Mischief S. Markings

Liver Walk and other Happy Memories

2010-03-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who have recently been taking Mischief for a ride, outings have been more frequent. The Rummage sale was a blast, and raised over 333 dollars for AIDS Walk. Liver Walk was an amazing day, with wonderful people. And the recent joy ministry at an amazing drag show at The Rock and the fabulous Follies at Icepics was truly the best night out this Sister has had in quite some time. Thank goodness for sexy men and stunning drag queens to pick up a drag nun's spirits.

Speaking of Liver Walk, Sam's Fab Crew walked for Samantha and she raised 1000 dollars for the cause. Let's hope better understanding of liver disease and more importantly, better treatments are found soon. You go Sam, you're a saint in the eyes of this Sister!

Stay tuned for upcoming Aids Walk fundraisers.

Put a little junk in yer trunk

2010-03-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Come on out yee scalliwags, get ready for a rummage sale raising funds and awareness for Phoenix AIDS WALK! Hope to see you there today, I'm all dressed up and raring to go put junk in yer trunk. So come on out and find yee some buried treasure

Things that Make me Giggle - Jack o Lanterns

2009-10-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Transform AZ

2009-10-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was blessed with the opportunity to attend some awesome workshops and meet amazing people at Transform AZ. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures to share with you, because I was having such a blast I never dug the camera out. Go to http://transform.transmentors.org/ for more details.

Then today I was able to join Transform AZ again at their picnic. It was a great time. I especially enjoyed Joe's performance, and the native american dancer who looked truly resplendant in her bright yellow buckskins.

It was great seeing friends old and new. Sister Frankly and Guard Spanky arrived just in time to see their favorite performer. I had a blast, but above all, I have to say that my favorite part was getting to sit and talk with such a variety of people. I can only wish I'd had more time. Fortunately for me, there will be such times in the future when I can reconnect with those people I met from the area. Community is such an important thing, it was good to connect with mine. Hundreds of people attended from all over the state, as well as some from California and elsewhere. Next year I hope even more come.

Blessed be,
Mischief

The Great Nationwide Kiss-In Comes to Phoenix

2009-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

There is a craze sweeping the nation, it's called K I S S I N G! No matter your gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, come on out and join in the kissing. We'll be doing it at the state capitol here in Phoenix http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=108132997978.

For local information:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=108132997978&ref=ts

Go to the Great Nationwide Kiss-In page or their Facebook page for more details:
http://jointheimpact.com/2009/07/the-great-nationwide-kiss-in/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=124199360752&ref=ts

Pride Gala Award - CONGRATULATIONS!

2009-06-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations who all those who received a Pride Gala award this year! I wish I could have been there with you. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. Hopefully next year I will be able to go and celebrate like it's 1999 and I never had the accident that took me out of commission! :P

But for now, my online congratulations will have to suffice! You can see some pictures from the event on various people's Facebook pages, but let me just show off the award the Sisters won, and indulge in some pride here. Well done my Sisters!

QSpeak's performances of "All of Us"

2009-06-22T09:51:00.001-07:00

Recently I attended a SOLD OUT play called "All of Us" Performed by QSpeak, local youth performance group. They performed on three seperate days to a packed house.

I was so proud to witness history in the making, and remembering. The play is written to encourage audience participation and sharing of personal stories. Collected from a series of interviews, the monologues and other parts of the performance are truly touching and embrace a variety of the pieces of our rainbow including transgender, lesbian, gay, bistexual, questioning, queer, and more. Topics touched on include spirituality, activism, homelessness, youth, self image, oppression, and HIV/AIDS.

I hear they may extend their performances. If and when I hear of more performances of All of Us I will post them to my facebook at www.facebook.com/SisterMischief so stay tuned.

Afterwards, they announced a project in conjunction with the Tempe Historical Museum in which local groups can participate by adding LARGE scrapbook pages to the existing books on LGBT past and present...sort of a living history which continues to grow and change. Fabulous!

Well done everyone and Blessed be!

Join the world in a time of gratitude

2009-06-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.worldgratitude.com/

Go Gratitude is something I have participated in since it's inception as a reader, and as a daily practice of gratitude.

Today, I especially enjoyed the video on their homepage

The joy of Mischief

2009-06-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

I can't say it enough, yesterday was the most fun I have had all year! So of course I had to log on and tell you all about it. I am so grateful to all the friends and Sisters who came out and helped me have such an amazing day of fun and reclaim my joy because it was all about the joy of making Mischief.

You can see lots of pics in my facebook photo album. If you missed out, never fear, there will be plenty of other opportunities to join me in making Mischief about town! Stay tuned for future opportunities.

But in the mean time, let me just say it was an Ingalicious day! Sister Inga came over for nun-factory at my house. Despite the lack of tunes (darn technology why do you hate me this month?) we frolicked in the paint and came out looking colorful as always.

Inga loaded my wheels into her wheels and we were off to Starbucks where we met up with friends and had a fabuloso time with bubbles, coffee and tea. It was guerilla gay coffee bar fun! Thanks to those who came, I had more than just chai. I thuroughly enjoyed the fellowship with friends. Especially the surprise visit from Sister Felicity in her joyful pink and blue goodness. LOVE THE SCARF!

Of course with Felicity and Raisa joining us, I couldn't resist playing with my all time new favorite toy (thank you Sister Inga!!!!) my BUBBLE GUN! (it's almost as fun to say as it is to play with) After all, Felicity likes chasing bright shiny objects and she did have her wand to pop bubbles with, it was an irresistable moment. Thankfully none of the bubbles landed in anyone's coffee so there were no complaints, and there were plenty of bubbles of joy!

We all headed out to caravan over to ASU, but on the way we sniffed the smells of Burgers and couldn't resist stopping in for a travel break with the King. No one quite knew what to make of us, but a wonderful little lady who has been married to her spouse for 67 years came over to ask what we were all about, and we had a great conversation about the joys of marriage and how quickly the years go by when you love someone. Here I am with her and her friends.

Finally we realized we were late to our own party and headed over to ASU to meet up with some lovely folks and pass out water guns, and bubbely goodness. I had a blast, and although it was a bit harder than expected to find people who wanted to join in the water fight, I must say it was worth every moment!

You can see more pictures of painted nuns and water guns on aspirant Jen's facebook album

As if that weren't enough fun and mischief making, I couldn't resist making the day last longer, so asked who wanted to go eat and where in the world do four Sisters, a guard, an aspirant and friends go in Tempe to get their grub on. A few suggestions along the lines of cheap gut sticking food were suggested, but when someone said PF Changs I just couldn't resist the lure of eating Chinese OUT, instead of ordering in, for the first time in six months. So the caravan of fun headed out and we decended upon PF Changs like a bright burst of bubbles falling from the heavens above. Tho some of the patrons weren't quite sure if it was heaven we were coming from, we had many wonderful interactions with people stopping by our table or waving as they made their way past our giggeling gaggle. Thankfully our server was so wonderful we had to thank the manager (and left what is hopefully a hefty tip)

And for that person who swears she "isn't a stalker, she just follows my blog religiously" let me say the day's events just wouldn't have been the same without you. I can't wait until our next adventure together. May your days be filled with the joy of mischief until then!

I blow where the wind blows,
Sister Mischief S. Merrymaker

Learning from HIstory

2009-06-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the power of Netflix, I was able to rent the movie MILK and have some friends over to watch it this past Sunday when I would have otherwise been resting at home alone. I truly enjoy when local community members stop by for a visit, and even more so when there's lively conversation about our history and what we can learn from it. MILK was an inspirational if sometimes heart wrenching movie. If you haven't seen it yet, get some munchies, some tissues, and a comfortable chair and sit down for a good watch.

Also of note: Recently some new photos of the Stonewall Inn were located: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/images-from-the-stonewall-uprisings-final-night74-/

Keep on keepin on,
Mischief

Blessings and Memories from the Day of Decision Rally in Phoenix

2009-05-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Blessings to all who are continuing to spread hope for Equal Rights and specifically Marriage Equality!

The rally here in Phoenix was a blast. Being that I'd been laid up with cluster migraines for the last 6 months, I was grateful that the Universe allowed me a reprieve for most of the day as I was able to get out there and manifest Mischief with 300 other Phoenicians, and blow off a little steam. Now if only I'd left before the camera flashes started going off and the bullhorn siren was blasted in my ear.

Special CONGRATULATIONS are in order to Novice Sister Jinger Breadman and her husband Mike who participated in an impromptu public commitment ritual as our sacrificial lambs for the cause. I was most grateful to be able to follow Sister Mary Timothy Simplicity's blessed example and stand with my community as they poured our hopes and dreams for the future into the holy vessels of Mike and Sister Jinger (ooh that sounds like watersports!) tho she was OOF so perhaps I should be saying Eric. I am told afterwards they celebrated with chocolate fudge cake and super hot….well I'll leave you to your imaginations. They've been together for 16 years and the question of the day was "When will we hear our wedding bells?" Keep Hope Alive! 16 years and looking forward to some day making their commitment legally recognized

As I said at the rally, "No civil rights battle has ever been lost in this country, and this won't be the first. It may take longer than some expected, and at times it is a painful labor, but we shall overcome. Let freedom ring and put those rings on our fingers." Sure those of us born and raised in California have shed some tears of anger and disapointment over this, as have the rest of our community across the nation, but we will keep on keepin on and in the end there will be marriage equality (and I believe many more equalities) coming round in every one of the United States some day. Some day we will witness many a LEGALly recognized LGBT marriage.

Pictures from the Phoenix rally are up all over facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-AZ/Ice-Pics-Video-Bar/82156812158#/album.php?aid=15787&id=1622397468
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013652&id=1201714089&saved#/album.php?aid=2013652&id=1201714089
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013652&id=1201714089&saved#/album.php?aid=23343&id=1130792611&ref=nf
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=Phoenix+rally+photos&n=-1&k=400000000010&sf=r&init=q&sid=ca000815dab33455b7a80fd0ba11d4f7#/album.php?aid=98247&id=666416019&page=3

Blessed be,
Sister Mischief S. Merrymaker

"She blows where the wind blows"
blogspot.com/sistermischif

Get Schooled

2009-01-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Starting this Wednesday!!!!

BINGO for EMPACT!

2009-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will be at Community Church of Hope at 6:30 PM to vote for who will comprise the new HERO Steering Committee. I hope everyone who wants to have a say on Human Equal Rights Organizers will be there.

Afterwards of course I will be swinging by Icepics on 32nd and McDowell for BINGO!

Sign the Open Letter to Obama and Join the national Rally Jan 10th!

2009-01-04T00:16:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night, Sunday, Jan 4th, I will be spreading joy at The Door with Sister Bend, Guard Spiketakiss, and Novice Sister Raisa Brow. And I will also have a copy of the open letter that jointheimpact.org has put together for Barack Obama about keeping his promise to repeal the Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Come on down and sign it yourself! Let's get over 1,000 signatures in AZ and over 1,000,000 nation wide!

