Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Femmes By The Thames - Tonight at Royal Vauxhall Tavern

The all female cabaret night includes Rosie Wilby, poet Sophia Blackwell, character artist Claire Benjamin and stand-up comedienne Shazia Mirza.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Go Iceland! Female Prime Minister Marries Her Girlfriend

Not only has Iceland got a female Prime Minister but the World's first openly lesbian one at that. Now that same-sex marriage laws have been passed in her country Johanna Siguroardottir has married her partner, writer Jonina Leosdottir.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Ladies of Wimbledon 2010

The Metro has published their top five female tennis players in this years tournament.

My favourite is Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova :-)

I, for one, am missing the Amazonian lesbian tennis player Amelie Mauresmo, who retired from tennis last year.

Pride London to Go Ahead in Soho

The organisers of this years Pride London have reached an agreement with Westminster City Council to allow Pride celebrations to go ahead in Soho. There will be an absence of stages and outside bars however.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Jennifer Beals in New Fox Police Drama 'Ride-Along'

Jennifer Beals, who starred as Bette Porter in 'The L Word', is in the new Fox police drama 'Ride-Along'. Due to air in the US this autumn, the series is set in Chicago and Beals plays the chief of police.

I Should Have Listened to the Octopus - England Are Out Of The World Cup

Well it appears I need to get myself a psychic octopus as it was spot on - Germany beat England 4-1 in one of the worst results for our nation in World Cup history.  I'm not going to dissect their performance as I am not a football expert but from a layman's point of view our defence didn't stand up to Germany's repeated attacks. Let's hope the England women's team fare better next year.

Read the BBC Report

Calamari Anyone?

Psychic octopus predicts England defeat against Germany.

Read Full Article

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Mia Kirshner in 'The Vampire Diaries'

Mia Kirshner, Jenny from 'The L Word', is currently starring in 'The Vampire Diaries' as the vampire Isobel Flemming. 


Pre-Order 'The Vampire Diaries' Season One

Off With Her Head - Helen Mirren's Unpatriotic Comments Are Unacceptable

I've always liked Helen Mirren, she seems comfortable in her own skin, has grown old gracefully and has never been afraid of nudity. Last week however, she attempted to ingratiate herself with the American audience, on The Letterman Show, by denigrating her own nation. She stated that she was glad that the US beat England in the first round of the World Cup, that BP stood for "bloody p*ss poor" and that the English invented football by kicking heads around!!!

Not only does she need to get her facts straight but she should show a little bit of appreciation and support for our open-minded, tolerant, diverse and interesting multi-cultural country without being embarrassed. Americans are fervently patriotic and plant their Stars and Stripes flags outside their homes with pride. We, however, are told to take down out England flags and not to wear our England shirts in public in the fear  that our national pride will be mistaken for racism. 

BP hasn't really been a British concern for years; 40% of the shares are American owned and BP dropped it's original title when it merged with two US oil companies around ten years ago.  The board of directors are half US citizens and half UK citizens. Moreover this is about a global commercial companies short comings, not a nation's. I sympathise greatly with the plight of the locals, environment and wildlife in that area but greed and the world's reliance on oil is to blame.

As for the football comment, if you want to learn about the true origins of football then read it's history on the Fifa website.



Always Wait Until the Second Generation!

It appears that Apple have come unstuck yet again by pushing out a product with faults. I'm sure that the iPhone 4 is a wonderful device with lots of features but unfortunately the one thing it doesn't do very well is work as a phone!

Read the Full BBC News Article

Watch Scissor Sisters' Glastonbury Performance and Special Guest Kylie on BBC3 Tonight

BBC3 is showing the Scissor Sisters from 9pm tonight with special guest Kylie tonight.

For those of you that haven't seen the video to their latest single, here it is:

Watch Shakira's Glastonbury Performance Tonight on BBC3

BBC3 are showing Shakira's performance tonight from 19:45.  For those of you who didn't see her World Cup Opening Celebration performance check out this video. As if it wasn't hot enough as it is.....

Kylie's Performance on Jonathan Ross Now on BBC iPlayer

Watch Kylie's frank interview and performance on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross last night

Friday, June 25, 2010

Brighton Pride 31st July to 8th August

The ill-fated Brighton Pride celebrations begins on the 31st July with the Parade and main event taking place on the 7th August.

For more details check out the official Pride site

Kylie to Appear On 'Live From Studio Five' on Monday 28th June

Kylie Minogue is to appear on 'Live From Studio Five' on Monday. Don't forget she is on tonight's 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' tonight!

