My Weekend Crush

If you’ve been here even a little while you know I have a thing for great dames. Not necessarily the Dame Judi Dench kinds of dame, though she is rather great as well. But the kind of dame who suffers fools with snark while remaining smart, capable and just the right kind of sexy. So then it should come as no surprise to you that I already have my first new crush of the fledgling fall season. And that new crush is Julie White.

Yesterday I blathered on about my appreciation for the new sitcom “Go On” over at AfterEllen yesterday. In particular, I’ve been impressed by the way the show has portrayed its lesbian character, Ann, played by Julie. Ann is a widowed mother whose wife died of a massive heart attack from forgetting to take her medication. She started out as a bit of your standard-issue angry lesbian in a blazer. But in four short episodes she has become one of the most empathetic and hilarious characters. She is also multi-dimensional and fully gay, not just gay in name only. But her gayness is never the problem. The fact that she’s grieving the loss of someone she loved, like everyone in the support group, is the problem. It’s refreshing and well done and I simply can’t wait to see more of her on my screen.

Much of the credit goes to the writing, of course. But another big chunk of that goes to Julie, a veteran TV and stage actress who turned what could just have been The Angry Lesbian into an entirely enjoyable and incredibly real person. Not that we should have been surprised. Julie has appeared on a number of TV shows from “Grace Under Fire” to “Six Feet Under” to “Law & Order: SVU.” But her stage work is even more impressive because she has a shiny Tony sitting on her mantel for best lead actress in a play in 2007.

So should it come as any surprise that Julie has made Ann one of the most interesting, most watchable, more fleshed out new lesbian characters in TV? No, it really shouldn’t. Because that right there is one hell of a dame. And, well, you know how I feel about them. Happy weekend, all.

Foster to the future

Could lesbians finally have more to be thankful for from Jennifer Lopez than her sizeable, um, talents? Turns out, maybe. Jenny from the Block is producing a new one-hour family drama centered around a mixed-race lesbian couple. Let me repeat that, a one-hour family drama centered around a mixed-race lesbian couple. One more time? Still think you fell down, hit your head and woke up in a utopian society where mixed-race lesbian couples get to star in their own primetime TV shows? Nope, it’s real and in development with ABC Family.

In fact the series, called “The Fosters,” has just cast its lead couple. Former “The West Wing” star Teri Polo and “Rescue Me” alum Sherri Saum will play Stef and Lena Foster. Together they have a biological son as well as several adopted children. Teri will play Stef, a “tough but kind” police officer. Sherri will play Lena, a big-hearted school principal.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, their lives get complicated when they decided to take in Callie, a troubled teen with an abusive past. Callie’s “disruptive ways threaten to turn the Fosters’ lives upside down.”

Now this concept is interesting for a number of reasons, none the least of which is the fact that TV currently does not have any scripted shows centered around a lesbian character, let alone a lesbian couple, let alone a mixed-race lesbian couple. Sure, there are lesbian characters in major roles on TV. But none are central. In fact the only show built around a gay woman on TV right now is “Lost Girl,” which centers around everyone’s favorite bisexual succubus.

The uniqueness of the characters is matched by the uniqueness of their storyline. On most shows with gay lead characters, their gayness is the story. Think about it. “The New Normal” – the fact that they are going to be gay dads is the story. “Partners” – the fact that one roommate is gay and one roommate is straight is the story. “Glee” – everything is basically gay even the straight folks.

But on “The Fosters,” if the plotline holds, the fact that the lead couple is gay is not the central issue. The fact that they’ve adopted a troubled teenage girl is the central issue. And that’s a big difference for a gay leading character.

Alyssa Rosenberg over at Think Progress wrote a winding, interesting piece last week about the role of homophobia in modern stories about gay culture. Make no mistake, homophobia still exists and is still a powerful and important story for us to tell. But she argues that limiting our stories to those that revolve around our gayness as the central problem in our lives is – well – awfully limiting. And it’s true.

When we argue for our rightful equality, our argument usually boils down to this: We are the same. We are like you. So we deserve the same rights. But too often when we are portrayed it is our gayness that is our most predominant characteristic, and often our most problematic one. Not that we have unfulfilled dreams. Not that we have trouble getting the kids potty trained. Not that we have fights with our partners about the garbage.

Which is what give me hope for “The Fosters.” If it pans out, this could be a show where the gay characters get to be gloriously gay, but also everything else that makes being a human being so glorious and sometimes not so glorious. Fingers crossed. If JLo pulls this off I might even forgive her for those ridiculous Fiat ads. Maybe.

