Lesbian book review: "Pink Lips: And Other Stories for Girls Only" by Elisabeth Anne Ryder

PINK LIPS AND OTHER STORIES FOR GIRLS ONLY BY ELISABETH ANNE RYDER BOOK REVIEW BY CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ THIS REVIEW CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, AND SEXUAL CONTENT. FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. 　 I have always been a big advocate of SMUT. Pretty much in every way, shape and form it comes in, in print, photos, art, moving pictures, (yes, porn), and live performance art, (yes, strippers). I'm not afraid to admit it. I KNOW I'm not the only one. As long as they are consenting (human) adults, they have my blessing. What can I say, I never claimed to be saint. Yes, I've pretty much always been a spiritual person, but yes, I've also always been a very sexual person, and I make no apologies for that, and I'm not ashamed of it. I think women have gone through enough shaming over the years, especially when it comes to this issue. Well, that doesn't fly with me. The art of "EROTICA" has it's purpose, otherwise it would not exist. All those cheesy "romance novels" with the Fabio covers have been keeping single women, and unsatisfied wives company for years, supply and demand, there are here for a reason. I call these books "masturbation companions". Hey, nothing wrong with that. It's the safest sex there is. Certainly works for me. However, honestly, I've never been a huge fan of these kinds of books. In my lifetime so far, I've probably only read just a handful of this genre. I believe one of the biggest reasons for that was because for the longest time it was mostly targeted to the straight community, but not anymore.... This is a pretty big deal for me, being that this is my first official review on an erotica book, and just for LESBIANS! Which may be the first one I've actually ever read. Now there is definitely a need for it, just like there's demand for girl on girl action in magazines, and films. Now on to "PINK LIPS".... I was impressed with Pink Lips. First, I like it because it is broken down into 20 short chapters. Perfect for ADD'ers. It's not one long "love story" that drags on and on and on. Each one is pretty clear cut, with a beginning, middle, and end. They met, they fucked, the end. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am. NEXT! Wash, rinse, repeat. Perfect for one who just wants to read a few pages, and rub one out quick. And all twenty stories are different, (even though you know what's gonna happen eventually in each chapter). I like the way they switch up the scenarios and the locales, the characters, their occupations, yada, yada. We're at a spa, we're at the lake, now we're in a hospital, a strip club, the beach, a gas station, etc, etc. I think they pretty much cover a lot of different women's fantasies. C'mon, admit it. We all do it. We're in a certain place, and look around and think to ourselves, "...wow, this would be a great place to do it right here, right now..." It taps deep into that part of our psyche, the animal in us, the id, the "LET'S GET PHYSICAL" side that we all have, especially women. But it doesn't do it in a raunchy way. It's very tasteful, and I'll even say classy for this kind of book, meaning, you can tell it was written by a WOMAN. By a woman, for women. No one knows a woman's body like a woman. This is the perfect erotica book for Lesbians, and for any bi-curious female out there who's always wanted to try it. Read this book first. If you are, you will know it. Even though it may go a little over the top with how orgasmic all these women seem to be, that's what we want to hear. In our heads, we want to see mind-blowing, earth shattering ORGASMS, (because they're not just for men), and because I feel unfortunetly, for A LOT of women, they never achieve that in their lifetime, or least not as much as they would like to. So, at least for women, deep down, that is what we all want, and PINK LIPS delivers. 　 4 stars 　 　

THE ART OF COMMUNICATION, OR, NOT SO MUCH....

by Cynthia Rodriguez We do not know how to communicate anymore. Communication has become a lost artform. It seems like people can't talk to each other unless it involves some kind of electronic gizmo, otherwise they are lost without it. This is a tragedy, and an epidemic, yet I don't think people realize that. When did this happen? Technology supposed to make us better. Better,smarter, faster. I think it's made us dumber, less intimate,and less personal. It made us worse. When smart phones become smarter than the people who use them, then Houston we have a problem. All these little thing-a-ma-jigs come with instruction manuals that are usual bigger than the products themselves. When did we let all these cell phones, and with their endless world of texting...."OMG", "LOL", "BRB", and laptops, and tablets, and blackberries, and and ipods, ipads, this pad, that pad, maxi-pad.....get between us, and real communication with the rest of the world? Like WTF? Remember life before cellphones? We all survived without them for a LONG time. Remember public telephones? Even better, phone BOOTHS? Like the kind Clark Kent used to go into to turn into Superman. I really wish I would've had sex in one of those, just to say that I did, back in the day. But I digress. All you needed was a dime, then it went up to a quarter. And then there were phonecards for the long-distance. If you needed to make a call, you needed to find a phone. You had to work for that shit. Remember writing letters? Penpals? Postcards? Letter writing is an art in itself. People hardly even mail out Christmas cards anymore. Electronic mail changed everything. E-mail, instant messenging, e-cards for all occasions, birthdays, and holidays. --- I used to write letters. Have penpals. Nothing like getting mail that's not junkmail or bills. I would buy pretty stationary just to write letters, or thank you notes, or just nice little notes for people in general. Or get a cool series of postcards to send to people. I always thought that was a nice gesture. Nothing like getting something handwritten. I even used to write to my favorite companies about products I used. Yes, I know. That part was sad. I had a friend that joined the PeaceCorps for a couple years, and I wrote her a few long letters. It was quite the task. I had to literally go to the post office each time to get special postage for it to go to Africa. It was such a joy getting mail from another country. It was so exciting for me every time I went to pick up one of her letters. Something special about reading something sent to you from far away in someone's handwriting. Speaking of the post office. I think there needs to be a little "Test the Post Office" happening again. (See Ray Johnson) I had started that from my art studio, but for some reason I had to put that art show on hiatus. I'll need to try that again. It basically involves mailing all kinds of everyday objects in the mail without packing, such as, getting one sneaker in the mail with a bunch of postage all over it. I had a long time friend who was a master of letter writing. More than anyone I've ever known, or probably will ever know. Barba-Dell. Rest her soul. A master of communication, in every which way, in person, on the phone, in a letter or postcard, everything except electronically. The person I knew who was the best at communication never owned a computer, desktop, laptop, or any other little gadgets. I believe not even a cell phone, but a land line. Most people with every form of communicating with the rest of the world at their fingertips never even get close to that level of communication with other human beings. She didn't need any of those things, nor wanted them. She was very wise. I still have all the postcards she sent me. Years worth. She sent them to me all the time. She was known for that. She didn't need an excuse like visiting some foreign land to send a postcard. She lived about 5 minutes from me. It's hard for me to imagine an entire generation being born and raised without knowing how to use the post office. Never having written a letter and mailed it out. Social media is great, if used wisely. And not used as the cure-all, end-all, alpha and omega of communication. No wonder people don't know how to talk to each other anymore. It's no mystery to me why there is always some kind of new social disorder popping up all the time. We have created a habitat that is creating anti-social creatures. A world where terms like "trolling" and "lurking" and "creeping" exists because people don't know how to talk to each other. Not that it doesn't have it's place in today's world but relationships can't be based on today's technology. Nothing can replace the feel of face to face communication. No computer screens, large or small to hide behind. It's a whole different world when you actually have to look each other in the eye, and speak to each other, like it was always meant to be.

