture that gleefully
GOP and meant as a smear, but back-
of millions."
consumed my naked pictures, capital-
fired. But not all such attempts fail.
Hill had received death threats, and
ized on my sexuality, and enabled my
At the beginning of her campaign,
in November her California office had
abusive ex to continue that abuse, this
Kamala Harris faced questions about
to be evacuated and a hazardous ma-
time with the entire country watching."
a romantic relationship she had with a
terials team brought in when a white
That men-even gay men-have not
married man-a well-known San Fran-
powder was delivered to the office. No
been held to the same standard of be-
cisco politician. Harris, who is now
married, was widely slut-shamed for
amleaving
because
ofa
misogynistic
culture
that
capitalized
onmysexuality.''
the former relationship.
And so the sexuality of women can-
didates has become a flashpoint-another excuse to assert that women are
unelectable, and that the political arena
is not a woman's to share. But at 51.5
percent of the population, women-in-
cluding LBTQ women-represent
the
majority in America, and representa-
tion matters. The November election
one was hurt.
havior was not lost on Hill, whose final
proved that when queer and trans
Many thought Hill should not have
vote was for the impeachment inquiry.
women run for office, they can and do
resigned, but she explained in her
Hill said, ''I'm leaving, but we have men
win much of the time.
speech how afraid she was of further
who have been credibly accused of in-
attacks, more leaked photos, and a
tentional acts of sexual violence and
Hill's
promising
political
career
has been sundered, and her voice for
general inability to do her job. Text
remain in boardrooms, on the Supreme
LGBTQpeople from the power podium
messages between her and Desjardins
Court, in this very body, and worst of all,
of the House has been silenced. Hill
explain that Hill ended the relationship
in the Oval Office."
was slut-shamed out of Congress for
because she wanted to focus all her
Is the Hill scandal singular? Or does
a consensual affair with another wom-
time on her work in Congress, to which
her resignation have a chilling effect
an. The double standard for men and
she had become devoted.
on other women who might be con-
women has never been more obvious.
Hill's experience highlights both the
sidering running for office-or coming
And the message to women to hide
double standard applied to women's
out of the closet while in office? How
their sexuality has never been more
sexuality and the titillation element-
many sexts do Millennials who are
stark.
WINTER
I
CURVE 39
WELLNESS
Green
Power
In the middle of the cannabis
boom one woman has brought it
all together in a one-stop-shop,
benefiting women.
M
eet Andrea Brooks, founder
and CEO of Sava, the San
Francisco based cannabis de-
livery platform that has set out to change
the conversation around cannabis.
Unless you've been living under a rock
the past couple of years, you've heard
about the "cannabis boom" sweeping
the United States. But associations with
drug use aside, there is an important
wellness component to this industry, and
one which has trickled down into countless products that have homeopathic
benefits, whether you partake of the drug
or not.
Sava's range of low-dose CBD and
40 CURVE
I
WINTER
WELLNESS
fa
i;
en
....
:s
QI
t;
0
0
.c
C.
AndreaBrooks,founderandCEOof Sava
WINTER
I
CURVE 41
WELLNESS
42 CURVE
I
WINTER
WELLNESS
help
mission they needed to give canna-
better, and it got me on the path to
with athletic recovery, sleep, relax-
bis a try. We find a lot of custom-
recovery."
ation, anxiety, pain, and more. As a
ers who come to us for CBD end
The idea for Sava was born out
gay woman who proudly supports
up appreciating the pain-relieving,
of the realization that so many other
pain sufferers might also find value
non-psychoactive
products
LGBTQrights, Brooks has built Sava
sleep-inducing, relaxing effects of
to serve over 30,000 subscribers
THC once they are guided to try it in
in cannabis. Brooks founded the
with over 50 percent of products
a measured and predictable man-
company with two other women-
from female-owned brands. She's
ner. We've reached a cultural tipping
Amanda Denz and Meaghan Zoreand established Sava,an online plat-
Asa gaywoman,
Brooks
hasbuiltSava
withover50
percent
ofproducts
from
female-owned
brands
form that brings California's highest
quality cannabis topicals, tinctures,
edibles, concentrates and flowers to
your doorstep.
And as for busting that male
stoner stereotype, as a gay woman
who advocates for inclusivity in the
cannabis industry, Brooks is particularly proud to support women- and
LGBTQIA-owned businesses with
half of the brands on the platform
not just an entrepreneur-she's a
point in the widespread rejection of
women-owned/founded.
lobbyist for social change. She was
prohibition and the stereotypes that
even sort products by this measure,
inspired to enter the cannabis indus-
resulted. Things are changing fast!"
and uncover the Farmaceuticals
try after a disabling injury in which
The idea for Sava came about fol-
cannabis played a crucial role in her
lowing Brooks' injury which left her
You can
Company, for example, that is queer,
women-founded and run.
recovery. Following this experience,
with nerve damage on her right side.
Sava features so many quality
she has seen cannabis beyond its
It was debilitating and even though
products but Brooks gives a shout-
male-dominated
she took time off work to deal with it,
out to a personal favorite: "I am cur-
it developed into a chronic condition
rently loving Humboldt Apothecary
"stoner
culture"
image.
"Cannabis is the victim of a de-
Calm CBD and Deep Sleep tinctures.
that put her life on hold.
cades-long prohibition and propa-
"Over the years, doctors con-
The products are extremely effective
ganda campaign, and as more and
tinued to prescribe me excessive
with a high-quality and thoughtful
more people try it, they wake up to
courses of medication, but the
formulation,
how unfounded and ridiculous the
drugs significantly hindered my abil-
and herbal blends for optimal effi-
resulting stigmas are," Brooks told
ity to enjoy day-to-day life. Discover-
cacy. It's also a women-owned and
Curve. "We are long past 'reefer
ing cannabis allowed me to wean
women-founded company, what's
madness', but the lazy stoner on the
myself off of pain medications. It
not to love?"
couch or 'cannabis is too strong and
immediately
makes me uncomfortable' myths
pain and the resulting depression.
still permeate;' she says.
As I became more physically com-
The CBD explosion has really
alleviated both
combining
cannabis
my
getsava.com
fortable, I became more active, and
tipped the scales and removed
my symptoms started to improve
many stereotypes, believes Brooks.
considerably. Cannabis was not the
"It's given folks that little bit of per-
cure, but it was a catalyst for getting
WINTER
I
CURVE 43
STYLE
BigGirls
Don't
Cry
...
They have kick-ass fun
while keeping fit.
I
f you're a plus-size person-or,
let's face it, a regular-sized per-
son-finding workout gear, shape-
wear, or swimwear that fits can be a
chore, and that's even before you've
started to exercise! Add to the need
for wearable sizes the issue of gender-neutral styles or ethical produc-
tion and you might as well be looking
for gold. But not anymore! We have
two labels that fit the bill, so to speak.
44
CURVE
I
WINTER
STYLE
"Retro-inspired,
ethically-made,
andgenderneutral.'
1
WINTER
I
CURVE 45
STYLE
BEEFCAKE
SWIMWEAR
If you're planning a snowbird vacation
some place warm, or you know that after winter you'll need a more generously-sized swimsuit, consider the adorably
queer, plus-size friendly, retro-inspired
Beefcake Swimwear. It's ethically made
and gender neutral, making it perfect for
GNC, nonbinary and trans folks (or even
couples who like to match!). Beefcake is
one of the few swimwear brands that offers XS-5X in swimwear (most top out at
3X if they make plus sizes at all).
beefcakeswimwear.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 47
STYLE
SUPERFIT
HERO
This premium line of activewear is ethically made in Los Angeles for women ranging
in size from XS-SXL. Superfit's signature
leggings have been tested, approved, and
reviewed by athletes who have endorsed
their functionality. Superfit Hero's athlete
sponsorships
include Olympic weight-
lifter and Bronze medalist Sarah Robles,
plus-size marathoner Latoya Shauntay
Snell, pole queen Roz "the Diva" Mays, and
transmasculine/non-binary
Musgrave.
superfithero.com
48
CURVE
I
WINTER
trainer Elliot
STYLE
Superflthassomething
foreverybody,
fromXSto XXL.
WINTER
I
CURVE 49
STYLE
50 CURVE
I
WINTER
STYLE
"Athlete
sponsorships
includeanOlympic
weight-lifterandBronze
medalist."
MAKERS
Femme
Noir
An author and a graphic artist
team up for trouble.
Photoof GabyDunn:RobyVanSwank
Illustrations:
ClaireRoe
Our current president would have
you believe that journalists are peddlers of "fake news," but underdog
ink rat Madison Jackson thinks otherwise. This budding cub reporter
is in search of the truth. She needs
her coveted college internship at old
school masthead TheBoston Ledeso
when her police scanner alerts her to
A newqueergraphicnovel
WINTER
I
CURVE 53
MAKERS
54
CURVE
I
WINTER
MAKERS
56 CURVE
I
WINTER
MAKERS
a murder connected to a prominent
Dahlia Kennedy."
family, Madison races to the crime
Dunn loves the genre of noir and
scene hoping to get the scoop and
tells us "I read a lot of Dennis Lehane
secure her professional reputation.
books and I've seen every movie Ben
But she finds herself ensnared in a
Affleck has directed, and both those
scenario straight out of your favorite
men write about Boston extensively
pulp fiction paperback or noir thriller.
but it's almost always from the POVof
Femme fatale Dahlia Kennedy-celeb-
a straight white man. So I wanted to
rity socialite, now widow-and prime
flip that and make most of the charac-
suspect in the murder of the century.
ters in Bury TheLedewomen, and spe-
Welcome to New YorkTimesbest-sell-
cifically queer women of color. Even
ing author Gaby Dunn's first graphic
the characters you might presume are
novel, Bury the Lede.
straight, end up being queer. I wanted
It's an old journalist's maxim: Don't
to fill out that world with more than
bury the lede. Which means, put the
just straight people and with more
important stuff up front. And this sexy,
than just white men, which is some-
gory, queer true crime story out now
thing I don't see a lot in the genre."
with BOOM!Studios does just that.
Inspired by Dunn's own experienc-
It's also illustrated by Claire Roe,
who had just completed Birds of Prey
for DC Comics, and Dunn has nothing
''I wanted
toflipthatand
makemostofthecharacters
queerwomenofcolor.''
but praise for her creative partner:
"Her art was incredible. She understood how to make things moody
without making them feel surreal or
not based in reality. She also took my
boring panels and made them look
cool as hell, so I thank her immensely
for that."
Dunn's wish for the book is that
"young women true crime fans read
es as a young reporter at The Boston
it. I hope it contributes to the noir and
Globe and illustrated by Claire Roe,
thriller genre in a way that feels wel-
this graphic novel is dark, clever, and
coming to queers and to women of
based in truth. Dunn tells us how the
color." The book is also set firmly in
project began: "My college had an
the crime genre, so Dunn hopes that
internship program where you could
its style, its conventions, and its gore
work part time and go to school part
appeal to any fans of that genre.
time. I took the night shift. A lot of the
Look for Bury the Ledeat your local
book is based on events I witnessed
comic book store, on lndiebound, or
there-for example, the Clark Rocke-
wherever else you choose to buy cool
feller story was a big inspiration for
online stuff.
WINTER
I
CURVE 57
INTERVIEW
Mary Lambert confronts her
demons on a brilliant new album.
DaveSteinfeld
"My friend and I snuck into an army
barracks late at night
She was dating an older guy who lived
on the base
Suddenly I was a prize, in a building of a
thousand men
Drenched in America and sweat
I'm not saying that the military raped me
I'm saying I was sixteen
And I was on my period ...
"In the morning, I told myself that I drank too
much
58 CURVE
I
WINTER
INTERVIEW
the night she was raped. "When I think
And that I cheated
If anyone has a right to categori-
And that I was so sorry
cally write off the male gender, it's
back;' says Lambert, "I was 16 years
And 'boys will be boys'
Mary Lambert. Among other things,
old. I was in a terrifying position-
Weaveda different story in my head
the singer-songwriter was raped by a
being surrounded by men in their 20s
Paintedit like glitter in a swamp
group of military men when she was
and 30s and being the only girl in the
Forceda laugh when I said
16. Lambert has made mention of
area, with drinking involved. And [it
'roughsex'
this experience before-but
on "An-
was] the military. And it wasn't just
I wonderhow many girls have
other Rape Poem," the next-to-last
one guy. Experiencing that and then
giggled while they wereraped?
I bet a lot of them...
"Sometimeswhen I'm washing
the dishes
Thehairs on my arms stand up
And somehow thought memory turns
into physical memory
And I feel my body tense up at the
kitchen sink...
And the movie plays
'lamberttackles
everything
fromlivingwithbipolar
disorder
tosuffering
a
traumatic
breakup.''
And I softly say no
And I don't laugh uncomfortably
track on her brilliant new album Grief
waking up and being, like, 'Okay,there
this time
Creature,she describes it in harrowing
are physical marks on me.' But initial-
Thenafterwards the fury comes
detail. It's the crescendo on a record
ly, my [narrative] was that, however
like a waveof ashes
that's full of crescendos. On a fall af-
it happened, I cheated on my boy-
And I pretend I am the biggest,
ternoon in New York City, over brunch,
friend. Because there was no gun to
most powerful phoenix
I ask Lambert straight out "How do
my head, and I eventually conceded,
And as my hands wrap around the
you not hate men after experiencing
the end result is that I cheated on my
coffee mug in the water I pretend they
something like this?"
high school boyfriend. My whole fam-
"Honestly, a big trigger for me [at
ily was mad at me. But I didn't tell the
night
first] was men in uniform or anything
story right. [I didn't] really understand
And circle aroundhis neck
having to do with the military," she re-
the gravity of what happened."
teleport through time and space to that
And I say no a whole fuck ton
plies. "[I was], like, 'Fuck the military.
Grief Creatureis Lambert's first full-
louder than I did...
All those men are monsters.' It wasn't
length album in five years. Her last
I don't apologizelike that anymore."
until I auditioned for this film as a mil-
disc, Heart on My Sleeve,was released
itary widow, and I had to tap into her
on Capitol-a
60 CURVE
I
WINTER
major label that has
grief and what it's like to be a military
a penchant for pop stars. And while
wife, and what it's like for people that
Heart on My Sleevehas its moments, it
don't rape young women. I started
is definitely a "major label album·; parts
having a lot of compassion for the
of it are overproduced and threaten to
experience, and the PTSD of being in
drown out the authenticity of Lambert's
the military. And there are good men
voice. That's not the case this time
in my life, I have examples of that. I
around. GriefCreature,which includes a
don't have lots of examples of it-but
whopping 17 tracks (mostly songs, but
I know they exist! My best friend's a
some spoken-word pieces too), was in-
guy."
dependently released,and is produced
I ask her about changing the narra-
by Lambert herself. Her singing has
tive, weaving a different story about
never been more powerful-and her
INTERVIEW
N
GI
C
'tij
...I
C
·;:
.c
Cl)
WINTER
I
CURVE 61
INTERVIEW
62 CURVE
I
WINTER
INTERVIEW
subject matter has never been more
from her old friend Macklemore, who
with people. I don't want there to be
personal.
hired her to write the hook for his
any confusion about what's going on!
In addition to "Another Rape Poem,"
number-one single "Same Love" in
It's a heavy album. So it's an ode to
Lambert tackles everything from liv-
2012 (thus setting her on the course
mental illness. [In] a few of the songs,
ing with bipolar disorder to suffering
to stardom). From there, the album
I don't think I say explicitly [that I]
the traumatic breakup of a relation-
takes a turn. Songs like "Not Ready
have bipolar disorder, but just what
ship. One of the tracks that deals
to Die Yet" and "Climbing Out" find
that feels like for me, having bipolar
with that breakup is "Knife," another
Lambert trying with all her might not
disorder on top of having PTSD and
spoken-word piece. "Knife" finds a
to succumb to her feelings of loneli-
having experienced trauma, and what
the interplay of that is in my brain. It's
lovesick Lambert pulling over on a
ness and despair. The spoken-word
wintry night to look at the moon-
piece 'Trauma Is a Stalker" takes it a
a curse and a blessing-and I wanted
and not being able to find it. You can
step further, adding her bipolar disor-
to illustrate that in the album."
practically feel the cold air when you
der to that struggle. The last line-"I
hear her voice.
"It was all true," says Lambert now.
"Also, in the last three or four years,
am always one slipped rug away
I've been working on letting go of my
from
obsession with shame;' she adds. "It's
losing
everything"-is
"I think that's what happens when you
incredibly powerful, even if
have a life with somebody; certain
don't have mania.
you
my immediate impulse: When I feel
that I've done something wrong, or
places become a fixture of memory,
"I think it's probably applicable for
I've made a mistake, I immediately in-
and you have to create a new story
a lot of people," says Lambert when
ternalize deep shame. And it's one of
for them after somebody leaves or
I tell her that. "[There are] these mo-
the most unproductive feelings. So I
after that relationship ends. I was
ments when you realize how thin the
wanted to talk about it on the album.
"And then, it's a love letter to hope.
driving by a place that I had visited
line is [between] life and death. I felt
with my former partner [and] I was
like that was applicable to mania or
I feel like there's a lot of resilience on
devastated, seeing that place again.
destructive behavior. If I miss a cou-
the album as well. I purposely wanted
It really felt like I hadn't been able to
take a full breath in weeks. I couldn't
get out of bed, I didn't wanna talk to
anybody. And finally, I was, like, 'Okay,
I have to get groceries!' So I forced
myself. And I drove by one of those
places that was familiar to me in that
context. It was the first time my grief
had been outside of my home- andl
didn't know where to put it. And I was
looking for the moon and I couldn't
··Knife"
features
a cameo
from
heroldfriendMacklemore,
whohiredhertowritethe
Love."
hookfor··same
find it. It must have been just a real-
pie of days of meds, for the whole
to end the album with the track 'Bless
ly cloudy night. But I felt like it was
next year I have to apologize for shit
This Hell.' This may be an absolute
the analog of my life-like it was a
that I did during this time [when] I was
shit show, but I'm lucky to be alive.
metaphor for that relationship."
dealing with a bad brain. But we're
I want to be alive, I choose this, and
She sighs. "God, it was Christmas
all sort of teetering on [the edge of]
bless all of this, no matter what form
time! That poem is one of the heaviest
something."
it comes to me in. It's an honor to live
the life that I have,you know?"
things I've written. [But] the resolve
On her website, Lambert calls Grief
from that poem and that moment is
Creature "a breakup album to shame,
I'm not sure I've ever heard someone
that I'm not bad because somebody
an ode to mental illness, and a love
who has been through so much suf-
left me. My goodness isn't contingent
letter to hope." When I ask her to ex-
fering sum it up with so much grace.
on being loved by a certain person."
pand on that, she laughs. "Well, I think
You did good, Mary.
