eurOut - The Magazine 5 by Sandra Showtime

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Plus: LesBian Life | Studying LesBians W e A r e E v e r y w h e r e | T h e L e s b i a n N e w s S t a c 1k

eurOut magazine Dear reader

About:

The summer is in full force. Pride

recommends some of her favourite

events are taking place all around

books, should you still need some

Europe and for us at eurOut.org,

lesBian summer reading material.

the

beginning

this

month

almost completely dedicated to the

And last, but certainly not least,

Gay Games. Part of our team are

enjoy

in Cologne, to meet lesBian visitors

interview that Ley did with American

and athletes at WomenPlace during

band BETTY (that’s right, the women

the week, to present some awesome

behind the L Word theme song), who

events, and also to cover the events

are currently on European tour. So

and sports at the Gay Games. In this

enjoy this issue, enjoy the rest of

issue you’ll find our survival guide

summer, and if I don’t get to meet

for the Games, which highlights

you in Cologne, then I’ll see you here

some of the lesBian events that you

again next month.

the

magazine

can attend, in addition to all the sports that are taking place. Don’t worry if you’re not going to be in Cologne this month – this issue is filled with plenty of other lesBian goodness.

For

example,

Anna

Warm regards,

looks at the upcoming Amsterdam Gay

Pride

and

the

mainstream

media coverage it will get. Maxime discusses

the

concept

‘late-

blooming lesBians’, while Tessa

Saskia Joreen Chief Editor

exclusive

This magazine is a monthly 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 AND LAYOUT: Anna McFaith (faith@eurout.org) EDITOR OF ENTERTAINMENT: Natazzz (entertainment@eurout.org) EDITOR OF POLITICS: Maxime (politics@eurout.org) ART DIRECTION: Embla (embla.eurout@gmail.com) CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE: Gwen (garance@eurout.org) Ley (ley@eurout.org) Tessa (tessa@eurout.org) Special inspirational thanks go out to Sandra Showtime, founder of eurOut.org.

In This Issue

The Gay Games Survival Guide

LesBian Literature: Recommended Reading

The LesBian News Stack

Dutch Canal Pride Gets Mainstream Coverage

LesBian Life: Is lesBianism About Love or Pride?

Reality or Myth: Late-Blooming LesBians

Studying LesBians: Gaydar Really Does Exist!

We Are Everywhere

Review: New Web Series ‘Girl/Girl Scene’

Interview: BETTY

Where Are We on Television?

A List of Helpful LGBT Organizations Per Country

The Gay Games Survival Guide The Gay Games Survival Guide is the guide to have on you when you visit the Games as a lesbian or bisexual woman. On these two pages you will find everything you need to know to get the best out of the Gay Games 2010!

What are the Gay Games? The GAY GAMES are the biggest

for the athletes. The only sport

volunteer

cultural

not taking place in Cologne city?

2010

Sailing. This even will be held in

edition takes place in Cologne,

Roermond, the Netherlands and

Germany, from July 31 to August

shuttle busses can carry you there

7. It’s estimated around 10.000

if you so desire. This year’s motto

people from over 70 countries will

is “Be part of it!” and everyone is

partake in the sport events. 19

welcome to come and attend the

sports venues have been reserved

many sport events and parties!

sports

and

festival in the world. The

opean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Quick facts:

opean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

WomenPlace: The WomenPlace is the absolute place

for

any

lesBian

attending the Games. Parties, booths of interesting companies and people and book readings can be found there. For a full overview, check out the list we made for easy reference on the next pages. In short, anything even remotely lesBian

can

found

there,

including us, OML and AfterEllen

This is the eighth edition of the Gay Games

on occasion. For more information

The first edition was held in San Francisco

on what we do, check out the box

The Gay Games are the legacy of Dr. Tom Waddell. He wanted to promote

below and be sure to be at the

better understanding through sport

OML Theatre Night!

San Francisco, Vancouver, New York City, Amsterdam, Sydney and Chicago

opean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

preceded Cologne in hosting

You

Contests will be held in 35 very varied sports

WomenPlace on Twitter at www.

can,

course,

find

The Games define winning as achieving one’s personal best

twitter.com/womenplace. On top

Athletes represent their cities and not their countries

of that, the WomenPlace also has

The official Gay Games song was recorded by Taylor Dayne and is called

a facebook account which can be

‘Facing a Miracle’

found at bit.ly/fb-womenplace.

What does eurOut have to offer?

Of course eurOut will be at the

already is. Of course we always love

our MEET UP on Wednesday. Details

Games! We wouldn’t miss it for

to meet our readers and put a face to

are in the schedule but for those who

the world! If you want to find us

the (user) names! On top of that, we

like meeting celebrities more than us

during the Games, we will be at

will be hosting several book readings

writers, BRIDGET MCMANUS will be

the WOMENPLACE, sharing a booth

at the WomenPlace you do not

there as well to offer that extra bit of

with the lovely ladies of ONE MORE

want to miss! For dates, times and

incentive! If you’re in the area drop

LESBIAN. We will be there to answer

authors, we refer you to the overview

by. We promise you an awesome

any questions you might have or to

on the following pages. If you want

time!

listen to your suggestions on how

to meet us, the OML staff and the

to make eurOut even better than it

people of AFTERELLEN, then come to

The Gay Games Survival Guide Overview of lesBian events Saturday, July 31, evening / Lanxess Arena (Willy-Brandt-Platz) Party: Colour Cologne: The official Gay Games Opening Party - Right after the opening ceremony, the opening party begins. Five floors, one of which is a Women’s Floor. Several DJs, performances and areas, as well as awesome acts by sexy athletes. Tickets: € 35,00 for Gay Games participants, € 40,00 for the general public. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Sunday, August 1, 16:00-17:30 | Friday, August 6, 17:00-18:30 / Cologne Old City (Ursulaplatz) Chaste or romantic – Lesbian stories in earlier times. Tickets: € 8,00. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German, and also sign language on Friday. Sunday, August 1, 17:00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) Concert: Samba band queerelas - Get ready to dance with this great all-female samba band from Cologne! Monday, August 2, 11:00-12:30 | Tuesday, August 3, 16:00-17:30 | Wednesday, August 4, 11:00-12:30 | Thursday, August 5, 16:00-17:30 / Cologne Old City (Roncalliplatz) Tourist Highlights from a Woman’s Perspective - Tickets: € 8,00. Order them ahead on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German on Mon/Wed, English on Tue/Thu. Monday, August 2, 16:00 | Friday, August 6, 16.00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) eurOut presents: Author reading: Diana Knezevic - Together with two other female authors, Diana wrote the first ever rainbow crime novel, especially for and about the Gay Games: Bei Sport Mord. Be prepared for a story about intrigue, lies, sex, jealousy and greed. Language: German. Monday, August 2, 21:00 / Kölner Filmhaus (Maybachstrasse 111) Open Air Cinema: Nina’s Heavenly Delights - A romantic comedy rich with the tastes of life, love and spices. Moved to indoors at 22:00 in case of bad weather. Tickets: € 6,50. Buy them at the box office or at offticket.de. Monday, August 2 – Saturday, August 7, doors open at 22:00 / The Gloria (Apostelnstrasse 11) Party: Gay Games Clubbing at the Gloria – Sport meets Culture. Come dance at one of Cologne’s most popular dance clubs! Every night has a different theme. Tue & Wed of interest for women. Admission at the door: € 10,00 for Gay Games participants, € 12,00 for the general public. Tuesday, August 3, 11:00-12:30 | Thursday, August 5, 11:00-12:30 / Cologne Old City (Memorial of gay Nazi victims) Dancing at the ladies club – Lesbian stories in the 20th century. Tickets: € 8,00. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German. Tuesday, August 3, 15:00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) eurOut presents: Author reading: Anne Bax - Anne will be reading, amongst others, from Kochen & Küssen; the lesbian, romantic, erotic cooking and reading book. Language: German. Tuesday, August 3, 21:00 / Kölner Filmhaus (Maybachstrasse 111) Open Air Cinema: High Art - A romantic drama about ambition, sacrifice, seduction and other career moves. Moved to indoors at 22:00 in case of bad weather. Tickets: € 6,50. Buy them at the box office or at offticket.de.

