The Lesbian Prom @ Scala

When: Saturday 15 March, 9pm - 5am
Venue: Scala
Tickets: £22, VIP £45

From MissFit, the team (Effi Mai and DJ Sandra D) that currently run LBQ nights at Stokey Stop (TLC on Fridays, MissFit on Saturdays) and who were involved in the large multi-partner event G3:PM.

Lauren Chvrches

With fantastic headline acts: Lauren Mayberry from Chvrches DJing in the Attic Space, and Charlie XCX fresh from recording with Iggy Azalea on the main stage plus plenty of special guests such as hip hop duo Red N Pink, and DJs, this was always going to be a big night on the LBQ calendar. 

Adam All's Boi Box had a full programme of Drag Kings singing on the first level bar. Favourites Rogue and Tyler & Jack among many on the long line up delighted well dressed prom-goers throughout the evening. Barberette Klara offered moustache decorating so all guests could join in the Dragging!

In the main room, DJs kept the dancefloor packed for the whole night rocking fantastic current chart club classics. 

The VIP room had sofas, goody bags and free champers for guests as well as hostess Chloe Akam making sure everyone kept very happy. Prom punch, drink offer on the night, was flowing and flowing.

Charlie XCX

The top floor Attic, "alternative" prom played a more indie focused set of tunes with an edge and again kept the floor moving in style with the delighting tuxes and dresses. 

It's great to see such a fantastic line up on offer for the LBQ women of London, and hundreds of women coming together to enjoy and support this kind of event. 

By Katie

Polari Literary Salon: 6th Birthday and the 2nd Polari First Book Prize Winner

Where: SouthBank
When: Monthly, 7.45pm
Tickets: £5
Info: www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk; www.facebook.com/groups/36989183143/

From humble beginnings in a bar in Soho, to the swanky Purcell Room at SouthBank, Polari, brainchild of, chaired and curated by Paul Burston, LGBT Editor at Time Out has come a long way and is still going from strength to strength on it's 6th Birthday. 

Described as the 'peerless' literary salon for LGBT writers, Polari regularly attracts the creme-de-la-creme of authors publishing LGBT content; poetry, novels and non fiction. Previous performers include Penny Arcade, Rikki Beadle-Blair, Andy Bell, Sophia Blackwell, DJ Connell, Maureen Duffy, Stella Duffy, Fenella Fielding, Lauren Henderson, Celine Hispiche, Celia Imrie,  VG Lee, Charlotte Mendelson, Molly Parkin, Bethan Roberts, Ali Smith, Helen Smith, Rosie Wilby and many more. 

Each month, LGBT queer literary sublime afficionados are treated to five writers giving readings or other kinds of performances from classic or new pieces. A must for anyone interested in celebrating and keeping up to date with the best of LGBT publishing. Polari is the quintessential one of a kind event that is much needed to help keep LGBT quality publishing alive.

As it's grown in popularity and success, Polari has had the opportunity to go beyond London with pop up events happening in Herts and next March in Hull.

This month, the guests, many of whom are loyal regulars, were treated to readings from Rosie Garland's Palace of Curiosities (published by Harper Collins in April); Patrick Flanery gave a sneak peek of a work in progress. Paul Burston emerges from behind the curtain to open, host and chair the evening, introducing each writer in turn.

Singer Dee Chanelle sang to help kick the birthdays into celebration, and posed the question about what resides in the space between fiction and reality. 

Following the interval, a great opportunity to network, drink wine and buy the books being read from, Helen Lederer introduced the upcoming prize announcement via a short but hilarious comic set.

The second act produced Dean Atta's performance poetry, and Charlotte Mendelson sharing a subtle lesbian moment with us. 

Then to the award announcement of the winner of the second Polari First Book Prize, and presentation of the £1000 cash prize. The award is sponsored by Societe-Generale's LGBT Network. 

The panel, which comprised

• Paul Burston (Chair of Judges) – author, journalist and host of Polari 
• Bidisha – writer, critic and broadcaster
• Suzi Feay – literary critic
• Rachel Holmes – author and former Head of Literature at the Southbank Centre
• VG Lee – author and comedian
• Joe Storey-Scott – books buyer

The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah. The Murder Wall is the first in a new series of crime fiction featuring DCI Kate Daniels.

