Ugly Betty is Voting “No” on Prop 8

America Ferrera, star of the hit show Ugly Betty, and her costars Tony Plana and Ana Ortiz, are urging the Latino community to vote “No” on Prop 8. All are featured in a Spanish language television ad voicing their opposition to the proposed ban on gay marriage in California.

To view the ad and for more information about it visit http://www.noonprop8.com/headlines/america-ferrera-tony-plana-ana-ortiz-speak-out-against-prop-8/.

TV Tonight: Tuesday October 28th, 2008

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TV Tonight: Monday October 27th, 2008

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Getting Musical with Erin McKeown

With five full-length albums, two EP’s, hundreds of shows performed each year, massive amounts of critical praise, and a growing fan following, lesbian singer-songwriter Erin McKeown is definitely making a name for herself in the music industry – in genres ranging from pop, electronica, folk, rock, and jazz standards. Cherrygrrl.com recently got to know the talented musician better and learned about her unique style, influences, career highlights so far, and very clear goals for her future.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How and when did you first get involved with music and decide to make a career out of it?
Erin McKeown (EM): I played piano from a young age because my parents wanted me to. It was only when I started to play guitar at age 12 that I really got hooked on music. I wasn’t sure I could or would be a musician until sometime in my first year of college.

CG: How would you describe your style of music?
EM: I think its modern singer-songwriter dragged through the filter of vaudeville and indie rock.

CG: Where did you grow up and how has that affected your music?
EM: I grew up in a small town, Fredericksburg, Virginia. I lived in the same house, in the same room until I was 18 years old. I think the biggest effect of growing up in a southern town is my love of the slow life and the Allman Brothers.

CG: Who are your musical influences?
EM: When I was a teenager, I had a Big 5 that really were important to me. I’ve been lucky to meet and play with all 5. Indigo Girls, Soul Coughing, Dave Matthews, Ani Difranco, and Michelle Shocked.

CG: What other musicians or groups are you currently listening to?
EM: The new Juana Molina. The new Rachael Yamagata. And getting ready for the new Andrew Bird record.

CG: You have a accomplished a great deal in your career so far – at only 31 years old – what would you consider to be your career highlight so far?
EM: I think getting to work with my heroes has been a real thrill. And I have had quite few accomplishments under my own name I am proud of: being on Conan O’Brien, Jules Holland, playing Bonnaroo.

CG: Who have you most enjoyed collaborating with in the past and whom would you most enjoy the chance to work with on a record?
EM: I have done some past collaborating with Mike Doughty, Ani Difranco, and Tucker Martine that I really am proud of. Also Jose Ayerve of the band Spouse - my FAVORITE BAND. I am hoping to do something with my friend Beck Drysdale, the comic (lesbians should check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=279JztloK2s).

CG: What are your fans like? Do a lot of lesbians attend your shows?
EM: My fans are uniformly awesome. They are so interesting and have their hands in cool jobs and causes and lives. My audiences are pretty diverse in terms of gender, age, and income… there are plenty of lesbians, more so as I have been more outspoken about that.

CG: You are on tour a lot. Do you enjoy being on the road and if so what is your favorite aspect of it?
EM: I do love being on the road. The adrenaline of playing a show everyday and of the changing scenery is highly addictive.

CG: What is something your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
EM: I love baseball. More than just about anything else.

CG: What are your goals for the future of your career?
EM: To keep making records and playing shows. Very simple!

For more about Erin visit http://www.erinmckeown.com and www.myspace.com/erinmckeown.

Lisa (a.k.a. Lulu) Goldberg

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Ten Reasons to Vote for Barack Obama

If you, like so many of us in the LGBT community and beyond, have been experiencing daily panic attacks as we get closer and closer to election day next week… it’s understandable. This year’s Presidential election could not be more important, or more frightening. John McCain will not bring this country – or our community - the positive changes that we need and the damage that could be done, should he become our next President, is monumental. Barack Obama is the clear choice. We need him to win. Many of you are already extremely aware of the many reasons why Obama is the right choice but for those out there that still need convincing, please consider our list below of the Ten Reasons (out of many) to Vote for Barack Obama. And please go out and vote on November 4th.

“I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.” - Senator Barack Obama.

10. He is for increased funding for HIV/AIDS.

9. He supports comprehensive sex education.

8. He supports the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

7. He supports a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

6. His running mate is Joe Biden - who has a proven record of fighting for and supporting issues of fairness and equality.

