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Why was Ireland's approval of same-sex marriage so significant? Ireland's approval of same-sex marriage would have been virtually impossible when you consider the Catholic Church's long history in Ireland and the fact that homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until 1993, but that all changed on May 23. This decision serves as a cornerstone for LGBT rights and places Ireland at the forefront of social change. Most importantly, Ireland has sent a clear message to the world that homophobia, intolerance, and hatred are no longer welcome in modern society.
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What will the Supreme Court actually be ruling on?
June 29 the Supreme Court is set to make a ruling on whether state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, setting the stage for the U.S. to become the 20th country to legalize same-sex marriage. Ultimately, the Supreme Court has to decide if same-sex marriage is protected under "equal protection" according to the 14th amendment.
#voteYES What impact does Ireland's decision have on U.S. Supreme Court ruling? The Constitution states that foreign legal decisions should not have any inĂ&#x;uence on U.S. legal matters, but with modern technology, it's hard to ignore the obvious shift in attitude towards homosexuality (especially among the youth) worldwide. Most importantly, Ireland is the FIRST country ever to approve same-sex marriage by a vote of its people, rather than by an act of legislature, supporting the idea that the majority of the population is ready for a change.
By the time you are reading this column, the United States Supreme Court will have hopefully ruled in favor of marriage equality, thus striking down all same-sex marriage bans across the nation, including here in Louisiana. This of course will allow same-sex couples in Louisiana to get state-issued marriage licenses and have a legally recognized relationship. There are many benefits of being married, such as potential income tax advantages and spousal benefits provided by employers. There are a number of other legal options that may now be available to some same-sex couples and their families as the result of marriage equality. First, Same-sex couples often want to start and raise a family just like opposite-sex couples. For many couples, adoption may be the best way to achieve this. With marriage recognition, this path may become much easier for many committed couples for whom it has, to date, not been a practical option. Additionally, “adult adoption” was used by many same-sex couples as a means of protecting the interest of one’s partner, typically with respect inheritance issues. While this practice is not as common as it once was, as wills and proper estate planning can achieve many the same goals, it is the status for some couples. Therefore, couples in this situation who wish to
get married must void the adoption before getting married or else they are opening themselves up to many problems down the road! Lastly, let’s get to the first issue that isn’t exactly a happy issue, but a realistic issue nonetheless: Divorce. With same-sex marriage available where it was once banned, divorce now becomes an option for couples who were married in other states years ago, but unfortunately have gone their separate ways since. Until now, these couples were left with two options. First, move to the state in which they were married to establish domicile for the purposes of divorce. This has not been a practical option for most people. Second, wait until same-sex marriage is recognized in Louisiana. Now that this day has (hopefully) arrived, these couples can avail themselves of the same divorce procedure, formerly available only to opposite-sex spouses Marriage equality becoming a reality here in Louisiana is incredibly exciting, and is the result of the hard work of many activists, organizations, and legal professionals. There will be many questions and issues that arise in the coming months that result from the marriage ban being struck down. Stay informed and never hesitate to contact legal professionals with any questions you may have.
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Burguieres Gallery 736 Royal St. - FQ Bourbon Pride 909 Bourbon St. Rab Dab 918 Royal St. Fifi Mahony’s 934 Royal St. Skully’s Records 907 Bourbon St.
• Pool • Guest Laundry on-site
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Paper Specs: 100# Gloss Text Download Size: 9.5 x 12 Final Cropped Size: 8.5 x 11
Paper Specs: 100# Gloss Text Download Size: 9.5 x 12 Final Cropped Size: 8.5
Metairie, LA 70002 Country InnInn & Suites By Carlson, 1-504-835-4141 • www.countryinns.com/metairiela Country & Suites By Carlson, Paper Specs: 100# Gloss Text Download Size: 9.5 x 12 Final Cropped Size: 8.5 x 11
Metairie, LA Metairie, LA 2713 N. Causeway Boulevard 2713 N. Causeway Boulevard Metairie, LA 70002 Metairie, LA 70002 1-504-835-4141 • www.countryinns.com/metairiela
Paper Specs: 100# Gloss Text Download Size: 9.5 x 12 Final Cropped Size: 8.5
1-504-835-4141 • www.countryinns.com/metairiela
MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR MYSTIC SPRAY TAN IN TIME Paper FORSpecs: M100# EMORIAL DAY Gloss Text Download Size: 9.5 x 12 Final Cropped Size: 8.5 x 11
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Celebrates IP # World Rebuild V P Celebrates # World Rebuild VI Nir Nir ZZilberman ilberman By Mark Dawson
By Mark Dawson
A clothing retailer in West Hollywood made news earlier this year when the owner announced he was closing one of his three shops and retailer in West Hollywood made news earlier convertingAitclothing into America’s first privately owned LGBTQ Center.this year when the owner announced he was closing one of his three shops and converting it into America’s first privately owned LGBTQ Center.
