From the Juno Awards Trenches

The Juno Awards happened here last night in Vancouver BC and they are all the local media is talking about this morning.

I'm not sure if they air the Junos (which are the Canadian equivalent to the Grammy's) down in the states, but we watched it last night and Sarah McLachlan shined!

Our dear friend, Jenny, scored tickets to the dinner and chatted with her briefly. Check out this amazing photo. Look how hot they both are! Two single women out on a rainy night... imagine the possibilities.

When I heard they met, I assumed they probably really hit it off, as it's one of the world's biggest wonders that they're both single! The woman who lands Jenny is going to be one lucky biatch. Of course, she'll have to get through Lipstick first, which--for all intensive purposes--is harder than getting through the older brother.

The Heat is On

Dipstick, while you're over there watching your womens b-ball (go Devils!), I'm up here in Vancouver finishing the final touches of a novel I've been working on since the beginning of time (when God used his wand or when there was a big explosion, whichever--if either--is true).

I've written about my novel here before, back when I was looking for an agent, but now I am like 48 hours from finishing these final revisions.

My agent, Holly Bemiss, has probably given up on me at this point, as the last draft I sent her was over a year ago. Since then, however, I've been like a gold miner, blasting huge sticks of dynamite to get rid of things and create new material, and skillfully (hopefully) using my little pick to clear away the debris around the sparkling veins throughout the story. I hope I've succeeded.

So, I'll keep you posted here as this unfolds for me. I'm anxious to see where she'll place the novel and when it will be available. Its working title is Jukebox and it's a coming of age love story about two debutantes who fall in love.

Stay tuned. There will be much more to come soon!

Psst: I'm in pre-production on the film, too.

* This image is NOT the cover of the book.

Dipstick Can't Come to the Blog Right Now, She's Busy Watching Basketball

You won't be hearing from Dipstick for a while. We're heading into the NCAA Women's Final Four basketball tournament. Even though my beloved Lady Vols have been knocked out in the first round, there are still plenty of teams to root for. Namely, anyone who can beat UConn. So right now, that means Cal.

I'm also a huge Rutgers fan. And even though I doubt she even knows it, Lipstick's alma mater Arizona State is kicking some major ass in the tournament.

Gotta get bak to the game. Unless you want to talk basketball, I'll talk to you when March is over.

Funny Lesbian Comedians:: Marilyn Pittman & Gail Hand

Our good friend and funnywoman Gail Hand is bringing Marilyn Pittman to Portland for two comedy shows. Lipstick & I were guests on Marilyn Pittman's Out in the Bay radio show a year ago, where we dished about lesbian sex, butch/femme and our lesbian relationship guide. She's a very funny woman and also good at navigating San Francisco at rush hour.

You know you need a laugh right about now. So be sure to check these two out!

Saturday, April 4 at 10:30pm

Sunday, April 5 at 7:00 pm

Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC)
5340 North Interstate Ave. 

Tickets:  $20/$18 for seniors

What Would You Do?

Yesterday I learned of a gay-bashing on the Oregon Coast. It's Spring Break and lots of young people descend on the coastal town of Seaside to play and party. Two gay college students were hanging out at a bonfire on the beach with a group of other people on Saturday night. When they walked away from the fire, a group of 3-4 people followed them and beat them unconscious, taunting them with anti-gay slurs.

I've learned not to be shocked by this kind of behavior. But still, it affects me. It affects every GLBT person in America when this sort of thing happens. It's meant to. It's meant to scare us into hiding, to keep us from living our lives as full free citizens. Of course I won't go into hiding. Even if at times it's scary not to.

But when I heard about this story, I couldn't help but wonder about the other people who might have been around. Where were the other people at the bonfire when these boys were being attacked? Why did no one come to their defense? Were there just no people around, were their cries simply ignored, or were others afraid to come to their defense?

I saw this interesting video produced by an ABC station in Massachusetts. They set up two actors to go into a straight sports bar and act affectionate with one another. The outcome is somewhat, but not all together heartening. Take a look and leave comments.