The Gay Games Survival Guide Overview of lesBian events Wednesday, August 4, 15:00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) eurOut, AfterEllen and One More Lesbian present: Meet and Greet - The largest lesbian publications from Europe and America join forces with the biggest lesbian video aggregate website. We invite all our readers, viewers and fans to join us for an afternoon filled with music, drinks and chat. Staff of all websites as well as the wonderful Bridget McManus (US comedian/actress) will be eager to meet you! Language: English. Wednesday, August 4, 15:30-18:30 / Cologne Old City (Hohenzollern Bridge) Ahoy! Off we go! - Women’s historical Rhine cruise. Tickets: € 15,50. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German, English. Wednesday, August 4, 17:00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) eurOut presents: Author reading: Brigitte Bialojahn - Brigitte will be reading from her latest crime/romance novel Schwarzer Afghane, in which a lesbian photographer/archeologist with a fear of commitment falls for a charismatic dog psychologist. Language: German. Wednesday, August 4, 21:00 / Kölner Filmhaus (Maybachstrasse 111) Open Air Cinema: It’s in the Water - An outrageous romantic comedy with a queer little twist. Moved to indoors at 22:00 in case of bad weather. Tickets: € 6,50. Buy them at the box office or at offticket.de. Thursday, August 5, 17:00 / WomenPlace (Neumarkt) eurOut presents: Author reading: Bettina Isabel Rocha - The Spanish-German author will be reading from her debut novel Tango mit Inés, which is about an Argentinean tango teacher that travels to Spain to find out more about her family’s history. There, she meets the magnetically attractive Inés. Language: German. Thursday, August 5 & Friday, August 6, 18:00-22:00 / Kölner Filmhaus (Maybachstrasse 111) One More Lesbian presents: OML Theatre Nights - Screening six lesbian web series from around the world. The red carpet will include some of the web series’ producers and actresses, as well as (German) celesbians attending the event. Tickets are € 2,00 and can be reserved via tickets@onemorelesbian.com. Remaining tickets are available at the door. All English speaking series will be subtitled in German. Friday, August 6, 11:00-13:00 / Melaten Cemetery Beloved wife asleep gently – Women at Melaten cemetery. Tickets: € 8,00. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German. Friday, August 6, 20:30 / Atelier Theater (Roonstrasse 78) Concert: Sappho loves Shane – Lesbian Songs and Satire. Tickets: € 15,50. Order them on gaygamescologne.com. Language: German. Friday, August 6, doors open at 21:00 / Stollwerck (Dreikönigenstrasse 23) Party: Triumph & Temptations - The official Gay Games Female Pride Party. Three floors, several DJs, a chill out area and various nice drinks. Tickets: € 13,00 + fee presale, € 17,00 at the door. Order your presale tickets on gaygamescologne.com.

This is a selection of events and dates and times may vary. Check www.gaygamescologne.com for the complete and accurate overview.

LesBian Literature: Recommended Reading LesBian literature is hard to find and good lesBian literature even harder. Tessa takes you into the world of the written lesBian in her monthly column and in this issue she will share some favourites and books from her reading list. By: Tessa MAKING

what isn’t. LesBian literature is like any

happy evening with the likes of Ms.

any literature genre is always an

LIST

classics

literature. And let me be clear here;

Cornwell. But these are not books

incomplete task. It’s impossible to stay

I make the arrogant differentiation

that move me, or cause me to think.

objective. It is, after all, literature and

between literature, fiction and popular

It’s a little like watching what I call

we all respond differently to it. What is

fiction. So upon thinking what books

‘popcorn fluff’ movies. I love them,

for one person the best book they’ve

make the top list of my favourites, I

they entertain me, but I don’t walk

ever read, is for another not worth the

came to the quick conclusion that, here

out of the cinema thinking anything

paper it was printed on.

too, I am a snob!

other than: ‘Where did I park the car?’

But nonetheless, a canon of lesBian

The cut of line came somewhere

on the threshold. My world isn’t turned

literature has been established. Which

underneath Sarah Waters and above

upside down, but at times they make

for a huge part I will happily ignore.

Patricia Cornwell (this could get me

me ponder the odd thing. So there you

I do this not because I intend to be

in trouble with my girlfriend). Now,

have it, my cut of line.

sensationalist, but purely for myself

before

I’ll decide what is a good book and

love crime fiction and can spend a

Sarah Waters’ novels are somewhere all new. all european. all lesbian.

everyone

stops

reading,

all new. all european. all lesbian.

Oldies but Goodies THE WELL OF LONELINESS - RADCLYFFE HALL A novel known as much for the sensation it caused when first published as it is for its content. Banned on publication in 1928, it brought about the famous obscenity trial in the UK. These days there is also controversy surrounding it. Its stereotypical portrayal of lesbians as cross-dressers and almost satirical ‘mannish behaviour’ are highly criticized by some, while the protagonist’s self-hatred (which amounts to shame) is also one aspect of the novel that some find offensive in today’s society. All that being said, it cannot be denied that The Well of Loneliness is a novel that, through its topic, its author’s lifestyle (quite fascinating actually) and the court battle that ensued after its publication, increased the level of visibility of lesbians in western society at the time. Stephen Gordon, named by her father for the son for which he was hoping, does not fit into the role that society has for her. As a child she likes to hunt, she wears trousers and wants to cut her hair short. A little older and we see her falling for a woman and having numerous affairs both in England and in Paris, to where she eventually moves because, at the time, there was an established subculture of gay life.

LesBian Literature: Recommended Reading Oldies but Goodies THE PRICE OF SALT - PATRICIA HIGHSMITH Highsmith was a published author with works such as the highly acclaimed The Talented Mr. Ripley. The Price of Salt became famous in its day for two reasons: firstly, for its lesBian content and secondly, because of its possibility of a happy ending - unprecedented in lesBian pulp fiction of the day. The novel’s two main characters are Therese Belivet, a lonely young woman, and Carol, an elegant stranger Therese encounters one day at her temporary job in a New York department store. The two start to spend more and more time together and eventually have a love affair. Carol, however, is in the middle of a divorce and has a daughter. Carol’s husband hires a private investigator to confirm his suspicions of her homosexual love affair, and in court Carol is forced to choose between Therese and her daughter. Although she chooses her daughter, it is clear at the end of the novel that Carol and Therese stay together.

Contemporary LesBian Fiction RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE - RITA MAE BROWN Rubyfruit Jungle is one of those novels that, for some people, falls into one of two categories: one that reflects their own coming out experiences with poignant emotion, or just another coming of age, coming out novel, in essence a bildungsroman. Molly Bolt is the adopted beautiful daughter of a poor family and is aware of her lesbianism from a young age. We follow her life from the age of 11 through college, her learning to understand her own sexuality, her relationship with her mother, her friends, her girlfriends and society as a whole. Rubyfruit Jungle is a testament to the struggle for equality. For me, the poignant aspect of this novel is not so much the struggle itself, but written at a time of extreme feminism, this novel is not about equality of the sexes but of equality of sexuality. Which are two very different things.

