The Betty Pages Oct 2016 by Betty Desire

About our Contributors...

The Betty Pages - Oct 2016 Betty’s Corner

In The Mix

Miss Betty Desire has been entertaining anyone who would listen in Bellingham for over 20 years, and is proprietor of The Betty Pages, the monthly publication that you are reading at this very moment. It is her hope that your perusal of the Betty Pages will enrich your life one chuckle at a time.

Writer Bridget Adams currently resides in Washington State but that is always subject to change. Lucky enough to be a full-time, if poor, writer, she is most likely somewhere in front of her computer with a cup of coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

By Betty Desire, The Betty Pages By Bridget Adams

Death

By Kevin Walder

A Bibliography of Gay Film By Lyle Pearson

B*tch, B*tch, B*tch

By Sandy Soderberg

The Comics!

Queer Film Historian Lyle Pearson has published in FILM QUARTERLY, SIGHT AND SOUND, INTERNATIONAL FILM GUIDE, FILMFARE, YOUTH TIMES, MANSHOTS, THE BETTY PAGES and ASIAN CINEMA. With a BA from Pacific Lutheran College (1959) and a MA from San Francisco State College (1968), he has taught at Western Washington University in Bellingham WA. His main interest is Indian cinema.

Astrology

Staff Photographer John Phillip after 40+ years of television

By Matt Keller

GLBT Organizations (Whatcom & Skagit)

production engineering work John has settled down in Bellingham to semi retirement and is now revised his love of photography. His education touched on Theology, pre-med, law enforcement, fire protection engineering and film production. John likes to keep broad horizons. “Don’t Dream It, Be It” Nomi graduated Whatcom Community College with an Associates in Visual Communications but prefers more hands on tinkering & random projects (of which she always has many still to finish).

É.F.K. O’Conghaile is a transgender organizer with particular focus on youth empowerment, transgender spaces, and homelessness issues. They are a facilitator for the Washington Gender Alliance support group in Bellingham Matt Keller lives in a time traveling ambulance where he’s constantly harassing ghosts, space aliens, and the U.S. federal government. He considers himself the most natural talent since Nostradamus and claims to be the Ken Griffey Jr. of astrology. Sandy Soderberg A steward for the honor of cannabis. From activism in legislature and Farm Bureau to education in schools and public forum, Sandy speaks of common sense for the common good of the people and the plant.

Betty’s Corner

David took us to the Wood Ranch Grill and judging from the size of the crowd and the quality of the food it was an excellent choice. I highly recommend that you look it up if you are ever in the LA area. Have the cheese cake for dessert. You won’t regret it until you step on the scale later. My sister Debbie made cards and bought a ceramic blue bird for each of us to remember this reunion. The first time ever that all of us have been together. After dinner it was time for a well deserved rest so we would be ready to tackle the crowds at Knotts Berry Farm in the morning. This was my first time ever visiting Knotts Berry Farm and I think the best way to describe it is Disney Land with a Western Theme. My Brother and Sisters had been there many times as children so I was in good hands. My Sister Tami and I have mobility issues so we rented electric scooters. That was the smartest decision I could have made. Not only was I pain free at the end of 3 hours wandering the theme park, but we were moved to the front of the line for the rides! The entertainment was fun and informative. The food was well presented and there were amazingly many healthy options. I had one of the best Turkey Legs since my days at the Midsummer Renaissance Faire! We returned to David’s place for Dinner and a party game similar to password. David is an excellent cook. Thai food was on the menu and it was tasty. Saturday morning we were off to Hollywood and a Double Decker Bus Tour. The tour began at Hollywood’s unofficial Seahawk Bar. How fortuitous is that? I was wearing my “Bellingham City of Subdued Excitement “ t shirt and the Tour Bus driver recognized it. (‘Hamsters we are everywhere) I was very impressed with the knowledge of our Guide from information on the Stars to the history and architectural style of the buildings. Truly an enjoyable time. Tekila is the name of the unofficial Seahawk Bar in Hollywood. The food is great and they serve Western Washington size portions. We drove back to David’s and had a Southwestern themed dinner a viewing of the vintage movie ‘The Ghost and Mr Chicken” (one of my childhood favorites) and cheered the Washington Huskies on to victory over Arizona. (In overtime!) Sunday was traveling day and I must say the six of us are all ready for a well deserved rest.

