My Blog

Birth Control vs. Viagra?

evilgrrl — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:24:07 GMT

By now you probably know that many health insurance companies cover the cost of Viagra but not common methods of birth control, like the Pill. What do you think about that? If you are interested in what John McCain thinks about it, maybe you'd like to watch this clip. http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/gaffewatch/3xndb54qie53bn?source=gaffewatch_e1 John McCain doesn't have enough information to make an informed decision. Maybe that's okay for someone like me or you who doesn't have to set policy for the entire country, but I personally think he should already have had a position on this. In the interest of full disclosure, it is sponsored by Planned Parenthood, an organization I support. Whether you think covering Viagra but not birth control is okay or not, whether you support John McCain or not, you should find out about the issues and vote. That's the important thing. If you haven't registered to vote yet, you can go here to do so: http://rockthevote.com/

Jay Wiseman to Teach CPR & 1st Aid - Sunday, July 20

evilgrrl — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:13:20 GMT

This Sunday, July 20, Jay Wiseman, author of SM 101, will be teaching CPR and First Aid at Hollywoodland Studios. The class is from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. The location is: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 The cost is $70/person, and class size is limited. The certification for both CPR and 1st Aid is 2 years, which makes the cost $35/year. This class is OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY. Membership in Threshold is not necessary to sign up. The places that are still open are first come, first serve. DMs and prospective DMs may be especially interested in taking the class, as certification is required to become a Threshold DM. So if you ARE interested, contact: treasurer@threshold.org or call the hotline at 818-782-1160 ASAP! Why is Jay qualified to teach CPR and 1st Aid? Let me quote from his website: In the more than thirty years that I have been teaching, I have trained thousands of people in various aspects of emergency care, ranging from first aid classes taught to children to classes in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. My students have included physicians, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders, lifeguards, police officers, fire fighters, martial artists (including the Guardian Angels), teachers, lawyers, psychotherapists, industrial safety teams, wilderness trip leaders, girl scouts, boy scouts, and large numbers of "plain, ordinary citizens" -- my favorite students. Many of my former students have reported back to me that they have gone on to use the knowledge and skills that I taught them to good effect in actual emergency situations, and I confess that I feel tremendously proud of them. A few of my students have even gone on to become instructors themselves, and I am tremendously proud of them as well. If you want to read Jay's First Aid and CPR Class Preview/Review, you can find it at: http://hometown.aol.com/safescene/.

Threshold Community BBQ & Potluck - Saturday, July 26

evilgrrl — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:44:09 GMT

Please join Threshold at our Community BBQ and Potluck for July. It's Saturday, July 26 (the last Saturday of every month) From 1 - 4 PM At Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 (see directions below) Suggested Donation $5 (C'mon, we have to pay the rent!). But no one will be turned away for lack of funds. How much time do you get to simply relax? To put the world on hold for a little while? For all of our differences, at the end of the day we are all one Community. And in this day and age, it is more important than ever for us to find and nurture that which we have in common. Please contact clubinfo@threshold.org for more information. LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS: At Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 Many people have told us they have not been able to find us using Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, or Mapquest. You may want to locate it on a map (even an online one) before you visit for the first time. Hartland Street is a very small street that runs for about a block off of Tujunga. It is one block north of Van Owen. Going north on Van Owen, you would turn right at Hartland, which is the first street on the right after the light. Go to the end of the block, past the dead end into the parking lot. Hollywoodland Studios is on your right. Enter through the back of the building. For more information, please see www.threshold.org or write to infor@threshold.org. Thanks, and hope to see you there!

No Whip Workshop at Threshold During July

evilgrrl — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:36:57 GMT

Just a friendly reminder that there will be no Whip Workshop this Sunday afternoon at Threshold. The Whip Classes have been changed to every other month, so the next class will be Sunday, August 17 from 4 - 6 PM accordingly. For more info, please see www.threshold.org. Thanks! lee

Club Fantasy for T-Girls - Fri., July 18

evilgrrl — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:33:17 GMT

Club Fantasy THE CD/TV/TS/TG Bondage Party! Friday, July 18 8 pm-12am In an effort to reach out to other lifestyles and communities, Trannies In Trouble and Threshold are proud to present the newly reconfigured Club Fantasy, a monthly TG Bondage Party! It'll be held every third Friday of the month from 8 PM to 12 AM. Although Club Fantasy is a CD/TV/TS/TG Club, it's open to Everyone! Admirers and friends are highly encouraged to attend. There'll be all kinds of play going on with an added emphasis on Transgender Bondage! If you like to see helpless damsels getting tied up, Sandra from Trannies In Trouble will be bringing lots of rope and is looking forward to doing some serious bondage. So break out your rope, tape, scarves and whatever else you'd like and come on out. Or if you'd prefer to watch and socialize that's cool too. Club Fantasy will be held at Threshold's fully equipped dungeon in North Hollywood, CA., with bondage tables, racks and crosses, the medical room, the chain web, and the huge throne in the purple room, perfect for foot worship and pedicures. Never dressed? Want to? Try this: Club Fantasy is a place where you can safely and discretely transform yourself into the woman you really are! There is also a secure place to keep your personal items so everything will be there when you get back. And if you dress but would prefer to just attend in "guy mode" that's okay too! Admission is only $10 and is for 18 years of age and over. No alcohol or drugs allowed. Sodas, bottled water and snacks will be available all evening as part of your $10 admission. Location: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 (Entrance in rear – plenty of free parking) Click here for an interactive map: http://...com/fnwd7 For questions or more information on attending, please contact Sandra at clubfantasy@tranniesintrouble.com Open to the Interested BDSM Community 18 and Older- Threshold Membership Not Required To Attend

