BY CANDY PARKER

If asked to describe comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer in just one word, some may go with “ground-breaking.” This would, of course, be accurate. After all, Westenhoefer was the first openly lesbian comic to host her own HBO Comedy Special (1994) and to appear on the “Late Show with David Letterman” (2003). But that one word could never do her justice.

Self-deprecating. Raw. Hilarious. Legendary. Unpredictable. Candid. (That last one is by her own admission — I found it on her website.) All these and more could also be used to describe Westenhoefer, who is brazenly honest, outspoken and spontaneous in her comedy.

Westenhoefer began her stand-up career on a dare and she carries that same risk-taking attitude with her every time she takes the stage. With countless hours of material honed over a  career spanning more than two decades and a penchant for spilling the beans about whatever is currently happening in her life at the moment, Westenhoefer offers up a unique comedy set adventure every time she takes the stage.

Westenhoefer will soon be appearing with fellow veteran comic Jennie McNulty at two benefit performances for the United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns. The first performance will be Saturday, May 17, at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, California. Tickets are available through www.brownpapertickets.com. The second show will be held Sunday, May 18, at Peace United Church of Christ in Santa Cruz, California. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketriver.com. VIP tickets are available at each event and include a meet and greet with both comedians and priority seating.

I managed to catch up with Westenhoefer long enough to get her to answer our Fast 5 questions this week.

1. What are you most looking forward to in 2014?

Touring with Miley Cyrus. It’s not official yet, but a girl can dream.

2. Phone call or text?

Please, I beg you, text!

3. What would be your best piece of relationship advice?

Each partner should have full access to the other person’s phone, email, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts. (We’re pretty sure there’s a great story behind Westenhoefer’s answer on this one, but we maintain a strict five-question policy, so there was no chance for follow up.)

4. What’s the last movie you went to the theater to see?

“Despicable Me 2” with one million toddlers.

5. If you could have one super power, what would you want it to be and why?

To fly, both for the fun of it and to give the big finger to the airlines that rule my life.

Be sure to check out Westenhoefer’s website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Most of the world was introduced to comedian Erin Foley back in 2000 when she appeared in the iconic Cameron Crowe film “Almost Famous.” My first introduction, however, came seven years later via a Queer Queens of Qomedy show in 2oo7 in which she shared the stage with Poppy Champlin and Jessica Kirson.

Since that time, I’ve become a huge fan of Foley’s intelligent brand of comedy, had the opportunity to film an interview with her and earned a healthy respect for her pool volleyball skills having witnessed her “take no prisoners,” ultra-competitive approach to guarding the net. Trust me, while you may want to be front and center at one of her shows, you do not want to be on the opposite side of a volleyball net when Foley’s in the pool.

(Most) kidding aside, Foley is an accomplished actress and comedian, having appeared on “Chelsea Lately,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” NBC’s “Go On” and debuting on “Conan” last fall.

A New York native now living in Los Angeles, Foley can be regularly seen at the Gotham Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and Stand Up New York. She’s currently touring to promote her new comedy CD “Lady with Pockets” available on iTunes and hosts a weekly podcast called “Sports Without Balls.” (Sadly, she’s a Yankees fan, though we find common ground in our mutual love of the New York football Giants.)

Fresh off an appearance at the Gay Games in Cleveland and in between her “Lady with Pockets” tour gigs, Foley found time to join our Fast 5 club.

1. What’s the last book you read?

A short story collection of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

2. If you could host a dinner party and invite any five people — past or present — to attend who would be on that guest list?

Carol Burnett, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Derek Jeter, Martina Navratilova and Harriet Tubman.

3. Beach or mountains?

Beach

4. Which celebrity would render you totally star struck if you were to meet him/her?

If it was possible, Lucille Ball.

5. Do you have a hidden talent? Do tell!

I’m a really good dancer. Jazz hands and everything.