Betty Desire

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In the April Betty Pages I told you all the incredible story of my birth siblings search for me. I was adopted out as an infant in 1954, long before open adoption was popular. My Brother David, the youngest of our brood, grew impatient with the slowness of the process, took matters in his own hands and found me on Facebook. I have four sisters and David. I have met my Sisters. This month I will take you with me on my journey to finally meet the last of my siblings. I started this quest at 330am September 22nd at Bellingham International Airport. With a layover in Portlandia, and a final destination of Burbank California. My 4 Sisters are joining me and so for the first time ever all 6 of us will be together. I still find it hard to believe that this is happening. I assumed that everyone involved would be old or gone and the thought of siblings searching for me never crossed my mind. But here we are. The search is over and now we have the happy task of catching up on 61 years of living. David is a Dr of Music at California State University Northridge. The entire family is musically inclined which explains my love of singing. I hope that by sharing this trip and experience I can encourage others in my or similar situations. I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite Movies “Galaxy Quest “ Never Give Up! Never Surrender “ You never know what the future may bring so my advice would be to sit back relax and enjoy the ride. Travel day was, as always, long and tiring. In order to get to the airport 1 hour before the 525am flight I left Kendall at 325am. Just a bit earlier than I normally get up. I had a layover in Portlandia where I met up with 2 of my Sisters Kris and Debbie. After fortifying ourselves for the flight to Burbank with lunch and 2 long Islands we boarded the plane and the journey continued. Kris and Debbie talked to the lady sitting next to them and convinced her to switch seats so the three of us could sit together. What a treat that was! We were able to catch up on things and entertain the back of the plane with a rousing chorus of “We Are Family “ (just the chorus we didn’t want to piss too many people off) the flight was smooth except for turbulence just before landing. We shared a toast of Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka and headed off the plane to pick up the rental car and meet David. David and I took the lead in his car with the sisters following as we led them through the maze that is the L.A. freeway system with ultimate goal of getting them to their hotel. He checked two different navigation applications to find the fastest route! After dropping off the sisters we went to David’s and readied for dinner.

Betty Desire, The Betty Pages

In The Mix Bridget Adams

or get help here: http://www.skagitdvsas.org/index.html. To get help, call their 24hour hotline: (888) 336-9591. And about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services right here in Bellingham. When I called, they assured me that their resources are available to us, their shelters are open to anyone who identifies as female, and their volunteers get training on LGBTQ issues. You don’t have to travel just to get help. And next month, you can be a part of their largest fundraiser –Hands for Hope Auction and Gala. Stand up against domestic violence and sexual assault as if affects everyone. Get help, get access, and learn more about them at: http://dvsas.org/ or if you need assistance, call the hotline at: 877.715.1563 or 360.715.1563. It’s October. And as much as I love warm fires, chilly nights, and the turning of the leaves, October really means my heart is one place, if the news cycle is or not.

Need something to do? s for upcoming Check out these great local place and updated events http://www.bellingham.org/event-calendar/

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I started writing for Betty in 2007. Since 2008, every single October I have written about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Because not only is it the cause that’s dearest to my heart, every September there has been an LGBTQ domestic violence episode in the news, in my life, somewhere putting it right up in my face that this topic must be talked about. That domestic violence occurs every single day within our very own community. That abusers aren’t only straight, cis men. Until this year. It has taken nine years, but there is no national headline, no personal phone call, no friend in need this year. But guess what? Domestic violence still occurs every single day within our community. Within every community. As much as I want to be thrilled that there’s nothing in the news, no immediate reminder, I can’t be. Because it just means I haven’t heard about it. Not that it hasn’t happened. Maybe you haven’t heard about it either. It’s still happening. So, I’m going to, once again, tell you about the NW Network in Seattle, a domestic violence and sexual assault organization created specifically to serve the LGBTQ community. If you need them –if you are a victim, if you are looking for information and resources, if you want to help a loved one, or if you just have questions – they’re here for you. This month, they’re running a 7 week class entitled “Grrrl, We Got You.”It’s a strategy and exploration lab on community response to violence. While there is a suggested donation, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Reach them online at: http://www.nwnetwork.org/ or on the phone for help and support during regular business hours at: 206-568-7777. And about the Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, out of Mount Vernon. While they are not specifically an LGBTQ organization, they are committed to helping anyone who calls access information, resources, and help. They have many services, including support groups. And their annual Black and White Masquerade Auction is this month on the 22nd. Tickets are running about $65 and masks are even provided. Learn more about the event, the organization,