Check it out:

More details on the Phoenix January 10th Rally coming soon.

Ringing in the New Year - Vow of Silence

2009-01-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

This year I rang in the New Year with a 1 day vow of silence, focusing the energy that would normally be put into talking on thoughts of love, joy, refocusing my spiritual path, and spreading equal rights. I know, it seems all too brief to some, and shocking and horrificly long to others.

But for this Sister, it was a part of my spiritual path which was sorely lacking in 2008. So what better way to ring in the new year, than to reclaim my spiritual path, and revitalize my listening abilities.

It was a wonderful experience, and I'm sure you will see me taking longer vows of silence in the future.

So happy New Year to all! I hope 2009 brings you love, joy, and blessings beyond your wildest imagination. And I hope 2009 brings further equality for all!

Things that make me giggle #3 - Geraldine McQueen

2008-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Xmas everybody. I really am not a huge fan of Christmas consumerism you know. Nuns, after all, do take a vow of poverty and there's 1.44 in the coffers. People feel guilty when you give them something if they have nothing to give you, although it does provide me with the opportunity to let go and let God/dess carry that particular burden.

But there are wonderful things about this time of year. People can be so giving in December. Yesterday I received a call from a woman from AZ Trans Alliance who had donated hundreds of dollars towards making sure the girls at This is HOW got to celebrate the holidays with gifts, food, and cleaning supplies for the house. She was stuck on the east coast for work, so she called and asked if I would play Santa Clause. And I am fortunate enough to have a partner who will drive me around last minute to make sure people she doesn't know are having a happy holiday be it Christmas, Kwanza, Channuka, Solstice, or Festivus for the rest of us. I felt like cindy lou who had handed me a present as we pulled up to This is HOW and dropped off gifts from a community member who couldn't be there in person.

So although I'm a big ol' ecclectic pagan myself, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good holiday!

Things That Make Me Giggle #2 - Is it a Choice?

2008-12-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

LUTN recap

2008-12-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here in Tempe, AZ:

Studio City, CA

Boston, MA

San Fransisco, CA

Some music for you

2008-12-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

After Light Up the Night (Dec 20, 2008) I came home and joined a few friends for a spiritual gathering. I played my HAPI drum to accompany their dance.

BINGO Before Christmas!

2008-12-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree Feeding Program has been the primary group the Grand Canyon Sisters are raising funds for this December, and you can still join in and help out at BINGO Before Christmas!!!

Wear your Nightmare before Christmas gear or somehow dress up for the theme for the special treatment.

Joshua Tree Feeding Program has been giving out plentiful food to clients with HIV/AIDS since 1998 from the place they call home, the Asbury Methodist Church. As it says on their website, they serve an average of 120 clients each week on Tuesday with a hot meal and food boxes.

And another 130 clients recieve food boxes on the 2nd & 4th Friday.

They have new clients coming in weekly in need of assistance getting a good meal, and they provide all this at no cost to their clients. So that's where fund raising events like the above come in. Come on out, and join the nightmarish good times, as we bring in good funds, for good food.

Cocktails for Marriage Equality TONIGHT!

2008-12-20T13:33:00.001-08:00

After the LUTN vigil, festivities continue!

Join H.E.R.O and Marriage Equality AZ for a drink or two after the rally and help raise money for our fight towards human rights!

WHERE: The Door at 1126 N. Scottsdale Rd
WHEN: Immediately after the vigil.

The Door is less than 1 mile from the bridge. If you plan to come to the after event, it may be a good idea to meet at The Door and carpool with friends to the bridge, since parking will be limited on the North side.

Come support H.E.R.O and Marriage Equality AZ. There is NO cover and $1 from every drink will go to help bring civil rights to our state, and our nation. Have a good time and feel good about supporting equality while doing it, now who doesn't like that?!?

For more information email info@be-a-hero.us or call 602-754-1175

Light up the Night - Tempe Town Lake TONIGHT at 5 PM

2008-12-20T11:24:00.001-08:00

Light Up the Night
for Equal Rights

TONIGHT, December 20th, at 5 PM we ask that you join us as we take to the streets again for another nation-wide demonstration that will make both a social and visual impact on the private sector. Massive candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE. We will also stand up against the United States' refusal to support the U.N. in its recent push to decriminalize homosexuality.

Many local television stations will present so it's important that we show our numbers in support of Equal Rights here, and the U.N.'s declaration to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the rest of the world.

New York Based, cable television channel LOGO, will participate on-air and online in the nationwide candle light vigil occurring on December 20, 2008. As members of the LGBT community and allies gather across the nation, LOGO will keep its audience up-to-date that evening with an "on-air candle" directing viewers to the latest news from 365gay.com

How does it work?

Phoenix residents are encouraged to dress warm and report to the Mill Ave Bridge at Tempe Town Lake at 5 p.m.

This will be a peaceful demonstration in the spirit of the holidays so be ready to sing.

Bring candles! (They can be purchased 10 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Dress alike. Wear as much red as you can; scarves, hats, even pants if you have them. Be sure to wear a white ribbon in a double knot as a symbol of Marriage Equality. (The white the represent marriage, the knots to signify tying the knot)

Bring Food! Bring any canned or boxed food you have collected as part of the National Food Drive. This will be the culmination of the National Food Drive for Equality

What will we be doing?

Hosting a peaceful candlelight vigil in honor of those rights lost.
We will stay silent unless asked a question or sing, we will not yell, instigate, or bear signs. Instead, we will let our shirts and flyers do the talking and our candles pay our respects. Again, bring candles please.
Singing and/or silence encouraged...chanting is not....keep it peaceful and in the holiday spirit.
We will also be drinking coffee and hot chocolate gratefully donated by a local coffee shop. YAY!

The 5 W's of LUTN

Who: Anyone, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, who wants to stand up and show the world that will not sit back any longer while our rights are taken away and hate and discrimination is written into our constitution
What: A Candle Light Vigil
Where: The Mill Ave Bridge at Tempe Town Lake
When: December 20th at 5 p.m.
Why: Because we have sat by, in silence, for far too long waiting for our turn at equality and freedom. And now we will stand together, united within our community and with those communities who know the pain of inequality and segregation.

If you would like to Volunteer for this event please contact Jessica @ empath@asu.edu

After the Rally Festivities!

Join H.E.R.O and Marriage Equality AZ for a drink or two after the rally and help raise money for our fight towards human rights! We will be meeting at The Door at 1126 N. Scottsdale Rd after the rally. Come support H.E.R.O and Marriage Equality Az. There is NO cover and $1 from every drink will go to help bring civil rights to our state, and our nation. Have a good time and feel good about doing it. For more information email info@be-a-hero.us or call 602-754-1175

Things that make me giggle 1 - sock puppet theatre

2008-12-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

In the interest of spreading joy, I've decided to occasionally include entries including things that make me giggle. These are in no particular order, but I certainly hope you do enjoy them.

Sisters on the Radio? Yup Equality Arizona Radio

2008-12-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

Listen in to Meta and myself talking about Diversity in our community on 1480KPHX.com today! And if you missed it, or any part of it, go http://equalityarizonaradio.podbean.com and you can hear it all again!

Equality Arizona Radio seeks to change hearts and open minds through education and personal stories. Every week Emmy Award winning host Donna Rossi sits down with local and national guests to enlighten the community (LGBT and allies) about important issues. Past topics have included: LGBT in the Mormon Community, ENDA updates, LGBT Parenting and Adoption, discussions with Emmy Award Winning director Cynthia Wade (Freeheld) and national LGBT blogger Bil Browning of the Bilerico project.

The show airs live from 1480KPHX Saturdays from 10 to 11 am, listen live Saturday morning at www.1480KPHX.com, or subscribe to the podcast so you can download your episode at equalityarizonaradio.podbean.com.

Specifically: http://equalityarizonaradio.podbean.com/2008/12/20/the-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-airdate-122008/

Suicide is not the answer

2008-12-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

A few years back, a friend went to the beach, sat down, and killed himself. I was shocked, hurt, and angry. I wished he had said something so that I could have reminded him there was another way.

This week I have listened as four separate LGBT individuals talked about thoughts of suicide. Four individuals who I care for deeply, and would mourn intensely if I lost them to suicide, or in any other way. I am grateful that they told me of their thoughts so that I could be there for them, listen, and tell them how much it would hurt to live without them. I ache for them, but I know that as Sister Unity said, happiness is inevitable. I believe they will each get through their struggles and come out the other side stronger for it. And on that note, check out what Sister Unity has to say for yourself:

It's a Nightmare!!!!!!

2008-12-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree Feeding Program has been the primary group the Grand Canyon Sisters are raising funds for this December, and there are 2 big events coming up where you can still join in and help out!!!

This Sunday join the Sisters at Club Forbidden for the Sunday before Christmas. Wear your ghoulish best, or your Sunday best, we don't care just come join the fun!

Then the very next night, continue the fun at our monthly themed BINGO...

Joshua Tree Feeding Program has been giving out plentiful food to clients with HIV/AIDS since 1998 from the place they call home, the Asbury Methodist Church. As it says on their website, they serve an average of 120 clients each week on Tuesday with a hot meal and food boxes.

And another 130 clients recieve food boxes on the 2nd & 4th Friday.

Logan's Playground Toy Drive

2008-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Every year at this time, for the last 7 years, people from the phoenix leather community have worked together to gather toys for Logan's Playground.

Logan's Playground then gives those toys out to children with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They have a gift giving time with holidays from around the world represented, and this year it looks like enough toys were collected to give each child more than one. Hundreds of children and their families will be at the holiday party, and the Sisters are glad to have been able to participate. We look forward to helping with this project again next year. So keep an eye out next year for a toy box near you, for Sister Bend and friends toy bag moseying around to sell toys at a bar near you, and for Sister Bearie's bodacious Christmas parties where the entrance fee is simply a toy and a smile.

Logan's Playground (LP) was founded in 2000 in honor of Logan Shaver who was the first pediatric patient in clinical trials at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. Logan lost his battle with AIDS at the age of six in 1999. His mother, South West Center for HIV/AIDS and all who volunteer at Logan's Playground surely are being watched over by an angel to this day. You can learn more about the various programs and events provided through Logan's Playground at https://www.logansplayground.org/About___Us.html

This is How - making us proud, needing support

2008-12-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

Regina Gazelle has been featured in ECHO magazine, and many in our community recognize her by name, face or both. But do you know where her passion truly lies? This woman has come so far in her own life, and now she chooses to give back by creating and running a facility she once only dreamed would exist, This is How.

This is How is a transitional home for Transgender people who are at risk, and so far without any funding from governmental sources. They provide a safe, consistent place for the girls that go into this house to blossom into strong, productive people who stand proud. I have heard some of these young women gratefully share their story in the hopes that This is How will continue to provide shelter, support, and education in this community for others in need.