Kink Academy: Don Sir on Bondage to be Followed by Play Party, - Sat. July 19

evilgrrl — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:32:03 GMT

Please join us this Saturday, July 19 at Threshold for Our monthly Kink Academy! This month, Don Sir presents on BONDAGE! Don Sir will give a general overview of intermediate rope bondage, including safety and rope selection, before moving to the HANDS ON section of the class regarding ties and applications. Kinky Academy is our advanced hands on technique class. We sometimes call it SM University to distinguish it from the more basic SM 101 Class. It is held the third Saturday of every month, from 7 - 8:30 PM. Admission: $5 Members and Affiliates $10 Guests and Non-Members Location: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 (See below for directions) This event is open to everyone in the community aged 18 or older. Threshold membership is not necessary to attend. Don Sir has been a member of the BDSM/Leather communities for more than 12 years and is the reigning Mr. Long Beach Leather. He counts the Knotty Boys, Midori, Charly B, and David Lawrence as instructors in the art of Shibari styled rope bondage and has performed his brand of rope suspensions at Bondage Balls, Lair De Sade, Passive Arts and many other dungeons and events. Don Sir is also a featured photographer and columnist for Morphine Magazine. Samples of his rope bondage work can be seen at his website, donsirphotograph. com. FOLLOWING Kink Academy will be our RAVAGED PLAY PARTY, which also occurs the third Saturday of every month. Admission to the party is separate from admission to the class. Party admission: $10/Members and Affiliates $15/Guests This party is for members, affiliates and their guests only. Attendees must be age 18 or older. Time: 9 PM - 1:30 AM Over 4 hours of playtime! Have you weaved a web of enticement for that special bondage bottom in your life in our Spider Web Room yet? Maybe you'd like to make your favorite masochist laugh AND scream when you torture them in our Heaven and Hell Room. And if you want to get between someone's legs, there's no better place for it than our Medical Room, with the authentic gynecological table - complete with stirrups - and good lighting. Location: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 Many people have told us they have not been able to find us using Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, or Mapquest. You may want to locate it on a map (even an online one) before you visit for the first time. Hartland Street is a very small street that runs for about a block off of Tujunga. It is one block north of Van Owen. Going north on Van Owen, you would turn right at Hartland, which is the first street on the right after the light. Go to the end of the block, past the dead end into the parking lot. Hollywoodland Studios is on your right. Enter through the back of the building. For more information, please see www.threshold.org or write to infor@threshold.org. Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Threshold's Carnal Carnival - Sunday, July 27 - N. Hollywood

evilgrrl — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:42:21 GMT

Threshold's Carnal Carnival - Sunday, July 27 - N. Hollywood Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up! Make your way to Threshold’s 5th annual Carnal Carnival!! An entire day of kinky games and tempting wares that will leave you squirming, writhing and (dare we say it?) panting for more! The day is set for Sunday, July 27th, from 12 noon 'til 6pm at the clubhouse. Mark this date on your calendar and plan to spend the whole day having a fantastic time! Enjoy an absolutely delicious outdoor BBQ chock full of Savory Smoked Chicken, Steaming Hot Dogs, Finger-Licking Chiliburgers and Refreshing Ice Cold Beverages. Peruse the various vendor tables for Kinky Toys and apparel of every kind. Get a Tattoo or a Piercing in the Medical Room. Have your boots or leathers shined and buffed at the Smoker’s Lounge. Then it’s off to have some fun! Have your Fortune told, spank a submissive at the Spanking Booth, spin the Wheel of Kink and see where it lands, test your aim at the Dunking Booth, try your hand at Blow Darts or Condom Darts. Then when you’re completely exhausted, stop by the Kinky Spa and have your feet massaged. You must be 18 years or older to attend. Sunday July 27th from 12 noon to 6pm Admission is $10.00 and includes 5 free Play Tickets!! Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 At the back of the building Write to us at Carnival@threshold.org with any questions you may have. Don’t miss this is truly spectacular event!

Threshold's Monthly Orientations

evilgrrl — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:39:29 GMT

Twice a month, Threshold holds an Orientation for people who would like to join Threshold, or are considering it. Threshold membership is open to all like-minded persons over the age of 18 with an interest in BDSM/Leather/Fetish. More detailed information can be found on our website [www.threshold.org], or more specific questions can be answered by an actual human at one of our Orientations. You must attend an Orientation in order to become a member. Orientation is held the first Sunday of each month at 5 pm sharp, and just before the SMU (the third Saturday of the month), at 7 pm. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Orientation lasts about 1 hour and if you are interested in joining, you are expected to stay until the presentation is completed. However, you are not obligated to join Threshold just by attending the presentation. MEMBERSHIP: There is no charge to attend an Orientation. Annual dues, should you decide to become a member, is $50.00 per year for an individual, or $80 for a couple for the first year (a couple is defined as two people of any gender combination) . The current locations are listed below. We look forward to meeting you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have at Orientation. NEXT ORIENTATIONS: Saturday, July 19, at 5 PM and Sunday, August 3, at 5 PM LOCATION: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 (off Tujunga, one block north of Van Owen; turn right into the parking lot and go to the back of the building) Whether or not you attend the Orientation, you are welcome to attend our monthly Meet and Munch, held on the second Monday of every month, the next will being on Monday, July 14, at 7pm. The Munch is open to Threshold members and the community at large. Since this is held at a public location, we ask that you be discreet and avoid excessive Scene attire. Ask for Diana's party. Four 'n 20 Restaurant 4723 Laurel Canyon Blvd (between Riverside Dr & 101 freeway) North Hollywood CA For more information, please call our Hotline at (818) 782-1160 or e-mail dianahtlne@aol.com. For more information in general, see www.threshold.org or contact clubinfo@threshold.org

11 Reasons to Run for SoCal LeatherWoman 2008

evilgrrl — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:52:47 GMT

11 Reasons to Run for SoCal LeatherWoman 2008 From Duff Roberts 11. You've always wanted to run for SCLW. (But didn't know who to ask.) 10. You get to see parts of Southern California you never knew existed! (Trust us: Highways 5 and 15 go on and on and on.) 9. You enjoy self-topping. (Translated that means you love to volunteer and be volunteered.) 8. You will have an excellent reason to buy new fetish/leather clothes. (As if you really needed an excuse!) 7. You've been dying to get out of the house. (We guarantee your cat will not recognize you after six months.) 6. You've never considered yourself normal. (Because no one sane would run for a title, and no one sane would produce one, so you will be in good company.) 5. No required fundraising, not even for your travel fund. (If you really, really, really want to you can, but you don't have to.) 4. You get invited to ALL types of parties, events, and fundraisers. (Oh my!) 3. No money required. (We pay everything, including gas! And yes, at $4.50 a gallon, that's a moan from the title owner you are hearing.) 2. Rane, Mandee, Amy, and Jesse survived. (And they said they'd do it again! Well, Rane and Amy did.) 1. One interview - that's all. Go to southerncalifornial eatherwoman. com for your application. Saturday, August 2 7:30 p.m. 5107 East Ocean Blvd. Belmont Shores/Long Beach

Bush Gets Okay to Bury Detainees Alive

evilgrrl — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:01:58 GMT

Yoo Won't Answer Whether President Can Bury Detainees Alive On June 26, the authors of the Bush administration's torture policies, David Addington and John Yoo, testified before the House Judiciary Committee. When Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) asked Yoo whether the president could bury a detainee alive, Yoo stonewalled and ultimately refused to answer the question. He also refused to say if there was any torture tactic the president was prohibited from using. Go here to watch the CSPAN clip (1): http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/26/yoo-burry-alive/ Lee's note: The context of this is that Chairman Conyers was questioning Yoo whether he would rule out anything as off limits in interrogating a suspect, and Yoo wouldn't answer. I think Conyers initially asked this question as an extreme example Yoo could easily say no to, but Yoo surprised him.