The LA Jock Sport retail shop at 7990 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood, CA is now “Home”, a help center serving the LGBT The LA Jock Sport retail shop at 7990 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood, CA is now “Home”, a help center serving the LGBT communitycommunity and its allies offering free support – including legal,legal, mental health andand vocational services and by its allies by offering free support – including mental health vocational services- -totothose those in in need. need. “Home” does not seek anyseek public All monetary fundsfunds comecome fromfrom shopshop owner NirNir Zilberman. “Home” does not anydonations. public donations. All monetary owner Zilberman. “I created ‘Home’ as‘Home’ a space where individuals can meet and and workwork withwith other strong minded makethe theworld worlda a “I created as a spacestrong where minded strong minded individuals can meet other strong mindedindividuals individuals to make better place forand all, gay and straight,” proclaims Zilberman. “It’s time we wake upthe to the many issuesplaguing plaguingour our society society and better place for all, gay straight,” proclaims Zilberman. “It’s time we wake up to many issues andtake takeaction action here and now.” here and now.” As of thetwo childHolocaust of two Holocaust survivors, Zilberman always intended to create a place help people,but butitit wasn’t wasn’t until until he As the child survivors, Zilberman always intended to create a place to to help people, he made madelocal local headlines during the Sochi Olympics that he realized the time to do it was now. headlines during the Sochi Olympics that he realized the time to do it was now. It all began with a window display in his LA Jock Sport shop featuring a mannequin dressed as a Jewish Holocaust victim. The uniform
It all began with a awindow displaythe in his LA worn Jock to Sport shop featuring aprisoners mannequin dressed as camps. a JewishZilberman Holocaust victim. uniform included pink triangle, badge identify homosexual of concentration meant it asThe a political included astatement pink triangle, the badge worn tobetween identify Hitler homosexual prisoners Zilberman meant it as a political to highlight the similarities and Russia’s Putin. of Heconcentration hoped it wouldcamps. encourage the gay community – especially statement young to highlight the similarities between Hitler but andheRussia’s Putin. He“I hoped it would especially Millennials – to protest against Russia, was disappointed. didn’t realize howencourage complacentthe we gay had community become,” he –says. “We young Millennials against realize how complacent we had become,” he says. “We are living–intoa protest world where it is aRussia, crime tobut be he gaywas in 78disappointed. countries! This“Iisdidn’t no time to be complacent, people!” are living in a world where it is a crime to be gay in 78 countries! This is no time to be complacent, people!” Zilberman accuses the gay community of forgetting its past struggles and the heroes who suffered for the rights the community enjoys
“There time, not sooflong ago, when doctors refused to touch, alonewho treat,suffered homosexuals who werethe infected with HIVenjoys and Zilberman today. accuses the was gay acommunity forgetting its past struggles and the let heroes for the rights community AIDS.” today. “There was a time, not so long ago, when doctors refused to touch, let alone treat, homosexuals who were infected with HIV and AIDS.” Converting the athletic retail shop into “Home” took over six months to complete.
Converting the athletic retail shop into “Home” took over six months to complete.
In addition to its support services, it provides meeting spaces for groups working to advance LGBTQ causes, as well as free wifi, computer access, a screening room, and research facilities.
In addition to its support services, it provides meeting spaces for groups working to advance LGBTQ causes, as well as free wifi, computer access, a screening room, andaresearch “Home” is developing variety offacilities. programs designed to remind all of the rich LGBTQ history and instill a new sense of community among gays and allies. Seminars will include “Living as Transgender”, “Prep and Condom Use” and “What's Next”, a class designed to help
theiroflife’s potential. There will be political groups including oneinstill for teens called “LGBTQ Teens Areamong Our “Home” is individuals developingrealize a variety programs designed to remind all ofand thesocial rich LGBTQ history and a new sense of community Tomorrow”. gays and allies. Seminars will include “Living as Transgender”, “Prep and Condom Use” and “What's Next”, a class designed to help individuals realize their life’s potential. There will be political and social groups including one for teens called “LGBTQ Teens Are Our Tomorrow”.Home also houses a museum chronicling the LGBTQ community and its struggles though out history. aim to build a bridge that spans distance between and our present situation and out our vision Home also"We houses a museum chronicling the the LGBTQ community its struggles though history.of a better world," says Zilberman. “The beauty of the bridge is that once it is in place, anyone can cross it.”
