e uropean.l esb i a n .news
J une 1 s t , 2010
eur ut .or g t
h
M e e t
e
m
t h e
E M M A
a
g
a
w o m e n
z
i
n
e
b e h i n d
S T A H L
– t h e w e b ’s m o s t e xc i t i n g n e w l e s B i a n w e b s e r i e s
Plus: LesBian Life | Studying LesBians We Are Everywhere | The Lesbian News Stack
1
eurOut magazine About:
Dear reader Sometimes I get so caught up in
Of course, eurOut.org is always
my own little lesbian world, that I
happy to help you out in that
wonder if it’s really necessary to
department! In this issue, you can
have more lesBian visibility, more
read about several European Pride
lesBian events, etcetera. I mean,
events that are worth a visit. You can
with some effort I can come up with
also find out more about upcoming
an entire list of lesBian movies I
lesBian web series Emma Stahl, and
haven’t seen yet. And I can probably
read a review of the Italian lesBian
fill the upcoming weekends with
movie Viola di mare.
going to lots of lesBian parties that are organized throughout the
Natazzz takes a closer look at the
Netherlands, where I live.
nature vs. nurture debate regarding homosexuality in Studying LesBians, lesBian
while Anna discusses moving in
storyline on the Netherlands’ most
together in her LesBian Life column.
popular soap, where one of the
Also be sure to check out our
characters’ lesBian tendencies seem
exclusive interview with Queeried’s
to be connected to psychological
Michelle Penny, who had to run
instability, and I’m reminded of the
the LA Marathon with a Barbie doll
fact that even in the relatively gay-
strapped to her arm, all because of
friendly country of tulips and cheese,
losing a bet to a certain Billie Myers!
But
then
I
watch
the
we still have a long way to go. And it’s also a reminder of the fact that
Warm regards,
you can sometimes use a little help
Saskia Joreen
when you feel like getting caught up
Chief Editor
in a lesBian world of your own.
This magazine is a biweekly publication of eurOut.org, the leading website for European lesBian entertainment and political news in the English language. EurOut.org was launched in September 2008, and is now one of the most frequently visited sites on the web for gay women who are interested in European lesBian entertainment news, storylines on television, movies, music, events and political news. On a day-to-day basis eurOut.org provides thousands of readers with news, columns, in-depth articles, opinionated pieces and interviews. Readers also have the opportunity to connect with each other, to learn more about each other’s culture, environment and life, or to just have chats about the concerts they visited. Besides giving lesBians their much needed visibility, eurOut.org wants to create more understanding and solidarity among European lesBians, so that we can grow and develop into a European community that supports each other. Feel free to contact us with any questions, tips, remarks, or to just let us know what you think. Find our website at
www.eurout.org. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Saskia Joreen (editor@eurout.org) PR-OFFICER & LAYOUT:
DidFamous You Know? Lesbians in European History
The Songs of Bilitis
Anna McFaith (faith@eurout.org) Editor of Entertainment: Natazzz (entertainment@eurout.org) Editor of Politics: Maxime (politics@eurout.org)
Another lesbian tidbit of European origin is The Songs of Bilitis by Pierre Louÿs, translated by Alvah C. Bessie. The still-popular book detailing the love between Bilitis and Mnasidika that caused a sensation in 1894 as a discovery of cultural significance for Lesbians, was later revealed to be a fake, written by Louÿs himself. http://www.sacred-texts.com/ cla/sob/index.htm The book inspired the founding of The Daughters of Bilitis (DOB or, the Daughters), the first lesbian rights organization in San Francisco, California, United States, in 1955.
Art DirectION & layout: Embla (embla.eurout@gmail.com) ContributORS IN THIS ISSUE: Ley (ley@eurout.org) Joan (joan@eurout.org)
Special inspirational thanks go out to Sandra Showtime, founder of
Pam Harrison is the creator of the award-winning historical fiction series House of the Muses. Suggest famous lesbians you would like to see featured and check out her series at http://houseofthemuses.com
2
eurOut.org.
In This Issue
4
4 Interview: The Women Behind Emma Stahl 8 The Lesbian News Stack 10 Movie Review: Viola di Mare 12 LesBian Life: Moving in Together
10
14 Queer Summer Camps 16 Germany Blocks New EU Anti-Discrimination Directive 17 Norwegian Kindergartens get Same-sex Stories
22
18 Studying LesBians: Are we born lesbian, or do we choose to be? 20 We Are Everywhere 22 European Pride Events
23
23 Interview: Michelle Penny – Running the LAMarathon because of Billie Myers 28 Where Are We on Television? 29 A List of LGBT Organizations
3
Interview: The Women Behind “Emma Stahl” One of the major reasons to go to this year’s amazing L-Beach event was the chance to meet up with the “Emma Stahl” crew. Meike Gottschalk, who plays the title character in the web’s most exciting new lesBian web series, and Sandra Uredat, who is the creative brain and producer behind “Emma Stahl”, took time out of their busy party schedule to sit down with me to discuss their project. By: Anna Mcfaith EurOut: Before we begin, let me
Meike: Yes!
thank you for taking the time to talk to us!
revealed they are gay, but that’s it. If they are main characters it’s usually a
So are you going to sing as Emma
girl-meets-girl story and it’s not that
Stahl?
I don’t like those but there has to be
Sandra: Not a problem! We love
more. There was this movie called
eurOut!
Meike: Err… not yet!
Bound about 15 years ago or so and
Meike: Absolutely!
Sandra: We haven’t planned anything
after that there never was a thriller or
yet, but we can talk about the title
a crime series or anything. I wanted to
song!
change that.
Oh! Great idea!
Alright, then you have an idea
Okay, great! Meike, how did you end up playing Emma Stahl? Meike: [Sandra] and I met three years
and…?
ago, through a friend, and she said
Sandra: When I saw you as Agneta
“Let’s make a web series with a lesbian
[in Agneta & Ich] I thought: “Well, that
Sandra: Yes, an idea and no money! I
James Bond and I need someone to
could be an opportunity!”
then read an article in Time Magazine
produce with me.” So we started to
Meike: Yeah and I have a writer now,
about a British documentary producer
think up ideas, but after a while I had
my pianist, so maybe she could help
and she was getting the money for her
to say that it was a lot of work and I
me write something?
documentary by crowd funding. She
needed to get on with my profession; I
Sandra: Meike has a play on stage,
got about 450.000 pounds in about a
couldn’t do it as a producer. We parted
it’s called Agneta and Me, and I saw
year and a half.
ways and after a couple of months she
her singing there a few weeks ago and
called me to say everything was going
I thought “She is so lovely, so good,”
well and to ask if I wanted to play
and I thought “Well… maybe a title
Emma Stahl. And I said — Because I
song?”
Sandra: That’s really good! So I
had been waiting for this question…
Meike: You know, Agneta from Abba?
thought that this might be a solution
Sandra: She told me today she was
Well, that’s good!
for the ‘no money’ problem.
very annoyed with me because I didn’t
Oh, right! So, maybe a title song in
Meike: And then the flow started! She
ask her before and I was like okay
the future! Tell us, where did the
put together a team consisting only
but…
“Emma Stahl” idea come from?
of professionals and we all worked
Meike: She was the other way around!
together without getting paid.
She was waiting for me to offer!
Sandra: It was my idea. I was annoyed
Sandra: It was as if we’d known each
Sandra: I was just afraid to ask a
about the fact that there are only those
other for years but that wasn’t the
professional actress like you!
‘girl-meets-girl’ romance movies out
case. We had known each other for a
Meike: And I just wanted her to ask
there…
few days or so but everything worked
me! But that’s what happened; I said
so smooth. There was really a flow. We
yes!