VG Lee, panelist, speaking to me just before the event, told me that the Award worked hard in its second year to encourage more women to submit publications for consideration. Following criticism of the lack of women on the shortlist in the first year, an outreach programme succeeded in generating 60% of entries from women. The quality of these submissions is reflected in the shortlist that contained three entries by women, and of course a female winner. 

We will shortly be speaking to Mari Hannah about what winning the prize will mean for her and her writing.

By Katie

3 lesbians and a picnic blanket

3 lesbians and a picnic blanket - that is what our trusty Planeteer kept saying in the car on the way to Herts Pride. This was a pre-conception we had come up with based on the published line up and the website and Facebook event. The marketing, as with most Pride events seemed particularly aimed at men, the Glam tent for example was 80% drag queens. There was no dedicated women's space, as has become common at Pride events, so you can understand where we were coming from with our thinking. How wrong we were!

This year, Herts launched its first Pride event. In Cassiobury Park in Watford, the whole county came together for one of the best Pride events I have been to in a long time. The atmosphere was like a county fair, a gay county fair.

There were market stalls, food vendors, a few theme park rides and the usual live music stage you would come to expect.

The event was very much grass roots. Free entry unless you wanted to access the bar and the Glam dance tent, which was £5 in advance or £10 on the gate. The acts on the live music stage were local acts, some of which were recently signed and about to release their first records.

We were amazed by how many women their were, and how many families too. Everything was set out so there was a good space in the middle which soon became a picnic chill out space. Herts LGBT Parents network has a large following and it was good to see a Pride event where the focus wasn't drink and drugs but a relaxed afternoon. I may have also been swayed by the local Nandos handing out free chicken wings and also vouchers for free chicken! Washing that down with a local cupcake and a coffee from Bootylicious, there was little more I needed.

The whole day was a huge success, with several thousand people in attendance. There is little doubt in my mind that Herts Pride will be back in 2014, bigger and better. They are already seeking feedback on the event from those who attended.

The Vibe with Pride Stage featured: Ricky K, Dorothy Thornhill & Tina Barnard, Sophie Ray, Roses and Pirates, Kelly Wilde, Angie Brown, Lemon, Mel Jade, Ever Young, Allan Jay, Simon C, Yazzir, Rosanne, Laurrie, Raya, Rajiv, GingerBrown, Strange Folk, My Little Empire and ENV.

The Health & Wellbeing Marquee featured many community stands, including library services, youth connexions, fostering, health services, recruitment and registrars.

Market Stalls included The Pink Shark, Nandos, The Hot Cake Company, Bad Sheep Boutique and Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

Food Vendors included Bootylicious coffee and Hire the Chef.

Herts Pride website: http://www.hertspride.co.uk/

Naomi

Brighton Pride - "Thunderbolts and Lightning, very very frightening!"

Date: Saturday 3 August
Venue: Brighton, Beach, Preston Park

"Main events & Alternative Pride"

Lightning storms, long queues, sunshine, drinking, lesbians, the beach, camping, campfires, street parties, pimms, women's performance tent... hear all about Brighton Pride Planet London style in our new high tech-multimedia-vlog-type-thing

More photos:

• Women's stage
• Parade
• Lucy Spraggan

By Katie
 

Wotever Mini Queer Film Festival

Venue: The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY
Date: 26^th February (LGBT History Month Event)
Tickets: Free
 

A packed house of queer women and the occasional man sat down to this exciting and diverse film programme for an evening of celebrating grass roots, queer visibility on screen.

In a relaxed, busy (but not over crowded) bar, fed with vegan food and cupcakes, the audience was treated to some real gems in a programme that was as eclectic as the audience watching it.

The emphasis was on short, community inspired films, and the commanility that they all explored what it means to be on the queer spectrum. This did not stop the content being diverse in theme, emotion and subject matter (from self harm to  poptastic). The programme was lovingly put together by Theresa following the open call for submissions.

Particularly enjoyable were ‘I, Lesbian’ by Julia Beloborodova who was around for a Q&A session, and who’s delightfully funny take on perspectives of lesbianism and the lenses through we which see ourselves had depth and humour and 'The Devotion Project' series whose true stories of couples that have come together under different circumstances and stood the test of time made us all aspire to healthy life long loves.

After the film festival 'Hug the DJ' provided the tunes allowing fun through til close.

This was the 2nd mini queer film festival Wotever has held, and they announced another in July. With an open call for submissions it’s a real opportunity for budding queer filmmakers to get their work viewed by a receptive audience. You are encouraged to put your comments, thoughts, ideas on film and enter. Keep an eye on woteverworld.com for more information.

