AfterEllen.com, an entertainment site geared toward lesbian and bisexual women, has announced the 1st Annual AfterEllen.com Visibility Awards, according to GayWired.com . The awards recognize people, shows, and groups that have positively or negatively impacted lesbian and bisexual visibility in entertainment. Those with the best impact included The L Word ( Best Scripted TV Show ) , Melissa Etheridge ( Best Musical Group or Performer ) , and Survivor: Vanuatu ( Best Reality Series ) . At the other end of the spectrum were North Shore ( Worst Scripted TV Series ) , Spike Lee ( Worst Ally ) , and Mary Cheney ( Worst Celebrity Lesbian ) .
Former presidential candidate Al Sharpton said after a sermon in Atlanta that President Bush inappropriately exploited religious feelings against gay marriage during his re-election bid, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Sharpton said Bush also used the gay marriage issue to draw attention away from charges that he botched the Iraq war and was ignoring domestic problems. Sharpton, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, said he remains committed to electing Democratic candidates. However, he warned that party leaders cannot afford to ignore Black people when choosing future leaders.
Dr. Judith A. Markowitz will conduct a monthly lecture series at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, from January through May. The talks will be based on the research Markowitz completed for her book, The Gay Detective Novel. The first is scheduled for Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m; future lectures will be held Feb. 17, Mar. 24, Apr. 21, and May 19 at the same times. For more info, call ( 773 ) 381-8030 or e-mail info@gerberhart.org .
Get Real Entertainment is seeking colorful gay male talent between 25-35 for a game show with a twist. Send a three-minute video, two pics ( face and body ) , an application, and a release form by Jan. 28 to: Get Real Entertainment, Casting Dept., Andy Hirsch, 150 E. Olive Ave., #305, Burbank, CA 91502. For info and an application, e-mail getrealent@yahoo.com .
Creative America is offering candidate/ organizer training for artists and creative professionals, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, 1225 W. Belmont. The session will, among other things, show creative professionals how to run for local office using grassroots and progressive ideas. The cost of registration is $20.06. See www.creativeamerica.us or contact Tom Tresser at ( 312 ) 804-3230.
Join an LGBT group designed to help people quit smoking. The program is eight weeks long and features trained facilitators who are sensitive to each person's needs. The group begins meeting in late January. For more information, contact Howard Brown Health Center at ( 773 ) 388-8880. This is a collaboration between HBHC and Lesbian Community Cancer Project ( limited scholarships available through LCCP ) .
Activists plan on celebrating four more years of resistance Jan. 20, the day of President Bush's inauguration. A grassroots alternative to the televised event will feature artwork and performances by more than 30 artists. A candlelight procession leaves Wicker Park at 7:30 p.m. and arrives at ACME Artworks, 1741 N. Western Ave. The evening will include music, readings, film screenings, and a dance that starts at 11 p.m. For further information, call ( 773 ) 862-7485.
