Why Are Faggots So Afraid Of Faggots? Mattilda Bernstein Scyamore
homo-centric is super duper excited to smother your January blahs with the only Los Angeles bookstore appearance of Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore! Mattilda is coming to town Sunday January 22nd at 6:30pmto tell you all about/read from/publicize her new book Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots.Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore is a writer, editor, activist, artist, filmmaker, critic and troublemaker. Most recently, she is the editor of Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?: Flaming Challenges to Masculinity, Objectification, and the Desire to Conform, which will be released on Valentine’s Day 2012 from AK Press. Mattilda is the author of two novels, So Many Ways to Sleep Badly (City Lights 2008) and Pulling Taffy (Suspect Thoughts 2003). She is the editor of four additional nonfiction anthologies, Nobody Passes: Rejecting the Rules of Gender and Conformity (Seal 2007),That’s Revolting! Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation (Soft Skull 2004; 2008), Dangerous Families: Queer Writing on Surviving (Haworth 2004), and Tricks and Treats: Sex Workers Write about Their Clients (Haworth 2000), which now also appears in Italian (Effepi Libri 2007). Mattilda recently finished a soon-to-be-published memoir called The End of San Francisco.Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots challenges not just the violence of straight homophobia but the hypocrisy of mainstream gay norms that say the only way to stay safe is to act straight: get married, join the military, adopt kids! This anthology reinvokes the anger, flamboyance, and subversion once thriving in gay subcultures in order to create something dangerous and lovely: an exploration of the perils of assimilation; a call for accountability; a vision for change.
Performance Event Collective Mama Pancha’s Queer Life Rituals presents the Third Annual LA Queer Posada, featuring Payasos L.A. and the Los Angeles chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A new take on the Mexican Posada celebration, LA Queer Posada will include performances in theatre, poetry, dance and music with intercultural queer artists.
The procession will take place on Friday, December 23, 2011 and will commence promptly at 7:59 pm at The Eagle in Silver Lake (4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90029). The procession will head north on Santa Monica Blvd, then east on Sunset Blvd, and end at Los Globos Nightclub (3040 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026). Guests are encouraged to bring instruments to join the Posada Band in playing some Christmas tunes as we strut down Sunset Blvd!
This year LA Queer Posada will end its mile-long procession at Los Globos (3040 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026) where performances symbolizing the gift of the Magi will take place. The gift of the Magi will feature performances by Selah Gospel Choir, Burlesque sensation La Cholita, and more to be announced. The dance party is scheduled to follow the performances. Please note that Los Globos is 21 and over. There is no admission fee however donations will be collected to benefit the Transgender Youth Clinic of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Mama Pancha’s Queer Life Rituals is a performance, party, right-of-passage collective that serves the LGBT community through the creation of accessible, inclusive, and intercultural participatory spiritual happenings. The Posada is traditionally a community performance that reenacts the pilgrimage taken by Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter leading to the birth of Christ.
LA Queer Posada is celebrated in Silver Lake to commemorate the area as a historically gay and Latino neighborhood, at a time when many markers of that history are vanishing. “This year in particular we call attention to the closing of Le Barcito, formerly The Black Cat, a landmark gay bar that launched The Advocate out of pre-Stonewall protests against LAPD raids,” says Mama Pancha. “Not only had Le Barcito become a sort of sanctuary for the gay Latino community, but they also hosted the previous two Queer Posadas and tons of other queer life rituals.”
I’ll be reading at homo-centric this Thursday. Internet stalking is for lazy people! Come on out and show me you’re really committed to your unhealthy obsession!
Sunday, October 2nd 2011 at 12:45p on the Storytelling and Readings Stage
I’ll be reading at the West Hollywood Book Fair on Sunday October 2nd as part of the diversity reading on the Storytellings and Readings stage. Hank Henderson’s vision was to get six different writers who represent each of the LGBTIQ letters in our beautiful queer alphabet. Hank had facebooked me about reading but I hadn’t been able to decide which letter I wanted to represent: it turned out to be an obstacle for a number of folks and I’d later learn it seemed to be a sore issue with Hank! He pulled out a small pad of paper, scrawling my name down under the mish mash of notes in the cluttered little booklet.
