My Top Celesbian Actresses. Originally posted at Frogenyozurt.com

In the entertainment industry, an admission of homosexuality was once a career-killer.  Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Elton John helped change the idea of what a lesbian or gay man looks like. Today celebs are coming out of the closet and their careers are suffering none for it.  Gillian Anderson, forever and always FBI agent Dana Scully, and the object of many a lesbians affections (including my own), recently came out as having had affairs with women.  You go girl!  Kinda gives new life to my X-Files fantasies.

Anyhoo, with Gillian Anderson’s recent revelation, I have decided to do my personal list of top Celesbian (Celebrity+Lesbian) Actresses. After the top eleven, you’ll also find a few honorable mentions and my ‘wish list’.

Here we go.

Top Eleven Celebsian Actresses

11: Ellen DeGeneres: Lesbian

In 1997 Ellen changed the media’s perception of lesbians when she did the unprecedented act of coming out, not only on her hit TV show, but in true life also. Since then she’s been linked to some of Hollywood’s hottest leading ladies until one, Portia de Rosi, made an honest women out of her by becoming her wife.

 

10: Kristanna Loken: Bisexual

                                

Why is she on this list?  Although she’s not a lesbian, Ms. Loken identifies as bisexual.  The woman first caught movie goers attention as the bad-assed terminator that handed Arnold his tail in T3, played BloodRayne (kick ass vampire, movie could have been better, but it’s a cult hit now), and frequently acts in sci-fi and fantasy based works.  Aside from that, she did a stint on Showtime’s The L Word, as one of the few females to capture Shane’s heart. If that’s not enough, the woman is just insanely hot.

                              

9: Evan Rachel Wood: Bisexual

This bisexual actress makes the list for numerous reasons.  Not only is she beautiful, she’s also played a vampire, bringing Louisiana’s Queen Sophie to life on True Blood, before meeting her untimely death because of Bill.  Not only did she portray a southerner on the show, she’s a Southern Belle in real life.  Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wood came out in an interviewwith Esquire, stating that when she’s in relationships with women, she’s a perfect southern gentleman, opening doors and such for her companion.  You go girl, representing the Carolinas!

Wood as Queen Sophie from HBO's True Blood

8 : Gillian Anderson: Bisexual

Dana Scully, enough said!

                                

7: Drew Barrymore: Bisexual

Like many people my age, we first saw Ms. Barrymore play Gertie, on ET.  This actress went on to a number of roles that cemented her place as one of the top child actresses of the 80’s.  The 90’s brought on Barrymore’s rebellious teenager phase, but she made it through to go on and become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after, leading ladies.  She has talked about being bisexual on many occasions.

6: Leisha Hailey: Lesbian

This is my list’s second lesbian.  More than just an actress, Leisha Hailey first came onto the entertainment scene as a member of the group, The Murmurs.  From there she went on to star in a series of Yoplait commercials and then onto the cable series, The L Word.  Although she has gone back to her musical roots and become a member of the duo, Uh Huh Her, she will always be Alice Pieszecki, the bisexual journalist who fell in love with her friend Dana and became a scene-stealing, fan favorite on the hit Showtime series.

Leisha Hailey as Alice from the Showtime series, the L Word.

5: Nicole Pacent: Bisexual

Mainstream tv viewers might not know who this actress is, but the star of the acclaimed lesbian web series, Anyone but Me, has hordes of fans.  This bi-actress, along with costar Rachel Hip-Flores, make up the uber cute couple, Aster and Vivian, with Nicole playing Aster. If you’ve never heard of the show, head to youtube and check it out.  It’s a wonderful series.  Nicole is the current ‘it’ girl of lesbian cinema, and has been getting comparisons to Angelia Jolie.  It’s the lips…

4: Jasika Nicole: Lesbian

Don’t know the name?  You’re obviously not one of the legions of Fringe fans who know this lesbian as jr FBI agent, Astrid Farnsworth. On Fringe, Astrid is usually found in the lab with Walter.   An honorary Carolinian, Nicole attended Catawba College, in Salisbury, NC.    More than just an actress, Nicole is also an uber talented illustrator.  Drop by her website and check out her work.

