We are living in dizzying times, Poppets, and not in the good way. More often than not these days, I feel like a pin ball, bouncing faster and faster between bumpers. DADT is repealed; DOMA is still in effect. North Carolina votes for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage; the President comes out in favor of same-sex marriage. The federal government stops defending DOMA; the House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to the law. The governors of Rhode Island and Illinois come out in favor of same-sex marriage; a Mississippi legislator quotes Leviticus (which, in case you don’t know, calls for gay men to be put to death). And need I say that issues unrelated to marital status are even more dizzying? No, I didn’t think so.
According to a wicked cool graph sent to me by one of my best friends, the core issues of hate crimes, housing, and employment break down as confusingly as same-sex marriage. While 31 states have protections against hate crimes due to sexual orientation, only 14 states protect against those same crimes based on gender identity. Housing protections are afforded to LGB peoples in 21 states, and only 17 to the Ts in our alphabet soup. Finally, only 22 states protect employment based on orientation, and 17 based on identity. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2012/may/08/gay-rights-united-states)
It’s loud, chaotic, and confusing. Given the noise, it is more important than ever to be diligent, especially in an election year. Know your allies and your enemies.
Each side has its own spin, and if you don’t listen too closely, they might sound pretty good. That doesn’t mean they are. Do your own research; figure out your own priorities. Know what – and who – serves your best interests.
Federal elections take center stage, and that’s okay. But pay close attention to your state elections, as well. What the federal government doesn’t legislate, the states will - and our rights are being addressed at both levels.
Same-sex marriage is an important issue. It’s not the only important issue. Federal elections are important every election year. State elections are just as important this year. Don’t let them bounce you back and forth between bumpers. Don’t be distracted by the lights and the noise.
We’re on the right path, Poppets. Let’s stay there.
Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May 2012
Get ready, Poppets, because we’re moving into Pride season, and what a season 2012 is shaping up to be! While most events take place next month, you can find a way and a place to show your Pride all summer long.
Start in Olympia, the weekend of June 8-10. Traditionally, this has been a smaller, very family-friendly event and it certainly seems to be what they are aiming for this year, as well. If you’ve got little ones, this might be a good choice for you. The kickoff is the night of June 8th at the Urban Onion. The fun really begins, though, at the festival, which runs the 9th and 10th in Sylvester Park. Even the hours are family-friendly: Saturday, 10:00-5:00 and Sunday, 10:00-3:30. Catch the Parade Sunday, too, starting at the Capital building. Check www.capitalcitypride.net for more information.
Next up is Portland and Pride NorthWest. Be at the festival in Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 16th from noon to six, or the 17th, during the same hours. The Parade is Sunday, as well. They are requesting a couple of things. First, a $7.00 donation to attend the festival would be a really cool thing, but it is only a donation suggestion, not a mandatory ticket. Second, parking is minimal, so if at all possible, walk or take the light rail. More information can be found at www.pridenw.org.
You can be in Seattle June 21-24 at the Seattle Center. This one’s huge, Poppets, and if you’ve never been, I highly recommend it. There are men’s parties; there are women’s parties. This year, there are four stages of (almost) nonstop entertainment over four days. That being said, Sunday is the really big day. The formal, official festival runs from noon to 8:00 pm, immediately after the Parade. Enough goes on that I’m simply going to refer you to www.seattlepride.org and www.seattlepridefest.org for all the deets.
Surely, you know what July brings, right? July brings Pride to Bellingham – and our beloved Betty reigns supreme (as she always does). July 11-15, starting with a kickoff at Rumors with Betty Desire! It’s at 10:00 pm. I know you’ll be there. The 12th is an all-ages dance at the Depot Market Square. The $3.00 donation goes to local charities, so it’s important and worthwhile. So, honestly, is this dance, in my opinion. All-ages dances may seem passé or boring or beneath those of us who can – and do – drink legally, but we’ve got kids being bullied, being hurt, and even killing themselves because they are gay. I cannot stress the importance of adults who love, accept, and act as strong role models for all ages. Please, Poppets, attend this dance. Show the next generation we’ve got their backs. It’s another $3.00 donation, and seriously worth it. Friday night, The Betty Pages turns eight! Show your love at Rumors again. No cover before 10 and free food. Saturday and Sunday, it gets really big. Betty’s throwing a picnic, people are dancing and dressing, and the celebration kicks into high gear, culminating with the Parade on Sunday. If someone wants more information, point them to www.bhampride.org. Everything you want to know is there.