“How do you identify?” He asked me flatly. This is a common question in post modern identity politicking circles. It kink felt like of like going to see a new therapist for the first time; exciting but also a little bit like a police interview.
“Squeeze me in under ‘B’ for ‘bisexual’ or ‘Q’ for queer! Whichever you need me to be!” I smiled thinking I was being accommodating but he seemed slightly perturbed.
“Pick one. It doesn’t mean you’re not both but for the purpose of this reading Puh-lease! Just pick one!” he said sounding a bit more queenie than usual.
“Okay! ‘B’ for ‘bisexual!’” I squealed uncharacteristically chirpy.
I’ve really been feeling the love for the bisexies lately and I feel excited and proud to rep the bisexy love at the West Hollywood Book Fair. Also reading will be:
Hank Henderson
Bonnie S. Kaplan
Philip Littel
Schaffer Nelson
Tracy Jeanne Rosenthal
Sunday, October 2nd 2011 at 12:45p on the Storytelling and Readings Stage
We’re currently accepting film submissions for the 3rd annual Los Angeles Transgender Film Festival. Please forward widely! Submit your short or feature film today!
Whether you’re dealing with gender-specific issues or not, we will be screen many diverse works made by trans, genderqueer, and intersex artists and our allies, including comedy, dramedy, drama, erotica, experimental, animation, and more!
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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
1. Accepting Feature Length and Short Films in all genres.
2. Complete the Festival Entry Form below.
3. Submit a DVD (Region 1) preview copy of your film/video. These items will be archived and will not be returned.
4. Include a CD of Stills (300 dpi, high resolution) if possible
DEADLINE: September 15th, no entry fee.
Mail items to:
TG Film Fest
c/o Reel Boi Productions
3504 White House Pl Los Angeles, CA 90004 U.S.A.
Click the link below to download the submission form.
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Who are we?
TG Film Fest: The Los Angeles Transgender Film Festival was founded in 2009 to increase visibility for powerful films by trans and genderqueer filmmakers. Started in response to the lack of transgender people in the media, the TG Film Fest showcases works by established and emerging trans and genderqueer filmmakers. We promote filmmakers to new audiences with encore “best of fest” screenings at colleges and organizations throughout the year.
While you’re at it, submit to the SF trans film fest too! Our friends Shawna Virago and Sean Dorsey run the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival and they’re amazing! Submit to both!
CALL FOR ENTRIES San Francisco Transgender Film Festival
November 3-6, 2011 San Francisco, CA
The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTGFF) seeks entries for its 2011 Festival (November 3-6, 2011). SFTGFF accepts narrative, documentary, experimental, animated films and music videos. All work should be created by transgender/genderqueer people. All work submitted this year must be 20 minutes or under. Please only submit one film.
The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, aka Tranny Fest, was founded in 1997 as the nation’s first transgender film festival. In the 14 years since, we have exhibited groundbreaking, provocative, outrageous, courageous, moving and innovative works that show the complexity of lives lived on the transgender/ genderqueer spectrum. The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival is co-presented by Fresh Meat Productions.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: September 1, 2011
Early submissions are encouraged. There is no entry fee.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM
1. Download and complete the Entry Form and print a copy.
2. Send your Entry Form and one copy of your work (DVD only) to:
SF Transgender Film Festival
c/o Fresh Meat Productions
P.O. Box 460670
San Francisco, CA 94146-0670 USA
3. Email a 300-dpi (high resolution) JPG image for your film to freshmeatinfo@gmail.com.
4. We will email you notification when your submission has been received.
GUIDELINES
1. Please include all required materials when submitting your entry – don’t forget to email us a JPG for press purposes (All work must be 20 minutes or less! No exceptions).
