BY LESBIAN.COM

The 29th Annual California Women’s Conference (CWC) will stage the Creative Expressions Concert series at Long Beach Convention Center across both nights of this month’s highly anticipated two-day event, May 19-20.

The Creative Expressions Concert series, showcasing performing artists including Mary Lambert, will be streamed live online. The Marriage Equality USA-sanctioned “Love Is Love” PSA set to Jen Foster’s “SHE” will be officially included in the program for Tuesday, May 20.

The program will also include a live Q&A with the multiple award-winning writer/director Nicole Conn, Jane Wishon (Board President of Marriage Equality USA) and some of the cast members from SHE4ME including Mike C. Manning (“Disney”), Gabrielle Christian (“South Of Nowhere“) and Traci Dinwiddie (“Elena Undone“). More names are expected to be announced closer to the event.

The CWC was first launched in 1985 to address the high failure rate among women-owned businesses. Over the years the CWC has played host to a phenomenal list of speakers including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, first lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Duchess of York Sara Ferguson, Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda, Madeline Albright, Condoleeza Rice and Martha Stewart.

This year’s conference will focus on helping attendees discover how to lead a thriving life. Experts will be on hand to discuss how to balance the five essential elements of well being: career life, social life, financial life, physical life and community life.

To purchase tickets to the concert series visit: http://goo.gl/ynTR5k

Speakers for the California Women’s Conference: http://goo.gl/ddYs1U

For tickets to the California Women’s Conference 2014: http://goo.gl/HVp83v

The post SHE4ME ‘Love is Love’ PSA featured at California Women’s Conference first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Nicole Pacent on set of of SHE4ME filming at the Andaz West Hollywood
(Photo by Rodney Bursiel)

BY NATASIA LANGFELDER
Lesbian.com

The talented Nicole Pacent is an actress, singer and model. She’s also one of the few out bisexual women in Hollywood. Her fans know her best from the web series, “Anyone But Me,” in which she portrayed the lovable Aster. Now, she’s back and starring in the SHE4ME PSA for marriage equality alongside actress Gabrielle Christian.

As a member of the LGBT community, Nicole has a vested interest in furthering equality. She sat down with Lesbian.com to discuss the behind-the-scenes fun on the SHE4ME set and her advice to fans on how to navigate the world as a bisexual person.

How did you first hear of the SHE4ME PSA and why did you choose to get involved with this project?

Well, really, I was sort of there when it was being conceived. I heard about it from my manager Sue Melke. She introduced me to Nicole Conn because they had been speaking about it and collaborating.

Nicole wanted to bring me on board as the bride and I just jumped on board. From there, the next thing we had to do was find another bride. It really was a meeting of minds. I decided to do it because it’s a cause I’m very passionate about, obviously, and I like Nicole Conn’s aesthetic.

What was it like working with director Nicole Conn?

Nicole is really clear on what she wants. It’s always great to work with a director who is that way, that way you can give them what they want. It’s refreshing.

Did you know Gabrielle Christian was going to play the other bride?

Sue forwarded me some ideas on who would be playing the second bride. When they settled on Gaby, it was really cool because we had sort of been orbiting in the same circle for so long, but we had never met or worked together. So we finally got to meet. She is such a doll.

Judging from the blooper reel, there was a lot of fun on the set. Can you dish on any of the behind the scenes hijinks?

It was all shot in one day! There were so many moving parts that everything was going on at once. There was no time for anything really crazy like would happen on a longer shoot. But the atmosphere was very jovial the whole time and during the wedding scene people just started doing funny dances. Everyone was just really happy to be there and have fun with each other.

You’ve been out as a bisexual woman for most of your career. How do you think that’s affected your journey?

It has affected it vastly. I can’t imagine how the journey would be different in terms of being more positive or negative thus far. I really don’t know. I’m glad I did it. In terms of the feedback, I’ve never gotten flack for it as far as I know. Everyone has been really accepting both within the gay community and outside of it. It’s really been wonderful.

Part of Aster’s popularity was because I was out to the fan base. I got a lot more projects out of that. I don’t know how things would have been different. It shaped it in ways I’m aware of and not aware of. But I’ve never doubted it and I’ve never second guessed it.

What would tell young fans who may be struggling with their bisexuality?

There are challenges that bisexuals face that you don’t get if you’re straight or gay. People don’t have enough information. And I’ve experienced that in my life. But in terms of my experience with work it hasn’t been a problem so far, which is awesome.

