Happy New Year

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Properous New Year!

Rosie O' Donnell Starts New Year with New Love

Lesbian comedian Rosie O' Donnell, who in November revealed that her longtime partner Kelli Carpenter had moved out of their home two years ago, is now dating Tracy Kachtick-Anders, a Texas-based artist with six kids.

The pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand in Miami Beach on Tuesday.

Last month, when asked if she was enjoying the single life, O'Donnell, 47 said, "I'm not. But on we grow, so to speak."

And in October, in an interview with Examiner.com, Kachtick-Anders said, "Maybe for a future plan, I'd like a date with an inspiring woman!"

Like O'Donnell, Kachtick-Anders is active in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parenting and adoption issues. She launched Open Arms Campaign, a non-profit organization to recruit and foster adoptive families that targets the LGBT community. "I have become an activist and work to educate everyone, not only about the plight of foster children," she wrote on TheRainbowBabies.com, "but also the inequality that faces LGBT people in their quest to create families." Kachtick-Anders has six children, five of whom are adopted, according to the Examiner.com.

O'Donnell, meanwhile, is gearing up for the airing on HBO in late January of A Family Is A Family Is A Family: A Rosie O'Donnell Celebration, a documentary that challenges the traditional ideas of family.

Lesbians and Dating.com Online Personal Site After Holiday Special

As some of you may already know, earlier this year I launched an online lesbian and dating personal site www.lesbiansanddating.com. And if you have been thinking about joining, now is the time to do it. Basic membership is free and if you decide to upgrade to a Premium Membership (where you can initiate an e-mail conversation or respond to a smile with an e-mail), now through 12/31/09 we are offering a special "After the Holidays" deal where you can get 1 month for only $24.95. All you have to do is enter the coupon code "xmone," when you upgrade your membership, it really is that easy.

Our Lesbian and Dating site is intended to serve as a safe, online meeting place for single lesbians of all ages who are looking for love, a relationship or just some fun.

Basic membership is free, and once you join you will be able to browse through the thousands of profiles from women living in your area, your country or around the world. And with over 7000 members, why not check it out.

What we offer:

• Create a profile and upload photos
  
• Receive and reply to E-mail from other members
  
• Freely send smiles to break the ice to any member
• Search Worldwide network of members

Your safety and privacy is important to us:

• All private data is held on secure servers so you don’t need to worry about identity theft
• Members personal information is kept secure and never given or sold to third parties
• You will never receive unsolicited e-mails

Lesbiansdanddating.com is partnered with TangoWire, a vast dating network with more than 4,000 websites providing dating services to more than 70 online dating communities.

Join today and see for yourself.

January 2010 Lesbian Horoscopes

BY FLASH SILVERMOON

Ah, another year passes and a new one unfolds right before our very eyes! We may all be a bit groggy from a Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse in Cancer from the night before and or too much New Year's cheer.

Some of us may have made resolutions that become a distant memory by mid month, but if you wait until mid month to make your resolutions, you just might be more likely to keep them.

I must admit that it will be hard to feel too much forward motion at the beginning of the month because Mercury, Mars, and Saturn are all retrograde. This means that the energy of these planets must wander inward before manifesting anything outwardly hence many situations can feel as if they are stuck in the mud or at least in slow mo.

The trick is to not waste too much energy pushing the river just because we have a New Year.. Winter time is always a time of contraction, of sorting out your life and options so no rush. Allow your options to be viewed like a tasty smorgasbord and if possible sample but don't get too attached to anything just yet.

If you have been in a funk or feeling kind of grumpy for the past month or so you are not alone. It's not even seasonal depression but a rather funky square aspect between Saturn and Pluto and a sluggish Mars that is causing all the fuss. These energies can make us even more conscious of our security needs which can cause fear for some. Of course if you become too involved with the madness of the fear mongers that pollute the air waves this energy will be heightened.

This is a wonderful time for self-examination as many issues that can remain hidden during easier times, are ripe for exploration now as Pluto demands that we dig deep into our core to become even more authentic and Saturn can give us the fortitude to do so. In this way, one can truly plumb the fertile darkness that may reveal hidden gifts if we are willing to take the time and effort to "get dirty".

On the lighter side of things, the Sun and Venus will be conjoined in Capricorn on Jan 8 with Mercury and Pluto occupying the same sign as well. Not exactly light because Saturn rules Capricorn. We can complain about the heaviness of the time or we can make heavy lemonade which can allow us to create sturdy structures that will in the long run give us a true and reliable security, this is Saturn's gift for those who are patient and not afraid to break a sweat.

Jan 13 will mark the beginning of Saturn's retro motion so we will get a chance to double check all of our decisions. Lots of changes mid month and managing to keep our balance will be interesting.

As if this wasn't enough intensity, the Annular Solar Eclipse in Capricorn occurs on Jan. 15 as Mercury comes out of retrograde.

Fortunately, sweet Venus is snuggling up to the Sun and Moon that are already quite cozy with each other making this a good time for romance.

The good news, is that all the energies that have been held back will flood forward and that can also be the bad news because if there has been a lot of frustration, which is likely on some fronts, angry words may also fly out of the box as well.

No doubt the whole Health Care Reform is being stymied by these regressive energies as well as fear mongering that has been hovering about the issue for a long time. With Saturn in the egalitarian sign of Libra, there is a strong need to make things FAIR and to some extent that can be most subjective and hence time consuming.

I must say, that I could think of several issues right off the top of my head that could be passed to institute a more egalitarian way of life like Marriage and the rights that offers for everyone who wants to be married, end DOMA, and Don't Ask Don't Tell and Equal Rights and Pay for everyone. What a fascinating experience that would be.

