This week, and understaffed Retro Reviewing crew took it upon themselves to review their Pride 2009 experience.

This episode is complete with a full do's and don'ts list on how to have a happy pride, and a slightly more serious discussion on the evolution of Pride itself.

Next time around, the two D's (that's Danielle and Denae) will take on music videos from '90s Eurotrash outfit Army of Lovers and the newest bisexual diva on the block, Lady Gaga.

This week on From the Cheap Seats, Becca flies solo as Michelle's voice still has not returned from last week's Pride festivities. The lone vlogger gives an update on the power rankings for the week and laments the difficult season facing the Liberty and the Monarchs.

Candace Wiggins of the Minnesota Lynx

Beyond the WNBA, Becca takes the tennis world to task for the current debate about whether or not women can scream, shriek, or make other not-so-lady-like noises on the courts.

This is a vlog by fans for fans, so please leave plenty of comments, questions, rants and raves, or anything else that comes to mind. And check back next weekend for another episode! … continue reading

If anyone was born to be on 90210, it’s Rumer Willis.

The CW has confirmed to Access Hollywood that Willis will play a lesbian in at least one episode of the show’s upcoming season, which starts September 8.

Her character, Gia, is “a punky cute lesbian who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”

Gia will be a part of the Blaze News crew with 90210 regulars Navid (Michael Steger), Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes) and Silver (Jessica Stroup).

Andrea Zuckerman would be so proud. … continue reading

Since winning our lesbian hearts over in films like Imagine Me and You (and possibly farther back, if you loved the dramatics of Lost and Delirious or the bar dancing in Coyote Ugly), Piper Perabo hasn't always made the best career choices.

There was that awful waste of a great cast, Because I Said So, where she starred as one of Diane Keaton's daughters, alongside Mandy Moore and Lauren Graham. (Yes, it still sucked.)

Then there was Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Enough said.

But now I'm feeling as if Piper is back on the right track, as The Hollywood Reporter writes that she's been cast as the lead in the new show Covert Affairs. She'll play Annie Walker, as an ass-kicking CIA trainee who speaks six languages and "excels at any endeavor she undertakes." Yes, that sounds like a great role her. … continue reading

In this episode of Really?! REALLY?!, Michelle covers topics ranging from incredibly important to incredibly silly, beginning with the discharging of gay military activist Dan Choi.

Then she takes on Fox's new reality show, More to Love, and asks your opinion on shoes that are created to improve balance.

Learn out more about Michelle at MySpace.com/anythingsarcastic, follow her on Twitter and check back next Friday for another episode of Really?! REALLY?!

Solve the puzzle and see if you can identify the characters involved in this scene of a lesbian helping her straight friend take down the bad guys by pretending to be a couple.

If you solve the puzzle and still don't know the answer, click here.

Move the puzzle pieces around with your mouse. … continue reading

Maura (Amanda Deibert) and Mike (Daniel Miller) make it back to the underground location within minutes of each other and the group reacts to the deaths of Joanie (Dana Pacheco) and Bobby (Jon Gormley).

As the group begins to realize that they may be next, Maura and company start acting on their plan in an attempt to get the truth out before it’s too late.

Stay tuned for more FEED, airing every Friday on AfterEllen.com and www.feedseries.tv. … continue reading

The trailer for renowned Japanese artist Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo hit theaters this weekend, and it's as surreal (and Disney-fied) as American anime fans hoped (and feared) it would be.

Ponyo (originally Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) tells the tale of young fish/mermaid whose longing to live on land leads her into an unlikely friendship with a five-year-old human, Sōsuke . The film was released in Japan last year to critical acclaim, prompting at least one advertising agency to say it was Japan's best export in 2008, behind the Nintendo Wii.

Hayao Miyazaki is a god among Japanese animators. His 2001 film, Spirited Away, was the first anime movie to win an Academy Award, which is almost as impressive as the fact that it beat out Titanic for the highest grossing film in Japanese history. So it's no surprise that he had his choice of actors for the American retelling of Ponyo.