Or they die!
Meike, you sing, don’t you? You
Sandra: Oh yes, or they die! Or they
17 hours. It was really, really hard
were in “Grease” so you must be
have a small part in the film and they
but there wasn’t one word of anger.
able to!
don’t have a sexual life. It’s only
Everyone was calm and did their
shot two days. The first day we shot 16 hours and the second day we shot
4
Interview: The Women Behind “Emma Stahl”
The famous kiss...
absolute best.
on camera. Everyone was sitting in or
Do you have the feeling we should
Meike: The famous kissing scene was,
on the bathtub and Daniela [Zysk; who
give up on TV altogether?
of course, the very last thing we shot
mans the “Emma Stahl” Crew Twitter
and we were really exhausted. It was
account] was sitting there, always
Sandra:
totally not romantic!
making photos and uploading them
forget about TV. If you want to do a
Sandra: It was 11 PM!
to Facebook and when we saw them
project like this on German TV, you
Meike: Mira [Herold], the other girl,
kissing, it was like when you are at a
have to work two or three years for
and I had only half an hour left in the
party and you see a couple kissing; I
the TV bosses to say ‘Yes’. Everything
house where we shot and we were like
was so embarrassed I couldn’t look at
is so slow, especially when you’re a
“Okay…”
them... but then I thought: “Wait, I’m
beginner or when you haven’t had the
the producer so I have to look!”
proper training, it can take years.
Yes,
absolutely.
We
can
… let’s go be sexy now! How
has
“Emma
Stahl”
been
And even then, you are probably
Meike: Right!
received so far?
Well, it was good acting then!
Sandra:
idea.
Sandra: Yeah, and in the end what
It looks very convincing in the
People were waiting for something like
you see on TV looks nothing like your
trailer!
this. We get very good feedback from
original idea. The internet gives you a
everybody. We are very thankful for
lot of opportunity to do independent
Meike: (laughs)
eurOut.
projects.
Sandra: Not only in the trailer! It was
Meike: Yes! Thank you!
Meike: There was a girl from Italy who
a large bathroom, but a small room
Sandra: You were the first to come
took the kiss from the Emma Stahl
and there was a big mirror so everyone
out and work with us and we are really
trailer and put it into her own video and
had to hide so they wouldn’t be caught
grateful for this!
it was viewed as many times as our
Everyone
operating within restrictions. liked
the
5
Interview: The Women Behind “Emma Stahl” trailer. Now they took it away because they also had copyrighted material but it showed that as soon as our kiss was on the internet, it was everywhere! Well,
we
get
very
little
representation so… Sandra: Yes, but we also want to have a story! Before
we
get
to
the
story,
however, can I ask if there are a lot of crazed fans yet? Sandra: (laughs) A few! No, there are no stalkers yet. Meike: I think that might come after we launch the show. We already reach a lot of people but I think they need to see an episode first! Speaking of which… when are we going to see an episode? Sandra: Well, that depends on the donations! And we also depend on sponsorship and product placement and we have two agencies who help us achieve that but of course we need the donations! Only a mixture of both will get us to the budget. When we have the budget we can start filming. The scripts aren’t totally finished yet but the main storyline is set. The dialogues are the only things that still need to be written. We hope to have this done in the coming four to five weeks so we could start pre-production then. We are hoping to shoot the first season in late August or early September but it all depends on the budget. We want to have 20 to 25 days of shooting and I can’t expect people to work without getting paid. How
many
planning? Sandra: Eleven.
6
episodes
are
you
Interview: The Women Behind “Emma Stahl” Yes, then you will need the days.
on a private channel. We also have
exciting!
‘Adopt-a-Frame’ which I came up with
Meike:
Sandra: Absolutely. It’s like a normal
because you can adopt a highway in
episode, so every ten minutes, there
TV series or a movie. We want to
the US. It’s 30 Dollars or Euros. We
will be another Stahl girl!
create 110 minutes of footage so we
will change them over time though,
need 20 to 25 days.
and we also have shirts and other
They
told
me
that
every
You lucky woman!
merchandise to sell. So are you getting at least a little
Meike: My idea has always been
Meike: Yes! Especially because I have
bit close to where you need to be,
having an image of me in comic books
been in a relationship for eight years
financially speaking?
style which you can click on and the
and I don’t have another Stahl girl
more you pay, the more clothing you
every ten minutes!
Sandra: We’re going but it’s still not
can remove.
clear when we can start.
Sandra: I should consider this!
Meike:
But
[Sandra]
always
gets
everything she wants!
So what does your partner think about all this?
Well, she is offering… there is proof now!
Oh, that’s good to know!
Meike: Well, we haven’t had the casting for the Stahl girls yet...
Meike: (laughs) Meike: It’s true! Those two days
Sandra: What did she say about the kiss?
in which we shot the trailer were
So, Sandra, what can we expect
Meike: She was a bit so-so... because
expensive and she got the money, so
in season one? Any scoops for the
Mira is the girlfriend of a friend of
I’m not worried.
eurOut readers?
mine and my friend and my girlfriend
Speaking of money, you have a
Sandra: Yes, well... you can expect
weren’t really applauding. And Mira
very interesting donation system!
hot Stahl girls, romance (because you
and I were just exhausted because we
can’t have a lesbian series without
had just worked 17 hours.
Sandra: We keep changing it. We
romance) and it will really be a thriller
Sandra: And looking hot while doing
have ‘Be-The-First’ which means that
and an action movie! We also have
it!
if you donate 10 Euros you can watch
really hot cars! I can’t tell you much
Meike: (laughs) Thank you!
the episodes before everyone else can,
about the plot but it will definitely be
were both going like “Uh-huh...” They
Further Reading: For more information on Emma Stahl, go to: emmastahl.de For more information on Meike Gottschalk: meikegottschalk.de For more information on Sandra Uredat: uredat.de Emma Stahl producer Sandra Uredat
And check: eurOut.org
7
The Lesbian News Stack
By: Joan & Saskia Joreen
Our regular column “The LesBian News Stack” gives you an overview of recent political news of interest for European LGBTs
Europe: On
the
International
Day
against Homophobia and Trans-
country on its legislation affecting
Norway and Spain. At the bottom
the human rights of LGB people.
of the index we find Russia and
phobia, ILGA Europe released an
Looking at the Index, Sweden
updated Rainbow Europe Map, as
is the only country that received
-4
well as an updated version of their
the maximum score of 10 points. A
possible), while Belarus, Moldova
Rainbow Europe Country Index.
shared second place (with 9 points)
and
This Index rates each European
goes to Belgium, the Netherlands,
worst’ place with –1 point.
Slovakia:
8
Ukraine with –2 points each (with being
the
Turkey
maximum
share
the
score ‘second
Lithuania:
It looks like Sloboda a Solidar-
Thanks
ita (“Freedom and Solidarity”)
protest against it being banned,
to
loud
international
Tolerance
is the only party running in this
Baltic Pride, Lithuania’s first gay
smashed and two Molotov cocktails
year’s
the office windows of the Youth Association
had
been
election
parade ever, has been held in Vilnius
had been thrown, thankfully without
that has LGBT rights in their
after all. A success that’s been hard-
causing a fire. The parade itself was
party program.
earned. On the eve of the march
flanked by anti-gay protesters.
parliamentary
The Lesbian News Stack Italy:
UK:
Russia:
Evangelical-Lutheran
Having voted against LGBT
The mayor of Moscow has banned
Church in Italy held their annual
rights many times in the past,
the annual Moscow Pride march
Synod
Verona
Theresa May’s appointment as
for the fifth year in a row, which
this year. One outcome was the
Equality Minister has been a much
was planned for May 29. Website
possibility
same-sex
debated topic. Luckily, sometimes
The Other Russia reports that
couples. Even though this won’t
people change their minds, as did
parades, protests, rallies and other
be the same as a wedding, the
she. On BBC’s Question Time
similar events require government
Lutheran Church recognises the
she said that she had changed
sanction to be legally held in
wish to bless a loving relationship.
her mind on a number of LGBT
Russia; organizing an unsanctioned
issues, including gay adoption.
rally can lead to jail time. Organizer
Let’s hope these words will lead
Nikolai
to some actual action soon.
complaint about the city’s decision
The
Conference to
in
bless
Cyprus: The first ever group seeking to promote the rights of LGBT people in Cyprus was announced this
Alexeyev
has
filed
a
with the European Court of Human
The Netherlands:
take place.
