Category Archives: Lesbian
URVASHI VAID, ACTIVIST, AUTHOR, ATTORNEY has Passed Away
Legendary attorney, LGBTQ activist, and author Urvashi Vaid, known for her extensive career an advocate for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, anti-war efforts, immigration justice and many other social causes, died today at age 63 in her home in New York City. She was the Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force from 1989- 1992 and served prior to that as Media Director.
“We are devastated at the loss of one of the most influential progressive activists of our time,” said Kierra Johnson, current Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. “Urvashi Vaid was a leader, a warrior and a force to be reckoned with,” continued Johnson, “She was also a beloved colleague, friend, partner and someone we all looked up to – a brilliant, outspoken and deeply committed activist who wanted full justice and equality for all people.”
“Her leadership, vision and writing helped shape not only the Task Force’s values and work but our entire queer movement and the larger progressive movement. We will strive every day to live up to her ideals and model the courage she demonstrated every day as an activist and a person. She will be deeply I missed. I miss her already.” concluded Johnson.
At George H.W. Bush’s 1990 address on AIDS, Vaid, then the Executive Director of The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, made a statement with her sign: “Talk Is Cheap, AIDS Funding is Not”. Her critique made waves, disrupting the press conference, and shedding light on the failures of the Bush administration.
“Equality is a fine aspiration. It’s simply not enough”, she wrote in a 2014 piece on liberation. And it is a politics of liberation that shaped her career and informed her vision for the world. Vaid’s vision and passion for defending and promoting civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community led to a lifetime of changemaking.
Her time at The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in which she held multiple positions for over ten years, notably Media Director, then Executive Director, saw her bring all aspects of queer life and struggle into the public eye. While at the Task Force, she co-founded the annual Creating Change conference, now in its 33rd year.
In 1995, after resigning from her position at the Task Force three years prior, she published her first book, Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation, in which she criticized the idea of “mainstreaming” what was and is, in fact, a civil rights movement. Rather than tolerance, she argued, the objective for the movement should be fundamental, actionable change. It was not an immediately popular notion, as media representation for queer people was just beginning to take shape, though it was, for her, of great moral importance. In 1996 Virtual Equality won the Stonewall Book Award.
In her position as President of the Vaid Group, Vaid advised, mentored, and supported the LGBTQ+ movement.
In 2012, Urvashi Vaid launched LPAC, the first lesbian Super PAC, and it has since invested millions of dollars in candidates who are committed to social justice through legislation.
Prior to that, Vaid held positions on the boards at the Ford Foundation, The Arcus Foundation (where she served as Executive Director from 2005 to 2010), and the Gill Foundation.
She was a leader in the development of the currently on-going National LGBTQ women’s community survey.
Vaid was the aunt of activist and performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon. She is survived by Alok Vaid-Menon as well as her longtime partner, political humorist Kate Clinton.
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights.
Queer Ladies Night NYC
QUEER LADIES’ NIGHT
AT THE ROCKWOOD ON OCTOBER 18, 2018
LGBTQ MUSICAL ACTIVIST, JESSIE STANDAFER AND LESBIAN SINGER/SONGWRITER, CASSIDY ANDREWS CELEBRATE QUEER WOMEN IN MUSIC.
Queer women deserve to be seen. They deserve to hear Queer voices, sing Queer songs, and share space together. It is time Queer Women get what they deserve. Share an intimate evening of community, music, and healing. Lesbian singer/songwriters’ Jessie Standafer & Cassidy Andrews have curated a night of music presented exclusively by Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer women + femmes, and they want YOU in the room!
For full schedule and tickets, please visit http://www.ticketfly.com/
Come and be part of the queerest thing to ever hit Rockwood Music Hall on NYC’s Lower East Side.
Jessie Standafer
Cassidy Andrews
Alexa Wilkinson
Katie Madison
Jamie Hood
Lenaé A. Harris
Janelle Maire
Emily Wolfe
The women featured in this evening have toured and shared the stage with Ingrid Michaelson, Josh Kelley, Natasha Beddingfield, Mieka Pauly, Bess Rogers, Lelia Broussard, Vanessa Carlton, Dar Williams, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Rosi Golan, Kate Voegele and many more.
Thursday, October 18, 2018, General Admission
Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 7:00 PM
Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 185 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002
50th Anniversary of Stonewall Inn
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official 501(c)3 of the Stonewall Inn, announced that it will host its annual PRIDE reception on Monday, June 4th at the historic Stonewall Inn.