Tegan and Sara New Single 'Alligator'

Twin sisters and lesbian favourite Tegan and Sara have just released the second single, 'Alligator', from their latest album 'Sainthood'.

Brighton Pride - Women's Tent and Popstarz Pull Out

Long-running supporter of Brighton Pride Popstarz have dropped out due to rising pitch prices. This follows the loss of the Women's Tent, whose organisers have published an open letter explaining their decision.

Read the full article on Popstarz

Read the full article on the Women's Tent

BBC TV - 'The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister'

Recently aired on BBC television, 'The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister' is a dramatic adaption of the life of the Yorkshire landowner and industrialist Anne Lister (played by Maxine Peake).  Masculine in her appearance, and known by some as 'Gentlemen Jack', she had various relationships with women and eventually set up home with one of her lovers. Her diary was written in code to protect those she was involved with.

The screenplay was written by Jane English, who wrote several episodes of the popular lesbian series 'Sugar Rush'.

Read an Interview with Jane English on AfterEllen.com

Maltese Religous Seminar Condemns Homosexuality

Yesterday at the Islamic Cultural Centre at San Paulo Malta, Muslim and Catholic preachers, lead by Archbishop Paul Cremona condemned homosexuality as  "unnatural, immoral, unhealthy and fruitless".
 
Read Full Article 

Thursday, June 24, 2010

'The Real L Word' Episode One Review


Having mourned the demise of the ground-breaking lesbian drama 'The L Word', for many months, I eagerly anticipated Ilene Chaiken's latest project 'The Real L Word'. After watching the first episode I feel bitterly disappointed.  The reality show centres around six lesbian women living and working in LA.  Mikey is a promoter and organiser in the fashion industry who reminds me a little of Ab Fab's Edina Monsoon.  In this first episode she is sent inexperienced catwalk models to her casting. She flares up, somewhat unnecessarily, at the agency who sent them; only to be told by her hapless intern (we'll call her Bubble) that she was the one who contacted the agency to arrange the casting.


Then we have Rose, allegedly the inspiration for 'The L Word's Papi character, a flighty real estate agent who has actually managed to keep a somewhat discontented girlfriend for seven months. Her philosophy is that if you ask enough women out one of them is bound to say yes.


Next is the long-term couple. Nikki is a Manager/Producer and Jill is a writer. Although marriage is unfortunately still not legal in the state of California they are planning a big event. I have to admit I switched off the moment they began talking about dresses as there are already a glut of reality wedding shows on TV that I avoid. Whitney, a special effects artist, is the 'Shane' of the bunch. She has trouble committing to one person but has been seeing a friend, Sara, for some time. Unlike Shane she comes across as extremely arrogant and unlikable.


Lastly, Tracy is a development executive whose mother isn't comfortable with her daughter's sexuality.  She actually came across better than the other women and saved the show slightly for me.


The whole programme seemed very contrived, from the wrong model casting to Whitney bumping into someone she'd slept with, and the women are trying too hard to be interesting.  The production itself is reality by numbers; from the first opening minutes of frank sexual discussion that are aimed to shock, to the bog standard music and camera monologues.  It's a real shame because I can't imagine that many L Word fans will find this show remotely interesting and I personally found it an insult to my intelligence.  Whereas the characters in 'The L Word' were complex and intelligent these women are vacuous  and self-centered.

Watch this space for a review of episode two if I can bear it!


Australia Has First Ever Female Prime Minister

In a surprise vote within Australia's ruling Labor Party Julia Gillard has taken over Kevin Rudd's position as Prime Minister.

Read Full Article

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Lose That Muffin Top For the Summer!

If, like me, you love your food but want to lose a few pounds, before you bare any flesh, this holiday season then 'Cook Yourself Thin' may well help you do that. Gizzie Erskine's philosophy is that diets don't work but that making small changes to your eating habits can make a considerable difference.  Some of the recipes are more involved than the takeaway and microwave meal queens amongst us may be comfortable with but the meals are very appealing and there are lots of substitutes for the favourites that you order in. I'm going to put a few of the recipes to the taste test and will post my verdict at a later date.

Look at a selection of her recipes



Dublin Pride 18th to 27th June

Dublin Pride 2010 is now underway with Parade day taking place on the 26th.  Events include multiple screenings of 'The Wizard of Oz',  a Gay Dublin Walking Tour, an official Dublin Pride Dyke Night, and a Pride Party in the Park.