"House of Mirrors" -which follows
I wanted to make sure, in the narrative
"Knife"-features a great cameo rap
of this album, that I'm really up front
marylambertsings.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 63
COVERSTORY
Our favorite series is back-and with everything we always asked for!
VictoriaA. Brownworth
T
he L Word was a TV series like no
week-is
back. Fifteen years after
other. Never before in television
Ilene Chaiken created a compelling
history had the stories of lesbians
world of West Hollywood
lesbians
been the main story, the whole story, the
and their queer adjacent friends, The
only story. There were weekly watch par-
L Word: Generation Q is way more than
ties, purloined and shared videotapes and
a reboot or a revision. Gen Q is a sto-
DVDs.We all knew everything about Bet-
ry for now, with characters who have
te, Alice, Jenny, and Shane (oh, Shane...),
evolved out of the original story and
like they were our besties.
into a world of legal same-sex mar-
The L Word ended on International
riage, gender fluidity, and more lesbi-
Women'sDay 2009 after 70 episodes and
an and bisexual politicians than ever
six wild seasons filled with romance,dra-
before in history.
ma-so much drama!-sex, more sex, and
even murder.
Fast-forwarda decadeand The L Word-
Gen Q pairs some of the most be-
loved original stars with a whole new
generation
of
lesbians,
bisexuals,
the series that changed so many lives
queer women, and trans men for what
as lesbians of every age sat rapt each
is not your mama's The L Word, yet still
WINTER
I
CURVE 65
COVERSTORY
pays homage to the original series.
role as Alice's assistant, and how
spoilers, but she does say, "Lei-
Gen Q showrunner Marja-Lewis
she feels "very similar to the fans"
sha is a comic genius;· and that
about the show's return.
her own character, from a deeply
Ryan was effusive when she talked to Curve about series creator
She says she is "living my wild-
Ilene Chaiken. "I met Ilene in a writ-
est dream." And, lo and behold,
ers room, and when she walked
your dreams do come true!
into the room I was, like, holy sh~;·
"It's so bizarre and exciting-
religious family, "has a tragic backstory."
When asked about Gen Q versus
the original, Toboni, who was in
Ryan laughs. "Ilene is a huge influ-
through the audition process I was
high school in San Francisco when
ence. Without her, I would not even
just fumbling my words, I was so
the original series ended, makes a
be aware that I could make shows
excited."
pivotal point about why Gen Q is
like this. I am doing this work because of The L Word."
The pinch-me moment for Ryan
got bigger when the young filmmaker sent Chaiken an email congratulating her on the success of
The Handmaid's Tale, where Chaik-
en is an executive producer. Chaiken responded, "Hi, do you want to
pitch on The L Word?"
"TheLWord:
Generation
Qis
waymorethana reboot.
Itisa storyfornow."
Ryan says that she was soon sitting in an Indian restaurant where
Toboni has been a regular cast
important and why The L Word was
she had ordered "a lot of food, so
member on several previous se-
iconic. 'There is definitely a niche
much food!" and the principals
ries, including Easy and Grimm.
[for a lesbian series]," Toboni ex-
from the original series-Jennifer
On Grimm, she gained a queer fol-
plains. "At any given time, at least
one queer person I know is watch-
Beals (Bette), Leisha Hailey (Alice),
lowing with her strong, nuanced
and Katherine Moennig (Shane)-
performances-as
were there with Chaiken.
torcycle, wore a lot of leather, and
"It's still pretty trippy;· Ryan says.
she rode a mo-
beat men senseless on a regular
ing the original L Word, because
there is nothing else."
She adds, "It was a hit-a total
"I got the job, like, two years ago. It
basis. Gen Q is a totally different
hit. So even from a business per-
now feels like my life, but I would
experience for the actress. "Every
spective, you wonder, Why did this
be excited even if I weren't making
time I come on set it's exciting;' To-
have to end, and where is the show
it."
boni says. 'There is a lot of leeway
to take its place?"
If Ryan's excitement is palpable,
to do what I want [as an actor]. The
On Gen Q, Arienne Mandi plays
it is all the more so for three of her
writers have done such a good job.
Dani Nunez, a high-powered PR
I feel very pleased with what I am
executive, and it's easy to see why
doing on this show."
she was chosen for the role-she
young stars. Jacqueline
Toboni
plays Sarah Finley, Arienne Mandi
plays Dani Nunez, and Rosanny
Toboni is also exhilarated by
lights up a room. Mandi is one of
Zayas plays Sophie Suarez, Dani's
working with the original cast. She
those women you want in your
girlfriend. These are three very dif-
says, 'The OGs;· as everyone calls
squad-strong,
ferent, deeply engaging women
the original cast members, "are so
lenging the status quo. About be-
with one thing in common-each
very generous with their time and
ing cast for Gen Q Mandi says, "It's
is thrilled to be working on The L
their response to the new cast.
literally a dream come true. We get
Word and to be bringing a whole
They've welcomed us with open
to carry on the [L Word] legacy."
new dynamic to the iconic show
arms. And we're all taking notes;
they all grew up watching.
Toboni's
dog
plays
with
a
squeaky toy as she talks about her
66 CURVE
I
WINTER
Mandi
forthright,
is particularly
chal-
enthusi-
we are all trying to learn all the
astic about all the representation.
time."
"It's a larger tent this time around."
Toboni
won't
give away any
She describes Gen Q as a "fun,
COVERSTORY
cu
E
'i
0
..c
en
WINTER
CURVE 67
COVERSTORY
Ill
·i
E
..c
en
68 CURVE
I
WINTER
COVERSTORY
sexy, scandalous show that touch-
have on the show, this is a door that
true. It's been a wild ride. All the way
es on so many different things. I'm
is opening something big for so many
from the top at Showtime to all the
super excited!"
people."
actors, the crew, all the people who
She adds, "I mean, that was a
major appeal to me-the
fact that
The OGs are also major for her.
Working with Jennifer Beals has been
have put this show together-it's pretty amazing."
and
part of the thrill for Mandi, who says, "I
As Zayas tells the story of her
it's race
work pretty closely with Jennifer. She
audition, it's easy to imagine her on-
or class or gender identity, it's all
is such a giver. She's mindful of her
screen. The actress knows how to set
there."
counterparts. She'sjust still so excited
a scene. She explains how she had
there is more representation
proper
labels. Whether
She highlights the fact that her
by the work, even though she's been
been sent the script and her response
friend Brian Michael Smith, a trans
doing it all along. Just helping each
was "Wow, just wow! I had watched
actor, is in the cast. "How f*cking
other out along the way. It's just great."
The L Word growing up."
says.
Pleased that a panoply of L,B,T,and
Zayas was "living in New York and I
"We are moving so much with this
Q is repped on Gen Q, Mandi resists
had sent [an audition] tape. I can't be-
show.
labels for herself. "I love so much that
lieve they watched my tape!" She got
amazing
is that?"
Mandi
I'm so proud to be sharing in
this."
everyone has proper labels now, but
notes back about her audition tape,
for me personally, I've never given my-
and then she was in a screen test with
Mandi.
She laughs. "I was freaking out. I
"Ithought
OMG,
thisgorgeous
humanbeing
isgoing
tobe
mygirlfriend?"
was doing everything to calm myself. I
went to the beach. I drank tea."
Then came Zayas's big moment.
"Ari [Mandi] walks in and I thought
OMG-this gorgeous human being is
going to be my character's girlfriend?"
Zayas says she and Mandi "talked
about this show and what it meant
and how much we want it to change
lives." For Zayas, a woman of color
One criticism of the original se-
self a label and don't feel that I have
ries was that class and race were
to." But she's unafraid to acknowl-
(''I'm Dominican-born in Brooklyn and
under-represented.
The cast was
edge, "I've been with men, I've been
raised in Queens") it was essential
white and middle
with women. I guess if I identify as
that Gen Q "bring representation and
class. Expanding the racial and ethnic
anything, I identify as pan." She paus-
honesty, and make people feel sane,
diversity on GenQ was pivotal for Man-
es and says, "I believe in love. People
and let them be who they are and not
di, and she hopes the show will exem-
have had to fight for so long to love
be left to feel they aren't good enough."
plify how real diversity works and how
who they want, to be who they want.
After her audition, Zayas "flew back
essential it is for there to be a real
I want people to be whoever the f*ck
home and I was so anxious."Two days
commitment to that ideal-something
they want."
later, she got the call-she was the
predominantly
In June, Mandi was on a float for
new Sophie. She said she told the pro-
'There are not many races por-
Stonewall 50 Pride in New York City
ducers, "I won't let you down, I've got
trayed on TV," Mandi says, "so I feel
and says the experience was "sheer
this."
Ryanwas intent on doing, as well.
honored to be part of this. My charac-
joy. It fills me up. To be on the float in
Zayas has an intensity that draws
ter, Dani, is Hispanic and Middle East-
New York as it went by the Stonewall
you in immediately. She's that woman
ern, and I am a mix. There are plenty of
Inn, I mean, how f*cking great is that?"
people out there who are mixed race,
and I get to play that."
who you feel you've always known,
Rosanny Zayas plays Sophie Su-
five minutes after you meet her. So-
arez, a TV producer on Alice's show
phie and Dani are going to light up
She adds, "I wholeheartedly be-
and Dani's girlfriend. Zayas says, "I'm
Gen Q with their different layers of fire.
lieve that with the representation we
not going to lie, dreams are coming
Zayas, who says she has "had experi-
WINTER
I
CURVE 69
COVERSTORY
"Expanding
theracialandethnicdiversity
onTheLWordwaspivotal."
70 CURVE
I
WINTER
COVERSTORY
ences with both men and women" and
and embedded in it is their desire to be
says it's always about "falling in love;' de-
sure everyone watching feels as wel-
scribes the couple's dynamic as typical
comed as they have been by the Gen Q
of many lesbian relationships-"trying to
production.
make sure that there's love in everything,
trying to be connected."
But Zayas points out the importance
Zayas says, "I am so grateful for the
people who have come before us, and
the fans, and everyone who made this
of the racial and ethnic components. "I
happen." She says she is excited to
definitely think you will see things that
"share this work. Everyone's doing the
are more specific to women of color to-
best that they can to make sure people
day," she asserts. ''The way that these
feel heard and seen."
women were raised is what a lot of women of color go through."
Toboni says, "We are creating something that's an homage and is also a new
Zayas says that representation is crit-
and different series. For original viewers,
ical and that Gen Q says, "You're seen,
I want them to know it definitely still has
we're seen." She points out that on televi-
that heart and those characters [from the
sion there's a dearth of representation of
original series]-but it is also a new next
women of color-especially queer wom-
chapter for more of us."
en-and notes, 'That's all they get, the
Gen Q comes close to representing
hour in front of the TV-something that
everyone-Ryan has certainly made that
shows who we are as women of color.
effort, and it is reflected in both the cast
We have to give people that."
and the storylines.
Zayas says, "I always dreamt as a kid
When asked to describe Gen Q, Ryan
that I wanted to feel accepted for who I
says, "Queer,confident, joyful, aspiration-
for a place where we
al. The perspective of the original was
could be accepted for who we were." She
to tell the story through a straight lens.
explains that she was always "in search
We do not tell queer narratives through
of opportunity and places where I could
a straight perspective. This is all queer."
was-searching
be accepted. Being on this show, it's my
dream coming true. I get to walk into a
room and I am fully accepted for who I
Mandi says she hopes that Gen Q "just
opens more doors for more people."
Zayas sums up what viewers can ex-
am, and I hope that kids or whoever is go-
pect from Gen Q. "I can't wait to sit down
ing to watch this get to see that."
with my friends and watch this;· she says.
She adds, ''That is the dream I have
That's all we really needed to hear.
been trying to live my entire life."
That Gen Q has multiple layers of
meaning for the stars and showrunner
TheL Word·
Generation
Qdebuts
onShowtime
December
8.
alike is apparent. Each of these women
brings her own experience to the work,
WINTER
I
CURVE 71
POPCORN
72
CURVE
I
WINTER
POPCORN
AHoliday
Rom-Com
'Tis the season for a queer holiday
movie ... finally!
W
hat is it about the holiday
season that often brings unresolved relationship tensions
to the forefront of our lives? And why is
it that we've never seen a really queer
holiday-themed movie before? We loved
Jodie Foster's Home For the Holidays,
but it wasn't really gay. And Let It Snow,
currently on Netflix, does have a lesbian
character, which is great. But what if we
had a lesbian holiday movie where most
of the characters (and even some of the
cast and crew) were queer?
This year, the team of Tello Films and
DASH Productions have gifted us with exactly that. Season of Love is the first-ever
lesbian/queer holiday romantic comedy
and it's out early December on line for your
enjoyment.
Written by Kathryn Trammell and directed by Christin Baker, Season of Love
is a lighthearted rom-com featuring an
ensemble cast of diverse women-three
couples-and their connected love lives
during the hectic holiday period just before Christmas and up until New Year's
Eve.Amid all of the pressures of planning
WINTER
I
CURVE 73
POPCORN
"Wetalkabout
diversity
on
to
screen
butit'simportant
talkabout
diversity
behind
thecamera."
the perfect festive season the women learn that
love is the best gift of all.
The cast includes familiar faces and fan favorites from TV and LGBTQ films, including:
Dominique Provost-Chalkley (Wynonna Earp,
Avengers: Age of Ultron), Jessica Clark (True
Blood, A Perfect Ending), Emily Gross (Snap-
shots), Laur Allen (The Young and the Restless),
Janelle Marie and Sandra Mae Frank (Deaf
West's Spring Awakening, Daybreak).
"I've always wanted to do a rom-com movie,
but if you're going to do a rom-com why not do
one that's going to push the boundaries a little
bit and gives this beautiful community what
they so deserve, a happy ending," says Dominique Provost-Chalkley.
"It's a Love Actually for our community,"
agrees Jessica Clark, citing what many people
believe is the best Christmas movie of contemporary times. And we agree, it's great. But there
aren't actually any lesbians in it.
Seasons of Love is a full-length film that also
features a Christmassy soundtrack of original
tunes such as "Lift Your Spirit Up", written by Billy Steinberg and Josh Alexander, and performed
by Dominique Provost-Chalkley at the end of the
movie.
And get ready for your heartstrings to be
well and truly tugged by this tune because Billy
Steinberg is among the most successful songwriters of the past 25 years, putting his name
to #1 singles including "Like A Virgin" (Madon-
74
CURVE
I
WINTER
POPCORN
na), 'True Colors" (Cyndi Lauper), "So
diversity more than previously, they
Emotional" (Whitney Houston), ''Eter-
still need to step up when it comes to
voice of the film and it rings so true
nal Flame" (The Bangles) and "Alone"
queer storylines.
to a queer woman's experience be-
(Heart).
Decrying the lack of LGBTQ+
rector and producers that shape the
cause we have queer women all over
this cast and crew. It's a delight to be
"It's
Love
Actually
forour
community''
- Jessica
Clark
part of that," she says.
"If you don't see what you want,"
says filmmaker Christin Baker, "then
make it!" She certainly did.
The movie had its Los Angeles
premiere with cast and crew in attendance on November 21 and a
specifical-
series of select national screenings
watch traditional hetero-themed of-
ly LGBTQ+ female leads in holiday
followed. Now you can take a break
ferings flood our streaming platforms
movies, Tello Films and DASH Pro-
from the hectic holiday season and
and networks , we'll have something
ductions are proud and excited to be
watch the movie from the comfort of
of our own to watch and share with
breaking ground with Season of Love
your own home!
loved ones. Lifetime alone has an-
this December.
So this holiday season, as we
characters
and
more
nounced the release of 28 films for
"We talk a lot today about diversi-
holiday season and competitor Hall-
ty on screen but it's also important
mark will delivering 24 new movie
to talk about diversity behind the
premieres this season. While both
camera," says Emily Goss. "Season
networks may be addressing racial
of Love has a queer female writer, di-
Season of Love is available online
for rent and/or purchase in early December 2019.
seasonoflovemovie.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 75
CULTURETRIP
76 CURVE
I
WINTER
CULTURETRIP
W
the Bahamas, lashing the Abaco
into the local community's color and creativi-
Islands and Grand Bahama on September
ty. Located on Baha Mar Boulevard on a prime
1, 2019, with devastating effects, the good
stretch of beachfront, SLS Baha Mar features
news for travelers is that you can visit the Ba-
299 rooms, world-class decor in soothing
hamas this winter and find the tourist center
beach tones, and unbeatable dining and night-
hile Hurricane Dorian was the
exoticism and top-shelf service. This five-star
worst-recorded cyclone to strike
hotel has a young and breezy vibe that taps
of Nassau up and running and ready for your
life experiences-including
much-needed business.
sort is a pleasure to roam with beautiful and
a casino! The re-
To clear up confusion about where Hurri-
vibrant landscaping that meanders down to
cane Dorian hit, destroying many structures
the stunning two-mile stretch of beach, perfect
and leaving tens of thousands of people
for swimmers of all abilities. On property is a
homeless, the Nassau Paradise Island Pro-
replica of the world's second deepest-known
motion Board announced this past fall that all
saltwater sinkhole, Dean's Blue Hole, plus
of the resorts were open for business and the
an aquarium populated with adopted nurse
destination was left unaffected by the storm.
sharks, stingrays and tropical fish.
