TV Tonight: Tuesday September 30th, 2008

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HRC Praises Major Adoption Group’s Call to Welcome Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation commends a report issued recently by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute that urges changes to state laws and adoption agency practices so they are more welcoming of gay and lesbian applicants. The report underscores the need for the HRC Foundation’s “All Children – All Families” initiative, which is currently engaged in efforts to improve agency competence in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families.

“The Adoption Institute has issued a powerful report that outlines the need for more loving families for children in foster care,” says Ellen Kahn, director of the HRC Foundation’s Family Project. “The report makes a compelling case for state laws and agency policies that welcome lesbian and gay prospective parents to expand the pool of permanent families for children. The All Children—All Families initiative answers that call by providing a comprehensive framework for agencies to improve their policies and practices and become fully welcoming of LGBT adoptive parents.”

The Adoption Institute’s report, Expanding Resources for Waiting Children II: Eliminating Legal and Practice Barriers to Gay and Lesbian Adoption from Foster Care, provides specific, research-based findings and recommendations about state laws and adoption agency policies. In a statement, the Adoption Institute recommends that adoption and foster care agencies “assess their policies and practices to ensure that they are welcoming – in recruitment, training and post-placement services – for all qualified family resources who want to provide homes for children in foster care, including gay/lesbian individuals and couples.”

The “All Children – All Families” initiative helps to find permanent families for children by promoting policies that welcome LGBT foster and adoptive parents. It seeks to enhance LGBT competence among child welfare professionals and educate LGBT people about opportunities to become foster or adoptive parents to waiting children. More information about the initiative can be found at www.hrc.org/acaf.

“Twenty nine agencies have signed a pledge in support of the All Children – All Families effort so far,” Kahn says, and ten of those have completed their agency assessment, the first step toward achieving a seal of recognition from HRC. We applaud these agencies for having the courage to take a public position on this issue and to implement best practices with all families.

BACKGROUND

The All Children – All Families initiative offers the following tools to agencies seeking to improve their policies and practices:

- Promising Practices Guide. A comprehensive guide with examples of effective practices for working with LGBT foster and adoptive parents. It features sample policies and tips from leaders of welcoming agencies, researchers in the field and LGBT adoptive and foster parents.

- Agency Database. Agencies that sign a pledge in support of the goals of the All Children – All Families initiative can appear in the HRC database of welcoming agencies.

- Agency Self-Assessment. A survey that measures an agency’s performance on key criteria related to policies and practices with LGBT-headed families and offers recommendations for improvement.

- Individualized Consultation. Agencies that submit their online assessment receive professional consultation to identify steps to improve their practices.

- Experienced Trainers. Trainers are available to help agencies improve. The initiative plans to train more trainers throughout the country in the coming year.
- All Children – All Families Seal. Agencies that achieve the 10 benchmarks outlined in the Promising Practices Guide receive the All Children – All Families Seal.

- Recruitment Campaign. A professional advertising firm is creating a parent recruitment campaign targeting the LGBT community. Agencies that excel in their practices will have access to the campaign, to tailor it for their local needs.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Family Project serves as a comprehensive resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families. The project provides information on a wide range of issues including adoption, civil unions, custody and visitation, donor insemination, family law, marriage, parenting, schools, senior health and housing, state laws and legislation, straight spouses and transgender issues. In addition to maintaining inclusive and up to date resources for GLBT families in the U.S., the project provides guidance to those that work closely with these families in various fields such as adoption agencies, social workers, and healthcare institutions.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information on the HRC visit http://www.hrc.org.

Photos by, from top to bottom: Katharine M and Matt Scott.

Jen Foster Brings Warmth and Intimacy to Music and Fans

When you listen to the award winning songs created by singer songwriter Jen Foster, you just get it. You get that for her, music is an outlet for expressing the complexity of life and for reflecting on the people, the relationships, and the good times and bad that we all know so well. There is a depth to her lyrics that has been recognized and appreciated with awards including the 2006 Song of the year from the Out Music Awards and the Best Female Entertainer from the Stand-Out Awards. Sweet, the new lesbian travel company that seeks to bring eco-friendly travel and volunteer efforts to vacationers, has even brought her on to create a song for them because of the artist’s ability to tell a story through her music.

Cherrygrrl.com recently had the chance to discuss with Jen how she got her start, what inspires her, and the intimate connection that she has with her fans.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How would you describe your musical style?
Jen Foster (JF): As a songwriter, I am pretty versatile. The production on my records has mostly been in a pop/rock realm, but I am basically a folk singer, in the sense that I tell personal stories and write and perform with an acoustic guitar. In the studio, I love to be creative and develop musical ideas, though, so my records are more produced than when I play live.