(SOMEBODY write this place a successful grant letter PLEASE!)

In the mean time, Saturday, December 14th, 2008 at 10:00pm — Cruisin 7th there was a benefit featuring Miss Regina Gazelle and Miss Shanaya Jordan (my apologies if I'm misspelling Miss Jordan's name) raising funds for the Shanaya Jordon project and This is How. Believe you me there will be information about Miss Jordan's project coming to this blog soon, but I decided to focus on one thing at a time here so we're starting off with This is How. Pictures on this entry are from last night's performance, but you can also join in the fun and holiday giving spirit at the following locations:

Benefit, Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 10:00pm — Charlie’s

Fundraiser, Saturday, February 15th, 2009 and running all Day at Velocity

Of course you can always make donations directly to This is How either on their website at http://www.thisishowhome.org or by contacting Regina Gazelle directly to find out how to send them money to sponser something specific such as rent, a utility, etc.

Light up the Night in AZ and all over the US!

2008-12-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here in Arizona you can go to Tempe Town Lake Bridge over on Mill Ave in Tempe, AZ!
BRING CANDLES
BRING CANNED FOOD
BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

WHAT IS LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FOR EQUALITY?
On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in vigil for the rights of 18,000 same-sex couples who married and look forward to the day when those rights are available again - for EVERYONE. <>

HOW DOES IT WORK? Please take to your local commercial district -- be it a shopping mall, outdoor financial center, you name it. Check your city page for the time and location of your event. This will be a peaceful demonstration in the spirit of the holidays. Dress alike. Wear the same t-shirts or signs pinned to your coats. You can make or buy a "2nd Class Citizen" t-shirt, but the message is optional. Learn more about why we suggest "2nd Class Citizen." This will be the culmination of our National Food Drive for Equality

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Please take to your local commercial district -- be it a shopping mall, outdoor financial center, you name it. Check your city page for the time and location of your event.
This will be a peaceful demonstration in the spirit of the holidays.
Dress alike. Wear the same t-shirts or signs pinned to your coats. You can make or buy a "2nd Class Citizen" t-shirt, but the message is optional. Learn more about why we suggest "2nd Class Citizen."
This will be the culmination of our National Food Drive for Equality

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

Hosting peaceful candlelight vigils
We will stay silent unless asked a question, we will not yell, instigate, or bear signs. Instead, we will let our shirts do the talking and our candles pay our respects. Bring candles (battery powered if you'll be huddling inside).
Singing and/or silence encouraged...chanting is not....keep it peaceful and in the holiday spirit.

Long time no post!

2008-12-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you have been wondering where Sister Mischif has run off to these days, never fear I am still here. I just have been so busy of late that I have not been blogging about it nor uploading most of the pictures. I will try to remedy this situation soon. In the mean time... Check out this video I made for http://humans4equality.blogspot.com and please go make one of your own or take a picture and send it to humans4equality@gmail.com

Then go check out the film MILK!

NEW MILK LOCATIONS!

Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 4:18pm

Hey Fans of MILK!
We have good news for you! MILK will be playing in additional theatres starting tomorrow 12/5, with increased openings through January. Check the link below to see if it's playing in a theatre near you!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=38612406508

Transgender Day of Remembrance

2008-11-23T04:45:00.001-08:00

Ten years ago, Rita Hester was killed and the newspapers reported her death at first as a man having been stabbed to death and later as a transvestite. But her friends and loved ones stood strong, speaking out that Rita needed to be remembered in death, and she chose to be remembered in life, as the woman she was. And so Transgender Day of Remembrance was born.

Each year in Arizona we gather outside the State Capitol to remember those transgender people killed around the world. Many of whom this year were women of color, and some of whom were killed by their own governments and whose murders were covered up. I will be bringing an altar with incense so that people can light a stick of incense for those lost but whose names can not be read because they are unknown. Please join us tomorrow night and light a candle in memory of those whose light has been snuffed out, but whose memory will go on, and in the hope of a future in which people can be open and honest about who they are without fear of death or attack.

Angel Action & TDoR

2008-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

November 22nd hundreds gathered at Glendale Community College's performance arts center to support the college for putting on the Larame Project.

GCC decided to perform the Larame Project in honor of the 10 year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shephard. They were told that a church preaching hate of gays would show up to protest the event, the same church whose pastor is represented in the play, the Larame Project. Instead, all you could see outside GCC's Performing Arts Center were hundreds of students, H.E.R.O.s and other supporters. Sometimes standing silently in memory of matthew shephard and the very first angel action which took place at his funeral...sometimes singing Amazing Grace or some other hymnal, these people shared the love.

Thank you to the students and faculty of GCC for standing firm and holding their play despite the threat of Fred Phelps attendance. And thank you to those two lovely ladies in the back working lights and sound who so often go unnoticed.

Here are some of my favorite photos from before during and after our Angel Action for the Larame Project:

Transarchist Pride outside the Larame Project
Don't forge the Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 21st About 100 students, faculty, and community members gathered at ASU to remember those who have been killed for their gender presentation or identity. In the forground of the photo to the left are 2 local students, Kam and Fred hold their lit candles in memory of those lost.

This is an annual gathering held each November around the world, and the Sisters were honored to participate in ASU's touching memorial. We found ourselves welcomed afterwards by several students. Thank you for making us feel so welcome Kendall, Kyle, Fred, Kam, Gavin, Antonio, et al!!

Join me at the Arizona State Capitol Sunday Nov 23rd at 5 PM or visit transgenderdor.org to find a Transgender Day of Remembrance near you and light a candle for those known and unknown

Spread LOVE, not violence

2008-11-20T22:19:00.001-08:00

AZ Transgender Day of Rememberance

2008-11-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

November 23rd, at 5:30 PM please join me at the state capitol as I stand side by side with our community remembering those we have lost in 2008:

Here is a list of those who are known. There are also 2 Iraqi women who are currently not shown on this list who died just like Ali, executed for being trans.

Kellie Telesford
Location: Thornton Heath, UK
Cause of Death: Strangled
Date of Death: November 21, 2007
Kellie was strangled to death with a scarf, by 18 year old Shanniel Hyatt, who then covered the body of 39-year-old Kellie Telesford with a white blanket - with the brown furry scarf used to choke her still bound tightly round her neck. Hyatt said he killer her after discovering she had a penis.

Brian McGlothin (Liked to dress in Women's clothes)
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Cause of Death: Shot in the head with an automatic rifle by Antonio Williams who is serving a six year sentence. Brian was 25 years old.
Date of Death: December 23, 2007

Gabriela Alejandra Albornoz
Location: Santiago, Chile
Cause of Death: Attacked and stabbed
Date of Death: December 28, 2007

Patrick Murphy (Found Dressed in Women's clothes)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Cause of Death: Shot several times in the head
Date of Death: January 8, 2008
Patrick was 39 years old.

Stacy Brown
Location: Baltimore, MD
Cause of Death: Shot in the head
Date of Death: January 8, 2008
Stacy was 30 years old.

Adolphus Simmons
Location: Charleston, SC
Cause of Death: Shot to Death (Aldophus was 18 yrs. old)
Date of Death: January 21, 2008

Fedra (a known transvestite)
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Cause of Death: Was found lying face up in a pool of blood; cause of death was not reported.
Date of Death: January 22, 2008

Ashley Sweeney
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Cause of Death: Shot in the head
Date of Death: February 4, 2008
The age of Ashley Sweeney is unknown, she was only described as a young transgender woman in a press release.

Sanesha (Talib) Stewart
Location: Bronx, NY
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: February 10, 2008
Sanesha was 25 years old.

Lawrence King
Location: Oxnard, California
Cause of Death: Shot to death by a classmate because he was openly gay and liked to wear women's clothes. (Lawrence King was 15 years old.)
Date of Death: February 12, 2008

Simmie Williams Jr.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cause of Death: Shot to death, Simmie was found wearing women's clothing. (Simmie was 17 years old.)
Date of Death: February 22, 2008

Luna (no last name reported)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Cause of Death: Brutally beaten to death and tossed into a dumpster.
Date of Death: March 15, 2008

Lloyd Nixon
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Cause of Death:Repeatedly beat in the head with a brick.
Date of Death: April 16, 2008
Lloyd was 45 years old.

Felicia Melton-Smyth
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Cause of Death: brutally stabbed to death by Francisco Javier Hollos, who said he killed her because she would not pay for sex. Felicia was an HIV activist on vacation from Wisconsin.
Date of Death: May 26, 2008

Silvana Berisha
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: June 24, 2008

Ebony (Rodney) Whitaker
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Cause of Death:Shot (Ebony was 20 yrs. old)
Date of Death:July 1, 2008

Rosa Pazos
Location: Sevilla, Spain
Cause of Death: Was found in her apartment, she had been stabbed in the throat.
Date of Death: July 11, 2008

Juan Carlos Aucalle Coronel
Location: Lombardi, Italy
Cause of Death severely beaten causing fractures to the head and face before being run over by a car.
Date of Death July 14, 2008
Juan Carlos was 35 years old.

Angie Zapata
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Cause of Death: She was found in her home with two severe fractures in her skull. Angie was murdered by 31 year old Alan Ray Andrade. Angie was 18 years old.
Date of Death: July 17, 2008

Jaylynn L. Namauu
Location: Makiki Honolulu, Hawaii
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: July 17, 2008
Jaylynn was 35 years old.

Samantha Rangel Brandau
Location: Milan, Italy
Cause of Death: beaten, gang raped and stabbed numerous times before being left for dead.
Date of Death: July 29, 2008
Samantha was 30 years old.

Ruby Molina
Location: Sacramento, California
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Death: September 21, 2008
Ruby's naked body was found floating in the American river.
She was 22 years old.

Aimee Wilcoxson
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Cause of Death: undetermined (Police have yet to reveal cause)
Date of Death: November 3, 2008
Aimee was found dead in her bed. She was 34 years old.

Duanna Johnson
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Cause of Death: Shot
Date of Death: November 9, 2008
Duanna was found dead in the middle of the street. She was 42 years old.

Dilek Ince
Location: Ankara, Turkey
Cause of Death:Shot in the back of the head
Date of Death: November 11, 2008

Teish (Moses) Cannon
Location: Syracuse, New York
Cause of Death: Shot
Date of Death: November 14, 2008
Teish was 22 years old.

Ali
Location:Iraq
Cause of Death:executed for being transgender
Date of Death:2008, Month is Unknown
Video of Ali before she was executed: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2tDVtjQNfQ

Making a joyful noise unto the Larame Project

2008-11-18T16:37:00.001-08:00

Come see the Larame Project at Glendale Community College Performing Arts Center, 7:30 PM this Saturday, for $8 each ticket!