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is
A highlight of your stay is the dining options
roughly 127 miles south of Grand Bahama
but before you crack open a menu, head to Sky-
and nearly 90 miles south of Abaco where
bar, the only rooftop lounge in The Bahamas
the storm hit. Nassau Paradise Island is fa-
where you can take in stunning ocean views
mous for its pristine and sugar-fine white sand
and the most beautiful sunsets! The staff and
beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a
the ambience here are world class and the
range of resorts to choose from: upscale-adult
cocktails and service are stellar. Of course din-
to family budget-friendly. Plus, the destination
ner must follow and here you are spoiled for
is serviced by more than 40 non-stop flights
choice but my pick is Carna by Dario Cecchi-
from most major U.S. cities; it's less than an
ni, a sophisticated contemporary steakhouse
hour from South Florida or three hours from
with robust seafood options including oysters,
New York City. For transfers to and from the
prawns, crab and lobster. The service is exqui-
airport we recommend Majestic Tours, and for
site, with all staff knowing everything under the
getting around the island by cab, do bring cash
sun about the food and wine they have on of-
as some folks don't take credit cards.
fer. Carna takes resort dining to a new level. If
And if you are concerned about the welfare
you are a carnivore you will be pleased to know
of the people in the Bahamas, one of the best
that Chef Cecchini was an early advocate for
ways to help them is by visiting. Many of the
ethically-raised and humanely-treated animals,
larger resorts provide guests with direct ways
espousing a belief that all cuts of meat can be
to support Grand Bahama and the Abacos,
utilized when cooked appropriately, eliminat-
and the tourism board of Nassau is working
ing waste and promoting sustainability. Pes-
closely with the Bahamian government in re-
catarians like myself will be delighted by the
lief efforts. Some resorts are also offering in-
fresh and sustainable choices on the menu
credible value-added packages to encourage
(bahamar.com).
your visit.
If you'd like to visit we have two properties
of different price points to recommend.
SLSBahaMar
Comfort
Suites,
Paradise
Island
This all-suite hotel is the pick for those on a
budget and with kids in tow. With 223 recently
renovated junior suites that include flat screen
If you see yourself living in the lap of Baha-
cable televisions and free wireless internet ac-
mian luxury while on Nassau Paradise Island,
cess, plus complimentary hot American buffet
this is the place. SLS Hotels are known for a
breakfast daily, affordable alfresco dining at
certain standard of style that combines an el-
Crusoe's bar and grill, and a good-sized swim-
egant design aesthetic with flourishes of local
ming pool, Comfort Suites will keep your crew
WINTER
I
CURVE 77
CULTURETRIP
happy and occupied (choicehotels.
com/comfortsuites/nassau).
Located on Paradise Island, the signature amenity is complete access to
everything the famed Atlantis Resort,
which is within walking distance of the
property, has to offer. And that's a lot of
aquaventure, swimming pools, private
beach, and more! After checking in at
Things
toseeanddo
Downtown Nassau is the place for
shopping but if you'd like to try the local delicacies, head to Arawak Cay for
lunch (Frankie Gone Bananas is a favorite to try and highly recommended
by locals!). Arawak Cay Drive & Fish
Fry Street dates back to 1969 and
features multiple home-style, casual
"Thebeachf
rontisstunning
andgoesformiles."
com). This historic mansion is set on
lush, antique grounds and the service
is something out of this world. You'll
be asked to wait in the drawing room
where you will enjoy a pre-dinner beverage, then before being invited to an
almost-formal dinner sitting where the
evening proceeds like no other. The
menu and the service are old school
and it's definitely fun to dress accordingly! And if you're lucky, after dinner
you may get a tour of the subterranean
wine cellar which holds thousands of
bottles, in some instances, of priceless
vintages!
My favorite things to do on vacaybed, beach and food and beverage-
Comfort Suites, walk over to Atlantisyou've no doubt seen pictures of its
towering marine-themed fantasia in
promotions of the Bahamas-get your
wrist band and you're free to roam.
You'll need to bring an ID for each person and your Comfort Suites room key
to the Guest Services desk at The Coral in the Atlantis Resort. It's certainly
worth a visit and its beachfront there
is simply stunning and goes for miles.
Also a mere stroll from Comfort Suites
is Marina Village, a great place to look
at the yachts, shop, or grab refreshments and souvenirs.
78 CURVE
I
WINTER
restaurants and food shacks serving
classic Bahamian dishes, including
broiled lobster tails, deep-fried snapper, grilled shrimp and of course, that
chewy, smoky island delicacy-conch.
Also a short cab ride from your hotel
is Heritage Village where you can wander narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at the array of colorful buildings,
and explore local stores selling everything from handmade cigars to chocolate. To enjoy an olde-worlde-style dinner where you feel you have stepped
back in time, make a reservation at
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant (graycliff.
are certainly in abundance in Nassau
Paradise Island but there is more to
do: take a tour of John Watling's Distillery, home of the "Spirit of The Bahamas" (tasty small-batch rum) at
the Buena Vista Estate, in Downtown
Nassau. Founded in 1789, the estate
looks out over the harbor and is walking distance from the cruise ship port
and the Straw Market, which is a great
place to support the local vendors
with the purchase of some handmade
arts and crafts to take home.
nassauparadiseisland.com
...J
MerrynJohns
W
inter is upon us and you
airport) for uneventful transportation
may be unswimmable. The staff does
know what that means!
to the resort. Royalton Suites Cancun
their utmost, however, to keep the
Snowbirds start planning
is affordable all-inclusive luxury on a
sand clear of weed.
their escapes, and girl, do I have one
for you!
Royalton
SuitesCancun
Resort
&Spa
beautiful stretch of beachfront.
Whereisit
Cancun often gets a bad rap as being
excessively "touristy" but I like it because it's safe, there are plenty of op-
The resort is situated on a lovely
portunities for shopping, and it's only
First, a trip to the Mexican Caribbe-
stretch of white sand beach with tur-
a quick boat ride to the beautiful Isla
an. If you're escaping the Arctic blast
quoise and blue waters as far as the
Mujeres. Once there, you can have a
along the Eastern Seaboard, it's a
eye can see. However, the Caribbean
lazy lunch, do more shopping in Down-
quick flight south before you land in
coast is currently having a problem
town Isla Mujeres, or snorkel its world
Cancun and transfer with Nexus Tours
with seaweed and depending on what
famous barrier reef. And don't forget
(their booth is easy to find outside the
time of year you're there, the beach
to check out the legend of the Mayan
WINTER
I
CURVE 79
CULTURETRIP
goddess of childbirth and medicine,
lxchel. When the Spanish colonizers
landed in the 16th century they noted
the many images dedicated to this goddess and named the island "Isla Mujeres" accordingly.
distinguishing
features
such as Level 18, the beautiful and
expansive rooftop
pool and deck.
Level 18 is an adults-only oasis where
you can book a private cabana, order
food and wine, or simply gaze at the
beautiful ocean one way, and the sunset the other way. If you are traveling
with kids the beachfront pool is for you
and you can watch the kids from your
in-pool sun lounger. But if you are sin
hijos, live a little and have lunch at the
rooftop cabana lounge, enjoy a hookah sunset, and ask front desk about
evening entertainment on the rooftop,
which transforms itself into an open air
nightclub with light shows, musicians
and performers, depending on the
event. You can also book a romantic
and upscale dinner at SkyClub. It's also
the spot for morning yoga, and what an
inspiring view it offers! Diamond Club
staff are everywhere to help cater to
your needs and requests and since part
of your Diamond Club experience is a
butler service, they are friendly, unimposing, and waiting to help you.
Wheretoeatanddrink
SCORE Sport Bar is styled as a pub
and grill with big screen TVs, perfect
for catching up on the game while
you're away. Depending on how late
you stayed up you'll either want to order room service or have breakfast at
Gourmet Marche, an international buffet, and it's also open for lunch and dinner serving plenty of whatever you're in
the mood for. Classic Asian dishes and
80 CURVE
I
carnivores and wine lovers, and Agave
Mexican Restaurant is the place to try
regional classics while Grazie Italian
food. Not included in your resort rate
Royalton Suites Cancun Resort & Spa
many
at Hunter Steakhouse is the place for
Trattoria serves up classic comfort
Whatmakesit different
has
fresh sushi are served at Jade. Dinner
WINTER
but worth springing for if you have
budget set aside for something special
is the C/X Culinary Experience,a Chef's
Table an indulgent evening of seven
courses (with
musical
accompani-
ment!) This is one to dress up for.
Whattodothere
Take time out for a moment of wellness at the Royal Spa where you can
indulge in an aromatic massage or
even a manicure. Fitness is high on
SHOPPING
201gStatement
ofOwnership
Publication Title: Curve
Publication No.: 0010-355
Marketplace
r---------------------------------------1
TheHighands
Inn
Filing Date: Dec 1, 2019
Issue Frequency:Quarterly
Dec I Mar/ Jul / Sep
Number of Issues Published Annually: 4
Annual Subscription Price: $35.00
Complete Mailing Address: PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300,
Australia
Contact Person: Silke Bader
Telephone: (415) 871-0569
Publisher: Silke Bader PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
Editor: Merryn Johns PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
Owner(s): Avalon Media LLCPO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300,
Australia
SiIke Bader PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
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 MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:We have operated
continuously as a popular lesbian destination.
FIND US: highlandsinn-nh.com
RealEstate
Publication Title: Curve
Issue Date for Circulation Data: Dec 19
Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No.
Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months:
A) Total No. Copies Net Press Run: 5143. B) Paid Circulation. (By
Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 1562; (2) Mailed In-County Paid
Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 0; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales_ rough Dealers and Carriers,Street
Vendors, Counter Sales,and Other Paid Distribution outside USPS:
3255; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail _ rough the
USPS:168. C) Total Paid Distribution: 4985. D) Free or Nominal
Rate Distribution by Mail and Outside the Mail: (1) Freeor Nominal
Rate Outside-CountyCopies included on Form 3541: 0; (2) Free or
Nominal Rate In-CountyCopies included on Form 3541: O;(3) Free
or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Mailed_ rough
the USPS: 12; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the
Mail: 121. E) Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 133. F) Total
Distribution: 5118. G) Copies Not Distributed: 25. H) Total: 5143. I)
Percent Paid 97%.
IN A SENTENCE:The Trusted Leader for over 25 years!
Instant Free Access to the Nation's Top LGBTQ Realtors.
WHAT MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:Free Buyers Representation + Free Relocation Kit and City, USA.
FIND US: GayRealEstate.com
1-----------------------------------------1
WildRainbow
AfricanSafaris
Extent and Nature of Circulation/No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
A) Total No. Copies Net Press Run: 5295. B) Paid Circulation.
(By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid
Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 1658; (2) Mailed In-County
Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 0; (3) Paid Distribution
Outside the Mails Including Sales _ rough Dealers and Carriers,
Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS:3289; (4)
Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail _ rough the USPS:173.
C) Total Paid Distribution: 5120. D) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: 0; (2) Free or Nominal Rate
In-County Copies included on Form 3541: 0; (3) Free or Nominal
Rate Distribution Mailed at Other Classes_ rough the USPS:15; (4)
Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 133. E) Total
Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 148. F) Total Distribution: 5268.
G) Copies Not Distributed: 27. H) Total: 5295. 1)Percent Paid: 97%.
Publication of Statement of Ownership: Dec 2019
IN A SENTENCE:Lesbian-owned and guided safaris that
show you the real Africa while keeping safety, comfort, and
fun top priorities.
WHAT MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:Owner and expert
Jody Cole has traveled to Africa more than 75 times.
FIND US: wildrainbowsafaris.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 81
CULTURETRIP
the agenda at Royalton Suites with
Cancun has recently undertak-
Royalton Luxury Resorts having
en
expanded its All-In Luxury® to
with thousands of turtles eggs
the beachfront. And Nexus Tours
ing all-inclusive model, the fitness
(nexustours.com) can also assist
programming at Royalton Luxury
you with a trip to Chichen ltza, the
Resorts brings guests a variety
pre-Columbian city built by the
of fitness and wellness classes,
Maya people featuring the distinc-
taught by certified instructors.
tive pyramid-shaped temple of El
Okay,but if you're like me, you're
Castillo, or perhaps you'd like to
probably here to party. Sample
explore the local cents and river
cocktails and dance the night
caves? The Yucatan Peninsula has
away at XS Disco Bar... and there's
much to offer and Royalton Suites
always something happening at
makes a delightful home base.
Bar
on
Level
18.
But let's not forget nature is on
your doorstep and Royalton Suites
WINTER
conservancy
As the connoisseurs of the evolv-
SkyClub
I
wildlife
hatching in a protected area of
include fitness and wellness.
82 CURVE
some
royaltonresorts.com
BECAUSE
YOU LOVE EACII
OTHER
TO GO ANY,VIIERE
TOO .MUCII
LESS.
~acatffenC)j/;ll'
VISIT
PARADISECOAST.COM/LGBTQ
*
NAPLES
MARCO ISLAND
EVERGLADES
FLORIDA'S
PARADISE
COAST
See all items with this value
-
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
'
I
,
I
THE L WORD:
GENERA"FION
Q
•
x-:•
y
~····---·
:Jlli:)t
:;/~-~-~~,,_.
--~ •···•·•·•
SUNDAYS :fil•WllME
:-:::::::::::::::
,:::::::::::::::::::.
,.........VJ!iill.M,
~.••···--··
~····lllllliil·"
•••·••
MASTHEAD
CURVE
I
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
Winter 201g » volume30 number1
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, Alex Eugene, Lisa Tedesco, Dave Steinfeld
PROOFING
Proofreader Melanie Barker
ADVERTISING
National Sales Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021
Email todd@curvemagazine.com
ART/PRODUCTION
Art Director Gavin Woodhouse
Assistant Designer Janette Martin
COVER
Cover Image by
Showtime
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Georgie Krokus
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Victoria A. Brownworth, 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 30 Issue 1 Curve (ISSN 1087-867X) is published 4 times per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) by Avalon Media, LLC, PO Box 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 SASE for response. Lack of any
representation only signifies insufficient materials. Submissions cannot be returned unless a self-addressed stamped
envelope is included. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damages. The contents do not 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
WINTER
CURVE 3
WELCOME
Editorial
T
here seems to be so much wrong in
the world right now but one injustice that's been corrected is the tenyear absence of The L Word from our
screens. It seems a lifetime ago that the final episode of The L Word aired on Showtime. In fact,
it wasn't quite that long ago-it was only March
2009. But how the world has changed since
then ... and in many ways not for the better!
Now, The L Word is back and it's The L Word:
Generation Q, fully updated to reflect the evo-
lution of our own community. I'm very excited
to say that we were able to interview the new
cast members and they are as excited as we are
Editorin Chief
MerrynJohns
''The
LWord
isbackand
it'sfullyupdated
toreflect
changes
inourcommunity."
about the reboot of this iconic and groundbreaking show.
Plus we have loads of lovely style recommendations, new music, holiday ideas, food, drink,
gifts and viewing for you to keep cozy with this
festive season. As you read this, we literally
have just a few more days left in the decade.
Make the most of them and may 2020 bring a
whole new beginning.
merryn@curvemag.com
4 CURVE
I
WINTER
/'ffT
OUR TEAM
Contributors
AnitaDolce
Vita
Style
Dave
Steinfeld
Music
JenBiesty
Food
Victoria
A.Brownworth
Politics
AnitaDolceVita
Anita Dolce Vita is a writer, speaker, producer, and consultant focusing on LGBTQ entertainment and fashion. She has produced some of the largest queer fashion shows in the US held at world-renowned institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. In 2016, Anita produced and moderated the first ever queer style panel to be featured at the South by Southwest's (SXSW)
official Sxstyle week. This issue she reports back from queer women of color event, The Weekend Soiree.
DaveSteinfeld
Dave grew up in Connecticut and is now based in New York City. He has been a professional journalist since
1999 and has very possibly written about women in music more than any male journalist in America. Dave's
first piece for Curve,on The Cliks, was published in 2007. Some of the artists he has covered since then
include Patti Smith, Neneh Cherry, Ani DiFranco, Ann Wilson, the Indigo Girls, and Amanda Palmer who once
called him "an honorary lesbian." This issue he catches up with Mary Lambert.
JenBiesty
Chef Biesty brought her bold take on Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine to Oakland's Grand Lake neighborhood in 2014, shortly after competing on Bravo's Top Chef Season 4. Since then, Shakewell has become
a favorite destination for foodies in the Bay Area. Prior to opening Shakewell, Biesty worked in some of
the best restaurants in New York City, New Orleans, London and San Francisco. In 2007, she was named a
Rising Star by Star Chefs. This issue she shares her latest TV experience, and a recipe for Seafood Bomba.
VictoriaA.Brownworth
Victoria is a life-long Socialist, feminist and advocacy journalist, who lives and breathes politics. She has
been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and won the Society of Professional Journalists Award, NLGJA Award,
Lambda Literary Award and was the first out lesbian with a daily newspaper column. She's published two
dozen books, including the award-winning Ordinary Mayhem, Coming Out of Cancer and From Where They
Sit. In 2010 she founded Tiny Satchel Press, which publishes books for kids of color and LGBTQ kids.
WINTER
I
CURVE 5
Content
Women We Love:
Nasty Cherry
24
An all-girl band hand-picked by Charli XCX. They're starring in a reality TV
show and they just released an EP!
Drinks: Holiday
Cocktails
Three different drinks companies have
you pleasantly sozzled this season. But
these spirits also have real feminine flair.
Wedding: Malory &
Katie
New York couple meet on Bumble and
end up having the wedding of their
dreams in real life.
6 CURVE
I
WINTER
Cover: The L Word:
Generation Q
It's been ten years since the ground-
Interview: Mary
Lambert
breaking Showtime series hit our small
screens and turned us all into lesbiansand we're ready for more!
She's vulnerable, she's raw, she's emotive;
Makers: Femme Noir
and she's possibly the most talented poet
and songwriter of our time.
A best-selling author and a talented illustrator team up to bring a noir detective
pulp fiction thriller to life, starring queer
women of color.
WINTER
I
CURVE 7
I
f you loved iconic girl bands like
ecutive producer and she's the master-
gether the world would be a simpler
the Go-Gos, or The Runaways, or
mind behind the band and the series,
place," says Debbie.
