President-elect Barrack Obama stands poised to appoint Tom Vilsack to the position of Secretary of Agriculture despite the man’s reputation for being a high-tech, anti-organic proponent in favor of genetic engineering of seeds and cloning of animals, among other practices. He is also considered a “Monsanto boy.” (See the Organic Consumers Association page “Millions Against Monsanto” http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm)
HERE’S EPISODE 608 from YouTube (NOTE: ALL 6 installments I had originally posted here were taken down by YouTube due to copyright claim by CBS. I have re-posted Espisode 608 here in 7 parts that were active links at YouTube as of 12:44 pm EST/DS 4-8-09 . MsQ)
🙂
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME, THE L WORD AND CBS. I OWN NOTHING. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
Please note (3-3-09): There are several updated posts relating to The L Word’s Final Season and the “Who Killed Jenny?” Mystery (LOL). Please also see:
In a publicity campaign reminiscent, in Kate Moennig’s words, of “Who Shot J.R.?” (ref= actor Larry Hagman character in 1978-1991 prime-time TV series Dallas whose “murder” became the topic of pop-culture discussions everywhere TV fans gathered…) the murder of character Jenny Schecter in The L Word, record-breaking ShowTime series about a group of West Hollywood Lesbian friends and lovers, is rapidly approaching the same sort of season-long intrigue and mystery.
With so many other more “heady” matters weighing upon us in the “real world” forgive me for a little indulgence into the “non-reality” TV pop-culture.
Jenny Schecter is one of those characters that people love to hate. Credit the talented actress Mia Kirshner, who has developed the character over the last 5 years of TLW with many a masterful twist and turn that has given Jenny a facinating edge. Even though I know there would be alot of people who would disagree with me, I believe that Jenny is one of those modern “tragic heroines” that we used to love to tear apart in English or Theater Literature classes. She could have been one dimensional, but instead she is extremely complex. My compliments to Mia, and the writers who let her run with it.
There’s only 8 episodes in this “final season” – all of which are complete. So the “mystery” is being well-guarded and craftily revealed to the general public in tiny snatches from the network (and in some cases larger chunks from all those clever You-Tube and TLW related site posters who specialize in “spoilers.”)
Eight weeks from January 18th, The L Word will step into history as a modern day pop-culture icon. Hopefully it will also be the trailblazer for other significant LGBT programs and not just a token “phenomenon.”
Here’s the latest “official” teaser from Showtime (found on YouTube):
VIDEO PROPERTY OF SHOWTIME. No Copyright infringement intended. I OWN NOTHING.
ADDENDUM 1-25-09: HERE’S EPISODE 601 IN ITS ENTIRETY, COURTESY OF SHOWTIME (embedding disabled):
So, what do you say when your child announces to you that she or he is “gay?” If you’re looking for the ultimate quintessential answer here out of desperation, you can quit reading now. There is no set “one line” or “approved script” of how to handle delicate interpersonal communications with loved ones – especially the “coming out” issue.
Suggestion: DON’T GO CRAZY. If you feel yourself launching into a judgement, take a moment to ask yourself, “Who’s that talking?” Is what you may be about to spew all over your own flesh and blood something that you really subscribe to? Or might you be about to premanently render your relationship to your daughter or son altered irrevocably as the result of somebody else’s programs???????
What I mean here is that we all tend to act and react through “filters” – attitudes, opinions and automatic behaviors we have acquired throughout our lives, by observation, upbringing and conditioning (family, community, social-cultural influences, etc.) In other words, we as humans tend to interact with our world and each other as the sum total of the parts that we have taken on from other people in our lives – almost like “valences” that may not necessarily be the real me or the realyou.
But given a particular stimulus, BAM – before we can even think through the situation in front of us – up comes one of those “ghosts” – from somebody else’s past – (i.e. parents, clergy, teachers, authority figures) – like one of those annoying pop-ups that invade your computer screen and you really don’t want it, and don’t quite know how to get rid of it.
This is not to make any of those influence wrong. All those people that are part of our personal make-up are not “bad” – they just are not really us. They are “impressions” we hold onto because we don’t know how to release them without judgement and therefore guilt.
Letting go of Aunt Mary’s homophobia doesn’t make Aunt Mary a bad person – it just means she was expressing through her filters and influences in her life that she acquired…AND THE BEAT GOES ON! Making a choice to get free of that cycle and start a new one is choosing personal freedom and greater sanity.
In the case of being confronted with your teen’s “Coming out” – it can mean the difference between tragedy or triumph.
I found this article recently and wanted to share it with you: Understanding Your Gay Teen, A Primer for Parents by Katy Abel (see link below).
