New York, USA
Other Fun Stuff
20% Theatre Company
Right now it is estimated that only 20% of working actors are women, and that the percentage grows even smaller when you look at directors, technicians and stage hands. The mission of the 20% Theatre Company is to reverse that trend by presenting “theatre through women-heavy casts, innovative cross-gender casting, and focusing on the voices of female playwrights while simultaneously tapping into the grossly under-represented population of female directors, producers, technicians, and designers. The 20% Company also welcomes and supports transgendered, transsexual, and gender-queer theatre artists.”
Alice Austen House
It’s unfortunate that more lesbians don’t know about Alice Austen, but a visit to her historic Staten Island house can change this. Even though her sexuality (tragically) isn’t really referred to at this museum, Austen is recognized by many to be the first lesbian photographer to actually photograph lesbians, in couples or in drag (and this was back in the 19th century!)
2 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island
Tel: 718 816-4506
www.aliceausten.org
Animal Crackers
These gals mix "the cracked out comedy of Eccentric Dance with the seductive art of Burlesque. Burlesque performers Miss Saturn, Pinkie Special and Darlinda Just Darlinda meet up with Harvest Moon to create side splitting, knee slapping, tongue in cheek entertainment that is The Animal Crackers." They'll give you a whole new appreciation of the hula hoop if nothing else!
Atomic Reading Series (1st Sunday of the month at Lucky 13 Saloon)
Spoken-word fans will appreciate this monthly reading series held at this straight, but dyke-positive punk/metal/alternative bar in Park Slope. Hosted by queer poet Cheryl B, the event kicks off at 7 p.m.
273 13th St.
Park Slope, Brooklyn
www.lucky13saloon.com
Barnard Zine Library
"Barnard's zines are primarily in the area of women's studies, featuring personal and political publications on activism, anarchism, body image, feminism, gender, parenting, queer community, riot grrrl, sexual assault, and other topics. They are created by women of color and NYC and other urban women. The term "woman" applies to anyone who self-identifies as such." The Library is part of the Barnard College Library.
http://www.barnard.edu/library/zines/index.htm
www.myspace.com/barnardzinelibrary
Big Apple Burlesque
This burlesque troupe goes far and beyond your traditional tassles and pasties... they throw in an actual storyline with their performances, from drama to murder mysteries. A NYC original that's not necessarily lesbian, but very queer positive.
Big Apple Ranch
NYC’s LGBT Country Western Dance Association. They hold a weekly dance lesson and party every Saturday night at a dance studio in Chelsea. No membership required and newcomers welcome.
Brown Girls Burlesque
"Brown Girls Burlesque (BGB) is a collective of women of color dedicated to creating our own reflection in an art form that we have supported and enjoyed but traditionally, has not well-represented people of color. " This very queer-positive troupe formed in 2008 and has been doing shows all over NYC.
Centre for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS)
Founded in 1991, CLAGS is “the first university-based research center in the United States dedicated to the study of historical, cultural, and political issues of vital concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and communities.” They offer regular (and very interesting!) public seminars and conferences.
Chicks and Giggles (Tuesday nights at Mo Pitkin’s House of Satisfaction)
This weekly women’s comedy night isn’t necessarily a lesbian event, all the same these girls make us laugh.
34 Avenue A
New York
CineKink (monthly screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater)
From the same gang that brings us the annual CineKink film festival, comes this monthly film screening series of kink movie showings. From Annie Sprinkle to bondage "how-to" movies, you'll find it here. Check their website for showings, usually followed by cocktails at a local gay or lesbian club.
155 E. 3rd St.
New York
www.cinekink.com/pioneer/
Drunken! Careening! Writers! (3rd Thursday of the month at KGB Bar)
“A reading series dedicated to the proposition that readings should be: excellent, well-read pieces that have at least one thing in them that makes people laugh (nervous laughter counts), and don't run more than 15 minutes each.” Hosted by lesbian playwright and author Kathleen Warnock, the show starts at 7 p.m. and often includes work by queer writers.
