Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 2
CONTENTS FEATURE: Fleeing the Homeland P3
The view of the news covered by the editor...this month it’s all about the growing epidemic of “biphobia”
Readers! Welcome to the debut issue of Foofoo Magazine- for women who love women! We hope you will enjoy this compact publication as much as we enjoyed making it. This issue tackles the subject on homophobia, sorts out the age-old Northerner/ Southerner dispute (gay-bar wise) and is packed with intereseting news nuggets and reviews. There are few mainstream lesbian magazines available in newsagents, so starting this magazine has hopefully filled a gap in every lesbian’s boots.
Horroscopes
Enjoy!
A look at Homophobia in the Eastern European countries and how it is driving away homosexuals nationwide.
QUIZ: Which Stereotypical Lesbian Are You? P5
Butch, Femme or bit of both? Find out now in our multiple choice test!
The North/South Divide P6
We choose a gay bar up North and a gay bar down South and test drive them...
Connect
P8
Bullet
P9
The latest book, film and music reviews. Includes Goldfrapp’s new album Headfirst.
International news bites.
Editor Kennedy’s Corner P10
P 10
Beth Kennedy Editor
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 3
e h t g d n n i a e l e e l F m o H y lin ed Mul n en am K S h et by B e By ctur i P
LEZ GET OUTTA HERE: Monika Endrasius- a young Lithuanian on the run from persecution
In July 2009 the governemnt of Lithuania passed a controversial law with regards to homosexuality. President Valdas Adamkus vetoed the “Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information”, which bans the right to freedom of expression and the right to no discrimination. The law categorizes public records about homosexuality and bi-
sexuality with other prohibited materialincluding that of physical or psychological violence and the display of dead bodies. The shocking new law has made life for many homosexuals and bisexuals simply unbearable in Lithuania. Pride marches in the capital city Vilnius have been banned. Many have chosen to emigrate from Lithuania in search of a more accepting place.
Foofoo talks to Monika Endrasius, 18, from London about her first hand account of the new law change. FooFoo: Tell us a bit about your background… Monika: I’m from Lithuania and I’m new here. Yes, my English is not very good and I will make many mistakes, but I hope you’ll understand what I want to say. I speak in three languages: English, Russian and Lithuanian. I can’t live without music or art! I am fond of laying on the ground, laying somewhere in the city, sitting in the middle of the street and sleeping in the cars. I suppose you could say I am a bit of a, what you would call…a nomad? Oh, and let’s not forget cof-
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 4
fee! FF: What brings you to Britain? M: I don’t really know! I want to study here , work and blah blah blah. Well, I was working as au pair and now I’m searching for a new family. I also want to find the right person for myself at least. But it’s really hard .. especially for me ‘cause I have the ability to choose not right person for myself. I’m not really just solely searching for someone. I think when there will be time - the person who I’m waiting for will find me. But it’s possible that this is person is here and it will make things easier, so I think it’s fair enough reason to be here. FF: Do you mean to say it is easier to be homosexual in Britain than it is in Lithuania? M: Well, Lithuania is a very beautiful country, but I don’t like the people there ..especially if you’re homosexual most of the people want to kill you. There is a strong sense of homophobia everywhere you go. I think I can say that Lithuania is one of
the most homophobic countries in the EU! On the streets people will shout at you if they know you are a homosexual. I have had many bad things happen to me and I wanted to escape from the country. FF: What do you think of the “Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information”? M: Personally I think it is disgusting that we do not have free speech. It is, after all, a basic human right! It doesn’t matter who a person loves, as long as it makes them happy. I had to get away from Lithuania…I cannot be suppressed like that. I find it shocking that Eastern European countries are so backwards with regards to dealing with homoseuxality. FF: What word would you normally use to define your sexuality? M: I love women but I don’t call myself lesbian as I don’t really like this word. Yes, maybe it’ stupid, but anyway, I’m homosexual. Although, I must say that I much prefer the word ‘lesbian’ than the word ‘dyke’. It
I CAN SEE A RAINBOW: The Lithuanian flag (above) and the flag for homosexuality (below) look ironically similar.