Fast pitch

I blame “Glee.” For a multitude of sins, really. But specifically, I blame “Glee” for the burning desire with which I want to see “Pitch Perfect.” Yes, the movie that sounds a lot like “Glee: The College Years.” But, dammit, if I don’t plan to slink off and see it the second it comes out. Part of this is because I can’t resist the intoxicating combination of young people’s aspirations and jazz hands. Let’s all be honest and acknowledge that the singing and dancing is what makes us love “Glee” even when we shouldn’t (though last week was an improvement, I thought). And this is singing and dancing without a curfew or with Rebel Wilson. Certainly, a few things seem rather derivative. Did the new girl really get discovered singing in the shower? Did Fat Amy really get pseudo-slushied? Also, I’m having a hard time telling Bland Leading Boy No. 1 from Bland Leading Boy No. 2. But the story is written by longtime “30 Rock” scribe Kay Cannon, so it has to be more than just Ryan Murphy Lite. Also, and I cannot repeat this enough, Rebel Wilson. Anyone who can make me snort laugh twice in a trailer deserves at the very least the price of admission.

SGALGG: Emmys Edition

Oh, Emmy Awards. Each year I have such high hopes that only the most deserving will wing and each year something like Jon Cryer happens. And I even used to love Duckie. While they’re not always the most merit wothy of meritocracies, they are almost always a great source of Straight Gals Acting Like Gay Gals. Like whatever is happening here between Sofia Vergara, Sofia Vergara’s mom and Julie Bowen. Well, Julie did go on about sister wives in her award speech. So keeping it all in the family must just come naturally. A few more SGALGG moments from this year’s Emmys which merit your attention.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Amy Poehler

Even Julia thought it was a shame Amy didn’t win. But at least they hugged it out.

Lucy Liu & Julianne Moore

In my head, Julianne just told Lucy she wanted to see her Russia in her house. Are those euphemisms? You betcha.

Jessica Lange & Connie Britton

You can’t blame Connie for taking a shot at Jessica. In fact you’re probably a little jealous.

Morena Baccarin & Claire Danes

While nothing overtly SGALGG-y is happening here, you have to believe the magnificent V in Morena’s dress is giving Claire pause.

Amy Poehler & Tina Fey

If I can’t marry My Fake TV Wife, then I want Amy to have her and I want them to make the funniest babies in all the world together.

Ginnifer Goodwin, Emily VanCamp & Julie Bowen

Julie just made Ginnifer and Emily and offer they can’t refuse.

Katee Sackhoff & Tricia Helfer

What happens in the photobooth rarely every just happens in the photobooth. Ahem.

Christina Hendricks

While she isn’t doing anything gay, she is certainly making a lot of new gays just by sitting there.

Sarah Paulson

This is what I call a Gay Gal Acting Like a Gay Gal. I mean, really, look at how excited she is at the sight of sensible shoes.

Sofia Vergara & Julie Bowen

Screw Jay and Phil. Think how big a hit “Modern Family” would be if we got to see Gloria and Claire do this every week.

NSFW BONUS

So Sofia Vergara suffered a bit of a wardrobe malfunction right before “Modern Family” took home the Emmy for best comedy. I think this might be proof there is a benevolent God, and she loves us lesbians.

Maddow about you

Dear Rachel Maddow circa 1998,

I would have totally crushed on you from afar in our Women in Media: Visibility Equals Power class in college. I would have followed a couple steps behind you in the annual Take Back the Night march through downtown. And then I would have sat as close as I could without being creepy in the local coffee shop while you talked with other short-haired girls wearing combat boots about oppression and empowerment. In short, I would have totally stalked you. Good thing we went to separate colleges.

Love,
Ms. Snarker circa 1998 and 2012

My Weekend Crush

There is something so infinitely capable about Maura Tierney. Maybe it’s the way she always looks so steadily at you, with a gaze that gives nothing away. Or maybe it’s the way she has her hands pushed purposefully into her pockets, resting their utility until they’re needed most. But whatever it is, it has made her a favorite among the gay ladies since she put on some scrubs and went from nurse to doctor on “E.R.” When a breast cancer diagnosis forced her out of her starring role in “Parenthood” in 2009, I was so sad – for multiple reasons. One, of course, for the cancer. And two, selfishly, for not being able to see her on my TV again week in and week out. But now, healthy and ready, Maura will be back on TV on “The Good Wife,” not every week, but enough to give us that taste we all miss. Welcome back, Maura. Happy weekend, all.

