She Magazine—May '15

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DIRECTOR’S CHAIR I’ve spent the last couple of weeks trying to wrap me head around the idea of volunteering. There are multiple areas in life where this volunteering thing comes into play. A couple of times, I volunteered to take on this really big task at home. By the third time, I realized it had began to be expected of me to do it and suddenly the, “Thank you so much for doing that,” became, “You know, I really wish you hadn’t done this while you were doing that.” Translation? Appreciation was replaced with criticism.

Not long ago, I volunteered to help a couple of friends manage their money and bills, so they would always know exactly how much play money they had and wouldn’t over-extend themselves. Of course, sometimes when you live paycheck to paycheck, you have to find ways to rob Peter to pay Paul. Everything went like clockwork for several months, until the day that the words, “Thank you so much for helping us with this,” became, “I can’t believe you didn’t pay Peter yet this month.” Translation? Appreciation was replaced with criticism.

For the last nine years, I have volunteered within my home community. While many communities turn to management companies to do the work, we chose to do it ourselves, not only to save money but also because no management company will care as much about our community as those who actually live here. The last year has been a very taxing one, as virtually every volunteer has found that the words, “Thank you so much for all you do for us,” became, “I can’t believe you decided to do it like that.” Translation? Well, you get it.

Today I am faced with a rather important decision, because by tonight I must know whether or not I am willing to continue to volunteer in my community. There is a huge part of me that doesn’t want to do it. It’s the same part that wants to be able to sit back and watch others experience what it feels like when you work your ass off only to have someone else— who isn’t willing to do the job—come along and be critical of how you did it. Yet, in my heart I know that I really am the best equipped to volunteer to do the job. And I also know that if I sit back and watch someone, who doesn’t have the skill set, attempt to do something they just don’t know how to do, I will wind up being one of the people who criticizes how they do it. It’s like sending a car mechanic in to perform brain surgery, while the brain surgeon—who refused to do the surgery—watches from the crow’s nest shouting, “No, no! Not like that!” and then gets bitter when the patient becomes a vegetable.

I’m not saying I am a brain surgeon. Rocket scientist, perhaps, but certainly not a brain surgeon. I’m just saying that this whole volunteering thing loses the warm and fuzzy feeling of “giving back” when you are faced with constant criticism. When you are paid to do a job, you are also paid to deal with the critics and with others who want to tell you a different way to do your job. But when, out of the kindness of your heart, you volunteer your time, energy, knowledge and love to do a job that no one else is lining up to do, you have to have some seriously thick skin to take the constant nay-saying.

I’m not sure what I will do tonight. I suppose I’ll let my conscience guide me in the moment. One thing I do know is that I now have a greater appreciation for those who are willing to step up and volunteer to do things that no one else can or will do. And I am reminding myself—and you—that See you next month.

Tina Sordellini Managing Executive Editor

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MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY DIRECTOR SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EDITORS Marissa Cohen • Shawn Nicholson Denise Warner • Donna Solomon-Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Azzopardi • Marissa Cohen Verónica Espinal • The Village Sage Tina Sordellini • Denise Warner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Verónica Espinal • Yadira Claralt Shawn Nicholson • Angie Sowers Juan Saco Mironoff • Boi-Photography SALES ASSOCIATES Maria Espinal • Marissa Cohen ads@shemag.com DISTRIBUTION JR Davis • Randy Justice SUBSCRIPTIONS www.shemag.com EDITORIAL OFFICE 6511 Nova Drive, #173 • Davie, FL 33317 954.354.9751 office info@shemag.com • www.shemag.com facebook

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SHE: WOMEN OWNED. WOMEN OPERATED. WOMEN EMPOWERED! The ideas and opinions expressed in She Magazine do not necessarily reflect opinions of Shemag, L.L.C., She Magazine, or of editors or staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization should not be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of that person or organization. All advertising subject to approval by She Magazine. She Magazine/Shemag, L.L.C. is not responsible for unauthorized use or copyright infringement as present in camera ready, client provided ads, nor is it liable for any loss or suit arising from submitted advertisement, copy, photography, or artwork. Reproduction of She Magazine, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Shemag, L.L.C.

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in this issue

may 2015 / volume 17 / issue 4

“...I never experienced people hating, no hate crimes or anything like that, until well into the industry.”

20

16 features 16 KELLY CLARKSON “...you can be sexy and risqué, but some of these women have these amazing voices and these amazing ideals, and they have more to offer than just that.”

18 AQUA GIRL The weeklong festivities, infused with a comic book theme, will feature events such as speed dating, wine and cheese receptions, networking, dancing, body painting and pool parties galore.

20 GIRLS IN WONDERLAND Now fifteen years later, Girls In Wonderland (GIW) is the largest women’s week on the east coast with thousands of women flocking from across the country for four days of non-stop parties, girls, shows, pool parties, more girls, music, theme parks and well, more girls.

26 DIVERSITY HONORS This milestone event will recognize national honoree Judy Shepard, founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, plus several South Florida leaders who have made a significant impact on improving the quality of life for the LGBT community. she espaÑol 24 NOTICIAS 25 SOY MUJER

photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 TAMPA PRIDE PARADE 27 she scene 2

departments 06 DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 10 MULTIMEDIA 14 IN THE NEWS 22 SHE GIRL 26 ON THE SHELVES 30 SCOPES

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>> READ OUR FREE DIGITAL EDITION AT WWW.SHEMAG.COM

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multimedia

with marissa cohen

Your high school rage was fueled by Tori Amos’s dark fairy tale lyrics and her piano became the ultimate instrument of female expression. Now, the 1990s classics Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink finally get the deluxe edition treatment in two-disk sets that revisit all the rage and passion of songs like “Precious Things,” “Cornflake Girl,” and the chilling “Me and a Gun.” Available now.

Queen Latifah stars as queer blues legend Bessie Smith in HBO’s biopic (May 16) for lesbian director Dee Rees. Bessie Smith, the most successful black vocalist of her era, had several same-sex affairs in spite of being twice married to men. Mo’Nique is Ma Rainey, the singer rumored to have been Smith’s first lesbian lover.

Of course, we’ll get to hear Queen Latifah singing timeless Bessie hits. With Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander.

Get it over with and call in sick to work on May 8th. Why? Oh, no big deal, kids. Just the original Netflix release of Grace and Frankie, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as rivals whose husbands (Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen) leave them for each other. Let’s say that one more time: Fonda and Tomlin, together for the first time since 1980’s Nine to Five, in 13 streaming, hilarious episodes. What an obsessive, no-I-haven’t-showered-in-twodays treat. With June Diane Raphael.

Anne Stott’s Love Never Dies is a wonder of an eclectic indie rock experience. Love Never Dies features “We Are Here,” a musical dare that begs us to seize the day. “Your eyes show me all my lies,” Stott sings on “I’ve Known Your Name Before,” a guitar-driven exploration of a mysterious relationship. Stott’s a bewitching cross between The Pretenders front woman Chrissie Hynde and Joni Mitchell. Run, don’t walk. Available now.