Launched in 2017, SIGBI is inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ rights movement born from the Stonewall Inn Rebellion of 1969 though its awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising and candid public dialogue.
“We are excited to once again partner with Jet Blue and Brooklyn Brewery to support The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. The Initiative supports grass roots organizations across the country and especially those in places where equality has been slow to arrive.” Said Stacy Lentz, Co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and CEO of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. “With their generous support the Initiative is able to do the much-needed work of helping some of the most undeserved LGBTQ communities.”
This year, in response to the devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico, SIGBI will highlight the work of Proyecto Matria www.proyectomatria.org, which works to advance the equity of LGBTQ communities from two areas: human rights activism and the offering of services in the field of economic development and housing. Matria also has educational programs to train other organizations, public agencies and communities on how to stop discrimination against LGBTQ people and create safe spaces from an equity perspective.
SIGBI will also announce two major campaigns:
The inaugural Stonewall Auction, running now through June 12th on Charitybuzz is offering once in a lifetime celebrity experiences and items for bid, https://bit.ly/2J1ztNZ . Also, the Stonewall Inn Ambassadors, a cohort of activists, celebrities, and influencers, who will work together to elevate awareness and support for SIGBI over the next 12 months and through the 50th anniversary of Stonewall on June 28, 2019. Stonewall Inn Ambassadors include Chelsea Clinton, Bryan Lourd, Laverne Cox, Robbie Rogers, Geena Rocero and Cleve Jones. Please see full list at the end of this release. www.stonewallinitiative.org/new-index/
Both campaigns are programs of Pride Live Nation, www.pridelivenation.org.
During the reception, there will be a performance by Michael Blume and remarks by featured speaker Chely Wright.
Indie/soul artist Michael Blume has released his latest songs “R U Mad” and “Blunder” – from his upcoming EP Cynicism &Sincerity, which will be out June 8th via S-Curve Records. The songs are available now at all digital music outlets, including Spotify, Apple/iTunes, and Amazon……
See the new video! (PRESS HERE to watch)
The forthcoming EP release comes following a whirlwind year for Blume. Since arriving on the scene in 2015, New York-based singer, songwriter, and artist Michael Blume has consistently delivered daring, diverse, and dynamic anthems blurring the lines between simmering and soaring. He’s attracted acclaim from Rolling Stone, GQ, Nylon, Ladygunn, Pigeons & Planes, Earmilk, and Dujour and turned the uninitiated into believers at Governor’s Ball, Firefly, Lollapalooza, and will be performing at the Bonnaroo Music Arts Festival on June 10th.
Chely Wright www.chely.com rose to fame as a commercial country singer in the 90’s and has since released eight studio albums and charted more than 15 singles on the Billboard charts. The Academy of Country Music named Wright “Top New Female Vocalist of 1995.”
About Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative is inspired by the struggles and ideals of the LGBTQ rights movement born from the Stonewall Inn Rebellion of 1969. Through awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising and candid public dialogue, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative supports grassroots organizations across the country with a focus on those in communities where progress toward equality has been slow and discrimination, harassment, substance abuse, depression and suicide have become an unacceptable way of life. You can donate to SIGBI by visiting: www.stonewallinitiative.org/donate/
Broadway Bares STRIP U
More than 150 of New York’s hottest dancers will be hitting the books ― figuratively, at least ― this June, but the lessons they’ll impart are decidedly not for kids.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS officials whetted fans’ appetites for “Broadway Bares: Strip U” this week with some steamy photos and a behind-the-scenes video. The 27th installment of the wildly popular Broadway-meets-burlesque fundraiser will feature a collegiate theme, and its chiseled cast will “school” audiences with steamy art, math and sport-themed dance numbers. This year’s show will hit New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom June 18 and will be directed by Nick Kenkel, whose Broadway credits include “Catch Me If You Can,” “Evita” and “The Wedding Singer.”
“Class will be in session this summer at the only college campus where clothing is optional and bodacious burlesque is always in the curriculum,” officials wrote in a press release, before promising “a science lab exploding with sizzling chemistry or sculpted studs exhibiting model behavior in art class.”
Created in 1992 by Tony-winning “Kinky Boots” director Jerry Mitchell, the event has raised more than $15.8 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a nonprofit group dedicated to AIDS-related causes across the U.S. Previous installments of the show have ranged from 2012’s fairy tale-themed “Happy Endings” to 2016’s tech-driven fantasy “On Demand.”
