About.com Lesbian Life

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:05:52 +0000

According to Remembering Our Dead Web project there were 101 murders of transgender people in 2009, 11 in the US and 90 in other countries. One of those especially captured my attention this year because the horrific murder took place in my hometown of Syracuse, NY. Lateisha Green was shot as she sat in her car in November of last year because the killer thought she was transgender.

Today is the day we set aside to remember those who died. Today, November 20th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Vigils and demonstrations will happen around the world. Find one near you.

Want to do more? How to be an ally to the trans community.

_{� Photo by Pedro SimãoM}

Transgender Day of Remembrance originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 00:05:52.

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Murdered Gay and Trans Teenagers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:55:50 +0000

I heard the news today of another murdered gay teenager. I feel compelled to write about it, even though I am at a loss for words. But I know I can't ignore that it happened. Fifteen year old Jason Mattison Jr. was known for his sharp wit, his tight jeans and being openly gay in his Baltimore middle school.

But today family and friends are mourning his life. Last week Jason was found dead in his aunt's house: raped, gagged with a pillowcase, stabbed repeatedly in the head and throat and shoved into a closet. A family friend is charged with his murder.

The news of Jason's murder comes on the heels of another brutal murder. That of Jorge Steven L�pez, 19, in Cayey, Puerto Rico. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Jorge's killer confessed to murdering him after "discovering his female gender presentation did not match his male sex." Whether Jorge was a cross-dresser or transgender, I don't know, but I do know that the violence against our community has to stop.

The passage of the hate crimes law was important, but it does nothing to stop the murders. I am sad because I don't know what it will take. I wish I had the answers.

Murdered Gay and Trans Teenagers originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 17:55:50.

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Mary Cheney Welcomes Daughter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:56:41 +0000

Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney gave birth to her second child today, a daughter named Sarah Lynne Cheney.

This is Mary Cheney and her partner Heather Poe's second child. They have a son Samuel born in 2007.

_{� Getty Images}

Mary Cheney Welcomes Daughter originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 19:56:41.

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Disappearing LGBT Media

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:19:16 +0000

News came down over the weekend of another gay media outlet shutting down. Window Media, LLC the publisher of The Washington Blade, The Southern Voice, The Houston Voice and South Florida Blade closed its doors and have ceased publication. The company had been struggling financially for more than a year.

This announcement comes less than a month after hearing that The Advocate, the country's oldest LGBT new magazine will cease its monthly publication, will no longer be available on newsstands and will be added as a quarterly insert in Out magazine. It's been a year of gay newspapers and lesbian websites shutting down. What's going on?

Some blame the demise of gay media on the economy and decrease in ad sales. Others say that mainstream publications are more willing to cover LGBT issues, so the need for gay-specific media is no longer necessary.

I disagree. While our major issues, like marriage and anti-gay violence may get mainstream coverage, there are many, many topics that only LGBT media take on. Like what happened after Prop 8 passed in California. Or the raiding of gay bars recently in Texas and Atlanta.

The gay media offers a perspective and in depth coverage that can't be found in mainstream media. Besides, mainstream print media is also suffering. As daily papers cut staff and budgets, how will they find the space to give coverage to our issues?

Am I the only one concerned about this? Add your thoughts to the comments below.

Disappearing LGBT Media originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 20:19:16.

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Is Getting Married Important to You?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:55:55 +0000

From the Lesbian Life Forum:
Surgicalgal wrote:

I voted no, marriage isn't important to me. But I do think if a couple's going to start a family they should get married.

Thethyss replied:

My partner and I are 39 and 41, respectively, and we're probably not going to have children. But getting married is really important to me (I never thought it would be.) I really want to be able to say to the world at large, just like straight couples can, that I married the love of my life and we take our relationship seriously enough to take the step of the ceremony and legal things that go along with it.

Salty chimed in:

Getting married is starting a family whether they have children or not. Some hetero-couples can't have children but they can get married. Getting legally married is a requirement to receive financial benefits from the government and a list of other things that go with that legal document.

