The Betty Pages - February 2014 Betty’s Corner
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Community Note
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By Betty Desire, The Betty Pages
In The Mix
By Bridget Adams
2014 Winter Olympics By Nick Milhoan
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Valley Views - In The Beginning
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Understanding The Language of The Tarot
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Trivia
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New Year Dreams
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The Comics!
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By Kathy Reim
By Kevin Walder By Nancy A.
By Marcy
About our Contributors... Miss Betty Desire has been entertaining anyone who would listen in Bellingham for nearly 10 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. Queer Film Historian Lyle Pearson has published in Film Quarterly Sight and Sound, International Film Guide, Filmfare, Youth Times, and Manshots. With a BA from Pacific Lutheran College (1959) and a MA from San Francisco State College (1968), he has also taught film at Western Washington University. Naomi graduated Whatcom Community College with an Associates in Visual Communications -Graphic Design but prefers more hands on tinkering such as wire craft & random projects (of which she always has many still to finish). She believes that everyone has a right to pursue their happiness as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone
Staff Photographer John Phillip after 40+ years of television
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”
Kathy Reim is a PFLAG mom who volunteers in a variety of leadership roles because she gets to meet amazing people and use all the skills gathered over a lifetime as a teacher, mediator and political activist. One of her proudest moments was being called a ho-mo-sex-u-al activist six times by a leader of the anti-Referendum 71 campaign. She was impressed by his enunciation and repetition and her ability to keep from laughing until later.
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Betty’s Corner Betty Desire, The Betty Pages
February, The worst month of the year for single people! I can’t remember the last time I had a date on Valentine’s Day! However, I have figured out how to ease the pain! For the last decade or so instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day I have put my energies into celebrating the best known and least observed holiday on the Gregorian Calender. Groundhog’s Day! Yes that furry little rodent who magically predicts the coming of Spring on February 2nd gives me the strength to fend away Cupid’s arrows of regret.. There may come a time when your Miss Betty has someone special to buy her diabetic friendly chocolates, wine and dine her by candle light, and then whisk her away to to the boudoir for pleasures unprintable, but this is not that time. Until then I will continue my ritual of throwing the best Groundhog’s Day party ever! Every year I gather friends around me in my basement apartment we don party hats and grab noise makers and watch Groundhog’s Day (the Movie). Every time the alarm clock rings we blow our noise makers and every time we hear the word “Ground Hog” we take a sip of my own concoction for the day: Betty’s Groundhog Martini! Needless to say no one drives home after the movie its cab it or park it! In my world there is nothing better than audience participatory entertainment surrounded by family and friends and punctuated with the occasional sip or toke (it’s legal here kids!) It’s a lot like Thanksgiving without the clean up. This year I am going to ad a new tradition to the mix gift giving. Nothing big, just a little dollar store trinket mostly for the grand-kids with the hope that the gesture of kindness will coax the Groundhog into not seeing his shadow sending warmer weather our way. If you want to join in the festivities and begin your own Groundhog’s Day tradition here is the recipe for Betty’s Groundhog Martini! Fill a Martini Shaker with ice, add two shots Vodka (or Vodka to taste) and Chrystal Lite (any flavor will do but I prefer lemonade) shake and pour into a tumbler (large glass), add a drop of grenadine (simulates groundhog blood) and garnish with an unpeeled kiwi fruit ( you can slice it or just cut it in quarters your choice it is simulating the groundhog) grab your party hat and noise maker, put Groundhog’s Day the Movie in your DVD player and let the celebration begin!
Betty Desire
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Congratulations are in order for our new Empress and Regent Emperor of Bellingham’s Drag organization, The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Evergreen Empire. Empress Sydney and Regent Emperor DL began their year of “Fun-Raising” and charity work at a beautiful Costume Ball honoring out going Empress Desanna Storm held in the Mt Baker Theater January 18th.The Fraternal organization, similar to an Elks club for the queer community, is affiliated with The International Court System formed in 1965. Bellingham’s Chapter is beginning its 33 year of service to our community and beyond. Two charities supported by the Court are the Brentwood Slide Memorial Scholarship at Western Washington University, and “Safe for Free” a condom distribution program. Participation in the organization is open to all regardless of orientation. In this Month’s Betty Pages you will find a list of the group’s Drag Shows and fundraisers for 2014. Cut it out and keep it on your refrigerator! You never know when the need for a Drag Show will strike you! Well look at that, I am out of space and said nothing political this Month! See you around town!
