Can You See Me? The Importance of Lesbian Visibility

My name is Geraldine Joosten and I am a lesbian. Who there did I scare you? You must have thought that lesbians were mythical creatures sometimes talked about and never seen.

Recently I have felt more and more invisible in the world. Lesbians these days seem ignored and forgotten about. Where are we these days? Has the world forgotten about us?

Being a journalist and writer I decided to do research into these issues and find out if other lesbians felt the same they did. So much so it was decided that there should be a book on this issue.
Inspired by the amazing lesbian essay books of the 1990’s and the fact that there are many amazing bloggers and writers out there whom all have their own views on the issue, it quickly became clear that the book on Lesbian (in)visibility should be an essay driven project.

It asks the question many lesbians have been asking in the last few years: “WHERE ARE WE?”

Where are we in the media, in TV shows, in the news in LGTB projects, at Gay Prides, on the work floor?

Why are lesbians so invisible? Why are the 2 stereotypes (male sex fantasy or unwanted fat screaming angry dyke) still how we are seen?

How this lack of visibility affects us: Who are the icons out there for us? Does it make it harder for girls to find themselves without many easily accessible role models? Why is there such a disbalance between lesbian and gay visibility on TV, the media and the magazines. Why are gay men more accepted (in TV shows, films, articles in the media. Why do people automatically think of/talk about gay men when the issue of gay rights are brought up? Why do celebrities only link themselves to the male gay rights organisations?) Why do people still think that lesbians can’t have “proper” sex. Why is it still allowed to insult lesbians on TV shows/in the media? Why are bi girls hip and lesbians not.

Have we worked hard enough for our right to be seen? Has feminism helped us or held us back?
What should we do? What do we need?

Several girls from all over the world will write an essay about what this means to them, what they are missing, what do they want to change and how has it affected them. As it is all aspects of lesbian visibility everyone can bring their own take, talk about their own feelingsregarding lesbian visibility. It’s open to many interpretations and they are all valid.

We are still in talks with publishers -but it is certain the book will be out mid next year. We want the book to have a universal feel so it will speak to lesbians from New York to Berlin, from LA to the Netherlands.
We are still looking for more women to be involved in this.

Are you a blogger, writer or simply inspired to join in? Or do you have an opinion you feel should be included? You are welcome to get involved in any way.

Lots of love,
Geraldine

Diffuse 5 Talks to Lesbiatopia Editor about Paula Brooks Scandal

In case you haven't heard of Diffuse 5, they are an awesome site connecting the queer community by giving you information about the events, people and businesses that support it.  Diffuse 5 is based in Boston, the place I quite happily call home.  I was quite honored when Diffuse 5 CEO Ashley Lucas contacted me for an interview in regards to my personal reactions about the "Paula Brooks"/Bill Graber scandal. 

In case you weren't aware, I was quite intimately involved with "Paula Brooks" for the first couple of years that "she" began blogging.  If you haven't read it already, you can catch up on my personal account of my interactions with "Paula Brooks" here.   After you've caught up on the drama, check my interview, below, with CEO Ashley Lucas...

 Picture this.  You are the founder of a lesbian focused website and you begin to open up your business and your life to a number of content contributors who want to be involved with what you’re building.  You develop relationships, friendships and business partnerships with these people, letting them in to your life and sharing your experiences and life stories with them.
Now imagine that one of those people, whom you trusted and relied on to be an ally, turned out to be lying about their identity throughout the entirety of your relationship.
Renee Gannon, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Lesbiatopia, doesn’t have to leave much to the imagination…
Over the past few weeks, the names Bill Graber and Paula Brooks have been all over the news. Brooks was the editor of lesbian news site Lez Get Real, with the tag­line “A Gay Girl’s View on the World.”  She worked with a number of other sites, sharing content and building relationships that would quickly sour.  Sour because “Paula Brooks” turned out to be Bill Graber, a 58 year old retired Ohio military man and construction worker that had adopted his wife’s identity online.
For years Graber took on an alter ego, convincing people that he was a lesbian dedicated to educating the world and advancing gay-rights, until the Washington Post did some digging and discovered that Brooks was not who she said she was.
Renee Gannon, one of the victims of Graber’s alter ego, was kind enough to talk to us about her business relationship with the 58-year-old and the impact his deception has had on her life and the lesbian blogosphere.

