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New York Scene: Welcome to the Big AppleA column about lesbian life and entertainment in Manhattan.
And with so much going on all the time, the New York lesbian scene always has a strong pulse. Whether it's Friday night at Cubbyhole or Sunday at Orchid Lounge, you can always find bars teeming with lesbians — and, every so often, an L Word actress. In such an exciting city full of unexpected events, seeing Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig at the Starlight Bar & Lounge last year seemed only natural. Last month, I knew stepping into the Gray Matters premiere party that it would be one of those nights full of surprises. Sue Kramer, the film's writer-director-producer, was premiering her movie at the Tribeca Grill's screening room. (Incidentally, Tribeca Grill, one of New York's more posh restaurants, is owned by Robert De Niro.) Cocktails called for six, and as the clock ticked toward seven, cameras and the press arrived. More and more faces seemed familiar. I walked past a woman with dark hair and a face so recognizable I thought that maybe we had grown up next door to one and other. Then I realized it was Molly Shannon of Saturday Night Live fame, who plays Carrie, Heather Graham's co-worker, in Gray Matters. (She proved to be as hilarious in the movie as she was in her glory days back on SNL.) As I turned around to watch her in her sexy black skirt and top, I realized I had just stepped into a conversation between Alan Cumming and Sue Kramer's husband. Cumming, who was adorable in Gray Matters (he plays a cab driver), was not to be missed in his plaid green shirt and heavy Scottish accent (which, admittedly, was hard to understand at times). A few nights after the Gray Matters premiere, I attended an event at Orchid Lounge co-sponsored by the Pride Network of JP Morgan, the Women's Network of Out Professionals, and the Financial Services Industry Exchange. Watch out, world: Packed into one room were women from all walks of life and all rungs on the corporate and not-so-corporate ladder. I knew the night would prove to be interesting. You could tell the lawyers and bankers from the creative types by the way they were dressed. Suits: lawyer or banker. Jeans: creative. As simple as it sounds, it worked every time. It was a night to network, and that's what people were doing. I fell into a conversation with a woman who, it turns out, gave my sister and mother golf lessons. She is in the process of starting her own company, which would organize corporate golf events. I walked toward the bar and was introduced to a woman who is a cancer researcher. Come on, people: She works on cures for cancer. In her job, you can't say, "Relax, it's not like you're curing cancer or anything." I had no idea how many strong, successful gay women there are in New York City. Enthusiasm, success and motivation were the moods of the night, and it felt great to be around so much of it. Parties and events are almost a guarantee for an interesting night, but everyday activities can also lead to thrilling occurrences in New York. One day I was in Bergdorf Goodman Men's with my father trying to help him find a few pairs of jeans when I noticed a woman doing just the same for a friend. She was standing outside the dressing rooms with me, dressed similarly in Seven jeans and sweater. She complimented me on my patience while my father yelled out how "low-cut" the jeans are nowadays. The conversation turned to what we both did for a living, and I learned that this woman, Allison Schieffelin, sued Morgan Stanley in 2001 for sexual discrimination, alleging that she had been passed over for promotions because she is a woman. In 2004, Morgan Stanley agreed to a $54 million settlement, $12 million of which went to Schieffelin. Schieffelin was one of the few women willing to put herself at the forefront of this huge case and be very much in the public eye, standing up against a huge company for what she believed. I felt like I was in the presence of a star. She will never work in that industry again, but doesn't care one bit. She put all her time and energy into making Morgan Stanley and the entire corporate world aware of the fact that in some cases women are not treated the way men are. Even though my father walked away from Bergdorf's empty-handed, it was one of my better visits to a department store. It's almost impossible to have a dull moment in the city that never sleeps. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
New York: There is no better place to be in the world. Where else can you walk the historical West Village, grab a drink at Henrietta's, and then see your favorite gay men singing at Rose's Turn, one of the oldest piano bars in New York City? That's a lot of gay in one day. 
Can I borrow your life?
Can I borrow your life? Just for a weekend? Pleeease?