Be sure to check out Foley’s website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with comedian Erin Foley first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Dates is a queer historical anthology that debuted to much excitement in 2015. Dates was created by, for and about queer people. Filled with vibrant illustrations and poignant stories (that don’t end with the gratuitous death of all the queer characters), it’s no big surprise that it was successful. Dates is also kid friendly, and is a great tool for parents who want their children to read positive, hopeful stories about queer people in historical and global settings.

Now, editors Zora Gilbert and Cat Parra are back with Dates 2. They are currently running a kickstarter to get the project off the ground and are so, so, so close to their goal! We sat down with Parra and Gilbert to discuss how the Dates series came to be, the diverse themes and perspectives fans can look forward to in Dates 2, and remind us of the importance of community in this political climate.

How did the idea for Dates come about?

Zora Gilbert: In the spring of 2015, Cat and I were consuming like a lot of historical fiction (Cat more than me, to be honest), and we were both getting really bogged down in the a) lack of canonically queer characters and b) the abrupt and aggressive frequency of their deaths. Cat has a story about The Tudors in particular that’s just… a perfect example of what not to do in queer fiction. I think we were also both looking for something creative, productive, and challenging to do, and Cat suggested we do an anthology. Bolstered by all the amazing creative energy from HeroesCon and feeling like I had way more free time than I did, I said yes, and we launched into it.

Why do you think Dates was such a success? What is it about the series that resonates with readers?

Cat Parra: I think it’s something people haven’t seen a lot of. The happy endings in historical fiction. That was the whole reason we started it, but I think a lot of other people have found that it’s something they wanted too. People like reading new stories and they like stuff that gives them hope and I think Dates provides both.

Zora: I think everyone was just as bone tired as we were with queer tragedy, and we stumbled into a niche that was direly needed. We also made an effort to include perspectives outside of dry, anglo, western christianity, which seems to be the only viewpoint readily available in mass-produced historical fiction, and we’ve had folks tell us just how much that meant to them to see (though of course, full props to the creators of those stories–they deserve all the credit).

Cover art for ‘Intersexions,’ one of the stories in ‘Dates 2’

How did Dates 2 evolve from the first entry? Were you able to add any perspectives or voices that you weren’t able to fit into the first entry?

Zora: I think we really found our voice as editors, honestly. We made the book longer, we spaced out check-ins, we know what works and what doesn’t work from last year–though we’re still learning. Dates 1 was our first anthology, and though we’ve been around comics and had been paying attention for years, the learning curve was rapid. This year, we didn’t have to learn everything from the ground up, so we could focus on expanding the book.

In terms of things that didn’t fit into first book–we didn’t have any stories that took place in Africa in Dates 1, which we realized was a serious oversight and made sure to include in Dates 2. We also got a really cool pitch for a story about a kid in France who’s just found out that she’s intersex (shoutouts to creators Claudia Astorino and Jessica Trevino), which we were really excited about since that’s not something that was in Dates 1 at all. Jessica and Claudia hit it out of the park on that story, so look forward to it!

Cat: I think in general too the stories have a bit more depth and complexity to them this time around. The stories are on average 10 pages longer than the stories in the first volume so you can get a much more complete plot in there, although I am still astonished by what people fit in the story space they had for the first volume.

The Dates series feels more important than ever in this Trump-ian world. What message do you have to send to those artists who are dealing with creative blocks in response?

Cat: Take care of yourselves? It’s hard to make art when you’re in a bad situation so I mean first and foremost, do what you gotta do to be okay. And then I guess I’d say find something that empowers you. Some story, or character, or image, just something that makes you feel just that bit stronger and make that. Work with your friends too, if you can. Community is a very uplifting thing.

Conversely, what message do you want to send to readers who may be feeling marginalized and disenfranchised? 

Cat: You’re not alone. There’s nothing those people can do that will ever make us go away because we’ve always been here and are always gonna be.

Zora: I feel like my advice to readers is a lot like Cat’s advice to creators–find something that lifts you up, and hold tight to it. Your community–our community–is powerful, and, we hope, a source of safety and encouragement. Remember that even though the government sucks and the world has unquestionably gotten more transparently scary, we–and queer creators in general–aren’t going anywhere, and we’ll keep creating. We’ve got your back.