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The Death Card By Kevin Walder

The Death card may very well be the most misunderstood card in the entire deck. Hollywood has long used it to portend disaster and calamity and if you ever see it appear in a reading on the screen brace yourself for horror. Even among the Tarot community there has been controversy over the exact meaning of this card. Many readers have opted to “sanitize” the meaning so that it never means physical death. While it is true that most often this card represents a letting go, a termination, which in turn frees the individual to allow new possibilities its meaning can extend to death itself. The artwork generally shows a dark foreboding “grim reaper” like figure juxtaposed with a rose or other flower indicating new birth and growth. The scene alludes to the difficulty in letting go of situations which are very familiar and comfortable in order to take a chance on the possibilities that may be available. The obvious question is: “Why start the new year with an examination of this particular card?” I thought about that question myself quite extensively and realized that this new period of growth and expansion will not be without its moments of angst and concern. As the light begins to return to our world and new growth becomes possible we will want to make every effort to be ready by making space available for what ever is to be our new.

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The Death Card indicates that we need to release the old and worn out to make room for the new and better that awaits us. The anxious moments come when we can’t yet see the new but have to release the familiar and sometimes comfortable. At times like these we have to have faith in spirit to provide what we most need as we release that which is no longer an asset to our growth and advancement.

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When I see The Death card come up in a reading I see it as an indication that the querent may be holding on to something which, not only is not serving them well anymore, but may, in fact, be harmful to them at this stage. There will likely be a grieving process for the situation that must be released but the individual will get through it by focusing on the joy of the new coming into their life. We all know that we will die sometime and this card reminds us of the temporary nature of our existence. It is a reminder that change is inevitable. While literal death can be a meaning of this card the only time I would ever give this card a literal meaning is if I were getting a strong indication that death was a real possibility and I would approach that with great care and compassion keeping in mind that the individual has free will at all times and can effect change at their own discretion.

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What situation or attitude in your life needs to be released to allow you to grow in new ways? How will you focus on the good coming from this change to get through the grief of letting go? How will your life be enhanced by letting go of a hinderance to your growth?

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India’s Queer Cinema: Not Many Sinners

By Lyle Pearson

Kathryn Hansen, in “A Different Desire, a Different Femininity: Theatrical Transvestism in the Parsi, Gujarati and Marathi Theatres, 1850-1940,” suggests on the Marathi stage “female impersonators were desired, in their own right, as men who embodied the feminine…often in preference to [actresses] in the redesign of ...feminine conduct” and fashion, “paving the way for the [new] bharatiya nari (Indian Woman) of the nationalistic era.” They were “masquerades of gender.” “Theatrical transvestism,” to Hansen, converged “older living traditions of erotic performance and gender impersonation.” The new Parsi theaters, with their mix of Western theatrical styles and Indian stories, were near Grant Road, a Bombay red-light area. “All had proscenium stages, sophisticated stage technology [and] elaborate costumes.” Hansen refuses to speculate on the private lives of these female impersonators, but a Bengali documentary, Dipankar Dutta’s CHENA KINU AJANA (KNOWN STRANGERS), states that Bengali stage ‘Ranis’ (Queens), in the word used in its English subtitles, often were “kidnapped” after performances, so convincing were their portrayals to their paying customers. CHENA KINU AJANA traces the history of cross-dressing in Bengal jatras back to Lord Chaitanya. According to a Bihari friend of mine, some rural men who watch crossdressed performers get drunk enough to mistake them for the real thing, violating them behind the scenes. In Radhav Jadhev’s BALGANDARVA (“Child Singer,” a stage name, 2011) Bal Gandarva (Subodh Bhose), the most famous Marathi cross-dressing star, signs a contract with Prabhat (Dawn) Film Company for six films, but makes only one, V. Shantaram’s DHARMATMA (HOLY SOUL, 1935), as St. Eknath, a male, not a female. In Bengali P.C. Baura transitioned from stage female impersonator to phlegmatic film hero, the first of a line of such heroes stretching to Rajesh Khanna in 1993.

