All That Diversity — In One Womyn!

We get a lot of spam in our inbox every day.

Some of it is almost certainly due to our being maliciously subscribed to certain mailing lists — such as one for a Turkish-language Islamist group — but most of it is just plain, ordinary, Viagra-and-Nigerian-inheritance spam like everyone else gets.

Yesterday, however, an unusual morsel of spam came our way, from one Magdalen Hsu-Li, who is a diverse multicultural bisexual disabled performance artist. This womyn has it all! And she’s not afraid to flaunt it.

I have no idea how Gates of Vienna got on Miss Hsu-Li’s mailing list, but I certainly am glad to be there — I wouldn’t have missed her important dispatch for the world.

I’ll just touch on some of the highlights here, and include the entire email at the bottom of this post for archival purposes.

The first thing I noticed about Magdalen Hsu-Li was her general indifference to capitalization, which is often a characteristic of today’s youth. She isn’t an absolute purist about it, like e. e. cummings was — you’ll notice that some proper nouns seem to rate highly enough to be capitalized, while others don’t. Another orthographic quirk is her use of ampersands: the commonest conjunction is avoided & eschewed in order to save time & space.

Miss Hsu-Li is a “a diverse, multicultural, lgbt, asian, or women’s issues performer & speaker… [and] a bi, feminist, asian-american music artist, speaker, & cultural activist, who is also a Tourette’s survivor.”

Why does “Tourette’s” rate the exclusive use of upper case in the above peroration? Is Gilles de la Tourette more important than the entire Asian continent? Rather than that, I’m betting on caprice & randomness, since “Winter & Spring” are similarly honored.

Miss Hsu-Li is an acclaimed musician, and includes a couple of rave reviews of her performances in the curriculum vitae she thoughtfully provides with the email. This talented young woman explains that she was “[b]orn in a small southern town into one of a handful of asian families” and “experienced extreme racism and prejudice on a daily basis while battling cross-cultural conflicts and a rare disability (Tourette’s Syndrome)”, “overcoming obstacles such as racism, prejudice, stereotyping, homophobia, bi-phobia within the LBGT community, filial piety, and a severe disability (Tourette’s Syndrome)”.

Oh, and by the way, did you know she has Tourette’s? She may even have incorporated this particular handicap into her repertoire, because one of her songs (for sale as an mp3) is called “F*** Bush”.

I guess we know where she stands politically. Speak truth to power, baby!

So what, exactly, does Miss Hsu-Li do?

My musical performance, lecture, and workshop programs bring diverse communities together, raise awareness on campuses, and inform about diversity, multicultural, LGBTQ, women’s, API, international, and disability topics. My programs can provide general multi-cultural entertainment for your campus or focus on specific campus diversity issues, or the issues that LGBTQA, Asian Pacific Islander, women, people of color, international students, and students with disabilities face.

That’s some job description. It must take quite a few cups of sustainably-farmed shade-grown fair trade certified organic free-range vegan soy latte to get her through the day.

I know what the L, G, B, and T stand for, and I presume “Q” means “Queer”. But what about “A”? Does that by any chance stand for “asexual”, which is reportedly the latest and trendiest of the protected sexual deviancy classes?

Now we know what Magdalen Hsu-Li does, but where does she do it? Her email includes a schedule of upcoming performances, which will be given at a variety of progressive institutions of higher education, mostly on the West Coast, but with a few in the Upper Midwest and the East, including — big surprise! — the Rhode Island School of Design.

The artist supplies a list of feast days and special celebrations which serve as appropriate occasions for hosting her performances:

• National Coming Out Day
  
• Coming Out Week
  
• Pride Week
  
• Pride Month
  
• Day of Silence [oh, yes, please — blessed silence!]
  
• Aids Awareness Week
  
• Asian Heritage Month
  
• Asian History Month
  
• Asia Week
  
• Asian Festivals
  
• Chinese New Year Festivals
  
• Take Back The Night
  
• Women’s Week
  
• Women’s History Month
  
• Women’s Festivals
  
• International Women’s Day
  
• Diversity Week
  
• Day of Diversity
  
• Diversity Festivals
  
• Multicultural Week
  
• Multicultural Festivals
  
• International Week
  
• International Day
  
• International Festivals
  
• Disability Awareness Day or Week
  
• Orientation and Welcome Week
  
• Campus Activities Board musical entertainment
  
• coffeehouse type of events
  
• various cultural festivals
  
• celebrations
  
• conferences
  
• symposiums
  
• diversity awareness programming

One thing that stands out about this artistic tour-de-force is that all the festive diversity is being celebrated on college campuses. Miss Hsu-Li doesn’t show up at Rotary Club picnics or firehouse barbecues — she trolls for the applause of a more intellectually savvy audience.