Dutch
which is called Accept, noted that
party
homophobia was clearly present
include gays and disabled people in
in Cyprus, highlighting that 51%
Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution,
of Cypriots feel uncomfortable
to make it more clear what their
In spite of the things the Pope
around
Cyprus,
rights are. Article 1 protects against
said about gay marriage during
along with Bulgaria, was bottom
discrimination and currently reads:
his Portugal visit, the country’s
among EU countries in terms
“All persons in the Netherlands
new
gay
of how comfortable they were
shall be treated equally in equal
been
ratified
about having a homosexual as
circumstances.
Discrimination
president Anibal Cavaco Silva.
president, measuring 3.5 out of
on the grounds of religion, belief,
He put his personal convictions
10 where 10 is most comfortable.
political opinion, race or sex or
aside and said he wouldn’t veto
The EU average was 7.
on any other grounds whatsoever
the bill because majority liberal
shall not be permitted.”
lawmakers would only overturn
D66
wants
to
political
ban, the march is still scheduled to
month. A spokesman for the group,
homosexuals.
central-left
Rights in Strasbourg. Despite the
explicitly
Portugal:
marriage by
law
has
conservative
his decision anyway. Although
France:
this is definitely great news for
Belarus:
A kiss-in that took place in
lesBians and gays in Portugal, the law specifically forbids adoption
Lyon this month was violently
Although originally banned,
disrupted by special police forces.
Slavic Pride still took place in the
They even used tear gas and flash
weekend of May 15. After about
balls without warning. Why this
10 minutes, the Pride march was
happened is unsure, since the kiss-
roughly disrupted and broken up
in had all necessary documents
by police. “The police reaction
The Social Democratic Party
and had been approved. The
was completely disproportionate
of Croatia (SDP) are planning to
police didn’t intervene at the
to the threat which they thought
bring forward a motion to add
counterdemonstration composed
the protesters posed,” Russian
a law against the discrimination
of Catholics and Nazis, who had
activist
told
of homosexuals to the country’s
no approval. The Lyon Gay and
Reuters. Several Pride participants
constitution. In its current form
Lesbian Centre posted a long press
were arrested, but luckily website
the constitution only protects
release on Facebook, expressing
GGG.at reports that they have
against discrimination based on
their disapproval and demanding
been released, after having been
ethnicity, religion, nativity and
answers from the authorities.
given a fine of around 5 Euros.
political opinion.
Nikolai
Alekseev
by married same-sex couples
Croatia:
9
Movie Review: Viola di Mare Everyone knows that film festival movies can either be really good or really bad. We are happy to inform you we have found a good one for you. Viola di mare is bound to leave an impression you’ll never forget and on the third of June 2010, the movie will be released in the Netherlands. By: Anna McFaith From Italian director Donatella
now. She realizes there is a solution
the movie opened across Italy in a lot of
Maiorca comes Viola di mare (Sea
here and Angela, because she wants to
cinemas and became one of the most-
Purple). The movie is named after a salt
be with Sara, agrees to it; cross dress as
watched movies in the two weeks it was
water fish that is born female but can
a man for the rest of her life.
featured. The movie is based on the novel Minchia
change to male in the course of its life. This also gives you a good idea about
The rest of the movie explores Angela’s
di Re by Giacomo Pilati and director
the plot of the movie.
life as Angelo and the difficulties she
Donatella Maiorca won the NICE City of
and Sara face as a couple who have to
Florence Award for the movie. Valeria
Angela (Valeria Solarino) lives in
hide their true nature. I won’t spoil the
Solarino received the new Susan Batson
Sicily in the 19th century and has
ending for you but I can say that this is
Award for her entire body of acting work
trouble fitting into the cast of a woman
definitely a drama and we all know how
but was especially acknowledged for her
very early on. When Angela discovers
lesBian-themed movies are supposed to
work in Viola di mare.
a growing attraction to her childhood
end. On the third of June, the Dutch get to
best friend, Sara (played by Isabella Ragonese), she cannot help but act on
Don’t let that hold you back, though.
enjoy this movie in theatres around the
it. Her love is returned, but the two get
The acting is wonderful across the
country! The language will be Italian but
caught by Angela’s father Salvatore
board, the writing is pretty strong
the subtitles in English. I say seeing this
(Ennio Fantastichini) whose only solution
throughout and everything (including
movie is money well spent!
is to lock up Angela until he can figure
the actresses) looks beautiful. There is
out what to do with her.
also a very believable love scene that is
If you’re in the Netherlands, check to
a must-watch.
see if Viola di mare is screened near you at: http://is.gd/cqVrV . Keep an eye
Angela’s mother overhears Salvatore complain that if Angela had only been a
This Italian movie is out on DVD in
on eurOut.org for any release dates in
boy, they would not be in this mess right
Italy. Only a hundred were produced but
other European countries.
Maiorca received a NICE City of Florence award for “Viola di mare”
10
image credit: Cinemien/ABC Distribution/Homescreen
Director Donatella
11
Lesbian Life: Moving In Together In this issue of LesBian Life, Anna is going to talk to you about moving in together. We know, we know, insert U-Haul joke, but no, it’s not going to be about that. This is about the move and the extra challenges and humorous events that occur when you attempt this as a LesBian couple. By: Anna McFaith. I did say this article wasn’t going to
couple of weeks and you don’t want an
also talked to you about gift giving,
be about the U-Haul, but it is a part
animal-shaped hurricane to go through
but I’m afraid it applies again. What
of the fun of dealing with lesbian
your newly decorated home, you might
do you give as a housewarming gift
stereotypes. When I decided to move
want to wait a week and let them get
for a lesbian couple? The ‘straight
in with my girlfriend, it was born out of
a little bit more acquainted before you
gifts’ are boring, the couple probably
necessity of a personal nature.
attempt a merger.
already owns every DVD, book and
We had, however, talked long and hard
Speaking of mergers, there are only
hand towels with ‘She’ on it do you
about when we were going to move in
so many good lesBian movies made
really need to own? There’s no lesBian
together and if it wouldn’t be too soon.
and books written and most of the
solution to this; just look at the person
No one wants to fit the stereotype. All
lesBians I know own at least one copy.
involved but keep in mind that all of
in all, it took us about two and a half
This means that when moving in, you’ll
the above might not be a good idea.
years to move in together.
be dealing with dual copies of Nina’s
CD of interest and really, how much
Heavenly Delights, Tipping the Velvet,
To get back to the U-Haul joke, but
Now, I moved into her apartment.
or, for example, Billie Myers’ album Tea
only a little, there is the interesting
We currently live in a house with a
and Sympathy.
feature of moving in with someone
couple of other people, among which a
who has already lived with someone
couple of lesbian and bisexual people.
This is not necessarily a bad thing,
else for a long while or maybe you
There was never a big problem with us
especially not because you’ll have
have (just) come out of a living-
being two women, but it’s not always
lesbian party gifts well into the next
together situation.
this way. Friends of mine moved into
year, but it does take up space better
a nice little house in Utrecht, the
used for other things.