But I promised you all summer, and I plan to deliver. Head over the border to Vancouver B.C. August 3-5 and celebrate there, as well. It’s closer even than Seattle, let alone Portland or Olympia! If you can only get away for one day, make it the 5th. The festival begins on Sunset Beach at 11:00 a.m, but the Parade is downtown at noon, so plan wisely. And my favorite event of the day runs from 4:00 to 7:00. It’s the Grey and Glamorous Dance, for “older and aging Queers and Allies.” Again, there’s a $5 donation request, but it’s just a suggestion. If you think you might make it up to our neighbors in the north, check out www.vancouverpride.ca.
Finally, I can hear you now, wondering what’s going on in the queer Mecca of New Orleans for Pride. Surprisingly, the truth is very little. But, NOLA Pride is June 22-24 and you’re going to be in Seattle anyway. However! I would never let you down. Labor Day Weekend – and who doesn’t love an end of summer vacation? – brings you Southern Decadence down here in the Crescent City. If you don’t know, just trust me: it is everything you would expect from something named Southern Decadence. This is not a family-friendly event, nor is it for the faint of heart. It is, however, a city and a people embracing our more…flamboyant side. I’ll leave you to www.southerndecadence.net for more details, pictures, and generalized debauchery. And hope to see you there.
Wherever you celebrate, Poppets, be sure to celebrate. Have Pride. Show your Pride. We are all worthy of greatness – and great Pride.
Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
Start in Olympia, the weekend of June 8-10. Traditionally, this has been a smaller, very family-friendly event and it certainly seems to be what they are aiming for this year, as well. If you’ve got little ones, this might be a good choice for you. The kickoff is the night of June 8th at the Urban Onion. The fun really begins, though, at the festival, which runs the 9th and 10th in Sylvester Park. Even the hours are family-friendly: Saturday, 10:00-5:00 and Sunday, 10:00-3:30. Catch the Parade Sunday, too, starting at the Capital building. Check www.capitalcitypride.net for more information.
Next up is Portland and Pride NorthWest. Be at the festival in Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 16th from noon to six, or the 17th, during the same hours. The Parade is Sunday, as well. They are requesting a couple of things. First, a $7.00 donation to attend the festival would be a really cool thing, but it is only a donation suggestion, not a mandatory ticket. Second, parking is minimal, so if at all possible, walk or take the light rail. More information can be found at www.pridenw.org.
You can be in Seattle June 21-24 at the Seattle Center. This one’s huge, Poppets, and if you’ve never been, I highly recommend it. There are men’s parties; there are women’s parties. This year, there are four stages of (almost) nonstop entertainment over four days. That being said, Sunday is the really big day. The formal, official festival runs from noon to 8:00 pm, immediately after the Parade. Enough goes on that I’m simply going to refer you to www.seattlepride.org and www.seattlepridefest.org for all the deets.
Surely, you know what July brings, right? July brings Pride to Bellingham – and our beloved Betty reigns supreme (as she always does). July 11-15, starting with a kickoff at Rumors with Betty Desire! It’s at 10:00 pm. I know you’ll be there. The 12th is an all-ages dance at the Depot Market Square. The $3.00 donation goes to local charities, so it’s important and worthwhile. So, honestly, is this dance, in my opinion. All-ages dances may seem passé or boring or beneath those of us who can – and do – drink legally, but we’ve got kids being bullied, being hurt, and even killing themselves because they are gay. I cannot stress the importance of adults who love, accept, and act as strong role models for all ages. Please, Poppets, attend this dance. Show the next generation we’ve got their backs. It’s another $3.00 donation, and seriously worth it. Friday night, The Betty Pages turns eight! Show your love at Rumors again. No cover before 10 and free food. Saturday and Sunday, it gets really big. Betty’s throwing a picnic, people are dancing and dressing, and the celebration kicks into high gear, culminating with the Parade on Sunday. If someone wants more information, point them to www.bhampride.org. Everything you want to know is there.
But I promised you all summer, and I plan to deliver. Head over the border to Vancouver B.C. August 3-5 and celebrate there, as well. It’s closer even than Seattle, let alone Portland or Olympia! If you can only get away for one day, make it the 5th. The festival begins on Sunset Beach at 11:00 a.m, but the Parade is downtown at noon, so plan wisely. And my favorite event of the day runs from 4:00 to 7:00. It’s the Grey and Glamorous Dance, for “older and aging Queers and Allies.” Again, there’s a $5 donation request, but it’s just a suggestion. If you think you might make it up to our neighbors in the north, check out www.vancouverpride.ca.