Gender Fuck Thursday: Fall TV Edition

You know what else fall means? Our favorite TV ladies returning to us, sometimes while wearing lovely suits. Sometimes for their respective TV shows, sometimes because ladies look nice when they wear a nicely tailored jacket. Whatever the reason, we can all agree it’s a win for us, the viewing audience.

Lindsey Shaw, Pretty Little Liars

Paige McCullers channels Marlene Dietrich and I like it.

Jane Lynch, Glee

Admit it, this is a vast improvement over the rack suit.

Anna Torv, Fringe

Seeing Anna with her hands shoved into her pockets makes me feel even more terrible that I stopped watching “Fringe.”

Lana Parrilla, Once Upon a Time

You Swan Queeners sure gave Rizzles a run for their money in the AE Femslash Thunderdome. Respect. Big time.

Jaime Murray, Warehouse 13

Each time H.G. returns on screen I scream “KISS MYKA NOW, YOU BRITISH TWIT!” But on the inside – mostly.

Ellen DeGeneres

Someone grabbed her tie in the dark that morning.

Naya Rivera

I don’t understand what’s happening with the crotch of her pants here. But I thank Naya profusely for giving me more reasons to stare long and hard in that general direction. Ahem.

Fall of lesbians

Hey, in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s fall. I don’t mean the weather necessarily – though I did grab my hoodie to take the garbage out last night. I mean on your teevee, where it really matters. Yes, the fall TV season has begun and, yes, Virginia, there are a few new lesbians. Sure, many of our favorite fictional lesbian and bisexual women are also coming back – Callie, Arizona, Santana, Brittany, Emily, Paige, Kalinda. I could go on, but there aren’t that many more, sadly. But not to those happy few will be a few more.

p.s. Yes, that’s who you think it is in the picture. Yes, get excited!

Julie White as Anne, Go On, NBC, Tuesdays

Sure, no one is particularly thrilled about another Angry Lesbian character. Well, unless she’s played by the hilarious Julie White.

Lauren German as Leslie, Chicago Fire, NBC, Oct. 10

A lesbian EMT. In a tank top. I’m in.

Kelly McCreary as Tyra, Emily Owens M.D, CW, Oct. 16

She plays gay lady doctor which worked out for Olivia Wilde.

Leisha Hailey & Constance Zimmer as the wonderful eloquent lesbian couple, The New Normal, NBC, Tuesdays

When I first heard that Ryan Murphy had promised us a “wonderful eloquent lesbian couple” on the show my fight or flight instincts flaring up. Then I heard Leisha Hailey was one of the lesbians. And I wanted to hug everyone in the world instead.
All is forgiven, Ryan Murphy*.

So far, I’ve got to hand it to NBC. Two lesbians in hand and two more in the – yes, I’m totally going there – bush. What shows seem to be tickling your remote control areas this season?

*Not really.

A novel Adaptation

Former AfterEllen Managing Editor and all-around cool writer lady Malinda Lo has written, you guessed it, another book. This one, like her previous two, is a young adult novel with strong LGBT representation. But instead of fantasy like “Ash” and its prequel “Huntress,” her new book “Adaptation” is contemporary science fiction. Also it’s got a great concept, cool cover and really creepy trailer. I’ll let it explain the story.

OK, that didn’t so much explain the story as make you want to read the story. So here’s the story. Across America, flocks of birds have been launching themselves at airplanes. This does not go well for either human or fowl. Then lead character Reese and her friend David are involved in a crash when birds fly into her headlights. When she wakes she is miraculously healed. Along the way to figuring out how there just might be a female love interest and a vast global government conspiracy.

Malinda has been so kind as to offer up a signed copy of “Adaptation” for giveaway to a lucky kitten. But before we get to that, here’s a little more from the author herself. I chatted with Malinda about the book, its concept and the gay stuff – of course.

Q: So what prompted you to make the, albeit not enormous, switch from fantasy to science fiction with Adaptation?
A: I had a dream! Seriously, one night I dreamed that I was in an airport while birds started falling dead from the sky. It was very creepy and very vivid, and when I woke up I rushed to my office and wrote it down in my writing journal. I don’t usually write down my dreams, but this one immediately seemed like it could be the beginning of an awesome story. I don’t think I even paused to think about the fact that I’d be switching from fantasy to science fiction. I’ve written all sorts of stuff (much of it unpublished) and I’ve never been loyal to one genre. I’m poly-genre-ous at heart.