Will there be a Dates 3?

Zora: Ahahaha, what a good question. Our hope is yes, but that’s not something we want to confirm or deny or really even plan in earnest until Dates 2 is totally wrapped. We did Dates 2 because the response to Dates 1 was so encouraging to us, so we want to be able to gauge the response once Dates 2 has debuted in the same way!

Cat: We definitely want to, but I think we’ll both need a little break after Dates 2 hits the shelves and we have some other projects we’ve been thinking about too. So I’d say it’s probably going to happen, but probably not immediately.

Need more? Click here to check out the kickstarter for Dates 2, which ends on March 25th. Donating just $10 will get you the entire PDF of Dates 2 and $25 will get you the actual book itself! Or buy Dates 1 here!

The post Dates is Back with more Queer Historical Fiction first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY NATASIA LANGFELDER
Lesbian.com

Malin Buska as Queen Kristina alongside Sarah Gadon as Kristina’s love interest, Ebba Sparre.

There has been much buzz around Finnish movie, ‘The Girl King.’ The movie is based on the life of the Swedish monarch Queen Kristina.  Queen Kristina’s life is a riveting subject for historians. She was raised as a prince of the time would have been- meaning that she was highly educated in the subjects needed to one day rule a kingdom. This set Kristina apart from her contemporaries- both male and female- and in ‘The Girl King’ posited as a reason she challenges gender stereotypes and even falls in love with a woman. I spoke with actress Malin Buska on what motivates Kristina and how her spirit can inspire young people today.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Malin. Would you call ‘The Girl King’ a romance movie? 

I would say it’s about a person that wants to live a free life. A person that is searching for a life that will allow for free will. Kristina was a woman before her time in many ways of thinking- before our time even. She was curious about life, she was a real free spirit. She wanted to educate people and make them more sophisticated. Art, science, philosophy – she was raised as a boy and had access to education in these subjects and then put on the throne.

How was playing the role of Queen Kristina challenging for you? 

She was very controversial. “The man who chooses his own path needs no maps.” She refused to get married, abdicated the throne and converted. At the time, it would be as if one of [George W.] Bush’s daughters has gone over to Al Qaeda. That’s how shocking it was.

How did you prepare for the role? 

A lot of reading her diaries and books I could find about her so I could understand her. It’s not easy to do the right thing. She was very conflicted. She was very confident but also hated herself deeply.

My middle name is also Kristina so I feel like it was meant to be!

What is harder to play a lesbian character? 

If you are a free spirit and follow your own truth, it doesn’t matter if [love] is with a guy or a girl. It’s a simple thing. But they even opened her grave to see if she had a homosexual gene! Kristina and Ebba Sparre had quite the love story. Kristina could never forget her.

Everything I do, I do as well as I can. It was not more difficult. I’m not into women myself, but it doesn’t really matter.

What was the mood like on set? 

It was stressful. We had a very tight schedule and were working all the time. The production was 35 days. But the extras and the crew were fantastic. I enjoyed it. There were so many lovely moments behind the scenes.

What was your favorite behind the scenes moment? 

Before filming I was isolated in a cottage. I did a lot of horseback riding and reflecting. It was a great thing to do. And when Mika [Mika Kaurismäki, the film’s director] came to get me, it was beautiful.

What do you want fans to take away from the film? 

It’s important that we are filling our hearts and walking our own way. Carry your heart on your sleeve and be curious. These are all the things Kristina was fighting for and that we should all be fighting for.

Watch The Girl King – premiering 12/8 on WolfeOnDemand.com and in limited release in theaters now!

*This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity 

The post Interview with Malin Buska, Star of ‘The Girl King’  first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Photo by: The Boyz Photos

BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

A native of rural Indiana, Jill Bennett began her acting career at 16. A short two years later, she’d won a state speech title and matriculated to Bradley University on a theater scholarship.