5. He supports hate crimes legislation.

4. He opposes bans on adoption by LGBT people.

3. He opposes the federal marriage amendment.

2. He supports federal benefits and protections for same-sex couples.

1. His running mate is NOT Sarah Palin.

Proposition 8 Battle Heats Up

The clock is ticking for voters everywhere as Tuesday, November 4th draws closer. For LGBT individuals and their allies in California, however, the fight against Proposition 8 is far from over. Nationwide, defenders of equal rights are coming together to spread the word against the amendment that would put discrimination into the Constitution, inject government into private lives, and undermine equal protections under law. Donations to the campaign working to preserve gay marriage rights have been coming in from corporations large and small, celebrities, and people all over the world who believe that Prop. 8 is unfair and wrong.

The No on Prop 8 campaign has been tireless in their efforts to inform voters of the dangers of Proposition 8 and point out the lies and hate being spread by the special interest groups behind it who have engaged in a deceptive campaign to confuse voters.

Among the lies that No on prop 8 is working to diffuse are the accusations that:
• Prop 8 doesn’t discriminate against gays. Prop 8 is simple: it eliminates the rights for same-sex couples to marry. Prop 8 would deny equal protections and write discrimination against one group of people—lesbian and gay people—into the state constitution.
• Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen unless Prop 8 is passed. Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on 8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is “false and misleading.” The Orange County Register, traditionally one of the most conservative newspapers in the state, says this claim is false. So do lawyers for the California Department of Education and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell even explains this in a new television ad.
• Churches could lose their tax-exemption status. Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”
• People can be sued over personal beliefs. California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.
- From http://www.noonprop8.com.

Adding more fuel to the fire in gay marriage discussions recently, Governor Sarah Palin, the GOP nominee for vice-president, has indicated in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network that she would support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution excluding gay and lesbian couples from marriage. The so-called Federal Marriage Amendment has faced bipartisan opposition in both houses of Congress, both of which have voted the FMA down twice. “Sarah Palin is out of step with the majority of Americans, nearly 60 percent of whom are opposed to writing discrimination into the U.S. Constitution,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Her view stands in stark contrast to the ideals that make America great: freedom, opportunity, and equality. These are the tenets upon which our nation was built.”

An August 2008 poll from TIME Magazine shows that 58 percent of Americans believe that the U.S. Constitution should not be amended to define marriage as being between one man and one woman but with the battle in California and the existence of Sarah Palin in the Presidential race, the future of gay rights is in no way secure. The Human Rights Campaign, No on Prop 8, and countless LGBT rights organizations across the country are urging Americans to vote No on Prop 8 in California, and to vote for Barack Obama everywhere, on November 4th.

For more information about the No on Prop 8 campaign visit http://www.noonprop8.com and for more on The Human Rights Campaign visit http://www.hrc.org.

Featured photo by Liz Welsh.

Teneia Sanders is On Her Way

Teneia Sanders’ voice is described by many as angelic - but it doesn’t take too long in listening to her play to realize it is much, much more. Performing a style of acoustic-based music with beautiful melodies and evocative imagery, drawn from folk and soul roots, Teneia is quickly making her mark on the music scene in her city of Louisville, Kentucky. With her amazing voice, unique guitar rhythms, and moving lyrics, however, it won’t be long before this up-and-coming artist will be known nationwide for her talent. Here, cherrygrrl.com discusses with the out lesbian musician where she came from, what her music is all about, and where she is headed next.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How long have you been performing as a musician?
Teneia Sanders (TS): The past three years, I have been me establishing myself as a musician, but I have been singing since I can remember. I picked up the guitar at the age of 18, and I have been building a foundation of what I wanted my music to be ever since.

CG: Where did you grow up and how did that affect your music?
TS: I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and my dad was a minister, so I grew up singing in the church. The only thing to do there as a kid was to go to church. So gospel was the first thing I knew about music. It made a huge impression on my musical journey. But country and R&B was around too. So I was kind of influenced by a few different types of cultures, and I just soaked them in because I loved music so much. I sang classical pieces in high school and college, so my imagination was open to go anywhere and everywhere with my music.

CG: How would you describe your musical style?
TS: It took me a while to figure it out - because I love so many styles of music - but I would classify myself as folk/indie with a smattering of soul.

CG: What is the atmosphere like for a lesbian musician in very southern city like Louisville, Kentucky?
TS: Louisville, besides the stereotypes of Kentucky, is very progressive. We actually have somewhat of an up-and-coming music scene. Of course there is ignorance everywhere, but Louisville is a great place filled with hipsters, gays, lesbians … everyone is tolerated. Our public radio station has a couple of lesbian DJs, and they are all about supporting females. So I am lucky I landed here.