On Jan. 17 Jupiter will enter Pisces and finally separate all the way from its long time buddies Neptune and Chiron who will remain Siamese twins for this month as well.
Neptune periodically offers a rosy glow over these challenging times and it is crucial to balance these times of intensity with joy, pleasure, and light heartedness. Find the places and activities that help you to lighten up. In this way, you can find enjoyable and creative solutions for some of the tougher choices and changes we are encountering.

We will be defining what is truly important and ideally moving in that direction.
What are you made of and how do you want to move forward into this New Year, THE CHOICE IS YOURS, choose to use all of your options.

ARIES - What the hell! Mars moving backwards all month? I am just not having it. I need to move and action is my primary way of being in the world. I don't want to think too much about what i am doing that spoils my spontaneity which is like the air that I breathe. I want to speak to the management about this problem and.. I refuse to be tardy for the party.

TAURUS - Retro Mars, Saturn, no biggie with me. Slow and steady wins the race that's my way and a slower pace for me feels just right. Anything that is of value is worth waiting for and taking one's time that way you know what you are getting into or out of for that matter. And...sometimes slow can be absolutely delicious if you catch my drift.

GEMINI - Difficult times call for creative solutions and I have a dozen that I have been nurturing for the past week or so. The more challenges, the more I journal, blog and communicate. It helps me to stretch out my thoughts and look at all the options before me so that I do the right thing. I must admit, I do change my mind a bit but maybe the changes won;t come as fast for now.

CANCER - Everyone is so damned focused on their careers and making money. I have known all my life how to make something from nothing, how to stretch a meal or a budget. There's nothing more important than sitting around the table with friends and family and sharing a home cooked dinner or at least a good piping hot drink and pie. If you want to really feel at home and nurtured, c'mon over.

LEO - What a burn! Mars is in my sign all month but it doesn't want to go anywhere. I will have to really get very creative with all my energy and I know I can always do something. I just hope that somebody notices me because half of the reason that I create is to express myself but it can feel sort of empty if nobody sees me.

VIRGO - Leo, is there no end to your need for ego gratification?
Sometimes you have to do things that other people need to really make a difference.I still feel like I have a lot to accomplish and I look forward to the opportunities that the New Year offers. I know that I will be doing my part to push the envelope towards a more humane world.

LIBRA - I like the way you are thinking Virgo. My problem is that I have a hard time deciding which cause to throw my energy into so I wind up all over the place. I wouldn't want anyone to think that I was disinterested in their issues because one person's struggle is every one's struggle. One thing I do know is that equality needs to go all the way around.

SCORPIO -I like to really focus on one thing, one person, the deeper the better. How can you ever really know someone if you spill your energy everywhere. I am not always willing but true intimacy is my goal if I have to be honest. I am surprised that I am telling you all my secrets here but sometimes one must reveal to attract the one who can actually connect with enough depth to make it interesting.

SAGITTARIUS - "Don't ask me nothin' about nothin', 'cause I just might tell ya the truth." Uh huh with the tension lately my nerves are stretched to the limit so excuse me if I do not sugar coat but I really want to get to the bottom of things and then move along. I am tired of making excuses for everybody and leaving my needs unmet.I'm taking names.

CAPRICORN - I have to say that I am feeling right at home with all the Capricorn planets floating around me. I like to keep busy and have something to show for it at the end of the day . I am also willing to work long and hard to meet my responsibilities which are many but then I have the satisfaction to know it was done RIGHT! People respect me and they should because I respect myself and take pride in my accomplishments and that matters to me.

AQUARIUS - I am still feeling pulled by Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron which makes it hard to take a solid position on anything but Jupiter will be moving into Pisces so the overwhelm factor will not be so strong for a change. I do feel like I have gotten a better handle on parts of my personality that have literally been under construction these months. I like who is showing up these days.

PISCES - Oh Jupiter, you big old planet, I am so ready for your grand wisdom and style. It will be quite the contrast to having Saturn and its contracted ways dogging my every step so bring it, I AM READY! Haven't had nearly enough laughs and giggles and you are nothing if not humorous. Even if I have some tough lessons still , if I can have some humor to make the medicine go down that really works for me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL
BLESSINGS FLASH SILVERMOON

In case you haven’t noticed, this is not your Mama’s Astrological report. I deliberately let the signs talk right to you, giving them a voice that really tells it like it is!

I have endeavored to make it more gender neutral to speak to all sexual preferences and identities.

If you know your Rising sign, your personal reading will be more accurate if you read the passage for that sign as well as your Sun sign.

For deeper questions and readings of an Astrological or Psychic nature, feel free to call 352 475.2432 for an apt.or contact me through my website www.Flashsilvermoon.com.

Merry Christmas

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Attack on Young Lesbian in Canada Due to Lesbian Love Triangle

By CHRIS KITCHING, QMI Agency CNEWS

Despite her screams and tearful pleas to stop, a mob of young girls allegedly beat and repeatedly stabbed a 14-year-old girl in a violent and disturbing attack that police suggested could have resulted in a homicide.

No one was able to stop the assailants and no one bothered to call 911 while the assault was in progress during an underage drinking party at a North End home late Saturday.

"She was lying on the bed and they stabbed her six or seven times all over," said a 20-year-old woman who watched part of the attack, which occurred at her family's College Avenue home.

"She was crying and pleading with them to stop stabbing her."

Despite suffering multiple stab wounds and other injuries, the victim survived and is out of hospital.

The suspects are 13 to 16. Two are charged with attempted murder.

The vicious assault took place possibly because of a love triangle between the victim and two suspects, the woman said.

"These other girls were jealous (of the victim)," said the woman, whose name can't be published because it would identify her younger sister and other minors allegedly responsible.

The woman said her sister was involved with the victim, which angered another girl her sister used to be involved with.

Kicked in door

It's alleged that girl confronted the victim about an offensive comment made behind her back and knocked the victim to the floor while about seven girls drank alcohol in the basement.

