A few years ago, when I was on line reading all the American websites going on about how amazing Bad Girls is, I got a little smile. After all, who on this side of the water wasn’t jealous of them, getting to see the entire Nikki and Helen story for the first time? I am sure we’d all agree it is one of the best TV lesbian story lines of all time. 

I remember watching it with my mam of all people in 1999.  She was the big Bad Girls fan in my house -- and then I saw Helen as I walked through the sitting room one evening and thought, “I may as well spend some quality time with my mam!”. I mean, that voice: Helen Stewart could read the phone book and I would go weak at the knees. I think any notion my mam had of my being straight died a death right there.

Helen was, of course, the wing governor on Larkhall’s G wing. The wing housed many women, one of which was the kick-ass Nikki, imprisoned for killing the cop who tried to rape her girlfriend. Come on -  even her reason for being there was noble. Although Helen was engaged at the time, I remember being hooked, I was so sure we’d actually have a lesbian love story as the main plot in a mainstream show that I was hyper.

I have re-watched it all many times, my friends and I always ended up watching the video after we watched The L Word. Well we were all there, why not?  It never got old and is still a great view today. The chemistry between actors Simone Lahbib (swoon) and Mandana Jones was palpable and, to be honest, I have yet to be as invested in a story since.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSqVzW_y9pk

Now, NBC have ordered a pilot of a remake of the show from Shameless (US) producer, John Wells. 

This is great news but it’ll be interesting to see if this version has the same pull as the original. As good as shows like Prime Suspect (US) and Shameless (US) are, let’s be honest, they aren’t a patch on the UK original versions. Much of that is because we have such relationships with the original that it is almost impossible to re-create something of the same stature, but it is possible and I really hope they pull it off with Bad Girls. According to Eileen Gallagher, CEO of Shed Media, the show will have the same characters and the same storylines.

The original had characters like Rachel, who committed suicide after being bullied. It had a prisoner violently strip searched by fellow inmates to find drugs and even a prisoner miscarry in her cell. These were real characters and the storylines were hard hitting.

Who could forget Jim Fenner, the greatest villain ever?  We wanted him to suffer and suffer badly. Jack Ellis should have won award after award, he was amazing. God, we hated him. Not forgetting the likes of Shell Dockley and Denny Blood of course? Shell slept with Fenner in season one and eventually escaped Larkhall with Denny in the third season. Bodybag, The Two Julies, Yvonne -- I could go on and on, such was the depth of the character pool. 

Will NBC be so brave with the characters relationships or will they shy away from the depth the original had?

John Wells’ shows give me cause for optimism. He has shown he’s not afraid to push boundaries. The West Wing was smart, rewarding telly and shows like ER and Shameless (US) have plenty of substance. I really hope he does this show justice and that Helen and Nikki take centre stage again.

Related posts:

1. Candy Bar Girls come to the telly
2. Emmerdale to get more lesbian
3. Criminal Minds U-Turn

The debut season averaged over half a million viewers  per episode and I am confident in saying the vast majority of them wanted more than a paltry six episodes.  I know I did, so although we all took a communal sigh of relief when the series was recommissioned we shouldn’t really be to surprised, after all, it was well written and well acted, so why shouldn’t it gather a large and loyal following?

The cast of characters lead by Laura Fraser, Ruta Gedmintas and Fiona Button, are a bunch of twenty-something lesbians living in Glasgow, and they all have something going for them.  My personal favourite is Button’s portrayal of Tess, she’s just so adorable, however, I don’t think there is any doubt that it’s Fraser and Gedmintas’ long lost love that gets most people tuning in.

Those of you who saw all of season one know how it ended.  Sam waiting in the pub with her mates while her girlfriend, Cat, slept with her ex, Frankie.  So who’s camp are you in?  Frankie or Sam?  Who should Cat end up with?  For me the key issue here is that I just don’t feel any chemistry between Cat and Frankie, whereas Cat and Sam had real chemistry before the writers decided they had done to good a job and tried to tone it down a bit.  I think Frankie is a pain in the back side quite Frankly (see what I did there?).  I know she’s supposed to be a commitment-phobe trying to mend her ways, but it doesn’t play for me.  She comes off a selfish and just plain annoying.  The whole idea of Cat sleeping with Frankie again just made me dislike her more, it didn’t change my mind about Frankie at all.  I know what you are thinking, Frankie is ‘the one’ so it doesn’t matter how nice Sam is, however, as I said, I don’t see that she is the one.  I am probably alone here but there you go.

It takes great writing to have us all arguing over who’s the one and well done to the show’s creator and writer, Harriet Braun, for giving us lesbians and bi women what we want, nay, need!  A show about real women living in the real world.  When season two got the green light Braun said:

I am incredibly happy to be given this opportunity to take the characters forward and to allow all of our loyal viewers a chance to get to know them even better. I’ve got some great twists, turns and surprises up my sleeve for series two

That’s what we like to hear Harriet, twists and turns -- music to my ears.  So lets take a look at a little teaser shall we?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kXFTW3rqgM

Not exactly giving the game away there are they?  Basically it’s letting us know what has already happened -- as if we could forget.  I have had many a Frankie v Sam discussion in the last year.

BBC drama executive producer Matthew Read has said

We were delighted by the audience response to Lip Service – both in terms of its loyal fan base and the level of discussion online – so its incredibly exciting to be moving forward with a second series.

When Matthew, when will you “be moving forward with a second series”, we need it NOW!

Some Possible Spoilers

Season two is rumoured to start off with none other than Cat and Frankie returning home after a trip to South America.  Does Sam know who Cat was with?  Has she finally made up her mind?  I doubt even she knows.