Lost Girl is back with season 5 on the Syfy Network. Bisexual succubus Bo continues to learn how to control her powers and discovers some frightening answers to her origins.

From the first episode where Bo goes to hell to save her family, to later in the series when she poses undercover on Fae dating websites, the fifth season of Lost Girl is not to be missed. With Anna Silk, Zoie Palmer. Airs Fridays at 10pm.

In Hot Pursuit, Reese Witherspoon plays a type-A cop charged with protecting Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara as the sexy widow of a drug boss. Before long, the mismatched duo is running from danger in the form of gunmen and crooked cops. Anne Fletcher of The Proposal directs this dream team comedy fest. Did I mention Reese Witherspoon’s in uniform? With Robert Kazinsky, Richard T. Jones. In theatres May 8.

NOT TO BE MISSED: Grammy award winner Ciara’s sixth album Jackie featuring the sexy single “I Bet.” Plus, Ciara will co-star in the new variety

series I Can Do That! America’s brightest entertainers will come together to compete and showcase their incredible talent. Premieres May 26 at 10pm on NBC. With Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Burke.

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some of the women who came out to celebrate with a theme of Proud, Determined & United during tampa pride’s parade in historic Ybor in Tampa, fl. see you in 2016! photos by boi-photography.com

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in the news National Adoption Organization Takes Stand for Marriage Equality The Donaldson Adoption Institute (DAI) endorsed nationwide, in a blog, marriage equality in support of thousands of youth in need of foster or adoptive parents.

April Dinwoodie and Kimberly Paglino authored the post, titled, “In Good Conscience,” and outlined the significant positive impact nationwide marriage equality could have on children.

“We cannot, as a country, espouse the principle of equality in theory only; our actions must always reflect this core value as well. DAI urges our supporters to stand with us in opposing any law, policy or regulation that treats families unequally and harms children.

Changes in laws and policies are a critical first step to address these issues; even then that doesn’t guarantee a change in behavior. So from there we must all actively engage in changing our attitudes and beliefs about adoption, foster care and what it means to be family...”

The post also takes a stand against the spate of anti-LGBT bills that have been introduced in state legislatures around the country this year. The bills include measures that would allow discrimination in adoption and foster care and give service providers the power to deny child welfare services to the very people who need our care the most.

As May marks National Foster Care Month, HRC has partnered with DAI in advocating for LGBT adoption nationwide.

A recent study in Los Angeles found that nearly 20 percent of youth in foster care are LGBTQ-identified – that means the percentage of youth in foster care who are LGBTQ is between 1.5 and 2 times that of youth living outside of foster care.

Throughout the month of May, HRC, in collaboration with FosterClub, is celebrating National Foster Care Month by sharing the

Equality Florida celebrates the defeat of two bills and the passage of another As this year’s regular legislative session draws to a close, Equality Florida is thankful that two anti-LGBT measures did not pass; and that one very good bill for all Floridians is on its way to the governor.

HB 583, which would have made it a crime for transgender people to use single-sex bathrooms and other facilities not corresponding to their assigned sex at birth, failed to reach the floor. Two House committees did approve it, with most Republicans in support, but it stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.

HB 7111, which would have worked against the needs of foster children by allowing tax-supported adoption agencies to discriminate against qualified prospective parents because of religious or personal bias, did pass the House. But it died when the powerful Senate Rules Committee decided not to put it on the full Senate agenda.

stories of LGBTQ youth in foster care as well as the families and organizations that work to support them. Check out all National Foster Care Month blog posts at hrc.org

may: it’s national masturbation month!

National Masturbation Day, also known as International Masturbation Day, is an annual event celebrated on May 7or May 28, to protect the right to masturbate.

The first National Masturbation Day was first observed May 7, 1995, after sex-positive retailer, Good Vibrations, declared the day in honor of Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, the first African American appointed as Surgeon General of the United States. In 1994, she was invited to speak at a United Nations conference on AIDS. She was asked whether it would be appropriate to promote masturbation as a means of preventing young people from engaging in riskier forms of sexual activity, and she replied, “I think that it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught.” This remark caused great controversy and resulted in Elders losing the support of the White House. White House chief of staff Leon Panetta remarked, “There have been too many areas where the President does not agree with her views. This is just one too many.”

International Masturbation Day has since been expanded to include the entire month of May as International Masturbation Month. Enjoy yourself!

On the positive side, an overhaul of Florida’s foster care system, designed to improve foster children’s chances for adoption, includes a repeal of the state’s ban on gay or lesbian adoptions. That ban, enacted in 1977, has not been enforced since 2010, when a state appeals court ruled it was unconstitutional. Religious conservatives fought the repeal nonetheless.

Assuming that Gov. Rick Scott signs the bill, the ban will now be removed from state statutes. The repeal was spearheaded by the Legislature’s one openly gay member, State Rep. David Richardson, DMiami Beach. eqfl.org

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MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HONOR COMMUNITY LEADERS AT THE 14TH ANNUAL GALA AWARDS CELEBRATION: “THE SAPPHIRE GALA”

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has just announced its 14th Annual Gala and Awards Celebration: “The Sapphire Gala,” Presented by Wells Fargo.

Honoring corporate and individual supporters of the Miami-Dade LGBT community, over 500 guest are expected to be in attendance to pay tribute to the honorees selected for their longterm commitment to fostering diversity, as well as for their efforts in contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life in South Florida. While at its core, the Gala is a networking event, the evening will have many surprises to make it a fun and memorable experience.

Those who will be honored and recognized this year are: “Business of the Year Award”—DecoBike, LLC “Business Person of the Year Award”—Cindy Brown “Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award”—Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County “Bob Balsam Civic Achievement Award”—Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine The Sapphire Gala will take place on Saturday, June 13th at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach at 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. The Gala is set to start at 6pm with a Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction, followed by a Grand Buffet at 7:30pm, its Awards Celebration right at 9pm and closing at 10pm with and After Soiree Dancing and Entertainment.

Tickets are $200 each or $2,000 for a table of 10 and include reserved seating, grand buffet, open bar, gift bag, parking, and raffle participation. For more information and tickets, visit GAYBIZMIAMI.COM, GAYBIZGALA.COM, call (305) 673-4440 or email RSVP@gaybizmiami.com.

WEBINAR: CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH ON LGBT DISCRIMINATION AND WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS Williams Institute experts will present on the latest research on LGBT discrimination, the effectiveness of non-discrimination protections, RFRs, and the business case for LGBT inclusion.

Areas of research discussed will include: • ongoing discrimination against LGBT people, • the health and economic impact of discrimination on LGBT people, • additional challenges that transgender people face and the cost of transition-related health care services to employers, • religious exemptions, and • the economic impacts of discrimination.