Cute Puppy Videos

Who can work when there's a cute puppy to play with? Please humor me with some videos of my new baby girl Olive playing with a few of her toys.

My New Puppy Olive

Tiger and I added a new member to our family. Meet Olive Juneau Belge. She's an 8-week old Alaskan Malamute and the niece to our boy Rocky. We've had her for just a week and already we're in love.

Portia de Rossi Apologizes

Portia de Rossi realized the harm that her marriage and other gay marriages have caused to other people. So she apologized:

The Posse Reunited

We're headed to Arizona this week to spend some time with family, golf and soak up some vitamin D. A trip to AZ would never be the same without a night out with the Posse, so heads up Scottsdale. Lock up the kids, batten down the hatches and get ready!

Tomorrow night is sure to go own in the books. Stay tuned for a shout out from the trenches and a recap from the Scottsdale Police Department.

Lezzie Sorority

Check it out: there is now a national lesbian sorority for you girls who long for the bonding, pillow-fighting, warm fuzzies of joining a sorority. It's called: Gamma Rho Lambda and they're looking for a few good lesbians. Although they're not officially known as the lesbian sorority--but instead "providing a social support system for young college students, inclusive of all of our members, whether they identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, straight, or with no label"--there sure are a lot of lesbians!

I should preface all this by saying pairing your college experience with sorority life is like sitting down for a steak and the right glass of red wine. I was a sorority girl in college (rowdy-doo Kappa Kappa Gamma) and it was--next to coming out of the closet and deciding to be a writer--the best decision I've made in my life. I'm still very close to many of my sisters (who are all straight, except one, who was my first girlfriend--the novel's coming!) and cherish my memories at Kappa.

Anyhoo, any of you dyke-o-romos in or headed to a big state school (check out their website for chapters) and looking for a similar experience, consider the ya-ya-sisterhood of sorority life.

Dipstick Earns Some Cred

Sorry we've been so lax about blogging for the last week or so; Dip and I have been busy and resting since our trip to the University of Wisconsin. It was quite a whirlwind, too. We flew into a very stormy Chicago-O'hare (we were delayed) and arrived just in time to eat dinner and crash. The next day, even though we left with plenty of time to spare, we had a super fun time with a flat tire on one of Illinois' Tollways. Dipstick and I changed the tire ourselves after the tow truck arrived (yeah, long story as to WHY the tobacco-spitting driver couldn't help us! It will be a vlog on Curve's website). I have to say, Dipstick did quite a good job (with Lipstick's help in a skirt and knee-high boots). It was minus 20.

Here is photographic proof Dipstick is actually "all that" as it relates to cars. Way to go Dip!

The super duper Ana--with the LGBTQSTXYNEBS Center--greeted us with only a few moments to spare and Dip and I pulled it off, despite the oil under our nails (which suited Dip well, but not this femme). The students were fantastic on the Parkside campus and we give them all a shout out!

The nun who came was especially intriguing. Dip, being the Catholic, do you think you could blog about that? She was very sweet and had us sign a religious Requiem music book (?).

You already heard about the icing on the cake, which was actually a good thing this time--our favorite flight attendant Erin (from an unnamed airline). Thanks again Erin! Hope to cross paths with you again.

And thanks again Ana, Kim, Richard, David, Beth and our favorite straight ally Terri!

Help a Lesbian in Need Before March 17th

On August 18, 2006, seven young African American lesbians traveled to New York City from their homes in Newark for a regular night out.. When walking down the street, a man sexually propositioned one of the women. After refusing to take no for an answer, he assaulted them.

The women tried to defend themselves, and a fight broke out. The women were charged with Gang Assault in the 2nd degree, a Class C Felony with a mandatory minimum of 3.5 years. Patreese Johnson was additionally charged with 1st Degree Assault. Three of the women accepted plea offers. On June 14th, 2007 Venice Brown (19), Terrain Dandridge (20), Patreese Johnson (20), and Renata Hill (24) received sentences ranging from 3 1/2 to 11 years in prison.