If you have a film you would like to submit for the next festival in July, please send it to woteverfilm@gmail.com.

Review by Katie

In the breaks and to round off the evening, Hug the DJ span some mellow tunes.

Stop Kiss at Leicester Square Theatre

If you fall I will catch you
Venue: Leicester Square Theatre
Dates: 18th Feb - 9th March
Tickets: £12/£10 www.leicestersquaretheatre.com


This timeless story, sadly still as relevant today as when it was first written in the late 90s, even in enlightened cities such as New York, tells the heart-warming heart-breaking tale of two women falling in love, exploring their lesbianism for the first time and dealing with the devastating consequences of homophobia.

Perfectly performed with comic and dramatic precision, in this intimate setting we witness and at the same time are inside the relationship of these genuine, appealing characters - Callie played by Olivia Hunter and Sara, Rae Brogan. We are there step by step as the initial chemistry becomes love, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

However, we learn early on that a trauma will occur as a result of the forming love. Interspersed with the romantic comedy are scenes of shock, horror and grimmness.

The cast is faultless, but particular admiration goes to Brogan who flips between happy and brain injured; lively and conveying everything through a still silence, and newcomer Jameal Westman who adds much needed comic relief.

The homophobia pervades gently and visciously - gently as the two women react, reject then accept their feelings and overcome their predujices, viscious in the reaction of bigotry and institutionalised discrimination (you know, the old 'your sexuality must have provoked the attack' line), and of course in the family's response to Sara's care needs.

The clever narrative structure delivers the ending we want to see, despite knowing what comes next, and inspires an air of hope that perhaps they will end up together.

Stop Kiss is Libertine Production's (established in 2011) first fully fledged performance, and first direction for Noah James.

View the trailor here:

 

Review by Katie Bennett-Hall

Theatre: Desolate Heaven

Desolate Heaven

Venue: Theatre 503, The Latchmere Pub, Battersea

Running til 2 March

Tickets £15 (£10 concessions)

This is the first production of this new play, so hot off the press.

It opened on the 5 February at Theatre 503 and runs until 2 March 6 days a week (not Mondays).

Introducing Carla Langley as Orlaith and Evelyn Lockley as Sive, two young carers bonding over their similar circumstances of being deserted by one parent and left to care for the infirm other.

Clearly their situations influence and shape their characters, and their journey together. Sive is anxious and afraid; Orlaith, full of defiant bravado; opposites in personality but attracted to each other as kindred spirits and confidantes. United in their desires to escape their non-lives.

Part tragedy, part fairytale, part yellow brick road – and most definitely lesbian coming of age in a traditional preserve, we follow our fatally flawed heroines in the crux of their escape. Starting out full of young naivety that had been repressed in their faux grown up status (their opening lines are a conversation about the challenges of adult responsibilities).

Their characters carry themselves through the challenges of life on the road. They meet three fairy godmother women ably played by Brid Brennan with a wonderfully expressive face, bringing comic relief to the darkness that hovers just below the surface. Enabling nonetheless the path towards the inevitable downfall.

After weeks of travelling, the lucky breaks from the Fairy Godmother interventions, bring the girls to arrive at their paradise, their “heaven” and it is desolate. Initially this suits their spirit; slowly the fantasy crumbles around them as the darkness cannot be kept at bay and emerges through the cracks to consume and destroy.

Utterly convincing, captivating performances by Evelyn and Carla, and subtle direction from Paul Robinson, turn Ailis Ni Riain's script into an allegory with multiple meanings and a commentary on the plight of young troubled teens aspiring for more.

We spoke to Carla and Evelyn after the performance. They were both very excited to be part of their first professional production. But they did not come across as inexperienced, both gave very mature performances. This, despite, 3 weeks rehearsals. Their chemistry was essential to the success of this production, and it was impressive how quickly they developed their working relationship - very much required for some of the intense and dark scenes.

By Katie

 

The Oak Bar - seeking your feedback and input into the bar

Tonight and last night The Oak Bar in Stoke Newington is having open evenings. The idea is that you pop in, have a drink and whilst you're there leave some feedback and what you would want from The Oak Bar.

This is a great opportunity to speak up - imagine if you will a blank canvas - what would you like?