Finally, I can hear you now, wondering what’s going on in the queer Mecca of New Orleans for Pride. Surprisingly, the truth is very little. But, NOLA Pride is June 22-24 and you’re going to be in Seattle anyway. However! I would never let you down. Labor Day Weekend – and who doesn’t love an end of summer vacation? – brings you Southern Decadence down here in the Crescent City. If you don’t know, just trust me: it is everything you would expect from something named Southern Decadence. This is not a family-friendly event, nor is it for the faint of heart. It is, however, a city and a people embracing our more…flamboyant side. I’ll leave you to www.southerndecadence.net for more details, pictures, and generalized debauchery. And hope to see you there.
Wherever you celebrate, Poppets, be sure to celebrate. Have Pride. Show your Pride. We are all worthy of greatness – and great Pride.
Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April 2012
No doubt by now,
Poppets, you have heard about LOGO’s programming change. Everyone seems to have
weighed in, and I’m not going to be the exception. Before I start, though, in
case you haven’t heard, back in February, LOGO television announced that it was
moving away from LGBTQ-centric programming. Are you caught up? Good. Here we
go.
Ummm….really? Okay. Let’s break it down…
Not a single new show has an LGBTQ character as the lead of the focus. Instead, we are the quirky, fabulous best friend/sidekick. That stereotype isn’t okay in mainstream programming. Now, LOGO is asking us to be okay with being relegated there on our own station.
I get that many of us don’t “lead with” our orientation. That doesn’t mean we want to be invisible or a subplot. There is still a place for us to be the leads, the focus, more than a sidekick. We can get all the other stuff on Bravo, TLC, ABC, Lifetime – the list goes on and on. Why hand it to us here, on LOGO, too?
Look, I also get that business run on financial decisions. Reality t.v. is all the rage. If LOGO wants to/needs to incorporate this kind of programming into their schedule for that reason, I really do understand. Business is business. But LOGO, after six years of loyalty and keeping you in business, please, don’t add insult to injury by pretending these changes are about us. Attract your straight audiences; make your money. Even tell yourself whatever lies you need to. Just stop trying to feed them to us.
The
official press release reads:
In
the 6 years since Logo launched, there has been a seismic shift in culture and
the network’s new programming slate reflects that. From the push for marriage
equality, to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and even the mass appeal of
broadcast TV shows like “Modern Family” all signal a significant movement in
today’s culture where “out” characters are celebrated for their success and values
and the majority of gays and lesbians define themselves by multi-dimensional
notions other than purely on their sexual orientation.
“Culturally,
we’re past the tipping point. For gays and lesbians, it’s part of who they are,
but they don’t lead with it, because many are leading fully integrated,
mainstream lives,” said Lisa Sherman, Executive Vice President of Logo. “Our
goal at Logo has always been to honestly reflect our viewers’ lives. We’re now
reinforcing our commitment to them with programming that truly mirrors how many
of them are living and want to be entertained today.” (http://www.logopressroom.com/press-release/logo-amplifies-culture-shift-with-expanded-programming/)
Ummm….really? Okay. Let’s break it down…
“From the push for marriage equality…” – which we still do not
have, nor are we anywhere close to having it nationwide. Lovely.
“…to the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’…” – which is only half the
battle while DOMA is still in effect. Lovely.
“…the mass appeal of broadcast TV shows…”- such as Billy Crystal’s
character, Jody, in the series Soap, which ran from 1977-1981. They’re
relying on a statement that could’ve been made in 1978. Lovely.
“…because many are leading fully integrated, mainstream lives,” – and
good for them. Seriously. Said without bitterness, sarcasm, or malice. But
many, many more of us are still required to be closeted, to hide.
“Our
goal at Logo has always been to honestly reflect our viewers’ lives.” – because
so many of us are child beauty pageant stars (Eden
Not a single new show has an LGBTQ character as the lead of the focus. Instead, we are the quirky, fabulous best friend/sidekick. That stereotype isn’t okay in mainstream programming. Now, LOGO is asking us to be okay with being relegated there on our own station.