Hunter Valentine, you'll love Nasty
hand-picking the members for what
But bands being what they are-a
Cherry, the brainchild of English sing-
she hopes is a real and yet bad-ass, au-
family of egoes, if you will-there's
er-songwriter Charli XCX. Featuring
thentic music industry enterprise. This
plenty of drama and Nasty Cherry
lead singer Gabbriette Bechtel, Chloe
is the first band she has signed to her
are fun to watch as they navigate
Chaidez on lead guitar, Georgia Som-
label, and she believes in them. And
the process of living, writing, and
ary on bass, and Debbie Knox-Hew-
lucky for us, one of the four women is
performing together in LA and New
son as drummer, Nasty Cherry are
her gay session drummer, Debbie! The
York. Writing music is "an intimate,
vulnerable thing to be doing in front
good. They're nice. Okay,they're "nas-
show is all kinds of crazy,and you'll see
ty" and they have a show on Netflix
that Debs is often the calm and collect-
of people" says Debbie. And yet the
and an EP out now. We caught up
ed one, the voice of sanity, the kind
four young women, to their credit,
with drummer Debbie Knox-Hewson
adult, and a kick-ass drummer, too.
work it out. Yes, there are some tears,
"Drummers: we always say-all of
not to mention a fair bit of shopping,
The show I'm With the Band: Nasty
my friends are drummers and we all
drinking, and tying cherry stems with
Cherry,is Charli XCX's debut as an ex-
say-If we all could be in a band to-
tongues ... But who is really leading this
to find out about it.
8 CURVE
I
WINTER
WOMEN WE LOVE
mers, this is a real space that needs
filling. There's so many auditions you
get where they just want a female
drummer. I think it's an outlook thing:
how you want to see it and how you
want to make it work to your advantage. It's something I always found empowering. I remember when I used to
play with Charli XCX,young girls would
come up after the show and say, 'I really want to get a drum kit now, that was
really inspiring.' It was such a thrill."
Debbie has taught drum camps
and workshops for female drummers
around the world. 'The message I try
and convey is, Just do it. If there's not
many bands in your community, make
one. I think the show Nasty Cherry
shares the same message: this idea
that you should just give it a go and you
don't know what you might get from it."
She's out, and proud, and gay, and
has been for some time. "I guess it's
never really been something I don't
highlight about myself, it's part of who
I am and I don't consider it to be an
addition, it's just part of me, I'm very
lucky with the band, and the friends
and family I had growing up, it's never
really been a point of discussion, it's
just always been who I am. We all talk
on the show about being away from
band and calling the shots? And will
was never a parent saying, 'You should
home and missing our partners and it
they make it on the charts and in social
really practice.' It was my own little ad-
sort of just sits in there with the other
media? Gabs is lead singer but Chloe
venture. When I got to 17, 18, I thought
stories about the girls missing their
has all the experience (and a fair bit of
I should take it seriously."
boyfriends."
attitude, too). Lucky for us, this gay girl
Debbie was studying drumming
does us proud: Debs has the rhythm of
when she auditioned for Nasty Cher-
been something I related to because
this whole operation at heart, and she
ry and got it. Now, she's part of a wild
I haven't been 'in'." But she is now 'in'
realy proves, in times of trouble, to be
"start-up" culture and she's totally up
the band Nasty Cherry and they are so
its backbone. "From a very young age
for it. After all, she's been a female
good with that. As are we.
I started drumming and I grew up in a
drummer in an industry which invari-
"Eventhe expression 'out' hasn't ever
family of music lovers," she reveals. "It
ably prefers men, and she has main-
I'm With the Band: Nasty Cherry is
was actually the perfect environment
tained her philosophical approach.
now on Netflix.
for me because I never had any pres-
"On one hand it's something that's
sure on me, it was always something
highlighted and noticed and you're
that I was tinkering away with by my-
being discriminated for it. But on the
self. I always knew the most about it, it
other hand there's so few female drum-
WINTER
I
CURVE 9
BEAUTY
Winter
Wonders
'-1"\lXICATI\G.
The cold weather is harsh on skin, so
we found some products to protect and
pick you up this season.
11
EA.UTITIN 1
~!2./.,,f,,_2;,;,~
Theconceptof cocktails,
appliedto bathtime
Intoxicating
BeautyBodyCareCocktail
Nothing beats the winter blues like a warm bubble bath. Make a bubbly tub with Lime Vodka
Tonic body rinse instead of bubble bath. Vodka is
known for its purifying and beautifying properties
as well as being a wonderful antiseptic and astringent. This refreshing formula is enriched with
Aloe Vera juice and lime oil, leaving skin soft and
invigorated. After soaking, give your skin a scrub
from head to toe (it's even gentle enough for face)
with Lime Vodka Tonic Salt Emollient Twist. These
luxurious oils and ultra-fine salt buff you smooth.
intoxicatingbeautybar.com
DirtyGirlFarm
This mom-owned company was one of the first
"clean" beauty brands, creating a vegan and organic plant-based skincare line of products suitable for females of all ages with sensitive skin.
Now, the brand has products for the whole family
including toddlers and babies. Each product is
lovingly crafted with the intention to nourish skin
from head to toe by tapping into the healing qualities of organic plant matter-but
our favorite is
Liquid Facelift (formerly known as Botox in a Bottle). Oh, and girl, it works!
dirtygirlfarm.com
10 CURVE
I
WINTER
BEAUTY
Gender-fluid
Scents
Scent Beauty has partnered with The Phluid Project, a non-binary fashion company, to introduce
their first-ever Scent Elixir Collection. Three fragrances were created using bi-phase technology
of two complementary essences that, when shaken, become one-and
re-separate to resume their
original form. Perfumers worked hand-in-hand
with the LGBQTIA+ community to craft beautiful,
wearable, provocative scents that transcend tradi-
Finefragrances
fromthe Phluidproject
tion. These fragrances exude color and vibrancy
in three fresh fragrances: Transcend, Balance, and
Intention.
scentbeauty.com
Beauty
Kitchen
Late nights, blue light from increased screen time,
not enough Vitamin D, too much red wine and coffee-you
name it, some of our winter habits can
wreak havoc on the sensitive skin around our eyes.
This plant-based line with simple ingredients free of
Apply,.,ndtrtyefor
oFIO minutes,
• minimum
removecolla8en
•y• p1d ind di$cud. Good for
on•
t"me uuonly.
chemicals, sulfates and harsh parabens, allows you
to pamper at home with six collagen eye gel minimasks. Together, they form an LGBTQ-supportive
rainbow range with a portion of profits donated to
the LGBT Center in Los Angeles.
A littleeye-catching
collagen
beautykitchen.net
AuraCacia
We can't rave enough about this brand. It has everything you need to restore a sense of harmony, health
and wellbeing to your home through the sense of
smell. The holidays are a stressful time, but Aura Cacia has a suite of sweet-smelling products to choose
from to help you relax and restore. After a hectic day
have a hot shower with Uplifting Citrus Shower Salt,
put some pure essential Lavender Oil in the aromatherapy diffuser, and a few drops of Pillow Potion on
the bed linen-and sleep like a baby! These are high
quality, 100 percent pure, and effective products for
your bath, bedtime, or beauty routine and they come
from a company that espouses ethical, fair trade, sustainably-sourced ingredients,too.
auracacia.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 11
TRENDS
Gorgeous
Gifts
Some ideas for meaningful
presents this holiday season .
.c
u
ni
a:i
s
0
.c
C.
Hollywood
Holiday
Usher in a new decade with gender-inclusive threads tailored to perfection. Splurge
on something special from Sharpe Suiting!
Colette Johnson wears hi-lo 3D-ruffle Organza Sharpe atelier cocktail dress. Julia
Ensign wears long-sleeve body-con cocktail dress. Lee Dawn Hershey wears Sharpe
bespoke grey herringbone wool overcoat
with contrast black collar. Jordan Gonzalez
wears Sharpe Nice Day for a White Wedding blazer ($545) and May I Have This
Dance black blazer ($575).
sharpesuiting.com
12 CURVE
I
WINTER
• • • • • • • • • • • •
TRENDS
•
FlamingGay
We cannot get through winter without
quality scented candles, so it's a thrill to
find out that our favorite LGBT-supportive
vodka brand, Equality Vodka, had expanded their creativity to Equality Candles.
Presenting two ranges to choose from:
DirtyBartender or Equality Vodka Cocktail
Candles. Both collections are inspired by
favorite gay bars, classic cocktails and the
scents they evoke: think Berry Cosmo to
Intoxicated Leather Bar. They're cheeky,
aromatic, and sure to lift your spirits!
dirtybartender.com
Needa Cuddle
Brave Bear is a company that seeks to
celebrate the unique milestones and ups
and downs in LGBTQfolx lives through the
simple ritual of gift-giving. These are not
moments of materialism, but moments
for human connection that help change
the lives of LGBTQ individuals when they
most need it. Whether you're congratulating someone on coming out, confirming
their gender, birthing a gayby, or just saying thank you for being them ...Brave Bear
Pride has a unique gift for the occasion.
bravebearpride.com
StartPlaying
Games
The holidays can be a stressful time, especially if you have to socialize with new
people-and relatives you only see a couple times a year. Break the ice with a cool
new card game. You Don't Know My Life!
is the ultimate TMI party game with no
wrong answers: Just inappropriate ones.
Okay, you might not want to play it with
your in-laws or grandparents! But with 125
question cards, you'll never run out of fascinating prompts to find out more about
the people around you. Yeah,you'll need a
drink with this one.
youdontknowmylifegame.com
14 CURVE
I
WINTER
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
t
TRENDS
••••••
DivineVinyl
Mary J. Blige, the legendary Grammy and
Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist and honorary Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,
has released an immersive box set of her
biggest 1990s hits along with rare remixes, HERstory,Vol. 1. The collection comes
three ways: a set of eight standard-weight
black 7" vinyl records, a 1CD version, a
2LP set and a digital version. From her
solo 1992 hit "You Remind Me" to the
1993 remix of "What's the 411" featuring
K-Ci (of K-Ci and JoJo) and the Notorious
B.I.G., HERstory, Vol. 1 tells the story of
Blige as she first established herself as a
tour de force of '90s R&B.
Maddow
totheMax
She's the most popular anchor on cable
news and now Rachel Maddow can be
enjoyed between your hands on a snowy
day, by a crackling fire, as you relax, curled
up with this new biography by New York
Times bestselling author Lisa Rogak. The
top MSNBC anchor and author keeps us
sane and find out how she does it, where
she came from and how she went from a
conservative California town to the top of
A Biography
liberal media. After reading this book you'll
see her in a whole new light.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WINTER
I
CURVE 15
TRENDS
I
Happy
Herbs
No, not that kind. Barbari makes the kind of
herbs you can put in your tea, in your bath
tub, and oh, okay, you can even smoke these
in spliffs. Their line of CBD herbal spliffs are
designed for the ambitious, motivated, and
active cannabis consumer as a great alternative to vaping or low-dose smoking. For
people who want to smoke, but not get high,
or addicted. And if you don't toke or smoke,
there are many other calming and non-toxic
ways to use these uplifting and fragrant herbal products.
barbarishop.com
SweetTreats
A parting treat for your house guests or a
delicious thank you gift for the hostess, you'll
find a quality, handcrafted delicacy from
Hilliards Chocolates the perfect gesture,
whether you're craving something sweet for
Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year's Eve. For
over 90 years this high-quality candy brand
has been crafting homestyle chocolates in
Massachusetts. We're in a sugar-high heaven
over the Peppermint Bark... and it's also one
of Oprah's favorite things! Plus, there's plenty more mouthwatering favorites to choose
from including caramels, brittle and fudge.
hilliardscandy.com
•••••••••••••••
16 CURVE
I
WINTER
CURVE
AMERICA'S
LESBIAN
MAGAZINE
CURVE
4 timesa year
• Spring • Summer • Fall • Winter
curvemag.com
LISTEN UP
Petra,
Rachel
&
Tanya
Haden
ti,,
HADEN
TRIPLETS
THE
FAMILY
SONGBOOK
Three sisters with a family history
who collaborated with jazz legend
steeped in music discover their grand-
Ornette Coleman beginning in the
father's lost songs from a forgotten
1950s. You'll love the triplets' layered
America, alongside the music of Josh
harmonies and the selection of songs
Haden (Spain), Kanye West, and The
in The Family Songbook. It includes
Carter Family. The Haden Triplets'
"Every Time I Try;' by the triplets'
haunting cover of "Wayfaring Stranger"
brother Josh, plus "I'll Fly Away,"
is something to hear. An experimental
"Wildwood Flower" and "Pretty Baby."
mix of jazz, folk, and alt-country, the
There's even a unique rendition of
music is a well-timed reminder of the
Kanye West's "Say You Will."
incredible diversity of music in this
country, through good times and bad.
The triplets-Petra,
Produced by Woody Jackson, The
Family Songbookmight be one of the
Rachel and
year's great records, especially for mu-
Tanya-were born in New York City
sicologists, featuring Bill Frisell, Greg
and raised in Los Angeles, but they
Leisz on pedal-steel and Doyle Bram-
sound like they could have come
hall Ill, joined by Don Was and the late
from
bassist Larry Taylor, of Canned Heat.
anywhere, so
absorption
of
rich
musical
is their
influences.
Check it out.
They continue the heritage of their
Samantha Sidley's debut album In-
terior Person was co-written and produced by her wife, Barbara Gruska,
also a musician known as one half of
the duo The Belle Brigade. So intimate
is their artisitc connection, that a painting in Gruska's mother's house inspired
one of the album's most intriguing and
humorous songs. Gruska explains,
"In 1974, my grandmother gave my
grandfather a large painting of a naked woman. That painting got passed
down to my mom when I was a teenager, and then a few years ago to Sam
and me. We went over to my mom's
house to pick it up, and I noticed that
there was a long piece of paper at the
bottom of it, covering something up. I
asked my mom about it and she said,
'Oh yeah, apparently there's a lewd
late father, the bassist Charlie Haden,
hadentriplets.com
the paper out, Sam and I giddily read:
Samantha
'I have a butterfly in my ass.' Jackpot!
It's been hanging over the couch in our
living room ever since."
Of the resulting song, Gruska says,
"When Alex (Lilly) and I decided to write
a song for Sam with the 'dreaded lewd
sentence' as the title, we had to ask ourselves what it meant to 'have a butterfly' in one's ass, and we realized it's the
opposite of having a stick up your ass.
So, the song is also about overcoming
difficult situations ... I guess it's another way of saying, this too shall pass,
and the light at the end of the tunnel, is
a butterfly in your ass!"
And in other news not about butterflies, Sidley has just covered the
Ry Gooder classic, "Drive Like I Never
Been Hurt."
sentence on the painting that got covered up.' When I unscrewed the bottom corners of the frame, and pulled
18 CURVE
I
WINTER
Sidley
samanthasidley.com
SAMANTHASIDLEYI LIKE GIRLS
ONE TO WATCH
Jade
Winters:
Storyteller
Novelist, filmmaker,
out proud black woman.
S
ince she was
seven years
Jade is a born storyteller. Even after
writer
dropping out of school at age 14 she
Jade Winters has wanted to
returned as an adult and earned a grad-
old,
London-based
make a movie. That obsession has
uate degree in journalism-a
been a driving force in her life-when
storytelling.
form of
things were good, and when things
Then, through an ex-partner, she was
were bad. And now, 41 years later, her
introduced to the film and TV world. She
vision of making LGBT films has come
started writing screenplays based on
to fruition. In some ways, Jade's story
her novels. Then she decided to produce
could come from the plot of one of her
the films she had envisaged. She took
own novels! And, of course, it is the clas-
the money she had saved to buy a house
sic tale of a writer's dream come true.
and used it to produce four shorts and a
But how did it all begin? It was when
feature film. Now, you can be the judge
Jade saw the Olivia Newton-John film
of whether or not Jade was wise to risk
Grease many years ago that she fell
it all to see her visions come true! Watch
in love with movies and what the film
Love on the Cards, Twist Of Fate, Let Me
medium could do to engage and in-
Be The One, and The Postie on Vimeo
spire. But first came the written word
on-demand and Amazon Prime.
and Jade wrote her heart out, penning
20 novels, including the newly-released
And stay tuned for her feature film
143, which comes out next year.
thriller Missing Pieces, out now on Amazon Kindle.
jade-winters.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 19
The
T
Weekend
Soiree
A new gathering is disrupting
destination events for queer
womxn.
AnitaDolceVita
he LGBTQ+ travel industry of-
held in a different city, so attendees
a monolith, rendering the rest
with a love for travel not only get to ex-
of the rainbow invisible by creating a
perience new programming, but a new
skewed perception of LGBTQ+ travel-
destination city as well. The sophomore
ers as a homogenous demographic
TWS retreat was held in New Orleans
of white, cis gay men. Adding to this
and it's been announced that the 2020
erasure is the lack of diversity in staff,
event will be held in Washington, D.C.
attendees, and programming at many
Similar to large-scale national con-
existing destination events produced
ferences such as South by Southwest,
specifically for lesbians. Such events
TWS offers tailored session tracks,
are not inclusive of queer womxn across
with each track offering unique curated
a larger spectrum of intersectional iden-
programming. However, unlike exist-
tities, and in the past have focused only
ing conferences and festivals, TWS is
leaving
by and for QPOC,elevating our voices
those with an interest in art, food, travel,
and experiences and affirming that our
fitness, film, fashion, spirituality, politics,
QPOC communities are deserving of
and great dance parties craving more
space to celebrate our diverse talents
and different reasons to come together
and interests.
on alcohol-fueled activities,
and explore.
