Hey Ladies! How were your weekends? You can read about mine in my previous post.
Something has been on my mind for a little while now, so figured I would bring it to people's attention here. It is the way the media portrays the lesbian in our society. There are many facets of this statement, so I will attempt to cover what I think are the main points, the first of which being:
How does the media portray lesbians?
Lets take TV shows as an example. US medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" created a media storm when actor Brooke Smith (who plays Dr Erica Hahn) was fired from Grey's after the show recently included a lesbian storyline in it's 5th season. Why was she fired? Apparently "the suits "had issues" with both the explicit direction Callica(the Callie/Erica characters) was taking (think: undiscovered country, south of the border, etc.) and, more importantly, with the Hahn character in general. Basically, they didn't like her and wanted her gone ASAP."
I watched this storyline unfold on the show and was happy to think that a TV series was finally going to treat a lesbian relationship with as much respect as they treated any heterosexual one. I was wrong. The story finished so abruptly, and a possible new love interest for the remaining character was never followed through. It seems that on any TV show, a lesbian storyline (Las Vegas, Bones, Buffy, The OC) is basically used to create some hype and satisfy bored horny guys who like to see hot chicks make out. Why is it that writers of mainstream TV shows can't sustain a strong lesbian character or storyline for more than a few weeks? ( I exclude a show such as The L Word in this case, as I wouldn't classify it as mainstream here in Australia).
In contrast, I never heard a word about any controversy over the gay male couple that moved into Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives. Is it because they were 'already' gay? Would it be different if there was an 'already' lesbian couple? What I want to know is, why won't writers go there?
Just once I would like to see the writers of a show get some balls and put in a storyline that involves lesbians that isn't a stunt.
It is definitely time that the media started to portray lesbians in TV in a more accurate, and less sexist & homophobic way.
Thanks ladies, until next time!
Gem / Lesbot World
(In my next post I will be discussing the idea of the 'celebian')
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Is there anybody out there?
Afternoon ladies!
So, Sunday afternoon rolls in and I'm nursing my usual post-Krave headache.(thanks for the beers Emma!)
I hadn't been to Krave in a little while, as I'd been on tour and with the band for a few weekends so it was good to head back.
Krave is always a fun time, lots of dancing and being messy and gay. 3 of my favourite things in the world.
There was one distinct thing I noticed about this Krave - the complete lack of people!
Central Coast - where were you all?! Was it the weather? Was there something else on that the rest of us didn't know about?
Seeing as how Krave is basically the only Gay and Lesbian club on the coast, I often wonder why so many coasties make the long trip to Sydney to go out. I can understand if there is an event on in Sydney, such as Moist or GirlThing, but surely on a regular weekend there could be nothing more convenient than a great gay club right on our doorsteps?
So I'm wondering - what's the draw of Sydney? Is it the venues? The people? The atmosphere?Obviously there is more choice of places to go in Sydney, and they do say that variety is the spice of life, but I sometimes feel like coasties perhaps take Krave for granted.
In saying all this, do you think there is room on the Coast for another gay club? Is each Krave too close together?
Perhaps the coast needs a special gay event every few months, to revive things, and perhaps even draw people from Sydney up to the Central Coast.
This may seem like a rant of sorts, but I guess the point I'm trying to make is this: please SUPPORT your local gay club, and help keep the scene going.
For more info on Krave, head to www.krave.com.au
Gem / Lesbot World
So, Sunday afternoon rolls in and I'm nursing my usual post-Krave headache.(thanks for the beers Emma!)
I hadn't been to Krave in a little while, as I'd been on tour and with the band for a few weekends so it was good to head back.
Krave is always a fun time, lots of dancing and being messy and gay. 3 of my favourite things in the world.
There was one distinct thing I noticed about this Krave - the complete lack of people!
Central Coast - where were you all?! Was it the weather? Was there something else on that the rest of us didn't know about?