The Interview

Diffuse 5: This fiasco has been pushed out all over the news. When was the exact moment you found out about it and what was your reaction?
Renee Gannon: I was contacted by one of Lesbiatopia’s former writers who shared with me the article on the Washington Post that broke the story that “Paula Brooks” was actually Bill Graber. My initial reaction was of shock, and then of course, I had a million questions running through my head. I began Googling the story which lead me to the discovery that Paula/Bill was directly related to the Gay Girl in Damascus hoax, which I had briefly read about in the news just days before.
__
D5: Graber said that he faked his identity in order to be taken seriously within the world of lesbian media. Clearly that didn’t work in the end. What do you think he should have done if he wanted to be a true ally?
RG: I have always loved the saying, “The truth will set you free” and I truly believe it. If Graber had just been himself from the beginning, all of this could’ve been avoided. Unfortunately, through his deceit, he hurt a lot of people in the process. If he really wanted to showcase lesbian rights, he could’ve started a blog as a straight man in support of these rights. Would he have been taken seriously? I think, with the right approach and the right amount of credibility, the lesbian community would’ve listened with open ears if his intentions were truly in the right place.
__
D5: How do you think the lesbian community should react to this? Is the current reaction what you expected?
RG: Well, the women who had, over the years, worked with “Paula” in some capacity or another were obviously upset and greatly disappointed. I think the lesbian community should react with a sense of vigilence, first and foremost, especially those of us who engage in online networking on the regular. For me, personally, the reaction was a mixture of anger and sadness. I was angry at being lied to and deceived for years, but also sad for Graber because he clearly needs help.
__

Read the rest of the interview from Diffuse 5

Book Review: "Say It Like Obama" by Shel Leanne

BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez

"SAY IT LIKE OBAMA"

by Shel Leanne






I never realized what an excellent orator President Obama was, not until I read the book, "Say it Like Obama". My primary goal for acquiring this book was the simple purpose of improving my public speaking skills. Being quite the activist and advocate on numerous causes, I thought it would come in handy to learn from one of the best speakers today. I want to make it clear, my mission was not to attempt to copy or imitate him in any way, not that, that would be possible, anyway. I just thought it would be good to take some tips from someone who knows the true art of public speech.


Over the years, for the most part, I've gotten quite comfortable speaking to an audience. I've learned to treat it as if I were talking one-on-one to someone. The book actually mentions that several times.


Shel Leanne, who is a leaderhip expert, and has a very cool website, by the way, does an amazing job at presenting, breaking down, and analyzing exactly how to do it using as examples, Obama's famous speeches. She also uses other great speakers as examples like MLK, and JFK. I believe it always helps the learning process of anything by using specific examples. She illustrates how his dynamic use of techniques such as alliteration, rhetorical questions, non-rhetorical questions, among MANY other expert methods, including the use of body language can win over an audience. Even the efficient use of props and certain backgrounds are covered. And of course, CONFIDENCE is always key.


This is definitely one of those text-book type, "edumucational" kind of books I have not read in a long time. It's the type I'll be going over again and that you'll find on my shelf filled with different colored hi-lighted paragraphs, notes scribbled in pencil all throughout, and sticky notes. Yes, it's THAT type of book.


The secondary gain I got from this book was from reading some of Obama's speeches in full, was a true appreciation of him like I've never had before. I was very inspired. It makes we want to read more of his stuff. It actually made me feel, dare I say it? Proud to be an American. I haven't felt that way for a LONG time. All these years of Bush (and not the type I like), got me so jaded. The ONLY thing I miss from old Georgie Porgie was how much I made fun of him through my art. Oh well, I guess there are still a few Republicans left to make fun of, which brings me to my next point...


Opponents of Obama and the Democratic party may not become big fans of this book, because of the fact that they would have to bear through alot of his talk in order for Leanne to make her point. I don't think they'd be able to stomach through all the speeches just to learn about certain speaking skills. Too bad, so sad for them, because they can use it.


I feel that this can come in real handy for all GLBTQI community leaders in helping them along with talking to our often A.D.D like audience who are often times too busy dancing to re-mixes to pay attention to anything. I also find it helpful for my writing as well, since I've been told pretty often the way I write is basically the same as how I talk to people.