Lawrence Cohen, in his article “What Mrs. Beshara Saw; Reflections on the Gay Goonda,” sees a film in Bhojpuri, a language of rural Bihar. In Rajkumar Sharma’s MAI (MOTHER, 1989) “a rapacious Landlord forces young men to flee the village in order to escape bonded labor or worse; one [the hero] returns disguised as a launda,” defined as a ‘young male dancer or prostitute.’ To Oxford launDa, is “a boy, lad ... servant boy;” but launDabaaz is “homosexual; launDabaazi homosexuality.” In the film, the young man is dressed as a female dancer. “The landlord, fallen for him, brings him into “his home, promising him marriage .., as he has promised various women falsely in the past.” The launDa gets the landlord drunk and when the launDa is discovered as male, kills the landlord. To Cohen, the “totality of desire has brought a hero into [the landlord’s] house, allowing for the circulation of power -- the king is killed,” in a modern-day version of royal consumption of everything that moved, devdasis (temple priestesses,) tawaifs (courtesans) and launDas. LaunDas often were preferred over widows or Brahman ladies. Goonda, by the way, comes from English, the noun “goon.” A “gay gonda” is the third party in a contemporary illicit gay relationship, usually treated sympathetically as he is seen as a victim, ‘used’ as in MAI, the Bhojpuri film, by men of more power. Therefore real launDas have trouble accepting the term ‘gay,’ using instead a Hindi term for a gay receiver, kotha, or upstairs whore. Cohen claims they are common in Bihari, Uttar Pradeshi and Lucknowi politics. “As such, men in India…”long resisted the concept of ‘gay.’” Gay activists ”sought to introduce a locally acceptable term for ‘homosexual’ for two decades, without success,” according to S. Asthana and R. Oostvogels. “Due to the tendency to associate male homosexuality with effeminacy, men who wished to preserve their masculine heterosexual self-image withdrew from homosexual circuits.” “A significant fallout of this has been that sexual desire between men, which was near universal earlier, [became] more isolated from the mainstream.”

After I toured the chauk I learned that at the time of UMRAO JAAN ADA there were no bordellos in it, but that two other burbs housed 141 bordellos and 890 courtesans, or 6.9 per bordello. Downstairs, ordinary prostitutes and other merchants plied their own trades. We must stay in Lucknow a bit longer partly because it is a perfect Islamicate city and partly because Satyajit Ray’s only full-length Hindi film, SHATRANJ KE KHILARI (THE CHESS PLAYERS, 1977) takes place here. Also, because Thomas Waugh’s “’I Sleep Behind You:’ Male Homoeroticism in Indian Parallel Cinema” states that the film’s “parallel marriages” of two chess players ignoring their wives while the British take their kingdom are “triangular homosocial arrangements in which the husband’s male comrade is the third term,” or one might say, an overdressed, platonic gay goonda. “Ray clothes his three” protagonists--a dancing poet-king deposed by the British and the two chess players in “brocaded robes of their class … (the king also gets makeup and perfume), and in doing so provokes no little debate over this implied interface of masculinity, history, and nationality.” Clinical psychologist Ashis Nandy too points out “not only in the script…conflicts over gender roles are played out within the male camps of both colonizers and colonized…also in the gesture and corporal language of the body--in the dances…as well as the courtly and graceful languorousness of the chess players [who] would far rather be with each other in this world of corporal elegance and sensual fellowship than with their wives.” To Vinay Lal, in “Sexuality in THE CHESS PLAYERS,” sexuality is political: the players’ indifference toward their wives is also indifference to the state. India’s queer film closet hardly opened before the 1990s. More next month.

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In Jadhav’s NATARANG (ARTIST, 2010) on Marathi tamaashaa (folk) theater, a straight cross-dressing star (Atul Kulkarni) is gang-raped, but only as revenge—cleansing the incident of any overt homoerotic motive. Jadhev’s more recent MITRA’S STORY, partly from the play by Vijay Tendaulkar anthologized in SAME-SEX LOVE IN INDIA: READINGS IN LITERATURE AND HISTORY, does not end in a lesbian’s suicide, but in her hopes for a future when homosexuals will be as free as the nation became in 1947.