July Calendar of Events for Threshold

evilgrrl — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:08:31 GMT

THRESHOLD NEWSLETTER JULY 2008 THE THRESHOLD SOCIETY http://www.threshold.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THRESHOLD JULY 2008 EVENTS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * KEY: * For Threshold members only ^ For Threshold members and affiliates only (Please see end of page for more info) All other events are open to the community Prices ($/$) = Members & Affiliates/Guests Open Night available for rental by members or groups. Friday, July 25th, 2008! WORKSHOPS (Open to the Community) Saturday, July 5th at 7pm – Sinposium Workshop ($5/$10) Sunday, July 6th from 1pm-4pm – Sub and bottom Workshop ($5/ $10) Saturday, July 12th from 5-6:30pm -- SM 101, Topic TBA ($5/$10) Sunday, July 13th from 1-4pm -- The D/s Discussion Group Topic: Playing Casual Vs Relationship (Free) Sunday, July 13th from 4-6pm -- Rope Bondage Workshop w/Sandra Gibbons ($5/$10) Saturday, July 19th at 7pm –Hands-On Kink Academy: Topic The presenter for July's Kink Academy will be Don Sir on bondage. ($5/$10) Sunday July 20th from noon to 4 pm – FA/CPR with Jay Wiseman (Open to the community) ($70) first come first serve limited spots available!! PANSEXUAL PLAY PARTIES ^ Saturday, July 5th from 9pm-1:30am – Corruption Play Party ($10/$15) Saturday, July 12th from 7pm-1:30am – Market Play Party/Member Vendor Fair ($20/$25) (Women free before 9pm) (Open to the community till 9pm) ^ Saturday, July 19th from 9pm-1:30am -- Ravage Pansexual Play-Party ($10/$15) OTHER PLAY PARTIES Friday July 11th from 8pm to 12 am – Men's Bondage Play Party (SoCA Men's Bondage Club) ($10/$15) Friday, July 18th from 8pm-12am -- Club Fantasy: CD/TS/TV/TG Bondage Party($10) Saturday, July 26th from 9 pm to 1 am – Where The Women Play (w/LA RAWW) ($20) SOCIAL EVENTS (Open to the Community) Saturday, July 12th from 5-11 pm – Member Vendors on the patio (Free) Monday, July 14th at 7pm – Threshold/SFV Munch at the Four 'n 20 Restaurant (Free) Saturday, July 26th from 1-4pm – Community Potluck BBQ Social (Free) THRESHOLD ORIENTATION (Learn about becoming a member of Threshold!) Sunday, July 6th at 5pm -- Threshold Orientation (Free) Saturday, July 19th from 5-6pm -- Threshold Orientation (Free) BUSINESS MEETINGS (Threshold Members Only) *Wednesday, July 15th from 7:00pm –Membership Meeting *Monday, July 28th from 7pm-9pm – Stuff N Lick ADDITIONAL DETAILS For all events listed above, attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 (Cross Street: Tujunga; 1 block north of Van Owen; Use the parking lot at the dead end of the street, and enter in the back of the building) http://... com/fnwd7 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THRESHOLD NEWS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VENDING MARKET ON SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH Threshold members may now sell their wares by becoming a vendor at Threshold on the second Saturday of each month. Vending hours are from 5-10pm. Vending takes place during SM 101 (5-6:30pm) and during the first part of the "Market" Play Parties which take place from 7-1am. To become a vendor, please contact Ms. Diana at Coordinator @ Threshold.org. COMMUNITY POTLUCK/BBQ SOCIAL EVERY OTHER MONTH Threshold's Community Potluck/BBQ Social will now be held every other month – on odd months – from 1-4 pm. NEW PANSEXUAL PLAY PARTIES OPEN TO COMMUNITY! As a membership club, Threshold has been offering Pansexual Play Parties (ie: open to all genders and orientations) on the first three Saturdays of each month that are open to Threshold members and their guests and Threshold Affiliates only. However, due to popular demand, Threshold is proud to announce the creation of four new quarterly Pansexual Play Parties called "The Fifth Dimension," open to the entire community. We hope to see you there! CARNAL CARNIVAL SET FOR SUNDAY JULY 27 Join us for an entire day of kinky games and tempting wares at Threshold's Carnal Carnival, taking place on Sunday July 27 from noon to 6pm. Carnal Carnival will feature a Vendor Fair, Raffle, Dunking Booth, Spanking Booth, Blow Dart Booth, Fortune Telling Booth, Kinky Spa, and a variety of other kinky game booths. Don't miss this event that will leave you squirming, writhing and panting for more! Please see separate announcement for Volunteering and Vending opportunities. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SAVE THESE DATES! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sun July 27 Noon-6pm Carnal Carnival Sat Aug 30 7pm-1:30am 5th Dimension Community Play Party (NCSF Fundraiser) Sun Nov 16 Noon-6pm The Return of Bizarre Bazaar !! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ABOUT THRESHOLD AFFILIATES * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * If you are a member (or regular attendee) of any of the organizations listed below and would like to attend any of our "members only" play parties, please bring your organization' s membership card with you OR RSVP in advance to Coordinator @ Threshold.org. THRESHOLD AFFILIATES Avatar, Club X, LA RAWW, OCLA, APEX, Black Rose, NOBLE, NWOL, Eulenspiegel Society and Janus LALC MEMBER ORGANIZATION AFFILIATES Ashram West, AVA Lifestyles, Avatar Club Los Angeles, Barracks Bar, Bears L.A., Bullet Bar, Christopher Street West / L.A. Pride, Eagle L.A., Faultline Bar, Leather Journal, Long Beach Leather, Los Angeles boys of Leather (LAboL), Los Angeles Radical & Wild Women (LA RAWW), Oil Can Harry's, Orange Coast Leather Assembly (OCLA), Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD), People of Leather Among You (PLAY), Piston's Bar, Regiment of the Black & Tans, Sanctuary, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Southern California Leatherwoman Productions, Trident City of Angels, Warriors Motorcycle Club, West Coast Rubber * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ABOUT THRESHOLD Threshold is a pansexual non-profit educational and support organization for adults (18 and older), regardless of gender or sexual orientation, with an interest in sado-masochism and other activities involved in the safe and consensual exchange of power. Threshold seeks to provide a sense of community for their members by organizing a variety of educational and social events. Membership is open to adults (18 or older) regardless of gender or sexual orientation who have attended an orientation within six months of enrollment and agree to abide by the rules and bylaws of the organization. Many Threshold events are open to the community. Find out more see www.threshold. org or join our Yahoo Group at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/threshold_ la or write to clubinfo@threshold. org