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Just Out- Edgy New eBook from Lesbian Erotica Author H.H. Johanna Lesbian erotica author H.H. Johanna, a longtime friend of Betty, has just released three ebooks on Smashwords.com, under her own imprint, Xanthippe Books. H.H. Johanna’s debut novel Romancing the Dream – an erotic love story – with an unusual twist, previously only available in paperback, is now online in a new ebook edition. The tale begins when Jacqui St. John leaves northern California looking for a new home, and cruises into the seemingly ordinary town of Kulshan. Seeing the lilac bushes blooming along the roadside, she suddenly remembers the recurring dream that has been tantalizing her for months – a dream of a house full if women, radiating warmth and welcome, and of one special woman dressed in silk and leather. But why has Jacqui, like so many other women, been drawn to this town? And what is the secret of the women of Kulshan?
And finally, H.H. Johanna throws political correctness to the winds – or possibly the wolves – in Embracing Eros, her edgy anthology of erotic fiction. From the darkest recesses of the author’s imagination come tales of lesbian dominance and submission, vampires, aliens, mistresses, past lives, ancient erotic rites, and gender bending. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Like H.H. Johanna on facebook at - www.facebook.com/hhjohanna All three eBooks are available online at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hhjohanna Betty’s note: H.H. Johanna is now on disability, due to the progression of injuries sustained in an accident many years ago. Like many creative types, she’s currently struggling to pay her bills. Every purchase of one of her ebooks helps. She wants all who buy her books to know that she is deeply grateful.
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Deemed too hot to handle by a feminist publisher when it was first written, Romance with Leather, is H.H. Johanna’s controversial sequel to Romancing the Dream. Lovers Jacqui St. John and Lia Forrest are thrown into new and unfamiliar erotic territory when an old friend of Jacqui’s, Athena Drake, comes back into her life. In the years since Jacqui last saw her, Athena has become a lot kinkier, and even more into leather than silk and leather-loving Lia herself. The three also learn than Jacqui and Athena’s old Ember Girls’ summer camp has run into serious financial trouble and is on the verge of being sold to developers. While Lia marshals her own financial resources to ride to the rescue of Camp Linda, leather dyke Athena’s influence challenges Lia and Jacqui’s assumptions, as they begin to explore the meanings of dominance, power and control, stretching the boundaries of their sexual relationship into the forbidden eroticism of S/M. Can S/M ever be compatible with feminism? In Romance with Leather, Jacqui and Lia’s search for answers takes them on an unexpected and extraordinary journey.
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In The Mix Bridget Adams
Even better, you support the work done by the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Know this is a 21+ event. For more information, look to the website: http://www.lifelongaidsalliance.org/gaybingo Finally, if you’re one of those looking to get out of town, but want to go a little farther afield, allow me to tell you about an event in my hometown of New Orleans – Gay Mardi Gras. Now, let’s be honest, Mardi Gras is a little gay anyway, if the straight, cis folks want to admit it or not. But this Mardi Gras, this really is Gay Mardi Gras. There are events throughout the month, but it really kicks into gear February 28th and keeps right on going through Fat Tuesday on March 4th. For more information about the gay krewes and events all month long, the website is http://www.gaymardigras.com/. Come to NOLA and learn the true definition of Southern hospitality. Who says February has to be dreary and dull? We’re too fabulous for that. Spring is on its way, but that doesn’t mean we have to just sit around until it gets here. Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.
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February can be a difficult month, Poppets. The holidays are over, but spring is nowhere to be found. Valentine’s Day is coming, but even that can be rough if you aren’t partnered. But never fear; I’ve got you covered with plenty to do to help push away the late-winter blahs. Here in Bellingham, for the ladies among us, the Valentine’s Day Women’s Dance Party is taking place on February 8th. It’s being held at the Underground Club, right around the corner from Rumors, so you know you can find it. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the dance runs through 11:00. DJ Stacy is going to be spinning, and taking your requests. This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your photo id. Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door. Later in the month, the Human Rights Film Festival comes to Bellingham, for the 14th year. The themes this year are environmental justice, issues of gender equity and cultural rights, peaceful resolution of conflict, and sensible alternatives to corporatism. Opening night is February 20th, and shows run nightly through March 1st. There are several different venues for each night, so check the official website at http://bhrff.webs.com/ for details. For those of you looking to get out of town for a bit, consider heading to Seattle the weekend of the 14th. The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has a new exhibit called Revealing Queer opening Valentine’s Day night. The exhibit looks at the LGBTQ community of Puget Sound, and how it has come into its own since before the Stonewall Riots. While the exhibit runs through July 6th, the night of the 14th will be a particularly fun night, with gay bingo, a burlesque, and other performances celebrating everything we are. Plus, all the museum galleries will be open. Recommended for ages 16+, feel free to bring along the older kids. From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at the museum, on Terry Avenue N. If that wasn’t enough gay bingo for you – because, really, is there any such thing as too much gay bingo? – the Lifelong AIDS Alliance is sponsoring a gay bingo fundraiser at Freemont Studios, 155 N 35th Street, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A $50.00 ticket gets you admission to a great show and 10 bingo cards.
