see this being a hit at a local gay club? (NBC, the jerk that it is, won't let me embed this, so please follow the link.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4
Also, just for fun: Prop. 8, the musical. If you haven't seen this video yet, you've probably been living under a rock. Just in case, I thought I would share. I am getting really, really sick of hearing about Prop. 8 all the time, not because I don't care, but because it's being pounded into my brain even more than the economic crisis - and I don't even have cable TV or live in California! Nonetheless, this video is tirelessly funny.
My only question - why didn't the No on 8 people use this for their campaign? Nothing like movie stars singing about social issues to really get a point across. Special props to Jack Black as Jesus. This is his best role since "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny."
8.12.08
21.11.08
Not your average granny.
When I used to imagine myself at age 70, the daydream involved such wonderful things as varicose veins, osteoporosis medication and lamenting all those tattoos I got in my 20s.
Now, thanks to Tina Turner, I have a new dream.
At 69 years old, Tina tore it up last night at her show at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She looked fabulous, belted beautifully and damn - those legs can still move with the best of 'em.
The production.
Certain parts throughout the show were less singing and more performing, complete with a pseudo-reenactment of "Thunderdome" with Tina in a full headdress and costume and dancers flouncing about her in animal skins while she sang the titular song.
Then, moving forward in time, we saw her slink across the stage singing "Golden Eye" after arriving on a moving platform.
It felt, at times, less like a concert and more like a theatrical production. Fireworks? Check. Huge explosions? Check. Three different moving platforms that often made the audience gasp at the sheer insanity of standing - scratch that, dancing - 50 feet in the air in five-inch heels? Check, check and check.
She toned it down for a while to do some slower stuff, including a phenomenal cover of the Beatles' "Help."
The outfits.
She came out on a platform that must have been 50 feet above the stage and lowered herself down, looking hot-as-ever in a black sparkly number. And she only took off her high heels long enough to change into another pair to match her next ensemble.
I counted around seven or eight outfits, including a sparkly red Betty Boop-esque mini dress, two different outfits with black, sparkly capris, a 70s-style flowing orange number, a black velvet gown that she ripped off mid-song to reveal her gorgeous gams and (my least favorite) a white, ruffled shirt and black capris that made her look less like a diva and more like a first mate. Ouch.
Nutbush (in rhythm now).
But who was paying attention to her pirate garb anyway when a portion of the stage that ran the entire length lifted up and projected Tina into the audience, where she proceeded to dance high above the heads of the audience?
She remained there during "Nutbush City Limits" while she tried in vain to get the crowd to sing "Nutbush!" along with her. Alas, it seemed the entire crowd had failed the rhythm portion of music class in middle school, because they could not, for the life of them, get the timing right. (A side note: The Kansas City crowd in the above video seems to have no problem with this. Come on, Detroit. Seriously?!)
The Tina 'tude.
While most 70-year-olds have discussions about oh, I don't know, mystery novels or their grandchildren, Tina is a dirty girl, and she's not afraid to admit it. Several times during the show she felt she had to make it known that she "likes it rough."
Yikes.
The Gay Factor.
I was surprised by the eclectic audience, and was pleased to see such a varied smattering of older gays and lesbians, 20-something gay men, and even a few leathers and bears amidst us. My own man-lovin' concert companion, Chris Azzopardi, was dancing to "Proud Mary" with me as we giggled and played "spot the gays."
And Tina was catering to every taste, too, with scantily clad girls AND boys on stage. There were "accidental" losses of shirts that revealed chiseled chests and perfectly-timed camera zooms on her dancers' gyrating hips. It was a crowd pleaser for sure, whether you like it young or old, gay or straight, easy or (like Tina) rough.
The moral of the story is: Tina kicks ass.
WE NEED YOUR OPINION: Chris says he liked the less theatrical parts, and especially wasn't a big fan of "Goldeneye." I disagree, and think those were the coolest parts of the show.
Your thoughts?
Now, thanks to Tina Turner, I have a new dream.
At 69 years old, Tina tore it up last night at her show at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She looked fabulous, belted beautifully and damn - those legs can still move with the best of 'em.
The production.
Certain parts throughout the show were less singing and more performing, complete with a pseudo-reenactment of "Thunderdome" with Tina in a full headdress and costume and dancers flouncing about her in animal skins while she sang the titular song.
