She Magazine — August '11

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Tina Sordellini Managing Executive Editor

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As a kid, I remember holidays sitting at my grandparent’s long, formal dining room table, surrounded by the older generations of my family and their friends. In between the requests to pass the brisket or the gravy, there was chatter amongst them about so-andso’s gallbladder, what’s her name’s kidney stone, someone’s arthritis along with a host of other people whose names I didn’t recognize and their various ailments. I remember sitting there, chewing on mouthfuls of noodle pudding thinking to myself, “I am never gonna sit around with my friends and have this kind of conversation.”

While you are snickering to yourself, fast forward with me to today, as I sit at my desk looking at a host of anti-inflammatory, cholesterol and anxiety medications, with the massager running in the chair on my aching strained rhomboid, while my girl is on the other room with a heating pad on her back and a gullet full of Tylenol and ibuprofen for her headache, as I am fielding calls from my mom who’s up to her eyeballs in a case of the shingles. I pop onto Facebook and look at a post section from my group of besties, where one has decided to make a list of each of our ailments: One has kidney stone, one can’t get off the toilet after eating a pound of cherries, strained rhomboids, trips to the cardiologist for stress tests, a sprung knee ligament (and not from playing softball), an abscessed root canal…thank goodness no one’s got a goiter or “the gout!” I feel like I’m right back at that dining room table! When did we get old? When did Donna Summer and George Michael become something you hear on the oldies station? And when the hell did Latoya Jackson become an actual celebrity?

I don’t know about you, but today has shown me just how short life truly can be.

Although age sixteen feels like only yesterday, my high school boy crush has turned out to be as gay as I am (but far more beefy L.A. fabulous). Our kid is leaving for college in two weeks. All My Children and One Life to Live are going off the air. Liz Taylor is dead and I still don’t understand how all this time passed without me noticing it. One of my besties has a kidney stone for f*ck sake! And we had a full-blown discussion about it last week at a dinner party!

Time flies by so quickly, and before you know it, you find yourself having the same conversations you once swore you would never have. We work, task, email and social network our lives away, instead of slowing down for long enough to really live and enjoy this amazing world outside. Summer used to mean two months of running, playing, swimming, fishing, kicking back and making memories. Somewhere along the way, summer became just another few months of the status quo.

So, take some time this month to slow down. Take that vacation time you’ve got coming from work. Walk away from the computer. Turn the email function on your cell phone off and go somewhere new or special. Run, play, swim, fish, kick back and make some memories. Truly live this life you’ve been given and if, along the way, you happen to find out when Latoya Jackson became a sought-after celebrity, please let me know.

See you next month!

MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sandee Birdsong ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Marissa Cohen M. Patti Moss Shawn Nicholson Christina Radish Denise Warner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marissa Cohen Verónica Espinal Anna Lepely, M.S. PHD Christina Radish The Village Sage Jowharah Sanders Tina Sordellini Denise Warner Donna Woessner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Verónica Espinal • Yadira Claralt Diane Bradford • Angie Sowers Juan Saco Mironoff • Jennifer Maria Cordoba SALES ASSOCIATES

Maria Espinal Diana Price ads@shemag.com DISTRIBUTION

Robin Rotellini • JR Davis 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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16 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

16 ON THE COVER

08 DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Fran Drescher

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10 MULTIMEDIA

20 WOMENFEST 2011 22 CURIOUSLY STRONG

Movies, Music, DVDs & TV

14 IN THE NEWS

Comedy show hits Key West

19 SHE GIRL

26 A GROWING PARADISE

28 JUST 4 FUN

LGBT Key West

Outdoor fun

30 CHEW ON THIS

35 ARCHIVES

Celebrating Miami Spice months

Womenfest 2002

34 CANCER SURVIVORS

35 ON THE SHELVES

Our readers share their stories

~

38 SCOPES

SHE ESPANOL

FOLLOW SHE

32 NOTICIAS

FACEBOOK.com Search: She Mag Like Us: She Magazine TWITTER.com/shemagazine MYSPACE.com/she_magazine M.ISSUU.com (Search: Shemagazine) Download the application on your android phone today!

33 ENTREVISTA

PICTORIALS 04 SHE SCENE 12 SWEET THURSDAYS

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

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In Jumping The Broom, out on DVD on August 9, Sabrina Watson and Jason Taylor might be the perfect couple. Unfortunately, their families are a perfect recipe for disaster. Mrs. Watson (Angela Bassett) has an upper-crust sensibility that matches her family’s Martha’s Vineyard estate, where Jason’s straight-out-ofBrooklyn mom (Loretta Devine) seems utterly out of place. When the families gather for Jason and Sabrina’s wedding, it becomes clear that each side has its traditions and secrets.

When uptown meets downtown, the truth comes out. Will this couple endure the hysterical trials of love and finally jump the broom?

Karaoke Battle U.S.A. airing on ABC beginning at 9pm on August 12, shines the spotlight on the best karaoke singers across the country. The competition series is hosted by singer and actor Joey Fatone and a judging panel that includes singer/songwriter and TV host Carnie Wilson, music journalist Joe Levy and 2009 National Karaoke Champion Brian Scott. The series showcases regional competitions in the North, South, East and West, and culminates at The House of Blues in Los Angeles, where 8 semi-finalists will compete for the titles of America’s Karaoke Queen and King.

Armed simply with her dusky vocals and acoustic guitar, Colbie Caillat and her homespun music continue to resonate with listeners and win new fans. Her new album All of You features sure-to-be hits “I Do” and “Brighter Than The Sun.” This is the third album from Colbie, following up on Breakthrough and the smash debut Coco.”Brighter Than the Sun” opens the album strongly, with hand-claps and acoustic guitar. Caillat’s vocals are nice and her tone is always exemplary. Overall, All Of You is a solid, enjoyable pop effort and proves to be a nice change of pace.

