My Insurance Bill

I can't remember another time that receiving a bill in the mail made me smile.  But today I got a notice of some changes to my auto insurance.  Here's what it said:

Please be aware that effective with your next renewal, the following changes have been made to your policy: Paragraph A.2. The term spouse has been expanded to include the "named insured's" domestic partner, as defined by Oregon law, throughout the policy and attached endorsement.

These changes are provided due to the passage of Oregon House Bill 2007 which recognizes domestic partnerships in the state of Oregon for those couples who choose to register with the state for recognition or form a legal domestic partnership contract.

These changes grant registered domestic partners and civil union partners the same rights as those granted to married couples within the State of Oregon.

Yippee!! 

Lethal Lesbians

I don't anything about any of the films showing this weekend at the Clinton Street Theater, but the title of the festival is enough to make me want to go:

Lethal Lesbian 3, a collection of Israeli lesbian short films, will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 1:30 pm at the Clinton St. Theatre, located at 2522 SE Clinton St.  Reception and after party will follow the screening at Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St.
 
The program includes 7 shorts and one 50 minute drama, The Other War, by Tamar Glezerman.  Before the screening, QueerVideos, a 5 minute video-art piece by Shiri Blumenthal, will be screened.

Check it out if you can!

Dreaming of Martina Navratilova

I went to see Suzanne Westenhoefer on Saturday night. As you know, I’m a big fan and had many a good laugh. As part of her set, Suzanne tells this long involved joke/story about Martina Navratilova coming to her show and the havoc that ensues.

I went to bed that night with a few of Suzanne’s jokes fresh in my mind. Wouldn’t you know it, I have a dream about Martina. Here’s how it goes:

I was at a conference or something and Martina was there. We started hanging out together, very casual. But then, I was standing by my car and Martina went to kiss me. I didn’t think anything of it. I mean, Martina doesn't like butchy girl, right? She was just playing around.

And then, Alix Dobkin came up, and I wanted to tell her it meant nothing. But suddenly I realized it did. Not for me, but for Martina. I was feeling  no chemistry. But I was becoming aware that Martina was.  I think I woke up after that. 

Any dream analysts out there want to take a stab at this one? 

Silly Video of My Dog

It's Sunday, so I thought I'd post a silly video of my dog Rocky. We got sick of feeding him, so we taught him to forage for his own food.

Itty Bitty Titty Committe

Itty Bitty Titty Committee is one of all time favorite lesbian movies. Looking for something good to rent this evening? (Dipstick hopes your not really staying in on a Saturday night!) This movie is it. Cute girls, direct action, domestic terrorism. What more could you want in a film?

We Need Your Help! Fred Phelps is Coming to Town

This just in from an activist friend of mine:

As some of you may have heard, Fred Phelps (of "god hates fags" and westboro baptist church infamy) is picketing PSU's queer resource center and Silverton, Oregon's recent election of Stu Rasmussen (The first ever openly transgendered Mayor) on Monday, November 24th.

There is a planning meeting tonight Friday, November 21, 2008 7:00pm - 8:30pm at Outside In at 1132 SW 13th Ave. Portland, OR 97205 (between Jefferson and Main)

In the meantime, the organizers of the counter-protest have put together a unique way to fight Phelps and his traveling band of hatemongers. Please read on, and re-post, and please TAKE ACTION.

We would like to fight the WBC by raising money for Outside In. You can see the services that Outside In provides to homeless youth, with lots of services for queer/trans youth, by visiting (www.outsidein.org). We are asking our local businesses and any individuals interested in participating, to donate any amount of money from $.05 and up, for each minute that Westboro Baptist Church protests in our community(with a minimum donation of $10.)

Want to help raise money for this action? Email dmm1976@gmail.com for a sample letter that you can email to friends, family and businesses to help solicit donates.

Help stop the hate!

The Funniest Lesbian in America is Coming to Portland

Her head is still big from winning voted Curve magazine’s funniest lesbian in America contest. But we don’t care, because really she is that funny.