From there, Bennett first gained notoriety for her role in the action feature “In Her Line of Fire” in which she starred alongside Mariel Hemingway. Since that debut, she has starred in 10 films, including indie hits “X’s and O’s” and “The Pleasure Drivers;” she became a series regular on five separate occasions, perhaps most notably with Here TV’s “Dante’s Cove;” and she guest-starred on several more series, including Logo’s “Rick & Steve.” Jill has recently gone on to co-executive produce and star in two award-winning series of her own: “We Have to Stop Now” and “Second Shot.”

Bennett will soon be traveling to Costa Rica with her new media collective group, The GZBZ (The Girlz and Boyz). The Costa Rica trip is part of an International LGBT Volunteer Vacations and People-to-People Program, an effort which aims to send LGBT citizen ambassadors to countries on five continents, including Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, Peru and more, offering LGBT tourists an opportunity to promote tolerance and understanding around the world as they enjoy an unconventional vacation.

The second season of Bennett’s “Breaking Fat” web series is set to air this summer and you can expect more new projects from The GZBZ later in 2014.

I was able to get Bennett to play along with our Fast 5 before she packed her bags for Costa Rica.

1. Do you have a hidden talent? Do tell!

I can read body language like a pro.

2. Lady Gaga or Madonna?

Lady Gaga. Madonna blew it for me about 8 years ago when I paid $400 to see her in concert and she refused to give us one encore.

3. If they started offering free trips to the moon tomorrow, would you sign up to go?

Yes! I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid!

4. Tell us one thing about you that most people probably don’t know, but you’re willing to share.

I had to go to the school nurse to have a green skittle dislodged from my nose. (One of the dangers of being the class clown.)

5. If you had to give up one of the following for an entire year, which would you choose to live without: cell phone, television, hair products or chocolate?

Hair products. I don’t use many now, and chocolate is non-negotiable.

Stay up-to-date with Bennett by visiting her website and following her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with actress, producer Jill Bennett first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Vickie Shaw was a late bloomer as both a comedian and a lesbian, discovering her on stage talent and affinity for women as she approached her forties. A married, stay-at-home mom at age 38, Shaw took to the comedy stage for the first time after years of encouragement from friends — a brave first step toward self-discovery.

These days, Shaw is a happily lesbian partnered, headlining comedian who has toured the world making people laugh. Her act draws largely from her personal life — her partner, Sgt. Patch, three children and three grandchildren provide ample fodder for her true life comedic tales.

Shaw also has numerous television and film credits, having appeared in “Late in Life Lesbians” on the We network, “You Can Take the Girl Outta Texas” on Logo, “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend ” and “Laughing Matters … More.” She regularly headlines LGBT events and cruises, entertaining crowds with her sassy and sidesplitting Texas-inspired storytelling.

Shaw is getting ready to spend a week performing in Provincetown, July 22-26. You can catch her there at the Crown and Anchor all week as part of Girl Splash. She also has a new DVD coming out in August titled “I’m Not Your Role Model.” The DVD follows the comedian’s antics on and off stage, introducing fans to her partner, her children and grandchildren at their home in Houston, Texas, as she prepares for her sold out show in Hollywood.

Shaw took a break from her fast-paced life to answer our Fast 5 this week.

1. If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you want to be and what would you be doing there?

Paris and sitting in a bistro drinking wine and looking at the city.

2. What’s the last book you read?

“The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion: A Novel” by Fannie Flagg.

3. If you could host a dinner party and invite any five people — past or present — to attend who would be on that guest list?

Ellen Degeneres, Billie Jean King, Kate Clinton, Bette Midler and Elton John.

4. Beach or mountains?

Beach

5. Which individual has been your greatest professional influence?

Roseanne Barr — she made comedy look like anyone could do it.

Keep up with Shaw by visiting her website and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with comedian Vickie Shaw first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Whether you’re a fan of reality TV or a fashion savvy sappho, chances are you know designer Alicia Hardesty. Hardesty was a featured designer on season 10 of “Project Runway” and is the founder of Original Tomboy, a clothing line inspired by Hardesty’s Kentucky roots.