20
CURVE
I
WINTER
queer womxn. Each year, the event is
ten treats our communities as
This year's tracks were Enrich (for
Enter The Weekend Soiree (TWS),
healing and wellness); Experience (to
founded by QPOC entrepreneurs lmani
stoke creative juices), and Expand (for
"Grant" Grant and Mary "MOOT' Fuller.
flexing mind over matter), and boasted
TWS is an annual four-day-weekend re-
over 50 activities, including, but not lim-
treat celebrating and empowering dope
ited to (see opposite):
Enrich:
• Bootcamp with Carter the Body
• Twerk til It Hurts Yoga with Leana Marie
• Letters to Our Masculinity with bklyn boihood
Signature daytime events showcased a
faith and spirituality panel and screenings
of the short films Don't Judge Our Love and
Experience:
• Bites & Bubbles presented by LezNorie
• Cooking Up Vegan New Orleans Style with
ChefT
• Curating Sexy Cocktails with The Cocktail
Nymph
Two for One. TWS also offered nighttime
events that rivaled queer destination festivals across the U.S., including a sunset
BBQ, as well as a Saints and Sinners Masquerade Ball hosted by YouTube sensation
Amber's Closet. The weekend closed with
a brunch and awards ceremony that featured prominent politician and activist Les-
Expand:
lie Herod, the first gay African-American to
be elected to Colorado's state legislature,
• MonogamlSH: Exploring Non-Monogamy &
as well as a traditional New Orleans brass
Open Relationships with Dr. Monica Lyn
band that had attendees on their feet, sing-
• Queer Style as Visual Activism presented
by dapperQ, with speakers Anita Dolce Vita,
Azure, Ryley R. Pogensky, and Leon Wu
ing in solidarity, dancing on chairs, and
grooving in between the tables.
In addition to the diverse staff, attendees, and programming, what set TWS
apart from other conferences and festivals was a dedication to developing spaces conducive to making authentic, meaningful connections. As stated in our press
release:
"In a global climate where marginalized
WINTER
I
CURVE 21
people are struggling for representation,
"People
arestruggling
for
representation
andtheircivil
liberties
areunderattack."
and their civil liberties are under attack,
two groups that continue to have the most
difficulties being heard and seen are the
LGBTQ community and Womxn of Color.
And to find yourself at the cross-section
of these two groups, as queer womxn of
color, the need for allies and resources are
compounded."
The TWS community always fosters a
sense of unity. Whether you arrived with a
group or alone, everyone came away with
a renewed interest in listening, sharing,
and continuing conversations and relationships beyond the event. There was not
an ounce of ''You can't sit with us." Instead,
the event was all about "Come share
space with us."
To find out moreaboutTWS'supcoming
events,connecton lnstagram
@theweekendsoiree.
22
CURVE
I
WINTER
I
APFIIL
1•&.
aoao
•
PALM
AH
TALENT
JI
~0
THEDINAH.COM
MiJENTS
STARTING
LINE
UP.
1
1r
JANUARY
1
DRINKS
Not-So-Silent
Nights
Emmy-nominatedactress and LGBTQIA+advocate
LaverneCox deck the halls with Smirnoffcocktails
this seasonwith a new campaignhighlightingcool offeringsfrom this classicbrand!We lovethe zerosugar
Smirnoff Raspberry-a perfectchoicefor sippingover
ice or make an easy spritzerby adding a few splashes of Smirnoff SpikedSparklingSeltzerin Raspberry
Rose!Pinkis such a festivecolor and this mixeddrink
pairs well with everythingfrom appetizersto Chinese
takeout!Orstick to the classicSmirnoffNo.21,a great
basefor Appletinisand Moscow Mules.Turnyour holidaysoireeinto somethingspecialwith a bottle or two
of Smirnoff-and at $12 a bottle it's also an affordable
limited edition liquoroption!
smirnoff.com
24
CURVE
I
WINTER
DRINKS
Retro
Refreshment
And now for something truly unique and female!
The 1970 is the creation of artist Ikeda Feingold
who used her Japanese grandmother's favorite
cocktail recipe from the summer of 1970 in Miyazaki as the basis for an innovative and completely original liquor today. The 1970 uses the
same concept: a spirit infused with natural fruits,
botanicals and spices. This delicious liqueur contains 19 organic ingredients including Asian pear,
blood orange, tamarind, lychee, lemongrass, clove,
ginger and more. It's good for you and it packs a
punch at 70 proof! It makes an exotic base for holiday cocktails but we also love it straight up or over
ice with a splash of ginger.
the1970.com
Curious
Wine
Who said wine must come in a bottle and be
served in a glass? Not adventurous wine comopany ArcherRoose!Yes, you can enjoy it in a can
and it can still be good! They even have a delicious
rainbow-themed low-calorie rose spritzer. So even
though summer is long gone, you can still enjoy
this wine in the hot tub, at your holiday party or
after outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing.
Archer Roose is a fun and festive brand, with numerous wines to choose from including red, white,
and bubbles. Plus, it's also one of the only female-founded, queer-friendly casual wine brands
out there. The head of creative married the head
of operations earlier this summer-and we feature
their wedding on Page 30.
archerroose.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 25
FOOD
Oakland
Strong
Chef Jen Biesty won Chopped
on the Food Network but the
co-owner of Shakewell restaurant in Oakland wins on a daily
basis through strength and dedication to her neighborhood.
C
hef Jen Biesty was one of
four
chefs
who
competed
to win $10,000 on Food Net-
work's Chopped in an October episode titled Weird, Wacky, and Wild!
in which contestants had to incorporate bizarre (and seemingly inedible) ingredients into winning dishes to charm panel judges including
Amanda Freitag, Marcus Samuelsson
and Geoffrey Zakarian. Guess who
came out on top? Chef Biesty did!
Described by judges as a "tornado" in
the kitchen, her winning dishes were
26
CURVE
I
WINTER
FOOD
Pork Uterus Sugo with Bitter Melon
Biesty is a fierce seafood lover and
Pesto (for appetizer), Nutria Kefta
when we spoke it was Dungeness
with Fuzzy Squash RAT-atouille (for
crab season and she was excited
entree), and Caramelized Blood Pan-
about her delicious, mouthwatering
cakes with Banana Milk and Mango-
crab toast dish with Golden Miso Ver-
steen Ice Cream (for dessert).
jus Dressing (pictured bottom left). If
Sounds gross, right? Apparently it
was delicious!
"I was hoping for a fun basket on
Chopped,but I had no idea what I had
you're in Oakland for crab season be
sure to drop in for a bite or two. Otherwise, try her signature Seafood Bomba on Page 28.
in store for me!" reveals Biesty. "At first
Prior to opening Shakewell, the out
I thought, this is going to be hard, but it
lesbian chef honed her talents in New
actually wasn't too bad. I mean, I never
York City (her home town), New Orle-
cooked pig uterus before or nutria a.k.a.
ans, London and San Francisco. In
a giant swamp rat, but I just stayed fo-
2007, she was named a Rising Star by
cused on the ingredients and how I
Star Chefs and has since competed on
could make them delicious and create
Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay. Chef Bi-
a beautiful plate that the judges would
esty lives in Oakland with her wife and
love, or at least not hate," she laughs. "I
young daughter and continues to lead
think the laser focus I had is really why
the casual and stylish Shakewell as a
I won."
That focus has made her a beloved
home away from home for the LGBTQ
community.
But between her own
and highly successful figure in the
family, as well as the chosen family
competitive kitchen world of the Bay
that congregate at Shakewell (brunch
Area. If you don't already have her
there is something!), how does she es-
on your radar, Chef Biesty has been
tablish a work-life balance?
plating up bold and shareable Med-
"Family life is busy busy but great;
iterranean and Spanish favorites at
my daughter is two and a half and so
Oakland's hip and very gay-friendly
much fun. She is learning something
Shakewell, which has become a favor-
new every day, and she just cracks us
ite foodie (and queer) destination in
up. Spending time with my family is
the Bay Area.
a priority and Shakewell is a priority,
"Shakewell is still gay, yes, we are
so I have to make the balance work
a happy people," says Biesty, wink-
and so far it has. I am very thankful
ing. "We are constantly changing the
for the Shakewell team and my busi-
menu to bring in the season and find-
ness partner; it's a team effort to keep
ing new ingredients for the menu and
Shakewell strong and successful."
keeping our fan favorites as well."
For example the fall mushroom
And this tornado is making it work,
deliciously.
season looked to be bountiful and delicious so Biesty was sure to add wild
mushrooms to her menu, as well as
shakewelloakland.com
featuring local cheese makers.
WINTER
I
CURVE 27
FOOD
Seafood
Bomba
28
CURVE
I
WINTER
One of Shakewell's signature items is its Bomba, a woodfired rice dish similar to paella. Bomba is also the name of
the Spanish short-grain rice used to make the dish.
JenBiesty
FOOD
Serves4
Specialequipment:10-12 inch
JALAPENOSOFRITO (makes 1 quart)
1 cup diced yellow onion
paella pan
2 cups diced carrots
FORTHE BOMBA
114 cup diced celery
2 cups bomba rice
114 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 cups white wine
1 112 cups carrot jalapef\o sofrito (see
recipe)
1 cup roasted red peppers
2 quarts fish stock
1 lb squid, cleaned and sliced
2 lbs. clams
½ lb shrimp
1 cup parsley, chopped
Julienne preserved lemons, jarred
Pickled Fresno chilies (see recipe)
Aioli (see recipe)
112 cup diced fennel
112 cup diced red onion
3 jalapenos, deseeded and diced 112
cup garlic, sliced
Olive oil
Add vegetables to a stainless steel pot,
cover with olive oil and cook on low
heat for 20-30 minutes or until flavors
come together, stirring vigorously. Refrigerate and use for up to two weeks.
PREPARATION:
Heat the fish stock to a boil then turn
off the heat. Preheat the oven to 450
degrees. Heat paella pan on medium
heat. Add canola oil, then salt, then rice
Parsley for garnish
to the oil and stir the rice with a wooden
AIOLI
sofrito to the rice and stir continuously
2 egg yolks
112 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon garlic, grated on a microplane
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/ 4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup canola oil
Put eggs, mustard, garlic, lemon, salt
and pepper into the KitchenAid mixer
and slowly add oils to emulsify. Add
cold water as necessary to adjust thickness.
PICKLEDFRESNOCHILIES
4 Fresno chilies, sliced into thin rings
spoon to toast the rice slightly. Add the
until the rice is coated with the sofrito.
Add wine to deglaze the pan. Immediately add the squid ink and stir the
rice. Once the wine has evaporated add
your fish stock and stir again to mix
evenly. Bring the stock to a boil, but do
not stir again! Place the pan in the hot
oven and bake for 15 minutes. Season
the squid, clams and shrimp with salt,
pepper and olive oil and put on top of
the rice. Place back in the oven 10-20
minutes until all the stock is evaporated and the seafood is cooked. Remove
paella pan from the oven and garnish
with preserved lemons, pickled chilies,
chopped parsley and aioli. Serve immediately.
Seasoned rice vinegar
Soak chilies in hot water for five minutes. Drain and soak again for three
shakewelloakland.com
minutes. Drain. Cover with seasoned
rice vinegar. Use right away or refrigerate for up to three weeks.
WINTER
I
CURVE 29
WEDDING
.c>C.
co
6,
.s
0
.c
Cl.
iv
co
.c(.)
:E
GI
iv
.c
(.)
30 CURVE
I
WINTER
WEDDING
Malory
& Katie
A message on Bumble led to a dream
wedding in Brooklyn.
Images:MichaelBusseI ChelliseMichael
Photography
M
alory Wheaton, 29, and Katie Frouman, 32, first connected when Katie
sent Malory a message on dating
app Bumble. The missive said something
like, 'Turns out 24 hours is not enough time
for me to come up with a smooth but aloof
message to intrigue you with. But I think you're
super cute so figured sacrificing my coolness
was the right move." Malory messaged back
with her phone number and a cheeky riposte,
"Lucky for you I'm not into cool, smooth and
aloof."
Basically,they were together from that point
forward. Katie proposed on the one year anniversary of their first date. She took Malory
to the same restaurant as their inaugural outing (hip New York seafood shack Mary's Fish
Camp) and they went to the same bar afterwards (Cubbyhole, of course). While they were
out Katie had their friend and neighbor, Travis,
WINTER
I
CURVE 31
WEDDING
place about 100 candles on their balcony, and set up
a bluetooth speaker to play the song that was playing
during their first kiss (which would also be their first
dance song).
In the car on the way home, Katie texted Travis
to have him light all the candles and activate a hidden video camera. When they arrived home, Malory
thought Katie had just gone all out for their first anniversary until Katie dropped to one knee and popped
the question. Malory said yes, then ran to their neighbor's place where she was keeping the ring for Katie, raced back and proposed in the same spot-just
before midnight.
The couple were married two blocks away from
their apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn at
Akwaaba Mansion. It was really the only location
they considered as it's on their favorite block in the
32
CURVE
I
WINTER
'luckyforyourm
notintosmooth,
coolandaloof
..."
WEDDING
neighborhood and they walk their
not share the pick-up experience with
dogs past it almost every day. Also,
me."
the word 'Akwaaba' is Twi, a Ghana-
Malory wore a dress from Fame
The cake was a Peach Melba cake
from Wegmans-a white vanilla cake
with raspberry jam in between the lay-
ian language, and Katie had lived in
and Partners (the Zion Dress). She
ers, whipped cream as frosting with
Ghana for two years during college.
wore a vintage beaded bolero on top
fresh raspberries and peaches on top.
When she first moved in with Malory
for the ceremony ($25 on Etsy and
Since the couple is Jewish, they
who showed her Awkaaba, it was a
then tailored to perfection by Ellen
stepped on a glass at the end of the
Couture in midtown). Mal's earrings
ceremony (but used a lightbulb to
very special moment-kismet.
were
were from Forever 21 and her shoes
get the best "pop" effect). That was
company
were Imagine by Vince Camuto. She
the extent of anything religious-they
Wwakes. "We didn't want anything
also had beaded trim added to her
were married by a Buddhist officiant
too large or flashy-we wanted some-
dress that she bought at M & J Trim
(and friend) who incorporated Bud-
thing that felt like a part of our bodies
in the garment district and was added
dhist passages into the ceremony.
since we were going to wear it ev-
to the dress by Ellen. "Honestly, the
They signed their marriage certificate
eryday," says Katie. "Plus we're New
best tailor/seamstress ever. It was a
during the ceremony to acknowledge
Yorkers so they had to be black-we
very DIV,modestly priced look that El-
the relatively recent legality of the
went for a linear design with three
len made fancy AF,"says Katie.
ceremony. Their siblings acted as wit-
Their
engagement
custom-made
by
rings
local
nesses.
black diamonds," says Malory. "Orig-
Katie wore a C Mulligan dress from
inally, Katie was going to pick them
Floravere (also tailored by Ellen),Sam
Malory and Katie honeymooned in
the Greek Islands of Santorini, Naxos
up and do a sneaky proposal, but at
Edelmen heels and earrings from Ta-
the last minute she realized that it
aru Majeure in Larchmont, NY that
and Tinos, and in Paris. They expect
didn't make sense-we do everything
were sourced from Senegal by the
to stay in the New York area and plan
together and she was too excited to
Senegalese shop owner.
on having kids in the next few years.
WINTER
I
CURVE 33
IN THE CROSSFIRE
ca
:.s
cu
C.
:ii:
'i
34 CURVE
I
WINTER
IN THE CROSSFIRE
AfterKatie
Hill
Is there really room for queer women in politics?
VictoriaA. Brownworth
0
n February 3, 2020, the Dem-
Hillary Clinton won three million more
protect and expand as president. While
ocratic primary moves into a
votes than Trump, but was shut out of
the House passed the Equality Act
new phase: voting. The Iowa
the White House by the Electoral Col-
under the guidance of Speaker Nancy
caucus is the first contest, followed
lege system, which should have been
Pelosi, it has languished since May in
on February 11 by the New Hamp-
abolished along with slavery. (The
the Senate, not even brought up for a
shire primary. Two of America's least
Electoral College was intended to pro-
vote by GOP majority leader Mitch Mc-
populous and least racially diverse red
tect slave owners, and did so well into
Connell.
states will set the tone for who wins
Reconstruction.)
In October, Trump ordered his De-
Twice in 20 years the Electoral Col-
partment of Justice to argue before
fundamentally biased against both
lege has ceded Democratic presiden-
the U.S. Supreme Court that gay men,
diversity and progressivism, yet that
cies-
lesbians, and trans people have no
the nomination. It's a system that is
where the popular vote was
structural bias influences our choice
won-to
Republican candidates, each
protections under Title VII of the 1964
for the presidential nominees. Occa-
time with disastrous results. Pundits
Civil Rights Act. Under Obama's DOJ,
sionally we get it right. Sometimes we
suggest that it could happen again as
they had standing to file discrimination
get it horrifyingly wrong, which is how
the Electoral College favors Republi-
suits.
Donald Trump beat out 17 competitors
cans where red states, with less pop-
Trump has also ruled that religious
less egregiously racist, misogynist, ho-
ulous, overwhelmingly white demo-
freedom laws allow federal contrac-
mophobic, and xenophobic than he is.
graphics get more weight than larger
tors to fire or not hire LGBTQ people
For a year, the largest field ever in
blue states, with their more diverse
on religious grounds. Under another
demographics.
Trump ruling, medical professionals
Democratic history has fought for ascendancy. Six women, five people of
Thus the primary voting looms, as a
can refuse to treat LGBTQ people if it
color, one gay man, four Jews, and a
harrowing year for LGBTQ Americans
violates their religious beliefs. HUD
Hindu, as well as both the youngest
and women draws to a close. Trump
Secretary Ben Carson reinforced his
and the oldest candidates ever, have
has eviscerated many of the civil rights
biases against LGBTQpeople in hous-
tried to capture the attention of an ever
that queer and trans people had se-
ing, while also making transphobic re-
more broad electorate.
cured under former President Barack
marks. And Education Secretary Betsy
It's impossible to look at 2020 with-
Obama, and that former Secretary of
DeVos repeatedly sided against gay,
out revisiting the hijacking of 2016.
State Hillary Clinton had pledged to
trans, and gender nonconforming stu-
WINTER
I
CURVE 35
IN THE CROSSFIRE
every area of political office. But nearly
dents in her policies.