CG: How did you first get involved in music and how long have you been performing?
JF: Growing up, my two older brothers played guitar and played in bands, so I thought that was cool at a very young age. I picked up one of their guitars and was hooked. It began as me learning other people’s songs and imitating certain rock stars I liked, and then I realized that writing songs was an outlet for the emotions I felt. That’s when I began writing - at 16 years old - falling in love for the first time.

CG: What is like for an out lesbian musician in Nashville?
JF: At this point in my life, I am so comfortable with who I am that I don’t feel very different than other people. I am just doing my thing, and I love the laid-back vibe in Nashville. There are a lot of creative people here, and it’s more progressive than you might think.

CG: What is your fan base like?
JF: I have amazing fans – warm, open, friendly. I think to a large extent, they relate to my music because I sing about being on the outside looking in. It’s a lot of gay women, in general, but there are also some guys and straight women, too, because my songs have universal themes that most people can relate to.

CG: If you weren’t a professional musician what do you think you would be doing and why?
JF: I would want to do Nancy Grace’s job! I love that stuff. I am an investigator in all aspects of life, curious in every way. But Nancy…well, even as dramatic as I am, I don’t think I could beat her. I might try to be a little more sensitive to my guests on the show than Nancy is, and that might compromise some of the entertainment value!

CG: What’s your favorite part of being a musician?
JF: I love writing songs and developing the arrangements. Performing can be magical, too, because when you really connect with an audience, there is nothing like it. But as extroverted as I can be on stage, I am basically an introvert. I love being home with my girlfriend and my dogs, drinking coffee, and working on songs. In my pajamas! I am dong a lot more co-writing, too, here in Nashville, with the goal being to pitch songs to Film/TV and to other artists in both the country and pop genres.

CG: Is there a particular city that you love playing in the most? If so, which one and why?
JF: I love playing wherever my fans are. I have awesome fans who drive distances to see my shows, and I feel at home wherever they are. The excitement and involvement of my fans is what gets me going, and we feed off of that mutual energy.

CG: You have won and been nominated for a lot of awards recognizing your music and songwriting. What inspires you as an artist to create the music and lyrics that you do?
JF: Life inspires me. I am an observer and admirer of people, animals, places, and things. There is a great song – or at least a good one - in almost anything if I just pay attention.

CG: Is there one song in particular that you feel closest to or that best represents who you are?
JF: “Taking Bob Dylan” and “In Between Poses” always feel like big pieces of my heart.

CG: What’s next for Jen Foster?
JF: I am in an exciting phase, in that I am deciding the answer to this question. I feel like the sky is the limit right now. All kinds of opportunities are presenting themselves, as both a performer and a songwriter. But in the immediate future, I am working on finishing my project and putting a tour together where I will play private house concerts almost exclusively. I have done a lot of house concerts, and they are the most fun for everyone because they are so intimate and cozy. People can hire me to come play in their living room or on their deck for their friends, and this will be a main way I will tour in 2009.

CG: What would your advice be to an aspiring musician?
JF: It’s true what they say – it’s all about relationships. Find people you admire and respect – both in your business and personal life - to surround yourself with. Hang with good people who want your success, and help these people find success, too. Read “The Secret”…what we think about, we bring about. It’s really true.

For more information on Jen visit http://www.myspace.com/jenfoster or http://www.jenfoster.com.

Welcome to the Gayborhood: Hawaii

BY MATT SKALLERUD

Each year, the “Aloha State” welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world. Some even come to Hawaii on vacation and decide to stay after realizing the isolated islands have more to offer than a temporary escape. From beaches to nightlife, local foods to the generous doses of sunny skies, Hawaii offers the LGBT community a unique variety of activities that will have them coming back for more, if not staying altogether!

Oahu, home to most of Hawaii’s population, is the best island for visitors looking to pack the most tourist punch into a short amount of time. For the most concentration of Hawaiian LGBT life, for instance, you really don’t need to leave Honolulu’s tourist Mecca: Waikiki! You can get a local beach outing, authentic Asian/Pacific cuisine and international designer shopping experience all in one day.

For the seasoned “shopaholic,” Waikiki is a virtual buffet of boutiques: high-end designers targeting the Japanese market have their best Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Diesel on display. But Waikiki’s best-hidden secret lies in its quirky vintage stores, such as 88 Tees and Spark. They don’t always have thrifty prices, but if you’re on the lookout for vintage Adidas and Nike not found since 1985, these stores-and Waikiki-should be on your travel agenda.

For bargain-hunters there is the Duty-Free Galleria, where the first two floors are open to the public while the exclusive higher floors are open only to shoppers with international tickets. Visitors also should visit the International Marketplace, home to hundreds of kiosks selling kitchy Hawaiian essentials like beach towels and dashboard hula-girls. Don’t leave your bartering skills at home, because you won’t be happy leaving this place until you convince a few merchants to bring down their prices.

