Dare2Care Releases an Anti-Bullying Campaign that's Opening Up Dialogue about Identity

High school can be a minefield of insults and painful experiences, especially for kids on the receiving end of LGBT-targeted bullying. Thrown at any kid who is different, and who may or may not be queer, these kinds of homophobic comments refuse to go away, despite the increased visibility, acceptance and understanding of queer identities in the media. 

Dare2Care President Liz O'Donnell

Ohio based non-profit in the states, Dare2Care, is dedicated to bringing together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight youth - something I think we can all agree is long overdue. They provide sponsored teens and teachers leadership development opportunities in order to increase education and awareness about the LGBT community. With their new PSA, "Words Kill," they have sent out a powerful and, some might say, shocking message that challenges the indifference and passivity that sustains homophobic culture. 

We spoke to Dare2Care Vice President Liz O'Donnell about the organisation's ideas, accomplishments and beliefs.

Your new PSA was released last week. What has the response been like so far?

One of the observations I have heard made frequently is: "It brings me right back to my own experience of being bullied." The distress and overt agitation on some of the participants' faces has been impactful. There is clearly pain and hurt, as well as anger expressed in those short 60 seconds!

What do you hope the PSA will achieve and, more broadly speaking, what is Dare2Care's ultimate aim?

Simply, we hope that the PSA will get people talking. Part of Dare2Care's mission is to provide students with the skills they need to change the current conversations they are having about identity. We do this with our student and teacher leadership scholarship program, which prepares our scholars, over 3 years, to influence and impact the present dialogue in their community about identity. As a culture, I am talking about American culture now, we need to do a better job educating our youth early about the multiple elements that contribute to an individual's identity.

The PSA uses an impactful approach, with kids speaking the terms used to bully them. Why did you choose to use curse words in the PSA?

It did not make sense to us to suggest the words or simply say, "words kill" without demonstrating what the words are. We realized that hearing them said with the full impact of the emotion behind them was a far more effective way to get people's attention. 

As I mentioned before, we have had several people tear up and recall their own bullying experience while watching the PSA, and I suspect it is just as likely that some people will also see or recall themselves as the bully. Each one of us at some point has likely been on both sides of that equation.

Dare2Care is focused on LGBT youth. What unique challenges do LGBT kids face in schools?

Perceived or actual LGBT students are bullied and harassed up to five to six times more than their straight identified peers. They experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, school dropout, family rejection, homelessness and attempted and completed suicide. These are facts that are incontrovertible. We want to find a way to create a path for our world to understand that being LGBT is an embraceable human identity. 

We of course have LGBT youth involved in our program, however we don't ask our 14-year-old applicants to self-identify. We ask them to commit to learning about, and talking about sex and gender issues in an informed way. 

We are developing activists, advocates, and community leaders across the spectrum. We want to make noise, and we encourage our students to make a lot of noise in an educated and respectful, yet still provocative manner.


DARE2CARE PSA 2014 from Marcy Ronen on Vimeo.


By Francesca Lewis

Guess What? It's Gina Yashere

You may remember we bumped into Gina Yashere at The Dinah comedy night recently. Well Gina's back in London for a short time to perform at the 2014 E4 Udderbelly Southbank comedy festival. We caught up with the international stand up comedian in the run up to her live gigs.

After establishing that Gina had indeed recovered from the mega party of The Dinah, confessing she "partied very hard that weekend".

Yashere played to a full room full of lesbians at the start of that weekend, and made sure there was plenty of lesbian culture thrown into her jokes especially for the audience  (as well as plenty of mainstream classic material of course).  

Yashere's career began in the UK and included appearences on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Fame Academy. Yashere has been over in America for some years now, and has developed a lot of material observing the cultural & political differences between the two countries, as well as appearances on Last Comic Standing and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. 

Yashere uses foreigner "naivity" to soften the blow of her cultural observations, ensuring that the joke rather than the critique is what is heard, and that the familiar chords that are struck are appreciated how they are intended. 

The opportunities on TV in the States are fewer, with no traditional panel shows that proliferate the UK channels. It's about hard graft on the stand up circuit  - working twice as hard if you happen to be an "urban" woman - and spots on the big late night chat shows that provide the exposure required to sustain a career in comedy. Or of course, the lucky few who translate into sitcom land (think Seinfeld, Raymond and Ellen).Yashere happily takes all of the work, and the spots and the gigs in her stride.