Sōsuke's mother is voiced by Tina Fey.

Cate Blanchett voices Ponyo's mom. … continue reading

Brenda Fricker — who you may remember as Central Park Pigeon Lady from the much-lauded Home Alone 2 — and Olympia Dukakis are set to star in the forthcoming film Cloudburst, about a lesbian couple that decides to bust out of a nursing home to take a road trip to Canada.

Cloudburst is being billed as a comedy, but there's a poignant undertone: The women, who have been together for 30 years, plot their escape and subsequent trip to Canada because they want to be married before either of them dies.

See how I'm already weeping? There's no way I'll be able to sit through this movie.

Well played on the gender-bender tux, Brenda Fricker. Congratulations, you're ready to play a dyke!

On their way to Canada, the women pick up a young hitchhiker, which of course make me thing the alternate title of Cloudburst could be Thelma and Louise: What If They Survived The Fall? … continue reading

The cast for Big Brother 11 has just been revealed, and it includes the first queer woman since 2005, when the Cuban-American contestant Ivette was part of Big Brother 6. This season, 24-year-old, tattooed bisexual Lydia Tavera joins the house, which has apparently been systematically divided into cliques. (Thanks to Jam13 for the tip!)

The show's executive producer Allison Grodner said in a recent interview:

We have cast people in groups or cliques from the popular kids to the brainiacs to the athletes to the off-beat. ... You may have graduated, but the truth is we never leave high school and this summer we are going to prove it.

Let's take a guess which category the young, hip make-up artist Lydia is supposed to fall under.

The Torrance, California native has the pleasure of being the only queer woman on Big Brother in the U.S., while the U.K. version currently has three (Lisa, Angel and Saffia). Unfair! … continue reading

Comic-Con San Diego will soon be upon us, that great Mecca for all things geeky (it’s all about “comic art, films, and science fiction”). As usual, I’m watching this year’s show from afar, with my mouse hovering over the refresh button at my favorite nerdy blogs.

By all accounts, it’s a great time, but I’ve never truly been upset about my absence until I read about one particularly wondrous event scheduled for this year’s show: A “slave Leia group photo and video shoot." Women will gather, don Princess Leia bikinis, and smile pretty for the camera.

This means that hundreds of sexy rebel princesses, all decked out like it’s 1983, will be posing for pictures and participating in the ultimate nerdy/sexy video shoot. I’m swooning already, and I’m 3,000 miles away. … continue reading

Someone over in the UK must’ve gotten their grandmum to write an article about the growing “lipstick lesbian” problem they seem to have these days. The Daily Mail’s TV reporter, Penny Marshall (not Laverne) just conducted an independent study that is as sad and laughable as Reefer Madness. In fact, the article she wrote is so ridiculous it’s almost impossible to not want to copy and paste its idiocy in its entirety. I’ll try to give you just the best highlights.

Marshall sets up the scenario:

Olivia and Lara had their first kiss at their friend Clara's 15th birthday party. That is, they first kissed each other then. They'd both kissed boys before, and they will do so again, because neither girl considers herself a lesbian. But after a couple of drinks, they thought it would be fun to see how it felt to kiss each other.

Both girls come from smart homes with professional parents, are well-spoken and attend a well-respected Inner London day school.

OK, so what I’m getting so far is that these 15-year-old girls shouldn’t be scolded for drinking, just for having the audacity to kiss each other in public because they come from good middle-class households. Wherever did their parents go wrong? … continue reading

This is part of an ongoing series of Jane's World comic strips posted every Thursday on AfterEllen.com.

For more Jane's World, visit PaigeBraddock.com, and read our previous Jane's World blog posts.

If you don’t watch Saving Grace, you probably think the show already has a lesbian character.

Or two.

But, alas, Holly Hunter’s Grace is very, very straight. She loves men and she loves sex with men. And she is not shy about doing what — and whom — she loves.