People message me about this all the time and it’s really hard because I wish I had time to respond to all of them. I would say there’s no blanket anecdote in terms of coming out for everybody. It’s different for everyone based on family situations or the country you live in. I can’t say come out and be who you are because it’s not that easy in many environments.

But that said, the more that you are able to be yourself and accept yourself as who you are, not only the happier you’re going to be, but the less you are just going keep hiding for your whole life. Whether they’re a total nerd or a cheerleader or if you have a non-traditional sexuality, if you spend your whole life fighting that, you’ll get tired after a while. It wears on you. It’s generally just a better path to go down to accept who you are and trust you’ll find your way. I really do believe that.

Finding spaces that are more accepting and attending support groups are always really good ideas. Connecting with other people, making sure you don’t feel alone. Those things are paramount. For me, it was so important to be surrounded by the bisexual and gay community even before I came out.

It’s so cliche, I know! But the older I get I have to tell you that’s what it’s all about. The constant struggle of having to let go of the idea that I have to be something other than what I am. It’s not worth it. It’s a losing battle. Just be who you are!

“South of Nowhere” ended in 2008 and many fans were able to dry their tears by moving onto “Anyone But Me.” In fact, one of the YouTube comments on the video is “Aster + Spencer = Perfection.” Do you think Spencer and Aster would have ever hooked up?

That’s so funny! I think from Aster’s point of view, she was so young. Vivian was her second girlfriend, but like first real love. Spencer and Aster could definitely have slept together maybe later in life.

Tell us about your favorite interaction with a fan.

Oh man, there are so many, especially because I’m now friends with some fans as a result. I remember this one instance quite well. A couple years back, before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, there a woman who messaged me and came out to me. She couldn’t tell anyone but me. She wasn’t out to anyone else. But she had seen “Anyone But Me” and she felt like I provided a safe space where she could be herself. Her job was defending our country and she couldn’t come out. That was pretty incredible. I have to say that messages like that where people have come out because of “Anyone But Me” or because I’m out about my sexuality or anything like that is endlessly inspiring to me and sort of unbelievable.

If you could star in a remake of any movie, which movie would you choose?

“Star Wars!” There’s not even a question in my mind. I could die happy if I was in that.

I would want to be Princess Leia 110 percent. She’s such an awesome female character. I grew up playing Princess Leia on the playground. I love that time period, too, episodes 4-6, of course!

In my adult years, I’ve been able to look back at it and appreciate it on so many other levels, including how strong Leia is as a female character. She is tough and she’s sarcastic and in charge and not submissive at all. She’s just feisty and fun with a dry sense of humor. She’s the type of character I would love to play.

Where can your fans find you?

There are a couple things in the works. There’s a short film that I did that’s going to be released mid-April, “It’s a Cold Cold Night.” I play a pretty funny, wacko character my fans will love.

And, if you are in Los Angeles, you can see me in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “All’s Well That Ends Well” at my theater company. Check my Twitter or Facebook, if you want to know more.

The post Nicole Pacent: The SHE4ME bride with the heart of Princess Leia first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Gabrielle Christian shot to fame in 2005 when she took the role of sweet, innocent and gay Spencer Carlin in “South of Nowhere.” As Spencer discovered herself and fell in love with her best friend, Ashley, the LGBT community fell in love with her.

Gabrielle, who goes by Gaby, wrote a love song for her on-screen paramour, Mandy Musgrave, called “Kissing Mandy” and frequently guest stars in queer webseries on Tello. Fans today can find her starring in the marriage equality PSA, SHE4ME alongside actress Nicole Pacent.

How did you hear about SHE4ME and why did you decide to get involved with this PSA?

I’ve been dying to work with Nicole Conn for years, and when I came across Sue Melke [SHE4ME producer] at a screening a few weeks before the SHE4ME shoot it was just perfect timing. I’ve also almost crossed paths with Nicole Pacent a few times and am so grateful we finally connected!

In 2009, you were married to your longtime sweetheart, Justin Mentzer. Has being a married person helped you see the importance of marriage equality?

Being married is more than just two people who love each other; it allows us to do so many other legal things that unmarried people aren’t able to do — like visit our partner’s hospital room, share taxes and insurance, etc. Everyone should have the right to be able to make these choices.

What was the best part of your wedding (besides the groom!)?

All of my family and friends who were by our side.

The SHE4ME PSA packs a ton of emotion into four minutes of screen time. And, because it’s set to music, you had to convey all that emotion without words. How did that affect your acting process?

