September 20, 2002

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

11

eveningsout

A history of secrets

Novel presents the perfect reading for Latino Heritage Month

Days of Awe

by Achy Obejas

Ballantine, $14, Trade Paperback Reviewed by Anthony Glassman

From the middle of September through mid-October is Latino Heritage Month. The opening of the month coincides with Mexico's Independence Day and it ends with Dia de la Raza, the Latin American celebration coinciding with Columbus Day.

LGBT Latinos, however, still get little attention. Across Ohio, few gay-specific events are marking the month. In media, many of the few images available tend to fall into the "Latina drag queen" pigeonhole, like Guillermo Diaz in Stonewall or John Leguizamo in To Wong Foo.

There are, however, a few truly unique characters and stories out there. Achy Obejas, Cubana Jewish lesbian journalist and author, can

is bisexual, where Obejas herself is more lesbian than not.

In her book, however, in her fictionalized life, she can more closely examine the interplay of the Cuban Diaspora with the Jewish Diaspora. She examines the history of the Spanish Jews, the conversos and anusim, their long history in Cuba and the migration of Eastern European Jews into Cuba during the Holocaust.

DAYS OF AWE

ACHY OBEJAS

always be relied upon to provide the unique, the moving.

Days of Awe, her latest novel, mirrors the writer's own life. She came to the, United States on a boat from Cuba at the age of six. She is Jewish. Her main character, Alejandra,

NOVEL

at

She can look Alejandra's father, tortured by his fear of anti-Semitism yet yearning to embrace that which marked him different in a predominantly Catholic nation, a dream he could realize in the relative freedom of Chicago. She is free to examine Alejandra's mother's family, which had so long ago assimilated into their public Catholic identities that almost any trace of Judaism had long since gone.

She is also able to delve

into the heart of the exile, the yearning to return to a home never truly known, and the emotions that a first, then second and third homecoming can engender.

Obejas both masterfully and in an understated way digs into the differing dynamics

of sexual relations with non-Latinos: Alejandra's boyfriend Seth immerses himself in Cubanismo, while later, her girlfriend Leni uses the Cuban identity as a way of marking Alejandra, of making her more exotic than she truly is, blaming any argument on the "fiery Latino blood."

Obejas also tells a love story, many loves' story. The love of a young woman for her homeland, the love of her new home, the love of her father, the man, myth and maker, love of her heritage in every sense of the word.

Obejas has another, older novel, Memory Mambo, as well as an hysterically funny collection of short stories, We Came All the Way from Cuba so You Could Dress Like This? Anything Obejas writes is golden. Perhaps they should anthologize her Chicago Tribune cultural writings.

EVE MUZIC

Jeffrey Mostade, PCC, NCC

Affirmative counseling for growth, decision making, relationship issues, loss, life choices, and lesbian, gay,

questioning, and transgendered issues.

www.senexcare.com

216.421.1793

Achy Obejas

SENEX

ELDERCARE COUNSELING TRAINING

12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120

TRAN

Bitch and Animal are changed, but still tightly joined

by Heather Gmucs

Columbus Bitch and Animal were back in town on September 12 at Little Brothers. The college-age crowd was responsive to opener Donna Mogavero, a 25-year veteran of the lesbian folk-rock scene, but there was definitely a palpable air of impatient anticipation for the dyke-punk duo, newly signed to Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records.

Bitch and Animal have gone through a few changes while on the road, noticeable from even the back row. Animal, in true punk rock style, had a neatly trimmed blue Mohawk and some new, state-of-the-art gear. Bitch seems to have found a new, slimmer inner bitch and looked sleek and sexy, moving fluidly between her violin and bass guitar.

The show began with "The Pussy Manifesto," a spoken-word piece expanding on the power and beauty of the female genitalia. Most people have never experienced anything quite like this before. Bitch plays violin, bass and sings, while Animal plays djembe, ukulele, sings and plays a plethora of other percussion instruments including a sampler that rests at her feet. Their music is lyrically based with rhythm and harmonies tied so tightly it seemed as though the two were wound together at birth. They went from punching rap songs like "Best Cock On The Block" to twangy country fiddle tunes like "Drag King Bar" from their first self released CD, What's That Smell. Their new CD, Eternally Hard, can be found on Righteous Babe Records.

Bitch and Animal will be returning to the studio to record a new CD in Hawaii. The release date is unknown, but it will be as good if not better than the others, based on the new material played in Columbus.

1061 Summit Avenue

Lakewood

$249,000.

Award Winning

Gardens!

Walk to Lake Erie from this immaculately maintained Colonial with many recent improvements. Outstanding landscaping and gorgeous gardens were recognized by the City of Lakewood by awarding the present owner, Thom Rankin, with the "Keep Lakewood Beautiful Award for Residential Property Beautification". Beautifully appointed living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen boast many authentic architectural details. Three bedrooms and a fabulous glamour bath comprise the second floor. The lower level offers exceptional storage and very organized multiple work areas. An efficient laundry and unique glass block shower and bathroom complete this exceptional utility/work space. Mechanicals include individually controlled heat and central air on each floor, whole house sound system and irrigation system. Friendly neighborhood that hosts annual block parties. A private oasis with all the conveniences of city living! For further information or to schedule a showing call: Realty One, Mike Zinicola, 440-331-6750.

Bill Soeder Landscaping

Your satisfaction is our reputation

Design & Installation Decks & Brick Patios Retaining Walls Ponds & Waterfalls

Call now for a 10% Discount!

$1.000 minimum Vida 32103

29579 Center Ridge Road

Free Estimates