Politics & Culture Reviewed
September 4th, 2010
Lea Delaria and Janette Mason at Enzo September 2, 2010
One person’s liberation can be another’s violation. Propriety is breached, thrilling some and appalling others. That is the power of transgression. And that is the power of the enormously talented Lea Delaria. For 28 years, first as a stand-out/stand-up comic, then as a jazz musician, then as an actor, and now as a multi-faceted cabaret star, Lea has surprised, delighted and confounded her audiences nearly every time she performs. Her shows are challenges – to preconceived notions and to the predictable. Her intelligence drives her to be ground-breaker, in her own words, a “fat, ugly dyke” (a moniker that I dispute, I think she is a hot, butch she-bear) who just owns [...]
August 16th, 2010
Thoughts on Progressive Movement Building
"What will it take to create winning arguments and winning majorities for true racial, social and economic justice? What are the critical elements needed to build and sustain powerful, effective and integrated liberation-minded social movements. A version of this presentation was given at a panel at the Open Society Institute/New York in September of 2004. Copyright 2004 Urvashi Vaid. What will it take to create winning arguments and winning majorities for true racial, social and economic justice? What are the critical elements needed to build and sustain powerful, effective and integrated liberation-minded social movements. Before we go to the method, what is the goal? In [...]
August 10th, 2010
1992 Republican Convention – ACT UP March in Houston
ACT UP was there again in 1992. People forget today what a mass presence street protest was in our movement in the late 80's and 90's. We pushed really hard to get the response we secured from the government -- it did not just happen. This video captures the feel of the start of that March. But what it does not show is the police attacking the marchers later on in the march, after they had walked us into a cordoned parking area.
August 1st, 2010
Queer Asian Pacific Legacy Conference
A version of this presentation was given at the Queer Asian Pacific Legacy Conference on March 6, 2004 in New York ©2004 Urvashi Vaid Defenceless under the night Our world in stupor lies; Yet, dotted everywhere, Ironic points of light Flash out wherever the Just Exchange their messages: May I, composed like them Of Eros and of dust, Beleaguered by the same Negation and despair, Show an affirming flame. W.H. Auden September 1, 1939 This is a talk about justice and affirmation. About where we find ourselves and where we can imagine being. About the broad political context shaping our lives today as API queers, internal dynamics of the GLBT movement and API people within [...]
July 15th, 2010
Melissa Etheridge – July 9, 2010 – Cape Cod Melody Tent
Melissa Etheridge is a great rock and roller and a charming and incredible performer. I saw her in Hyannis at her gig at the Cape Cod Melody Tent last week and the show was both fun and satisfying, like a great dance party with friends. This was the second date of her current US tour, which continues till September, and she was upbeat, inspired and happy. Despite the sad news about her break-up, I think she has a great deal to be happy about. First of all, her new record, Fearless, is excellent. Fantastic music and bears repeated listening. In a career filled with great songs, this one has some classics. My favorites start with Miss California -- yes, Carrie Prejean, and [...]