Well, Jen Foster’s beautiful song was playing the entire time we were shooting so that definitely helped! I’ve watched the music video a few times now and every time I do, I come to tears. [Ed. note — so did everyone at Lesbian.com!]

What was your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during filming?

Becoming friends with Nicole Pacent — she’s such a talent, treasure and wonderful soul.

In the video, we learn that you look amazing in a tux! Would you ever consider rocking pants on the red carpet?

Ha! I think I have worn black slacks before and, heck yeah, I would do it again, Talk about being comfortable. Let’s get rid of the damn heels while we’re at it,

Most of your fan base knows you as Spencer Carlin from “South of Nowhere.” Since that show you’ve gone on to star in “Girltrash” and “3way” and you even have another queer movie in the works. Do you think you get typecast as a queer character or has it just been a natural progression?

I’ve had to be a little more specific in what I have chosen to do, but all of the gay roles I have played have meant something to me. And I think they are all so different in their own beautiful way.

Queer fans tend to be extremely loyal. Do you still hear from “South of Nowhere” fans?

Oh, God yes. They are my rock and what keeps me motivated and confident. I am so grateful to social media for connecting us with one another.

Tell us about the best piece of fan mail that you’ve ever received.

I can’t narrow it down to just one. I’ve had quite a few young girls and boys tell me that “South of Nowhere” saved their life. I don’t think any kind of letter can get better than that.

Who is a better kisser, SHE4ME co-star Nicole Pacent or “South of Nowhere” co-star Mandy Musgrave?

Oh, man — there is no comparison there. They are both amazing. I’m lucky to have been paired up with such beauties, inside and out.

If you could co-star in a movie with any actress, who would you choose?

Cate Blanchett or Kate Winslet. Kate French again? Kates tend to be the bomb.

As a married person, what are you most likely to be doing on a Friday night?

Drinking a huge class of red wine at home whilst watching a movie with dog and hubby.

Sounds like a great night! Watch Gaby in the SHE4ME PSA or catch her on Twitter to stay up-to-date on her upcoming projects.

The post Gaby Christian talks marriage equality, kissing girls, perfect Friday night first appeared on Lesbian.com.

SHE4ME, the marriage equality PSA, has been officially selected to screen at IMMAGINARIA, A day of independent lesbian movies (Rebels, Lesbians, Eccentrics…”) at the International Women’s Film Festival in Roma, Italy, on May 31.

The organizers of the event SCREENING THE GIRLS, Lista Lesbica Italiana (LLI) and Fuori Salone delle Lesbiche/Lesbians Outhall n.4, were thrilled to include SHE4ME directed by the multiple award-winning Nicole Conn and set to the Jen Foster song “She”, in the festival.

IMMAGINARIA have been supporters of Nicole Conn since her groundbreaking 1992 film “Claire of the Moon”, which was screened in Bologna. A decade later Conn’s “A Perfect Ending” (starring SHE4ME’s Barbara Niven) was selected and screened at the IMMAGINARIA festival in Milano.

The Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) production is a five+ minute video starring Nicole Pacent, Mike C. Manning, Gabrielle Christian, and Barbara Niven. The video features several other cameos by actresses who have portrayed seminal lesbian roles and introduces two new young talents, dancer Jolie Ponchetti and actress Hazel Sepenuk.

The video opens up to a beautiful wedding, where viewers witness a celebration of love between family, friends and guests. The viewers are taken on a journey through exquisite flashbacks of the bride and her best friend in their youth. We witness an underlying tension during the present day wedding before being presented with an endearing plot twist. The twist has been designed to help transmit a hopeful message of love and understanding to a mainstream audience, thinking of those with opinions somewhere near neutral on gay marriage.

SHE4ME is all about love. About how underneath it all, Love is Love and, to coin a lyric from the song SHE “there is nothing to be afraid of.” This video shows a face that people need to see, the face of unconditional love. With the help of YouTube and hundreds of volunteers, partner organizations, SHE4ME is expected to reach millions of people all around the globe, especially in places where LGBT people are not accepted.

MEUSA, the largest grassroots marriage equality organization in the United States, partnered with Fosterchild Records and Melke Pty Ltd to produce this social project.

Brian Silva, Executive Director for Marriage Equality USA says: “Music and video projects like this have the power to impact millions of viewers by showing the love and commitment that is celebrated and protected by passing civil marriage equality for LGBTQ families.”

The post SHE4ME marriage equality video to screen at lesbian film festival first appeared on Lesbian.com.