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2014 Winter Olympics Nick Milhoan
412 South 1st St.
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 10-8 Fri 10-6 Sat 8-6 Sun 11-5
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Phone: 360.399.7045 Or You can book online at www.hairandbodymechanix.com LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hairbodymechanix
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The 2014 Winter Olympics are upon us and for many in Cascadia we feel a strong connection to these athletes and all that they do. For one just four years ago people from all over the world flocked to our own backyard when the 2010 games were held in Vancouver and Whistler. Another reason is that many of our own athletes spend countless hours in the Pacific Northwest training, leading up to the 2010 games many of our own skiers and snowboarders trained (and some still do) at Mount Baker because of its close proximity to Vancouver, not to mention the bountiful snowfall they usually receive each year. However this year these reasons take a backseat to what has become an Olympics that are being overshadowed by Russia’s anti-gay law. Last June, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that prohibits the promotion of nontraditional sexual relationship to minors. It has been interpreted as banning gay pride parades because children might see them and preventing any discussion of homosexuality among teenagers. The law has made gay athletes and spectators fearful of discrimination, and even arrest, at the Sochi Olympics. When the International Olympic Committee coordinating commission made its last official public inspection tour in September, its member’s added fuel to this particular flame (no pun intended) when they stated that Russia was not violating Olympic anti-discrimination principles. “The spirit of the Games is awakening here,” said Jean-Claude Killy, chairman of the coordinating commission. This has outraged advocates in the West, they have been lobbying the IOC to confront Russia over its policies, which they say encourage not only discrimination, but also violence towards gays and lesbians. The United States Olympic Committee has stated that they will not take an official position on what forms of protest will be acceptable during the Sochi games. Instead they will defer to the International Olympic Committee, whose charter bans political demonstrations by participants of the games. NBC, who has the exclusive rights to American Olympic broadcasts, has been under pressure to do more to protect the gay and lesbian journalists covering the games. Jim Bell, the NBC Sports executive overseeing the 2 ½ weeks of coverage has stated they will broadcast images of athletes with rainbow flags if it should happen. But he says he has a simple philosophy for while he will do in the absence of newsworthy events: “Show the Olympics; show the events, show the competition and most of all show the athletes. This is the athletes’ moment, that’s really what it’s about.” CBC, who has the exclusive rights to Canadian Olympic broadcasts, has said they will cover all aspects of the games, regardless of what happens. When it comes to the Olympics, controversy is par for the course, explains Ron MacLean, who will anchor the primetime CBC broadcast during the games. He points to the 1972 Munich massacre, Tommie Smith and John
Carlos's Black Power salute during the 1968 Summer Games, and even Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati's marijuana drama after the 1998 Winter Games as instances where the Olympics have been about more than sport. "These are all moments that are inescapable and probable when you have an event such as the Olympics. You have to do all your research on the notion that it's more than a game. It's always more than a game." MacLean said all athletes should try their best to ignore the noise and focus on what they do best, but no matter what happens, we will cover everything, including protests that are likely.” President Barack Obama delivered a strong message to Russia when he announced the US delegation for the opening ceremonies, which include two out athletes, tennis great Billie Jean King and figure skater Brian Boitano (who came out shortly after begin announced as a delegate). The delegation will not include the president, first lady, vice-president or any cabinet members. The White House has stated that everyone is too busy to attend, but many gay rights groups have said this is clearly a statement by the White House against Russia’s anti-gay laws. What all of this really means is that the Olympics are not just about the athletes, but about the political statements being made for and against Russia’s anti-gay laws. Are our out athletes and journalists being protected from the Russian government? What about those from other countries? While Putin has stated he will not “enforce” the law during the Olympics, we don’t know how much they police and other enforcers will listen to this statement. The only sure thing is that these Olympics will provide a platform for people from around the world to make a statement for or against gay rights, should they choose to exercise their opinion and that could change the complete outcome of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
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Valley Views - In The Beginning by Kathy Reim - PFLAG mom