We love Suzanne Westenhoefer for many reasons. #1. She’s Hot. #2. She makes us laugh. #3. Her head's not really big, it's just her hair. #4. She’s super sweet. #5. She loves butchy girls.

Back when Lipstick and I were trying to figure out if we really were funny, Suzanne graciously met with us, on a hot summer day in her downtown hotel room and helped us craft a few jokes and make the ones we had funnier. And she wanted nothing in return. Except a lift to her girlfriend’s soccer game.

She was one of the first OUT lesbian comedians, making us laugh for 18 years. I’ve seen her so many times over the years, I’ve lost count. And I can’t wait to see her again. Suzanne never lets me down.

Suzanne Westenhoefer

• Saturday, November 22
• Aladdin Theater
  
• 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
• Portland, OR
  
• Ticket Price: $25.00 adv / $25.00 dos
  
• Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
  

_{© Tokyphotography.com}

A Conversation with Two Writers

A number of months back, one of my favorite writers/friends, Shanna Germain, and I met at a downtown Portland recording studio like we have been meeting for years in coffee shops around town. But this time was different; there were microphones, headsets and padded walls.

Jeff Selin, founder of Portland's Writers' Dojo, asked us to sit down and talk about the writing life, and here it is.

It's a conversation (an on-going one) we've had dozens of times. A constant exploration of the written word, its process and -- of course -- sex, death and lesbians.

If you'd like to hear the 20 minute interview, go HERE.

Did Scarlett Johannson Kiss a Girl?

Scarlett Johansson recently gave an interivew to Allure Magazine and during the interview, the writer asked Scarlet if she knew she'd inspired Katy Perry to write "I Kissed a Girl." See video below.

While the celebrity sexpot who just married Ryan Reynolds (who used to be married to bisexual Alanis Morisette--he must like girls who kiss girls) didn't confirm knowing she was the inspiration, apparently, she didn't want to talk about it. She cut off the conversation. "Nobody knows," Scarlett said. "It's private. It's our story."

I suddenly like this straight girl's homage to girl-on-girl action a whole lot more! Scarlett is yummy!

I KISSED A GIRL - KATY PERRY (MUSIC VIDEO)
by spidey502

Prop 8 Protests

Like many of you, I took part in our local protest against California's anti-gay Prop 8 on Saturday. We had a great turn out in Portland, as you can kind of see from these crowd shots. Unfortunately, it was really hard to see and hear because we didn't have a good stage or sound system.

But we did have at least 1,000 people show up, a very diverse crowd. And it was so amazing to be there knowing that people all over the country were doing the same thing.

Portland Mayor Speaks in Favor of Gay Marriage

Here's a Photo Gallery from many of the protests across the country.

Wanda Sykes Comes Out of the Closet

Go Wanda! Wanda came out in support of the rollback of Prop 8 today, as well as her love for women. She just married her girlfriend in October.

I hope this prompts other high profile celebs to come out of the closet, as well. Come out, come out wherever you are!

Read the article HERE....

Can We Thank God for the Failure of Prop 8?

You decide: Below is a thought-provoking op-ed piece by Mark Morford, one man who believes so.

It's God's fault

The cruel success of Prop. 8? Not Newsom, not gays. Blame You Know Who

Art for Life

Last night, Patty and I got all gussied up (in hers and hers Italian dresses) and hit the town. Even though we weren't able to partake in the big protests for Prop 8 in the states, we did give back to our community this weekend.

Art for Life is an annual gala held each year to raise money for Friends for Life Society. But last night was extra special because our friend, Sheree Mitchell, was being honored for her generous and exhaustive support and work for the people living with HIV and AIDS through Friends for Life.

The night really kicked into high gear when the live auction started. Patty and I had our eye on one painting in particular -- Dreamer by Cybele Ironside -- and stuck our heels in the ground when t the bidding began. Patty let me hold the paddle and I nearly had a heart attack when the live auctioneer called out its name. Patty, the seasoned auction biatch that she is, told me when to make the first bid. And before we knew it, we were in a bidding war with a fag across the room. Until finally, we WON!