Four girls ganged up on the victim, punching and kicking her in the face and smashing her head with a 1.1-kg weight used for weightlifting, said the woman, who was watching TV upstairs.

Eventually, the girl fled upstairs, running past the woman, and locked herself in a bedroom but the suspects kicked in the door, the woman said.

The scorned girl grabbed a small knife from a kitchen drawer, gave it to a second girl and urged her to stab the victim, said the woman, who was the lone adult present.

This occurred while two girls, aged five and seven, were asleep in bed down the hall.

The woman said efforts to stop the attack were futile. She said she didn't call 911 because she was afraid.

Police said the victim, who suffered stab wounds to the upper and lower body, blacked out. The suspects fled.

The woman said the bloodied victim called police and her parents.

Police said the call was received shortly after 11:55 p.m.

The suspects were arrested Tuesday, police said.

Two girls, aged 13 and 14, who allegedly handled the knife, are charged with attempted murder and other offences.

Charges against two others, aged 13 and 16, include assault with a weapon.

-->chris.kitching@sunmedia.ca

US House Members condemn proposed law to impose death penalty for some gay Ugandans

WASHINGTON - Five Republican House members are urging the president of Uganda to oppose a proposed law that would impose the death penalty for some gay Ugandans.

The lawmakers say they are all men of faith, and that the bill is antithetical to the Christian belief of "inherent dignity and worth" of all people. The congressmen used a Tuesday letter to urge President Yoweri Museveni to stop the bill from becoming law.

The bill would mandate a death sentence for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape. Anyone convicted of a homosexual act faces life imprisonment.

The letter that was sent out was signed by Reps. Frank Wolf of Virginia, Chris Smith of New Jersey, Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania, Trent Franks of Arizona and Anh "Joseph" Cao of Louisiana.

D.C. Asks Judge to Dismiss Gay Marriage Lawsuit

The District of Columbia is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit by opponents of same-sex marriage.

The plaintiffs, led by local pastor Bishop Harry Jackson, are seeking to get their proposed ban on gay marriage on the ballot. They are suing after the Board of Elections and Ethics turned them down.

City lawyers filed a response Friday. They say the ballot initiative would violate the city's Human Rights Act because it seeks to deny benefits on the basis of sexual orientation.

A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6.

D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed a bill legalizing gay marriage on Friday, and the measure is expected to pass congressional review.

Mexico City Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Mexico City lawmakers on Monday made the city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, a change that will give gay couples more rights, including allowing them to adopt.

The bill passed the capital's local assembly 39-20 to the cheers of supporters who yelled: "Yes, we could! Yes, we could!"

Leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard of the Democratic Revolution Party is widely expected to sign the measure into law.

The bill calls for changing the definition of marriage in the city's civil code. Marriage is now defined as the union of a man and a woman. The new definition will be "the free uniting of two people."

The change would allow same-sex couples to adopt children, apply for bank loans together, inherit wealth and be included in the insurance policies of their spouse, rights they were denied under civil unions allowed in the city.

"We are so happy," said Temistocles Villanueva, a 23-year-old film student who celebrated by passionately kissing his boyfriend outside the city's assembly.

Only seven countries allow same-sex marriages: Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. U.S. states that permit same-sex marriage are Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and (as of 2010) New Hampshire. Unless Congress votes to block its new law, Washington, D.C., will also allow same-sex marriage.

Argentina's capital became the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex civil unions in 2002 for gay and lesbian couples. Four other Argentine cities later did the same, as did Mexico City in 2007 and some Mexican and Brazilian states. Uruguay alone has legalized civil unions nationwide.

Buenos Aires lawmakers introduced a bill for legalizing same-sex marriage in the national Congress in October but it has stalled without a vote, and officials in the South American city have blocked same-sex weddings because of conflicting judicial rulings.

Many people in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America remain opposed to same-sex marriage, and the dominate Roman Catholic Church has announced its opposition.

City lawmaker Victor Romo, a member of the mayor's leftist party, called it a historic day.

"For centuries unjust laws banned marriage between blacks and whites or Indians and Europeans," he said. "Today all barriers have disappeared."

This article is from the San Francisco Chronicle

Working it Out: A Lesbian Relationship Primer

If you're in a relationship and looking for a little direction, there is a new Relationship "self help" Book out by Frances S. Fuchs Ph.D., called, "Working it Out: A Lesbian Relationship Primer."

Book Description:
Relationships are both our source of deepest satisfaction and our greatest distress. While many books are written with the goal of helping couples, most are written with heterosexual relationships in mind. This workbook specifically addresses issues that lesbians face such as coming out, domestic partnership or marriage commitment, and the effects of homophobia (both internalized and external). Working It Out contains steps for overcoming these specific roadblocks, as well as information and exercises to develop your emotional bonds, your communication skills, your decision-making ease and your fair fighting abilities. Designed to further your understanding of and your connection to the one you love, it is written with humor, kindness and practicality to assist you in your quest for loving, healthy and successful relating.

Can Your Netflix Account Reveal Your Sexual Orientation?

by JP Mangalindan

One feature Netflix users have always taken for granted, privacy, might be in danger if they're one of the 480,000 members whose information was shared as part of a contest to improve the company's popular movie recommendation system. According to Wired, a closeted lesbian mother going by the pseudonym "Jane Doe" filed a lawsuit yesterday against the rental giant, claiming it had, among other things, broken a federal privacy law protecting citizens' video rental information.

The backstory: Netflix started a contest back in September 2006 that gave 50,000 contestants vying for $1 million two sets of data. The first included 100 million movie ratings, the date of the rating, subscriber IDs, and movie info culled from some 480,000 customers. The goal? Create a movie recommendation algorithm at least 10-percent more accurate than Netflix's own.