If you and your partner haven’t had a
Netherlands, and promptly left four
good long talk about what’s expected
months later after having their house
There
to
of the two of you, it’s easy to assume
repeatedly vandalized and suffering
moving in together. The not-suitable-
the other will fill the role of your ex
through verbal assaults.
for-kids toys don’t have to be taken
around the house, something that
by public transport to your girl’s house
might lead to humorous or destructive
anymore and neither do the guitars or
situations.
Unfortunately,
moving
in
with
your girl makes a very bold and loud statement:
‘We
are
are
certain
advantages
the clothes you like to wear.
homosexual.’
All in all, I can tell you from personal
While we had hoped that this wouldn’t
For those of you not already sharing
experience that living together with
be a problem anymore anno 2010,
a living space with another girl with
someone you love can be the best
homophobia is alive and well. Before
the same dress size, this one might
thing in the world. There are the
moving in together, the neighbourhood
be a little far-fetched, but it’s a regular
scattered
might be important to take a look at.
occurrence at my house: losing clothes
reading when you want to sleep… It’s
clothes,
the
mess,
the
in each other’s closets or wanting to
all worth it when you come home from
Another thing to take a look at is
wear something your girl has just
a long work day and there is food on
whether your pets like each other. I’m
snatched from your closet. I’m not
the table and a kiss to greet you and
serious. I don’t think I know a single
saying I necessarily agree with all
everything that happened that day just
lesBian who doesn’t at least own or
lesbian stereotypes, but there is some
falls off your shoulders. I honestly wish
want one pet. The U-Haul joke didn’t
unfortunate truth in them sometimes.
this for everyone who wants it.
emerge from nowhere and if you plan on moving in with your girl after only a
12
In a previous issue of LesBian Life, I
13
14
Queer Summer Camps: A great idea or not so much? In some countries, teens these days have the option to go to queer summer camp. But is this really such a great initiative? By: Ley When I was younger, every morning of my summer holidays at home was spent glued to the TV watching the summer
camp
reality
show
from
America, Bug Juice. Every summer I’d sit and watch, image credit: Bernice timmers
completely enthralled in the adventures of those who were lucky enough to go to summer camp, and participate in the crazy games, theatre productions, water sports, trips to the ice cream parlour and just the general idea of no parents! Going to a queer camp means you can be out in a safe place. But what Living
in
the
UK,
there
wasn’t
happens when the camp is over?
anything even remotely like Bug Juice here. It was much more, Caravan Park
I think anywhere that offers suppor-
Camp.
holidays with the parentals and two
tive workshops and a safe place for
for each of these other camps there
brothers, in the rain, and it was never
young people to discuss their sexuality
is pretty much a general acceptance
really all that warm either. Yes ladies, I
and gender identity is a good thing. I
towards them. There’s no fear when
know, happy holidays all round, right?
also think that meeting other people
asked “Where did you go this summer?”
who are possibly dealing with the
to reply with “Soccer Camp.”
From
personal
experience,
From watching the TV show I wished
same problems could only be a good
my parents would see sense and let
thing too, and particularly realising
Going to a camp like this means you
me go to a summer camp, simply for
that they’re not alone in having those
have to be out. What about the kids
the experience and fun that everyone
particular issues. Both camps promote
that for some reason just don’t have
on the show seemed to be having.
making friends as one of the big
the option to come out? They are the
attractions to going in the first place.
ones who would actually really benefit
Well, for some of you young gay
from going to such a camp.
people out there, a better option is
Maybe it’s due to the fact that I
now available… or is it? For example,
wasn’t out when I was younger, and
It could help them deal with coming
two
organised
that to be out in my area isn’t exactly
out,
to take place in mid-August in the
the wisest move in the world, but I’m
community when those in their area
Netherlands: Embrace Pink and Hojo
in two minds about whether I think the
offer none, and knowing that their
Kamp. Both camps run for different
camps are a good idea or not.
feelings
camps
have
been
lengths: one over a weekend, and the
finding
are
acceptance
normal
within
when
a
those
surrounding them tell them otherwise.
other across a week, but it’s available
While the concept is an absolutely
But I just think that Queer Camp could
to be booked for a few days or one day
great idea, I wonder: would it work
make things even harder for some
or even just an evening.
for everyone and everywhere? Would a
people following their time there.
camp like this work in other countries? As well as the usual ‘summer camp’ activities
(weather
permitting,
Countries like the UK, Sweden, etc.?
of
However, with the workshops and experience of meeting others in their
course!), each camp offers a variety
Don’t get me wrong, I entirely agree
situation, maybe it will give a wider
of workshops and talks on a variety of
with the concept in the same way I do
support system and a confidence boost
subjects, including transgender issues
with other specific camps like Computer
to those who don’t have them back at
and religion.
Camp, Soccer Camp, and even Band
home.
15
Germany Blocks New EU Anti-Discrimination Directive While the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is stepping up and is showing its support for LGBT people, Germany is doing quite the opposite. By: Joan Every EU member state – Germany included - needs to agree with the directive before it can be adopted.
The Assembly is adopting a Resolution
that the new directive isn’t needed
the Government to stop blocking this
on Discrimination on the basis of
since many member states already
directive. If you want to do your part,
sexual orientation and gender identity.
have even stricter anti-discrimination
you can sign the online petition that
Meanwhile,
laws
Amnesty International has composed
Germany
continues
to
than
block the European Commission’s new
proposing.
Anti-Discrimination Directive.
EU
should
the He
directive suggests
rather
itself that
concentrate
is the
consolidating the achieved status, Das This directive aims at establishing a
Parlament reports. This is clearly one
uniform minimum level of protection
of the lamest excuses I’ve ever heard,
against discrimination for everyone
because that is exactly what the
within
labour
directive would be doing; by raising
market, irrespective of religion or belief,
the level of protection it would back
disability, age or sexual orientation.
countries with strict anti-discrimination
the
EU
beyond
the
laws and urge the others to keep up. Why Germany is blocking this I cannot imagine. Germany itself has its so called
The adoption of this directive requires
‘Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz’
the agreement of all 27 EU member
(General Equal Treatment Act), which
states. Should it fail just because of
is in effect since August 2006. Among
Germany it really would be a shame,
other things it covers discrimination
to put it mildly. It would mean a great
because
throwback, not only for LGBT people.
of
sexual
identity,
which
includes sexual orientation. The German opposition parties (SPD Norbert Geis (CSU) tries to explain
16
at bit.ly/amnesty-addpetition.
on
and Greens) have already appealed to
Further Reading: The official Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation: bit.ly/eurlex-proposal (various languages).
Norwegian Kindergartens Get Same-Sex Fairytales Wouldn’t it be great if kids in kindergarten would hear stories about tough princesses who rescue princes from great danger, or about princes who fall in love with other princes or about growing up with two mums instead of a mum and a dad? By: Joan Even though LGBT children’s books have been around for a while, expecting to
find
them
in
a
kindergarten’s
reader’s corner still seems a bit too optimistic. But not in Norway. The Norwegian Ministry
of
Children,
Equality
and
Social Inclusion says that children should be taught that having gay and lesbian parents is normal, reports website Vårt Land. Since January 2009 it is legal for same-sex couples in Norway to get married
and
adopt
children.
