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director’s chair
I feel like I should have something profound to say. You know what though? I got nothing. I’m actually beginning to think that it’s okay to have nothing big and bold to say every now and again. It’s in those times that I find myself looking, well really listening to others. I tend to be surrounded by people who like to hear the sound of their own voice more than they are willing to hear what others have to say. They all have opinions and the only one that really matters is their own. Dr. Phil hit the nail right on the head when he coined the phrase, “Rather be right than be happy.” Now don’t get me wrong. I am a woman of some strong opinions as well. But I have always been willing and able to see things from all sides. And if I haven’t be able to see it for myself, I have sought the perspective and counsel of others to make sure my choices and opinions were, at very least, informed. I’m not saying that my opinions are always popular, or even politically correct, but they are definitely informed. The crazy thing is that it wasn’t always like this. Most of the people in my life were, at least when I met them, the kind who respected others and themselves enough to hear both sides of things with an open mind. It’s only been in the last year or so that I have noticed a serious changing of the tides. And you know, as much as I love a strong, confident woman, there is a big difference between confidence and arrogance. Speaking of strong, confident women, this month, we’re taking you on the catwalk with out and proud model, AzMarie. Brilliantly compared to Grace Jones by many, AzMarie’s presence is striking and our interview with her gives a peek into what makes her tick and her time on America’s Next Top Model. As strong and confident as our cover girl may be, even she needed to find her humble enough to compete on ANTM, accept defeat and be willing to listen to feedback from others in order to grow professionally and personally. So, moving forward, remember that arrogance and disrespect really only limit you and tear others down. Respecting others enough to listen and genuinely hear what they have to say will help you build the confidence and respect you need to create success. See you next month.
Tina Sordellini Managing Executive Editor
MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EDITORS Marissa Cohen • Shawn Nicholson Denise Warner • Donna Woessner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marissa Cohen • Verónica Espinal The Village Sage • Nadine Smith Tina Sordellini • Denise Warner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Verónica Espinal • Yadira Claralt Laura Volk • Angie Sowers Juan Saco Mironoff • Boi-Photography SALES ASSOCIATES Maria Espinal • Diana Price Laura Volk • Donna Woessner 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
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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september 2013 / VOLUME 15 / ISSUE 8
IN THIS ISSUE
18
20 features
she espaÑol
16 5TH ANNUAL FT. LAUDERDALE G&L FILM FESTIVAL
30 NOTICIAS
Meet her at the theater! See all women titles.
31 YO SOY MUJER
18 FANTASY FEST
28
Entérate lo que sucede en nuestros países.
Get your costumes out...party in Key West!
18 TAMPA G&L FILM FESTIVAL 20 AZMARIE
Get to know America’s Next Top Model’s contestant as she comes to Florida in October!
23 THE ALLIANCE FOR GLBTQ YOUTH
Celebrating their 5th Anniversary this year.
photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 PRIDELINES GALA 32 SHE SCENE
26 JEN SPA
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Get pampered in St. Petersburg, FL
FACEBOOK.com/shemagazineFL or search: She Mag (2 pages) Like Us: She Magazine
28 BILLIE JEAN KING
40 years after her match with Bobby Riggs.
departments
06 DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 10 MULTIMEDIA 14 IN THE NEWS 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 24 SHE GIRL 34 ON THE SHELVES 34 ARCHIVES Women’s White Party, November 2002.
38 SCOPES
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MULTIMEDIA
with Marissa Cohen
Queen Latifah has made her way back to talk television and the list of guests for her new daytime talk show (Sept. 16 on CBS stations) reflects her impressive connections, including John Travolta, Sharon Stone, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jay Z and pal Jamie Foxx. President Obama and Michelle Obama also have open invitations. “I cannot think of a more talented and fun group of people to share the stage with in celebration of the launch of my new show,” Latifah said.
Neko Case proves herself to be a risk taker once again with her much anticipated 2013 album The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. From her gorgeous voice to her mixed pop-folk-country influences to her precise and poetic lyrics, The Worse Things Get… has been undoubtedly worth the four-year wait as she takes us on a journey of love, loss, and the innocence of childhood.
Directed by Brian De Palma (Carrie, Sisters), the erotic thriller Passion is a remake of the French film Love Crime. Enter the cutthroat and murderous world of advertising agencies as a manipulative boss (Rachel McAdams) and her talented protégée (Noomi Rapace) escalate from ethical violations to murder. While reviews have been divided, enjoy the steamy Sapphic chemistry between McAdams and Rapace.
In the new comedy flick, Baggage Claim, Montana embarks on a month long, thirtythousand-mile journey to charm a potential love into marrying her because she doesn’t want to be the oldest and only woman in her family to be single. In theaters Sept. 27. Starring Paula Patton, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Jenifer Lewis and Christina Milian.
Marvel takes on the small screen with its first TV series, produced by Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly), Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, who co-wrote Whedon’s Dollhouse. Clark Gregg is back as Agent Phill Coulson as he assembles a highly select group of agents, including Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton) and Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen). Premiers on Sept. 24 at 8 pm on ABC.
Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is back with Feels Like Home and her hit single, “Easy.” What makes Feels Like Home different from all of Crow’s previous albums? Every track on it was co-written with another songwriter, including fellow Grammy winner Brad Paisley. “It wasn’t until I moved here that I realized what an amazing community it is, “ said Crow of working on Feels Like Home in Nashville, Tenn.
NOT TO BE MISSED: ‘THIS IS… ICONA POP,’ the highly anticipated debut album from the Swedish pop sensations, is set for release on September 24. SHE - 10 - 09/13
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pridelines youth services’ a night in havana, the 8th annual adult gala and fundraiser honoring community members, at the westin colonnade in coral gables, fl. photos by miamigayblog.com / more photos at www.shemag.com
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in the news GLAAD INTRODUCES REPORT ON LGBT IMAGES IN FILMS RELEASED BY ‘BIG SIX’ STUDIOS GLAAD, the nation’s LGBT media advocacy organization, released its first annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), a report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people in films released by the six major motion picture studios during the 2012 calendar year. GLAAD found that of the 101 releases from the major studios in 2012, 14 of them included characters identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The vast majority of these characters were no more than cameos or minor roles. None of the films tracked contained transgender characters. As part of the inaugural SRI, GLAAD also introduced the “Vito Russo Test,” a set of criteria analyzing how LGBT characters are represented in a fictional work. These criteria represent a standard GLAAD would like to see a greater number of mainstream Hollywood films reach in the future. Less than half (six) of the 14 major studio films that featured an LGB character managed to pass the Vito Russo Test. GLAAD’s 7th annual Network Responsibility Index will be issued in the coming weeks. This report will analyze the LGBT inclusive images presented by the five broadcast networks and 10 cable networks during the 2012-2013 broadcast season. See full report at www.glaad.org/sri.
Walmart expands benefits to include employees’ same-sex partners Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will extend its health care benefits to its U.S. workers’ domestic partners, including those of the same sex, starting Jan. 1, 2014. The nation’s largest private employer said late August that the changes were made so it could have one uniform policy for all 50 states at a time when some states have their own definitions of what constitutes domestic partnerships and civil unions.