sounds so harsh! A horrible sounding word. FF: Describe your ideal women. M: I don’t have a type of a girl but there’s things that I really like to see in a person. The first one is: she would be mature. I’m not talking only about sexually mature! I think ideally it would be great if she’s that kind of person who can make me laugh, who can be funny, stupid and crazy. But she should know when she has to be serious, intelligent and smart. I don’t really like these ‘sexy chick’ types of girls .. Yeah, I know, it’s not about how person looks but everyone of us deep inside
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 5
Which Stereotypical Lesbian Are You? 1. It’s the start of a night out. You are at the bar of your local gay nightclub, what do you order? a) A pint…no, make that a jug….of beer b) A Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach or anything that looks colourful. c) Anything, ranging from a bottle of Corona to a shot of tequila d) Blerr…I errr….I’m too shozzled already. 2. You go up to the DJ and request… a) A classic indie song or some heavy drum and bass. b) Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole, Tinie Tempah…all of the chart hits! c) Any one of the above…and more. d) I don’t request anything. tell him or her to turn the music down. 3. You’re pulling technique involves… a) Flex your biceps, referring to them as The Big Guns, and buying the woman a drink. b) Showing a bit of cleavage and doing what your friends call your “mating dance”. c) A bit of cheeky Ellen Degeneres-esque witty banter and a pearly smile. d) Lying a lot. 4. What would you be if you were an animal? a) A rhino or a tiger b) A kitten or a fluffy bunny. c) A gecko or a monkey. d) I’m already an animal…in bed. 5. A woman tells you that you are beautiful. What do you say? a) I prefer handsome, but it’s fine b) Teeheehee, why thank you! c) Thank you very much, you aren’t so bad yourself! d) Sod off. 6. A shelf in your house falls down. What do you do? a) Get out your toolbox and get straight to work. b) Scream, but be thankful your nails were not chipped! c) Try to fix it but get someone else to do it in the end. d) I pulled it down on purpose. 7. Your ideal woman is… a) Megan Fox b) Jordan c) Katy Perry d) Anyone with a vagina. Mostly A’s BUTCH BABE You are a dungarees wearing, screwdriver wielding, beer swilling, boot stomping butch lesbian!
Mostly B’s FANTASTIC FEMME You are a lipstick loving, squealing at cute fluffy things, spider avoiding femme!
Mostly C’s WELL BALANCED WOMAN You are a shirt wearing, occasional skirt wearing, secret face mask using well balanced woman.
Mostly D’s You are an idiot. How dare you buy this magazine!
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 6
Batting for T’Northerners it’s Bar Six T Nine, Chester, Cheshire. Which gay bar in the North West hosts a bingo night, has karaoke, strippers, cheap drinks and good music all in one week!? Bar Six T Nine of course! Situated on the outskirts of Chester city centre, Bar Six T Nine (an obvious play on words!) is cleverly nestled away from the loutish drunks that con-
gregate around Wetherspoons and Revolutions. From Desperados to Disarrono Amaretto a good range of drinks is offered. When the DJ plays any Britney, Madonna or Kylie Minogue song most of the drinks are slashed to £1. Speaking of the word slashed- the toilets in Bar Six T Nine aren’t the most glamorous in the world. They are in need of an upgrade, or even a cleaner. You may get the odd heterosexual man in the ladies toilets posing as a homosexual just hunt for girls. Otherwise, the rest of the venue is bright, colourful, clean and
NORTH DIV MAN, WHAT A DRAG: Chester’s fiesty DJ Betty Sparkle
friendly. Although it is a small gay bar there is a comfortable seating area and a mini stage. The place has recently been repainted, but has still kept its quirky edge. The lack of space is compensated by the obvious presence of community spirit. In the day Bar Six T Nine doubles as a social club for homosexu-
als. The drag queen DJs Lady Wanda and Betty Sparkle both play a happy, eclectic mix of cheesy music and the latest chart hits. They also offer banter and flirty witticisms to the punters…whether they like it or not! Generally the place is usually buzzing with the North West’s LGBT community and the atmosphere is welcoming. Before going to
Bar Six T Nine it would be wise to visit gay friendly pubs such as The Liverpool Arms and The Old Queens Head- situated on Northgate Street and Foregate Street respectively. They offer great deals on drinks and who knows…you could make a new best friend!