If you are a parent of a teen or any age daughter or son who has gone through the painful and fearful exercise of “coming out” to you, I implore you to treat this as a HUGE trust. Your child is looking for acceptance, not necessarily approval. You don’t have to understand the “gay experience” to love your child. Your child wants to know that no matter what, you still love them.
Think about it. They’re risking everything to be honest and open with you. They know from other people’s experiences that “honesty is the best policy” hasn’t always led to a “happy ending.”
Here’s some food for thought, and maybe insight into some of my “filters:” My father came from an Orthodox Jewish family. He fell in love with a woman 16 years his senior who was Lutheran. His family rejected her – and him. In fact, when it became clear that he was going to stand by his wife and not leave her as they had tried to convince him to do, they did the traditional week-long mourning period that follows burial of the dead.
For years there was no communication. When I was about 10 years old, a call came saying that his mother was dying of cancer and wanted to see my father and his family. So we went. It was very awkward, and very painful for my father. In the ensuing years, after his mother’s death, when he went to see his father there was a point in the visit where a silence would set in like a deep chasm that could not be bridged.
When my father died, he asked me not to inform his family until after he was buried. He carried hatred of his sister to his grave. And his pain. All I can say is, it is such a waste. There is nothing that should be more important than blood family – no religion, no philosophy, no politics, NOTHING.
Okay, end of soapbox. But you get the point. Looking back on the American Civil War we can all say “what a waste. Families torn apart, fathers and sons killing each other, siblings against siblings…” So why would it make sense for any other issue? Let’s step away from the question at hand just far enough to realize that “from a distance” – as the song goes – we all are the same, and we all share far more in common than is justifiable in preserving the illusion of separation and “difference.”
How Do I Accept My Gay Teen?
Don’t let yourself get confused between ‘accepting your teen’ and ‘accepting that your teen has a different sexual orientation’. This article will help.
Gayteens Resources
Support, information, features and chat rooms for young people, their families and those unsure of their sexuality.
Additional topics and authoritative compassionate articles are at this webpage for your assistance.
ADDENDUM: “For Parents of Gay/Lesbian Teens” gives an insightful view of what it feels like to be a parent dealing with discovering their teen’s gay identity.
As I read the “Production Notes” posted at http://www.tibette.com/s6notes.html, I found myself laughing, tearing up, feeling a sense of pride, and experiencing a sense of profound accomplishment – even though I’ve never been directly connected with the show, at least not in terms of being part of the cast or crew or production team.
But I, like countless other Lesbians around the world, feel intricately linked to the show. No, I haven’t lost my ability to distinguish between fiction and non-fiction, although I have come to look forward to looking in on my “friends” at The Planet each week and checking in on their lives. (I’m still, thankfully, able to distinguish between actors and the parts they play – and let me say that all the parts of The L Word actresses have been delightful to watch! Teeheehee 🙂 )
But The L Word, being hailed as “historic” and “an icon” as well as many other superlatives which in my opinion it deserves, has clearly evolved to far more than just “another TV show.” It has delivered an unparelled view of Lesbian Life into the homes of viewers around the world.
Some may argue that these beautiful actresses only represent one aspect of Lesbian culture, but no matter how we look, talk, walk, or love, Lesbians have never been represented in such a positive and revealing way in the history of popular television. People got the opportunity to get involved in the everyday human details of life as friends, lovers, parents, children, businesswomen, activists – just like other people.
To provide an “inside look” that helped people to realize that we are no different than any other humans on the planet trying to live to the best of our capabilities each day and deal with life on life’s terms has done more to help achieve an understanding between “gays” and “straights” in my book than any other single event or rally or piece of legislation.
Enough of my rantings. I’m going to miss TLW – and the “final season” hasn’t even started to air yet (officially)! So to view an awesome summary that includes pieces of interviews with creator Ilene Chaiken, and most of the actresses, and a few “preview tidbits” – you can view it from the link above, or as a pdf below:
tlw-season-6-notes-from-tibette_com (NOTE: Content of this PDF property of Tibette.com)
Human Rights Campaign and ShowTime are teaming up to throw a “Party for Equality” at various locations across the nation featuring the first episode of The L Word’s final season.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations.
The Trevor Project has been formally recognized as the only accredited crisis and suicide prevention program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth .
From the Press Release issued by The Trevor Project:
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 14, 2008)
The Trevor Project, the non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, today announced that it is the only crisis and suicide prevention service delivery program specifically serving the LGBTQ community to be officially accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).
This month, The Trevor Project was accredited by AAS, thus recognizing it as an exemplary crisis and suicide prevention program performing according to nationally recognized standards. In order to achieve accreditation, The Trevor Project was required to undergo a rigorous evaluation process, focusing on seven areas of performance: Administration and Organizational Structure, Training Program, General Service Delivery System, Services in Life-threatening Crises, Ethical Standards and Practice, Community Integration and Program Evaluation.