Tess is still sharing a flat with Frankie, however, when Lexy, a sexy doctor, turns up to interview for the third room, sparks fly.  Will Tess, who has just got a major actor job, find love?  Apparently she already has a girlfriend, is it the electrician from over the road?  I hope so.

Unfortunately Sadie is still part of the group, but who knows, they might actually do something with her character this time.

_

So what do you really want to happen in season two?  More or less Sam (stupid question)?  New characters?  Tess for Prime Minister?  Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

1. Where’s the Service?
2. Filming Lip Service season 2
3. Glee Season 3 Preview!

We continue our look at those lovely ladies whose names start with A. This time I am in the land of the unsung. Those characters that add greatly to a show or film but never really get any credit.

Astrid Farnsworth (Fringe)

Played by the out gay actor and artist Jasika Nicole, Astrid is more than just a background character on the show, she’s intelligent, caring and patient. After all, Walter calls her by the wrong name every time and it never gets old.

Astrid also ensures the programme passes the The Bechdel Test, which is most important. With a small cast, every character is pivitol and Astrid’s imput is always central to the plot.

Arizona Robbins (Grey’s Anatomy)

OK, so you might think she is more than a side kick but I disagree, I think she should be more, but sadly she and her sexy wife, Callie, are back-up characters to the main event.  Played brilliantly by the gorgeous Jessica Capshaw, Arizona has been one of those characters that is totally out and proud and has taken lesbian visibility on TV to a whole new level. Wedding, child, co-parenting with bio-dad, all good stuff to get out there in a major TV show.

Ashley Davies (South of Nowhere)

Back in time a little here for this one. Ashley was Spencer Carlin’s best friend in the hit show about a family who moved cross country to start fresh. Mandy Musgrave had originally auditioned for the part of Spencer but in the end she did a great job playing the bisexual teen and Spencer’s love interest, Ashley. There aren’t enough bi characters on TV (I know, join the club) so seeing this strong teen make her mark was amazing, and very well written.

Angela Montenegro (Bones)

Played by the lovely Michaela Conlin, Angela is a scientist and artist, which all ads up to being a specialist in forensic facial reconstruction. What I love about this character, though, is that this time the scientist is sexy and out going, a welcome change to the stereotype. Angela’s character is more social than her co-workers, and adds a little spice to the show.  Conlin is excellent and makes sure Angela does more than paint by numbers.

Abby Sciuto (NCSI: Naval Criminal Investigative Service)

Yet another forensic scientist I hear you say? I agree, but Abby is popular, and I mean mega popular. Actress Pauley Perrette was named most popular primetime TV star by Q Score for playing the role of this intelligent woman. Now that’s saying something when you consider the sheer number of shows out there. She is smart, insightful and definitely there to do more than make up the numbers.

Anna Milton (Supernatural)

Played by the wonderful Julie McNiven, Anna is a fallen angel reborn on earth who remains an outcast from Heaven. She can however, still hear angels’ conversations which left her committed to a mental institution. Having been freed she remembers through hypnosis that she was an angel who fell due to the misery she felt from the lack of free will she suffered. I know that probably all sounds totally mad, but she’s a great character in a really interesting show. Trust me!

Allison Cameron (House)

Another doctor, this time an immunologist, Allison was portrayed by the gorgeous Jennifer Morrison till she left the show in 2006. This show is all about the main man so it’s not easy to make yourself seen. Morrison does a great job with this feisty woman. Her character actually blackmailing the House into a date in order to regain her services having been let go. Sexual harassment I hear you say? Well they didn’t work together at the time so I guess it goes down to standing up against a strong character.

Lt. Alicia Washington (Terra Nova)

Well we can’t very well have a list of sexy ladies and not include a military type, can we? Second in commant Alicia, also called “wash” is refered to by this new show’s hype as “focused, sassy, and dry”.  I don’t know about you, but my spider senses are tingling! Played by the sexy Simone Kessell, this woman is, well, hot stuff. Killed in the finale to season one I am hoping they get her back somehow.

So who have I left out?  There is bound to be many more out there, so please comment!

Related posts:

1. A List Athletes
2. Álainn or Appallin’: Calzona
3. Calzona Get Married on Grey’s

TGEU Executive Director Julia Ehrt has said of the event:

The Council is very important for the European trans movement.  Right now there is real momentum for trans human rights across Europe. The European Transgender Council provides a vital space for trans activists to come together and instigate real change. We are very happy to have a reliable partner in TENI to jointly organize this important event

Transgender Equality Network of Ireland (TENI) are to be congratulated for this honour as it was their bid that won the council over.  TENI Director Broden Giambrone was kind enough to take some time with me to react to this wonderful news, saying

TENI participated in past councils, and found them really valuable for learning and networking. Meeting up with hundreds of activists from across Europe, you can’t help but open up to the possibilities of what can be achieved. When the call came round for potential hosts, we had to bid for it!

Bringing the TGEU Council to Ireland is a fantastic opportunity for us. We can showcase what’s going on here – both the progress and the challenges. The Council participants are at the forefront of trans human rights. The Council will offer trans allies in Ireland the chance to connect with a larger movement and see – in an international context – what direction trans rights are headed.  Dr Lydia Foy first asked for a revised birth certificate in 1993, and Ireland remains one of the last EU countries to legally recognise trans people. With such a long, slow struggle, you can feel like you’re in the trenches, fatigued and isolated. Turning the spotlight to Ireland is going to draw support for our work. It should refresh us.

Obviously, we want to use the Council to highlight the upcoming Gender Recognition Legislation. This is a key moment for Ireland: this Government can pave the way for progressive gender recognition legislation, and ensure that future generations can thrive in a progressive society that celebrates diversity.