Wal-Mart defines domestic partners as same-sex or opposite sex spouses, and unmarried partners who are not legally separated who have lived together for at least 12 months, are not married to anyone else, are in an exclusive relationship and plan to continue
sharing a household indefinitely, says Randy Hargrove, a Wal-Mart spokesman. The decision was announced on Monday, August 26th by Sally Welborn, Wal-mart’s Senior Vice President of Benefits, in a memo to employees: “It’s a business decision, not a moral or political decision. We operate in 50 states, hundreds of municipalities and Puerto Rico, and as clarified under the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), each of these states are developing different definitions of marriage, domestic partner, civil union, etc. By developing a single definition for all Walmart associates in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, we are able to ensure consistency for associates across our markets.” The Bentonville, Ark.-based discounter has 1.3 million full-time and part-time U.S. workers. Employees can enroll their domestic partners from Oct. 12 - Nov. 1, 2013.
ricky martin: “I bullied kids who I knew were gay.” Grammy award winning pop artist Ricky Martin, 41, says that as a child he suffered from intense, internalized homophobia, which led him to bully other kids that he knew were gay. Martin, who came out as gay in 2010, makes the stunning admission in a candid interview with GQ Australia, September/October issue. “I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think, ‘I’m not like that; I don’t want to be like that, that’s not me.’ I was ashamed.” he said. “When you’re told you’re wrong by everyone, from society, from your faith– my self-esteem was crushed. I took my anger out on those around me.” www.gq.com.au
what She said about... “Fifty years ago, Bayard Rustin stood on this stage leading the vast crowd reciting the demands of the March on Washington. A movement spoke through him, but the world would not embrace him because he was gay. Today, LGBT voices are welcomed to this stage. And President Obama has awarded Bayard Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But we have not yet seen Dr. King’s “great vaults of opportunity” thrown open to everyone. We have so far to go before a truly great education is offered every child. GLSEN and the LGBT community are your partners in this fight. We fight for millions of LGBT students and all those seen as “different.” They deserve a welcoming audience for their dreams. They deserve to be embraced by their communities for who they are. Yet every day these youth endure the silence imposed by violence and fear. Some have been silenced forever, and we raise our voices in their memory: Sakia Gunn. Gwen Araujo. Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover. Lawrence King. Bayard Rustin was a Quaker. He attended Meeting each week, listening for the voice of the Divine that can speak through any one of us. Across this nation, voices are ready to rise for opportunity and justice for every young person, regardless of who they are, what they look like or who they love. Listen for those voices. Lift them up so they can be heard. When we do that, we all shall rise. Thank you.”
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
— Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN Executive Director at the “Let Freedom Ring” Commencement Speech & Call to Action, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington on August 28, 2013.
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All Legal Same-Sex Marriages Will Be Recognized for Federal Tax Purposes The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on August 29th ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage. The ruling implements federal tax aspects of the June 26th Supreme Court decision invalidating a key provision of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Under the ruling, same sex couples will be treated as married for all federal tax purposes, including income and gift and estate taxes. The ruling applies to all federal tax provisions where marriage is a factor, including filing status, claiming personal and dependency exemptions, taking the standard deduction, employee benefits, contributing to an IRA, and claiming the earned income tax credit or child tax credit. Any same-sex marriage legally entered into in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, a U.S. territory, or a foreign country will be covered by the ruling. However, the ruling does not apply to registered domestic partnerships, civil unions, or similar formal relationships recognized under state law. Legally-married same-sex couples generally must file their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” filing status. Individuals who were in same-sex marriages may, but are not required to, file original or amended returns choosing to be treated as married for federal tax purposes for one or more prior tax years still open under the statute of limitations. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a refund claim is three years from the date the return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. As a result, refund claims can still be filed for tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012. Some taxpayers may have special circumstances (such as signing an agreement with the IRS to keep the statute of limitations open) that permit them to file refund claims for tax years 2009 and earlier. Additionally, employees who purchased same-sex spouse health insurance coverage from their employers on an after-tax basis may treat the amounts paid for that coverage as pre-tax and excludable from income. How to File a Claim for Refund Taxpayers who wish to file a refund claim for income taxes should use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Taxpayers who wish to file a refund claim for gift or estate taxes should file Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement. For information on filing an amended return, go to Tax Topic 308, Amended Returns at www. irs.gov/taxtopics/tc308.html or the Instructions to Forms 1040X and 843. Information on where to file your amended returns is available in the instructions to the form. Future Guidance Treasury and the IRS intend to issue streamlined procedures for employers who wish to file refund claims for payroll taxes paid on previously-taxed health insurance and fringe benefits provided to same-sex spouses. Treasury and IRS also intend to issue further guidance on cafeteria plans and on how qualified retirement plans and other tax-favored arrangements should treat same-sex spouses for periods before the effective date of this Revenue Ruling.
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every saturday • flirt a sexy weekly for women Erons Lounge • 10PM 8201 Biscayne Blvd. • Miami icandeeevents.com womenfest September 3 - 8 • Various Locations Key West, FL • womenfest.com Beach Blanket Babe & Butch She Magazine Presents at Womenfest September 6 • 12PM - 3PM • Free 724 Duval Street • Key West, FL The Beebo Brinker Chronicles September 6-29 • Weekend Shows Galleria Studio Theatre • Ft. Lauderdale 954-646-1000 metro tampa bay gala September 14 • 7 - 10PM Tampa Garden Club • 2629 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa • metrobaytampa.org 1st Annual LGBT Visitor Center “Pink Flamingo Awards” Luncheon September 17 • 12 - 2PM Miami Beach Convention Center (Hall D – Palm Ballroom) 305-397-8914 • gogaymiami.com THE aQua AFFAIR September 21 • 7 - 11PM Mondrian S. Beach 1100 West Ave. • Miami Beach aquafoundation.org Get Engaged September Summit! Sept 21 • 11AM Location TBD • Orlando Sept 28 • 11AM • Location TBD • Miami more info at eqfl.org THE Q AFFAIR September 28 • 6 - 9PM Souza Imagery • 415 NW 26th Street Wynwood • glbtqalliance.org women with pride’s book club October 3 • 7 - 8:30PM • Building A Rm 208 at Pride Center • 954-463-9005 Wilton Manors, FL • pridecenterflorida.org Celebrate Orgullo October 5 • Free Collins Ave & 73rd St. • North Beach, FL celebrateorgullo.com
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feature
“Women’s films are an important part of the mix of the Festival,” says Carol Coombes, Interim Director of Programming. “For the fifth installment of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, we’ve brought together an amazing and diverse mix of films that will appeal to the whole community. These films will inspire, inform, entertain and maybe even provoke, but in every case, the festival promises a wonderful time out at the movies for the entire community.” Presented by HBO Latin America, the FLGLFF will spotlight a total of 22 feature films and short films from October 10 to 13, 2013. Moviegoers will also have the opportunity to interact with various film directors and cast members at screenings throughout the festival. After last year’s triumphant debut at the historic Gateway Theater, the FLGLFF will again stage all the screenings at this classic venue. The Gateway has been in business for more than 60 years and adds a certain vintage flavor to the Festival. Also back by popular demand, moviegoers will be able to purchase cocktails to enjoy during all screenings.
>> WOMEN’S FILMS GUIDE Romeo Romeo documents the storybook marriage of Lexy and Jessica and their attempts to start a family. They are faced with challenges in their efforts to have a baby as they experience a series of expensive and invasive procedures. From artificial insemination to in-vitro fertilization, they face an obstacle course lined with sperm, Petri dishes, ovaries, follicles, pregnancy tests and the almighty turkey baster.
Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf is an offbeat comedy that explores filmmaker Anna’s midlife crisis. Living in her friend’s garage, just turning 40, having no girlfriend and struggling to make a film has Anna questioning her sanity. The road to solving her problems takes a comedic and heartfelt turn. Reaching for the Moon is based on the best selling Brazilian novel, Rare and Commonplace Flowers. This film portrays the beautiful story of poet Elizabeth Bishop and her love affair with architect Lota de MacedoSoares. It is a remarkable love story of two female artists and their search for inspiration. Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth is a feature length documentary that tells the extraordinary story of Alice Walker’s triumph against the odds of her birth in a shack in the cotton fields of Putnam County, Georgia, to her early life at the forefront of the civil rights and feminist movements. Well known for her Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Color Purple, her personal story is equally compelling and controversial. This riveting documentary takes viewers on a journey where we learn about the many loves (both men and women) of Alice Walker and her life as an artist, a self confessed renegade and a human rights activist. Featured in the documentary are testimonials from Angela Davis, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones, Yoko Ono, Sapphire, Sonia Sanchez, Stephen Spielberg, Gloria Steinem and Oprah Winfrey. Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth won the Jury Prize for Best Documentary at Philadelphia QFest. Get your passport ready to take a cinematic journey through the Women’s Shorts program, as you meet lively characters from
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Romeo Romeo
Canada, Israel, Russia, America, Poland and Spain. Audiences will enjoy and emotionally respond to this rich mosaic of storytelling and circumstance. Fasten your seatbelt for a bumpy ride through the often hilarious world of lesbian dating drama in the comedy Click. In Through the Window we meet Yoni, young and in love and torn between her great love and her family. Young Daria blossoms against Russia’s current repressive sexual climate in The Beginning.
Reaching for the Moon
In The First Date talking about the mishaps of your first date to your best friend can prove to be pretty comical. Neighbors is a sizzling glimpse of hot lesbian neighbors who do more than borrow sugar. Feeling experimental? Check out Sexa Pills and explore the titillating world of eroticism. In The Kiss one night out can change the course of your life. Pursuit illustrates a woman on the prowl and the lengths she’ll go to catch her prey. Check the FLGLFF website for dates and times of screenings as well as new films that will be added. Tickets for all the film festival offerings will be available at www.flglff.com or by calling the Festival office during business hours at 305-751-6305.
Who’s Afraid of Vagina Wolf
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feature
fantasy fest
>Meet Her at the Theater!
to stage Super Heroes, Villians & Beyond
Oct 18-27 | Key West
October 4-12
Taking place in one of the most gay-friendly vacation spots in Florida, revelers can unleash hidden heroics or devious alter egos Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27, during Key West’s Annual Fantasy Fest celebration. Themed “Super Heroes, Villains… & Beyond,” the 2013 festival features 10 days of masquerade balls, costume contests, parties and uninhibited escapades, all climaxing in an epic grand parade set for Saturday, Oct. 26. Event organizers encourage 2013 participants to design floats and costumes around the festival theme. They might take inspiration from caped crusaders or cartoon foes, mythic gods and monsters, “good guys” from the silver screen or denizens of the dark side. The dastardly doings are to begin with a Royal Coronation Ball Friday, Oct. 18, to crown the festival’s King and Queen. In addition, Key West’s Caribbean roots are to be celebrated with Friday and Saturday’s Goombay street party in historic Bahama Village. Subsequent festival highlights include Tuesday’s “Bizarro Key West” Headdress Ball, where stalwart heroes and villainous vixens can earn prizes for the best masks, cowls and other headgear designed to disguise. Wednesday brings the offbeat Pet Masquerade and Parade, where furred and feathered “sidekicks” take center stage while competing for costume prizes. Throughout the festival, themed costume competitions are planned to draw competitors ranging from single super-humans to dynamic duos and groups. The schedule also includes a pirate bash, a rock-and-roll burlesque musical, a “Halos & Horns” soiree and parties for the valiant and villainous alike. The spotlight shines on Key West’s renowned Duval Street Friday as venders of costumes, arts and crafts, food and libations star in the milelong Fantasy Fest Street Fair. In addition, the Masquerade March draws masked and costumed evildoers and action heroes for an exuberant walking parade. The clash between superheroes and scoundrels is to culminate Saturday, Oct. 26, during the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade through Key West’s historic “Gotham City” downtown. Tens of thousands of spectators converge to cheer the parade’s exotic marching groups, Caribbean bands, costumed characters and lavishly decorated motorized floats. Get those costumes out, it’s Fantasy Fest time! WWW.FANTASYFEST.COM
TIGLFF, the nation’s 5th largest LGBT oriented Film Festival announced the dates for the 24th Annual Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival which will take place Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 12. As in years past, the main festival venue will be the Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St, Tampa), and the St. Petersburg venue will be the Baywalk Muvico (151 2nd Avenue, North, St. Petersburg. This year’s program includes 36 feature films and 40 shorts from 18 countries, including Germany, Argentina, Cuba, Uganda, Australia, Israel, France, Brazil, Russia, and Taiwan. It also features work from local filmmakers. The program is comprised of narrative films like Tribeca favorite Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, astutely crafted award-winning period drama Test, Cannes winner Stranger By The Lake and Bruno Barreto’s (Dona Flor & Her Two Husbands) audience hit Reaching For The Moon; short films; and documentaries such as Tampa daughter Cindy Abel’s celebratory Breaking Through, the disturbing and immensely compelling God Loves Uganda, YouTube sensation inspired feature Bridegroom and the intimate portrait of the evolution of a family Two: The Story of Roman & Nyro. An unprecedented free opening night program spotlights the acclaimed drama The Happy Sad, directed by festival veteran Rodney Evans (Brother to Brother), complete with wonderfully sympathetic characters and relatable, sexy stories of age-old dilemmas about love, lust, trust, and partnership in a modern world. The festival closes with the snap, snap, snap of Darren Stein’s (Jawbreaker) hilarious and fast-paced G.B.F.
G.B.F. This year’s youth program is a celebratory coming-together for area young people, featuring festival favorite FIT. The festival will begin with a Launch Party on September 19th, at the Tampa Museum of Art (6:30–9PM). “It’s an exciting time to be leading the Festival’s Board of Directors and I am confident that 2013 will be a year that we increase our reach and impact our patrons with films that create meaningful interactions, offering a fresh perspective to our identity and building the necessary momentum needed to take us to the next level as we approach the 25th Anniversary of TIGLFF in 2014,” Stewart said. TIGLFF.COM
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“
by maria espinal
from the cover
There are a number of individuals who face challenges as to whether or not fans will be receptive to them as an artist if they come out. Will they land their next job if they are open about their sexuality?”