From proposal to walking down the aisle, the path is clear for the bride to make the important decisions that contribute to a magical wedding ceremony and reception. Until one frustrating, difficult and infuriating roadblock gets in the way…her meddling mother! On Style Network’s two-part event, premiering at 9pm on August 13, Momster of the Bride, cameras follow future wives and their domineering moms as they battle each other for control of the big day. Peek into the complicated dynamics that exist between mother and daughter while trying to pull off one of the most important events in their lives.

Hitting DVD on August 16 is Meet Monica Valour, starring Kim Cattrall. In this irreverent comedy, an awkward teenager sets off on a road trip to meet his favorite 80s porn star, at a rare live appearance hundreds of miles away. Instead of the glamorous sexpot portrayed on film, he finds a 49-year-old single mom living in a trailer in rural Indiana. Still captivated by his crush, Tobe befriends Monica, further complicating her difficult life. Cattrall gives a career-defining performance in this offbeat love story that appeals to the dreamer—and the nerd—in all of us.

In theaters on August 10 is The Help, starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek and Cicely Tyson. Mississippi, 1962: aspiring writer Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan returns home after college, where unexpected friendships with African-American maids Aibeleen Clark and Minny Jackson result in a book that gives a previously unheard voice to a community’s suffering. Emma Stone makes a dramatic turn in this adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-seller. It shouldn’t be a hard transition for the talented young actress, especially given the caliber of performers around her.

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NOT TO BE MISSED: In theaters, The Whistleblower starring Rachel Weisz, Monica Bellucci and Vanessa Redgrave.

A Nebraska cop takes a one-year contract serving as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia, where she outs the U.N. for covering up cases of sex trafficking.

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IN THE NEWS HRC LAUNCHES “ON THE ROAD TO EQUALITY,” NATIONWIDE LGBT EQUALITY TOUR HRC has announced “On the Road to Equality,” a nationwide bus tour to spread the message of equality by educating the American public and empowering LGBT people to become advocates for themselves and their families. The 12 week tour will travel to 17 cities in 11 states and D.C., with particular emphasis on the Midwest and South where there are limited legal protections for LGBT people and living openly and honestly can be difficult.

Events will include everything from educational seminars on legal documents for families to community forums about family acceptance to participating in the University of Nebraska’s “Big Red Welcome.”

“The tour will serve as a powerful visibility tool and support the work of creating real and lasting change in these communities,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. At each tour stop, HRC will work with the local community to hold a variety of events. The bus will be accompanied by an exhibit offering primers on everyday life topics including: your family, your health, your rights, your community, your faith, your workplace and your story. HRC will also offer a variety of workshops and educational seminars with particular emphasis on workplace and healthcare equality, schools and bullying issues and religion and faith. Among the 11 states the “On the Road to Equality” tour will visit, none has a state-wide non-discrimination law including sexual orientation or gender identity.

THE TOUR SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: Aug 12-14 Salt Lake City, UT • Aug 19-21 Omaha & Lincoln, NE • Aug 26-28 Lawrence, KS & Kansas City, MO • Sept 1-5 New Orleans, LA • Sept 9-11 Austin & College Station, TX • Sept 16-18 Little Rock, AR • Sept 23-25 Louisville & Lexington, KY • Sept 30-Oct 3 Washington, DC • Oct 7-9 Atlanta, GA • Oct 14-16 Birmingham & Tuscaloosa, AL • Oct 21-23 Jacksonville, FL Oct 28-30 Orlando, FL

UCLA’S WILLIAMS INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW STUDY SHOWING RATES OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGB EMPLOYEES SIMILAR IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released last week a new study supporting that the level of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is similar in public and private sectors. The study analyzed discrimination complaints filed with administrative agencies in those states that prohibit sexual orientation discrimination, and adjusted the filings by the number of LGB employees in each state that work in each sector.

Overall, the study finds that sexual orientation complaint filings are slightly lower, but similar, for employees in the public sector when compared to the private sector. The filing rate for state and local employees is 3 for every 10,000 LGB employees compared to 4 for every 10,000 LGB employees in the private sector. Currently, there are not enough data to do a similar analysis of gender identity discrimination complaints and federal employees are not covered by these state anti-discrimination statutes.

Consistent with previous studies by the Williams Institute, the new report also confirmed that employment discrimination filings on the basis of sexual orientation, race, and sex are similar. When looking at all sectors, 4 race discrimination complaints were filed for every 10,000 people of color employees, 4 sexual orientation complaints for every 10,000 LGB employees, and 5 sex discrimination complaints for every 10,000 female employees.

“ON TODAY’S CONFERENCE CALL, I THANKED THE 14,000 MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED UNDER DADT FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND DEDICATION TO OUR FREEDOM. PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS SAID THAT, AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HE HOPES MANY OF THEM SEEK TO REENLIST ONCE REPEAL IS IMPLEMENTED. I ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMEND THOSE GAY AND LESBIAN AMERICANS WHO ARE ALREADY SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN UNIFORM, AND WILL SOON BE ABLE TO DO SO OPENLY... TODAY’S CERTIFICATION OF THE “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” REPEAL IS PART OF THAT SHIFT IN OUR LAWS, HEARTS, AND MINDS. AS BRAVE AMERICANS CONTINUE BUILDING A MORE PERFECT UNION, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK ALONGSIDE THEM, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.”

—Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, on July 22nd when President Obama certified to Congress that the conditions necessary for ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” have been met.

