I’m hosting Fleshbot Friday on November 30th at HeadQuarters Gentlemen’s Club in NYC. See info below! Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Official Event Info:
Looking for something to be thankful for this November? There’s always the return of Fleshbot Friday! If you can’t be thankful for delicious cocktails, gorgeous people, heart-stopping burlesque and some of the sexiest and the most intriguing people New York City has to offer, what can you be thankful for?
November’s Fleshbot Friday is hosted by the awe inspiring Jiz Lee, with performances by Gal Friday, Evelyn Vinyl, and Stella Chuu; all MCed by magician Matthew Holtzclaw.
Need more to feel grateful about? How about no cover! Drink specials! Gift bags from Babeland! Free condoms from ONE Condoms! Fabulous prizes! It’s an evening that’s not to be missed. Doors open at 9pm, with the show kicking off promptly at 9:30 (so don’t be late!).
On December 5th, I’ll be participating in CLEVER, a think tank event produced by filmmaker and California College of the Arts professor Cheryl Dunye, and held at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco.
The think tank question at hand is: “Bootleg: Can Porn be Copyrighted?” Joining me in the discussion will be artist Annie Sprinkle, entertainment attorney Alex Austin, and producer Shine Louise Houston.
Porn Copyright is a topic that pops up in the courts from time to time, from the Mitchell Brothers’ “Behind the Green Door” to Hard Drive’s “Amateur Allure Jen.” Issues of morality and obscenity arise in definitions of pornography and it’s merits (such as porn’s relation to the Copyright Act’s phrase “to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts”). I’m fascinated by use of copyright laws to protect individuals involved in leaked pornographic materials; for me this sets the distinction of “privacy vs. piracy,” where 2257 and model forms should reign supreme. Additionally, the intentional evasion of payment has personal implications for myself as a performer; in fact, the only time I’ve felt exploited is when an audience pirates my work, violating membership Terms of Service and illegally distributing content void of performers’ consent. Or is this what’s supposed to happen, in these changing times of internet consumption and consumer created content… Who moved my sleaze?
I have so many questions and ideas. Please come join the discussion! In the meantime, some resources:
CLEVER is a new queer think tank started by media artist Cheryl Dunye that is engaged in media based activities committed to social transformation. CLEVER is a site where academic debate meets up with political activism and artistic/cultural practices, and where different forms of knowledge production and articulation form productive coalitions. Invited panelists including Dr. Annie Sprinkle (Ecosexual Sexecologist, artist and activist), Jiz Lee (queer porn performer, artist, activist), Shine Louise Houston (Pink & White Productions, CrashPadSeries.com) and Alex Austin (Founder and Owner of Austin Law Group) will explore image ownership and marketplace regulation in a discussion of whether or not porn can be covered by copyright.
Date: Wednesday December 5, 2012 Time: 7-9pm Location: 925 Mission St. #109, San Francisco, CA 94103 Price: $5-$15/sliding scale RSVP:bootleg-clever.eventbrite.com
Alex Austin is the owner and founder of the Austin Law Group. Alex’s practice is focused on the arts and media communities with a specialization in adult entertainment. Alex is on the referral panels of California Lawyers for the Arts, Kink Aware Professionals and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom. austinlawgroup.com
Cheryl Dunye has received numerous national and international honors for her work in the media arts. Dunye wrote, directed and starred in the first African American lesbian feature film, THE WATERMELON WOMAN. She is the founder of CLEVER: a new Bay Area queer think tank engaged in media based activities committed to social transformation. She is also an associate professor at California College of the arts.
Jiz Lee is a genderqueer porn performer and advocate of ethical erotic works… from all angles. With a background in arts management, Jiz also runs the philanthropic porn project Karma Pervs, and blogs about sex, love, and art at JizLee.com.
Shine Louise Houston is the founder of Pink & White Productions which produces adult queer entertainment and the creator of PinkLabel, the online digital distribution channel for emerging and independent adult filmmakers.