Equal Rights Rally and a Night for Sister Bearie

2008-11-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you again to everyone who came out and stood up for equal rights be you straight, lesbian, gay, bi, tri, transgender, a purple monkey in a dinosaur suit, or otherwise. (Well OK, maybe some people don't support purple monkeys)

I showed up early as usual with Guard Spiketakiss, Patch and Sister Rhea Treavor to see how I could help out, and followed this man and his Pride flag over to where people were handing out signs (I'd brought extras and some extra equal rights tshirts which I forgot to give out, doh!)

Although Guard Spiketakiss started out the day watching over a lone Sister, we were soon joined by Sisters Honey, Felicity, Ora Lee, and Postulant Raisa Brow.

Eventually the place filled up and over 4000 Phoenix residents of all walks of life, gathered to march from the Cesar Chavez Memorial to the State Capitol and back. Along the way I ran into Sisters Odora and Frankly, chanting along with the crowd. It was quite a long march but the shouts of the large crowd enjoyed the dance of the echo, bouncing off the buildings so that nobody doubted we were there.

My favorite chant of the day, "A people, united, can never be divided!" and it is so true. I sent some of my pictures in to Humans for Equality. Some of which you can see right now on the Gender DiverCity blog. I will upload the rest of my pictures and videos from the rally to azsisters.org and my youtube page today. And if you want to stand up and say you believe all people should have equal rights, send in a picture of yourself with your words about equal rights to humans4equality@gmail.com

After the rally, many of the Sisters headed over to Cherry Bar for Vanilla's Christmas Puddin drag show, the second part of Sister Bearie's Novice Project and 3 part fund raiser for Logans Playground. Logan's Playground is a wonderful resource for children with or affected by HIV and AIDS. You can learn all about them at https://www.logansplayground.org/About___Us.html

The first part was a costume party and drag show called the Witch's Ball, the second was last night, and the third will be in December at Exposed Gallery. So far each and every one has been amazing.

I especially loved the Witch's ball, and I'm sure I would have loved last night just as much if I hadn't been up since 3:30 am preparing for the day's events! LOL as it was I bearly managed to keep my eyes open and ask the people entering for their toys. Thank goodness Novice V'gina Dentata and Aspirants Bear and Wayne were there with me to keep reminded me of what we were doin!

It was a special night not only because we brought in extra funds and toys for kids with or affected by HIV/AIDS, but also because Sister Bearie D'licious took her vows right there in front of bear and country. Sister Odora lead her in the vows, which several of the Sisters there spoke along with, reinstating our vows, while Atopa and Oralee placed the new veil on her head (which somehow quickly became covered in lights, feathers and a wig....and soon after several different colored veils rained down upon her from the other black veil members of the house.

Welcome to fully professed life Sister Bearie Delicious! I know you will continue to bring many wonderful things to the Grand Canyon Sisters, and the community we serve.

4000 strong and growing

2008-11-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

Phoenix, I love you. Today it was clear that Phoenix is not a gay city, nor a straight city, it is a diverse city. A community united can never be divided. I am told there were over 4000 people there including some very powerful speakers who I tried to capture on video. Here are some videos and pictures from today. (Edit: Final total was over 5000)

I have sent some of the pictures I took today to humans4equality@gmail.com and they will be up on http://genderdivercity.blogspot.com soon.

And with that, I will leave you with this thought:

It's all about love, babeh!

2008-11-15T03:32:00.000-08:00

Dearest Community,

At a time where we literally are feeling slapped in the face by anti-gay legislation around the Nation, The LGBTQI and Straight Allies are pulling together like never before. In some ways this is reminicent of the 80's when people took to the streets to Act Up and fight AIDS.

Today we will see a nationally coordinated rally for Equal Rights. I believe it will be an outpouring of LGBTQI and others standing together like never before to say, "You can't legislate love, wake up America and realize that you are not living up to the American ideal of equal rights, freedom and protection for all." Go to jointheimpact.org to learn more.

The honest truth is that many in our community are angry, and although that anger is being channeled in positive directions for the most part, there have been the rare moments when someone boils over and loses it on some person spewing their particular brand of hate. But love conquers all my friends, and make no mistake, this is all about love. Therefor we SHALL overcome!

I urge you to stand with your friends, neighbors and loved ones tomorrow in NON-violent protest and loving education.

Here in Phoenix people will be rallying together for Equal Rights for all at Cesar Chavez Memorial, today at 11:30 am. That's at 200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ. And I encourage you to be there with your loved ones to stand together hand in hand, showing our love to the world, even those who hate us. For they can not legislate our love. We will stand strong, and we will overcome.

And later on in the day if you're needing some encouragement and recouperative time, stop by the Alternative Health Coffee Shop/1 Voice Community Center at 6 PM and listen to Miss Myllie share Herstory. For if there was ever a time in our state when we need to be reminded of history, it is now.

Or drop by the Cherry bar or Club Forbidden where they are having some amazing events. Buy a drink, have some fun and support local charities.

But most importantly: whatever you do tomorrow,
spread love not h8.

Blessings, indulgence and loving light,
Sister Mischif

Let us learn from our Herstory

2008-11-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

See you Saturday (this Saturday, the 15th) at 11:30 at Cesar Chavez Memorial for the protest, but let it not end there.

Don't forget that Miss Myllie will be at Alternatives Health and Wellness aka 1 Voice Community Center at 6 PM this Saturday. This woman has so much to share. Let us learn from Herstory! (history)

Better educated, better armed. Besides, she's an amazing speaker and if there's any time Phoenix needs to hear a positive and affirming life story it's NOW!

Stop the H8 Rally

2008-11-11T14:33:00.001-08:00

Click on the picture above for a full size version and pass it around!

What a Night! We Shall Overcome

2008-11-10T23:35:00.000-08:00

Guard Spiketakiss and I arrived early to meet up with Luis and the other organizers, get ourselves settled, and find out what they needed us to do. They were very organized with boxes of candles already in protective cups, sign up sheets, and someone coming who would perform acoustically.

Right away we were assigned to get people to fill out info on a sign up sheet.

We were soon joined by many others including Sisters Odora, Honey, Novice Bearie D'licous, Postulant Raisa, friends from AZ Trans Alliance, Central Arizona Gender Alliance, Phoenix boys of Leather, APAH, and many more. Some, like Kenneth and his partner wore arm bands with a pink triangle that said 2nd Class on it. Others brought huge signs with various slogans they found personally powerful. I was content to sit with the sign up sheet while I chanted alternately demanding "equal rights now" and "sexy men now" which got quite a chuckle out of those standing nearby.

It was wonderful meeting new people, and seeing so many friends, and truly inspiring to see the passion which people spoke their minds.

The next rally will be this Saturday the 15th, at 11:30 AM at the Cesar Chavez Memoriall. More details to come.

Candle Light Vigil Mourning the Passing of Prop 102

2008-11-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be joining the candle light vigil mourning the passing of Prop 102. I pray people will see the error of their ways.
See the following email from Luis for details:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Friends,

As you know Tuesday was a sad day for Arizona, and the feeling that rushed through every GLTB Arizonan was one of sadness, despair and ultimate frustration. We need to do something about this, and now. There is no time like the present; we need to infuse the hope back into Arizona.

The community needs an outlet, somewhere to come together and feel as though they are being heard. A venue where the tears can flow, for the ground we lost on Tuesday. But after those tears it will be a place that will be filled with hope, a place that will allow us to come together and speak of where we will go from here. The upcoming road may be harder, longer, and steeper, but we shall overcome.

I feel at least we need to have a community gathering, possibly a candlelight vigil to recognize the people and families that our state constitution now does not, along with infusing some hope about the future into the mix. Something to make the community feel embraced and heard, to give them hope and the strength to continue the battle for equality.

-Meg Sneed and Luis Garcia

Date: Monday, November 10, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Camelback and Central
City/Town: Phoenix, AZ
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if you can not attend tomorrow, wear a pink triangle that says 2nd class citizen.

This country's constitution protects against discriminating, it seems bizarre to see AZ, CA and FL passing a proposition to change their constitution to ADD IN discrimination! You can not discriminate against one group's marriage. Not only can love not be legislated, but it's equivalent to saying "Blacks can't vote but white's can." or "Women don't have freedom of speech but men do. " So tomorrow I will be there to lend a support to my community and spread hope for change.

Blessed be,
Sister Mischif

"We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy."
The Great Martin Luther King Jr.

Burning Bush for Burnside

2008-11-08T16:46:00.001-08:00

Sometimes people ask me why I became a Sister. And last night a large part of why I became a Sister was able to be lived out. It's not the only reason, but one large piece of what I love is personal connection. Last night Sister Felicity, myself and some friends went over to Alternatives Health and Wellness Center (also known as 1 VCC) and had some delicious Italian sodas.

While we were there, I had a wonderful conversation with a lovely latino man and his friend about who Sisters are, and what we do. They asked if we knew Harry Hayes...and being me, I wasn't sure who they meant. They then asked if I knew the history of the Radical Faeries, and I said yes some of the founding Sisters were radical Fae.

The Radical Faeries were in fact founded by John Burnside and his partner... and thanks to the miracle of modern technology, I was able to pull my cell phone out, google Radical Faery founders and find out that they were meaning Harry Hay. It was a wonderful reminder, and I want to pay all due respect here to the co-founders of the Radical Faeries for all the light and love they brought into the world.

Then today I received a phone call from Sister MP who was getting ready to meet up with one of the founders of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and head out to the Burnside Mermorial. I wish I could have gone with them.

But I'd like to think that Harry Hay and John Burnside were there watching over Sister Felicity, myself and all our fabulous Burning Bush Drum Circle friends last night as we banged away on our drums, danced, spun fire, and shared space together.

Blessed be to all the Faery folk out there. May you find peace, love and joy on your path, and equal rights in this strange land we live.

Today's the Day - VOTE

2008-11-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

This is your chance to tell the government what you think, what you want, and who you want to do it. Use your voice. Go Vote.

Remembering the October BINGOs

2008-11-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

October is one of my favorite months with all the opportunities to dress up and play, but it also provided a wonderful opportunity for the Grand Canyon Sisters to raise funds for a local organization who really has done so much for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the South West, South West Center for HIV/AIDS.

I haven't found the time to upload all the pictures from last month yet, tho you can see many on azsisters.org, but I thought I'd share some of my favorites from BINGOs de los Muertos, which was all the more fun for me, as I had a blast preparing by making and decorating home made mini sugar skulls and painting my face like a sugar skull. What a fun way to remember those who have passed and invite them to join the fun for the night! The altar Sister Odora and everyone put together was amazing.

And Sister Honey finally got her black veil (and every other color under the rainbow)

Talkin about the T with Miss Millye

2008-10-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered what the T stands for in LGBT? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and TRANS (be it Transgender or Transexual)

Sister Honey and I think it's high time we were talking about the T in LGBT. In September we were fortunate enough to have Lori Girshick talkin' about the T and about her book, "Transgender Voices" and Namoli Brennet performed an amazing acoustic set. In November we will be joined by the Maya Angelou of Phoenix, Miss Millye! See the fabulous flyer above for details!

