OUTscene: (RE-view) Joan Jett Has a Rock Heart of Gold!

by Sarah Toce
The Seattle Lesbian/OUTscene

Then we arrived at Emerald Queen Casino on the evening of Saturday, May 21, we had no idea that we would be ushered backstage to meet the Queen of Rock ‘n' Roll – Runaway wild child Joan Jett. Our names were on the VIP ticket list and the “Meet and Greet” wrist-bands were gently placed in the fold of the white envelope. I looked down at my watch - it was 8:00pm. We were scheduled to meet Joan at 7:45pm. Running through the casino to get to the arena ensued…and we made it.

Read more here!

SETTLED: Witt Case over as Witt settles down, But the Fight is Far from OVER!

Decorated Air Force nurse and Spokane resident Maj. Margaret Witt has settled, tearfully today, with the Pentagon following a suspension of seven years (2004) and a discharge of five (2006). Witt has been granted full benefits and her discharge will now be removed from her record, according to Seattle Lesbian.

Although she may have won the battle, the war on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) involvement in the military is still raging. Witt originally intended to fight in order to get her job back, but that is no longer her focus. Now, she fights for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“I was one of the fortunate few who had a legal team who was willing to step up and fight,” Witt told the Seattle office of the American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday. In her speech, she also noted that 14,000 service members have been discharged under the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

To her comrades, she shared, “I’ll never forget your selflessness, your support and your kind words over all these years. Continue to keep each other safe.”

OUTscene: (The Seattle Lesbian INTER-view): Vicci Martinez Shares Her 'Voice'

Tacoma, WA-native singing sensation Vicci Martinez is now appearing on NBC's The Voice. Her Adele number from last week, "Rolling in the Deep," touched hearts around the world and propelled the young star into a stratosphere all her own.


Sarah Toce had the rare opportunity to chat with Vicci yesterday and get the scoop here - just for you! The pair had lunch near the Space Needle following her KING 5 interview and radio show, along with Vicci's long-time girlfriend and fiance, (yes, the ladies will be married soon and have bought a home together!) Kate Monthly.

Check out here!

OUTscene: (The Seattle Lesbian INTER-view) New York Cabaret Performer Anne Steele

Celebrated New York City cabaret performer Anne Steele has made her mark on the Big Apple and now she intends to do the same on hearts all across the rest of the country. The multi-faceted Don’t Tell Mama staple has an album out called Strings Attached and we have a feeling you’ll be singing her praises upon first listen.

Click HERE for the Interview!

OUTscene The Seattle Lesbian Exclusive (INTER-view): Kelli Carpenter Finds Love on Both Land and Sea

Kelli with Business Partner, Gregg

Kelli Carpenter has found her niche. With four kids, a new relationship and an ever-expanding itinerary full of R Family Vacations, Carpenter is right where she is meant to be.

Sarah Toce spoke exclusively with the ex-Nickelodeon exec. about her children with Rosie O'Donnell, their new life, and her land and sea adventures with the company she has poured her heart and soul into for all the world to enjoy.

Click HERE for the FULL Interview!

OUTscene: (PHOTOS) Seattle dot429 Spring Networking Event was a HIT!

The LGBTA professional networking site dot429 hosted their third Seattle Networking event at Butch Blum (yes, Butch attended) this past Tuesday evening and we have the exclusive photos! In attendance were OUTscene's MK, Ryan Burr, Lincoln Rose, Sarah Toce (The Seattle Lesbian) and Special Guest Seattle City Council woman, Sally Clark (below with MK)!

Click HERE to check out the event album and share with your new networking friends and colleagues.
 
Photos by Stephanie Brusig of The Seattle Lesbian!

OUTscene: The Seattle Lesbian's Exclusive INTER-view: Hal Sparks Tackles Politics, Civil Rights, Radio, and...Disney?

Comedian and political talk radio co-host Hal Sparks, 41, won our hearts as the charming “Michael Novotny” on the groundbreaking Showtime hit series Queer As Folk from 2000-2005. In the series, Sparks starred opposite fan favorite Sharon Gless and alongside Gale Harold, Thea Gill, Michelle Clunie, Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Robert Gant, Jack Wetherall, and other notable actors who have since gone on to do incredible work in the industry – many on behalf of the gay community.

For Hal, being thrust into the gay community but not being gay himself was not so much a challenge for the Cincinnati, Ohio native, but an opportunity. He entered the civil rights movement for his gay brothers and sisters with grace, dignity, respect, and compassion. Okay…and a lot of humor.

Since the show’s end in 2005, Sparks has continued to warm our hearts with roles on VH1's I Love the '80s series, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, Spider-Man 2, and Dude, Where's My Car? He regularly travels the country touring with his comedy and music projects with his band Zero 1.

Hal can regularly be heard on the Stephanie Miller Show and, in this exclusive interview, he confirms a new project booked the same day we spoke…

Read Seattle Lesbian's Exclusive interview here!