Choosing from hundreds of hotels sprinkled around town can be confusing, but finding gay-friendly accommodations is a much easier task. The Cabana at Waikiki, located near Waikiki beach, has long been considered a premier gay-friendly hotel. Secluded off main roads, The Cabana’s 15 one-bedroom suites (which include kitchenettes) are perfectly situated near Queen’s Beach.

Named after Queen Kapioloni, Queen’s Beach is the best place to find local gay and lesbian beach bunnies. It is also known as a dependable surf location, so there is never a shortage of hot surf bodies roaming the beach.

Going back toward the hotels you can grab a bite along Waikiki’s dense choice of restaurants specializing in everything from seafood and sushi to burgers. If you’d like to visit a gay-friendly eatery, Paniolo Grill - located right in the heart of Queen’s Beach - is a perfect place to nibble on snack foods like hot dogs, nachos and ice cream.

Another gay-friendly hotel can be found in The Grand Waikiki. It boasts an ideal location, just across the street from Kapiolani Park and the Honolulu Zoo. The hotel offers affordable rentals that include all the amenities you could ask for. Conveniently housed within The Grand Waikiki is 80% Straight, a gay boutique with the latest in beach wear and club wear. Also located in the Grand is Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, Hawaii’s oldest and most famous gay bar and nightclub. Tourists and locals mingle over mai tais while keeping an eye on the panoramic view of Diamond Head Crater and Waikiki beach.

After you’ve experienced Hula’s, trek over to Angles or Tapas, both located on busy Kuhio Street. There you can catch another drink or perform karaoke before making your way next door to Fusion Waikiki Nightclub. Fusion is the only gay club in Honolulu open until 4 a.m. and is known for its two-story, bass-thumping dance floors where, by the end of the night, most party-goers are still dancing.

If you need to get on the Internet, a great place to check your e-mail and sip your latte is gay-owned Café G, located on the other edge of Waikiki. While there, don’t forget to visit Honolulu’s famous gay-owned Diamond Head Video, which is always well stocked with and ready to satisfy any and all of your fantasies.

To satisfy your artsy side, Honolulu boasts two major film festivals during the year: the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival and the Rainbow Film Festival.

In the last few years, Honolulu’s Chinatown has had a major revival with the opening of new bars and clubs. Fridays are the best nights to mingle with the über-trendy young professionals, culture afficionatos, and power gays after they get off of work downtown. On “First Fridays,” the first Friday of every month, the Chinatown streets flood with locals and tourists alike who flock to the open art galleries. Some places not to miss while downtown: Indigos for their cozy ambience and extended wine and martini menu and Club Next Door if you’re looking to hear underground house music and dance all night long. Other gay-friendly places in the area include Red Dragon, with its live jazz performances, or nearby karaoke dive, Kekai’s.

If you want to check out a more local hangout, go to the Kaimuki neighborhood. Just stay on the main road of Waialea Avenue and you will discover a diversified range in its restaurant row to satisfy any palate. There are many “mom and pop” restaurants that have been favorites for generations as well as newer, trendy ones like Town Restaurant, the only Hawaii entry on this year’s Conde Nast “Hot List” of new restaurants.

The best thing about Oahu is that you can have that relaxing island getaway you were looking for and still have the cultural and party experience seen in other major metropolitan cities. Of course, although there’s enough on Oahu to last an entire trip, there’s also plenty to see and do on its neighboring islands.

Take Maui, which offers a little more relaxing experience than Oahu. Catching a helicopter ride is the best way to see the entire beauty of this island’s lush greenery. And while it is possible to see most of this island without a rental car, it is best to have one so you can take a beautiful scenic drive. Nature lovers can take advantage of guided eco-tours and nature hikes, or go horseback riding along the beach or by waterfalls.

When visiting Maui, visitors should not miss Front Street in historic Lahaina Town, which still preserves much of the charm of its old whaling days. Stop by on of its surf, bath and body shops, then stop in any one of the town’s waterfront eateries and catch a great meal and a perfect sunset. Another historical town worth your time is Makawao, an alternative community of cowboys and new-age hippies, with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

The Maui Sunseeker, located in the south shores of Kihei, is the perfect hotel for any visitor who wants to stay in a gay-owned and operated location. From one of their 16 newly renovated rooms you can stroll along Mai Poina ‘Oe La’u Beach. The hotel also is a short drive to “Little Beach” at Makena. Once you get to the beach, make a right and keep going to the end. You may also catch some nude sunbathing, although it’s not technically permitted.

The best nightclub on Maui is Hapa’s, a straight bar that hosts a gay night every Tuesday.

If you’re looking for an even more tropical vacation, Kauai was made for you. The island’s waterfalls, sea cliffs, arid canyons and scores of beautiful white sand beaches will take your breath away. You will regret not taking a helicopter ride through the scenic Waimea Canyon, which take you along the waterfalls and sea cliffs of the Na Pali coast and the crater of Mount Waialeale, which are not accessible by road.