As Broden says, Ireland is one of the last EU countries to legally recognise trans people.  The current criteria within the legislation recommends that couples be forced to divorce before one of them can legally transition.  They are so afraid of any kind of alternative family structure that they want to force people to divorce, and here I thought it was 2012!  Baring in mind that in Ireland couples have to live apart for years before being granted a divorce, this would be devastating to many couples who wish to remain together.

Bringing the forum to these shores is bound to highlight the struggle for trans rights in this country and congratulations to Broden and everyone at TENI for this feat.

Related posts:

1. 20th November: Transgender Day of Remembrance
2. Trans Day of Remembrance
3. Let’s make trans people heard!

I’ve said many times on Gaelick how I love a good awards show, and none more so than the GLAAD Media Awards.  It’s an awards show and it’s gay, I mean come on, someone pass me the popcorn.  Over the last few years I have been stunned by the magnitude of the nominations.  Gone are the days when the nomination panel must have had to thrall through all of the LGBT movie festivals to scrounge for possible winners.  There are gays on TV now you know, and in movies and on talk shows, who knew?  I for one am delighted.  I attended many a film festival to watch 20 films and enjoy perhaps 2 of them, seriously.

So lets have a look at some of the main categories and who might be walking away with the awards.  There are some mainstream, some independent films and some great documentaries, as well as some of the best TV shows around.

Outstanding Film -- Wide Release

Albert Nobbs
J Edgar
Beginners

Three great films. J Edgar is an amazing film and packs a real punch.  Beginners is just wonderful and Christopher Plumber puts in one of his best performances.  I want to say Albert Nobbs will win because it is set in my home town of Dublin and Janet McTeer is phenomenal in it, however, I think the sentiment of Beginners just might bring it over the line.  It’s a tough one to call.

Outstanding Film -- Limited Release

Circumstance
Weekend
Tomboy
Pariah
Gun Hill Road

I can’t remember ever seeing such a strong list of nominations in one year.  However, if I was to pick the winner it would have to be Pariah.  As much as Circumstance stayed with me for weeks and Tomboy was deeply moving, Pariah is just incredible and I’d recommend you take the oppertunity to see it when it comes your way.  Having said that, Weekend has won lots of awards around the festivals and Gun Hill Road is provacative, so time will tell.

Outstanding Documentary

Becoming Chaz (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (HBO)
The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? (Logo)
Two Spirits (PBS)
We Were Here (Red Flag Releasing)

I can’t say who I think such walk away with this one having only seen Becoming Chaz, The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? and We Were Here.   The other two are, however, top of my to-do-list.  Becoming Chaz is a great movie which chronicles Chaz Bono’s life as he transitions, it was followed up on OWN by Being Chaz.

We have all read about Uganda’s kill the gays bill but what’s it like to actually call it home?  The World’s Worst Place to be Gay? shows an openly gay reporter, who has never had to deal with homophobia in his own life, see for himself the devastation to every day people.

We Were Here is an intensely moving documentary which explores the AIDS crisis as it happened.  It is deeply inspiring and again I would recommend you see it.  Be warned though, it’s heartbreaking.

Outstanding Drama Series

Degrassi (TeenNick)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family)
Shameless (Showtime)
Torchwood: Miracle Day (Starz)

So much lesbian goodness in the nominations this year, and yes, you read that right, TeenNick and ABC Family are among the networks with nominated shows.  For me this category will go to Grey’s Anatomy simply because it had a lesbian wedding on prime time.  To be fair however, Calzona aren’t centre stage on the show and I’d be inclined to hope Pretty Little Liars gets the nod, it’s overflowing with lesbo goodness.  I have watched all these shows and any one of them could win.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Exes and Ohs (Logo)
Glee (Fox)
Modern Family(ABC)
Happy Endings (ABC)
The Big C (Showtime)

Although I really want Exes and Ohs to win this one I can’t see past Modern Family.  It is the stand out among these five with Santana, Kurt and Blaine probably gaining a lot of favour for Glee.  Happy Endings and The Big C just aren’t in it for me but I could have my tail between my legs when it’s announced.

Outstanding Talk Show Episode

“Zach Wahls” The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated)
Chaz Bono” Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)
“Children & Teens Caught in the Wrong Bodies” Anderson (syndicated)
“Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
“The Wedding of Scott Cronick & David Gorshein” Conan (TBS)

If you haven’t seen these shows then get yourself to YouTube this instant.  Talk shows are such a powerful way to get stories into people’s living rooms and I would be amazed if, for that reason, anyone other than the queen herself, Oprah, was given this important award.  Just look at the title and it says it all, Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests, say no more.  When I was young I ran home from school everyday in the hopes Oprah was doing an LGBT related show as it was the only, and I mean only, place I ever heard it mentioned.  Well done Oprah and thank you.

There are many other categories, individual episodes, blogs, music, comics as well as awards for journalism and even theatres.  You can see all the nominees here, or the highlights on this video.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCPp9M_WskA

So who was left out and who deserves to walk away a winner?  Let us know in the comments section below.

There will be the usual three annual award ceremonies.  New York on March 24th, Los Angeles April 21st and finally San Fransisco on June 2nd.  We gays sure now how to make a party last.

Related posts:

1. GALECA nominees announced
2. GLAAD Awards 2011
3. Glee’s Naya Rivera Hosts 22nd GLAAD Awards in San Fran

I was never in the Girl Scouts, not really my thing as a kid. It involves being social and talking to people, not the forte of this card carrying geek. My sister was in it though and her daughter now proudly tells me all about her various badges every time I visit, it’s beyond cute. 

Traditionally the organisation is about teaching girls to think beyond the traditional role of the woman by imparting leadership skills and greater respect for themselves.

With this in mind I was delighted with the response the organisation gave to a recent debacle in Colorado.  A 7 year old girl, Bobby Montoya, who was assigned male at birth, was refused membership.  After consideration the group then changed their stance, in a press release they said

Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization…if a child identifies as a girl and the child’s family presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout.