:)
This was as much fun to read as your book. Oh, how I long for my future days of living in New York. *sigh*
Pretty much
New York is funny that way...you never know who you'll run into, or how your day will turn out but usually if not always you'll have a story tell.
Your book changed my life.
Not sure if Lauren reads this. But wanted to put that out there, just in case. Love love love the new column.
I totally hope you keep on writing for AE. May I suggest the topic of gaydar?
RE: GAYDAR SUGGESTION.
How gay is NYC?
I'm planning to spend a month's holiday in NYC this year. It's been 10 years since I was last there but it's always stood out as the most fantastic city I've ever been too. Last time, I went with a girlfriend; this time I'll be there as a single. So I'm execting things to be rather different this time around. Whenever I ask people what the dyke scene is like there these days, I'm always told one of two extremes - there's surprisingly little happening or it's everywhere. Any thoughts or comments anyone? Where's the scene at? And any suggestions of some hidden gems perhaps?? Also, are there any good books or sites out there I should be looking at? (Hey After Ellen crew - did you ever think of having a travel page?)
Not Only But Also
Lesbians on the go.
NYC...
"New York City/Center of the universe/Times are shitty/But at least you know they can't get worse."
Sorry, I couldn't contain myself.
In two years here, which admittedly is hardly a respectable span, the only celebrities I have managed to see are politicians and straight girls. Bleargh.
seriously?
This piece is really disappointing in terms of its simplicity and its privileging of the celebrity class. This isn't really a portrait of the New York lesbian scene--naming a few bars and then sharing anecdotes from the premier of Hollywood's latest safe, predictable, quasi-lesbian film doesn't begin to illustrate the vibrancy or diversity of Sapphic NYC. If this is to become a regular column, here’s hoping this was just an overly-generalized introduction, and that broader topics will be discussed with more color and depth.
Perhaps the issue is one of authority. While Lauren Blitzer’s book made a small splash, it disappointed in its oversimplification of lesbian life. How could someone so new to the scene profess to be such an expert? Abigail Garner's June 9 review on this very site put it well: the writing seems to “pay more attention to the labels on their designer clothes than the labels of identity politics . . . This is especially apparent in the obliviously shallow writing that ignores complex issues within lesbian communities, namely gender identity, power dynamics, and class privilege.”
Seriously, AfterEllen? Your site provides fabulous content by intelligent and witty writers like Melinda Lo and Kim Ficera. Let’s hope this column can live up to their examples.
And seriously, life doesn't always have to be so complicated...
The book was called Same Sex and the City, what did you expect? Have you even seen the show the title references to? And not everything always has to be so boring and political and angsty. I thought Lauren's piece was really fun and interesting. I live on the other side of the world and it made me want to maybe check out New York someday.
I find Lauren's writing refreshingly entertaining. She's like the gay Carrie from Sex and the City.
And ... the labels of identity politics... yaaaawner. Bring me lipstick, fashion, parties and celebs, I much rather read about that than about gender politics, thank you very much. To each its own and I think Lauren's way of writing is a nice addition to the editors here at AfterEllen.com. Everyone has their own style and voice and Lauren's is a bit on the lighter side of life, which I actually like.
Ps. not to belittle Lauren's writing or anything, I'm sure she can write a serious piece with the best of 'em but you know what, I just don't want her to :D
Indeed, it doesn't have to be always so complicated.
Couldn't agree more Gooby.
I think it's good to read "light" and fun things (and which are well written). Not everything has to be complicated or political. I honestly can relate more or find more interesting this kind of stories (the column and the book) than some gender political issues. It's not for everyone that's sure, but hey, maybe it's not the point! I really like this website After Ellen, but I don't necessarly like all columns. The ones about gender, butches or whatever honnestly don't interest me, and I absolutely do not relate to them. Does that mean I'm angry because they exist? not at all. Do I understand why they're here? Yes I do, I just don't feel concerned by them. Well, that's the same for this column. Maybe it's not for everyone! But don't forget that some people do LIKE it. Manhattan lesbians and entertainment are actually probably one of the most interestings subjects for some people (me for example! lol).
So, basically, just relaaaaax, take it easy, (okay... this is an urban electro reference... you might not know it if you didn't like the column...).