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 7
In the Red Corner it’s Coyotes Gay Nightclub, New Road, Chatham, Kent We didn’t want to cheat and include a superclub in Brighton. After all, it’s the gay capital of Europe! So instead Foofoo decided to review a small watering hole situated in the South East.... Fancy a game of pool with characters from Rocky Horror, whilst downing exotic shots and surrounded by pole dancing men in hot pants? Thought so.
for your attention.
everyone is so relaxed!”
DJs vary from the classy drag queen Anita Spank playing her fun chart and cheese mix, to DJ Attwater playing a fresh supply of hip hop and R n B.
It’s not just the DJs that make Coyotes worth the visit. There are many top class tribute acts frequently performing such as Kimberley Dayle- Britain’s number one Britney Spears impersonator and countless hilarious drag queen acts.
Barman Sean Carwadine says: “You won’t find another place in Kent like this. It’s the most free-spirited gay bar I’ve ever Coyotes is, by far, Kent’s most known. The place attracts a pretty even amount of both fun gay and lesbian nightclub. Situated on a road populated by a gay men and gay women. The variety of bars, the venue screams atmosphere is great because
SOUTH IDE cases to go to the toilet whilst quite intoxicated is a feat in itself. Transport is very accessible. Chatham train station and the bus depot are ten minutes away. If you find yourself without anywhere to stay there are usually cheap rooms available in four of the nearby hotels. Accommodation shouldn’t be an issue because Coyotes is open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights. This means there is only a 90 minute wait for the early morning train! Coyotes sells CDs mixed by resident
There are a few downsides to partying at Coyotes. Descending several stair-
GIMMIE MORE: Britney Spears tribute act in action DJ Waynie M. At £3 each they are a fine souvenir of an awesome night out. Yearly membership is readily available for £5 and entitles you to a 75% discount on entry prices and free shots. Foofoo can safely say that Coyotes caters for everyone’s needs!
(Left) TWIST AND SHOUT: Barman Sean Carwadine busts some moves on the pole
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 8
Connect
Your place for the hottest new movies, books and music Mammoth Book of Lesbian Cons: The collection Erotica edited by Barbara Cardy would have greatly benefited if (Robinson, London, 2007, £7.99) the stories had been categorised into groups for ease of access. Ever thought you could do with This is because you cannot tell a lesbian sex fiction bible lying from the title what the short around? Then look no more. This story will involve. . For example, particular collection is collaborated Cardy could have incorporated a by Barbara Cardy, a married editor bondage, first time, bi curious of 25 other erotic anthologies. sections, etc. Some stories may Pros: The collection not be for the faint-hearted. Stoincludes 55 lesbian based short ries such as “A Feast of Cousins” stories ranging from the hardcore involves incest, whilst “Little bizarre to the endearingly roman- Women” is a hardcore story about tic. All of the stories have been anal sex. written in the last decade by both Should I buy it? Mamamateur and established writmoth Book of Lesbian Erotica is a ers alike. Although the editor is sexy, sometimes daring, anthology Mammoth Book of Lesbian Erotiheterosexual she has managed to of lesbian erotic fiction. There is ca is availble at all good bookshops cater for all age groups and has a treat for everyone and it greatly and online at www.amazon.co.uk covered many fetishes. serves it’s purpose to arouse! BK First’ is reminiscent of Kate Bush with a slow heavy drum beat and gentle feminime vocals. The third track ‘Alive’ is a summery treat for the ears, whilst ‘Shiny and Warm’ does what it says on the tin. It’s sparkly synthesiser riffs and jumpy beat could make it the sister of an ELO or T-Rex song. The album length is compact at 38 minutes, meaning no time is Goldfrapp- Head First (Released wasted in showcasing Goldfrapp’s 23rd March, Mute Records, energetic efforts. £12.99) Cons: The slower tracks risks electronic music duo Alison sounding like elevator music. The Goldfrapp and Will Gregory antitle track, although creative and nounced the relase of Head First orginal, isn’t the strongest of the way back in September last year. It songs. It risks sounding slightly was certainly worth the wait! cheesy with Abba-esque synths. Pros: The catchy synth-pop Foofoo’s favourite track: beats and Alison’s breathy voice ‘Shiny and Warm’ of the first album track ‘Rocket’ Should I buy it? Goldfrapp are provokes a happy dreamlike back with a more addictive beat atmosphere. The title track ‘Head