The Kauai gay and lesbian community is smaller then on other islands, but it’s definitely alive.

Grab a coffee at a local lesbian-owned and operated Small Town Coffee Company in old Kapaa Town in the old Roxy Square. Likewise, Donkey Beach, located North of Kapaa, has a mixed crowd but is also a local gay favorite (sunbathe nude at your own risk).

Kauai, as well as Maui, does a great deal of business each year performing civil ceremonies for gay couples. If you’re feeling like taking your relationship to the next level, what could be more romantic than to commit to one another with a tropical or beach landscape as your backdrop?

For what it lacks in nightlife, Kauai makes up with its art. Every Friday is Art Night in historic Hanapepe, “Kauai’s biggest little town,” where several galleries and retail stores stay open late into the cooler evening hours. Take a mellow stroll while listening to music or take the opportunity to meet local artists and gallery owners.

Hawaii, or the Big Island, is best known for having the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. It constantly enriches the soil, producing the deliciously famous gourmet Kona coffee and macadamia nuts. The volcano also produces the black sand beaches and picturesque waterfalls the state is known for.

The island is one of the most ecologically diverse environments in the world, ranging from the desert plains of Ka’u, to the rain forests above Hilo, to snowcapped Mauna Kea-none of which should be missed on your trip to Hawaii. Just remember to bring a complete wardrobe for the widely varying temperatures.

The Big Island has several LGBT hotels from which to choose. Absolute Paradise B&B is located in the Puna District, along the southeast coast, and its owners are especially proud all of their rooms have ocean views. They’re also conveniently located near Kehena Beach, the clothing-optional and gay-friendly beach that has breathtaking black lava rock beaches. Remember to bring your hiking shoes to walk their trails. If you are looking for a getaway more focused on nature and health, check out Kalani Oceanside Resort-Retreat, which offers workshops and classes in yoga and hula, to name a few.

Raw nature is the Big Island’s best asset. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo are some of the biggest draws on the island. Sports lovers may like to know this island is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawaii,” with over 20 golf courses and several more scheduled for construction. For the ultra athletic type, the island hosts possibly the most famous triathlon in the world, the annual Ironman World Championship.

If you need a drink to finish off your active day, drop by the Mask Bar. Located in the Kopika Plaza in Kailua-Kona, this is the island’s only gay bar and one of its best.

For more information visit www.gayhawaii.com, or www.outinhawaii.com.

This article is reprinted with permission from Pink Banana Media, www.PinkBananaMedia.com/MarketReport.

(Featured photo by D’Arcy Norman.Tabber photo by tata_aka_T.)

Provincetown Women’s Week

Women’s Week in Provincetown, Massachusetts will celebrate its 24th year from October 10th through October 19th and once again feature massive amounts of entertainment and events all week long.

Every one of the days is filled with activities from morning to night. Original tournaments, scavenger hunts, tea dances, poetry readings, plays, wine tastings, golf, parties, performers and more make up a schedule with something for every woman.

In addition, every venue in town will be presenting comedians and musical acts for the week. Some highlights include: Suede, who will be performing for one night only on the 16th at the Vixen to celebrate her 25th anniversary as an indie artist and her new CD “Dangerous Mood;” Kate Clinton, who will be performing her new show “Hilarity Clinton” throughout the week at The Crown and Anchor; Lea DeLaria, who will hold court at The Art House; Michele Balan at the Post Office Cabaret throughout the week, and scheduled performances by Sandra Bernhard, Maggie Cassella, Poppy Champlain, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Paula Poundstone and numerous others.

Other events taking place during the week will be screenings of Itty Bitty Titty Committee, yoga classes, bingo, The Annual Olivia Cruise Party, a Drag King contest, the Annual Fun Run & Walk, and pilates classes.

Provincetown is a town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. Sometimes called “P-town,” the town is known for its beaches, harbor, artists, tourist industry, and its reputation as a gay village.

Women’s Week is organized by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown, who are also involved in organizing the popular Single Women’s Weekend in the spring. To find out more about the wide variety of events during Women’s Week, make accommodations for your stay, or to buy tickets for some events in advance, go to www.womeninnkeepers.com.

Above photo by Peter Galvin. Photo on previous page by Anna i Adria.

The NCLR’s Sports Project Levels the Playing Field and Helps Lesbian Athletes Reach Their Goals

For the past seven years, Helen J. Carroll has been the Project Director of the National Center for Lesbian Right’s Sports Project, which aims to ensure that LGBT players and coaches receive fair and equal treatment - free of discrimination. More than 30 years ago, Title IX changed athletics forever by requiring that women and girls have equal access to sporting and athletic opportunities. Today NCLR’s advocacy, public education, and high-profile cases have the potential to equalize the treatment of LGBT athletes in this century. Cherrygrrl.com discussed with Carroll how her work is helping to create a world in which openly LGBT sports figures can be hailed as champions and role models at every level of competition.