Totally Agree
I love Lauren's light-hearted writing. I'm not always looking for a piece on the politics of gender identity. Sometimes I just want to be entertained, and that is exactly what Lauren's book and this column do.
And just a side note... Lauren, beautiful... call me!
right on jess-nut. god, i
Most Importantly
Jess-nut:
You forgot to mention the most important ingredient missing from Blitzer's column: good writing. It's sub-par in this piece, as it was in her book, which I had the misfortune of buying and reading. (I think some parts, like the story about the group-sex surfers, were totally fabricated, but I digress.) Blitzer is a tangential writer who has failed to adequately develop a single thought that she sought fit to introduce in this column. Instead, she takes us on a winding road, punctuated with gay watering holes and lesbian-themed events, and ultimately leading to nowhere.
What was the point of your column? Were you writing on deadline?
Entertainment writing should still be *good* writing.
Most Importantly
Jess-nut:
You forgot to mention the most important ingredient missing from Blitzer's column: good writing. It's sub-par in this piece, as it was in her book, which I had the misfortune of buying and reading. (I think some parts, like the story about the group-sex surfers, were totally fabricated, but I digress.) Blitzer is a tangential writer who has failed to adequately develop a single thought that she sought fit to introduce in this column. Instead, she takes us on a winding road, punctuated with gay watering holes and lesbian-themed events, and ultimately leading to nowhere.
What was the point of your column? Were you writing on deadline?
Entertainment writing should still be *good* writing.
After Myopia
This column reads as if it were written to confirm potential tourists' stereotypes and hopeful suspicions of New York City. There are references to signature industries, like JP Morgan and financial services, and the luxury shopping experiences that might await visitors to Bergdorf Goodman, if only they would stand clad in Seven brand jeans. Why would you take care to denote the brand of denim?
And … golf? Don’t you need green space to play that, something that is in short supply here in New York?
To Lauren’s credit, there are some commendable references to cancer research and a sexual discrimination lawsuit. All in all, however, I hope this column was intended as promotional copy for a corporate travel guide. Otherwise, it presents a sorely limited perspective on an extraordinarily diverse city, full of many different colors and classes of people, especially when you step outside the comfort zone of a few affluent neighborhoods.
Just in case you missed it
This column starts with the following line: "A column about lesbian life and entertainment in Manhattan."
Just saying...
Next time...
Next time you are going out... Call me.
Exactly
Lighten up. It's a puff
Bleh...
I agree with jeff-nut. I was surprisingly disappointed by this piece. I don't mind light or even puff, jess83, but bland and superficial does not make for an interesting read. I kept waiting to be hooked or intrigued...alas, I got nothing for my perseverance. Nothing she wrote gave me the slightest hint of how exciting NYC/Manhattan can be for lesbians, (which incidentally, I'm sure it is). And I wasn't even sure that Lauren was enjoying herself! Hmm, maybe too much tell, not enough show?
But its clear from the comments that many others enjoyed the column...so...here's to diversity!
Perhaps I was expecting more from a published writer? And no, I haven't read her book...
Mmm, agreed
Hey, its great to have a new columnist, and good to have a more social/life/fun aspect to it, but it was actually quite boring, and seemingly with no point. The fun/interest bit got left out. A bit of a SATC tryhard.
But I'm no writing expert, but I do like to read and time is precious and the internet media is different to a book - I'll only read something that is interesting.
As someone said, maybe it was just like a general overview intro piece. Maybe it will have a bit of meat on the bones next time.
Why? Why? Why?
I find it very interesting that lesbians (and yes, gasp, I'm going to generalize here) are always complaining that society doesn't accept us and yet we're so quick to judge anything that doesn't mirror how we look or what we think, do, etc.
Come on ladies. Lighten up! Not everything has to fit your idea of what a lesbian or a lesbian lifestyle is. The only thing we all share is that we're gay, but beyond that, we're all different. Thank Goddess! How boring would it be if we were all cookie cutters of one another? I for one would NEVER put up with a woman like me.
***
Since light travels faster than sound, people normally appear bright until you hear them speak.