I get that many of us don’t “lead with” our orientation. That doesn’t mean we want to be invisible or a subplot. There is still a place for us to be the leads, the focus, more than a sidekick. We can get all the other stuff on Bravo, TLC, ABC, Lifetime – the list goes on and on. Why hand it to us here, on LOGO, too?
Look, I also get that business run on financial decisions. Reality t.v. is all the rage. If LOGO wants to/needs to incorporate this kind of programming into their schedule for that reason, I really do understand. Business is business. But LOGO, after six years of loyalty and keeping you in business, please, don’t add insult to injury by pretending these changes are about us. Attract your straight audiences; make your money. Even tell yourself whatever lies you need to. Just stop trying to feed them to us.
Until next month, Poppets, take
care of you.
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2012
I love it when the articles write themselves, Poppets, I truly do. And given what I wrote about last month, I bet you already know what I’m writing about this month. Yep, same-sex marriage is now the law in our great state of Washington
Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
There are others we need to thank as well, though, specifically the Washington United for Marriage Business Coalition. When I first heard about them, my plan was to spell out everyone involved. The really great news, though, is that it is literally a three-page list. While Betty is amazingly patient with me, I’m not going to turn in a three-page list of businesses and call it an article.
What I will tell you is the range of businesses involved is impressive. Massive, multinational corporations, such as Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, and Starbucks are on board. Movers and shakers of the state, like the Elliott Bay Book Company, the Seattle Restaurant Alliance, and Spokane Wireless have signed up. Independent retailers and small restaurants and cafes, and even law firms…The list goes on and it’s inspiring.
Surely, you know what I want you to do now, don’t you? I want you to go to www.washingtonunitedformarriage.org, check out the list, and decide which ones you can support. Whatever your other politics are, somewhere in that three-page list is at least one company you can patronize. Because it isn’t easy or fiscally safe for businesses to support us – and they did.
Which also means, yep, it’s time to start shopping at JC Penney. What does JC Penney have to do with same-sex marriage? Not a damn thing as far as I know, but same-sex marriage isn’t and shouldn’t be the only issue within our community that we care about. You’ve heard the kerfuffle over Penney’s choosing Ellen as their spokesperson. I won’t rehash it here. Think about it, though:
A major department store is getting grief for having a kind, polite, caring, funny, professional as a spokesperson, just because she’s a lesbian. How does this even make sense?
Yes, JC Penney is standing by Ellen – and us – by keeping her on. So, let’s say thank you. Assure them they made the right decision. Even if you don’t care for their clothing styles, everybody needs socks and underwear eventually.
Vote with your pocketbooks, Poppets. For a single issue and for the larger one of equality. As I’ve said before, stand with those who stand with us.
Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February 2012
I’ll let you in on a secret, Poppets: I am a lobster. What does that mean? It means I am hard and crusty on the outside and total mush on the inside. Which also means I’m a sucker for romance, and yes, embarrassingly, Valentine’s Day. I know the arguments. It’s a corporate holiday; it’s all about money; Hallmark and DeBeers have us by the short hairs. Whatever. I love it. When I was single, I would buy myself chocolates and take long, candle lit bubble baths. Now that I’m married, we celebrate very similarly, only I’m no longer alone in that bath. Yep, romance is wonderful. Love is wonderful. Valentine’s Day is wonderful. And … what if we could make it more than just a money-maker for Whitmans chocolates? There’s a national movement trying to do just that.
Marriage licenses can be obtained at the Whatcom County Auditor,311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 , Bellingham , WA 98225
Until next month, take care of you.
Marriage Equality USA, GetEqual.org, and California Faith for Equality have joined together to encourage a national day of awareness, Request Marriage (www.requestmarriage.com), on February 14, 2012. Marriage is the ultimate representation of romance, so what better way to celebrate romance than with marriage? On Valentine’s Day this year, those of us who are not married are being urged to apply for marriage licenses. Yes, even those of us in Washington
Now, there are some very important rules, should you and your partner choose to participate. First and foremost, be polite. This is not an aggressive or antagonistic event. The people behind the counter are simply doing their jobs. They do not make the laws. They are not the enemy. Many of them fully support the rights of LGBTQ peoples. Do not harass them for doing their jobs.
Second, but equally important, do not block straight couples who are successful at obtaining marriage licenses. The whole movement is about gaining that very right, not about taking it away from anyone else. If you engage them at all, do so in order to celebrate with them on their happy day.