3: Jessica Clark: Lesbian

Jessica Clark as Lillith from HBO's True Blood

This British model of Indian and Nigerian descent has begun to make the transition intoacting.  Her first role was in a 2010 short titled Sara.  Her most recognized role to date, is that of the vampire Goddess Lilith, on HBO’s True Blood (me thinks I see a pattern emerging).  Married to professional trainer Lacey Stone, Clark will bare her fangs in this Sunday’s season finale of the vampire series.

 2: Angelina Jolie: Bisexual

I think Angelina’s inclusion on this list is a given.  No one, straight or gay, can make a list of the top ten lesbian anything, and not include Jolie.  The woman has a heart as big as she is sexy.  A noted humanitarian and UN ambassador, Jolie identifies as bisexual and was in a relationship with lesbian model/actress Jenny Shimizu.  Aside from that, the woman switches effortlessly from dramatic to action roles without skipping a beat.  There’s something about a tough girl that just…sorry, got sidetracked.

1: Michelle Rodríguez…that’s a tough one

Although this actress frequently denies being a lesbian, she was outed by #10, her BloodRayne co-star and ex-girlfriend, Kristianna Loken, in an interview with The Advocate.  She has however, admitted to experimenting with both sexes.  Whatever she is, Rodriguez has made a name for herself with ‘tough-girl’ roles, in which she shines.  She’s beautiful, sexy, and kick-ass; all excellent reasons for a semi-closeted woman to be at the top of my list.  She is my ultimate celeb-crush.  Well…her and Xena, but Xena aint real.

 

Honorable mentions

Anna Paquin: Bisexual

Paquin on the set of Trick R' Treat

This woman has played a mutant, a werewolf, and a mind-reading, vampire-loving, faerie.  What’s not to love?!

Portia de Rosi: Lesbian

 Mrs. Ellen DeGeneres, herself.  This actress has a string of movie rolls and 2 hit tv shows under her belt.

Heather Matarazzo: Lesbian

This actress was in the indie hit, Welcome to the Dollhouse, before portraying Princess Mia’s best friend in the Princess Diaries.  You can see her in season 1 of the lesbian series, Ex’s and Oh’s.

Nicole Pina: Lesbian

This Latina star of the lesbian web series, The Lovers and Friends Show, is gorgeous.  Her show is one of the longest running lesbian web-series out there.  Look it up, people.

Now here’s my wish list (in no particular order)

Gabrielle Union

There are no words to express this actress’s level of hotness. She’s sexy, talented and she’s played a Klingon!  People first took notice of this actress when she played, Isis, leader of the Toro’s rival cheerleading squad, in 2000’s Bring It On.  Since then she’s gone on to star in numerous roles both on the small and large screen.

Sanaa Lathan

Here’s another smoking hot actress who’s played a vampire.  She played the mother of Daywalker, Blade.  Aside from her sci-fi roles in Blade, and Aliens vs Predators, Ms. Lathan is known for her roles in numerous romantic comedies, such as Love and Basketball, Something New and Brown Sugar.

Ashley Greene

Another vampire (I might need help), this one of Twilight fame.  While she has moved on to grittier roles since her time as a sparkly blood drinker, Ashley will forever be known as Alice Cullen…and for those SoBe ads.  Gotta love vitamin water and body paint.

Zoe Saldana

She hasn’t played a vampire, but she’s been an assassin (twice), a cat-faced, blue alien and Uhura.  Although she’s not a lesbian, she has played one in After Sex, in which she starred with another ‘gay-for-pay’ actress, Mila Kunis.

Kate Beckinsale

I’ve got this thing for kick-ass women and this actress has proven herself to be a wonderful action star.  From the vampire Death-Dealer Selene, to ruthless Lori, in this summer’s Total Recall remake, this woman portrays deadly, very well.