This
means that LGBT families are indeed a reality for many kids in Norway, yet studies showed that kindergarten staff played a big part in reinforcing traditional gender patterns. To counteract this tendency, the Ministry sent out teaching materials that
warned
against
one-sided
gender patterns in typical fairytales and suggested children’s books that supplied different themes. Among
the
books
specifically
mentioned was Malins mamma gifter seg med Lisa (“Malin’s mum is getting
A book that tells the good old where-do-babies-come-from story from an LGBT
married to Lisa”). A book that tells
point-of-view.
the good old where-do-babies-comefrom story from an LGBT point-of-
of how a family has to look like are
or not, that being different is not all
view. Malin’s family is a tad more
offered in kindergartens for various
right.
complicated than what other children
reasons. There’s of course the aspect
might be used to. There is her mum
of providing identification for kids who
That LGBT children’s books are available
Siv, and there is also Siv’s fiancée
grow up in a non-traditional family
in stores alone cannot be enough. If a
Lisa, who is pregnant. The father of
setting. But what I find even more
country truly cares about equality and
Lisa’s child is Nicholas, Malin’s father’s
important is that these books can
the prevention of discrimination, it is
boyfriend.
help broaden the horizon of children
vital that it teaches these values in its
whose parents would never even think
public educational institutes. I hope
It is important that children’s books
about buying LGBT-themed books or
many more European states will follow
that break with traditional models
who might teach them, intentionally
in Norway’s footsteps.
17
Studying LesBians Are we born lesBians or do we choose to be? Studying LesBians is a monthly column about current and notso-current research about lesbians and bisexual women. This time I want to talk about genetic and social influences on sexual orientation. By: Natazzz
One of those things that always
In psychology we call these two
In fact, researchers in psychology
seem to come up whenever people
influences nature (when something
hardly ever speak of something being
(read: straight people) discuss sexual
is because of your genetic makeup)
completely a matter of nurture or
orientation, is the question whether
and nurture (when something is due
nature. Their favourite answer to most
sexual
to upbringing and life experiences).
questions about nurture-nature is to
genetic, that you are born with, or
Psychologists
say that it is probably a combination
something that happens because of
others as well) would never say the
certain experiences or influences in
former means it’s a certain given that
your life. These two points of view
cannot be changed or you cannot be
We are all born with a unique genetic
are usually (wrongly) interpreted as
held responsible for. In the same way,
blueprint that makes us susceptible to
meaning you can either not help it (It
they would never interpret something
a whole range of positive and negative
was in your genes!) or you can (You
non-genetic as implying that you have
things, from diseases and disorders,
chose to be this way!).
a choice in the matter.
to
18
orientation
is
something
(and
probably
many
of both.
music
and
intellectual
ability.
Studying LesBians Are we born lesBians or do we choose to be?
However, when something’s in your
Homosexuality is also something that
their sexual orientation than men.
genes it doesn’t mean it will happen to
appears more often in some families
Regardless of sexual orientation and
you, just that you have the potential.
than in others. You can probably all
self-measures of arousal, it was found
Whether something actually manifests
think of someone who also has a gay
that women get physically aroused by
is often a matter of what happens to
brother, sister, cousin etc. Of course,
sexy images, regardless of whether
you in your life and the influences you
one could still argue that this is nurture,
they are of men or women.
are susceptible to.
not nature, but when you get into the topic of nurture influences on sexual
Of course, this type of research
For example, you might have a risk
orientation, it quickly becomes rather
quickly gets you into the muddy waters
of becoming depressed, but because
Freudian and, well, stupid really.
of
of your positive life experiences and
distinguishing
between
sexual
orientation, sexual arousal and sexual
loving family it never manifests itself.
With “stupid” I mean people who
experiences, which is way beyond the
Or because you are so interested in
claim that when mothers and fathers
scope of this column.
learning a new language due to your
are not feminine/masculine enough or
foreign love interest, you overcome
too much, or when they are absent,
My main point is that things are often
your lack of feeling for language. I do
this makes people queer because they
not that black-and-white, and while
not mean to imply that this works the
lack nice heterosexual role models.
there is scientific evidence for a genetic
same way for sexual orientation, just
There are many other examples, which
basis for sexual orientation, it is often,
that with many things it is often not a
you probably know better than me,
just as with everything else, dependent
black-and-white thing.
so I won’t go on. Of course, sexual
on your life experiences and life choices
orientation
how something manifests itself.
There are many studies showing
can
be
influenced
by
experience.
there is indeed a genetic basis for
Rather
than
trying
to
find
out
sexual orientation. This ranges from
Even though it’s a bad stereotype,
whether sexual orientation is a matter
stuff like homosexual men and women
it
of nurture or nature, I want to pose the
who have always known they were gay
‘become’ lesbians because of negative
since they were very little, before it
experiences with men. Or more likely,
was even possible to be influenced by
they might have had the tendency
I believe that we are who we are and
society. Research has also shown that
for bisexuality all along and their
there is absolutely nothing wrong with
brains of homosexual men often look
experiences just made them lean more
being a lesbian or bisexual. So why
more like female brains than those of
towards their queer side. Another
should it matter so much whether
straight men.
example is that you might never have
sexual orientation is in our genes,
realised your feelings towards women
caused by our life experiences or a
Then there’s the research involving
until you have a certain experience,
combination of both?
finger
and
like a crush on your best friend. If you
sexual orientation. Even though the
hadn’t had such a cute best friend,
evidence is not that clear cut, there
you might have continued to lead a
is some indication that finger length
‘straight’ life.
length,
testosterone
is
true
that
some
women
do
(in particular a longer ring finger than index finger) is more common among
Some people are of the opinion that
lesbians than straight women. A long
sexuality is fluent, and we either all start
ring finger is typically a sign of the
out as bisexual or our experiences can
amount of testosterone in one’s body.
shape and alter who we are attracted
Besides finger length, it’s also true that
to. There is not much research to back
more lesbians than straight women are
this up, even though it has been shown
left handed.
that women tend to be more fluent in
question: Does it really matter?
Further Reading: For more information about the scientific basis for the nurturenature debate on sexual orientation, check out the great website BornGay.ProCon.org
19
We Are Everywhere
By: Natazzz
In our column “We Are Everywhere”, we give you a selection of everything that happened and is about to happen in European lesBian entertainment. This edition is filled with dating straight women, families, gay-friendly hotels and lots more.
Movies:
Music:
Hungarian documentary Secret
Are you a Skunk Anansie fan?
Years by director Mariá
If so, you might be interested
Takács is about the lives of
in a chance to win a meet &
lesBians in Hungary during the
greet with the band. All you
communistic years and has just
have to do is register for their
been released. Find out more at
mailing list and let them know
bit.ly/film-secretyears
which UK gig in November you have tickets for (or you can buy tickets). Who knows, you
Movies:
might be asked backstage at the concert you’re attending. For more info: skunkanansie.net/mailinglist
Sports: German handball player Nina Wörz recently left her boyfriend for fellow teammate Susan Müller. I keep saying it, but handball is definitely the queerest sport of all. Former tennis pro Amélie Mauresmo has been named ambassador to prevent homophobia in sports. It’s great to see that Mauresmo will continue to be involved in the sports world, and especially that she’s doing it for such a good
Fashion:
and important cause.
Two of the most powerful
TV-land:
women in UK fashion, Mary Portas and Melanie Rickey, are getting a civil partnership together. While this is great news, Portas admitted being worried about the public response to their commitment.