TIPPING THE VELVET - SARAH WATERS Tipping the Velvet ushered in a new era in lesBian literature. As historical novel that creates a lesbian scene where there is no record of one specifically, Waters created a scenario in which the main protagonists are in constant movement through Victorian London, allowing for commentary on gender, sexism and social and class difference. We find Nancy Astley happily living outside London on the coast with her working class family. When male impersonator Kitty Butler comes to town to perform in the local theatre, Nancy falls almost instantly in love and the two begin a deep tumultuous love affair. But Kitty insists on keeping the relationship a secret. First working as Kitty’s dresser, Nancy also takes to the stage as a male impersonator. When Nancy is eventually betrayed by Kitty, who marries a man, her exploration into the Victorian lesbian scene starts and the reader is taken on a fictional historical journey.

LesBian Literature: Recommended Reading Contemporary LesBian Fiction STONE BUTCH BLUES - LESLIE FEINBERG Stone Butch Blues is a ground breaking novel on the subject of transgenderism and gender fluidity. Jess Goldberg searches for her own identity in 1960s America. At one stage, Goldberg begins hormone treatment and has breast reduction in order to pass as male. But this is stopped as Goldberg comes to the conclusion that a transition is not what is desired either. With certain transmutations (such as a lower voice) that cannot be reversed, Goldberg is placed in the position where there is even less of a gender identity and more of a struggle to find a place in society. Goldberg and her friends find that they have no place within the women’s or the gay movement of the time. Stone Butch Blues is an iconic work in gender identity and the struggles of being butch, transgender or gender fluid and is a must read for those who live the struggle and for those who are truly interested in understanding their struggle.

ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT - JEANETTE WINTERSON The ultimate contemporary novel about coming out, about claiming your own identity, about being gay in a religious family, about growing up, about finding your passion, your creativity. In other words, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit is a novel that appeals to everybody.

Books on my Reading List THE TALENTED HIGHSMITH SCHENKAR

MISS JOAN

THE OTHERS - SEBA ALHERZ

MEAN LITTLE DEAF QUEER TERRY GALLOWAY

W r i t e r

The Others is

Terry

Patricia

the story of a

nervous

Highsmith

young

was

had

Shi’a

Galloway’s system compro-

woman growing

mised whilst still

fascinating

up in the Sunni

in the womb when

life,

province

her mother took

from

growing up

Saudi

Arabia.

in Texas, to

The

New York in

explores the life

time she was nine

the

1940s

of the narrator

years old she was going deaf and

and

her

novel

novel,

losing her sight. Galloway writes

self-imposed exile in Europe. Her

her gender, her sexuality, her epilepsy

about her struggles growing up

diaries were filled with her myriad of

and all the implications of being in her

with boxy hearing aids, coke bottle

affairs with women, plot ideas and

Shi’a culture. If anything, I hope this

glasses and a queer identity. What

general

Highsmith

novel gives me some insight into the

could have been a story about

was a pessimist, an alcoholic, and

life of a lesBian in Saudi Arabia, which

hardship, struggle, and negativity

chronically unhappy. I think her life

is vastly different from my own culture.

is instead a hilarious and honest

observations.

story must be quite a read!

the

experimental

antibiotic. By the

take on life.

The Lesbian News Stack

By: Maxime

Our regular column “The LesBian News Stack” gives you an overview of recent political news of interest for European LGBTs.

Europe: MEMBERS

Parliament welcomed

the

and the

European

were individual comments which do

ILGA-Europe

not represent EPP’s opinion, you

might want to give that group a

Toolkit to Promote and Protect the

closer look to find out which of the

Enjoyment of all Human Rights

national political parties threw their

weight together.

Lesbian,

adoption

Gay,

Bisexual

and

The Netherlands: POLITICAL (the

PARTY

Greens)

GroenLinks

has

invited

organizers of banned European Prides

board

their

‘Forbidden Boat’ at Amsterdam Canal Pride this month.

Transgender (LGBT) People, which was adopted by the Council of the

AN ITALIAN gay photo exhibition

European Union.

called ‘Baci Rubati’ (‘Stolen Kisses’), which had been banned earlier this

MEPS BELONGING to the centre-

year from being displayed in Italy,

right

has now found a home with the

Christian

European’s

People

democratic Party

(EPP)

claimed at a hearing on sexual abuse of children that homosexuality and pedophilia are linked. Though these

European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Ireland: THE BILL for Irish civil unions made it through the Seanad (Upper House) with a majority of the votes and was signed by President Mary McAleese. We’ll have to wait for the law to come into effect until the new year.

The Lesbian News Stack UK:

Around the corner:

THE SUPREME Court decided in

US AND UK are failing to take Iraq’s

specific members of its population.

favor of two gay asylum seekers

gay

despite

While this currently only applies to

whose request for asylum had

having promised to look into reports

Massachusetts, there is hope that

been denied with the ‘advice’ to

of LGBT executions last year.

others will follow.

pogrom

seriously,

keep quiet about their sexuality. Lord

Justice

Pill’s

argument:

DISTRICT

Judge

the

ARGENTINA

PASSED

gay

“Refugee status cannot be denied

ruled that the federal ban on gay

marriage bill, becoming the first

by expecting a person to conceal

marriage was unconstitutional, as it

South American country to open

aspects of identity or suppress

forces states to discriminate against

marriage to same-sex couples.

behavior the person should be allowed to express.”

Czech Republic:

Germany: NORTH

UK:

RHINE-WESTPHALIA

PARIS

CELEBRATED

its

Pride

ACCORDING TO a recent survey

(Düsseldorf):

almost

that concentrated on questions

months

the

about homosexuality and same-

elections,

sex couples, Czechs sound quite

has a new government. The

people) were compared to those

open-minded. Especially since a

formed coalition of SPD (Social

of the police (99.000 people).

poll from 2005 revealed similar

Democrats)

Years

figures.

promises a lot of good things for

differences, though they never

LGBT people.

were as blatant as this year.

About

1.000

Czechs

older than 15 participated in this

after the

state

and

the

two

march in June and the organizers

regional

were surprised when their own

finally

Greens

estimated

figures

before

(800.000

also

showed

survey, where 75% agreed with same-sex partnerships and 50% opened to same-sex couples.

IN A ground-breaking ruling the

Finland:

thought that marriage should be

GENDER

NEUTRAL

French Supreme decided that

marriage

might finally come to Finland

Luxembourg:

too! Discussions will start after

IN LUXEMBOURG both gay and straight couples can enter civil unions and the parliament will be presented with a complete draft for gay marriage only a week after discussing changes in the

the summer break. The new legislation would give all couples the

same

rights,

including

permitted

range,

i.e.

Rights

figures sound low in comparison

the complaint filed by a Russian

to other European Prides, but

lesbian. Her complaint was about

the

700

being fined for having promoted

last

year’s

quite

Nations

Committee

Human dismiss

homosexuality to minors in the city of Ryazan.

suddenly

allows

definitely opened that door.

Iceland: SIGURDARDOTTIR,

year ago still the world’s only

successful, Bulgaria Pride. The

figures,

France

who is after her election one

RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES asked United

situations

gay adoption, but this ruling

JOHANNA

the

accomplisment!

that

outside

Russia:

doubled

actually

sex parents. This doesn’t mean

family circles.

SOFIA HOSTED the third, and

attendants

are

where a child does have same

adoption outside of the currently

civil union law.