2. We cannot return any submitted materials.
3. We will notify you if your work is accepted by September 10th.
4. Once a film is submitted, it may not be withdrawn for any reason.
5. For questions or more information, contact: freshmeatinfo@gmail.com.
Call for Volunteers
The TG Film Fest is working on a fundraiser to support our next festival and could use help with online promotions. We also need help with data entry, contacting sponsors and advertisers for the festival, and promoting the call for submissions to filmmakers.
If you are interested, email info@tgfilmfest.com to learn more.
Sunday, August 14th
12:00 noon – 6:00 PM
909 West Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 741-0094
On Sunday, August 14th, be transformed by history and frozen in time as a cherished member of a tableau vivant-style
GAY PHOTO SHOOT at ONE archives.
Calling all haggard bull daggers and baby dykes, saucy queens, bossy bisexuals, telepathic transgenders, ambidextrous allies, leathery leather daddies young and old, interested intersex people, soft butches, closet cases, as well as staff, board members, volunteers and friends of ONE Archives! Join us and strike a pose with an archival object!
Comb the collections of ONE and model a costume, animate an Act-Up protest placard, display a book or painting from the Archives on your body. Bear your teeth, your breasts, your behind or cover your entire head with an overturned archival storage box and remain anonymous! Invent a pseudonym for the day, a dynamic or deadpan persona. Impersonate or channel the spirit of your favorite LGBT mentor with your photogenic gestures and creativity! Practice your poker face, your camera face and be fabulous or discrete.
Above all, BE THERE ON SUNDAY AUGUST 14, 2011.
Light refreshments will be provided
and the shoot is guaranteed to be a hoot!
The final photo will appear as an limited edition full color posters on the inside book jacket of the much anticipated Cruising the Archives catalogue that ONE Archives is publishing for the forthcoming Pacific Standard Time exhibition in conjunction with the Getty Institute. This event is organized by artist and recent USC MFA graduate, Onya Hogan-Finlay.
If you would like to participate please RSVP to Onya Hogan-Finlay: onyahoganfinlay@gmail.com
Jack Tangle: Featured Writer at Hollywood Queer Open Mike & Workshop
Glamazon: Author & Activist: Christine Beatty
Jeanne Córdova “When We Were Outlaws”
Diviana X Ingravallo
Hollywood Queer Open Mic & Workshop
Moe Macarow
My dear friendRyka Aoki de la Cruzhas asked me to run this month’s Hollywood Queer Open Mic & Workshop and I couldn’t be more delighted. We have a stellar line up of featured performers including one of my favorite LA storytellers, Jack Tangle. Also reading is Christine Beatty, author of Misery Loves Company & Not Your Average American Girl, Diviana X Ingravallo, Moe Macarow and author and journalist Jeanne Cordova. Jean Cordova’s books include Kicking the Habit, a Lesbian Nun Story, and Sexism; It’s a Nasty Affair, her work has appeared in numerous anthologies.
Hollywood Queer Open Mic & Workshop
The venue, BHS, is humble but I have a strong affection for it: it’s where Ryka started the Trans/Giving shows (by the way if anyone wants to start organizing that show again talk to me, collectives grow and change but there hasn’t been a show in over a year!) began eight years ago. The Hollywood Queer Open Mic is a fantastic space to workshop new material and I hope you’ll join us either as a reader or a member of the audience.
One of my favorite theaters in LA, HIGHWAYS Performance Space is hosting 2 months of new LGBTQ performance, dance, spoken word, theater, multi-media, and ritual!
I’ll be reading at QUEER MONDAYS on July 25th! My reading is only $5 so you should totally come check it out!
For complete festival info, scheduling updates, and festival additions, visitwww.highwaysperformance.org
All performances $20 general admission & $15 members/students/seniors, unless otherwise indicated. A festival pass, which admits you to all events, is $75.