Rest in Peace Matthew Shephard

2008-10-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

It's been 10 years since a young college student named Matthew Shephard was beaten to death and left hanging like a scarecrow on a fence simply for being himself.

Shortly after midnight on October 7, 1998, east of Laramie, Wyoming, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard was pistol whipped, tied to a fence in a remote, rural area in freezing temperatures, and left to die by two men--Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson--because he was gay. Shepard was discovered by a cyclist eighteen hours later, still alive but unconscious. The cyclist first mistook him for a scarecrow.

He had suffered a fracture from the back of his head to the front of his right ear causing severe brain stem damage, which affected his body's ability to regulate heart rate, body temperature, and other vital signs. His injuries were deemed too severe for doctors to operate. Shepard never regained consciousness and remained on full life support. He was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m. on October 12, 1998, ten years ago today.

Hate crimes still continue largely unchecked today. The solution? Education and love. So let's spread the word. Educate people with love and the knowledge that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or otherwise is no crime, but beating someone to death because you don't like them is.

October is full of opportunities to spread the love. You can support someone you know when they come out to you on national coming out day, educate yourself and others about GLBT history, celebrate World AIDS Day by remembering the dead lost to HIV/AIDS, and remember your loved ones on Dia de los Muertos/The Day of the Dead. Let's remember our history so we may move forward in new and better directions!

BINGOs de los Muertos

2008-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Join us at Icepics (corner of 31st and McDowell) on October 27th from 8 to 10:30 PM for BINGOS de los Muertos with Sister Odora. $2 for first BINGO card, $1 for each thereafter, drink specials, special Cards, and more! Donations are for SouthWest Center for HIV/AIDS, formerly known as Body Positive.

SouthWest Center for HIV/AIDS focuses on Prevention and Education, Health and Wellness, and Research and Development through programs for men and women of all shapes and sizes and colors be they gay, straight, bi, transgender or otherwise.

Some of the programs and services available through South West Center for HIV/AIDS are listed below.

Visit http://swhiv.org for much more!

As we all know, HIV affects people of all types. And South West Center for HIV/AIDS programs and services truly serve that diversity.

Their Support Groups provide a place where individuals have a safe place to share those experiences and empathize with one another in a safe setting. Coping skills, facing life’s challenges and developing support systems are just a few of the benefits HIV-positive individuals gain from attending regularly scheduled meetings.

The Women's Health Empowerment program provides presentations regarding safe, sexual practices, counseling and testing.

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) uses the MPowerment model to create an environment that allows youth ages 14-24 to create social, interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships and helps to build community among the target population.

The Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS also offers children's programs that help our youngest community members deal with issues of HIV or just have fun for a while! Programs include:

And the list goes on and on. So embrace the fun of BINGOS de los Muertos and bring those donations for a very worthy local organization. And come prepared to win one of many fabulous prizes such as concert tickets, free yoga classes at Alternatives Health and Wellness, limo rides, free drinks at ice pics, etc. You just never know what might be up for grabs! See you there!

September BINGO recap

2008-10-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

70's BINGO was a blast!!! It was great seeing some new to BINGO faces who I recognized from out and about in the community; I only wish I could have stayed longer and partied into the wee hours with y'all. It was especially wonderful having the Project Hard Hat guys come out to play with us in their bright yellow outfits! (yes, their hard hats counted as a big hat)

I love working with the Project Hard Hat guys, because they do not use guilt to promote safer sex. Instead, they simply make condoms available to the greater Phoenix community, so that those who want to use them, have easy and free access. It's a wonderful thing, and September's BINGOs managed to bring in over $1200 dollars for Project Hardhat to continue bringing freelove gloves to the valley.

It was especially wonderful having our visiting Sister "Sister Right" here with us from down sout! No no, not Tucson, think more twang in her thang. That Sister is a blast and I enjoyed having her there to shake things up!

BINGO will continue every Monday at Icepics on 31st and McDowell next to the Red Devil from 8 to 10:30 PM. $2 donation for the first card, only $1 for every card after that. Drink Specials for those of you wearing big hats. There are great prizes, including concert tickets, limo rides, yoga class passes, games, and more.

October's donations will go to the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment. So get out your big hats, bring your cash, prepare your Dias de las Muertes outfits for the last Monday of October, and get ready for some fun fun fun!

Scavenger Hunt Recap

2008-10-02T02:16:00.000-07:00

The recent Sister's Scavenger Hunt raised over $1100 for AIDS Walk!

The winning scavenger team "What the Duck" found 23 Duckies, and the Miss Congeniality award went to Team Special K who stopped in at all of the bars for a drink, enjoying themselves and hunting for ducks. Although they found no ducks, Team Special K spread joy wherever they went and raised money for AIDS Walk so they deserve special recognition for being in the spirit of the night. We look forward to presenting a big check to AIDS Walk this weekend. (October 5th)

Blessings on all who participated and especially to Novice Honey B. Drippin who put together such a fun and successful fund raiser for Phoenix AIDS Walk. I think you can expect to see great things from Honey and all of our Sisters to be!

And Remember, you can still register to walk with the Sisters or on your own at www.aidswalk2008.org! Just click "Join Team" and register to walk with Team "Grand Canyon Sisters and Friends" and we'll see you there!

The Sleepy Sister Song

2008-10-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

Wild Nunling in Natural Habitat

2008-09-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Back to the 70's with Disco BINGO!

2008-09-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to dust off your 70's finest and join us at Icepics tonight 8 - 10:30 for Disco BINGO benefiting Project Hard Hat!!!!
Icepics is right next to the Red Devil
3108 E Mc Dowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Wear your big hat if you want discounts on drinks, and bring some extra funds for those delicious Perpetual Pudding Shots! $2 for 1, $5 for 3!

Exorcise those Devil Duckies for AIDS Walk!

2008-09-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sister Scavenger Hunt

On Saturday September 27, 2008 Several Bars in the Downtown Phoenix Metropolitan Area will join forces To Find a Cure!

The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence need your help finding “Dastardly Devil Duckies” that have escaped from a local laboratory and are said to be infecting queer bars all over town! They have been spreading hatred and striking fear in the hearts of Valley Residents, with their hatemongering and right wing rhetoric. One recent victim said, “They are worse than Fred Phelps at a Pride March”! Demonic Duckies have been overheard spreading vicious lies about the Phoenix GLBTQ Community and its’ inability to come together for a common cause. They will surely continue down this Fowl Path and attempt to crush anyone that stands in the way of their hatred, if something is not done immediately!

Therefore, The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence would like for you to join them in Defeating Those Devil Duckies! Meet at Ice Pics Video Bar 3108 E McDowell Road between 6-8pm on Saturday September 27, 2008. Once there, you will be asked to split into teams of 3-4 people (one person on each team must be a Designated Driver) to go and search for the Demonic Ducks beginning at 8pm. You will be provided with a list of bars that have recently been affected by this feathery scourge and you will be given some of the necessary tools needed to find and capture them. They must be delivered back to Ice Pics by the stroke of midnight on 8/28/08. At that time, The Sisters will attempt to do a proper exorcism in order to return the Duckies back to their original, more peaceful state of mind and hopefully rid the community of this plague, once and for all. The local bars are so distraught about this preposterous predicament; they have offered to donate 10% of their proceeds, for the evening, to the team that gathers the Most Devil Duckies. Winners/Sponsors donation will be announced at AIDS Walk 2008

Please join us on this historic night! Together We Can Make A Difference!
For more information go to…

http://www.azsisters.org/aidswalk2008 or http://www.aidswalk2008.org

Proceeds From This Event To Benefit Phoenix AIDS Walk 2008

Help Hydrate the Homeless

2008-09-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Drop off bottled water at any of the following locations before October 6th.

Water will be delivered to Central Arizona Shelters (CASS)

Mama Java's
Pumphouse II
Cash Inn
Tuff Stuff Leather
Melrose Pharmacy
Charlie's
Apollo's
Bunkhouse
The 70's Shop and Hookah Lounge
Friends
Boom Boom Larue's
The Antique Shoppe
Modified Arts
1 Voice Community Center
La Roca (The Rock)
Unique Urban Boutique
Chute
Off Chute
Fair Trade Cafe

Reading, Singing, Speaking, Fighting for Equality

2008-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Transgender Voices was a fun event and Alternatives/1 VCC saw a good crowd that day! The raffle raised $100 towards This is How. Thank you to James and all the fabulous people at Alternatives for such fun raffle prizes!

There was sharing heard from a woman who has been helped by This is How during a very difficult time in her life. There are more fundraisers to help that worthy cause coming up, so stay tuned and of course you can always check out their website at http://www.thisishowhome.org/

After Lori Girshick (http://www.loribgirshick.com/) read her book Transgender Voices and lead an interesting discussion, we were blessed by the dulcet tones of miss Namoli Brennet. If you haven't heard her, check out her website at www.namolibrennet.com or go check her out in person at one of her upcoming performances, that girl gets around!

At the Transgender Voices event Lori Girshick read stories from her book and discussed gender policing and how protection policies for Gender Identity and Expression can help keep students safe at our local schools which really ties in to where I was last night. A few of my friends who are college students in the Maricopa Community College District went and spoke up at the board meeting to explain why such protections are needed.

Kudos to their board for taking on such an important issue when many of them didn't even realize gender varient students and employees were encountering obstacles at their schools. Last night they heard brief 3 minute presentations from each of 8 people for the protections, and 1 against. If memory serves there were 6 students, (5 trans identified and 1 intersexed) and a local doctor we call Dr Becky. All in all, an inspiring evening. It was encouraging to see so many community members there. Not only students but professors, counselors, spouses and friends. I am told they will hold a special meeting on October 13th to consider this issue, so of course it's on my calendar.

Transgender Voices TODAY!

2008-09-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget, Lori Girshick and Namoli Brennet at 3 PM today!

And bring those extra bucks for raffle tickets to win a prize donated by Alternatives/1 VCC!

Finding Devil Duckies for AIDS Walk 2008

2008-09-11T16:51:00.001-07:00

Come find the Devil Duckies and raise money for AIDS walk just by bar hopping and collecting devil duckies with your friends. All sponsering bars will donate a percentage of their take for the night to AIDS Walk 2008 (aidswalk2008.org) and the winning scaenger team will have the amount collected the night of the hunt donated to the Phoenix Aids Walk in their name.

More details here: http://www.azsisters.org/aidswalk2008/

First Friday Drum Circle

2008-09-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Every First Friday the Burning Bush Drum Circle takes place in Phoenix's famed First Friday Art Walk by gathering outside the 1 Voice Community Center/Alternatives Health and Wellness to drum their hearts out. Any person of any gender and orientation is welcome.