Annie Sprinkle is a multi media artist who has toured her own theater pieces since 1989, performing at many wonderful theaters, museums and galleries in 21 countries. One of the pivotal players in the 80’s “sex positive feminist movement,” her film, The Sluts & Goddesses Video Workshop Or How to Be A Sex Goddess in 101 Easy Steps, is a women’s sex film classic. Over the past 40 years, she’s been involved in many documentary feature films (History Channel, Lifetime), TV shows (such as four HBO Real Sexsegments), appeared in half a dozen B movies, and 100+ x-rated features in the 70’s and 80’s. Currently she is co-director (with her partner Elizabeth Stephens) of a new non-profit org, Fecund Arts. Anniesprinkle.org, sexecology.org
I’ve been asked by fellow genderqueer porn performer and blogger Ignacio Rivera, AKA Papí Coxxx, to participate in a Blog Hop in order to help introduce new authors to new readers. If you’ve come here from a link posted on their blog, welcome! Of course, if you’re a fan or a return reader of my website, this will be a good time for me to catch you up on my new book project: How to Come Out Like a Pornstar: Adult Industry Essays on Family Matters. At the end of the interview are links to more authors and photographers working on book projects that I’m really into. Thanks again Papí for the invitation. (Check us out in the recent film Mommy Is Coming by Cheryl Dunye!)
What is the working title of your book?
My working title is “How to Come Out Like a Pornstar: Adult Industry Essays on Family Matters.” I say “working,” because someone told me recently that there was a popular television show called “Family Matters” (hey, I grew up on an island!), so I may change the phrasing. Also, some of the stories will be about NOT coming out, so I may rework the language to be more open to those discreet experiences. I really “How To Come Out Like a Pornstar” though, so I’m pretty set on that part of the title.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea came about when I recently came out to my close family about my work in porn. While some aspects of it brought up some difficult topics, other parts of the coming out process were relatively easy — which was somewhat of a surprise, considering how heavily porn is stigmatized in our society, and also in relation to my previous time coming out as gay, and then polyamorous. As I met and talked with more adult performers, I discovered more coming out stories within their experiences as parents, siblings, and neighbors. Everyone’s story is different, and what I loved about them is that regardless if people love or hate porn, the stories show an unbiased account of what it’s like to have a loved one in the industry. It’s a very honest reflection.
What genre does your book fall under?
It’d fall under American Sexuality. If there are pornography or sex work subcategories, it would fall under those as well.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
If I were to do a film, it would be a documentary on the subject, with interviews of performers and their family members, as willing. Were that the case, I’d prefer the performers to play themselves. Though, if some wanted to submit stories anonymously, it could be fun to hire actors to represent them.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
I need to work on this, don’t I? How about this:
Adult performers share essays on coming out to family member — and sometimes about how they don’t come out — in ways that are difficult, light-hearted, and always very real reflections on what it’s like to know the people behind the porn.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m leaning towards self-publishing, as I have many friends who have gone this route. I’m currently researching options for eBook and self-publishing avenues.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I’m still in the process of soliciting submissions, because I’d like to get a broad range of stories and allow performers the time to write. The completed collection should be ready for first editor pass early next year. I hope for the book to be published by the end of next year, to be officially released in 2014. (But if you’re reading this and want to submit… do it now!) Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
What other books would you compare this to within your genre?
I’d compare it to sex writing anthologies and collections such as the Feminist Porn Book, which I’m also a part of.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Besides my own experience of coming out, I was inspired by many friends who have recently self-published and who are beginning to write for various publications. I’ve always wanted to share my thoughts and this blog was one of the ways I grew in expressing my experiences in porn. It seems fitting in this way, that I could write and edit an anthology to share my story, and that of others. Blogs are great, but the collection of stories presented in a book will be honored in a way that I hope can bring the conversations about pornography beyond questions of right or wrong.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Besides great submissions by fantastic performers — many of whom are quite famous pornstars — it also will include people who work behind the camera, and include resources for families of porn performers, as well as sex-positive family counselors, as practical information. Additionally, I hope to do a Kickstarter for Publishing costs that will give backers a chance to participate in the production of the book. Here are writers whose work you can check out next:
As part of the Blog Hop, I’m including some writers who have inspired me and who are also participating in the chain post. Allison Moon, who is a self-published author of the lesbian werewolf novel “Lunatic Fringe”, and is now crafting her second novel. You can find out more about her, as well as purchase her 1st novel, through her website TalesofthePack.com.