I believe the bottom line is, not being so formal, making the audience feel comfortable, making them feel like you are a part of them. I always felt that was very important. Just be yourself, and not try to be anything you're not. In the end, that's all you can do. Especially in a public position, trying to "fake it", the truth will come out sooner or later.

Sign the Petition Against Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Dan Choi, a native of California and an Army Lieutenant was recently discharged from the military for acknowledging his sexual orientation.

As of today, an amazing 96,033 people have signed the petition from the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile asking President Obama not to fire Lt. Choi and to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

To help us build this movement beyond 100,000 signers, please click here to sign now and spread the word by forwarding this message to your friends today:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontFireDan

Courtesy of the Courage Campaign

---

Read Dan's brave letter to the public:


In March, I went on Rachel Maddow's show and spoke three truthful words: "I am gay."

As an infantry officer, an Iraq combat veteran and a West Point graduate with a degree in Arabic, I refuse to lie to my commanders. I refuse to lie to my peers. I refuse to lie to my subordinates.

As a result, the Army sent a letter discharging me on April 23. The letter is a slap in the face. It is a slap in the face to me and it is a slap in the face to the soldiers who I have commanded and served with over the last decade.

I have served for a decade under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- an immoral policy that forces American soldiers to lie about their sexual orientation. Worse, it forces others to tolerate deception. As I learned at West Point, deception and lies poison a unit and cripple a fighting force.

That's why the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile are getting behind me today. And I'm getting behind them along with Knights Out -- an organization I founded to bring attention to the ways "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" undermines our national security.

I need your support. Please ask President Obama not to fire me. Click here to sign the Courage Campaign's petition asking the President to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontFireDan

In the ten years since I first raised my right hand at the United States Military Academy at West Point and committed to fighting for my country, I have learned many lessons. Courage, integrity, honesty and selfless service are some of the most important.

That's why my discharge from the Army is so painful. I am not accustomed to begging, but I am begging President Obama today: Do not fire me.

My subordinates know I'm gay. They don't care. They are professionals. My soldiers are more than a unit or a fighting force -- we are a family and we support each other.

Will you support me as well? Please ask President Obama to keep his promise and tell Congress to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and support equality in the military. Click here to sign this petition to the President ASAP:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontFireDan

Very Respectfully,

Daniel W. Choi
1LT, IN
New York Army National Guard

New Hampshire Senate Passes Gay Marriage Bill

The New Hampshire State Senate just passed a bill making same-sex marriage law -- by a single vote, 13-11.

The same bill already passed the House, and now goes to the desk of Governor John Lynch, a Democrat who has said he opposes same-sex marraige, but hasn't said how he'd act on the legislation.

Now Hampshire reports that it's a big win for Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley, and a New Hampshire politico describes "insane behind-the-scenes wrangling," with two votes switching in the last 24 hours.

Book Review: 'Banksy: Wall and Piece'

"BANKSY: WALL AND PIECE"

BOOK REVIEW

by Cynthia Rodriguez

Banksy. I don't even know where to begin. He is truly one of my art heroes, influences, and inspirations. I'm sure you have admired some of his work and didn't know you were looking at a Bansky piece. Who is this Banksy you ask? He is a brilliant, intelligent, revolutionary, visionary, political street graffitti and subversion and installation artiste and prankster and world traveller and life size stencil artist extraordinaire. He has taken this ill-reputed art form to a whole new level. He has raised the bar for all street artists. His art is truly FOR the people. Out in public for all to see, and enjoy. No admission fees, no censorship, no hoighty-toightiness. His work is both entertaining, and thought provoking. In his own words, "People either love me or they hate me, or they really don't care".


I recently had the pleasure of purchasing one of his many "coffee-table" picture books with what is known to be the best collection of his work in one book. I needed a break from all the heavy duty, deep reading I've been doing lately, and was just craving a big, fun, art book to digest. I found it during the last BOOK SLUT CLUB at the book store and I couldn't take my eyes off it. I knew I needed to buy it. I truly got my money's worth, and then some.

They are many arguments for and against graffitti and subversion art. Personally, I love graffitti. Not all, but some. I consider it an artform. Like any other medium, there is good and bad. It depends. Personally, I prefer pieces with a political thread. I definitely believe there is a time and place and purpose for it.