Book Review: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" By Stephen Chbosky

BOOK REVIEW BY CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ

Let me begin by saying, that as a teenager, I was never too much into reading many of the teen angsty books my peers were reading. From what I can remember, I can probably count on one hand all the Judy Blume type books that were probably popular at the time, that I actually READ. And I LOVED the "SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB". I remember getting so excited when the latest "catolog" was passed around the classroom, which consisted of a mere two or three pages printed on what seemed like flimsy color, newspaper print. I remember circling too many items, wanting everything in there, and then having to scribble out the circles because I knew I wasn't going to get EVERYTHING in the catalog. I would get just as excited when "R.I.F" came around. Does anyone remember that? ("Reading Is Fundamental"), or am I just dating myself?

Anyways, I DO remember reading a lot of material my friends thought of as odd, or at least interesting for my age. Like for example, I loved reading Encyclopedias. I especially liked visiting family or friends that had encyclopedias. In that time if you had a nice set of those on your shelf in your living room it was a big thing. It's hard to imagine now that at one point in the past there was actually such a job as "Encyclopedia Salesperson". Seems funny now being how obsolete they are in today's society. I also indulged in books about psychology, how the brain works and human nature in general. Books you probably wouldn't find in your average teen's locker, I'm sure. I don't think I'm completely sure why I was so fascinated by those books at the time, but I was. I DID have some "normal" fun, age appropriate books as well, which I feel balanced it all out, such as the movie picture books of the "Star Wars" trilogy, (the original)"Clash Of The Titans", and "Gremlins". Hey, whaddya expect? I was a teenager of the 80's! And I LOVED it.

 So decades later, I find myself on this teen angst book kick lately. Almost like I may subconsiously be feeling like I have some catching up to do with these books that I probably could've used back then. Now this one in particular actually didn't come out in my time. It's only been out for about ten years or so, so I would've been about 30 at the time. Still way past the teen years. I didn't realize it came out so long ago until after I read it. I'm supposing the LONG awaited movie that's out has something to do with it's resurgence.

"THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER" BY STEPHEN CHBOSKY Okay, back to the book. Our unlikely hero is "Charlie", (which his name I love because it happens to be my DRAG name), an almost autistic like, (either that or he just has some major issues, which he does) is a shy, sweet, polite teenager with extraordinary powers of observation. So much so that it grabs the attention of a couple of almost "in-kids" at his school who take him under his wing, and help transform him from "wallflower" to one who participates, and gets on the dance floor of life. Those friends mainly consists of his "two favorite people" very gay, and out Patrick, and his sister who he's totally in love with but he's not supposed to be, "Sam".

The thing about Charlie though is that he's made out to be some kind of introvert, but this Clark Kent takes off the glasses, breaks out of his shell, and kicks ass (literally) when he has to. The book completely consists of letters that Charlie sends each one with a "Love always Charlie" to someone we never get to know who it is, except for the fact that this person is an adult. He begins this journal to the self after his best friend commits suicide, and it is suggested to him that he writes out his problems for therapuetic purposes. Surprise, surprise,(NOT), later on he talks about becoming a writer which his new circle of friends encourage him to do, even to the point of getting him a suit because "all the great writers wore a suit", and an antique typewriter. One of my favorite parts in the book. I have one of those myself. This book deals with many issues, and ups, and downs of being a teenager. Much of this that I believe people carry into their adulthoods. Issues of sexuality, drugs, abuse, and self identity.

Like the many conversations I've had with people about this is that I believe that highschool is a microcosm of society. That guy who was a prick back in highschool, is probably still a prick. That girl was a stuck-up bitch back then....most likely STILL is. I would recommend this book to everyone, of all ages. But especially today's teens who I think need it the most being that they are at their peak of struggling with all this bullshit. Which brings me to another puzzling fact. This book has actually been banned, and or "challenged" in certain places in the U.S. I find it very interesting that pretty much any book having to do with real issues such as sex, abortion, and drug abuse get banned or challenged.

HELLO! This is LIFE. These are the things they are dealing with! They NEED to know. Don't hide it from them. That will not make these issues go away. EVER. This novel was actually the "BANNED BOOK OF THE MONTH" review featured on my monthly radio show "BOOK SLUT CLUB RADIO" episode 2 this month. Another thing I enjoyed very much was the many cultural references that were either some of my favorites, or made me curious to look them up, as far as books, movies, and poetry.

 Speaking of movies, much to the dismay of my radio show co-host and I, we cannot seem to find a local theatre featuring the film adaption of this book which we were highly anticipating. Especially since the movie was basically created by the guy who wrote it. That's usually a pretty good sign that the film will be up to par with the book. It's so surprisingly enlightening. It was one of those books I was sad to see end. I really wanted to know what happens to Charlie. He's such a good kid. I want to know, does he really grow up to be a famous writer? I certainly hope so.