CG: What are the main goals of the Project?
HC: First, we want to empower individuals to assert their legal rights and challenge the discrimination and homophobia they experience as athletes. As more people have become aware of the National Center of Lesbian Rights Sports Project, we have had calls from athletes, coaches, administrators, allies, and parents asking for help - and there are more legal protections than ever available for the LGBT sports person.

Secondly, we work to increase understanding about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in sports. There is a vast amount of training that is happening to assist leaders in the sports world learn about the world of their LGBT student-athlete and we must continue along the positive approach of education.

Third, we enact policy change. Policies do protect - for example: many universities include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination clauses. That is a protection for coaches’ jobs. I recommend that both coaches and athletes examine these policies anywhere they decide to spend their career

Fourth, we address widespread practices that negatively affect all women in sports. NCLR certainly works with gay men in sport. We work with people of color, with straight women and men, with young and old. My point is that we are all so connected that what stamps out discrimination in one group diminishes that discrimination in widespread practices affecting women. We must look at the interconnections of racism and sexism with homophobia in sport to move forward.

CG: What was your personal background in sports prior to joining the NCLR?
HC: My family is obsessed with Tennessee football and most sports so it was natural for me to be a basketball, tennis, and track and field athlete in Tennessee while getting my undergraduate degree. I began assistant coaching while completing my Master’s Degree in North Carolina. From that point I hopped around the country coaching collegiate basketball - University of Tennessee at Martin - then moving to Nebraska then to North Carolina-Asheville. I was fortunate to coach a national championship team in Asheville.

After Asheville, I took a job as the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation at Mills College in Oakland, California. In 2002 I began work at NCLR working with the organization to begin the Sports Project.

CG: What do you consider to be the greatest successes of the Project so far?
HC: The greatest successes would be those individuals that feel we were able to lessen their painful experience and assist them in finding a way to move to the next part of their life. These people are very courageous to stand up and take on years of institutionalized homophobia.

A few of the high visibility cases include basketball player Jennifer Harris vs. Penn. St. There were many teachable moments for coaches, athletic directors, college presidents and athletes around the country throughout the course of those proceedings as the media followed the story so closely. High School Coach Merry Stephens was fired from her job in Texas for being a lesbian, even as she was the most successful coach they had had for both the girls and boys. We were able to satisfactorily declare that case a win. Softball catcher Andrea Zimbardi from the University of Florida was another athlete who, as a senior, honor student, and team co-captain had us help her.

Other successes include the educational component of the project. Assisting sports organizations at conferences with trainings and panels. We conducted the first “LGBT Sports Think Tank” and will be doing another in 2009. We work with the San Francisco Forty-Niners as a member of their Community Advisory Board. We are in the forefront of working on transgender quality for young people in sport.

CG: What are some issues that you are currently working on?
HC: Examining the issue of fairness for the transgender athlete and for the team requires a lot of education and willingness on sports leaders parts to spend the time to really understand the transgender athlete.

One issue that must always stay in the forefront is how to make the work environment a place where coaches can actually be “out” and not feel as though they will lose their jobs and not get another one. This can begin to happen more every time an athletic director explains a non-discrimination policy to her/his coaches and enforces such - and that is beginning to happen.

As that happens more for coaches it will happen more as coaches talk to student-athletes and we will see more team policy around respect toward all team members regardless of sexual orientation.

CG: What is the most common complaint/case brought before the NCLR Sports Project by lesbian athletes?
HC: With women coaches we continue to receive calls on loss of jobs. With student-athletes, they have often been removed from their team and/or lost their scholarship. The lesbian athlete also - and rightly so - feels she is being treated “differently” than her teammates and we have corroborated in some cases less playing time, less practice time and even being omitted completely from team functions.

CG: Where does the NCLR get its funding and what are some ways that people can get involved to help in the efforts being made?
HC: The majority of NCLR’s funding comes from individuals who have a passion for supporting the work we do in making the world a better place to live for everyone. One way to help is to get the word out there - our sports project is here and ready to help those that need it! Secondly…donate. We cannot make this work happen without you. Fortunately, you are there for us as we are for you.

CG: What is your opinion of the current atmosphere for lesbian athletes playing in college and professionally right now? Do you feel that we still have a long way to go in terms of fighting homophobia and obtaining equality?
HC: Yes and yes for the last question! We have made so many strides in the last 10 years it is remarkable. We just cannot slow down. Sometimes I feel like there is more homophobia in sports than I realize - that sports people just know where to go to get legal and educational help. Hopefully for each one person we help that makes the atmosphere better for many, many more!