The piece is amazing and this little thumbnail doesn't do it justice (click on it to see it bigger). It's oil on panel.

Patty's beautiful and amazing daughter, Sarah, joined us (see photo with Dreamer and Sarah), as well as Patty's other pseudo daughter, Pamela (say it like Borat), who is equally as beautiful and amazing. The four of us laughed all night and bonded like the yaya sisterhood. We made nachos when we got home, the new painting leaning against the wall nearby, and relished in the the night and the huge rush of adrenalin we all felt during the auction.

Lesbian Family Woes

With the recent passage of Act One in Arkansas, I thought this family's story was important to tell.

Become a Fan of Lipstick & Dipstick on Facebook!

Finally, we've arrived on Facebook. Personally, I've been whoring around Facebook for some time, catching up with people from my past I thought I'd never ever see again. Facebook is genius and if you haven't signed up yet, here this cattle call. It doesn't take much time and it's very intuitive to navigate. Once you sign up, you can be a fan of ours and keep up to date with all things L & D.

For those of you who are already on Facebook, click here to see our profile page. You have to be a member of Facebook to see it (it's free!).

We've posted a bunch of pictures and videos from our recent book tour, events that we've emceed, photoshoots from the magazine and more!

Protest Prop 8

I can't believe all the protests against California's Prop 8. It's kind of exciting. One thing that does make me uncomfortable, though, is how African Americans and certain religions are being targeted. Please remember that people from all backgrounds voted for and against Prop 8 --Blacks, Whites, Democrats, Republicans, Christians, atheists, etc. One thing our community does not need to participate in is race-baiting.

People of color did not start the Yes on 8 Campaign and they are not responsible for its passage. Remember, it's going to take a coalition of people to defeat anti-gay ballot measures. And defeat them we will. Let's start by participating in Prop 8 protests taking place all over the country this weekend.

Portland

 Saturday, November 15th, from 10:30 am onward at the Portland State University South Park Blocks, near the Saturday Farmer's Market.

Pride Northwest board president Debra Porta, one of the event organizers, shared these thoughts about the rally that you might want to consider:
Folks are more than welcome to bring their own signs. The only thing we ask, is that they do not target race and religion, as that defeats the purpose of our gathering.

Elsewhere

On the steps of your City Hall on November 15th at 10:30am PST /
1:30pm EST
Details: Join the Impact

Tristan Taormino Coming to Portland This Week!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

A Final Salute to Kyle Daggett

Our dear family friends took these photos of my cousin Kyle Daggett's headstone this weekend and I wanted to share them here. In celebration of Obama's victory, let's also take a moment to remember those who have given their life (no matter how you feel about the war) and thank the universe that soon no more American lives will be lost in Iraq.

A memorial fund has been set up (click on pages of brochure below to enlarge) in Kyle's honor to help wounded soldiers.


"There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America." - Obama

A Message about Love

Spread this message, Keith Olberman nailed it on the head...

More Fun with Alison Bechdel

After meeting Alison Bechdel on Saturday, my friend Elizabeth thought it would be fun to do a little interview us on Sunday. Here she is asking us "What inspires you?"

Oceans + Bubbles

Have you ever seen someone saber off a champagne cork? Me neither -- until last night. See the video below to watch this man (who was half in the bag, BTW) saber off the top of a Pommery bottle. It was amazing and -- in hindsight -- so totally dangerous. The sliced top of the bottle actually landed on Patty's chair. See for yourself as the crazy pony explains what happened...