Udderbelly is a regular gig for Yashere, consistently selling out and enjoying the experience particularly when the weather is good. Whilst in London she'll also be catching up with friends and family, and stocking up on Nigerian dishes. Her mother, who may be on the wrong end of a few of the jokes in the set, only steps out for the bigger gigs, but is pleased to be mentioned, "she loves it", apparently.

For prolific tourer Yashere, the work continues once Udderbelly is over and she's back in the states. Touring and Gigging all over, including a comedy tour of Isreal in June. And who knows, perhaps one day she'll make it to her choice locations of Brazil and Cuba.

Win!
For a chance to win a signed copy of Gina Yashere's DVD Laughing to America follow us on Facebook

DATES: Thurs 22nd May & Friday 23rd May @9pm / Saturday 24th May @ 7:45pm
PRICE: £17.50 / £16 Concessions. Sirloin Seats £22.50
TICKETS: 0844 545 8282 / www.udderbelly.co.uk / www.southbankcentre.co.uk/udderbelly 
AGE RESTRICTION: 14+ 

The biggest lesbian party in the world - get the lowdon from Founder Mariah Hanson

To round up our feature of the month on International Women's Festivals we spoke to Mariah Hanson, founder of The Original Dinah Shore Weekend (aka The Dinah) shortly after the amazing 24th event, the biggest lesbian party in the world attracting in the regional of 15,000 women. 
Read about our experience at the 2014 party.

Planet London (PL): 24 years is a long time to run a festival; for anyone who hasn’t been – what should they expect and how has it evolved over the years?
Mariah Hanson (MH): It's the wildest and certainly the most fun filled five days imaginable. You can expect meeting thousands of women from all over the globe, as excited as you are to have the time of their lives. Expect top notch entertainment, seeing your favorite artists close up and personal and then don’t be surprised when after the concert they come on to the dance floor and party all night. Many have and we expect will keep on living up to the tradition that 'What happens at The Dinah, stays at The Dinah ;)
PL: No other event gets 15,000+ lesbians in one place every year, How do you keep the event fresh & growing? 
MH: I stay on top of the latest trends in music and we don't toy too much with the basic structure of the event. Basically we are five days of the most amazing girl parties imaginable.

PL: The introduction of the film festival has been popular, will the continue and will you be adding more similar events to the schedule?
MH: We are still growing the film festival and like to focus on our new endeavors before we add new options. That said, we have also added celebrity poker.
 
PL: This year was a stellar line up, with the L Word reunion, plus first timers Mary Lambert and Tegan & Sarah to name a few – how did it feel to have such top level entertainment? 
MH: We have top level entertainment every year. Past alumni have included Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, India.Arie, Salt and Pepa, Ke$ha, Natasha Bedingfield, Dev and The Cataracs, Colbie Caillat. At The Dinah, you can always expect amazing acts ;)
 
PL: So how on earth are you going to make the 25th Dinah Shore bigger and better? You’ve set quite a bar this year… 
MH: I'm thinking ... I'm thinking.

Holidays with a difference.... Unforgettable experiences of Stunning Summer Breaks

It is that time of year again for booking our summer holidays. If you are after an amazing adventure, sunshine, the shimmering sea, new friendships and a sense of deep well-being, our kayaking trips is exactly what you are looking for.

This 5-day kayaking expedition navigates the very best of the Greek Island of Lesvos and offers unbeatable value at £499 for 5 days. The price includes all accommodation, island transfers, kayak and equipment rental, the majority of your breakfast, lunch and dinners, as well as access to thermal spas, all under the care of an experienced and attentive guide. The best of all is that you don’t need any prior kayaking experience as you will be guided each step of the way to become a confident paddler.

It is worth mentioning that 30% are return customers who want to relive the magical experience. It is truly an adventure with a difference. But don’t take my word for it, read testimonials at http://teachagirltofish.co.uk/index.php/testimonials/

“A wonderful week of sun, the blue sea, stars and new friends. I feel healthy, free and able to achieve anything! Thank you for an unforgettable experience. All my friends should do this.” Youla Hadjidaniel Kayaking, Greece

For a bit more about the trip and the dates available, read below. To book your seat, email me on erica@teachagirltofish.co.uk.

In search of dolphins 

Join Teach a Girl to Fish for a 5-day kayak journey, on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Greek coastline, on the island of Lesvos.