These young butch women have been targeted by the media and the justice system.
Right now one Renata Hill's sentence is under consideration and she needs all the support she can get.  Please take a moment RIGHT NOW and write to the District Attorney and ask that Renata be released from jail. Letters should arrive before March 17th. Here is a sample letter.  Change it as you see fit. 

For more about the Jersey 4

Robert M. Morgenthau
District Attorney
New York County
1 Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013

[Date]

Re: People vs. Renata Hill

Dear Mr. Morgenthau:

I am writing concerning the case of Renata Hill, who is scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2009 for a potential retrial. Ms. Hill's original trial was stemming from an incident in August 2006. Her conviction for Gang Assault was recently overturned on appeal. Your office is about to make a decision on offering Ms. Hill either a retrial or a plea bargain where she would serve a
year in prison.

Whatever Ms. Hill's role on that night, she shouldn't have to go back to prison. Ms. Hill has already served two years. While she was incarcerated, she was separated from her young son. She also suffered the death of her mother, whose memorial she was unable to attend. I want to encourage you to stop further prosecution in this case, and to release Ms. Hill so that she may get on with
her life. I am writing as a person who identifies with the queer and trans communities. What happened during the incident involving Ms. Hill on August 2006 was terribly
unfortunate. I believe that none of the defendants who were changed actually went out there that night with the intention of criminal activity. Life is difficult for queer and trans people, and we ask that your office recognize the
constant threat of danger we live with.

Ms. Hill has been punished enough for her role in the event – both by actual imprisonment, and in the impact that imprisonment has had upon her life. I appreciate any assistance you can provide in preventing any further injustice.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

The Best Flight Ever

Flying pretty much sucks these days, right? Crowded seats, extra charges for luggage, late planes, layovers, no food. Which isn’t to say it's all bad. There was the time last year when I got upgraded to first class. And once I was on a flight with Picabo Street. But what happened yesterday takes the cake.

On our way back from Kenosha, WI, Lipstick and I met Erin. Erin is a flight attendant for an unnamed airline, who also happens to read our column in Curve magazine. She recognized us when we came on board. It’s great to have friends in high places.

Excuse the terrible pun, I’m writing this half drunk. See, when you meet a flight attendant who is a fan, she offers to bring you alcohol. And then more alcohol. And more alcohol. Never mind that it’s only 10:30 in the morning.

Because I’m tipsy, and writing this on our descent, I’m going to mention just how cute Erin was. Just my type. Tall and athletic with light green eyes. I started to have fantasies about the mile-high club, of which I am not yet a member. And with tightened airport security, it seems like I might never join that exclusive club. I began to wonder if Erin might have special privileges that could get us both inducted.

Well, I won’t tell you how all THAT turned out, just that both Lipstick & I agreed, flight 605 was the best ever!

L Word Auction

OMG, Patty and I went to the preview yesterday for today's' L Word Auction and it was so interesting. We walked around the huge set, which was torn down (it's where they filmed the show!) but they had all the stuff from the show they were auctioning off organized for perusal.

They had the furniture broken down by character.
I got to sit in Jenny and Shane's living room and touch Bette and Tina's bed. :) It was so much fun and we've got our eyes on a few things in particular. Stay tuned to find out what we pick up today at the live auction.

The biggest discovery was that they shot everything in this huge warehouse set. They dug out Bette and Tina's pool, built the rooms and front of the house--everything! All of that was torn down, but you could see the outline from where they filled in the pool. Did you think that was filled in a real backyard? So crazy the smoke and mirrors of film.


Some notable things we saw:

• Kits car (she was driving when she got the DUI)
• A huge box of Shane's Hugo Boss underwear
• The coffee machine and everything else from the Planet
• Even Dana's urn where they "put her ashes"
• A fake "Awake Angelica" doll

UW Parkside Here We Come!

 
Lipstick & I are really looking forward to our first trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin where we'll be speaking as guests of the Rainbow Alliance and the LGBTQ Resource Center. If you're in the area, be sure to come check us out.