In the past [three decades], however, the concept of ‘homosexuality’ has finally taken root ... because of Westernization and gay groups becoming strong with years of gay rights activism as well as HIV/AIDS activism.” In Lucknow in the 1970s, I walked the famous Chauk (street), where the city’s most famous kothas (upstairs brothels) were and, are the setting for many courtesan films. Their songs and dances, especially in Kamal Amrohi’s PAKEEZAH (THE PURE ONE, 1972) and Muzaffer Ali’s UMRAO JAAN (MOTHER OF THE WORLD, 1981), based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 novel UMRAO JAAN ADA, remain popular with Indian drag queens. But this genre of film faded as India moved closer to hindutva (Hindu nationalism) and modernity. The latest in the kotha genre, a comic homage, Abhiskek Chaubey’s DEDH ISHQIYA (ONE-AND-A-HALF TIMES PASSION, 2014), show lesbianism in shadows. One of the authors of the book AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY: BOLLYWOOD, BROTHERHOOD, AND THE NATION writes, DEDH ISHQIYA “is at its most deft when exploring the homoerotic dimensions of panDa [secret]-regulated desire,” i.e. lesbianism. Tawaifs in Lucknow, according to Veena Talwar Oldenberg’s essay “Lifestyle as Resistance: The Case of the Courtesans of Lucknow,” subvert the patriarchal order by faking love to customers and finding ishq (passionate love) among themselves. Most often in Muslim parda socials, in semi-haram settings, notably in H.S. Rawail’s MERE MEHBOOB (MY BELOVED, 1963) the touch of a hand, a glimpse of a face or a fan, in Kamal Amrohi’s RAZIA SULTAN (1983) hiding a kiss between Hema Malini as the only sultana of Delhi and her female attendant Parveen Babi, delivering a message from her secret African lover, suffice for the moment of true one’s attraction. Directed by a woman, Kalpana Lajmi’s RUDAALI (PROFESSIONAL MOURNER, 1992), from a Bengali short story by Maheshwata Devi, defused its lesbianism by making its two female protagonists mother and daughter. Subash Ghai’s KHALNAYAK (ANTIHERO, 1993) became one of the last Golden Jubilee (52 weeks first-run) hits partly for one musical number, choreographed by a woman, Saroj Khan, and danced by the biggest female Hindi star ever, Madhuri Dixit, “Cholly ke Peeche” (Beneath my Blouse), introducing to Ghosh “the emerging sexually assertive female body... that is not just a vamp,” positioned by women themselves.

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By Sandy Soderberg

The Comics! ~ Cat Theory ~

What? So I use a human toilet, you got a problem with that?

Who cares which bathroom I use?! I kept it clean, what else is important?

