Breaking News: Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Announces Sponsorship of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend

Los Angeles, CA - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is joining forces with Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, the nation’s largest lesbian event. HRC is coming onboard as a full sponsor at the upcoming 23^rd Anniversary of the largest lesbian event in the world April 3-7, 2013 in Palm Springs, CA.

Embracing the “party with a purpose” philosophy, for more than two decades, Mariah Hanson, founder and promoter of Club Skirts presents The Dinah, has relentlessly travailed to support LGBT rights.

And this year will be no different. Continuing her activist efforts to raise awareness among the LGBT community about marriage and equality rights, Hanson, who sat on the Board of Equality California for numerous years, is putting the focus on HRC to rally more lesbians around their endeavor.

As a national sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign’s Her HRC program, HRC will be hosting a special soiree during the weekend, giving Dinah goers the opportunity to meet, mingle, network and celebrate with their favorite celebrities and “celesbians”, and get involved with the HRC team in attendance.

HRC will also be present throughout the entire weekend with an information kiosk at all pool parties offering pamphlets and other literature to all attendees who wish to learn more about HRC’s efforts and/or join the movement.

In addition, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend will be hosting for the first time ever a world-class Celebrity Poker Tournament on Saturday night (April 6, 2013) with all proceeds going to HRC. Participants will have a chance to join some of the hottest celebrity guests for a fun night of poker and charity to benefit HRC.

Club Skirts involvement with HRC extends beyond the actual Dinah Shore Weekend. Effective immediately, Club Skirts has generously donated an exclusive VIP package valued at $2500 to be raffled off at all Her HRC events around the country leading up to the Dinah.

“I am proud to name HRC as the charity we showcase at The Dinah 2013,” says Hanson,  “their work in securing our civil rights is as always to be applauded. I look forward to helping them gain more visibility with our unique Dinah demographic.  HRC was open to creating visibility in a fun way.  HRC gift items will be thrown from the stage during the weekend and we are creating a high profile celebrity poker tournament on Saturday night, with all proceeds going to HRC.”

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality.

Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues.

 

“HRC is proud to come on board as a sponsor for the 2013 Club Skirts Dinah Shore weekend. While thousands of women gather to celebrate, it’s crucial that we remember the importance of being engaged politically as LGBT Americans fight for full equality across the United States. To this effect, HRC will have a presence aimed at engaging the Dinah audience with our organization and our goals,” says Margot Rosen, Director of Membership Outreach at HRC.

 

The road to Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is always paved with good intentions!

Socially responsible, The Dinah sees to it that this “consciousness” permeates everything it does year after year. Stepping up its efforts with increasing effectiveness and productivity, its commitment to “give back” and advance goodwill has successfully translated into community activism, famously partnering with a variety of activist associations and charity organizations such as GLAAD, NOH8, Love is Louder, Equality California, and The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center among others. 

As the biggest All-Girl Party in the world, The Dinah also prides itself in giving back to the LGBT community remaining faithful to its “party with a purpose” theme to remind everyone that while we have made a lot of strides, we’re still fighting for our rights!

ABOUT HRC:

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

ABOUT CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND:

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend (popularly known as The Dinah) is the largest lesbian event in the world. 

Held annually in Palm Springs, CA, over a 5-day weekend packed with not only non-stop activities, spectacular comedy shows, live concerts, activism and legendary pool parties, but also premier talent in music, film and television, The Dinah provides women a life-changing experience.  It's an opportunity for Lesbians to escape for five days from the rest of their 360-day life of make believe, in the closet, and provides them the freedom to be who they are as well as gain an incredible amount of self-worth. 

The Dinah also actively travails to support the LGBT community by championing social and political causes directly affecting it.

Over the course of these past 23 years, The Dinah has not only become one of the hottest celebrity hotspots but also a trendsetting event that entertainment industry insiders watch and jockey to book their artists’ performances. Artists who have performed at The Dinah include: Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Natasha Bedinglfield, Chaka Khan, Colbie Caillat, The Pussycat Dolls, India Arie, Chely Wright and Lady Gaga, to name a few.

For more information about the Club Skirts go to: www.TheDinah.com

To get additional information about HRC visit their official website at: www.HRC.org

Lucas Silveira (THE CLIKS) Announces March 2013 Release

Awesome LGBTQ music news for you gays right here on All Things Lesbian!

Toronto, Canada – Lucas Silveira, the openly transgender lead singer of Toronto alt-rock band The Cliks, returns to the music scene after a 5 year-hiatus with a highly-anticipated new LP dubbed “Black Tie Elevator” dropping March 2013.

Founded by front man Lucas Silveira in 2004, The Cliks have gone through the highs and lows that make an artist a true veteran of change. Almost nine years since the formation of the band, The Cliks are still standing.

