Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week 2009

The Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week 2009 is scheduled to take place from January 7th through January 11th in beautiful Park City, Utah.

Sponsored by Community Visions, co-sponsors of Colorado’s increasingly popular Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, the Utah festivities have become a top event among LGBT ski enthusiasts from all over the country.

Park City is a resort town just a half-hour’s drive from Salt Lake City and is best known in January for its prestigious and star-studded Sundance Festival, which dominates the entire region during the second half of January (January 15-25 in 2009). Gays and lesbians, however, start heading to Park City just a bit earlier for the town’s fun-filled gay ski week.

The week has become a favorite among the community for its wonderful location that offers great shopping and dining as well as the opportunity to enjoy Utah’s Wasatch Mountains - which offer some of the best skiing conditions in the world: spectacular powder, sunny weather, and beautifully kept facilities.

The event kicks off on Wednesday with welcome lunch events at Mid-Mountain Lodge, at Park City’s own Park City Mountain Resort. That first evening there’s also a Friendship Dinner at 7:30 pm at the gay-friendly Wasatch Brewery Pub. Park City’s The Canyons resort is set to host the skiing and midday lunch on Thursday.

The resorts remain the focus of skiing and snowboarding throughout the five-day event, with one notable exception - Deer Valley is one of the only facilities in the country that does not allow snowboarding, so boarders choose between The Canyons and Park City Mountain.

A number of bars and restaurants in Park City will be hosting parties and events during the week including the popular Wasatch Brewery Pub and Kristauf’s martini bar.

The aforementioned Canyons Resort is one of the region’s best options for upscale accommodations. The organizers of Utah Gay & Lesbian Ski Week also have information on condo rentals on their website at http://www.communityvisions.org/SKIING/sku6con.htm.

The Ultimate Lesbian New Years Eve Party

New England’s largest lesbian hotspot, “Girlspot,” will be throwing a New Year’s bash so fabulous that girls from Boston to Hartford will be traveling to Providence, Rhode Island for the big event.

From 8:30PM to 3:00AM ring in 2009 at Club Gallery in the Ocean State’s capital and enjoy entertainment including Mary Day Band, The Candace Brooks Band, RI’s best - DJ Dena, DJ Nicole and VJ Jeff - go-go dancers and a midnight dance performance. There will also be a balloon drop, midnight champagne toast and party favors as well as a trip for two to Las Vegas door prize.

21+ is $15.00, 18+ is $20.00 and advance tickets are suggested and available at Club Gallery or by calling (401) 751-7166.

Girlspot/Club Gallery is located at:
150 Point Street
Providence, RI 02906

Visit www.GIRLSPOTRI.COM for more information.

21st Annual LGBT Community KWANZAA

On Saturday, December 27, 2008 from 12:00pm-10:00pm, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center will host the 21st Annual LGBT Community KWANZAA celebration in New York City, New York.

Attendees are invited to rejoice the seven principles of Kwanzaa, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African cultural celebration that brings a message acknowledging the best of seven principles.

The “Cultural Program” (from 6pm-8pm) will feature a variety of renowned performers throughout the evening along with a collective expression of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) from several Community Contributors.

Enjoy the “African Marketplace” (from noon -5:30pm) and purchase Afrocentric and unique gifts for the holiday season.

Sit and enjoy the Karamu - Community Feast - (from 8pm-10pm) where you can have dinner together and enjoy the warm sense of family and celebrate this year’s theme, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination).

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is located at 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011.

Tickets are a $10 Suggested Donation, but no one will be turned away. Visit http://www.gaycenter.org/node/2417 for more information.

QUEERaganza at Stonewall

The pioneering Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) of the CUNY Graduate Center will be hosting its First Annual Winter Benefit Thursday, December 18, 2008.

CLAGS has supported academics, artists, and activists for almost two decades. In 1991 CLAGS became the first university-based research center solely devoted to LGBTQ issues. Forty years ago the now legendary Stonewall inaugurated the LGBTQ rights movement with rioting in the streets. On December 18th CLAGS and Stonewall join forces to bring you QUEERaganza: CLAGS@Stonewall, a winter benefit. All proceeds go towards CLAGS programming.