OUTscene: The Dinah Love is Louder Pool Party Feat. BG5, Fortune Feimster, The Frank DeCaro Show!

Sexy Sunday at The Dinah included performances by the BG5 in addition to the rock-hopping pool party, Fernanda Rocha from the Real Housewives of Orange County, Chelsea Lately's Fortune Feimster and the team from Sirius/XM's The Frank DeCaro Show at the Celesbian Dodgeball tournament.

Check out the video right here!

OUTscene: (Palm Springs) The Dinah - Official Video: Thursday

If you're not here, that's okay! We here at OUTscene NW and  The Seattle Lesbian have you covered. Our team ladies are here reporting direct from the source and snapping photos to prove it! In the meantime, here is a fabulous video from The Dinah's very own JD Salvatore!

OUTscene: (INTER-view) The Seattle Lesbian's Exclusive; Meredith Baxter Comes Untied for the First Time Publicly and Shines!

America’s favorite lesbian mom, Meredith Baxter, has opened up her heart and soul in the memoir that is changing lives across the globe - Untied. The all-telling uncompromising deep look at the Family Ties mother and recovering alcoholic (20 years) is proving life-changing to readers in search of finding their own strength through adversity. When you rearrange the letters in the book’s title it spells “United” and that is just what the dramatic actress has done for millions of women without having any concept of it.

Untied takes the reader on a journey through a childhood seemingly void of love, attention and affection and into failed marriages where the abuser had free reign over the victim. Said “victim” later realizes that she has always had the ultimate control over assuming that needy role and makes the conscious effort to stop the pattern of aggression and aggravation. Gaining strength, the subject at hand learns to examine her part in the cycle of abuse and make the ultimate decision to let go, let God and put one foot in front of the other on the path towards emotional freedom.

Meredith’s story is common, but is hardly ever discussed over dinner with the in-laws or in the private quarters where truth usually sleeps. In this interview, I converse with Meredith about how she managed to overcome the disappointment and grief of abusive relationships to emerge a self-sufficient, self-recognized force to be reckoned with in charge of her own destiny.

Read the FULL interview right here!

OUTscene: (INTER-view) The Seattle lesbian's Exclusive w/ A Marine Story's Dreya Weber!

The Seattle Lesbian caught up with A Marine Story's Dreya Weber when she was in town for last year's Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Weber is preparing her aerial arrival into Palm Springs, CA for The Dinah 2011 so we thought we'd share this interview with you one more time. Enjoy!

Your incredible aerial work has been seen on the stages of concert performers like Pink, Madonna, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Cher…the list goes on and on. When did you first realize you were interested in aerial performances?

I discovered the joy of aerials on the flying trapeze in 1990 and then, over the years, I realized that I could be more expressive with other aerial apparatuses. I could integrate storytelling, dramatic arc…that kind of thing. I really enjoy imagining and designing new environments to play in when I am in the air.

Read more of The Seattle Lesbian's exclusive interview here!

OUTscene: (INTER-view) The Seattle Lesbian Exclusive: Anyone But Me Star Nicole Pacent!

by Sarah Toce
The Seattle Lesbian

Hey Nicole! I’ve heard you’ve been busy! Thanks for making the time to squeeze me in!

Yeah, absolutely! So great to talk with you again! I’ve actually been working a lot with this agent in L.A. and going on a lot of auditions. It’s funny because Anyone But Me has really been – in some big ways and some small ways – such an incredible gift. The agent that I am with right now is working with me so that I can build up my resume and join the group. He’s been really helpful to me and is like my bud now. His friend is an agent for writers and I met him at this Super Bowl party. Anyway, I guess his friend represents the writer who is writing or wrote Wanted 2 with Angelina Jolie.

Well, unbeknownst to me, the producers had been doing a search for a young Angelina Jolie because there is a young version of her in the movie at some point. Well, they ended up cutting the part so it’s no longer in there, but at the time, the writer’s agent saw me and he called my agent to tell him to check me out. He called me and the rest is history.

Read more at The Seattle Lesbian exclusive interview here!

OUTscene: (PRE-view) The Dinah 2011 coming to Palm Springs, 3/30 to 4/3!

Last year's Big Draw: Ke$ha

The Dinah 2011 is around the corner! Do you have your tickets yet? Get them here!

My Pal, JD Disalvatore sent me this video Preview. ENJOY!

OUTscene: The Seattle Lesbian's Exclusive Interview: Thea Gill on Queer As Folk, Slip Away and Finding Her Voice Again

When Thea Gill called Sarah Toce from her oasis in the mountains, the connection was a little shaky, but she was certainly not. The Canadian-born actress best known for her role on the American Showtime series Queer As Folk was down-to-earth, gracious, full of energy (regardless of the fact that she was fighting a cold), and extremely welcoming. It was an absolute joy to spend a little bit of time with the iconic personality – even if our conversation was paused in order to redial a few times.