"We aim toZilberman’s build a bridge spans will the inspire distance between present situation vision ofthe a better says Zilberman. “The hopesthat his ‘Home’ others to buildour more ‘Homes’ like it inand citiesour throughout country,world," including New Orleans. “We beauty of the thatcity once it is in place, anyone can cross it.”is too much red tape and corruption.” can’tbridge rely onisour governments to help us anymore. There Zilberman’s his ‘Home’ inspire others to more were ‘Homes’ likeforward, it in cities throughout country, including New Orleans. “We Hehopes concedes it would will be nice if billionaire likebuild Bill Gates to step but says we can’tthe rely on the wealthy either. “I’m not rich,” he our clarifies. “I’m simply fedtoup. And believe everyday can change the and world.” can’t rely on city governments help usI anymore. There people is too much red tape corruption.” https://www.facebook.com/wehohome. For it more information Home visitlike He concedes would be nice on if billionaire Bill Gates were to step forward, but says we can’t rely on the wealthy either. he clarifies. “I’m simply fed up. And I believe everyday people can change the world.”
“I’m not rich,”
For more information on Home visit https://www.facebook.com/wehohome.
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2015
P I V Pride Pride Guide "Get "Get Inspired Inspired by by What You See" Celebrate Celebrate Pride Pride Month
Los LosAngeles AngelesPride PrideJune June12-14 12-14
Pride PrideToronto Toronto June June19-28 19-28
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Gay GayPride PrideFest FestDenver DenverJune June20-21 20-21
NYC NYC Gay Gay Pride Pride June June 26-28 26-28
San San Francisco Francisco Pride Pride June June 27-28 27-28
Seattle Seattle Pride Pride June June 27-28 27-28
2015
P I V
Twin Cities Pride June 27-28
San Diego Pride July 17-18
Baton Rouge Pride Festival June 13
Pride New Orleans June 17-21
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Celebrate PRIDE
Houston LGBT Pride Celebration®
2015
HOUSTON
A multi-block celebration featuring performers on multiple stages and booths from local vendors and organizations.
For over 36 years, Pride Houston has worked at the heart of the local LGBT community to educate and celebrate the diversity within the city's large population. The Pride Festival and Pride Parade are attended by over 415,000 people every year from all over the world.
2015 marks 37 years of the Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® and its move to DOWNTOWN HOUSTON.
June 21-28, 2015
Houston Pride Week® Events:
* Eden: A Girl Party * Salvation Pool Party * Dine with Pride * Rock the Runway * Pride in the Park® * Pride Superstar® * Wonderland Houston® Wonderland Houston®, Houston's only circuit party is back this year but in a new venue. A party not to be Visit pridehouston.org missed with better sound, lighting, theme, and a even a and mygayhouston.com journey. Enjoy the experience of a land of full Desire, for more information. Mystery, and Wonder as the venue is transformed into a Winter Wonderland of imagine, confetti, lasers, fog, and SNOW!
The Parade attracts more than 115 businesses organizations and supporters. The Parade attracts over 425,000 attendees.
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go a c i h C al u n n A h 46t and l a v i t s e Pride F de! Para Chicago Pride Week Events: *Chicago Pride Parade
CHICAGO
June 20-28, 2015 Chicago Pride Weekend consists of a two-day festival and their world-famous parade.