Then, moving forward in time, we saw her slink across the stage singing "Golden Eye" after arriving on a moving platform.
It felt, at times, less like a concert and more like a theatrical production. Fireworks? Check. Huge explosions? Check. Three different moving platforms that often made the audience gasp at the sheer insanity of standing - scratch that, dancing - 50 feet in the air in five-inch heels? Check, check and check.
She toned it down for a while to do some slower stuff, including a phenomenal cover of the Beatles' "Help."
The outfits.
She came out on a platform that must have been 50 feet above the stage and lowered herself down, looking hot-as-ever in a black sparkly number. And she only took off her high heels long enough to change into another pair to match her next ensemble.
I counted around seven or eight outfits, including a sparkly red Betty Boop-esque mini dress, two different outfits with black, sparkly capris, a 70s-style flowing orange number, a black velvet gown that she ripped off mid-song to reveal her gorgeous gams and (my least favorite) a white, ruffled shirt and black capris that made her look less like a diva and more like a first mate. Ouch.
Nutbush (in rhythm now).
But who was paying attention to her pirate garb anyway when a portion of the stage that ran the entire length lifted up and projected Tina into the audience, where she proceeded to dance high above the heads of the audience?
She remained there during "Nutbush City Limits" while she tried in vain to get the crowd to sing "Nutbush!" along with her. Alas, it seemed the entire crowd had failed the rhythm portion of music class in middle school, because they could not, for the life of them, get the timing right. (A side note: The Kansas City crowd in the above video seems to have no problem with this. Come on, Detroit. Seriously?!)
The Tina 'tude.
While most 70-year-olds have discussions about oh, I don't know, mystery novels or their grandchildren, Tina is a dirty girl, and she's not afraid to admit it. Several times during the show she felt she had to make it known that she "likes it rough."
Yikes.
The Gay Factor.
I was surprised by the eclectic audience, and was pleased to see such a varied smattering of older gays and lesbians, 20-something gay men, and even a few leathers and bears amidst us. My own man-lovin' concert companion, Chris Azzopardi, was dancing to "Proud Mary" with me as we giggled and played "spot the gays."
And Tina was catering to every taste, too, with scantily clad girls AND boys on stage. There were "accidental" losses of shirts that revealed chiseled chests and perfectly-timed camera zooms on her dancers' gyrating hips. It was a crowd pleaser for sure, whether you like it young or old, gay or straight, easy or (like Tina) rough.
The moral of the story is: Tina kicks ass.
WE NEED YOUR OPINION: Chris says he liked the less theatrical parts, and especially wasn't a big fan of "Goldeneye." I disagree, and think those were the coolest parts of the show.
Your thoughts?
20.11.08
Simply the best!
Tonight, my gay BFF and BTL Entertainment Editor extraordinaire will see the legend herself, Tina Turner.
And yes, I will be showing off my Tina legs. Details on the concert will be posted tomorrow morning. Stay tuned!
14.11.08
Activism is great, but where do we draw the line?
I'm not a religious person. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I am against organized religion. But I still don't condone invading someone's sanctuary for political purposes in ways that could be potentially dangerous.
Now, there are still some facts that are being disputed, but last Sunday there was a protest at an evangelical, notoriously anti-gay church in Lansing, Mich. The protesters were from the group Bash Back!, an anarchist, radical LGBT group known for putting on protests that are, well, over the top. For an idea of what they do, here's some video footage of them from the Republican National Convention.
You get the idea.
In any case, it was reported by both the church and Bash Back! members on their Web site that the group protested outside the church, while others went inside and did things like yelling "Jesus was a homo," throwing fliers around, releasing a banner, etc. It was also reported that a fire alarm was pulled. For BTL's story on it, go to http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=32938
My question is: Did they go too far?
They claim that normal LGBT activism (peaceful protests, marches, conversations) accomplishes nothing, while many members of the gay community claim that Bash Back! encourages violence and gives a negative image to the whole movement that only reinforces what anti-gay people already believe - that gays are crazy, violent and don't deserve the same rights as straights.
I'm really torn on this issue. I don't condone what that church teaches, but I also don't condone what Bash Back! did, if the facts I heard are indeed accurate (more on this in upcoming issues of BTL).