Trump's racist immigration
poli-
cies have hit LGBT people especially
propel candidates into higher office
100 new LGBTQcandidates won office
later. She said, 'The LGBTQcandidates
in state and local seats nationwide.
who were elected to school boards are
Among the LGBTQ wins, the large
our future state legislators. And those
corrective rape and honor killings of
percentage of women candidates is
who won state legislative races are our
lesbians, as recently as November an-
significant. While men represented the
future U.S.Congress members and our
other lesbian was denied asylum, even
majority of LGBTQcandidates who ran
future governors."
though her life had been threatened in
for office, women won more of their
hard. Despite increasing instances of
She pressed the point that "we are
her native Uganda, and she had barely
races. Additionally, nearly 30 percent
building a pipeline of out LGBTQ lead-
escaped with her life.
of the LGBTQcandidates who ran were
ers at every level of government so we
In the midst of this anti-LGBTQback-
people of color, and of those, 35 per-
can advance equality today, and so we
lash from Trump and his GOP cohorts
cent won-a critical expansion of diver-
are positioned to run for higher-level
offices in greater numbers tomorrow."
in the House and Senate, all the Demo-
sity. And six trans women won seats-
cratic candidates have shown support
two of whom were re-elected, including
Parker noted that many of the candi-
for the LGBTQcommunity, each pledg-
Danica Roem, the first trans woman to
dates had faced homophobic attacks
ing to pass the Equality Act. But only
be elected to a state legislature. Roem
from the GOP while campaigning. "For
three have put forward serious LGBTQ
was first elected to the Virginia House
too long, openly LGBTQ candidates
policy proposals: Pete Buttigieg, who is
of Delegates in 2017.
were defeated by opponents who
openly gay; Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA),
who has a history of support for the
Victory Fund is the only national
organization
dedicated to
electing
appealed to bigotry in a desperate attempt to win tight races;' she said.
queer community dating back to 2004,
openly LGBTQ people. Its mission is
But is there a place for LBTQwomen
when as District Attorney of San Fran-
to further LGBTQ equality at all levels
in higher office, and how far will oppo-
cisco she was marrying gay and lesbi-
of government. Annise Parker, pres-
nents be willing to go to stop them?
an couples; and Sen. Elizabeth Warren
ident and CEO of Victory Fund, con-
Rep. Katie Hill's experience over the
(D-MA), who has been an LGBTQsup-
textualized the importance of the No-
past few months has called that idea
porter since her election to the Senate.
Other candidates have voiced their
support, but lack policy proposals-an
obvious contradiction.
These facts on the ground raise anxieties for 2020 with regard to the Democratic nominee. Who will best represent the queer and trans communities
against an egregiously anti-LGBTQ
··LGBTQ
candidates
whowon
willarguably
havea greater
impactoneveryday
lives.''
administration? And can we trust Iowa
and New Hampshire to make that de-
vember elections, saying, "Americans
into question and made other young
cision?
are understandably focused on the
women running for office leery of hav-
Though 2019 was an off-year elec-
2020 presidential and congressional
ing the details of their sexual lives on
tion, one measure of excitement for
elections, but the LGBTQ candidates
display as GOP candidates play dirty.
queer and trans people was a blue
who won will arguably have a greater
Hill resigned on Oct. 27 via a state-
wave of new candidates voted in on
impact on the everyday lives of their
ment on Twitter and gave her final,
Election Day,Nov. 5. LGBTQpeople are
constituents."
angry speech on Oct. 31 from the floor
vastly under-represented nationally in
36 CURVE
I
WINTER
Parker noted that local elections
of the House. Hill had been a rising
IN THE CROSSFIRE
WINTER
I
CURVE 37
IN THE CROSSFIRE
star in the Democratic Party. Endorsed
by Obama, Hill trounced the Republican
incumbent in a district that was solidly GOP for 30 years, and did so while
rejecting PAC money-only
accepting
money from small donors. Her campaign was the subject of a Vice News
documentary that highlighted her left
political positions and called it "the most
Millennial campaign, ever."
Hill was appointed as vice chair of the
powerful Oversight and Reform Committee; she was also appointed to the
Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Commit-
E'
0
-~
la
..c
ca
ni
E
ca
.:.::
tee, and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The only
openly bisexual member of the House,
she was a member of the LGBT Equality
Caucus.
For two years, Hill was involved in
a relationship with a woman, Morgan
Desjardins, who was a one-time aide to
her election campaign. While there are
no laws in California against such relationships, it's a murky ethical area, and
many consider the power imbalance
a problem. But the couple traveled together and were in love with each other,
as published text messages show. Hill
ended the relationship when she moved
to Washington, much to Desjardins' dismay.
Cl.
Hill's husband, Kenny Heslep, who understood the women to be in a menage
with him, was also angry. So much so
that he leaked sexual photos of Hill and
Desjardins to various conservative websites and then filed for divorce. Revenge
porn attacks are a crime in California
and 39 other states, and in the District
38 CURVE
ca
:s
GI
I
WINTER
:.i:
IN THE CROSSFIRE
of Columbia, but Heslep has not been
two women together has long been a
considering a run for office have on
charged.
staple of straight cisgender pornogra-
their phones? Does every potential
In her final speech, Hill said, "I am
phy. Shaming Hill for her bisexuality
new candidate also have the potential
leaving now because of a double stan-
by turning her consensual relationship
for scandal?
dard. I am leaving because I didn't want
into something smutty was very much
Soon after her own election, Rep.
a part of the dynamic surrounding
Alexandria
the dirtiest gutter politics that I've ever
press reports of the photos and texts.
the most popular young Democrat in
seen, and the right-wing media to drive
And the highly personal nature of both
America, was targeted by the GOP for
clicks and expand their audience by
made every viewer into a complicit
a video she had done in college where
distributing intimate photos of me tak-
voyeur.
she replicated a scene from the film
to be used by shameless operatives for
Ocasio-Cortez, arguably
en without my knowledge, let alone my
Hill said, "I am leaving because of
Footloose. It was promoted by the
consent, for the sexual entertainment
a misogynistic culture that gleefully
GOP and meant as a smear, but back-
of millions."
consumed my naked pictures, capital-
fired. But not all such attempts fail.
Hill had received death threats, and
ized on my sexuality, and enabled my
At the beginning of her campaign,
in November her California office had
abusive ex to continue that abuse, this
Kamala Harris faced questions about
to be evacuated and a hazardous ma-
time with the entire country watching."
a romantic relationship she had with a
terials team brought in when a white
That men-even gay men-have not
married man-a well-known San Fran-
powder was delivered to the office. No
been held to the same standard of be-
cisco politician. Harris, who is now
married, was widely slut-shamed for
amleaving
because
ofa
misogynistic
culture
that
capitalized
onmysexuality.''
the former relationship.
And so the sexuality of women can-
didates has become a flashpoint-another excuse to assert that women are
unelectable, and that the political arena
is not a woman's to share. But at 51.5
percent of the population, women-in-
cluding LBTQ women-represent
the
majority in America, and representa-
tion matters. The November election
one was hurt.
havior was not lost on Hill, whose final
proved that when queer and trans
Many thought Hill should not have
vote was for the impeachment inquiry.
women run for office, they can and do
resigned, but she explained in her
Hill said, ''I'm leaving, but we have men
win much of the time.
speech how afraid she was of further
who have been credibly accused of in-
attacks, more leaked photos, and a
tentional acts of sexual violence and
Hill's
promising
political
career
has been sundered, and her voice for
general inability to do her job. Text
remain in boardrooms, on the Supreme
LGBTQpeople from the power podium
messages between her and Desjardins
Court, in this very body, and worst of all,
of the House has been silenced. Hill
explain that Hill ended the relationship
in the Oval Office."
was slut-shamed out of Congress for
because she wanted to focus all her
Is the Hill scandal singular? Or does
a consensual affair with another wom-
time on her work in Congress, to which
her resignation have a chilling effect
an. The double standard for men and
she had become devoted.
on other women who might be con-
women has never been more obvious.
Hill's experience highlights both the
sidering running for office-or coming
And the message to women to hide
double standard applied to women's
out of the closet while in office? How
their sexuality has never been more
sexuality and the titillation element-
many sexts do Millennials who are
stark.
WINTER
I
CURVE 39
WELLNESS
Green
Power
In the middle of the cannabis
boom one woman has brought it
all together in a one-stop-shop,
benefiting women.
M
eet Andrea Brooks, founder
and CEO of Sava, the San
Francisco based cannabis de-
livery platform that has set out to change
the conversation around cannabis.
Unless you've been living under a rock
the past couple of years, you've heard
about the "cannabis boom" sweeping
the United States. But associations with
drug use aside, there is an important
wellness component to this industry, and
one which has trickled down into countless products that have homeopathic
benefits, whether you partake of the drug
or not.
Sava's range of low-dose CBD and
40 CURVE
I
WINTER
WELLNESS
fa
i;
en
....
:s
QI
t;
0
0
.c
C.
AndreaBrooks,founderandCEOof Sava
WINTER
I
CURVE 41
WELLNESS
42 CURVE
I
WINTER
WELLNESS
help
mission they needed to give canna-
better, and it got me on the path to
with athletic recovery, sleep, relax-
bis a try. We find a lot of custom-
recovery."
ation, anxiety, pain, and more. As a
ers who come to us for CBD end
The idea for Sava was born out
gay woman who proudly supports
up appreciating the pain-relieving,
of the realization that so many other
pain sufferers might also find value
non-psychoactive
products
LGBTQrights, Brooks has built Sava
sleep-inducing, relaxing effects of
to serve over 30,000 subscribers
THC once they are guided to try it in
in cannabis. Brooks founded the
with over 50 percent of products
a measured and predictable man-
company with two other women-
from female-owned brands. She's
ner. We've reached a cultural tipping
Amanda Denz and Meaghan Zoreand established Sava,an online plat-
Asa gaywoman,
Brooks
hasbuiltSava
withover50
percent
ofproducts
from
female-owned
brands
form that brings California's highest
quality cannabis topicals, tinctures,
edibles, concentrates and flowers to
your doorstep.
And as for busting that male
stoner stereotype, as a gay woman
who advocates for inclusivity in the
cannabis industry, Brooks is particularly proud to support women- and
LGBTQIA-owned businesses with
half of the brands on the platform
not just an entrepreneur-she's a
point in the widespread rejection of
women-owned/founded.
lobbyist for social change. She was
prohibition and the stereotypes that
even sort products by this measure,
inspired to enter the cannabis indus-
resulted. Things are changing fast!"
and uncover the Farmaceuticals
try after a disabling injury in which
The idea for Sava came about fol-
cannabis played a crucial role in her
lowing Brooks' injury which left her
You can
Company, for example, that is queer,
women-founded and run.
recovery. Following this experience,
with nerve damage on her right side.
Sava features so many quality
she has seen cannabis beyond its
It was debilitating and even though
products but Brooks gives a shout-
male-dominated
she took time off work to deal with it,
out to a personal favorite: "I am cur-
it developed into a chronic condition
rently loving Humboldt Apothecary
"stoner
culture"
image.
"Cannabis is the victim of a de-
Calm CBD and Deep Sleep tinctures.
that put her life on hold.
cades-long prohibition and propa-
"Over the years, doctors con-
The products are extremely effective
ganda campaign, and as more and
tinued to prescribe me excessive
with a high-quality and thoughtful
more people try it, they wake up to
courses of medication, but the
formulation,
how unfounded and ridiculous the
drugs significantly hindered my abil-
and herbal blends for optimal effi-
resulting stigmas are," Brooks told
ity to enjoy day-to-day life. Discover-
cacy. It's also a women-owned and
Curve. "We are long past 'reefer
ing cannabis allowed me to wean
women-founded company, what's
madness', but the lazy stoner on the
myself off of pain medications. It
not to love?"
couch or 'cannabis is too strong and
immediately
makes me uncomfortable' myths
pain and the resulting depression.
still permeate;' she says.
As I became more physically com-
The CBD explosion has really
alleviated both
combining
cannabis
my
getsava.com
fortable, I became more active, and
tipped the scales and removed
my symptoms started to improve
many stereotypes, believes Brooks.
considerably. Cannabis was not the
"It's given folks that little bit of per-
cure, but it was a catalyst for getting
WINTER
I
CURVE 43
STYLE
BigGirls
Don't
Cry
...
They have kick-ass fun
while keeping fit.
I
f you're a plus-size person-or,
let's face it, a regular-sized per-
son-finding workout gear, shape-
wear, or swimwear that fits can be a
chore, and that's even before you've
started to exercise! Add to the need
for wearable sizes the issue of gender-neutral styles or ethical produc-
tion and you might as well be looking
for gold. But not anymore! We have
two labels that fit the bill, so to speak.
44
CURVE
I
WINTER
STYLE
"Retro-inspired,
ethically-made,
andgenderneutral.'
1
WINTER
I
CURVE 45
STYLE
BEEFCAKE
SWIMWEAR
If you're planning a snowbird vacation
some place warm, or you know that after winter you'll need a more generously-sized swimsuit, consider the adorably
queer, plus-size friendly, retro-inspired
Beefcake Swimwear. It's ethically made
and gender neutral, making it perfect for
GNC, nonbinary and trans folks (or even
couples who like to match!). Beefcake is
one of the few swimwear brands that offers XS-5X in swimwear (most top out at
3X if they make plus sizes at all).
beefcakeswimwear.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 47
STYLE
SUPERFIT
HERO
This premium line of activewear is ethically made in Los Angeles for women ranging
in size from XS-SXL. Superfit's signature
leggings have been tested, approved, and
reviewed by athletes who have endorsed
their functionality. Superfit Hero's athlete
sponsorships
include Olympic weight-
lifter and Bronze medalist Sarah Robles,
plus-size marathoner Latoya Shauntay
Snell, pole queen Roz "the Diva" Mays, and
transmasculine/non-binary
Musgrave.
superfithero.com
48
CURVE
I
WINTER
trainer Elliot
STYLE
Superflthassomething
foreverybody,
fromXSto XXL.
WINTER
I
CURVE 49
STYLE
50 CURVE
I
WINTER
STYLE
"Athlete
sponsorships
includeanOlympic
weight-lifterandBronze
medalist."
MAKERS
Femme
Noir
An author and a graphic artist
team up for trouble.
Photoof GabyDunn:RobyVanSwank
Illustrations:
ClaireRoe
Our current president would have
you believe that journalists are peddlers of "fake news," but underdog
ink rat Madison Jackson thinks otherwise. This budding cub reporter
is in search of the truth. She needs
her coveted college internship at old
school masthead TheBoston Ledeso
when her police scanner alerts her to
A newqueergraphicnovel
WINTER
I
CURVE 53
MAKERS
54
CURVE
I
WINTER
MAKERS
56 CURVE
I
WINTER
MAKERS
a murder connected to a prominent
Dahlia Kennedy."
family, Madison races to the crime
Dunn loves the genre of noir and
scene hoping to get the scoop and
tells us "I read a lot of Dennis Lehane
secure her professional reputation.
books and I've seen every movie Ben
But she finds herself ensnared in a
Affleck has directed, and both those
scenario straight out of your favorite
men write about Boston extensively
pulp fiction paperback or noir thriller.
but it's almost always from the POVof
Femme fatale Dahlia Kennedy-celeb-
a straight white man. So I wanted to
rity socialite, now widow-and prime
flip that and make most of the charac-
suspect in the murder of the century.
ters in Bury TheLedewomen, and spe-
Welcome to New YorkTimesbest-sell-
cifically queer women of color. Even
ing author Gaby Dunn's first graphic
the characters you might presume are
novel, Bury the Lede.
straight, end up being queer. I wanted
It's an old journalist's maxim: Don't
to fill out that world with more than
bury the lede. Which means, put the
just straight people and with more
important stuff up front. And this sexy,
than just white men, which is some-
gory, queer true crime story out now
thing I don't see a lot in the genre."
with BOOM!Studios does just that.
Inspired by Dunn's own experienc-
It's also illustrated by Claire Roe,
who had just completed Birds of Prey
for DC Comics, and Dunn has nothing
''I wanted
toflipthatand
makemostofthecharacters
queerwomenofcolor.''
but praise for her creative partner:
"Her art was incredible. She understood how to make things moody
without making them feel surreal or
not based in reality. She also took my
boring panels and made them look
cool as hell, so I thank her immensely
for that."
Dunn's wish for the book is that
"young women true crime fans read
es as a young reporter at The Boston
it. I hope it contributes to the noir and
Globe and illustrated by Claire Roe,
thriller genre in a way that feels wel-
this graphic novel is dark, clever, and
coming to queers and to women of
based in truth. Dunn tells us how the
color." The book is also set firmly in
project began: "My college had an
the crime genre, so Dunn hopes that
internship program where you could
its style, its conventions, and its gore
work part time and go to school part
appeal to any fans of that genre.
time. I took the night shift. A lot of the
Look for Bury the Ledeat your local
book is based on events I witnessed
comic book store, on lndiebound, or
there-for example, the Clark Rocke-
wherever else you choose to buy cool
feller story was a big inspiration for
online stuff.
WINTER
I
CURVE 57
INTERVIEW
Mary Lambert confronts her
demons on a brilliant new album.
DaveSteinfeld
"My friend and I snuck into an army
barracks late at night
She was dating an older guy who lived
on the base
Suddenly I was a prize, in a building of a
thousand men
Drenched in America and sweat
I'm not saying that the military raped me
I'm saying I was sixteen
And I was on my period ...
"In the morning, I told myself that I drank too
much
58 CURVE
I
WINTER
INTERVIEW
the night she was raped. "When I think
And that I cheated
If anyone has a right to categori-
And that I was so sorry
cally write off the male gender, it's
back;' says Lambert, "I was 16 years
And 'boys will be boys'
Mary Lambert. Among other things,
old. I was in a terrifying position-
Weaveda different story in my head
the singer-songwriter was raped by a
being surrounded by men in their 20s
Paintedit like glitter in a swamp
group of military men when she was
and 30s and being the only girl in the
Forceda laugh when I said
16. Lambert has made mention of
area, with drinking involved. And [it
'roughsex'
this experience before-but
on "An-
was] the military. And it wasn't just
I wonderhow many girls have
other Rape Poem," the next-to-last
one guy. Experiencing that and then
giggled while they wereraped?
I bet a lot of them...
"Sometimeswhen I'm washing
the dishes
Thehairs on my arms stand up
And somehow thought memory turns
into physical memory
And I feel my body tense up at the
kitchen sink...
And the movie plays
'lamberttackles
everything
fromlivingwithbipolar
disorder
tosuffering
a
traumatic
breakup.''