Q: Where did the idea for Adaptation come from? Was it all those birds dropping from the sky we had a bit ago?
A: I checked my journal, and I had that dream in January 2009. The latest big rash of birds falling dead from the sky happened in January 2011, so I had the dream a couple of years before. However, mass animal die-offs are not unheard of. They do happen with some regularity, and I can't guarantee I hadn't heard of one at some point before I had the dream.
What I think is more likely, though, is that the idea of animals falling dead from the sky came to me from The X-Files. In one episode, “Die Hand Die Verletzt” (which actually is set in a high school and involves teens and a creepy teacher), a bunch of frogs rain down from the sky. I was a big X-phile, so I bet that idea stuck with me subconsciously.

Q: This is part of a duology, so did you see the whole story before you started writing the first book?
A: Yes. I initially thought this was going to be a trilogy, and I wrote a detailed outline for book 1 and proposals for books 2 and 3 when I submitted them to my publisher. However, they thought it would work better as a two-book series, so then I had to re-outline the story. I actually agree that it works better as two books; it’s one big story now, cut in two parts. Adaptation is the set-up, and the sequel (coming next fall) is hopefully the pay-off.
While the details of the plot did change (sometimes significantly) during the writing of the two books, the beginning and the end have always remained the same. I always knew what the central mystery was; the problem was just figuring out how to reveal it.

Q: Can we expect more changes with Reese’s personal life and relationships in the sequel?
A: Absolutely. Like I said, Adaptation is part 1. Her story is not over yet. There’s lots to come in the sequel! (And I mean lots.)

Q: How important was it for you to keep the LGBT element in this series, your first two books obviously have that as well.
A: It was very important. I’m well aware that there are still comparatively few stories published or produced that feature LGBT folks as main characters. So far, the book ideas I’ve had have all been about queer girls, and I’m lucky to be published by a mainstream publisher that has been 100% supportive of my work.
In terms of Adaptation, I felt that I had kind of done the fairy tale lesbian thing before (I can hardly believe I can say that!), and I wanted to try something else. There are very few bisexual characters in YA fiction, and Adaptation gave me an opportunity to write one. There are other queer characters in the book too: a gay boy and a lesbian. I mean, it's set in San Francisco, which we all know is the Gay Mecca! I think these might be my queerest books yet.

See, now you really, really want to read it. Well, you’re in luck. You can pick it up today on book store shelves everywhere. Also on the series of tubes. And one lucky winner will win a signed copy. So if you want to enter please put your name and email in the comments below. I’ll announce the winner next Tuesday on Twitter. Happy reading.

p.s. Yes, international friends, you are welcome to enter, too! In fact let me know where you're from in comments. I always think that is neat to know.

EDIT: Contest is now closed, thanks for entering.

Monday affirmations

You know, we all get a little down on our bodies sometimes. I know I haven’t kept a regular workout schedule in [mumble mumble muble timeframe]. And, kittens, it shows. But on this Monday let’s start with a little affirmation instead. Here is all-around amazing lady Amy Poehler telling us what we already should know but can always hear again. I’m still so bummed about her split with Will Arnett. But it in no way diminishes her wonderful message. To quote my favorite fictional teenager with Manic Panic-dyed hair, “People are so strange and so complicated that they're actually beautiful. Possibly even me.”

My Weekend Crush

I know, I know – a fish. And a fictitious fish at that. But this weekend, of all weekends, I simply can make no other pick. This weekend, of all weekends, I am picking Dory. Yes, Dory. The Pacific Regal Blue Tang from “Finding Nemo.” The fish who forgets. The fish who helped make Ellen DeGeneres famous again. OK, OK, yes, do you feel better now that you made that “lesbian love their fish” joke? Good, we shall proceed.

I’ve spoken about my love for “Finding Nemo” and Pixar many, many times before. Short version: I love them. Long version: So much! But I truly cannot overstate my excitement at being able to see “Finding Nemo” on the big screen, finally. I, shamefully, am one of those people who scoffed at seeing a children’s movie at the theater way back in 2003. What? That’s kid’s stuff. Don’t be silly. But then, through the power of the DVD and getting over myself I feel in love and me and Pixar have gotten along swimmingly ever since. So, now, imagine my joy at finally being able to see the vast ocean and all its delightful creatures two-stories high as the movie gods intended. Sure, I’ll also have to contend with 3D. But my main concern with that is becoming too scared during the Bruce goes Jaws scene.