Having myself not been to The Oak Bar for several years because of living West or South East, I have to go out of my way and make an effort to go to The Oak Bar. I haven't really heard of a particular night that grabbed my attention enough to get me there. However when I received the invitation to the open evening I knew this was my moment to travel!

Having said that, although not on the 21 route per se, it starts just one bus stop down the road, and the 21 goes pretty far south, we can also get the 141 and change at Monument or London Bridge for a variety of onward routes. I'd suggest if looking to travel to The Oak Bar that you use Google maps to check out the area and what routes are nearby as TFL just isn't intelligent enough to tell you that by walking 30 metres your journey gets easier!

Mondays at The Oak Bar is free pool night, so Katie and I practicing for a few hours didn't break the bank! Drinks are extremely reasonable and there is a happy hour 5-8pm offering a house bottle of wine for £9, 2-4-w cocktails and selected beer for £2.50. Outside Happy Hour you can still grab a bargain with prosecco just £20 a bottle or two for £35! The Oak Bar has a good range of beers and drinks, a pool table and a variety of games.

There is a new website launching soon, a number of new events including a cabaret night and most importantly they're seeking feedback on what other changes would improve the bar.

If you haven't been to The Oak Bar for a while but would consider it in the future, particularly if you live locally, why not take a moment to send them some feedback as to what you would want from your local pub. They're seeking comments on everything from decor to environment, drinks and deals, private hire and more!

I'm looking forward to the refreshed events to see if there is something to suit me that is worth travelling to!!!

Follow The Oak Bar
Oak Bar website: http://oak-bar.co.uk
Oak Bar on Facebook: http://www.fb.com/oakbar
Oak Bar on Twitter: theoakbar_79

Review by Naomi Bennett-Hall

A Piece of the Cake goes to...

Yesterday Planet London hosted a fundraising event for 3 London based LGBT charities; ELOP, London Friend and Stonewall Housing.

The event, which was kindly hosted by Candy in Soho, drew in a number of lesbian and bi women of the cake-loving genre!

Carrot cakes

The guests got to sample and judge 2 kinds of brownies, lime & coconut cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, lemon, orange & thyme cupcakes, chocolate cake, banana, baileys & fudge chip cake, meringues and minstrel cookies. All proceeds from the ticket sales are being donated to the three charities, and cake judges got to vote where their donations went with our fancy sticker chart.

The charity board

In addition to the cakes there was also a tombola, which some people found quite addictive ;)

It was a lovely atmosphere in the Candy Bar on Sunday afternoon, and might not be one you'd normally associate with the well known women's venue. Famous for its popular DJs and dancing nights, Sundays take a different vibe and play host to the Sunday Social, a relaxed atmosphere with good background music and a great happy hour. I'd be tempted to go back another Sunday or two, especially as it's the last women only space in Soho.

After 90 minutes of 'letting them eat cake', we got to hear the results of the event and hand out the prizes.

AJ won 2 prizes for her lime and coconut cupcakes and gluten-free brownies. Ann won a prize for her orange and thyme cupcakes. The Stonewall Housing and London Friend nominated cakes won their category so both received an additional £50 donation from Planet London.

Thank you to all of the women that attended the event - bakers and judges; we hope you enjoyed the cake, and had a nice afternoon.

The fundraising totals were:
ELOP £25
London Friend £70
Stonewall Housing £86

Club Night: Chick Habit featuring Amity & JD Samson

Now, I have to admit that I haven't actually been to Candy Bar in a while. I see myself as outside of the core customerbase. When I think of Candy Bar I think of uber-trendy student lesbians, under 25, and who are single and looking for fun. Thursday night was quite an eye-opener to the fact that the customerbase of this bar is expanding beyond this stereotype.

I wasn't the oldest lesbian in the room, I wasn't even the only lesbian not looking for a night of fun. Hell, there were even lesbians who aren't uber-trendy types (me included!).

This event was bound to be popular; JD Samson (known  most famously from Peaches and Le Tigre) was the top bill on her only UK date this tour.

Chick Habit runs from 9pm to 3am. A weekly event every Thursday (occasionally doubled up with Candy Bar's own comedy night beforehand). This week was a special Chick Habit, starting with Amity and ending with JD Samson (DJing from 1am).

Amity was on early to a select crowd. The crowd were extremely mixed, and clearly there for the music since they were all paying attention and listening to the music rather than chatting away which was nice as at some gigs there is little respect for the artist on stage when they are a support act.