On BBC soap Waterloo Road at the end of the month, one of the students will get confused about her sexuality and kiss the lesbian French teacher, who in turn gets suspended when the dean finds out. Find out more
Summer Holiday: Have you made any summer holiday plans yet? Then you
here: bit.ly/bbc-waterlooroad
TV-land:
The Millennium movies (and
are in luck because Accor
Comedian Sigrid Bonde
books) are such a success
has released a gay & lesbian
Tusvik will date a woman for her new TV programme, even
that they are going to make
hotel guide entitled Rainbow
American versions of all of them.
selection (rainbowselection.
though she admits she isn’t
If that isn’t horrible enough, it
com), which highlights gay-
bisexual or a lesbian. At least,
was announced this week that
friendly hotels in cities across
that’s what Google Translate
they are planning to make even
Europe. In addition, Expedia.
has me believe. Let’s hope I got it wrong, because that sounds
20
more money by also creating
com have started an LGBT
additional movies from rough
travel site together with the
pretty bad. Would you date a
story outlines that author Stieg
International Gay & Lesbian
straight comedian and have it
Larsson made before he died.
Travel association.
filmed?
We Are Everywhere Music:
Events: Pride news Which Prides are coming up the next few weeks? Sofia Pride (Bulgaria) will be held on June 26 and Helsinki Pride (Finland) one week later. The latter has role models as its theme this year. In Portugal you can show your pride twice, once in Lisbon on June 19 and again in Porto on July 12. Lyon Pride (France), which will take place on June 12, is hoping to assemble France’s largest flash mob. Will you be there to dance against homophobia? UK The London Southbank concert will be headlined by gay and lesbian choir Diversity. The event will take place on Monday June 7. Portugal The 13th annual Gay & Lesbian Film Festival QueerLisboa is taking place September 18 until September 26. Movies of lesBian interest include a lesbian vintage session, with best title going to Girls and Vegetables. Get more info at queerlisboa.org The Netherlands
British rapper Lady Sovereign talked to Diva
The annual Gay & Lesbian summer tour, during which
magazine this month about being gay. Find out what
10 queer movies will play in 11 different cities across
else you have been missing at divamag.co.uk
the Netherlands, is taking place in June (starts on the 17th). It’s worth checking out as this year half the movies have lesBian content and include great
Movies: And Then Came Lola – a movie involving complicated love stories as well as a lot of running - has been released on DVD in France (and a few other European
Books: Norwegian Author Anne Holt said in an interview that she wrote her latest medical thriller with
movies like Eloïse and Viola di mare. Find out more at homescreen.nl/gay Germany Berlin’s 18th Gay City Festival is taking place on June 12 and 13. The big music event this year has the motto “Equal Rights for the Unequal.” More info at regenbogenfonds.de
the help of her brother, who’s a cardiologist.
countries).
Books: Dutch lesBian book publishers LaVita have signed a new author named Marjolein Houweling, who you might know from her novel about soccer. In
More entertainment news at:
August her first book for LaVita will be published,
eurOut.org
organising a Tea Party for their readers and authors
entitled De Charlie Code. The publishers are also in Utrecht on June 13. Find out more at la-vita.nl
21
It’s Pride Time: Highlighting European events The days are getting longer, the sun is starting to shine regularly and the sounds of baby birds fill the air; it’s almost summer and that means it’s time for Pride events! EurOut.org is going to help you decide by giving you an overview of the most important ones, sorted by date! Lucky you if you live nearby! By: Anna McFaith 1 June - 20 June
9 July – 18 July
many! It’s the only Pride event which
Berlin Pride Festival
EuroPride
eurOut.org will definitely be at so if the
Berlin, Germany
Warsaw, Poland
Pride, sports, entertainment or trip to
(www.csd-berlin.de)
(www.europride.com)
Cologne aren’t enough to convince you
This large, mostly male-oriented, Pride
Of course the event calendar is rather
event is a must-be event. It’s the 32nd
male-oriented, but that shouldn’t stop
27 August – 30 August
go for the Berlin Pride and they organ-
you from attending this huge event!
Manchester Pride
ise very interesting events to say the
For us, there is the L-World, a series
Manchester, England
least.
of presentations on lesBian topics and
(www.manchesterpride.com)
Also; if you intend to go, the theme for
of course, we can all enjoy the grand
this year is ‘Angels’ so whatever you
opening of the parade!
to go; that news sure might be!
wear, make sure it’s angelic!
While the actual Pride weekend starts on the 27th, the week before is Pride Fringe.
31 July – 7 August
Its tagline is “There is more to Manchester
18 June – 27 June
Gay Games Cologne
Pride than the big weekend,” and rightly
Skeive Dager
Cologne, Germany
so. This week is filled to the rim with cul-
Oslo, Norway
(www.games-cologne.com)
tural events around the theme of homo-
(www.skeivedager.no)
sexuality and especially during the day, it’s This year, Germany is definitely the
a great place to bring kids to. The week-
While it’s bound to get a lot less media
place to be for Pride events! The Gay
end, however, is for the grownups and
attention than the Eurovision Songfe-
Games have been around the world
consists of partying, partying and more
tival, it’s still Norway’s major Pride
and this time they will be held in Ger-
partying!
event! We’re not sure if the events will have a lesBian theme as the calendar isn’t very filled yet, but the festival has been around for a long time, so it’s worth checking out no matter what. 19 June – 4 July WomenPride Cologne, Germany (www.womenpride.com) WomenPride is a part of Cologne Pride, but seeing as every other Pride event caters mostly to gay males, we’re really only interested in the lesBian part. While the programme hasn’t been released yet, WomenPride organiser Tina Stotz told us that it’ll be awesome! I can’t wait! You can check out our interview with Tina Stotz at bit.ly/eurout-tinastotz .
22
womenpride’s organizer Tina Stotz
Running the LA Marathon because of Billie Myers When not running marathons, Michelle Penny is the lead writer for online LGBT magazine Queeried.
Set the scene: two sarcastic and quick-witted women in different parts of the country, two computers with recent temperamental Skype issues, and the topic of an angry toy doll with rash-inducing hair‌ got it? Welcome to the interview with Queeried’s Michelle Penny about her Marathon Madness in Los Angeles after losing a bet with British singer/song-writer Billie Myers. By: Ley
23
Running the LA Marathon because of Billie Myers
EurOut: For those of our readers
making a big statement, like: “I’m going
Have you recovered from all the
that
following
to run a marathon,” so I thought: “Well,
aches and pains of the marathon
your Marathon Madness, can you
I’ll say I’m going to run a marathon.”
yet?
explain how it all came about?
Though I’ve only ever ran 800 meters
haven’t
been
competitively before and I was like: “This
Well, when I finished, they were all
Michelle: Well, it all started about last
can’t be that bad, its only 26.2 miles,
meant to be at the end, but they
August, when a certain singer/song-
that’s quite a lot more 800 meters…”
couldn’t get anywhere because we
writer called Billie Myers put up a rather
were running all over the place - so
pathetic video saying she wanted 1,000
Yeah, that’s like 55 times more or
when I got to the end I could barely
Facebook fans, and that she wanted
something?
move! Yeah, when I was running
anyone to do anything to get her these
through the things [mile markers] I
1,000 Facebook fans. So I, being a bit
Yeah! It feels a lot more! As soon as I
realised I started far too fast and got
of a prat really, went: “Oh, what’s like
started actually training for this thing
all really enthusiastic and going: “I
“...maybe I’ll go back and delete it...”