Bulgaria:

there

gay country leader, was one of

Iceland’s

first

lesbians

wed her partner, after she and her

colleagues

had

legalized

marriage for same-sex couples only recently.

www.eurout.org 11

Dutch Canal Pride Gets Mainstream Coverage It’s a ground breaking decision: Dutch public broadcaster AVRO will cover the entire Canal Pride in August. We take you through the story and the possibilities that emerge from this huge step.

By: Anna McFaith YES,

progressive

the Amsterdam Gay Pride is such

and

and tolerant. Yes, we condone the

THE

DUTCH

are

a big deal. Coverage of a gay Pride

homosexuality and bisexuality by the

use of cannabis and we have gay

event by the oldest broadcaster in the

general population of the Netherlands.

marriage- and adoption rights. Our

Netherlands might just be the push

The report, titled: Steeds Gewoner,

Pride celebration is always a hoot and

the Dutch need to finally normalize

Nooit Gewoon (‘Increasingly Normal,

discrimination on the base of sexual

homosexuality - or will it?

But Never Normal’) warns that the

orientation is punishable by law. Being gay

the

Netherlands,

however,

acceptation

acceptation AVRO’s

decision

homosexuality

heterosexual Dutch people as well

is still an anomaly. This is why the

Dutch Social and Cultural Planning

as by the homosexuals, lesbians and

decision by the Dutch broadcasting

Agency (SCP) released their 2010

bisexuals themselves is less than we

corporation AVRO to extensively cover

annual

assume it to be.

the

after

lesbianism,

the

report

came

integration

With this report in mind, CEO of the AVRO,

Willemijn

Maas,

issued

the

following statement: “We are shocked by the numbers presented to us in the report. The AVRO is about freedom and openmindedness

society.

are

therefore happy to work with COC the Netherlands to strive for a greater acceptance

homosexuality

society.” The COC, the Dutch organisation for the Integration of Homosexuality, has long since stood up for the rights of the LGBT community in the Netherlands and COC-executive Vera Bergkamp has released the following statement: “With great enthusiasm the AVRO and us will strive for an open and tolerant society in which everyone can be themselves.” To this goal, the AVRO and COC will work together to pink up their broadcasting. In the weekend of the 6th to the 8th of August, the third national channel will cover the Canal Pride and various events surrounding it. On top of that, the AVRO will again join the other boats in the Amsterdam Canal Pride to show their support for the queer community.

Dutch Canal Pride Gets Mainstream Coverage

ean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Facts From The Report:

ean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

In 2008, 9% of all the Dutch people had a negative attitude towards homosexuality. In 2006, this was 15%.

ean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Orthodox protestants and Muslims have the hardest time dealing with homosexuals.

ean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Many homosexual and bisexual men and women have had negative experiences related to their sexual orientation. Especially verbal violence is common. Middle school is an unsafe place for queer youth due to strict gender- and sexuality norms.

ean. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Many queer youngsters deal with issues of depression; one in seven girls and one in eight of the boys. Half of all queer youth have considered suicide at one point in time. 9% of the boys and 16% of the girls have ever attempted suicide. The majority of immigrants in the Netherlands consider going public with your homosexuality a sign of disrespect and disloyalty to your family.

On one hand I am thrilled to hear of

men above or slimily sucking face with

Maybe there’ll be images of a loving

the coverage the AVRO will provide.

another woman in front of a gazillion

kiss between two women or a head

Perhaps a broadcasting of the event

cameras. It’s not pretty.

laid gently on a shoulder between two

will

show

that

homosexuals

are

gay boys.

really just like the average Dutch

What would three days of moving

people. To have a respected and

images of the men above do for queer

I think this coverage is a step forward.

loved Dutch channel cover the Pride

visibility and stereotypes? The SCP

I hope the AVRO gets to the people

event of the Netherlands like other

report mentions that especially young

behind the easy shots and shows a

channels cover large music festivals

gay men suffer from the stereotypes.

little more than the general press. If

is groundbreaking; no other channels

anyone can do it, the AVRO can; they

have ever covered the Pride beyond a

In a world where they need to be hard

run on government and membership

segment in the news.

and masculine, being seen as feminine

money. They don’t have to rely on

or being affiliated with men in leather

Further Reading:

Image copyright: Saskia Joreen

The SCP report: bit.ly/scpreport-2010 Last year’s video coverage on eurOut: bit.ly/eurout-lcovcanalpride AVRO website: www.avro.nl Will we see more images like this?

LesBian Life: Is Lesbianism about Love or Pride? With Pride season in full swing, Anna tackles one of the major issues in lesBian life; is lesbianism about love or pride? By: Anna McFaith MY GIRLFRIEND AND I recently visited

and I wanted to share my thoughts on

between Accidentally in Love and The

friends in Cologne for the opening

the subject with you.

Activist or between The Activist and

weekend

Cologne

Pride.

Both

The LesBian, and whatever works for

women regularly organize Pride events

My theory on the phenomenon is the

you is fine with me. In the end we need

and both are very active and well-

following: there are three basic lesBian

all these archetypes in our community.

known in the lesBian community. I, on

models one can style themselves after

It’s what keeps it fresh, active and

the other hand, had to admit that the

when living a lesBian life. ‘Accidentally

vibrant. Maybe you feel you belong to

Cologne Pride was my first Pride event

none of these archetypes and that is

and only my second lesBian event.

LesBian’.

fine as well.

As you can maybe imagine, I felt like a

Let me say in advance that I think

I wrote this column with Pride season

very bad lesbian throughout the entire

there is no right or wrong way to

in mind and I hope to create some

weekend. True, I knew the movies and

be gay and this is mostly one big

understanding between, and insight

most of the music, but their DVD and

stereotypical joke with a hint of truth

into the various clans that make up

lesbian literature collections put ours

to it. Whatever archetype you belong

the lesBian world. In the coming

to shame.

to is perfectly fine. Most likely no one

weeks, you’ll most likely encounter

will ever match a single archetype

all archetypes at various Prides and

This difference got us talking (and

anyway. We, as human beings, are

events and while we are a community

me thinking) about the different life

way too fluid for that.

tied together only by our sexuality,

Love’,

‘The

Activist’

and

‘The

all new. all european. all lesbian.

choices a lesBian can make with regard to the role of lesbianism in their lives

there is a lot we can learn from each Most lesBians will be somewhere

other.

Accidentally In Love: This archetype fell in love with a woman. Period. She might have seen a lesBian movie once, but purely by accident. She has most likely never seen The L Word and probably hasn’t been to a lesBian bar. Her motto is that lesbianism is about being in love with a woman. LesBian issues like gay marriage, discrimination, adoption and the (in)visibility and negative portrail of lesbian and bisexual women in the media only touch her life fleetingly and rarely linger. It’s not that she doesn’t care or hasn’t been subjected to any of the issues; she just doesn’t include it in her life. Women with this archetype are usually no-nonsense and very low on the dyke drama scale. They’ll interact and form friendships with lesBians, but never consciously because they are gay. They are very happy with being in contact solely with straight (male) friends. I actually know a LOT of lesbians like this. They have a girlfriend and are very happy with her. Any link to the community is welcomed, but purely accidental. They feel no need at all to look for links to the community whether it be on TV, online or in real life. They identify as much or even more with straight couples on TV than with lesBian couples and watching lesBian sex scenes in movies or series often has them feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Being gay is only a very small part of them and they generally don’t feel it defines them in any way.