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WHAT

AQUA FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN Awards Twelve Scholarships:

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ADHAR MOHAMED, ALENETTE OPENA, ANA ROMES, BRIDGET PELAEZ, DEMI PICALLO, TINA SHA, JULIA LARSON, KIM EHLY, LINDA LATHROUM, MAGEDA ABDULHADI, SHANNON OUSLEY AND STEPHANIE MOLD Twelve promising young women were recently selected by Aqua Foundation for Women, an organization dedicated to increasing the wellness and equality of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women, to receive scholarships recognizing their academic success and their commitment to giving back to our community. Recipients of the scholarships came from the tri-county area of Broward, Miami-Dade, and for the first time Palm Beach county in Florida. The women awarded the scholarships hale from a wide array of disciplines and are well suited to contributing to the LBT community through the avenues of social work, law, education, politics, and therapy. Scholarships ranged in size from $2,500 - $4,000, with a total of $40,000 dollars granted by the foundation.

Criteria: academic record, financial need, dedication to community service, must identify as LBT woman. resident of Florida. Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor for guidance and support as part of the AFW Mentoring Program.

It is the foundation’s belief that these awards enable young women in our community to more easily pursue their education and activist work due to greater financial freedom and flexibility.

Indeed, many of the AFW’s past recipients have found that to be the case, including Enbar Cohen, who was able to more fully participate in Safe Schools Florida after receiving the Aqua scholarship. The foundation looks forward to continuing to support LBT women in the community through this scholarship fund.

[AQUAFOUNDATION.ORG]

CENSUS 2010 LGBT DATA UPDATE PUERTO RICO Total state population 3,725,789 SAME-SEX COUPLES 6,614 Same-sex Couples per 1,000 households 4.8 FEMALE 70% / 4,623 • MALE 30% / 1,991 RAISING CHILDREN 28% / 1,840 NOT RAISING CHILDREN 72% / 4,774

WISCONSIN Total state population 5,686,986 SAME-SEX COUPLES 13,630 Same-sex Couples per 1,000 households 6.0 FEMALE 66% / 9,009 • MALE 34% / 4,612 RAISING CHILDREN 18% / 2,512 NOT RAISING CHILDREN 82% / 11,118

OHIO Total state population 11,536,504 Same-sex Couples per 1,000 households 6.2 FEMALE 64% / 18, 295 • MALE 36% / 10,307 RAISING CHILDREN 22% / 6,304 NOT RAISING CHILDREN 78% / 22,298

UTAH Total state population 2,763,885 SAME-SEX COUPLES 5,814 Same-sex Couples per 1,000 households 6.0 FEMALE 66% / 3,840 • MALE 34% / 1,974 RAISING CHILDREN 24% / 1,396 NOT RAISING CHILDREN 76% / 4,418

MISSOURI Total state population 5,988,927 SAME-SEX COUPLES 15,242 Same-sex Couples per 1,000 households 6.4 FEMALE 63% / 9,646 • MALE 37% / 5,596 RAISING CHILDREN 21% / 3,238 NOT RAISING CHILDREN 79% / 12,004

Visit SHEMAG.COM for more detailed updates, Next states to be released: Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.

SAME-SEX COUPLES 28,602

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DRAG IT OUT BLACK & WHITE SCREENING PARTY August 7th • 6PM Commissioner’s Building 1310 SW 2nd Court Ft Lauderdale, FL • dragitout.org GAY & LESBIAN BUSINESS EXCHANGE August 11 • 5:30-7PM call for location 954.817.3021 ftlchamber.com GLEE NIGHT August 13 Mr. Sisters Nightclub 5310 E. Colonial Drive • Orlando, FL BLAST’S BOWLATHON FUNDRAISER August 14 • 2PM Greenacres Bowl 6126 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth, FL www.meetup.com/BLASTwpb OUT GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT August 26 • 7PM • Late Bloomers Stonewall Nat’l Museum 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL • 954.763.8565 PRIDELINES’ MASQUERADE August 27 • 7 – 11PM Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL • pridelines.org BITTER SWEET THURSDAYS Every Thursday for women • 9pm The Manor • 2345 Wilton Drive REVOLUTION NIGHTCLUB EVERY SATURDAY FOR WOMEN Romi from The Real L Word September 3 375 S. Blumby Ave. • Orlando, FL revolutionorlando.com WOMENFEST KEY WEST Sept 6 - 11 Key West, FL • womenfest.com BEACH BLANKET BABE & BUTCH September 9 • 12 - 3PM Southernmost Hotel 1319 Duval Street Key West, FL • shemag.com

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You don’t have to welcome Fran Drescher back to work. She was never gone. Now starring in TV Land’s Happily Divorced (Written by Fran Drescher and ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson,) she hasn’t stopped since Fran Fine appeared on our TVs in the hit sitcom The Nanny.

After her own bout with uterine cancer, her book Cancer Schmancer became a best seller, and she is the president and visionary of CancerSchmancer.Org, a leading resource for women’s health advocacy. Her tireless efforts on Capitol Hill have put laws into effect about cancer education, and in 2008, she was appointed Public Diplomacy Envoy for Women’s Health Issues by the U.S. State Department. If that’s not enough, she received the 2010 Human Rights Campaign Ally for Equality leadership award for her work as a gay and lesbian activist.

And you thought she was just Mr. Sheffield’s nanny.

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO BE BACK ON A TV SITCOM? I’m absolutely thrilled to be back. I love wearing all the hats I do for this show. I executive produce, I write, I come up with the stories. It’s very creative, it’s about something meaningful to me, and it’s, you know, a wonderful experience and I’m thrilled that America is embracing it.

THE CONTENT IS INSPIRED BY REAL LIFE AND YOU ARE WRITING FOR THE SHOW. DID YOU SIT DOWN WITH PETER AND DISCUSS WHAT YOU GUYS ARE WILLING TO PUT OUT THERE? Well, I think that the emotional feeling is what we tap into to inspire the underbelly of every story, what he went through and what I went through.

Even on The Nanny, all the rich and wonderful characters were based on the people I grew up with. Neil Simon once said, “You have to write about what you know.” Larry David never let any stories be pitched in the writer’s room for Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm unless they actually happened in real life. Otherwise, he felt like you could tell it was made up. So, we subscribe to that theory and are sticking with that same writing philosophy. Especially in a vast medium like television, if you don’t write about what you know, it’s going to feel schticky and not genuine, authentic, and rich in specificity and detail.

