My Weekend Crush

The world will be throwing one hell of a Pussy Riot tonight. Members of the feminist Russian punk band Pussy Riot was sentenced to two years in prison today for the charge of “hooliganism,” or a little something most of the rest of us call free speech. The trio – Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Yekaterina Samutsevich and Maria Alyokhina – were arrested in March for performing an anti-Putin song on the altar of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior two weeks earlier. Since then they’ve been jailed and their cause has drawn national attention and support from the likes of Madonna, Kathleen Hanna, Peter Gabriel and Chloe Sevigny. Their supporters have also coined my favorite slogan of all time, “Free Pussy Riot.” But today in Moscow the sentence was handed down during the course of a two and a half hour reading of the damning evidence against them. According to Jezebel, those included “provocative” behavior, engaging in “homosexual propaganda” and being “motivated by religious enmity and hatred.” The religious persecution stuff was a large crux of the state’s argument with witnesses saying the group had caused them “moral harm,” which, let’s be real – phooey.

All this comes on the same day that a Moscow court banned gay pride celebrations in the city for the next 100 years. Yes, ONE HUNDRED YEARS. Yeah, it’s a bad day to be a freedom-loving Muscovite. The women of Pussy Riot have remained resolute and defiant in the face of such tyranny. Their restated their opposition today and even laughed as some of the “evidence” was read. As absurd as all this sounds to our ears, it’s a very real reminder that freedom of speech and the right to protest are still not universal. That women, especially those who assert their rights, are still being quashed and quieted. That simple act of being yourself can be criminal. So we can’t stop fighting until it isn’t. FREE PUSSY RIOT. Happy weekend, all.

p.s. Added bonus, the fact that now news anchors across the world must actually say the words “Pussy Riot.”

Perfect ten hut

A lot of kind of gayish things happened this past week. Miley Cyrus got an alternative lifestyle haircut. Gillian Anderson said she only did that alternative lifestyle thing that once. And Anderson Cooper’s boyfriend took alternative to mean additional when he was caught kissing some other guy in Central Park. But amid the frivolous flotsam that keeps things fun, was one very significant event.

The United States Armed Forced promoted its very first openly gay general. Twenty-six year Army veteran Tammy Smith was promoted to brigadier general, making her the first general to come out while still serving. Her wife, Tracey Hepner, pinned her star onto her uniform in a private ceremony at Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery last Friday.

Smith told NPR Talk of the Nation that the she felt “full, authentic and complete performing that ceremony with my family.” She said before the repeal she was forced to compartmentalize her professional and personal lives, a not-so-neat trick so many of us are terribly familiar with. Tracey didn’t attend events with her before. Now she does.

This moment was, of course, brought to us directly by the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the policy that forced had previously our brave military men and women to serve in silence. Think about that when folks get apathetic about voting this November. Those two rich white guys with names who start with R both very much want to bring back “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – in addition to various other parts of the Stone Age.

Of course, some folks will say what’s the big whoop? This is just another soldier being promoted for hard work and faithful dedication. Others will say it isn’t enough. This is just show because while Tracey was able to publicly attend the ceremony, she still won’t be eligible to receive her wife’s military benefits. All of this is true. But there is always a first and it will always be important. There is value and strength being reminded that we are everywhere and are capable of doing everything. May there be many more out generals and may there be more steps toward full equality. A grateful nation thanks you, Brig. Gen. Smith.

Teen Lesbian Wolf

You know when you hear a potential storyline and think, yeah, that’ll never get made? Well, color me wrong. That teenage lesbian werewolf movie (say that six times fast) actually got made. Yes, actually. It actually has a trailer and actually will be coming to VOD and theaters this fall. Yes, actually. That little teenage lesbian werewolf ditty about “Jack & Diane” is coming to the screen.

Sure, it didn’t end up starring Ellen Page and Olivia Thirlby as originally planned. But Juno Temple and Riley Keogh stepped in with an assist from Kylie Minogue to challenge take a bite out of the coveted werewolf market. (I’m kidding, that’s not really a thing. Just don’t tell Team Jacob fans, ok?) The result looks like a cross between “All Over Me,” “An American Werewolf in London” and every microscopic forensic scene from “CSI.” Think I’m kidding, see for yourself.

Will it be any good? I really don’t know. But haven’t we all already won because a teenage lesbian werewolf movie exists in the first place. Now that’s almost reason enough to howl at the moon. Almost.

Army strong

Trigger Warning: Rape and sexual assault trigger warning.

Yes, I still miss the Olympics. But you know what helps a little? Seeing Jennifer Beals and Troian Bellisario acting together – and in uniform no less. Remember back in May when I got all excited about the WIGS webseries? Well the Beals/Bellisario episodes, called “Lauren,” have just been posted. Let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. This is not Bette Porter and this is not Spencer Hastings. But these are two very strong, very compelling female characters with a very strong, very compelling story to tell. And a hard one to watch as well.