Rules for Marriage Between 2 People in California

evilgrrl — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:40:35 GMT

Who can marry? To be eligible to marry in California, each person in a couple must: * Be 18 years of age or older (if either or both are younger than 18, different procedures apply) * Not be closely related by blood or marriage to their intended spouse. * Not be married to or in a registered domestic partnership or civil union with anyone else. (Please note: Any divorce from a previous marriage, or dissolution of a civil union or domestic partnership with another person, must be final at the time a person applies for a marriage license.) How do we get a marriage license? You must apply for a marriage license at the Office of the County Clerk or County Recorder of any California county (it does not need to be to be the county where you live or where you plan to marry). Some clerks' offices require that you set up an appointment in advance to applyâ€”call the clerk's office or visit the clerk's website to find out more information. (Note: San Francisco County is by appointment only. Licenses will NOT be given on a first-come, first-served basis.) You can download a license application from most counties' websites to complete in advance or simply get and complete the form when you visit the County Clerk's office. What do we need to bring with us when we apply for a license? In order to receive a marriage license, both members of the couple must go to the Clerk's office together and bring: 1. Picture ID Bring a Driver's License or other valid government-issued identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificatesâ€” you can contact the county office you plan to visit in advance to find out if this is recommended. Know your parents' names, mother's maiden name, and where your parents were born. 2. Payment The county clerks charge a fee for issuing the license, and the fee varies by county, but it is generally less than $100. Contact the clerk in the county where you intend to apply to find out how much the fee is and what method of paymentâ€”cash, check, or credit cardâ€” they will accept. 3. Information about previous marriages If you have been married before, you will need to provide information about the specific date your last marriage(s) ended as well as how it/they ended (e.g. death, dissolution, divorce, or nullity.) Some counties may require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity. Remember, marriage is a serious legal and personal commitment that should not be entered into lightly. Before getting married, couples should educate themselves about the legal consequences of marriage. NCLR advises that you seek individualized legal advice as well. Important Note: Binational couples in which one member does not have permanent legal resident status in this country, anyone serving in the U.S. military, anyone considering adopting a child from another country, and anyone receiving government financial assistance should consult with an attorney with expertise in these areas of law before getting married. SOURCE: http://www.nclright s.org/site/ DocServer/ Marriage_ FAQ_Final_ 5.15.08.pdf? docID=3041 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~

2,200 Jobs and HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of DOLLARS

evilgrrl — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:10:38 GMT

Whaddya know? It occurred to someone else too! http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=12433 Same-sex marriage ruling could boost California’s ailing economy Marriages to generate 2,200 jobs and millions in tax revenue for state Published Thursday, 19-Jun-2008 in issue 1069 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The flowers have been selected, the Veterans’ Memorial Center has been booked, and the three-piece band has been chosen. The e-invitations have gone out and relatives are flying in. The brides – and there will be two of them – might not have time to buy something new to wear, but that’s OK. Shelly Bailes and Ellen Pontac, who have been together for 34 years, do not want to wait a day longer than necessary to tie the knot now that California’s Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage. They had five weeks to plan a June 21 reception for 250 people. “We should have been ready, but we weren’t,” Pontac said with a laugh. “We are taking care of all the details we can, and no matter what happens, we know we will have good company and good music and food and drink.” The same-sex marriage ruling could give a big, sudden boost to California’s sputtering economy, as thousands of same-sex couples from across the nation are expected to converge on the state when the decision took effect Tuesday. Hotels, restaurants, florists and other wedding services are reporting a flurry of business. “The good news for California is that in the face of probably the worst budget problems the state has ever faced, the LGBT wedding industry is going to be a financial shot in the arm,” said Jeffrey Prang, mayor of West Hollywood, a popular destination for gay travelers in Southern California. A study issued last week by UCLA’s Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and the Law projected that gay men and lesbians will spend $684 million on cakes, photographers and other services over the next three years unless voters reverse the high court’s ruling in the fall. The researchers found that about half of the state’s more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married during the next three years, and an additional 68,000 out-of-state couples will travel to California to exchange vows. The study estimated that over that period, same-sex weddings will generate $64 million in tax revenue for the state, $9 million in marriage-license fees for counties, and some 2,200 jobs. Rena Puebla, who makes wedding-cake figures that can be customized to come in bride-bride and groom-groom pairs, said she has gone from selling 50 a day to 150 since the May 15 ruling. “It’s unbelievable,” said Puebla, whose Costa Mesa company, Renellie International, sells the cake toppers online. “People are just so excited that there’s something like this out there for them.” Puebla’s company designs a variety of single figurines and then pairs them according to the customer’s wishes. Some bride figurines come in a tailored skirt and tuxedo jacket instead of a big gown. “People can do whatever they want because it’s not already stuck together,” Puebla said. The possibility that the window for weddings could close after the November election – when a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage will appear on the ballot – has added to the rush to wed. Also, the prospect of getting hitched in a hurry became even more inviting when New York state announced recently that it would recognize same-sex marriages performed in California and other jurisdictions. Unlike Massachusetts, the only other state where same-sex couples can wed, California does not have a residency requirement for marriage licenses. Gay-friendly destinations such as West Hollywood, Palm Springs and San Francisco are not the only places saying “We do” to couples planning long-awaited weddings. The California Travel and Tourism Commission posted a special gay wedding page on its Web site last week listing spots in Napa County, Yosemite National Park and comparatively conservative Orange County that are offering wedding and honeymoon packages. For the first time on June 10 the Golden Gate Business Association, a gay and lesbian chamber of commerce in San Francisco, held a same-sex wedding expo featuring bakers, videographers and other service providers. Among them was Rom Silvas, a salesman for Simayof, a jewelry store that was offering 40 percent off to couples who register to participate in a mass in-store wedding ceremony scheduled for June 26. “I just sold two rings yesterday to two ladies who are getting married,” Silvas said. Asked who was officiating at the promotional wedding, he said, “We’re not sure yet.” Susannah Layton was at the expo, too, celebrating the launch of her new same-sex wedding Web site, MyQueerWedding.com. Layton and two partners had been thinking about creating the site for some time, but switched into hyperdrive when the court’s decision came down. So far, she has 35 advertisers – “cakes and caterers to tuxedos and limos. And we definitely are looking to expand,” Layton said. Brian Siewert, co-owner of the Sonoma Orchid Inn in Guerneville, a small town in Sonoma County wine country, said the region is already home to a lot of gay-owned and gay-operated businesses, including his own, which he runs with his partner. “We’ve always had honeymoon getaways here in the Russian River Valley, but it’s really nice that now they will be gay honeymoons this time,” he said. Pontac said that she is having a lot of fun planning her wedding and that the rush has made certain decisions – such as what to serve – a little easier. “It’s amazing how when you have no time, it’s ‘Anything but gorgonzola is fine,”” she said.