LesBian Life: Is Lesbianism about Love or Pride? The Activist: The Activist fell in love with a woman and discovered that, as a minority, she now had to fight for rights she was entitled to while still considered straight. This prompted her to actively seek out a way to better the lives of lesBians (and sometimes the entire LGBTQI community) in her school, her town, her country or the world. The Activist has seen the good lesBian movies, has read a couple of books by Sarah Waters and is a fan of Ani Difranco. She visits gay bars sporadically and has some gay and lesBian friends, but also greatly enjoys spending time with her straight (male) friends at regular bars. Generally speaking, this is the archetype which organises rallies and demonstrations. It’s probably also the type that, while aware of them, hardly visits Pride parades. In her vision, this is because prides are usually about partying and half naked gay men. Neither of those do good things for lesBian visibility. I place myself under this archetype. The promotion of lesBian visibility eurOut offers is a large part of the reason I asked for a job here. It’s my way of helping the community and being connected. I get to raise awareness while doing what I love doing most: writing.

The LesBian: The LesBian fell in love with a woman, discovered there is still a lot to do to further gay rights and decided that the best way to do this is by standing strong (and proud) together. Women with this archetype have seen every movie, have heard every lesBian artist, have read every lesBian-themed book and have visited countless Pride events. They most likely only have friends in the lesBian community and only frequent places which are L(GBT)friendly to eat, watch a movie or go out. This is also the group most likely to encounter or generate dyke drama. Before anyone gets offended by this, just watch all five seasons of The L Word and get back to me, alright? The L-Word might have done a lot of things wrong but they got the dyke drama part absolutely perfect! I don’t know so many of these women as I’m hardly in the scene in the Netherlands or anywhere else. I have seen them around though and heard of them. A lot of my lesBian friends have only recently emerged from the scene and they have confirmed my suspicions on the dyke drama as well as the following; if you ever need tiny tidbits of random lesBian information, visit this subtype of lesbian. I assure you, they will know. Images made with HeroMachine

Reality or Myth: Late-Blooming LesBians? A recent study proved scientifically that late-blooming lesBians exist. Well, sort of. We take you through the research and discuss its validity and impact. Written by & copyright images: Maxime THE FIRST TIME I came across the

different than the article and the study

‘concept’ of ‘late-blooming lesBians’

seem to be about. I would have loved

Telegraph article lists Virginia Woolf

was via a movie called Late Bloomers

to give you more details about this

and Portia de Rossi; I don’t know

(from 1996). Kind of a sweet movie,

important research, but apparently it is

enough of Portia de Rossi’s biography,

despite the many clichés used.

only available as part of a book (Sexual

though in my opinion an actress trying

Fluidity, written by Lisa M. Diamond)

to make it in the US’ testosterone

I never would have thought that late-

that was already published in February

driven and very heterosexual movie

blooming lesBians were that interesting

2008.

business doesn’t make for a trophy

to science that even studies have been

some

examples

proof

the

example. And Virginia Woolf, what

published about them. At least that’s

Responsible

what several newspaper articles want

to make us believe. But when trying to

Southern Connecticut State University,

find more about this study, you quickly

who interviewed the “more than 200

realize that most articles are more

married lesbians”.

Christan

for

this

Moran,

study

researcher

was

to say, that was a long, long, long

time ago and the study was about a

or less biblical quotes of an article

‘current’ finding. Before you get all worked up about me ignoring the fact that late-blooming

published in The Telegraph: ‘Late-

I could go on and on about what I

lesBians exist: I don’t, I know they

blooming lesbians: women can switch

think of the validity of this study, and

exist. I only question the study and

sexualities as they mature.’

about that this looks pretty much like

its analysis, like that a woman has

a story to fill the beginning summer-

been happily married and then realizes

Let’s not be nit-picky and generously

holes with, and about what I think of

out of the blue that she is actually

overlook the phrasing “women can

those who picked up the story without

interested in women. Women, not

switch”,

any questioning or own thoughts.

one woman. Which contradicts the

which

implies

something

Reality or Myth: Late-Blooming LesBians? other

women

given a chance. And if a woman with

they interviewed were afraid of the

argument

that

the

the genetic predisposition to being a

responses of their environment had

lesBian never hears about lesBians her

they come out earlier, which I would

entire life, she will probably never live

call being closeted.

as one.

What I agree with is the title of the

You think: No way!? We live in 2010!

book this study seems to belong

And I reply: So what? Speaking only

to; I do believe in fluidity of things.

about Germany, 19 million citizens

Additionally I don’t find it significant

still don’t have/want access to the

at all that several women redefined

internet. And about fifteen years ago,

themselves from bisexual to lesbian

most Germans couldn’t even spell the

or vice versa. That’s got less to do

word ‘internet’ and that applies to

with definition of sexuality and more

most other European countries too. Do

with acceptance by society. Admit

you remember life before internet was

it, weren’t you among those who

affordable for everyone? Where did

wondered if it had suddenly become

you go to get information? Television?

popular for actresses and singers to

Bookshop?

come out as bisexual?

Magazines?

Local

library?

Friends?

Why should these alleged findings

Can you guess what I’m getting at?

question

common

It’s always been and will always be

belief that sexuality is defined in the

a question of a woman’s upbringing,

genes? Let’s think about other aspects

social circles she moves in, social

of a human being that are defined in

and cultural background, questioning,

the genes. Gifts like musical genius,

coincidence, and lots of other factors

learning languages easily, photographic

to determine how early a woman

mind, etc.; gifts that most often are

will figure out her sexuality. Unless

discovered by pure luck, a question

human beings turn into robots, there

of being at the right place at the right

will always be women who already

time. Or have you ever heard of a

proclaim at the age of eight that

newborn being able to play the violin,

they’ll marry a woman and there’ll

speak several languages or telling you

also be women who will unearth their

that you have to take it to the track

lesbianism later.

the

nowadays

all new. all european. all lesbian.

immediately because it’s going to run a new 100 metre galaxy-record? No, gifts have to be nurtured and before that they have to be discovered. If her parents hadn’t given a guitar to Georgey on her 7th birthday, she would never have known what a guitar been able to write such awesome songs as The Wanting. How did we get from late-blooming lesBians to Georgey? Well, I bet that some of you reading this article have never heard of her before, which doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like her

The Guardian ‘Why it’s never too late to be a lesbian’: bit.ly/guardianlate-lesbian

is to be used for and would never have

Article from The Telegraph: bit.ly/telegraph - lateblooming lesbians

and her band Greymatter’s music,

Studying LesBians Gaydar Really Does Exist! In this issue of Studying LesBians , Natazzz discusses a study published a few weeks ago about the existence of Gaydar. By: Natazzz

WHEN I WAS much younger and I first started to realize I was into women, I tried desperately to spot other girls in my surroundings who felt the same way. I failed miserably and concluded that I was the only queer girl among a sea of straight women. Of course, I did pick up on the few very obviously gay men and women who fall into the more stereotypical categories of being gay, but unless they were incredibly butch or waving rainbow flags, all women appeared straight to me. In other words, I

“There is still a lot we do not know” spot fellow queers, which is probably

we can’t really say it exists yet.

due to experience but also because

Luckily, some researchers managed

unlike my teen self, I no longer think

to get some funding to look into

in extremes and I realize we come in

Gaydar,

all shapes and sizes.

all whether or not it’s a bunch of

prove

once

and

for

nonsense or whether it really does Most of you can probably do the same

exist.

thing, which would have us conclude

hadn’t quite attuned my gaydar yet.

there is such a thing as Gaydar.