HOW MUCH DID YOU HAVE TO ADAPT THE REAL STORY FOR A SITCOM?

Well, it’s inspired by my time with Peter. He did come out after we were divorced. It’s not exactly like the series, but yes—we’re happily divorced, and we are best friends. It was after our divorce that Peter got in touch with his true feelings and his sexual orientation. It’s been a wonderful, long journey of self growth, insight, and rebuilding and reinventing who we are to each other, while still maintaining the love and the friendship that we were always intended to have. You know, in the

BY DENISE WARNER PHOTOS: TV LAND

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series, he wakes her up in the middle of the night and says he thinks he’s gay, so her entire life changes in an instant but because of the economy, they’re forced to live together. Hilarity ensures. So, it wasn’t quite like that, but it did inspire the idea for the show. It all gets explored. It did get explored in our personal lives and now within the characters.

IT’S WONDERFUL THAT YOU GUYS ARE STILL CLOSE IN REAL LIFE. COMING OUT LATER IN LIFE IS HARD ENOUGH, SO I’M SURE HE APPRECIATED HAVING YOUR SUPPORT. You know what? It takes as much effort to be happily divorced as it does to be happily married and you can’t blame someone for connecting with their true orientation. I mean in another time and place, hopefully not far off, I’m sure that it will be globally accepted. The diversity of homosexuality and heterosexuality are all part of the human experience.

ON THAT SAME SUBJECT, WHAT DID YOU THINK WHEN NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCED IT HAD LEGALIZED SAME-SEX MARRIAGE? Oh my, I was so happy, just absolutely thrilled.

We announced it onstage at our filming. You know, I recently won the Ally for Equality Award with the Human Rights Campaign because of my efforts to pass gay marriage laws in both California and New York, so my hope is that all the states in the U.S. realize that civil liberty is the cornerstone of this great nation and it can’t be exclusionary.

IS IT THERE A BIG DIFFERENCE WORKING WITH A CABLE NETWORK, LIKE TV LAND, AS OPPOSED TO A NATIONAL NETWORK, LIKE CBS? I think that the bigger change is in the fact that it ain’t the 90s anymore. You know, during the Clinton years with a balanced budget and dot com’s, there seemed to be more corporate money then, but I think that right now, times are hard, advertising dollars are less, and our budgets are smaller. That’s the significant change.

But TV Land is owned by Viacom, and that’s a very substantial parent company. I couldn’t be happier with the way they’ve promoted the show.

BEING AN ACCOMPLISHED AUTHOR OF TWO BESTSELLING BOOKS NOW AND HAVING THE NEW SHOW, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR NEXT PROJECT? Oh, I have a children’s book coming out in No-

vember, called Being Wendy about a young penguin. I felt that particularly females need to be encouraged to explore their vast and diverse array of talents and interests, and [understanding that] they don’t need to be one thing. This little girl, like myself, grew up in a provincial environment, constantly being encouraged to think inside the box. That’s not her thing, and that’s not her style, so of course, by the end of the book, her parents see who she really is, and that she’s wonderful as who she is. You know, I’m always trying to keep busy. I mean, at one time, there just weren’t a lot of sitcoms being made because of reality TV, and then whatever was being produced was very youth-oriented and the lead characters tended to be very young, and you know, I’m not a second or third banana-mother, supporting role. I’m a star, I fly solo, and I like a show to be built around me. If it can’t happen in television, then it happens in or on a different stage. I wrote the bestselling book Cancer Schmancer about my experience with cancer. I became a leader in woman’s health activism. So, I find ways to stay out there.

YOU ARE AN AMAZING HEALTH ADVOCATE. DO YOU SEE THAT EVER SLOWING DOWN OR WILL YOU ALWAYS BE A VOICE FOR CANCER AWARENESS? No, I’ll always be that. I think that’s what encouraged me to be back on television when the opportunity presented itself. Being on center stage, under the big spotlight offers me the opportunity to bring focus to the masses about what I’m passionate about and that’s health, civil liberties, education and ecology. The more I’m out there and the more I stay on the A-list, so to speak, the more people will listen.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES IN MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR WOMEN AND CANCER? I FEEL LIKE SINCE CANCERSCHMANCER.ORG CAME ABOUT, THE AWARENESS IT’S ENCOURAGED HAS HELPED. IT IS SUCH AN AMAZING, IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR WOMEN. Thank you! I think that what I’m focusing on is early detection, living preventatively and policy changes in Washington. Those are the three prongs of the Cancer Schmancer Movement. As I am the president and visionary with goals of transforming patients into medical consumers,

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I feel it is important to prepare women with the knowledge of how to recognize the early warning whispers of cancers.

SO VALUABLE. MY EDITOR FOUND A STAGGERING FACT THAT READS “IN A RECENT STUDY, UTERINE CANCER WAS FOUND TO BE MOST PREVALENT AMONG LESBIANS.” DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OUR COMMUNITY? To the lesbian community, like all women, I encourage them to get mammograms and pap tests.

I encourage all women to get a transvaginal ultrasound when they go for their annual checkup with their gynecologist. It’s not always offered, so you may have to ask for it. While you’re there, it’s good to take a CA 125 Blood test because if the numbers are high, it could indicate signs of ovarian cancer. Also an endometrial biopsy could detect any signs and cells of cancer. It’s simply a test where they biopsy a tiny sample from the uterine wall. Listen, it’s about awareness and being pro-active. If you catch cancer in its whisper stage, and don’t ignore it, don’t put your head in the sand and you get treatment, it’s most likely be cured in a very fast and non-invasive way.

Catch in on arrival, 95% survivor.