Some of the speakers include Gary Gates (moderator), Blachford-Cooper Distinguished Scholar and Research Director, is a recognized expert on the demography of the LGBT population. M.V. Lee Badgett , also the director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as a professor of economics. Christy Mallory, Anna M. Curren Fellow and Senior Counsel, oversees state law and policy work at the Williams Institute.

The webminar will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 - 10:30AM PDT. You can regiter at WILLIAMSINSTITUTE.LAW.UCLA.EDU

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO SAVE CHAMPIONS OF EQUALITY May 8 • 6PM 1717 N. Bayshore Drive, Miami • save.lgbt DIVERSITY HONORS May 9 • 7PM - 10PM Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Hwy., Hollywood, FL diversityhonors.org HARVEY MILK DIVERSITY BREAKFAST May 11 • 7:30AM - 10AM Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando thecenterorlando.org AQUA GIRL May 13 - 17 • Various locations/times Miami Beach, FL • aquagirl.org FILM: THE MISTERY OF PICASSO May 14 • 3PM & 6PM

NSU Art Museum, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale • nsuartmuseum.org 24TH ANNUAL ISLAND CITY CANOE RACE May 16 • 10 AM Colohatchee Boat Ramp 1975 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors ISLAND PAWS RESCUE’S 3RD ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT May 16 • 11 AM - 9 PM Pompano Beach Gol;f Course 1101 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach islandpawsrescue.org ART OF WINE AND FOOD SERIES PRESENTS PINTS & PALATES May 21 • 6PM NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO May 21 • 8 PM

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Hwy., Hollywood, FL EQUALITY FLORIDA GREATER ST. PETERSBURG GALA May 29 • 7:30PM Mahaffey Theater • 400 1st St SE, Saint Petersburg, FL • eqfl.org/greaterstpetegala DEERFIELD BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL May 30 • 1PM - 9 PM Quiet Waters Park • 401 S. Powerline Road deerfieldbeachwineandfoodfestival.com LIVING IN LIMBO: LESBIAN FAMILIES IN THE DEEP SOUTH through June 28 Stonewall National Museum/Wilton Manors Gallery • 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors stonewall-museum.org

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on the cover

by Chris Azzopardi / photos by RCA Records

Before catapulting to pop stardom, Kelly Clarkson was one of us. In many ways, she still is.

The original American Idol, who memorably erupted into waterworks when she won the first season of the reality show in 2002, wasn’t always able to muster the willpower she’s instilled in the gay community through her uncompromising persona and liberating pop anthems, including those on her latest album, Piece by Piece.

That’s just the charm of Clarkson, who opens up in our new interview about overcoming teen inferiorities, diehard lesbian fans who call themselves “Kezbos,” driving Bette Midler to “suicide,” and that night she sipped some wine, felt “sad” for our generation and wrote a powerful song about it.

Kelly, take my hand. I wanna go back with you.

The imagery!

Tell me the moment in your career you first knew gay people worshipped at your altar.

Get social with kelly @kelly_clarkson kellyclarkson.com

(Laughs) Oh my god, that’s amazing! It was the Breakaway World Tour (in 2005), the first tour for the Breakaway record, and it was so awesome.

One girl on tour came up and just introduced herself and was like, “I’m a Kezbo,” and I was like, “What?!” She was like, “A Kezbo, your lesbian fans.” And I was like, “Wait—there’s enough of you to have a group? That’s amazing! Awesome! Go me!” She was like, “Yeah, we just love you. We’re gonna bring you to the other side.” I was like, “All right, well, keep trying!” Then, on the same tour, I had this guy and he was so funny! Because, you know I’m a huge fan of Bette Midler and have been since I saw For the Boys when I was a kid and he’s like, “You’re our new Bette!” (Laughs) I was like, “You need to aim higher. Bette Midler

just shot herself! I’m not that cool, but I will work on gaining the respect of that compliment.”

Is it hard to fathom yourself a gay icon?

I guess it’s hard to fathom you can be an icon in general. I don’t consider myself an icon at all, but no, I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends and they like my stuff, so I guess it’s not so hard for me to think (the gay community) might like my music. But I don’t know—I’m not an icon. I’ve only been doing this for 13 years. You’ve gotta be doing it for a good 20 to gain that status.

When it comes to your strong bond with the gay community, how do you explain that connection?

I have a connection, but I don’t look at it differently. I don’t ever look at a fan as a gay fan or a lesbian fan or a straight fan, I don’t ever look at that. Fans are fans, and no matter what our lives are like, no matter what path we’re on, music is the one thing that connects us. I mean, I had so much fun at this club recently. It’s called G-A-Y, this club in London, and everybody knew all the words to every song. Even the new one! And they were gay and straight and lesbian, everybody was there. It didn’t matter. It was just really cool.

It was a cool event, and it was fun. It’s what I love about music, that it doesn’t matter. That’s what connects us.

What was your very first time at a gay bar like?

Oh gosh, that would’ve been in LA, and I was probably 22. I went with some of my friends and a couple of my gay friends, and they were like, “You’re gonna love this! But you’re gonna need to wear a hat.” They played “Since U Been Gone,” and it was so funny because nobody knew I was there. I had a blast! The awesome thing, for girls especially: Because most gay bars that I’ve been to, and I guess I’ve been to four or five, are all

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gay men and not lesbians, and being a straight female, you don’t get hit on the whole time, you don’t get people grabbing you or, like, being gross. There’s no judgment, and it’s just fun.

You’re not worried about going, “No, thank you, I can buy my own drinks.” It’s the most fun club and fun time you’ll ever have in your life.

The song “Invincible” alludes to overcoming self-doubts and insecurities. In your own life, when did you most experience those hurdles, and when did you finally accept yourself for who you are?

In high school, and you know, I was having a hard time. I guess all people go through it, it’s just a different time period for all of us. When I was a sophomore in high school, it was the one time (in my life) I felt like I was insecure. It was just an awkward stage for me. Well, as was junior high, but I just wasn’t aware of it yet. (Laughs) I’ve always been different. I’ve never been the girl that has to feel like she has to get all dolled up every day. I’ve always been kind of a tomboy.

I’ve always been very outspoken, and, you know, my mom is too. I don’t know any other way to be.

It’s just my personality. In my sophomore year of high school, I got a little insecure about (my personality), because girls can be mean and I got the lead in this role in choir. No sophomore was ever supposed to get it, so people were just really mean about it. And, like, mean. Worse than the movie! (Laughs) It made me insecure, and not so much (in regard to) my music or as a singer or an artist, just me as a person. I was like, “Is there something wrong (with me)?” I would go, “But I think I’m a good friend.” That was the only time that I was really doubtful of my person. But I got over that real quick!

Growing up in small-town Texas, when did you get your first taste of gay culture?

Did you even know gay people then?

Yeah! Nobody was outspoken like they are now.

I think it’s more comfortable, well, I don’t know.

