get OUT-Digging up the Dirt by Cherrie Moraga

Opening this weekend!!!

*info and images from www.cherriemoraga.com

About the Play

“Digging Up the Dirt” takes place, as Moraga writes, “Inside The Poet’s head, somewhere in the fragmented Chicano nation of Aztlán.” Here, as in most Moraga plays, the playwright uses the imagined landscape of the Southwest to poignantly explore those censored questions that continue to impact Chicana lives. And, as in most Moraga plays, such depictions give all of us pause –regardless of race or gender or sexuality. This is especially the case in “Digging Up the Dirt” where the plot thematically interweaves two murder stories. One is the tale of “Sirena Cantante’s” murderer, “Zanzibar,” serving a life sentence, while engaging in lesbian romances and being mercilessly visited by the probing “Poet.” The second is an intimate account of the murder of “Amada,” a Chicana lesbian killed by the hand of her own son. Through the telling of both stories, alternately satirical and tragic, audience members are held accountable for their own “crimes of passion” and the play becomes a kind of moving mirror to all our unacknowledged “murderous” deeds of the heart.

Get tickets HERE

get OUT-Blessed is the Blood: Queer Communion @ Highways Performance Space

Blessed is the Blood: Queer Communion at Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica.


Curated by RAQUEL GUTIERREZ. Song, dance + performance by fiery gospel slangers + hot homo pagans, w/ JASPER JAMES, TRE VASQUEZ, SHAKINA NAYFACK, RAFA ESPARZA, DANIEL EDUJIYES CARRERA, MARCUS KUILAND-NAZARIO, QUEEN HOLLINS + more!
 
Get your tickets HERE
 
p.s. make-up on the second image by me :)

and with one click of a link....

...my world has completely turned up side down and I'm in love again.....

I talked a couple posts back about the film that I'm working on of interviews with butches about their clothing/style.  Well thanks to my new found tumblr love and of course my "real life" love, Doubleque I have found someone that's working on a book that's coming out that kind of mirrors the film I'm working on (or at least it's kind of similar):

Art by Elisha Lim

Elisha Lim, you have singlehandedly re-inspired me! I had a long and busy day at work today and am finally able to take in the awesomeness of your work!! Your Blog is the stuff femmes like me dream of! And oh, what did you say? You have a BOOK "100 Butches" Coming out in October?! I'm SUPER IN!!!

*p.s. according to her blog, the inspiration for the above art came from:

To the beautiful writing of Camilla Gibb in Brazen Femme: “Black-cat girl-boy crossed my path like the harbinger of doom and promise, and the asphalt of the parking lot turned magenta. Grey world became technicolor, stomach became head and, I, I with my heart in my throat, became a femme.” *

*are you dying at the cover yet? I am*

Well I'm excited to add her blog to my google reader and super excited to see where this work takes her.  This super super super important work of documenting the fierce lives of women who more often than not navigate the world in mens clothing.

Tumblr love

So, in this society we're all FAST FAST FAST NOW NOW NOW! When I found twitter (@laura_luna) I fell in love because it's all fast and now and stuff, but now, I'm in love with tumblr because it's like blogging, but faster and you don't have to write a whole bunch of stuff if you don't want to (lol)

Sooo if you have a tumblr account, follow me:

http://lalunafemme.tumblr.com/

Butch Fashion

It's no surprise to anyone that I love fashion and style.  I've been lucky to have been able to style some photo shoots and am even considering going to THIS school to be able to learn a little bit more about the craft of styling.  One of my current projects is helping produce the fashion show for the first night of the Butch Voices LA (West Hollywood) Conference.  In meeting with the artistic director for the show, Luisa (one of the other women helping to put this show together) and I thought that we should get opinions from butches about what fashion/style means to them and what they would like to see from a fashion show put on for butches (because truth be told, a fashion show for butches and a butch fashion show are 2 totally different things) so Luisa and I have been on this journey for the past couple of weeks that has been just super amazing! We've been meeting with different butches (and AG's, studs, bois, left of center and women who wear men's clothing) and interviewing them on fashion/style, accessories, and what they would like to see in a fashion show for butches.  This project has really been eye opening and super amazing! I'm so thankful for all the women that have shown up, met with us, welcomed us into their homes and shared their stories.  Their stories are ones of resistance and I'm proud and thankful to be able to document this information for future generations. 


This project has also got my wheels turning as to what my favorite style is as far as women who wear typically mens clothing is concerned and I've concluded that I love the preppy/urban look.  I've searched the internets with no success to find a blog produced by a woman who wears masculine clothing that wears it in the style that I like (if you can find one, please send me the link..I'd love to see it!) However, I do feel that the gentlemen over at Street Etiquette have it SPOT ON! Every day I search my google reader to hope and pray that they have a new post and when they do, I imagine them being dapper dykes/bois/studs/gender nonconforming women in those amazing outfits *swoon* I mean, check out these amazing outfits:

all images from www.streetetiquette.com

I mean, I'm all for hip hop wear and all, but you can NOT tell me that the gentlemen above don't look refined, worldly, and oh so amazingly put together (their attention to detail is just redic!)....I mean really. Kind of reminds me of these Jay-Z lyrics from his "30something" song:

"I used to let my pants sag, not givin’ a fuck

Baby boy, now I’m all grown up" 

To me, this type of look just looks so put together and grown up! I know bois that dress like this and I beg of them to start a blog to show pics of their outfits, after all it's about visibility, right? What do you think? what's your favorite style on bois/butches/studs/AG's?