Finally, maintain your own quiet dignity. This is not about making a scene. This is about making a statement. Those are two very different things. Do not give them any reason to disregard you as crazy, or belligerent, or just one of “those” people.
If you are a straight couple, you can show your support, as well. The website recommends going to the County Auditor
I know that Washington
Marriage licenses can be obtained at the Whatcom County Auditor,
Until next month, take care of you.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January 2012
As you know, Poppets, I frequently write my way down the coast, hitting Seattle , Portland , and, at least once, California Mexico and east to tell you about events happening in New England . For some reason, though, I’ve never gone just east to Spokane
Then Dempsey’s, that Spokane
Not wanting to make that same mistake again, I’m using this month to tell you about Hollyrock, a new club in Spokane Valley Seattle or Portland California , Mexico or Boston
Part gathering place, part community outreach, Hollyrock is more concerned with being a safe place for everyone, than making its owner wealthy. From 4:00 pm, when it opens, until 9:00 pm, teens 16 and older are allowed – and encouraged - to come, hang out, have a place to get away from the daily grind, and just be. This would be enough to make me love the place, if it was all Hollyrock offered (you know my soft spot for teenagers, Poppets), but it’s not.
The owner, Robin Tuttle, is aiming for a totally inclusive environment, rather than just being another gay club. LGBTQs, their allies, and straight folks are all equally welcomed, equally wanted. The food is a step or three above typical bar fare, making it an actual restaurant, instead of just a place to grab something greasy to help balance the booze. Many of the drag performers who kept Dempsey’s hopping have made the move to Hollyrock, as well, so you know the quality of talent is there.
It’s a new venture, during a time when new ventures are risky. And, sure, it’s a little out of the way, but what better way to shake off the post-holiday blahs than a weekend away, supporting an exciting new venture? I can’t think of much. So hang with Betty at Rumors on Wednesday, and then make a run to Spokane
It’s a new year, Poppets. Let’s have an adventure or two, starting in Spokane
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December 2011
You know one of the (admittedly, many) things that makes me crazy, Poppets? Not getting closure. It’s right up there with people who go the speed limit in the passing lane and even above people who put spoilers in comments without giving fair warning. Yep, getting closure is important to me. So, imagine my relief when Shawn Harris agreed to a follow-up interview with me. To remind you, Shawn is the playwright behind Tulpa or Anne&Me that I spoke with back in May. BUT! We spoke before the show went up at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. Which meant, I really needed to know how it went and what happens next. Luckily, she was willing to fill me in…
BA: What’s going on with Tulpa now? With such a great response, I hope it has a future…
SH: I'd been interested in another performance for a while, but not it looks like there is an opportunity for more performances in mid-to late April. Because of the energy and insight generated at the post-performance discussions, I'm also looking for ways to turn Tulpa, or Anne&Me into a workshop or seminar that can tour in different cities. I'm also working with someone to develop a seminar or workshop using Tulpa as a keystone piece through which we can learn about and examine anti-racist concepts. I have my work cut out for me, but it's work that really means something to me and the people who've been touched by Tulpa, so I don't mind.
Right at this moment, though, I'm putting together a fundraising campaign for the 2012 production of Tulpa, or Anne&Me. I'm trying to raise $3000.00 which will go toward rehearsal space, marketing/publicity/advertising, copies of scripts, props and costumes, tech and design, and -- most importantly -- small stipends for the cast and crew.
BA: What happens once you get the $3,000.00?
SH: I'm gearing up for a mid- to late April performance here in NYC. As with any project, that depends on how things work out. Right now the main thing is raising money, so I'm putting together a volunteer fundraising team to help with that. After that, I have to hire a cast and crew, book rehearsal space, and so on.
BA: Will it be exactly the same show, or will you make some changes?
SH: Every time I do a show there are changes. I tweak the script, try working with different people, approaching the process differently. I'm very much like a scientist conducting experiments and using what I observe to make my work more interesting, more meaningful, more theatrical, and so on.
BA: What is next for you, as a playwright?
SH: I'm currently working on a script I want to have a complete draft of for NaNoWriMo. (Note from BA: NaNoWriMo is short for “National Novel Writing Month”, an event that takes place every fall to challenge writers to write a whole novel and/or 50,000 words in the month of November and no, Poppets, I’m not participating.) It's a straight-up fantasy about the human slaves who discover lost secrets of magic and use them to rise up against their elven masters. The story is a lot less personal than Tulpa, and I look forward to finishing a draft.