Known as simply AzMarie, 26 and 5’10”, you might have seen her as one of the contestants in the eighteenth cycle of America’s Next Top Model (subtitled as America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion), which premiered on February 29, 2012. Even though she was eliminated on episode 6 after her refusal to partake in the week’s challenge to pad her butt, she definitely left a mark and got noticed, not only because of androgynous look, (then) bald head or tattoos, but her strong presence and beautiful eyes. Born Ashley Marie Livingston in Louisiana, she has been on the cover of various magazines and is currently signed with Bookings Models in London. She has also participated in fashion shows, including London Fashion Week and BET’s Rip the Runway, appeared in Kelly Rowland’s music video Motivation and had cameo appearances in New York House Wives and the movie Curious, among others. In 2012, she was part of the cast on DTLA (Downtown L.A. on LOGO), a gay themed TV series with Melanie Griffith and Sandra Bernhard. You might also have heard AzMarie has been linked to gorgeous actress Raven-Symoné (there, I said it). Some say they are dating (and then broke up). However, in spite of the tasteful nude photos online, neither is willing to discuss their relationship status with the media. So, what if they are together and they don’t want to talk about it? We must respect their decision and just know they look, or looked, great together. SHE - 20 - 09/13
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Ttys Model: AzMarie | Photographer: Josef Jasso | Make Up Artist: Edgar Anthony Arreola
We recently spoke to AzMarie as she gets ready to visit South Florida in October to host a women’s party (Hold on to this issue so you can get it autographed!). Let’s play the music and get on AzMarie’s Catwalk! what is it about modeling and fashion that made You want to be in the industrY? At nine years old, I had my first
photo shoot. My connection with the camera lens was extraordinary. I enjoyed dressing up in character and being photographed. I knew I wanted to be a model. Although I didn’t personally like dressing up, I felt connected when I did for photographs. how have Your views on modeling changed over the Years? My views have
changed many times over the past years. With so many entertainment avenues, you have to have that “it factor,” which is constantly changing. You have to have the right facial structure, weight, height and complexion. I feel it’s much harder now to break into the modeling industry unless something unique stands out about you. what could make a model staY in the industrY for a long time? I’m unsure
of the average career lifespan for a model. It
really varies on the model and the agent. For sure, a youthful look will help carry any model along. In many places overseas, models are as young as fifteen years old. For a person like myself in her twenties, looking younger than my age is beneficial. A model can last in this industry if they are well connected to top designers, photographers and agents. which models did You look up to and how did theY influence You? I was
most influenced by Grace Jones, Ève Salvail, Omahyra Mota and Rick Genest (aka Zombie Boy). The women influenced me with their androgyny and their ability to transform from feminine women to masculine women. They truly are the definition of androgyny. Rick Genest is a fully tattooed artist and model who was discovered by Thierry Mugler and introduced in Lady Gaga’s video Born This Way. He inspires me to pursue my career as another person with tattoos. with shows like AMERICAN IDOL, sometimes those who don’t win have bigger success than those who do. with ANTM, do You think it is a similar situation? I would say
that the success of the non-winner can be more beneficial only because you are not tied into contracts. The non-winner is able to seek
representation and start working on projects. For that very reason, I was content with not winning the competition. I think it is important and beneficial for contestants to leave their mark. That is what those who watched the show will remember you for. as You watched the show, was there something You wish You had done differentlY? The only thing I might have
done differently was how I handled the “tooching” episode. At times I wonder if [Tyra Banks] would have eliminated me if I had participated. Everything else would have been the same considering each episode is approximately ninety hours of footage made into a one-hour episode. now that time has gone bY, what did You take from tYra’s last words to You at elimination? I took from Tyra’s last
words that it is good to stand up for what you believe in, but knowing when or when not to stand is crucial when making hard decisions. what has been the biggest challenge in Your career so far and how have You overcome it? My tattoos and my bald
head have been the only challenges. Because my sleeves are so bold, I think they intimidate some, while others overseas loved them. My
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bald head both helped and hindered me. You have been living in LA for a few years now. Was that an obvious move for you and your career? I was born in
LA and raised in Milwaukee. Yes, I made the move for my career, but I also have family who lives in California. What’s your home closet like? My closet is pretty organized with boots, tennis shoes, a couple of pairs of heels, blazers, jackets and a bunch of other stuff. What’s the one piece of clothing or accessory you must buy now? Lately,
I haven’t felt the need to buy anything new unless I am making an appearance. That’s usually the only time I purchase new articles of clothing or accessories. high heels or military boots? Give me a military boot or a fresh pair of tennis shoes over high heels!
at school because I never talked about my dad’s business or my own. During my freshman year in high school, I attended an all-girls private school so I felt like I would fit in a lot better. I was open about my sexuality at my school. I was wellrespected for being open and out. I didn’t get bullied for my sexuality in school like so many others. I was the go-to person in school when it came to dealing with one’s sexuality. I guess it was my confidence in myself that stood out. I really had a different mentality and felt hiding only brought more issues. Do you find that it is harder for AfricanAmerican women in the spotlight to come out? I think it’s hard for any person of
any color in spotlight to come out. Sexuality has always been a pressing topic. There are a number of individuals who face challenges as to whether or not fans will be receptive to
The feminine or tomboyish/masculine look? Lately, the tomboy feminine look has
I recently went to a screening for The Butler and I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Oprah Winfrey. I was intimidated by her presence but not in a negative way. I didn’t make too much eye contact when I said hello. She responded and kept it moving. Although a woman of her stature and power can be intimating, she seemed very kind. Is there a catwalk on your bucket list that you have yet to walk? Yes, there are
How is your music coming along? Do you plan to pursue it more than modeling or acting? My music project
a few that I have yet to walk and would love to. Yohji Yamamoto Y-3, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and others.
Did his sexuality make it easier for you to come out to your parents at age 14? My
father opening up to me about his sexuality during my youth helped me come out as a teenager. He was the first parent I expressed my interest in woman to. He helped me to understand the emotions and feelings that were flooding my mind. He also told my mother, so that helped her deal with the initial shock. As a child, were you bullied because of your father being gay or because of your own sexuality? If so, how did you deal with it? I had a wonderful childhood
for the most part. I did not have any issues
was raised to keep my privacy. I feel as though when you let people in on your personal life, at times it is not respected. I decided to keep my personal life private so that people could still respect me for my artistry, not who I’m sleeping with. I do not feel obligated to share my personal life with anyone.
second time now California has legalized marriage for same-sex couples. I did not feel the need the first time to rush out and get married, nor do I this time. To me, when I’m in a relationship my bond with my partner is just as strong as a marital bond. The only difference is paperwork stating it. I am a believer in divine timing. I really can’t say when the right time is for anyone to get married. I don’t feel marriage is something that heterosexual or homosexual couples should rush into.
Your public persona and personality is very strong. What or who intimidates you?
when I was around seven years old. I was living with him in L.A. at the time.
At what point and why did you decide that your private life should remain private? I
now that marriage is legal in California for same-sex couples, would you marry if it was the right time for you? It’s the
been my choice.
I understand your father is gay. Did he come out to you when you were a child? Yes, he opened up about his sexuality
expects a person to be an advocate. Why? I am not sure, but I feel whether a person’s sexuality is known or not they can still be an advocate. I was automatically expected to speak and be a face for the community when I announced my sexuality on ANTM. Although I understand there are many who use a celebrity’s acceptance of self as encouragement to come out, I don’t feel pressure should be added on them to be another voice. It should be a choice, not a force.
them as an artist if they come out. Will they land their next job if they are open about their sexuality? With the advancement of social media, it seems all that anyone cares about are people’s personal lives. It seems that fans are no longer into artists and their craft. I commend those who have found the strength and courage to open up and no longer feel like they have to hide in order to maintain their artistry. I also commend those who feel they do not need to express their sexuality just because the masses are curious and want answers. Do you find that if a celebrity is gay, the community expects that person to publicly come out and become an advocate? I do feel as though the community
is in the developmental stages. I’ve been in the studio rewriting and rerecording a lot of my music with Genius Music Artist, Producers & Writers. I’ve had meetings with PR and marketing people from France and the UK to release the music overseas first. The feeling is that they will be more receptive to the music. Currently, I’m pursuing music and acting more than modeling, but they all tie into one another in some way. You will be in South Florida in October to host the new monthly women’s party in Miami, Taste by Vice Events. What can the ladies expect from your appearance? The ladies can expect a darn
good time! I have yet to visit Miami, so I am uber excited! Follow azmarie @iamaziam & AzMarieOfficial.com
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feature
Celebrating
5 years of serving our
Youth!