Anthology of stories by Gender Non-Conforming People: Call for Submissions

via Musings of a Buffalo


Call for Submissions to create An anthology of stories by Gender Non-Conforming People about Their Experiences in Sex-Segregated Spaces


Call for Submissions:



Working Title: Stalled



Editors: K. Bridgeman and A. Lee Crayton

Contact: stalled.the.book@gmail.com

Submission Deadline: December 31, 2010



The range of gender non-conforming folks is broad. We are men, women, genderqueers, two-spirits, trans women/transwomen, trans men/transmen, intersex, bois, grrrls, butchs, faeries, FtMs, MtFs, tomboys, drag queens, transvestites, transexuals, queers, none or maybe all of the above.* In a society that preaches gender as rigid, fighting for gender self-determination can be challenging. For some the process is finite, traveling from point A to point B, while others wade continuously through the mire or transcend altogether. But despite the trajectory of our own personal journey, we all experience the polarizing demands of the binary.



One way these demands are evident is in sex-segregated spaces: changing stalls, detention centers, restrooms, group homes, homeless shelters, locker rooms, and security checkpoints.* These places can be hard to avoid, and interaction with them demands we make a choice about how we will present ourselves. With this anthology, we want to explore the sometimes difficult, layered, isolating, heart breaking, frightening, awkward, frustrating, challenging, funny, and/or queer experiences people are faced with in these settings. Stalled is a space for us to share our stories.



Gender-nonconforming individuals of all ages, published and unpublished, are encouraged to contribute to Stalled. We welcome submissions of all types: stories, poems, photos, art pieces; however you feel most comfortable expressing your personal experiences around sex-segregated spaces. Submissions should be non-fiction and based on actual experience. However, we respect the author’s prerogative to maintain characters’ anonymity.



*We recognize these descriptions are not exhaustive and to acknowledge that they are not intended to be restrictive. We encourage and hope to engage a broad range of experiences and identities.

Submission Instructions:


• Submissions should be sent via e-mail to stalled.the.book@gmail.com.

• Written submissions should be 1500 words or less, and submitted as a .doc or .docx file with pages numbered. Illustrations should be submitted in jpeg format.

• You may submit up to 2 different pieces of work.

• We welcome both published and unpublished authors; however, if the piece you’re submitting has been published, please note where and when.

• In your cover email, please include Author’s Name, Pen Name (if applicable), Title of Submission, email address, and a brief Bio (150 words or less).

Submissions will be accepted throughout the year. The final deadline is December 31, 2010 (11:59:59 pm EST). All submissions will be responded to by the end of April 2011. Early submissions are encouraged.

Initiated by CSGS, Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality at NYU

Luna's Lust List Lunes

Happy Monday!

I know I've been slacking on both Lust List Lunes posts AND doing my follow up on IMATS.  I blame my broken laptop for my lack of posts :(  Thanks to my beautiful and amazing readers who still keep on keepin' on!  The laptop will be fixed soon, and you'll get much more posts, I promise..


Anywho...

I've been dreaming about owning this product since IMATS and I can't wait to get it.  Seriously I'm sure you can google or do a YouTube search for reviews of this product because it is SOOO AMAZING!!!!

OCC Lip Tar in NSFW

I'm a lipstick gal, but ONLY because lip gloss doesn't really last very long and I think that sometimes reapplying lip gloss in public can be super tacky.  Well Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics has found the solution to that..I swear this Lip Tar stuff is from heaven! It seriously is SUPER pigmented and will last for HOURS (seriously like the whole day).  They have great cosmetics (I got to try some at IMATS) and they're cruelty free and vegan!

Have any of you tried OCC Lip Tar or any other make up by them? Let me know what you guys think!

get OUT! FEM FEST LA Revolution Grrrl Style Now!!! Aug 7th

Fem Fest in Los Angeles! REVOLUTION GRRRL STYLE NOW!




ALL AGES! FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING

Saturday, August 07, 2010 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM PDT


Where: FEM FEST! @ Project Infest Warehouse

3201 Maple Ave

Los Angeles California 90011

Workshops, Lectures, Art, and Live Music!



FEM FEST starts at 3pm, Music starts at 6pm.



* * * * * * *



Performances by: Toy Attica, All or Nothing HC, The Resistance, Kalifornia Taliban, Secret Sect, and Las Cochinas



Speak For Rawa, Gynecology, Lectures/Discussions, Guerrilla Gardening, Art Motivation (Pin Making), Auto Care, Yoga Class



Vendors: Dead Rockers, Dirty Deeds Hair Accessories



Food and Drink sold // All Proceeds To RevRevolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan

 
 
More info: HERE

Models of Pride: Call for workshops and volunteers

LifeWorks is proud to announce that Friends of Project 10 has asked us to co-produce the 18th annual Models of Pride Conference to be held Saturday October 9, 2010 at Occidental College in Eagle Rock. Models of Pride (MOP) is a free one-day conference that focuses on the concerns and interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, ages 12 to 24 and their allies. Words like camaraderie, safety and a strong sense of belonging have been used by hundreds of participants to describe this annual conference. The conference also offers a workshop for service providers and educators to enrich their skill set and better support our community. New this year is an all-day parent track, where parents can access accurate information, resources, and ask questions in a safe and supportive environment. See our website for more information. http://www.modelsofpride.org/


The Models of Pride youth conference is filled with workshops and roundtables, entertainment, a resource fair, food and networking opportunities. This year's conference will host 600 participants for the day of workshops and 250 high school students for dinner and a dance which will follow the day's activities.