Janina Gavankar

 Janina is another alum of Showtime’s, The L Word.  The actress of Indian descent, played the lesbian-Latina-Lothario, Papi.  Since her time on the series, this self-professed sci-fi and gaming-geek, has gone on to play a zombie/ghoul, on the short lived ABC series, The Gates, and is currently starring on True Blood, as the shape-shifting, Luna.

And last but not least…

Kristen Stewart

This is my last pick for my wish list and with the amount of actresses that have portrayed vampires, I think I’m gonna call my therapist in a bit.  But for now, anyone that knows me, knows that I L-O-V-E this girl.  Whatever your opinions are of her acting abilities, or the Twilight films that she’s help build into a billion dollar film franchise, she’s hot.  Now I will take this moment to offer my hand in marriage.  If you see this post, Kristen Stewart, and think about testing the Sapphic waters in the future, I’m your girl!

A Little Help

Hey everyone.  I need a little help deciding which cover I should use for my next book.  It's an anthology of DarkWorld shorts titled, Faeries, Fangs, and Fur: Tales From The DarkWorld.

Have a look at both covers and let me know what you think.

So which one will it be, cover 1 on top, or Cover 2, underneath?

Chick Fil A: A Few Thoughts

As Abraham Lincoln said, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” 

I told myself that I wasn’t going to address the Chick-Fil-A issues, but the more I thought about it, the more I could not ignore it.  I find that as I get older, the more I am willing to stand up for what I believe in.  As a teenager and woman in my 20’s, I was still in the process of discovering who I was and how to reconcile that with the person I was expected to be.  I didn’t have the courage to say, “yes I am”, or wear my rainbow gear without fear of nasty looks and whispered ill remarks.

Before I go any farther, let me say that I respect everyone’s right to their opinion.  No one has the right to tell anyone what they should think or feel.  That’s not what this post is about or about their right to believe in their view of the bible, it’s about their small-mindedness.

By now it’s old news that anti-gay marriage supporters flocked to Chick-Fil-A, in droves yesterday in a show of solidarity for Dan Cathy and his stance.  Here in my small, southern town, traffic was backed up on the highway as people lined up to buy food from the restaurant.  I say bravo for people standing up for what they believe in.  But when you pick a cause to champion, make sure it’s a worthy one and one that isn’t based on fear and hate.  People aren’t suggesting boycotts of the restaurant because it’s CEO believes in the Bible, they’re suggesting boycotts because he’s spreading hate.  You can’t pick and choose verses to advocate.  If you believe in the teachings of Christ, embrace them as a whole.

I drove by Chick Fil A yesterday and saw a woman standing there waiting in line with her small children.  What lesson was she teaching them, that according to the Bible, marriage is only between a man and a woman?  No, she what she showed her children was that it’s ok to ignore Jesus’s lessons of love and acceptance for all.  He urged us not to judge our fellow man, but instead, love thy neighbor as thy love thyself and love God.

Aside from that, there are also other issues affecting our county that I believe are far more important than who someone like me, falls in love with (which personally does not affect anyone but me and my immediate family, by the way).

As my sister, LeAnna said yesterday on her Facebook page, “Mass killings, bad economy, overcrowded prisons, underfunded schools yet, your reason for rallying is in support of a billion dollar company & its prejudice...single minded owner…WTF?? How many parking lots & highways have been filled this year to show love, support & respect to Lancaster’s 22 murder victims?? Damn shame if u ask me!!!!”

There are so many other worthy causes that need support and attention; priorities anyone?  What about the children who are gunned down in the street by people who shouldn’t even be in possession of gun in the first place?  Where are the advocates for better gun control laws?  I know you’re out there, but where is the media’s attention focused.

The US spends more per student than any other nation, but still we fall short when it comes to competing with them academically.  Why?  Where are the lines of people crying for change in our education system?

Thousands of people work every day yet can’t afford to go to the doctor, or afford their medicine, when they get sick. There are people who are suffering at home and subsequently dying, because they either don’t have insurance at all or insufficient coverage.  But we’re still squabbling about Health Care Reform.

Children and teenagers are being bullied to the point of suicide.  LGBT youths and individuals are being targeted, assaulted and sometimes killed, just because they are who they are.  But instead of taking a stand against hate and bigotry, people are perpetuating the problem with their intolerance.