WITH ALL THE TITLES YOU’RE CREDITED WITH FROM AUTHOR TO BIG SCREEN AND SMALL SCREEN ACTRESS, PRODUCER, WRITER, WHICH DO YOU PREFER? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HAT TO WEAR? I think I’m like the character in my children’s book. We need to wear a lot of hats to stay stimulated. I have a big brain and a lot of diverse interests. Everything I do, I love to do and I can’t seem to stop doing everything! I can’t really pin point it. I love acting, I love politics, I love traveling, I love writing, I love motivating women. I love doing hair! I used to be a hairdresser. I still love doing hair. I have a lot of interests. I love to do it all and I encourage all women to do the same.

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JUST A FUN QUESTION ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKING. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK? I think it’s something that is a very viable mode of communication and cannot be ignored. You can’t really succeed at anything anymore without making that part of the launch and using it to reach masses. It’s a great way to keep you connected to your fan base. It’s particularly interesting how it’s had an impact on politics, like in the Middle East! All you need is a cell phone nowadays and you’re connected to the entire planet.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PERSON TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER? Oh, well. (laughs) I don’t know. I don’t really follow people that much, so...I don’t...well, I guess Ashton Kutcher.

OH, GREAT. SO NOW HE’S AT 5 MILLION AND ONE FOLLOWERS. (laughs) Right? I don’t know, I don’t really have the time to follow people.

It’s not really my mode of communication as much as it’s my way of communicating.

ARE THERE ANY COMEDIANS OR ACTRESSES THAT INSPIRED YOU WHEN YOU WERE FIRST STARTING OUT? I’d have to say Lucille Ball. I grew up watching I Love Lucy reruns and

Here’s Lucy and she made me laugh. I guess through osmosis, I just gravitated towards her style of comedy.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO TRY THAT YOU HAVEN’T YET? YOU SEEM LIKE THE TYPE THAT CAN TACKLE ANYTHING. Hmm. Maybe on the horizon, I will run for an elected office. I get a lot of encouragement on that front from both sides of the party lines, even though I’m a democrat. I was instrumental during the Bush Administration for the Gynecological Cancer Education and Awareness Act being passed into law by unanimous consent, meaning all 100 senators said yes. It is the first of its kind in U.S. history. I was written up twice in the congressional record about my lobbying efforts by two conservative republicans. So I think that’s something. You can’t argue logic. I’m very authentic and real. I ingratiate myself with both sides of the party lines, which I think would make me a good politician.

Nielsen reports that, Happily Divorced is attracting 2.3 million total viewers every week and TV Land has picked up the sitcom for a second season, tentatively scheduled to premiere in Spring 2012. Be sure to check your local TV Land for reruns and marathons. Happily Divorced airs every Wednesday on TV Land, 10:30pm. First season’s finale airs on Wednesday, August 17th.

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OCCUPATION: Hair Stylist

IF YOU WERE TO BECOME AN ACTIVIST IN THE LGBT COMMU-

DREAM JOB: Owning my own high-end salon

NITY, WHICH ORGANIZATION WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?:

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Recently Single

I would choose Equality Across America. We are a nation of all different races, genders, ethnicities, we pride our selves in being the meltng pot of the world, so let finish off the circle.

WHAT BREAKFAST CEREAL BEST DESCRIBES YOU? Cinnamon Toast Crunch

MY MOTHER THINKS I: Am a great partner

Olivia Wilde Passion behind gorgeous eyes TURN-OFFS: Excessive Insecurities, indecisiveness, lack of ambition SENSITIVE BODY PART: Mind SECRET FETISH: l’ll Never Tell DREAM GIRL: TURN-ONS:

MY PETS:

Kingston, American Bull Dog

Pictures MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being comfortable in my own skin.

THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: Chelsea Handler’s Are You There Vodka? It’s me Chelsea.

CELEBRITY’S BUTT I’D MOST LIKE TO SQUEEZE: Beyoncé INANIMATE OBJECT YOU’D GRAB?

Less ignorance

THE CARTOON CHARACTER I AM MOST LIKE: Jessica Rabbit I LIKE TO WEAR: My Grandmothers ring THE LAST THING I PUT ON MY IPOS WAS: J Boog, “Let’s Do It Again” CHOOSE ONE SUPER POWER:

X- Ray Vision

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BY:

Drew Barrymore

MY MOST MEMORABLE DATE:

Surprised with a picnic on the beach

while being showered with love.

YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE. BESIDES A LOVED ONE, WHAT IS THE

I THINK OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS:

IF MY LIFE WERE MADE INTO A MOVIE,MY PART WILL BE PLAYED

Rabo Encendido Honesty MY FAVORITE QUOTE: ”I am an excitable person who only understands life lyrically, musically, in whom feelings are much stronger as reason. I am so thirsty for the marvelous that only the marvelous has power over me. Anything I can not transform into something marvelous, I let go. Reality doesn’t impress me. I only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.”

IF I COULD HAVE ONE WISH GRANTED, I’D WISH: For pure unadulterated happiness.

MY BEST QUALITY: Honesty THE WEIRDEST THING I EVER ATE WAS:

MY BEST QUALITY:

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Looking for a tropical island for a romantic get-away, or hoping to make new friends in a throbbing nightclub scene jammed with sexy women dancing the night away, or seeking an opportunity to snorkel a living reef, parasail, or watch the dolphins at sunset? Look no further than Womenfest Key West, the southernmost party for lesbians and their friends, September 6 - 11!

For twenty-five years, Key West has welcomed lesbians, from around the world, to enjoy a laid-back island and a week filled with fabulous events. All of your favorite dance and pool parties are back. Comedy remains central with performances by Julie Goldman, Gloria Bigelow, Jackie Monahan and Christine O’Leary.

Women(film)fest offers the US premiere of the award-winning “Jan’s Coming Out” and a chance to Q&A with the film’s VIPs. But it’s the music that will set this Womenfest apart! Be ready to rock out with allgirl bands like Jennifer Corday & the Cougars, Shelly Bush & the Broad Band, and Sister Funk.

