Lesbian Exclusive Exchange

With rock star-worthy parties, go-go dancers, a special burlesque show, comedians that are definitely not PG, and sex workshops led by the experts at Babeland, it's easy to see why Sweet's Caribbean Cruise Nov. 8-15, 2009, is adults only.With an average age of 38, the cruise is going to be a fabulous mix of women of all ages, says Sweet CEO and founder Shannon Wentworth."We definitely are attracting a much younger crowd than other cruises," Wentworth said. "Sweet is able to draw in younger travelers because because we know how to throw a good party, and because of our 12-month payment plan and threesome or foursome offers."And no, she's not talking about sex this time. In addition to offering a no-fee, no-interest payment plan that starts at $71 a month over twelve months (double occupancy), Sweet is letting the third and fourth guest in each room cruise for free (which makes it just $36 a month per person for a group of four). It's an excellent opportunity to grab some friends, pile into a cabin and get ready to let loose.

Not only will Club Skirts will be on board to recreate their legendary Dinah Shore Weekend experience in the middle of the Caribbean, Sweet's got a roster of DJs that'll make you sweat.Dirty Kurty, Kathy Valenti, DJ Trina J, DJ Tatania, Ms. Jackson and Disco Bambina will spin their magic and make sure you party likerock stars. Enjoy live concerts with singers like rocker Jen Foster, folk singers Edie Carey and Natalia Zukerman, or the haunting sounds of newcomer Adrianne. Dress up in your PJs or lingerie for the Pajama Party, get your fizz on at the Champagne and Bubbles Party, or try your hand at the Rock Band tournament or open mic comedy night.

Speaking of comedy, Sweet has the funniest women on earth lined up to make sure you laugh your ass off. The queen of lesbian comedy, Suzanne Westenhoefer, will be there doing her signature off-the-cuff storytelling about everything from gay marriage to dyke drama.Other comedians include Gloria Bigelow, Sandra Valls, Erin Foley,Chantal Carerre, Amy Tee, and Kate McKinnon of "The Big Gay Sketch Show." Of course, there will be no shortage of lesbian celebrities on board.  Out actresses Cathy DeBuono and Jill Bennett, two of the stars from this year's favorite lesbian film romp "And Then Came Lola," will be on board filming season 2 of their hit series "We Have To Stop Now."  The lovely ladies of the lesbian talk show "Cherry Bomb" will also be filming episodes of their show on board, as will the adorable Nat & Meg from AfterEllen's "The Sweet Adventures of Nat & Meg."  Other celebrities on board include actress Carlease Burke, one of the few out women of color working in Hollywood, celebrity fitness trainer Shawnee Harkins from Dr.Phil's Ultimate Weight Loss Race, out lesbian hip-hop artist Mélange Lavonne, and many, many others.
With so many hot women on board, the babes of Babeland are destined to draw a crowd as they host sex workshops, sell their wares at a discount to Sweet's guests, and provide sexy prizes. "They are going to show us some new tricks," Wentworth said. "Vacation's a really great time to try something new."

The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival presents its programming for the 27th edition of the festival. The oldest continuously running film festival in Los Angeles, Outfest with feature 181 films from 25 countries over a 10-day event that will put focus on LGBT Rights in response to Prop 8.“At a time when the film industry is constantly shifting, Outfest once again proves to be ahead of the curve by pushing boundaries with a diverse, provocative and entertaining crop of new films,” said Kirsten Schaffer, Executive Director of Outfest, in regard to their 2009 programming. “In response to the passing of Proposition 8 in California and similar bans against gay marriage and adoption across the United States, we are proud to put a particular focus on LGBT rights and equality, and believe that this is a great time for the entire Los Angeles community - gay or straight - to come out and support one another during Outfest 2009.” “This is a really important time in our community, we’ve had a lot happen in the last year,” Kirsten said at this year's Launch Party. “I opened last year’s festival by talking about the Summer of Love. Not quite the same now. We love the same but our rights are different, which makes the work we do here at Outfest even more important. We believe that political change comes from cultural  change and cultural change is led by artists.”