Amity, originally from Wolverhampton has been around since about 2003 and released her debut EP in June 2011. Amity isn't your usual artist, she plays live the guitar, ukelele, kazoo and drums (at one point all in the same song at the same time - you need to see it to believe it). She is quite an alternative artist and uses some amazing techniques within her songs - well worth catching on one of her future gigs.

Between Amity and JD Samson we had DJ Amy B and DJ Cece Wyledeck Estrada keeping the dancefloor bopping with a variety of indie, electro, rockabilly and alternative music.

From 1am JD Samson hit the decks, and showed she is a truly remarkable DJ. She is a legend in her own right, and could have easily just played her normal set and the music she enjoys, but regularly you'd see her popping her head over the DJ booth to check the response from the crowd. She interspersed her style of music with floor fillers that pleased the audience, introducing new music whilst ensuring the dance floor remained full at all times.

If you haven't been to Candy Bar in a while, perhaps you might fancy giving it another go. They have a variety of nights now, for all tastes including Laughing Labia comedy show, Girls-A-Loud Karaoke, Monday Madness, Shake and Pop, Monster and Sunday Social.

The next Chick Habit is on Thursday 11 October and features Moya, a singer-songwriter from Brighton.

Naomi

Hip Hip Hooray, we sash-ayed the Big Gay 10k

Sunday 30 September, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Sunny cloudy weather. A bunch of gays. What more could you want for the end of the Summer?

We arrived early, ready to set up our stall, which was bang in the middle of the row of pop up gazebos.

Within an hour we were ready to go with our village fete games – pick a lolly, play your cards right, tombola and find the cash behind the tube station, as well as a fine assortment of homemade cakes to sell (Naomi spent all day Saturday in the kitchen baking!).

Katie checked in for the walk, and took park in the group limbering up, with lots of dynamic stretches led off from the main stage.

Just before midday, Diva’s Jane Czyzselska called all the women over to take part in the lesbian visibility kiss. Before we knew it dozens of lesbians were smooching away with each other.

And then, Cheryl Baker was calling the start of the walk! All the runners, walkers and mincers led off, on the 10k path that took them along the riverside, South Bank, up to London Bridge, over and back down the other side.

It was a beautiful walk and the weather was perfect. It got a little busy in the South Bank area and Westminster – making it hard to keep full pace throughout, but Planet London walkers returned to Vauxhall in very respectable times indeed.

The afternoon continued with some great acts on the live stage including lesbian bands such as Grey Matter, stand up comedians Jen Brister and Zoe Lyons, and rounding off with members of the L Project singing It Gets Better.

The village fete worked really well and all the stalls had made a big effort to be fun and informative. There was a chilled party-like atmosphere all afternoon.

Planet London is very proud to have been a part of this event – walking and in the fete. We raised approximately £200 from the stall and walking which will go towards helping London Friend and Pace.

Book Review: Trumpet – Jackie Kay

Millie had a fantastic life and the perfect marriage, at least that’s how she remembers it now. Her famous husband Joss has just died and the secret they’d been hiding for over 40 years is out. Joss Moody, the male jazz musician, had been born a woman. Now Millie is all alone and in hiding, with even her adopted son Colman refusing to take her calls.

When the author, Jackie Kay, heard the story of Billy Tipton, she was inspired to turn his story into a book. Billy was a talented jazz musician from the 1920’s who enjoyed his life as a man, only to have his female gender discovered as he lay dying on the floor. Indeed history is littered with women who successfully changed their sex, but whether these women were gay or transgender has been lost to time. Jackie Kay sidesteps this discussion entirely by beginning her story two days after Joss Moody’s funeral.

Trumpet is a beautiful and descriptive novel, which despite its examination of grief, is really a book about love; the unconditional love of Millie for her husband, the love of a son for his father, and the love of a man for the music. If this book has anything to say, it is that love is ultimately more important than gender.

Review by Ida Raine

Review of Conspiracy of Silence Review

In creating this portrayal of modern Brazilian political history Tereza Briggs-Novaes, has both shown how the political is always personal and has also created a credible, strong female character in the role of Dr. Santana, intelligently brought to life by fellow Planet London contributor, Victoria Broom. Although we tend to think of the Cold War as played out between Europe and the Us, South America, Asia and Africa were all sucked into the battle of ideologies with Brazil being run by a military dictatorship from 1966 to 1985. Unlike South Africa there has been no truth and reconciliation committee in Brazil so the neglected stories of the past haunt not only the state but also the individuals who make up that state, whether they were directly involved at the time or not.