Gay Marriage: The Economic Impact on California

evilgrrl — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:38:58 GMT

Okay, surely I and my friends are not the only people who have thought about this. California is going to be one of a very few number of states in the US where a gay couple can get married, AND we do not have a residency requirement. I foresee a lot of money flowing into our state, as people from all over the country come here to get married. They are going to spend money on transportation, lodging, food, and all kinds of things. Some people are going to have the wedding they've always wanted, and will be inviting friends and family members to the wedding. A lot of people are going to combine this with a vacation, and spend even more money here. I am completely in favor of gay marriage because I support equality, but for people who don't, have you thought about the financial possibilities? Gay people's money is just as green as everyone else's!

Great Interview with Jenny Block on Open Marriage / Polyamory

evilgrrl — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:53:06 GMT

Great interview with Jenny Block, who just wrote a book on open marriage/polyamory. Her actual website is: http://www.jennyonthepage.com/index.html Three's Company: Jenny Block Q&A (5/21/2008) A former Richmond writer lets the world in on her (not so) dirty little secret Jenny Block is a writer who didn’t have to look far for compelling material. Her new book, Open: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage, chronicles her private struggle to find common ground between conventional marriage and her own, less conventional sexual identity. After much emotional trial and error, Block and her husband agreed on an arrangement that kept them happily married: she would have a girlfriend. Though the real-life love story sometimes reads like a blend of Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City and The L Word, it becomes clear that all the risqué drama leads to domestic bliss. Ultimately, the 37-year-old Block’s message is that marriage comes in all sizes and shapes. Hers just happens to be a triangle. Q: At what point did you feel the need to write about your private life? A: About three years ago, I started searching the Internet and bookstores trying to find some information for myself. I wasn’t finding what I was looking for, but I was finding a lot of people out in the cyber-universe who were having conversations about these relationships and searching the same way I was. There were a lot of negatives out there that didn’t seem to be based in any kind of fact. So, even though it was scary, it seemed like there was something to be gained by putting a sort of girl-next-door face on something that I think is very natural and normal and average. Q: How did your husband and then-girlfriend feel about it? A: They were really supportive, and that’s what pushed me over the edge. My husband is very shy and quiet and totally the opposite of me, so if he was supporting me in it, then I felt really good about it. Q: How do you handle the situation with your daughter? A: It’s such a non-issue, because at her age [9 years old], she doesn’t really know anything about sex, and she doesn’t have any understanding that a lot of people connect marriage with sex or that there’s this rule about loving only one person. In her life, she loves lots of people. So that makes sense to her. We’ve always had people over. Whatever “best friend” I’ve had at the time has always come and hung out. She wouldn’t know the difference between any person’s roles. I liken it to other people’s private sexual lives and the way they keep it private from their children. Q: What did your parents think? A: My dad is a rabbi, and he’s very liberal and open. We’ve always talked about everything, but not sex in particular. But I came to my dad with this the same way I go to him for everything. I went to him on an intellectual level and said, “I need to know what you think about non-monogamous relationships.” He said, “I think they’re much more natural and more people would like to have them.” So I knew I was in a good spot. And when I told him, he couldn’t be any more unfazed. My mom’s only reaction was, “Just make sure you’re all talking and communicating and that everyone is happy and on the same page.” Q: What’s the trickiest part of focusing on two people in a relationship? A: I guess it’s the same as any kind of juggling — two jobs, two things to write, two children. In some ways I feel like I’m a better partner because I’m a hypersensitive partner. I cannot be careless with either of them. There’s too much at stake. I thought one partner was more difficult. This just seems to make sense to me. I understand that not everybody gets that, and I appreciate that. I don’t think this is for everyone, and I’m not prescribing it for other people. Yes, it’s hard. Is it any harder than a monogamous relationship? I think all relationships between human beings are tough. Q: Since you’ve decided to be exclusive with your girlfriend and your husband, do you think the term “open marriage” still applies? A: I wish I knew. The language is one of the biggest problems. When I first started talking about this open marriage, people were like, “Oh, you’re swingers? You go to sex parties?” And I was like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa … OK, we are obviously not down with the lingo.” We’re not saying what we mean to be saying. Is it still appropriate? I don’t know. I use it for lack of a better word. There was a book in the ’70s, called Open Marriage, by a couple, the O’Neills. Two pages in that book talk about sex. What they were [mostly] talking about was maintaining your individuality, being open and honest with each other. So I’d like to think we’re part of that “open marriage” movement. There are people who have all these interesting permutations of who they have romantic love relationships with, who they have family partnering relationships with and who they have sexual relationships with … It’s people trying to figure out something that people have been trying to figure out since the dawn of time, which is how to live and be happy and navigate relationships and sex and love — all the hardest and best parts of life. Q: Do you identify with the gay community? A: One hundred percent. I hate all the boxes and identifying, but if you ask me, I say I’m bisexual. I wrote the book in a gay coffee shop. You know, the gay community figured this stuff out a long time ago. In some ways because gays and lesbians can’t get married, that community has made up their own rules. If you’re not “allowed” to do traditional marriage, then “What is this relationship? How do we define it? What does this mean?” Q: Your arrangement seems to scare some people. What do you think they’re afraid of? A: I think they’re afraid of a couple things. Remember when you were in elementary school and you would chew a piece of gum in class? That one girl who always sat in the front row would catch you, and she’d tell on you. I remember thinking, “Why do you have to tell on me? I wasn’t bothering you. I wasn’t bothering anybody.” It’s almost like, “If I have to follow the rules and be miserable, then so do you.” And that makes me really sad. I think some people are so indoctrinated with their religion or morality or whatever [that] if they let go of that for one split second, their entire universe would come tumbling down. I mean, imagine if I’m on to something. Imagine if I’m “right.” What would that mean? —Pete Humes http://www.richmondmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=BEBEC0BA54214E1DA53ED1FA4D959622

Become a Poll Worker - Make $ and Help Your Country

evilgrrl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:13:07 GMT

Interested in making money while helping the democratic process? Become a poll worker! Inspectors make up to $175 Clerks make up to $105 Multilingual Interpreters make money too! Los Angeles residents, please call 562-462-2226 or 800-815-2666 and select OPTION 7 Or go to www.lavote.net Click on Registrar of Voters Operations And choose "Pollworker Information" You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a Registered Voter, and a Resident of LA County. Special programs are available for Legal Residents. www.lavote.net also contains information about all kinds of election issues, such as information on voting by mail, polling place addresses and more.