Lesbian Book Review: "Being the Steel Drummer" By Liz Bradbury

BOOK REVIEW BY CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ

"BEING THE STEEL DRUMMER" BY LIZ BRADBURY Private eye MAGGIE GALE is back! My favorite lesbo detective is back in politically correct action after about 4 years! Yes,Liz Bradbury, the one brought us the much acclaimed lesbian mystery novel "ANGEL FOOD AND DEVIL DOGS" returns to satisfy our hunger with more of the sleuthy dyke. I would also like to mention that Bradbury's first book was also my FIRST book review ever on LESBIATOPIA, back in 2008! (part of my review is on the back of her first book!) So, the story goes that not even after about a couple of months or so after the first adventure ended, is where this one begins. Poor Maggie can't get a break, however, you can tell she totally loves what she does, and she does it very well. For a quickie synopsis, to quote the back of the book: "A historic cemetary, a ghostly figure, secret passages,valuable treasure and a 140 year old romance.." And of course, what makes for a real juicy mystery: MURDER. The book is chock full of build-up that towards the end you are going nuts trying to figure out who-done-it? Honestly, I got so caught up in the plot, that by the time the sex scenes came around, or when Maggie, and the gang would talk antiques, they were mere distractions to me. I would get impatient, and think, "Okay, okay, but what's gonna happen NEXT?!" Don't get wrong. I'm all about the Lesbian lovin', but again as in the first novel, it's more sensual to me, than sexual. Very "clean", as in no dirty words involved in the ENTIRE book except for maybe "shit" and "ass". Maybe this was more noticeable to me because I had just read, and reviewed "50 Shades Of Grey" before this one, and I was used to seeing a lot of "fuck", and "cock". So, it's very Lesbian soft porn, but still hot, and very romantical, which is very refreshing. I also learned a lot about antiquing, which will come in handy when I actually have money to do so. When that time comes, at least I am in the right state, because I swear Pennsylvania has to be the capital of antique shops. As I would expect from Liz, the writing is very intelligent, witty, and politically correct. Also refreshing is an independent author who actually uses SPELL CHECK. Unfortunetly, that seems to be a rare thing when it comes to books given to me from independent writers. As in the last book, some of the phrases, and humor are a bit dated, that at times someone under thirty may not get it, but it still works. And of course, I would expect no less than a few lessons on GLBT rights, or lack of, specifically same-sex marriage. The unexpectedly quite ethnic Maggie Gale is a nice touch, (she holds her own with the Spanish language) which honestly I don't remember that from the first book, and her significant other Dr. Kathryn Anthony is a hot "Watson". Yes, since the last book they have done the Lesbian U-haul thing. A few last things to point out is the fact that the story somewhat revolves around an artist which I was very excited about, and the other is that the endnotes of the book were very educational as well as entertaining. Some of the characters were actual real people she used for the story. For example, I had fun reading afterwards on my own about Charlotte Cushman who I learned was a Shakespearan actor back in the day. I plan on doing more research about these women that apparently haven't gotten enough credit for what they did, as much as their male counterparts. The last thing is that I love how Liz uses local street names, and even local people I know, THEIR names in the book. I'm hoping someday there could be an "Officer Cindy Rodriguez" in one of the future books. Can't wait for the next book in the series: "C-NOTES AND SKI NOSE" See a pattern here? The first book started with an "A", the next one a "B", and the one coming up next with a "C". Clever, eh? Plus the first book's cover was red, this one was orange, the next one will be yellow. Can you see the rainbow forming on your book shelf? Cool, huh? Bottom line is, Bradbury delivers again. In classy, eloquent style that makes you want more Maggie Gale.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Author, and activist LIZ BRADBURY will be featured on my new, on-line radio show "BOOK SLUT CLUB RADIO" episode 2 this coming Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 8pm-9:pm on prolifickradio.com Check it out! You don't want to miss it. I'll be writing about my radio show soon as well. Now you can actually hear my VOICE while I'm ranting....

A Lesbian's View on "Fifty Shades of Grey" By E.L James

A BOOK REVIEW BY CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ

Why would a full-blown, old veteran dyke be writing a book review on the Straighty McStraighterson book of the year? Well, mostly because I was curious as to what all the hoopla was about. I had an idea, but I don't think I was ready for what was in store. And just for the record, as of yet, I have only read the first book. I do plan on reading the other two, but from what I've heard so far from everyone who's read the rest of the trilogy, it doesn't seem like I'm missing much. The word that keeps popping up the most is REPETITIVE. Okay, so for those who are STILL in the dark as to what is "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY", (HELLO, where have you been? Under a rock?), here it be in a sorta nutshell: a beautiful, college graduate is sucked into the Marquis De Sade world of a young, handsome, successful, business man named Christian Grey. Like a mullet, he's all business in the front, and all "red room of pain" party in the back. By day he is all Trump-like powerful business man, but by night with his chosen ladies he is as big, fat, freak-a-leek as they come. Can you imagine how many straight laced looking guys out there are really like this? Yes, they really do exist. You know you're out there you freakshows. But I digress. So, boy and girl meet. Boy whips girls ass with a flogger (Google it). Boy and girl fall in love. Girl leaves boy because he is emotionally unavailable. The end. Of course, I've left out the best part which is what obviously has made this trilogy a one-handed reading best seller. SEX. But not just any ol' "vanilla" sex. We are talking bondage, S&M, the good stuff, even if in light, soft core portions. It has been dubbed "mommy porn" because of it's seemingly popularity among housewives. (SEE SNL PARODY and you'll know what I mean). Apparently hardware stores are now selling out on it's most common items such as duct tape, and rope to appease this curious crowd of horny houswives. How 'bout THAT for a reality show? We have the "O.C Housewives", Atlanta, NYC, etc. How about the "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY HOUSEWIVES"? We'd see husbands coming home from work and before they know it, they'd have a gagball shoved into their mouths, and be hanging upside down wearing a collar, and a cock ring. I for one have absolutely nothing against the wonderful world of S&M. I have done more than my share of partaking. Nothing wrong with a little consensual pleasure & pain between two (or more) partners to spice things up. My biggest concern for these novices would be that they don't know what they are doing and accidently REALLY hurt themselves (and not in a good way). I wouldn't be surprised if we started seeing people making trips to the E.R for things like missing testicles, or candlewax stuck in an anus.

I can see why people say it's unrealistic. The main things that really pull on my nipple clamps in a bad way is one, how extremely annoyingly control freak Christian Grey is. I mean, really? That shit gets old real quick. No matter how much money you have. You don't tell a woman what to eat cuz you know she will cut a bitch. And two, for a VIRGIN she doesn't seem very virginly. "Oh my, he made me cum like 100 times, and I am a certified expert at giving head the VERY first time!" AS IF. (Okay, so she didn't really say that in the book, but you get the idea.) I mean seriously, only LESBIANS are that good with women, lol. J/k. (not really kidding). I feel so dirty after O.D'ing in so much hetero nookie reading. I've decided I need a break from it by diving into some good Lesbian erotica. Time for some good girl on girl action. Then I will feel normal again. As far as the book goes, it is entertaining in it's own ways. Personally, I find it quite amusing, and cute. Such a novelty. I can see the appeal. Quite frankly I'm downright jealous and kicking myself in the ass that I didn't come up with this trilogy myself. Maybe I can think of a Lesbian version that can go mainstream. "If you liked 50 Shades of Grey, you'll LOVE 50 Shades of LAVENDER!" Or something like that. Oh well. One can dream, right? Laters, baby.

"THOSE LUCKY BASTARDS"

I was recently invited to perform at a poetry/open mic that was celebrating Women's History Month, where I shared my latest poetry, a couple of favorite poems from one of my favorites, Dorothy Parker, and for the first time ever I shared a blog entry rant with an audience. I wrote it just for the occasion. I actually wrote it THAT night. I was so moved by a recent conversation, it just had to be done, and it seemed like the perfect occasion, and appropriate venue for it. So, here it be:



"THOSE LUCKY BASTARDS"
by Cynthia Rodriguez



I've never wanted kids. I've talked about this, and wrote about this before. Anyone who really knows me, knows how I feel about this issue on a personal basis. They know how my uterus goes into hiding just hearing about it. However, just because it's not for me does not mean I don't appreciate the miracle of birth. I know what a beautiful, and fascinating event it is. I've seen it happen live, up close, and personal, trust me. I have the utmost respect for ANY woman who can survive that.


Now, here's the thing. For almost a year now, I have been blessed to be in the most amazing relationship ever.* This woman,is almost half my age. She's beautiful, very loving, kind, and one of the sweetest people you could ever meet.


Okay. So this is the deal. She wants my baby. I mean seriously wants my biological child. And she is the ONLY one in my entire life that has made me even remotely consider the thought of parenting.







Now here's the challenge. I can't do that. And I don't think I need to explain why to anyone, right?