There are poi spinners, people breathing fire like a phoenix on crack, and every type drum you can imagine that doesn't routinely show up in rock bands. What a night!

Lauren gave me a ride over to 1 VCC where we hung out with some people from the community center, flirted with cute boys, drank Italian sodas, and I played my HAPI drum as you can see in the video below. Then we headed over to the drum circle where we danced and drummed (Well Lauren danced, I drummed) until we couldn't feel our hands and feet anymore! Now that's a drum circle!

Transgender Voices Cometh

2008-09-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Transgender Voices – Beyond Men and Women

An enlightening discussion, lead by Lori Girshick

Join us September 21^st at 3 PM

1 Voice Community Center/Alternatives Health and Wellness

4314 N. 7^th Avenue (In the Melrose Center near 7^th Ave and Indian School)

Phoenix, AZ 85013

Voluntary donations accepted at the door for This Is How.

In her extraordinary book, based on 150 in-depth interviews, Lori B. Girshick, a sociologist and social justice activist, brings together the voices of sex- and gender-diverse people who speak with absolute candor about their lives. Girshick offers readers transpeople speaking in their own voices about identity, coming out, passing, sexual orientation, relationship negotiations and the dynamics of attraction, homophobia, and bullying. She exposes how the gender binary (man OR woman) as an organizing framework does not work for people, how “gender police” attempt to exert control, and how an individual’s sense of their own gender should be their own to decide.

Lori B. Girshick is a sociologist and community activist. Her work focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, specifically gender identity, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She is the author of four books, including Woman-to-Woman Sexual Violence: Does She Call it Rape?, the first book to focus on this topic. She has published numerous articles on LGBT domestic and sexual violence. She is the former coordinator of the Wingspan Anti-Violence Project in Tucson, AZ. She wrote the books No Safe Haven: Stories of Women in Prison and Soledad Women: Wives of Prisoners Speak Out. Her most recent book is Transgender Voices: Beyond Women and Men, a work based on interviews with 150 transgender people. Currently she teaches sociology at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, AZ.

Afterwards stick around to socialize in the Alternatives Coffee Lounge. Who knows, we may have a surprise performer there to entertain you!

Sponsered by:

Alternatives Health and Wellness/1VCC
AZ Trans Alliance
Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Hippy BINGO 08-25-08 for Aids Walk 2008

2008-08-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

Join us at ICEPICS Video Bar (31st and McDowell) for Hippy BINGO next Monday August 25th and raise funds for Phoenix AIDS Walk 2008!

And some pics from tonight's BINGO:

Bill Holt Clinic and Red Hot Salvation

2008-08-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

So have you got your red dress yet? I'm working on mine! Wear your finest sexy little red thang and I'll see you at Red Hot Salvation on August 31st at Club Forbidden.

The Grand Canyon Sisters are honored to be dedicating the proceeds of Red Hot Salvation to the Bill Holt Pediatric HIV Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The Bill Holt Clinic at Phoenix Children's Hospital is the only comprehensive pediatric HIV clinic in the state of Arizona, providing comprehensive care for children and adolescents exposed to or infected with HIV.

The clinic, founded in 1994, is a multidisciplinary program providing family-centered care. A team of specialists works together at the visits to provide specialized medical care, nutritional support, child life services, and psychosocial support. The team works together with families to maximize the health of children/adolescents affected by or infected with HIV. The clinic provides testing of exposed infants, children, and adolescents. The clinic offers support groups with fun activities and education for children and teens, and encourages parents to attend in a separate group to share concerns and experiences.

Summer camp activities are available at Camp Honor and Camp Incredible, which are also attended by clinic staff, to provide medical support and interact with patients in a fun environment.

Perinatal consultations are available for pregnant mothers with HIV to answer questions about the upcoming delivery, specialized care for the baby and to ensure seamless care.

The clinic has been involved in research as a former PACTG sub-site with the University of San Diego, with clinical trials along with Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS as well as other projects.

For more information on the Bill Holt Clinic, please visit their website at
www.phoenixchildrens.com/medical-specialties/bill-holt.html

Wear a Red Dress for a cause?

2008-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Supporting the Bill Holt Clinic:

See you Tonight for Big Hat BINGO!

2008-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to wear your big hats tonight to get your Big Hat BINGO drink specials at Icepics! And since this month is celebrating AIDS Walk, join me in wearing red!

We will be playing from 8 to 10 PM and all donations go to Phoenix AIDS Walk www.aidswalk2008.org. Icepics is located at 31st and Mc Dowell next to the Red Devil

It's Reigning Men!

2008-08-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

Halleluiah it's Reigning Men and the Phoenix Kings! Raising over $500 for GLSEN at last count!

Tonight was so much fun. Anson Reign invited me to step in for their previously scheduled host who is apparently out ill. I hope he or she feels better soon! But I'm grateful for the chance, because I truly enjoyed myself.

There was a photographer running around whose pictures I am DYING to see, and I will provide you with the link once I have it, but in the mean time, here's some pictures that a friend took for me while I was rollin around the place and jumping up and down off stage.

And don't forget, tomorrow night is Big Hat BINGO for Phoenix AIDS Walk at Icepics!

Joy Ministry

2008-08-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Novice Sister Felicity N. Debaucheri has brought nights of Joy Ministry back into our house, and oh how joyful it's been!

Just this Friday we went down to Amsterdams, First Friday and ended over by 1 Voice Community Center on Indian School and 7th for a HUGE Drum Circle complete with Poi Spinners and people breathing flames. Our Aspirant Fire was right at home!

As the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, our mission is to promulgate universal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt. Or as it says on my tattoo, all joy, all love, no guilt! Because we are an organization who often raises funds for various non profits, we are thought of as a charity group, and sometimes people forget that spreading joy is key to our mission. I've enjoyed going out with Novice Felicity and the other Sisters and various up and coming GLBT nuns on the town.

I fully enjoyed my time at the drum circle and intend to go back as often as possible on first fridays!

AIDS Walk Fundraising and Big Hats!

2008-07-30T01:47:00.000-07:00

Consider yourself invited to Icepics on 31st and McDowell each and every Monday of August to help us raise funds for AIDS Walk 2008 (www.aidswalk2008.org) and don't you worry, if you'd like to join us on the walk, we'll tell ya how!

Stay tuned to this same batty channel for more and more and more!

Celebrating The Joy of July!

2008-07-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

July has been such a busy month that I didn't have time to upload photos from the various events (heck I hardly had time to take any!) Here's a few of my favorites in no particular order:

Good times with good friends at Icepics

Anson Reign and Aspirant Sarah at Big Hat BINGO, I love those 2!

Naughty nibbling on Aspirant Dennis and Bonnie (yes I nibbled on both)

Discovering the joys of mist on the patio of Cash Inn Country

Gays Gone Wild!

Chatting it up at Charlie's

Rough Rider BINGO!

Enjoying the live music and iced coffee at Mama Java's
Sharing the love and white face at Cash Inn Country

Jello Shots? Open Wide Mischif!

Aspirant Fire

Xmas in July at Pumphouse with Posutlant Bearie and Novice Felicity. We ran into so many friends, including Paul, who I adore.

And don't forget to look for Sisters at the 1 VCC Drum Circle the first friday of August!

Screamin Queen BINGO with the Imperial Court

2008-07-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

We had fun last Monday with Screamin Queen BINGO as the Imperial Court and the Sisters teamed up to make up for Miss Pandora being out of town. Hey everybody's gotta have a vaca some day! And we decided to kick off the first Screamin Queen BINGO right and make our favorite Icepics Queen proud.

The outfits were scareific, which we expected from the Imperial Court and the Sisters, but in a fabulous surprise, some of our regular BINGO players got in on the fun looking gorgeously goth, like David, seen above.

As one who has fondly terrifying memories of watching reruns of the Birds as a kid, I particularly loved Postulant Bearie's Scary outfit so I had to nibble on his Bearie Goodness.

Don't forget to join us for Icepics BINGO, every Monday at 8 PM or Sister Oralee might come after you with her pal King Kong.

Standing with Flagstaff

2008-06-29T04:29:00.001-07:00

Red White and Blue BINGO for the Lambda Center

2008-06-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

This month, BINGO at Icepics is raising money for the Lambda Phoenix Center!

Since it's inspiration in 1980, Lambda has grown to provide safe space for over 39 meetings and over 8 types of recovery. Lambda provides space for people in the LGBT community to attend a wide variety of 12-step fellowships for alcoholics, drug and nicotine addicts, the family and friends of alcoholics, overeaters, and compulsive gamblers.

In the last 3 weeks we have raised over $425 for the center, and we would like to double that, so come on out next Monday for the final week of Lambda month at Big Hat Bingo, hosted by Postulant Honey B. Drippin and the Grand Canyon Sisters! Last night it was great to see Postulants Honey and Bearie out in face for the first time!

Felicity N. Debaucheri took her Novice vows, and her next step towards becoming a fully professed Sister. It was touching to see so many friends there to share in her public vows, and so many Sisters in that small space to practically saturate every corner. Crrrrrrazyy!

Between helping run BINGO, chatting with amazing community members, and We really had a blast, I hope all the friends and family did as well. It sure seemed like it. Each week seems a little more exciting, and that's a good thing!

Don't forget to wear your big hats to get the 2 for 1 drink special next monday. Remember, the more cards you buy, the more chances you have to win fun and fabulous prizes from funnel cake and ice cone makers to limo rides, game or concert tickets, you never know what those prizes may be! And take care not to call BINGO mistakenly, you never know just what may happen. Tho this Birthday boy didn't seem to mind his birthday spankings one bit ;)

To learn more about Lambda, check out http://phxlambda.org

Help out your community center!

2008-06-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Since they opened, 1 VCC and Alternatives Health and Wellness Center have been meeting needs in this community in so many ways. I have enjoyed spending time there spreading joy many a time, they provided meeting space for the Sisters and many other groups, often at a financial loss to themselves, they host spiritual, health and educational classes, and more. Today 1 VCC and Alternatives were featured on the blog, Envision Gratitude at http://envisiongratitude.blogspot.com/ for creating a safe space for community.

I encourage you to attend a class, or otherwise support this new but wonderful part of the Phoenix LGBT community. And as such, I thought I would pass along this email from James, the owner of Alternatives Health and Wellness Center:

It's been quite a ride, this past year and a half. Two of the four businesses that made up the center are no longer around. PumpedCut and OH Cafe, who used to rent part of the center, are no longer financially able to uphold their leases, and have gone out of business (several months ago actually.) It's now Alternatives, and 1 Voice, who are left. 1 Voice rents office space from Alternatives.