THANK YOU!
Is what I'm saying :D ... you said it better though, smartypants.
YAY
WOW
My my my Lauren Blitzer... I can't wait to read your book! I'm gonna have to buy it on eBay or amazon or one of those things...
I liked this column a lot (mostly because, ehem, I have the biggest crush on Lauren!) and I think that bitching about why no one ever writes about lesbian life somewhere else is pointless... smartypants said it much better than I can explain it here!
I've never heard of anyone talk about lesbian life in ANY city in Latinamerica, and it would be awesome if there were, but I'm not complaining either...
lighten up!
Too Much Ado
Chill
like a personal blog a sixteen year old wrote..... SO WHAT! I like it, I’m eighteen I think Lauren
appeals to the younger crowd. If you guys were looking for something really serious you
probably wouldn’t be on “Afterellen” anyway (come on). I also liked Laurens book it also wasn’t
meant be taken all that serious. Just chill
oh dear
Drivel
Um, I'm not sure what is meant by "really serious," but I can definitely say that, as a person who regularly reads AE, even when the content is fluffy, the writing is pretty dang right on, and the content, while often brief, is rarely superficial. I mean, the L Word recaps may not be gravely serious, but they are (almost always) serious fun, sprinkled with insightful commentary and the occasional eye-opening scathing commentary. On the whole, the articles here are well-written and intriguing enough to keep me coming back for more. AE owes its success to its fine blogosphere writing, which is something I admire and greatly appreciate. That said, Lauren's piece, in comparison, is drivel. Certainly some member of AE's fine writing staff could have given Lauren some constructive criticism before posting this piece. I hope this is not a harbinger of lower standards yet to come.
But then again, I don't understand how Same Sex in the City made it through the publishing mill in the state that it did either. I just figured it got passed through the hands of corporate editors relying upon a throng of lesbiand to eat up whatever fodder they churned out there (as, to a large extent, sadly, we often do). I expect better from AE. So, if you want to keep Lauren and her column on here, fine. Even if the content fails to titillate some of us, please make sure that the writing is up to par. It should flow and be at least mildly engrossing. This piece is not.
Okay, I'm done bitching now. Thank you for listening... :-)
Well, first of all, to prove
Well, first of all, to prove my shallowness and that said shallowness is not the entire problem I have with this new addition to AfterEllen, I must confess that after reading the title the only reason I even clicked on the article was the picture of the author.
Now, that said, this "column" is a big, fat splat as far as I'm concerned. No, I don't expect "lezzie CNN" but there is just nothing to this article at all and the writing is just blah. Maybe for people that either live in New York or pretend they live in New York or spend their days wishing and hoping to eventually live in New York, there is something here but, for the life of me, I can't figure out what that could be.
In case it isn't widely known, there are 49 other states and, I'm pretty sure, there might even be other countries out there somewhere. Do we really need to hear about more crap from New York?? Really?
I was going to reply last night but the board had a breakdown. I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one that had a bad reaction to this. But, hey, if you are under 20 and are either a New York citizen or a wannabe as described above, then maybe you'll enjoy it.
AE Could Do Better
NYC
Tell me that I will enjoy NYC when I go there on Nov 29th...I am a little scared as this is my first trip and I don't know anyone and I will be spending 1 month there. I live in Sydney now and I love it. I was looking for penpals to take me out and show me the city. I hope NYC is not as pretencious as some Sydney people are.
Clearly there are two
Double Drivel
With apologies to Winsome for making a cheap pun using your apt subject line...
I agree with many here who have said that they have no problem with lighter fare so long as it is not boring or poorly written (two qualities that often go together). Alas, the column was boring and poorly written. I should know. I teach high school English (and journalism), and few people, straight or lesbian, have invested more time in reading boring writing than I have. The grammar is certainly better, but the content is depressingly reminiscent of a high school student's, in particular a high school student who is hoping that what she has written "looks" long enough. So I'm afraid I didn't enjoy reading Lauren's column and probably won't until she learns to write "like [her] hair is on fire."