But back to Dory. Without her, let’s face it, this movie goes nowhere. It’d just be a weird Woodie Allen film with child abandonment issues. But with Dory it’s filled with heart and humor and that undying optimism that gets all of us, every day, to just keep swimming. Plus no one talks whale better than her. Won’t you please be my squishy, Dory? Happy weekend, all.

p.s. Earlier this summer I ran into these two in a shop window. I will neither confirm nor deny that I squealed to anyone within earshot, "Oh my God, Nemo and Dory!"

Deja Glee

I have seen the new “Glee.” It’s a lot like the old “Glee.” And I don’t necessarily mean old as in that loveable band of weirdos and misfits we met way back in 2009. I mean old as in, gosh, this all seems so familiar. Sure, Rachel is in New York. Sure, the New Directions audition for replacements. Sure, many of our favorites faces are absent and many new faces are introduced. But the more things change the more they stay the same. “Glee” continues its “Glee” ways in more ways than one – it shows its teeth while celebrating its heart in both exhilarating and excruciating ways.

But first, about those new members. The reason this Season 4 premiere feels so familiar is because the new characters feel so familiar. Like, really, really familiar. Like, I’m not even kidding.

• We have a new Quinn, Kitty (like, she’s actually called “my new Quinn”).
• We have a new Puck, Jake (like, his last name is actually Puckerman).
• We have a new Finn, Brody (like, he is actually introduced to us while singing in the shower).
• And, of course, we have a new Rachel, Marley (like, she actually sings a split-screen duet with the old Rachel).

I’m sure this is by design. There’s a reason so many sequels get made. People like the familiar and the familiar makes money. To wit, we have a cast of new characters that doesn’t – at least initially – feel all that new. Do they all work as Version 2.0s? Well, for those of us old enough to remember having to spend long nights at Kinkos to finish school papers, the lesson is clear. The copy is never as good as the original.

That said, in spite of myself, I find myself liking at very least The New Rachel, Marley. Call me a sucker for the underdog of underdogs. Plus girl can sing. And I, too, always had a soft spot for the poor, maligned lunch ladies.

But on to what you care about. The Spoilers. (And that, my Gleeks, is your spoiler warning.)

What can Klainers expect? No kissing. But we do get a lovely Klaine moment which effectively ends all Klaine moments for the foreseeable future. Nothing like the power of song to convince your boyfriend he should move far, far away from you. How about the Brittana Army? No kissing, clearly, as Santana is in this episode by name only. But we do get a Brittany mention of her girlfriend at the very least and discussion of how hard it is to make out over Skype. Because “you can’t really scissor over web cam.” Sure, it’s a nice call back to their first discussion of scissoring, but can we get real for a mili-second? Lesbians don’t really scissor, at least all that much. Too much delicate weight distribution and careful balance is involved. Back me up, ladies. But then, this is a show from Ryan Murphy, so I guess we’re lucky he’s even in the ballpark when it comes to some of the things lesbians actually do in bed. Also there’s also no Quinn, so Faberry Nation will need to keep reading fanfic at least one week longer.

But back to the episode. A little song, a little dance, a little Slushie in your pants (assuming some dripped down from your face). It’s the “Glee” we know and sometimes love and sometimes really, really hate with a few new faces and all the same issues. Being the loveable outsider is hard, but ultimately fulfilling. Following your dreams is hard, but ultimately fulfilling. What makes you different is hard, but ultimately fulfilling. And your new dance instructor is a hard-ass alcoholic bitch, but ultimately your triumph over her will be fulfilling.

But at least we can be happy for the little things. And the best little thing in the Season 4 premiere is that there is absolutely, positively, miraculously no Finn. He’s in the Army, and a grateful nation thanks him for his service.

Impossibly normal

Like probably many of you, I watched “The New Normal” this week because of The Impossible Dream. You know the dream. The dream that American television will finally give us a great gay show that isn’t called “Glee.” Not that I hate “Glee.” I do not. I still sort of love it in spite of myself. But, you know, I always want more. I continue to crave representation. Sure, we’re integrated many places – “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Lost Girl,” “The Good Wife” – I could go on. But the hope for a show with central leading gay characters, not just the part of a sprawling ensemble, still exists. And, no, “The Real L Word” does not count.