Though user data had been anonymized through a common method called perturbation, that didn't stop two savvy University of Texas researchers from figuring out the real identities, political leanings, and even sexual orientation of several Netflix users, by cross-referencing data given by the company to reviews posted on IMDB. Which is why Doe is concerned: if information like her sexual orientation became available, it might negatively affect her and her family's lives, she stated in her complaint. But, we point out: the Netflix findings aren't public, and the ability to re-link identities to connect to other Web profiles is neither encouraged nor part of the contest. Netflix never gives users the option to state a sexual preference, so the claim that raw data can be used to predict sexuality outside of Netflix is either suggesting movie choice determines type of person, or it's Netflix's fault for allowing researchers to look outside of the given data set.

However, Doe does bring up a crucial point, as her suit also aims to stop Netflix from starting the second phase of its contest, which would provide even more information about customers, like ZIP codes, ages, and gender. If that comes to pass, Wired remarks that it's 87-percent possible to take someone's age, tastes, and ZIP code and hunt them down on the Internet. With these tangible, real-world (and identifiable values), Netflix is breaching user privacy (especially if those accounts opt to be hidden).

Therefore, it appears the Netflix contest really did succeed in what it set out to do, which was accurately glean our preferences and choices via movie lists. So while movie recommendations might be more accurate going forward, remember: every time you rate a movie, song, or TV show, bits of yourself are released into the cyber-sphere.

From Switch.com and Wired.com

British Prime Minister Calls for Europe-Wide Gay Family Rights

by Kilian Melloy, Edge - Boston, MA

Continuing in his efforts to reach out to Britain’s GLBT community, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for the adoption of civil unions for gay and lesbian families across all of Europe.

Thirteen European nations already offer civil unions or some similar option for same-sex couples; in addition to Britain, Germany and France provide many of the same rights, obligations, and protections to gay and lesbian families as those enjoyed by married heterosexuals.

Additionally, in a handful of nations--Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden among them--full-fledged marriage equality is the law of the land. Portugal is contemplating marriage equality, and Ireland is moving toward civil unions. However, in a number of Eastern European nations, marriage equality is banned as a matter of constitutional law.

Brown would like to see protections for gay and lesbian families extended into Eastern European countries as well, a Dec. 17 CourierMail.com.au story said. Several Eastern European nations--Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary--offer civil unions, although in many Eastern European countries anti-gay prejudices still linger and enshrined in law.

With the recent passage of civil unions legislation in Austria, which is a conservative Catholic nation, equality advocates in other Catholic countries such as Poland have a precedent to cite as they argue for their rights, noted a Dec. 17 Inter-Press Service article. But homophobia runs deep in some Eastern European societies, the article noted: Poland’s president, Lech Kazcynski, has said that gays would bring about the end of the world, and the mayor of Moscow, Yuriy Luzkhov, declared that gays were "satanic" and banned a Pride parade in the city. Pride events in Russia and in Poland have been met with violence by anti-gay protesters; the Ukraine has barred Pride events altogether.

Brown recognized that his grand vision for equality across Europe would not be easy to achieve, but he said that his government was attempting to broker arrangements in which British civil unions would be honored everywhere in Europe. "I’m fighting to get all the countries in Europe to recognize civil partnerships carried out in Britain," said Brown, adding, "We want countries where that hasn’t been the case--especially in eastern Europe--to recognize them.

"Of course it will be tough," Brown noted, "and will take many years, but that has never ever been a good reason not to fight."


Kilian Melloy reviews media, conducts interviews, and writes commentary for EDGEBoston, where he also serves as Assistant Arts Editor.

D.C. Council Gives Final Passage to Same-Sex Marriage Bill

From HRC

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the Washington, D.C. Council’s overwhelming vote today for final passage of legislation recognizing same-sex marriage.

“Today’s vote is a victory for all D.C. residents, whose relationships will soon be treated equally and fairly in the eyes of the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This legislation is an important and historic step towards equal dignity, equal respect and equal rights for same-sex couples here in our nation’s capital, which also preserves the right of clergy and congregations to adhere to their faiths. The legislation the Council passed today reinforces the legal equality and religious freedoms to which all D.C. residents are entitled.”

“Congratulations to the D.C. Council – particularly Councilmember David Catania who spearheaded this bill - Mayor Fenty and the many advocates of equality in our community who have worked so hard for, and will vigorously fight to protect marriage equality in D.C. We look forward to the Mayor’s signature and the day not too far off when same-sex couples in D.C. will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage,” added Solmonese.

The D.C. Council voted today 11 to 2 to give final approval to the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. The vote recognizing same-sex marriage was the second in two weeks for the Council, which approved the bill in an initial vote on December 1, 2009 by the same margin. Since last July, D.C. law has recognized marriages by same-sex couples from other jurisdictions, including foreign countries. The new legislation would permit same-sex couples to marry in D.C. itself while ensuring that clergy and religious organizations would not be required to provide services, accommodations, facilities or goods for the solemnization of a same-sex marriage.

The legislation now goes to the desk of Mayor Fenty, who has said he will sign it. The law would take effect at the conclusion of the Congressional review period, which lasts for 30 legislative days following the Mayor’s signature.

Opponents of marriage equality have attempted to overturn the legislation by proposing a ballot initiative to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled last month that the proposed initiative would violate the D.C. Human Rights Act and therefore was not a proper subject matter for the referendum process under D.C. law. Opponents have sued in D.C. Superior Court despite the fact that last June, a Superior Court judge ruled that a similar proposed referendum prohibiting recognition of marriages by same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions would violate the D.C. Human Rights Act and therefore was ineligible for the ballot.