I also agree with those who lament the fact that it seems as if, in the view of the editors of this site, there is no life that's worth writing about between the two coasts. No offense to those who live in NYC or LA, but I manage to live a fulfilling and meaningful life where I am. I have been to both cities; they're nice places to visit, but I have no desire to live there or to read empty puff pieces about those to do. I thoroughly enjoyed the TV series "Sex in the City," by the way, but "Same Sex in the City"? When the title is derivative, do we need to go any further?
Let me also question the motives for running such a column on an otherwise entertaining and often thought-provoking website. Are we now suddenly in the business of promoting Seven jeans? Why all the product placement? I know why People magazine does it (and I thoroughly enjoy that publication, too), but now it seems like Madison Avenue is working its way into our subversive counterculture web haunts. Maybe I do protest too much, but something's rotten ...and it's a few thousand miles from Denmark.
...
my 2 cents
i couldn't agree more with
sigh
I’m not going to get into the writing quality of this column – someone else already said it reads like a 16 year-old’s blog. ‘Nuff said.
Someone else mentioned the outer boroughs – how can you have a column about lesbians in NYC with nary a mention of Brooklyn??
But my biggest criticism of the piece is that instead of anything to do with lesbian life in NYC, it was basically a recounting of Lauren’s attendance at the Gray Matters premiere and a day spent shopping with her father.
And I don’t think it’s so much an issue of “fluff” pieces vs “CNN-ish” ones – personally, I’m happy reading well-written stories about lesbians. Period. A column on dykes in NY could easily have both elements – fluff and politics. In fact, it probably should.
Also, Lauren – did you really not know there are so many out, accomplished dykes in NYC? How is that possible? If that’s the case, maybe you shouldn’t be writing a column about lesbians in NY.
I’ve only been posting here a short time. I started because of Bad Girls, but it’s glaringly apparent that there’s a huge generation divide on this site between the under 21 crowd (or maybe under 25) and anyone over 30. While I understand AE trying to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, perhaps you're trying too hard to be all things to all people.
Oh dear...
I worrry that the divide on this piece seems age & experience related, as Zarathustra suggested. That would be deeply depressing! Yes, I know growing up generally makes one a more interesting person, but i know young lesbians (under 25) who are smart and funny and witty.
That said, I'm not sure how old Lauren is, but I disagree with booboo03, who thinks Lauren is funny and charming on the talk show. She is often out of her depth in any discussion and doesn't have much to contribute. There was a heated discussion on Datalounge about her a while back when the talk show started, and there was again a divide between those who thought she was hot (roll eyes)and those who thought she didn't have anything interesting to say. I hope her alleged hotness isn't the reason why she's on the Talk Show or writing this column....? We deserve better.
divide
the great divide
I hope you didn’t read my post as a criticism of the younger posters here – it was merely an observation of the dynamics I see here in general. I think it's a difficult thing to pull off - having a site that appeals to such a wide age range. One of the things I've always liked about AE is the diversity - women from all over the world and with all kinds of different experiences post here. However, I think bridging the generation gap is a difficult thing.
Having said that, I was also “older and wiser” in my 20s. Now in my 30s, my maturity level, oddly, has declined in direct proportion to my chronological years. Perhaps too many years of watching South Park and The Simpsons have taken its toll. If things continue this way, I expect to start teething again when I turn 40.
contribution and divide
This has nothing to do with the column, but "she said what?". I honestly think Lauren Blitzer does have things to say. Actually, one of the first things I noticed about her (beside the obvious "she's hot"), is that she actually has an opinion about everything. She really seems to. And that's me being objective. Okay, I just wanted to point this out. If you notice during the show, she can't always talk, but when she does, she always has her own opinion, or if she doesn't talk, you can see what she thinks on her face. So, yes I just wanted to say that she does bring contribution. :)
Oh, and just to say: I don't agree with the age divide. Everyone's different, but it's not necessarly a question of age: but of culture, knowledge, background, city/country, intelligence... that kind of things.
Just a friendly reminder...
I just want to remind everyone who is commenting on Lauren Blitzer's column to be sure to keep your comments polite, and remember to not make personal attacks on Lauren or on other posters. But as always, feel free to debate grammar, style and your own takes on New York. :) Also, the editors at AfterEllen.com do of course read all your comments and suggestions, and we take them all into consideration.