That Wacky John McCain!

evilgrrl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:08:06 GMT

FROM MOVEON.ORG 10 things to know about McCain For all the coverage this week of Senator John McCain's background, there are some important things you won't learn about him from the TV networks. His carefully crafted positive image relies on people not knowing this stuff—and you might be surprised by some of it. Please check out the list below, and then forward it to your friends, family, and coworkers. We can't rely on the media to tell folks about the real John McCain—but if we all pass this along, we can reach as many people as CNN Headline News does on a good night. 10 things you should know about John McCain (but probably don't): 1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.1 2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."2 3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.3 4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."4 5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.5 6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.6 7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."7 8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.8 9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."9 10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year.10 John McCain is not who the Washington press corps make him out to be. Please help get the word out—forward this email to your personal network. And if you want us to keep you posted ..On's work to get the truth out about John McCain, sign up here: http://pol.moveon.org/mccaintruth/ Sources: 1. "The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008 http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/the-complicated.html "McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008 http://colorofchange.org/mccain_facts/ 2. "McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aF28rSCtk0ZM&refer=us "Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/06/buchanan-gandhi-mccain/ 3. "McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/20/mccain-torture-veto/ 4. "McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17222147/ 5. "2007 Children's Defense Fund Action CouncilÂ® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008 http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_learn_scorecard2007 "McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007 http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/mccain.interview/ 6. "Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008 http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-S1sWHm0tchtdMP5LcLywg5ZtMgD8VQ86M80 "McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End ..Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aHMiDVYaXZFM&refer=home 7. "Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008 http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=4301022 "Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008 http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/ 8. "Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/02/mccain-black-lobbyist/ "McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008 http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4210251 9. "McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008 http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/03/john-mccain-rod-parsley-spiritual-guide.html "Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/12/mccain-hagee-anti-gay/ "McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/28/hagee-mccain-endorsement/ 10. "John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008 http://www.alternet.org/blogs/environment/77913/ Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at: http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/ Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

The Day After Pride

evilgrrl — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:56:01 GMT

by Jesse Monteagudo "The Day After Pride" Many of you will be reading this article after one of this month's many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride events. First established to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion of June 27-28, 1969, GLBT (or LGBT) Pride is now observed worldwide as a community-wide celebration that unites all genders, races, classes and lifestyles. By taking part in Pride events, we assert who we, as individuals and as a people. We contribute all that is good in us to Pride events and in return Pride makes us feel good about ourselves and others like us. In short, Pride is a tremendous morale boost and an antidote to self-hatred and internalized heterosexism and homophobia. Unfortunately, Pride events are usually followed by all-too real and not very proud reality. After Pride ends, we must return to a world that hates us as much as it did before Pride began. Back in the eighties, bad news always seemed to follow a Pride celebration. As if mounting AIDS casualties weren't bad enough, Pride Month 1986 ended with the now-infamous Bowers v. Hardwick Supreme Court decision (since overturned by Lawrence v. Texas). The 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (which was itself a Pride event writ large) was soon followed by Senate approval of one of then-Senator Jesse Helms's notorious amendments that would have banned federal assistance for gay or AIDS groups. Pride Month won't keep AIDS from killing us, bashers from hurting us, or bigots from trying to send us back into our closets. While the enemy remains at large after Pride ends, many of us go into hiding. All the energy that we acquired during Pride seems to disappear as too many of us return to our closets after the last Sunday in June. But Pride should be a year-round event, not one that is limited to a certain period of time. I admit that it is natural and essential to rest after an overly-active week or month of celebration; in order to recharge our batteries, relax and enjoy ourselves. But GLBT and questioning kids continue to take their own lives; gay and bisexual men (and others) continue to test HIV positive; queers everywhere continue to suffer from hate crimes and antigay violence; and folks like the Rev. Fred Phelps continue to make life hard for us. Therefore, it is important that we keep the spirit of Pride alive long after Pride is over. Let Pride be not an end but a beginning. For some of us, the annual Pride events are our only contact with the rest of our community, our Family of Pride. But do not wait until next year for your next contact. Let the goals of Pride Month be your goals for life: 1. TAKE PRIDE IN YOURSELF. Internalized homophobia is still a part of our lives. "Ex-gay" groups prey on those of us who still accept what straight society taught us. Do not let yourselves fall into that trap. Nor should you let confusion and self-hatred lead you into addictive behaviors, unsafe sex, loneliness or suicide. There are many individuals and groups that can help. 2. COME OUT. If all the lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people who "come out" for Pride Month remain out, society would surely have to notice. Studies show that "straights" who know GLBT people tend to be less homophobic than those who don't. Though announcing our sexual orientation might not be right for all of us -- I wouldn't recommend it to U.S. military personnel, Roman Catholic priests or Scientologist actors -- being honest with our loved ones seldom hurts and usually improves our relationships. And if the person in question turns you off because you are LesBiGay or Trans, more often than not that person is not worth relating to at all. 3. HELP A FRIEND IN NEED. As the Jewish sage Hillel observed, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am for myself alone, what am I? If not now, when?" Closely linked to taking Pride in ourselves is taking pride in our sisters and brothers. If you know someone who's in a life-threatening situation -- whether it be AIDS, cancer, substance abuse, threatened suicide, domestic violence, homelessness or hopelessness -- give them a helping hand, always remembering that they, too, have their Pride. If you don't know anyone who needs help (though I find it hard to believe that you don't), volunteer to help at your local AIDS organization, battered women's home, homeless shelter or community center. There is enough Pride to go around. 4. BE A PART OF YOUR "FAMILY OF PRIDE". It is impossible to take part in Pride events without encountering a variety of community organizations. They serve a variety of purposes, not the least of which is the reassurance that we are not alone. There are literally thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and AIDS-service organizations in the United States and Canada, all of which translate into thousands of reasons that we can proud. Surely there are, among all those groups, at least one that you can call your own. By joining such a group, you will get involved in activities that you enjoy, meet like-minded people and help make our world a better place to live in. 5. BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION. I don't have to remind you that we live in a tough world. Things are not easy for us, and things might get worse if we don't watch out. As the saying goes, if we are not part of the solution we are part of the problem. Let us make Pride work for us, by fighting for our lives and for our rights. There is a variety of activist groups that can use your political energies, from those that work within the system to more aggressive, "in your face" entities. If you feel you don't have time for active involvement, then vote, write, phone or e-mail your elected officials and make a financial contribution to your local LGBT or gay-friendly organization. All of this should keep the adrenalin flowing and the Pride growing throughout the coming year. Let lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pride be more than just a slogan. In the words of the openly gay folk singer Charlie Murphy, we must "love life enough to struggle." Working together, we can make a difference. Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and gay activist who lives in South Florida. Reach him at jessemonteagudo@ aol.com. (Posted with the author's permission) ------------ --------- ---------