At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire (effective January 1, 2010). New York recognizes marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in another jurisdiction. Five states—California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—plus D.C. provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Hawaii, Colorado, Maine, Maryland and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November of 2008, before a slim majority of voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality. Couples married during that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, 2008 as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, 2008 as domestic partnerships. The Prop. 8 vote has been challenged in federal court; a decision is not expected any time soon.

Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and responsibilities anywhere in the United States. To learn more about state by state legislation, visit: www.hrc.org/state_laws.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Lesbian and LGBT New Year's Eve Events 2009-2010

Thinking about New Year's Eve yet? Maybe dinner and dancing? Well, if you haven't made any plans, here is a list of 2009/2010 lesbian and LGBT New Year's Eve events from around the US. Since this is a work in progress you may want to check back now and again to see what I have added. Also, if you know of any events I haven't listed, please email me the details and I will be sure to add it to the list.

ALASKA
Ankorage Ak
Mad Myrna's New year's Eve Extravaganza
Two Dance Floors, Party Stuff and toast at Midnight. Tickets are $10, event starts at 9:30pm.

CALIFORNIA
Burbank, CA
Shall We Dance, New Year's Eve
$75:00 per person in advance $90:00 at the door
Shall We Dance? offers its thirteenth New Year's Eve dance for the Gay and Lesbian community no need to be a Shall We Dance? student. This is not a couples-only event, so come kick up your heels with us, dance in the New Year and start 2010 right.A delicious international buffet dinner and pastries Champagne at midnight (Sparkling cider if you prefer)Gloria's famous Cadbury-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries Noisemakers Mixers
Prizes (including a $75.00 series to Shall We Dance?)

Hollywood, Ca
Girlbar New Years Eve
80's & 90's with a twist with DJ Beau
@ Ultra Suede – 661 North Robertson Blvd.
$20 Advance ($30 at the Door)
NEW YEARS EVE 2009 / 2010
“TWISTED” 80’S & 90’S
2 Dj’s – 2 Dance Floors

• Cash Balloon Drop
• Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight
• New Years Party Favors

Oakland, CA
Trip The Light Fantastics Very Last NYE Dance
200 grand Ave.
Oakland, CA
510.763.1343
Dec 31st 2009 Trip the Light Fantastic presents For LGBTQI community and it's friends Beginning partner dance lesson 8.30 to 9.00pm. Non stop dancing till 1am. What better place to welcome in the New Year, meet new friends and old, and celebrate the past.

Oakland, CA
NYE Consciousness Party- LookingBackMovingForward
A ritualistic ceremony for learning from the old and embracing the new. Clarify the power of intention, Create the life you want. *What:* A ceremony of spiritual alignment and intentional journey. Come and learn from ancient and modern spiritual practices and let them help u on your journey to your core. We will be dancing & singing around the fire, chanting, meditating, singing, laughing, talking and listening as we share a space of hope, joy and well being with our very own community.
510.681.9740
390 27th Street, Oakland CA
roke.noir@gmail.com

Oakland, CA
Tasty & Coochielicious New Year's Eve
Club 21
2221 Franklin
510-268-9425
w/ DJ Jacatac
9-2 am

Oakland, CA
The Blue Moon Phenomenon
"A Magical & Experiential New Year's Eve Celebration"
Night of Mayhem
Thursday, December 31 at 7:00pm
Friday, January 1 at 1:00am
Humanity Garden Hall, Oakland

San Francisco, CA
Beyond Beyond: A Queer New Year's Eve Party
The Make Out Room
3225 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Bring in 2010 at The Make Out Room & have your best New Year's Eve yet.
Black & gold balloon and confetti drop!
Complimentary midnight champagne toast!
Foxy & festive photographs by Amos Mac!
9pm
$15
21+

San Francisco, CA
The Marga Gomes New Year's Eve Spectacular 2009/2010
This year Marga shares the limelight with three hot new queer stand-ups David Hawkins, Ben Lerman and Natasha Muse.
Theatre Rhinoceros
1360 Mission St, Suite #200
San Francisco CA 94103
To request a brochure call 415-552-4100 or email info@therhino.org

San Francisco, CA
Juanita More! New Years Eve
Bambuddha Lounge
601 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Nightlife tastemaker Juanita MORE! joins forces with the best and brightest of SF's queer club scene to present a boogie buffet of beats, beautiful boys and girls, and after-dark shenanigans.

San Francisco, CA
Mango NYE
El Rio
3158 Mission
415-282-3325

San Francisco, CA
Sundance Saloon
New Year's Eve Dance
8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Whitcomb Hotel, 1231 Market St., San Francisco
New Year's Eve dance in the beautiful ballroom of the Hotel Whitcomb! Please join us for a festive night as the country-western dance community gathers to ring in the new year together. Lessons from 8:00 to 9:00 (beginning two-step at 8:00, line dance at 8:30), then open dancing 9:00 to 1:00 am.
Admission will be $20 at the door, or $15 in advance. Advance tickets are available now through December 27 at Sundance Saloon, or on-line.

Santa Rosa, CA
GLAM New Years Eve 2010!
Inside the new Days Inn
3345 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Brien Perry and CSquared Productions Proudly Present GLAM New Years Eve 2010! Yes you heard it right.... Brien Perry is back on board to bring you and your besties the BIGGEST HOTTEST New Years Eve Party North of the Gate!