Seeing as how Krave is basically the only Gay and Lesbian club on the coast, I often wonder why so many coasties make the long trip to Sydney to go out. I can understand if there is an event on in Sydney, such as Moist or GirlThing, but surely on a regular weekend there could be nothing more convenient than a great gay club right on our doorsteps?
So I'm wondering - what's the draw of Sydney? Is it the venues? The people? The atmosphere?Obviously there is more choice of places to go in Sydney, and they do say that variety is the spice of life, but I sometimes feel like coasties perhaps take Krave for granted.
In saying all this, do you think there is room on the Coast for another gay club? Is each Krave too close together?
Perhaps the coast needs a special gay event every few months, to revive things, and perhaps even draw people from Sydney up to the Central Coast.
This may seem like a rant of sorts, but I guess the point I'm trying to make is this: please SUPPORT your local gay club, and help keep the scene going.
For more info on Krave, head to www.krave.com.au
Gem / Lesbot World
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Got cash?
If you have a spare $200+, why not throw it down on 2.5 days of Lesbian goodness at The L Word convention next year?
Why not? Maybe because it's REALLY expensive?! Unless I'm going to be drinking wine with Rachel Shelley, I can't see why I would throw away that kind of money?
From The L Word Down Under website:
"The L Word Down Under convention will provide attendees with an opportunity to ask cast members a question about themselves or the show, be photographed with your favourite L Word character, the chance to get actor's autographs as well as meet other attendees from across Australia and abroad. "
Sure, The L Word was a groundbreaking show, and obviously a favourite of many people (including me!), but I for one feel like this is an attempt by someone (the US network, the organiser?) to cash in on loyal fans of the show after it has finished, to try and stop the cash flow drying up now the show is over.
Forgive my cynicism, because I thought the show was great, and really brought some serious LGBTI rights to the attention of mainstream audiences (although the show was canned after 1 season on Channel 7 in Australia, and fans had to wait for DVD's.)
I would welcome the opportunity to attend the convention, just not on my wallet! I just hope the actors and organisers use this convention as a chance to make some real headway into the agenda for LQBTI issues in Australia, as we seem to constantly be overshadowed by what is going on in the USA.
For those of you who are interested, youcan head over to www.thelworddownunder.com for all the info.
On a side note, for those of you interested in Aussie queer cinema, please check out the new indie film 'Lightswitch'. It stars the very gorgeous Kylie Watson and is a great story tols really beautifully. Please check it out if you can - www.lightswitchthemovie.com
Thats all for today ladies, be in touch soon!
Gem / Lesbot World
Why not? Maybe because it's REALLY expensive?! Unless I'm going to be drinking wine with Rachel Shelley, I can't see why I would throw away that kind of money?
From The L Word Down Under website:
"The L Word Down Under convention will provide attendees with an opportunity to ask cast members a question about themselves or the show, be photographed with your favourite L Word character, the chance to get actor's autographs as well as meet other attendees from across Australia and abroad. "
Sure, The L Word was a groundbreaking show, and obviously a favourite of many people (including me!), but I for one feel like this is an attempt by someone (the US network, the organiser?) to cash in on loyal fans of the show after it has finished, to try and stop the cash flow drying up now the show is over.
Forgive my cynicism, because I thought the show was great, and really brought some serious LGBTI rights to the attention of mainstream audiences (although the show was canned after 1 season on Channel 7 in Australia, and fans had to wait for DVD's.)
I would welcome the opportunity to attend the convention, just not on my wallet! I just hope the actors and organisers use this convention as a chance to make some real headway into the agenda for LQBTI issues in Australia, as we seem to constantly be overshadowed by what is going on in the USA.
For those of you who are interested, youcan head over to www.thelworddownunder.com for all the info.
On a side note, for those of you interested in Aussie queer cinema, please check out the new indie film 'Lightswitch'. It stars the very gorgeous Kylie Watson and is a great story tols really beautifully. Please check it out if you can - www.lightswitchthemovie.com
Thats all for today ladies, be in touch soon!
Gem / Lesbot World
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Where can we go?