The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth was founded in 2008 with the mission to coordinate a full range of quality services through partnerships with Miami-Dade County service organizations to serve youth, families and their communities while advocating for equal rights and status of all youth, regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
NEED—By every risk indicator, GLBTQ youth and youth that question their sexual orientation or gender identity are among our most vulnerable communities. Local allies and activists knew it was time to shift the social service system by unmasking the experiences of MiamiDade County’s GLBTQ youth. Their stories were imperative to not only increase the awareness of GLBTQ youth issues, but also to secure the recognition of mainstream funding sources to create affirming and safe programming. And so a comprehensive community needs assessment of GLBTQ youth and key community informants in Miami-Dade County was executed. The results from the 2005 pilot study showed that 46% of GLBTQ youth had experienced suicidal ideation and 23% had attempted suicide. 57% of GLBTQ youth struggled with substance abuse while a harrowing 99% experienced verbal and/or physical harassment. In the 2007 follow-up study, over 34% had been kicked out of their homes. 53% of bullied youth had not told anyone. The need was immense, and The Alliance created the comprehensive service continuum for prevention and early intervention in existence today to SERVE, NURTURE and EMPOWER GLBTQ youth. SERVICE—As a recipient of service partnership funding from The Children’s Trust, The Alliance provides service, program oversight and outcome management to a collective of community-based organizations invested in the holistic well-being of GLBTQ youth. These include Family Counseling Services of Greater Miami, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Pridelines Youth Services, Safe Schools South Florida and the YES Institute. The Alliance coordinated services offered FREE of charge to youth, their families and communities include care coordination for GLBTQ youth and their families to provide holistic individualized guidance, support and critical linkage to services; Community-based group counseling and individual counseling provided by accredited mental health
agencies or clinicians with professional licensure; Prevention education facilitated by field experts designed to increase community members’ knowledge of GLBT youth issues, identity development and impact of discrimination; Youth enrichment activities for safe socialization, skill-building and leadership development and policy outreach to advocate for culturally competent policies that are inclusive of GLBTQ youth.
REACH—Their impact has been astounding. Approximately 400 youth received care coordination, over 1,000 youth received counseling services, there have been over 5,000 participants at youth enrichment activities, and over 10,000 community members trained! Our communities are better informed, and our youth connected and safer. Although they are proud of their success, they know that much is still needed to safeguard GLBTQ youth. Schools continue to be hostile, suicide remains pervasive, HIV infection is again on the rise, and GLBTQ youth continue to be disproportionally represented in homeless youth statistics—20% to 40% of all homeless youth. HORIZON—The Alliance will continue to offer innovative services, including new ones like our emergent homeless service initiative. The next several years will be critical ones, as The Alliance, in partnership with Pridelines Youth Services and with support from Aqua Foundation for Women, Miami Foundation and Our Fund, has committed to the aspirational goal to end GLBTQ youth homelessness in Miami-Dade County. Presently, there is no shelter in South Florida specifically targeting GLBTQ youth, and the homeless services that exist often are unsafe: youth are harassed by shelter staff and residents, or the homeless services focus on family reunification, which is not an option for many GLBTQ youth thrown out of their homes. Together, we are focusing on addressing the service gaps within the larger homeless service system—to foster inclusion and safety and their sustainability to serve GLBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. BOOM!—The Alliance is five years old! They have success to boast of and work still to do, but they can’t do it without our communities. Join us them on September 28th at their inaugural celebration “BOOM! The Q Affair.” Help the Alliance celebrate and support the vision of a healthy, thriving GLBTQ community for tomorrow. To learn more about The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth or to get involved, contact Carla Silva, Executive Director at csilva@glbtqalliance.org or (305) 899-8087. glbtqalliance.org
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SHE GIRL
photos by creative image photography i live in: Orlando but I’m from Miami! Sun sign: Taurus relationsip status: Single My occupation: Statewide Outreach Coordinator at Equality
Florida. Dream Girl: A stylish beautiful woman who lives in her truth! Dream Job: To own my own business that caters to the LGBT
community. My mother thinks I: Am awesome. She’s grown to understand that true love knows no sexual orientation. I’m a lucky daughter. Turn-ons: Class, ambition, compassion, lips, thick thighs, feminine strut, humor, talking about ideas, adventure, slow kissing, passion and a little bit of attitude to make things interesting. Turn-offs: Negativity, smoking, excessive drinking, self-sabotage, talking about others. My Best Quality: I’m super friendly. I’ll make friends with a wall. I love everyone. my pet: Samantha, tuxedo cat. She’s always dressed to impress. the last book i read: The Tao of Pooh... by written by Benjamin Hoff. I like to go deep. I have a weakness for: Dark hair and light eyes, salsa music, LGBT clubs. secret fetish: f*ck me pumps. I like to wear: Bow ties and dress shirts, Gucci cologne and my rainbow sunglasses. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?: To love the world unconditionally, all the time. Human
existence is already difficult. Why be mean to each other? Sensitive Body Part: My neck is pretty sensitive, so proceed
with caution. the last book i read was: The Tao of Pooh by written by
Benjamin Hoff. I like to go deep. If my life were made into a movie, my part will be played by: A more hispanic/darker skinned version of Laura
Prepon. my greatest accomplishment: Completing college. I have
accomplished many classes, projects and all nighters. my favorite quote: “Our greatest fear is not that we are
inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves: ‘Who am I to be brilliant?’ Actually, who are you not to be?” -- Marianne Williamson the last movie i went to see was: Despicable Me 2. Celebrity’s butt I would most like to squeeze:
Michelle Rodriguez. The cartoon character I am most like: Phillip J. Fry
from Futurama. My coming out was: The first time you come out it’s always to
yourself. I’m glad I didn’t hate myself. I just accepted it because I knew I was a normal. I think the LGBT community needs: The LGBT community needs education and compassion, motivation and opportunity. While we are treated as second class citizens, we must recognize the beauty in ourselves and our peers to build each other up and reclaim our rights as human beings.
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by diana price
spa
feature
a true calling
can study the trade under the instructor and receive a certification.This is just another way that the owner continues to build her business as well as share her knowledge with others in the community. JenSpa offers some of the best products for sale too, all coming from the Image Skincareline. JenSpa was awarded in 2012 for being the top account in sales of this specialized product. Warden grew up in the beauty industry.With many family members in this field, she knew right away that this was her calling. Jen started in 1994 when she opened her first business, a hair salon, in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Years later she relocated to St. Petersburg, where she opened and established JenSpa. Jen is Florida certified as a permanent make-up artist and full specialist of esthetics. She has received certification in advanced paramedical esthetics, micro pigmentation and 3D eyelash extension. She is a member of the Allied Health Association and the Association of Skincare Professionals. Jen takes pride in her education and strives to be the best in esthetics. She offers the most current treatments available in the industry. “I specialize in giving results,” Warden says,“so continuous education and research is a must in my world. I love making people feel beautiful. Helping them achieve their personal desire to feel beautiful in their own skin is so rewarding.” Warden is a single mother raising two beautiful little girls. She believes that everyone should be treated equally in society, so she makes it a point to teach her girls that they should never see color or gender. Warden is also very active in the LGBT community and supports many fundraisers and events in the area. Being an active business owner and supporting and bringing awareness about equality plays a huge role in her life. The JenSpa name is seen as a key sponsor at yearly LGBT events around the Florida area. “Supporting each other, learning differences about each other and just loving each other is the only way our world can be one,” she says.