Anyhoo, we had FUN last night at Araxi's Oceans + Bubbles party. On our way to the party in the cab, Patty and I joked that we hadn't left the house to go out at 10:00pm for ages. The party, which started at 10:30pm and went until sunrise (no doubt), was held at a wonderful restaurant known for its seafood and raw bar called Araxi. It's a sexy little spot we've eaten at before, but the Cornucopia Festival transformed it from intimate dinner spot to lavishly sexy champagne lounge with endless waiters serving spoonfuls of seared ahi and asparagus, skewered braised short ribs and an all-you-can-eat sushi bar where signature rolls kept on coming in mass quantity until you, too, turned into a little roll yourself. Wake up, little sushi, wake up.

It was delicious and superfun and we met lots of hipsters from all over. We'll be back for more Cornholing next year!

Wordstock is Wonderful!

I met my friend Elizabeth down at Portland’s homage to books known as Wordstock. It’s a huge two day affair at the convention center. We were all excited to see Alison Bechdel --the most amazing creator of Dykes to Watch Out For and author of the exquisite graphic memoir Fun Home. She was speaking on a panel about comics and politics.

I’ve been a huge fan of Alison’s since I was a baby dyke in college.

Alison was great on the panel, when she could get a word in. The two men on stage with her kind of took over. After it was over Elizabeth wanted to go up and say hello. “I don’t know,” I said. “I’m not good at these things.”

Just then Alison walked by us and Elizabeth stuck out her hand and started to tell her how much she enjoyed her work. Alison said thanks, then looked at me and said, “Don’t I know you?” I stuck my hand out, “Kathy Belge,” I said. “Dipstick!” she exclaimed. “I love your column.”

Can a cooler thing than that happen to me, ever? I don’t think so.

Nudies, Foodies + Me

Cheers from Whistler's Cornucopia! Patty and I are up here in Whistler partaking in their annual Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival this week. We arrived to snow, a huge surprise since the forecast said rain on the valley floor. All the locals were thrilled as it was the first accumulation and the perfect welcome for us; the pine trees looked like they'd been dipped in powdered sugar as we crawled up the Sea to Sky highway.

Last night we attended out first events--the Ultra Lounge Reception and the Uber sexy Burlesque show. And YEOWZA! We were sorry we forgot our riding crops, as they sure would have come in handy at this party. Assolina and Bootiola would have been right at home as there were plenty of asses to slap--some clothed and some not--and so many crazy party animals dressed up and ready to tear up Whistler Village.

We snapped some pics at the event and for some reason I'm not really smiling in any of them--perhaps it was the oyster I just shot or the sunchoke bisque I just drank from a tiny ceramic shooter, or maybe these are just my sexy seductress eyes, but I was having a really fantastic time. Who wouldn't being surrounded by all the scantily clad ladies, including the hottest one of them all: Pattycake?

More to come after tonight's Ocean + Bubbles event at Araxi...

Refuse to Pay Your Taxes

The revolution starts now! For years I've been saying gays and lesbians should refuse to pay taxes until we are treated as full and equal citizens of this country. Well, yesterday, Melissa Etheridge announced that she is going to do just that.

I've always been a Melissa fan, but now I'm a Melissa follower. Here's what she said:

Okay. So Prop 8 passed. Alright, I get it. 51% of you think that I am a second class citizen. Alright then. So my wife, uh I mean, roommate? Girlfriend? Special lady friend? You are gonna have to help me here because I am not sure what to call her now. Anyways, she and I are not allowed the same right under the state constitution as any other citizen. Okay, so I am taking that to mean I do not have to pay my state taxes because I am not a full citizen. I mean that would just be wrong, to make someone pay taxes and not give them the same rights, sounds sort of like that taxation without representation thing from the history books.

You're right Melissa. And I also thought that civil rights were never to be put up for a popular vote. 

For years War Resisters have refused to pay taxes to fund wars that they believe are unconscionable. I and fully support them. But I also believe refusing same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples is unconscionable. I'm seriously considering it. Anyone care to join me?

Taking it to the Streets

I know where I would have been if I lived in California. In the streets. I was excited to see so many people in West Hollywood out there, marching, protesting and making out frustrations heard.

The fight continues.