To be honest, I almost didn’t keep watching when I realized the story was about a soldier’s gang rape by members of her own platoon. For sure, it is an important story to tell. As the series says, more than 3,000 sexual assaults are reported in the U.S. Military last year. And those were just the reported ones. But it’s just this kind of injustice in the face of ingrained misogyny and patriarchy are always hard to watch. And, yes, it’s hard to see the artist formerly known as Bette Porter defending the system instead of the victim. But, this is just the first episode of three. So, I fully expect things to if not change at least deepen in complexity.

So will I keep watching until the end? Yes. Because it is an important story. Because it is well acted. Because it is important to support female-centric projects in a male-centric industry. And because it’s tripping me out seeing Bette talk in a Southern accent. But mostly all that other stuff. For more on Beals' decision to take the role, check out her interview at AfterEllen. Stay brave, soldier, stay brave.

Victory dance

I miss the Olympics. Like a lot. Like a lot a lot. Like so much I have resorted to consoling myself by completing menial tasks, then raising my arms in mock victory and humming the national anthem during a pretend medal ceremony. OK, not really. But in my heart, yes. So this Monday after we’ve all recovered from our Olympic hangover, please celebrate with a victory dance à la our esteemed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Hilz for Rump Shaker in Chief 2012. Oh yeah, 30 seconds in you’ll be feeling me.

My Weekend Crush

Oh, those glorious golden goal-scoring goddess. Look, I’m not the kind of person to go on and on about American exceptionalism. Honestly, I don’t think it exists as a singular concept. We all have the ability to be exceptional. Borders are just lines drawn on the ground. That said, I do believe in celebrating exceptionalism of all kinds when it happens. So, you know, congratu-fucking-lations Team USA! We could talk for hours about blown calls and bad calls. And certainly, there were both. But you can’t fault these ladies hearts. You can’t fault their fight. Their determination to leave every last drop of their humanness on the field. And that they did. And gold they won.

I have never been a sporty person, this is no secret. I’m more of the trip on air, spill my drink for no reason kind of person. But I sure do appreciate those who work and sweat and toil and persevere. Which, in part, is why I love the Olympics so much. The Olympics are the culmination of hard work and big dreams. It’s where tangible physical training and the ethereal human spirit meet to make 14 days of magic. I love it all from the parading of athletes into the arena to the extinguishing of the torch and promise that the youth of the world will reassemble in four years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics (minus some serious grumbles about programming schedules and the inability to avoid spoilers). And I’ve unabashedly enjoyed the women’s soccer competition. Was I an unapologetic homer? You bet I was. Am I in awe of all the countries’ teams and astonishing play? You better bet even more I was. Congratulations to all the teams, including bronze medalist Canada and silver medalist Japan.

And with that, let’s wallow in a little Team USA porn, shall we? Yes, we very much shall. Thank you, world. Let’s do it again in four year. Happy weekend, all.

[Click any and all to enlarge]

Freeze Frame

What I love here is the variations of “OH SHIT” on all the US players’ faces.

Ohno She Di’int

Yeah, I went there.

Jump Jump

In case you were worried the game didn’t feature a Pinoe Leap. Fear not, it did.

Old Glory

They’ll be proud way past twilight’s last gleaming.

Power Lloyd

Move over Dobler, this is my favorite Lloyd now.

SGALGG

I could have used this one yesterday, ladies.

BONUS: Shirtless Pinoe: The Experience in Three Parts

BONUS BONUS: Hell, year, there’s a Party in the USA!

SGALGG: Olympic Kiss Edition

Whenever I do a themed picture post, I inevitably always get the “BUT YOU MISSED…” comments. Which, of course, I did. There is no way for me to include every single photo when I curate my compilations. But sometimes when the source material is so good, the sheer quantity so massive, you are forced to go back to the well for another heaping helping. But today, instead of just the joy of women celebrating together, we celebrate the job of women kissing together. Because going for the gold wouldn’t be complete without victorious sweet lady kisses. Smooch on, world.

Aliya Mustafina, Russia & Gabby Douglas, US, gymnastics

Musty seemed much more into her kiss with fellow Russian teammate Victoria Komova than Gabby. The Cold War continues, I guess.

Ona Carbonell Ballestero & Andrea Fuentes Fache, Spain, synchronized swimming

Silver in synchronized swimming, gold in synchronized kissing.

Daria Iushko & Kysenia Sydorenko, Ukraine, synchronized swimming

But this kiss is the one that caused the biggest, shall we say, waves in the pool.
[Hat tip for the photo, Margaret in Boston!]

Adriana Araujo, Brazil & Saida Khassenova, Kazakhstan, lightweight boxing

Tough sport, tender moment.

Erica Matos, Brazil & Karlha Magliocco, Venezuela, flyweight boxing

Seriously, all fights should end with a kiss.

Kim Ji-yeon, South Korea & Olga Kharlan, Ukraine, sabre fencing

If you can’t steal in a kiss on the medal stand, where can you?

Britta Heidemann, Germany & Yana Shemyakina, Ukraine, epee fencing

Now that’s what I call getting your parry and thrust on.

Elisabeth Pinedo Saenz & teammate, Spain, handball

In the absence of softball, I believe handball has taken over as the gayest “ball” sport at the Olympics.

Chana Masson & Deonise Cavaleiro, Brazil, handball

I rest my case.

