Bay Windows
In advance of historic hearing, ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ opponents stress patience on repeal
In a conference call held in advance of the first-ever congressional hearing on "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), the lead sponsor of a bill to repeal the law, stressed a need to not focus so much on passing the bill right away, but rather on expanding information and exposure on the topic while also opening up the debate.
Chandelier
It’s hard to talk about Sage without sounding clich?d, because she’s in the camp of female singer-songwriters who enthusiastically plumb their own relationships for material
Senate gives a pass to MassHealth Equality bill
Though the much-anticipated repeal of the 1913 law was not taken up by the House, the Senate effectively passed the MassHealth Equality bill on July 23, taking another large step toward completing the marriage equality movement begun by the Goodridge decision.
Partie Traumatic
Can you be spoiled by success before you’ve had any? On the strength of their infectious single "I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You," a blast of sugary pop reminiscent of The Cure at their most playful
Fetish fair weather
"It’s hot," was a frequently overheard phrase at the Fetish Fair Fleamarket in the South End this weekend, albeit used more often as a complaint than a statement of approval. It was a sweltering Saturday, and even inside the climate-controlled Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts the temperature was a few degrees north of optimal for many.
Breaking News: DJ Barry Scott found guilty
A jury in Orleans District Court deliberated just about 20 minutes before finding openly gay oldies DJ Barry Scott guilty on three charges stemming from his arrest at a private party in Provincetown last summer. Scott’s lawyer Will Korman has said his client plans to appeal the verdict.
Fenway announces new board president, other board changes
Fenway Community Health has announced new officers, a new member for its board of directors and a new chair for its board of visitors for the upcoming year.
Congress to consider "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" repeal
On July 23, the Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy, the first congressional stand-alone hearing on the policy since it went into effect in 1993. The committee is considering a bill to repeal the policy, H.R. 1246, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.).
A novel defense: Convict’s bid for retrial hinges on alleged anti-trans discrimination against potential juror
At first glance the murder trial of Roxbury gang member Sam Smith, known as "Fat Sam" according to press reports, seems to have little to do with transgender civil rights.
MassEquality Campaign Director is no more
After widening its mission beyond marriage equality and becoming a permanent multi-issue LGBT advocacy group last fall, the MassEquality board on July 9 took another step to reflect the organization’s new direction, changing Marc Solomon’s job title from campaign director to executive director.
Governor signs budget, leaves LGBT funding intact
Gov. Deval Patrick vetoed $122.5 million in spending when he signed the fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget into law July 13, but LGBT and HIV/AIDS programs survived the veto process without losing any funding.
Blood Beats: vol 2
In a world of cookie cutter "entertainment reporting," we need more critics like Ernest Hardy. This collection of his work, much of which originally appeared in L.A. Weekly, is smart, well-informed (mostly covering the pop music beat, he’s an astounding encyclopedia of music,) written with a driving clarity, and always grounded in the understanding that pop culture matters precisely because of its triviality.
Wilderness Heals creates opportunity and community for women
Upon moving to Boston from Ohio, Vicky Waltz picked up a weekly paper at the supermarket and saw an advertisement in the back for the Wilderness Heals hike. She e-mailed in for information and promptly signed up. Four years later, there is no doubt in her mind that picking up that newspaper changed her life.
MTPC and GLAAD rap Herald for trans slurs
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation publicly called on the Boston Herald to apologize for offensive content and language in a July 7 story spotlighting a Boston police detective who goes undercover to uncover prostitution.
Haunted Hearths & Sapphic Shades: Lesbian Ghost Stories
The good news about this creepy collection is that it avoids what a book reviewer whose name escapes me dubbed "the vampire syndrome:" the tendency for the charm or power of a theme to be dissipated when iterated a dozen times.
Senate easily passes 1913 law repeal bill on voice vote; DiMasi wants House vote soon
The Senate passed by a voice vote a bill that would repeal the 1913 law on July 15.
Lesbian comics rock that...mic
Why should Provincetown have a monopoly on lesbian comedy? This Thursday four funny women, New York tested and lesbian approved, will have Club Cafe in stitches (8 p.m. at 209 Columbus Ave., Boston. Tix $12. Info: 617.536.0966).
House passes MassHealth Equality Bill
In a victory for married same-sex couples seeking equal access to the state’s MassHealth Program, the House of Representatives passed the MassHealth Equality Bill, sponsored by openly gay state Rep. Liz Malia, on a voice vote early this afternoon.
Massachusetts senate passes bill to repeal 1913 law
In a voice vote the Massachusetts state Senate passed a bill to repeal an antiquated state law that has blocked most same-sex couples from out of state from marrying in Massachusetts.
Beach blanket lesbo
A women’s week in the summer - finally!