Dave Naz is a photographer and kick ass artist in Los Angeles. I’m super excited about his GenderQueer project. Check him out at davenaz.org
Rachel Krammer Busse is a sex writer rock star. You can find her blog at lustylady.blogspot.com.
My DOLL April Flores just came out with Fat Girl! Check out her book and her website FattyD.com.<
Additionally, my friend Oriana Small has a fantastic book, Girlvert, which I highly recommend.
Can you believe that 2013 is only days away? This year flew by so fast. DON’T BLINK!!!
Since my card last year was such a big hit, I’m doing another holiday card this year. The best news?! It’s designed by the fabulous Erika Moen!! Want to be on my mailing list? Here’s how:
A) Sign-up for Karma Pervs
The current Karma Pervs raises money for Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP Bay Area). Read more about it and check out some beautiful images by Rae Threat.
B) Order a custom-signed DVD through me
Browse my Movies page and contact me to purchase a DVD. (Let me know if you’d like recommendations!) I’ll put the funds towards Karma Pervs and will mail it to you ASAP. Makes a great gift! Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
C) Buy a card directly from me
If you buy a card directly from me for $5, I’ll put the funds towards Karma Pervs and send you a sweet thank you.
D) Donate to a Good Cause
Make a donation to any prior Karma Pervs recipients (a few include: STOP AIDS Project, Center for Sex & Culture, St. James Infirmary, San Francisco Sex Information, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Communities United Against Violence (CUAV), The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health, Outsiders UK, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood). Pssst… Planned Parenthood is one that Erika would love for you to support! Or, donate to an organization of your choice and let me know why it rocks so hard! Wherever you donate, send me a receipt or other confirmation along with your mailing address, and I’ll mail you a card as a thanks for supporting queer-friendly, sex worker-friendly, kink-friendly, sex-positive organizations. (Limited supply!)
Whatever option you choose, act now!
Email: jiz@jizlee.com Deadline: Friday, December 14th
I’ll close with a sneak peak of the holiday card… mmmm… don’t you want to see more?!
I sent out cards to people who had signed up for my philanthropic porn site Karma Pervs in 2012, or who bought a signed DVD from me. (By the way, there’s still a few cards left, if you’d like one please email me at jiz@jizlee.com to arrange.)
Thanks everyone for your support, and cheers to a wonderful 2013. The best is yet to come!
I was invited to read at Lyrics & Dirges along with Dr. Carol Queen and some other folks I’m looking forward to meeting. Come join me as I read a work-in-process piece for my upcoming anthology, How to Come Out Like a Porn Star. Here’s the official info: Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
For February’s reading we present a sex positive and diverse group of readers. We jokingly have been calling it 50 Shades of Rainbow!
Come reclaim love, the heart, the body. Come blush, come laugh, come get your literary bell rung with this amazing group of writers!
Carol Queen, Jiz Lee, MariNaomi, John Panzer, Denise Jolly, Dani Burlison
Carol Queen is an American author, editor, sociologist and sexologist active in the sex-positive feminism movement. Queen has written on human sexuality in books such as Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of Sex-Positive Culture. She has written a sex tutorial, Exhibitionism for the Shy: Show Off, Dress Up and Talk Hot, as well as erotica, such as the novel The Leather Daddy and the Femme. Queen has produced adult movies, events, workshops and lectures. Queen was featured as an instructor and star in both installments of the Bend Over Boyfriend series about female-to-male anal sex, or pegging. She has also served as editor for compilations and anthologies. She is a sex-positive sex educator in the United States.
Jiz Lee is a genderqueer porn star who is known for a unique androgynous look, female ejaculation, vaginal fisting, strap-on performance, and fun sex-positive attitude about sex. The award-winning performer, who prefers the pronouns “they/them” and is an advocate for diversity and sex-positive pornography with gender agency and ethical production. Jiz is a contributor to pornography anthologies, and has spoken at academic institutions such as Stanford and UC Berkeley on queer sexuality and their experiences in porn. With a background in web and arts management, Jiz runs the philanthropic porn experiment Karma Pervs, raising money through erotic images for the benefit of sex-positive, queer and kinky charity projects. Ever fascinated by the radical potential of sex, love, and art, Jiz runs a personal blog about sex work as a medium for social activism at JizLee.com.