85 E. 4th St.
New York
CareeningWriters@aol.com
Dyke TV
Dyke TV, is the first (and only) cable access TV show by, for and about lesbians. Their work is now aired on more than 100 public access channels, but you can also see some of their productions at their website. Dyke TV also offers lesbians technical courses in television production in Brooklyn.
Dykes on Mikes (two Tuesdays at month at Ochi's Lounge at the Comix Comedy Club)
Twice a month you can catch this lesbian stand-up show. "Made up of four hilarious New York based comedians: Leah Dubie, Jackie Monahan, Amy Beckerman and Gloria Bigelow, the show was picked by Time Out New York as a BEST BET around town. Each “dyke” brings something different to the table but all are skilled in well-timed hilarity! It's estrogen-fueled FUN without the cramps and bloating!"
353 W. 14th Street
New York
www.comixny.com/ochislounge.aspx#dykes
Film Forum
This non-profit cinema is considered the leading independent and repertory movie house in NYC. That's all fine and dandy, but what's especially nice is their films can often have an interesting queer bent. In June, 2008 for Pride month they even presented a fantastic lesbian film festival called "Sapph-O-Rama.”
209 West Houston St.
New York
www.filmforum.org
Gay and Lesbian Reading Group
Founded back in 1982 (!), this group meets on the second Thursday of the month at the LGBT Community Centre to discuss a gay or lesbian themed novel, play or work of non-fiction. Newcomers are welcome.
208 W. 13th St.
New York
http://jclarkmedia.com/gaybooks/
Gender Free Contra Dance
Contra is a very lively partnered dance that’s sort of a mix between a Celtic jig and traditional Quebecois dance. It’s an easy dance that can be learned pretty quickly. At Gender Free Contra, it’s same-sex couples all the way, but don’t feel shy to come on your own. Everybody changes partners throughout the evening to make it a more friendly event.
Gotham Girls Roller Derby
NYC’s one and only all-female flat track roller derby league. The Gotham Girls have five teams from Manhattan and the boroughs, including the Brooklyn Bombshells and the Queens of Pain. Tattoos, bruises, curses and body checking make this a night to remember.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Women’s Event
On the 4th Tuesday of every month, HRC hosts a women’s social networking event at the Stonewall Inn from 6:30-9:30 p.m. It’s free and all women are welcome.
53 Christopher St.
New York
www.hrcnewyork.org
Hypergender Burlesque
Calling themselves "post, neo-burlesque" these gals take performance to new heights. Total camp, sex and excitement, with interesting twists on gender and spectacle.
In the Flesh Reading Series (3rd Thursday of the month at the Happy Ending Lounge)
Hosted by erotic writer/editor Rachel Kramer Bussel at the appropriately named Happy Ending Lounge, In the Flesh is a night of readings by writers of all types of erotica, gay, straight and whatever falls in-between (make sure to check if one of my favorite lesbian bloggers, Marie Lyn Bernard, is on the ticket!)
302 Broome St.
New York
http://inthefleshreadingseries.blogspot.com/
Juvenex Spa
Cultures around the world have their various versions of the spa and Juvenex tries to take the best of all worlds here, blending Asian, European, and American spa remedies to create a whole. It is a beautiful, luxurious space and even nicer, it’s women-only from 7a.m.- 6p.m., seven days a week.
25 W. 32nd St., 5th floor
New York
Lavender Country and Folk Dancers
The umbrella organization for a variety of same-sex dance companies, from Contra to Country and Western to Ballroom.
Lavender Light Gospel Choir
Lavender Light Gospel Choir is dedicated to keeping alive the Black Gospel Music tradition in an environment supportive to members of the LGBT community, with a special ministry to Black Lesbians and Gays. Lavender Light holds two main concerts a year and performs at a number of community events.
Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps
NYC’s queer symphonic and marching band. Founded back in 1979, the Corps is one of the leading lesbian and gay musical organizations in the United States.
Lesbian Cinema Arts
“Since 1991, Lesbian Cinema Arts remains the only ongoing film series nationwide dedicated to showcasing films specifically for a lesbian audience. On the fourth Friday of each month (excluding July and August), Lesbian Cinema Arts presents genres of comedy, documentaries, drama, foreign films, shorts and works in progress.” The showings take place at the LGBT Community Centre.
Monday Night Burlesque at the Galapagos Art Space
“It's a smart, sexy, fun, and daring show with the best in New York burlesque. Every month you can see the likes of Mr. Murray Hill, The World Famous *Bob*, and Julie Atlas Muz strutting their stuff. Every week is a different show - each with its own bevy of beautiful burlesque girls (and occasionally boys too!).”
Doors open at 7 p.m.
70 N. 6th St.
Brooklyn
Murray Hill
Calling himself "the hardest working middle-aged man in show business", Hill is also the most successful drag king in New York. This comedian/entertainer/performer sold out his “Murray Hill Show” for three full years, can be seen in a recent video from the Gossip, has won tons of awards and just keeps on struttin’ in his polyester pants. He does several shows a week, so check out his site for more info on upcoming events.
Museum of Sex
Surprisingly enough, there’s a fair deal of lesbian sexual content at this museum. I guess we have the Lesbian Herstory Archives to thank for that as they acted as consultants on the collection. On the downside, if we’re looking at the two words, museum and sex, museum wins out here. They’ve got all of the visuals, but are presented in pristine, multi-media formats that take the sexy out of sex.
233 5th Ave.
New York
Natural History Group
This proves there really is something for everyone in New York City. The Natural History Group is for all queer naturalists who enjoy field trips, tours and museum crawls. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome.
New York Gallery Tours
Explore the best of gay and lesbian art with the New York Blade’s art critic on this monthly walking tour of Chelsea’s galleries.
New York Liberty
The Big Apple’s WNBA team. It may not be officially a lesbian event, but seriously, take a look at the girls in the stands.
New York Sharks
NYC’s semi-professional women’s full tackle football team. The Sharks are part of the International Women’s Football League which has more than 1000 women playing for 30 teams across North America from Southern California to Montreal and Oregon to Florida. These ladies play to win and deserve as many spectators as possible. They play spring through summer each year. Check their website to see when they’re playing home games.
NewFest at the IFC Center
Another year-round queer film series brought to us by NewFest. This LGBT film series is presented once a month, showcasing past festival favorites, specially curated programs, and a local shorts series.
NYC Photo Club
An LGBT photo club that meets monthly at the LGBT Community Centre. “Activities at monthly meetings include presentations by guest speakers, technical and artistic discussions, sharing and critique of portfolios and individual images, and announcements of shows, classes and events of interest to NYC-based photographers.”
OP.Lynx/NewFest Filmmaker's Brunch Series
NewFest, the promoters of NYC’s annual LGBT film festival, team up with Lynx, the lesbian wing of the Out Professionals, to bring us this quarterly women's programming/networking series, showcasing past NewFest favorites and sneak peeks at new films or TV series! Often the director or writer of the screened film will be present.
Out Dancing at Stepping Out Studios
“Created in 1992, OUTdancing was the first and continues to be the most comprehensive same-sex latin, swing, and ballroom dance program in the U.S. In addition to several weekly LGBT classes in salsa, hustle, swing, 2-step and more.”
Out Loud/Outmusic Open Mic (1st Monday of the month at Rockwood Music Hall)
“Outmusic is a network of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered musicians and supporters. Performers, composers, lyricists, producers, recording artists, activists, promoters, press/media and even non-musicians who believe in LGBT music have joined Outmusic over the years.” Open mic performers have five minutes or one song to perform. All are welcome to sign up on the day of the event.