“Receiving accreditation from AAS affirms that, clinically, our crisis and suicide prevention services for young people are top-tier, and positions us as a model of program excellence for other crisis centers,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO, The Trevor Project. “As the only accredited, LGBTQ-specific crisis and suicide prevention helpline, we know our services are vital and we will remain committed to expanding our programs and national outreach.”
This year has been one of tremendous growth for The Trevor Project. Call volume on The Trevor Helpline has increased more than 300% in the last year (2007 to 2008). Last month, The Trevor Project launched TrevorSpace.org, an online, social networking community for LGBTQ youth and their friends and allies. In September, The Trevor Project expanded The Trevor School Workshop Program in New York and Los Angeles, which uses a structured curriculum in schools to address topics around sexuality, gender identity, the impacts of language and behavior and what it means for young people to feel different. In addition, The Trevor Project unveiled a new social marketing campaign in September, to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week, which is annually sponsored by AAS.
The Trevor Project received accreditation from AAS just one month prior to its largest, annual fundraiser, Cracked Xmas, which is set for Sunday, Dec. 7 at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The event is an evening of irreverent comedy, musical performances and awards to benefit The Trevor Project’s lifesaving programs, including the now-accredited helpline.
Suicide is one of the top three killers of young people, and LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. The Trevor Helpline receives more than 18,000 calls from young people in crisis each year. Volunteer counselors undergo more than 40 hours of training, learning to listen and understand without judgment.
Call volume on The Trevor Helpline typically increases during the winter holiday season, as many LGBTQ youth face additional challenges with family rejection and feelings of isolation and depression during the holidays. Young callers often call back after speaking with counselors on The Trevor Helpline to thank them. “I just want to thank you guys for having such an amazing helpline,” said one such 18-year-old caller. “I especially want to thank the counselor who talked to me, because his words truly saved my life.”
About The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The Trevor Helpline, 866-4-U-TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home and at school. The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action). For more information please visit TheTrevorProject.org.
The Day Without A Gay advocates for GLBT and allies to call in “Gay” rather than “sick” (because WE AREN’T!!!) as a formal protest of the recent defeat of California’s Proposition 8 as well as other pro-gay legislative efforts this election. It is a “stand up and be counted” demonstration reminescent of similar demonstrations enacted by Hispanic andLatin-American people around the country May 1st, 2006. An economic boycott has also been suggested.
What I am sooo very proud to see and announce is the CALL TO POSITIVE ACTION. Organizaers of the day have asked for a massive “volunteer-in” – take the day off from work and go do service at a local vounteer organization to HELP OTHERS!!!!
“Gay people and our allies are compassionate, sensitive, caring, mobilized, and programmed for success. A day without gays would be tragic because it would be a day without love.
On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes.
On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in ‘gay’–and donate your time to service!”
I COULDN’T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF! This is the type of action we need to be taking to move our cause forward. This will give us infinite gains in the long run!
Way to go guys! Here’s to the organizers: Sean Hetherington and partner. Congratulations for setting the stage for a new activism that will achieve results, not just token news coverage and angry reactions. (Most fools recognize when you respond to love with anger, it just looks really stupid! :-0)
View a Cast Commentary released by ShowTime that talks alot buts says nothing. Ah, but the ladies are sooo very lovely to look at! 🙂
(Video Property of Showtime. I own nothing!)
ShowTime’s TLW homepage is busy releasing new rumors and/or tidbits into the atmosphere complete with “please do not re-post” pleas. (PLEASE!!!! Not another painfully obvious marketing ploy!)
It took me 4 years to discover “The L Word” which is about to air it’s 6th and final season in 8 episodes beginning in January. This show features the lives and loves of a tight-knit group of lesbian friends and lovers in West Hollywood.
For the last 2 years I have followed their drama, as much as I possibly could via YouTube videos and other viewings made available over the internet (since I don’t have access to Cable TV or satellite). I’m an ardent “TiBette” fan and I am absolutely IN LOVE with actress Laurel Holloman, who portray the Tina half of Tina Kennard-Bette Porter (hence, TiBette).
I, like many other fans would like to see this show go on for another 6 seasons at least, and I’m already feeling the void that will be left after the final episode airs. With ShowTime running both Queer as Folk and The L Word, it remains to be seen if other Lesbian and Gay shows will come in to take up slack left by their departures. A least there will be the DVD’s!
Season 6 has been a well-kept secret up until now by cast, crew, and ShowTime. But the lid’s off and there’s lots of activity on the “net” providing teasers and spoilers in addition to the official promos. For the full “scoop” go to The L Word page of this blog
All the opinions expressed in any articles, blog posts and Internet content written by me are my own and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any individuals or organizations with whom I associate.
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