We have already discussed the several options of how we can possibly, in the future, make this happen. Because of the fact that same-sex couples cannot biologically reproduce together (not yet anyway, I'm sure someone will discover something someday and get obscenely rich over it), until then, we have to rely on things such as adoption agencies, sperm banks, and turkey basters.


Meanwhile, as we both ponder on what we understand is probably going to be a very pain-in-the-ass process for us, I have a conversation the other night with a friend of mine who shared with me about a semi- recent past pregnancy she had, and lost to a man who, in my opinion, was, for lack of a better phrase now, a piece o' shit.


"Walk away"? How can a man walk away from such a precious thing of their own making? Oh, how this angers me so. I think to myself, these men, these straight men anyway, have NO idea how lucky they are. To be blessed with this ability to physically connect with their female partner in a way that I will NEVER be able to connect with mine, and just to throw it away, like many of them do, there are just no words. Spreading their seed, and not giving a damn about it. Using, and abusing the mother of their children. Something so sacred. It makes me very sad. They don't appreciate it, and they don't realize what a gift that is.


I would do and give ANYTHING to be able to knock up my girlfriend. And not that I don't already, but I would treat her like a freakin' GODDESS. She'd be on a pedestal. I'd be like, "That's right. She is carrying MY baby." (Not "SPERM DONER # 268")


These guys betta reco'nize. They are some lucky bastards.


* For those of you who are not aware, YES, I am in a relationship. My first one in almost TEN years. I will be writing about that at another time.

and yes, I've come a LONG way from my first infamous Lesbiatopia blog rant:

"NOTES FROM A MIDDLE-AGED, JADED, BITTER LESBIAN"....

Movie Review: "The Help"

"The Help"

Screenplay written, and Directed by Tate Taylor

Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Bryce Dallas Howard




Movie review by Cynthia Rodriguez

This is the first time I can remember doing a book/movie review, and giving both FIVE stars. And it's very well deserved. As well deserved as the Oscar nominations it recieved this year, along with the SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) award for best cast in a film. I'm mucho happy it's being so recognized, and rightly so being that it was so beautifully made, and superbly acted. I believe it's a very important film that everyone should see. Very timely. Even in the year 2012. I pretty much love the movie, as much as I love the book. This is a rare occasion indeed.


Now I won't go into any type of synopsis because I've already done that. (See book review). I will, however indulge into some of the movie magic, and point out a couple things I failed to mention in the book review.


Now this movie is as close to the book as one can get. That is without turning it into a mini-series. It's already 2 1/2 hours long. But it's not the kind of long movie you couldn't watch over, and over again. It's not too "debbie downer", or anything that would stop me personally to a second helping of "The Help". It could've been. They did it just right. There was enough funny to balance out the heavy stuff.


The only, ONLY mini- complaint I have, (and it's very small), is the fact that they made Constanine's daughter black in the movie, when she was actually white in the book, which was really what all the fuss was about in that particular situation. It may not sound it, but being that racism is pretty much the theme here, it's kind of a big deal. Other than that, the movie was just...brilliant.


Now another note about the acting. I know it must have been difficult to pick just THREE from the movie to give Oscar nods. It was one of the times when the ENTIRE cast was just phenomenal. Jessica Chastain makes you fall in love with "Celia Foote", as well as her husband, Johnny. Not that I didn't in the book, but with the book I found myself feeling more sorry for her, but in the film I noticed I cheered for her more. Celia ultimately proves that her "white trash" self ends up having more class than Hilly or any of those snooty bitches she calls "friends". So Jessica definitely earned that nomination. Another one totally worth mentioning is Sissy Spacek, who was quite the leading lady herself back in the day, makes a wonderful "Ms. Walters", especially when she pokes fun at her evil daughter "Hilly". Speaking of Hilly, she's the type of character you just want to punch in the neck, and Bryce does an awesome job of you really hating her. Now's THAT'S acting. I think anytime I see her do anything else, I'll be like, "What a BITCH."


What's my favorite scene? The pie scene, of course! I must have seen that clip about a dozen times already. It just never gets old. The faces on all three characters during that scene is just absolutely priceless.


On the DVD I watched, unfortunetly there were not many special features at all, which was a bit disappointing being I'm such a special features freak. I can sit there (and I have) for endless hours with that, LONG after I've watched the film. Except for a couple of deleted scenes, and a lovely music video by Mary J. Blige, that was about it.

The other very touching part of the film, (as well as the book) is when they somewhat re-create very sad, and tragic, real life history event moments such as when activist Medgar Evans was shot, and killed in his driveway in front of his family (see "Ghosts Of Missippi" movie), and when Kennedy was killed. It all ties in with the hard life, and times of the people stuck in the middle of it all.


This movie is not only entertaining, but a history lesson we should all never forget, and a testamant to what the human spirit can accomplish when it's ready to make a change.

Book Review: "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

"The Help"
by Kathryn Stockett




book review

by Cynthia Rodriguez



I want to begin by saying this is one of the BEST books I have ever read in my life. AMAZING. A true classic. It's definitely on my top ten list of must-read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. That doesn't happen too often.


That being said, I think there are many lessons to be learned from this book. I would recommend it to anyone, especially to people down South, where the story is based on.


Apparently, this was one of those beginner's luck, first timer's big hit situations, for Kathryn Stockett, novice novelist. Lucky biotch.


It's a story of this white lady in the South in the 60's, "Skeeter", an aspiring writer, who is sympathetic to the black maids in the area at the time, and decides to write a book about what their lives are like being black maids in the South working for white families, in the 1960's, with a little help from her "co-writer" "Aibileen" (one of the maids) and Aibie's BFF (another maid) "Minny". Not only because she thinks it would give her a shot at being a big time writer, but because she believes it would make an impact on society, help "change things".


Not hard to figure out the main theme of the book: racism. Personally, I cannot believe all this really occured, or I should say I wish it didn't. Now the book itself may or may not be based on a true story, but it doesn't matter, we all know things like this really happened back then, and unfortunetly some of it still does. And this wasn't that long ago. Been about fifty years. When I was born, it had only been not even a decade that segregation was going on, and there were actually public signs up throughout the country talkin' about "white fountain/colored fountain", "colored bathroom", etc. What a disgrace. Slavery didn't end when honest ol' Abe said so. It too MANY years after that for it to truly be over.


You know what truly, absolutely kills me about all this mess? It's the fact that these people, these maids were apparently good enough to raise these white people's own children, holding them, feeding them, change their diapers, (these kids LOVED them), but they weren't good enough to share a BATHROOM with. How retarded is that? It makes NO sense.


If you read the book, after the ending you can see the author's own personal story about her growing up with "The Help". About her own experience being raised by a black maid in her family called "Too Little, Too Late". You can tell she IS "Skeeter". So again, even if it's not a true story, it comes pretty damn close.