Morning girls.
In my previous post, I mentioned writing a piece on coming out. Luckily for me, the reaction of my family to my sexual orientation was probably the best I could have hoped for. I am still in a loving household, and have the support of my family and peers.
But for some people it's not quite that easy. For those who didn't have it as easy as me, where is there to turn? Where do you go when your family rejects you and your friends forget who you are?
Do you think there is enough support in the community, from governments or even by the LGBTI community for these kids? What are we doing now? And more importantly, what could we be doing differently? Does the government need to provde more funding for safe houses/counselling lines for teens who have just come out? What about education in schools? When I was at school, sex education for the homosexual students was far inferior or virtually non existant.
I know of two sites offering support to people:
PLFAG (www.pflag.org.au)
Twenty10 (www.twenty10.org.au)
Do you know of any others? Email me at lesbotworld@gmail.com if you do, I'm thinkinf of compiling a list. =]
Gem / Lesbot World
In my previous post, I mentioned writing a piece on coming out. Luckily for me, the reaction of my family to my sexual orientation was probably the best I could have hoped for. I am still in a loving household, and have the support of my family and peers.
But for some people it's not quite that easy. For those who didn't have it as easy as me, where is there to turn? Where do you go when your family rejects you and your friends forget who you are?
Do you think there is enough support in the community, from governments or even by the LGBTI community for these kids? What are we doing now? And more importantly, what could we be doing differently? Does the government need to provde more funding for safe houses/counselling lines for teens who have just come out? What about education in schools? When I was at school, sex education for the homosexual students was far inferior or virtually non existant.
I know of two sites offering support to people:
PLFAG (www.pflag.org.au)
Twenty10 (www.twenty10.org.au)
Do you know of any others? Email me at lesbotworld@gmail.com if you do, I'm thinkinf of compiling a list. =]
Gem / Lesbot World
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Gem is getting Published!
In a way. I recently wrote a piece on coming out, and sent it off to the lovely folks at LOTL magzine.
The article will be published in their annual youth issue that will be in stores in October, a great issue featuring many things that are so so relevant to young girls in the lesbian community!
Go to http://www.lotl.com/ to check out past articles, or, if you live in Sydney, head to their cafe and grab a coffee and a mag!
I am also currently talking to some other local publications about writing some more articles in the coming months, so stay tuned!
On a side note, here are some things I'm thinking about this week: Changes to the 2010 Mardi Gras, The L Word convention in Sydney next year, Megan Fox in Transformers 2, Krave in Wyong this weekend!
The article will be published in their annual youth issue that will be in stores in October, a great issue featuring many things that are so so relevant to young girls in the lesbian community!
Go to http://www.lotl.com/ to check out past articles, or, if you live in Sydney, head to their cafe and grab a coffee and a mag!
I am also currently talking to some other local publications about writing some more articles in the coming months, so stay tuned!
On a side note, here are some things I'm thinking about this week: Changes to the 2010 Mardi Gras, The L Word convention in Sydney next year, Megan Fox in Transformers 2, Krave in Wyong this weekend!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Whats doing this Week?
Well ladies,
We have hit mid June. Whats been going on for the last 6 months? On the Central Coast, Krave recently celebrated its 1 year anniversary at it's new home, The Grand Hotel in Wyong.
Krave is getting huge amounts of people every time it is on (1st & 3rd Saturday of every month) and it's a really fun night out on the Coast.
Snatch & Grab, held at Phoenix on Oxford St every Thursday is giving girls a chance to bust out the dance moves to indie tracks every week. Definitely worth checking out - free entry between 9 & 10pm!
And lastly for news of the week just gone, the very talented Ruby Rose has been announced for a new show on Channel 10, called 'The 7pm Project'. The show, part of Rove McManus' "Roving Enteprises" family will also feature the likes of Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes. It will be on our screens before you know it.
We have hit mid June. Whats been going on for the last 6 months? On the Central Coast, Krave recently celebrated its 1 year anniversary at it's new home, The Grand Hotel in Wyong.