A couple of friends of mine just recently came out to their parents and one was just about the most horrible situation ever. So I think that still happens, unfortunately. But when I was a kid, I had a couple of my friends in choir with me. I think everybody knew (they were gay), but it wasn’t talked about or anything. Honestly, I grew up in such a creative environment. Even in our choral group, even with my friends, nobody really talked about it, nobody was against or for it.

There were no flags of any kind, of race, of who liked who. I feel like I grew up in a really incredibly good bubble. I never experienced people hating, no hate crimes or anything like that, until well into the industry. With Idol, people would say hateful things about certain contestants on

the show, and I was like, “What in the world?!” I, fortunately, grew up in a world where that wasn’t a huge issue.

But you were raised Southern Baptist, a denomination that condemns homosexuality. What was the journey like to get to where you are now, a staunch supporter of gay marriage?

At my church, whenever I did attend Sunday service, that was never talked about. I know that is what the doctrine of Southern Baptist is, but they also said don’t drink and dance, but we drank and danced! (Laughs) I don’t think I grew up in some hardcore community where people were like that. I grew up in a very accepting household. I was taught to accept everybody how they are, and I admire my mom for that. She’s never taught me hate.

I gotta ask about your baby girl, River Rose.

Because she’s magical. She’s a magical unicorn.

You know, in some circles, the unicorn is a gay symbol.

Oh, I didn’t know that! But I love it. That’s what I call my baby!

Speaking of which, how might you and your hubby handle it if River turned out to be lesbian?

I don’t care. I mean, here’s what I hope for her: I just hope she finds love. It took me a while, man.

And there was a lot of heartache throughout those years. You know, as long as she’s happy, I don’t care either way. Neither does my husband.

We have two other kids as well, and we don’t care either way for all of them.

If one of them were to come out to you, what would you say?

I’d be like, “Awesome! When do we meet him or her?” Honestly, it’s so funny, it doesn’t even register in my world as different. I don’t know why.

But yeah, it doesn’t. I’m glad it doesn’t!

During the song “I Had a Dream,” which you wrote about setting an example for future generations, you say, “Spreading your legs instead of using your words.”

Older generations often criticize the industry for peddling so much sex. When you look out at pop culture currently, where do you stand concerning its use of sex? And how satisfied are you with the examples these artists are setting for people like your kids and future generations?

There’s a reason why women have been revered as long as we have been, even back in the day most statues are of us; most paintings are of us, (and it’s because) we’re a beautiful form, and I get it. I get that that is sexy. I’m so in support of

that. I love a sexy video. I don’t even mind raciness. I don’t mind that at all. I just mind when people use that as the entire basis of their career.

The only reason that I say that is because I feel those people are short-sighting themselves. I’m like, “You’re far more talented than that.” Yes, you can be sexy and risqué, but some of these women have these amazing voices and these amazing ideals, and they have more to offer than just that. The song actually came about because I was sitting around with some friends, we were all drinking some wine, and I was like, “Man, when you were 10 were you not just so excited about our generation and what we were gonna accomplish?” And then you look now and we’re still talking about race and we’re still talking about equal rights for everyone, didn’t you think we’d be past that? Didn’t you think we’d be more? I ended up writing a song about that because it’s just kind of a sad thing. I just felt like our generation, I think we could’ve been more. It was just a sad moment for me, reflecting.

Gosh. That’s real deep, Kelly.

(Laughs) I can go dark real quick!

Why was it important for you to include a gay couple getting engaged in the “Heartbeat Song” video?

What’s funny is, I wasn’t even actually the one who picked all the people! Marc (Klasfeld), the director, and his team did. But it was funny, because I was doing an interview here in Nashville at one of the radio stations and one of the DJs there was like, “I’m gonna be in your video tomorrow!” And I was like, “Whaaaat?” And he was like, “Yeah! I asked if I could bring my boyfriend and they said yes.” We had no idea that his boyfriend, I mean, he didn’t know either, was gonna propose to him on the set! At first he thought it was part of the video. He didn’t get it at first, and that’s why he was like, “Are you for real? I don’t get it.” But it was the coolest thing that ended up happening, but none of that, honestly, was planned. It just kind of happened, and it was a beautiful thing.

And it’s sending an important message, don’t you think?

I think it’s silly that we’re still talking about gay rights. I just live in this world where people are accepted, so it’s very hard for me to even realize that that still exists. It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around it. That (gay couple) was a nobrainer, and I didn’t even think, “Oh, I’m making a statement for gay rights.” I was making a statement for the loss of love and the hope that you can still find it, regardless of what form that comes in. It wasn’t a purposeful thing. Love is love in whatever relationship it may be in.

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feature

For the past fifteen years, thousands of beautiful women from around the globe have gathered on the sands of Miami Beach for five extraordinary days of events for women who love women. This year’s Aqua Girl 2015 (May 13-17, 2015) promises to deliver an experience unlike any other in Aqua Girl history. The weeklong festivities, infused with a comic book theme, will feature events such as speed dating, wine and cheese receptions, networking, dancing, body painting and pool parties galore.

“We’re extremely excited for the sixteenth installment of Aqua Girl. We’ve come such a long way! We’ve assembled a variety of options to meet the interests of a wide spectrum of women—from dancing the night away to the sounds of our headliner DJ, Tamara Sky at our Temptation dance party, to networking and mingling at our sophisticated Miami VIP cocktail reception or simply chilling by the pool with friends while watching Shannon Defreitas body paint models live on stage at one of our three pool parties. There will be something for everyone,” says Caitlin Wood, Executive Director at Aqua Foundation for Women.

Other musical talents include DJ Citizen Jane, DJ Tatiana, DJ Miss M and DJ Zehno. Non-musical guests include Rose Garcia of The Romi and Rose Show who will be hosting the pool parties and the Miami Heat Dancers.

Aqua Girl Lineup ---------------

Wednesday, 5/13 - 7p -10p Chemistry: A Speed Dating Experiment Radio South Beach • 814 1st St., Miami Beach Come be a part of our speed dating experiment and meet the girl of your dreams. Many others already have!

Thursday, 5/14 - 8p - 11p Sip & Savor Wine and Cheese Reception Betsy Hotel • 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach Mix and mingle with the ladies of Aqua Girl while sipping on savory wine and tasty cheeses on the rooftop of the beautiful Betsy Hotel.

Thursday, 5/14 - 10p - 4a Traffic Jam Dream Nightclub • 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Everyone receives a glow necklace when they arrive. Red means she’s taken, yellow means approach with caution and green means go for it! Sounds by DJ Citizen Jane & DJ Miss M. Friday, 5/15 - 12p - 7pm Splash Pool Party National Hotel • 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach The Friday pool party at Aqua Girl 2015 is free

this year. You’re welcome. Hosted by Rose Garcia with sounds by DJ Miss M and DJ Zehno.