Hate and intolerance are learned traits.  The same kids that stood in line with their parent’s, could be the same children that taunt and terrorize an LGBT youth, five or ten years from now.  Our words and actions have power, and can affect a situation, or in this case, a group of people, for years to come.

Chick Fil A, yesterday your supporters made a strong statement, but the business you are going to lose will have a lasting affect and in the long run, speak louder volumes.

Lost in Translation: Adapting a Work

As an avid movie goer and lover of books, if there’s a movie that I want to see and it’s an adaption of a novel, I tend to read the novel first.  Almost 90% of the time, the novel is LOADS better than the movie.  Often time adaptions fall very short.  Such is the case with Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.  The novel was pretty interesting, while the movie was such a…well, I’ll just say that it was a disappointment (that’s a kindness).  And as much as it pains me to say this, the movie version of Queen of the Damned

, left a lot to be desired, when it comes to comparing it to the source material. (That is in no way the fault of the incomparable, late-Aaliyah. Her performance as Akasha, was wonderful).

There are a few acceptations; The Help was stellar and kept the spirit of the novel alive.  The Harry Potter moviess were pretty faithful adaptions, and as much as some people may loathe the entire Twilight phenomenon, the movies stuck pretty close to the books.  Aside from novels, tv shows, cartoons, video games, and comics have all made the jump from one form to another.  Some work and some others fail miserably.  Example: Spiderman 1 vsSpiderman 3.

No matter what medium is being adapted, some believe that no adaption can ever really fully utilize its source material to its fullest; up until a few weeks ago, save but for a few exceptions, I believed that myself.  Now, I have a different outlook.

A few weeks ago I began writing the first issue of UnBound, which will be a comic adaption of my Copperhill Media release, UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels.  I came into the project knowing that not every line would make the jump between formats.   Some material was bound to become lost in translation.  I prepared myself to pick apart my novel in the search for the perfect lines to use.  What I’ve found is that instead of picking apart my work, I have the opportunity to show different aspects of the world that I created.

When you’re taking a work from one medium to another, it’s almost like a do-over.  If there was something you wanted to add, you can now do so.  Is there a scene that was implied, but would have bogged down the plot if you addressed it in detail?  With an adaption you can revisit that scene and make it work.  Six pages of a scene might equal 2 minutes of screen time, or 2 pages of a comic, if it’s done correctly.

I have finished writing the first issue and I hope that I’ve done my novel justice.  But I can’t be the judge of that.  I’m far too close to the material to be objective.  So I come to you.  Below I have posted a few pages of UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels, and the corresponding pages of the adaption.   Give them a look and tell me if you think I’ve stayed true to the source material. You’ll have to use your imagination when it comes to reading the script for the comic.

FYI: Here are a few comic terms for those that have never read a comic.

Splash page: A page in which the illustration takes up the entire page.

Caption: The narrators voice in a comic.

Panel: The individual sections of a comic page.

To read more about any of the titles I’ve mentioned or my other work, you can check out my other post here at, http://frogenyozurt.com/ or head over to my website, http://www.ronniemassey.com/

Lines from UnBound: Battle of the Half-Angels:

In the beginning, God created man; perfect beings crafted in his likeness, free of sin, and endowed with free will.  As their creator, Jehovah was pleased by mankind’s love and devotion.  But not everyone was thrilled with the idea of new creatures garnering Jehovah’s favor.

Some of the angels, his first children, grew jealous and resentful of mankind’s place in their father’s heart.  Their own hearts grew cold.  They saw humans as nothing more than barbaric animals, unworthy of the affection that Jehovah showered upon them.

One of the most important gifts that Jehovah had given man was free will.  Some of the cold-hearted angels were aware of this, and grew tired of the strict set of rules that Jehovah had put in place to govern them.  They wanted the freedom to choose the paths their lives would follow.

Other discontent angels saw the kingdom which Jehovah had given the humans, and coveted their paradise.  They wanted a kingdom of their own, so that they might lord over it and be worshiped as gods in their own right.  But they didn’t want just any kingdom; they wanted heaven.