While I think that being vocal and visible is key to enacting social change, hearing about people being not only harassed but put in danger (i.e. if the fire alarm caused a mass exit and someone was hurt) really rubs me the wrong way. Aren't there ways we can be radical and forward-thinking without disturbing people in their sanctuary (albeit a really messed up, misguided sanctuary full of hateful lies about LGBT people)? Or is disturbing them in the very place where they learn and share these homophobic ideals the answer?
Ultimately, I have to believe that though this protest probably shook some people up, it didn't change any opinions. In fact, it probably just added to their fear of the gay community. Don't get me wrong - these people need to have their minds changed, because they're the type of people who are selling their cars to donate money to "save marriage" and such. They need to be educated and introduced to non-threatening LGBT people who can show then that there's nothing wrong or scary about being gay.
But the bottom line, I guess, is that no one listens to you when you're screaming at them.
Now, there are still some facts that are being disputed, but last Sunday there was a protest at an evangelical, notoriously anti-gay church in Lansing, Mich. The protesters were from the group Bash Back!, an anarchist, radical LGBT group known for putting on protests that are, well, over the top. For an idea of what they do, here's some video footage of them from the Republican National Convention.
You get the idea.
In any case, it was reported by both the church and Bash Back! members on their Web site that the group protested outside the church, while others went inside and did things like yelling "Jesus was a homo," throwing fliers around, releasing a banner, etc. It was also reported that a fire alarm was pulled. For BTL's story on it, go to http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=32938
My question is: Did they go too far?
They claim that normal LGBT activism (peaceful protests, marches, conversations) accomplishes nothing, while many members of the gay community claim that Bash Back! encourages violence and gives a negative image to the whole movement that only reinforces what anti-gay people already believe - that gays are crazy, violent and don't deserve the same rights as straights.
I'm really torn on this issue. I don't condone what that church teaches, but I also don't condone what Bash Back! did, if the facts I heard are indeed accurate (more on this in upcoming issues of BTL).
While I think that being vocal and visible is key to enacting social change, hearing about people being not only harassed but put in danger (i.e. if the fire alarm caused a mass exit and someone was hurt) really rubs me the wrong way. Aren't there ways we can be radical and forward-thinking without disturbing people in their sanctuary (albeit a really messed up, misguided sanctuary full of hateful lies about LGBT people)? Or is disturbing them in the very place where they learn and share these homophobic ideals the answer?
Ultimately, I have to believe that though this protest probably shook some people up, it didn't change any opinions. In fact, it probably just added to their fear of the gay community. Don't get me wrong - these people need to have their minds changed, because they're the type of people who are selling their cars to donate money to "save marriage" and such. They need to be educated and introduced to non-threatening LGBT people who can show then that there's nothing wrong or scary about being gay.
But the bottom line, I guess, is that no one listens to you when you're screaming at them.
6.11.08
Saying "I don't" to "I do"
Now that I've had a day or so to reflect, the reality of California, Arizona and Florida has set in. Not to mention Arkansas.
Was I so blind to think that our country's stance on equality was moving forward? In 2004, 11 states passed bans on same-sex marriage. This year, another three, with California's official decision being announced just today. Here I thought things were getting better, and maybe I was a little too optimistic. Plus, last night I just found out that my own sister and brother-in-law probably voted for the ban on same-sex adoptions in Arkansas. And my sister was adopted.
I just don't understand.
Some straight people talk about how gay people being able to marry undermines their own marriages; cheapens them, if you will. I feel the opposite. The fact that my boyfriend Dan and I could decide to get married today on a whim and have it done as soon as we wish lies in sharp contrast to the fact that couples who have been together for 20 or 30 years cannot do it in most parts of this country. The marriage inequality in our country cheapens my right to marry and, I think, cheapens marriage as a whole.
How can people celebrate their right to marry and invite their gay friends to celebrate with them? That'd be like holding an election day party pre-Civil War and inviting black people. For me, it wouldn't feel like a celebration. It'd be like I was throwing my rights in their faces.