Prior to the “Project Runway” stint, Hardesty designed menswear for big companies like Aeropostale, and small labels like Black Hearts Brigade, but has since moved on to establish her modern-day Huck Finn-influenced Original Tomboy line.

I was able to get Hardesty to step aware from the sewing machines and scissors long enough to take on a handful of questions in this weeks’ Fast 5.

1. Which individual has been your greatest professional influence?

Ralph Lauren has been a big professional influence for me.

2. What song can you not get enough of right now?

Will.i.am — “Feelin’ Myself.”

3. Beach or mountains?

On the beach with a view of the mountains.

4. What’s the last movie you went to the theater to see?

“That Awkward Moment.”

5. If they started offering free trips to the moon tomorrow, would you sign up to go?

I would seriously consider it, but I wouldn’t sign up right away.

For more on Hardesty, be sure to check out Original Tomboy or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with designer Alicia Hardesty first appeared on Lesbian.com.

I was lucky enough to meet Bridget McManus a couple of years ago on a cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. We shared a special moment (of hilarity) the very first evening as she hosted karaoke and I embarrassed myself by performing Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.”

McManus, the energizer bunny of comedians (and karaoke hosts) faux battled me on stage for the affections of another cruise guest, an impromptu rendering which attempted to bring the 80s love triangle anthem to life in lesbian form.

While that moment on stage may have been the highlight of my entertainment career, McManus’ accomplishments have gone on to far outshine mine. The Los Angeles-based performer who once said that she “wanted to be a stand-up comedian since I was a fetus” is living her embryonic dream.

Perhaps best known to lesbian audiences for her Logo Network series “Bridget McManus Presents: That Time of the Month” and “Brunch with Bridget” and her Tellofilms mockumentary “McManusland,” McManus can now be seen daily on the “Queen Latifah Show,” doing the splits and inspiring laughter as only she can with her high-energy and provocative style.

In addition to her prodigious comedic skills, McManus is also a contributor at AfterEllen.com and a skilled painter.

As luck would have it, I was able to get the multi-talented McManus to put down the microphones and paint brushes long enough to play along with this week’s Fast 5.

1. Finish this sentence: “I think the key to being happy is…”

Having more peace in one’s life than stress.

2. If you had to give up one of the following for an entire year, which would you choose to live without: cell phone, television, hair products or chocolate?

Does this include shampoo? If not, then I’ll happily get rid of all other hair products ‘cuz I don’t really futz over my hair. I could probably get rid of TV, too, but don’t you dare touch my chocolate!

3. What’s the maximum number of cats you’d feel comfortable owning before worrying that the neighbors were starting to whisper, “There goes the cat lady?”

I’m allergic to cats but, since I am a lesbian and I’m married to a lesbian, I do live with one cat, which I refer to as my step-cat. But I’ll happily own 10 dogs and I don’t care what my neighbors think.

4. Early bird or night owl?

Neither. I’m a 10a.m. to 8p.m. kinda girl.

5. What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

If my mom is cooking it’s manicotti with garlic bread. If my wife is cooking it’s scrambled eggs. I can’t make eggs so whenever she makes them for me it’s such a wonderful treat.

Want to stay up-to-date with Bridget McManus? Visit her website and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with actress, comedian Bridget McManus first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY CANDY PARKER

Move over Candace Gingrich; there’s another “Accidental Activist” in town and this one also happens to be raucously funny. Bonus!

Say hello to Buffalo-based comedian Kristen Becker. Becker has been plying her comedy trade for over a decade, entertaining audiences across North America and receiving accolades for her intelligent, personal and political brand of humor.

Artvoice, Buffalo’s news weekly, named Becker Best Stand-Up Comic four years running and if they have a category for Most Politically Outspoken Stand-Up Comic, Becker may win that one, too, as she recently found herself barnstorming across her co-home state of Louisiana advocating for non-discrimination legislation which was being considered by the Pelican State’s legislature.