Last year, when the other two businesses were still part of the center (PumpedCut and OH Cafe), Alternatives donated 1 year of free rent to 1 Voice to help them get off the ground and establish a physical location for them. At that time, no one could have imagined that the economy would suffer a huge down-turn and times would get tough. Now, without any other income, Alternatives is trying to cover the cost of 3 other businesses.

If, in some way, the center has had a positive impact on you, or someone you know, please consider making a donation, or coming to some classes or other activities that we offer here at the center.

We'll be posting bulletins, emails, and more to let everyone know that we are not too proud to ask for help, and right now, your help is needed. We are taking steps to make sure we are able to stay open for business, but time is critical. Thank you so much for your support over the last year and a half, and please consider stepping forward and supporting a good cause.

Any donation or purchase helps. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and consideration are all greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
James Claymon
Owner- Alternatives Health & Wellness Center
Location: Alternatives, 4314 N. 7th Ave

Out the Vote

2008-06-08T09:40:00.001-07:00

Make sure your voice is heard.
Register to VOTE!

www.outthevote.us

Bowlathon

2008-06-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Don't forgot tonight is the 1 Voice Bowlathon

One FUN Saturday Night!

2008-05-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

If you weren't at Forbidden last night you missed out. Hot people, cool JELLO shots, silly Sisters, and dance music. How can it be wrong :)

Of course before going to Forbidden, Sister B'neatha and I had to make a youtube video to get in the mood.

Holy Bowlers Selling Jello Shots and Bingo Cards!

2008-05-10T13:39:00.001-07:00

Two fundraisers in the next 3 days for 1 Voice Community Center. You can read more about 1 VCC and the big Bowling event that's coming up in my previous post at http://sistermischif.blogspot.com/2008/04/1-voice-community-center.html

Tonight several Sisters will be taking "confessions" or hearing bragging, and selling Jello Shots at Club Forbidden. Be looking for Sisters Atopa Maytag, B'neatha Sheets, myself, and Novice Oralee. I'll probably be spending most of my time in the confessional unless other Sisters feel the call, so come tell me all your "Dirty little secrets" and bend our ear in whatever way you need. Then find some sexy beast to share jello shots with and have a gay ol' time!

Monday the 19th, join us Miss Pandora and the Sisters at Icepics for Luau Bingo, drink specials, and fabulous prizes! Of course you can always keep up with where the Sisters are going to be on azsisters.org, but these are the next two fun times in the hot town, so hope to see you there!

Get OUT the Vote! November 2008 is coming

2008-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a wide variety of people took their lunch hour to meet up at the Community Church of Hope and plan how to Get OUT the Vote! You too can help, by joining the planning committee on May 22nd at NOON. Once again, people will gather at the Community Church of Hope to plan how to best encourage people in Phoenix, AZ to get out and vote.

No matter your party or leanings, make your voice count and get out there November 04, 2008!

And for you graphic designers out there, AIGA is looking for non partisan art to get the voters out there and voicing their desires for our country. Get OUT the Vote, and get your art out there!

Felicity's First Friday Fundraiser

2008-05-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

For First Friday in Phoenix, there is a huge art walk. And it is a fantastic time! We started off at Amsterdams where of course we ran into family including Miss Ophelia Bunns, and some of her friends. We stopped by the gallery next door where we saw several art students sculptures, and then headed out to the art walk itself.

Felicity had made some signs, which said Give a Nunling a Hug (because she's a Postulant, we call her a nunling) and at first people weren't sure quite what to make of us, but soon people started getting into the spirit of things. We ran into the Ghost Busters, The ladies from a local Burlesque show, and some people with "Free Hugs" signs, and we collected over 130 dollars towards the 1 in 10 Beach Blanket Swimsuit Contest between 7th Street and Amsterdams. So Felicity was well on her way of her goal to raise funds for 1 in 10 and look sexy in a swimsuit. You go Grrrrrrl!

I had so much fun, that I want to go back again next month! But if you want to help out the 1 in 10 fundraiser before then there are plenty of opportunities, such as the next 2 Mondays at Icepics for Big Hat Beach Ball Bingo with Miss Pandora!

Congratulations Joe and Justice!

2008-05-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a moment to congratulate Emporer and Empress III, Joe and Justice! You know the Sisters love you, but I'll say it anyway! I love you two! Congratulations!

As I said to your predecessors, remember to dance to the beat of your own drum. And in your case, this is almost more apropo! Others have gone before, but you will do things in a way all your own, and I look forward to seeing your Reign and participating in your events.

Here are a few pictures from Coronation, and you can see many more on their website soon I'm sure, just visit http://www.imperialcourtaz.org

Introducing Brother BuddHA

2008-05-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Brother BuddHA Laughing of the Kind and Plentiful Leaf has been manifesting peace, love and laughter all over Phoenix this weekend. Friday night, he joined Postulant Felicity and several of the Sisters to stand out on 7th Street giving out hugs, and collecting 1 to 10 for 1 in 10.

Saturday he and Guard Juanna B. Laughing stopped by the Coronation to give Julie and Michael a thank you gift for a year well done. Congratulations, now you can kick back and rest on your laurels while the newly crowned hit the town!

And today he was splish splashing away with the Bears and calling numbers for Bingo at Phurfest! That must be one tired brother after a weekend like that!

So here's a little glimpse of Brother BuddHA and his ministry of laughter:

Spring is in the Air!

2008-05-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Beltaine to everyone, especially those pagans reading my blog. I have no idea how many people do read this, but I will presume the large portion of the world does just for the fun of it ;) Edit: Check out this amazing Beltane Society: www.beltane.org

For those of you who do not know about Beltaine, let me tell you! I was too busy enjoying the concept that spring is here to write about it on May 1st. Often thought of as celebrations dancing around the may pole, I was thinking of dancing around Postulant Felicity, that skinny betch would make a great may pole!

And we're going out tonight for First Friday, so perhaps we will celebrate Spring on the streets of Central Phoenix tonight with other First Friday revelers. After all, it may be too hot on the First Fridays to come for white face and walking long distances, and I'm the only Sister on wheels in this group so far ;)

Back to Beltaine. You Can learn some about Beltaine on wikipedia of course, and also on various pagan websites such as http://www.chalicecentre.net/beltaine.htm and http://www.chalicecentre.net/beltaine.htm But for me, Beltaine has always been a time to welcome in spring with the faeries! For the 3 days before and afterwards, my family tends to spend a lot of time together eating, drinking, loving, and spreading peace and joy! Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out I smile. I know that this moment is perfect and wonderful just as it is. May you dance with the faeries and return to dance another day!

So see you out there tonight! We're going to have a blast, and while we're partying we'll have those beautiful collection buckets! Put 1 or 10 bucks in the bucket for 1 in 10 and help Felicity raise money for this fabulous youth group (See previous post for more details at http://sistermischif.blogspot.com/2008/04/big-hat-bingo-and-1-in-10.html)

1 Voice Community Center (Upcoming Fundraisers)

2008-04-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

June 6th - 1 Voice Bowl-A-Thon at Squaw Peak Lanes will benefit the 1 VCC and all it's programs, and the Sisters are getting a team together. I

If you'd like to join the Holy Bowlers, write to Novice Oralee at oraleewunderbar@yahoo.com. And keep your eyes peeled on azsisters.org for future opportunities to give back to the community center so it can keep on giving back to you, such as Big Hat Bingo on Monday May 5th!

Since it's doors opened, Alternatives and the 1 Voice Community Center have been home to movies, support groups, concerts, fire dancers, community meetings, and has hosted more than a few Sister meetings as well. Our blessing of 1 VCC and Exposed took place at their grand opening, the same night as Exposed gallery opened up just across the street.

Since then 1 Voice Community Center (1VCC) still remains a mystery in most people's eyes. What exactly is it? Where is it? What do they do for the community? When one thinks of a GLBT community center, coffee and art aren't the first things that come to mind, but the Alternatives Health and Wellness center thought it was a good combination, and I'd have to agree.

James, owner of Alternatives, has opened his doors to 1 VCC, and just about any local GLBT or Alternative health event you can think of. There is yoga, meditation, and one or two guitar lessons, not to mention the men's group on Mondays, computers for free use, and a gym bunnies would love.

But what exactly is 1VCC and what do they offer to the community? Recently, a new flyer and brochure were found on the 1 VCC counter which clarified some of this for me. The brochure listed several classes. A few of the classes mentioned are Digital Photography 101, Creative Visualization, HIV Prevention in Today's World, Vegetarianism 101, Diversity in the Modern World, Wine 101, Living Green, Real Love, and New Choices, New Life.

There is also the One Voice Speaker's Bureau which works to end bigotry and prejudice. Member volunteers serve as resources to educate businesses, colleges, religious groups and citizens to create a broader understanding and acceptance of the diversity of human sexuality. If you are interested in becoming a speaker and helping to change people's thinking about sexuality, call Nathan Leblang, the Speakers Bureau Chair through 1 VCC. You just never know who you may see at 1 VCC, but it sure is good to see our community coming together for such things.

Big Hat Bingo and 1 in 10

2008-04-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Every Monday, at Ice Pics Video Bar, Miss Pandora hosts Big Hat Bingo for various charities. Monday May 12th and 19th at 8 PM, the funds raised will be designated to the local LGBTQ youth program, 1 in 10.

1 in 10 is a Phoenix based LGBTQ Youth program. They provide safe space for LGBTQ youth to develop positive self-acceptance through life enhancing programs such as the youth drop in discussion and Q-Speak Theater program. The Sisters and Icepics are excited to support 1 in 10 through Echo Magazine's Beach Ball Swimsuit Contest.
So join us this coming Monday, May 5th at Icepics Video Bar, and every Monday after that for the forseeable future, for one fun game of Bingo. Just 2 dollars for the first card, 1 dollar each card after. And Pandora will announce any drink specials. You can win many fun prizes which just keep getting bigger and better each time I attend, drink tickets, and maybe even a rainbow troll doll.

Big Hat Bingo Monday Night!

2008-04-27T23:26:00.001-07:00

Big Hat Bingo is at Icepics each Monday. Hosted by Miss Pandora, tomorrow night's funds raised will go to Sister Charities such as 1 in 10, Body Positive, Phoenix AIDS Walk, and the like.

Dining Out for Life

2008-04-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dining Out for Life is an annual fund raising for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs that takes place all over the US and some parts of Canada. Funds raised here in Phoenix this year will go to Body Positive, and Northland Cares.

Each year restaurants and other businesses donate a certain percentage of their profit to Dining out for Life. People in the community volunteer to be ambassadors at the various locations, and this is the second year the Sisters have participated.

This year we were scheduled to host Friends and Forbidden, but Forbidden didn't need as many Sisters as we had, so we headed over to a few other locations that were a bit overwhelmed and helped out.

It was a busy day! I'm still resting up afterwards, as are several of the other Sisters you see here. Enjoy the pics!