Fri + Sat, July 22 + 23 @ 8.30pm
RICK PULOS / RYAN REPERTORY COMPANY -
“Decades Apart: Reflections of 3 Gay Men”
This multimedia work from New York-based artist, performer and writer Pulos captures significant moments in the lives of three gay American men living and surviving in 1970s San Francisco, 1980s
New York City, and 1990s Los Angeles.
Monday, July 25 @ 7:30 pm
QUEER MONDAYS
(hosted by Ian MacKinnon)
This non-elitist LGBTQ experimental performance series takes place on the last Monday of every month.
$5 @ door
Friday + Saturday, July 29 + 30
Sunday, July 31 @ 7.30pm
KDUB Dance – “Liminal Bust”
Choreographer Kevin Williamson tackles jarring states of unrest and ardor. Five people sit in a
waiting room – struggling whether to delay or take
actions against their predicament. The dancers test
their physical landscape in an attempt to uncover
something deeper than the empty space that
surrounds them.
Friday, August 5 @ 8.30pm
DALE GUY MADISON A.K.A DAMNGOODMAN -
“My Life in 3 Easy Payments”
Spoken word performance artist and former QVC shopping host Madison speaks to the pop culture phenomenon of reality shows and the quest for fame at any cost.
Saturday, August 6 @ 8.30pm
CATHERINE SCOTT BURRISS – “What Comes Naturally”
Featuring opening act TIM MILLER (with a short performance)
Burriss’ new work negotiates the fraught intersection of the personal and the political, grappling with queer marriage and queer birth when majority rule is tyrannizing one and malpractice rules are traumatizing the other.
Friday + Saturday, August 12 + 13 @ 8.30pm
SEAN DORSEY DANCE – “Uncovered: The Diary Project”
Using text from real-life diaries of transgender and queer people, Uncovered’s powerful dances reveal lives and stories that history has tried to erase. Out spill diary secrets, bathhouse antics, pop idols, outrageous love, impossible courage and the importance of documenting and sharing our history.
Friday + Saturday, August 19 + 20 @ 8.30pm
IAN MACKINNON
“Gay Hist-Orgy! Part 2 : The Search for Gay Love!”
The cyber-sexual time traveling hot-pants have gotten a new upgrade, and with the help of his genie guide and leather daddy queer theory professor friend, performance artist activist MacKinnon searches history, mythology, psychology, and pornography to findthe greatest love affairs of all time.
Sunday, August 21 @ 7.00pm
SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE – “West Hollywood Squares”
A game show where audience members become the contestants and The Sisters are the panel.
Friday – Sunday, August 26 – 28
2ND ANNUAL TWO-SPIRIT WEEKEND
A weekend honoring a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many indigenous cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders. Join us for a screening of the award winning documentary Two Spirits with a panel discussion with LGBT healers, a cornucopia of LGBT healers on a HEALING SPA DAY, an evening RITUAL & FIRE CEREMONY with your drag queen shamaness Eartha Madre, and a GREEK DREAM TEMPLE / SLEEPOVER including, of course, a fabulous BRUNCH and DREAM WORKSHOP to explore your deepest mysteries! visitwww.highwaysperformance.org for complete schedule
There are so many amazing events going on in Los Angeles this summer and I’ve decided to share a few of them with you… I am proud to be a part of such a rich and diverse community. Please excuse the shameless self promotion.
“”We Who Are Sexy: The Whirlwind History Of Transgender Images In Cinema”
Saturday July 16 4:30pm at the Director’s Guild of America at Outfest
Join film historians Jenni Olson and Susan Stryker for a whirlwind ride through the history of transgender images in film. This program showcases rarely seen tidbits ranging from the bad old days of guys in dresses and pathological trannies through the empowered self-representations of the early ’90s and into the hot transgender best of the 21st century. Featuring clips from WE WHO ARE SEXY (KAMING MGA TALYADA), QUEENS AT HEART and BY HOOK OR BY CROOK.