And I softly say no
And I don't laugh uncomfortably
track on her brilliant new album Grief
waking up and being, like, 'Okay,there
this time
Creature,she describes it in harrowing
are physical marks on me.' But initial-
Thenafterwards the fury comes
detail. It's the crescendo on a record
ly, my [narrative] was that, however
like a waveof ashes
that's full of crescendos. On a fall af-
it happened, I cheated on my boy-
And I pretend I am the biggest,
ternoon in New York City, over brunch,
friend. Because there was no gun to
most powerful phoenix
I ask Lambert straight out "How do
my head, and I eventually conceded,
And as my hands wrap around the
you not hate men after experiencing
the end result is that I cheated on my
coffee mug in the water I pretend they
something like this?"
high school boyfriend. My whole fam-
"Honestly, a big trigger for me [at
ily was mad at me. But I didn't tell the
night
first] was men in uniform or anything
story right. [I didn't] really understand
And circle aroundhis neck
having to do with the military," she re-
the gravity of what happened."
teleport through time and space to that
And I say no a whole fuck ton
plies. "[I was], like, 'Fuck the military.
Grief Creatureis Lambert's first full-
louder than I did...
All those men are monsters.' It wasn't
length album in five years. Her last
I don't apologizelike that anymore."
until I auditioned for this film as a mil-
disc, Heart on My Sleeve,was released
itary widow, and I had to tap into her
on Capitol-a
60 CURVE
I
WINTER
major label that has
grief and what it's like to be a military
a penchant for pop stars. And while
wife, and what it's like for people that
Heart on My Sleevehas its moments, it
don't rape young women. I started
is definitely a "major label album·; parts
having a lot of compassion for the
of it are overproduced and threaten to
experience, and the PTSD of being in
drown out the authenticity of Lambert's
the military. And there are good men
voice. That's not the case this time
in my life, I have examples of that. I
around. GriefCreature,which includes a
don't have lots of examples of it-but
whopping 17 tracks (mostly songs, but
I know they exist! My best friend's a
some spoken-word pieces too), was in-
guy."
dependently released,and is produced
I ask her about changing the narra-
by Lambert herself. Her singing has
tive, weaving a different story about
never been more powerful-and her
INTERVIEW
N
GI
C
'tij
...I
C
·;:
.c
Cl)
WINTER
I
CURVE 61
INTERVIEW
62 CURVE
I
WINTER
INTERVIEW
subject matter has never been more
from her old friend Macklemore, who
with people. I don't want there to be
personal.
hired her to write the hook for his
any confusion about what's going on!
In addition to "Another Rape Poem,"
number-one single "Same Love" in
It's a heavy album. So it's an ode to
Lambert tackles everything from liv-
2012 (thus setting her on the course
mental illness. [In] a few of the songs,
ing with bipolar disorder to suffering
to stardom). From there, the album
I don't think I say explicitly [that I]
the traumatic breakup of a relation-
takes a turn. Songs like "Not Ready
have bipolar disorder, but just what
ship. One of the tracks that deals
to Die Yet" and "Climbing Out" find
that feels like for me, having bipolar
with that breakup is "Knife," another
Lambert trying with all her might not
disorder on top of having PTSD and
spoken-word piece. "Knife" finds a
to succumb to her feelings of loneli-
having experienced trauma, and what
the interplay of that is in my brain. It's
lovesick Lambert pulling over on a
ness and despair. The spoken-word
wintry night to look at the moon-
piece 'Trauma Is a Stalker" takes it a
a curse and a blessing-and I wanted
and not being able to find it. You can
step further, adding her bipolar disor-
to illustrate that in the album."
practically feel the cold air when you
der to that struggle. The last line-"I
hear her voice.
"It was all true," says Lambert now.
"Also, in the last three or four years,
am always one slipped rug away
I've been working on letting go of my
from
obsession with shame;' she adds. "It's
losing
everything"-is
"I think that's what happens when you
incredibly powerful, even if
have a life with somebody; certain
don't have mania.
you
my immediate impulse: When I feel
that I've done something wrong, or
places become a fixture of memory,
"I think it's probably applicable for
I've made a mistake, I immediately in-
and you have to create a new story
a lot of people," says Lambert when
ternalize deep shame. And it's one of
for them after somebody leaves or
I tell her that. "[There are] these mo-
the most unproductive feelings. So I
after that relationship ends. I was
ments when you realize how thin the
wanted to talk about it on the album.
"And then, it's a love letter to hope.
driving by a place that I had visited
line is [between] life and death. I felt
with my former partner [and] I was
like that was applicable to mania or
I feel like there's a lot of resilience on
devastated, seeing that place again.
destructive behavior. If I miss a cou-
the album as well. I purposely wanted
It really felt like I hadn't been able to
take a full breath in weeks. I couldn't
get out of bed, I didn't wanna talk to
anybody. And finally, I was, like, 'Okay,
I have to get groceries!' So I forced
myself. And I drove by one of those
places that was familiar to me in that
context. It was the first time my grief
had been outside of my home- andl
didn't know where to put it. And I was
looking for the moon and I couldn't
··Knife"
features
a cameo
from
heroldfriendMacklemore,
whohiredhertowritethe
Love."
hookfor··same
find it. It must have been just a real-
pie of days of meds, for the whole
to end the album with the track 'Bless
ly cloudy night. But I felt like it was
next year I have to apologize for shit
This Hell.' This may be an absolute
the analog of my life-like it was a
that I did during this time [when] I was
shit show, but I'm lucky to be alive.
metaphor for that relationship."
dealing with a bad brain. But we're
I want to be alive, I choose this, and
She sighs. "God, it was Christmas
all sort of teetering on [the edge of]
bless all of this, no matter what form
time! That poem is one of the heaviest
something."
it comes to me in. It's an honor to live
the life that I have,you know?"
things I've written. [But] the resolve
On her website, Lambert calls Grief
from that poem and that moment is
Creature "a breakup album to shame,
I'm not sure I've ever heard someone
that I'm not bad because somebody
an ode to mental illness, and a love
who has been through so much suf-
left me. My goodness isn't contingent
letter to hope." When I ask her to ex-
fering sum it up with so much grace.
on being loved by a certain person."
pand on that, she laughs. "Well, I think
You did good, Mary.
"House of Mirrors" -which follows
I wanted to make sure, in the narrative
"Knife"-features a great cameo rap
of this album, that I'm really up front
marylambertsings.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 63
COVERSTORY
Our favorite series is back-and with everything we always asked for!
VictoriaA. Brownworth
T
he L Word was a TV series like no
week-is
back. Fifteen years after
other. Never before in television
Ilene Chaiken created a compelling
history had the stories of lesbians
world of West Hollywood
lesbians
been the main story, the whole story, the
and their queer adjacent friends, The
only story. There were weekly watch par-
L Word: Generation Q is way more than
ties, purloined and shared videotapes and
a reboot or a revision. Gen Q is a sto-
DVDs.We all knew everything about Bet-
ry for now, with characters who have
te, Alice, Jenny, and Shane (oh, Shane...),
evolved out of the original story and
like they were our besties.
into a world of legal same-sex mar-
The L Word ended on International
riage, gender fluidity, and more lesbi-
Women'sDay 2009 after 70 episodes and
an and bisexual politicians than ever
six wild seasons filled with romance,dra-
before in history.
ma-so much drama!-sex, more sex, and
even murder.
Fast-forwarda decadeand The L Word-
Gen Q pairs some of the most be-
loved original stars with a whole new
generation
of
lesbians,
bisexuals,
the series that changed so many lives
queer women, and trans men for what
as lesbians of every age sat rapt each
is not your mama's The L Word, yet still
WINTER
I
CURVE 65
COVERSTORY
pays homage to the original series.
role as Alice's assistant, and how
spoilers, but she does say, "Lei-
Gen Q showrunner Marja-Lewis
she feels "very similar to the fans"
sha is a comic genius;· and that
about the show's return.
her own character, from a deeply
Ryan was effusive when she talked to Curve about series creator
She says she is "living my wild-
Ilene Chaiken. "I met Ilene in a writ-
est dream." And, lo and behold,
ers room, and when she walked
your dreams do come true!
into the room I was, like, holy sh~;·
"It's so bizarre and exciting-
religious family, "has a tragic backstory."
When asked about Gen Q versus
the original, Toboni, who was in
Ryan laughs. "Ilene is a huge influ-
through the audition process I was
high school in San Francisco when
ence. Without her, I would not even
just fumbling my words, I was so
the original series ended, makes a
be aware that I could make shows
excited."
pivotal point about why Gen Q is
like this. I am doing this work because of The L Word."
The pinch-me moment for Ryan
got bigger when the young filmmaker sent Chaiken an email congratulating her on the success of
The Handmaid's Tale, where Chaik-
en is an executive producer. Chaiken responded, "Hi, do you want to
pitch on The L Word?"
"TheLWord:
Generation
Qis
waymorethana reboot.
Itisa storyfornow."
Ryan says that she was soon sitting in an Indian restaurant where
Toboni has been a regular cast
important and why The L Word was
she had ordered "a lot of food, so
member on several previous se-
iconic. 'There is definitely a niche
much food!" and the principals
ries, including Easy and Grimm.
[for a lesbian series]," Toboni ex-
from the original series-Jennifer
On Grimm, she gained a queer fol-
plains. "At any given time, at least
one queer person I know is watch-
Beals (Bette), Leisha Hailey (Alice),
lowing with her strong, nuanced
and Katherine Moennig (Shane)-
performances-as
were there with Chaiken.
torcycle, wore a lot of leather, and
"It's still pretty trippy;· Ryan says.
she rode a mo-
beat men senseless on a regular
ing the original L Word, because
there is nothing else."
She adds, "It was a hit-a total
"I got the job, like, two years ago. It
basis. Gen Q is a totally different
hit. So even from a business per-
now feels like my life, but I would
experience for the actress. "Every
spective, you wonder, Why did this
be excited even if I weren't making
time I come on set it's exciting;' To-
have to end, and where is the show
it."
boni says. 'There is a lot of leeway
to take its place?"
If Ryan's excitement is palpable,
to do what I want [as an actor]. The
On Gen Q, Arienne Mandi plays
it is all the more so for three of her
writers have done such a good job.
Dani Nunez, a high-powered PR
I feel very pleased with what I am
executive, and it's easy to see why
doing on this show."
she was chosen for the role-she
young stars. Jacqueline
Toboni
plays Sarah Finley, Arienne Mandi
plays Dani Nunez, and Rosanny
Toboni is also exhilarated by
lights up a room. Mandi is one of
Zayas plays Sophie Suarez, Dani's
working with the original cast. She
those women you want in your
girlfriend. These are three very dif-
says, 'The OGs;· as everyone calls
squad-strong,
ferent, deeply engaging women
the original cast members, "are so
lenging the status quo. About be-
with one thing in common-each
very generous with their time and
ing cast for Gen Q Mandi says, "It's
is thrilled to be working on The L
their response to the new cast.
literally a dream come true. We get
Word and to be bringing a whole
They've welcomed us with open
to carry on the [L Word] legacy."
new dynamic to the iconic show
arms. And we're all taking notes;
they all grew up watching.
Toboni's
dog
plays
with
a
squeaky toy as she talks about her
66 CURVE
I
WINTER
Mandi
forthright,
is particularly
chal-
enthusi-
we are all trying to learn all the
astic about all the representation.
time."
"It's a larger tent this time around."
Toboni
won't
give away any
She describes Gen Q as a "fun,
COVERSTORY
cu
E
'i
0
..c
en
WINTER
CURVE 67
COVERSTORY
Ill
·i
E
..c
en
68 CURVE
I
WINTER
COVERSTORY
sexy, scandalous show that touch-
have on the show, this is a door that
true. It's been a wild ride. All the way
es on so many different things. I'm
is opening something big for so many
from the top at Showtime to all the
super excited!"
people."
actors, the crew, all the people who
She adds, "I mean, that was a
major appeal to me-the
fact that
The OGs are also major for her.
Working with Jennifer Beals has been
have put this show together-it's pretty amazing."
and
part of the thrill for Mandi, who says, "I
As Zayas tells the story of her
it's race
work pretty closely with Jennifer. She
audition, it's easy to imagine her on-
or class or gender identity, it's all
is such a giver. She's mindful of her
screen. The actress knows how to set
there."
counterparts. She'sjust still so excited
a scene. She explains how she had
there is more representation
proper
labels. Whether
She highlights the fact that her
by the work, even though she's been
been sent the script and her response
friend Brian Michael Smith, a trans
doing it all along. Just helping each
was "Wow, just wow! I had watched
actor, is in the cast. "How f*cking
other out along the way. It's just great."
The L Word growing up."
says.
Pleased that a panoply of L,B,T,and
Zayas was "living in New York and I
"We are moving so much with this
Q is repped on Gen Q, Mandi resists
had sent [an audition] tape. I can't be-
show.
labels for herself. "I love so much that
lieve they watched my tape!" She got
amazing
is that?"
Mandi
I'm so proud to be sharing in
this."
everyone has proper labels now, but
notes back about her audition tape,
for me personally, I've never given my-
and then she was in a screen test with
Mandi.
She laughs. "I was freaking out. I
"Ithought
OMG,
thisgorgeous
humanbeing
isgoing
tobe
mygirlfriend?"
was doing everything to calm myself. I
went to the beach. I drank tea."
Then came Zayas's big moment.
"Ari [Mandi] walks in and I thought
OMG-this gorgeous human being is
going to be my character's girlfriend?"
Zayas says she and Mandi "talked
about this show and what it meant
and how much we want it to change
lives." For Zayas, a woman of color
One criticism of the original se-
self a label and don't feel that I have
ries was that class and race were
to." But she's unafraid to acknowl-
(''I'm Dominican-born in Brooklyn and
under-represented.
The cast was
edge, "I've been with men, I've been
raised in Queens") it was essential
white and middle
with women. I guess if I identify as
that Gen Q "bring representation and
class. Expanding the racial and ethnic
anything, I identify as pan." She paus-
honesty, and make people feel sane,
diversity on GenQ was pivotal for Man-
es and says, "I believe in love. People
and let them be who they are and not
di, and she hopes the show will exem-
have had to fight for so long to love
be left to feel they aren't good enough."
plify how real diversity works and how
who they want, to be who they want.
After her audition, Zayas "flew back
essential it is for there to be a real
I want people to be whoever the f*ck
home and I was so anxious."Two days
commitment to that ideal-something
they want."
later, she got the call-she was the
predominantly
In June, Mandi was on a float for
new Sophie. She said she told the pro-
'There are not many races por-
Stonewall 50 Pride in New York City
ducers, "I won't let you down, I've got
trayed on TV," Mandi says, "so I feel
and says the experience was "sheer
this."
Ryanwas intent on doing, as well.
honored to be part of this. My charac-
joy. It fills me up. To be on the float in
Zayas has an intensity that draws
ter, Dani, is Hispanic and Middle East-
New York as it went by the Stonewall
you in immediately. She's that woman
ern, and I am a mix. There are plenty of
Inn, I mean, how f*cking great is that?"
people out there who are mixed race,
and I get to play that."
who you feel you've always known,
Rosanny Zayas plays Sophie Su-
five minutes after you meet her. So-
arez, a TV producer on Alice's show
phie and Dani are going to light up
She adds, "I wholeheartedly be-
and Dani's girlfriend. Zayas says, "I'm
Gen Q with their different layers of fire.
lieve that with the representation we
not going to lie, dreams are coming
Zayas, who says she has "had experi-
WINTER
I
CURVE 69
COVERSTORY
"Expanding
theracialandethnicdiversity
onTheLWordwaspivotal."
70 CURVE
I
WINTER
COVERSTORY
ences with both men and women" and
and embedded in it is their desire to be
says it's always about "falling in love;' de-
sure everyone watching feels as wel-
scribes the couple's dynamic as typical
comed as they have been by the Gen Q
of many lesbian relationships-"trying to
production.
make sure that there's love in everything,
trying to be connected."
But Zayas points out the importance
Zayas says, "I am so grateful for the
people who have come before us, and
the fans, and everyone who made this
of the racial and ethnic components. "I
happen." She says she is excited to
definitely think you will see things that
"share this work. Everyone's doing the
are more specific to women of color to-
best that they can to make sure people
day," she asserts. ''The way that these
feel heard and seen."
women were raised is what a lot of women of color go through."
Toboni says, "We are creating something that's an homage and is also a new
Zayas says that representation is crit-
and different series. For original viewers,
ical and that Gen Q says, "You're seen,
I want them to know it definitely still has
we're seen." She points out that on televi-
that heart and those characters [from the
sion there's a dearth of representation of
original series]-but it is also a new next
women of color-especially queer wom-
chapter for more of us."
en-and notes, 'That's all they get, the
Gen Q comes close to representing
hour in front of the TV-something that
everyone-Ryan has certainly made that
shows who we are as women of color.
effort, and it is reflected in both the cast
We have to give people that."
and the storylines.
Zayas says, "I always dreamt as a kid
When asked to describe Gen Q, Ryan
that I wanted to feel accepted for who I
says, "Queer,confident, joyful, aspiration-
for a place where we
al. The perspective of the original was
could be accepted for who we were." She
to tell the story through a straight lens.
explains that she was always "in search
We do not tell queer narratives through
of opportunity and places where I could
a straight perspective. This is all queer."
was-searching
be accepted. Being on this show, it's my
dream coming true. I get to walk into a
room and I am fully accepted for who I
Mandi says she hopes that Gen Q "just
opens more doors for more people."
Zayas sums up what viewers can ex-
am, and I hope that kids or whoever is go-
pect from Gen Q. "I can't wait to sit down
ing to watch this get to see that."
with my friends and watch this;· she says.
She adds, ''That is the dream I have
That's all we really needed to hear.
been trying to live my entire life."
That Gen Q has multiple layers of
meaning for the stars and showrunner
TheL Word·
Generation
Qdebuts
onShowtime
December
8.
alike is apparent. Each of these women
brings her own experience to the work,
WINTER
I
CURVE 71
POPCORN
72
CURVE
I
WINTER
POPCORN
AHoliday
Rom-Com
'Tis the season for a queer holiday
movie ... finally!