Singer/guitarists like Raven Cooper, Sister

Speak and Deblois Milledge bring their own musical styling to Womenfest, and the ‘Art is Song’ Tour with Natalia Zukerman and Adrianne Gonzalez makes a special stop at Womenfest.

DJ Lix, DJ Rae Rae, and more keep the music spinning day and night.

HERE’S A LOOK AT WHAT THIS YEAR’S PACKED SCHEDULE HAS TO OFFER: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER, 6TH ·5:30 PM - 8:30 PM WOMENFEST OPENING PARTY—ALL WELCOME. Meet the women you’ll see all week. Music, food, and drink included. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval Street ·9:00 PM - 11:00 PM AQUA’S “REALITY IS A DRAG” SHOW. Let Inga and “the girls” welcome you to Womenfest. Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval ·11:00 PM - 2:00 AM AQUA DANCE PARTY. Best DJs and dance floor! You’re here. Let’s party!

Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St.

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER, 7TH 8:00 AM 2ND ANNUAL LESLIE LEONELLI MEMORIAL WOMEN’S GOLF CLASSIC. Best Ball Scramble. All levels welcome! Key West Golf Club, 6450 E. College Drive. ·2:00 PM - 6:00 PM SPEED MEETING AT PEARL’S. Comedian Christine O’Leary to host!

Pearl’s Key West, 525 United Street ·5:00 PM 6:30 PM THE PURPLE GOLF CART: A READING AT BIG RUBY’S. Complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers. Big Ruby’s, 409 Appelrouth Lane 8:00 PM 9:30 PM THE ‘ART IS SONG’ TOUR WITH NATALIA ZUKERMAN AND ADRIANNE GONZALEZ. Tickets at www.keystix.com. The Studios of Key West, 600 White Street ·10:00 PM 2:00 AM SISTER FUNK ROCKS OUT HOG’S BREATH. See why Curve Magazine calls this girl-band “provocative and entertaining.” Hog’s Breath, 400 Front St

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER, 8TH ·2:00 PM - 6:00 PM MOJITOS, MUSIC, AND CORNHOLE BY THE POOL. Acoustic rock music with Sister Speak in a poolside concert Lighthouse Court Hotel, 902 Whitehead 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. LESBIAN LOUNGE: LET’S TALK. Join Denise and Donna from “The Lesbian Lounge” on MyLesbianradio.com for a radio show featuring conversations with WF VIPs! Aqua Nightclub | 711 Duval St. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM WII BOWLING AT AQUA. You know you love it.

Wii Bowling in the AC! Loads of fun with great happy hour prices. Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval Street 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM PEARL’S COCKTAIL PARTY AND FUNDRAISER FOR WOMANKIND. Benefits our local healthcare provider. Pearl’s Key West, 525 United Street 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM WOMEN(FILM)FEST PRESENTS JAN’S COMING OUT. US Premiere of this award-winning film. Q&A. Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM COWBOY BILL’S BULL PARTY. All-Girl Band music All-Week Long including Jennifer Corday & the Cougars and Shelly Bush & the BroadBAND. Cowboy Bill’s Honky Tonk, 618 Duval Street

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER, 10TH 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM GAY KEY WEST TROLLEY TOUR. The only Gay & Lesbian Historic Tour in the nation! Gay Key West Trolley Tour, City Lot 600 Block of Simonton 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM SOUTHERNMOST HOT BUNS CONTEST. Cash prizes for bodacious booties and more. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM PEARL’S ITSY BITSY TEENY WEENY BIKINI CONTEST.* Comedian Christine O’Leary to host this naughty pool party..

Pearl’s Key West, 525 United 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM OPEN MIC AT AQUA. Think you’ve got talent?

Come find out. Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM FURY’S ALL WOMEN COMMOTION ON THE OCEAN LIVE MUSIC SUNSET SAIL WITH DEBLOIS MILLEDGE.* Tickets at 305-294-8899 or furycat.com. Fury Water Adventures, 631 Greene 9:00 PM - 4:00 AM COWBOY BILL’S PINK PARTY. It’s a Pink Panty Sexy Bull Riding Contest. Featuring All-Girl Band music. Cowboy Bill’s Honky Tonk, 618 Duval Street 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM VA VA VOOM AT AQUA.* Sexy entertainment designed specifically for girls who like girls! Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER, 9TH 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM FURY’S ALL WOMEN ULTIMATE ADVENTURE.* Tickets at 305-294-8899 or furycat.com. Fury Water Adventures, 631 Greene 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PAINT A KEY WEST ROOSTER WITH RICK WORTH. All materials provided. Take home your work. The Studios of Key West, 600 White Street 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 14TH ANNUAL BEACH BLANKET BUTCH AND BEACH BLANKET BABE CONTESTS* . A signature WF event! CoPresented by She Magazine. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval Street 3:00 PM – 7:00PM PINK HAPPY HOUR WITH OUR SPONSORS INCLUDING 801, AQUA, AND PEARL’S KEY WEST. 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM SUNSET WATERSPORTS ALL WOMEN TEA DANCE & DINNER CRUISE WITH SISTER FUNK.* Reservations: 305-296-2554 Sunset Watersports, 201 William Street 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM CURIOUSLY STRONG COMEDY. Starring Gloria Bigelow, Julie Goldman and Jackie Monahan! A comedy tour de force! Tickets at Womenfest.com. San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM AQUA’S TRAFFIC JAM DANCE PARTY. This is a sexy night for sexy dancing! Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St. 11:00 PM - 4:00 AM 801 DANCE PARTY WITH DJ LIXS. DJ Lixs keeps this party moving all night with a beat that just won’t stop! 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval Street

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER, 11TH 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM IWFFA KELLY MCGILLIS FLAG FOOTBALL EXHIBITION GAME. Pre-Register at iwffa@iwffa.com. Wicker Field, Kennedy and 14th Street 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ALEXANDER’S RECOVERY POOL PART Y.* All women, clothing-optional pool party. Alexander’s Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming Street 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM GROUP COMMITMENT CEREMONY & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH. Guests welcome. Reservations required. 305-2921450. Pearl’s Key West, 525 United 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POKER PARTY. ‘Shuffle Up and Drink’ poker. Spectators welcome! Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval Street 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM WOMENFEST CLOSING PARTY WITH DEBLOIS MILLEDGE BAND. Its soul meets song when Deblois takes the stage with some of the best musicians in the business. Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles Street.