Which brings up my final question: Who’s paying for all this?

Needless to say, her performance fees aren’t entirely covered out-of-pocket by the trendy but indigent students who come to watch her gyrate and hear her warble. If it weren’t for the “Student Activities Fees” that parents and Pell grants so graciously pay, Magdalen Hsu-Li would be checking out groceries in a Food Lion or processing accounts payable for a bank, just like a normal drone. But, thanks to America’s finest institutions of higher learning, this brilliant artist is spared such a horrible fate.

I’m sure that government funds and grants from prominent foundations also trickle down to the lofty venues where this young lady struts and frets her hour. In other words, the taxpayers and hard-working parents from sea to shining sea are the ones who shell out to make all this flumdiddle possible.

Is this a great country, or what?

So, if your local community college has a bit left over from its most recent Transgressive Gendered Performing Arts grant from the NEA, I suggest giving Miss Magdalen Hsu-Li a buzz. It’s bound to be an evening that everyone will enjoy, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve kept at least one Asian-American bisexual performance artist off the unemployment rolls in these perilous economic times.

Who, by the way, has Tourette’s.

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The entire email, all of it [sic], is below the jump. Enjoy!
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Greetings from Magdalen Hsu-Li. I am honored to make your acquaintance. If you are looking for a diverse, multicultural, lgbt, asian, or women’s issues performer & speaker for an event this academic year, please consider bringing me to your campus. I am a bi, feminist, asian-american music artist, speaker, & cultural activist, who is also a Tourette’s survivor, seeking college or conference organizations that would be interested in having me perform or speak in Fall 2009, or Winter & Spring 2010. My musical performance, lecture, and workshop programs bring diverse communities together, raise awareness on campuses, and inform about diversity, multicultural, LGBTQ, women’s, API, international, and disability topics. My programs can provide general multi-cultural entertainment for your campus or focus on specific campus diversity issues, or the issues that LGBTQA, Asian Pacific Islander, women, people of color, international students, and students with disabilities face. Events I’ve performed or keynoted for include: National Coming Out Day, Coming Out Week, Pride Week, Pride Month, Day of Silence, Aids Awareness Week, Asian Heritage Month, Asian History Month, Asia Week, Asian Festivals, Chinese New Year Festivals, Take Back The Night, Women’s Week,Women’s History Month, Women’s Festivals, International Women’s Day, Diversity Week, Day of Diversity, Diversity Festivals, Multicultural Week, Multicultural Festivals, International Week, International Day, International Festivals, Disability Awareness Day or Week, Orientation and Welcome Week, Campus Activities Board musical, entertainment, or coffeehouse type of events, and various cultural festivals, celebrations, conferences, symposiums, and diversity awareness programming.

Would you be kind enough to connect me to the people, offices, student groups (connected to funding) who produce events such as these at your school? I’d like to submit a press kit and CD for consideration. My website www.magdalenhsuli.com has sound clips of my music, synopses of my lectures, as well as additional information about my programs. My tour schedule and sound clips are also available on myspace.com/magdalenhsuli

My current tour schedule for Spring 2010, has me performing with my opening act and guitarist Adam Dias in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, California, Illinois, Ohio, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, & New Jersey. If your school is near any of those regions, perhaps a reduced-rate block booking can be arranged. I am willing to negotiate regarding fees and you’ll find my programs affordable to your budget and valuable to your constituency. I am also open to touring in other states and regions than the ones listed above.

Feel free to forward my letter to the appropriate person or offices on your campus or email me their contact information so that I may contact them directly. Upon requst for a press kit, cd, and fee schedule, I will mail you (or them) more information about my about my college programs. Just email me at powrbabe@gmail.com or call 206-954-0269 to request a press kit. References from other colleges are also available upon request. Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter. I hope to hear from you soon.

To not receive these emails in the future, please email me at powrbabe@gmail.com and I will remove you from my list. If you have requested to be removed before and you are still accidentally on my list, please accept my sincere apology and email me another reminder to remove. I will personally make sure you are removed promptly.