Thanks to AfterEllen.com reader indie, we know that a few women-loving women are going to show up on Grace (heh) in August. A casting call for an episode entitled “Looks Like A Lesbian Attack To Me” leaked last week and among the characters are three lesbians. … continue reading

This week, Dana and Helen of Mombian.com share a favorite toy from their son's recent birthday collection, and give a demo of its projectile-launching fun.

They also offer some suggestions for kids' birthday parties and ask viewers to weigh in on gendered gift items.

Check back in two weeks for a new episode. … continue reading

Today: Hooking and pucking.

Rachel is still on vacation, and Wednesday night The Rachel Maddow Show was replaced with yet more Michael Jackson coverage. So let's act out by being childish. … continue reading

I was pretty lucky in the parent department, but I have to admit that this thought gave me pause. Imagine having Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as your moms.

According to a tip by AfterEllen.com reader indie, we’re going to get to see what that would be like, at least onscreen. Here's the official synopsis of The Kids Are All Right: … continue reading

I have a tendency to become obsessed with television shows that end abruptly due to low ratings. No matter how many times I ask myself how a show like Two and a Half Men has been on the air for six years while a comedy gem like Arrested Development got axed after three seasons, I just end up saying not-so-nice things about the general public and stomping my foot. But like anyone else in a miserable situation, company is always nice.

For those of you unfamiliar (who have probably lost interest in this post by now) Arrested Development was a hilarious television show that ran on Fox from 2003 to 2006, starring a young(er) Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi, David Cross, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett — I could go on and on. The cast was amazing, and it was smarter than most 30-minute sitcoms, which is probably why it only lasted three seasons. There I go, hating on the general public again.

While there has been speculation about an Arrested Development movie, there has been no production schedule set, and it seems to be far from a release date. While many fans are holding their breath for the movie, two die-hards decided to make their own. … continue reading

On this week's episode of Walking Funny With, Jennie takes a stroll through comedian Poppy Champlin's West Hollywood neighborhood. Poppy takes time from preparing for her upcoming TV special, The Queer Queens of Qomedy, to chat about stand-up, gay marriage and her high school basketball record.

Poppy also brings her adorable dog, Rocky, for the stroll.

For more on Poppy, visit her website. To see some hilarious outtakes from the walk or to get more information about Jennie, go to jenniemcnulty.com.

… continue reading

Sunday brunch is practically a gay holiday: A day to celebrate and to revere as it’s most definitely an occasion amongst homos. Brunch makes it a-okay to get day drunk and summer time is prime brunch season, as there are patios for us to enjoy and to entice our otherwise reclusive friends to hang out with us on because it doesn’t conflict with bedtimes and other adult responsibilities.

Brunch, how I love thee.

While it’s a time to recline and reflect on the week’s events with your pals, you’re sure to leave a sour taste in someone's mouth if you go “too cas," and I don’t mean from drinking too many mimosas. Let’s go over the rules.

You may have had the same friends since the good old college days, but unlike rolling out of bed and showing up to class — unless a friend is hosting an implied casual brunch in their home — it’s entirely inappropriate to show up anywhere where they’re serving champagne in your p.j.s, I don’t care how much your buddies love you. When you dress sloppy, it reflects on you and your (possible) hangover. If you can’t get it together to at least throw on some jeans, eat a bagel and grab a “hair of the dog” a bit later in the day.

Kristen Stewart, Nikki Reed and Ellen Page all looking casually good in the daytime

That being said, jeans and a loose shirt are a great way to pack in all the french toast and eggs you can handle without feeling like you’re going to bust at the seams. Brunch is a gluttonous time in our lives and if you’re eating consciously throughout the week, I say go for it — just dress for it. That way you won’t leave your favorite restaurant feeling like a blimp, even after a full plate and a couple of Bloodys. … continue reading

It's crazy to think that Gossip Girl has been on summer hiatus for almost two months, yet the sun still manages to rise every morning. Two months since Serena has had the opportunity to fake-kill/fake-marry anyone. Two months since Blair has been able to plot anyone's demise. Two months since a Humphrey has been a prick, an Abrams has stormed off in righteous indignation and a Bass has smarmed everyone in his path.