Captain Sergio Seirip, (John Ioannou), arrives at the office of Dr. Santana, (A successful psychiatrist.), in need of sleeping tablets. For the first time in nearly seventy years of living he cannot sleep at night. Instead he is woken by dreams where he finds himself the only living person in a cemetery of mutilated corpses. We are led to believe that this is the consequence of being the driver in the crash which killed his wife but we soon discover that his memory is selective, he is an unreliable narrator of his own life and by extension of Brazil’s history. As the sharp brained questioning from Dr. Santana forces him to peel away the layers of his carefully constructed history we learn that there were two crashes in the life of this genteel elderly man who likes to think of himself as one who avoided the excesses of the past and more than one dead body. The height of this play comes when we learn just how intertwined the actions of a previous political regime, (Carried out by Captain Seirip), are with the life of Dr. Santana, a child at the time. Both Victoria Broom and John Ioannou, are excellently cast in what is a demanding piece of drama. Victoria, on stage for the entire action of the play, has to take us through the emotional and intellectual journey of a woman who is finally presented with the opportunity to learn the truth of what happened during her early years but must do so in a way which allows her to protect her professional standards as a psychiatrist. To abandon those morals would be the first step in becoming no different to the torturers from her childhood.

It is a tribute to the production values of this tiny fringe venue and Victoria’s skills as an actor, that Victoria is always believable in this demanding space. Dr. Santana is on stage throughout the performance, given the size of the stage and the closeness of the audience there really is nowhere for a performer to hide and she must carry the pace and energy of the show when alone on stage save. It is good to see that both Victoria and John, in the capable hands of director Sergio Amigo, have opted for a stripped back style of acting which expects commitment from the audience and adds much to the production. Victoria could easily fall back on emoting wildly as a woman wronged, instead her subtle acting nudges us in the correct direction and we discover the truths of Brazil’s recent history and her childhood step by step with Dr. Santana

That Sergio Amigo is not prepared to put all the answers on a plate for us is no surprise once you know a little of the history of the theatre. Originally the long running Calder Bookshop the owner, John Calder, helped to ensure that the lease went not to another sandwich shop but to the current owners. In 2011 The Calder Bookshop & Theatre opened its doors as a brand new forty seater fringe venue committed to political theatre, the theatre also double as a charity working with ex-offenders. If you want to see good theatre well acted with then go and see Victoria in “Conspiracy of Silence” it’s a rare treat.

Review by Laura Alexander


You can watch Conspiracy of Silence every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday From September 20th to October 8th at 8pm at The Calder Bookshop and Theatre. Tickets: £10, £8 conc. To reserve your ticket call 020 7620 2900 or email info@calderbookshop.com.

Book Review: Sexual Fluidity - Lisa M Diamond

In 1995, 100 women were recruited for a ten year project, in order to study how female sexuality changed over time. 43 of the women were lesbian, 11 were heterosexual and the rest were bisexual or non-heterosexual. Rather than settling into their chosen labels as expected, two thirds of the women relabelled themselves at least once, with 1/3 changing their identity twice or more. In fact the most consistently used label by 2005 wasn’t a label at all, but ‘unlabelled’ or the rejection of the need for a label. 

When Lisa Diamond, the woman behind this project, began her research on variations in female sexuality, she already thought she knew what she was going to find. Ten years later she realised she was wrong. Rather than sexual identities and behaviour greatly differing from woman to woman, instead she found it could also vary wildly in the same woman, sometimes repeatedly. Straight women could date women, bisexuals could swing from gay to straight and lesbians could drop labels altogether. Historically such women were considered confused, unstable or immature, a view Lisa Diamond no longer agrees with. In Sexual Fluidity she uses her own research along with the research of others to make the case for female sexual fluidity.

This is not to say that Lisa Diamond believes that sexual orientation can be changed, rather this fluidity allows some women greater flexibility with their sexuality than their orientation would suggest. Nor does Lisa consider her research a criticism of the gay identity, pointing out that female fluidity is not an unknown concept in the lesbian community, but one that has been neglected by mainstream media and scientists. 

If you’ve ever wondered about female sexuality or felt you were the only one to feel a certain way about your own sexuality, this is the book for you. It’s well researched, well written and a fantastic read for gay and straight alike.