Krave is getting huge amounts of people every time it is on (1st & 3rd Saturday of every month) and it's a really fun night out on the Coast.
Snatch & Grab, held at Phoenix on Oxford St every Thursday is giving girls a chance to bust out the dance moves to indie tracks every week. Definitely worth checking out - free entry between 9 & 10pm!
And lastly for news of the week just gone, the very talented Ruby Rose has been announced for a new show on Channel 10, called 'The 7pm Project'. The show, part of Rove McManus' "Roving Enteprises" family will also feature the likes of Charlie Pickering, Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes. It will be on our screens before you know it.
CD REVIEW: Uh Huh Her - Common Reaction
UH HUH HER - Common Reaction. 3.5 / 5
Were it not for Leisha Hailey’s portrayal of Alice on Showtime’s ‘The L Word’, Uh Huh Her would be swimming amongst a plethora of girl pop acts already on the market.
Fortunately, the musical talent of Hailey and her band mate Camilla ‘Cam’ Grey pushes them above the masses, and all the extra fans are just a bonus.
Their debut long player, “Common Reaction is 11 tracks of Synth Pop goodness. The opening track “Not A Love Song” is sure to be a favourite at queer girl clubs the world over.
The diversity of the album is really what sets it apart from other albums in its genre. The title track, along with other notable songs ‘So Long’ and ‘Dream with Me’ are effortlessly contrasted with the eerie sexiness of ‘Explode’ and ‘Dreamer’.
To some, this album could be viewed as a guilty pop pleasure of sorts. But it is impossible to deny the musicianship and passion of this record, which means that it is definitely worth more than a few spins in your CD player.
Fortunately, the musical talent of Hailey and her band mate Camilla ‘Cam’ Grey pushes them above the masses, and all the extra fans are just a bonus.
Their debut long player, “Common Reaction is 11 tracks of Synth Pop goodness. The opening track “Not A Love Song” is sure to be a favourite at queer girl clubs the world over.
The diversity of the album is really what sets it apart from other albums in its genre. The title track, along with other notable songs ‘So Long’ and ‘Dream with Me’ are effortlessly contrasted with the eerie sexiness of ‘Explode’ and ‘Dreamer’.
To some, this album could be viewed as a guilty pop pleasure of sorts. But it is impossible to deny the musicianship and passion of this record, which means that it is definitely worth more than a few spins in your CD player.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Welcome!
Hello there!
Welcome to the first ever post of Lesbot World! If you're not quite sure what this whole thing is, then here's a heads up.
My name is Gem McDarmont. I'm a 20 year old lesbian who lives just outside of Sydney, on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. I'm a booking agent/manager for my company, Fusion Music. I'm a dork, a (bad) dancer, a beer drinker, a food lover, a video game player and lover of all things creative. Ive suffered depression since 2006 and finally feel ready to turn the corner and get on with my life.
This blog is going to be something of a social commentary. On things lesbian, (and not) that I think are of interest to me, and people like me!
Everything from news stories, music & film reviews, images and art, and everything else that I like. Kind of like Captain Planet, but not really.
So thanks for joining me at Lesbot World, and I hope you enjoy the site!
Gem / Lesbot World
Welcome to the first ever post of Lesbot World! If you're not quite sure what this whole thing is, then here's a heads up.
My name is Gem McDarmont. I'm a 20 year old lesbian who lives just outside of Sydney, on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. I'm a booking agent/manager for my company, Fusion Music. I'm a dork, a (bad) dancer, a beer drinker, a food lover, a video game player and lover of all things creative. Ive suffered depression since 2006 and finally feel ready to turn the corner and get on with my life.
This blog is going to be something of a social commentary. On things lesbian, (and not) that I think are of interest to me, and people like me!
Everything from news stories, music & film reviews, images and art, and everything else that I like. Kind of like Captain Planet, but not really.
So thanks for joining me at Lesbot World, and I hope you enjoy the site!
Gem / Lesbot World
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