Bet Power, founder and curator of the Sexual Minorities Archive, believes that Northampton is losing its character and status as Lesbianville USA because of gentrification. Gay marriage acceptance may be spreading across the country, but queer kids are still committing suicide, and trans women are still murdered with astonishing impunity. Is there a way to make sure Northampton remains a safe and affordable haven for everyone in the LGBTQ community?
Care for a rant about the demise of the Northampton BID? No? Well, here it is anyway. Jaz is unemployed and Bill has donned his crankypants. To lighten the mood, we chat with graphic artist, musician, and former “stripper” Tom Pappalardo, who has a new book out, and is no stranger to controversy or crankypants.
Bill’s a little cranky about a new proposal from the folks who want to build casinos in the area. You’ve heard of the “Twinkie defense?” Bill may have just come up with the Twinkie OFFENSE.
In more uplifting news, this weekend at Diva’s Nightclub in Northampton, there’s an event to benefit local Gay Straight Alliance groups. Organizer Suzan Seymour and performer John Brandoli talk about the event, and why even Northampton needs more gay rights advocacy.
Bill and Jaz are suffering from sleep deprivation, flooding, and an infestation of ants, just to name a few things. Nerves are starting to fray. Luckily, Bill Scher and State Senator Stan Rosenberg are on the phone to bring calm and order to the day’s proceedings.
Also, I’m not sure why you can barely hear Bill in the first few moments, but it seemed to correct itself.
Northampton Mayor Mary Clare Higgins announced on Friday she won’t be seeking another term. She stops in to talk about her decision, her administration, and her future.
Also, Bill talks a little bit more about the political bread and circuses that have begun in Northampton, starting with the Michael Bardsley email request, which you can see for yourself at this link: BardsleyPublicRecordsReply022511
Bet Power, founder and curator of the Sexual Minorities Archive, believes that Northampton is losing its character and status as Lesbianville USA because of gentrification. Gay marriage acceptance may be spreading across the country, but queer kids are still committing suicide, and trans women are still murdered with astonishing impunity. Is there a way to make sure Northampton remains a safe and affordable haven for everyone in the LGBTQ community?