MICHELLE PENNY
a really bit, silly thing that perhaps
I couldn’t run about 2 miles and I
can just do this really fast!” and then
might inspire people.” So I went off
thought: “What have I let myself in
at about 10 miles I was like: “Urgh, I
to Twitter and went: “If Billie Myers
for?!” When I started it, I didn’t think
can’t do this anymore!” It was painful
gets 1,000 fans, I’ll run a marathon,
I’d actually be able to finish it, that I’d
straight after, and then for the rest of
for charity,” and then as soon as I’d
actually DIE about half way through!
the day it didn’t hurt at all! I thought:
pressed it I thought: “That wasn’t such
“I must be Bionic, I’m not in any pain!”
a good idea… maybe I’ll go back and
As much as you wanted to die
But then I woke up at 3 the next
delete it.”… But it was already going
during it: how did you enjoy your
morning and I literally couldn’t move, I
retweet, retweet, retweet, and I was
LA adventures?
was having to move all my joints! But
like: “Oh no!” So it basically happened
it was only about 2 days until I was
because Billie Myers was acting damn
I have to say it was fun apart for
back to normal really. I think my lungs
pathetic in her little video, and I just
the
have shrunk though; I don’t think I can
couldn’t stand seeing someone look so
been
sad and pathetic.
cold temperatures over here, it was
actual
marathon:
training
in
snow
because and
I’d
really
run a marathon anymore!
boiling hot in LA, if you just stood still
What was the best part of doing
Out of all the endless different
you were sweating! I thought: I was
the marathon?
things you could have offered to
just going to have to keep drinking
do on Billie reaching the 1,000
continuously; otherwise I’m going to
I know it sounds like the standard
FaceBook fans… what possessed
be a raisin by the end of it! So that
boring answer, but finishing it! They
you to choose a MARATHON?
was a bit horrific given all the heat, but
say that when you hit about 20 miles
meeting Miss Myers and the rest of the
that the rest is less about your body
clan was quite an experience.
and more a matter of your mind, and
I think it was because you hear people
24
Running the LA Marathon because of Billie Myers
UK singer/song-writer Billie Myers. Will she be running the next marathon with Michelle?
it’s true. I could have dropped out
enough that her choice of hair products
Girl doll who was transformed into Billie
a number of times over the last few
gave me a rash as I was running round,
by John Kwiatkowski, one of Billie’s
miles. It was only my pride that made
but then somehow every so often she
most loyal and gorgeous fans and given
sure it got me to the end.
kept sticking her legs out and poking
to her as a gift when she sang at the
So boring answer as it is,
people, so there’s me not only having
National Equality March with Dave Koz.
after pretending to be all confident
to think about not dying, but I kept
about the fact I’d finish it easily, it was
running and saying: “Sorry, sorry!”
Saturday and John and Billie went over to
in my mind that I wouldn’t, so getting
all the time to those she kept poking!
a corner, and there was lots of whispering
to the end was a huge achievement.
She wasn’t really all the good company
and giggling going on, so I went over to
either! She didn’t talk much.
see what they were up to and was told
If you had to choose, what was the
There was a barbeque on the
by Billie: “We’ve decided you’re going to
worst part: a) the rash and tan line
For those of our readers who
run with Baby Billie! I would run it with
from Baby Billie; b) warm sports
don’t know about your running
you but I can’t, so you running with Baby
gels; c) the drinking out of a cup
companion, can you explain who
Billie, means I’ll get to run with you too!”
issue; d) the loneliness; or e) all of
Baby Billie is?
I’m sure that it made sense to Billie, but
the above and more? Baby Billie, no question! It was bad
I’m not so sure! Billie Myers doesn’t like this mentioned,
but actually Baby Billie is a Mel B. Spice
I would say no, but when I agreed, it
honestly think they thought
25
Running the LA Marathon because of Billie Myers
Baby Billie” with her LA Marathon medal. became about how I was going to run
was the subject of many a photo, and
someone had the inability to stick
with her: I was going to hold her but
to begin with I went through the whole
to one accent or Baby Billie wasn’t
then I’d get bored of that after about
story - I lost a bet that this person
looking her best! When we started the
5 seconds, so I ended up having a
wouldn’t get 1,000 fans and said I
first one, I thought Billie was going to
sweatband doubled round my arm and
would run a marathon if she did, and
be interviewing me, but suddenly she
her strapped in! I remember at one
this is her in doll form. It wasn’t making
disappeared and up popped Baby Billie,
point, she was wearing these heels
any sense to them at the beginning, but
and I was thinking: “Wait, what?” It’s
because Miss Myers loves her heels too,
by the time I got through the finish line
really hard to be interviewed by a doll!
that I turned and noticed she was only
and people were still asking, I ended up
Seriously though, being interviewed by
wearing one! I panicked! I couldn’t turn
just telling them it was a baby called
a doll has to go down as one of the
and run back to find it, but for the next
Billie. I’m pretty sure they all thought
strangest experiences of my life.
few miles I was more worried about
I’d gone loopy and really thought it
how I was going to tell Billie I’d lost one
was a baby… Well, more loopy than
At the end of the video interview,
of Baby Billie’s shoes than I was worried
someone who runs a marathon.
you commented on getting Billie to
about finishing the marathon! But when
run the 5k with you in September,
I finished I found the other shoe in my
I have to ask, in the video interview
any updates on whether you’ve
bag, so it was fine.
you have with Baby Billie after the
managed to convince her (or guilt
marathon, how did you manage to
her) to do that or not?
Did
anyone
marathon
ask
WHY
during
you
had
the
keep a straight face through it?
her
Did you have a few takes at it?
strapped to your arm? And what did you tell them? Yeah! Lots of people did. Baby Billie
26
Well September’s not going to work, trying to convince Billie to do anything
It only took a few takes, and I was
is near impossible but I am pushing
never allowed to stop it to redo
her for a 10k, and I think I managed
anything!
to scare her into it. When I finished
Only
because
a
certain
Running the LA Marathon because of Billie Myers the marathon she was stuck in traffic,
harmed then they at best say nothing,
I could get another $500, and by the
‘cause we were running through the
and at worse you never seem them
time I started it was over that too… so
whole city, and I had called her and
again. It’s something that’s wrong and
there was no way I could back out!
said I was beside a canon so meet me
something that needs to change.
there… to which I was told: “I don’t
know where the canon is, why not
a charity that was looking to make this
Madness”
move somewhere else?” and then I
change, and with me running in LA and
that you’ve made another bold
started moaning at her: “I’ve just ran
a lot of potential sponsors being in the
statement: “If Billie Myers sings
26.2 miles, and you’re not here to meet
US I wanted to run for an American
at
me, and now you want me to move…”
charity. Billie is equally passionate
closing ceremony and is actually
I think I scared her with my moan…
about
these
at the end of my event then I
when I came back from picking up my
issues and is a spokesperson for the
will do the gay Olympics,” which
stuff from the hotel to be told by her,
Jed Foundation, a charity that aims to
was followed not long after by a
Halle (her manager) and Mona (PR) that: “We’ve all agreed we’ll run a 10k with you.” It should be noted they’ve been backtracking ever since. But now it’s in print, she’s got to do it!! What’s adventure
your
next
then,
now
running the
LA
Marathon’s finished? Am I right in saying you’re looking at the London Marathon? Well I did look at the London Marathon as I said I would run it with Billie and Mona (who not only does Billie’s PR but also writes for Queeried), but it was so popular this year that the ballot has already closed which you can tell I’m
I therefore wanted to run for
raising
awareness
of
I saw on your “Michelle’s Marathon
the
opening
fan
ceremony
page,
and
“Mental health issues and discrimination related to it, is an issue very close to my heart. ” MICHELLE PENNY
really disappointed about… I can see you’re really disappointed
do this amongst college students, so
Tweet about having gone all kinds
about that, your smile is just filled
this felt like a good match. It also acted
of crazy, having almost decided
with pain!
to really push me to do it. Running for
on a TRIATHLON for your next
charities like the NSPCC and RSPCA are
adventure/challenge?!
I know! I’m hiding my pain with a
great and they do amazing work, but
smile!
this one was personal and that made it
Well I don’t know if they do a triathlon
so much harder to go: “Actually maybe
at the Gay Games, do they? I’d much
I won’t do it.”
rather do a sprint one anyway, because
Why
did
you
choose
the
JED
Foundation as your charity to run
I’m really competitive, and if I lose I’ll
for? Was there a particular reason
Have you found out the total figure
you chose that one?
for the money you managed to raise for The JED Foundation?