BA: Good luck with the fantasy script and with NaNoWriMo! Finally, Shawn, supporting LGBTQ projects and voices is very important to Betty Pages readers. Where do they go if they want to donate or get more information?
SH: Online, they can go to https://www.fracturedatlas.org/donate/3503. Or they can always email me at whoisyourtulpa@gmail.com.
(Or, my internet-only readers, you can click here.)
And there you have it, Poppets, a little bit of closure for all of us at the end of the year. Feels good, doesn’t it? Yeah, I thought so, too.
Until next month, Poppets, have a safe and happy holiday season whatever you’re celebrating, don’t forget to call a cab, and, as always, take care of you.
Bridget Adams (BA): The very first question I have to ask is: How did last summer’s
performances go?
Shawn Harris (SH): Planet Connections went very well! We had great performances, and the show got a couple of nominations for awards. Attendance was solid considering when we had to perform. The thing about festivals is that you don't get your choice of performance slots, so you make the best of what's available. Our last 2 shows nearly sold out, though! I'm very happy about how things turned out.
But more than that, people were interested and engaged with what they saw, so in that regard it was a phenomenal success.
BA: At the time, I said I believed the goal to be to create an honest dialogue around race and racism and asked if you thought Tulpa was succeeding. You said you thought it was too soon to say. How about now?
SH: Right. Now that I've been able to observe people's reactions to the play, I think it does do that.
One of the great things about theatre is that it's a lot like a thrill ride. You can go along with the action without putting yourself at risk. For many of us, we don't know how we'd handle the situations raised in Tulpa until we suddenly find ourselves face-to-face with
them. While we can learn from these experiences, the cost of that is often a lot of pain, both inflicted and endured. It's a lot like talking about "a friend of mine" who has a problem. Only in this case they're live human beings doing human things.
At the same time, the distance allows people to examine these events more closely to get a better understanding of how they work. This is in no small part due to the facilitation of the Anti-Racist Alliance's women of color group (via the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond), who were able to combine a personal approach with anti-racist
analysis.
BA: Is an honest dialogue about race still something you want to accomplish with Tulpa?
SH: Yes. The purpose of that goal has changed, though. One of the reasons why the post-performance discussion was so valuable was that it showed Tulpa's potential to not only initiate these dialogues but to facilitate and sustain them. Looking at how much substance audience members brought to these discussions showed me that there was a lot more that Tulpa could do. Honest dialogue is no longer an end in itself, but a required component of a larger mission. We often say that dialogue is important to improve understanding, but I soon realize that my deeper wish is for people to act on that understanding.
Because of this, one of the long-term goals that has emerged is a practical way to combine making theatre with social justice and community organizing. Making theatre and community organizing have a lot in common. In both cases, you're bringing people together with wildly different temperaments, skills, motives, interests, and so on in order to create or change something. Both theatre and community organizing face similar dilemmas, especially when it comes to doing a big job with few resources.
So, I'm looking at ways in which we can use theatre to help promote social justice while at the same time applying social justice principles to making theatre. Does that make sense?
BA: It makes perfect sense to me. How much has the main character being a Queer woman, as well as Black woman, entered into discussions and/or people’s response?
SH: Honestly, not that much. But when talking with queer women of color, it does come up more often. It's one of those situations where queer find the play REALLY queer while it goes way over the heads of straight cis people. It's not about in-jokes or anything like that, but generally how the characters understand themselves and relate to each other.
performances go?
Shawn Harris (SH): Planet Connections went very well! We had great performances, and the show got a couple of nominations for awards. Attendance was solid considering when we had to perform. The thing about festivals is that you don't get your choice of performance slots, so you make the best of what's available. Our last 2 shows nearly sold out, though! I'm very happy about how things turned out.
But more than that, people were interested and engaged with what they saw, so in that regard it was a phenomenal success.
BA: At the time, I said I believed the goal to be to create an honest dialogue around race and racism and asked if you thought Tulpa was succeeding. You said you thought it was too soon to say. How about now?
SH: Right. Now that I've been able to observe people's reactions to the play, I think it does do that.
One of the great things about theatre is that it's a lot like a thrill ride. You can go along with the action without putting yourself at risk. For many of us, we don't know how we'd handle the situations raised in Tulpa until we suddenly find ourselves face-to-face with
them. While we can learn from these experiences, the cost of that is often a lot of pain, both inflicted and endured. It's a lot like talking about "a friend of mine" who has a problem. Only in this case they're live human beings doing human things.