QUEERaganza, a variety show, aims to incorporate the politics of CLAGS with the no-holds barred fun of Stonewall. There will be girls with guitars, go-go boys, burlesque performers, djs, dancing, drink specials and more. The fun kicks off at 7pm with drink specials such as the “CLAGSmopolitan” and the “Queer Theorytini” and of course, music to boogey-down to. The show begins at 8 pm with performances by:

*Switch N’ Play (SNP) - a Brooklyn-born, New York-based drag alliance with an eclectic repertoire of dance and drag theatrics. Queer in every sense of the word, SNP spans the gender spectrum in life and on stage.

*The Mahina Movement - whose poems, dances, and paintings (sometimes live!) raise awareness and visibility around political and social injustices, celebrate and encourage a consciousness, and most definitely, Represent! Their theatrical shows have been seen at spots such as Dixon Place, The Bowery Poetry Club and The Culture Project, 45 Bleeker Theater, and The Point in the Bronx.

*Singer/performer Anthony Escobar - of “B-Side & Bastardized” and “Passage” will work his cabaret magic. Escobar, will be fresh from his holiday show, “Mélange a Trois” at the Duplex.

*Rounding out the evening are Agent N and JZ Bich of HyperGender Burlesque, NYC’s first nitty, gritty, sexy “post-neo-burlesque show” mixing politics, art and glamour to astonishing effect.

The $10 cover charge gets you in the door as well as one year CLAGS membership. The event runs from 7-11pm. Following the event Stonewall’s upstairs is taken over by a go-go boy party and downstairs by a go-go girl party. QUEERaganza partygoers are encouraged to take their pick and carry on with the fun at no extra cost.

For more information contact clagsevents@gc.cuny.edu.

Pink Film Days 2008

The 12th Amsterdam Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is taking place from December 12th to the 20th in Cinema de Balie, the Public Library (OBA), Filmhuis Cavia, and Filmtheater de Uitkijk, all in Amsterdam.

The Pink Film Days offer a special selection of features, shorts, and documentaries for the entire community.

With over 100 titles from thirty-plus countries in 62 screenings, they will present a showcase of what is happening worldwide in queer cinema. Most of these will be Dutch premieres that will focus both on popular crowd pleasers and smaller alternative cinema.

In 1986 and 1991, the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Holland (IGLFH) took place; it was a grand event because it was only to take place every five years. The Pink Film Days started in 1996, when it turned out that no third edition of the IGLFH would take place. The first edition of the Pink Film Days Amsterdam took place in June 1996 in Filmhouse Cavia and Film Theatre Rialto.

On a small budget and limited means, the organizers showed four days of films by Tom Kalin, Gregg Araki and Sadie Benning, among others. The Pink Film Days were symbolically planned to coincide with the annual remembrance of Stonewall and Gay Pride.

The second edition was organized on a grander scale in 1997. Grants were applied for and the fact that a number of titles went on tour in the Netherlands meant that a larger public could see the films without having to travel to Amsterdam. Not only did ten cities across the country join the program, but the recently founded Cinema De Balie in Amsterdam did as well. The Pink Film days always assembled an independent-minded selection of the films available, always with the aim of creating a program outside of what could already be seen in the movie theater and on television.

The (straight) press did not always share this vision, which meant that the festival was persistently misunderstood by “outsiders.” What use is a separate festival for gays, lesbians, etc.? Does such a thing as a gay film exist? The Pink Film Days were always based on the notion that it’s fun to watch films together and that there is no such thing as a gay film, but rather that films can be interesting for gays and lesbians. And that it was better to not always make the easy choices, but instead choose productions of high artistic and cinematographic quality. Interested non gay and lesbian individuals were always welcome to attend, which did happen regularly.

Grant foundations asked the organizers many similar questions over the years. Everyone assumed that gay and lesbian emancipation had been achieved and that the necessity of having their own festival was diminished. Time and time again, the organizers had to dispel these misconceptions.

In 1998, the organizers decided to move the festival to the month of November. The month of June turned out not to be the best month to attract attendees due to the nice weather outside and people going on holiday. That was also the year that the Film Theatre Rialto dropped out as a location for the festival due to staff changes and the fact that the regular Rialto programming made it impossible to host many festivals a year.

2001 was the first (and last, so far) year that an edition was skipped. Initially the idea had arisen of organizing the festival every other year because a festival every year cost too much time and energy to organize. But because of the overwhelming response from the public, who much preferred an annual festival, it was decided to have the Pink Film Days alternate between a larger and a smaller edition each year. As such, the smaller program Pink Film Days Goes Nordiq was presented in 2003, and the Long Weekend of Short Pink Film was presented in 2005.