So how “The New Normal” do then? Well, um, let’s just say, uh – eh. Part of the problem is our generation’s “Gay Shows” seem to come from the same few voices. For lesbians, we get Ilene Chaiken who has given us “The L Word” and “The Real L Word,” highlighting among many other things her shocking lack of creativity when naming TV shows. Gay men, in turn, get Ryan Murphy. And, well, we all know how that’s going on “Glee.” And that’s the thing, “The New Normal” already feels like a Ryan Murphy brand show. Andrew Rannells’ Bryan is basically Kurt all grown up complete with sassy black sidekick and Highly Successful boyfriend. And Ellen Barkin’s Nana From Hell is basically early Sue Sylvester in a Chanel suit instead of a track suit.

But, even more damning, “The New Normal” feels like a Ryan Murphy show because it’s already wildly schizophrenic. Is it a snarky comedy? Is it a sentimental drama? It doesn’t help that half the cast is playing it one way, the other half the other. David, the non-gay acting half of the gay couple, and Goldie, the single-mom surrogate seeking a life change, seem to think they’re in an inspirational family drama. Bryan and Nana, meanwhile, seem to think they’re on “The Real Housewives of Snark County.” Together, they don’t mesh. In fact they almost seem in competition. Which show will win out? Hard to say. But I know it won’t be pretty while they duke it out.

The jarring nature of the show’s two personalities mutes what should be its emotional center. Namely, Bryan and David’s love and excitement over starting a family. Instead of providing the universal connection we want it to, with non-gay viewers in particular, this moment is treated like – at best – a punchline. Bryan sees a baby at Barneys and wants one. Rim shot! Thank you, gays, I’ll be here all week! Worse still is the total lack of chemistry between Bryan and David. Sure, it’s early, but I’ve seen potted plants with more spark than these two. Though I do love Little Miss Sunshine Shania, particularly her Little Edie impersonation.

And can we, just for a minute, discuss Ryan Murphy’s continued affectionate and respectful representations of lesbians? Oh, wait, sorry, I meant the opposite of that. Yes, granted, this man gave us Santana Lopez. But that’s only because the fans demanded it from him while brandishing pitchforks. In the pilot we get the lesbian couple who gets called ugly men. And last night we were “frowners” and shaped like gingerbread men. Rim shot! Thank you, gays, I’ll be here all week! (p.s. Oh, hai, Julie Goldman – so sorry you got Ryan Murphyed.)

Will I keep watching? Probably. Maybe. A very firm, eh. Sigh. The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the impossible dream will never die.

Best medicine

Laughter! We all love it. Best medicine and all. We especially love when television professional people screw up unprofessionally on television. Hence, our collective love of the professional gag reel. So please allow the highly trained, highly paid professionals in these videos show you how it’s done.

Parks & Recreation

I’m so sad about Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s divorce. But the snort laughter helps. As does the very last gag. Trust me, watch until the end.

Castle

Now, with added Jennifer Beals!

Grey’s Anatomy

Needs more Calzona. But then, doesn’t everything.

Warehouse 13

Needs more Jaime Murray. But then, doesn’t everything.

Vacation Vixen: Hayley Atwell

A puppy and a pint and a pretty, pretty girl. Perfection.

Vacation Vixen: Sandra Oh

I want Sandra to be in another movie soon where she can be very smart and very funny and never once have to wear scrubs.

Vacation Vixen: Jodie Foster

What she said about celebrity culture was very astute, as expected, even if it just was as much about her as it was KStew.

Vacation Vixen: Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama brought it last night, and not just the biceps. She was eloquent, passionate, compassionate. And she did this all while essentially saying, “Just be a good person, not a greedy fuck.” Now that’s the America I want to live in for the next four years – and forever.

Vacation Vixen: Joanna Lumley

Stoli, baby! Stoli, forever!

Women's work

Happy Labor Day, ladies and discerning gentlemen. I am on vacation this week, visiting the family and reminding the niece and nephew exactly how cool their cool gay aunt is. I’ll be posting Vacation Vixens for the rest of the week. While I am away, I am also going to work on FINALLY getting all of you perks out for your very, very, ridiculously generous Indiegogo contributions. I am terribly behind, but I am going to fulfill all of your perks this month if it kills me. Don’t worry, I don’t think it’ll kill me. Probably. I could get a nasty paper cut from all those postcards, but I’ll risk it just for you. Until then, please enjoy the ethereal Kate Bush singing tribute to women’s work while wearing a jaunty bowtie. I love it when two great things come together.