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In the fall of 2000 a small group including five parents and two gay men got together in Sedro-Woolley, WA , and decided to start a local PFLAG chapter. That is the typical process for the development of one of the most widely successful grassroots movements in this nation and now across the world. A few months later Robert and I saw an article in the paper and attended the next meeting. Little did we know our lives would be enriched over the next years. Like many people we went to PFLAG because we were eager for support, we wanted to educate the world about our child and we wanted to advocate for her rights. We stayed because we felt so welcome, and we had fun with great people. Fun was in having a place to relax and talk without censorship about our concerns, worries and hopes. Fun was in planning ways to bring people together and build networks in what felt like a very isolated community. Eventually fun was working to accomplish change we did not even dream was possible. Over time, our interest in PFLAG grew far beyond our family as we became connected through story to young people in our community and families across our state and nation. That is where it remains today. There are some myths about PFLAG. We get a lot of good-natured kidding in films and movies but our favorite picture is the two moms in Queer as Folk. One year a group of us donned red wigs and walked in the Seattle Pride Parade as the “Debbies.” We carried signs saying, “Send your mom to PFLAG.” Today I would say, “Come with your folks to PFLAG,” because we are crossing generations and discovering the power of presenting our families to the world. In the 366 chapters across the nation about half the participants and many of our board members are TLGB or gender creative. It remains essential, however, that allies and parents take an active role to ensure the strength of our allied voice. Our first goal as a PFLAG chapter was to work on making our small towns and rural areas safer for our gay youth. It is a goal we have never abandoned but often we fall short of the kinds of resources we know we need. In those early days, our kids ran away to Seattle. Today we take them there for events and bring them home to their families. We work with our schools as we can and we encourage our local social service agencies to include our young people in their planning and not make their needs the last funded and first cut. Our success has been limited. Another myth is that with the freedom to marry, all the challenges for young people, challenges in the workplace and healthcare, and challenges in our neighborhoods are suddenly solved. The final myth is that PFLAG is a wealthy organization. It is not. Unlike other groups, its membership is grassroots and not corporate. That has been part of its strength in creating trust. PFLAG chapters are good at changing the culture of their communities. They are often not so good at fund raising. As PFLAG Whatcom and PFLAG Skagit, and our chapters in Friday Harbor and Everett start the New Year, we will be assessing our next new beginning. I still cannot take my family home to Texas and be welcome in the homes of my brothers. Many of you reading this have a sentence like this to share. I cannot change anything there. Together we have and will change it here. Happy 2014 and hugs…
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Understanding The Language of The Tarot Kevin Walder
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In a recent online forum someone brought up the Language of Tarot as a discussion topic. When we talk about the Language of Tarot we are not referring to a foreign system of letters and vocabulary but rather we are noting the symbolism and art of the cards, this is what constitutes the Language of Tarot. Some decks rely heavily on color as an aspect of their language while others may draw on classic impressions of the meanings originally given to the cards by the Rider Waite deck.
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As you explore various decks you will find that some employ a fully illustrated scene for each card while others only illustrate the Major Arcana, while the numeral cards receive minimal artistic embellishment. Have you ever known someone who had a natural musical talent, someone who played “by ear”? That is the best way to illustrate this language, developing our natural intuitive nature will be much more fulfilling than using a memorized set of meanings. Over the past few months we have explored the basics of The Tarot and the meanings of the various cards which can serve as a guide to expanded understanding. As we continue to explore the available decks we find that there are many variations of meaning and nuance and at times some will seem to conflict or contradict the “standard” meaning assigned to a particular card. Each artist and author takes a very subjective view of the The Tarot and assigns their own impression to the cards as they perceive and intuit them. This makes the art of reading The Tarot a fluid and constantly expanding field, just when you think you finally have a meaning for a certain card, along comes a new perception to cause us to question our conviction. w w w. i s s u u . c o m / t h e b e t t y p a g e s
When I am teaching a class on The Tarot I make very clear to my students that what we are learning is “a” way of reading The Tarot and absolutely not “the” way. I want each reader to keep an open mind and feel the message of the cards before them each time they pick up the deck. It is relatively easy to learn by rote a group of meanings which will get you through, but at the same time you will be missing an incredible amount of information which is inherent in the artwork. In the Rider Waite style of Tarot deck we can find several variations of meanings even though there are some basic underpinnings which nudge us in the right direction. Some variations may even change the mood of the card from one of warning or challenge to one of reassurance and wellbeing. Whenever I am faced with such a divergent meaning in a card I will always opt for the meaning being displayed by the card rather than the “standard” meaning. Another big consideration is the cards which surround the one you are reading. Do they support the meaning you have learned or are they more in line with the meaning you are picking up intuitively from the art and color of the card? Just as you were taught in grammar school “always go with your first hunch”. My advice to all my students is “Never become so dependent on learned meanings that you miss what the card is telling you”. If you can keep the intuitive conversation between you and your cards flowing you will be far ahead of someone who only knows the “standard” meanings.
