Friday, July 28, 2006

Riga Under Siege

As many of you know, Eric's family is from Latvia. This small Baltic country suffered greatly throughout history and turns 15 this year with its (newest) independence with the fall of the USSR.

Last weekend, Mozaika, an umbrella gay rights group, put on Latvia's second pride parade. They were denied a pride parade permit by the Riga city council, a ban that was upheld by a higher court in Latvia. This is in clear violation of EU principles ... what's more it opened the door for attacks and slurs on GLBT people (who met instead in a private hotel). Anti-gay protestors hurled rocks, eggs and excrement with hardly a slap on the wrist.

Blue-Style-Canopy is thinking of ways to respond.

Malan says good-bye



Onto a lighter subject ...

PROJECT RUNWAY Season 3 is now being shown on NBC on Monday nights starting at 8 p.m. This is great news for anyone who leads a cable-free life.

Last Monday, Malan, was ousted. I thought the executives would keep him on for sure (that maniacal laugh had such entertainment value). Alas, Malan wasn't the villain everyone assumed him to be ... like any bad guy he was wielding his wickedness as cover for his insecurities. He told the camera that his mother disapproved of his artistic skills as a child. He even ended up crying at having to leave.

I hate to say it, but I'm going to miss him. Those designers can be so volatile!

Any predictions for the top three?

It Girl, Friday, July 28, 2006: Cheryl Coakley-Rivera

So although this Beacon Hill brouhaha happened on Wednesday, July 19, Cheryl still gets her IT GIRL status for standing up to Representative Philip Travis. The following argument was centered around the creation of a statutory "Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth," a program formerly known as the "Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth."

William Weld instituted the panel in 1992 after he read a disturbing national report chronicling the high rates of suicide in gay and lesbian youth. Romney made news this May when he tried to dismantle the panel (because he's an asshole).

Rep. Travis sponsored one of the harshest and earliest gay marriage bills (H.4840) in 2001 which died in session. Anyone read what Cheryl has to say:

Transcript over Commission of Gay and Lesbian Youth
By Thomas E. Kilduff

Rep. Travis: “The only thing I wanted to say before we take a vote on this issue without any discussion is to tell you what it is. And you can determine yourself whether you wish to vote green or vote red. And I’d like to ask someone who’s carrying this particular section forward to come to the microphone and explain why it’s necessary to have a duplicate commission? The governor’s commission now is to have a governor’s commission on gay and lesbian youth … we fund that, that’s used in our school systems, explaining exactly what the title says.”

“Now there’s a brand new section in the budget the governor vetoed called the gay youth commission. It’s at least redundant number one and number two I would like to know if any of my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, could explain the need for this and the money and why it doesn’t come under any state department whatsoever. It’s redundant yet separate to something we already have on the books.”

“None of us, myself included, have ever voted against the original formation of that commission under the governor’s office and I for one would like someone, finally, to listen to what we’re doing this evening and explain why we need it. I don’t think we do … I think it’s redundant and it’s a program that’s being beat into our school systems and this money will be spent on the homosexual discussion within the community.”

Chairman Donato: “Chair apologizes to the gentleman at the microphone. For what purpose does the lady rise?”

Cheryl Coakley-Rivera (from afar): “Does the gentleman yield?”

Chairman Donato: “Does the gentleman yield?”

Rep. Travis: “The gentleman yields.”

Chairman Donato: “The gentleman yields … the Chairman recognizes Ms. Coakley-Rivera of Springfield.”

Cheryl Coakley-Rivera: “You know, Mr. Speaker, for a long time I’ve sat here, for eight years and you’ve talked about gay and lesbian youth and I’ve listened to the hate in this chamber and I’ve listened to the hate of the man who just walked away from the microphone and that is why we need commissions! So children don’t commit suicide, so people like the gentleman who just walked away from the microphone don’t continue to feed hate, so children don’t take drugs because they’re so confused at the mixed messages they’re getting, because they feel something is wrong with them! They feel that something is so wrong with them that they have to take their own life! This is why we have commissions. This is why we need two commissions.”

Chairman Donato: (slaps gavel) “The Chair apologizes to the lady. Chair will have a brief recess.”

Chairman Donato: “For what purpose does the gentleman rise?”… On a personal privilege.”

Rep. Travis: “A colleague does not attack a colleague … no matter how vehement they feel about an issue. I have not attacked anybody personally; the lady at the microphone attacked me. I would only want to make a point as a personal privilege that we have just done a line item on the question of suicide and voted that well over the two thirds needed to override the governor’s veto. We’re not talking on that point, that point has been settled. Therefore I wish to address the question I asked, that’s the only reason I took the microphone.”