Well done, it’s never to late to do the right thing.  However, true to form the Christian right have had a most distasteful response to this progressive stance.

A boycott of the cookies sold by the Scouts was called for by, Taylor, a 14 year old girl in a rant that doesn’t bear repeating.  She takes this opportunity to promote a group called the Honest Girl Scouts – how’s your blood pressure there? Though the roof yet? I mean come on, get over yourself. She talks about a “true all-girl experience”. Your ignorance is showing Taylor.

It gets worse! The notion that trans girls are “boys passing themselves off as girls” in order to hurt the girls is deeply unsettling. What are they saying, that Bobby, who is going through a level of self discovering and expression that is nothing short of inspirational at such a young age, is somehow trying to incite violence against women. Come on! What’s next, a campaign saying that the Girl Scouts are leading kids towards homosexuality? Give me a break.

Taylor is 14, lets hope she grows up and learns a little about life. However, I don’t have any hope for the fundamentalists behind her type of rant. Sadly, they are intent of using this brave little girl in Colorado as some kind of target.

Well done to the Scouts in Colorado for not allowing the exclusion of this brave girl and lets hope many more troops follow suit.

Related posts:

1. 20th November: Transgender Day of Remembrance
2. Lost Girl Season 2
3. 14 year old girl asks Maryland to vote “No” on marriage equality for her birthday

We gays do a good campaign don’t we? It Gets Better, NOH8 and so on. 

To be fair to our community, most LGBTs really want a way to come together and try to make a difference and when given a platform we can outdo ourselves. The latest in this distinguished list is the North Carolina “Vote Against” Project.

Some background for you: on 8th May next the folks of North Carolina will vote on a ban on same sex marriage. While most places are voting on recognising rights, these people have to stand up and speak just to keep things the same and prevent their work for marriage equality taking a major step in the wrong direction.

Last September a rally was held in Raleigh, NC, to oppose the legislature’s vote to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Sadly, however, the amendment passed and now attention must go to getting as many no votes as possible, but what exactly would this mean to LGBTs in North Carolina?

According to the Vote Against website the amendment does the following:

In addition to prohibiting same-sex marriage, as state law already does, the Amendment would:

• prohibit North Carolina from ever passing legislation that would grant civil unions;
• bar the state from instituting domestic partnership rights;
• strip the domestic partner insurance benefits currently offered to employees by a number of local governments.

It’s hard to fathom in this day and age that people still have to stand up against this kind on nonsense, but there it is.

Curtis Brown is a Raleigh-based photographer who has started the project which captures images of people wearing “vote against t-shirts”, much like the NOH8 campaign started by Adam Bouska in California. 

Brown is even going on tour around the states to facilitate the participation of as many people as possible. You just have to commend people like him: well done to Curtis and all his volunteers. Let’s hope the vote goes the right way and this kind of backwards step is prevented by a large majority.

Related posts:

1. Marriage equality comes to Washington state
2. 14 year old girl asks Maryland to vote “No” on marriage equality for her birthday
3. The Glee Project

The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Awards (GALECA) will take place on 16th January next and the nominations are in. Let’s take a little look at some of the categories.

FILM OF THE YEAR

Midnight in Paris
The Artist
The Descendants
The Skin I Live In
The Tree of Life
Weekend

This is a tough one. Many of the films went on full cinema release and had big names but for me it’s between The Artist and Weekend. Both are very moving in their own way and very different from what’s usually on offer at your local plex. However, The Artist is one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em films, so I am going to go for Weekend. I can’t help myself, it’s such a gem.

FILM PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Christopher Plummer / Beginners
Leonardo DiCaprio / J Edgar
Janet McTeer / Albert Nobbs
Meryl Streep / The Iron Lady
Michael Fassbender / Shame
Rooney Mara  / The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I have to admit to not seeing J Edgar yet and I’d imagine DiCaprio is as amazing as ever. So with that in mind I will be cheering on Janet McTeer. As amazed as I am to not see her co-star Glenn Close on the list, McTeer’s Hubert is a worthy winner. Yes, the film is based in my home of Dublin so I am biased, but there you go.

LGBT-THEMED FILM OF THE YEAR

Albert Nobbs
Beginners
Pariah
Tomboy
Weekend

You mean I can only pick one? Lordie! What a great headache, so many great LGBT themed films. It has to be Pariah for me but any of the above are worthy winners.

LGBT-THEMED DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR

Becoming Chaz
Bill Cunningham New York
Making the Boys
Vito
We Were Here

Again an amazing list, Becoming Chaz is wonderful but I’m going to plumb for We Were Here – and while I am at it I heartily recommend you see it if you haven’t already, it’s incredibly moving.

TV DRAMA OF THE YEAR

American Horror Story
Downton Abbey
Homeland
Mildred Pierce
The Good Wife

Now here’s a right pickle. There is very little to pick between this lot. Both the acting and writing is immense but I just have to vote for Archie Panjabi – sorry ,I mean The Good Wife. I lost myself mid-swoon there.

LGBT-THEMED TV SHOW OF THE YEAR

American Horror Story
Happy Endings
Modern Family
RuPaul’s Drag Race
True Blood

This just comes down to personal choice but for me it’s True Blood all day long. People say Glee is the gayest show on TV but I think True Blood gives it a good run for it’s money. Even losing points for killing off Evan Rachel Wood’s sexy queen Sophie-Anne, it’s still top of my list.

You can see all the categories and their nominees here.

Which of your favourites have been shamelessly left out and who would you vote for?