Ani DiFranco Live Webcast 24th July 8PM PST

Independent folk artist Ani Difranco is performing on a live web cast this week. Creative Allies will be hosting the performance. Her 17 date US tour kicks off in Napa, California the following day but there are no UK tour dates announced at present.



Monday, June 21, 2010

'Lip Service' Promo Video

For those of you that are interested in the up and coming BBC3 Lesbian Drama here is a sneak preview:


Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Festival Season is Upon Us

The Isle of Wight festival is over and the famous Glastonbury Festival starts this week. Acts include Kelis, Scissor Sisters, Florence and the Machine, La Roux, Ellie Goulding and Tegan and Sarah amongst others. U2 have pulled out and the headlining act is now The Gorillaz.

Full Line up

Oh My Starz!!!! 'Torchwood' Series 4 Confirmed

'Torchwood' is to be back for a further ten episodes due to a collaboration between the US channel Starz and the BBC.  Bisexual Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) with return with Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles) with the remaining cast to be confirmed.

The B Movie is Back!!!!

'Bitch Slap' is a cross between a Russ Meyer and a Tarantino movie about three bad girls who try steal an underworld gangster's wealth.  The cast includes 'Spartacus Blood and Sand's Erin Cummings as Hel, Julia Voth as Trixie, America Olivo as Camero, Hercules Michael Hurst as the gangster Gage and Dante's Cove's William Gregory Lee as Hot Wire.

For the Xena Fan's amongst us there is a cameo appearance by Lucy Lawless and Renee O' Connor as nuns!

PJ Harvey Guest Designer of Francis Ford Coppola's Literary Magazine

PJ Harvey is the guest designer of the summer edition of Zoetrope, Francis Ford Coppola's literary magazine.

For a preview of her designs click here.

To order a copy click here.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Get Inked at Tattoo Jam

For tattooed ladies or those that are considering getting one Tattoo Jam 2010 is being held at Doncaster Racecourse between the 6th and 8th August. With over 300 working artists, workshops and live bands it sounds like an unmissible event.

Heather Cassils Discusses Her Part in Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' Video

In an interview with AfterEllen bodybuilder Heather Cassils talks about kissing Lady Gaga in the 'Telephone' video.

Read full article

Kylie to Appear On 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross'

Kylie Minogue is to perform her new single 'All the Lovers' next week on 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross'.

Scissor Sisters new album released on 28th June

The Scissor Sisters eagerly awaited third album entitled 'Night Work' is released on 28th June. Pre-Order your copy below.

Doctor Who Two-Part Season Finale Starts Tonight

The Last episode of the current series of Doctor Who airs tonight on BBC1. Entitled 'The Pandorica Opens'. The Doctor (Matt Smith) is up against the most feared being the in cosmos, will he succeed and save the day?

BBC1 18:40 PM

Doctor Who - Series 5, Volume 1 [DVD] [2010]

L7 L Word Convention 2010

Starfury have organised yet another L Word convention. This time is is being hosted from the 25th to 27th June at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole.  Guests include Leisha Hailey (Alice), Kate Moennig (Shane), Janina Gavankar (Papi), Clementine Ford (Molly), and Mei Melancon (Jamie) and Lauren Lee Smith (Lara).

Weekend tickets cost £90 and One day costs £45.

Tickets can be purchased here

Friday, June 18, 2010

Eminem Supports Gay Marriage

Eminem, known for his homophobic lyrics, has said that he supports same-sex marriages.

Read Article

Sookie is a Little Sapphic!

Anna Paquin, who rose to fame in The Piano and is currently starring as Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood, has come out publicly as bisexual and has the full support of her husband to be and co-star Stephen Moyer.

Go Sookie!  





'Gay' Cure claim in Spain

Lesbian web magazine Lesbilicious have reported that a clinic in Spain allege that they have found a cure for homosexuality through medication and psychology.  As we all know that being gay isn't a fatal or chronic illness or disability and doesn't require a cure so I think they should concentrate their efforts in actually curing something that actually needs a remedy.

Read The Article

Thursday, June 17, 2010

New Coalition Government's Gay Policies

The coalition government have published their gay policies. Some seem quite progressive however there is an absence of the removal of the ban of blood donations from gay men and full legal rights for civil partnerships.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/06/16/coalition-government-publishes-gay-policies-but-no-action-on-gay-marriage-or-blood-ban/

Just When We'd Worked Out Our Pride Itinery...