We would like to invite you participate in this year’s conference. First and foremost we need people to present workshops. Workshop Topics in the past have included:

Relationships • History • Sexuality • Family Issues • Political Activism • Gender Identity • Mental Health • Culture • Safer Sex • Self-Esteem • Recreation/Sports • Foster Care • Substance Use & Abuse • Literature • Spirituality • HIV/AIDS/STIs/STDs • Education • Religion • Disabilities • Careers • Gay-Straight Alliances • Immigration • Arts • Hate Crimes/Harassment • Ethnic/Cultural Identity • Media/Communications • Legal Issues & Rights.

Deadline to submit your proposal is Sunday, August 1, 2010

Additionally we need people to volunteer for different jobs during the day. We need volunteers to do everything from registering people to supervising the youth dance. For a more complete listing of the available jobs, check out the website http://www.modelsofpride.org/Volunteer.html

If you can’t present a workshop or volunteer, there are still ways you can support us. If you have a Facebook account, please find our Models of Pride Group and join. Share this with all your other Facebook friends. Also, we’re on MySpace. If you’re not into social media, you can still support us by telling your friends about us.

Finally, as this conference continues to grow (last year we had over 600 youth attend) the expenses of providing this one-of-a-kind conference increase. You might choose to purchase an ad in our program, make a financial contribution or become a sponsor. Check the website for details.

Currently this is the largest LGBTQ youth conference in California and perhaps the whole country that provides all these opportunities to the youth at no cost to them.

We hope you share our enthusiasm for this and will become a part of the team, helping us grow this conference in whatever way works best for you.

Thank you for your continued Support.

Sincerely,

Michael Ferrera

Director - LifeWorks

"Occupied Bodies: Women of Color Speak on Self-Image" Call for Papers

I got this in an email today. What a great project!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – Occupied Bodies: Women of Color Speak on

Self-Image – Deadline October 15, 2010



Monday, July 5, 2010 at 1:07am

I am soliciting essays for an anthology on women of color’s

self-image/body image as shaped by family, friends, media, society,

history, lived experiences, etc. I’m looking for smart, accessible, and

snappy personal narratives that also offer nuanced analysis of the

underlying constructs that affect how we perceive ourselves. Exploring

intersectionality of identities is extremely important. I particularly

want the voices of women of color that are not often heard to be

represented, such as trans* WOC, disabled WOC, queer WOC, WOC outside

the U.S., WOC with eating disorders, working class/poor WOC and fat WOC.

Of course, all the varied perspectives any woman of color can offer are

welcome. This is an exciting project, as this topic has not been explored in

depth and including such a diverse collection of viewpoints before. The

final manuscript will be submitted to relevant independent publishers.

——

Some possible jumping off points include, but are not limited to:

- What images of yourself were instilled in you by your

parents/guardians/other family members when you were a young child? What

positive or negative encounters with adults as a child helped shape that image?


- If you were born in a country other than the U.S. and then immigrated

to the U.S., how did the society in which you were born play a role in

your developing self-image, and what contrasts did you find difficult to

navigate between the two societies?

- How did the media you consumed as a child/teen shape your body/self

image today? How does it complicate it? How does the media you consume

NOW affect your body/self image?


- How did pressure from family and friends affect the way you perceived

yourself after you were old enough to take care of yourself?


- How did you feel about societal beauty and body standards as a teen?

Did you rebel, or conform by any means necessary to avoid confrontation?


- How has the globalization and dissemination of the Western beauty

ideal affected you and women of color worldwide?


- Debunk this: “in some cultures they ______”, – deconstructing a

commonly held belief about an ethnic group’s relation to body (such as

the black community supposedly being OK with fat).


- If you’re queer, how has being a queer woman of color affected your

self-image and how you desire your partner to look? If you’ve had

partners who were also women of color, did/do you gaze upon them with

the same critical eye you reserve for yourself? Why or why not?


- If you’re a trans* WOC, how was your perception of your gender

identity shaped? How has your self/body image changed over the years and

have there been any other shifts in your thinking about your self/body

image? How does being a WOC interact with your trans* identity? How does

it affect how other people perceive you and your gender?

- How has being a disabled WOC affected your body/self image? Do you

feel it’s a detriment or a positive part of your person? How did you

come to terms with your disability, or has it never been problematic for

you?

- As a fat WOC, has weight shaped your self/body image your whole life?

Have you developed an eating disorder? Was it exacerbated by there being

virtually no resources for women of color, especially for fat WOC?

- Are you a sexual assault/rape survivor? How did that trauma affect

your view of yourself?

——-

If your experiences overlap on any of the suggested jumping off points,

PLEASE feel free to explore that.

Guidelines:

- Deadline for submissions is October 15, 2010;

- Submissions should be saved in Word format or Rich Text, double

spaced, size 12 Arial or Times New Roman;

- 500 to 5,000 words;

- Include RELIABLE contact information and a brief biography;

- Only e-mail submissions will be accepted, however, if you can’t

arrange that please contact me and we’ll work something out.

- Send submissions to: occupiedbodies@gmail.com;

- Again, the deadline for submissions is October 15, 2010.



Who I Am:

The woman spearheading this project is Tasha Fierce, a freelance writer

who also happens to be a fat, queer, disabled woman of color. I’ve

written about race politics, fat acceptance, disability and feminism in

several zines, including Evolution of a Race Riot and the zine I edited

from 1998-2001, Bitchcore. I have contributed to Jezebel several times,

the fat acceptance blog Shapely Prose, the race & pop culture blog

Racialicious, and the feminist disability activism blog FWD/Forward. My

work has also been featured in The Huffington Post. I live, love and

write in Los Angeles, California. You can regularly read me at my own

blog, Red Vinyl Shoes (http://redvinylshoes.com/blog) and on Twitter as

@redvinylshoes.