Threshold's Carnal Carnival - Sunday, July 27 - N. Hollywood

evilgrrl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:26:20 GMT

Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up! Make your way to Threshold’s 5th annual Carnal Carnival!! An entire day of kinky games and tempting wares that will leave you squirming, writhing and (dare we say it?) panting for more! The day is set for Sunday, July 27th, from 12 noon 'til 6pm at the clubhouse. Mark this date on your calendar and plan to spend the whole day having a fantastic time! Enjoy an absolutely delicious outdoor BBQ chock full of Savory Smoked Chicken, Steaming Hot Dogs, Finger-Licking Chiliburgers and Refreshing Ice Cold Beverages. Peruse the various vendor tables for Kinky Toys and apparel of every kind. Get a Tattoo or a Piercing in the Medical Room. Have your boots or leathers shined and buffed at the Smoker’s Lounge. Then it’s off to have some fun! Have your Fortune told, spank a submissive at the Spanking Booth, spin the Wheel of Kink and see where it lands, test your aim at the Dunking Booth, try your hand at Blow Darts or Condom Darts. Then when you’re completely exhausted, stop by the Kinky Spa and have your feet massaged. You must be 18 years or older to attend. Sunday July 27th from 12 noon to 6pm Admission is $10.00 and includes 5 free Play Tickets!! Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland Street North Hollywood, CA 91605 At the back of the building Write to us at Carnival@threshold.org with any questions you may have. Don’t miss this is truly spectacular event!

Being Gay: Nature vs. Nurture - 60 Minutes Reports

evilgrrl — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:34:01 GMT

With gay marriage in the news in California, I thought I'd post a link to a website with some clips from "60 Minutes" about extreme childhood gender non-conformity and being gay. I'm not so sure about the relationship between how you self-identify your gender and your sexual orientation, but some of the experts 60 Minutes consulted thinks there is a correlation. Regardless of whether there is or not, here is some fascinating information on gender dysphoria and on homosexuality. http://60minutes. yahoo. com/segment/68/gay_or_straight

Threshold's Monthly Bondage Workshops

evilgrrl — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:14:49 GMT

Monthly Rope Bondage Workshop Rope Bondage Workshop as taught by Sandra Gibbons May 25th 4pm-6pm Cost: $5 for Members $10 for Non-Members and Guests Location: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland St. N.Hollywood, CA 91605 (Cross street: Tujunga, 1 block north of Van Owen; Go to the back of the building.) ************ ********* * The Rope Bondage Workshop occurs every fourth Sunday of the month from 4 to 6 PM. Sandra Gibbons is the regular presenter and has developed a series of approximately seven demos that she offers, repeating the series once it's complete. The workshop is geared towards beginners and intermediate bondage fans, but advanced players often attend too and there's always time for practice during the second hour. Participants should bring rope and safety scissors if they have them (though plenty of rope will be available for practice). Occasional guest speakers also present to offer their own perspectives. Current Schedule: May 25th, 4 to 6 PM Decorative Bondage This month we'll demonstrate some less-restrictive ties and harnesses that can be worn under one's clothing. We'll primarily cover the Rope Corset and the Japanese-style tortoise shell (or diamond pattern) harness and some variations. The second half of the class is practice and review, with the chance to try out some new ties as the binder or bindee. Of course, no one is ever forced to participate. If you'd prefer to observe that's okay too. ************ ********* * Sandra Gibbons came to L.A. from Colorado in 2001 to pursue her interests in bondage and photography. Being a part-time crossdresser, Sandra oftentimes just looks like a regular guy at the clubhouse and is very flexible about gender, answering to either "he" or "she." He's been a huge bondage fan for as long as he can remember, and learned what he knows about bondage from tying up friends, reading old Harmony Concepts magazines, and attending workshops, including Midori's rope bondage dojo. Sandra does not consider herself a bondage "master" by any stretch, but rather a person who just loves the subject and enjoys sharing it with others. She currently spends her days running her website TranniesInTrouble. com. (Open to the Interested BDSM Community, 18 and Older Threshold Membership Not Required To Attend) Please see www.threshold.org.

Threshold's Monthly Orientations

evilgrrl — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:11:32 GMT

Twice a month, Threshold holds an Orientation for people who would like to join Threshold, or are considering it. Threshold membership is open to all like-minded persons over the age of 18 with an interest in BDSM/Leather/Fetish. More detailed information can be found on our website [www.threshold.org], or more specific questions can be answered by an actual human at one of our Orientations. You must attend an Orientation in order to become a member. Orientation is held the first Sunday of each month at 5 pm sharp, and just before the SMU (the third Saturday of the month), at 7 pm. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Orientation lasts about 1 hour and if you are interested in joining, you are expected to stay until the presentation is completed. However, you are not obligated to join Threshold just by attending the presentation. MEMBERSHIP: There is no charge to attend an Orientation. Annual dues, should you decide to become a member, is $50.00 per year for an individual, or $80 for a couple for the first year (a couple is defined as two people of any gender combination) . The current locations are listed below. We look forward to meeting you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have at Orientation. NEXT ORIENTATIONS: Sunday, July 6, at 5 PM and Saturday, July 19, at 5PM LOCATION: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 (off Tujunga, one block north of Van Owen; turn right into the parking lot and go to the back of the building) Whether or not you attend the Orientation, you are welcome to attend our monthly Meet and Munch, held on the second Monday of every month, the next will being on Monday, July 14th, at 7pm. The Munch is open to Threshold members and the community at large. Since this is held at a public location, we ask that you be discreet and avoid excessive Scene attire. Ask for Diana's party. Four 'n 20 Restaurant 4723 Laurel Canyon Blvd (between Riverside Dr & 101 freeway) North Hollywood CA For more information, please call our Hotline at (818) 782-1160 or e-mail dianahtlne@aol.com. For more information in general, see www.threshold.org.

Religious Political Extremists Attack The Task Force for "Leather Leadership Award"