Friday, 5/15 - 7p - 10p Miami VIP Cocktail Reception Location TBA* Join us for light bites and tasty cocktails at this sophisticated VIP event. Special performances

by CircX. Friday, 5/15 - 10p - 4a Fuego Dance Party • Location TBA* Check your inhibitions at the door as we pay tribute to the Latin flavors that have made Miami famous. Enjoy the sight of sexy dancer Ivy LesVixen and sizzling sounds of the tropics, all in an upscale, sophisticated atmosphere.

Sounds by DJ Citizen Jane and DJ Tatiana.

Saturday, 5/16 - 11a - 6p Aqualicious Pool Party National Hotel • 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Hosted by Rose Garcia with sounds by DJ Zehno, DJ Tatiana, DJ Miss M and DJ Citizen Jane.

Live body painting by Shannon DeFreitas.

Saturday, 5/16 - 10p - 4a Temptation Dance Party

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Grand Central • 697 N. Miami Ave, Miami An unforgettable, dazzling experience of lights, sounds and visuals.

Sounds by DJ Citizen Jane and DJ Tamara Sky. Sunday, 5/17 - 12p - 6p Aqua Tea Dance + Pool Party National Hotel • 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach For those of you who missed Saturday’s pool party or just couldn’t get enough of the girls in bikinis in and around the sexiest pool in town, we have created a Sunday for you! Hosted by Rose Garcia with sounds by DJ Zehno, DJ Tatiana and DJ Citizen Jane.

Sunday, 5/17 - 7p - 11p Karaoke • Location TBA Calling all rock stars to join us for a fun-filled evening of karaoke!

Sunday, 5/17 - 11p - 3a Afterglow • Location TBA* We’re going to make you sweat on our closing night. Sounds by DJ Tatiana.

Tickets and passes are available online at aquagirl.org. The new and improved VIP and Weekend Passes (aka “Superhero” and “Sidekick” Passes) provide Aqua Girl guests with a variety of entertainment options. The Superhero Pass includes VIP access to all events, along with a dedicated concierge who will be available to assist you with anything and everything during your trip. The Sidekick Pass provides guests with open bar at the infamous Saturday pool party, Aqua Girl’s signature event. Passes are selling fast so purchasing as soon as possible is strongly encouraged.

For more information and to purchase tickets, passes and reserve cabanas at Aqua Girl 2015, visit aquagirl.org , email info@aquafoundation.org or get social @aquagirlFL. *At presstime, no location was confirmed. Check aquagirl.org for new information.

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feature

It feels like it was just yesterday when the annual pilgrimage to Orlando in June became a right of passage for the women of Florida, that is the year that Girls In Wonderland made its debut with a one night dance party that ‘raised the roof’. Now fifteen years later, Girls In Wonderland (GIW) is the largest women’s week on the east coast with thousands of women flocking from across the country for four days of non-stop parties, girls, shows, pool parties, more girls, music, theme parks and well, more girls.

This year from June 4 to June 7 the team over at Pandora events, who produce some of the biggest and best women’s events and destination weekends in the country, are sprinkling their fairy dust on this years party planning and promise all a weekend to remember. In its 14 previous years, the weekend has showcased some stellar LGBT entertainment and sexy beats by the hottest girl DJs in the country. There have been hook ups, break ups, new friends made and lifelong memories created.

If the dance parties, pool parties, comedy show, concerts, celebrities and thousands of women aren’t enough check out the 3rd Annual DINE OUT, a three course dinner at the critically acclaimed restaurant, Maxine’s on Shine, with a live jazz performance. Best of all 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Zebra Coalition, a non-profit network of organizations, which provide services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth.

The country’s largest all-girl resort takeover in the country, that’s right, we completely take over the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, just blocks from the front entrance to Walt Disney World, for the entire weekend so you can enjoy events at the hotel, jump on a shuttle to a theme park. Guests will enjoy luxury rooms, most overlooking the beautiful pools of the Palms Pool Club featuring two pools, a full service cabana bar and grill, fire pit and water wall. Get a bite to eat or a signature cocktail visit the Zest restaurant and lounge. Best of all rooms start at just $114 a night and hotel guests will get many great perks like free welcome parties on Wednesday and Thursday evening along with (2) pool party passes per room to enjoy all the fun.

Bikinis by day, party clothes by night, the immediate goal is on pure satisfaction. But this feel-good weekend is also a do-good event.

Pandora producers are pioneers in producing women’s events for charity. Good causes motivate them. Indeed, Girls in Wonderland pays homage and a portion of the weekend’s proceeds to the trailblazing NCLR, The National Council for Lesbian Rights. This dynamic group is committed to the rights and safety of lesbians, the greater LGBT community

and their families through litigation, public policy and education.

At Girls in Wonderland, there is something for everyone to enjoy, so back your bags, grab your friends and head to WONDERLAND! // Thursday - June 4, 2015 • 5pm – 7pm // BUD LIGHT HAPPY HOUR Mix and mingle with new friends at the 27 Palms Pool Club after you have checked in and check out the new poolside cabana and fire pit at our fabulous new home. Free Bud Light for GIW attendees.

Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, 12205 S Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando • 7pm-9:30pm // DINE OUT: A benefit for the Zebra Coalition An evening of wonderful food, wine and new friends at one of the best restaurants in Orlando all to benefit the Zebra Coalition, a network of organizations which provide services to LGBT, and all youth. Enjoy a three course dinner and wine pairing. $60 in advance.

Maxine’s on Shine, 337 Shine Ave, Orlando

• 10pm-2:30am // Traffic Jam We are taking over the hottest venue in Orlando for this kick-off dance party that lives up to its name! Sexy go-go girls work the traffic all night long and hot DJs keep the main floor jumpin’. This night is packed, get there early. $10 in advance and $15 at the Door.

Ember, 42 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 // Friday - June 5, 2015 • 12pm – 5 pm // WET POOL PARTY Get ‘wet’ at the first pool party of the weekend. Indulge in the scenery.

Relax, swim, eat, drink, and dance at our new pool while our DJs make waves on the turntables. Cabanas and VIP Bottle Service are available. $15/Advance – $18/Door • Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

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• 5pm – 7pm // NCLR WELCOME COCKTAIL RECEPTION Here’s your chance to meet the amazing ladies of the National Center for Lesbian Rights over colorful cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music with Melissa Crispo. Also, you can pick up information on the weekend’s parties and play for giveaways! • Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort • 7:30pm – 9:30pm // Out for Laughs Comedy Show Join us for an evening of laughs with one of today’s hottest lesbian comics in the country. $25 in advance / $30 at the door.

Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort • 9pm – 2am // CLIMAX Guest DJ Pat-Pat rocks the house downstairs with top 40 dance and hip hop favorites. Go-Go’s Galore. $15 in advance / $20 at the door. VIP Open Bar Available for VIP Pass Holders. • Location TBA • 2am – 5am // Afterglow The party continues back at the hotel, y’all! DJs throws down house, indie beats and more in the Bud Light Disco for a late night social. $10 cover. • Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

// Saturday - June 6, 2015 • 11 am – 5 pm // SPLASH POOL PARTY Frolic and splash around at our infamous sun-drenched pool party. Sip tropical cocktails and listen to the sexy sounds of DJ Whitney Day and DJ Pat Pat Poolside games and giveaways too. $20 in advance / $25 at the Door. Cabanas with VIP Bottle Service are available.

Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort • 8pm – 2am // Girls in Wonderland (Signature Event) The weekend’s hottest ticket! 2500 women take over the dance floor moving to dirty disco and top 40 beats with DJ Whitney Day on the turntables. Eye candy on the boxes all night. Live women’s music outdoors on the patio and terrace. Contest and prizes for best Disco Outfit. $26 in advance / $31 at the door / $69 VIP ticket in advance House of Blues, 1490 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista • 2 am – 5 am // AFTER HOURS Rabbit Hole The party continues back at the hotel, y’all! Vanessa Behrens throws down house and indie beats in the Bud Light Disco for a late night social. $10 with a Girls in Wonderland HOB ticket stub / $15 without Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort // Sunday - June 8, 2014 • 11 am – 5 pm // Pumps vs. Pants POOL PARTY Get wet at this sexy pool party with body painting shows and fun all day. Bootie shaking contest, celebrities, DJ Pat Pat & DJ Whitney Day on the decks. $15/Advance – $20/Door • Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort • 7 pm – midnight // INDIE ROCK Cheater’s lead by Steph Callahan take the stage poolside for a rocking night of fun. $10 in advance / $15 at the door. • Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort Get the scoop on surprise performances, hosts & tickets at girlsinwonderland.com she 21 05.15

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SHE GIRL

alissa // miami, fl // Leo See more photos online at www.shemag.com

Relationship Status: Single Dream Girl: An amazing independent, confident and beautiful woman inside and out.

Dream Job: Nutritionist.

My occupation: Finance.

My pets: I have a blue Russian cat named Haley, Benji the Pomapoo, and Hendrix the Chihuahua mix.

Turn-ons: Confident but not cocky, physically fit, smart (book smart and street smart), independent.

Turn-offs: Needy, lazy, messy, unclean, selfish.

Sensitive Body Part: Back of my neck.

My Best Quality: I am very outgoing and I tend to make everyone around me feel comfortable and happy. I don’t take myself too seriously. I like to have fun and laugh.

Secret Fetish: It won’t be a secret if I share!

I have a weakness for: Animals, sick children and the elderly.

I like to wear: Red lipstick.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?: The power to duplicate myself so I could enjoy life to its fullest.

What breakfast cereal best describes you?

Lucky Charms.

If my life were made into a movie, my part will be played by: Jennifer Lopez. most memorable date: The simplest one. Riding around South Beach on a scooter together, laughing and bar hopping.

It felt so free and simple. Then afterwards, well, you can use your imagination.

Celebrity’s butt I would most like to squeeze: Shakira.

The cartoon character I am most like: Super Woman.

The strangest place I’ve ever been naked: On the balcony loosing at strip poker.

French Fries, French Vanilla, French Toast or French Manicure? French Toast.

The last book i read: Stop It! 18 Habits that Hinder Your Libido and Make You Fat. Your house is on fire. Besides a loved one, what is the one inanimate object you’d grab? My photo albums of my daughter growing up.

My favorite flower: Tulip.

I just won a million dollars. The first thing I am going to buy is: A round trip ticket to Greece. my greatest accomplishment: Raising my daughter by myself.

My coming out was: A bit of a gradual thing. It was something that was always in the back of my mind. It never felt really right with a man. When I really realized why, I felt complete.

If you were to become an activist in the LGBT community, which organization would you choose and why: Human Rights Campaign. They are the largest civil rights organization in the nation. The HRC is also supported by more than 20+ top companies in the S&P 500. So much progress has been made. We will get there! she 22 05.15

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noticias La ley del matrimonio homosexual en España cumple 10 años El 24 de Abril se cumplieron diez años desde que se debatiera y aprobara en el Congreso de los Diputados la ley del matrimonio homosexual en España. Sin embargo, no sería hasta el 30 de Junio cuando se votaría en las Cortes Generales y el 3 de Julio cuando entraría en vigor la norma, haciéndose oficialmente legales estas uniones.

Ya sólo en el primer año contrajeron matrimonio más de 4.500 parejas, convirtiendo a España en uno de los pioneros en legalizar el enlace entre personas del mismo sexo.

Una década después, aún se sigue mirando al pasado y pensando en el progreso democrático que significó para España, bajo el Gobierno de José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero, igualando los derechos entre los ciudadanos, independientemente de la orientación sexual de cada uno.

2005 será pues recordado como un año de avance histórico en la historia de este país, en el que los derechos de heterosexuales y homosexuales se equiparaban, incluido en lo referente a la adopción. La ley fue aprobada por mayoría absoluta de la Cámara con 187 votos a favor frente a los 147 en contra.

De esta manera, España se convirtió en el cuarto país del mundo en legalizar el matrimonio homosexual, justo días después de que lo hiciera Canadá. A nivel europeo, tan sólo Holanda (2000) y Bélgica (2003) se adelantaron a España. El resto de países de la UE se irían sumando después. En 2014, también se legalizó en Inglaterra y Gales, nueve años después que España, donde hasta entonces sólo se contemplaban las “uniones civiles”. Inglaterra dio el paso bajo el Gobierno de David Cameron, que desde el Partido Conservador bien se ganó por ello opositores.

El 25% de los dominicanos apoyaría la legalización del matrimonio gay En la República Dominicana, 25 de cada cien adultos favorecería la legalización del matrimonio homosexual, según los resultados del estudio “Religión en América Latina, cambio generalizado en una región históricamente católica”, realizado por el Centro de Investigación Pew. La investigación halló que, en el país caribeño, las personas que no están afiliadas a ninguna religión son el grupo que más favorece el matrimonio homosexual, con un 32% que dice estar de acuerdo con su legalización.

Entre los religiosos, el grupo con mayor grado de tolerancia es el católico, donde el 29% de la población dice estar de acuerdo con la legalización del matrimonio homosexual. Entre los protestantes, sólo el 12% estaría de acuerdo, según el estudio, que se realizó en 18 países de la región y el estado de Puerto Rico.

Según los hallazgos del estudio, los países en que hay mayor aprobación son Uruguay (62%), Argentina (52%), México (49%) y Chile (46%).

El grupo de países en que se observa más rechazo al matrimonio homosexual está encabezado por El Salvador, donde sólo el 11% de la población se muestra a favor de su legalidad.

Le siguen Guatemala, donde un 12% de la población favorece que se legalice, de Honduras (13%), Paraguay (15%), Nicaragua (16%) y Ecuador (16%). La encuesta que sustenta la información fue realizada por el Centro de Investigación Pew entre octubre de 2013 y febrero de 2014.