Now let's talk about the South for a minute. No, I'm not gonna be one of those "damn yankees" as they call us, and do any kind of south bashing. That's not the point of this paragraph. I have visited the southern part of the Mason-Dixon line a number of times (I'm not including Florida, because I don't really consider them "The South"), and honestly, most of what I saw was very charming. It's true what they say about southern hospitality. Whether some of them are faking it or not, it's still quite lovely, especially compared to the North Eastern's rudeness that makes us, (especially New Yorkers) so popular. I remember many moons ago, when I went to visit a then girlfriend in Birmingham commenting on their cityscape after she picked me up at the bus stop: "Wow, you guys have big buildings!", she responded with, "Yeah, how 'bout that? We also have electricity, and running water!" This slightly awkward moment proved to me us Northerner's sometime sense of superiority amongst our Southern neighbors can be a little obnoxious to some. I went into this little vacay at the time thinking I may never come back to my family because I'd be lynched on some back road by toothless, redneck, hooligans in their beat up pick-up truck, and would drag me kicking and screaming to the nearest Magnolia tree to string me up for being the only Puertorican in Alabama. Of course she DID warn me that there were SOME parts of the state that were still like that, and of course we steered clear of those parts. However to this day, I still can't help feeling some kind of disdain for people who drive around with either a Dixie license plate or Dixie flag. Especially when they live up North, as in PENNSYLVANIA. I think to myself, "HELLO? What do you even KNOW about all that? Is it because you think it looked cute on the "General Lee" car in the "Dukes Of Hazzard"?? And to those in the South still going on about the whole, "THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN", I say PUH-LEEZE, build yourself a bridge, and GET OVER IT ALREADY. That was a LONG time ago, the civil war. You'se guys LOST. (Yes, I'm using the N.Y accent and grammar that annoys some of you so much.) Time to move on.




I guess some things never change, though. And some people never change. Perfect example: the KKK, and all their little modern day neo-nazi, skinhead groups, wanna-be 3rd Reichs. Hi there. Would you like to join us in the 21st century? I mean, seriously, get over yourselves with your God complex. And speaking of that, the villain in the book, "Hilly" is pretty much the epitome of evil, in all of the above in this paragraph. Except she's wrapped up in a pretty, little debutante, society girl package with her bridge club games, and benefit parties as fundraisers for the "Starving Children of Africa" which everyone knows she doesn't really give a shit about.


And back then, even MORE so than now, the politics were real crooked, and the politicians were OPENLY racist. Mayors, and Governors saying we were better off segregated. "Equal, but separate" they said. What a crock o' shit.


Now moving on to my favorite character in the book. "Minny". I LOVE Minny. I mean, I absolutely ADORE her, and I want her to be my new BFF. Now she's the one in the book that don't take no shit from NOBODY. It's also why she always gets into some kind of trouble. Especially, in that town, at that time, her mouth is a danger to herself, and those around her. You gotta admire her spirit though, and her courage, especially when she ends up doing something in particular to protect not necessarily herself, but those she loves.


That brings me to the other heroine in the story, "Aibileen", the one who ends up bringing all the other maids, including Minny, to Skeeter that she needs to write her book. She's not exactly the rabble rouser like Minny but is very strong woman, with also a great spirit, who is quietly courageous. Aibie has a long time habit of making "prayer lists" in helping people in her circle by including them in her nightly prayers which she writes down, instead of just memorizing. Myself, not being necessarily religious, but spiritual, found this to be a great idea, which I will start implementing in my own life. Thank you Aibie.


And finally, getting back to our author, Ms. Stockett has graciously included a "reading guide" with questions in the back of the book made for book clubs. I always find those entertaining. At my book club, "Book Slut Club", we always like to read out loud, and kind of make fun of those reading guides. I don't have anything against them. They are good to have. However, I believe that after reading a book like this, if you don't have a clue what to talk about, you probably shouldn't be reading it in the first place.

Book Review: "Transition" by Chaz Bono

"Transition" by Chaz Bono




book review by Cynthia Rodriguez


Yes, your favorite, friendly, gayborhood A.D.D pain-in-the-ass book reviewer is back! Sorry for the six month hiatus. I'll try not to let that happen again. Okay, moving right along...


So I wish I had known about, and read Bono's other two books "Family Outing", and "End Of Innocence" prior to getting my hands on "Transition". I felt like I was watching a movie sequel without catching the original. And I hate watching sequels without seeing part one, and two, and...ten, etc. I understand that it's not necessary in this case, but I'm still interested, which of course is a pretty good indication that I enjoyed this book.


I must say, I feel like it truly takes some major cojones to really put yourself out there in the public eye, and open up with such a tell-all story such as "Transition". I highly commend Chaz for it. No doubt, it is a courageous act, and not just in the actual physical transition itself but for sharing it with the whole world. You can tell how hard-core honest he is with his experience. Both the good, the bad, and everything in between, especially when it was all so recent at the time. The only thing about that I am curious about is how his family, friends, and then partner feel, or felt at the time knowing it was such an expose on not just himself, but everyone around him. In a memoir like that, there is no changing the names to protect the innocent, and the guilty. There is much name dropping. Certainly not in a malicious way, but just at times I'm sure it was painfully honest. I wonder if there were any of that, "I can't believe you mentioned that about me!" going on from someone talked about in the book.



One thing I have to mention before I go on is I couldn't help but think that she did sometimes suffer from what she calls the "poor little rich kid syndrome". I was torn. I realize she did obviously go through A LOT with this whole ordeal, but at the same time I thought to myself, "I'd seriously consider giving up my left tit for your kind of life." Traveling, traveling, traveling. Being a recording artist/rock star for fifteen minutes. Growing up with that kind of fortune, and fame. It's better than collecting unemployment. Okay, po' person bitterness aside...


I most definitely walked away from it with a much better understanding of what a trans person must go through. I won't say I'm some kind of expert now because I read his book about it. Like he says, it's different for everyone. Like everyone else, everybody has their own path. Meaning I won't go around telling every trans person I know, "Hey, I know exactly what you're going through because I read Chaz's book!" I'd say that would be pretty darn ignorant.


It also concretely confirms my own sexual gender indentity once, and for all. Meaning that at one point in my younger life, (as I've shared this with few people), I too once thought about transitioning. This was more in my earlier, developmental years. This was before I even knew what the word "transition" meant, (in that context), before EVERYBODY knew what it meant. I don't even remember that word used in the 80's! Now everyone talks about it, or at least has heard of it.


I actually shared with my girlfriend not too long ago, (yes, I have one of those now, thus my hiatus), using the book as an example. I told her, "He said he never wanted his then "her" breasts touched during sex. That it didn't feel right, natural, or good." I believe this was the clincher for me. Personally, being that although I wish I would have been a little more endowed, I know for a fact I enjoy my breasts very much, and I like them being enjoyed by someone else too, so I was like, "You know what? I LOVE being a woman." I never felt those things he did, so I know I'm in the right body, as imperfect as it may be, it suits me just fine.


I'm glad I never acted on those feelings when I was younger. (Not that I would have been able to afford it anyways), but this is exactly why I must say I have mixed feelings about some of our "transgender youth", especially since I personally know of some that have felt the same way, and it turned out that it WAS temporary. A phase. Not saying this applies to everyone, but I know it happens. Just my own belief but I feel that taking the hormones and actually physically transitioning should not be done until a person is at 18 years of age, when they would be considered a "legal" adult. I HAVE seen the documentaries on transgender youth, and I know it's a very real issue. Not disputing that fact, however, that's where I stand on that.