However,

has

published their article in Frontiers

These days I find it much easier to

actually been researched scientifically,

in Psychology this month, entitled:

unless

something

group

Dutch

researchers

Studying LesBians Gaydar Really Does Exist! ‘Sexual orientation biases attentional

control: a possible gaydar mechanism’. In their studies, the researchers had

Full research article: bit.ly/frontiersgaydar

straight and homosexual participants process global and local features of visual stimuli, trying to prove that being homosexual makes you better

‘The Science of Gaydar’ from New York Magazine: nymag.com/news/ features/33520

at paying attention to details, which in turn helps us with our gaydar. So everyone sat in the lab looking at squares with either just general lines or squares with a lot of detail in them. After looking at the squares for

Test your gaydar on OkCupid: okcupid.com/thegaydar-test

a certain amount of time, participants were asked to recall what the squares looked like. Both male and female homosexual participants were better at recalling the squares with many

Studying LesBians Studying LesBians is a regular column written by Natazzz, in which she discusses current and not-socurrent research about lesbians and

all new. all european. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

bisexual women.

details than their straight counter parts were. Would your gaydar still recognize this woman as gay without the In these studies they controlled for

Pride gear and rainbow flag?

things like intelligence, age, social economic background, etc., to make sure the straight and gay participants were comparable. It’s only the first time

psychological

research

into

Gaydar has been done, so there is still a lot we do not know yet. Still, I find these results very interesting. These studies indicate that it is indeed true that we as homosexuals pay more attention to detail and thus can spot each other better. The more interesting question for me is whether we just happen to have this handed or being gay), or whether we have just improved on our attention to detail over the years in order to be all new. all european. all lesbian.

all new. all european. all lesbian.

able to spot like-minded people better. Hopefully I’ll be able to answer this question in another edition of Studying LesBians.

Image copyright: Saskia Joreen

ability (is it genetic, just like being left-

We Are Everywhere

By: Natazzz

Here is your overview of everything that happened and is about to happen in the world of European lesBian entertainment. We’ll keep you up-to-date on all the latest events and movie releases, what’s been happening in TV land and who did what to whom.

TV-land:

TV-land: Things

are

finally

Events: IRELAND

moving

THE GALAS, the annual Irish Gay

forward on Spanish soap AMAR

& Lesbian Awards, are coming up

EN TIEMPOS REVUELTOS: Ana and

Teresa

talked

made

about

love

their

and you can still cast your votes

and

to decide who will be honoured for

feelings

making an important contribution

for each other. You can read

to the LGBT community in Ireland

detailed recaps on eurOut at

this year. Get all the details at

bit.ly/eurout-amar.

galas.ie.

ITALY A new Italian movie entitled I

TV-land:

features

FRANCE LesBian

love

between

the

RUSSIA

SONO L’AMORE (‘I Am Love’) The

movie

blossoming

characters

lesBian also

character.

stars

TILDA

There will be no gay and lesBian film festival at ARKHANGELSK, after the organisers announced

SWINTON.

there

was

“no

room”

for

it.

This appeared to be down to

Daphné and Manon on teen show

GERMANY

COEUR OCÉAN (‘Ocean Heart’).

Can you ever have too many

the

Daphné is with Melvin, but is

LESBIAN

organisers

starting

If you answered ‘no’ to that

several different sources, even

question,

though they had the support of

have

more-than-

friendly-feelings for Manon... to the point that they kiss.

VAMPIRE you’ll

movies?

probably

get

excited hearing there’s a new

amount

were

pressure under

the from

several international bodies.

GERMAN lesBian vampire movie THE NETHERLANDS

entitled WIR SIND DIE NACHT

Two students from the UTRECHT

(‘We Are the Night’) coming out

WORCESTER will see its very first

in October.

Pride event on September 18 and

SCHOOL

THE

ARTS

are

working on the pilot for a youth

they are planning to make it a

series

Pride event to remember. Find out

with

lesBian

main

character, which would be a first in the history of Dutch television. It’s called

more and go show your support

HEET GRAS (‘Hot Grass’), and a professional looking preview of the pilot

on facebook.com/worcesterpride.

was released on YouTube. Find out more at heetgras.nl. THE NETHERLANDS UK

Do you like lesBians, reading and

Apparently, over 5.000 people have signed a petition to have lesbian

going for walks? Then a lesBian

contestant SHABBY re-enter the BIG BROTHER HOUSE. They seem to

literary walk might be just the

totally miss the fact that Shabby left of her own free will and that she was

thing for you. On August 8, during

very annoying. Perhaps the latter is even why they want her back.

Pride

week

AMSTERDAM,

you can discover all the places We’ve featured much TV news from the UK, making it seem like lesBians

mentioned in some of the most

are everywhere, but appearances can be deceiving. Last month, a report

well known Dutch lesBian novels.

from gay charity STONEWALL showed that realistic and positive portrayal

Interested? You can sign up at

of lesbians on British TV is practically invisible. Find out more at stonewall.

lesbischlezen.nl.

org.uk.

We Are Everywhere Webseries:

Music:

Canadian web series SEEKING SIMONE will be back with new episodes soon, as they recently announced they have found a new producer to shoot the remaining episodes of their first season. I can’t wait! Watch previous episodes and find out more at seekingsimone.com.

Radio: IRELAND launched its first ever gay culture radio station OPENFM. It is an “independent not-forprofit organization which aims to open the minds of the Dublin’s wider community about the LGBT community”. Have a listen and find out more at openfm.ie. SKUNK ANANSIE will have a brand new album out

Sports:

entitled Wonderlustre on September 13, but first they will release the single My Ugly Boy this month. Find out more at skunkanansie.net.

Czech Republic Some very good news for tennis champion MARTINA NAVRATILOVA. Martina was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2010, but is now cancer free. Congrats!

Music: UK The XX, the British band with a lesBian singer,

Norway

have been nominated for a Mercury Prize, a pretty

GRO HAMMERSENG could become the new captain of

important music award handed out each year by a

the national women’s handball team. Coach THORIR

jury of people from the music industry.

HERGEIRSSON has admitted that there are several captain alternatives on the team, but the choice is between Gro and KRISTINE LUNDE BORGERSEN.

Books & Magazines:

Newspaper

THE

GUARDIAN

published

very

extensive list of holiday reading suggestions by a number of British politicians and authors. One of them was author SARAH WATERS, who thought you should read AUSTIN WRIGHT’S TONY & Susan and EMILY DICKINSON’s biography: Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family’s Feuds, written by Lyndall Gordon.

More entertainment news at:

eurOut.org

Goldfrapp are going to tour in November, which will be their first UK tour in over two years. It is to help launch their new album HEAD FIRST. They are also releasing a new single, BELIEVER, on September 6. www.goldfrapp.com/news

Review: Web Series ‘Girl/Girl Scene’ Although eurOut.org is focused on lesBian news and entertainment from Europe, the majority of web series are still from the USA. That’s why we’re turning the spotlights on new web series Girl/Girl Scene, since we all live on the world wide web and the series is just that good. By: Gwen THERE IS A new web series called Girl/

The actress who plays Evan, Tucky

Jessie has a best friend who is

Girl Scene that follows the lives of four

Williams, is also the series’ creator and

transgendered and is also the front

“unapologetically

writer. She is not the only one with a

man of a rock band. The actor who

Middle America. You gotta love that

double role so to speak – the actor

portrays best friend Elliott is called

description of our queer women. They

who plays ‘the Director’ is actually the

Jackson E. Cofer and fronts Kentucky-

have a picture on the homepage with

director. It’s not often that you find one

based band the Spooky Qs. I figured

all characters in it that immediately

of the characters in an indie web series

I’d plug them because I think a

makes me wonder who is connected

who’s an actor in an indie movie, and

transgender character who’s actually

to whom in what way and has me

I wonder if there is an extra meaning

portrayed by a transgender actor is

drawing Alice Pieszecki-style charts in

to this. Perhaps I’m reading too much

quite rare and apparently he is also

my mind.