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Nancy A., here, a friend of Bellingham and Betty Desire. But, of course, I can't be one of Betty's "Pages," since I'm the wrong gender. So I'll be one of Betty's Handmaidens. It's still Medieval, but I won't ever get to be a squire, as the Pages can look forward to. But I may graduate to Lady-In-Waiting. I know, "The Betty Pages" still sounds better than "The Betty's Handmaidens." I'll just suffer the usual "female penalty" of being helpful but without glory. On the other hand, ladies (waiting or no), Valentine's Day is coming. This is OUR day! In the straight world, there are millions of men who are panic-stricken that they won't have Just The Right Gift to send to their sweethearts. They'll stew and fret until the last minute when they will salve their consciences by buying massive amounts of chocolates and flowers and perhaps something lacy for their Love to wear where only THEY will see it (they hope). In the gay world, those same gifts can actually also work well, particularly the chocolates. As for the "something lacy" — that's also possible, depending on what KIND of gay male we are talking about. As for us lesbian sisters, we'll still take chocolate, but our Sweeties are not bound by the same limited range of gifts as the males. It's something with having double XX chromosomes, I'm sure. We're already giving OXOXOXO love-and-kisses right from the moment of conception. And the little boy babies are still wondering "Y"? Chocolate DOES make one tend to produce oxytocin, which is not exactly the "love hormone" but DOES intensify emotional feelings. That means that if you've got any sort of deep feelings going, the oxytocin will intensify those urges. So, giving your Sweetie chocolate is ALWAYS a good idea. And, of course, the fat in chocolate is monounsaturated fat, just like peanut oil and olive oil. Thus, piling on the chocolate for your Loved One (and getting the same from said Sweetie) is healthy for both of you! And it's good for your cholesterol numbers too. I am required to also mention that in another Supreme Gift of the Goddess, avocados also have monounsaturated fat. Now you can certainly Google "Valentine's Day" and find things about St. Valentine, but also how the Romans were already celebrating "Lupercalia" on February 12–15, when young women would stand along a parade route while male priests dressed in goatskins and with "naked youths" would run by the maidens and whip them with goatskin whips "to improve fertility." Yeah. Sure that was the reason for the whips. Certainly none of those priests and "naked youths" were dreaming of black leather garments and high-heeled leather boots. Or maybe that's just me. Fertility festivals were very popular at the time and of course, an upright and proper Church couldn't be seen being involved in things like THAT. So later they transferred the "pagan" celebration to a saint — Valentine. That's also why the Middle-Eastern Festival of Ishtar, another fertility festival with eggs and rabbits to symbolize fertility, was soon replaced by "Easter" and the same date was chosen as a coincidence. Sure, the "first Sunday after the first Full Moon, after the Vernal
Equinox" just rolls off the tongue as logical date to have a celebration. So what do straight women give their men? Tools are always popular (much better than ties), since the "little lacy things" just don't really fly. Knowing how many straight men think, it could be that a gift of tools is another example of "Sweets for the Sweet" that works to give us women lots of candy. Maybe a "Bellinghammer" this year? On the other hand, as my dentist used to remind me, "Candy is dandy but sex won't give you cavities." I had to break it to him gently, with some alcoholic anesthesia, that I really wasn't interested in MEN in that way. That didn't necessarily turn him off. What is it with straight men and their fantasies about lesbians? Still, it slowed him down. But, of course, we're not straight men and women. By the very nature of our inner souls, we are ALLOWED to show emotions, allowed to think deeply about the inner needs of our Loved Ones, and can have a good idea of what sort of gift would be something they'd really enjoy. Our whole system of making love is based on the fact that we KNOW what turns a woman (or man) on, since we're one ourselves. Those poor straights are just fumbling in the dark, hoping they won't do something embarrassing. But some of them, of course, don't really CARE how it is for their "Love Target," but only for themselves. As a lesbian, I must admit I have always subscribed to the saying, "The woman who wants to be equal to a man . . . . . lacks ambition," and think that women are superior. I guess men are all right, but you wouldn't want your daughter to MARRY one. And I'm sure there are similar aphorisms among our gay brethren as to how much a mystery love and sex with someone so