Review by Ida Raine

Book Review: I Can't Think Straight - Shamim Sarif

After 3 failed engagements, Tala has finally found the perfect husband. During preparations for her rapidly approaching wedding, Tala meets Leyla and suddenly starts to doubt her love for her fourth fiancé.

I Can’t Think Straight is both a movie and a novel. Set in Jordan and England, the story centres around the lives of two Middle Eastern women trying to do the right thing by their families. In some ways Tala and Leyla's lives seem to overlap; they both come from highly religious and wealthy families, they are both beautiful and well-educated, and they both have a younger and rebellious sister. But Tala is an outgoing and vibrant Catholic from Jordan, while Leyla is shy, Muslim and living in London where most of this story takes place. While British born Leyla has secretly imagined loving and being loved by another woman, Tala cannot. Tala knows that such a relationship is an impossibility in her world, so is ready to walk down the aisle with the man who adores her and has made her mother proud.

Despite the cheesy title and inelegant writing, the book is great! The families of both Tala and Leyla make this book shine, and the author manages to convey human relationships, both family and romantic, in a realistic and recognisable way. This isn’t a book where the main characters are tortured by their sexuality only to die in the end. Rather their lives are moving along smoothly, with neither girl fully aware that anything is amiss, until the day they fall in love. From that initial contact, they soon find themselves in a race against time to reconcile their new feelings, against their respective cultures, before Tala gets married. Their families pitch into the drama as families do, some well-meaning, some supportive, and some downright conniving. Ultimately the book has the ending you expect, but it’s well worth a read.

Review by Ida Raine

SteamPunk Tango

Date:             Friday 24 February
Location:       Islington Assembly Hall, Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2UD
Price:              Free

Two to Tango?

I'd been planning on going to the Winter Ball 2012 for a few weeks, yet this didn’t mean I’d planned what to wear. The theme was Steampunk Tango, which isn’t an easy look to fulfil and one which eventually defeated me. I attended the night in a black ‘lolita’ type dress instead.

The night was held in the Islington Town Hall which is quite a large venue, yet despite the cold outside managed to be toasty and warm. At least I believed that until I made my way down to the very chilly, yet spotlessly clean and spacious bathrooms.

As the theme suggests the event was a celebration of tango! To ensure that all attendees had at least a chance of being able to dance, a tango class had been held for the first half hour of the night. Those who didn’t participate were still shuffling their feet later into the night, while those who paid attention seemed to fill the dance floor for the rest of the evening. I was shuffling.

I had worried I might look out of place in my black dress, yet it seemed that many people had chosen a similar option. All around me were people who had dressed very well, just not in theme. This doesn’t mean that others hadn’t made the effort. Possibly half the crowd had turned up in patched jackets, elaborate masks, metal accessories, goggles of all sorts, Victorian dresses, corsets, top hats and even a horned headdress made of two speculums! Those things aren’t light, so I was astonished that she managed to keep it on her head all night, but she did.

Aside from the people, the night itself was much like a cool school disco. A large hall, round tables, a jacket over every chair, a makeshift bar, cheery bar staff, canoodling couples, raffle tickets, retro music, plastic cups and even a slow dance at the end of the night. Yes I was still there at the end of the night, I was even slow dancing. 

As the night was all about dancing the entertainment was kept to a minimum. The two dance instructors showed off their Argentinian tango skills, complete with intricate footwork and fantastic legs. Later an ex showgirl, Miss Hope Springs got up and sang us some songs. 

The night may have been all about dancing, but the event was so much more. Not only was it celebrating the end of the 2012 LGBT History month, it was also raising awareness for the Albert Kennedy Trust. Ultimately it was a worthwhile night.

Review by Ida Raine

Stav B's Winter Ball

Date:             Saturday 21 January 2012
Location:       The Dalston Emporium, 127 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB 

Pop up, pop in!

Not being familiar with Dalston I was convinced we were heading to the Superstore, right until we walked past the doors and continued down the road. The venue we eventually walked into looked more like a delicatessen than a bar.

It turned out the venue was actually a lunch bar and I had unwittingly stumbled upon one of Stav B's Pop-up Nights - A series of themed events held in random spaces such as cafe's and garages.

Tonight's theme was ''Glamorous'' and glamorous it was! All around me were suits, diamantés and colourful cocktails. For the tee-teetotallers there was also a small selection of 'Detox' cocktails. In keeping with the theme, the music was more Fred & Ginger than pop.