Time to Celebrate

I admit it, I was depressed yesterday. The elation of the election of Barack Obama had faded and the reality that our civil rights are still being put up to popular vote and failing miserably had me down. I think it was a bit of PTSD from November 2004, when Oregon voters passed Measure 36, writing discrimination into our constitution. I was devasted. It lasted weeks.

But the truth is, we do have a lot to celebrate. Barack Obama is going to be the next president of the United States. We can look forward to a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Law and the passage of comprehensive non-discrimination legislation.

Not to mention getting out of the war in Iraq, re-establishing America as a force for good in the world, and ensuring that all Americans have healthcare. I feel proud once again to be an American. Thank you Alana and your son for the idea of having a party. Talking about it and planning has lifted my spirits up. We do have a lot to celebrate, even as we mourn our losses.

 Here's a sample of what we'll be serving at our party. If you were coming, what would you bring? 

• Hope Muffins & Believe Biscuits
  
• "Yes We Can" Crackers
  
• Victory Vegetables
  
• Swing Steak
  
• Community Organizer Oreos
  
• I have a dream puffs
  
• Labatts Blue State Beer
  
• "Not So" White House Wine
  

Rumored to appear: Rachel Maddow and the Obama's new puppy.

How Do You Spell "Landslide?"

This is the text Dipstick just sent me and it's a good question. Here is how you spell it: Barack Obama is the new President Elect!

Dipstick and I are beside ourselves tonight. We're both in Portland--one of the states that helped Obama cinch the election btw--and we're both freaking out! So frickin' excited!!!!!!!!!!

For me, I'll tell you that people have been yelling in downtown Portland, where I live, (aka Little Beirut) for hours about how Obama is going to win. Downtowns just sort of bode well with unexpected shouts on any given night, but tonight, everyone is feeling it. The energy is palpable. That's why as soon as MSNBC declared Obama President Elect, I hit "play" on iTunes to play Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" as loud as my speakers would play through my deck doors. I got some shout outs and no doubt more smiles than I can count, but the overriding feeling in downtown Portland tonight is "Hallelujiah!" I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath for eight years. It feels so good to let out my breath.

Tonight, I am gratitude.

Thank you America!

Here's to the future!

Dipstick and Obama

I was so antsy this morning, just couldn't sit still because I'm so nervous about tonight's election. I decided to head over to the Obama campaign office to see if they needed any volunteer help. Just as I showed up, everyone was outside, hooting it up and posing for a picture.  

I spend a few hours calling voters, reminding them to turn their ballots in. It felt good to be doing something.

It's an exciting day for America. I hope to wake up tomorrow to a whole new world.

Get Out and Vote!

This is the most important election of our lifetime. Don't let the polls influence you. It's very important to get out and vote this Tuesday. And incase you haven't decided who to vote for yet, check out this cute video.

The Kerby Ave Urinal

Do you have a urinal on your block? I do. And I’ll tell you why. My neighbor Jim moved here from New York about 10 years ago. And ever since that time, Jim has peed outside, on the side of his garage, against the neighbor’s fence. I’m not sure WHY he pees outside. He just likes to.

Most neighbors would be pissed at someone pissing on their fence. But not Fernando. He thinks it’s endearing. Maybe it’s a guy thing, I don’t know. But when Fernando decided to get a new fence, he didn’t want the pee rotting the wood. So he had the contractor install a urinal.

Now Jim can still pee outside to his heart’s delight. And Fernando's fence won't rot.   Isn’t that neighborly?

Pick Up Your Pens!

Today starts National Novel Writing Month. For all of you who have ever dreamed of writing a novel, but just didn't think you had the time, National Novel Writing Month is for you. In just 30 days, you can write a 50,000 word novel.  That's 1666 words a day. And according to Chris Baty, the founder of National Novel Writing Month, you don't even need a plot or characters to get started. All you need is to do is turn on a computer and start typing. 

Sure, you might not write a Pulitzer Prize winning manuscript, but you just might churn out a crappy first draft. And that's someplace to start.