OPPOSITE could possibly be. You know how those "mixed marriages" can be. Those people in our community who are "Bi" CAN probably tell us the difference, but I've noticed that straights, gay men, and lesbians all seem to be kind of a bit stand-offish with Bi people, thinking they just can't make a decision (or are just playing better odds for getting a date on Saturday nights). However, we should allow everyone to have their own ideas of who turns them on. If there was only ONE way to be attracted and only ONE group of people for everyone, where would any of US be? We'd be forced into the same rat race all those straights are doing, knowing that if they DON'T fit The Image of Masculinity or Femininity (and waifish figure, or steroid-muscles bulging at the right places, and the latest pricey fashions), they will NEVER find love. Instead, OUR PEOPLE have always been more accepting of differences, more accepting of someone who just MIGHT have a new idea that's fun, and also knowing that no matter how cute somebody might be in the light, when the lights go down, cute isn't what drives bedtime activities. And February in the Northwest is usually cold enough you REALLY want to cultivate a Good Cuddler. Fertility festival or not, one can ALWAYS be involved in love, sex, and merry-making for Valentine's Day, no matter what some old patriarchal culture said about anything. And the chocolate's still nice too. ENJOY. But please remember multi-course dinner, before diving into bed that evening — you don't want to put the Heart before the Course!
15
New Year Dreams
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Marcymark
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Here we are starting a new year. Our resolutions on our way to success. Our life dreams in progress. And as I mentioned before, our very own "living the dream" just around the corner. Lets celebrate by giving ourselves a name. A name we can stand behind and say with pride. A name with meaning and self satisfaction. We will call ourselves .............The BELLINGHAMSTERS!! Oh Wait......Some one already gave us that name. When I first heard the name Bellinghamsters I thought it was kinda cute. Not the most masculine name. Not like the Seahawks or the Buccaneers. It sounds more like a cheerleading group. I like it but then again I’m wearing a dress. I was curious as to the origin of the name. "Who came up with the Bellinghamsters?" I jumped on my computer and searched it out. Unfortunately I did not find the answer I was looking for but I did discover that the name is already well known through the web under Bellingham advertisements. "Come see Beautiful Bellingham and there inhabitants the Bellinghamsters." During my search I ran across the Urban dictionary. They did not have the origin but they did have there definition of a Bellinghamster. The urban dictionary says we are called Bellinghamsters because they say Bellingham is like living on a hamster wheel; We’re moving but we’re not going any where. I think they tried to insult us, however if we turn it around it sounds correct. I think that we are where we want to be and we don't need to go any where and we’re riding the wheel for fun. How bout that? I bet the person who wrote that statement rides a treadmill. I came up with my own theory for the Bellinghamsters. Someone... cleverly took the last three letters of Bellingham and the first three letters of hamster and mated them. Simple. I've known all my life about my female side but it was only a few years ago that I pulled my female side out of the closet and into the public eye.....and since then, life has changed......literally. A few years ago I felt if I was going to look more like a woman I need to do some serious body changes....My voice. I tried to change my baritone pitch to a alto but every time I did I sounded more like Mickey Mouse. Minny Mouse if I tried hard. For those readers who have met me or know me they are aware that I don't exactly have the most feminine arms but with a little trimming they could be. I think maybe I could trim them down a little.... And if I do more bench press I can build my peck's some more and maybe I'll go up a bra size...... My walk won't be a problem. I found out back in Junior high when I was walking down the street one day I was told I walk like a girl. At the time I was concerned and knew that I had to fix my walk. I then started to walk more like a guy. A bump in my step, Put some bowleggedness in it, and swing one arm. I had the guy walk down. It was so nice to go back to my normal feminine walk a few years ago. Unfortunately the bowlegged part still lingers around. I wanted long w w w. i s s u u . c o m / t h e b e t t y p a g e s