Banksy, originating from Britain has certainly created his share of political art, poking fun at authoritative figures such as the local police to the government. I absolutely LOVE that. He has also used figures such as his signature rats and monkeys and other unlikely subjects to make poignent statements about society.

He has also created some exquisite street installation pieces that I wasn't aware of that are just as powerful as his wall art. One such piece was his version of Stone Henge made of portable potties. That makes me smile every time I think about it.

He has snuck into places such as zoos into certain animal's cages and inserted signs that say things such as "I'm bored".

He is also infamous for sneaking in his subversion art into famous museums in NYC and in Europe. Some have hung for several weeks before anyone even realized they were not part of their legitimate collection, a fact I find very amusing, and I believe it says alot about these places, how they are run, and the art society. Some of his pieces are now part of some of those museum collections. How 'bout that?

An excerpt of an example of one of Banksy's subversion art piece statements he left at a museum of his "stone age" art:
"This finely preserved example of primitive art dates from the Post-Catatonic era and is thought to depict early man venturing towards the out-of-town hunting grounds..."

Bansky, his true identity is supposedly unknown, including his real name. In this day and age of the internet, paparazzi, and all types of media, I find this alone to be a true feat. At first considered an art outlaw, is now a very sought after artist. People capitalizing on this urban legend, are selling posters, prints, t-shirts, and everything else you can think of. They even sell "I AM BANKSY" t-shirts. I wouldn't be surprised if they were selling W.W.B.D ("What would Bansky do?") bracelets.

If you are a fan, and/or want to know more about this fabulous rebel artist, you have to own this book. It's a must. It will become a favorite among your collection. It is absolutely one of my favorites now.

Whoever, and wherever you are Banksy, and whatever you're working on now, keep on keepin' on. As far as I'm concerned, you are a true artist and hero of the people.

(side note and correction having nothing to do with this review: I have been a little too generous with my "star rating". Just for the record, I am changing my "Wuthering Heights" star review to 2 stars, instead of 3. Two stars meaning "poor" read, Three meaning "average/it was alright" read. Thank you.)

If you are a lesbian author, and would like your book reviewed for Lesbiatopia, please contact me at: resident.book.worm@gmail.com

15 Minutes of Stupid: The Continuing Saga of Ginny the Christian Censor Wannabe

Sinnerviewer brought the 15-minutes-of-fame-seeker Ginny of West Bend, WI to our attention and to task for her censorship-seeking behavior earlier last week. I moseyed over there to see what all the fuss was about. Indeed, I found a plethora of pontification on subjects for which she was clearly out of her depth to discuss intellectually or without the dogma of fear-mongering or fundamentalist hate-spewing Donald Wildmon-esque American Family Association, anti-GLSEN diatribes behind her.

I encourage you to read her blog in detail, because therein lies the kind of mind that many of those opposed to equality for gays and lesbians are walking around purportedly thinking with.

She's at it again. Complaining because the local news rag's publisher refused to publish any of her nonsense about the evil GLBT materials made available in the youth section of her local library. Books made available to teens who may desperately need the information made available because they can't speak to anyone else.

She seems to be claiming that what she wants is not censorship, but for all parents to be alerted to the dangers in her library. But it's very clear to me and many others, including the ACLU and the publisher of the local newsrag there, that the outcome, if people buy into her BS, will result in censorship. She just doesn't get it.

Fortunately, the public meeting held in West Bend, WI this weekend also brought in the Wisconsin ACLU, the director of which made this statement:

“Libraries need to follow policies that serve their communities,” said ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty. “Parents are responsible for guiding their own children’s use of the library. Censors should not pressure libraries to take away that responsibility and right from other parents. It is especially distressing when censorship may harm young people by denying them access to information.”

"Censoring gay-themed books or moving age appropriate materials to another more restrictive section would be a violation of First Amendment principles," Ahmuty concluded. "The ACLU of Wisconsin will continue to monitor development in West Bend closely.”

Perhaps one of these days, one of Ginny's own children is going to go hunting for one of those books because there is no way in hell they are going to be able to talk to anyone at home. Maybe they'll thank all of us for bringing Ginny's vision of our libraries and Ginny's vision of what is wrong with us (teh Gays) and those opposed to censorship to the attention of as many people as possible.