For the very best of the Good Life…. www.teachagirltofish.co.uk

Where Lesvos, Greece

When 27-30 July (2 seats left) 8-12 August (4 seats left) 24-28 June 8-12 August 13-17 August

Price £499 for five days including all accommodation (mix of hotels/ camping), island transfers, 5-day rental of kayaks and gear, and most meals

What is included: Full-time trip guide, all gear rental for 5 days including kayaks, paddles, safety jackets, tents, sleeping mats, cooking utensils, camping gear, snorkelling equipment, all accommodation mix of tent/ B&B/ hotels for 5 nights, and all Breakfast, lunch and dinner while camping. Drinks and Taverna meals, of which there will be three dinners, will be for your own account. The price also includes the 3-hour island transfer from Mytilini airport to Petra where we will start the trip, as well as entry to the two best thermal spas on the island at Thermi and Mytilini.

A bit more about the experience:
We will be a small group of women sharing the adventure of a 5-day kayak journey, at one with nature, on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Greek coastline. We use high quality double kayaks which are very sturdy and easy to paddle. Each double kayak has packing space for your clothing, food and camping gear. All safety equipment and dry bags are provided. You need to be of moderate fitness to enjoy the trip, but don’t have to be a super hero, nor do you need to have prior paddling experience. We will use the first afternoon before we set off to get comfortable and competent in the kayaks.

Typically, after breakfast each morning we paddle for a few hours and in the afternoon take a break to swim, fish, snorkel, swing in hammocks, read, sleep in the shade, have lunch and just relax. Once the heat of the day has passed we paddle the second leg to our destination for the night. Some evenings we will wild-camp, pitch our tents, cook under the stars and chat around the campfire until bed-time, other nights we will stay in small Greek hotels and eat at the local Greek Tavernas – the food is gorgeous and fresh and healthy, and above all delicious, especially after a day on the water.

Other highlights also include a visit to the church ‘Of our Lady of the Sweet Kisses’ in Petra, walking the cobblestone lanes of ancient Molyvos and sundowners at Congas beach bar. You can also look forward to a massage and a soak in the ancient hot springs at Eftalou and to spending a relaxed afternoon in magical Skala Sikamnea with its quaint fisherman’s port. We will end the trip in Mytilini, for a final muscle soak in the mineral-rich thermal baths of Mytilini before our last supper at a local Greek Taverna.

The true highlights of the trip are really to be found in moments of absolute peace and quiet on the mirror still water, the feelings of well-being after a day of kayaking and enjoying a well-earned meal in the company of new-found friends, falling asleep to the gentle sound of the sea and waking to the sun rising over the water. It is the stuff dreams are made of….

Getting to Lesvos: There are up to 7 daily flights from Athens to Lesvos. These flights take only 50 minutes to reach Mytilini. There are also daily ferries from Athens and takes 12 hours overnight to reach Mytilini.

Getting to the start: We offer a pick-up service from the airport, Mytilini and Kalloni on the first morning of the trip and transport you across the island to Petra (this is included in the price)

Finish: We finish in Mytilini on the fifth afternoon – your hotel accommodation for this night is booked in Mytilini (this is included in the price). The main airport is a ten minute taxi ride from there.

We make adventure easy – to reserve your place, email erica@teachagirltofish.co.uk

Dyke March London marches on in 2014

Dyke March London (DML) is organised by a community-centred, grassroots collective who want to increase dyke visibility in London and the UK. With a strong focus on inclusiveness and accessibility the annual protest march aims to provide a platform for all women on the LBTQ* spectrum to make themselves seen and heard in the city.

Now in its third year DML follows the traditions of the first dyke marches in the United States by taking place shortly before Pride in London. While the organisers appreciate the importance of Pride events all around the world and what they are achieving for the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community they feel Pride is still male-dominated and commercialised. By keeping DML dyke-led and community-centred the march wants to help dykes and their allies stake their claim as part of a diverse LGBTQ* community in London. Dyke marches are a growing movement around the world with events taking place in many cities in the United States and Canada, Mexico City, Berlin and Edinburgh.

The introduction of the Same-Sex Marriage Act in the UK this March is an important step in the right direction for equality for the LGBTQ* community in the UK but the DML collective feel that still a lot of work that remains to be done.

"Dyke March London aims to dispel prejudices and false ideas people in the straight as well as the LGBTQ* community have about dykes. We want to celebrate and show the diversity of our community by taking to the streets of central London. Everyone who supports us is welcome."
 

As in previous years, this year’s march on June 21 will be kicked off by speakers who are involved in activism and contribute to making London and the UK a better place for the community. Speakers in previous years were Paris Lees, No. 1 on last year’s Independent Pink List; Sue Sanders, founding member of LGBT History Month; and the renowned poet and critic Roz Kaveney.