Related posts:

1. GLAAD Media Award Nominations 2012
2. Who will gain Oscar glory?
3. Globe time

Beginning in theatre in 1974 Close stared on Broadway, winning no less than three Tony Awards for parts in Sunset Boulevard, The Real Thing, and Death and the Maiden. She also won acclaim for her staring role in the 1982 off Broadway play The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs. 1982 also saw her take on Hollywood and Close never looked out of place among the Hollywood elite.  Her early roles that stand out for most of us include Dangerous Liaisons and of course the original bunny boiler in Fatal Attraction.  Not forgetting her amazing turn in Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story. With 5 Oscar and 9 Golden Globe nominations (winning 2 Globes) Close has cemented her place with the best actors of her time.

Many of you young wans will know her best from the TV.  Not satisfied with conquering stage and cinema, Glenn has won two Emmys and a Golden Globe for her role as Patty Hewes in the hit TV series Damages.

Glenn is making headlines again on the big screen as she reenters the world of Albert Nobbs, a role she won an Obie for on stage in the 80′s.  With a host of nominations already, her Oscar tipped performance as the brave Mr Nobbs has showed us just how good she is yet again.  Variety calling it “a career crowning role” and Newsweek hailing it as a “jaw dropping performance”.

Set right here in Dublin the film follows Albert, a biological woman who works and lives as a man in the 19th century.  All Albert wants is to have a small tabacco shop and live out his life in peace.  Here’s a look at the trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=66N5hjkq740

On the role she took 15 years to take to the big screen Glenn says

I always felt that if I could pull off Albert, there was nothing else I had to do because it brings into play everything I’ve learned as an actor — movement, costume, voice — just trying to create the inner life of someone who’s so silent… she’s an unfinished person.

Gender becomes almost irrelevant because it’s about human connection… The thing I’m most proud of in the movie is that you forget what you’re looking at.

So what do you think about the amazing Ms Close?  Alainn or appalling?

Related posts:

1. Albert Nobbs Given Fall Release Date
2. Who will gain Oscar glory?
3. Review: Albert Nobbs

Over the weekend I did one of my favourite things, I went to the cinema.

I love it: the big screen, the darkness, the pick ‘n’ mix! This time I settled in to see a woman who can only be described as the seminal actress of her time: Meryl Streep.

Her resumé needs no introduction: Sophie’s Choice, Kramer vs. Kramer, Silkwood -- the list goes on and on, and I challenge anyone to find a significant flaw in her work. This time around I was there to see The Iron Lady and I must admit to going with some trepidation in the pit of my stomach.

The film centres around the life of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and although she was a strong woman who rose to the top, I have nothing but contempt for her legacy. I was afraid the film-makers would try to make her a sympathetic character based on the fact that she was the first female to head a major political party in the UK and also Britain’s first female PM. It turned out my fears were warranted.

The film shows her life in the form of flashbacks, and Streep’s ability to take you with her is immense. We see an elderly woman finding it difficult to let go of her past, and we are brought right back to where it all began: the daughter of a grocer who was always politically engaged and never willing to settle for the traditional role of a woman.

That’s where my empathy with her ends, I’m afraid. Even though I admire a driven person not willing to give up on what they believe is right, I find it impossible to understand someone who is completely unable to hear anyone else’s opinion, and that side of Thatcher is illuminated brilliantly. The fact I disagree so fundamentally with her politics doesn’t help either, to be fair.

Thatcher went from Education Secretary to Leader of the Opposition to Prime Minister in less than a decade and in the process she had to deal with being the only woman in many a room. She also had to change her voice and leave her kids, not easy. However she was so conservative I remember my mother using a naughty word to describe her when I was a kid, to this day the only such word I have ever heard my mother utter.

The film deals with historical moments in Thatcher’s life, including the Falklands war and the miners’ strikes, as well as the IRA attempt on her life at the Grand Hotel in Brighton. The narrative falls short, however.

I found myself increasingly annoyed that they didn’t actually delve into these political issues. If you didn’t already know about the hunger strikers, for example, you’d be none the wiser. They also included the Poll Tax riots; but again if you had no prior knowledge, the whole thing would pass you by. Some important aspects are omitted altogether, like Section 28 for example.

I have every sympathy for any elderly woman trying to hold on to her past, but I found myself squirming in my seat and wanting to ask the writers why they decided to skimp on the details.

I went to see the film with my mate who, as soon as it was over, started asking me all about the history of it. You’d think having just seen the film she’d have more answers than questions but, alas, no. The movie didn’t delve into anything: it gave you a list of headlines, but nothing meaty.

Overall, I found the acting superb but the script lacking. This was a genuine opportunity to show the life of a woman who changed the face of politics in the west. Love her or hate her, you can’t deny her impact.

Unfortunately that chance was lost. Streep may well get an Oscar, and she certainly deserves to be on the nominations list. This film will not make the list of top 10 Streep classics, however, not by a long chalk.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf5qHuRJG1Q

Related posts:

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2. Who will gain Oscar glory?
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So how about an update for those of you interested in any or all of the above.

Natalie happily tells me

we opened in April we hit 100 women pregnant on New Year’s Eve, I have set a target of 200 for next year as we have looked at opening a third centre in Manchester

Opening a new clinic is wonderful news for lesbian all over the UK and congrats to all involved for making it such a success story.  How amazing to think 100 women (and partners if applicable) have had their dream of parenthood come true.

On the Family Pride event she says

Family Pride Festival for this summer is also going well, we’ve already sold just over half of the tickets.

The team are working hard to drum ups sponsorship in the UK as well as promoting the event in America.  If you know of anyone interested in sponsoring this weekend, contact them on the site.

You can check out the site here.

Related posts:

1. Gay Family Web
2. UK Gay Family Pride Festival
3. Calzona Update

I have to start this article by saying I’m not a fan of beauty contests.