She's got another website too: The West Bend Community Information Blog - I'm sure she's very helpful to the citizens of West Bend. But don't expect Ginny to hear us at either place - she's finally figured out how to moderate comments.

Obama Rips Gays with Rick Warren Choice

President-Elect Obama decided that on the most important day in a decade, he would choose this guy to start the show:



Also nice:


Christian ministers have been used by every President to perform the inaugural invocation, but this guy--this guy--has been asked to perform the invocation at Obama's inauguration. Yeah, Obama--the hope-y guy! Even if you're not gay you can still hate Rick Warren for being against women's reproductive rights, and I personally hate him a little bit extra because he has also said stupid things about atheists like myself:

I could not vote for an atheist because an atheist says, 'I don't need God,' [Warren preached, according to the Los Angeles Times]. They're saying, 'I'm totally self-sufficient by [myself],' and nobody is self-sufficient to be president by themselves. It's too big a job.

The L.A. Times also reports this scariness:

At the center of [Warren's] operation is Saddleback Church, which occupies 120 acres in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains.

The church – with nearly 400 employees – features nine types of weekend services, including one in the cavernous 'worship center,' with seating for 3,200 and Warren’s image beamed on jumbo screens.

More than 180,000 pastors subscribe to his weekly “ministry toolbox” e-mail.

“The Purpose Drive Life,” published in 2002, helped create this reach. “It not about you,” Warren writes in the opening of the book, which has sold 35 million copies.

Now isn't that delightful?

While I will wait to see and judge how Obama handles universal healthcare (which I desperately need), the economy (which desperately sucks), and creating green jobs (which desperately are absent), I take this as a complete assault on the issue of LGBT acceptance, and I am deeply offended. I mean, sure, John McCain and MILFy McMooseBurger were much bigger douches, but still!

Sarah Posner of The Nation writes:

Obama had thousands of clergy to choose from, and the choice of Warren is not only a slap in the face to progressive ministers toiling on the front lines of advocacy and service but a bow to the continuing influence of the religious right in American politics.

Wonkette writes:

Basically, the Obama people have to argue that they’re being 'inclusive' by giving a platform to this terrible weenie [. . .]. Remember how Bill Clinton had a very 'inclusive' inauguration, with Maya Angelou and snake-charmers and NAMBLA all doing peyote and dancing around Ronald Reagan’s funeral pyre? That’s basically what Obama’s inauguration will be like, only with a diverse array of hairfaced hobbit cretins rubbing their nipples while they fantasize about gay marrying Jesus.

Matt Stoller of OpenLeft writes:

There is no three dimensional chess here or political calculation that makes sense on this point. If the argument is that sacrificing the rights of another group on the altar of political power is a reasonable choice, then you should remember that a society that callously denies one group their humanity can just as easily deny you yours.

If Obama fails to ditch Warren, I urge everyone to follow this passive protest: If you are lucky enough to be at the inauguration, turn your back on Rick Warren while he speaks.

Someone has already taken up this cause and created a website, turnyourbackonrickwarren.com. Let bigoted shithead Rick Warren know that we are past him--that he is behind us.

For more ways to speak out against Rick Warren, click here.

Chris Bowers of OpenLeft writes:

I do have to wonder though--why are opposing equal rights for LGBT, and why are hating atheists, still tolerated as mainstream opinions in America? The only reason why someone like Rick Warren represents 'bringing people together' rather than hatred of multiple large minorities in America, is because hatred of atheists and homosexuals are tolerated.

Sad but true.

(On a positive note, Faith in Public Life reports that marriage equality-supporter and civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery will be giving the benediction at the end of Obama's inauguration. Among many accomplishments, Rev. Lowery headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association in the early 1950s--an organization devoted to desegregating public places. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with MLK Jr. in 1957, and when the Selma to Montgomery March needed a delegate to speak to the governor with its demands in 1965, they chose Rev. Lowery. He also cofounded the Black Leadership Forum, a consortium of groups promoting black advocacy and the end of apartheid in South Africa. His other accomplishments will also astound you. So that makes this whole thing hurt a little less . . .)

Margaret Cho at CA State Capitol 11/22

How lucky are we? Not only do Californians get an opportunity to protest again this weekend on the heels of the California Supreme Court decision to hear arguments related to the passage of Prop 8, we get to have fun doing it! Margaret Cho will be emceeing the ginormous protest being held at the State Capitol on Saturday, 11/22, from 2 pm to 5 pm.