Juliana Silva & Larissa Franca, Brazil, beach volleyball

Women in bikinis kissing? God bless you, Olympics.

Anastasia Zueva, Russia & Elizabeth Beisel, US, swimming

Women in swimsuits kissing? Really, Olympics, you are too kind.

Misty May-Treanor/Kerri Walsh Jennings & Jennifer Kessy/April Ross, US, volleyball

Many of you complained about my lack of beach volleyball love. Trust me, I love it. I particularly love how Misty May and Kerru held hands throughout the medal ceremony and then through the entire post-match interview with Bob Costas. They didn’t even need to kiss, they were that married.

SGALGG: Olympic Celebration Edition

Few things are quite as wonderful as women celebrating together. Something about the shared revelry after hard-fought accomplishment just brings out some of the qualities I love best in my fellow ladies. Exuberance. Compassion. Joy – so much joy. And it doesn’t hurt that a lot of times when female athletes celebrate they look remarkably like Straight Gals Acting Like Gay Gals, especially at the Olympics. So in celebration of celebration, here is a celebratory Olympic SGALGG. Though, it should be noted that I make no claims that all the women celebrating are exclusively straight. And that’s just another reason to celebrate.

Jessica Ennis, Great Britain, heptathlon, gold

These two lucky ladies are just doing what we all wish we could do.

Sally Pearson, Australia & Kellie Wells, United States, 100m hurdles, gold & bronze

What I love is when the bronze medal winner is just as excited as the gold medal winner.

Brazil, handball

Hugging each other with your legs in friendship should be an Olympic sport.

Alexandra Tsiavou & Christina Giazitzidou, Greece, double sculls, bronze

This looks like their wedding photo.

This looks like their honeymoon photo.

Russian, basketball

Hugging each other with your arms in friendship is already an Olympic sport.

Camille Muffat, Charlotte Bonnet & Coralie Balmy, France, freestyle swimming relay

And the French have won the Escher arms gold medal.

Sanya Richards-Ross & DeeDee Trotter, United States, 400m race, gold & silver

And the Americans won the Heartfelt arms gold medal.

Norway, handball

Cuddle puddle!

Kristina Vogel & Miriam Welte, Germany, sprint track cycling, gold

Now that’s a bicycle build for two.

Yujie Sun & Anqi Xu, China, team fencing, gold

By all means, please kiss.

Missy Franklin and Elizabeth Beisel, United States, 200m backstroke, gold & bronze

Same goes for you two.

Karina Bryant, Great Britain, judo, bronze

I’m not sure this celebratory pose is entirely consensual.

USA, team rowing, gold

I can’t say for sure what is happening here, but this many women holding another woman by her arms and legs is at the very least a little gay.

Love, Olympics

Turns out coming back from four days in New York is a lot more draining than it seems. Yesterday I just turned on the Olympics after coming home from work and passed the fuck out. So if you, like me, need a little lift, please enjoy these 2.5 minutes of inspiration. It’s the entire Olympic stadium singing “All You Need it Love.” Though my case, all you need is love and possibly a good night’s sleep. Play on, world.

Jump around

You know what I’d like? I’d like to be jumped on by Megan Rapinoe. OK, wait, wait. Not like that. Well, also like that. But the kind of jumping I’m talking about is the celebratory jumping. Rapinoe is a self-described “mauler” when it comes to celebrating. And what that means is if you score a goal, you’re going to get jumped on. So in honor of what I hope will be many Rapinoe jumps today onto fellow teammates in the U.S. semifinals match against Canada, here is a breakdown of the art of being mauled by Megan Rapinoe.

How to Prepare


Front Maul

Back Maul

Group Maul

Bonus: Anticipating The Maul

Good luck, ladies. May the jumps be with you.

Olympic Vacattion Vixen: Kayla Harrison

What I love about the Olympics, besides everything, are the interesting sports you never get to see on TV. Like rowing and archery and judo. When placed in the Olympic setting, these skills seem monumental and fascinating. Of course, they’re monumental and fascinating all the time. But the Olympics are required to finally shine the spotlight on the results of years of hard work, dedication and sweat. So today, please enjoy U.S. gold medal winning judo bad ass Kayla Harrison. Also, is it just me or does she totally look like the more buff big sister of Heather Morris?

Olympic Vacation Vixen: Gabby Douglas

Only 16. Already Golden. Going for more today. And this is how she eats her breakfast. I see a Wheaties box in her future.

Olympic Vacation Vixen: Elena Pirozhkova

So I’m leaving for BlogHer today. Yes, I will be in New York talking about this crazy writing on The Interwbes thing to a group of amazing women. If you’re about, come see my session “Blogging For the Love of It.” But fear not, while I’m away I will of course be posting Vacation Vixens. And, true to my word, I will continue my Olympic fever by making them Olympic Vacation Vixens.

Today, my admiration comes not from an Olympic act on the field of competition, but in the game of life. Because you’ve got to hand it to out* US Olympic wrestler Elena Pirozhkova who quite literally picked up First Lady Michelle Obama last week. That’s even better than going for the gold.

*Guess the Washington Blade jumped the gun on the whole out thing. But still, awesome.