My Future DC wife days...And So It Is...*sigh*

Hello lovelies...

Just sitting here daydreaming of what recipe I will submit to THIS one day. And hope to be towing 2 little kids on flights from LA to DC one day looking like the pic below:

image from fashiongonerouge.com

a Congressional hopefuls future wife can dream can't she?

"RECLAIMING THE (FEMME, BUTCH, ANDROGYNOUS BI, TRANS F&M) QUEER WOMB BODY AS SACRED" Survey. Please participate and re-post!

Hello loves,
 
I hope you are all well.  Queen is conducting this much needed and VERY important survey for the Queer community.  I'm including her introduction to the survey and I hope that you will PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the moment to email her to participate.  You can do the survey via email or if you are in the Southern California area, she would love to conduct the interview in person. 

SELF- IDENTIFICATION BEGINS IN THE WOMB

RECLAIMING THE

(FEMME, BUTCH, ANDROGYNOUS BI, TRANS F-M)

QUEER

WOMB BODY AS SACRED

REDISCOVERING THE POWER OF OUR MENSTRUAL BLOOD

BY QUEEN L. HOLLINS

QUESTIONAIRE/SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU AND I AM VERY EXCITED THAT YOU ARE TAKING THE TIME TO READ THE INTENTION OF THIS PROJECT/SURVEY! WE ARE CONDUCTING THIS SURVEY TO RESEARCH THIS UNCHARTERED AREA OF OUR COMMUNITY, THAT BEING OUR MENSTRUAL BLOOD AND OUR BODIES. YOUR STORIES, INSIGHTS AND OPENNESS WILL HELP CREATE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW OUR COMMUNITY VIEWS OUR JOURNEY INTO OUR MENSTRUAL BLEEDING AND HONORING OUR BODIES.

THIS SURVEY SERVES AS AN IMMEDIATE TOOL THAT WILL PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR DEEP SELF-REFLECTION AND SERVE AS A VIABLE TOOL FOR SELF-IDENTIFICATION. AS A LONG-TERM EFFECT THIS SURVEY WILL PROVIDE REFERENCE MATERIALS AND GUIDANCE FOR OUR YOUTH WHO ARE ENTERING INTO THEIR FIRST BLOOD RITES AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BLEEDING AND WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR MENSTRUAL CYCLE, THEIR BODIES AND THEMSELVES. THIS SURVEY WILL ALSO CREATE AN INTIMATE SUSTAINABLE AND ONGOING CIRCLE FOR FUTURE DIALOGS THAT CAN PROVIDE CLARITY, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE.

ALL COPYRIGHTS RESERVED BY QUEEN L. HOLLINS

If you are interested in being a part of this survey, please email Queen directly at: AFRKDNCER@aol.com

get OUT-Chocolate and Wine Pool Party!!

Check out info below! You know I'm THERE, because it's always good times at Chocolate & Wine!!!

CHOCOLATE & WINE SUMMER POOL PARTY Sunday AUGUST 1st, 5-11pm

Can’t wait to see you at the POOL PARTY of the Summer! The Blue Velvet Lounge & Restaurant has a very chic pool, sexy fire pit seating, and plenty of indoor seating with views overlooking the pool area (http://www.bluevelvetrestaurant.com/). CALL MIGNON IF YOU WOULD LIKE BOTTLE SERVICE MENU (BOTTLE SERVICE COMES WITH RESERVED SEATING): 646-345-7822. Here’s our lineup:

BIG AND BEAUTIFUL SHOWCASE! Watch out for the Big Girls!!!! Celebrating all of the sexy, curvy women who are part of Chocolate & Wine. Ladies get ready to strut your stuff & show us what you got!

SEXY LEGS CONTEST! Got calves to die for? Yams that make strangers stop and stare? Then come be in our SEXY LEGS CONTEST!

LIMBO REMATCH! Join us for the rematch of the LIMBO CONTEST we had at CHOCOLATE TOUCH in Palm Springs (with the lovely Vivian of Ladies Touch and Freckles of Pen-U-Up Productions)! We’ll see how low you can go after a few margaritas!

Delicious Lounge Menu – shrimp cocktail, shrimp tempura, fried calamari, mac & cheese, beef sliders, sweet & spicy pork, Philly cheese steak & more!

DJ One serving you the best in HipHop/R&B/Old Skool/House/Latin to keep you dancing into the night!

Chocolate & Wine Summer Pool Party!

Blue Velvet Lounge & Restaurant

750 S. Garland Avenue, Los Angeles

Just $5 before 7pm/$8 after 7pm

Free street parking/$6 valet parking

For my FabFemmeSoulmateCrush

I've lately been thinking about Femme sisterhood and how the bonds that we create as Femme ID'd women are really deep and are to be taken seriously.  There are soo many issues and things that I can say about this subject but I want to keep it playful and short (since I'm writing this on my break at work...) today I saw this pic on one of my new FAVE blogs (F*ck Yeah Femmes on Tumblr) and when I saw the pic above, I just KNEW which one of my Fab Femme friends this reminded me of! None other than "LadyCakes Martinez" herself My FabFemmeSoulmateCrush Anayvette.  Thank you Anayvette for teaching me so much about Femme sisterhood (aka Chola Politics) and about being a RQSMOC!!!