If you are headed into Sacramento - and I hope you are, if you can manage it, be sure to plan to walk as parking is always problematic downtown. Nearby public garages are located at 15 & K, 11th & I, 10th & L, 6th & L, 6th & J, 7th & K, and 14th & H.

The train, a cheap and easy alternative for Bay Area dwellers, let's off at 5th & I and the Capitol is located starting at 10th & L.

Bring your best sign and some walkin' shoes, baby!

CA Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Lawsuit Arguments in Prop 8 Fight

From the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center: "Earlier today, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear several lawsuits filed against Proposition 8 by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, several cities and counties and a Los Angeles private attorney.

The court denied our side’s request for a stay that would have allowed county clerks to continue performing same-sex marriages until the court made a final ruling on Prop 8.

The lawsuits that will be heard by the Supreme Court argue that:

* Prop 8 is invalid because it constitutes a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution.
* Prop 8 violates the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution.
* If Prop 8 is NOT unconstitutional, the marriages performed BEFORE Prop 8 passed should still be valid.

The court gave the state of California until December 19 to respond to the lawsuits and gave our side until January 5 to respond to the state. Amicus briefs must be filed by January 15, and responses to those by January 21. Oral argument could be held as early as March 2009. State Attorney General Jerry Brown earlier had urged the court to issue a prompt ruling, stating in his filing, “Review by this court is necessary to ensure uniformity of decision, finality and certainty for the citizens of California.”

While it is a positive development for our side, the court’s decision to hear the lawsuits does not necessarily mean it will rule to overturn Prop 8. In the past 100 years, “the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution."

Get the Low Down on What Went Wrong in Prop 8 Fight

Bilerico has something pretty darned cool going on this Thursday at 7 pm EST. He'll be hosting three leaders of the anti-amendment charge, Kate Kendell of NCLR, Nadine Smith of Equality Florida, and Barbara McCullough-Jones of Equality Arizona will be available to answer your questions via Liveblog. Go to his post to leave your questions.

Hopefully, we’ll learn some valuable things about what went wrong and where we go from here in our fight. You can sign up for e-mail alerts regarding the event here: Bilerico LiveBlog Email Reminder

Kate Kendell, esq., is the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Growing up Mormon in Utah, Kate learned about the complexities of religion and politics from an early age. After receiving her J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law in 1988 and a few years practicing corporate law, she pursued her real love—civil rights advocacy—and became the first staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah. There she directly litigated many high-profile cases focusing on all aspects of civil liberties, including reproductive rights, prisoners’ rights, free speech, the rights of LGBT people, and the intersection of church and state. In 1994 she joined NCLR as legal director, and was named executive director two years later.

Kate and her partner, Sandy Holmes, live in San Francisco with their son, Julian, age 10, and daughter Ariana, age 5. Their family includes Kate’s daughter Emily, age 25.

Nadine Smith, is the executive director of Equality Florida. Nadine Smith has been executive director of Equality Florida since its inception in 1997, and was executive director of its predecessor, the Human Rights Task Force of Florida prior to that. She joined the organization in 1993 after serving as one of four national co-chairs on the 1993 March on Washington and taking part in the historic, first-ever meeting between LGBT leaders and a sitting U.S. president (Clinton) in the White House.

Barbara McCullough-Jones, is the executive director of Equality Arizona. Barbara is a native of Seattle where she got her first taste of activism fighting for domestic partner benefits as a City of Seattle employee in the early 1980’s. After moving to Arizona in 1989, Barbara founded the Lesbian Resource Project which became nationally recognized as a leader in health care provision for lesbian, bisexual women and heterosexual women who found comfort in the progressive organization. In 1997 Barbara was tapped to serve as Executive Director for the Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center significantly increasing fundraising and launching a successful capital campaign. Washington, DC was the site of Barbara’s next post in 2002 as Executive Director of GALA Choruses, the international association of LGBT choruses Barbara worked with an international coalition of partners to present a quadrennial festival in Montreal, Canada which served over 6,000 delegates during an eight-day festival.

Barbara and her partner Sandra currently reside in Tempe.

