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Lez Dish It Out: Jan 13, 2021

lez dish it out

Remember when we all thought 2021 would be less of dumpster fire than 2020? Good times…. And just in case you missed some lesbian and bisexual news amidst the chaos, we got you covered. 

Tessa Thompson to star in “Passing” 

Passing novella by Nella Larsen

Based on Nella Larsen’s novella of the same name, “Passing” explores the lives two light-skinned Black women, Clare and Irene, during the 1920’s. In the novel, the pair grew up together, but have since lost touch in adulthood. Once they reconnect, Irene learns that Clare “passes” for white and has lived in Europe with her white husband. It’s safe to assume the film, just like the novella, will delve into the complexities of being a mixed-race woman in the 1920’s. Thompson will portray Irene Redfield while Ruth Negga will play Clare Kendry. The film will premiere on January 30, 2021 at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Nicki Minaj Reaches Settlement With Tracy Chapman

What a series of words that was, huh? Let me clarify, For her 2018 album Queen, Minaj recorded a song called “Sorry” that sampled one of Chapman’s songs, “Baby Can I Hold You.” The rapper went so far as to go on Twitter to make a public plea for Chapman to clear the sample. The tweets have since been deleted. But, the track was leaked by Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex. It didn’t take long for the internet to spread it around, resulting in the lawsuit. Minaj denied committing copyright infringement. And in September 2020, a judge agreed that she did not commit copyright infringement. The $450,000 settlement avoided a trail by jury. 

Study Finds Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Veterans At Higher Risk of Suicide

A recent study published by the American Medical Association found that LGB vets are at an increased risk of suicide. In 2017, suicide was the fifth leading cause of death in LGB veterans, while it was the tenth leading cause amongst the general population. “Sexual minority veterans likely have the same risk factors for suicide as non-sexual minority veterans, but they also contend with historical institutional stigma that may influence mortality by suicide, a framework known as minority stress,” wrote Dr. Kristine Lynch, of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System. And it all boils down to homophobia agin. Will it ever end? 

Katie Sowers Departs 49ers

As we all know thanks to hardworking lesbians at AfterEllen, Sowers was the first woman and the first out lesbian to coach at a Super Bowl. She was also the 49ers first female assistant coach. Recently, she has announced that she will not be returning to the San Francisco 49ers next season. Sowers thanked supporters in an Instagram post. Sowers has not yet made an announcement about where she’s head next, but she is seeking new opportunities. We wish her the best of luck with whatever she decides to do next. 

Xena Star Lucy Lawless Lays the Smackdown on Kevin Sorbo 

Does this count as lesbian news? Well, considering how Xena is a lesbian icon, let’s say it does. When insurrectionists stormed the US Capitol building last week, the former Hercules star Sorbo retweeted a right-wing conspiracy theory attempting to place the blame on anyone expect those that actually committed the crime. But Lawless was not about to stand for that. 

And while Hercules aged as well as a flan someone forgot in a cupboard, Xena maintains her lesbian and bisexual fanbase. Love this journey for her. 

Lesbian State Rep Determined to Change Same-Sex Marriage Ban Still in Place in Florida

Florida State Rep. Michele Rayner, the only lesbian member of the state’s legislature and the first openly lesbian Black woman to have a seat, is currently fighting to repeal a ban on same-sex marriage that still stands despite nationwide marriage equality. Rayner married her wife in 2017, two years after same-sex marriage was made legal nationwide. But in Florida, a defunct ban on same-sex marriage still exists. Florida statute 741.212 reads: “Marriages between persons of the same sex entered into in any jurisdiction, whether within or outside the state of Florida, the United States, or any other jurisdiction, either domestic or foreign, or any other place or location, or relationships between persons of the same sex which are treated as marriages… are not recognized for any purpose in this state.” Damnit, Florida. Earlier this month, Rayner filed a bill to change this. And hopefully, it passes! You know we’ll update you if it does. 

Tipping the Scales Offers Lesbian Made Content

Wishing there was more literature made by lesbians for lesbians? Of course you are. Luckily for you, literary and arts journal Tipping the Scales offers fiction, non-fiction, poetry, artwork and photography by lesbians of all ages from all over the world. Started by wives Lori and Natascha Graham last year, the journal attempts to tip the scales in our favor. Their first issue is already on sale. And if you’re not content just reading, why not consider submitting your own work for their second issue?

Batwoman’s Back, Baby!

Javicia Leslie as Batwoman
Nino Muñoz/The CW 

After Ruby Rose’s sudden departure from the show, many wondered what would become of the lesbian masked hero. But the show was saved when Javicia Leslie stepped into play the new Batwoman, Ryan Wilder. You might be wondering when you can watch the next season. Well, you’re in luck. The second season of Batwoman premieres on January 17th at 8pm EST on the CW. You also catch episodes on the CW’s website and app following its broadcast. And you know AE will have episode recaps for you.

The Sea in the Sky Features Sci-Fi Lesbians

Looking for a new podcast? Want some sci-fi elements? And a lesbian character? Look no further than the The Sea in the Sky. The deep space adventure made it onto Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2020 list and was described as being “heartfelt and haunting—with just enough humor to break up the tense claustrophobia.” And the best part? The hero is a Latina lesbian. We love to see it.

New App Giggle Hopes to Be a Female Safe Haven

Giggle is a social network for girls

We all know how exhausting it is to use Tinder. And apps that are supposed to be just for us end up becoming overrun with men. Well, Giggle hopes to change that. The app, named after the collective noun for a group of girls, hopes to connect female users for networking, friendship, and even dating. The app’s creator, Sall Grover, was inspired to try her hand at creating it after years of misogyny took its toll. She was advised to create a strong female support network, and anyone who has tried to do the same knows how difficult it is even with social media. But you know what they say! if you want something done, you have to do it yourself. The app uses AI technology to ensure only female users can create profiles. Giggle is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Ovarit is a safe alternative to Reddit

If you’re looking for more female-only spaces to build community and culture, you should also check out Ovarit, the new alternative to reddit that’s safe for women.

Lesbian Apparel and Accessories Gay All Day sweatshirt -- AE exclusive

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