Free Booze-NYC

Wow! Now THIS is a service I can get behind! If you're in NYC, you better get yourself to this website:

http://nyc.myopenbar.com/

and enter your email address or check up on this site daily! A website that alerts you to places with free booze?! I'm IN (wish I was IN NYC...when will someone start an LA one?!)

get OUT-Sunday Make-Up Funday

I'm sad I won't be able to attend but I have other obligations to attend to. HOWEVER, that does NOT mean that YOU shouldn't get your pretty little face over to this...there's no link, I got the info of the Z palette facebook page! (p.s. if you LOVE LOVE LOVE make up and don't have a Z palette, you better RUN and get one! They're actually going to be 20% off at the event below..I got the Lep print one at IMATS!)

What: Make-up 'Garage Sale' held by Local Union 706, 705 & 890
Stock up on MUP, Jewelry, & MORE!
When: July 18th, 2010 (ONE DAY ONLY) 9am-2pm
Where: Local 80 in Burbank 2520 W. Olive Ave Burbank, CA


If you go, take pics or leave a comment and let me know what you got!!!

Cooling Centers

Hey all! Happy Friday.

I'm going to post info on Cooling Centers here in So Cal since it's been super HOT! Please take care of the elderly, babies, pets and most important: YOU! So check out the tips below and if you're not blessed with central air, please know that there are cooling centers that you (or your friends) can go to for heat relief!

 

If you are planning to visit a Cooling Centers, it is advisable that you call in advance to make sure there is still seating available. To find a Cooling Center near you call “211”. Check with your local library when looking for a place to cool down. They have great resources and plenty to read while you escape the heat. For further information on Heat Waves go to http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP10/Jul10.pdf

If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat.

• Put on plenty of sun block and wear a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.

• Wear light, loose fitting clothing.

• Drink water often, don’t wait until you are thirsty.

• Avoid unnecessary exertion.

• If you experience dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst you need to relax in a cooler, shaded place and drink water or a sports drink.(coconut water also has natural electrolytes without all the added sugar -LP)

• More severe symptoms (such as disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing) may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke. Seek immediate medical attention.

• NEVER leave a senior, child or pet in a closed car or any vehicle since temperatures can quickly rise to life threatening levels.

• If you know seniors who live alone or people who’s immune and/or respiratory systems are not working properly, check on them regularly to make sure they are staying cool.

• Offer assistance to “shut-ins” in your neighborhood. Check on them frequently during hot weather.  

for the love of THICK SNACKS!!

Conversations this week have made me re member how much love I have for Thick Snacks and how much I love and appreciate a woman that has curves. Thick Snacks all over the world I shout from the mountain tops that I love and appreciate you (since I am one of you as well) please DO NOT EVER forget your beauty and amazing-ness!

ALSO....

NEVER FORGET that there ain't nothin' in the world that can compare to the feeling of touching and making love to a woman with thick thighs and a phat booty #justsayin


"Pretty woman wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They Think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."

-Dr. Maya Angelou

Thick Snacks are BEAUTIFULLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exhibit 1:

EXHIBIT 2

YES, they're BOTH my beautiful girlfriend Jess. You can find her HERE and HERE

AND to MY Thick Snack (yes, she's ok with me calling her that)...I love you babe thank you for being soo beautiful.  I love your thick thighs, lips, booty, beautiful belly ALL of you. You're MY idea of the perfect woman! (and happy 1 yr 2 month Anniversary, btw)

I love this pic!

And I can see re-creating it with my twitterputas! Let's GO!

Photo via fuckyeahfemmes on tumblr

Argentina Legalizes Gay Marriage!!!!

photo via Diegosaurius Rex flickr photostream

I got the news via twitter last night that Argentina passed same sex marriage! What a great day and how progressive of a Latin American country to do this.  I hope this is just one of MANY steps towards worldwide equality, because I want to get legally married one day, damnit!

Get more info on this historic event HERE

get OUT-Family Fest Party Bus from LA to VEGAS!!

Hey all check out this info from my friends over at Chocolate & Wine!!!

Chocolate & Wine Party Bus tickets to Las Vegas for LGBT Family Fest event are selling at REDUCED PRICE just $65, this week only! Includes ROUNDTRIP TRANSPORTATION, FREE FOOD, FREE DRINKS, Black Hollywood Movies shown on flat screen monitors, MUSIC by DJ One, great friends and great times. (*Those who’ve already paid $75 will receive a $10 refund*). Bus departs from Rodeo Rd & S. Victoria Ave (near Crenshaw Blvd) in Leimert Park area of South LA.

If you’re in the INLAND EMPIRE region or in PASADENA and can get a group of four or more together, we will pick you up on the way to Vegas! Call Mignon for details: 646-345-7822.

 

Dawn Sutton, Chocolate & Wine member in Las Vegas has reserved a block of rooms for you at the ALL-SUITE Alexis Park Resort (375 E Harmon, Las Vegas NV) for the LOW, LOW rate of $39/night (+ tax). For two in a room that’s just $19.50 per night!!!! Call 800-582-2228 and use code RENDEZVOUS702. Thanks Dawn for looking out for the budget-conscious!

Family Fest also has a special rate at the 4-star Paris Hotel for $99/night. Call 702-946-7000 ASK FOR FAMILYFEST RATE.

