Lez Liberty Lit #84: A Great Library Is Freedom
Books that Patti Smith mentions in her memoir, tips for NaNoWriMo, how 21 indie presses got their starts and other things about queer books!
Were We Ever So Young: Revisiting “Empress of the World”
The names of the main characters, Nic and Battle, were gender neutral enough that I projected heterosexuality onto them, not yet knowing that gay YA lit was something even there to be looked for.
Interview With My Actual Girlfriend: Stacy
“We would have totally fallen in love as Hogwarts professors.”
Donor Siblings: The Happy Unexpected Bonus of Lesbian Parenthood
“Suddenly I was looking at all these little boxes online, little question marks where the faces would be, each one representing another human that shared half of my daughter’s DNA.”
This Business of Art Fix #16: Vim, Can-Do and a Meta-Art-Piece About The Internet
Topics include vim & vigor vs. hedge fund money, changes at The Hairpin, the closing of Grantland, Refinery 29’s international expansion, how Kate Beaton does money, and cool new podcasts from people you like including Gaby Dunn and Brittani Nichols.
No Filter: Brittani Nichols Is The Hero We Deserve
“As you may have heard, Janet Mock got married this week, but what you probably didn’t hear was that she rode away from the wedding on this inflatable alligator.”
43 Excerpts From Last Night’s Republican Presidential Debate, Out Of Context
“I got about four minutes in the last debate. I’m going to get my question right now.”
Pop Culture Fix: Ellen Is Going To Just Keep Swimming Into Your Heart Forever
The first trailer for Finding Dory is here and so is Ellen’s commentary on Starbucks’ new “Satan Sippers.” Freeheld’s director feels like his movie was “de-gayed.” New teasers for Transparent and Jessica Jones. Ilene Chaiken knows you want a Cookie Lyon standalone show. And more, more, more!
Holigay Gift Guide 2015: For Feminists Who Live, Breathe, Wear, and Drink Out of the Movement
Without further ado, here’s a bunch of cool shit your favorite feminists are likely wishing for this year — or should be and just don’t realize it yet.
Homesteady: Make This Simple Jute Coaster Set
To make this rustic charger and coasters set, use jute cord and basic knitting skills.
I Reclaimed Christmas With DIY Gifting: Here’s 6 Ways You Can Too
“As an adult, when I was presented with the option of creating my own Christmas traditions with my partner, my instinct was to completely ignore the holiday altogether… I also knew that I didn’t want to partake in the mad shopping frenzy that the holiday season had become famous for. So I started racking my brain for fun, easy DIYs that I could create in bulk for Christmas gifts.”
Badass Black Queer Women Paved the Way for the Mizzou Movement
A rundown of everything that happened at the University of Missouri and the #ConcernedStudent1950 movement, the Mississippi Supreme Court issues its first gay divorce, the Nebraska Health and Human Services will list the names of same-sex spouses on birth certificates and more news!
WE ALL NEED DIVERSE GAMES: An Interview with Tanya DePass, Creator of #INeedDiverseGames
“[Being a queer woman of color gamer] affects me in wanting to see more representation for queer brown women, it informs my agenda to be seen as the hero, not just the throwaway character, first to get killed or the joke.”
Read A F*cking Book: Robin Talley’s What We Left Behind
Despite its shortcomings when it comes to theory, the story does the important work of allowing the characters to ask questions and struggle with their identities.
Drawn to Comics Exclusive: Talking to Trans Comics Creator Sophie Campbell about Rereleased Wet Moon Vol. 1
“I didn’t think I’d get new editions this early, I thought I’d have to wait a couple years for the next printing to roll around to get my name fixed, so it’s awesome getting it this soon after I came out.”
Holigay Gift Guide 2015: Bring on the Flannel, Hold the Shirts
If you want flannel boxers to wear under your flannel dress and then later inside your flannel sleeping bag, it’s all here.
2015 OUT 100 Honors Roxane Gay, Abby Wambach, Hannah Hart, Other Women You Have Crushes On
The Out 100 has revealed 99 of its honorees, including the stars of “Tangerine,” the legendary Lily Tomlin, Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza and your girlfriend Carrie Brownstein.
The “Who Pays Writers” Conversation Needs a Little Nuance
Holding The Rumpus to the same standards as The Huffington Post is ridiculous.
Bluestockings Boutique’s Queer Lingerie Photo Shoot Is Already The Highlight of My Day
Bluestockings Boutique owner Jeanna Kadlec felt strongly about producing original imagery that would represent queer and trans bodies and identities in a realistic, respectful, body positive way.
Anonymous Sex Toy Review: Ambrosia Vibe Bionic Strap-On 2.0
Great in theory, not quite there in reality.