W
hat is it about the holiday
season that often brings unresolved relationship tensions
to the forefront of our lives? And why is
it that we've never seen a really queer
holiday-themed movie before? We loved
Jodie Foster's Home For the Holidays,
but it wasn't really gay. And Let It Snow,
currently on Netflix, does have a lesbian
character, which is great. But what if we
had a lesbian holiday movie where most
of the characters (and even some of the
cast and crew) were queer?
This year, the team of Tello Films and
DASH Productions have gifted us with exactly that. Season of Love is the first-ever
lesbian/queer holiday romantic comedy
and it's out early December on line for your
enjoyment.
Written by Kathryn Trammell and directed by Christin Baker, Season of Love
is a lighthearted rom-com featuring an
ensemble cast of diverse women-three
couples-and their connected love lives
during the hectic holiday period just before Christmas and up until New Year's
Eve.Amid all of the pressures of planning
WINTER
I
CURVE 73
POPCORN
"Wetalkabout
diversity
on
to
screen
butit'simportant
talkabout
diversity
behind
thecamera."
the perfect festive season the women learn that
love is the best gift of all.
The cast includes familiar faces and fan favorites from TV and LGBTQ films, including:
Dominique Provost-Chalkley (Wynonna Earp,
Avengers: Age of Ultron), Jessica Clark (True
Blood, A Perfect Ending), Emily Gross (Snap-
shots), Laur Allen (The Young and the Restless),
Janelle Marie and Sandra Mae Frank (Deaf
West's Spring Awakening, Daybreak).
"I've always wanted to do a rom-com movie,
but if you're going to do a rom-com why not do
one that's going to push the boundaries a little
bit and gives this beautiful community what
they so deserve, a happy ending," says Dominique Provost-Chalkley.
"It's a Love Actually for our community,"
agrees Jessica Clark, citing what many people
believe is the best Christmas movie of contemporary times. And we agree, it's great. But there
aren't actually any lesbians in it.
Seasons of Love is a full-length film that also
features a Christmassy soundtrack of original
tunes such as "Lift Your Spirit Up", written by Billy Steinberg and Josh Alexander, and performed
by Dominique Provost-Chalkley at the end of the
movie.
And get ready for your heartstrings to be
well and truly tugged by this tune because Billy
Steinberg is among the most successful songwriters of the past 25 years, putting his name
to #1 singles including "Like A Virgin" (Madon-
74
CURVE
I
WINTER
POPCORN
na), 'True Colors" (Cyndi Lauper), "So
diversity more than previously, they
Emotional" (Whitney Houston), ''Eter-
still need to step up when it comes to
voice of the film and it rings so true
nal Flame" (The Bangles) and "Alone"
queer storylines.
to a queer woman's experience be-
(Heart).
Decrying the lack of LGBTQ+
rector and producers that shape the
cause we have queer women all over
this cast and crew. It's a delight to be
"It's
Love
Actually
forour
community''
- Jessica
Clark
part of that," she says.
"If you don't see what you want,"
says filmmaker Christin Baker, "then
make it!" She certainly did.
The movie had its Los Angeles
premiere with cast and crew in attendance on November 21 and a
specifical-
series of select national screenings
watch traditional hetero-themed of-
ly LGBTQ+ female leads in holiday
followed. Now you can take a break
ferings flood our streaming platforms
movies, Tello Films and DASH Pro-
from the hectic holiday season and
and networks , we'll have something
ductions are proud and excited to be
watch the movie from the comfort of
of our own to watch and share with
breaking ground with Season of Love
your own home!
loved ones. Lifetime alone has an-
this December.
So this holiday season, as we
characters
and
more
nounced the release of 28 films for
"We talk a lot today about diversi-
holiday season and competitor Hall-
ty on screen but it's also important
mark will delivering 24 new movie
to talk about diversity behind the
premieres this season. While both
camera," says Emily Goss. "Season
networks may be addressing racial
of Love has a queer female writer, di-
Season of Love is available online
for rent and/or purchase in early December 2019.
seasonoflovemovie.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 75
CULTURETRIP
76 CURVE
I
WINTER
CULTURETRIP
W
the Bahamas, lashing the Abaco
into the local community's color and creativi-
Islands and Grand Bahama on September
ty. Located on Baha Mar Boulevard on a prime
1, 2019, with devastating effects, the good
stretch of beachfront, SLS Baha Mar features
news for travelers is that you can visit the Ba-
299 rooms, world-class decor in soothing
hamas this winter and find the tourist center
beach tones, and unbeatable dining and night-
hile Hurricane Dorian was the
exoticism and top-shelf service. This five-star
worst-recorded cyclone to strike
hotel has a young and breezy vibe that taps
of Nassau up and running and ready for your
life experiences-including
much-needed business.
sort is a pleasure to roam with beautiful and
a casino! The re-
To clear up confusion about where Hurri-
vibrant landscaping that meanders down to
cane Dorian hit, destroying many structures
the stunning two-mile stretch of beach, perfect
and leaving tens of thousands of people
for swimmers of all abilities. On property is a
homeless, the Nassau Paradise Island Pro-
replica of the world's second deepest-known
motion Board announced this past fall that all
saltwater sinkhole, Dean's Blue Hole, plus
of the resorts were open for business and the
an aquarium populated with adopted nurse
destination was left unaffected by the storm.
sharks, stingrays and tropical fish.
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is
A highlight of your stay is the dining options
roughly 127 miles south of Grand Bahama
but before you crack open a menu, head to Sky-
and nearly 90 miles south of Abaco where
bar, the only rooftop lounge in The Bahamas
the storm hit. Nassau Paradise Island is fa-
where you can take in stunning ocean views
mous for its pristine and sugar-fine white sand
and the most beautiful sunsets! The staff and
beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a
the ambience here are world class and the
range of resorts to choose from: upscale-adult
cocktails and service are stellar. Of course din-
to family budget-friendly. Plus, the destination
ner must follow and here you are spoiled for
is serviced by more than 40 non-stop flights
choice but my pick is Carna by Dario Cecchi-
from most major U.S. cities; it's less than an
ni, a sophisticated contemporary steakhouse
hour from South Florida or three hours from
with robust seafood options including oysters,
New York City. For transfers to and from the
prawns, crab and lobster. The service is exqui-
airport we recommend Majestic Tours, and for
site, with all staff knowing everything under the
getting around the island by cab, do bring cash
sun about the food and wine they have on of-
as some folks don't take credit cards.
fer. Carna takes resort dining to a new level. If
And if you are concerned about the welfare
you are a carnivore you will be pleased to know
of the people in the Bahamas, one of the best
that Chef Cecchini was an early advocate for
ways to help them is by visiting. Many of the
ethically-raised and humanely-treated animals,
larger resorts provide guests with direct ways
espousing a belief that all cuts of meat can be
to support Grand Bahama and the Abacos,
utilized when cooked appropriately, eliminat-
and the tourism board of Nassau is working
ing waste and promoting sustainability. Pes-
closely with the Bahamian government in re-
catarians like myself will be delighted by the
lief efforts. Some resorts are also offering in-
fresh and sustainable choices on the menu
credible value-added packages to encourage
(bahamar.com).
your visit.
If you'd like to visit we have two properties
of different price points to recommend.
SLSBahaMar
Comfort
Suites,
Paradise
Island
This all-suite hotel is the pick for those on a
budget and with kids in tow. With 223 recently
renovated junior suites that include flat screen
If you see yourself living in the lap of Baha-
cable televisions and free wireless internet ac-
mian luxury while on Nassau Paradise Island,
cess, plus complimentary hot American buffet
this is the place. SLS Hotels are known for a
breakfast daily, affordable alfresco dining at
certain standard of style that combines an el-
Crusoe's bar and grill, and a good-sized swim-
egant design aesthetic with flourishes of local
ming pool, Comfort Suites will keep your crew
WINTER
I
CURVE 77
CULTURETRIP
happy and occupied (choicehotels.
com/comfortsuites/nassau).
Located on Paradise Island, the signature amenity is complete access to
everything the famed Atlantis Resort,
which is within walking distance of the
property, has to offer. And that's a lot of
aquaventure, swimming pools, private
beach, and more! After checking in at
Things
toseeanddo
Downtown Nassau is the place for
shopping but if you'd like to try the local delicacies, head to Arawak Cay for
lunch (Frankie Gone Bananas is a favorite to try and highly recommended
by locals!). Arawak Cay Drive & Fish
Fry Street dates back to 1969 and
features multiple home-style, casual
"Thebeachf
rontisstunning
andgoesformiles."
com). This historic mansion is set on
lush, antique grounds and the service
is something out of this world. You'll
be asked to wait in the drawing room
where you will enjoy a pre-dinner beverage, then before being invited to an
almost-formal dinner sitting where the
evening proceeds like no other. The
menu and the service are old school
and it's definitely fun to dress accordingly! And if you're lucky, after dinner
you may get a tour of the subterranean
wine cellar which holds thousands of
bottles, in some instances, of priceless
vintages!
My favorite things to do on vacaybed, beach and food and beverage-
Comfort Suites, walk over to Atlantisyou've no doubt seen pictures of its
towering marine-themed fantasia in
promotions of the Bahamas-get your
wrist band and you're free to roam.
You'll need to bring an ID for each person and your Comfort Suites room key
to the Guest Services desk at The Coral in the Atlantis Resort. It's certainly
worth a visit and its beachfront there
is simply stunning and goes for miles.
Also a mere stroll from Comfort Suites
is Marina Village, a great place to look
at the yachts, shop, or grab refreshments and souvenirs.
78 CURVE
I
WINTER
restaurants and food shacks serving
classic Bahamian dishes, including
broiled lobster tails, deep-fried snapper, grilled shrimp and of course, that
chewy, smoky island delicacy-conch.
Also a short cab ride from your hotel
is Heritage Village where you can wander narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at the array of colorful buildings,
and explore local stores selling everything from handmade cigars to chocolate. To enjoy an olde-worlde-style dinner where you feel you have stepped
back in time, make a reservation at
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant (graycliff.
are certainly in abundance in Nassau
Paradise Island but there is more to
do: take a tour of John Watling's Distillery, home of the "Spirit of The Bahamas" (tasty small-batch rum) at
the Buena Vista Estate, in Downtown
Nassau. Founded in 1789, the estate
looks out over the harbor and is walking distance from the cruise ship port
and the Straw Market, which is a great
place to support the local vendors
with the purchase of some handmade
arts and crafts to take home.
nassauparadiseisland.com
...J
MerrynJohns
W
inter is upon us and you
airport) for uneventful transportation
may be unswimmable. The staff does
know what that means!
to the resort. Royalton Suites Cancun
their utmost, however, to keep the
Snowbirds start planning
is affordable all-inclusive luxury on a
sand clear of weed.
their escapes, and girl, do I have one
for you!
Royalton
SuitesCancun
Resort
&Spa
beautiful stretch of beachfront.
Whereisit
Cancun often gets a bad rap as being
excessively "touristy" but I like it because it's safe, there are plenty of op-
The resort is situated on a lovely
portunities for shopping, and it's only
First, a trip to the Mexican Caribbe-
stretch of white sand beach with tur-
a quick boat ride to the beautiful Isla
an. If you're escaping the Arctic blast
quoise and blue waters as far as the
Mujeres. Once there, you can have a
along the Eastern Seaboard, it's a
eye can see. However, the Caribbean
lazy lunch, do more shopping in Down-
quick flight south before you land in
coast is currently having a problem
town Isla Mujeres, or snorkel its world
Cancun and transfer with Nexus Tours
with seaweed and depending on what
famous barrier reef. And don't forget
(their booth is easy to find outside the
time of year you're there, the beach
to check out the legend of the Mayan
WINTER
I
CURVE 79
CULTURETRIP
goddess of childbirth and medicine,
lxchel. When the Spanish colonizers
landed in the 16th century they noted
the many images dedicated to this goddess and named the island "Isla Mujeres" accordingly.
distinguishing
features
such as Level 18, the beautiful and
expansive rooftop
pool and deck.
Level 18 is an adults-only oasis where
you can book a private cabana, order
food and wine, or simply gaze at the
beautiful ocean one way, and the sunset the other way. If you are traveling
with kids the beachfront pool is for you
and you can watch the kids from your
in-pool sun lounger. But if you are sin
hijos, live a little and have lunch at the
rooftop cabana lounge, enjoy a hookah sunset, and ask front desk about
evening entertainment on the rooftop,
which transforms itself into an open air
nightclub with light shows, musicians
and performers, depending on the
event. You can also book a romantic
and upscale dinner at SkyClub. It's also
the spot for morning yoga, and what an
inspiring view it offers! Diamond Club
staff are everywhere to help cater to
your needs and requests and since part
of your Diamond Club experience is a
butler service, they are friendly, unimposing, and waiting to help you.
Wheretoeatanddrink
SCORE Sport Bar is styled as a pub
and grill with big screen TVs, perfect
for catching up on the game while
you're away. Depending on how late
you stayed up you'll either want to order room service or have breakfast at
Gourmet Marche, an international buffet, and it's also open for lunch and dinner serving plenty of whatever you're in
the mood for. Classic Asian dishes and
80 CURVE
I
carnivores and wine lovers, and Agave
Mexican Restaurant is the place to try
regional classics while Grazie Italian
food. Not included in your resort rate
Royalton Suites Cancun Resort & Spa
many
at Hunter Steakhouse is the place for
Trattoria serves up classic comfort
Whatmakesit different
has
fresh sushi are served at Jade. Dinner
WINTER
but worth springing for if you have
budget set aside for something special
is the C/X Culinary Experience,a Chef's
Table an indulgent evening of seven
courses (with
musical
accompani-
ment!) This is one to dress up for.
Whattodothere
Take time out for a moment of wellness at the Royal Spa where you can
indulge in an aromatic massage or
even a manicure. Fitness is high on
SHOPPING
201gStatement
ofOwnership
Publication Title: Curve
Publication No.: 0010-355
Marketplace
r---------------------------------------1
TheHighands
Inn
Filing Date: Dec 1, 2019
Issue Frequency:Quarterly
Dec I Mar/ Jul / Sep
Number of Issues Published Annually: 4
Annual Subscription Price: $35.00
Complete Mailing Address: PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300,
Australia
Contact Person: Silke Bader
Telephone: (415) 871-0569
Publisher: Silke Bader PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
Editor: Merryn Johns PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
Owner(s): Avalon Media LLCPO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300,
Australia
SiIke Bader PO Box 1099 Darlinghurst NSW 1300, Australia
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 MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:We have operated
continuously as a popular lesbian destination.
FIND US: highlandsinn-nh.com
RealEstate
Publication Title: Curve
Issue Date for Circulation Data: Dec 19
Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No.
Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months:
A) Total No. Copies Net Press Run: 5143. B) Paid Circulation. (By
Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 1562; (2) Mailed In-County Paid
Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 0; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales_ rough Dealers and Carriers,Street
Vendors, Counter Sales,and Other Paid Distribution outside USPS:
3255; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail _ rough the
USPS:168. C) Total Paid Distribution: 4985. D) Free or Nominal
Rate Distribution by Mail and Outside the Mail: (1) Freeor Nominal
Rate Outside-CountyCopies included on Form 3541: 0; (2) Free or
Nominal Rate In-CountyCopies included on Form 3541: O;(3) Free
or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Mailed_ rough
the USPS: 12; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the
Mail: 121. E) Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 133. F) Total
Distribution: 5118. G) Copies Not Distributed: 25. H) Total: 5143. I)
Percent Paid 97%.
IN A SENTENCE:The Trusted Leader for over 25 years!
Instant Free Access to the Nation's Top LGBTQ Realtors.
WHAT MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:Free Buyers Representation + Free Relocation Kit and City, USA.
FIND US: GayRealEstate.com
1-----------------------------------------1
WildRainbow
AfricanSafaris
Extent and Nature of Circulation/No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
A) Total No. Copies Net Press Run: 5295. B) Paid Circulation.
(By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid
Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 1658; (2) Mailed In-County
Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 0; (3) Paid Distribution
Outside the Mails Including Sales _ rough Dealers and Carriers,
Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS:3289; (4)
Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail _ rough the USPS:173.
C) Total Paid Distribution: 5120. D) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: 0; (2) Free or Nominal Rate
In-County Copies included on Form 3541: 0; (3) Free or Nominal
Rate Distribution Mailed at Other Classes_ rough the USPS:15; (4)
Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 133. E) Total
Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 148. F) Total Distribution: 5268.
G) Copies Not Distributed: 27. H) Total: 5295. 1)Percent Paid: 97%.
Publication of Statement of Ownership: Dec 2019
IN A SENTENCE:Lesbian-owned and guided safaris that
show you the real Africa while keeping safety, comfort, and
fun top priorities.
WHAT MAKES OUR SERVICESPECIAL:Owner and expert
Jody Cole has traveled to Africa more than 75 times.
FIND US: wildrainbowsafaris.com
WINTER
I
CURVE 81
CULTURETRIP
the agenda at Royalton Suites with
Cancun has recently undertak-
Royalton Luxury Resorts having
en
expanded its All-In Luxury® to
with thousands of turtles eggs
the beachfront. And Nexus Tours
ing all-inclusive model, the fitness
(nexustours.com) can also assist
programming at Royalton Luxury
you with a trip to Chichen ltza, the
Resorts brings guests a variety
pre-Columbian city built by the
of fitness and wellness classes,
Maya people featuring the distinc-
taught by certified instructors.
tive pyramid-shaped temple of El
Okay,but if you're like me, you're
Castillo, or perhaps you'd like to
probably here to party. Sample
explore the local cents and river
cocktails and dance the night
caves? The Yucatan Peninsula has
away at XS Disco Bar... and there's
much to offer and Royalton Suites
always something happening at
makes a delightful home base.
Bar
on
Level
18.
But let's not forget nature is on
your doorstep and Royalton Suites
WINTER
conservancy
As the connoisseurs of the evolv-
SkyClub
I
wildlife
hatching in a protected area of
include fitness and wellness.
82 CURVE
some
royaltonresorts.com
BECAUSE
YOU LOVE EACII
OTHER
TO GO ANY,VIIERE
TOO .MUCII
LESS.
~acatffenC)j/;ll'
VISIT
PARADISECOAST.COM/LGBTQ
*
NAPLES
MARCO ISLAND
EVERGLADES
FLORIDA'S
PARADISE
COAST
See all items with this value