I attended a trans health conference a few years back for my then job, and it was also very enlightening, and educational. I feel like I still had many questions on the subject. More than what I came in with. I certainly want to learn more in order to erase any unnecessary fears, and ignorance I know I still have, including the fact that I am still in disagreement about unisex bathrooms, although there seems to be more, and more of those popping up in places, especially like in Philadelphia where I had my first experience with a unisex bathroom, and felt like I was in an episode of Ally McBeal.


I really don't like the idea of sharing a public restroom with men. Biological OR Transgender males. I have to admit, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I've always looked at a woman's public restroom as a safe haven of sorts where women (unlike men) usually travel to in flocks, but not just for it's original purpose. It's also a temporary escape from the official social gathering waiting outside it's doors. It's a place for the 5 minute gossip about the evening, where your femme friends touch up their make-up, where you can ask a total stranger (another woman) if she has a spare tampon, and if you're lucky, occasionally have that drunken, slutty moment at the local gay club where you end up making out with someone in there you just bumped, and grinded with on the dance floor. All of the above, not so much possible in a unisex restroom.

(A little post book update, the book itself ends with Chaz getting the top surgery, and being with his then girlfriend Jenny. I believe now they are not together anymore, and he is going for bottom surgery.)


I know I totally digressed as usual, but Chaz really does touch on almost all of these things in the book. This is just my take on it. I like to think that is part of what these types of books do. Crack open wide some dialogue.

Let's Play: Who Wants to Be a Lesbian?

by Cynthia Rodriguez


Do you dream of being a Lesbian? Does it keep you up at night? So, what's holding you back? Oh, that's right! You're a MAN! Sucks for you. Epic FAIL. ACCESS DENIED. Thank you for playing. Please try again.

But wait! Now, with the power of the magical world of the internet, you too, can be a LESBIAN! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Uno, dos, tres. Un, deux, TWAT. All you need to do is swipe your wife's driver's license, (or just about any unsuspecting female's identity), and start your own "lesbian" blog. You may want to prep first, and do your homework though. It's not enough to watch "Logo TV", and listen to the Indigo Girls. Make sure to browse some already existing popular Lesbian blogs, maybe even contribute to them for a while. THEN, and only then are you maybe ready to be a Lesbian jedi knight.



Okay, so this post may be about a couple weeks late since the scandal broke out, but I know I really needed to chime in with my 2 cent worth of ranting.



These days it looks like it's hip to be Lesbian. Yes, I said hip. I guess it's easy to be a virtual dyke, when you are really some middle-aged white guy whose married with children. You don't have to deal with the everyday real-life bullshit we do. None of the ignorance or harassment like the "Oh can I watch?" or "Can I join you?" You get to hide behind your cushy IKEA chair, and IPAD in your "man cave" while you're wife is cooking lemon garlic tilapia for dinner, completely unaware that all the while you are typing away, ranting about the complexities of issues like, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and why Lesbians love Lindsey Lohan.


To know what I'm talking about please refer to the article written by our Chief Lesbiatopian Renee Gannon called "The Straight Man Who Claimed To Be Lesbian". Basically about some 58 year old dude named Bill Graber pretending to be a Lesbian (on-line)a.k.a "Paula Brooks" for about three years, and was one of the biggest "Lesbian" bloggers on the web. He was recently, finally OUTED, as a result of that caused a huge ruckus in the Lesbian community, and now as far as I know, is in hiding, where he belongs.






Luckily, I did not have much direct contact with this individual, or else it may have turned me off to write for Lesbiatopia, or ANY Lesbian blogs. I woulda been like, "Hell with this. Too much dyke-o-drama for me." I came in at the tail end of the whole fiasco back at the end of 2008, which is when I began blogging for the site. I did notice a lot of snarky little comments left behind on several posts by you know who and I thought to myself, "WTF? Who lit the fuse on her tampon?" I remember asking our chief Renee about it, like "What is up with that one?" Now realizing the "she", was really a HE, explains A LOT.





Now pretending to be something you're not on the internet is not an entirely new concept. It's quite common. Being able to hide behind the safety of a P.C goes way back. For the good, the bad, and the ugly, it goes with the territory.


I have a confession to make. I have had my OWN experience in this area. Back in my early to mid-twenties when I first discovered the crazy, and faceless world of chat rooms, I was hooked on phonics with that for a while. I found them fascinating. I was relatively new in my Lesbianism, and was looking for different ways to connect with people. This one particular one I resided in I found the people really great and easy to talk to. The only issue was that it wasn't necessarily a GAY chat room. What was funny is maybe because of the way I spoke but people automatically assumed I was a MALE, and as a result of that, I just let it go, and played up the part. It lasted maybe a few months or so, before I finally 'fessed up, because I started developing some real friendships on there which fortunetly lasted even after I revealed my identity. I even ended up afterwards, hooking up with one of the women I met on there. I was lucky I had pretty much a happy ending. No harm, no foul. I may even write a short play about it. Not to make excuses or justify any of it. Sure, I know it was wrong. I was young, and stupid. It was brief. I admitted it, AND I wasn't mean or cruel to anyone, or write them insulting, and harassing e-mails, and comments, etc, i.e "Paula Brooks". "She" was just a bitch. So, yeah, I would say there is a difference.




I suggest for any Lesbian sites a rigorous screening procedure that would make the TSA look soft. Extreme times call for extreme measures. First of all I'd keep the contributing writers on a close, "she's a friend of a friend" kind of basis, and not put it out on Craig's List or MySpace (if that still exists), that you need a book reviewer. Second, I don't think applications (asking for references), and questionnaires should be counted out. I'm thinking people that are for real, sincere, serious, and have nothing to hide (which I would like to assume if they are a blogger), wouldn't mind a little screen test. Sure blogging is fun, and may be just a hobby to some, but it's also like a job, a committment. I believe if these simple precautions are taken, much of this can be avoided.


Note to any Lesbian imposters in the future (which I'd bet there are plenty out there), if you're gonna do that, the least you can do is not be an asshole about it, then maybe you won't get BUSTED.

Movie review: "Bridesmaids"

BRIDESMAIDS

directed by Paul Feig
produced by Judd Apatow
written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo

MOVIE REVIEW BY CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ

I first fell for Kristen Wiig when she played the kick ass roller derby team captain of the Austin, Texas Hurl Scouts, who also had a soft side being the only Mom on the team,
#99 MAGGIE MAYHEM. The one who said, "Be your own hero." I've never been a big SNL fan, so before that, I didn't really notice her, but I remember watching "WHIP IT" and thinking, "Who's that hot grrl that looks like Jennifer Aniston?"