That was an easy one. Mental health issues and discrimination related to it is
I think it was about $2.645 by the end
an issue very close to my heart. People
which’s incredible! It was just before
will be there to support you if you break
I left for LA or just when I’d arrived
your arm or your leg, but if you tell them
there that it reached the original target
you have depression or that you’ve self
of $2.000, and then decided to see if
be really grumpy!
Michelle’s marathon adventures: queeried.co.uk JED Foundation: jedfoundation.org Billie Myers and her music: bit.ly/eurout-billiemyers and billiemyers.com
27
Where Are We on TV? “Where Are We on TV?” lists what to look out for in Europe when it comes to TV series with a lesBian storyline or with lesBian characters, specific TV programs about lesbians and lesBian web series.
Belgium Thuis: Mon-Fri at 20:10 on één. Single lesbian mom Ann is afraid to lose her daughter, Sandrine.
Finland Kotikatu: Thu-Fri at 20:00 on YLE TV1. This popular Finnish show features Laura and Krisse, who recently got married to each other. Read more about this show at http://bit.ly/kotikatu. Salatut Elämät: Mon-Fri at 19:30 on MTV3. Heli and Iiris have reconnected and are now a couple on the show. Read more about the lesBian storyline in this show at http://bit.ly/salatut.
France
to take over her uncle’s patisserie.
husband and Teresa’s brother. Teresa
Kerstin eventually decides to go to
and her husband Hector seem to grow
France with Juliette, saying she means
apart due to the loss of their baby.
more to her than her life in Marienhof.
UK
The Netherlands
Coronation Street:
Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden
Mon, Thu & Fri at 19:30/20:30 on ITV.
Mon-Fri at 20:00 on RTL 4.
Best friends Sian and Sophie develop
Ronja wants to elope with Isabella.
more romantic feelings for each other.
Isabella doesn’t want to, saying it’s not
Stay up-to-date with the most recent
right to run away from your problems.
developments at http://bit.ly/eurout-
Ronja decides to go alone, and in a
corrie.
heated attempt to drive away from her house, she hits her mother with her
Doctors:
car, who is only mildly injured. This
Mon-Fri at 13:45 on BBC1.
event calms Ronja down and makes
In this medical soap, regular character
her decide to go back into therapy. In
Imogen recently came out as a les-
the mean time, she’s avoiding Isabella,
bian.
asking herself if she’s really in love with her.
People of the Valley:
Slovakia
Mon-Fri at 20:00 on BBC Wales LesBian character Gwyneth has just
Odsúdené:
Plus belle la vie:
started a relationship with Yvonne, but
Tue & Thu at 21:15 on TV JOJ.
Mon-Fri at 20:10 on France3.
things are complicated because of her
Women’s prison drama with occasional
ex-husband who she also has a child
lesBian content. Read more about the
with.
French
soap
(currently
in
its
6th
season) that features a lesbian couple:
show at http://bit.ly/odsudene.
Céline and Virginie.
Waterloo Road: Panelák:
Wed at 20:00 on BBC1.
Airs Mon-Fri at 20:15 on TV JOJ.
Lindenstrasse:
Contemporary drama series set in a
This popular Slovakian sitcom currently
Sundays at 17:15 on ARD Das Erste.
challenging
features lesbian couple Denisa and
Tanja breaks up with ex-convict Steffi,
featuring lesbian French teacher Jo.
Lucia. Read more about it online at
after finding out that she’s dealing
After being kissed by student Ros, Jo is
http://bit.ly/panelak.
suspended, which makes her future at
Spain
Waterloo Road questionable
Germany
drugs. Marienhof:
Amar en tiempos revueltos
Mon-Fri at 18:25 on ARD Das Erste.
Mon-Fri ay 16:15 on TVE 1
Kerstin wants to make Juliette co-
Ana and Teresa grow closer together
owner of her bakery, while Juliette
and open a new business after the
wants to move to France with Kerstin
death of Alfonso, who was Ana’s
28
comprehensive
school,
A List of Helpful LGBT Organizations per Country European
France
Lithuania
Slovakia
Egalite
Association de Médecins
Lithuanian Gay League
Altera
www.egalite-online.eu
Gais. www.medecins-gays.
www.lgl.lt/indexe.php
www.altera.sk
LGBT Network
com/femmes-entre-elles
www.lgbtnetwork.eu
SOS Homophobie
Malta
Slovenia
IGLYO
www.sos-homophobie.org
Malta Gay Rights Move-
DIH www.dih.si
ment
SkuC-LL
www.maltagayrights.net
www.ljudmila.org/lesbo
Moldova
Spain
GenderDoc-M
Federación
www.gay.md/rus
Lesbianas,
www.iglyo.com ILGA Europe
Georgia
www.ilga-europe.org
Inclusive Foundation www.inclusive-foundation.org
Austria
Estatal
Greece
(RKL) www.rklambda.at/e/
Greek Sapphites
index.htm
www.sapphogr.net
The Netherlands
www.felgtb.org
Greek Lesbian
COC Nederland
Confederación
www.lesbian.gr
www.coc.nl
de Lesbianas, Gays, Tran-
Outway
sexuales y Bisexuales
www.outway.nl
www.colegaweb.org
Belgium
Gays,
de
Rechtskomitee Lambda
sexuales
Çavaria www.cavaria.be Wel Jong Niet Hetero
Germany
www.weljongniethetero.be
Lesbian and Gay Fede-
y
Tran-
Bisexuales Española
ration in Germany
Norway
Sweden
Belarus
http://typo3.lsvd.
Norwegian National Asso-
Swedish Federation for
TEMA information center
de/229.0.html
ciation for Lesbian and
Lesbian,
Gay Liberation
and Transgender Rights
www.llh.no
www.rfsl.se
www.pride.by Hungary Bosnia and Herzegovina
Labrisz
Lesbian
Asso-
Queer Bosnia and Herze-
ciation www.labrisz.hu
Bulgarian
Gay
Organi-
Croatia
HomO Poland
www.homo.se
Iceland
phobia
Switzerland
Samtökin ‘78
http://world.kph.org.pl
Pink Cross
www.samtokin78.is
Lambda Warsaw
www.pinkcross.ch
www.lambdawarszawa.org
INFOBI
sation Gemini www.bgogemini.org/eng
Ireland
www.infobi.net
Gay & Lesbian Equality
Portugal
Network www.glen.ie
ILGA Portugal
Turkey
www.ilga-portugal.pt
KAOS GL
Kontra www.kontra.hr/cms
Italy
Opus Gay
www.kaosgl.com
LORI
Arcigay
www.opusgay.org
LEGATO
www.lori.hr
www.arcigay.it
Czech Republic
Denmark
www.unilegato.org
GlobaLES
Romania
www.globa-les.com
ACCEPT
Ukraine
http://accept-romania.ro
Nash Mir
Gay and Lesbian League www.mujvztah.cz
Bisexual
Campaign Against Homo-
govina. www.queer.ba/en Bulgaria
Gay,
Kosovo
www.gay.org.ua
QESh
Russia
http://qesh.org
Krilija
United Kingdom
www.krilija.sp.ru
Stonewall
Danish National Association for Gays and Les-
Latvia
bians www.lbl.dk
Mozaika
Serbia
communities.org
www2.mozaika.lv
QueerBeograd
Queer Youth
www.queerbeograd.org
www.queeryouth.org.uk
Finland
http://sites.stonewall-
SETA www.seta.fi
29
eur ut .org european.lesbian.news
30