black hair but since my hair looked like Art Garfunkel I felt it wasn't going to happen. I've had people tell me they do wonders with hair these days. I told them it will need more then a wonder, It'll need a miracle. I had thought about all the straightening, coloring, and continual upkeep I would have to endure. I chose the easy route. It didn't take long for me to figure out that my efforts to pass as a woman where close to impossible even after I had some people questioned my gender. I'm going to guess those people were well intoxicated. I had come to the conclusion that I am what I am. A male looking body with a female mind. And I'm good with it. It was at that time I wanted to come up for a name for myself. "Manwoman",Womanman", "Guygal", "Galguy". Half man half woman.......Ha Ha! Hybrid! Now I know the first thing you think of when you hear the word "Hybrid" you think car. Well yeah because half gas and half electric makes a hybrid. Well actually the word hybrid originated from half pig and half boar. Some one decided to update the use of the word. Well here's my theory. My parents: Man+Woman=half man,half woman (Hybrid) Me. I have a lot of things to be thankful for. One of them is I just turned 50 and I'm feeling good. Another thing that has made my life so spectacular for the last few years is the acceptance of me here in Bellingham. The acceptance I've received here in Bellingham has been 100% I want to thank all of you Bellinghamsters for your support and your kindness. -Thank you. You have helped me make my dream come true.
The Comics!
GLBT Organizations in Whatcom and Skagit Counties -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. -Leather, Levi & Bear Social Monthly gathering of men who like Leather, Kink, and Unabashed Masculinity. Second Saturday of the month, Rumors Cabaret, 7:30 to 10:30. Info 360.380.6409 -www.theslowlane.com This website includes a gay resource guide for Bellingham located at www.theslowlane.com/guide.html.
-Triskeli Guild The Triskeli Guild is Bellingham’s BDSM group that promotes community and education for safe, sane and consensual play. They encourage participation by all sexual preferences, race and age 18 and up people. www.triskeli. org-Queries—triskeli@triskeli.org -Sean Humphrey House A housing unit for people who need assistance living with HIV/AIDS in Bellingham. For more information call 360-733-9357
-Whatcom County PFLAG Whatcom County Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meets the 2ND Thursday of each month, 7pm at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham. For more information and events visit www.whatcompflag.com
-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.
-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.
-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. -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. -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!
-Bellingham Bi/Pan Potluck We are a monthly gathering of pansexual and bisexual people, partners, family and friends on second Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on the corner of E. Bakerview and Deemer Roads. Bring food or drink to share. For more information email gregory.lindon. smith@gmail.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.
-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 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 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
Support Education Healing Advocacy counseling Safety planning Legal assistance Support groups Trainings and Workshops 24-hour helpline: 360.715.1563/877.715.1563 Talk to us in-person: 1407 Commercial St. Bellingham, WA
The Betty Pages Copyright Notice While The Betty Pages and/or its contributors generally reserve all rights and privileges of copyright, several parts of this publication are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. For more information and permissions, contact The Betty Pages at thebettypages@gmail.com or send a letter to The Betty Pages, c/o Desire Enterprises, PO Box 2724, Bellingham, Washington, 98227-2724, USA.
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-4th Corner Poly Polyamory is the practice or acceptance of having more than one loving, honest relationship at a time. We’re a friendly, welcoming group for people involved in or curious about polyamorous relationships. Our group consists of and welcomes diverse sexual and gender identities . This is a family, kid-friendly get-together for sharing experiences and desires—not a dating or swing scene. we meet every 4th Thursday evening at alternating locations. For more information: http://groups. y a h o o. c o m / g ro u p / 4 t h c o r n e r p o l y
-Evergreen AIDS Foundation Evergreen AIDS Foundation 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
17
Throw Back
MONDAY Karaoke
4 Jim Beam $ 2.75 Micros $
TUESDAY
9-11 $ 1 Wells 2.25 $
PBR
11-CL
$
Pitchers
1 HighLife
WEDNESDAY
1.25 PBR Pints $ 3.75 FireBall $
$
2 wells 9 - 11
DJ Postal
THURSDAY 80’s & 90’s $
1 Wells $ 2.25 Rainier 11-1 $ 2 Wells
9-11
Pitchers
FRIDAY
9-12 3 Long Island $
DJ
Short-wave &
Postal
SATURDAY DJ Mike
Tolleson