Have a wonderful academic year!

Bright Blessings,
Magdalen

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Magdalen Hsu-Li
CHICKPOP Records
117 East Louisa St, #422
Seattle, Wa 98103
C. 206.954.0269
F. 206-577-3950
powrbabe@gmail.com
www.magdalenhsuli.com
www.myspace.com/magdalenhsuli
berklee.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20805690

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MAGDALEN HSU-LI a renowned bi, feminist, asian-american music artist, speaker, and cultural activist will be touring throughout the US in the Winter & Spring of 2010 with performances in the Northeast East Coast, Midwest, & West Coast. She will be joined by singer-songwriter Adam Dias of “The Jupiter Skylight” as her opening and support guitar act. Her website addresses are www.magdalenhsuli.com and www.myspace.com/magdalenhsuli

TO BOOK MAGDALEN FOR A CONCERT, LECTURE, WORKSHOP, OR TO HAVE HER CREATE AN ORIGINAL SONG FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT THIS WINTER & SPRING 2010.

EMAIL powrbabe@gmail.com or call 206-954-0269.

MAGDALEN HSU-LI’S 2010 TOUR SCHEDULE

January 22, 10’ — University of Wisconsin Stout, Menominee, Wi
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

February 4, 10’ — Rhodes College, Memphis, Tn
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

February 11, 10’ — Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Wa
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 2, 10’- North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 4, 10’ — University of Minnesota Duluth, Mn
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 7, 10’ — Fox Valley Unitarian Church, Appleton, Wi
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 9, 10’ — Lawrence University, Appleton, Wi
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 14, 10’- McCormick Place, Chicago, Il
(Performance)

March 15, 10’ — Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Oh
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

March 31, 10’ — University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Ca
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 13, 10’ — Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Ri
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 14, 10’- Connecticut College, New London, Ct
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 15, 10’ — Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 16, 10’ — Northeastern University, Boston, Ma
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 18, 10’ — Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ (tentative)
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 19, 10’ — Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

April 22, 10’ — Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Il
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

May 13, 10’ — Highline Community College, Des Moines, Wa
(Performance & Redefinition of Identity Lecture)

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Magdalen Hsu-Li is an internationally acclaimed bi, feminist, asian american, musican, visual artist, speaker, and cultural activist who is redefining the female musician and smashing the ceiling in the american music industry. She has been called a one woman dynamo of talent, her music described as “exquisitely furious, beautiful, & exciting” by Performing Songwriter Magazine, “sweet, melodic, & real” by the New York Times, “an achingly gorgeous collection of piano based rock recalling the finest moments of Tori Amos or Ben Folds Five” by Yolk Magazine and a sumptuous feast for the ears by Curve Magazine. A Magazine says “her blend of hard-grounded folk and sweet siren lyrics makes an enduring impression upon the american music scene her distinguishing factor is her cool, edgy, sound and courage to be sensitive, tender, and feminine. As she carves her identity as an artist in an industry where asian women are not thought of as musical powerhouses or innovators — Magdalen is a rare force with which to reckon.”

Born in a small southern town into one of a handful of asian families, Magdalen experienced extreme racism and prejudice on a daily basis while battling cross-cultural conflicts and a rare disability (Tourette’s Syndrome). She shattered through these adversities and channeled her harsh beginnings into the positive, uplifting, and electrifying force she is today, achieving international and critical renown on both stage and canvas.

Her dynamic & personable musical performances, lectures, workshops, and original commissioned songs, inform about diversity & multicultural awareness, bringing communities together by cultivating collaboration between diversely different campus groups. Her music and lyrics explore her search for identity and personal experiences as an out southern asian american artist in the music industry in a way that is youthful, engaging, and entertaining. Magdalen interactive programs have broad and specific appeal; providing general entertainment or diversity awareness for the campus, or focusing directly on Asian Pacific Islander, LGBTQA, & women’s issues. Her programs are excellent for campus events such as Orientation, Welcome Week, Women’s History Month, Women’s Week, Take Back The Night, Asian History Month, Asian Awareness Week, Coming Out Week, Pride Week, Aids Awareness Week, National Coming Out Day, Day Of Silence, and various cultural festivals, celebrations, conferences, symposiums, and diversity awareness programming. Her presence helps people redefine their identities and serves as a focal point for communities to converge, unite, and celebrate around.