So, I'm usually not a "going to the movies to see a comedy" kind of person. I'm always afraid they are gonna suck, and that I spent twenty bucks on a bag of popcorn alone for nothing. Especially when I consider it to be a "chick-flick". It's usually ONLY when my "date" insists on seeing one, or when I do the group grrly thing and we do dinner and a movie that most likely has something to do with "Sex And The City". I prefer my action/big epic drama/horror film/super hero movie you should see on IMAX kind of films. Everything else can wait until Netflix.

This time I made an exception. I was feeling very chill and laid back this week, and the middle of the week movie night was a spontaneous, rare occurance for me. I'm glad I did that, because it was actually funny as hell.


I think this may possibly be my first "Judd Apatow" experience, even though he did not necessarily write this one, just produced it. And it was without the usual "SLACK PACK" of guys he has in his movies. My first Apatow experience happened to be with all girls, which was quite delightful. The fact that it was from the makers of "SuperBad", etc, really didn't impress me, since I haven't seen any of those films, but I thought I'd give it a shot.


The aforementioned Kristen Wiig stars as "Annie", a woman who is down and out on love, work, her living situation, and...well, pretty much everything and then all of a sudden gets sucked into the vortex that is known as being the maid of honor in her best friend's wedding. The timing couldn't be worse. She's broke, bitter, and not exactly in the most stable state of mind to be planning her BFF's most important time of her life, but she deals, as best as she can, with not too successful results. Sucks for her, but very funny for the rest of us.

The movie dives into the bizarro world that is what I call "wedding culture". There are magazines, books, TV shows, and a multitude of other media dedicated to it. All those quirky, little rituals we have for each other when one is about to strap on the ball and chain, the showers, bachelorette parties, all the elaborate planning for this and that, the venue, the dress, the decorations, the food, the guest list, the entertainment, blah, blah, blah. I believe all that can sometimes get a little out of control. It's fucking insanity. Socially acceptable insanity.


A few notes, on a few things: Some bits of it kinda reminded me of an Adam Sandler movie. Just a few moments when the humor just seems a little too much for me. Like for example, what I call the "gross factor" as in, I didn't really need to see a woman puking on another woman's head. I think there is a tendency for a lot of today's comedies to have that kind of over the top bathroom humor, like literally in the bathroom humor. It's probably just my age showing, but moving right along...






Chris O'Dowd who plays Annie's love interest Officer Nathan is adorable. Although I don't know if it's just me, but his Irish accent was a bit questionable. I felt like I sometimes heard it, and then sometimes I didn't. Not necessarily great looking but so fucking sweet, cute, and charming, you just want to eat him up, with a cream puff on top, as opposed to Annie's "Ted", the dickhead, so-called "friend with benefits" played too well by "Mad Men" Jon Hamm who is really good at playing a douchebag.


The scene-stealer Melissa McCarthy's "Meagan" should have TOTALLY been a dyke. It was like c'mon people! Can't you see it?! The moment she walked onto the screen me and my friend looked at each other and were like "LESBIAN!" It didn't even feel right hearing her talk the way she did about men, and the last scene during the credits with that guy was just WRONG. When she was talking about doing a "Fight Club" bachelorette party theme, I thought to myself, "Thatta grrl!--- yep, LESBIAN!"





It's also good commentary on true friendship, that long-time, goes way back to child-hood, we know everything about each other, and been through everything together, can't do anything without you kind of friendship, and what that means, and how important it is, especially to women.


This is the kind of "girly" movie that is good for EVERYONE. One that both women, and men can appreciate. If not for the theme, definitely for the humor. Whoever says that women can't be funny can kiss Meagan's ass.

Lesbians and Motherhood: "Birth" A play by Karen Brody

By Cynthia Rodriguez

Just the mere thought of bearing children makes my uterus scream. As far as I can remember, I have NEVER wanted to have my own children. I'm talking about having that whole production going on physically inside me for almost a year, and then POP, having something the size of a watermelon shimmy out of the hoo-ha. I hardly liked MYSELF as a child, much less others. I've never really felt that whatever it is that women go through with the feeling of maternal instincts, wanting to get pregnant, feeling their biological clock ticking,tick tock, tick tock, blah, ditty blah. Tick away clock! I DON'T NEED YOU. Never did.





I've been saying all this since I was a child, then a teenager. By the age of 13, I wanted to get my tubes tied. Of course, they didn't let me, and no one believed me for a LONG time. People would always say, "You are too young. Give it time. Someday, you will want children." I'd be like, "No. I don't think so." By the age of 13, I knew 3 things about myself for sure. 1- I would never have children 2- I'd be an artist someday (I knew THAT since like Kindergarten) and 3- that I was GAY (this last one I'd be in denial until my early twenties). On that note, I'd say I was pretty aware of myself, and who I was at a very young age which is rare for most people. Once the late twenties turned into the 30's, people finally began to realize that I was not kidding. As sexually active as I'd been since 19, yes, I've been with men, for me, I was lucky to never have gotten pregnant. I've always been pretty strict about the whole safer sex thing. I always got the strangest looks, and interesting reactions from people when I would tell them, not only did I not have children, but I had no interest in having them. They'd look at me like I had two heads. There was a time that I think I actually felt guilty for not feeling guilty about it. I got over that.







Now don't get me wrong. It's not that I dislike children. Not ALL of them. I won't lie. Many I DO dislike. As a matter a fact, some I just downright despise. I don't like all adults, why should I like all children? But in all actuality, I've always been great around kids. I seem to have the same effect with kids, as I do with animals. They are both drawn to me for some reason. I believe children sense the big kid in me that I am, and animals, people's pets and so on feel a connection to me as well. What I like to think is my "animal magnetism".




But that's just me. But just for the record, I absolutely don't have anything against parenthood, or any woman who decides to pay a visit to the mother-hood. Of course, as it eventually happens, I have dated several women with children. I have played the role of temporary "step-mom" numerous times. I was even in a serious, living with her, kind of relationship with a pregnant woman. (No, it wasn't mine, and yes, I know what it feels like to have sex with a pregnant woman) I was even the Coach when the time came. I think I did quite well, too. I'm just proud that I never passed out. It was actually an amazing, beautiful experience that I will never, could never, forget. I felt that all this needed to be said, so you wouldn't think because I had made a decision long ago to be what is called "child-free", that I was completely repelled or appalled by the thought of pregnancy, or pregnant women (who I think are beautiful), or just the whole idea of motherhood, just because I chose not to do it myself. If anything, I always felt I'd be a great "Dad". I don't know if it's because I may have what many of my friends believe to be a higher testosterone level than most women which would attribute to many of my ways of thinking or whatever it is. I always felt I was more suited for that particular role.





Now enough about me, (for now). I want to talk about a play I didn't even know existed until not too long ago. Recently a friend of mine invited me to see a play she was in called "BIRTH" by KAREN BRODY (appropriately shown in May, Mother's Day month). The way she described it to me was that it was basically like the Vagina Monologues but about...birth, pregnancy, motherhood. The birth monologues. For some reason, I was instantly fascinated by the idea of that, and I knew I absolutely had to see it. For some reason, I felt like I needed to somehow get in touch with that part of my gender even though I was happily child-free. Part of that was probably from working at an abortion clinic for so long, that for a change, I wanted to hear the stories about, and be around women who actually WANTED to and chose to continue their pregnancies, at whatever time it was they did it. Of course not having to do anything with my staunch pro-choice stance.