I don’t think they have any real interest in what actually makes a woman beautiful, but rather ask women to lower themselves to talking about world peace and batting their eyelids. Having attended and even served as a judge at Irish lesbian beauty contests I’m proud to say in those instances the opposite was true. We had such a laugh and all the women were winners regardless of shape, size or any other superficial crap.

OK, now I have that off my chest, on with the show.

Mollie Thomas and Jenelle Hutcherson are going to compete in this years Miss California pageant, and yes, they are both out lesbians.

Firstly, lets look at Mollie Thomas. At just 19 years old you have to take your hat off to this young woman. Raised by an American mother and a French father, Mollie says she always knew who she was and never really had to come out as her family always knew. She has travelled the world living in Switzerland, and even as far as Thailand where she worked on an elephant reserve (how gay is that?), as well as Mongolia where she volunteered at a school for children with disabilities. Mollie is currently studying at UCLA and hopes to go on and study women’s studies and politics. (cough)

When asked if she has any fears for the big day she simply responds:

I don’t have any. Initially I wondered if the organizers and other contestants would accept or ostracize me, but I’ve been fine

I don’t know about you but I’d be in bits – those heels! Having been a trained dancer for many years I’m sure she’ll manage.

Our next contestant is Jenelle Hutcherson from Long Beach, she’s 26 years old. I don’t feel like such a perv talking about her as a beauty queen!  Jenelle says:

That Miss California crown would sure look nice atop the ‘hawk

I’m sure it would too – I’d love to see them trying to get it to stay on there. You may recognise her: Hutcherson recently competed in the Miss Long Beach pageant, where she made it to the finals, wearing a tux for the evening gown section and ditching the bikini for shorts and a tank top.

So what do you think of these young trail blazers? Are they lighting the way for others and tearing down stereotypes or are they lowering themselves to the level of a meat market? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

1. Alternative Miss Ireland XVII 2011 Preview
2. Review: Miss Representation
3. Alternative Miss Ireland 2011

Ireland’s very own Fionnualla Britton has been shortlisted for the December European Athlete of the Month. 

It’s a fitting end to a great year for the Kilcoole born runner having come first in the European Cross Country Championships in Slovenia earlier in December.  This makes her only the second Irish person ever to win a senior cross-country title after Catherina McKiernan. 

Fionnualla is also known for her exploits in the 3000 metres steeplechase and has flown the Irish flag at many international events with great distinction.  Competing in Japan and Kenya as well as all over Europe.

Britton has taken top honors before, including the 2008 Irish National Athletics Award for the Cross Country/Road Athlete of the Year.

Britton is up against some tough competition in the form of the Great Britain duo, pole vaulter Holly Bleasdale and fellow cross country runner Emma Pallant. 

As I write this, however, Fionnualla is currently leading the vote with an impressive 40.8%.  So get voting, you can vote for the December European Athlete of the Month in both the male and female categories HERE.

Related posts:

1. Irish sportswomen off to a good start in 2012
2. Zappone and Gilligan receive European honour
3. Ireland to Host European Transgender Forum

To be able to get the right emotion across is a real gift and one that most people really appreciate, no matter what genre they relate to.  So lets take a look at just a few of the artists that can strike right to our hearts by hitting that note.

Adele

Of course we have to start with the most obvious one.  Adele.  This singer songwriter defies her tender years by making even the strongest chin wobble with her honest emotional outpourings.  She allows us to see her heartbreak so openly that we can’t help but relate to it. Who could forget lyrics like “don’t forget me I beg, I remember you said, sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead”.  Incredibly simple but so true I don’t think there is a single adult in the world who doesn’t feel that lyric right where it hurts.

.

Aretha Franklin

Now we are in the realm of legends now.  A word which is banded about a lot but really fits the wonderful Ms Franklin like glove.  The daughter of a respected local preacher Aretha unsurprisingly honed her skills in the local church.  She went on to rise to the very top, winning 20 Grammys (2 honorary) and having no less than 20 No.1 singles.  Franklin has the most million selling singles for any female artist and was the first woman inaugurated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Respect!

Annie Lennox

Having hit the big time with the Eurythmics Annie embarked on her solo career in the 90′s.  She has five solo albums to date and has won three Grammys.  Lennox has also walked away with both the Golden Globe and the Oscar for her song “Into the West” which was part of the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.  Lennox has used her celebrity to work hard as an activist and is especially active in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa, winning an OBE for her efforts.  Annie has earned many accolades during her long career, including VH1′s “The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive”.

Agnetha Fältskog

As one of the leads in ABBA Agnetha’s voice is as familiar the world over as anyone’s.  Having won the European Song Contest in 1974 with “Waterloo”, the group went on to concur the world and I can’t think of another band that everyone likes!  When you don’t know what to play driving your car or pottering about your home, stick ABBA on and everyone is happy.  Selling over over 375 million records worldwide they are in the top ten of the best-selling music artists in the history of recorded music.  Songs like “Dancing Queen”, “The Winner Takes it All” and “Voulez-Vou” saw the band find a place in the hearts of people from every walk of life, and in 2010 they were finally placed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Lets not forget the hit musical “Mamma Mia” either!

Alison Moyet

This bluesy voice is one that really resonates and gets inside you.  Alison started out with electropop group Yazoo but it is her solo career that stands out for most of us.  Her debut album, alf, included such classics as “Invisible”  and “All Cried Out” and went on to be number 1 in the UK.  Moyet went on to take part in Live Aid and released 7 albums, an eight is in the works and scheduled for release in 2012.

Alison has also stared as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in the West End production of Chicago.

So what do you think?  Have I missed out an obvious A-Lister?  What female songstress makes you weak at the knees?