• Free Champagne Toast @ Midnight
• Balloon Drop with Cash Prizes inside!
• Free Party favors
• Room Rates start @ $79 for a Deluxe 2 bed room with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Champagne in the room awaiting your arrival!
• Special Surprises throughout the night!
• For VIP Bottle Service call Joy 707.....332.4630...
• Full Red Carpet so Dress to Impress!
• Photographers will be on hand!
• Early Arrival is HIGHLY Suggested as this will be a Sell Out Event!
• Doors Open 9pm with a $10 cover charge for the Mature 21+
  

Santa Rosa, CA
Sapphire Lounge
Sapphire NYE 2010, a party for Queer girlz and boyz and our Friends at the Beautiful HILTON
3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa
Thursday, December 31, 2009

• Dance with your Closest friends as we bring in the New Year with Gratitude, Groove, & Style......Festive, Elegant Attire Encouraged!!
• Special $99 Room Rate at the Hilton !!
• Doors open at 8:30 pm - 1 am Free Parking
• Plentiful Seating
• Danceable Music at Comfortable Vibe with DJ temadancer & DJ James Calamera
• 21 & over Please

Bobbie at galaevents4u@msn.com or 253-292-1520.
Presale Tickets $20 available at our Website!!

Sausalito, CA
New Year's Eve Celebration - "Betty's List" & Olivia Travel
Dinner Dance, Dessert & Celebration!
With "Betty's List" & Olivia Travel
Couples, Singles, all ages, all women, one & all are welcome. Dinner,
dancing, dessert, champagne toast and a panoramic view like none other. You
and yours are invited to join us! - Betty
Ondine-558 Bridgeway, 2nd Floor, Sausalito
Early Bird Cost: $105 Per Person
(Includes Dinner and Non-Alcoholic Beverage,
Dance, Dessert, Champagne Celebration; Tax/Gratuities also included.)
Dress: Festive for the Occasion - Elegant Costumes Too!
Reservation Information or Questions:
Phone: 415-503-1375
E-mail: BettyEventInfo@bettyslist.com
Questions: Call "Betty's List" - 415-503-1375
or E-mail: BettyEventInfo@aol.com

COLORADO
Denver, CO
New Year's Eve Party 'Bang'
HipChicksOut and BabesArounDenver team up again for a New Year's rager
"Bang" at The Annex.
3090 Downing (31st and Downing near downtown).
Presale Tix for only $10 purchased no later than 12/28/09 ($15 at the door) available at www.babesaroundenver.com

DELAWARE
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Starburst Gayla
Women's New year's Eve Dinner & Dance
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
$95 in advance, $50 for Dance only
302-227-5620.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, DC
2010 Exclusive NYE Ladies Bash
The Republic
1322 U Street NW
The biggest women's party will be at The Republic hosted by A-2-Zee Events, B.O.I. Marketing and Promotions, Midnight Intrigue Events, Nikisha, and Phatgirlchic.com with partners including LURe, ADKLN, LiveOUT Events, Savage Entertainment and more!
$20-$50

Washington, DC
Lace Exclusive New Years Celebration
2214 Rhode Island Avenue
Washington, DC
5:00pm - 2:00am
$25 Limited Advance Tickets.

FLORIDA
Fort Lauderdale
New Moon New year's Eve
2440 Wilton Dr Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33305954.563.7660
The best party on the Drive is FREE at New Moon. No cover!

• DJ Rae Rae will be spinning all night long so you can end AND start your year getting your groove on!
• FREE champagne to toast at midnight.
• We'll have plenty of FREE party hats, noise makers and other cool stuff to bring the new year in style.
• Drink specials and no cover.

St Pete, FL
Chiq Bar New Year's Eve Bash 2010
4900 66th Street N
St. Pete, Fl
Open until 2:00am

GEORGIA
Atlanta, GA
My Sister's Room New Year's Eve Party 2010
222 E. Howard Ave.,
Atlanta (Decatur) GA
8:00pm - 2:00am
Min. Age 21+

Atlanta , GA
New Year's Eve at Mary's
1287 Glenwood Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
404.624.4411

MAINE
Northhampton, MA
LGBT New Year's Eve Extravaganza with Michelle Balan!
The Clarion Hotel & Conference Center - Northampton
One Atwood Drive, Northampton
(413) 586-1211.

MARYLAND
Baltimore, MD
Coconuts New Year's Eve
311 West Madison Street
8:00pm - 2:00am

MASSACHUSETTS
Malden, MA
New Year's Eve @ Hideaway
Anthony's
105 Canal St
Malden, MA 02148
We will be celebrating in the elegant Terrace Ball Room on the 2nd floor.
We will start the night off with hors d’oeuvres and to be followed by a New Year’s Dinner featuring a buffet, all prepared by our special chef along with desert.
After dinner, dance the night away to R&B, Latin and Hip Hop music of D.J. Mojo.
In addition we will be having live entertainment with a champagne toast.
Price for this special event is $35.00 per person. Purchase your tickets today as the price will increase after Dec 12th. Any questions e-mail Hideaway0101@yahoo.com or call 617 877 1808

MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor, MI
Living Out Loud LGBT New Year's Eve Party

• Dinner at The Melting Pot
• 4 courses with a Champagne toast
• Private 3rd floor VIP seating for LGBT
• LGBT Party at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
• One complimentary drink of your choice
• Hors d’oeuvres served
• Only $98 per person
• Limited number of romantic booths on Lover’s Lane overlooking Downtown A2
• Seating available for those looking to mingle (limit of 40)
• Professional DJ spinning all the hits
• Cash bar and Complimentary coffee station
• New Year’s Eve Party fun & favors
• Discounted room rates with breakfast

livingoutloudllc@yahoo.com or 734-709-8618 / 734-660-8056

Detroit, MI
New Year's Eve 2010
The Rainbow Room
6640 E. 8 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI
Tickets $15 Open until 4:00am


NEW HAMPSHIRE
Bethlehem, NH
NEW YEAR'S 2010 at the Highlands Inn
Bring in the New Year with a great dinner followed by a fabulous party with DJs and champagne. Festivities begin with pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in our fireplaced living room. Dinner features succulent prime rib (alternative available for non-meat eaters), lots of veggies, and a fantastic selection of homemade desserts. Then we party! There is no better place to dance the night away and ring in the New Year! Four-night minimum. Packages are $740-$1,180 per couple.