CG: Who are your musical influences?
TS: Oh wow! OK, but no judging… Dave Matthews, Ani DiFranco, Janis Joplin and Janis Ian, R. Kelly, New Edition, Xscape, Luther Vandross, Shania Twain (guilty pleasure, shhhhh). I could go on for days. I am influenced every time I hear something that makes me smile.

CG: Who are some musicians currently performing that you would most enjoy collaborating with?
TS: I just did a collaboration with a Louisville hip-hop band named Code Red, and it was a blast because they actually gave me a track and told me they would base the song around what I wanted. They are great guys and fantastic artists, so it was a pleasure to work with them. I also was fortunate enough to open for Missy Higgins a few months ago when she stopped through town. My dream collaboration? Well, I hear Tegan & Sara are looking for another sister… But seriously, I’d love to work with anyone I respect and admire.

CG: What kinds of things inspire your lyrics and what are some topics that you write about most often?
TS: I am in love with Ani DiFranco’s lyrics (what lesbian isn’t?), but I have to say Nellie McKay is a witty lyricist that makes me laugh out loud. She is so funny in a natural way. I am drawn to her lyrics. Jeff Buckley makes me cry. I think he is a lyrical genius.

CG: What are your goals for the future of your career?
TS: You know - I try to stay in the moment, because being a musician can be hard sometimes. If I had to pinpoint my future, it would be based around traveling more, playing lots of shows (overseas) and releasing a lot of new music every year.

To learn more about Teneia visit www.myspace.com.teneiasanders, www.teneiasanders.com, and www.cdbaby.com/cd/teneiasanders.

Bushwise Women Guide Travelers to Adventure and Fun

If you are the type of traveler that embraces adventure, enjoys meeting women from other destinations, and likes to learn about natural, historic, and cultural landscapes while being guided by local women – who are experts on their home ground – then Bushwise Women is for you. Bushwise Women (BWW) takes small, women-only groups on explorations to areas that have special scenic qualities or environmental significance and creates bonding atmospheres during shared activities including hiking, kayaking, sailing, camping, cycling, or barging on canals. Yvonne Jenkins and Simone Dixon are the owners of Bushwise Women Ltd. and together share years of experience in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits in Australia, Europe, and The Middle East where they promote excellence in risk management, bushcraft, mountain safety, outdoor first aid, and group work - all while supporting the work of the Department of Conservation in caring for the wilderness. Yvonne Jenkins recently discussed with cherrygrrl.com her travel company and how she is empowering women through the fun, educational, and exciting trips that are offered.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): What is involved in a Bushwise Women trip and what can someone expect from the experience?
Yvonne Jenkins (YJ): They will travel in a small group of like-minded women. They will be able to participate in multiple activities, have fun in a safe environment, relax, and have a laugh. They will get the opportunity to extend their comfort zone in the outdoors, guided by an experienced Bushwise woman. They will meet many new friends and want to travel like this again and again!

CG: What is the mission of BWW?
YJ: To make small group traveling to off-the-beaten-track destinations available to all women, regardless of their age or fitness.

CG: How long has BWW been operating?
YJ: Over 17 years.

CG: How many days on average are the trips?
YJ: We do short breaks of four days up to eight-day trips. Occasionally we do 10-14 day adventures.

CG: What is a typical day like during a BWW trip?
YJ: Usually we will participate in an activity – kayaking, biking, sailing, or walking - then have time to chill out in the afternoon. In the evenings we relax and share stories over a glass of wine or two.

CG: Have you had many American travelers take part?
YJ: Yes we get a lot of Americans, particularly on our New Zealand trips.

CG: What is the objective behind having the trips be women only?
YJ: There is a totally different dynamic when you travel with women only. Everyone can be themselves and relax. You don’t get the same degree of showing off and being annoyingly competitive that you do on a mixed trip.

CG: Where are some places that BWW has gone on trips and what do you look for in the places that you visit?
YJ: We have been canoeing in Canada, cruising down the canals in France, walking in Spain, partying in Lesvos, visiting archaeological wonders in Egypt, snow-shoeing in New Zealand, snorkeling on the Barrier Reef, and wine tasting in Tassie… The places that we visit tend to be “off the beaten track” and we pick activities and adventures that women may not be comfortable in doing solo.