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The film follows a teenage girl, Atafeh who hales is from a wealthy family, her mother is a surgeon and her father a music professor.  Atafeh’s brother Mehran returns to the family home having overcome his drug addiction, however it becomes apparent that he is getting dangerously obsessed with the more extreme elements of his religion.

Thankfully Atafeh has a best friend, Shireen, who lives with her aunt and uncle and who is far less financially secure.  The relationship between the two becomes romantic, however, they find themselves in trouble with the law, and their families, as they rebel against the circumstances they find themselves in.

The film shows Atafeh’s fear of her brother’s growing fundamentalism, however, I found myself more scared for Shireen, the writers brilliantly illustrating her disempowerment due to her economic status.

For me this film was all about comparisons.  Whilst Mehran can be forgiven for his drug taking, his sister Atafeh can not be allowed similar social acceptance.  Whilst she has options based on her parents open mindedness and financial backing, Shireen is left with few options.

Towards the end my housemate signed dramatically and declared “this isn’t going to end well for anyone, is it?”.  I won’t ruin the ending on you, but her comment does illustrate how sucked in you get.  You just want to send them the money to come live in your spare room!

It’s a wonderful piece that pulls you in and leaves you emotionally drained, I heartily recommend it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH_KkmHDxO4

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The New Republic has found some of his newsletters from the 1990s which are both racist and anti-gay.  I have read some of his racist comments before and have long been amazed that he has risen as high as he has. Scary to think people like him get votes, but there you go.

The newsletters in question were named Ron Paul’s Political Report, the Ron Paul Survival Report, Ron Paul’s Freedom Report and the Ron Paul Investment Letter.  He had a staff of ghost writers but I can’t accept any argument that he didn’t know what was being published under his name.  Sentiments like:

I think we can safely assume that 95 percent of the black males in that city are semi-criminal or entirely criminal.  We are constantly told that it is evil to be afraid of black men, it is hardly irrational.  Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks.

Not forgetting that among other things I won’t repeat, Paul said of the great Martin Luther King Jr.:

We can thank him for our annual Hate Whitey Day.

I’m not making this up. I couldn’t.

Of course us gays are also on his list, writing in 1994 that:

those who don’t commit sodomy, who don’t get blood a transfusion, and who don’t swap needles, are virtually assured of not getting AIDS unless they are deliberately infected by a malicious gay.

Don’t forget, this guy is a doctor, he worked as an obstetrician and gynecologist in the 60′s and 70′s.  This makes statements like the above truly dangerous.

In 1990 he published another gem:

I miss the closet. Homosexuals, not to speak of the rest of society, were far better off when social pressure forced them to hide their activities.

Aw, how nice of him. It was easier for us to be in the closet, less pressure, how thoughtful!

I could literally go on and on filling pages with quote after quote but I won’t infuriate you any more.  Where the hell do they get these candidates?  I feel for Americans.  Anyone with even the smallest amount of intelligence and sense of civic duty has no choice in the 2012 Presidential election, they have to vote Democrat.  Let’s hope Obama makes it to 2016, I don’t think even Bush could be scarier than some of the current Republicans.

I’d vote for RuPaul before I’d even think of endorsing Ron Paul and I hope the majority see this as a “no brainer”.

No related posts.

The film begins with an ultrasound image of Jennifer’s little girl and the writer immediately draws us in as she worries about the world her little angel will grow up in.  The piece moves from young girls in school through to women like Rachel Maddow, Katie Couric, Gloria Steinem and Condoleezza Rice.

The film’s tag line “you can’t be what you can’t see” is a powerful synopsis of the influence the media has over how women see themselves and how men see the women around them.   Very rarely are women seen in positions of power in the media and more often then not they are mere sex objects.  The film shows how women are judged on how they look and not on the content of their character.  Even women who do make it into powerful positions are dogged with questions over plastic surgery and their dress sense.

This is one of those films that affects you, you start to realise that you’re not alone in feeling totally miss represented and that there is nothing wrong with being motivated to try to change the perception of what it is to the a woman in our society.  When you look at the houses of power, be it in the states or over here, you see a male dominated environment where women’s views are not being heard.  That’s at least half the population, and it needs to change sooner rather than later.

I despise those games where you get bonus points for killing a prostitute and lord knows what else, surely something can be done to stop these images from reaching children?  What on earth does it tell young boys about how to view women?  Having seen this film, I’m motivated to try to do whatever I can to halt this perception and to demand a more round and full image of women in the media.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkIiV6konY

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I always assumed that the driving reason for this was the crowds.  I am a massive football fan, but I have to admit that most fans are men and the assumption has always been that men find male homosexuality something they must mock, dare anyone think they are gay.  So walking out onto a football pitch, surrounded by up to 80,000 fans, as an out man, can’t seem very inviting for most, and I have always understood that, even if it is a sad reflection on society as a whole.

However, a few players have come out recently, namely Sweden’s Anton Hysen as well as David Testo from North Carolina.  Testo, who played in Montreal, was interviewed on Canadian radio and said (in French translation below)

I’m homosexual, I’m gay. I did not choose. It’s just part of who I am. And it has nothing to do with the talent of a soccer player. You can be both an excellent soccer player and being gay

Later saying

I really regret not having said publicly earlier. I fought with it all my life, my whole career. Living the life of a professional athlete and being gay is incredibly difficult … It saps all your energy to you, in addition to having to perform, having to play

You can’t help but have empathy for his statement, it must be very hard in such a testosterone driven environment.

What I find uplifting is that David was out, not just to his family and friends but also to his team mates.  Sadly when he won the award for most valuable player he couldn’t thank his partner, and that is the sting in the tail isn’t it.