196 Allen St.
New York
www.outmusic.com
Queer Black Cinema
“New York’s first and Only Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer monthly micro-cinema series is a grassroots, volunteer-run organization who mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by U.S. and international Black LGBTQ filmmakers about Black LGBTQ stories” Showings once a month at the LGBT Centre.
SAL Book Discussion Group
“Lesbian only book group which meets the third Sunday of each month (1- 2:30 P.M.) at the LGBT centre to discuss contemporary and classic lesbian literature. Newcomers always welcome.” Email for more info.
Salsa Social Club
Salsa club for “Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgendered, Two-Spirit, Whatever the hell you are girl!” They meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month and newbies are welcome (and you’ll even be helped out too!)
Switch N’ Play
Brooklyn-based Drag King Alliance that performs every now and then in NYC. Dates and venues are on their website.
The Dazzle Dancers
Glitter plays a very important role in the life of any Dazzle Dancer. Here’s what this group of bent boys and girls say about themselves “Our singular style of dancing and deep-felt group unity create and infectious energy with audiences. Although we prefer to be nude, the Dazzle Dancers perform covered in glitter and stripped down to masterfully designed costumes. Our goals, however, extend beyond mere spectacle. We are committed to spreading a message of love and sexual freedom.” This is no fly-by-night group, celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2007.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives
The oldest and largest lesbian archives in the world started in 1973 and today consists of more than 20,000 volumes, 12,000 photographs, 300 special collections, 1,600 periodical titles, 1,300 organizational and subject files, thousands of feet of film and video footage, art and artifacts, musical records and tapes, posters and T-shirts, buttons and personal memorabilia. The Archives, located in Park Slope, are open to all.
484 14th St.
Brooklyn
Tel: 718 768-DYKE
www.lesbianherstoryarchives.org
The Leslie/Lohman Gallery and Gay Art Foundation
They “provide an outlet for art work that is unambiguously gay and which is frequently denied access to mainstream venues. The Foundation's Leslie/Lohman Gallery mounts exhibitions of work in all media by gay and lesbian artists with an emphasis on subject matter that speaks directly to gay and lesbian sensibilities, including, erotic, political, romantic, and social imagery and providing special support for emerging and underrepresented artists.”
26 Wooster St.
New York
The Stonewall Chorale
The first gay and lesbian chorale in the United States, Stonewall Chorale was founded in 1977. They perform regularly in NYC.
Times Squares
New York City’s only square dancing club for the LGBT community. They offer both regular classes and dance nights.
TOSOS II (aka the Other Side of Silence)
In its first incarnation launched in 1974, TOSOS was the nation’s first gay theatre troupe. They produced shows until the group folded in 1979. In 2001 TOSOS started up again, but called itself TOSOS II and since then has presented regular seasons with primarily gay male works, but also with some shows of interest to lesbians.
Wasabassco
A monthly burlesque extravaganza with the likes of GiGi La Femme, Albert Cadabra, Clams Casino, Nasty Canasta and Veronica Varlow, with Jonny Porkpie in the DJ booth. After the show (which starts at 10 p.m.) the evening continues on with dancing.
Women's Coffee House
“Events for women including political information, women's history, guest speakers, poetry slams, authors, alternative viewpoints on current fiction and non-fiction books, reader's theatre, and women's place in male culture and religion.” Meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at the LGBT Community Centre.
Women's Turkish Oil Wrestling
Well, I haven't actually seen this one, but with a name like that and the fact that it is "a women and trans/gender queer only event" means I'll be keeping an eye out for this match the next time I'm in NYC. Take a look at the photos on their website to see what I mean!
WOW Café Theater
“A women's theater collective in NYC's East Village, which promotes the empowerment of women through the performing arts. Historically, WOW has been a majority lesbian woman's space.”
59 E. 4th St.
New York
www.wowcafe.org
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