GET TICKETS AND Read more about “Broadway Bares: Strip U” here.
WE Bike New York City November 6th
WE Bike NYC is a group based in New York City open to all women,
transgender, and gender nonconforming people who enjoy biking (or think
they might). WE Bike NYC aims to break down barriers to cycling by
offering social rides, training rides, mechanics workshops and ride
scholarships. Through innovative programming on and off the bike and
partnerships with local communities, WE Bike NYC creates a supportive
environment for women, girls, transgender and gender nonconforming
people to get where they want to go.
Wise Girl is led by the powerful vocals of frontwoman Abby Weitz, Wise Girl’s 10-track debut LP entitled You’ll Just Have To Wait
is filled with power chords, driving beats and authentic lyrics ripped
straight from the band’s personal experiences. Check out their latest
single, “So Broken,” HERE.
Annual WE PARTY!! Help us continue doing what WE do and offering our
programming free of charge by attending this party/benefit for $15. IT’S
OPEN TO ALL GENDERS and yes, there’s BIKE PARKING thanks to
Transportation Alternatives’ NYC Bike Ambassadors
Antigone Rising at New Yorks Mercury Lounge April 12th
I hope everyone grabbed TIME magazine this past with 2 historic gay covers!
members, Kristen Ellis-Henderson, is on the girl cover of Time
Magazine along with her wife Sarah. The issue features “portraits of the
gay marriage revolution” and boldly declares “Gay marriage already
won.”
Antigone Rising has been an all-female force to be reckoned with in
the country rock world since their debut release in 2005. After more
than a decade of relentless touring and critical acclaim, the band
(Kristen Ellis-Henderson, Cathy Henderson, Dena Tauriello, and Nini
Camps) is poised to release a new EP in 2013. The first single is “That Was The Whiskey,” a foot-stomping, rollicking good time co-written by Lori McKenna.
The band is performing on Fri., 4/12 at Mercury Lounge!
Christine Quinn…A Gay Mayer for New York City?
A Lesbian Mayor? Long seen as a leading contender, City Council Speaker Christine
Quinn formally launched Sunday what she hopes will be a history-making
mayoral bid.
A veteran of city politics, Quinn would be a groundbreaking mayor
across two personal dimensions: She would be the first female and first
openly gay mayor to lead the nation’s largest city.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll released last week, 37 percent of Democratic voters favor Quinn, meaning she’s closing in on the coveted 40 percent mark needed to avoid a run-off primary.
In other good news for Quinn, 78 percent of New York City voters are
either “comfortable” or “enthusiastic” about the prospect of an openly
gay New York City mayor.
In fact, more New Yorkers are in favor of a gay mayor than they are
with a business executive running the city. Only 57 percent of New
Yorkers in the poll said they were “comfortable” or “enthusiastic” about
the prospect of another Bloomberg-like candidate.
Rosie Leaves Chicago for New York City
A report on the Huffington Post
cites an “insider” who says Ms. O’Donnell was not happy about commuting
from her New York home to tape the show at Oprah Winfrey’s former Near
West Side studio. (WTF? She just bough a condo in Chicago!)
She’s also found it more difficult to persuade guests
to travel to Chicago that it would be to book them on a New York-based
show, the source said. – well of course. Dah.
The news came on the same day that reports said Ms. O’Donnell had found a buyer for her Lakeview home six months after she bought it. It had been listed on the market for just a day.
Ms.
O’Donnell bought the Chicago property as she began taping “The Rosie
Show,” which took over Harpo Studios after Ms. Winfrey ceased production
on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” to focus on her OWN network.
“The Rosie Show” has undergone changes since its debut. Ms. O’Donnell recently cut staff and stopped filming before a studio audience.
NJ Bridal Salon Refuses to sell to Lesbians
The decision has prompted thousands of couples in neighboring states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage, such as New Jersey, to plan their nuptials in New York. But as Bernadette Coveney-Smith, who specializes in planning gay weddings, explained last month to the Los Angeles Times, it can be a struggle for couples to find dress shops, florists and other vendors who are comfortable working with same-sex couples. The Yelp reviews, meanwhile, have become so rabid that Yelp reportedly is considering removing those that don’t abide by its policy of commenting on a business, not employees’ beliefs.
HOW STUPID IS THIS STORE?!