Thought We Were Done, Did Ya'

After last weekend’s passionate protests throughout our wonderful country, I figured things would die down - but NO! Indeed not - and this weekend promises to be even bigger. Go check out the details at California Outreach.

“TAKE IT TO SACRAMENTO ON NOVEMBER 22ND!

With the unfortunate outcome of the recent passage of Proposition 8, the GLBT community has united in a presence that we have not seen since the early 1980’s and the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

It is with great respect that California Outreach, in partnership with Equality Action Now, humbly asks you to join GLBT individuals and organizations, PFLAG and our straight brothers and sisters at a peaceful outreach on the steps of the California State Capitol Building at 2:00pm on November 22nd.

Please join us as we reach out to all the citizens of California to demonstrate that we will not tolerate discrimination to be written into our State Constitution.

Who: Anyone and everyone.
Where: California State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA
When: 11/22/08 2:00PM
Why: Equal Rights are inalienable and CANNOT be taken away.

In 1987 the largest rally for gay rights in Sacramento took place, counting 15,000 strong. We need to stand together and make a statement that we will not stand idly by and let the rights of our sons, daughters, parents, and friends be taken away. Twenty one years later — 30,000 strong. Are YOU ready to make history?

The success of this event depends upon getting the word out. Invite your friends!”

Blog Quiet, Protest Loud

Courtesy of our "fellow" lesbian site, The Lesbian Lifestyle

Tomorrow We Make History - Join the Protest

Wyatt Buchanan of the San Francisco Chronicle says, “It’s a never-before-seen response, surpassing in size and scope even the 1969 Stonewall riots, which launched the modern gay rights movement after New York City police raided a Greenwich Village gay bar.”

I say HELL to the YEAH!

Tomorrow we make history – we start a movement I hope builds momentum and continues. No more meek assimilation attempts for me.

I hope our straight friends and family can stand with us.

I was talking to my very logical, deep-thinking friend at A World of Progress last night and her progressive straight readers are all rather stunned at her ongoing anger and frustration with the state of gay affairs in our country. She’s usually the calm, cool head of higher living. I get that that ambiguity of emotion. We had an attachment to each of those amendments across the country. We couldn’t believe in this day and age anyone would not see the sense in making things right.

Join us tomorrow – there is a protest in EVERY SINGLE state – and you can be there to be part of the change – part of opening the floodgates to freedom.

Find Your Protest Location

Non Violent – Resolute – Loving – Unyielding - Powerful

Send me your photos too – with a location attached so I know from whence it came! lori(at)hahnathome.com

Retracton: The Dishonor Roll

The limited retraction: According to a posting on Yelp, a guy named Rick Baker is the franchisee for the Hillcrest location of Golden Spoon, reported as being owned by Roger & Heather Clawson. He is reportedly not affiliated with Yes on 8 or the Clawsons and fully supports the gay community of San Diego. Roger Clawson is the Franchising President to of Golden Spoon - his wife Heather gave the $5,000 donation. Our apologies to Rick Baker.

Shine the Light on Prop 8 Supporters

The limited retraction: According to a posting on Yelp, a guy named Rick Baker is the franchisee for the Hillcrest location of Golden Spoon, reported as being owned by Roger & Heather Clawson. He is reportedly not affiliated with Yes on 8 or the Clawsons and fully supports the gay community of San Diego. Roger Clawson is the Franchising President to of Golden Spoon - his wife Heather gave the $5,000 donation.

The dishonor roll is a listing of major contributors to the Yes on 8 fund. Ironically, both are happy to take gay dollars to increase their personal wealth, but draw the line at believing in true equality by contributing their dollars (and indirectly, ours) to the Yes on 8 cause. I say, if they don't honor our rights entitlement, we shouldn't give them have our money!

If you are coordinating an activity to keep the dollars out of the hands of these businesses, please let me know (lori(at)hahnathome(dot)com) so we can give you some publicity.

The Dishonor Roll

What would make it hurt? Just a little? Hit ‘em in the wallet – bigtime.

Prop 8 Supporter Businesses of the Week:

Their new location in the Hillcrest (heart of Gay San Diego) is at:

The Golden Spoon Yogurt

Roger & Heather Clawson
1254 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(previously Ben & Jerry's store next to Subway)
619-299-7766

Locations all over CA and the West, including Prop 102-loving Arizona. The donation was in Heather’s name. Interestingly, I found this online, making clear a Roger Clawson’s views on gays. I cannot say this is the same Roger Clawson, but the article is worth a read anyway.

