Morty Diamond – trans porn and anthology maker and former Babeland employee is screening his newest film Tranny Ruminations this Saturday (the 31st) at Brooklyn is Burning. Based on what I saw in Trans Entities, you don’t want to miss this one – it’s going to be fabulous.

Brooklyn is Burning!

Monkey Town, Saturday January 31st

10:30pm till the sun comes up

News is breaking that in order to help get his economic stimulus package passed, Obama is willing to drop the provision that would provide contraceptives to family planning services.

Of course, women’s rights organizations are in an uproar over this but what did we expect? Conservatives have always let their morals get in the way of logic. Increasing family planning services means less unintended pregnancies, less children born to un-ready households, less poverty, less hospital bills, etc. The cost of an abortion is at least $400; the cost of a child, incalculable. Contraceptives are a safe an easy way to save money and provide for an unmet need in many communities.

Do I feel betrayed by Obama? Not really. At first I was upset, but then I realized there are going to be many other opportunities to provide this funding and perhaps with more time, that funding can be even more thoughtful and directed towards the best solutions. Although on some level I wish that Obama had stood up to conservatives and made his case, I also don’t see this as the last chance we had, so I’m not completely despondent over it. Maybe this is a “pick your battles” type of situation.

Other things the Republicans want to cut? Rennovating the National Mall (maybe not a priority, but certainly a job creator) and giving $50 million to the National Endowment for the Arts. I actually hope Obama will stick to his guns on this one. When the economy gets bad, the first area to suffer is always the arts and after eight years with Bush, the arts are suffering even more than usual.

All this being said, it still would be nice if the family planning money could stay in the bill. Go here to call or e-mail the White House.

Maybe reproductive health and arts organizations could join together somehow – does anyone have any brilliant ideas for a campaign?

There are so many amazing events coming up at Babeland in the next month. If you need something to take your honey to in celebration of Valentine’s Day, might I suggest one of these delectable offerings?

First, if you missed our Nettiquette event at our Soho store on Sunday, check out Violet Blue’s article about Twittering during sex. Or, stop by the same event on February 12th at our Brooklyn location!

Wednesday, January 28th our Brooklyn location is having a Sexy Moms series that is getting a lot of attention. If you happen to be the partner of a mother, this event would be a perfect kickoff to the Valentine season. This month’s event will feature Erica Lyon, a childbirth educator and founder/owner of Realbirth: Childbirth Education and Post-Partum Support, who will talk about “Sex During and After Pregnancy.”  Sounds fantastic!

If you’re in Seattle and you’re planning on making your lover a meal for February 14th, why not fill it with aphrodisiacs? On February 8th, you’ll be able to learn how to make delicious treats and even taste some of them!

If you’re planning on expressing your love in letter form this Valentine’s day, then drop by Mercer’s Love Letter writing workshop. Even if you think you already know what you’re doing, I promise you’ll learn something new that will make your lover weak at the knees.

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