Services Offered:
While you are enjoying the beautiful and peaceful beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida and you want to treat yourself to a well-deserved day of relaxation, take a moment to try a rejuvenating facial at JenSpa. Walking into the spa, I was greeted by the owner Jen Warden, who welcomed me into her quaintestablishment that has been up and running since 2009.The atmosphere, or should I say ambiance, was inviting with dimmed lighting, relaxing sounds, refreshing smells and a meticulously clean room. As I scanned the walls, I could not help but notice the many certificates and awards mounted on display. I knew right away the owner was well qualified in the world of esthetics. Offering services such as facials, peels, permanent make-up, microdermabrasion, waxing and more, the spa gives you a broad range of services to choose from. The many services offered give customers an opportunity to choose whichever service will benefit them and their wellbeing. In recent years, they added a specialized academy for students interested in learning permanent make-up application, where they
Peels: Image Signature Peel, Radiance Peel, Brightening Peel, Jessners Peel, Image Perfection Peel (Jessners 14%), Jessner Spot Treatment / Add on only. Facials: Express Facial, Vitamin-C, Acne, Treatment, Hydration Treatment. Special Packages: Rejuvenation, Relaxation, Restore & Renew, Micro-Lift. Body Treatments: Body Wrap, Sugar Scrub, Back Facial. Permanent Make Up (Consultation Required): Eyebrows, Top Eyeliner, Bottom Eyeliner, Top & Bottom Eyeliner, Lip Liner, Full Lip, Beauty Mark, Permanent Makeup course, Scar Camouflage. Microdermabrasion & Aqua Dermabrasion: Face, Neck, Decollete, Post Peel Microdermabrasion, Hands, Arms, Back, Legs. Waxing Services: Eyebrow Shaping, Lip Wax, Chin, Neck, Sideburns, Full Face, Under Arm, Bikini, Half Leg, Full Leg, Half Arm, Full Arm, Back, Chest, Toes. Additional Services: Eyebrow Tinting, Collagen Treatment, Lip Treatment. JenSpa is located at 7145 22nd Avenue Northin the heart of St. Petersburg, FL. Book your appoinment today at 727-343-5772 or visit www.jenspa.com
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feature
Left: Tennis player Billie Jean King, left,
makes a fist while she answers a question at a news conference in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1973. At right is Bobby Riggs smiling as King makes her answer.
Top: Billie Jean King bends down low to
send the ball back over the net during the match with Bobby Riggs. Ms. King beat Riggs 6-4; 6-3; 6-3.
Photo credit: AP/Association Images.
Commemorating
Billie Jean King Documentary features new interviews with Serena & Venus Williams, Hillary Clinton, Sir Elton John, Gloria Steinem and more. For the first time, Thirteen’s American Masters series profiles a sports figure: Billie Jean King, the determined and groundbreaking tennis player who has been a major force in changing and democratizing the cultural landscape. American Masters: Billie Jean King premieres nationally on Tuesday, September 10, 8pm - 9:30pm EST on PBS (check local listings) to commemorate three 40th anniversaries: the Billie Jean King v. Bobby Riggs “The Battle of the Sexes” match on Sept. 20, 1973, the founding of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) by King on June 20, and the U.S. Open becoming the first Grand Slam tournament to award equal prize money to men and women. This new documentary traces the incredible life of one of the most important female athletes of the 20th century as her 70th birthday nears.
American Masters looks back to King’s childhood in Long Beach, California, where as a 12-year-old she observed disparity on public tennis courts, and, as she soared athletically, never stopped trying to remedy inequality in sports. During her professional tennis career, King won 39 Grand Slam titles, helped form the Virginia Slims Series (the pre-cursor to WTA Tour), founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and Women’s Sports magazine, and co-founded World Team Tennis (WTT). Her competitiveness on the circuit was matched by her efforts on behalf of women and the LGBT community, and her commitment to prove there is strength in diversity. In American Masters: Billie Jean King, King presents her own story with perspective from fellow tennis stars such as Margaret
Court, Chris Evert, Ilana Kloss (King’s partner), Maria Sharapova, Serena and Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, and members of the Virginia Slims Circuit “Original 9,” including Peaches Bartkowicz, Rosie Casals, Julie Heldman, Nancy Richey and Valerie Ziegenfuss. The film also features new interviews with a diverse cast of characters from King’s unparalleled life: former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, friend and fellow activist Sir Elton John, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Bobby Riggs’ son Larry, “Battle of the Sexes” trainer Lornie Kuhle, exhusband Larry King and Valerie Jarrett, Senior Adviser to President Obama, who chose King as the first female athlete to be awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. King is also a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Through these
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interviews and archival footage, the film illustrates the life of a woman whose journey became not just a battle for personal glory, but also a sociopolitical battle for equality. “I am thrilled American Masters is choosing to showcase my journey as we celebrate so many historic anniversaries in my ongoing commitment to social justice and equality,” said King. “It is an honor to be the first athlete profiled in the 27-year history of American Masters and I look forward to bringing our message of equality to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.” “Almost from the first time she picked up a racquet, Billie Jean King has understood the power of sport as a major cultural force to shape society. Through her life she has faced triumph and adversity with equal measure, battling both on and off the court for a better world,” said Emmy-nominated filmmaker James Erskine, co-founder of New Black Films (The Battle of the Sexes, One Night in Turin). Would King change anything in her extraordinary career? “I’m not anywhere near done with my career, so I don’t think I have yet lived my career highlight. As far as my tennis career goes, winning three World Team Tennis titles and representing my country as a player and Captain of the Fed Cup teams [international team tennis for women] will always be special moments for me. I am much more interested in competing as part of a team than as an individual. There are a few things I would have done differently, but as I said in the American Masters film, I wish I would not have quit playing singles in 1975. I still had at least one good year of singles and several strong competitive years of doubles left in me. I wish I had played for a while longer,” she said. Even though Billy Jean King has been on PBS many times before, this time is a little different for her. “The film is very revealing. It brings up so many pivotal moments in my life that I relive each time I watch the film. It is gratifying to be the first athlete profiled in the 27-year history of the American Masters series. As a woman and a gay woman, I hope my story will inspire others to live their truth.”
Billie Jean King Wimbledon, 1978. Photo credit: EMPICS Sport. Photo by Don Morley.
“The film is very revealing. It brings up so many pivotal moments in my life...As a woman and a gay woman, I hope my story will inspire others to
live their truth.”
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noticias Pareja de mujeres impulsa matrimonio gay en Ecuador
lesbianas y bisexuales se visibilizan en Chile
mente esa figura entre personas del mismo sexo, si bien reconoce la unión de hecho. “Nos presentamos ante el registro civil para formalizar nuestro pedido y comenzar de esta manera nuestra campaña en apoyo al matrimonio civil igualitario”, explicó Gabriela. “El viernes recibiremos la respuesta y, ante una negativa, presentaremos un recurso de protección a la corte judicial para ir escalando desde ahí hasta llegar, si es necesario, a un pronunciamiento de la Corte Constitucional”.
El Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual (Movilh), abrió la convocatoria para una nueva edición de su clásico certamen “Miss Visibilidad Lésbica”. “En Chile, como en la mayoría de los países del mundo, las realidades y voces de las mujeres bisexuales y homosexuales tienen un espacio inferior al otorgado a los gays”, sostienen lxs organizadorxs desde su página web, movilh.cl/lelas/index.html. Así, este certamen que nació en el año 2008 busca “romper esta tendencia y contribuir a la generación de nuevos liderazgos, dando espacio justamente a aquellas mujeres que nunca han sido activistas, pero que tienen interés en promover la no discriminación”. “Miss Visibilidad Lésbica” no es un concurso de belleza: a la hora de seleccionar a la ganadora, solo serán determinantes el compromiso y la coherencia de las candidatas para visibilizar su orientación sexual, identidad de género y los derechos humanos. La ganadora será coronada en el mes de noviembre, durante la octava edición del Gay Parade Chile, Open Mind Fest.