Malinda
Thanks Lauren for the entertainment.
I don't live in NYC - have visited a few times, but have no interest in ever living there. I'm already aware that it is full of diversity -- including the gay/lesbian community....I found that out within the first 15 minutes or so of visiting. And despite the negative feedback to Lauren's piece, I was pleased with it. I enjoyed her writing style, her choice of content and her subtle wit. I also don't have a problem with the piece being about NYC. If Lauren ,or any other writer for AE, wants to focus another piece on another city outside of NY, then by all means. Otherwise, I took it for what is. And more specifically, it's a column on "lesbian life and entertainment in Manhattan" told from the perspective of one lesbian and her choice of narrative and observations.
I wasn't expecting a piece about NYC politics, etc. and was thankful it wasn't -- I deal with politics, including gay politics enough in other areas of my life enough that I enjoy a break from it now and then. I also don't agree with other posters who feel her writing is much like that of a high school student's. But if there is one thing I got from reading comments from some of the posters, it is how true the old expression is - you can never please all of the people all of the time.....and for some, none of the time.
I hope Lauren continues with her column and her personal style. I was entertained enough to look forward to her additional work.
"If Lauren ,or any
"If Lauren ,or any other writer for AE, wants to focus another piece on another city outside of NY, then by all means."
This may point to the main problem I have with this "column", the fact that it is a column that has been given a front page spot. I would have no problem with what she wrote or how she wrote it if she had opened a thread in the forums about being a lesbian in Manhattan. But, why is any of this column worthy of the front page? I know that's not on her (except maybe recognizing the rather narrow appeal of the writing and self-editing appropriately) so much as the content editors at AfterEllen.
The editors are usually so right on the money about differentiating between what goes on the front page, what goes in the blogs and what is just left to the forums that this one was rather jarring. It would be similar to me getting a column on the front page to tell you my day to day life in Podunk, Illinois (slightly left and down from Chicago ;) ). Would anyone care? Should anyone care? Let's see...
--I went to the grocery store today and the cashier was a cute little babydyke and I thought to myself, "Self, you dear are an old pervert even at 32. Those of the tight jeans gen are totally not your's anymore! Later, I went to lunch at the Podunk Cafe and the really cute waitress said curly fries in such a cute way. And, to top it all off I went out to the Lake. Now, this isn't just any lake, I'll have you know. I just have four words for you...Lake House Sandra Bullock! Need I say more?!--
Just as Elaine (see, I'm trying a cosmopolitan New York reference which is difficult for us simple Podunkians) had to deem her dates sponge-worthy, I expect the editors here to scrutinize things thoroughly for column-worthiness. This one shouldn't have passed muster and actually made me wonder why and fear for the corporatization of this site a little bit because literally nothing I've read here before has produced this bad of a reaction. Maybe there's something symbolic in there or something that is just getting to a lot of us. Who knows?
Here's a link to a small
Here's a link to a small article in the NYTimes about the author. Strange as it sounds, it reads exactly like this column. Maybe it is just some new, staccato, coded writing style that only New Yorkers and people under 20 truly appreciate and anyone who doesn't fit that demo just finds irritating.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/11/fashion/sundaystyles/11NITE.html?ex=1284091200&en=42fb91498c7aa629&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
BTW, to further prove my above-confessed shallowness, there's a picture at the link with Lauren laughing...in a white tank top. And, yes, she is that cute!
I so wish I hadn't read that
I so wish I hadn't read that article.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, they're so hot.' I didn't know lesbians could be that hot."
'Nuff said.
Personal choices.
I think you're right about
I think you're right about these articles appealing to only a certain type of audience. I just so happen to be that part of the audience that quite like reading about these simple, light-hearted stories and its not just because Lauren Blitzer is so amazingly hot. I dont quite understand why people have to be so judgemental. Say you start to read an article and find it dull, is it that hard to just click away and not criticize? Does every article lesbians read have to be about politics and conflicts? I sure hope not...