CG: Do you feel that there are a large number of professional lesbian athletes afraid to come out? If so what do you think they are afraid of?
HC: In many ways, our lesbian professional athletes have been taught to keep that part of their life separate, not realizing the effort it takes to do so. I do believe they do not want to get media for being lesbian but for being the athlete that they are. Perhaps the closeted athletes do not realize what a huge difference their truth would be as they become a role model for younger lesbian athletes.

CG: What is the It Takes a Team program all about?
HC: This is an educational program begun by the Women’s Sports Foundation and directed by Professor Pat Griffin. Dr. Griffin and I team up on many panels and presentations. The materials on this site are very current and fit the needs of coaches, administrators, researchers, etc. Check it out! www.ittakesateam.org

CG: What would say is the biggest difference between a lesbian college basketball player’s situation now as opposed to 10 or 15 years ago?
HC: There is the WNBA and Sheryl Swoopes - so there are two exciting factors that weren’t around back then. Also, the NCAA has embraced education in their student-athlete educational programming and are on board with attempting to go pro-active in that realm. And, there is help from NCLR if they need it.

CG: What would your advice be to a high school lesbian athlete who feels she is being mistreated and discriminated against because of her sexuality?
HC: Many of the student-athletes we have the privilege to assist are in high school and their parents call us when their child gets in an unfair situation. I would say to that athlete to talk to your parents if you possibly can. It’s not always easy but many times they will help you. Try to speak to a teacher or coach at your school that you trust. The NCLR is always available to listen to your situation.

CG: What are your hopes for the future of LGBT athletes?
HC: My ideal would be that racism, sexism, and transphobia cease to exist. My hopes are that each athlete will be able to put 100 percent into being the best athlete who happens to be LGBT they can be, with the full acceptance of those surrounding them. In feeling free to be themselves, they will also have so much more to give back to their communities.

For more information on the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the NCLR’s Sports Project visit http://www.nclrights.org.

Danielle Chillemi

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GLAAD Study Reveals TV is LGBT Friendly in 2008-2009 Season

The overall number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) representations on the broadcast networks will more than double this year after a three-year slump, according to an analysis of the 2008-2009 television season conducted by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

GLAAD’s 13th annual “Where We Are On TV” report shows that LGBT representations will account for 2.6 percent of all scripted series regular characters on the 2008-2009 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.4 percent in 2005, 1.3 percent in 2006, and 1.1 percent in 2007. In contrast, the number of LGBT series regular characters found on scripted programming on mainstream cable networks has decreased since last year’s analysis, from 40 to 32.

For 13 years, GLAAD’s report has analyzed the characters on the networks’ primetime scripted programming. From information provided by the five broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW – GLAAD examined 88 scripted comedies and dramas announced to air this upcoming season, and counted a total of 616 characters, 16 of which are LGBT – more than twice the number of characters, seven, announced at the launch of the 2007-2008 season.

“This dramatic increase shows how far many networks have come in developing complex, multi-layered lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters,” says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. “Our analysis also shows where there’s still work to be done. This past year, we’ve seen some real progress from Fox towards making their scripted programming more inclusive, which is something we’re hoping to see from other networks like CBS.”

Fox, which featured zero series regular LGBT characters at the launch of last season, has announced five LGBT characters out of 97 total series regular characters for 2008-2009. The network now has the highest percentage of LGBT characters on any network (5 percent). ABC continues to excel as it did last year, with seven LGBT characters out of 166 total series regular characters (4 percent), the highest number of LGBT characters of any network. NBC has three series regular LGBT characters (2 percent) out of a total of 147. On the negative side, CBS has the most disappointing showing, with not a single LGBT series regular character out of 126, and only one recurring character in the entire series lineup. Additionally, The CW’s lack of scripted representation is now merely a close second to CBS, as the network has only one scripted series regular LGBT character. For a complete list of LGBT characters on broadcast television, visit www.glaad.org/eye/ontv/2008/broadcast.php.

The number of non-contract recurring LGBT characters has also risen – from 13 last season to 19 this year. “The growing number of recurring characters is another example of the networks’ progress towards being more inclusive,” says Giuliano. “As the networks gradually add characters from all backgrounds and walks of life to primetime programming, more and more Americans are seeing their LGBT friends and neighbors reflected on the small screen.”

On the mainstream cable networks, the number of announced LGBT series regular characters dropped to 32 from last year’s high of 40. The presence of LGBT-focused cable networks here! and Logo, which program specifically for LGBT viewers, add an additional 39 series regular LGBT characters. For a complete analysis of LGBT characters on cable, visit www.glaad.org/eye/ontv/2008/cable.php.