Pamela Troya y Gabriela Correa iniciaron en Agosto la campaña “Matrimonio Civil Igualitario: los mismos derechos con los mismos nombres”, que busca legalizar las bodas gays en Ecuador. La campaña es abanderada por DIVERSIDAD Red LGBTI Ecuador, un conglomerado de carácter laico y sin afiliación política particular que agrupa a personas y organizaciones que aúnan esfuerzos para luchar por la igualdad ante la Ley de toda la ciudadanía LGBTI de Ecuador. La pareja de mujeres entregó a las autoridades de un Registro Civil del centro de Quito la documentación para contraer matrimonio, a pesar de que la Constitución niega explícita-
presidente Rafael Correa: “No creo en el matrimonio gay”
El presidente ecuatoriano, Rafael Correa, ha expresado reiteradamente su oposición al matrimonio igualitario, aduciendo sus convicciones católicas, al tiempo que se opone a la adopción de niños por parte de parejas del mismo sexo. “Yo tengo en el gabinete a personas de los grupos LGBTI. Se ha rescatado mucho el respeto a estos grupos, pero no creo en el matrimonio gay”, dijo en mayo pasado durante una entrevista. No obstante, en aquel momento se declaró dispuesto a someter ese tema a una consulta popular en las elecciones municipales de febrero de 2014.
Crearán Defensoría especial de diversidad sexual en Venezuela Para atender denuncias y dar respuesta a las necesidades específicas en términos de vulneración de derechos de la comunidad LGBTTTI en Venezuela, la Defensoría del Pueblo creará una Defensoría Especial para la Diversidad Sexual. El anuncio fue efectuado el 29 de Agosto por la máxima autoridad en la materia, Gabriela Ramírez, durante el foro Sexodiversidad en Venezuela: Inclusión y Realidad, que se llevó a cabo en la sede de la Cadena Capriles, en Caracas. “Hemos avanzado bastante en ese trabajo, lo que falta es por un asunto presupuestario. Generalmente, las Defensorías están integradas por dos personas, dedicadas a la investigación a tiempo completo, que son las que elaboran los informes y propuestas que después se operativizan a través de nuestras 33 oficinas que tenemos en todo el territorio nacional”, detalló Ramírez.
Aunque aún no funciona la oficina, la defensora del pueblo agregó que el ente ha formado constantemente a funcionarios y otros individuos en temas de la sexodiversidad. “Hicimos un encuentro de sexualidad y vulnerabilidades dirigida a funcionarios poli-
ciales de cinco municipios que integran el Área Metropolitana de Caracas”, indicó. En ese sentido, Ramírez precisó que el organismo defensorial ha formado en materia de derechos humanos a más de 36.000 personas y adelantó que a partir del 20 de septiembre comenzará el ciclo de talleres para seguir educando en ese ámbito, luego de la experiencia de 2012 cuando se realizó el diplomado de sexualidad. Por otra parte, en materia legislativa anunció que su despacho trabaja en la actualidad en la elaboración de una propuesta de ley sobre el derecho de las personas que viven con VIH/Sida a no ser discriminadas en ningún espacio. Además de esa normativa jurídica, remarcó la alianza existente entre la Defensoría del Pueblo y Onusida Venezuela, para garantizar el derecho a la salud de las personas que padecen esa enfermedad.
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yo soy mujer
por veronica espinal
¿DE NUEVO
y con la misma piedra? Hace unos días vi en uno de esos programa de talk show en español, uno donde el tema era: “Serás mía y de nadie más”. Hubo toda clase de historia, entre hombre y mujer, entre mar*cones y entre lesbianas. Verdaderamente era triste y hasta desconcertante ver como estas personas tenían una banda en los ojos que no les permitía ver los verdaderos sentimientos de la persona a quien decían amar. El común denominador era el nivel de posesividad que existía en el ambiente y esa aferración enfermiza a lo que no pudo ser y no será. La verdad es que el amor nos ciega, no nos permite ver las cosas con claridad. El amor enfermizo es hasta peligroso. No en vano hay una frase popular que es muy cierta: “Si amas a alguien déjalo ir, si vuelve es tuya, sino, nunca lo fue”. Cuando de verdad se ama, se desea lo mejor para la otra persona, aun cuando eso no nos incluya, aun cuando esa persona no esté a nuestro lado. En ocasiones resulta difícil poner fin a situaciones que empiezan sin darnos cuenta, situaciones que llegan a nuestras vidas. Peor aún más difícil es poner fin a esas situaciones que nos llenan de inmenso gozo, de inmensa pasión y limpio amor. Tal parece que hoy me toca y debo hacer precisamente eso, ponerle fin a una situación que me llena de inmenso gozo, de inmensa pasión e inmenso y limpio amor. ¡Que mi*rda! Pero todo en esta vida sucede por una razón, aunque no la sepamos identificar en su momento; con el tiempo veremos todo claro. Hoy me toca y debo hacer
“EL TIEMPO TRAE CLARIDAD A LOS MOMENTOS DE IRA, TRAE PAZ PARA PENSAR Y VER LAS COSAS CON REALIDAD. EL TIEMPO TE DARÁ ESE ‘TIEMPO’ NECESARIO PARA ENMENDAR TUS ERRORES Y DE PASO…”
precisamente eso; quizás mañana sea diferente por esas cosas de la vida que aún me siguen sorprendiendo. Hace años le di la bienvenida a este cerrando y abriendo círculos, abriendo y cerrando situaciones en mi vida. Tal parece que el reciclaje continua, después de todo es parte del crecimiento de cada persona. Muchas veces ese crecimiento viene de la mano de heridas profundas, de mucho dolor y por ende del arrepentimiento. Todo eso se duplica cuando son parte del resultado al cometer los mismos errores de antes, ya sea con tu relación de pareja o una relación de amistad. Yo cometí el mismo error de nuevo. Cometí el mismo error con las dos mujeres que han sido importantes en mi vida y en mi corazón. Aunque lo hice bajo situaciones diferentes, hoy me doy cuenta de las consecuencias de mis actos y el dolor q cada error causó en ambas. Aprendí mi lección para no caer en lo mismo, pero también reiteré que la comunicación entre dos personas es lo principal en cualquier relación, de pareja, de amantes, de amistad, de trabajo, etc. Mejor dicho, la comunicación y la honestidad, aunque con ello se lastime a la otra persona. ¡Es muy cierto que cuentas claras conservan amistades! “Si amas a alguien déjalo ir, si vuelve es tuya, sino, nunca lo fue”. Hoy me toca y debo hacer precisamente eso, dejarlo ir. Quizás mañana sea diferente por esas cosas de la vida que aún me siguen sorprendiendo. Me quedo con la satisfacción de una entrega total, en todo momento y cada día como si fuese el último. Lo importante es aprender de esas lecciones que marcan la vida, pero aprender de verdad y recordar lo que nos hicieron sentir. De ahí en adelante, si todo se arregla entre las personas involucradas, es más importante valorar ese sentimiento que quedó y que posiblemente regresó fortalecido. Lo importante es aceptar nuestro error con humildad y pedir perdón. La verdad es que el tiempo es el mejor aliado en toda situación. El tiempo trae claridad a los momentos de ira, trae paz para pensar y ver las cosas con realidad. El tiempo te dará ese “tiempo” necesario para enmendar tus errores y de paso… ¡abrirnos de nuevo al amor!