CG: What types of women typically take part in your trips?
YJ: All types, all ages, all abilities, all nationalities.

CG: Do a lot of lesbians take part in the trips?
YJ: Yes. Around 75 percent are confirmed lesbians and I suspect the real percentage is even higher!

CG: Do you recommend that those who join a trip are in good physical shape?
YJ: Most of our trips cater to all ranges of fitness. But we do suggest that women will enjoy the trip more if they are able to participate fully in all the activities. We always give an indication of the fitness recommended and in some cases give women a range of exercises to do a few weeks before departure.

CG: Where and when are some of your upcoming trips taking place?
YJ: We have a Tasmania trip in December and in 2009 we have: Byron Bay and Bald Rock National Park in January; Winery and Bikes in South Australia; Banks Peninsular Track in New Zealand in March; Bike and Barge in France in September; Wonderful Wales UK; Lesvos, Greece; and The Wonders of Egypt Trip.

For more information on Bushwise Women and how to take part in an upcoming trip visit http://www.bushwise.co.nz.

Think Before You Speak About the GLSEN

Several articles and blogs have sprung up recently – likely as some last ditch efforts to dissuade Americans from voting for Obama – attacking the Democratic candidate for his relationship with Kevin Jennings, the Founder and Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). These writers and columnists are using words like “radical” and “questionable” to describe GLSEN and Jennings and the work that they do to ensure safe school environments for all students. Hopefully, most see any association that Barack Obama has with the GLSEN as yet another example of his dedication to equality and human rights for all, but for those who may be confused by the negative accusations made against the organization, a closer look at the valuable work being done by them is crucial.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. They believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, they work to educate teachers, students, and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. They recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities and they support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities.

GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. They welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.

Founded as a local group in 1990, the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teachers Network (GLSTN) began as a volunteer group of 70 gay and lesbian educators. At that time, there were two Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the nation, only one state with policy in place to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, and a general lack of awareness of the needs of LGBT students. LGBT youth did not have a voice in the education community or in the LGBT movement. There were few, if any, resources available for teachers to discuss LGBT issues.

However, groups of concerned individuals began to establish chapters across the country, advocating locally and regionally for safe schools for students who were, or were perceived to be, LGBT.

In 1995 GLSTN became a national organization and hired its first full time staff person, GLSTN’s founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. In 1997, GLSTN staged its first national conference in Salt Lake City, UT to respond to the legislature’s move to ban all student groups in an effort to prevent the formation of GSAs in the state. It is also this year that GLSTN changes its name to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, in order to attract new members to the struggle for safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression.

Currently, GLSEN has registered more than 4,000 GSAs, has approximately 40 full time staff, a governing board of 20 members and two advisory committees at the national level.

GLSEN sponsors the National Day of Silence in which hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and staff have participated at thousands of school campuses across the country. GLSEN also sponsors another annual event: No Name Calling Week. In coalition with leading education organizations, including the National Education Association and the National Middle School Association, GLSEN is proud to be a part of an event geared toward educating middle school students about the negative impact of bullying and harassment.

In addition, GLSEN has joined with The Advertising Council and launched ThinkB4YouSpeak - a web site campaign created to fight anti-LGBT language by raising awareness among straight teens about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools.

The website, www.ThinkB4YouSpeak.com, provides tips on how to support LGBT issues and the opportunity for visitors to take a stand against anti-LGBT language through an interactive pledge form that will allow teens to “say something original,” by sharing alternatives to “that’s so gay.”

The site also includes a dictionary-type tool that illustrates a word’s meaning and the notion of understanding one’s choice of words. Additional features include an e-card and a video library that calls for user submissions.

GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to accept and respect all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. They work toward this by convincing education leaders and policymakers of the urgent need to address anti-LGBT behavior and bias in our schools, protecting students by advancing comprehensive and effective safe schools law and policies, empowering principals to make their schools safe places to learn, and building the skills of educators to teach respect for all people.

Anti-equality bloggers call this a “radical homosexual agenda” that is being “imposed in public schools across the country.” We call it invaluable and massively beneficial support and education. These individuals also write, in blatant sarcasm, that “It’s Kevin Jennings you have to thank for the fact that ‘gay’ clubs exist in many schools across the country today,” and, “the so-called ‘Day of Silence’ in thousands of schools across America, when students are encouraged to take a vow of silence to show solidarity with their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) classmates.” And to that we say: Thanks Kevin Jennings and the GLSEN! Keep up the good work!

For more information about the GLSEN visit http://www.glsen.org.

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