evilgrrl — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:15:48 GMT

NCSF Action Alert Religious political extremists attack The Task Force for "Leather Leadership Award" February 13, 2008 - The American Family News Network posted an inflammatory article condemning the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for honoring Guy Baldwin with their Leather Leadership Award at the 20th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, on February 6-10, 2008 (http://www.thetaskf orce.org). According to the February 7th article: Peter LaBarbera, executive director of Americans for Truth commented that he is not sure if he is more surprised by one of the sponsors of the event or by one of the activists who will be honored. "It's incredible to me," he continues. "But the Democratic Party is endorsing an event where they're actually presenting an award for sadomasochism. " A sponsorship acknowledgement notes that the Democratic National Committee gave at least $2,500 to help pay for the event. The recipient of the "Leather Leadership Award" is Guy Baldwin, a psychotherapist who has successfully lobbied against treating sadomasochism as a mental health problem. To see the entire article, go to: http://www.onenewsn ow.com/Culture/ Default.aspx? id=66629 In point of fact, the Democratic National Committee did not sponsor Creating Change or the Leather Leadership Award. The Task Force does have a strong history of supporting the BDSM-leather- fetish communities. In previous years, this included awarding their Leather Leadership Award to Dave Rhodes of The Leather Journal and Tony DeBlase, creator of the Leather Pride Flag, as well as providing tracks and roundtables for activists dedicated to leather community issues. "Those who persecute our communities know that The Task Force and the BDSM-leather- fetish communities have shared agendas in promoting tolerance and non-discrimination for sexual minorities, including those involved in alternate lifestyles. We grow stronger the more we stand together," says NCSF Spokesperson Susan Wright. From Guy Balwin's acceptance speech for the Leather Leadership Award at Creating Change: "One of the many reasons it is important for The Task Force to be sending these signals of acknowledgement and legitimacy out to the LGBTIQQ world is that when our enemies in the struggle for self-determination look in our direction, they can't see the amazing diversity represented in a room like this one. No, to our enemies, we all look the same. They make none of the distinctions that we, ourselves, have made. To our enemies, garbage is garbage, no matter what color we are.....how old we are.....how we smell, or how we play. And that's just one reason it's important that we build bridges between our diverse communities and that's why this award to me today matters to all our communities. But the effort to build these bridges will be wasted unless they are vigilantly maintained from both sides." - Guy Baldwin We ask you to send a short note of appreciation to the Task Force: Roberta Sklar, Communications Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force rsklar@thetaskforce .org Dear Ms. Sklar, Thank you for your recognition and inclusion of the BDSM-leather- fetish communities in your annual conference, Creating Change. The Leather Caucus and workshops on alternative sexuality have been very important to the LGBT members of our communities, providing a place where we can gather with our peers and discuss activist issues. I congratulate you on choosing to give your Leather Leadership Award this year to Guy Baldwin for his activist efforts on behalf of the leather community. I proudly support The Task Force and am glad to join together on our common and shared goals of equality for all Americans. Sincerely, (your name) ### Guy Baldwin is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, author and activist on behalf of "erotically uncommon people." Baldwin may be best known for his monthly essays which appeared in Drummer Magazine and were collected in his 1993 book, Ties That Bind. Baldwin is a former titleholder, having served in 1989 as Mister National Leather Association and also as the 11th International Mr. Leather. In 1987, Baldwin launched the DSM Project to mobilize mental health professionals worldwide to press for changes to the official clinical definitions that had long been use to label leather people, gay and otherwise, as pathological. The DSM Project succeeded with the publication of new and substantially improved language in 1993 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression. National Coalition for Sexual Freedom 822 Guilford Avenue, Box 127 Baltimore, MD 21202-3707 410-539-4824 media@ncsfreedom. org http://www.ncsfreed om.org

November's Class for Bottoms: Gift Giving for the Dominant, Master, Mistress or Top

evilgrrl — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:08:50 GMT

On Nov. 4, Chris and I had our November Bottom Class. The topic was gifts for the Dominant, Master, Mistress or Top. Tops, Dominants and Masters can be hard to buy for, just like anyone else. Chris spent the first part of the class discussing our philosophies on gift giving, such as the thought is more important than the gift, carefully considering the recipient to find the right gift for him or her, and how giving something you made yourself or something from the heart can mean more to your loved ones than expensive gadgets or shiny bling. Sometimes for a bottom, slave or submissive, a beautiful present for their Top, Master or Mistress can be the sincere offer to do a scene you don't particularly want to do, but which they would especially enjoy. I myself offered such a scene to my former Dominant for his birthday when I was really broke, and I think he appreciated it very much, although he never took me up on it. He also gave me a wonderful cutting as a gift that cost him no more than the price of the scalpel, but which I wanted very much and still love. On the low-end, make-it-yourself kind of presents, Chris taught the class how to make scented bath salts, which make lovely gifts when put into pretty containers, and bath salts for men to soothe their aching muscles from those long flogging sessions. Chris demonstrated how to make the bath salts, gave a handout with some recipes for them, and then let all of us participate in making a small quantity to take home ourselves. She also addressed the symbolism behind the making of these kinds of gifts, and how your intent or sympathetic magic can make the gift more powerful and/or meaningful. As an example, she made one set of bath salts to help bring prosperity to the user. She chose the stimulating scent of peppermint and made the salts green, the color of our money. As she mixed the ingredients together, she concentrated on having the person who received the gift have abundant cash flow, with lots of money to pay bills, buy necessities and even save. It would be appropriate for the giver to tell the receiver about the giver's intent in making the gift, and the receiver is almost sure to appreciate it. Lee also covered a little bit about the aromatherapies that would be appropriate for these sorts of uses, like peppermint for stimulation, lavender for relaxation and healing, camomille for rest, rose for love and passion, etc. We also made a a 3 page hand out listing some of the local kinky stores in LA and San Diego, with their contact information, and a description of what the stores carry, and their price ranges. Please email subclass@vonhendy.org if you would like a copy. Every other month, Chris, who is a Switch, and I, who am a submissive, offer classes on topics of interest to bottoms, submissives and slaves. Anyone who is service oriented will be welcome, including switches. These classes, hosted by lee and Chris, alternate every other month with the toy making class. They take place the first Sunday of every other month starting at 1 PM at the Clubhouse. The next class after this one will be in January. You do not need to be a member to attend, but only bottoms, submissives, slaves, bois, switches, etc. will be admitted. The classes will be $5 /head, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information, please contact Chris or lee at subclass@vonhendy.org. Location: Hollywoodland Studios 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 (Off Tujunga, 1 block north of Van Owen; Please go to the back of the building) BDSM Education - http://www.Threshold.org Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/threshold_la/ My Space - http://groups.myspace.com/thesholdla Tribe - http://ThresholdSociety.tribe.net

RIP: Reb Stout, AKA Rebecca H. Heel, Pioneering Cross Dresser

evilgrrl — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:14:35 GMT

I just received word that Reb Stout, AKA the pioneering cross dresser, Rebecca H. Heels, has died from a long bout of lung cancer and diabetes. Sandra, from Trannies in Trouble, posted the notice on her website, www.tranniesintrouble.com, and gave me permission to cross post it here. " I just saw a notice on one of the model train collecting boards that Reb Stout, aka Rebecca H. Heels, belonged to that he passed away yesterday, Nov. 7th. He was an amazing guy and a one of kind and he'll truly be missed. He had a great life but it's still so sad to learn that he's gone. Here's to you, Reb! Hugs, Sandra" http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?1,1530488 The URL above is a link to the website where the notice was posted. Apparently Reb was a model train fan in addition to being a cross dresser. Sandra writes further, "By the way, here's one of his websites with his Rebecca H. Heels persona... http://www.rebeccahheels.com/ Unfortunately, I was not able to get onto the site. I think it may be overloaded with visitors who have just heard the news. I apologize for not posting a picture of Rebecca here, but in lieu of that, I'm posting a picture that was shot by Reb Stout. For more, please see TranniesInTrouble.com. lee