After a slew of line up changes, Silveira is the sole remaining original member of the band and, the Cliks, an extension of his personal vision.                                                                                                                  

The Cliks’ first two major label releases, Snakehouse (2006- Warner Music Canada/Tommy Boy) & Dirty King (2009-Warner Music Canada/Tommy Boy) brought the band international recognition.

They caught the attention of pop music icon Cyndi Lauper, who invited the band to join her on two consecutive True Colors tours alongside Margaret Cho, Debbie Harris, Erasure, The Gossip and The Indigo Girls to name a few.

The first “out” male transgender to be signed to a major record label, which drew as much publicity as controversy, he also became the first transgender man voted “Sexiest Canadian Man” by ChartAttack.com The Cliks have made headlines for their gender-bending style, being compared to David Bowie and other musical fashionistas. But Lucas’ rock icon take on the classic suit comes with the genuine desire to just be himself. Lucas is one of those beautiful people who lays it all on the table - uncensored.

After 5 years of living as a man but appearing to most as a woman, the image in the mirror needed to match the image internally. The voice coming through the speaker never felt familiar.  In 2009, Lucas took the opportunity to take a hiatus from the band to follow a very personal life-changing venture and began the formal process of testosterone hormone therapy; something he had been told by Doctors could cost him his singing voice. Knowing that his current existence was leading him down a road of deep depression, he felt his only option was to venture into the unknown and not let his fears dictate his choices

The result was a voice that was changed, deeper and huskier, but somehow more soulful. In 2010, his rebirth landed him in Brooklyn, NY, a home away from home to concentrate on songwriting. He recorded a solo album “Mockingbird” and wrote new songs for The Cliks next music venture.

Lucas found his songwriting style growing and changing towards a more soul/blues/rock styling. The result was a collection of songs that make up the new Cliks LP release BLACK TIE ELEVATOR.

BLACK TIE ELEVATOR, scheduled for release in March 2013, was produced by Toronto based musician/singer/songwriter Hill Kourkoutis (Hill & The Sky Heroes, The Weeknd) who’s understanding of Lucas’ vision was integral to the final sound of the record.

While the songs on this album may be a surprise to many, loyal fans of The Cliks know that with Lucas, change is constant, though the foundation remains the same -  songs that are real and true, lyrics that speak a universal language and music that will move and bind you to those words.

But we wouldn’t expect anything less from Lucas, an artist at heart who doesn't hold anything back in his music or in his life.

When he’s not creating music, Lucas can be found drawing and painting, acting, writing and doing public speaking events at Colleges & Universities on his personal story and experiences.

He has successfully sold many pieces of art on line and will be concentrating on creating a full body of work for an art exhibition. Notably, the cover for the new The Cliks record Black Tie Elevator, is a self portrait painted by Lucas.

As an actor, Lucas played the role of “Jimmy” in Phi-Films (Montreal, QC) award winning short film titled “HOPE” by award wining director Pedro Pires. He is currently preparing to play the male lead role in the short film “CANDY” by Cassandra Cronenberg, daughter of infamous director David Cronenberg.

Lucas currently lives in Toronto, Canada with his beautiful fiancée Skye Chevolleau who can be heard singing on the track 4 Letter featured on Black Tie Elevator.

No matter what the challenges that Silveira has faced, the vision he has had for The Cliks remains clear. When asked what that vision is, Silveira says “If it ain’t true, it ain’t worth it.”

An Interview with The Real L Word and Hunter Valentine Star, Kiyomi!

Hey you gays, its finally that moment you've all been waiting for: an interview with the absolutely darling and gorgeous Kiyomi!

Let's not delay it any longer!

All Things Lesbian: When I saw Hunter Valentine live in Peterborough, Ontario, there was quite a small crowd. How has the rest of the tour been so far? 

Kiyomi: The tour was actually very successful. I think that was probably one of the smallest dates we did on the whole thing. We sold out majority of the rooms across North America.

ATL: What can we expect from your new album, Collide and Conquer? Can you describe it in 3 words? 

K: Vulnerable, gritty and catchy 

ATL: We saw the arrival of new band member, Aimee, on the Real L Word. Do you think she’s in it for the long run? 

K: I would love to have Aimee along for the ride. She is an amazing musician and an even better friend. She’s is incredibly easy to work with and we are extremely happy with the addition of her in the band. 

ATL: As a HV fan from the UK, I’ve noticed you rarely gig over there. Are there any plans for European dates any time soon? 

K: We are trying to get over there as soon as possible! We have gone to Germany a few times, but never really spent much time in the UK. It’s definitely in our future plans. 

ATL: So we already know you’re extremely invested in the band and spend a lot of time working. Do you ever have spare time and what do you like to do when you’re free? 