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It is time to vent some frustration and bitch over some of the articles I have read and opinions I have heard given by some “medical marijuana activists” that continue to spread the misinformation that medical patients are now being forced into the “black market”. This is doing such a disservice to the medical community, and the cannabis industry as a whole. Rather than continuing to undermine the regulated system, we need to see the activists actually working to make the regulated system more patient friendly…not complaining that they can no longer operate an unregulated business. Not all, but a large number of folks from the medical community are voicing their opinion that “medical is dead”. Medical is now REGULATED. Big difference. If you can’t operate under the regulations put forth by the state, I don’t want you messing with medication. Why would ANY medical activist encourage patients to go back to “black market”??? Oh, it’s because they aren’t really talking on behalf of the patient’s. I whole-heartedly support the fact that there are medical marijuana consultation certification courses that offer mindful folks in the industry, who truly wish to serve the best possible advice to patients, an opportunity to be taken more seriously in the eyes of those new to cannabis and all it’s amazing benefits. I took this course and was impressed by the amount of facts that were presented and required knowledge in order to pass. The course is 20 hours online and available through many different outlets. My certification came through Seattle Central College and I was presented with credentials that expire in 1 year. I look forward to new information for the continuing education to be presented based on scientific evidence from the MMRL. As you know, or should know, in Washington State, medical marijuana was an initiative passed by the voters in 1998. The same group of people who put together the initiative and lobbied for medical marijuana are also the same folks that lobbied for the recreational initiative in 2012. You can thank big business, and corporate interest for legal cannabis in this state. Sure, the people voted for it, but the likes of George Soros and his group of capitalist cronies were the masterminds of the legal pot businesses in Washington and the other “legal” states. They hired folks like Alison Holcomb from the ACLU to push the initiative and, and bought into the brains of community members and legislators that thought they would benefit from legalization, doing so because they KNOW cannabis is the way of the future. Yes, we were all lied to when recreational cannabis was legalized. It was stated that the recreational system would not interfere or interrupt the medical system that had been in place for 17 years…but when the reality of the term “medication” came to the forefront, and the tax dollars from the rec market started coming in, the story changed. Suddenly the legislators and regulators decided that the market that had thrived for so long without any help from the State, needed help and needed regulation. I agree. It did. But not quite like what the State has done with the passing of the Cannabis Patient Protection Act. This “Act” has taken away your liberties and right to privacy. I don’t think that is quite what people imagined…especially considering now those with some of the gravest conditions and the most vulnerable, will be the ones who are being left not knowing which way is up and which way is down. One of the concerns medical community has is about the pesticide issue. I agree, I don’t want any poison in my flowers. Yes, Washington State does have an approved pesticide list. Yes, there are about 300 approved pesticides that the cannabis industry can use. Now, some may balk at that number…300! That’s too many….well guess what??? Medical had NO regulations on pesticides, and many that went to make the change to the regulated market, were found to be using unapproved pesticides on MEDICINE. So tell me, would you rather purchase your medication from the “black market” where you have no idea what your medication was grown with, or would you prefer to have a system in place that regulates that? I prefer to have the knowledge that my cannabis is tested and rejected if there are unapproved pesticides, or levels of pesticides and mold that are not acceptable. Another major issue, that I believe has bigger consequences than one might think, is the database for medical. Up until July of this year, medical patients did not have to be a part of any data base nor register themselves as patients. Now, if a patient requires more than the regulated 1 dry ounce allotment to help what ails them, they will need to register with the Department of Health. Some might not think this is that big of a deal, until you recognize that registering and being in the data base, now gives the government undisputed evidence that patients are breaking federal law. If a person is known to be using schedule 1 drugs, they are not legal to possess firearms. Yet, a person can be a raging alcoholic,

addicted to prescription opiates or on a cocktail of psychoactive drugs, and they can possess a firearm. This is not protecting patients. This is not an act of compassion. This is not common sense. This is a direct violation of a person’s right to privacy and to bear arms. I would be negligent if I failed to mention the Medical Marijuana Research License (MMRL) that passed in Washington legislation. The concern I have here, is that the places who wish to study may be receiving Federal Funds for operation, and I highly doubt they will risk their funding to do cannabis research…but…to have our universities and institutes of higher education, labs, scientists and researchers be able to do honest research to benefit the very sick, Washington CAN and WILL lead the way, if they have the kahuna’s to take this bull by the horn, and stand up against the fed’s…maybe remind them of the patents the government has for cannabinoids derived from cannabis for medical use…such hypocritical and draconian masters we have… And let’s not forget about the taxes. Now that the markets have merged, the medical community will be paying the same price and have the same rights as anyone else over 21, unless they join that database and voluntarily give up the other rights I mentioned above. With joining the database, the medical community can purchase their cannabis without the State Sales Tax, but are still subjected to the Cannabis Excise Tax. Patients will still be able to grow their own, which is not something recreational users can do. The plant limits have drastically changed from 15 to 4…and there has been no mention of where to get clones and seeds for these patients…oy-vey. As I’m sure you can tell, I support legalization and regulation, but I more support decriminalization and research. What we have done in Washington is continue to perpetuate prohibition through legislation and regulation… …BUT, ANYONE over 21 with valid ID can walk into any regulated storefront and purchase cannabis. I wish everyone could say that this was enough, but clearly it isn’t… When everyone, everywhere can grow cannabis, we will have won the battle. Until then, we must accept the current situation, and continually work towards the change we wish to see. SS

Shannon Devine 2016 • www.PsychedelicCircumstances.com

B*tch, B*tch, B*tch

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Astrology By Matt Keller

Venus October 3rd You love love or hate love every time the Moon and Venus align. Relationships are the focus for the day, and whether good, bad, or somewhere in between, everyone’s feeling their emotions tonight. Birthday’s of November 4th, March 2nd, and July 3rd are inspired to begin something new, and marriage or babies may be in the future. Aquarius and Leo are cooling things off, and you should either break up or fight if you’re born on February 1st or August 4th. Unfortunately Taurus you’re losing the most. If May 1st is your birthday you’re the most likely to have your stuff disappear. Lucky numbers: 11,12,24,4,5,22,9,14

