eurOut - The Magazine 3

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J une 1 s t , 2010

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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

Facebook

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