* * *

REMEMBER – YOU CAN PAY FOR EACH FAMILY FEST EVENT SEPARATELY OR GET THE ENTIRE PACKAGE! Go to www.familyfestlasvegas.com and use code “chocolateandwine” for special low rate!

get OUT-NYC "blood pudding" by Sharon Bridgforth at Summer Stage

I could go on and on and on about how much I love Sharon Bridgforth's work.  Seriously it's life changing stuff.  Her work makes my heart re-member what my blood knows and has known for centuries.  Her work also makes me feel my un born children and how my love and I will pass this remembrance from our blood to theirs. Sharon is one busy womyn! I am so proud of all her accomplishments but sad that LA has not seen any of her new work in a minute...anywho I digress....

If you are in the NYC area, you MUST MUST MUST get your beautiful self to go see "blood pudding" by Sharon Bridgforth on Summer Stage! See info below.  If you are lucky enough to see it, leave a comment and let me know how much you loved it!

blood pudding will be in NYC’S SummerStage Festival!!!


Written by Sharon Bridgforth.

Directed & Choreographed by Baraka de Soleil!.

Helga Davis – Composer

Written by Sharon Bridgforth.

Directed & Choreographed by Baraka de Soleil!.

Helga Davis – Composer

Featuring: Ted Cruz, Helga Davis, Baraka de Soleil, Omi Osun Joni L. Jones, Monica McIntyre, Pam Patrick, and Francine Sheffield. With Negaysha Walcott.



Our performances will be:

Springfield Park, Queens

Friday, July 23 – Saturday, July 24

8:00 – 10:00p.m.

AND

Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan

Friday, August 6 – Saturday, August 7

8:00 – 10:00 p.m



This year is the 25th Anniversary season of Summer Stage. There will be twenty free performance dates and six unique Theater Productions from June 11 – August 27, 2010.

Photo found HERE

get OUT-Through Our Eyes: The Young Black Men’s Photovoice Project on Factors Affecting Their Transition to Manhood

Through Our Eyes:


The Young Black Men's Photovoice Project

on Factors Affecting Their Transition to Manhood



Saturday, July 17th

Walking Exhibit 1-4pm

Presentation at 2pm



VISION Theatre in Leimert Park,

3341 W. 43rd Place,

Los Angeles, CA 90008



Light Refreshments will be served



We gave digital cameras to young black men from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and had them take pictures and dialogue about factors that they felt affected their transition to manhood. These young men have powerful photos and stories to share with you.



Directions:

Take I-10 to Crenshaw Blvd Exit. Head South on Crenshaw Blvd and make left on 43rd Place.



In Collaboration with:

National Family Life & Education Center, Los Angeles Urban League, KAOS Network, Healthy African American Families II, California Institute of Health & Social Services, Children's Institute, Inc., UCLA, RAND Corporation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center



For more information:

please contact Nazleen Bharmal, M.D. 310-794-0150 or 310-645-5227, nbharmal@mednet.ucla.edu

YAY Fatshionistas!!!

Happy Monday everyone! Hope everyone had a great time this weekend.  My weekend was full of fun and time taken for self care.


So, I don't know if y'all know or not, but Gaby from YFF put together an invite only meet up for a bunch of Fatshion Bloggers..and OMG the pics look amazing! I'm so happy that Fatshion is getting the recognition it deserves and KUDOS to Gaby for putting togethter this event and for showing the world that us big girls can have style as well! Kudos also To Gabby from Corazones Rojos for reppin LA at the meet up!  Here's one of my fave pics:

Photo Obtained HERE

Pics from this event are making me excited for the shopping meet up of the LA Fatshion Bloggers! We're going to meet up at the end of this month and have a great day of shopping!  I think more than that, it will be nice to share space with like minded women (and hopefully share a cocktail..lol) So, if you're in LA and you're a Fatshion blogger, join us on July 31st! Get more info at http://www.lafatshionbloggers.blogspot.com/
Props to Monique from Curves and Chaos and Cid from Cid's Style File for putting this event together for us LA girls! Xoxo

OOTD-or night...

Last night I attended a free class at The Pleasure Chest on Santa Monica Blvd in LA taught by Reid (http://www.reidaboutsex.com/).  It was a fun night of friends, learning new things and SHOPPING!! (<---my fave part) What was even more cool was 2 girls that came up to me while shopping and asked me questions about products. I love helping people, and I think the topic of sex is soo taboo that it's nice to be able to talk to people (especially strangers) and just make them feel comfortable while educating them.  I gave my card to the lovely ladies and told them to join my friends and I on July 22nd when we go to JT Stockroom in Silverlake for the BDSM 101 class (YAY girls night out!) ANYWHOOOOO after work, I came home and quickly changed outfits and freshened up my make-up before heading out to The Pleasure Chest..what do y'all think?

Tripp Jeans

Torrid Blazer

Tank Top gifted by my mommy

Shoes: Gifted by Universe (aren't they cool)

Necklace bought from Co-worker

for my make-up, I just added little falsies and re-powdered and added

the Lady Gaga MAC lipstick

get OUT-Mixed Signals Art Studio Long Beach

What are your weekend plans? Well if you're in the Long Beach area, go check out the Open Studio at Mixed Signals Art Studio in Long Beach, located at 2700 Rose Avenue Unit F Signal Hill, CA 90755! Check out the info below, and if you make it OUT, say hi to my dear friend Sparrow who creates in that studio (Click on the link to her get to her website, her art is AMAZING)!

Please join our resident artists and their guests at an Open Studio event on July 10th from 3-8 p.m. for art, food, music and fun!


We’ll have art installed as well as works in progress on view in each individual studio space.