Chairman Donato: “The Chair will pay close attention to the debate to ensure that the debate is centered around the issue.”

Rep. Travis: “I apologize to the lady at the microphone for interrupting her speech, go ahead, please.”

Chairman Donato: “The Chair recognizes Ms. Coakley-Rivera.”

Cheryl Coakley-Rivera: “So back to my point, because there is so much hate and bigotry about gays, about me, about my sexuality … but I was one of the few that made it out, that’s able to stand here tall and say that I am able to love a woman in such a loving and endearing way, but not everybody can do that and God made me and my straight parents made me and they love me for who I am and I love your children for who they are and for who they may be! So that’s why we create commissions … to help people understand the differences of the world, to help our children understand the differences of the world, so they can better deal with the hate and the bigotry of the world … so when we talk about do we have one commission, do we have two commissions on gays and lesbians and youth and this… C’mon we all know what this is about … this is about how people don’t like gays and lesbians and don’t like their lifestyle and they use the church to excuse their hate or their bigotry. The bottom line is, to the gentleman, we need as many commissions to deal with children who are committing suicide, who are taking drugs, who are dealing with gay and lesbian issues, that’s just one of many, we have so many other commissions to deal with so many different problems in the Commonwealth and this is just one of many … Thank you. Mr. Speaker.”

Chairman Donato: “Mr. Travis of Rehoboth, for what purpose does the gentleman rise? The Chair recognizes Mr. Travis of Rehoboth.”

Rep. Travis: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my lips have said to you what that lady has said to you, I apologize to all of you. I never spoke any word that she reiterated from this microphone. I asked the question simply, why do we need a second commission? She answered it for you without you saying a word. My grandchildren are exposed in first grade to what she says they have to learn early in life. Some people in Massachusetts feel that that’s too early. If the commission in place is doing its proper job and is exposing our children to different lifestyles under the law, I have to accept that. I have no argument with that; I don’t have any ground to say I have a problem with it because it is the law. We are creating a brand new commission, a second commission on the same activity and she said it, we need all the time and money or whatever we have to to influence our children. My point of view is different. My point of view is exposure at the earliest stages is wrong and parents tell me that on a day-to-day basis. If I don’t have the right to speak that at the microphone as a legislator representing the majority view of my district, then I’m sorry to the lady of Springfield, I’m not doing my job. My job is to not let this pass; it is not in the public interest. It is not in the best interest of the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and I stand on that premise, my honor, my word I do not attack any gay or straight person for any reason, I have never done that in my career in twenty-four years and I’m not going to start this evening, but I will not be put down by someone who is of the other persuasion who thinks that I am a bigot. You’re picking on me as a straight person and I resent that and I have the greatest respect for the lady from Springfield and I always will no matter what the circumstances while I serve in this House and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”

Saturday, July 22, 2006

It Girl, Friday, July 21, 2006: Katya



The It Girl for this week is none other than Katya! Click on www.truthserum.org for more info! An interview with Katya is below. The lovely photo of her was taken by Eric Hess of In Newsweekly.


BSC: Katya, how were you brought to the United States? And how long have you
been here?

Katya: I have been in United States for only short time. I arrived shortly after
Christmas 2005. I came from Paris, where I had been living for ten years.
I love Paris, but I had to escape very turbulent marriage to a scumbag
painter with whom I shared cock-roach infested apartment on the Seine. I
choose America because I have better chances of making millions here.

BSC: Are you single? Looking?

Katya: I am currently single, and yes, of course, I am looking. In spring and
summer months I feel extraordinary longing in my erogenous zones. Here in
America, I feel the freedom of aggressively fulfilling my sexual needs. In
Russia women are pursued, and taken care of---is very old-fashioned. I
ignore this back-ward thinking: I am woman of 21st century. I am also
bisexual.

BSC: How did you get involved with Traniwreck?

Katya: Well, I did not plan to arrive in Boston. I thought it was New York, so
straight from the airport, I told the taxi driver to take me to Broadway. I
arrived at Broadway full of confusion, because I was sure that there would
be bright lights and many tourists. Instead, there was only sleazy cabaret
on corner of street called "Jacque's." When I realized this mistake, I said
to myself,"Well, I do not have enough money to travel to New York, so let's
see what happens." I went into the club, I demanded they give me job, and
here we are. Is very strange club, though. It is filled with transvestites.

BSC: I notice that you perform to a lot of Russian pop music, what do you
like when it comes to American music?