When Becker posted an open letter to Louisiana on her blog, bemoaning the state’s anti-gay laws and explaining how those outdated policies prevented her from ever permanently returning to the place she loved so dearly, she caught the attention of Louisiana LGBT rights activists. Before she knew it, the comedy club general manager had joined their cause, lending both her comedic talents and activist energies to their efforts.

I caught up with Becker for our Fast 5 as she set off for Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she’ll be performing every Tuesday night this summer at the Post Office Cabaret. Becker is taking her Buffalo-honed “stand-up sketch and other oddities” variety show to the LGBT-mecca beach town from June 24 through August 26 (with special Wednesday performances on July 16 and July 23).

1. Tell us one thing about you that most people probably don’t know, but you’re willing to share.

I am an initiated member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana. I was the consummate southern college girl. Until they began to realize I might be a homosexual, and they asked me to disaffiliate myself. I still know the secret handshake, so I think I won. Yes, there is ACTUALLY a secret handshake.

2. If you could wake up tomorrow with one talent or skill you don’t presently have, what would you want that to be?

To play an instrument — piano, banjo, sax — any or all.

3. What’s the best thing that’s happened for you so far in 2014?

Getting asked to perform in Provincetown for the 2014 season. Catch my variety Hour ‘Tuesdays at Ten at the Post Office Cabaret. There will be a show every Tuesday at 10pm.

4. Phone call or text?

Depends on the day/person. There are some people I really enjoy falling into a chat with, in real life, not via text.

5. What’s your television viewing guilty pleasure?

“Amish Mafia.” There is something about it that is dramatic, without any actual REAL drama. So many shows are filled with beheadings and death and rape and at times it is sensory overload for me. I find that lately the level of violence I can/want to tolerate is ” that guy pissed us off, lets go steal his horse.”

Stay up-to-date with Becker at her website and by following her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with comedian Kristen Becker first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Albuquerque-born, Brooklyn-infused and Los Angeles-based comedian Dana Goldberg was destined for a career in comedy. The youngest child in a single-parent household featuring two gay children, Goldberg’s earliest review was from her Kindergarten teacher who proclaimed the youngster “the funniest five-year-year old I ever met.”

Now, over a decade into a comedy career which began in 2003, Goldberg continues to garner high praise from loftier authorities. In naming Goldberg one of the “Top Five Funniest Lesbians in America” Curve described her as “hot and hilarious … one of the brightest lights in a stellar comedy landscape.” The Los Angeles Times said Goldberg “is one of the greatest comics — sharp, funny, knows how to bob and weave with the audience.”

More than just a pretty face with the gift of comedic gab, Goldberg is a regular at HRC and AIDS awareness benefits and produces the annual Southwest Funny Fest in her hometown of Albuquerque, benefiting New Mexico AIDS Services. Shortly after the release of her latest comedy CD, “Crossing the Line” (autographed copies available here), I caught up with a then slightly under the weather Goldberg for this week’s Fast 5.

1. What’s your television viewing guilty pleasure?

“Law and Order.” I have a bit of a cold right now, and I’m going on episode four in a row. I need an intervention. It’s Mariska Hargitay’s fault.

2. Which celebrity would render you totally star struck if you were to meet him/her?

Charlize Theron. I may be able to form sentences when she has longer hair, but there’s something about the fauxhawk she was sporting for a while. I think I might just stare at her.

3. Do you have a hidden talent? Do tell!

I have been playing the drums since I was eight years old. It’s been a few years since I’ve played seriously, but I like to pick up the sticks when someone has a set at their house.

4. Lady Gaga or Madonna?

Madonna before the fake accent.

5. What would be your best piece of relationship advice?

Find someone who makes you laugh everyday, and try not to take anything personally.

Goldberg’s upcoming performances includes appearances in New Orleans (June 21), Portland (July 19), Laguna Beach (August 2) and Dallas (November 15). Stay up-to-date with Goldberg by visiting her website and following her on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Fast 5 with comedian Dana Goldberg first appeared on Lesbian.com.