This marks the fourth year that GLAAD has analyzed the breakdown of the race, gender and ethnicity of all the 616 series regular characters expected to appear on the broadcast networks in the upcoming season. Male characters continue to outweigh female characters 57 percent (354) to 43 percent (262) in overall numbers, while 79 percent (485) of all series regular characters are white, up 2 percent from last year. Latino/a representation remains at 6 percent (34) while black representation has dropped from 12 percent to 11 percent (67). Analysts counted 19 Asian-Pacific Islander characters (3 percent), one more than last season. View a complete analysis of diversity on the broadcast networks at www.glaad.org/eye/ontv/2008/diversity.php.

Complete results of GLAAD’s “Where We Are On TV” report can be viewed or downloaded at www.glaad.org/eye/ontv.

The 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will air on Bravo September 29, 2008 at 6:00 PM ET/PT. The Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

The awards were taped in April and the winners were announced shortly after. If you don’t want to know who won what – STOP READING – otherwise, here is a list of a few of the award recipients:

- Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Stardust
- Outstanding Daily Drama: As the World Turns
- Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage: The New York Times
- Outstanding Music Artist: Rufus Wainwright, Release the Stars
- Outstanding Drama Series: Brothers & Sisters
- Outstanding Comedy Series: Ugly Betty
- Outstanding Reality Program: Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
- Vanguard Award: Sharon Stone

Additionally, Illene Chaiken - creator of the groundbreaking hit series The L Word - received the Davidson/Valentini Award, which was presented to her by the show’s star, Jennifer Beals. The Davidson/Valentini Award is named after Craig Davidson, GLAAD’s first executive director, and his partner Michael Valentini. The award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information about GLAAD visit www.glaad.org.

Featured photo by Steven Damron.

Ten Words That Complete Our Lesbian Dictionary

Some of the words commonly heard in lesbian culture are widely known and easily understood. Others are less common and met by many with confusion and oftentimes-feigned comprehension for fear of embarrassment. To help clear things up, we have defined 10 words that we feel every lesbian should know how to use. We aren’t in favor of labels, or all encompassing describers for any one individual, but in a community that is far more than just “gay” and “lesbian,” familiarity with these words is key.

1. Grrl – If you are an out and proud lesbian woman who believes in gender equality, gay rights, and embraces the lively arts and entertainment culture within our community – You go (cherry)Grrl!

2. Lesbian – We know, you wouldn’t be on cherrygrrl.com if you didn’t know what a lesbian was. Well, you probably wouldn’t even be on the internet at all if you didn’t know what a lesbian was. OK, everyone knows what a lesbian is. But - just in case - a lesbian is a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted only to other women. The word “only” is used here because the word “bisexual” exists for those of you who also like men.

3. Butch – Because we don’t believe in labels - and do believe that a lesbian can be extremely masculine and not butch and paint her nails and be butch - we will define this word only as it pertains to the butch-femme relationship whereby, typically, the butch is the more masculine and dominant of the two women in the lesbian couple.

4. Femme – As discussed above, the femme is the yang to the butch ying.

5. Stud – A common discussion among the LGBT community has been the disassociation of gay African Americans from words often used in queer culture. “Stud” is one of the alternative words used, and has been defined as a dominant lesbian who is usually butch and often African American.

6. Gold-star – Many men don’t believe in her existence, but the gold-star lesbian is one who has never slept with a man and who has no intention of ever doing so. And she is most definitely real.

7. Boi – A cute word for a cute kind of girl, a boi is biologically female but has a boyish appearance or presentation.

8. Celesbian – A celebrity who is also a lesbian. Also, a lesbian who is also a celebrity. For example: Ellen DeGeneres is a celebrity who is also a lesbian. Dani Campbell is a lesbian who is also a celebrity. One is a celebrity who happens to be a lesbian and the other’s celebrity came about because she is a lesbian - but both make it on our list of celesbians.

9. Baby-dyke – Used pretty much exclusively among lesbians, this one is somewhat self-explanatory. If you are young and new to the scene…you might get called a baby-dyke. Embrace it, time flies.

10. Queer – Although this word has taken on many negative connotations in mainstream society, and is often used in derogatory attacks against LGBT individuals, it is becoming more and more commonly used as an accurate adjective to describe those who may or may not identify as homosexual, but consider themselves members of the LGBT community regardless of their particular orientation. For instance, you could be a hardcore lesbian, bisexual man, transsexual, or straight woman who relates best with homosexual friends and consider yourself queer – and proud of it.

Grrl Blogging on The Lesbian Lifestyle

For lesbians who have something to say but nowhere to say it, Kelly Leszczynski - Managing Editor of the popular blog, thelesbianlifestyle.com - is happy to help them get their stories told. Kelly recently shared with cherrygrrl.com how she came up with the idea for the blog, what her authors are talking about on it and what she hopes it brings to our community.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): What is The Lesbian Lifestyle blog all about?
Kelly Leszczynski (KL): The Lesbian Lifestyle (TLL) is a multi-authored blog that seeks the stories of women that identify as lesbian. Registered authors of the blog are welcome to post as much or as little as they want. They tackle monthly topics and cross post posts from their own personal blogs. It’s about sharing our stories with the blog’s readers. It’s about allowing people to see that we are all the same in the end and yet wonderfully different.