Tribunal Supremo de EEUU dividido por matrimonio gay El Tribunal Supremo de Estados Unidos se mostró dividido el pasado martes, 28 de Abril, sobre la legalización en todo el país del matrimonio homosexual, en una audiencia marcada por las protestas dentro y fuera de la corte y cuyos resultados no se conocerán hasta la votación de junio, manteniendo en vilo a la opinión pública.

Los magistrados formularon preguntas a partidarios de la legalización y a defensores del poder de los estados sobre el Gobierno federal para legislar sobre el tema.

“Todas las definiciones que he visto, desde hace docenas de años, definen el matrimonio como la unión entre un hombre y una mujer. Obviamente, si ustedes tienen éxito, esa definición no estaría vigente nunca más”, dijo el presidente del alto tribunal, John Roberts, durante la audiencia de dos horas y media.

“No se trata de cambiar la definición del matrimonio”, contestó la veterana defensora de los derechos de los homosexuales Mary Bonauto, que defendió que las parejas gay tienen el mismo derecho que el resto a casarse, tal y como establece la Decimocuarta Enmienda a la Constitución, en la que se procura “igual protección ante las leyes” a todos los ciudadanos.

El juez Anthony Kennedy, cuyo voto se considera decisivo para un eventual desempate entre los nueve magistrados, pareció compartir esas dudas cuando dijo que la definición del matrimonio, como la unión entre un hombre y una mujer, ha estado presente en la sociedad desde hace “milenios” y es “muy difícil” para los jueces creer que pueden redefinir esa institución.

En el otro lado, se situó la magistrada Sonia Sotomayor, la primera hispana del Supremo, que durante las preguntas a los detractores del matrimonio homosexual afirmó que el tribunal no vulneraría la libertad religiosa de nadie si fallara a favor de los demandantes. “Nadie le está quitando nada a nadie. Cada individuo en esta sociedad elige, si puede, su orientación sexual y con quién se casa”, dijo la jueza Sotomayor.

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SOY MUJER

CON verónica espinal

¡celebrando la gran m!

Llegó el mes de Mayo y con el varias campañas de concientización, así como fechas que conmemorar y celebrar. Mayo es el mes destinado para celebrar el Foster Care o padres temporarios para los miles de niños que están bajo ese sistema; igualmente se conmemora el día en que se realizó la primera manifestación para los derechos gay frente a la Casa Blanca en D.C. el 25 de Mayo, 1965. Celebramos el Día de las Madres y hay una lista larguísima de temas relacionados con la salud que se concientizan en este mes.

Pero lo que quizás no sabes, es que en este mes de Mayo también se celebra el Mes Nacional de la Masturbación. El 7 u 28 de Mayo se celebra el Día Internacional de la Masturbación, evento que tiene la intención de proteger el derecho a masturbarnos. El primer día nacional de la masturbación se celebró el 7 de Mayo de 1995, luego que la famosa tienda de juguetes sexuales localizada en San Francisco—Good Vibrations—declarara ese dia en honor a la Dra. Joycelyn Elders, quien había sido nombrada Cirujana General de Estados Unidos (en un acto histórico por ser la primera persona de origen afroamericano que recibía este nombramiento), fue interrogada sobre la masturbación, luego de su discurso en el Día Internacional del SIDA, en las Naciones Unidas. Elders respondió: “Creo que es algo propio de la sexualidad humana que debería de ser enseñado”. Esta respuesta le costaría, en una absurda decisión por parte de las autoridades, su puesto.

Se atribuye a Sigmund Freud el descubrimiento de que la masturbación es algo común en la infancia. Sin embargo, debemos más el conocimiento de la sexualidad humana en la actualidad a un coetáneo suyo: Havelock Ellis. Este autor no sólo señaló que la masturbación era común en los hombres, sino que también se trataba de una práctica habitual en las mujeres de todas las edades.

Aunque es más que sabido, la masturbación ha sido mal vista por mucho tiempo, y ha sido ligada a falta de moral y hasta pecaminoso.

Aunque hoy en día sea algo visto con mente más amplia, hay quienes todavía prefieren no hablar de ello abiertamente o ni siquiera admitir practicarlo; y bueno, todo es válido cuando se trata de nuestra privacidad.

Personalmente, no veo nada inmoral ni pecaminoso en la masturbación individual o mutua…todo lo contrario. ¿Quién mejor que nosotras mismas para saber qué aéreas genitales son las que nos llevan a disfrutar del clímax las veces que deseemos?

Conociendo nuestro cuerpo es la única forma que tenemos de orientar a nuestras parejas a darnos placer del bueno. ¿Por qué no hacerlo? Hay mujeres que nunca han disfrutado de un orgasmo y quienes jamás se han masturbado por tantos prejuicios que nos inculcan. La excesiva impresión de lo que es “moral” o el fanatismo religioso le han impedido a la mujer la dicha de poder disfrutar, entre otros placeres, de su sexualidad.

La masturbación también tiene sus beneficios, siempre y cuando no se convierta en una adicción o la única forma en que sexualmente podamos disfrutar al momento de entregarnos.

Según Planned Parenthood, la masturbación puede ser beneficiosa para la salud mental y física. Masturbarse no pone en riesgo la salud. Quienes se sienten cómodos con su cuerpo, sexo y la masturbación tienen más probabilidades de protegerse de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y de embarazos no planificados para aquellas mujeres que tengan relaciones con hombres.

Saber qué te hace sentir bien puede aumentar las probabilidades de experimentar placer sexual con tus parejas sexuales. Cuando sabes lo que te gusta en lo referente al sexo, la sensación de comodidad con este tema aumenta.

La masturbación puede mejorar la salud física, mental y sexual, y la salud de nuestras relaciones sexuales. La masturbación puede: • Generar una sensación de bienestar • Mejorar el sexo con la pareja, tanto física como emocionalmente • Ayudar a que las personas sepan qué tipo de caricia y estímulo sexual les gusta • Aumentar la capacidad de tener orgasmos • Mejorar las relaciones y la satisfacción sexual • Mejorar el sueño • Subir la autoestima y mejorar la imagen corporal • Brindar placer sexual a personas sin pareja, incluidas las personas mayores • Brindar placer sexual a personas que eligen abstenerse de los juegos sexuales con otras • Proporcionar un tratamiento para la disfunción sexual • Reducir el estrés • Liberar la tensión sexual • Aliviar los dolores menstruales y la tensión muscular • Fortalecer el tono muscular en las áreas pélvica y anal y, de esta manera, reducir la pérdida de orina involuntaria en las mujeres, así como el prolapso uterino Así es que amiga, es una opción personal que decidas optar por disfrutar del placer de un orgasmo o no. Ante todo, educarnos sobre todo tema es lo más importante. Cualquiera sea tu decisión, ¡disfrutate mientras puedas!

