Music

Vivian Girls’ Shambolic Garage Punk Hits Australia

All-female Brooklyn trio and overnight sensations, Vivian Girls, live up to the hype as they bring their gloriously shambolic pop-noise and Riot Grrrl spirit to Australia. Contributing writer Isabelle has a lot of feelings about sexist critics as she reviews an energetic, rapid-fire set, complete with broken G strings and tales of a “stoned Koala bear”.

Society + Culture

Sarah Palin Fans Fumble in Palinisms, NYC Bookstore Forgoes Palin Altogether

Palin supporters in Ohio can’t explain Palin too good, and Comedy Central finds there are no Palin supporters in New York b/c of the liberal elite. American evangelical groups are spreading their anti-gay message to Africa, and it’s coming back around to affect the USA. Lady Gaga will be on Ellen this week. And one group in D.C. is fighting hypocrisy by outing priests.

Comedy

Lesbian Comedian Erin Foley: The Autostraddle Interview

Erin Foley’s shooting star of comic fame has been skyrocketing through the night air, perhaps you’ve noticed & laughed? We sit down with Erin on the Sweet Cruise to talk about her TV projects, new relationship, feeling like she’s in a good spot career-wise, Facebook, and her upcoming Lifetime Achievement Award.

Politics + Activism

Lesbian Soldier Denied DADT Discharge Wins Appeal in Canada! Oh Canada!

In October we interviewed Skyler James, a lesbian soldier denied the DADT discharge she expected when outed — she wanted you to know the true story of her appeal to Canada for asylum. Today, we’re happy to report her success! Also; San Fran tells feds to back off and let it grant benefits to same sex couples, gay panic will be cited in Mercado case and NY looks ahead for same-sex marriage.

Music

Metric Australia: Audiostraddle Concert Review

Canadian rockers Metric finally bring their powerful, crowd-pleasing synth rock to Australia. Indie heart-throb Emily Haines wins over a hardcore Melbourne crowd with smoking hotness and idiosyncratic dance moves, requests a spliff and receives candy instead. Audiostraddle’s contributing writer Isabelle takes us there.