These groups, led by Satanael, began to plot and plan an attempt to overthrow the master.  Satanael had already secretly brought the mother of man to a sinful shame, which had cost humanity Eden.

And so the war began.  Satanael, the first of Jehovah’s perfect angels, the most beautiful of the entire heavenly host, turned his back on everything he had once held dear, and drew arms against his own.  Brother fought brother and sister fought sister, as a multitude of angels, led by Michael and the Archangels, warred with Satanael and his forces.

In a battle that brought death and destruction to the heavens, Michael and his army eventually overcame Satanael and his minions…

…The Archangel Michael paced in the gilded hall of a heavenly palace as he waited for Metatron to see him.  He had spent the last fifteen years locked in purgatory for his crime.  When he was released, he found that literally, all hell had broken loose on Earth.  Lucifer was turning a blind eye as The Fallen broke the rules of interference.  But even more troubling was the fact that no one had made any strides to stop it in his absence.  Michael was furious, to say the least.

The End Days were drawing near, and the Light needed every soul they could win, to come out victorious.  The numbers were too close to allow blatant cheating to continue.  But from the looks of things, Michael was the only one who realized this important truth.

Michael turned and looked at the doors in quiet frustration. He was just about to throw caution and courtesy aside and let himself in, when he felt a small ebb of power.

The huge doors to Metatron’s throne room glided open and Michael hurried inside.  “Are you so detached from what goes on below that you no longer care that the rules are being broken?” he cried, as he approached Metatron.

Metatron, Jehovah’s greatest angel, smiled and nodded in return, “Hello Michael, good to see you home brother.”

Michael groaned.  “Welcome home!?  That’s all you have to say?  The Fallen boldly walk the Earth, wreaking all sorts of havoc and mayhem, and all you have to say is welcome home.”

Metatron stood and stretched a pair of his seventy-two wings.  “What would you have me do, brother?  Become as they are and throw all regard for father’s rules out the window?  I think not.”

Michael stalked over to a window and willed the veil between heaven and Earth to part.  He looked at the world below as he carefully chose his words.  “If you won’t act, then allow me and the Archangels to intervene, we’ve…”

“Unacceptable,” said Metatron.  “The rules apply to us all, not just me.”  Michael scowled at Metatron.

“And that is why the balance hangs in peril.  We remain bound by rules while the Fallen run free.  Every day they prove their existence to mankind, giving them something other to believe in than a god they never see.”

Michael pointed towards the Earth, looked at Metatron, and pleaded.  “Please, Metatron, if Jehovah thought enough of them to send his own flesh and blood to walk among them, then allow me this.  We won’t interfere; just keep order among the Fallen.”

Metatron, stood stoic as he looked towards the Earth, and considered Michael’s plea.  “I can’t allow it,” he said after careful deliberation.

Michael opened his mouth to protest, but Metatron held up a finger to silence him.  “But,” he said carefully, “I will allow the fruit of your transgression to be unbound, along with any others that may exist.  There will be rules, and you cannot remain with them after they’re made aware.  Take it or leave it.”

Michael’s heart swelled with unexpected relief.  “I’ll take it,” he said, as he turned to leave the room.

Just as he reached the threshold, Metatron called out.  “Remember, Michael, as your children are unbound, so are those of the Fallen.  And even more so, brother, remember why they were bound in the first place. “

Michael nodded and hurried out before Metatron had the chance to stop him again.  For the first time since his release, Michael breathed easy.  The unbinding of the nephillim was more than he’d hoped for.  The most he’d expected to accomplish was to gain permission for an errant excursion here and there to rough up a few Fallen.  Through the nephillim, the Light would have a constant presence on Earth.

Most important to Michael, he would finally have the chance to get to know his son.  An opportunity he never thought would happen.  Yes, today was turning out to be one worthy of rejoicing after all.  Now, he had to inform Uriel and get to Earth.

Pages from the first issue of UnBound.