Sometimes, my boss tells me that there are some things I just can't understand because I'm young. I think she's right. I've never experienced the outright hatred and prejudice against LGBTs that she has. I know it's out there, but I've been sheltered from it thus far - even insomuch as seeing it happen to anyone I know. She comes from an era where same-sex marriage wasn't even an idea, let alone a possibility. For my gay friends today, it's something that most of them hope for in their future. As we're all getting into our mid-twenties now and straight friends of mine are beginning to get engaged and married, I can't help but wonder what it feels like to watch your friends reach the age of marriage and know that you can't have what they have.
It breaks my heart.
Was I so blind to think that our country's stance on equality was moving forward? In 2004, 11 states passed bans on same-sex marriage. This year, another three, with California's official decision being announced just today. Here I thought things were getting better, and maybe I was a little too optimistic. Plus, last night I just found out that my own sister and brother-in-law probably voted for the ban on same-sex adoptions in Arkansas. And my sister was adopted.
I just don't understand.
Some straight people talk about how gay people being able to marry undermines their own marriages; cheapens them, if you will. I feel the opposite. The fact that my boyfriend Dan and I could decide to get married today on a whim and have it done as soon as we wish lies in sharp contrast to the fact that couples who have been together for 20 or 30 years cannot do it in most parts of this country. The marriage inequality in our country cheapens my right to marry and, I think, cheapens marriage as a whole.
How can people celebrate their right to marry and invite their gay friends to celebrate with them? That'd be like holding an election day party pre-Civil War and inviting black people. For me, it wouldn't feel like a celebration. It'd be like I was throwing my rights in their faces.
Sometimes, my boss tells me that there are some things I just can't understand because I'm young. I think she's right. I've never experienced the outright hatred and prejudice against LGBTs that she has. I know it's out there, but I've been sheltered from it thus far - even insomuch as seeing it happen to anyone I know. She comes from an era where same-sex marriage wasn't even an idea, let alone a possibility. For my gay friends today, it's something that most of them hope for in their future. As we're all getting into our mid-twenties now and straight friends of mine are beginning to get engaged and married, I can't help but wonder what it feels like to watch your friends reach the age of marriage and know that you can't have what they have.
It breaks my heart.
5.11.08
The day after
I'm not going to say all the things you think I'm going to say.
You know, about how last night was amazing because Obama won and babies laughed and puppies were saved from euthanasia and Jesus was happy and all that.
Instead, can I just say that those mofos at Affirmations can P-A-R-T-Y!!?!
For those of you who are unedumacated, Affirmations is an LGBTQAIandwhateverelseyouare community center located in ferocious Ferndale. It's not really so ferocious, but I needed some alliteration just then. In any case, Affirmations is usually the site of such things as meetings, art showings, and generally people hanging out, sitting on their laptops, hanging out with friends and such (there's probably one who's reading my blog from there right now...).
Last night? It was freakin' crazy! First, they had BOUNCERS. OK, OK so it was more like two people at the door, checking IDs, taking cover charges and putting on wristbands. But seriously - this was not a nightclub. This was Affirmations!
So people start filing in and taking seats...and busting out booze. Let me just say, I have had a few with some members of the LGBT community before, but this was an eensy bit different. We're talking people I usually interview for articles about oh, I don't know, kids' summer activities, bustin' out bottles and drinking from Styrofoam cups.
As if that wasn't enough to make me chuckle, when Obama was announced, they all went dancing in the streets. Literally. I was afraid some guy was going to get hit by a car. So there's Maureen Jones and Laura Sorensen of Affirmations, boogieing with Rachel Crandall of TransGender Michigan. In the street. Probably all slightly intoxicated, both from the recent good news and the drinks they were downing.
It was a memorable night. Though I whined a little bit about not being able to share it with my mom or my boyfriend Dan (who was, by the way, at the Detroit Free Press until 3 a.m. tallying poll results. Poor guy.), I had a pretty damn good time.
Even though I was sober.
Oh yeah, and yay to: Obama, Hathaway, Peters and Schauer and boo to: California, Arizona and Florida's same-sex marriage bans (or about to be bans in Cali), plus Arkansas' ban on same-sex adoption and those some-3,000 jerks in Hamtramck who voted against the anti-transgender ordinance. I hope you have trouble sleeping tonight.
You know, about how last night was amazing because Obama won and babies laughed and puppies were saved from euthanasia and Jesus was happy and all that.