NEW MEXICO
Santa Fe, NM
Studio 54 One More Night - NYE Party
The Silverlight Lounge
500 Rodeo Road

• 2 Dance Floors
• 2 Bars
• Champagene Toast
• 8:30 - 1:00am
• $15

NEW JERSEY
Garfield, NJ
Girls 101 New Years Eve Dance Party
149 Van Winkle Ave., Garfield NJ
Thursday, December 31, 2009
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
21+

NEW YORK
New York, NY
Shescape Big Juicy New Year's Eve Bash
The Apple 17 Waverly Place
$25 Party Admission
Champagne toast
Doors Open at 9pm

New York, NY
http://www.henriettahudson.com/home/index.html
438 Hudson Street
NY, New York

NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte, NC
FLO (little black nothing) NEW YEARS EVE BASH
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wadsworth Estate
400 South Summit Street
Charlotte, NC 28208
Doors Open: 9PM-2AM
Cost: $15 (all night)
Dress Code: Sexxy Black (encouraged but not a must to enter)
FLO: For Lesbians Only and women who are comfortable around women who love women

OREGON
Portland, OR
Hot Flash Dance Party Presents New Years 2010
New Years Eve (for seasoned lesbians) at the Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen Beach, at the Oregon/Washington border. Semi-formal to formal attire 8pm - 1am, tickets $40-$45.
Featuring Jody Crocker and performances by The B.B. Dolls.
Smoke-free dancing with DJ Lauren. Contact the Red Lion directly [503-283-4466] and ask for the "Hot Flash" discount.
Located in the PET-FRIENDLY Red Lion on the River, we are right at the WA/OR border - an easy commute with a fabulous hotel, a sophisticated event complete with filling hors d'oeuvres and great performers - all waiting to give you one of the best New Year's Eves you'll ever experience and - o, did I mention hundreds of women?

PENNSYLVANIA
East Stroudsburg (Pocono Mountains), PA
New Years 2010 Celebration at Rainbow Mountain Resort
Advance tickets for the evening's happenings in the Nightclub (DJ JoeyZ, Karaoke with Rich, Champagne Toast at midnight, Breakfast Buffet, the obligatory Hats and Horns - although no one really wants to mess their hair, and [yes, Amanda knows it's been mentioned to death, but reading about themselves is their lifeblood] the two-and-only Carol Ann and Heaven Leigh) are only $15 in advance and $20 on 12-31-09.

Philadelphia, PA
Party into 2010 with Silk
Dianni's Ballroom
921-7 Luzerne
Philadelphia, PA
Tickets $65 each ot 2 for $120 (before Nov. 30th)
www.newsilkevents.com

Philadelphia, PA
Sisters New Years Eve Party 2010
1320 Chancellor Street
215.735.0735
Top Shelf Open Bar
Loaded Dinner Buffett
Countdown with Hats and Horns
Tickets $25 advance/ $30 at the door

RHODE ISLAND
Providence, RI
Girlspot New Year's Eve
150 Point Street, Providence, RI
(401) 751-7166
Champagne Toast
Door Prizes
$15/$20 in Advance
$20/$25 at Door
Open Until 3am
Late Night Buffet

TEXAS
Austin, TX
Sister's Edge II New Year's Eve.
113 San Jacinto
Check their Website for more info

Houston, TX
Chances New Year's Eve Party
1100 Westheimer
Houston Texas 77006
713.523.7217

VIRGINIA
Charlottesville, VA
New Year's Eve Open House Party
Thursday, December 31 @ 10:00 pm
Club 216
609 E. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA
Featuring the best music from 2009 and a champagne toast at midnight. $5 for members; $20 for non-members.

WASHINGTON
Seattle, WA
Wildrose Lesbian New Year's Eve
Giant New Year's Eve Street Party under heated tents
1021 East Pike Street
Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA
Cherry Queer New Year's Eve Party
at ReBar
1114 Howell Street
Doors open at 10:00pm
Advance Tickets $8
$10 at door
21 and over

Seattle, WA
Hot Flash Dance New Years Eve
Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen Beach, at the Oregon/Washington border.
Semi-formal to formal attire 8pm - 1am, tickets $40-$45.
Featuring Jody Crocker and performances by The B.B. Dolls.
Smoke-free dancing with DJ Lauren.
Contact the Red Lion directly [503-283-4466] and ask for the "Hot Flash" discount.

Tila Tequila engaged to Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson

Bi-sexual reality TV Star, Tila Tequila, announced her engagement to Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson via Ustream video yesterday.

"Tonight, my beautiful girlfriend has just asked me to marry her and check out this rock," "Bam! That is a 17-carat diamond ring from my baby."

Johnson, who was recently arrested under suspicion of grand-theft, admitted, "Yes, we are engaged and very excited about starting our life together."

Showing off her engagement ring, Tequila added: "My baby takes care of me. Beat that J.Lo! Beat that Khloé and Lamar!"

Below is the Ustream video...although I have to admit, I couldn't get past the first 60 secs, some of you may find it entertaining...just not really my thing.

PLEASE HELP...In search of Lesbian New Year's Eve Events

For the last few year's I have compiled a list of Lesbian New Year's Eve events from all over the US. However, each year it seems to get harder and harder to find any information about these events. I am not sure if it is because there are less lesbian NYE events going on or that clubs are holding off to the last minute to do any marketing. Either way, I was hoping that perhaps you all could help me out. SO, if you know of any Lesbian or LGBT New Year's Eve events coming up, I would love if you could email the info to me, that way, I can get my list finalized and up on the blog before the end of this week.

Thanks for all your help in advance!