What do you think? Join the Discussion

_{� Kathy Belge}

Is Getting Married Important to You? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 00:55:55.

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Does Being a Tomboy Make You Gay?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:36:15 +0000

I just want some answers. Right now, I'm totally confused about myself. When I was a kid I was more of like a tomboy, I liked playing boys stuff. I never really played dolls at all, you know, like what an ordinary girl would play. I loved playing basketball and riding a bike, a toy gun and some other stuff instead...Now, I have developed an interest in women...I mean like I want to have relationship with them, but still I'm interested in men too. Oh, gosh, I don't know what I am anymore!

Dear Tommy

Like you, I was a tomboy growing up. I had five older brothers and liked to tag along with them riding bikes, fishing, playing kickball and dodge ball. I don't know if there is a connection between being a tomboy and being a lesbian, but that certainly is the stereotype....keep reading.

_{� Photo by Kati Garner}

Does Being a Tomboy Make You Gay? originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:36:15.

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I Can't Think Straight: Lesbian Movie Review

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:32:11 +0000

When I asked you what your favorite lesbian movies were, many, many of you picked I Can't Think Straight, a film by Shamim Sarif who also made The World Unseen.

Lesbian Life Film reviewer Stephanie Schroeder liked I Can't Think Straight, but wasn't quite as enthusiastic as you were. Read her review and add your thoughts here or write your own review.

_{� Enlightenment Productions}

I Can't Think Straight: Lesbian Movie Review originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:32:11.

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She Doesn't Like Kissing

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:22:18 +0000

From the Lesbian Life Forum:

I recently started dating a girl that I can tell that I am quickly falling for. She's great, we have a lot in common, same sense of humor, the whole bit. The thing that bothers me is that she doesn't enjoy kissing. I am a very affectionate person who loves to kiss. When I bring this issue up, she tells me that I kiss too much. What can I do, if there's anything at all, to help find some common ground? I would hate to see this relationship end because of such a thing. Please help!

_{� Edward Tes}

She Doesn't Like Kissing originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 14:22:18.

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My First Olivia Cruise

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:50:21 +0000

I just returned from an amazing vacation. For years I'd know about Olivia and their lesbian vacation company, but this is the first time I actually got to go on an Olivia cruise.

There is nothing like traveling with other lesbians. Everyone was so friendly and open. I met many women who have never felt like they could be as open and free as they were on the Olivia Cruise. But no matter if you are out or closeted in your life, young or old, active or sedentary, Olivia has something for you.

I am still laughing inside from some of the jokes the comedians told, remembering fondly the warm Caribbean ocean and wishing I still had access to the amazing food available onboard. Learn more about Olivia lesbian vacations.

_{� Photo by Barbara Bastian}

My First Olivia Cruise originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 16:50:21.

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Election Results 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:02:30 +0000

It wasn't a big election year in terms of national elections, but there were some big issues at stake for the LGBT community.

Bad News

Voters in Maine overturned the gay marriage law by 53 to 47 percent. After the Maine legislature approved a bill that would make same-sex marriage legal there, gay rights opponents put Question 1 on the ballot to overturn that law. Maine will not become the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Fear and bigotry have won out.

Good News

Voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan have passed Ordinance 1856, which will ensure basic protections for LGBT citizens. With the passage of this legislation, LGBT individuals in Kalamazoo are provided legal protection from discrimination at work, in seeking housing and in enjoying public accommodations such as restaurants and hotels.

Hopeful News

Voters in Washington were being asked if gay and lesbian couples should be granted domestic partnership rights, the so called "Everything but Marriage" law. Early results look promising there. In 2008, Washington State expanded its domestic partnership law to give registered domestic partners essentially the same state rights as married couples. Referendum 71 was put on the ballot by conservative Christians in order to put the domestic partnership law up for a public vote. Final numbers will be posted as they come in.

_{� Kristen Price}

Election Results 2009 originally appeared on About.com Lesbian Life on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 11:02:30.

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