*Chicago Pride Fest *Village People *Pride North
*Dyke March *Back Lot Bash *Slo 'Mo Presents: Paradise
Chicago Gets Bougie This Pride Pride Wars have long been fought between San Francisco and New York, and why not? Both are high-class cities with fabulous things to see and do. San Francisco has its beautiful sweeping views, cable cars, trendy Haight-Ashbury, and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. New York has Broadway, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty with her Þerce crown and miles of fancy limousines. San Francisco and New York also share one big thing in common – both cities are gay. Pretty, pretty, gay. But another city can stake claim to being glittery gay, and it has its own stylish architecture and a skyline bristling with skyscrapers. We’re talking Chicago. The windy city may not have brand name buildings like The Empire State Building but their concrete jungle appears equally as impressive. If you’re tired of doing the same coastal Pride parties over and over, year after year, why not try something less couture but still pretty damn fashionable this year? The Windy City is stepping up to the plate and celebrating pride Bougie style with Neverland’s “Bougie Ball”. Neverland promises their “Bougie Ball” will be a beautiful blend of every A-List gay (muscle boys, drag queens, bears, transsexuals, and people of all races) all dressed to impress. Not necessarily in this year’s off the runway designs, but pretty tight none-the-less. It’s the Bougie Ball, ya’ll. As creator Anthony DiFiore says, “Bougie is a lifestyle. Get into it.”
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Celebrate PRIDE 2015 Why has Chicago taken so long to jump on the Pride bandwagon? Anthony DiFiore: Honestly, I think past promoters have been intimidated by the fact that Chicago’s pride is the same weekend as the more established New York, San Francisco, and Toronto prides. But there are tons of locals and people in the Midwest who might not travel to those other cities and want something fun to do locally. We aren’t afraid to compete. Ultimately our focus at Neverland is to create a good time and make people happy. That attitude will change Chicago Pride in the years to come. Neverland has become known for its strange, unique themes. Anthony DiFiore: (Laughing) One time we had a plastic surgery party and there was actually a doctor in the VIP lounge administering botox. What exactly is a Bougie Ball? Anthony DiFiore: Bougie Ball is a celebration of all things rich and fabulous. We think it will be fun for everyone to come out that night dressed in their absolute best.
Aren’t most gay guys bougie already? Anthony DiFiore: Exactly! Everyone has their highend stuff that they would normally never wear to a nightclub. But this is the Bougie Ball! The looks will be on point. Are knock-offs allowed? Anthony DiFiore: No one cares if the Giuseppe’s on your feet are real or from some factory in China. The Bougie Ball is about feeling fabulous from the moment you walk into the party. If you’re a hot mess by the end of the night, then hopefully that’s just because you had a really great time. How will Queen Bee Ho close out the weekend? For her petite size, Queen Bee Ho commands every stage she’s on. She is a rising star who hasn’t needed RuPaul’s Drag Race to get booked all over the country. She is musically versatile, and can slay a normal drag show or a circuit party production with expert precision. The music never stops at our parties, so throughout Ivan Gomez’s set at the Pride Closing Party, Queen Bee will surprise everyone with two high-energy performances that will take the party to the next level.
by: Paul Hutnick
Tickets are available at showclix.com/event/ neverlandpride For more information: neverlandchicago.com
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r o o d t u O e l b ta e g r o f n U n a st o H o t t n a W y? t r a P r e n n i D side this
rty out a p r e n in d to host a y it n u think. t r u o o p y p n o a y h n t a f to pull of r Don't miss ie s a e 's It summer. For mal Co untr y BarBQ ue
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Pick a "Theme"
Picking an extensive theme is not necessary, however, an outdoor dinner that is tied together by an underlying element comes across as classy and feels more like an event. From black tie gala to casual barbecue, there is no shortage of great themes to work with. Not only does the use of a theme give your dinner unification, it can also help in making other decisions such as table settings, lighting and food choices much easier.
Music can make your meal dance Hiring a musician or a band is the best choice for musical entertainment for a classy dinner party. However, if you would like to keep it simple, playing some relaxing music over your outdoor speaker system or a Bluetooth speaker are great alternatives. Just be sure to have some form of music to keep your guests entertained. PG 36 | VIP
Hosting an outdoor dinner party is an excellent way to bring your friends and family together for a nice evening full of lasting memories, laughter, and of course great food. There is no better way to “show-off” your home and cooking skills. However, there are several factors to consider when planning an outdoor dinner, but if your break it down piece-by-piece it can be easy to create a beautiful evening your friends and family won't soon forget. By: Tyler Spencer
"Be Inspired"
It's all about Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in throwing a successful outdoor dinner party. No one wants to use his or her cell phone in order to see their plate. Additionally, this presents an opportunity for you to showcase your creativity or display eccentric lighting that might be out of place in a more traditional setting. Of course, use of candles is the most obvious choice and adds a classic touch to any dinner table; however, if you're looking for a classier, eclectic feel I suggest you explore using a more unique candle such as motives, tapers, and pillars. If you're looking to step “out of the box” with your lighting, I would suggest using “tiki” torches or stringing up some rope lights.