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on the shelves
with marissa cohen
Wild Girls, Wild Nights edited by Sacchi Green Smart and sexy editor extraordinaire Sacchi Green is back with Wild Girls, Wild Nights, a collection of true lesbian sex stories. As always, Green’s picks are varied, hot, and very, very intelligent. My favorites? In Anna Watson’s tender “Tamago,” a young woman relives a relationship with her first butch. In Evan Mora’s “The Insatiable Travel Itch,” lovers experience the thrill of sex far away from home, and in Dawn McKay’s intense “Hot Desert Nights” two soldiers find solace in each other’s arms during the shadow of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Women’s White Party, Miami Beach, FL • Nov. 2002
Gray by R.L. Jackson Gray is also from Purple Books Publishing and Gray is gripping from the first page. Novelist Gray Turner knows how to create a serial killer in exquisite detail, thanks to her first book, The Taxidermist. But she never expected to find herself in police custody because there are sixteen taxidermied corpses rotting in her basement and she can’t remember how they got there. Psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Talbot helps her uncover her lost memories, and much more. R.L. Jackson gives us a creepy and intelligent fall mystery.
Sing, Meadowlark, Sing by Helen Ruth Schwartz In Sing, Meadowlark, Sing author Helen Ruth Schwartz gives us a fantasy/romance novel with a unique twist - an earthquake has caused California to split off from a futuristic America where gays and lesbians are openly persecuted and being gay is a federal offense. The catch? The government presents gays and lesbians with an impossible choice: they can relocate to “Cali” only if they test positive for the Gay Gene, causing lesbian parents to be split from their straight children - or they can stay in America and be subjected to draconian anti-gay laws. Chilling and thought provoking, Sing, Meadowlark, Sing is one of the more interesting and original books I’ve read this year.
visit us online at www.shemag.comcom SHE - 34 - 09/13
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she classifieds accommodations
community groups/organizations
Key West’s Distinctive Resort
Pearl’s is an all-welcome historic inn offering guesthouse ambiance and resort amenities. With Key West’s One Human Family atmosphere, Pearl’s offers full breakfast, 2 clothingoptional (but bottoms up) pools, 2 hot tubs, gym, and poolside bar and grill. 800-749-6696. www.pearlskeywest.com.
THE HIGHLANDS INN — PA LESBIAN PARADISE!
Legal gay weddings. We have more brides from FL than any other state! 19 charming rooms, 100 private acres in New Hampshire’s vacation destination, the White Mountains. Pink Choice Award since 2007. www.highlandsinn-nh.com 1-877 LES-B-INN (537-2466)Hotels. 1-877-LES-B-INN • highlandsinn-nh.com.
Reach The Women of the LGBT Community! Advertising in She: A Lot More Affordable Than You Think. Call Today 954-354-9751
Find us on the web
www.shemag.com SHE - 36 - 09/13
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she classifieds miscellaneous
she sisters
she searches IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO BE IN SHE!
She Girls: Send us a color photo with contact information. Email us at: info@shemag.com.
SELL SOMETHING YOU LOVE Sales representatives wanted. Unlimited earning potential and some of the highest commissions in the industry! Sales experience, professionalism and a love for She a MUST! Dade, Broward, ORLANDO, TAMPA, JACKSONVILLE areas availiable. Send resumes to donna@shemag.com. SHE - 37 - 09/13
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with the village sage
scopes AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19
leo July 23 - aug 22
You’ll have to put more time and energy into improving your communication skills, especially when it comes to discussing matters within relationships. You have little control over outside influences that can affect your life. The only thing you have any control over is your own reactions. The only successful outcome to any kind of joint venture is a win-win scenario. Be open to making the adjustments necessary to succeed.
It’s time to get serious about your budget and cash flow. You’re in a unique position of being able to pick and choose your projects, partners, and playmates. Choose wisely. It’s important to be fact-based when projecting future revenue, as well as your own capabilities. Don’t bite off more than you can chew or do. If you’ve been feeling stuck, prepare to bust loose from your same old, same old, just look before you leap.
pisces feb 20 - mar 20 You are the visionary who looks into the future with faith, yet your reality often doesn’t match your expectations. Don’t let anything divert you from reaching your goals, even if you find you have to make adjustments to your strategies for achieving them. Stay flexible within relationships, communicate mutually and compromise willingly.
virgo aug 23 - sept 23
aries mar 21 - apr 20
libra sept 24 - oct 23
You’d better slow down, and make sure you’ve “crossed your T’s” before completing any task or project. Remember, the devil is in the details. Avoid conflict, as small skirmishes will lead to major warfare. Instead, seek to compromise wherever possible. Create better boundaries in all your relationships, especially business ones, in order to rejuvenate them. Stay positive and proactive.
Spend more time and energy on yourself now, as the planets are urging you to ask for a report from your interior. Whether it’s physical or emotional, take your own inventory. Make your own healing and well being your priority. Knowing is the first step. Next comes the doing. Start the journey to becoming the new and improved you now. Create a plan, devise a strategy, stick to a routine, and it will be easy. You’re ready.
taurus apr 21 - may 21
scorpio oct 24 - nov 22
You have the opportunity to make work time and play time by thinking up ways to enjoy whatever it is you’re doing. So, whether you have to do it, or you just want to do it, create ways to enjoy the process. When faced with obstacles, don’t even try to fight. Just go around them and think about what the lesson in the opposition is. Remember it’s your opportunity to show the Universe what you’ve learned.
You’ll need to be careful how you assert yourself in every area of your life. Your impatience and frustration can work against you, creating bad feelings among the important people in your life. Instead, give yourself an extra helping of patience. Use your time and energy to socialize and network. Strive for winwin scenarios all the time. Everyone will feel part of your team.
gemini may 22 - june 21
sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21
Don’t allow impatience to sabotage your plans. Don’t let your insecurities lead you to make the wrong moves. The repercussions will be unpleasant and immediate. Use your intensity to make love, not war. Enjoy meaningful conversations designed to ensure the peace. Be honest about your feelings and open to acknowledging theirs.
It’s time to stop living in your skewed vision of the world. Step up your game, beef up your strategy, and create new goals for your future. Focus on one hard thing a day. By month’s end, you’ll have an action plan. Be open to making radical changes that might be unsettling now, but will assure a vast improvement in the quality of your life. Use your social network to further your agenda.
cancer June 22 - july 22
capricorn dec 22 - jan 20
You’ll need to prioritize in order to get everything done that needs to be done. You prefer working as a team and although you do want to be the team leader, cooperation and compromise will avoid unnecessary conflict. The more effort you put into any project, the more successful the outcome. Don’t waste your energy talking when you could be doing and succeeding instead.
You need to be extra patient now, as delays to the grand plan are bound to happen. Don’t lose your temper. Instead, stay balanced and double-check details. Use enforced down time properly by going out and having lots of fun. Why cry when you can laugh? Remember, everything happens for a reason. You do not know the reason for the situation as of yet. Show the Universe how well you’ve learned your lessons.
You get to reinvent yourself. This time you will learn from your past incarnations and focus on your good points. You’ll be spending most of your time and energy on moving existing projects forward, as well as in reacting to new opportunities. Don’t let delays frustrate you to the point that you lose your focus or your temper. Be fair and reasonable when problem solving.
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