It appears that Pride London many not be able to take place in Soho due to fire risks:

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/06/17/fire-risk-may-mean-no-pride-in-soho/

Shabby From Big Brother Naked in Diva Magazine

Shabby from Big Brother posed naked in the December 2007 issue of Diva Magazine with her group Voodoo Hussy.  Thought she looked familiar but obviously didn't recognise her with her clothes on. :-)

Stella Duffy - Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore

Stella Duffy's latest literary offering is a historial novel based on the life of an empress of the Byzantine Empire.

Read a Review on Pink Paper


'Chloe' DVD - Pre-Order Now

Fresh from her sapphic episode with Megan Fox, in 'Jennifer's Body', Amanda Seyfried plays an escort hired by a female gynaecologist, (Julianne Moore), to tempt her college professor husband (Liam Neeson) whom she suspects is having affairs with his students. The movie is well directed with a haunting soundtrack (some of which is provided by the group 'Raised By Swans') and has a good (if predictable) twist. Unfortunately, it also depicts the usual dysfunctional, psychotic, lesbian element.



'The L Word' Season 6 Murder Mystery Event 27th June 2010

Twentieth Century Fox are holding a murder mystery evening to coincide with the release of 'The L Word' Season 6 on DVD and the Pride Festival.  The night is at the restaurant Mews of Mayfair and includes an auction for Pride London, L Word themed Cocktails and an L Word themed murder plot.


Tickets £45 per person. To book a place visit: www.PrideLondon.org and select Sunday 27th June.





Limited Edition 'Love Your Inner Lesbian' T-shirts

Stonewall have the following t-shirt for sale directly from their website. They are £10 each + £2.50 Post and Package to the UK.


Pride London 3rd July 2010

Pride London is nearly upon us again! On the main stage in Trafalgar Square there are some great acts, including Freemasons and Livin Joy. The overall theme is Paint the Town Ruby Red to celebrate 40 years of the Gay Liberation Front. The parade starts at Baker Street at 1PM and the full route can be found on the Pride website. Vauxhall nightclub Fire are hosting the dance square in Soho Square and there will be other entertainment at Leicester Square.  Especially for us girlies there is a Womens Stage in Dean Street.

Emmerdale Voted Best Soap For Gay Storylines - Stonewall UK

Lucy Talks About Spartacus

Lucy talks to the Huffington Post about her role in the new Starz drama showing on the Bravo UK channel.

Spart-a-cuss!!!!

'Spartacus Blood and Sand' is now airing on the Bravo UK channel.  For the Xena fans out there the lovely Lucy Lawless plays Lucretia, wife to a Roman gladiator school owner Batiatus (played by John Hannah). There is '300' style violence,  full nudity, sex, orgies,much profanity and of course lots of muscles.  Although I have to cover my eyes at some of the more gory scenes I am thoroughly enjoying it so far and above all it actually seems to have a really good plot. Just don't watch it with your parents!


Lesbians in 'Desperate Housewives'

I was very excited to hear that one of the main characters in 'Desperate Housewives' has embarked upon a lesbian relationship but I'm beginning to think it's the usual titillation rather than a sensitive portrayal.  Katherine (played by Dana Delany), falls for stripper Robin (played by Julie Benz) and struggles with her feelings.  However, after a couple of episodes they disappear on an extended vacation and are absent from the rest of the series. Hopefully they will be back on our screens soon but I have a sneaking suspicion that Katherine will return alone. :-(

Kylie's New Single Out This Week

The new single 'All The Lovers' from the up and coming album 'Aphrodite' has been released this week.

Watch the Video here



'And Then Came Lola' Released on DVD


Lola (played by Ashleigh Sumner) is a commitment-phobic, disorganised photographer who could lose her new girlfriend if she doesn't make it to an important meeting.  The film is a cross between 'Run Lola Run' and 'Groundhog Day' and is quirky, amusing and sexy.


Follow Jill on Twitter    Follow Cathy on Twitter    





'The Real L Word' Airs in US this Weekend

The new series by Ilene Chaiken, creator of 'The L Word', premieres on the US channel Showtime this Saturday. The reality series looks at the lives of six lesbians living in Los Angeles.

New British Lesbian Drama Delayed Until Autumn

The new UK lesbian drama, dubbed as 'The British L Word', was originally scheduled to air on BBC 3 this spring but has been rescheduled to autumn/winter to maximise viewing figures.  The show is set in Glasgow and depicts the lives and loves of a group of twenty-something lesbians. The cast includes Heather Peace, of London's Burning and Ultimate Force fame, and Laura Fraser, star of Nina's Heavenly Delights and Russell T Davies' Casanova.