PAGE ONE

Splash page: The archangel Michael is standing back to back with the archangel, Uriel. Both of the angels have their swords drawn and have obviously been in a battle. There is debris and rubble, broken Renaissance-like statues lie in pieces, all around them. In the background stands an immense set of golden gates.

Caption: “And the time came that war visited the heavens. Brother fought brother and sister fought sister, in a battle to rule the universe. A battle that would change the course of the world, forever.”

MICHAEL

This is it, brother.  Here they come

URIEL

Let them.  They will not take the gates.

Page Two

This page is 6 panels.  Panel 1 takes up a 4th of the page.  Panels 2, 3, and 4 equal a 4th of the page but are broken into 3rds.  Panels, 5 and 6 are the remaining 2 4ths.

Panel 1

The silhouette of an army of angels fills the sky.  Michael and Uriel both look up.

MICHAEL

Are you SURE about that Uriel?

URIEL

Not like that, brother, but I have faith.

Panels 2, 3, and 4

Each panel is a close-up of a different angel landing. Each angel is prepared for battle with both swords and shields drawn. Panel 2 is a female angel (SFX: SLAM). Panel 3 is an extreme close-up and shows just the bent legs and feet as they slam into the ground, making a crater (SFX: BAM). Panel 4 is a male angel (SFX: CRUNCH).

Panel 5

Panel 5 is wide shot of Michael and Uriel standing in front of an army of angels of their own. In this scene we see exactly how huge the gates are. They seem to go on into the sky.

URIEL (CONT’D)

And we have the numbers.

Page Three

This page is 6 panels.  Panels 1 and 2 are smaller box panels. Panel 3 is the width of the page. Panel 4 is open, not boxed in. Panels 5 and 6 divide the remainder of the page.

Caption: “Many millennia later…Seventh Heaven, Metatron’s Palace

Panel 1

Michael is pacing in a huge hallway. He’s dragging hand through his hair.

MICHAEL (INTERIOR MONOLO

Out of the past Michael.  Today we deal with the matter at hand.

Panel 2

A large set of doors open (SFX: SWISH). Michael turns towards the doors.

Panel 3

Michael is livid as he marches into an opulent, open room. There is another figure standing near a window. His back is to Michael.

MICHAEL

Are you so detached from the world that you no longer care that there are rules being broken?

METATRON

Good to see you home, Michael.

Panel 4

MICHAEL

The Fallen are wreaking all kind of havoc and you have to say is, Welcome Home?!

METATRON

What would you have me do, brother? There are rules in place for a reason.

Panel 5

Michael walks by Metatron to look out of the window.

MICHAEL

Rules the Fallen are breaking every chance they get.

METATRON

As the humans say, brother, two wrongs don’t make a right.

Panel 6

Michael’s hand is against the window staring down at Earth in the distance, through clouds.  We see Earth through his eyes, with just his hand visible.

MICHAEL

Allow me to gather the remaining Archangels.  The humans won’t see us…

Page Four

Page four is five panels. The first three panels divide the top 3rd of the page into 3rds, vertically. The last two panels divide the remainder of the page.

Panel 1

We just see Metatron’s eyes.

METATRON

Unacceptable. No angel shall interfere.

Panel 2

Michael angrily, spins around.

MICHAEL

We can’t just do nothing, Metatron.

Panel 3

Metatron smiles and lowers his head.

METATRON

WE won’t, but there is another way.

Panel 4

This is a view that lets us see both Metatron and Michael’s faces. Metatron has a smirk on his face and Michael looks a little confused.

METATRON (CONT’D)

You cannot actively interfere…

MICHAEL

Then how?

METATRON

The Nephillim.

MICHAEL

What?

METATRON

I will allow the fruits of your transgressions to be unbound.

Panel 5

Michael is marching towards the door.  We see a really tight close-up of his face.  He looks very determined.  Metatron is in the background pointing towards him.

METATRON (CONT’D)

There will be rules Michael. And the playing field must be even. As one is unbound, so are they all.

MICHAEL

Understood, brother.

METATRON

Remember why they were bound, Michael.

MICHAEL

Don’t worry, Metatron.  I’ve got this.