So I walk into this YOGA center where the play was held, filled with granola crunching, berky wearing, tree hugging hippies, (not that there's anything wrong with that, I have a little bit of that in me, too)I walk in there looking like a Hot Topic goth in my black in red, and Docks, feeling completely out of my element surrounded by women lugging around their offspring in baby slings that look like they are carrying bookstore messenger bags. After a lovely pre-play reception of sushi hor'dourves, and spring water, the moment arrives. I boldly take a front seat to what I know will most likely be a somewhat uncomfortable, but educating and surprisingly very entertaining journey that will enlighten me to something I will never relate to, but hopefully come out with a better understanding. There was an informative Q&A discussion panel after the play, as well.





It was incredible. I didn't think I would get out of it as much as I did. Not only because the cast was superb, especially my friend, with their realistic, sensual, howl sounding labor pain screams that pierced your core, and at times made me both cringe, and excited me. Story after story, coming from women from very diverse backgrounds, made me appreciate the road I've never traveled, and gave me a whole new perspective into the world of motherhood. The roller-coaster of emotions, the blood, sweat, and tears, and all the phases from conception to the actual birth. Of course part of me couldn't help watch, and listen, and think almost the whole time, "OH MY GOD, WHY would anyone want to put themselves through all that?" But again, that's just me.





I learned some technical terms, including what a "birthing ball" is. Midwives, doulas, and birth pools. The importance of lactivism. Realizing that the mainstream birth business is business as usual like any other, and much of it is just plain scam. That the C-section is practically an epidemic anymore. That women aren't given enough options when it comes to their birthing options. That there ARE alternatives to what they are taught. That there is A LOT of information out there if you look for it, and organizations, groups, and resources more than willing to help you with that. And that Lesbians, too, can benefit from all this knowledge if they choose to bear children, which of course, is okay.





You have to look up local groups like in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania there is ICAN, La Leche League, and the Midwives Alliance of Pennsylvania. And others like Empowered Birth, and BE BOLD. Check out www.boldaction.org for more information.





Did this learning experience change my mind about what I want? Um, NO. On the contrary, I'm waiting patiently for early menopause to kick in, thank you very much.

However...to all you beautiful Moms out there, blessed be.

Classic Lesbian Book Review: "Scum Manifesto" by Valerie Solanas

SCUM MANIFESTO

by Valerie Solanas







BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez


Greeting Lesbiatopians. I know I have been on hiatus from here for quite some time. Probably the longest yet. For those of you still around, hello there. I'll try not to stay away so long next time. Okay, moving right along...


Ladies, and...ladies, I believe I have found my literary soulmate. I have never felt closer to a writer's rantings as I do with this one. Although I do feel torn in a way because she DID attempt to murder one of my favorite artists of all time, eh, I still like her. I can't deny it. Of course I am talking about the infamous Valerie Solanas. I first watched "I SHOT ANDY WARHOL", I believe just one time in the theatre in the mid 90's with an artist friend of mine when it first came out, and it left quite an impression. I didn't know at the time what to do with it. I knew I wanted to read her book at some point. I wanted to learn more about her. Over 10 years later, I finally did. It was perfect timing. Everything happens for a reason, and I know I wasn't supposed to read her manifesto until now.





At first glance, it would be easy to dismiss the "SCUM MANIFESTO" as simply the ramblings of a street lunatic. Especially when you read it, you can tell, this was not a stupid person. She was quite intelligent. Actually, very educated. As a matter of fact, she majored in psychology. How does someone like that end up becoming some destitute, prostituting, conversation selling, pan-handler? What exactly happened to her between college and when she ended up in the street is for the most part unknown. She wasn't really known as a drug-addict, but it's obvious from reading it that she had some mental issues. Definitely abuses issues with men. That's pretty much a "DUH". Reading through some of it I thought to myself. "Oh my God, this bitch was fucking crazy." However, with some other parts I found myself in full agreement with her. Does that make ME crazy? Maybe just a little. I always believed that a little crazy goes with being brilliant, and in my opinion, she was. I noticed certain parallels in our way of thinking. She was definitely way ahead of her time.






It was written over 40 years ago, and she had already predicted things like ATM's and other automated systems, artificial insemination, and a feminist uprising against under-representation in the arts. She IS the original "GUERILLA GIRL", and "LESBIAN AVENGER". Before both those organizations and "QUEER NATION" ever even existed, she was doing it all on her own. She was out there all by herself in a then world of underground glitz, and glam that just saw her as this crazed, man-hating, tom-boy. She was in her own group which had a membership of one: S.C.U.M, the society for cutting up men. Although she admitted that was added after the fact it was written. The point is that at that time Valerie did not have many advantages as we have today such as the several sisterhoods that exist in these groups, and organizations, plus other things like the internet, which has become the biggest social networking tool. All she had was herself, and her old (now antique) Remington typewriter, same brand as the rifle, and she certainly used it as such. Imagine what she would have accomplished having those types of tools in her arsenal.





She basically gives her opinions, and states her beliefs and stance on numerous issues, including the usual sex, politics, and religion. All the hot topics, and her ideas on how to resolve many of society's problems, or what she sees as society's problems. Mainly all centered around MEN. Men being the main culprit, the villain, the evil. I can't say I don't necessarily DISagree with her but that's not the point. For me, it's not whether it's right or wrong what she says. There is a lot of good stuff in there. It's easy to get sucked in the vortex that is Solanas.





She also wrote a now classic play for which was the main reason Warhol was attacked, claiming he had lost it, and had failed to produce it for Valerie. It was found, about 30 years later, and to my knowledge it has only been produced once, in San Francisco. Actually the city where she ultimately met her demise. One of my other goals is when I FINALLY get my hands on the script for "UP YOUR ASS", I will be doing a production of it in MY town.





In fact, she has totally inspired me to write my own manifesto which I believe is surely overdue anyway. I have been forever trying to decide what kind of book to write first, and she has helped me with that. It will be the NEW "Scum Manifesto". A more SANE version. Of course it will not be a classic like Valerie's, but I'll do my best. And I will tear into EVERYTHING. I will rip it all apart into little pieces like a T-Rex. My words will be like razor blades. The pages will be bleeding by the time I'm done. And I'll do her proud. Although I've been approached by several publishers about writing a book, I think I may go the way of self-publishing, to have complete control in every way over the final product. I'll write about both projects here when I am done with them.





I think that Valerie and I could have been BFF's back in the day. That would have been a dangerous, dynamic duo. I would have just had to watch myself. As long as I didn't become an accomplice to any major crimes, it'd be alright. The bottom line is that when it comes to this book, I GET it, and I get HER. It's okay Valerie, I understand where you were coming from, and I'm passing it on.