Katya: American music is shit. Especially the popular music of the current moment.
Russian music is better, because it is art and it is poetry as well as
music. Of course, there is plenty of Russian music that tries to copy
American style, but that music is also shit.

BSC: What happened during the fourth of July? Did the authorities try to haul
you away? Are you here illegally?

Katya: It was very stressful situation. The immigration police entered the club,
undercover, and seized me during one of my numbers. Frankly speaking, I was
petrified. But after some very difficult, very taxing negotiations, the
agents and I were able to come to an agreement which grants me permission to
stay in the country for indefinite period of time. I cannot describe the
amount of verbal and physical gymnastics I had to perform in order to seal
that crappy deal.

BSC: Do you have a role model?

I have many role models. I draw inspiration from Alla Pugacheva, perhaps
the most well-known and cherished singer in Russia. My mother, whom I knew
for only short time (although not exactly role model---she was prostitute)
watches over me and gives me courage. I try to recognize strength and
beauty in everyone, even the crippled homeless woman who nearly vomited on
my shoes this morning. We are all children of God, and we are all special.

BSC: When and where can people hear you perform?

I perform on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mondays at Jacque's Cabaret on 79
Broadway. Come see the show! I am also available for weddings, baby
showers, birthdays and any other special occaision (my fee is six figures.)

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

FMA fails miserably

The vote to insill the Federal Marriage Amendment failed by 47 votes; not meeting the 2/3 majority. Is this an instance where the federal government is showing less discrimation than some of the states?

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Nebraska and Tennessee swept up in discrimination craze

Sometimes I wonder if people blame gay marriage in Massachusetts for Bush recapturing the presidency in 2004. It's hard to blame Nebraska and Tennessee for being a tough place for GLBTers, but New York and New Jersey. Maybe all these setbacks for marriage will be a prelude for the democrats taking Congress in November. Let's hope.

Friday, July 14, 2006

"It Girl," Friday, July 14, 2006: Praying for Hate





I don't know who this guy is but he certainly stays on message. This photo was captured at the tail end of the latest constitutional convention (con-con) in which legislators decided to recess the con-con until Thursday, November 9, two days after election. He is this week's "It Girl". Photo courtesy of Eric Hess.

Just in case you can't see his sign, it says: "Praying for Hate is Evil"

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Episode One: introducing the villains

The First Episode

Last night I heard some bad news. My mother, in the suburbs, did not have *BRAVO*. Gasp. Needless to say, I was worried. It was 8 p.m. when I received word. Eric suggested I knock on Robyn’s door and ask her if we could watch the two-hour kickoff to “Project Runway: Season Three”. Robyn obliged, but was so tired by the end, that she said it didn’t look like a possibility for us to continue watching the show for the rest of the season in her apartment.

I am doing my best to convince us to watch it at her place *religiously*. I even bribed her by promising to make her a future “It Girl” on Blue-Style-Canopy, (the fact is because she oozes fabulosity independent of her generosity, and I was going to make her an “It Girl” already). Pray that events turn out for the best!

So …

In regards to the first episode as well as the preceding hour of casting calls, it is quite easy to see who the villains are.

But first my list of the likeable candidates:

- Robert Best (Parsons student who likes BARBIE)
- Uli Herzner (a German living in Miami)
- Kayne Gillapsie (the redhead, former vet technician who has a shop in Oklahoma and likes Dolly Parton)
- Michael Knight (great style, low-key, humble African-American)
- Laura Bennett (likeable)
- Alison Kelly (25 year old New Yorker who’s cute)

The first project involved designers’ ravishing their shared ATLAS apartments for raw materials. They went ape-shit. Keith Michael, 34, was the winner making a simple elegant navy blue dress out of bed sheets with his backside strewn with big red ribbons.

Corporate big-head, Stacey Estrella, was out due to lackluster, ill-fitting design.

Villains to watch out for:

- Malan Breton (didn’t anyone notice his AUSTIN POWERS laugh except the scary part is it’s not an imitation)
- Jeffrey Sebelia (Jeffrey was displaying some of Santiago’s egotistical quirks both in his language and design … can we say *foofaraw*?

Monday, July 10, 2006

Season Three: Project Runway



There are two types of reality shows. The first is of the low-brow variety that regurgitates the same old formula and dog-eat-dog tactics (think “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” or MTV’s “Real World”) and then the superior type of reality show that actually involves talent or adventure.

One of my fave reality tv shows is “The Amazing Race” where people have to use their travel savvy to pursue a global scavenger hunt.

As for reality tv shows that involve art and talent, my first love was Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model”. It was lots of fun and deliciously addictive. Now, however, the crown goes to “Project Runway” produced by German supermodel Heidi Klum.