MariNaomi is the author and illustrator of the graphic memoir Kiss & Tell: A Romantic Resume, Ages 0 to 22 (Harper Perennial). She has self-published fifteen zines and counting, including seven issues of Estrus Comics (1998-2009). Mari has been exhibiting her artwork since 2002 and has done live painting performances in such venues as the De Young Museum and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. She has performed many visual readings of her comics, including an international tour with Sister Spit in 2011, and has appeared on HGTV’s That’s Clever. She is also on the faculty of the California College of the Arts MFA in Comics program, and an Assistant Comics Editor at TheRumpus.net.
John Panzer screwed up. Royally. He hurt the man he loves, then lost him. He writes his mistakes, passions, joys, bad choices and victories hoping that guy will give him a third chance. John has appeared with Quiet Lightning, Bitchez Brew, Anger Management and made his Lit Crawl debut this year with The Tenderloin Reading Series. He is a regular contributor at The Grinder Reading Series and here at Saturday Night Special, would you please welcome 2 time homo of the year, John Panzer.
Denise Jolly is a member of Salt Lines Spoken Word Collective, has served as Executive Director of Seattle Youth Speaks, co-host and facilitator of the Seattle Poetry Slam, Poetry Curator for The Round (a live multidisciplinary collaborative arts show), Eleventh Hour Productions Board of Directors and Vice President of Stronghold Productions. Denise was the 2009 San Francisco Grand Slam Champion and member of the 2009 San Francisco Slam team who ranked 3rd in the nation. She has performed, taught, and/or collaborated in venues as large as Coachella and as small as Cook County Detention Center, Cleveland High School, and Seattle Youth Speaks writing circle. She likes doing great things with amazing people and being moved by art, community and how the two work together.
Dani Burlison is a staff writer at The Pacific Sun in Marin County, CA, a recent columnist for McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and a book reviewer for the The Los Angeles Review. Her writing also appears in The Rumpus, Ploughshares Literary Magazine, Hip Mama Magazine, Rad Dad Zine, Bike Monkey, elephant journal, The North Bay Bohemian and others. She is an alumni of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers and has upcoming essays in a handful of anthologies. She is currently working on her first book.
I’m thrilled to be a part of so much this year. Mommy Is Coming will be screening on Wednesday, and though I cannot be there in attendance, I hope you’ll have a chance to see it on the big screen. I’m flying out this weekend to catch the Feminist Porn Show on Saturday, March 2nd at 1pm, followed by the Feminist Porn Panel + Reception, of which I’m a featured guest. THEN, stick around for Bring It! at 4:30pm where more of my work will be screened. The next day, I’ll be at the Afterglow Party, where my collaboration with Wolf Hudson, Justify My Jiz, will see it’s East Coast Premiere! Wolf will be there, too, so if you’re in the New York area, I hope to get a hug!
Feminist pornographer Tristan Taormino introduces the concept of feminist porn and plays a selection of short clips she has curated from filmmakers around the world.
Highlighting the work of both pioneers and newcomers, many who have previously screened at CineKink, the show includes Candida Royalle, Annie Sprinkle, Nina Hartley, Jackie Strano and Shar Rednour, Petra Joy, Erika Lust, Shine Louise Houston, Anna Brownfield, Carlos Batts, Louise Lush, Jaiya, Maria Beatty, Buck Angel, Madison Young, Courtney Trouble, Morty Diamond, Tobi Hill-Meyer, Kelly Shibari, Loree Erickson and more!
Feminist pornographer Tristan Taormino is joined by groundbreaking filmmaker Candida Royalle, professor and porn scholar Dr. Mireille Miller-Young, and sex-positive performers Jiz Lee, Sinnamon Love, Kelly Shibari and Courtney Trouble for a discussion of their contributions to The Feminist Porn Book: The Politics of Producing Pleasure (Feminist Press).
Sharing their thoughts on feminist porn as a film genre, an industry, and a movement, the panelists will explore what feminist porn is, how it relates to the mainstream adult industry, and their experiences creating, performing, or studying it.
Directed by Jiz Lee and Wolf Hudson, 2012, USA, 32 minutes. NY premiere.
Inspired by Madonna’s “Justify My Love,” captures the performer’s unconventional sexualities and gender-bending persuasions in a perverse tango that fluidly shifts from soft love to rough and kinky.
