missavagardner:
Marilyn was a big supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. Ella Fitzgerald was one of Marilyn’s idols and a major inspiration. However, the Mocambo nightclub in West Hollywood, the most popular dance spot at the time, refused to let Ella perform there because she was black. Outraged, Marilyn told the owners that if they would let Ella perform, she would be there in the front row every time Ella was onstage. She did, and the two became friends.
According to the great Ella Fitzgerald:
“I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt…it was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the ’50s. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him - and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status - that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman - a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.”
12:23
12-6-11
23,936 notes
suicideblonde:
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta at the Grease premiere
12:15
12-6-11
6,789 notes
cassket:
If there’s one thing that makes some people squirm more than the idea of a functional, happy sex worker it’s the frank discussion of disabled sexuality. And award-winning Australian director Catherine Scott has set out to demystify both in her new documentary, Scarlet Road: A Sex Worker’s Journey.
Dispelling the notion that all working women are either glamorous nymphs or damaged goods in need of salvation, the doco follows the life of self-described “whore” Rachel Wotton –- an attractive, articulate (gasp!) and down-to-earth woman. Making her even more intriguing is the fact she deals almost exclusively with disabled clients.
We meet guys like Mark Manitta, who has been seeing Rachel for seven years after cerebral palsy left him confined to a wheelchair, and multiple sclerosis sufferer John Blades who sadly passed away just days before it went to air. Both discuss the vital role that women like Rachel play in their lives. “People do not understand the difference that sex makes,” said Mark. “Part of having cerebral palsy is spasticity and muscle spasms. I need sex all the time to make my muscles relax. And I like sex.”
The founder of Scarlet Alliance –- the Australian Sex Workers’ Association -– Rachel’s passion for advocacy extends beyond those employed in the industry to include her clients and their families; with some of the most heart-warming moments occurring when mothers discuss the desire for their sons to have an active sex life.
“Part of my reason for doing the film was to wipe away the ‘us and them’ mentality,” said Rachel. “We’re all one car accident away from being in the same position as these guys. Tomorrow we could all wake up out of coma and not be able to eat let alone have sex or touch ourselves. What I say to people is imagine the next time you go to have sex or masturbate having to call your mum and have her organise it all for you.”
Amen, sister.
Saw this trailer and talked about it in my disability studies class. I would really like to see this movie. Disability and sexuality is something that I am very interested about.
(Source: jezebel.com, via djkjfjglgk)
12:12
12-6-11
1,465 notes
fuckyeahtattoos:
Freshly done. Probably the only tattoo I’ve with meaning. I obviously used to cut myself. And this is a constant reminder to love myself. I’m really happy with it :). And I also got it for my nineteenth birthday.
Done by Anthony at Shovelheads in North Attleboro, MA. He’s wonderful.
sealionwomannn.tumblr.com
23:23
11-22-11
4,716 notes