Martina Navratilova Sued By Lesbian Lover Over Assets

WASHINGTON - Martina Navratilova’s lesbian lover has slapped the tennis great with a lawsuit, claiming she was unexpectedly dumped and left with nothing.

Martina and her lesbian lover-of-eight years Toni Layton held an unofficial wedding ceremony in which they allegedly agreed to share all assets earned and obtained while in a relationship.

Layton was appointed grantor and trustee of her “wife’s” estate in 2002 but was removed from the position in 2008 after Martina accused her of “abusing” her power for “improper purposes”.

And now, Layton has hit back seeking damages over a million dollars, according to her attorney, Ray Rafool.

“Nine years ago in their promise ceremony they agreed to share their lives, careers and the fruits of their business relationship,” Fox News quoted Rafool as saying.

“Martina cooked up the claim that Toni abused the trustee position. We’re suing for well over a million dollars but we’re still trying to determine the value of the assets and they (Navratilova’s counsel) are doing everything they can do to stop us find the truth,” Rafool added.

But Vincent Carissimi, from Navratilova’s legal counsel, denied the claims, tagging them baseless.

He said: “We’ve stated very clearly in our court papers that we believe Ms. Layton’s claims are totally meritless, and we’ve stated in the counter claim that we filed on behalf of Ms. Navratilova that in fact, we think it’s Ms. Layton who owes money to Ms. Navratilova.

“So our position is pretty clearly set forth in those papers and I’m not inclined as I said, to do anything but try this in court where it belongs.” (ANI)

What is A Heterosexual Woman's Right to Marry In New York Worth?

I saw this great article on Queerty this morning and knew I had to share it with you all!

"Homos aren't the only ones livid over yesterday's marriage defeat in New York. Jamie Frevele, a heterosexual New Yorker gal, is pissed too. Jamie, you see, was born with the right to marry the person she loves, because she is a straight person. But she's a single gal in the big city, and believes it's unlikely she'll be exercising that right anytime soon. So she's auctioning it off to the highest bidder. We'd say something about how the auction is "open to all," but let's be honest: While homos can bid, they can never win.

Before eBay takes it down — immutable rights can't be sold, can they? — go here to see the auction item. Jamie, a media industry vet, tells Queerty that any proceeds will go to The Point Foundation, the mentoring group for LGBT youth. For the curious:

New York State has voted down marriage equality. A lot of people just don't believe all adults should be allowed to get married, usually for religious reasons, which is silly because you need to obtain a license from the state to get married, and there's a separation of church and state in this country, so denying someone the right to get married based on their sexual orientation is actually against the Constitution. The 14th Amendment, actually: Section. 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

I'm an unmarried heterosexual woman, and since I probably won't be using my right to get married, I would like to give it away. I would like to sell it to the highest bidder and donate the proceeds to an organization that supports LGBT rights since the government designed to protect all of us is picking and choosing based on what they think is icky, weird, or unkown to them.

Bid now, and you can have my super wonderful privilege and legal ability to get married as many times as you want in a classy place like the one pictured. You don't have to know the person, you don't have to like them, you don't have to think through your decision to get married or anything – you can just do it! Because you can! Come on, it's cool to get married, and think of the pictures you'll have to show people of this person that they will definitely think is so wrong for you and probably is! But heavens to BETSY, do NOT marry someone of the same gender because that would be a mockery of the institution of marriage.

And if it doesn't work out, just get divorced. Half the cool people who get married do that anyway.

I will write you up a fancy, wonderful, articulate proclamation handing over my right to get married. I have no official documentation because this is something I was born with since I was born heterosexual. Unfortunately, this is only a symbolic gesture. However, since I'm picky and difficult, it's probably something that, if a physical object, would have been considered pristine and shiny after some dusting. Your bid, on the other hand, is real, and the donation you make to an organization that supports those who have been treated as second-class citizens will be well worth it.

I have not named an organization yet because I thought I would see if anyone wanted to join me on this journey rather than drag them into something they're not serious about, ready for, etc.

Happy Bidding!

Jamie Frevele

Free shipping included.

Meredith Baxter Comes Out as a Lesbian

Meredith Baxter, the actress who played Michael J. Fox's mom on the '80s sitcom Family Ties, has officially declared herself a lesbian.

Baxter, 62, revealed to The Advocate that after three marriages and five children, she started dating women seven years ago, after testing the waters with a brief fling six years prior.

"I've been married three times, and I have a slew of children, but I've never felt that kind of connection before in that kind of awakening. It was very profound for me," Baxter said of her revelation.

While she came out to family and friends, she kept her sexuality quiet, deciding to go public after taking a Caribbean cruise last month with thousands of other gay women, among them Top Gun actress Kelly McGillis.

Baxter says she's been in a four-year relationship with Nancy Locke, a building contractor. The couple have been living together for the past two years.

While she earned a Daytime Emmy nod playing a lesbian mom on CBS' Other Mothers back in 1993, the tube star admitted that at the time she was clueless about her own internal struggle about her sexuality.

She attributes part of her awakening to not only going sober almost two decades ago, but also to living a more open life after years of therapy to deal with her marital problems, her mother's death and her battle with breast cancer.

The reaction so far from friends, colleagues and Family Ties fans has been nothing but positive.

"The message I get is that I'm America's mom," said Baxter. "And because research seems to show that people who have someone who is gay in their family—or a friend or just know someone in the community who is gay—they seem to have a more open attitude about gay and lesbian issues. So I can say I'm still that mom."

She also hoped that her coming out will inspire others in similar circumstances.

"I am still the same person. I'm nonthreatening, I'm very friendly, I'm accessible, and if they can say, "OK, well, she's a lesbian, maybe that's not such a scary thing. And if she can come out and say that without too much fear, then maybe I can do that."

The Photo is of Meredith Baxter (bottom right) with her twins Mollie and Peter, and her partner Nancy Locke.