SARAH WATERS’ AFFINITY COMES TO THE SILVER SCREEN OIA Newswire
HARTFORD, CT: 12/30/08: Fans of Tipping the Velvet (2002) and Fingersmith (2005) won't want to miss the remarkable new book-to-screen adaptation of acclaimed writer Sarah Waters' latest novel Affinity, set in turn of the century London. The film is scheduled to appear on the silver screen at the beautiful Cinestudio Theater on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations Out Film CT and Cinestudio.
The screening of the film Affinity is part of the recently announced Out Film CT Series, an initiative to increase the number of LGBT films shown in Connecticut. Out Film CT director Shane Engstrom states, "We're extremely happy to present Affinity as the first in our new LGBT film series. Hartford audiences have always loved film adaptations of Sarah Waters' novels, with Tipping the Velvet winning the Audience Award at the 16th Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival."
Film synopsis: Mystic Selina Dawes has landed herself in prison, Millbank prison, Victorian London's grimmest jail. While the circumstances that led to her incarceration can only be described as peculiar, her path soon crosses with Margaret Prior, a young upper class woman who has decided to volunteer her time and "do good" with her Charity work. As a "lady visitor" it is Margaret's job to visit the inmates and set an example for the prisoners. Initially skeptical and cautious of Selina's supernatural mystery powers, a sequence of unusual events suggests to Margaret that Selina is gifted and is in fact innocent of the crimes she is charged with. As the prison visits increase, repressed passions burst to the surface, sending Margaret into a tailspin as she works on a desperate plot to secure their joint freedom.
Dir. Tim Fywell, United Kingdom, 2008, 120 min. [source: www.mglff.com]
Out Film CT is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to presenting outstanding LGBT cinema and other theatrical events throughout the year, culminating in the 9-day Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival held May 22-30, 2009 in Hartford. As Connecticut's longest-running film festival, it has become a distinctive fixture in our state's cultural landscape, bringing the community together to introduce, celebrate and rediscover the ideas and values that make the LGBT community unique.
Founded by students in 1970, Cinestudio is a single-screen repertory cinema that presents cinema as it should be -- in a classic theater with state of the art technology. Offering both first-run and classic films, as well as foreign films and festivals, non-profit Cinestudio is a Hartford cultural gem. [1/5/09]
SENATOR YEE CONTINUES 100% LIFETIME RECORD WITH EQUALITY CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO – In 2008, Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) continued his perfect lifetime legislative record on issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, earning a 100 percent on the latest scorecard issued by Equality California (EQCA) – the state's leading LGBT civil rights and advocacy organization. > Full Story. [12/31/08]
THE SAN DIEGO GLBT COMMUNITY IS STRIKING BACK! The San Diego GLBT community is striking back! NoOnProp8 was not enough to defeat Proposition 8, which is now enshrined in the California Constitution. An association of California businessmen organized Calling for Equality to provide A MEANINGFUL RESPONSE. - Professionally drafting an amicus brief in support of marriage equality - Outreach to minority communities that voted 80%+ YES on Prop 8 - Outreach to politicians and legislators on all levels - Outreach to other VIPs and people of importance, journalists and editors Calling for Equality staff and volunteers put the cause of marriage equality before everything else as they work in burnout mode for the next four months trying to ensure a just decision by the California Supreme Court this Spring. > Full Story. [12/29/08]
ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS: PROP 8 IS INVALID Sacramento – Today Attorney General Jerry Brown filed his brief with the California Supreme Court arguing that Proposition 8 should be invalidated. > Full Story. [12/22/08]
LETTER TO PRES-ELECT OBAMA ON CHOICE OF REV. RICK WARREN TO DELIVER INVOCATION AT 56TH PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, sent the following letter to President-elect Obama on the selection of anti-gay reverend, Rick Warren, to deliver the invocation at the 56th Presidential Inauguration set to take place on the West Front of the United States Capitol on January 20th. > Full Story. [12/18/08]
OUT FILM CT – CALL FOR ENTRIES HARTFORD, CT: 12/16/08: Out Film CT is pleased to announce that the 22nd annual Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will take place May 22 – 30, 2009. Filmmakers are invited to submit feature films, documentaries and short films of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The deadline for film submissions is March 1, 2009. > Full Story. [12/18/08]
PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL APPROVES DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY WASHINGTON –The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, praised the Phoenix, Arizona City Council and mayor for voting today to enact a domestic partner registry for city residents. The registry will permit unmarried couples to register as domestic partners and receive hospital visitation rights. The registry, which will become effective February 9, 2009, will be available to both same-sex and different-sex couples. > Full Story. [12/18/08]
CHRISTIANS ANGRY ABOUT GAY PRINCESS DIANA BIBLE December 3, 2008, Alamogordo, NM -- When "Horror In The Wind" Writer/Producer/ Director Max Mitchell announced Revision Studios will publish a new translation of the Bible in which God says gay is better than straight, Christians got angry. > Full Story. [12/4/08]
CALIFORNIANS ELECT LEGISLATORS WHO SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY SACRAMENTO – When lawmakers start the new legislative session on Dec. 1, they will be joined by three new leaders who support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. While two legislative races still remain too close to call, at least three new lawmakers who were endorsed by Equality California's PAC for supporting equal rights for all Californians will be sworn into office when lawmakers begin the 2009-10 session. > Full Story. [11/25/08]
CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT GRANTS REVIEW IN PROP 8 LEGAL CHALLENGES (San Francisco, California, November 19, 2008)-Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrow margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. The Court also denied an immediate stay. > Full Story. [11/20/08]
EQCA CALLS FOR END OF ATTACKS ON GOVERNOR FOR SUPPORTING EQUAL RIGHTS SACRAMENTO – Equality California calls on leaders of the Yes on 8 campaign to end their attacks on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for saying he believes Proposition 8 should be overturned. Prop 8 eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. > Full Story. [11/17/08]
GAYS, LESBIANS, TRANSGENDER, THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS UNITE – LARGE SCALE NATIONAL PROTEST PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 15 Over the last week, tens of thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)community and their Supporters have taken to the streets of California to show their outrage with the outcome of California Proposition 8. Prop 8 provides for a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage rights; Similar amendments and propositions were passed in Arizona and Florida. The outcome of these propositions has angered the national gay community and their supporters. Many feel as if they are now second-class citizens, but, according to the No on 8Campaign, the fight is not over. The final statement released by the No on 8 Campaign stated,"Victory was not ours today. But the struggle for Equality is not over." > Full Story. [11/14/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PRESIDENT URGES SUPPORTERS TO WAGE A STRATEGIC AND PEACEFUL BATTLE AGAINST PROPOSITION 8 THIS WEEKEND WASHINGTON- In advance of protests against California's Proposition 8 to be held in cities across the nation this weekend, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, has released the following statement calling for renewed commitment to coalition-building between all oppressed groups. HRC is the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization. Solmonese's statement, which also urges respect and civil behavior during the Join the Impact rallies, was sent to HRC's 750,000 members and supporters. Good afternoon, > Full Story. [11/14/08]
L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER’S WWW.INVALIDATEPROP8.ORG DISTRIBUTES FUNDS RAISED TO PROTECT MARRIAGE EQUALITY LOS ANGELES, November 13, 2008- The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center announced today that its InvalidateProp8.org Web initiative has raised more than $60,000 to support the effort to overturn Proposition 8. More than 2,300 postcards, one for each donation, are being sent to Mormon church President Thomas Monson, acknowledging that a donation has been made in his name to invalidate Prop. 8 and restore fundamental civil rights to all Californians. > Full Story. [11/14/08]
Be part of the next Civil Rights Movement - Be part of history - Join the National Protest / March for Equality on November 15th!
---------------------------------------
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Now is your chance to be a "community organizer"! Go to the website and post if you are willing to volunteer to help get out the word in your city. We need 3 or 4 dedicated volunteers in each town to contact the clubs and organizations in your area and to print/distribute flyers to get a turnout in your town.
This is not a California issue. This is an issue of equality across America. Stand up and make your voice heard. Visit the website www.jointheimpact.com.]