However, a new study by Staffordshire University has concluded that the main reason footballers stay so far in the closet whilst playing, is not the pressure from fans and fear of being mocked in such an open and intimidating situation, but rather from pressure they receive from their agents and clubs.

Having carried out a survey of 3,500 fans, the research found that over 90% of them would be happy to see a player come out.  The study also shows that 40% of fans believe the reason players don’t come out is pressure from within the sport.  The study was published in the Journal of Sport & Social Issues and it’s author Professor Ellis Cashmore has said

Football’s gay players have been reluctant to come out. Their reasons for remaining silent lie inside the football industry rather than in the crowds. Most fans are embarrassed by the popular conception of football as a homophobic environment. It is an impression, they believe, maintained by a code of silence orchestrated and enforced by agents and clubs

So what do the Association of Football Agents think about all this, well, unsurprisingly their chairman has said

It is utter nonsense to suggest that a sports agent would place any pressure on a client confirming or denying or concealing his sexual status… In the 21st century I think that a heterosexual affair would be far more damaging to a player’s image than any acknowledgement of a player’s homosexuality as far as sponsors were concerned

I have to say I think one issue with this study is that they asked fans why they think players don’t come out and it was the fans who said it was the clubs and agents, what do we fans know about it really?  You’d have to ask the players, gay and straight, only they could really answer the question.  I am still left agreeing with an FA spokesman (wonders will never cease) who thinks

There are many people who are openly gay in the industry. If they don’t wish to broadcast this via the media, that’s understandable

One person who does seem to think the study has some teeth would appear to be Chris Basiurski, chairman of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network.  He has stated that his network know of gay players that have been advised not to come out for fear it would hurt them in the transfer market.

The British government have a charter to kick homophobia out of sport and Liverpool are lined up to be the first Premier League club to sign up, several lower division sides already have.

I can’t imagine the media hype if a player came out, so for me, them staying in the closet is sadly understandable.  The bottom line is that we still live in a world where a male footballer has reason to fear walking out on to the pitch, especially away from home, if he is out.  He also has a right to fear a real impact on his chances of moving up in the game as many clubs might be turned off by the media hype that would follow him.  Never mind the impact on his personal life and those he loves, the media circus would be vast.

When retired players come out you feel it’s a shame they couldn’t while playing, but every athlete that comes out chips away at the stereotype and that has to be a good thing.  Over 90% of fans being against homophobia, however, is a very welcome and positive statistic.  Lets hope the pressure on these young men decreases soon and they can be beacons for all those kids who adore them.

Related posts:

1. Anton Hysen Comes Out
2. Guinean sisters dropped from World Cup squad
3. Cantwell wins Inaugural Player of the Year Award

Marcus Collins

Hailing from Liverpool, Marcus is the last “boy” left in the competition.  He was in a tough category as mentor Gary Barlow had a host of talent to pick from, not least Craig Colton who left the competition very prematurely in my opinion.  Marcus came along to his audition with a group of supporters including clients from his hair salon, right off the bat he had what the X Factor judges insist on calling “the likability factor”.  He seems to prefer upbeat songs and likens himself to Bruno Mars.  There is no doubt he can sing, he has some moves and all of Liverpool will be behind him.

Little Mix

The first girl band to ever make the final, Little Mix were formed by judge and mentor Tulisa at the “judges houses” stage.  I have to admit to liking this group, mainly because each of them can sing, I mean really sing, and it’s about time we had such a group.  It appears that right now they are the bookies favourites, but who knows what a week can do, and they are yet to get up in front of such a big crowd and do the business.  It’s great that the usual assumption that young girls vote for boy bands rather than girls bands seems to have gone this year.  The band have had some hard press to deal with too, saying they don’t look pretty enough, well I for one hope they make those “reporters” eat their words.

Amelia Lily

This year saw a great come back kid.  17 year old Amelia was voted off in the first live show, when each judge had to send one of their own acts home.  However, when Frankie was forced to leave the show, the public had a chance to vote one of those four back, and Amelia was their choice.  The correct choice, in my opinion, this girl can sing, and I mean, really sing.  Sadly, I think her late return to the show might well go against her when the voting starts next weekend, however, I really hope she goes on to have a career as she has the talent and as her mentor Kelly says, she hits these notes in her sleep.

So who will you be voting for and do you think any of the above will actually make it, in the style of Olly Murs or Leona Lewis?  Get commenting below!

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2. Preview – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011
3. Alternative Miss Ireland XVII 2011 Preview

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TBd-UCwVAY

Watch this. Then read on.

There have been many successful ads and viral campaigns for full civil marriage rights for gay people all over the world.  Not least among them is our very own Rory’s Story.  The latest in this distinguished list comes from Get Up! Action for Australia.  It is seen through the eyes of someone falling in love with and sharing their everyday life with a man.  In the end the man proposes marriage and it becomes clear the ad is depicting two men.

The short ad is basically a love story and what I find so moving about it is that is shows one person really loving and being there for another.  The advert was shown in Australia over the weekend in an attempt to get the Labour Party to endorse marriage equality.  The film has already been viewed well over 1.5 million times which, when you take into to consideration it’s release only 5 days ago, is startling.

This time next weekend, delegates at the ALP National Conference will be voting on whether to make it their policy to end marriage discrimination.  Paul Mackay, a Get Up! campaigner, has said:

We’ve been pointing to the national conference as a key moment for the party to reconsider its stance on marriage and pave the way for equality, and with only one week to go, we need to do all we can to ramp up that pressure

The title of the video “It’s Time” says it all.  Well done to everyone at Get Up! and I really hope their campaign does the trick.  Who could watch this video and not be touched?

Related posts:

1. Help Marriage Equality share Rory’s story
2. 14 year old girl asks Maryland to vote “No” on marriage equality for her birthday
3. Marriage equality comes to Washington state