During the larger editions, specific central themes were frequently featured that the organization thought to be particularly urgent or interesting. In 2002, some of the themes were The Inevitable Downfall and Gay Arab; in 2004 Femmes en révolte and We’re Not Urban. Since 2000, the programming of quite a number of thematic programs of short films (with gripping titles like Schoolboys and Indie Girls) can be said to be highly successful.

Every edition of the festival has been created with the tireless dedication of volunteers and a few temporary employees, and many organizations have made the festival financially possible by means of subsidies, donations, and sponsoring.

For more about the festival visit http://www.rozefilmdagen.nl.

Have a Holly Folly Weekend in P’town!

This Friday, December 5, 2008 the annual Holly Folly Weekend will kick off in Provincetown, Massachusetts and once again include shopping, events, and parties sure to get lesbian visitors in the holiday spirit.

The weekend is organized by the Provincetown Business Guild and this year’s Headquarters are at the Crown & Anchor at 247 Commercial Street from 10AM – 5PM. Attendees can pick up their Holly Folly Shop Hop Passport at one of the Welcome Centers, make five qualifying purchases in any of Provincetown’s Holly Folly Provincetown unique and eclectic shops, and enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants and receive a free gift!

Event highlights include: Friday from 10-1 - The Snow Ball at The A – House; Saturday at 10AM, Reindeer Spin at Mussel Beach Health Club; Saturday 10AM to 2PM, Book and Bake Sale at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House; 11AM to 4PM, Souper Saturday at the Crown & Anchor, raising money for The Provincetown Soup Kitchen; 11AM to 4PM, Gift Wrapping, Wave Bar, Crown & Anchor; 3PM – 6PM, Karaoke Caroling with Thirsty Burlington, Little Bar at Atlantic House; 9:30 PM – 1AM, “Jingle Ball with DJ Chris Racine” at the Crown & Anchor; Sunday 2pm, “The Santaland Diaries,” Art House; and much more. See the detailed schedule at www.ptown.org

Also, for the weekend, a Holly Folly Trolley will be making loops of Provincetown’s Commercial Street for shoppers.

For more information visit www.ptown.org.

Lez Tango!

Attention lesbian lovers of dancing the tango - get yourselves to Buenos Aires! The International Queer Tango Festival is taking place next week from December 1st through 9th in Buenos Aires and has one simple goal - celebrating the diversity in tango.

The organizers of the event - Roxana Gargano, Augusto Balizano, and Mariana Docampo Falcó - seek to gather people from various different countries throughout the world who are in some way involved with queer tango and provide them with the opportunity to learn from one another and bond in their appreciation of the popular dance. Attendees include teachers, organizers, dancers, and students. The festival also provides a great opportunity to meet artists and intellectuals that support the movement.

Each day will offer up different scheduled activities and several workshops will be presented throughout the week. Additionally, guest artists will be appearing at the festival and include the dance couple Scarlett and Ingrid. The two women have been a dancing couple for nearly three years and quickly became known for their harmonic style, versatile expression, and a mutual love of tango that is apparent in the way the dance.

For a full schedule of activities and workshops, biographies of the many accomplished teachers who will be attending the festival, and information on pricing for attendance visit http://www.festivaltangoqueer.com.

Photo by Zabara Alexander.

White Party Week Celebrates 24

Women, women, and more women… As the women’s events during White Party week grow so does the attendance. Last year, women from all over the world descended on South Beach in November for great women’s parties like Cirque Blanc at Nikki Beach. This year the women’s event producers Pandora Events and Carmen Benard are bringing a bigger line-up of parties just for the girls.

White Party, the internationally renowned party packed week of AIDs fundraisers to benefit Care Resource, will shine in the spotlight this month, celebrating its 24th anniversary from November 26th through November 30th. Thanksgiving weekend promises to be a legendary celebration, and time of remembrance for those who have lost their battle to the AIDS pandemic.

The 24th Anniversary promises brand new parties and cultural events for everyone to enjoy.

White Party began 24 years ago as a one-night fundraiser for Care Resource, Florida’s largest not-for-profit, community based organization source for AIDS/HIV care. Twenty-four years later, White Party is a week-long community celebration known across the world for its spectacular parties, celebrity watching, cultural events, superstar DJS, entertainers, and so much more. The event attracts more than 10,000 gay men and women from all over the world to the streets of Miami and Miami Beach.