Refreshments will be available, though contributions are always welcome!

My Raft Is Tethered by Sparrow

LATISM Latina Blogger Survey

Do you ID as a Latina Blogger? If so, get over to the LATISM website and take the Latina Blogger Survey! Make your voice count!

OOTD-Cubicle Life

Hello lovelies...
Here's my outfit for the day...it's work so it's not so fun but anyways here you go!

Top: Target (got it so long ago, I don't remember)

Skirt: Black Multi Seamed Pencil Skirt (Torrid) $38.00

Shoes: Bandolino (Macy's)

Freedom School-Los Angeles "Education From The Ground UP"

School budget cuts are everywhere.  I mean even the other day my co-worker was telling me that her son is on a waiting list just to see if he can go to summer school and I mean, I guess his school is lucky because a TON of schools don't even have summer school this summer.  A team of amazing people in LA have teamed up to provide education to all people via The Freedom Schools.  I wish I had time to be able to go to all these!!!! Check out the following classes AND support the fundraiser they're having on the 11th and go to their website to sign up for classes or to donate money to this AMAZING cause!!!!

Summer 2010 Class Schedule



Please be advised that this is still a tentative schedule as new classes are still being added. Facilitators, locations, and class times are subject to change.




A more thorough and complete schedule is forthcoming.










Locations:










Eastside Café


5469 Huntington Drive N


Los Angeles, CA 90032


(Near El Sereno)










La Tierra de la Culebra


240 South Avenue 57


Los Angeles, CA 90042










Outward Bound Adventures


2020 Lincoln Avenue


Pasadena, CA 91103


















Questions about class content and format should be directed to the individual class facilitators. Emails have been provided for the purpose of communication.


















“The Browning & Yellowing of Whiteness”










This workshop will be centered on a dialogue about contemporary race issues in the US, specifically engaging in conversation around the notion of White Supremacy vs. Anti-Blackness. The purpose of the workshop is to encourage a different understanding of the social stratification of race in the U.S. Participants will walk away from the workshop with a new critical lens to assist in reevaluating their racial politics as well as those of community and political organization that they work with.










Facilitator(s): Povi- Tamu Bryant (ptbunik@yahoo.com)


Date(s): Tues/Thurs, 7/12-8/13 except on 7/29


Time(s): 7-8:30pm


Location: Outward Bound Adventures










Communities in Resistance










This class will focus on various communities in resistance around the world and in the United States. This includes historical American Labor Movements, present day local grassroots movements and communities resisting capitalism and globalization in various parts of the world. The class will also include various projects and exercises to encourage students to engage in social activism and build meaningful relationships within the community.










Facilitator(s): Natasha Khana (getnatasha@yahoo.com)


Angelica Garcia (chachacheli@msn.com)


Janine Cobos (blisnend323@yahoo.com)


Chris Novoa (otonielnovoa@gmail.com)










Date(s): Tues/Thurs, 7/12-8/13


Time(s): 6:30-8pm


Location: La Tierra de la Culebra










First Aid for Protestors










Facilitator(s): Arturo Velasquez (arturovlsqz@gmail.com)


Date(s): Wed. 7/15- 8/5


Time(s): 4-6pm


Location: Eastside Café










Into the Wild










The wilderness will be context for getting away from the madness of the city (police sirens, ghetto birds, ghetto labyrinths, crazy family members, etc.) and re-connecting to our humanity. Nature is the perfect medium for education and the perfect context to re-activate your genius. Students of life will be challenged physically, mentally and spiritually, for the purposes of awakening the heart, gut instinct, and mental faculties. The class will be three sessions over the summer and we will be visiting Joshua Tree, Devils Punchbowl, and Buckhorn Trail in the Angeles National Forest. These trips will include overnight camping for the purposes of having a good wholesome human interaction so I strongly discourage iPods, text messaging, or any electronics that will interfere with the class. (possible overnight camping)










Facilitator(s): Jose “Tony” A. Romero (commadvocate@yahoo.com)


Date(s): 1st: 7/17-18 2nd: 7/31-8/1 3rd: 8/14-8/15


Time(s): TBA


Location: TBA










Ultimate Frisbee In the Community










Students will learn the fundamentals and rules of ultimate frisbee, a fun competitive, and community oriented team sport. Although competition is encouraged this program is for learners from all backgrounds, and highly emphasizes “spirit” of the game.










Facilitator(s): Tiffany Wallace (lividlyric@yahoo.com)


Date(s): 7/12-7/13


Time(s): TBA


Location: TBA










Spanish for Activists










Did you know that Rigoberta Menchú decided to learn Spanish at age 23 in order to organize against indigenous oppression with the other 22 Mayan peoples of Guatemala, who spoke different languages than her native Quiché?










Come learn Spanish in a fun and safe environment, so that we are able to communicate and realize the dream that another Los Angeles is possible.










You will be able to learn, practice and polish your Spanish in a cool and supportive atmosphere.










Facilitator(s): Sirena Pellarolo (sirenapellarolo@gmail.com)


Date(s): 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31


Time(s): 4-6pm


Location: Eastside Café










Download flyer for the class HERE.


















Working Class Literature: Breaking Down the Walls Forced Between Us










Every person has a story to tell, but not every person’s story has been heard—particularly so of the working class. The literary curriculum selected for K-12 public education has largely focused on stories that are anglocentric, glorify the power structure, and push a nationalist ideology. The few histories and struggles of the working class that are touched upon are contextualized and reframed to fit into the American mythologies of upward mobility and this society as a happy melting pot of diversity.