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HOSPITALITY SUITE 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday - Saturday & 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Sunday. Southernmost Hotel Conference Room, 1319 Duval * Women-Only Event .

Make your travel plans now for Womenfest Key West 2010, Sept 6-11.

Check out the up to the minute details of the WF event schedule, purchase tickets online and find out where to stay, at womenfest.com. Most events are All Welcome. All events are uniquely Key West.

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BY DENISE WARNER

Headlining this year’s Womenfest Key West is a trio of hilarity in Gloria Bigelow, Julie Goldman and Jackie Monahan. Each of these ladies has a made successful career out of making us laugh, but together they bring the Curiously Strong Comedy tour to all who will visit the island’s week-long party for women who love women.

We were thrilled to take a few moments to catch up with each of them…

HOW DID IT FEEL THE FIRST TIME SOMEONE RECOGNIZED YOU ON THE STREET?

It was absolutely embarrassing and completely and totally wonderful all at the same time. I thought wow, this is amazing- “she likes me, she really likes me,” and then almost instantaneously I thought “I’ve been eating one of those corn on the cobs that’s been dipped in mayo and cheese. I probably have corn all over my face.” Gross!

YOU’VE WORKED AT SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS COMEDY CLUBS AROUND. DO

GLORIA BIGELOW YOU WORK ALL OVER FROM EAST COAST TO WEST COAST, NORTH AND SOUTH. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH ALL THE TRAVELING IN A CAREER LIKE THIS?

The biggest challenge is sitting next to lunatics on airplanes, hands down. Goddess forbid I have to sit in the middle seat. They should just do away with the middle seat altogether, shouldn’t they? The last time I traveled, I was stuck in a middle seat with a passive aggressive woman who was trying to post-up on the armrest. She boxed me out like she was playing defense for the New York Liberties, all the while whining and talking baby talk to her husband who was sitting on the other side of the aisle. No one should have to put up with that.

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THIS IS THE FIRST TIME HEADLINING AT WOMENFEST IN KEY WEST. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST?

Judging the Bikini Contest. Need I say more?

YOU STILL GET NERVOUS BEFORE GOING ON STAGE?

WHAT WAS YOUR FAMILY’S REACTION WHEN YOU DECIDED TO DO COMEDY AS A CAREER?

Nervous is like a gross understatement of what I feel. I feel like throwing up. Is that to disgusting to say? But that’s what I feel. I feel sick to my stomach. Jackie told me that it’s just my body mistaking excitement for nervousness. My mind hasn’t caught up with that yet, so it’s just full on nervousness.

I believe my mother’s exact words were, “Your father and I didn’t pay your way through college, a very expensive college at that, to have you pissing away your degree at some hole in the wall comedy club. Gloria, you’re better than that.” Turns out, I’m not better than that and I like pissing away my degree. She’s come around considerably, but initially it was like her living nightmare. My daughter is an out gay stand-up comic. What did she do wrong in a past life? My brother is actually really supportive and always has been. I think he gets a kick out of it and he always tells me that he’s proud of me. We’re very close.

COMEDIANS ARE ALWAYS WORKING TOGETHER IN COMEDY SHOWS. WHO HAVE YOU WORKED WITH THAT REALLY MAKES YOU LAUGH?

It goes without saying, Jackie Monohan and Julie Goldman. I literally find them unbelievably and uncontrollably funny. There are parts of Jackie’s

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set that I know word for word and I still laugh hysterically when I see her perform. There are quite a few incredibly funny women who I have worked with that are insanely funny. When Vickie Shaw, Sandra Valls or Erin Foley step on the stage, I’m guaranteed a kind of pee in your pants laugh. To make matters better, all of them couldn’t be kinder or better people.

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WHERE TO GO . WHERE TO STAY . WHERE TO PLAY THE BEST OF KEY WEST 2011

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JULIE GOLDMAN HOW PSYCHED ARE YOU TO BE HEADLINING WOMENFEST IN KEY WEST?

I am totally psyched to perform in Key West. I have only been there one time for a short port of call, so I am thrilled to get to come back and lez it up.

YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE SO MANY PROJECTS HAPPENING AT ONCE, FROM STAND UP TO THE BIG GAY SKETCH SHOW TO AUTOSTRADDLE. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT PROJECTS TO

So, yeah, the weird sh*t is when people tell me they were turned off by me, but then laughed anyway. Many a backhanded compliment. That drives me insane.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE A HECKLER?

My favorite line of all time given to me by the comedian Betsy Salkind. “This is a monologue.

Mono means one. And Logue means Shut the fu*k up.”

DO YOU THINK THE CAREERS OF OPENLY GAY ACTORS/ACTRESSES ARE AFFECTED BY

COMMIT TO?

THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

I like to have a lot of balls in the air at one time (laughs) and am constantly on the hustle and trying to make something count. Whether it’s my web series, www.inyourboxoffice.com, Jonny McGovern’s Podcast, two feature scripts, standup, there’s always more. I also want to pitch a sitcom, a reality show, and become emperor of a small country. It’s all possible right? I feel like if I don’t have a million things going on at once, I’ll have nothing going on. The other thing is the project that pays is the project that moves to the top of the list.