CG: Who are the blog authors?
KL: I believe that the blog authors were once the blogs readers. They are lesbian women who found the blog and decided that they had stories they wanted to share with the world.

CG: What is your role with the website?
KL: I am the Managing Editor of the blog. I do the work on the back end of the site. Things like approving author registrations, answering emails from readers, and making sure the site stays up to date. I’m part webmaster, part advice columnist, and part TLL author. For the most part the authors write the posts and I’m lucky enough to get to read all the stories.

CG: How did you come up with the idea for the blog?
KL: Feeling like I was alone prompted the idea for TLL. It wasn’t until I was 23 that I started to meet other lesbians. High school was hard for me. Though I was in a relationship - I was in the closet - and when things went downhill it was hard not to have anyone to talk to about it. When I discovered blogs I thought it would be a great way for lesbian women to not feel alone. They could use the blog to share their experiences and other women could read the posts and know that they weren’t alone.

CG: What are some of the topics you feature?
KL: Each month I like to come up with 1-3 topics for the TLL Authors to write about. We have covered all kinds of topics and I don’t think that anything is ever taboo. One of the more popular posts was on racism, and I recently wrote a post on abortion. I think the best topics are those that hit close to home, and those that most everyone can relate to. Everything goes on TLL. There are no restrictions and topic suggestions from readers are always welcome.

CG: Are the topics categorized?
KL: TLL has over 100 categories for posts written. Due to the shear number of categories I chose not to list them all on the side bar of the blog. Each time an author posts they can choose to check off any number of topics they feel their post should be categorized under. At the bottom of each post the categories chosen are listed and can be clicked on to view more post that were tagged under the same category.

CG: What is the Lesbian Collection and what makes those blogs different from the rest?
KL: The Lesbian Collection features categories like lesbian parenting, finance, and gossip. I like to think of The Lesbian Collection as the best of the best in lesbian blogging. I’ve been in the lesbian blogging world for a long time and I’ve seen many blogs come and go. The Lesbian Collection is my humble opinion on blogs that have stood the test of time and those that I believe have the content to be listed as the best of the best in lesbian authored blogging. I am always open to suggestions for new submissions to The Lesbian Collection and believe that those who put a lot of time and thought into their blogs should be brought to the attention of TLL’s readers.

CG: What is the average age of your authors?
KL: TLL has over 180 registered authors. To give an average age would be difficult. If I have to give an average age I would say 35.

CG: How can someone become an author on your site?
KL: It’s very easy. All you need to do is go to http://thelesbianlifestyle.com
Click on Register on the top right hand corner of the blog and the rest is easy.

TLL has a FAQ page that will answer many questions that future authors may have, and I am always available to answer questions as well.

CG: Can authors write about whatever they want or is it monitored and edited?
KL: Authors can write about anything. In over four years I have yet to decline a post that was submitted to the blog. I do run a spell check on posts before I publish them, but that is the extent of my input.

CG: You have an advice panel on the site. Why did you create that element and what kinds of questions have you been asked as a columnist?
KL: I created the advice column for the same reason I created the blog… for those readers that felt alone or needed someone to talk to. Sometimes things in life pop up and it’s good to get an outside opinion on them. Plus, when I asked who would be interested I had a great group of TLL authors volunteer. The other four women on the panel are all so different which makes for a total of five wonderfully different responses for the women who send in their questions.

So far the panel has tackled ten questions. Most of those have been relationship issues. So if anyone has a question they would like to pose to 5 lesbians please feel free to check out the TLL Advice Panel at http://thelesbianlifestyle.com/tlls-advice-panel/.

CG: With the election coming up, do you have a lot of authors voicing their opinions on the candidates?
KL: No, but I plan on making it a topic for the month of October. I think that this is the most important election of my lifetime and I’m really interested in what others have to think. No matter what your opinion I believe that everyone should get out and vote this year. Personally I have done a lot of research on the candidates and am proud to say that I am giving my vote to Barack Obama.

CG: What are your long-term goals for TLL?
KL: TLL is truly my baby. I have met so many wonderful and interesting women via the blog, and want as many people to read what the authors have to say as possible. Expanding TLL’s readership and acquiring more authors from around the world are very important to me. The past two years TLL has hosted The TLL Lesbian Blog of the Year Award. Next year we are expanding the awards to include eight different categories, a better nomination and voting system, and great prizes for the winners! Look for the TLL Leszzys in 2009!

TLL has a way of reinventing itself. With new authors come new stories. The most important thing for a blog to have is good content. So I suppose my long-term goal is to keep the good content coming!

Visit TLL at http://thelesbianlifestyle.com.

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