October 8th Mars/Pluto Today has potential for monumental explosions as well as major transformations. Progressing over Mars in the dark morning hours, then Pluto in the evening, catastrophic events may be in store for some unfortunate individuals. Birthdays of December 31st and January 15th need to be the most attentively alert. Along with all Aries and Libra, any Cancerians born July 28th or July 5th should prepare for personal earthquakes. Hopefully all turns out well in the end, but something need to be completely destroyed in order to be rebuilt. Lucky numbers: 15,7,1,18,6,12,22,9,12 Neptune October 12th Neptune is magical inspiration, and your fascination into the mystical may increase for the day. This distant wizard has been slowly progressing through Pisces for five years, subtly expanding cosmic consciousness through the fish. February 28th is the birthday expe-

Uranus October 15th Look at the Moon from Mianus, Connecticut and you’re inadvertently looking at Uranus from Mianus, and for thirty seconds you’re the coolest person on Earth. Car crashes, crazy homeless people, and general jackass buffoonery are the results of this monthly moon contact, and I expect nothing less today. Aries, especially one born April 11th is most likely to smash things and get arrested. Followed closely by birthday’s of July, August, or September 14th. December 13th is the luckiest birthday of all, and these Sagittarian’s should go to the casino or buy a scratch ticket. Lucky numbers: 23,22,15,27,12,7,12,9,15,12 Jupiter October 28th Most of the time Jupiter makes you fat. This is because you eat too much food, drink too much sugar, and lay in bed way too long. If your birthday is December 1st, August 2nd, January 30th, or May 31st you should be living the high life, but don’t forget to pay your bills. Aries is troubled and fire rams born March 31st need to pay attention to their resources, especially how they use them. Cancer and Capricorn are pissed in their own lonesome ways. Sulking in their bedroom will be individuals born on January 3rd or July 1st. Lucky numbers: 5,10,12,21,14,21,9,15,11

Monthly overview Whether it’s the Day of the Saints, Dia de los Muerte, or All Hallows Eve, the transition from Mabon into Samhain marks an important time for anyone involved in astrology, witchcraft, or the occult. Although October pretty much sucks for star gazing, everyone knows what’s on the 31st, and the stars will still be there next month. Get your crystal skulls, essential oils, and magic spells ready, there’s a new Moon aligned with Mercury on the 30th, and according to Nostradamus, this is second only to an eclipse in significance. Glowing full on the 15th, lady luna is approaching her closest approach of our lifetime next month and shouldn’t be missed. If you’re lucky enough to catch the setting crescent on the 3rd look for Venus close by. The malefic’s Mars and Saturn have separated from their alignment with Antares, but both are still visible in the southwestern sky until they dip below horizon. The Moon sets with Mars on the night of the 7th and can be seen disappearing until shortly after 10:00. Although very low in the sky, Mercury is visible as a morning star until about mid month. Jupiter is at a brilliant -1.7 magnitude and will be gorgeous in the morning twilight before the end of the month. On the 11th these two will align and rise in tandem around 6:00am from the 10th-13th. Mercury moves quickly toward the Sun while Jupiter dawdles along, glowing over the pre-dawn Eastern horizon. Moon rise on the 28th will be a great time to spot giant Jupiter. Orion is one of the easiest constellation’s to identify, and he begins to make his winter appearance as the Sun dips farther below the equator. If the skies are clear on the 16th the great hunter will be shooting his arrow into the star Aldebaran and the shrinking full hunter Moon.

Mercury October 30th Mercury is that little bugger making you think, talk, and spin around uncontrollably. Nerves are sometime high because each month the Moon sends you emotional messages from sometimes the most random occurrences. Taurus is struggling, and it’s time to finally act if your birthday is April 29th. Aquarius and Leo have ego issues as well, and if your were born on January 29th or August 2nd your thoughts should not be acted upon. Water signs feel the most light hearted and pleasant. The Pisces with March 1st as their birthday can finally sleep in peace tonight. Lucky numbers: 7,9,15,23,10,14,21,9,11