With their upcoming fundraiser on 27 May and, for the first time, an after-party on 21 June the Dyke March London organisers hope to reach an even wider audience. Both events are hosted by Bar Titania in the heart of London.

Dyke March London is a non-commercial, unsponsored event and relies entirely on donations from the community. All contributions to the crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo will go to DML essentials such as accessible vehicle, BSL signers and insurance to make the march an accessible and safe event for everyone.

DML are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team and get involved with planning this year’s march and associated events. They are specifically looking for people to perform steward duties on 21 June and welcome anyone who wants to get involved. To get in touch with the organisers about volunteer opportunities write to them at info@dykemarchlondon.org.uk.

For further information visit:

www.dykemarchlondon.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/DykeMarchLondon

https://twitter.com/dykemarch

Down Girls Gets Down with Jade Ellis - you can too!

Downstairs at the Black Cap, something is stirring, the ground is buzzing, and something big is coming. Women from all over London, and further afield, are descending upon Camden to go to DownGirls. Why is this night causing such a stir? 

The launch event was a huge success, with 3 live acts offering 3 different burlesque style performances, and 2 top class London LBQ DJs that kept the dancefloor busy from around 10pm right through to close. If you didn't catch this event and you want to know more you can read our review here. 

In May DownGirls returns and it is going to be a showstopper. Raising money for Pride in London alongside Planet London's Proud Planet campaign, the event is going to see the return of Ruby Fortune, and Leela (both back by popular demand!) as well as a live performance from London-based X Factor contestant Jade Ellis. BBC3 and Comedy Central Lou Sanders will be on hand for the social hour!

What a line up! 

The night will be hosted by Back to the Wildroom and event managed on the night by Missy Downgirl and her Mister.

The best thing is because this is a fundraiser, it won't break the bank. Tickets are £5 in advance and £5 on the door before 10pm (plus the first 50 women get a free drink!); £15 after 10pm. Show the MyPocketPlanet app or a SHE stamp on the door to get £5 entry all night. There is also 6 VIP tickets up for grabs. These get you private entrance; a table at our VIP booth (situated next to our celebrity guest booth) and with a prime view of the stage. VIP tickets include a free drink on arrival and are £20. 

The intimate gig with Jade alone makes this event worth every penny. 

Raffle tickets will be available on the night from Planeteers. The raffle is going on throughout May and June and there are a number of VIP event tickets available to LBQ events in London as well as bottles of bubbly and Planet London goodies. Win something special at the event with one of the acts that money cannot buy!

Other ways you can support Pride in London is by throwing your change from each drink you buy into the buckets on the bar. You won't even miss it!

So what are you waiting for, get your ticket for the hottest event of the month before they sell out. Although the Black Cap has capacity for 300, with so many LBQ women in London, they could sell out in no time.


Facebook event
Eventbrite for advance tickets
DownGirls on Twitter

Let's get 'We are all human' in the charts!

After the shock of seeing LGBT ‘hunts’ in Russia and gay people being burnt alive in Uganda comes a big dose of LGBT love from the L Project, who released their second LGBT fund-raising single ‘We’re All Human’ this Sunday, May 4.

Described as ‘We Are The World’ but for LGBT, the song, and it’s accompanying YouTube video (which has seen nearly 10,000 views in 48 hours), is raising money for three LGBT charities:

• Kaleidoscope Trust – and international LGBT charity
• The Russian LGBT Network
• Mermaids – a UK youth transgender charity

 Already shared and tweeted by the likes of Clare Balding, Marc Almond, Billy Myers, Biff Naked, actress Angela Griffin and author Stella Duffy, the song immediately topped the Amazon Folk, Rock and Movers and Shakers lists, and has been bubbling up through the various Amazon and iTunes charts since.

That’s not bad for a group of 19 unsigned LGBT artists, but the ambition is to get it into the mainstream to help raise as much money as possible.

Georgey Payne, the songwriter and producer of We're All Human, says, "Since the first song we've built up a massive network of support through social media. This time we hope that the mainstream media will pick up our story, so that even more people will download the song, and be part of changing the lives of LGBT people who need support. Some of that help will be financial, but we also have lots of stories about people all over the world being helped just by hearing the words and knowing there are people like us who care."

Official Music Video for "We're All Human" LGBT Charity Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCMIq70vDkQ

The song is available from all good download sites: "We're All Human" - The L Project 

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/were-all-human-ep/id858947831
Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Were-All-Human-L-Project/dp/B00JLVC4TO/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1398706745&sr=8-12&keywords=we%27re+all+human

Press Pack -  http://thel-project.com/presspack.php