The Menu is King
.
Dinner is Ser ved
I think we can all agree that serving delicious food and drinks is the most critical aspect to hosting a successful dinner party. Keep in mind no matter how pretty your lighting and décor is, if the food is sub par that is all your guests will remember. It’s very important to consider your theme and guests when preparing your menu for the evening. For example, I would not suggest serving chicken fingers with a formal style theme or serving steak if several of your guests are vegetarians. In most cases outdoor grilling is an excellent way to provide a variety of hot, delicious entrees. Also, make sure there is an appetizer for your guests to pick at till the main course is prepared. Salad, hors d’oeuvres, and fruit/veggie plates are all excellent options. A strawberry cheesecake along with some vanilla ice cream is a winner for dessert in my book, but that’s just me. When it comes to drinks, fun summer cocktails can be simple to make and a big hit with your guests. A bright, fruity cocktail can be refreshing and help combat the summer heat. Of course, you can never go wrong with an excellent bottle of wine.
Bugs Be Gone We all know the number one challenge to having an outdoor dinner in the south, speciÞcally New Orleans, is the ever-lasting battle between man and mosquito. Even the best dinner party can be obliterated with the presence of these pesky bloodsuckers. I, for one, don't want to have to be constantly swatting mosquitos while trying to enjoy my meal. Be sure to have an ample supply of bug spray available to your guests. Also, citronella candles can be very effective in deterring mosquitos and can add another element to your lighting. PG # | VIP
The Ar' of Review
A New Gay Earth
Review by Tim Larcombe
Hans M. Hirschi's New Book Explores Gay Life 500 Years in the Future In Willem of the Tafel, the gripping new gay novel from Hans M. Hirschi, the world we know is gone. Set centuries into the future, it is a post-apocalyptic Earth where few have survived the Great War. Those that remain have taken refuge underground, deep beneath a mountain.
The novel’s main character is seventeen-year-old Willem. When he is exiled and forced to the surface, he must struggle to survive a battered world that is the result of our generation’s carelessness. Luckily he meets Hery, another young man, who helps him along the path to his destiny. What do we need to do? If I had the answer to that, I’d be in rich and in politics. I think it lies somewhere on how we raise our children, and the example we set It’s interesting to think that there is hope for ourselves. We have to lead by example, and the LGBT community is not the LGBT community. 500 years into the always a shining example. Racism, like discrimination can take many future, being gay is completely acceptable. shapes, not just black and white, but also young and old, manly and When it comes down to it, I believe the effeminate... Every time we say no to someone simply based on attributes, question of gay rights is closely tied to we are part of the problem. We have to start with ourselves, and that is a people’s prosperity. Unemployment, hunger, lot more difficult than pointing fingers, asking others to go first. We also and hopelessness all lead to people need to show a lot more courage in reminding people when an opinion is searching for scapegoats, and as most based on people’s attributes rather than their actions. Too often, we look minorities are, we are easy targets. Once we the other way. tackle the big issues, tolerance will follow. If The book also touches on issues of racism. Do you truly believe racism despair prevails, intolerance will increase. can be eradicated? I do believe racism can be eradicated, and I would argue it the same way I would with the acceptance of the LGBT community. Willem of the Tafel by Hans M. Hirschi will be available digitally and in softcover Thursday, May 28, 2015 on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple’s iBookstore, Smashwords, and at selected local bookstores.
"In Tafel, people simply get it. It makes absolutely no sense to discriminate." Hans M. Hirschi
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504.455.1756 or Email your ad to editor@myVIPmag.us Serving the Louisiana LGBT Community The Louisiana Equality Foundation was formed in August of 2014 to heighten awareness of the on-going issues that face the LGBT community. We are a state-wide organization based in New Orleans, with goals focused on issues of the domestic and social nature; including, but not limited to homelessness, bullying, substance abuse, suicide prevention, workplace discrimination, public health issues, and the infirm. http://www.louisianaequalityfoundation.org/ We host community speak outs the first Saturday of every month with a different topic each month. 3-4PM - they are an excellent source of education and information that we tend to forget about in our community.Â
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When you're financially prepared, it boosts your pride each and every day. At Regions, we help you achieve what matters to you, like financial security, homeownership and a plan for your future. Insights by Regions is a great place to start, with online tools, tips and calculators you can use to move your life forward. Are you ready? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to help.
REGIONS CELEBRATES LGBT PRIDE MONTH.
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