Here Comes the Bride in New Jersey, is making news for refusing to sell a gown to a lesbian who plans to marry in neighboring New York, which legalized same-sex marriage earlier this summer.
Alex Genter has complained that the manager at Here Comes the Bride in Somers Point, N.J., lectured her about her gay lifestyle after Genter crossed out the word “groom” and replaced it with “partner” and her fiancee’s name on paperwork she filled out for her planned purchase. “She said she wouldn’t work with me because I’m gay,” said Genter, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. “She also said that I came from a nice Jewish family, and that it was a shame I was gay. She said, ‘There’s right, and there’s wrong. And this is wrong.’ “
Genter visited Here Comes the Bride this month along with her parents and other family members for a day of dress-shopping, according to the article. She is planning to marry next summer in New York, which in June became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
Since the New Jersey incident made news, Here Comes the Bride has been hammered by hundreds of scathing reviews on Yelp, and a Facebook page called Boycott Here Comes the Bride has attracted 433 followers. The woman who refused to work with Genter, and who has been identified as “Donna,” told a Philadelphia Daily News columnist that she had indeed rejected Genter’s business but accused the angry bride of “stirring up drama” by going public about the incident.
Donna said she was trying to arrange a meeting with Genter’s parents in an apparent attempt to smooth things over, the Daily News said, but she didn’t say anything about meeting with Genter herself. – I wouldn’t even take a free gown from this salon at this point.
NY Posts Andrea Peyser calls Chaz A Drag On Us
Peyser uses a couple of LGBT groups or websites and their indignation over Chaz plus spews her own venom as in this opening sentence, Now — to her mom’s horror and the dismay of her lesbian girlfriend — she’s transformed. Chastity has morphed into the body of a plump, seemingly happy-go-lucky, middle-aged guy named Chaz.
Our buddy and AP Award Winning Journalist LYNDON EVANS gives his 2 cents over at Focus on the Rainbow. It’s a MUST-READ!New York City Dyke March and Parties
Since 1993, when the Lesbian Avengers organized the first Dyke March in Washington, D.C. at the March on Washington, and then again in New York in June, dykes have come out to demonstrate for rights and visibility.
Every year, thousands of dykes march down 5th Avenue to Washington Square Park on the Saturday before the NYC Pride Parade. Drummers up front near the banner rally the marchers out into the street and keep the rhythm going all the way down to the Village.
Signs proclaim political and personal slogans like “I’ll be satisfied when every dyke can be out” and “I’ll be satisfied when my mother can say the word lesbian.” We’ve seen giant lesbian puppets, a swimming pool complete with bathing beauties pulled along by strapping gals, SuperDyke in a rainbow cape, and of course: the fabulous marshals, those tireless and dedicated dykes, who lead the march in the front, run down the street blocking the traffic on the sides, and bring up the rear of the march.
The Dyke March is for self-identified women, supporters cheer us on!
THE 18th ANNUAL NYC DYKE MARCH
Saturday, June 26, 2010 Stepoff from Bryant Park (W 42nd St/5th Ave) at 5 pm, sharp!
**WE ARE ALWAYS SEEKING MARSHALS!
Run down 5th, keep the March moving, help marchers stay safe and informed,
meet other women, and get your official TWAT TEAM T-Shirt!
Attend one of two trainings:
Monday, June 14, 7 – 9 pm – Bluestockings (172 Allen Street)
OR Saturday, June 19, 1 – 3 pm – LGBT Community Services Center (208 West 13th Street)
Want to marshal but can’t make a training?
Email us for more information at dykesATdykemarchnycDOTorg
HAPPY HOUR RAFFLE FOR THE DYKE MARCH!
Thursday, June 17, 6:30 pm (ticket drawing at 8:00 pm) at the Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher Street)
Join us at the historic Stonewall Inn for drinks, mingling, and a raffle with prizes from NYC restaurants, Yankees Tickets, Mets Tickets, Rony Tennenbaum Jewelry, Circle Line Cruises, Ms. Magazine, A Gift Certificate from Sam Ash, US Open Tickets, Staceyann Chin, A special L Word Package, and our favorite lesbian-owned sex shop – Babeland!
PLUS POST DYKE MARCH SPECTACULAR! Saturday, June 26, 2010, 8 ’til late!
Join us for the Post-Dyke March Spectacular at Gingers – The ONLY after-party that funds the March (banners, marshal materials, meeting space, training space, website, noisemakers, signs, and everything else!)