El Pollo Loco/Corner Bakery/Denny’s

Roland Spongberg
WKS Restaurant Group, President
2735 Carson St # 200
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 425-1402

Spongberg has about 36 El Pollo Loco, 29 Corner Bakery stops, and Denny’s locations throughout So Cal and in neighboring states. The Spongbergs are LDS.

Thanks, Mel, for the list.

Get Your Vote & Your Donation On, Ya'll

- Renee Gannon

First of all, I have some very exciting news. I am very proud to annouce that I am one of the newest bloggers at OurChart! I will be writing blog articles there around once a week but of course I will include a teaser to my article so you will be able to get all of my literary goodness here on Lesbiatopia, too.

On another note, today is the VERY last date to donate to 8 Against 8, which as of 2pm EST has raised $13,040. The fundraiser technically ends at Midnight tonight, PST, but Grace, the founder of the 8 Against 8 campaign, is extending it until Tuesday morning 8:00am EST, because midnight Pacific time is 3am EST, and like Grace, we all need our beauty sleep.

Let’s make this last day one for the record books! If you haven't donated yet, please consider giving... even $5 helps and with the price of gas going down, use that extra change in your pocket to help out a great cause.

In other news, goodbye blonde hair, hello red/brown! I tend to change my hair color as often as I change my underwear (what?), so here is a picture of my latest fall look:

Now... drumroll please... my very first article for OurChart. Check it out and show me some OurChart love!! It's all about the importance of voting, about getting educated on important issues and spreading the word about the states that have gay marriage amendments on the ballot. Oh yeah, and if not for anything else, go read my kickass political limerick.

Click here to read That Day in November and don't forget to add me as a friend if you're an Ourchart user!

8 Against 8 - Day 3

-- Lori Hahn

$6,054. Can I just say how amazing you all are? We've had one donor who gave $500 and several who have given over $100. Lots have donated other amounts, which are all building towards our overall goal of $8,000 by the 27th. Thank you.

And, thanks to Lesbiatopia's Renee Gannon and all our other cohorts in queerness for their continuing outreach!

8 Against 8

If you Google “8 Against 8″ you can see that this effort has spread all over the country. People who aren’t directly affected have reached into their pockets to help us defeat his discriminatory measure that ELIMINATES the right to same-sex marriage.

I read a blog the other day that made me kind of mad. The blogger was saying there is apathy in our ranks. That we aren’t putting in, as a group, the real effort to effect change. That somehow we all had to be Stonewall rioters or we wouldn’t succeed. I beg to differ. We are offered, because of the Harvey Milk’s, the Stonewall rioters, and other trailblazers the ability to rally for our cause in a million different, quieter ways if we choose. But, he had a point - if we want rights, we have to want them enough to fight for them - whether it’s donating for ad dollars, writing letters to the editor, organizing protests, or whatever method we feel we can offer the most help. It’s about rights - we have no right to complain if we do nothing. If you haven’t posted about 8 Against 8 on your blog, I hope you will!

Causecast has created an amazingly inspirational video in support of No on PROP 8 based on Harvey Milk's "You Cannot Live On Hope Alone" speech.

A reminder too, for all of you working California voters - your employer must give you time to vote. They are also required to post a notice to that effect at your place of employment. There is NO excuse for not getting to the polls on November 4th.

So do something. Donate. Share. Vote NO on Prop 8. Because that’s what it’s all about, your vote.

http://www.8against8.com

• Grace Chu and Grace Rosen from Grace the Spot
• Lori Hahn from Hahn at Home
• Kelly Leszczynski from The Lesbian Lifestyle
• Pam Spaulding from Pam’s House Blend
• Sinclair from Sugarbutch Chronicles
• Riese from This Girl Called Automatic-Win
• Renee Gannon from Lesbiatopia
• Dorothy Snarker from Dorothy Surrenders

Take That Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine

It's Not Too Late

It's not too late to register to vote and vote Californians! Polls indicate that the YES on 8 bigots are winning. We need EVERY SINGLE CALIFORNIAN to vote NO on 8.