than ever before- dabbling with a feel-good 1980s style which fits them like a mitten on a kitten. Make sure you listen to the album from start to finish and don’t just skip to the title track because you will be missing out on several masterpieces along the way. It’s an album that readily embraces the start of Spring. BK
Synthesiser Queen: Alison Goldfrapp
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 9 FILM: I love you Phillip Morris
lifestyle. To fund this he becomes a conman and is jailed. In prison Jim carrey as a manic pet he meets the love of his life Phillip detective, Ewan Mcregor as ...now Morris (Ewan Mcgregor). Carrey Jim Carrey and Ewan Mcgregor and Mcgregor are very believas gay lovers?! Now we have seen able as gay lovers and some of everything! the romantic scenes are carefully I Love You Phillip Morris crafted. Carrey is convincing as is based on the real life events of Steven Russell. He portrays him as Steven Russell, a con-artist in the a man with many facades- which 80s and 90s. is his trademark craft after all! Pros: The film has a star-studded The character wardrobe is vivd cast including Ewan McGregor, and eclectic- much like Carrey’s Leslie Mann and Jim Carrey. filmography. At home being homo: Mcgregor The plot is engaging and starts Cons: The subject of and Carrey in on-screen kiss with Steven Russell (Carrey) homosexuality is mainly used reminiscing on his death-bed as the butt of several gags. The about his early life in Texas as plot is, at times, all over the place a married police officer. and may make it confusing for Russell realises he is homosexual audiences to watch. and moves to Miami to pursue an extravagant, flamboyant
Bullet: Straight Gay News in Numbers! 300 The number of peo-
ple in Ugandan pastor Martin Ssempa’s church made to watch gay pornography. Martin Ssempa’s actions arose when Uganda passed a bill declaring homosexuality illegal and punishable by death.
compared with 25% of
het-
erosexuals.
4 The number of extra
flights the average gay or lesbian makes in a year compared to heterosexuals.
children were adopt1 in 3 Finnish people 170 ed by same-sex couples in the that took a recent opinion poll agree with same-sex couples being allowed to marry in church.
40% of gay people
surveyed this year heavily invested in modern gadgets,
UK last year.
1,500 The amount in
Australian dollars that was paid to a dog owner when a waiter accused the dog of be-
6.7 million viewers tuned into ITV on the 12th April to witness Coronation Street’s first lesbian kiss.
18 year old Constance
McMillen from the USA has been banned from taking her girlfriend to graduation.
Foofoo Magazine May 2010 Page 10
Editor Kennedy’s Corner Beginning to comprehend the Eastern European countries attitudes towards homosexuals is mind-boggling. Sure, they haven’t introduced the death penalty in a Ugandanstyle gay bashing frenzy. But countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Romania are growing increasingly hostile to gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. You would think that a growing Western country would at least tolerate homosexuality, but even pride marches are banned! Such a stifling on free speech is shocking in today’s world. We hear of preachers in the southern states of the USA condemning homosexuals and sadly consider this the norm. But a lesbian couple were attacked in Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. This happened in broad daylight and no alcohol was involved. This isn’t to say that Britain has been thrown back into a medieval jeer-fest with all the lesbians in the stocks. Many people are very lenient towards homosexuals and we have certainly come a long way in the last one hundred years. The latest fad from the umbrella of prejudice would be bi-phobia. It is generally more accepted then pure homophobia. Many people label bisexuals as greedy and confused…and this is just the homosexuals talking! Celebrities are partly to blame for tainting the reputation of bisexuals. Dappy, from N-Dubz, has written lyrics that include "Josh slept with Bianca, little did she know he was a wanker, coz he was a bi-sexual prick, he love slits as well as dickz, he fucked Bianca as hard as Rick, never thinking of takin' a trip to the clinic, now they're all in it, they might have AIDS, I can’t have babes". Such open hatred of bisexuals has made it that much more acceptable in society than the prejudice against gays and lesbians. If we take the stance that sexuality is fluid and that a person can fancy man or woman then the world would be a more relaxed and content place.