The musical Kinky Boots, written by Harvey Fierstein (music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper), is about the journey of self-expression fraught with internal and external barriers. And, yes, it’s about boots. The 2005 British movie from which the musical is adapted is inspired by the real-life story of a declining family-owned shoe business that makes […]
LGBTQ
Posted inNews
NCJ Preview: Drag, Birdmobiles and Sketchy Seafood
This week we’re looking at why family-friendly drag show performers take the stage despite the intensifying backlash. We also talked to law enforcement about the supposed risk to kids — turns out we’ve got high rates of abuse in Humboldt but it doesn’t appear to be coming from drag shows. Later, a birder confesses to […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Photos: Dragging Through Time at CR
After concerns over safety canceled Lost Coast Pride’s family-friendly drag fundraiser, the nonprofit switched up plans to put on an adults-only show at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre. The original family-friendly show finally took place at College of the Redwoods Saturday, April 29, before a packed audience of children of all ages. (See the slideshow by […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Photos: Ferndale’s First Drag Show
The Gatsby at the Rep fundraiser for Lost Coast Pride held at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 25 put the vamp in revamp. Planned to make up for the canceled family-friendly event at the Old Steeple, this adults-only show added burlesque and bellydancing to the bill, all hosted by ribald emcee Jamie Bondage. Drag performers […]
Posted inArts + Scene
CR to Host Previously Canceled Drag Show
College of the Redwoods has announced it will host the family-friendly “Dragging Through Time” show that had been originally slated to take place at Ferndale’s Old Steeple before venue owners canceled the Lost Coast Pride Fundraiser due to safety concerns. The College of the Redwoods Multicultural & Equity Center is organizing the show as part of […]
Posted inNews
Photos: The Sisters’ Day of Non-Judgement
On Jan. 22, the sun bounced off sequined coats and glittering makeup, and the breeze lifted Pride flags overhead and others worn as capes. Someone in a bright pink jacket moved through the crowd offering Fruit Loop and Fruity Pebble marshmallow treats from Patches’ Pastries. The crowd on the lawn beside Ferndale’s Town Hall formed […]
Posted inNews
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to Hold Non-Judgement Day
In response to the cancelation of the planned Dragging Through History fundraiser for local nonprofit Lost Coast Pride at the Old Steeple, Humboldt’s chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ organization engaging in activism that parodies faith-based bigotry, has announced it will hold a Non-Judgement Day on Sunday, Jan. 22 at Ferndale’s Town […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
‘We Will Not Hide’
These past few difficult weeks bring tears to our veils. Our hearts are heavy with painful pulsing brought by violence. Hurting people brought hate and violence to our Oct. 23 Redwood Pride event at Jefferson Community Center, shouting at participants. Hurting people brought hate into our civic centers and continue to shout deeply misguided, privileged […]
Posted inNews
NCJ Preview: Post-Roe, Pride and Oyster Fest Fallout
After last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, we’re talking about what it means for California and how we can fight for reproductive rights for everyone. Linda Stansberry joins us to talk about Ferndale Pride and the folks who are making the Victorian Village more welcoming to all. We’ve got a post-oyster […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
No-Thanksgiving
When I started writing this piece, I had grand ambitions of opening a conversation for cisgender readers. After several drafts, I decided the internet was offering plenty of organizations, memes, infographics and listicles for cisgender people to use as a resource (see below). And though there were many adorable watercolor comics online giving advice for […]
Posted inNews
Arcata Denounces ‘Acts of Hate and Violence’
Arcata City Councilmembers this week denounced recent “acts of hate and violence” after someone cut down a tree adorned with rainbow flag ornaments and a “Love Joy Peace” banner, which had been placed in support and solidarity after the destruction of a LGBTQ+ flag displayed at the same community garden site. Both acts took place […]
Posted inNews
Photos: Ferndale Pride Parade and Protest
Rainbows were everywhere in Ferndale today, as a Pride parade made its way through the Victorian Village. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies wore bright colors, carried signs and chanted “Love is love,” stopping in front of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The church caused a stir posting “Hurt by LGBTQ Culture? Healing […]