Also, if you're in Chicago, we plan (if our flights are on time) attending the L Word Finale at
Circuit Night Club, 3641 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613 Sunday night 6:00pm - 9:00pm CT. If you're going to be there, please seek us out and say hello.

Katie Hearts Us and We Heart Katie

This came in today's email. We love hearing from you. Especially when you say stuff like this: 

I feel so drawn to write to you today, though I am not in a crazy, cuntliciously infused predicament at the moment. I devoured your book about a month ago and have started reading it again. You have absolutely NO idea how much your book saved me and made me laugh my ass off. I have been in the most important, earth-shaking relationship of my life for three years. She is quite a bit older, and we have had some rough hills and valleys, but I cannot imagine being able to live, see, or breathe without this woman. Now I am not newly infatuated with the lesbian life, I have known about my beautiful gay self since I messed around with girls in middle school. (Being a femme, people do not suspect such promiscuity so early). I live in a horribly stifled town in the south that is killing me. There is no gay community and I often times feel suffocated. So, I felt the need to write you and express to you that I feel closer to you than anyone I work with, see everyday in my community. Though we have never met, you two GET me and HEAR me more than this whole town could! You do not know how much this moves me! I fiercely thank you, Lipstick and Dipstick!

Hang in there Katie! We've got your back.

Webisode :: Messy in the Mountains

The next installment of our webisode is going live in Curve's website today--www.curvemag.com.
Be sure to check it out on their site and make a comment about how you like it.

If you saw the first couple webisodes, you'll notice that this one is quite an improvement. We're learning as we go along.

Enjoy!

Dyke Tees

I was just working on our most recent column--which is Curve's fashion issue for later this summer--and was wracking my brain to come up with my top five fashions or accessories. Dipstick's were about as Dipstick as they come: a peace necklace, an army hat, a vintage boy vest. No surprises, right?

Mine are still coming to shape (there are just too many to choose from!), but one thing that was definitely on my list were Dyke Tees. I love this uber cool line of shirts and it's not only because my dear friend, creative storm Stacy Bias, started it, but also because I think they're so cuttingly clever. And it's kind of hard to make me smile when it comes to stuff like this.

As I was cruising their new and improved site this morning, I realized I'd never written about it so I thought I'd share it with ya'll this morning. I posted pics of a few that gave me an extra tickle. (Mom and Nana, the "My Humps" below as for you.)

PS: She just started her own web hosting company, too, which is 100% green web hosting. They do web design, too! Check it out here: www.taproothosting.com


*photos by Kina Williams, Rebecca Bateman, and Lydia Daniller.

Gender Play

What does being a butch mean? What's the difference between being a butch, a boi, a tomboy or a stud? 
All this and more will be explored in a new art exhibit in Los Angeles this month. 

From the press release:

The exhibit will show how lesbian life played out through the centuries; from two-spirit native people, to cross-dressers and tobacco-chewing women of the Civil War and, to stone butches, high femmes, and kiki’s of the 1950s, though the dykes of the lesbian feminist 1970s, to queers, bois, and Trans people of today. Learn who was ‘out’ in the Wild West and who was ‘passing’? Why were kiki lesbians kicked out of the bars in the 50’s? Why did lesbians go ‘androgynous’ in the radical 70s and tell butches to go back in the closet? What made lesbians go lipstick in the 80s? Who or what is genderqueer? And today, in the 21st Century, how can you tell when a lesbian boi is really a girl?

Damn, I wish I was in LA!

GenderPlay the Exhibit, opens Saturday, March 14, 3 to 6pm and will feature butch folk-singing hero Phranc, emcee Marie Cartier and performance art from Latina trio, Butchlalis de Panochtitlan. (Who Lipstick & Dipstick performed with in Eugene last year.)
The show will run for two months, March 14 to May 23, at the ONE Archives Gallery & Museum at 626 N. Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood (entrance is on El Tovar).
The Gallery is open every Friday 4 to 8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5pm.