Every Thursday, Blue-Style-Canopy will review each episode of “Season Three: Project Runway,” offering critiques, trivia questions, news flashes and interviews. Season Three starts on Wednesday night, July 12 at 9 pm on BRAVO. Every week I will take the train to the suburbs to watch the show with my mother (I don’t have cable … we do Netflix). Such is my dedication to this 21st century gem!

The show is the pinnacle of pursuing your dreams and making the world a better place through fashion. If you missed the first two seasons, now is your chance to see what all the buzz is about.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Constitution Trumps All

The following is a post by Globe Columnist, Eileen McNamara; aptly titled "Constitution Trumps All". If you have time, give her a big 'thank you' for shedding some logic on the gay marriage issue. Her email address is: mcnamara@globe.com.

-----------------------


EILEEN MCNAMARA
Constitution trumps all
By Eileen McNamara, Globe Columnist | July 9, 2006

If we had just ``let the people vote," black children would have been confined to segregated classrooms, wives would have remained the property of their husbands, and slaves the chattel of their masters.

That is worth remembering this week as both sides in the politically divisive issue of gay marriage use everyone from the owner of the New England Patriots to the cardinal-archbishop of Boston to argue for or against the right of same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts.

In the end, what the state Constitution says matters more than what Bob Kraft or Sean O'Malley think.

That document, written by John Adams to include equal protection guarantees 88 years before the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, requires the recognition of same-sex marriages in the Commonwealth as a matter of equality under the law. As Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall of the Supreme Judicial Court observed in the 2003 decision that legalized gay marriage, ``The Massachusetts Constitution is, if anything, more protective of individual liberty and equality than the federal Constitution; it may demand broader protection for fundamental rights; and is less tolerant of government intrusion into the protected spheres of private life."

That is why, in 1981, the SJC invalidated as unconstitutional a state law banning public funding of medically necessary abortions. To do so, the high court ruled, would treat poor women as a class separate and unequal to their more prosperous neighbors. That discrimination is illegal under the Massachusetts Constitution, the SJC ruled, even though the US Supreme Court had found no such protection for poor women in the federal Constitution.

The state Legislature will meet Wednesday to consider a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage. The measure needs the votes of at least 50 lawmakers this year and again next year to be included on the ballot in November 2008. Lawmakers should not be cowed by cries of ``let the people vote." Fundamental civil rights are not a matter to be put to popular referendum.

It is not disrespectful to say to those with deeply held religious convictions against homosexuality that the law has a broader obligation. The question before the court in 2003, like the question before the Legislature meeting in Constitutional Convention on Wednesday, is about the civil, not the religious, definition of marriage. The issue is not who shall be blessed, but who shall be licensed.

As Justice John M. Greaney wrote in his concurring opinion in Goodridge v. The Department of Public Health, ``. . . as a matter of constitutional law, neither the mantra of tradition, nor individual conviction, can justify the perpetuation of a hierarchy in which couples of the same-sex and their families are deemed less worthy of social and legal recognition than couples of the opposite sex and their families."

For two years now in Massachusetts, same-sex couples have been marrying, rearing children, and contributing to their communities without causing harm to those who find their unions morally objectionable. That some take offense at same-sex marriage is regrettable, not actionable. The social disintegration predicted by many when laws against interracial marriage began to collapse across this country did not materialize either. That does not mean everyone in America is yet comfortable with interracial marriage; it means the law affords them no remedy for their discomfort.

The four Roman Catholic bishops of Massachusetts claim that those who allow the Goodridge decision to stand suffer from ``an exaggerated sense of entitlement." This is an odd perspective from religious leaders who aim to impose their doctrinal beliefs in a matter that is settled constitutional law in this Commonwealth.

Eileen McNamara is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at mcnamara@globe.com.

© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

It Girl, Friday, July 7, 2006: Lady Liberty




Jeez, this blog looks like it was created by Rush Limbaugh or worse, Ann Coulter. I assure you that the Canopy is not as jingoist as it looks ... next week's It-Girl will be a Russian trannie. I promise.

Lady Liberty still raises the window and torch to this great country. Now only if she could speak, she may tell us to improve our own lot, instead of spending time destroying others'.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

New York Nixes Gay Marriage

http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2006-07-06T134245Z_01_N06375057_RTRUKOC_0_US-RIGHTS-GAYS.xml

Now we have to wait from Washington State, where a Supreme Court ruling is pending.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Happy Independence Day!




http://www.50states.us/state-flags/

I like Arizona's the best.