Herland Sister Resources

Remember the first time you saw and read a lesbian book?  Chances are it was in the 1970s or early 1980s and it was published by a small independent press like Naiad Press.  It could have been Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown or Curious Wine by Katherine Forrest.  Thirty years ago, you would have had to go to a lesbian or gay bookstore to find these books.  Herland was one of those bookstores that sprang up because of a need that was not being filled by mainstream bookstores.  We then evolved quickly into more than just a bookstore.
But times are a changin’ as the saying goes.  There are gay & lesbian studies sections at many major bookstore chains and lesbian literature can be ordered online as well.  Herland has had dwindling book sales for the last five years or more.  So we would like your opinion.  What do you think we should do in terms of carrying books for sale?  Should we continue to do so or use that space for something else?  And what about CDs and other merchandise?  Herland has actually sold more CDs than books over the last few years.  We carry music by local artists that is still a bit more difficult to get elsewhere.  We also stock a small amount of Pride merchandise and Herland t-shirts, mugs, recipe books, and a few other items. 
We have always felt that Herland belongs to the community and we (the board) are just the caretakers.  So we would like your input as to what we should do in terms of retail sales at Herland.  We welcome any and all ideas and will read them at our next board meeting.  Please send them to us via regular mail at Herland, 2312 NW 39th, OKC, OK 73112 or email us at herland@herlandsisters.org. 

A longtime owner of one of the first lesbian bars in Oklahoma City has passed away.  Bobby Lou Eby, proprietor for many years of Our Place, located at NW 12th and Penn, lived in Hilton at the time of her death on June 29, 2007.   The following email was sent by a close friend of Bobby’s:  For those of you who remember her, Bobby owned the bar Our Place and various other investments.  She was one of our elders that paved the way for us and the next generations.  Bobby saved a lot of us by guiding with information of what to do and not to do in my early teens.  It was Bobby’s wish to die at home.  She owned a liquor store in Hilton and was well known there as well as here.  Her death was announced at many of the bars in OKC by friends. 

August 7-12 

Performances by Alix Olson, God-des and She, Dar Williams, Wishing Chair, Laura Love, Chris Williamson, Lesbians on Ecstasy, D’Lo, Catie Curtis, Lez Zeppelin, Ferron with Bitch, Disco Chix Lix, Vickie Shaw, Karen Williams, Drumsong Orchestra with Ubaka Hill, and too many more to even think about listing.  See http://www.michfest.com/ for all the intriguing details. 

We may be a twenty-four year old organization but we’re not too old to join the digital revolution.  Besides having our regular website at http://www.herlandsisters.org/, Herland is now on myspace at www.myspace.com/herlandsisters.  You can view our events calendar, links to artists, feminist, gay, and progressive organizations, and links to the myspaces for members of our community.  Visit us and become our friend.

The Queer Queens of Qomedy are coming! This all lesbian comedy revue is taking the country by storm.  From Alexandria Virginia, Chicago, Santa Cruz, and now Fort Worth Texas, this comedy show is getting mad applause. 
Poppy Champlin, a veteran comedian, currently on HBO’s Documentary “All Aboard Rosie’s Family Vacation”, who the Chicago Sun Times called Blisteringly Funny during the closing ceremonies of the Gay Games, hosts and produces this all Queer Comedy show. On September 22nd, Poppy will bring two other queens from her queenly court to the Scott Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas; Vickie Shaw, and Sandra Valls. 
Vickie Shaw is originally from Texas and, in her twangy southern drawl, she lets you know what’s what and what isn’t. A favorite on Olivia cruises, seen on LOGO’s “Wisecracks” and starring in the new hit comedy documentary “Laughing Matters… More!”,  Vickie is a perfect Queen for Texas. 
The other queen, is Sandra Valls, who grew up in Laredo, Texas.  Sandra, can currently be seen on Showtime’s new hit comedy; “Latin Divas of Comedy”, she has appeared on BET’s Comic View as well as Gallavision’s Que Locos.   With her explosive, honest, comic flair, she is quickly rising to the top of the comedy game.  Whatever your sexuality, nationality,  religious or political persuasion, the Queer Queens of Qomedy are sure to bring you to your feet with laughter.  All hail the  Queens!
Queer Queens of Qomedy will be at the W.E. Scott Theatre,  1300 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 on September 22, 2007 at 8:00 pm.  Advance Ticket prices are $20 for General Admission and $30 for Gold Circle Reserved Seating.  Night of show ticket prices are $5 higher.  Tickets available now at
www.queerqueensofqomedy.com/tickets.htm  Tickets may be purchased by phone by contacting Taylor at 408-202-5564.  And, check out the Heartland Flyer from OKC to Fort Worth for only $48 roundtrip for two people (promo code h711)  for a unique and fun way to get there.