Instead, can I just say that those mofos at Affirmations can P-A-R-T-Y!!?!
For those of you who are unedumacated, Affirmations is an LGBTQAIandwhateverelseyouare community center located in ferocious Ferndale. It's not really so ferocious, but I needed some alliteration just then. In any case, Affirmations is usually the site of such things as meetings, art showings, and generally people hanging out, sitting on their laptops, hanging out with friends and such (there's probably one who's reading my blog from there right now...).
Last night? It was freakin' crazy! First, they had BOUNCERS. OK, OK so it was more like two people at the door, checking IDs, taking cover charges and putting on wristbands. But seriously - this was not a nightclub. This was Affirmations!
So people start filing in and taking seats...and busting out booze. Let me just say, I have had a few with some members of the LGBT community before, but this was an eensy bit different. We're talking people I usually interview for articles about oh, I don't know, kids' summer activities, bustin' out bottles and drinking from Styrofoam cups.
As if that wasn't enough to make me chuckle, when Obama was announced, they all went dancing in the streets. Literally. I was afraid some guy was going to get hit by a car. So there's Maureen Jones and Laura Sorensen of Affirmations, boogieing with Rachel Crandall of TransGender Michigan. In the street. Probably all slightly intoxicated, both from the recent good news and the drinks they were downing.
It was a memorable night. Though I whined a little bit about not being able to share it with my mom or my boyfriend Dan (who was, by the way, at the Detroit Free Press until 3 a.m. tallying poll results. Poor guy.), I had a pretty damn good time.
Even though I was sober.
Oh yeah, and yay to: Obama, Hathaway, Peters and Schauer and boo to: California, Arizona and Florida's same-sex marriage bans (or about to be bans in Cali), plus Arkansas' ban on same-sex adoption and those some-3,000 jerks in Hamtramck who voted against the anti-transgender ordinance. I hope you have trouble sleeping tonight.
4.11.08
First Post - Election Day '08!
I figured now was a good time to start blogging, what with it being such a historic day and all. I was up at 7 a.m. voting, and it's been pretty chill at work but it's going to be a looooong night.
I guess you'd like some background on this whole blog thing, huh?
Well, I have a unique job. I'm straight, but because of my job, my life revolves around LGBT issues. It's an interesting perspective to have on things. Every day, I read about and report on gay issues in this state and around the country and world.
Some people, like my 86-year-old grandma who hails originally from West Virginia, ask me "If you're not gay, why do you care so much?"
Others may say "You can't understand or be as passionate about gay issues as LGBT people are because they don't affect you."
But they DO affect me, not just because some of my closest friends are gay, but because LGBT rights are HUMAN rights, and we can all agree that human rights are important, yeah?
I care a lot.
That's why I started this blog: Because my personality and my views don't come through in the news stories I write (if it did, they wouldn't be news stories, duh). Here is where you get to hear what I'm thinking about the issues I write about, and what it's like to be a minority within a minority. A straight girl in the gay world.
So we begin with Election Night. I'll be at Affirmations tonight, interviewing and photographing and videotaping and blogging as the results come in! Check here for updates today and tomorrow about how things went down.
Enjoy!
I guess you'd like some background on this whole blog thing, huh?
Well, I have a unique job. I'm straight, but because of my job, my life revolves around LGBT issues. It's an interesting perspective to have on things. Every day, I read about and report on gay issues in this state and around the country and world.
Some people, like my 86-year-old grandma who hails originally from West Virginia, ask me "If you're not gay, why do you care so much?"
Others may say "You can't understand or be as passionate about gay issues as LGBT people are because they don't affect you."
But they DO affect me, not just because some of my closest friends are gay, but because LGBT rights are HUMAN rights, and we can all agree that human rights are important, yeah?
I care a lot.
That's why I started this blog: Because my personality and my views don't come through in the news stories I write (if it did, they wouldn't be news stories, duh). Here is where you get to hear what I'm thinking about the issues I write about, and what it's like to be a minority within a minority. A straight girl in the gay world.
So we begin with Election Night. I'll be at Affirmations tonight, interviewing and photographing and videotaping and blogging as the results come in! Check here for updates today and tomorrow about how things went down.
Enjoy!
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