Lesbian friendly TV shows

The following titles are TV shows that promote positive support for the LGBTQ community by having a lesbian character (in no particular order).

1.) Pretty Little Liars (Emily Fields played by Shay Mitchell)
2.) Chicago Fire (Leslie Elizabeth Shay played by Lauren German)
3.) Orange is the New Black (Alex Vause played by Laura Prepon)
4.) Glee (Santana Lopez played by Naya Rivera)
5.) The Good Wife (Kalinda Sharma played by Archie Panjabi)
6.) Ray Donovan (Lena played by Kate Moening)
7.) Grey's Anatomy (Dr. Callie Torres played by Sara Ramirez)
8.) Lost Girl (Lauren played by Zoe Palmer)
9.) The Fosters (Lena Adams Foster played by Sherri Saum)

Lez Talk about Ellen Page!

In case you've been in the clouds this Valentine's weekend, Academy Award Nominee Ellen Page came out at HRC's event on the 14th. For some people, it wasn't a surprise (shame on you for assuming, isn't that what we're trying to fight?) and for others it was a shocker. But regardless if you saw it coming or not, I think those who actually read my blog would agree that it's nice. It's nice that she was able to come out on her own terms than have someone outing her for money. It's nice that she had control over this particular moment  and did it her way. I'm just very happy for her.

This brings up the subject of coming out. Coming out is a very difficult time. Some people have less difficulty than others but for the majority of us, coming out is very, very hard. It's emotional and probably the most emotional experience we'll ever have. It's serious. So serious that for some people it's a matter of life and death. So the fact that Page was able to take control of that moment in a room that supported her, means everything. If only everyone could have the same coming out experience maybe it wouldn't be so difficult.

Congrats Ellen Page and welcome to the family!

Lez Talk About 'Fox'!

In March of last year I wrote a blog about a digital chapter series called Daisy by Xavier Haven about a girl who, literally, falls in love with her dream girl. The series received great reviews but not a huge audience, mainly because people don't like to read when they're online. So when I heard there was a possibility of making a web series, I knew I would flip out since the story is just awesome.

Well, a web series was made but it's not Daisy... it's called, Fox. Fox is the dream girl Daisy falls in love with. Her character is never really confirmed to exist or to be a figment of Daisy's imagination but with the new web series, hopefully are questions are answered. Is Fox real? Where did she come from? How was she forgotten? She is, afterall, my favorite character and I'm pretty sure everyone else's.

(Spoilers Ahead!!!!!!!!!!)

(Monroe Hayden as Fox)

Each episode is fairly short, the first one lasts for about 2 minutes- tops but it is intense. One thing I noticed about the episode is that it's darker than the Daisy series. It starts off by the lake, just like in the story where Daisy and Fox meet on a regular basis in The Forgotten World. The sound of children giggling haunts the environment just like Daisy described in the story. Obviously, for those who read the series, we know that the giggling are memories of the both of them when they were little. The entire first half of the episode is translated onto film exactly like in the story!!!

Then it gets eerie when a dark presence lures Fox deeper into the forest and ultimately her dream. That's when the environment changes to reveal a darker world surrounded by dead trees and hardly any sunlight. It is very much like in the story when Fox takes Daisy to the lake and they go through a creepy forest before they get to the beauty that the lake offers.

Monroe Hayden, who was one of the artists who participated in the original Daisy series plays Fox. She and Brandon Teague, another Daisy artist, currently own the rights to the story when they bought it from Haven last year. So far, I think she's doing a good job. We have to keep in mind this takes place before Daisy. So the character, I'm assuming, will develop as the series does to depict the Fox we all imagine in our dreams.

Overall, I think this episode is fantastic. Everything from the cinematography to the music was done exceptionally well, especially the editing. If this episode indicates how each episode will be- the series will take off, no doubt!

Watch the episode here.

Let's Talk About Katie McGrath

So this gorgeous diamond among rocks was definitely a find! First things first, let's talk about who she is and where she came from.

According to Wikipedia, she is an "Irish actress and model from Ashford County, Wicklow, Ireland." You may recognize her from the BBC series, Merlin (now on Netflix). She played the evil Morgana.