Apparently I can’t never get away from New York for too long, I was just there for CineKink NYC, and now I’m going BACK for the GLBT Expo!
I’ll be at the Expo (now in it’s 20th year!) signing with HotMoviesForHer.com. While I’ve signed posters at release parties and recently had the pleasure of autographing The Feminist Porn Book at CineKink’s Feminist Porn panel, this is actually the very first event that I’m going specifically to sign at a booth and interact with “fans” — AKA my community! Porn performers usually sign at porn conventions, so it’s interesting that I’ll be cutting my teeth with a signing gig is at an LGBT convention. I’ll be signing on Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of time to chat. I hope to see you there!
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The 20th Original GLBT Expo
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
38th & 11th Aves
New York City, New York originalglbtexpo.com (Facebook)
Signing times:
Saturday, March 9th 12:30-5:30
Sunday, March 10th 12:30-5:30
Check it out in my new studio Jiz Lee’s VOID, where I will be adding future sex video exploits. Why “VOID”? To be void is to be invalid, to have a void is to have a want for something or an emptiness (presumably, to fill). There’s a lot of inferred meaning in the word, which also looks a bit like “VOD” (Video on Demand). And as an aside, I am a fan of Enter the Void — which, if you haven’t seen I highly recommend you at least watch Enter the Void’s opening title sequence. “VOID” as a studio on PinkLabel.tv will be my internet fuck hole for porn collaborations and experimental sex films. (So for all those who were wondering if/when I’d start directing… VOID is your answer.)
PinkLabel.tv works as a fair-trade VOD hub for emerging and independent adult filmmakers. So each and every purchase of my video earns me a cut of the profit. Win-win! And if you want to watch anything else on PinkLabel, clicking through my affiliate links like this one: >> PinkLabel.tv << will also earn me a percentage. So watch up!
Without further ado, here’s the list.
(More links to be added soon… there’s a LOT.)
The Nominees for the Eighth Annual Feminist Porn Awards are in!
This year’s nominees list once again showcases erotic entertainment that is smart, sexy, and appreciates viewers looking for hot feminist films. In addition to featuring over 50 nominations, the 2013 nominee list includes 14 nominated websites.
The nominated films for the 2013 Feminist Porn Awards feature the highest quality and diversity of feminist porn for another amazing year. From familiar faces to exciting newcomers, the nominees this year bring their unique and exciting perspectives on what is sexy, what is erotic, what is engaging and what is powerful back to Toronto.
These nominees are under consideration for categories including: Sexiest Straight Film, Movie of the Year, Smutty Schoolteacher Award, Sexiest Short, Most Deliciously Diverse Cast and many more.
The Nominees for the 2013 Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards are (in no particular order):
A short and sweet update now that I’m back in town! The 8th Annual Feminist Porn Awards were better than ever. The Screening/Q&A the night prior to the awards ceremony was wonderful and I was pleased to present Biodildo among a line-up of really great shorts offering more diversity this year in the kinds of examples of work shown.
The Awards Ceremony had in the past been presented at the Berkeley Church, however this year it was moved to a larger venue that offered more seats and grandeur, plus better wheelchair access. Stay tuned for photos! I was so proud to see Biodildorecognized for Sexiest Short Film, as well as another I had performed in with Mickey Mod, Tristan Taorminio’s Expert Guide to Pegging, which won Smutty Schoolteacher Award for Sex Education. I’m also proud of Honored Website WolfHudsonIsBad.com, which features a scene that was also nominated, Justify My Jiz (also available on PinkLabel.tv). And though I’d already been awarded “Boundary Breaker” in 2010, I did not anticipate at all that I might up for an individual award this year, so winning Heartthrob completely caught me by surprise. (Not to mention the fact that the award had previously been honored as “Female Heartthrob” or “Male Heartthrob”, so to see it presented as a “tie” with Christian, and to recognize my work the past year as I’ve narrowed my scope of work was really touching.) It felt amazing — incredibly overwhelming, in fact — to receive so much attention and love that night.
I’ll write more on the Feminist Porn Conference that followed the morning after, but in the meantime, here’s a list of the winners. (And I tracked down some LINKS so that you can find the films and support!)
LA BAMBA 2: Hell is a Drag, premieres Saturday, April 13th at the Victoria Theater for Peaches Christs’ SF Underground Film Fest!