Gill’s steadfast commitment to her craft is taking a new musical turn that has her reliving her roots in the theatre. At one point in the conversation, we discussed how the monumental success of Queer As Folk both helped and hindered the 5’10” blonde beauty’s career and personal life. With time, distance, spiritual inflection, and patience, Gill has once again found her voice. Here, she’ll share it with you.

Read The Seattle Lesbian's exclusive interview here!

Washington State is "Leaning" to Full Marriage Equality!

Voters in Washington State made the decision to allow a landmark domestic partnership ruling in 2007 as well as an expansion of domestic partnership laws that resembled “everything but marriage” in 2009, but out-of-state visitors with same-sex marriage and domestic partnership laws in their state are not currently afforded the same protections as Washingtonians while traveling in our state. With gay marriage not an option at the moment in Washington, this is perhaps the closest we will get to recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriage and marriage equality overall. For now.

Check Out The Seattle Lesbian for More!

OUTscene: The Seattle Lesbian's Exclusive Interview with the Indigo Girls' Amy Ray!

Gay rights activist and advocate of the earth Amy Elizabeth Ray knows a thing or two about the perils and promises that occur within the music industry. Being one half of the celebrated all-female folk-rock duo the Indigo Girls [Emily Saliers makes up the other half of the team], the Georgia-born singer/songwriter delights in sharing her wisdom with up-and-coming acts like out-lesbian singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile and lesbian favorite Jill Hennessy.

The critical object that sets the 25-plus year musician apart from other musical acts out there today is that she is humble and kind in her sharing. She collects musical knowledge from other artists just as much as she hands it out. It’s a mutual love session that continues to enhance both parties and has nothing to do with record sales or popularity. Ray doesn’t speak just to be heard. She raises her voice because she feels the social responsibility to help improve the communities and lives around her effervescent sphere. Amy Ray is a tough chick with a heart of gold and millions of fans to back her up.

Read the Seattle Lesbian interview right here!

OUTscene: (Events) Dot429 'Storm' Seattle!

MK with Jason Dorn

MK was delighted to attend the Dot429 Winter Networking Party to Benefit the Gay City Health Project in Downtown Seattle this past Stormy Wednesday at the Super-Fine, Roche Bobois European Furniture store. it was also reunion of sorts with the Dot429 Event director, Jason Dorn, who MK knew in Portland and hadn't seen in years. It is remarkable that neither of us has aged. Also spotted were Sarah Toce of The Seattle Lesbian, Gay city's Peter Jabin, and Seattle Realitor, Eric Robison.

SL's Sarah Toce was all smiles!

MK Catchs up wth Jason and Meets Hottie,  Philip!

Gay City's Peter Jabin

Check Out more Photos by Stephanie Brusig at The Seattle Lesbian.

ISSUES: Seattle Pacific University, Hypocritical?

Seattle Pacific University has some irregularities in its institutional handbook and policies. In its Statement on Human Sexuality, the university’s policy reads, “Human beings are created in the image of God, male and female, and are of inestimable worth. Because we are created in God’s image, people must be treated with respect and dignity by all institutions in society whether male or female, young or old, rich or poor, believer or unbeliever, homosexual or heterosexual. This priceless value constitutes the theological and anthropological foundation of our discussions regarding human sexuality.” However, another school policy under Lifestyle Expectations reads, “Lifestyle expectations are the general standards that govern the personal conduct of all students and student organizations at SPU. Behaviors for which students or student organizations are subject to disciplinary action include, but are not limited to the following . . . cohabitation and related forms of premarital, extramarital, or homosexual sexual activities.” My question is this: How can you value a person’s worth as a homosexual and then also state that they can be disciplined for who they are?

For MORE on the Story, Check out the Seattle Lesbian!

OUTscene: The Seattle Lesbian INTER-view: Jennifer Beals Cracks the Chicago Code!

Jennifer Beals has appeared in more than 50 films over the years. She first danced into our hearts in the hit 1985 film Flashdance and made off the shoulder sweatshirts a fashion statement. Beals continued breaking boundaries as Bette Porter on the Showtime drama The L Word. She is beginning a new endeavor on Fox television where she returns to her roots in the Chicago Code.

Read more of Jerry Nunn's interview with Jennifer Beals here!

OUTscene: The Seattle Lesbian 's Exclusive Interview: Days of Our Lives and Venice Star Crystal Chappell

Crystal Chappell would like for one of you lucky ladies at The Dinah 2011 to show her how to tie a cherry stem with her tongue. She takes advice very seriously and she was told that this would be necessary in order to attend the hottest ladies’ night of the year in Palm Springs. You can attempt to teach her this very maneuverable trick when you see the Days of Our Lives (Former GL) and Venice star at the One More Lesbian Battle of the Lesbian Web Series. Are you up for the challenge?

The Seattle Lesbian Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Toce, took some time to chat with one of the most sincere actresses in daytime television - Crystal Chappell.

Read the exclusive interview right here!