This year’s Women’s White Party events promise to be bigger than ever. Events include Dolce on Wednesday evening, the signature women’s dance event Cirque Blanc at the glamorous Nikki Beach, the White Party at Vizcaya with a special guest, the women’s after-party on Saturday night, and finally a wonderful brunch cocktail lunch on Sunday. Cirque Blanc (the Women’s Signature White Party event) will take its guests into a futuristic journey at the ultra sexy Nikki Beach Club in the heart of South Beach. Attendees will be treated to an assortment of visual entertainment, outdoor VIP room with lush tropical gardens and seating, an exciting silent auction featuring women’s oriented trips, jewelry, dinners, theater tickets, spa days, autographed memorabilia, and more. The dance floor will be jumping with the hot sounds of superstar girl DJs, “out of this world” decor, and over 1,200 gorgeous women partying in a symphony of white.

For more information visit http://www.womenswhiteparty.com.

18th Annual Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Ceremony

The Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues has named the 2008 list of individuals and organizations for inclusion in the only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors members of the LGBT communities. The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s 18th annual ceremony will be held this Thursday, November 13, 2008 in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Jane Addams - the 1931 Nobel Prize winner for her pioneering work in founding Hull House in 1890, which created a lasting model for social change and diverse thought - will be honored as an individual inductee this year.

“Chicago is a city of many faces, and the LGBT community is an important part of that diversity. The community is thriving forward, helping to build a strong social and economic foundation for Chicago,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

“The rich contributions made to Chicago by its various communities are important to Chicago’s quality of life,” said Dana V. Starks, the Hall of Fame’s Commissioner and Chairman. “It is for that reason that we are pleased to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies with these Hall of Fame awards each year.”

The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under the auspices of the Advisory Council, with continuing support from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and Mayor Richard M. Daley. Its purpose is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to the development of the city, and the help they have received from others.

The inaugural induction ceremony took place during Gay and Lesbian Pride Week at City Hall, hosted by Mayor Richard M. Daley. This was the first event of its kind in the country.

Those inducted can fall into one of three categories: individual, organization, or friend of the community. Potential nominees are comprised of members of Chicago’s entire sexual-minority community, including LGBT Chicagoans, past, present, living, and dead, as well as those who have supported or assisted the community. A committee of prior inductees makes each year’s selections from nominations submitted by members of the public.

The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame is privately funded through generous donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Staff support is provided by the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, members of the Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, and volunteers.

For more information about the event and for a complete list of inductees visit http://www.glhalloffame.org.

Photo by Chris Metcalf.

The 8th Annual Power Premiere Gala Fundraiser

This Sunday, November 9th, 2008 from 6:00PM to 10:00PM at Social in Hollywood, CA, join POWER UP in supporting lesbian films at the 8th Annual Power Premiere Gala Fundraiser.

The event will be hosted by comedian Bridget McManus and feature celebrity guests including Daniela Sea, Elizabeth Keener, Kristy Swanson, Melanie Mayron, Maeve Quinlan, Cathy Shim, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Terri Nunn, Peter Paige, Mandy Musgrave, Maile Flanagan, Jill Bennett, Liz Vassey, Christina Cox, Gabrielle Christian, Frangela and many more. Cocktails, appetizers, desserts, music, comedy, presentations and more will be offered.

Tickets are available for purchase and range from $500 to $75 per person and $5000 per table.

POWER UP, Professional Organization of Women in Entertainment Reaching Up, was announced on October 11, 2000, (National Coming Out Day) in Daily Variety’s first-ever “Gays in Hollywood” issue, by founder and executive director Stacy Codikow and co-founder Amy Shomer. The mission is to promote the visibility and integration of gay women in entertainment, the arts, and all forms of media. The members are women and men, gay and straight, who share a singular purpose – to promote diversity by supporting their mission.

Over the past five years, POWER UP has awarded filmmaking grants totaling over 1.5 million dollars, a mixture of sponsorships and in-kind services from studios and production houses. The films are produced through the filmgrant program under the guidance of POWER UP, which serves as the studio. The grant films premiere at this Power Premiere annual fundraiser.

For more information about this event and POWER UP visit http://www.power-up.net.

Next Page »