-----------------
SATURDAY NOV 15TH -
10:30AM WEST COAST
11:30AM MOUNTIAN TIME ZONE
12:30PM CENTRAL TIME ZONE
1:30PM EAST COAST
PRINT OUT THE SIGNS - TAKE THEM TO THE PROTEST
Prop 8 Protest: A Call to the LGBTQ Community, Friends, & Family
I’m sure all would agree that with the election of Barack Obama, this week has been one of amazing wins in the world of equality! Still, Tuesday night was a bitter-sweet celebration. We came together to witness the first black man who will become our president, yet watched in sadness as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and California all voted down equal rights for all citizens. Pundits and bloggers alike have put their focus on Proposition 8, trying hard to find an explanation for the anti-gay wins in the face of a huge swell of support for equality elsewhere. Some have blamed the voters, others blame religious groups, and even others blame the LGBTQ community for not being able to mobilize on a larger enough scale. And you know what? There is truth in each argument.
As a community, we have to admit to the fact that we are polarized in various ways. Honestly, I’m not sure what community isn’t and I believe that our polarization is proof to our humanity - we are no different than anyone else, regardless of color, creed, or sexual orientation. Still, our polarization has hindered us from mobilizing as one strong voice. We all come together in the month of June to celebrate Gay Pride, but few of us are even aware of why Gay Pride exists. Gay Pride is a celebration to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Many say that the Gay Rights Movement began in 1969, which means that we are still a young movement and have accomplished a great deal in such a short amount of time. The generation that fought for us in 1969 deserves our gratitude and respect. This is a generation of amazing people who fought for our ability to hold hands in the street, to speak out against hate, to dance to our own “thumpa thump”, witness television shows with a queer cast, and come together in the streets celebrating for an entire month! This is the generation that opened the doors for us to even have a conversation about gay marriage, and this is the generation that deserves our help and our voices now. On June 27th, 1969, this generation came together in protest, jumping from closets, taking to the streets, and mobilizing in ways this country had never seen before! And what happened? The country was forced to respond. The Queer identity was forced onto the front pages and coffee tables of people’s worlds and people had to once and for all accept that we are human too!
Now, almost 40 years later we NEED to come together again. We need to show this nation that we are ONE LOUD VOICE THAT DEMANDS TO BE HEARD! We need to be one organized unit. Our gay pride shouldn’t be something we celebrate one month out of the year. Our gratitude towards the ones who came before us shouldn’t be ignored and wasted away with one party after another. We beg to be given a right that requires responsibility and commitment, yet we, as one strong community, have not proven to this nation that we deserve to be taken seriously! The gay pride parade has become a great party, but it has lost the memory of Stonewall and therefor given the nation another reason to cast us aside as irresponsible. It’s time we come together for debate, for public recognition, and for LOVE! Let’s move as one full unit, on the same day, at the same hour, and let’s show the United States of America that we too are UNITED CITIZENS EQUAL IN MIND, BODY, SPIRIT AND DESERVING OF FULL EQUALITY UNDER THE LAW!
On the steps of your City Hall on November 15th at 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST, our community WILL take to the streets and speak out against Proposition 8 and all of the other pro-equality losses that we have faced in our lifetimes, in our parents’ lifetimes, and for many generations before us. WE CAN’T DO THIS ALONE! WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need organizers in every major city to work with us and get out the protest! I know you’re all tired from all of the work you’ve done for this great election year, but I’m asking for one more push! Let the country hear our voices together. Let them see that we are a strong, adamant, and powerful community that deserves equal rights, and CAN’T BE DEFEATED!
Send this post to everyone! We have one week and must react to the pro-hate votes cast against us! Let’s help our LGBTQ friends, families, neighbors, and each other to IMPACT this country with a demand for our basic human rights! Join the cause, join the voice, and JOIN THE IMPACT!
LOS ANGELES (AP) - On the first Sunday after a gay marriage ban passed in California, activists rallied in defiance, including hundreds of protesters outside an Orange County megachurch whose pastor brought Barack Obama and John McCain together last summer for a "faith forum." > Full Story. [11/11/08]
PROPOSITION 8 VOTE DISAPPOINTING, SHOWS GREAT 8-YEAR PROGRESS SAN FRANCISCO – NO on Prop 8 campaign leaders today expressed deep disappointment with the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Although final ballots still continue to be counted during the next 30 days, campaign leaders do not believe those votes will be enough to overcome the small deficit of no votes needed to prevent Prop 8 from passing. > Full Story. [11/7/08]
Out in Honolulu News Ticker
Now you can get Out In Honolulu news right on your home page or website for
free! Click HERE for all the details!