2 Freaks in a Truck

2008-04-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

A bit of a tongue in cheek sing along, just for fun and laughs on the way to Dining out for Life. Pictures from the Dining out 4 Life event are coming soon.

Day of Silence

2008-04-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday, April 25, students around the country address the harassment faced by LGBT youth. Not through their words, but without them. By not speaking, they draw attention to the ways in which intolerance silences members of our communities. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of Lawrence King, an eighth grader who was shot and killed by a classmate this year because of his sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Day of Silence is a student-led action, sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), a national organization that works for the rights of children of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to have a safe and fair education. More than 500,000 students have participated in the Day of Silence in past years, in K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities.

Here in Phoenix there were day of silence activities in many places, among them, ASU, Gilbert/Chandler college, and U of A. The picture above includes students at Gilbert/Chandler college, as well as Sisters 3M and myself. You can learn more about the day of silence events taking place all over the United States, and other LGBT youth oriented projects at: http://www.dayofsilence.org/

Earth Friendly Shopping

2008-04-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth day! As if shopping with cloth bags wasn't a reward all it's own, our local grocery store is (for Earth Day only) giving out 40 dollars worth of coupons and a free cloth shopping bag to all those who bring their own cloth bag/s in while buying groceries. Now the free cloth shopping bag I understand. But stacks of paper coupons... I'm not sure that's earth friendly. Ah well, it's a step in the right direction! Saving the Earth one bag at a time!

For more Eco Friendly tips and tricks, (such as driving a prius like Patch) check out this article: http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/04/earth_day_tips_that_can_help_e.html

Shopping Spree!!!!!!

2008-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Felicity and I seem to be on a vow of poverty. In fact my recent visits to Starbucks are primarily funded by the gift cards I received from people at the veiling. YAY! GIFTS! Thank you Sister Odora for treating everynun to a Starbucks card!

So, mostly it was caffeinated window shopping, but since Felicity and I had some free time before meeting up with Sister 3M at the Chandler Gilbert college, we had some tea and coffee, and some fun browsing through the Chandler Fashion Center spreading joy and laughter, and a bit of bemusement.

We started out at Starbucks in the local B&N Bookseller where Mischif nursed her Iced Chai Frap, and Felicity worshiped the caffeine Gods via iced coffee goodness. Mmmm cool and refreshing as the April temps bop around between 85 and 90 here in sunny Phoenix, AZ.

On our way through Barnes and Noble, we came across these fantastic titles. How could we not pause to admire the author's work. What Nunling wouldn't want a leather covered book titled Fetish, or a Sex Bible?

Speaking of what Nunlings might want... we then headed over to Hot Topic where Felicity eyed the many pirate punk options, and joined Kelly in the pursuit for SHOES... OMG Shoes! After finding all those goodies were beyond her budget, Postulant Felicity left with a new pirate sash, and a desire for pink and black striped tights.

And if you want to know what to buy THIS Sister for her birthday, all you have to do is visit hot topic's earing section and look for the zero gauge buddah plugs.... or this goth doll who just makes me happy. Look, his makeup and mine are the same color. A match made in heaven!

And last but not least, we stopped by Ambercrombie & Fitch to visit some of the people working within. Talk about sexy clothes that we should be putting on Felicity! I saw several pair of shorts and skirts that would look so good on her skinny butt! Something to look forward to on future trips.

Phoenix Pride in April?

2008-04-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

I'm about 3 events behind on this blog, so bear with me ;) Eventually I'll catch up.

The day after our veiling, a gaggle of nuns descended upon Phoenix Pride. It was wonderfully fun, and there are still tons of photos pouring in of course. Apparently we won most colorful strolling contingent. That doesn't seem like much of a surprise, especially after you take a gander at these pictures.

Pride is one of my favorite events of the year, because it's where I first saw a Sister years ago. Not in Phoenix obviously as I'm not from around these parts, but a pride nonetheless. So I always look at pride as a chance to serve my community and provide joy and laughter to the world while having a blast. What better thing is there!

Happy 4/20!

2008-04-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm off to an Earth day concert at the 1 Voice Community Center in a moment, and I've finally finished uploading pictures from our Veiling ceremony.

I haven't finished uploading the pictures from pride, nor the photos from the Safer Sex talk we did the other day, nor last night's Blessing, so many more to come.

But before I head out the door, I thought I would share my favorite picture of Sisters Mary Timothy Simplicity and Merry Peter representing Fire and Air at the start of the veiling ritual. These two Sisters work so well together, and truly inspire me in my path as a Sister.

Blessed be!

The Party's Over.... the next begins!

2008-04-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well thank you to everyone who came to our big party. I was shocked more people didn't show up afterwards to party with us, you missed out! So for those of you who have emailed me congratulations and wishing you could have made it, I will post a few pictures of my favorite moments! And of course, you will see pictures popping up on azsisters.org for days to come as everyone continues to send pics in, upload them to our flickr page, etc.

Sister Buffie Fae Taybul watched over the food for us. I loved the tiny corn dogs, singing pink flamingo, and general ambiance back there in the OZ bar. Oz bar is the back room at Club Forbidden. A bar within a bar... very interestink! Oh the things that must happen in Oz.

One of my favorite moments was when the visiting Sisters began to arrive.

Finally meeting our co-Mistresses of Missions, Sisters Merry Peter and Mary Timothy Simplicty in Person was one of my all time favorite moments of the night.

The performances by community members like Joe and Justice from the Phoenix Imperial Court...
Anson Reign of the Reigning Men ...

and this sexy drag king from Sisterzz Twisted were so much fun!

And my favorite part, the ritual. The MoMs really brought to life just the way I'd imagined it. The visiting Sisters pinned our black veils, and then we partied the night away! YAY!

And of course what better way to end the night than with the surprise naked male torso cake!

More Big Hat Bingo

2008-04-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Father Do B. Smokin attended Big Hat Bingo last night, with Novice Oralee and Nvc Guard Spiketakiss. We had a blast, and raised a bit of money towards Sister charities. Around $90 I believe. Icepics informed me that we will be the charity which funds from Big Hat Bingo go to for the month of April. Since we were founded in April of last year, that is a special thing for us. We will put the funds raised this month towards Sister Charities.

This time Pandora and Novice Oralee took turns on the mic, Father Do B. was the Master of Balls, and Guard Spiketakiss played Bingo, fetched drinks, brought in food for the hungry volunteers and generally watched our backs ;) Joe and Justice from the local Court stopped by and played a couple games as well. They will be running for Emporer and Empress, and came by to remind everyone to vote as Court elections are open to the community.

Big Hat Bingo will continue at Icepics Video Bar each Monday from 8 to 10 PM. It's a great place to be on Mondays! Fun, good times, good booze, cheap bingo cards, and prizes. What more could you want to turn your Monday frown upside down!

A busy weekend

2008-03-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who invited us out this weekend. We were able to stop by a few of the events going on such as the erotic art show over at Exposed Gallery, and the health expo across the street at 1 Voice Community Center.

It's been a busy weekend already. Postulant Felicity was able to join us in the early afternoon for her first manifestation. Sister Heidi posed for Gender DiverCity where you will see her tomorrow. Then Novice Oralee, Sister Heidi and I dropped off flyers about our big party on April 11th around town.

I rounded off the day with an AZ Trans Alliance meeting, and then came home to crash. Today I uploaded some of the pictures from this weekend to flicker, but I'm done for now. I'm exhausted, but it was a blast!

See you Monday at Icepics for Big Hat Bingo. Wear your big hats to get dollar drinks, and bring your cash for bingo cards, it's going to be a blast.

Join us for Our Big Party - April 11th

2008-03-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Big Hat Bingo ROCKS!

2008-03-25T11:43:00.001-07:00

And so does Pandora. You have GOT to stop by Ice Pics Video Bar on a Monday night, because that girl is fierce, and knows how to call out some Big Hat Bingo.

There were toasters given, crazy hats, people of all stripes, and bubbles a blowin. No, not Sister Bubbles, tho she would have had fun!

I pinned a big red hat on top of my coronet and joined in the big hat fun. Afterwards Novice Oralee and I went out with Pandora and her partner to put a little food in our bellies, because WHOO did we pound the cocktails and Jager shots at Ice Pics! (dollar drinks for anyone in a big hat don't you know) Hee hee, outrageous good times. 5 and Diner didn't know what hit em!

I think I may stop by Big Hat Bingo again next Monday, or maybe Father Dewbie Smokin will pay the place a visit in some fun hat goodness. See you there!

Ice Pics Video Bar - Big Hat Bingo and Wisteria's Eggsplosion

2008-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be stopping by Icepics for Big Hat Bingo with some of the other Sisters. Full details at http://amp.az/home/ViewPost/1812

Icepics: 3108 E McDowell Rd
Time: 8:00pm
Price: $2 first card $1 each additional card
Contact: Pandora | pandora319@cox.net

Hope to see you there!

And for those of you who came out to Sister Wisteria's Eggsplosion the other night, thank you for making our first fundraiser for the Agape Network, Wisteria's favorite cause, a success. We had a blast, and we hope you did too!

If you would like to help Agape Network, please contact the Agape Network to volunteer or make a donation.

Peace for Maurice

2008-03-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Last night Novice Oralee, Sentry Spiketakiss and myself attended a candle light vigil for Maurice "Melissa" Green who was killed while walking down the street near 35th Street and Campbell in Phoenix, AZ 2 years ago while dressed as "Melissa"

You can learn more at ABC 15 where they have an article and video with a plea from the family to help find the killer/s. Speaking of finding those responsible, there is now a $2000 reward for information leading to the killer/s arrest available through the Silent Witness program. You can be completely anonymous, or you can give your name, up to you.

If you have any information, call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS

Exequatur Party

2008-03-17T23:49:00.001-07:00

Don't forget, we will be taking our formal vows at Forbidden on April 11th. The night before Phoenix Pride. The dinner and main ceremonies will take place from 6 to 9, and after 9 the bar will open up to all!

Returning to the Living & Savor Life Wrap Up

2008-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Phew what a day! It was a great way to return to the land of the living after 3 weeks sick in bed with bronchitis. I started off at a Barmitzva, (Mazeltov J.E.S. For today you are a man!) then in the evening I participated in a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and I ended the evening at Genny's.

The Savor Life Grand Soirre at the Bently Project's space was a blast! I adored seeing people I hadn't seen in ages, as well as all the amazing art, in a beautiful space. I hope we can make use of their space for some big event some day!

Felicity looked very Brian of the Dresden Dolls. Punk Caberet on goth platforms, you must know how I loved that!!!

Met some wonderful new people such as Tanner, sang Happy Birthday to B, turned over a check from our Savor Life events for over $1300, and were able to find some of the people we had Exequatur Party tickets for, all in the same night!

Savor Life is an annual fundraiser for Aunt Rita's Foundation, who gives the funds out to various worthy HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment organizations, so you can bet I will be participating again next year.