At the same time, the distance allows people to examine these events more closely to get a better understanding of how they work. This is in no small part due to the facilitation of the Anti-Racist Alliance's women of color group (via the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond), who were able to combine a personal approach with anti-racist
analysis.
BA: Is an honest dialogue about race still something you want to accomplish with Tulpa?
SH: Yes. The purpose of that goal has changed, though. One of the reasons why the post-performance discussion was so valuable was that it showed Tulpa's potential to not only initiate these dialogues but to facilitate and sustain them. Looking at how much substance audience members brought to these discussions showed me that there was a lot more that Tulpa could do. Honest dialogue is no longer an end in itself, but a required component of a larger mission. We often say that dialogue is important to improve understanding, but I soon realize that my deeper wish is for people to act on that understanding.
Because of this, one of the long-term goals that has emerged is a practical way to combine making theatre with social justice and community organizing. Making theatre and community organizing have a lot in common. In both cases, you're bringing people together with wildly different temperaments, skills, motives, interests, and so on in order to create or change something. Both theatre and community organizing face similar dilemmas, especially when it comes to doing a big job with few resources.
So, I'm looking at ways in which we can use theatre to help promote social justice while at the same time applying social justice principles to making theatre. Does that make sense?
BA: It makes perfect sense to me. How much has the main character being a Queer woman, as well as Black woman, entered into discussions and/or people’s response?
SH: Honestly, not that much. But when talking with queer women of color, it does come up more often. It's one of those situations where queer find the play REALLY queer while it goes way over the heads of straight cis people. It's not about in-jokes or anything like that, but generally how the characters understand themselves and relate to each other.
BA: What’s going on with Tulpa now? With such a great response, I hope it has a future…
SH: I'd been interested in another performance for a while, but not it looks like there is an opportunity for more performances in mid-to late April. Because of the energy and insight generated at the post-performance discussions, I'm also looking for ways to turn Tulpa, or Anne&Me into a workshop or seminar that can tour in different cities. I'm also working with someone to develop a seminar or workshop using Tulpa as a keystone piece through which we can learn about and examine anti-racist concepts. I have my work cut out for me, but it's work that really means something to me and the people who've been touched by Tulpa, so I don't mind.
Right at this moment, though, I'm putting together a fundraising campaign for the 2012 production of Tulpa, or Anne&Me. I'm trying to raise $3000.00 which will go toward rehearsal space, marketing/publicity/advertising, copies of scripts, props and costumes, tech and design, and -- most importantly -- small stipends for the cast and crew.
BA: What happens once you get the $3,000.00?
SH: I'm gearing up for a mid- to late April performance here in NYC. As with any project, that depends on how things work out. Right now the main thing is raising money, so I'm putting together a volunteer fundraising team to help with that. After that, I have to hire a cast and crew, book rehearsal space, and so on.
BA: Will it be exactly the same show, or will you make some changes?
SH: Every time I do a show there are changes. I tweak the script, try working with different people, approaching the process differently. I'm very much like a scientist conducting experiments and using what I observe to make my work more interesting, more meaningful, more theatrical, and so on.
BA: What is next for you, as a playwright?
SH: I'm currently working on a script I want to have a complete draft of for NaNoWriMo. (Note from BA: NaNoWriMo is short for “National Novel Writing Month”, an event that takes place every fall to challenge writers to write a whole novel and/or 50,000 words in the month of November and no, Poppets, I’m not participating.) It's a straight-up fantasy about the human slaves who discover lost secrets of magic and use them to rise up against their elven masters. The story is a lot less personal than Tulpa, and I look forward to finishing a draft.
BA: Good luck with the fantasy script and with NaNoWriMo! Finally, Shawn, supporting LGBTQ projects and voices is very important to Betty Pages readers. Where do they go if they want to donate or get more information?
SH: Online, they can go to https://www.fracturedatlas.org/donate/3503. Or they can always email me at whoisyourtulpa@gmail.com.
(Or, my internet-only readers, you can click here.)
And there you have it, Poppets, a little bit of closure for all of us at the end of the year. Feels good, doesn’t it? Yeah, I thought so, too.
Until next month, Poppets, have a safe and happy holiday season whatever you’re celebrating, don’t forget to call a cab, and, as always, take care of you.
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