The crowd was very friendly and very diverse. This was a mixed event but the women and the genderqueer outnumbered the men. Looking around I noticed a lot of faces that I don't see around so often plus a lot of brand new faces. This event was obviously doing something right. 

The discovery of Stav B's WINTER BALL was a very good start to my 2012. I look forward to rediscovering the event again in March.

Take a look at Stav B's Pie n' Mash Liqour Bar Group on Facebook

Review by Ida Raine

Corsets & Diamonds

Date:               Saturday 26 November 2011 (event runs monthly, last Saturday)
Time:                8pm - 2am
Location:         Secret location which is announced before the event
Price:               Membership available (details on website), advance tickets £15, VIP tickets £150
Door policy:     mixed
Website:          corsetanddiamonds.com/

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Burlesque Amadeus - Sexy, Intriguing - the Burlesque Mask Ball

 

When we first walked in it was to be faced with a rather glamorous mix of people and a Diva Von Teese-lookalike taking her clothes off on the floor. Ten minutes later, the performance done and nipple tassels revealed, we made our way to the bar. It was then I realised my mistake. It was a masked party and like a fool I'd forgotten my mask. 

All around me were feathers, top hats, fascinators, corsets, spiralled curls and legs. Everyone had made an effort, and me? Well perhaps I was the missing jester. Once at the bar I ordered my very own Marie Antoniette and surveyed the venue.

To think of Corsets & Diamonds as just a place to see burlesque dancers is to miss the point. C&D not only has beautifully dressed clientelle, it has cocktails, cupcakes, market stalls and even makeup artists. Its a 'If you pull on a dress, we'll do your hair and sell you the accessories' kind of event. 

The music spans from jazz to classic to retro, the dance floor is minimal, the wait at the bar can sometimes be long and the burlesque enthusiasts can outnumber the lesbians but overall, this event is well worth a night out.

Facebook event for the November C&D

Review by Ida Raine

The Big Gay Lifestyle Show @ The Connaught Rooms, London

Date:               Saturday 22 October 2011
Location:         The Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London

 

From top left to bottom right: Scottee, Jill Jackson, Elouise, FTW, London Gay Men's Chorus, Dusty O and Mae Martin

Planet London visited the first Big Gay Lifestyle Show which took place on Saturday 22 October at the Connaught Rooms near Holborn (located on the aptly named Great Queen Street). Whilst the Big Gay Lifestyle Show wasn't very visible from the outside, the gays had really taken over the venue inside and the venue itself was as grand as the name suggests with Titanic like chandeliers.

The main room hosted the exhibitor stands and the main stage, additionally there was a smaller room to the side hosting free wine tasting by Barefoot Wines and a bar.

The exhibitors represented a broad spectrum of the gay-friendly companies, gay owned businesses and household name charities. There was a warm, friendly atmosphere and the buzz picked up throughout the afternoon as well as a good mix of men and women.

The afternoon on the main stage was intermittent performances from the excellent London Gay Men's Chorus, Funny Women finalists and Trannyshack cabaret. Funny women was MC'd by Rosie Wilby and featured short performances by lesbian stalker, Mae Martin (don't let her get a crush on you or she'll be singing a song about it!); Checkley and Bush - part siamese Russian twins, part M&S fans - in the style of Rihanna; and lastly the Funny Women 2011 winner, Lara A King - a L-E-S-B-I-A-N country comedy guitar-wielding singer, stand-up.

It was all change from 6pm as the venue then set up for the evening. The stalls were pushed back against the walls and the lower mood lighting was turned on. The mainstage was gracefully compered by The Very Miss Dusty O, who revelled in the post-watershed 6pm.

The evening had a very different feel to the daytime, with a focus on the acts and music. Shining out of the evening musical acts were the London Gay Men's Chorus (we want them at our wedding!) and Jill Jackson, and both benefited from the intimate setting.

After perhaps enjoying ourselves too much the night before at Southbank Surfing and an early start to make the most of a full day at The Big Gay Lifestyle Show, we 'sadly' retired too early to make it to the official after party at Fire.

Overall we had a very productive day, networking with lots of gay businesses; catching up with friends of Planet London such as Victoria Broom (actress and Planet London movie reviewer) and G3 Editor, Sarah Garrett; and interviewing Funny Women Lara A King and Rosie Wilby. What a day!

Review by Katie and Naomi