In it, I play Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens. La Bamba 2 is a sequel to La Bamba, the 1987 biopic about the Chicano musician Ritchie Valens. The film, an unauthorized parody/sequel, features director Rob Fatal (in drag of himself) as the protagonist who must save his soul from a jealous gang of rock stars. Read some great interviews of Rob via CCA and Michael Varrati’s interview Ritchie Valens Rising.
The way Jennifer Tilly breathed the name, “Corky.”
And the excitement of watching a straight-up Hollywood film that was about… dykes! Dykes, and the mafia, and a lot of bloody money, and murder. But damned if my strongest memory of BOUND still flutters back to Gina Gershon’s curled lips.
My first experience watching BOUND was in college, years after the film’s release in 1996. It was the early 2000′s and I was immersed in school and soaking up LGBT media I’d missed as a teen. This was also around the same time I discovered Cheryl Dunye’s The Watermellon Woman. Jump forward 17 years, sweeping past my explorations as young queer, bouncing within my journey in the adventures of porn, and here we are. Cheryl, who I later worked with on Mommy is Coming, has invited me to present BOUND as part of her Clever Screen series at the New Parkway in Oakland.
Jiz Lee Presents: BOUNDImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
On the Clever Screen New Parkway
474 24th Street, Oakland, CA
Thursday, July 25th at 6:30 PM
$6 (Six bucks is a total score. Plus they’ve got great food and beer that you can enjoy on a comfy couch IN the theater.) Facebook — Say you’ll come, invite your friends!
The plot: Corky (Gina Gershon), a tough female ex-con and her lover Violet (Jennifer Tilly) concoct a scheme to steal millions of stashed mob money and pin the blame on Violet’s crooked boyfriend Caeser (Joe Pantoliano).
The New Parkway is Oakland’s beloved picture-pizza-pub for movies, food & drink, and good clean fun. They’re open 360 days a year, serving up mostly $6 movies, yummy diner fare, and a heavy dose of community.
BOUND is an American neo-noir crime thriller written and directed by The Wachowski Siblings. It’s been amazing to watch Lana Wachowski’s gender transition in Hollywood and to get the sense that we might at a place where LGBT issues are less of an obstacle now than it was when she and her brother made their debut with BOUND. I’ve read a few interviews and it seems that the film was not only difficult to cast, in part because many actresses didn’t feel comfortable playing lesbian characters, but also difficult to produce, as many studios requested that they recast the role of Corky to be male. (Here’s an interview with the siblings that includes this experience, via Gadfly Online.) The Wachowskis stuck to their guns though, and created a film that not only won several awards but was also recognized within queer communities as depicting a more believable representation of lesbians in mainstream film.
A big part of the accuracy of this depiction is in thanks to the fact that the directors had Susie Bright. Susie co-founded On Our Backs Magazine 1984-2006 — I actually appeared in it’s final issue in 2006, which was the same year The Crash Pad was released. It’s sad that it folded, please support any print publications you love — but I think by the early 2000′s, the majority of conversations about queer sexuality had moved online, and I guess I followed suite when I started this blog in 2007. Anyhow, Susie joined the production to choreograph the sex scenes, which were filmed in single shot, aiding itself to a visual sense of realism. Here’s a quote from her experience and influences working on the film:
“Bound is memorable erotica because of the script, because of our life experiences and dedication to getting this right. We are not nearly as cute as J. and G. [Jennifer; Gina], nor could we take direction half as well, but in this case, it’s the writing magic and storyboard design that makes the sparks fly. I based this sex scene on my own lesbian life at the time, and an old unheralded porn movie (3AM) by Robert McCallum that starred real dyke lovers and gave me some great ideas that I figured we could (barely) make R-rated.” – Susie Bright
By the way, here’s a link to watch the 1975 porn classic 3AM: The Time of Sexuality, and the scene in particular staring Georgina Spelvin and Sharon Thorpe. Thank you, internet.
And, now’s the part where I admit that it’s been A WHILE since I’ve seen BOUND. In fact, I think it’s been well over 10 years. So I’m looking forward to watching it again. There’ll be a lot of fun things to look out for, besides the sex. Look for themes including “lesbian” visual film cues, such as hands. As Susie notes, hands are the “lesbian sex organ, the cock” — I agree that the use of hands definitely carries sex well beyond the scope of traditional coitus, though hands can be employed by people of any sex and orientation. LOVE hands.