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good reads

By marissa cohen

Forever and a Knight by Bridget Essex In the second book in the Knight series (the first was the delightful A Knight to Remember, featured in March 2015’s Good Reads column), no sooner does radio DJ Josie have her job ripped out from under then she’s in another world entirely – with her pet cat! Female knight Attis, takes it upon herself to find a way to get Josie and the pussycat back to earth. Of course, Attis is flaming hot, Josie’s not sure in what world she belongs, and along the way there’s a dangerous otherworldly monster. There’s also the return of librarian Holly and knight Virago from Book 1. Fans of fantasy novels with a romantic twist should love Essex’s clever, fast-moving style.

Meeting Freedom by Cynthia Belmer This moving book is part memoir, part self-help manual. From the time she was a little girl in Lebanon, Cynthia Belmer longed for freedom, finding happy moments when she wrote poetry or spent time alone. Decisions are sacred ground in Belmer’s book, and this is a powerful and interesting read, meant to remind us when to be bold and seize the day. At the end of every chapter is a guided questionnaire, asking you to focus on where you are in your life – and how you’d like to get there. Meeting Freedom is a story about courage to seize one’s longings and to make the most out of life.

A Royal Romance by Jenny Frame Frame’s A Royal Romance is well-written, fresh, and sweet, the perfect answer for those who secretly wished for a real royal lesbian couple – other than Ellen and Portia. Queen “George” Georgie, England’s first gay monarch, is forced to assume the throne after her father’s death. However, sparks fly when the new queen is forced to work for six months with Bea, the working class director of a hospice charity. Since her university days, Bea’s spoken out against the monarchy, but meeting George has her reevaluating her views. This feelgood romance is straight-up fun.

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The inaugural Diversity Honors, co-presented by the Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park, will be hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. This milestone event will recognize national honoree Judy Shepard, founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, plus several South Florida leaders who have made a significant impact on improving the quality of life for the LGBT community.

Special host presenter will be Stuart Milk, co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation.

Emceed by WSVN-TV’s Craig Stevens, the gala will celebrate South Florida forces for change including international recording artist Deborah Cox, President and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Rand Hoch, nationally recognized teen activist and honorary co-founder of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation Jazz Jennings, celebrity entertainer Elaine Lancaster (James Davis), CEO of Planned Parenthood of South Florida Lillian Tamayo, 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Miami Judge William Thomas and Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis.

The main event of the evening will be the presentation of the premier Diversity Honors awards to the following champions: Judy Shepard, Judge William Thomas and Dean Trantalis.

In addition to a cocktail reception, seated threecourse dinner and musical entertainment, Diversity Honors will offer a front and center opportunity to hear a compelling speech about the need for more education, greater acceptance and advocacy for equal rights from Stuart Milk, the co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation and nephew of the late civil rights icon, Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States who was assassinated shortly after winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Honorary event hosts will include Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senator Bill Nelson, City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan and City of Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick.

Tickets for Diversity Honors are $150 per person and corporate tables of 10 are $1,500. For reservations, visit diversityhonors.com

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classifieds events

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scopes

with the village sage

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 You’re feeling on top of the world. You’ve got money in your pocket, a tale on your lips, love in your heart and a gleam in your eye. Enjoy this energy, but be careful to save as much as you spend, listen to good advice and don’t rush in where even fools would not dare. Pay extra attention to details, instructions and time as your usually sketchy attention span will be impacted by the retrograde.

leo July 23 - aug 22 You are becoming re-energized. With that comes a stronger resolve to achieve your goals. Face and vanquish obstacles that are self-created. Your focus should be on promoting yourself and your skills by reestablishing your professional and personal networks. Don’t be shy about blowing your own horn.

Ask for support, but make sure you can live up to your own hype.

pisces feb 20 - mar 20 The planets are urging you to move forward with your plans to expand your sphere of influence, increase cash flow and claim your place in the world.

Network yourself and your unique ideas to as many as possible, even if they don’t seem like-minded. The key to your success lies in the story you tell and how well you communicate your vision.

virgo aug 23 - sept 23 You’ll be more interested in playing with both old and new friends, as well as in exploring new neighborhoods, countries and ideas, then in living your everyday, workaday life. The planets support mixing business with pleasure. However, you must be sure to take care of business, or the repercussions will be fast and unpleasant. Remember, Mercury Retrograde is not the best time to go wandering.

aries mar 21 - apr 20 You are practically going airborne these days, as your energy levels are being amped up by nervous, restless and rebellious thoughts and emotions. Be extra aware that you’re vibrating at frequencies only the most obsessed can aspire to. Slow down. Remember that while you are the ‘I’ of the zodiac, you are not living your life without significant others in it, so consider them as well.

libra sept 24 - oct 23 It’s time to re-evaluate your relationships, especially your relationship to your budget. Do you think it’s there merely as a guideline, or do you actually stick to it? Improving your cash flow, working smarter, not harder, will have a positive effect. Focus your attention on saving rather then on spending. Personal relationships need to be brought into better balance, so that everyone involved feels appreciated.

taurus apr 21 - may 21 The planets are providing you with the opportunity to reinvent yourself into the new improved version of yourself. Even though you’ve been putting your needs and wants on hold for very good reasons, now’s the time to put yourself first. You are being empowered to break old self-defeating habits and attitudes. Remember, how you say it is more important than what you actually say.

scorpio oct 24 - nov 22 You feel like you have earned your just rewards with all of your hard work building your empire. Now you just want to throw caution to the wind and indulge yourself in hedonistic delights. That’s totally empowered by the planets, as long as you stay in control of your emotions and allow passion to turn to positive outlets, such as sex or hobbies, instead of anger.

gemini may 22 - june 21 You’re center stage, entertaining, engaging, alluring…and you’re loving every minute of it. You’ve got the gift of gab. It’s hard to resist the persuasiveness of your logic or the enticements of your fantasies, so be careful with the power or you might get some interesting results. Put your rare alone time to good use by doing some introspective journaling.

sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21 The Universe has prepared a make-up test for you, as you finally have many opportunities to show what you’ve learned from the past. You have been the only obstacle to improving and expanding, preferring to make do, rather than create new. Fulfill your wanderlust, even if it’s exploring your own hometown and meeting new people in it. Be open to the possibilities of new relationships.

cancer June 22 - july 22 The planets are not only giving you permission to go out and play with your friends. Instead, they are urging you to stop spinning in your everyday routines and responsibilities and take a much-needed time out. Make sure you don’t allow worries or frustrations to sap your resolve to achieve a better quality of life. It’s in your own best interests to remain cool, calm and collected, especially in adversity.

capricorn dec 22 - jan 20 You have been really busy working hard the past few months. Even when socializing, you’ve never really relaxed your intense desire to achieve your financial goals. The planets are rewarding you with romantic-comedy adventures with little thought to your schedule. Just be sure to take care of business before throwing caution to the wind. The retrograde will bring issues to the surface. Deal with them.

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