into it, because the series is refreshing

in that it doesn’t glamorize things, so

Anyone who does all these things is

maybe I shouldn’t either.

awesome in my book.

actually rather good. It introduces

And then there’s Jessie (Joe Elswick),

As for the rest of the episode, I would

Evan on the set of a new indie movie

described on the site as “a sweet

tell you what happens to Jessie when

project, with Maxine (Katie Stewart)

innocent high school girl”, even though

she ventures into the lesbian bar and

opposite her who has never acted

she has a fake ID to get into a bar. I

is left behind by Elliott because she

before but is thrown into a break-up

was a sweet innocent high school girl

doesn’t want to come to the after party

slash make-up scene as her first job.

and I never once thought about that.

of his gig. I would also tell you how

From my judgment, it seems like Evan

It probably helps in the Netherlands

some people aren’t how they appear.

is rather attracted to her, even though

you can get into most bars at sixteen,

The problem is, if I do, you would have

she sets her up with her friend Zoë

unlike Jessie.

nothing to watch it for and that would

queer

women”

My personal tiny criticisms aside,

transgender

and

queer

activist.

the pilot episode of Girl/Girl Scene is

Image copyright: girlgirlscene.com

(Kate Moody).

Maxine (Katie Stewart) and Zoe (Kate Moody) in the first episode

all new. all european. all lesbian.

be a shame.

all new. all european. all lesbian. all new. all european. all lesbian.

Interview:

BETTY

This m o n t h we interviewed none other than American band BETTY while on their European tour.

Image copyright: Anna McFaith, Miranda Monster, Maaike Kramer

y e L : y B

All three lovely ladies of the band (Elizabeth and Amy Ziff and Alyson Palmer) joined me for a chat about the power of a Goddess, being active in fighting for the rights of others, and a topic all girls love... chocolate! 23

Interview: BETTY

eurOut: Thank you so much for

of time! [laughs]

since your first recording?

taking the time for this interview, you

with

Amy and Elizabeth, being sisters

Elizabeth: Each record is a different

your tour at the moment. So to

must

very

busy

in a band, do you think this adds

sort of journey for us. This CD was

begin with, could you introduce

to the harmonies you are able to

produced by David Maurice, who also

yourselves and tell our readers a

create in the vocals of your songs?

produced Kerli and he’s produced a

little about your band?

whole bunch of stuff, so his sound is Elizabeth:

Definitely,

because

definitely an influence on this record.

Elizabeth: I play guitar and I sing in

always

Everly

It’s more dance and more pop. There’s

the band, and I’m Amy’s sister. The

Brothers, Oasis, stuff like that, because

more individual singing, because a lot

band is based in New York City. We

you have the same vocal cords, only

of times we sing altogether in harmony.

do a lot of things for television and

they’re bigger or smaller.

We made this when I was doing

helps

families.

one of the things we’re known for is

chemo [therapy] actually, so Bright

the L Word theme song. We have

Amy: Here’s the thing: when we

and Dark comes from the happiness

about eight CDs out,

formed our band, as sisters with our

of being together and getting over

best friend, it’s really organic. Coming

stuff, and also the darkness of what

together,

just

you go through. A lot of the songs were recorded way before I’d ever g o t t e n

we’re

Facebook, we’re touring all over now with our new CD Bright and Dark.

have

fun and play music, and have Amy: I’m Elizabeth’s sister, and I play

the same sensibilities… and we took

sick, so it

the cello and sing. We had a gig last

it from there and it’s just become our

doesn’t really reflect it on that,

night and got in at about 3 o’clock in

family. Alison has two kids, they’re the

but I think you can hear it a little bit on

the morning, I still haven’t packed and

loves of our lives, her boyfriend is our

some of the vocals, like in A Fix of You.

we leave at 3 o’clock this afternoon [for

guitar player sometimes on tour...

Each record is a celebration, and this

Poland], and I’m trying desperately to

one is a celebration of life.

make a check-list because everywhere

Elizabeth: It is, it’s more than a band,

we go my new thing is to leave

it’s a way of life, basically: BETTY.

Bright and Dark has an incredibly varied sound ranging from Did U

something of mine behind in the hotel Your new album, Bright and Dark,

Tell Her to A Fix of You. Do you

since

think one sound represents you

Alyson: I think BETTY is the best band

1992. How would you say your

better than another? Or would you

that has ever been since the beginning

sound has changed or evolved

say they are simply different sides

room.

your

eighth

recording

Interview: BETTY

of the band’s personality?

Amy: Breast cancer research, AIDS

a breast cancer performance for the

research, and basically just trying to

foundation, a performance of our play

Elizabeth: I think the sound that’s

get some kind of equal playing ground

BETTY Rules, in Chicago, and Ilene

cohesive in BETTY are the vocals.

for all people, you know, as much as

Chaiken [The L Word’s creator] came

When you listen to one of our songs,

you can do.

to see us. We had met her previously

no matter what record it is, you can

because she was a friend of my uncle,

tell that it’s us by listening to the

Elizabeth: You know, we sing a

and we said you gotta come see the

vocals, which I think is a good thing.

cappella sometimes, so that enables

band, and then she came and hosted

The sound of this record is pretty

us to do a lot of fund raisers too,

the event, and she saw us... and the

cohesive, like they all are. People can

‘cause you can just get up there

rest is herstory.

decide for themselves, but I think it’s

and sing. Which’s great, ‘cause a lot

very listenable. It takes you through

of people have just seen us at fund

Alyson: The theme song has been

this whole journey, and we have a

raisers so they don’t even know we

so interesting to me because we just

guest vocalist, Kate Pierson from the

play instruments, which’s hilarious!

wrote a song that we thought was fun,

B52s. She sings on King Kong, and

and it became such a Our readers will never forgive me

that was really fun!

if I don’t ask In the last two decades you’ve b e e n

Image

tz ina Sto ght: T

copyri

source of controversy! People had camps a b o u t

that they hated it, and camps that

The L Word: how did you get

they loved it, and to this day people

fighting

involved with it, and in relation

are writing to us and are discussing it

for a variety of charities, is

to the theme song, did you write

and it’s like: ‘Hey kids, it’s just a song

there one or two in particular

it specifically for the show, or did

that we thought was fun!’

that’s close to your hearts?

they sample a track that already existed from you?

It’s really interesting how, when you

Elizabeth: Well for me it’s Pro Choice,

speak directly to women’s experience

its the right for a woman to choose

Elizabeth:

what she does with her body, that’s a

question

big one. Amy: And human rights, and equality. Elizabeth & Amy: Gay rights.

Well

the

who haven’t been spoken about or for

song;

before, everybody has an opinion. And

Showtime were looking for a theme

I think it’s really great as an artist,

song in the second year and they

to be putting things in the world

asked four or five artists to submit a

that make people respond in a very

theme song, and they chose ours. As

strong way. I think that’s our duty as

far as getting involved, we were doing

artists, and I’m really happy with how

about

to the

answer theme

Image copyright: hellobetty.com. Cover art credit Daniel Schaffer

Interview: Betty

The women of BETTY; Amy Ziff, Elizabeth Ziff and Alyson Palmer everything sort of came out after that

Alyson: We’ve actually been on tour

really good, the technical aspects were

song.

before, we toured through Scotland as

topnotch, it was just really fun! It was

a matter of fact! [laughs] The funny

freezing! But it was fun!