Whether you are poor, a person of color, an immigrant, queer, or a political refugee, as members of the working-class, these are our histories and struggles against the system that oppresses us. Using selections from novels and short stories, we will examine how this system constructs divisions between us based on class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and national origin, and pits us against each other. Let us come together, empower ourselves, and break down the walls forced between us.










Facilitator(s): Victor Interiano (tesiae@gmail.com)


Date(s): Tues/Thurs, 7/12- 8/13


Time(s): 4:30pm-6:30pm


Location: La Tierra de la Culebra










An Interactive Walking Geography of Los Angeles










We will use the City as a tool for critical understanding of Urban Geography. Using our bodies and experiences as part of our analyses of space and place, this class will familiarize students with Los Angeles geography and bridge the context for a heightened geographical thought. Everyday urbanites walk within the complexities of city spaces sometimes not realizing ongoing human transformations that have taken place. Come explore our urban environment with a geographical approach.










Facilitator(s): Eva Ríos-Alvarado (beatific9@yahoo.com)


Rosamaría Segura (rosamariaseg@gmail.com)










Date(s): Fri, 7/12- 8/13


Time(s): 2-4pm


Location: La Tierra de la Culebra










Addressing Social Ills Through Hip-Hop: A Sociological Look At Hip-Hop










Although hip-hop’s intellectual-artistic culture has been increasingly diluted through its over-saturated commercialization, modern independent hip-hop still carries on the tradition of enlightening working-class people of color about various social injustices. This course will expose students to esoteric hip-hop music that examines social injustices so that students will develop a curiosity to search for culture that embodies the Los Angeles Freedom School principles. More importantly, this course will demand that students develop a sociological perspective and a sociological imagination in order to analyze and discuss hip-hop music. Students will also be introduced to some sociological terminology, theories and models to provide evidence or support to their analytical discussion. As students engage in analytical discussion, they will learn to use hip-hop as a medium to more widely criticize destructive mainstream values and norms. Students will consequently be encouraged to mobilize in the struggle against sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, poverty and other social injustices.










Facilitator(s): Humberto Ortiz (humberto-ortiz@hotmail.com)


Date(s): Mon, 7/12-8/13


Time(s): 4-6pm


Location: Eastside Café










OUR WORD IS OUR WEAPON: Creative Writing!










In this class we will learn to write creatively by seeing what is empowering within life spiritually, mentally and physically.










Facilitator(s): Laura Tejeda (peacexmusic@aol.com)


Date(s): Mon, 7/12- 8/13


Time(s): 1-2pm


Location: Eastside Café










Women and Revolution










This class in meant to address how revolutions have affected women and how women have affected revolutions. Brief discussions on specific women in the American Civil War/Reconstruction, Russian Revolution, Mexican Revolution and topics in the US labor movement.










The obstacles and benefits of being a woman revolutionary, Women’s perspectives on domestic work, how revolutionaries have balanced home and political life, how women and men work together in revolutions, is the working class struggle separate from the women’s struggle?










Facilitator(s): Julia Wallace (oolia17@gmail.com)


Date(s): Mon/Wed 7/12-7/28


Time(s): 7-8:15pm


Location: La Tierra de la Culebra










Art Series:










Facilitator(s): Hayk Makhmuryan (hayhayk@yahoo.com)


Time(s): 5-7pm


Location: La Tierra de la Culebra










7/21 Making Marks on Paper - An exploratory drawing workshop.










7/28 Thoughts Aloud - A writing, poetry, and drama exploration.










8/4 Make Your Own Musical Instrument










8/11 Sound and Movement Exploration - An exploration of the ideas behind “music" and “dance."










Dialogues About Gender










This is a three part class that will involve breaking down the language that is used when having dialogues about genders. The workshops will take the form of an interactive dialogue, including a discussion on the violence that one sees when gender is not preformed "correctly."










Facilitator(s): Nadia Zepeda (nadiaz88@hotmail.com)


Audrey Silvestre


Date(s): 7/20, 7/27, 8/3


Time(s): 4:00pm-6:00pm


Location: Eastside Café










Beginning Math










We will introduce and review the basic fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Additional help will be available in basic statistics or advanced math, on a case by case basis.










Facilitator(s): Eric Recchia (recchiaeric@gmail.com)


Date(s): Mondays/Wednesday, 7/12- 8/13


Time(s): 5:00- 7:00 pm


Location: Outward Bound Adventures










Math Study and Tutorial










This will be a two hour session where you can receive tutoring or help in any level of mathematics you might need to prepare for the upcoming year or anything else.










Facilitator(s): Seth Miller (slm8816@lausd.net)


Date(s): Wednesdays, 7/14 - 8/4


Time(s): 1:00- 3:00 pm


Location: Eastside Café










Chess and Ethnobotany










We will peruse the fascinating history of Chess and Ethnobotony finding such beautiful parallel junctions in Indian Betel nut use, neurotransmitters, the elephant piece and knight patterns. We may collaborate with a local chess club and/or have a casual tournament if people are interested. It should be open to any and all levels and interests, the trajectory been gained from feedback during the 1st class. I.e. More lecture or more chess playing. I would also like to project (I'll provide the projector) great chess software to demonstrate certain points later in the curriculum.










Note: Day and time based upon student schedules, please contact instructor with your schedule availability.










Facilitator(s): Miguel Olivares (olivaresmandato@yahoo.com)


Date(s): Days to be Determined


Time(s): 7:00-9:00pm


Location: Location to be Determined