Another theme to look out for: being “trapped” — as in closets, in situations, relationships, sex, work… something definitely familiar within LGBT experience but that which everyone can relate to. Maybe that’s part of what makes BOUND a film and one we care to watch again. That, and Gershon’s mouth. Unf.
I’ll end with a clip from the Directors’ Cut which you can find in the DVD extras. If you can’t make it to the Clever Screen next week on July 25th, consider renting the film or watching it online, and let me know what you think!
The San Francisco Bay Area really is a special place. I was reminded of that fact as I sat in the intimate, night-club styled Box Car Theatre, about to watch Hedwig & The Angry Inch: the Live Musical! while being served cleverly themed cocktails. (My pick: The Origin of Love-ly Margarita.) On stage, Arturo Galster played the lead-Hedwig — “H1″ if you will. She introduced herself, and everything I’d loved about the movie was birthed to life.
Following H1, H2-H8 took to the stage, presenting a full cast of EIGHT Hedwigs! In true Bay Area egalitarian fashion, each iconic blonde performed her own unique drag design, a spread of race, size, age and gender. The cast seamlessly took turns carrying the storyline from Hedwig to Hedwig, occasionally converging onstage all together in dizzying multiplicity. If you’re a fan of “The Origin of Love,” wait till you see it multiples — it’s an orgy of love!
Now, John Cameron Mitchell’s script was written for a single actor. However this version presents a strong case for a split cast. It felt so natural, it’s like it was the way it was supposed to be!
If you’re in the Bay Area, do not let this show pass you up. Buy your ticket ASAP. The Box Car is a small black box theater and seating is limited, so act now or you might find it sold out! Then, get there with plenty of time to order yummy fried treats and selections from a delicious cocktail menu, and get ready for a high-octane evening of blonde energy and glam rock ballads! Note: sit close to the stage or next to the stripper pole, and be prepared for flirtatious interaction with the many cast members. Also, there’s a beautiful, brief moment of full frontal nudity by H4 (Flynn Witmeyer).
For those who are outside the Bay Area, or who want a little peak at the fun they’re about to get themselves into, here’s a taste:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Hedwig & The Angry Inch Book by John Cameron Mitchell Music and Lyrics by Stephen Trask
Directed by Nick A. Olivero Musically Directed by Rachel Robinson
Location: The Boxcar Playhouse 505 Natoma Street San Francisco, CA 94103
Closing Night: August 10th TICKETS (Reserve your seat now, as in ASAP!)
Description: Several different actors share the title role in this Boxcar Playhouse production of John Cameron Mitchell’s outrageous musical comedy about a young East German man who discovers that the only way to escape communism and come to America is to give up — surgically — a little part of himself. After becoming Hedwig and being abandoned by her new husband in Middle America, she befriends a teen named Tommy but is betrayed by him as he steals the songs they’ve written together and becomes a huge star. The story of the charismatic transgender singer is presented as a rock concert/comedy gig that takes the audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the funny, touching, painful and ultimately inspiring experience of being Hedwig. Stephen Trask’s fantastic rock score has been winning fans and acclaim since the show first debuted a decade ago, recalling the ’70s glam era of David Bowie and Iggy Pop and winning an Obie and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical.
Also of interest: July 31st is a Kink-friendly night at Hedwig. And if you’ve already seen the show, be on the look out for “Behind the Wig” on July 28, where performers take you behind the scenes with stories about the show. These folks are TRULY entertaining and the process is just as much fun as the final number.
P.S. I would be remiss not to mention the mesmerizing Teresa Attridge/Yitzak. I couldn’t take my eyes — and ears — off her performance you can see what I mean in the video above. That girl has CHOPS! With the numerous cast I’m afraid I’d miss the names of all the players, live band and rockstar crew. They’re really all deserving of a standing ovation so please help me spread the word, and/or go there in person and give them a lot of love. (Plus, after the show grab a free Hedwig & The Angry Inch condom — now THAT’S good theatre!)
Once again, I’m Go-Go Dancing at HELLA GAY! This time, it’s a benefit for the Berkeley Free Clinic!