Elizabeth: What’s really fun is that

thing about BETTY is that people

when we play it live, people go nuts!

keep rediscovering us as if we were a

Alyson: And the producers really

They go nuts and they sing along, and

brand new band that has just started.

thought it out from beginning to end,

that’s really exciting!

We’ve

for

which’s so important with putting on

twenty years! We’ve played all over

a successful festival. People think

the world, this is our eighth album,

sometimes they can put up a stage,

Russia, or in Greece or Portugal, where

and we went through the Edinburgh

get a bunch of names and that’s it. But

English is not their first language, to

Festival, Glasgow, and through London

these people thought of everything

hear them singing every single one

and the Southbank Centre. Each tour

from the beginning to the end, and

of those words back to us. It gives

is more important and more exciting

they’re already working on the next

you goosebumps, it’s a wonderful

to us than the previous one, because

one! I think they only took one day

experience for an artist.

of where we are in our lives, and as

of rest and they’re already working

we’re growing and becoming more full

towards next year. And it’s that kind of

people. So this tour is unlike any other.

commitment to putting on something

Alyson:

Especially

places

Elizabeth: We’re really excited about

actually

been

together

the L Word experience, we’ve been

great that makes such a fantastic

together for a long time before that.

You recently performed at the first

creation. And we were thrilled with our

It’s been a great vehicle for us to

ever L-Beach festival in Germany:

experience.

introduce us to new people.

what was your experience like?

What

experiences

Elizabeth: It was a blast! We had a

of chocolate, which is very important.

been so far during your current

great time! It was really well done,

Especially in Germany!

European tour? Is it the first time

and people were really great. The

you’re touring here?

responses were great, the artists were

Elizabeth: Yeah and there was a lot

have

your

Interview: Betty

How has the response from the

Elizabeth: And a lot of them are buff,

it, but I’m not a big country person.

crowd

which’s very...

I think borders and flags and all that

varied

from

country

country?

stuff is a big problem. Amy: Yeah, you can put this down

Alyson: You know, it’s funny, I would

that Amy really likes athletic girls!

Do you have anything you’d like to say to your European fans?

have to say there is a universal audience. Because we get up there

Will you be observing any of the

and we do our little songs from one

sports during your time there?

Alyson: Thank you for the fantastic

corner

the

party of 2010,

world

the

we look forward

other,

and

always seem to get

the

basic of People

same kind

response.

“We’re really excited about the L Word experience.”

are

to partying with you more. Amy:

What

really

appreciate

too

gleeful and joyous and join us in

Alyson: Unfortunately we fly in on

is people telling people about us,

happiness, and I don’t think it matters

Saturday,

leaving

because sometimes we’re your best

what language people are speaking

again on Tuesday, so maybe Amy

kept secret, and we don’t wanna be a

or where they come from. We’ve just

and Elizabeth will get a chance to see

secret anymore, we want everyone to

been very, very lucky that we sort of

something. I look forward to actually

know and have fun with us.

have a universal sound or something,

participating

that makes people respond.

sports, and we’ll just leave it at that!

and

then

we’re

some

after

all new. all european. all lesbian.

show

[laughs] Elizabeth: Some cultures are a little bit more refusive than others. For

So from all the tours and events

instance, people are a little bit shyer,

that you’ve played at, do you think

they don’t go nuts as much, I think,

there are any differences between

in the UK, but after the concert they

European lesBians and American

go nuts! But I agree with Alyson, most

lesBians at all?

places respond really well to us. I think it’s because we put out a lot and we’re

Elizabeth: They’re a little bit more

having such a good time that people

stylish!

do have a good time at our shows. Which ones? You’re playing at this year’s Gay Games in Cologne: are you looking

Alyson:

forward to playing there?

look at America and look at Europe,

The

fact

the

matter:

there’s your answer, you know? I Alyson: It’s so exciting! We’re playing

mean we love our country and we

on Saturday, and we couldn’t be more

think it’s wonderful, but you know

excited about it! We love playing for the

when it comes to putting on the dogs,

Gay Games! We were in Copenhagen

sometimes Europe really has the leg

last year for the World Outgames, and

up!

it’s just so wonderful to meet so many lively and participating people from all

Elizabeth: I don’t know if I love my

over the world, it’s really thrilling.

country so much. I like the people in

More: For more information on the band, visit them online at: www.hellobetty.com Follow them on Twitter: @bettymusic Find them on Facebook, or check out their MySpace at: myspace.com/ bettymusic Also keep an eye on eurOut.org for a review of Bright and Dark!

27 29

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, lesBian characters, or just specific TV programs about lesbians. Coronation Street

Belgium

Germany

On summer break, will be back late

Sundays at 18:50 on ARD Das Erste.

August.

Anna

Season 15 has ended with Ann winning

amount of money that’s coming in at

custody

Steffi’s chocolate store.

Thuis

her

Mon, Thu & Fri at 19:30/20:30 on ITV.

Lindenstrasse

adopted

daughter,

gets

suspicious

about

the

Sandrine.

Slovakia

Finland

Panelák

On summer break

Kotikatu

This popular Slovakian sitcom currently

On summer break This popular Finnish show features Laura and Krisse. Read more about

features lesbian couple Denisa and Lucia. Read more about it online at

this show at http://bit.ly/kotikatu.

http://bit.ly/panelak.

Salatut Elämät

Spain

On summer break Read more about the lesBian storyline in this show at Read more about the lesBian storyline in this show at http:// bit.ly/salatut.

Amar en tiempos revueltos Mon-Fri ay 16:15 on TVE 1 Ana and Teresa have finally shared a night of passion. Before Teresa goes back home to her husband, she tells Ana that she loves her.

France

Plus belle la vie

Mon-Fri at 20:10 on France3. French

soap

(currently

its

6th

season) with lesbian couple Céline and Virginie.

Sian and Sophie are now officially a couple, but are not ready to share that with the world yet. Stay up-to-date with the most recent developments at bit.ly/eurout-corrie. Doctors Mon-Fri at 13:45 on BBC1. Imogen is offered the chance of a lifetime, while she’s plotting something with Karen in the meantime. People of the Valley Mon-Fri at 20:00 on BBC Wales Gwyneth

has

just

started

relationship with Yvonne, but things are complicated because of her exhusband who she also has a child with. Waterloo Road On summer break After being kissed by student Ros, lesBian teacher Jo is suspended, which makes her future at Waterloo Road questionable.

Big Brother Daily at 21:00 on Channel 4 This 11th cycle of the reality series features lesBian Corin.

Charlie Clemmow as Imogen Hollins on BBC’s ‘Doctors’ Photographer: John Rogers/copyright: BBC

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,

Rechtskomitee Lambda

sexuales

Çavaria www.cavaria.be Wel Jong Niet Hetero

GERMANY

www.weljongniethetero.be

Lesbian and Gay Fede-

Tran-

Bisexuales Española

ration in Germany

NORWAY

SWEDEN

BELARUS

http://typo3.lsvd.

Norwegian National

Swedish Federation for

TEMA information center

de/229.0.html

Association for Lesbian

Lesbian,

and 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

govina. www.queer.ba/en BULGARIA 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

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

UKRAINE

http://accept-romania.ro

Nash Mir

Gay and Lesbian League www.mujvztah.cz

Bisexual

Campaign Against Homo-

sation Gemini www.bgogemini.org/eng

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

eur ut .org european.lesbian.news