Why does she get the spotlight? She currently plays two lesbians in two different TV series. Americans may find her familiar as Lucy Westenra from NBC's Dracula, opposite of Jonathon Rhys Meyers. Lucy is secretly (maybe not so much anymore) in love with her best friend, Mina Murray. McGrath does an excellent job at portraying the hopelessly in love lesbian who is in love with not only a straight girl but her best friend. Cue the violins! Most of us have been there at some point, which is probably why most of our best friends are guys or other lesbians...

[Right: McGrath as a blonde in Dracula.]

The other character she plays is Kate in Channel 4's Dates. Here, she is an open lesbian on the dating scene opposite of Gemma Chan. This show is different than Dracula and in my opinion, more intense because of the realities each character represents.

Playing two lesbians in different countries around the same time could be a big mistake for an actress because it typecasts them as a 'gay actor' and they may not be able to get out of that typecast. But she is a risk taker and go-getting like her character, Kate in Dates, in that sense. Hat's off to you!

Now for the million dollar question: Is McGrath gay? Nothing has been confirmed (neither gay or straight) so for now, let's say no. However, I do appreciate and respect her for playing two fantastic characters who don't fall in the stereotypical lesbian persona and playing them very well. I've seen a lot of gay/lesbian flicks and I know when I am watching a good performance and when I'm not. She is good!

[Above: Mcgrath as Kate in Dates]

Le Sommeil

Today's topic is Art History.

Le Sommeil is an oil painting by artist Gustave Courbet created in 1866 that depicts lesbianism. Due to its erotic subject described as "two female lovers sleeping after sexual intercourse" the painting was not shown publicly till 1988.

"The Encyclopedia of Lesbian and Gay Histories and Cultures describes Le Sommeil as a "famous" painting. The painting created an impact in 19th century art, because after the public display of Le Sommeil, a number of contemporary artists were influenced by the theme of lesbian couples. Repetition of this theme helped to lower the taboos associated with lesbian relationships." [Wikipedia]

It is currently on display at Petit Palais.

Lez Talk About "Daisy"

I had just come across this amazing chapter series called Daisy by Xavier Haven. It falls under the category of fantasy, drama and comedy and is aimed more towards the teenage demographic who are mainly a part of the LGBT community.

Daisy is a girl who is just about to finish high school but longs for a more fulfilling life. She gets good grades, has a sturdy group of friends and is secretly a lesbian. Amidst the problems a typical teenager can encounter, she also re-meets an old friend, the sexy woman who goes by the name Fox. The problem with that: she only sees Fox in her dreams. As Daisy travels between the real world and the dream world, she ends up learning more about life, love and friendship. However, as the series progresses it becomes harder for Daisy to distinguish reality from fantasy. It's a chapter series that has caught my attention and I'm almost obsessed with it!!!

Xavier Haven writes the series and a group of artists help him with the illustrations. Artists include, Steven Pau, Brandon Teague, Serena Diaz and Monroe Hayden. Season 2 ended last year and Season 3 should begin sometime soon as it is the final season of the series.

I also heard that it may turn into a web series. Here's hoping!

Daisy: http://xavierhaven.deviantart.com/gallery/32731973

Lez Talk About Tammy Baldwin

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hopefully 2013 is a year of acceptance and change for the good. To kick the blog off this year we're going to shine the spotlight on Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S senator in history.

Tammy Baldwin is from Wisconsin and a member of the Democratic party. According to her voting record, she is the most liberal in congress. She beat Tommy Thompson in the 2012 U.S Senate Election. As early as 1994, she proposed to legalize same- sex marriage in Wisconsin. In 1995 she proposed domestic partnerships in Wisconsin.

I usually stay away from political leaders just because the subject of politics is very sensitive to the majority of people whether you're gay or straight but Tammy Baldwin made history by becoming the first openly gay senator and it's more than nice to see that members of congress are allowing gays and lesbians to join their private circle and help lead this country of which we are all a part of.

Hopefully it's a sign of the equal rights for both gays and straights in the year(s) to come.

www.tammybaldwin.com