I guess we have to take comfort in the fact that Nate Archibald — wherever he is, whatever he's doing — is making that one face he makes. It's the only thing that gives us hope as we wander in this gossip-less desert.

Well, that and the fact that Gossip Girl started filming its third season on Monday!

Here's a photo from the first day back on set:

Yeah, I have no idea who the non-Serena is on the right. I also don't know why Gossip Girl's producers would cast another leggy blonde character on this show. Between Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen and Kelly Rutherford, there's a leggy blonde for every demographic. … continue reading

It's morning in Miami. Well, it's actually afternoon, but when you're Charlene and your job is to hang out in lesbian clubs, dancing, smoking and drinking your face off, you tend to miss The Today Show. To make matters worse, Char is in Miami, but soon finds out that the Miami scene is located an hour away in Ft. Lauderdale. Other geographic disappointments: The NY Giants' stadium is actually in New Jersey, nobody's really "in da house," and your girlfriend is texting you from Las Vegas.

New housemate and vlogger, Hilary, wakes Char up by sticking a video camera in her face — next week's episode is about drooling. Char eats leftover hot wings and Hilary chooses one hard-boiled egg for breakfast, which explains why these two roomies will never be sharing clothes.

Sitting in their super-fabulous breakfast nook, Hilary invites Char to her birthday dinner. Then it's off to the bathroom for a few hours of flat-ironing.

The doorbell rings. Who could it be? Hilary opens the door to find Davonee, Char's Truck Stop cohort from LA, standing there with a bag and a grin. Char flies out of the bathroom at the sound of Davonee's voice, and starts jumping around excitedly at the sight of her.

Char asks Davonee how long she plans on staying. Davonee says vaguely, "I dunno," as Hilary looks on with mild horror. The gaysian reunion is cut short, because responsible Hilary tells them they're late for dinner. … continue reading

On this week's episode of Alexi's Closet, it's the night before the NYC Pride Parade and Alexi is trying to decide what to wear. She goes through her closet and discusses the many ways to express yourself, and your own self pride.

The next day, she gives us a look at the parade itself, and all the craziness that goes along with it.

Check out Alexi at MySpace.com/AlexiM or on Facebook. Check back next Wednesday for a new episode. … continue reading

If you're a little lesbian who is afraid you'll never find your match, Christine Gayle has written a book for you — assuming you can read on a first grade level. Gayle's new story Dottie the Sock: How I Found My Pair! is the tale of a young sock who is quite happy, until she realizes she hasn't found her match.

The book's descriptive blurb reads:

She won't give up until she finds [her match]. She asks her Mom. She asks her Dad. She asks her Sister. She asks her Brother. She even asks her Nana and Papa. She doesn't find her pair, until she looks inside of herself and follows her heart.

Dottie, you see, is a little queer sock.

How I Found My Pair! is only the first of Dottie's adventures. Once she finds her pair, the little lesbian sock is going to star in a 10-book series, through which Gayle hopes to teach children to accept and respect themselves, as well as their peers. She dedicated the first Dottie story to four grade-school children who committed suicide after being tormented by classmates. … continue reading

Today: No justice for Dan Choi

Rachel Maddow is still on vacation. Check back here every day for classic clips.

And a bit of current news as Alison Stewart continued to do a bang-up job filling in for the (one hopes) relaxing Ms. Maddow. Ms. Stewart had some depressing news to deliver: Lieutenant Dan Choi is still fired for being a model soldier while gay.

I’ve been lucky enough to hear Choi speak in person, and he’s truly inspiring. On that note, let’s take a look back at his first appearance on the show. Well, his first uninterrupted appearance. … continue reading