K: I rarely have free time these days. I am a bit of a workaholic. When I am not doing band stuff, I am working on other projects. I have some acting stuff on the go and also the beginnings of a clothing line. In the free time that I do get..I love hanging out with my girlfriend, cooking, going to live shows and just relaxing in my home.

ATL: Let’s talk The Real L Word. If it gets picked up for a fourth season will you and your band mates be appearing? 

K: We are still waiting on word from the network, so we will all just have to sit tight and see.. 

And some quick fan questions… 

What is something you and Lauren want for your future as a couple? - @TheIslandLez, Canada 

K: We want so many things in the future! I definitely want to have kids and Lauren shares that passion. 

On a more serious note, Danielle from California asked: Do you think marriage is a possibility for Lauren and yourself in the future?  

K: Marriage is also something that we think about already, but right now we are both very much focused on our careers and learning the ins and outs of each other. We believe you should know everything about each other before you make such a big commitment! 

Do you have any favourite bands (except Hunter Valentine)? – Fay, Oklahoma City 

K: I love the Distillers, Muse, Kings of Leon, Andrew Bird, Rihanna, Calvin Harris and the list goes on!

Kiyomi loves the Distillers? Right on!

What do you think about Kiyomi? So much nicer than they portrayed her on The Real L Word, am I right?

Check out Hunter Valentine's official website: http://www.huntervalentine.com/

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Hunter Valentine & Lauren Russell at Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors Fund"

Don't you love it when your favourite reality lesbians get on the charity work?

So do we!

Check out these awesome photos from NYC on December 8th.

Hunter Valentine and Lauren Bedford Russell ("The Real L Word") attend the 2nd annual Cyndi Lauper and Friends: 

Home For The Holidays presented by Lauper’s True Colors Fund  

at The Beacon Theatre on December 8, 2012 in New York City.

The event helps to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness and raises money for the organization's Forty to None Project.

Other celebrities in attendance included: Adam Lambert, Andy Cohen, Sarah McLachlan, Carmen Electra, Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Terri Nunn, Jason Mraz and Cyndi Lauper, among others.

Hunter Valentine looking hot as balls - as always.

Is that Adam Lambert?!

Look! Its everyone's favourite couple - Lauren & Kiyomi.

Gorgeous, right?

What do you think of the photos? And don't you just wish you were there?!

"Grey's Anatomy" Creator On Why She Includes Gay Characters

You know that little, low key drama on television, Grey's Anatomy? Of course you do.

Well Shonda Rhimes, the show's creator is responsible for one of lesbianism's current favourite television couples, Calzona.

And as usual, Ms. Rhimes succeeded in giving an applause-worthy response when asked "why she has all the gays on her shows".

Check it out:

“And because I love all my gay and lesbian friends. AND because I think same-sex marriage is the civil rights fight of our era and back when being a person of color was the civil rights fight, people like Norman Lear put black people on TV and helped change some minds. So you know, it's gotta be paid forward. As long as we are willing to sit by while one person is not free, none of us are free.”

Amen, sistah!

*Cue shameless plug of Grey's Anatomy*

If you've never watched it, GO WATCH IT. If not just for the lovely ladies above, a.k.a. Jessica Capshaw (left) and Broadway songstress, Sara Ramirez.

It's gritty, raw drama. Check it out. We've already proved its LGBT friendly!

LESMOVIE REVIEW: Room In Rome (2010)

What's that? That's the sound of me reviewing the second lesbian movie in my lesbian movie review series!

I know you're excited.

This time it was Room in Rome, suggested to me by an anonymous reader, which pretty much all takes place in one room... in Rome.

The movie can be summarized by a series of images:



(Source | bloodyalba via Tumblr)


(Source | fuckyeahelenaanaya via Tumblr) 

(Source | flyto-venus via Tumblr)

(Source | bloodyalba via Tumblr)
Looks pretty sexy, right?
Honestly, the film looks like its all about sex, but there are a dozen of mixed and hidden metaphors within the movies. You probably won't spot or understand all of them, but they are there.
Room in Rome tells the story of Alba (Elena Anaya, Van Helsing) and Natasha (played by Natasha Yarovenko, Youth) - if they are their real names - and how they spent a night together on their last day in Rome. Sounds pretty boring when you put it like that... but its not!
You probably won't like this film if you're not into gritty, raw realist movies, but if you do then this is the film for you.
The cinematography is actually pretty fantastic and if you're into independent movies, this one will fit right in with your collection.
I honestly don't want to spoil the entire movie for you, so there's not much more I can say about it... but this movie is not just about a Room in Rome. Its about love. Watch it and see.
Lesmovie Rating: 8 and a half out of 10 - I was tempted to give it a 9 but I'm harsh. Watch it!