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Saturn October 6th Accept it or not, responsibility is something everyone reckons with. Each month as the Moon transits over Saturn we’re forced to come face to face with reality and it usually takes a bite out of the ass. Most likely to get chomped on are Gemini’s born June 2nd as well as any Pisces or Virgo. The fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius might luckily escape attack, while Aquarius and Libra only think their fate has been handled. April 1st, July 3rd, February 1st, and October 5th are the birthdays with fortune on their side. Lucky numbers: 13,12,28,15,6,5,22,9,14

riencing the most magic, and should create something wonderful. Artists born June 30th, November 1st, April 28th or December 30th also need to put their imagination to good use. Heroin is not considered good use. Lucky numbers: 20,9,23,10,7,12,22,15

GLBT Organizations in Whatcom and Skagit Counties Pride. Our goal is to ensure that every individual has the information, services, and freedom to make healthy, responsible decisions about sex, sexuality, and parenthood. We offer transgender services, comprehensive reproductive care, affordable STD testing and treatment and annual exams. Sliding scale available. Make an appointment on-line! http://www.mbpp.org Bellingham Clinic: (360)734-9095 Mount Vernon Clinic: (360)848-1744 Transgender Services now available!

-Evergreen Wellness Advocates Evergreen Wellness Advocates provides support services for people living with HIV and AIDS who reside in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Bellingham: 115 Unity St. 360-671-0703, Everett: 2709 Wetmore Ave. 425-740-3000

-PFLAG of Skagit County Support meetings for Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and GLBT individuals are held at Central United Methodist Church, 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley on the second Monday of every month at 7 PM. For directions and information all 360-856-4676 and for additional information and events check online at www.pflagskagit.org.

-ISCEE The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Evergreen Empire is affiliated with the International Court System and has been actively raising money for charity for over 30 years by sponsoring drag shows and pageants. The group is open to all regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, seeking to provide social activities and community service opportunities for gays, lesbians, and their friends and allies in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan Counties. -Mount Baker Planned Parenthood Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood proudly demonstrates its commitment to the LGBTQ community in all of our educational and service areas, by partnering with LGBTQ service organizations and through sponsorship and participation in Bellingham

-PFLAG of Whatcom County Whatcom County Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meet at the Connections Room at the downtown Food Co-op the first Sunday of the month, beginning at 5 p.m. For more information and events visit www.whatcompflag.com -Sean Humphrey House A housing unit for people who need assistance living with HIV/AIDS in Bellingham. For more information call 360-733-9357

Group leaders If we need to update our list because a group is no longer meeting please contact us!

-Washington Gender Alliance A support and educational organization for anyone dealing with issues of gender identity or expression, and the people in our lives. We have weekly Open Support meetings in Bellingham and Everett. For more information, please write to us at info@ WashingtonGenderAlliance.com or call 360-445-2411, or visit our web site at www.WashingtonGenderAlliance.com. -WWU LGBTA The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance at Western Washington University is a student organization which supports lesbians, gays, bisexuals, people who identify as transgender, and their allies; in the various stages of their coming out process, in the creation and affirmation of positive self identities, and in the promotion and defense of their human and civil rights. The LGBTA is located on Western’s Campus in Viking Union 515 and is open from the first day of Fall quarter until the last day of Spring quarter. For information call 360-650-6120.

-Whatcom County KINK is a group to help organize events, munches, help if you have items to sell, or just a way for people to get to know each other. Meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month at Rumor’s Cabaret. Happy Spankings! -Gay Bellingham Wednesday Dinner Wednesday dinner gathering. Open to all, but mostly attended by gay men. Tends to be older men. Usually around 10 to 15. New people find it on the web and come meet Bellingham area folks. Rotates to different restaurant locations each week as announced in the Yahoo Group. www.gaybellingham.org/ https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ alternativebellingham/info

-WCC’s Queer Straight Alliance is committed to supporting the GLBT community by promoting awareness of queer issues and entertaining and educating students and staff of WCC. We can be reached at wccqsa@gmail. com.

If you are a member of or know of another LGBT group that would like to be listed please send us an email!

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-Cascade Rainbow Community Cntr is a community of LBGQT people that enjoy each other’s company. We gather every Friday @ 6:30 PM for community, sharing of food, conversation, ideas, and current events. Each Friday is either game or movie night. The group has a lending library, Pride participation, and educational support. We are located at The Center for Spiritual Living @ 1508 N 18th St., Mount Vernon, WA. For information call (360) 840-8499 and for additional information checkout and subscribe to our Facebook Page.