To see all the transgender films playing at Outfest 2011, click here.
More Upcoming TG Film Fest screenings! Hollywood Youth PrideJuly 10th, FREE Youth Pride is for self-identified Youth, up to age 30-ish. Featuring selections from the TG Film Fest
Sunday July 10, 2p-11p Plummer Park 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood CA
The workshops are FREE, the delicious food is FREE, and jamming out to rock-your-body bands and performers is FREE too!
OUTspoken Sessions7/22, FREE an open mic and safe space for queer and allyyouth 19 and under, Featuring selections from the TG Film Fest
Friday July 22, 6:30p-9:30p KIWA’s Cultural Education Center 3471 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005
This one-of-a-kind leadership conference builds the foundation for community members to take action for transgender rights through informative workshops including legal, health care, organizational development and much more
The TG Film Fest is co-present the ‘Art and Activism’ track focused on making and promoting art for social change. The Transgender Leadership Summit’s Art and Activism track includes a screening of short films from the festival, a film production workshop, and an artist’s panel.Friday July 22 – Sunday July 24 Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
Sliding Scale
Saturday, July 23, 9p-2am The Palms, 8572 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Join us at 9 pm for PoMoLicious, a night of drag and gender bending performance followed by The Sweet Spot: Post Modern Sexual Dance Party at 10:30, featuring Bzzzrp! spinning filthy house and dirty electro beats. Get your tickets early for $5 here: http://pomolicious.eventbrite.com/
**Official party for TransPride & Transgender Leadership Summit!
$5 for pride and conference attendees, $10 for everyone else
EVENT PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER
I had decided that I would fall in love with Émile Bonnet before I’d ever even met him. He possessed so many desirable qualities: he was my junior high school boyfriends foreign exchange student, 19 and french. I loved Émile because he was smart and worldly and he did what I wanted him to do.
When he arrived we stayed up late sitting out on the picnic bench in my boyfriends families backyard. The breeze from the ocean cooled our sweaty skin and carried with it the pungent aroma of the tomato cannery and the garlic fields that surrounded my tiny village. Émile and I laughed and flirted as the yard sizzled and hummed with the sounds of frogs and crickets and the world was wonderful and smelled like spaghetti.
Émile showed me photos of his college hazing, regaling me with tales of being made to run around Paris on a scavenger hunt covered in raw eggs and carmel sauce in only his underpants. In one such photo Émile was standing atop a formica table before a blackboard in a lecture hall. He wore an ill fitting french school girls uniform that one of his classmates had brought with her from home. He sang into a child’s toy microphone, head thrown back, chest thrust forward and he looked positively radiant. Not in the least humiliated. I had already begun dressing my boyfriend in my goth girl drag and my approval and subsequent titillation were all the incentive Émile needed to become my cross-dressing femme entertainment.
One summer afternoon I bleached his outdated Beatles bowl haircut and dyed it bright pink. He rinsed the dye out in my shower and he stained his entire face (and my bathtub) Manic Panic fushia. I sent him home on the skate board he borrowed from my boyfriend. I had no desire to make out with his tomato face.
He was a good kisser but his breath often smelled of anchovies, which he ate almost daily. I knew of no other teenagers who ate anchovies or the kind of hot mustard that stung your nose and made your eyes well up with tears when you swallowed.
Just a A French Teenage Crossdresser & His Mistress
After he returned to Paris we maintained a love letter romance for about a year and a half before one of us eventually lost interest and we fell out of touch. I will always remember Émile in photos. Émile the naughty schoolgirl. Émile the pink haired teenager in a red pleated skirt and silver thigh high stockings. Émile the slutty goth girl in my driveway blowing kisses from beneath the shade of my Ren-Fair head dress. Because that summer, in America, in Gilroy, Émile was fearless.