CONCERT, LECTURE, & WORKSHOP PROGRAMS

TO BOOK MAGDALEN FOR A CONCERT, LECTURE, WORKSHOP, OR TO HAVE HER CREATE AN ORIGINAL SONG FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT THIS WINTER & SPRING 2010. EMAIL powrbabe@gmail.com or call 206-954-0269 or 510-922-8069.

***The Smashing the Ceiling Concert is often interspersed with the Redefinition of Identity Lecture to comprise a 1 hour concert-lecture format.

SMASHING THE CEILING CONCERT (THE INTERSECTION OF RACE, GENDER, AND THE ARTS)

A 30 to 45 minute high energy, live music performance featuring Magdalen and her guitarist Adam Dias on vocals, guitar, & piano. Dialogue about identity, racism and bi, asian american, diversity, and women’s issues is interspersed between songs and is implicit in many song themes & lyrics. In the Winter & Spring 2010, Magdalen will be touring and performing with singer-songwriter Adam Dias as her opening and support guitar act. Adam will open the evening with a short set followed by Magdalen’s performance as the featured event.

REDEFINITION OF IDENTITY LECTURE (ASIAN, WOMEN’S AND LGBTQ FOCUS)

A 30 to 45 minute interactive “human interest” lecture exploring the search for “cultural identity” through the personal story of the presenter as an out, asian american, woman growing up the rural south, overcoming obstacles such as racism, prejudice, stereotyping, homophobia, bi-phobia within the LBGT community, filial piety, and a severe disability (Tourette’s Syndrome), allowing for a greater level of understanding about identity among student participants. 10-15 minute Q&A at the end of the lecture.

Includes:

Personal history and background of the presenter / Being out, asian, and female in the music industry / The past, present, and future of asian, LGBT, women in the arts / Their changing social status, search for identity, visibility, and media representations / Bi myths and realities / The intersection of race, gender, & the arts / Encounters with racism & stereotyping / Redefining identity — finding your cultural “home” / Finding your “dharma” or soul’s purpose / Synopsis of presentation and goals of the presenter / Interactive q&a discussion at the end of lecture with audience

TRUE DIVERSITY LECTURE (RAISING AWARENESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND OURSELVES)

A 30 to 45 minute interactive lecture that addresses how we can begin to raise diversity awareness in ourselves and in our community. It outlines multicultural statistics, helps us understand our own diversity, explores the difference between programming and instinct, examines the influence of family, community, and environment in our behavior & programming, assists in uncovering inner programming which we may not be aware of, encourages the importance of listening to and seeing the world through each other’s ears and eyes, gives us tools for taking action and options for involvement, and offers suggestions for re-programming techniques.

Includes: Introduction: Personal history and background of the presenter / Statistics for a multicultural millennium — Building our awareness / The difference between programming and instinct / Understanding our own diversity — The influence of family, community, and environment / Uncovering hidden programming — Lessening the gap between our beliefs about who we are and our actual behavior / Seeing with “new” eyes, hearing with “new” ears / Suggestions for re-programming techniques / Getting involved — tools for taking action and options for involvement / Synopsis of presentation and goals of the presenter / Interactive (q&a) discussion at end of lecture

TRUE DIVERSITY WORKSHOP (EXPLORING RACE, GENDER, AND PROGRAMMING)

A one and half hour to two hour fully interactive diversity awareness workshop incorporating group discussion and problem solving techniques. It helps us understand our own diversity, allows us to share our beliefs about race, culture, gender, and programming, explores the difference between programming and instinct, gives us tools for taking action and options for involvement, and offers suggestions for re-programming techniques.

Workshop Objectives: To build upon our diversity awareness, making it stronger and more well rounded / To uncover diversity issues within ourselves which we may not be aware of, thereby lessening the gap between our beliefs about who we are and our actual behavior / To share our beliefs about race, culture, gender, and programming / To examine the difference between programming and instinct / To present powerful, effective tools for taking action and discuss options for involvement / To offer suggestions for re-programming techniques / Final synopsis of presentation and workshop goals given by presenter.

To not receive these emails in the future please email me personally at powrbabe@gmail.com and I will remove you from my list. If you have requested to be removed before and you are still accidentally on my list please accept my sincere apology and email me a reminder to remove. I will personally make sure you are removed promptly.


Questions? Contact eventwoman1@gmail.com or Event Woman, c/o FanBridge, Inc. — 14525 SW Millikan Way, #16910, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States