The Berkeley Free Clinic happens to be the first place I ever went for HIV testing. Since that time, I’ve moved to San Francisco and found a number of other clinics available to me, not to mention regular testing through my work in the adult industry. But my experience at the Berkeley Free Clinic was a formidable one. I’m grateful that they existed then, and that they’re still around. It’s a great cause!
It’s also a fun dance party, and I’ll be there shaking my butt wearing very little clothing and a whole lot of sweat. If you see me there, please give me a wet hug, and tuck some dollars in my jock straps if you’re feeling generous!
Here’s what the coordinators of HELLA GAY have to say:
HELLA GAY
The East Bay’s largest dance party, Hella Gay is Oakland’s first dance party for EVERYONE: girls, boys and everything in between. Hella queer, Hella straight, or whatever the hell you are, this party is for you! Indie, Disco, Hip Hop, Mashup, and a little something for everyone from all diversities.
(DJ/Dance)
Saturday, August 10th
Doors 9:30pm
$5 Facebook
The Uptown, Oakland
1928 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94612
(Near 19th Street BART)
WE ARE SO INTO THIS.
WE ARE SO INTO YOU!
PREPARE YERSELF FOR THE BANGIN SOUNDS OF OUR RESIDENT DJs!
GSTAR !
DJ Black !
Anu Jewn Ra !
Balthazar Lasagne !
PLUS SPECIAL GUEST: Nick Catastrophe
& Welcoming Back: Djkar Bear !
NOT TO MENTION:
SUPER SEXXXAY GUEST DANCERS!!!
Roma Mafia AND Jiz Lee (YES! THAT JIZ LEE!)
PLUS: We’ll be raising funds for the Berkeley Free Clinic ♥
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR OUTFIT!
Thank you STEELO ENTERTAINMENT for your support ♥
So come and have fun and raise money for a great cause! Here’s some photos from the last time I danced at HELLA GAY, during SF Pride. Thanks Violet Blue and Morgan Parrick for the photos!
SWELLCon is a free, online video conference that presents a number of videos on the topic of sex and media.
One of the videos is CRASHCOURSE: How to Create a Comfy Environment on Set by Jiz Lee and Shine Louise Houston. Shine and I collaborated on this video, which details some key ingredients from the work that we do on the set of CrashPadSeries.com where I work on set as Production Assistant, helping talent during shoots. While there’s a lot more to be said about the various elements that make for a great experience for everyone involved in a production, this video is off to a good start. CRASHCOURSE is an upcoming Pink & White project, with more in the works. In the meantime, here’s the video and description of our submission:
CRASHCOURSE: How to Create a Comfy Environment on Set by Jiz Lee & Shine Louise Houston
Feminists talk about the virtues of “ethical porn,” but how does one DO it, exactly? From a production standpoint, several factors combine to ensure a sex-positive and respectful experience on set. With performers AND crew in mind, these steps help to create one of the fundamental elements of an ethical production. Pink &White Productions founder and director Shine Louise Houston and performer/production assistant Jiz Lee detail the specifics of an ethical environment in producing porn, including: communication and consent, performer care, safer sex, boundaries, gender and language in directing, and much more. With over eight years of award-winning production and performing experience on indie and mainstream sets, Shine and Jiz come together to show how a comfy environment can produce a knock-out porn scene that everyone can be proud of.
Note: There are clips from the set of CrashPadSeries.com in this video which shows naked performers. This video is meant for viewers who are 18 years or older.
About Swellcon: Media has an enormous impact on how we view and engage in conversations about sex and sexuality. We see this on a daily basis at The Smitten Kitten in the way our customers communicate with us, in the ways in which we engage with them and our broader community, and in the broader perceptions of our work and the industry as a whole. Erotic media can be a tool for social change while also furthering sex negative culture and stereotypes. Whether it is a porn film, a book of erotica, or sexy illustration, it is clear that erotic media is abundant and has impact. This year Smitten Kitten is turning 10 years old. In honor of our birthday, we wanted to create something that would be accessible to all our friends and fans regardless of where they are. We have created a video collection entitled Swellcon that could be viewed by everyone for free. All the videos were made by amazing folks who make the sex industry and the field of sex education better. Our hope is that these videos will inspire, create conversation, and celebrate good work.