I think being out 100 percent affects careers, particularly if you look or act gay. Yes. I think a straight acting gay person can come out easier and probably wouldn’t be affected but if you’re gay acting or looking in some way then you’re screwed. You have to overcome so much more and the barriers feel insurmountable. I could go on and on and on about this topic, but I have no grammar skills and write like a toddler. So, let’s just say that being out is an instant wall up, and you need to fight and struggle even harder in a business where even regular people have to fight and struggle.

JACKIE MONAHAN HAVE YOU EVER WORKED WITH JULIE GOLDMAN OR GLORIA BIGALOW BEFORE WOMENFEST IN KEY WEST?

“I FEEL LIKE IF I DON’T HAVE A MILLION THINGS GOING ON AT ONCE, I’LL HAVE NOTHING GOING ON.” WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH ON A REGULAR BASIS?

One of the funniest people I know is Brandy Howard, my creative partner. She and I work together and are working towards getting our movies and shows made. I am honestly dumfounded every day by how funny she is. It’s the coolest when people you know and work with consistently surprise and inspire you. I love being caught off guard. The other person is Jonny McGovern. That guy makes me laugh all the time. He does Gay Pimpin, a popular podcast and has been working in the same circles as me for years and years. His humor delights me constantly. He’s so funny and so much fun. People should check them both out.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING A FAN HAS SAID TO YOU WHEN THEY MEET YOU?

Weird sh*t people have said to me: “You’re crazy” or “I was scared watching you” or “Is there something wrong with you?” or “I saw you last year, and didn’t like you, but I liked you this time.”

Yes! I have performed with Julie in New York with her Offensive Woman show and also in Miami for Aqua Girl. I have worked with Gloria for a few years now, not only with this rock star tour but we also had a weekly show in New York. We have also performed together in Provincetown. I love performing with both of them and I don’t mean just comedy.

YOUR MOVIE CODEPENDENT LESBIAN SPACE ALIEN SEEKS SAME IS ALL OVER THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT, MOST RECENTLY AT OUTFEST. WHAT’S BEEN THE REACTION AT SCREENINGS?

The movie premiered at Sundance to rave reviews in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.

The reaction has been overwhelming. I am very proud of the film and excited to have worked with Madeline Olnek who is a comic genius. Our NYC premiere was at Rooftop Films. The 1,000 seat venue was sold out. During the movie gay marriage was passed and Madeline was excited to announce it after the movie. I was thrilled but also terrified because my girlfriend of ten years is going to want to get married. Other than that, it was a truly magical night. Outfest was so much fun as well, not only because my bald head is SHE -

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“STAND UP CAN’T BE BEAT BECAUSE IT IS SO MUCH FUN JUMPING ON STAGE

BY MYSELF AND NOT HAVING TO RELY ON ANYONE ELSE BUT THE MICROPHONE.”

splattered on posters all over the city, but both of my best friends were in town to see it for the first time.

YOU’VE DONE RADIO, PODCASTING, STAND UP AND NOW FILM. DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE?

I love everything for different reasons so I feel extremely blessed to be able to do it all. I really had no intention of being an actor. I wanted to solely do stand up, but now I love filming and the freedom that comes with it. I get to do things that cannot be translated on my own on stage and be all different crazy characters. Stand up can’t be beat because it is so much fun jumping on stage by myself and not having to rely on anyone else but the microphone. I plan to do stand up longer than my hero Phyliis Diller. I have to. It’s my therapy.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF BEING FUNNY?

When I fell off the stage during a dance recital and it was all anyone was talking about. No that’s not it. When they wouldn’t let me legally change my name to Toonces the driving cat. No, not that either. Maybe it was when my refrigeration degree was not panning out as I had planned. Yeah, that’s it.

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT PROJECT?

I am currently working on another film with Madeline Olnek,and touring both with Curiously Strong Comedy and on my own. I recently filmed the promotional video for a series that I cowrote called Honey & Clover: A Recipe For Disaster. Right now, I am also painting a wall in my kitchen.

You can catch Curiously Strong Comedy starring Gloria Bigelow, Julie Goldman and Jackie Monahan on Saturday, September 9 at the San Carlos Institute in Key West. To purchase tickets in advance visit: WOMENFEST.COM. For more info on the tour visit: CURIOSLYSTRONGCOMEDY.COM.

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BY MARIA ESPINAL

Key West is not only the southernmost point of the USA and one of the five Florida Keys. It’s also a growing paradise, unaffected by floods or Mother Nature’s direct hits, making it a true phoenix, always rising from the ashes of the past. The “One Human Family” motto is the official philosophy of Key West and Monroe County, and fittingly, Key West is known for a casual, anything-goes attitude in spite of a growing business community. “The majority of [tourists] choose Key West because it’s a tropical island with a laid-back style and an accepting attitude,” said Rebecca Tomlinson, Key West Business Guild’s Executive Director.

The LGBT community has definitely left its mark on Key West’s history. In the early 40s, the famous also discovered Key West and found a place they could be themselves. Predictably, many of these artists were also gay or lesbian including Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams, Poet Laureate Elizabeth Bishop, and Broadway composer Jerry Herman. They called Key West home and introduced it to their friends and colleagues. By the 1960s many of the guesthouses and businesses were owned by gay entrepreneurs who were key players in Key West’s business and political community.

Then in 1974 the Navy relocated a significant

“LGBT EVENTS BRING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE KEY WEST ECONOMY EVERY SUMMER....BUT THEY ARE ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF THE DOLLARS THAT THE LGBT TRAVELER BRINGS TO KEY WEST THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.” portion of their base, and Key West’s economy took a huge downward turn. It was at this point that several of the gay-owned and operated businesses decided to actively market Key West as a premiere gay destination and soon after the Key West Business Guild (sometimes referred to as Key West’s gay chamber) was born.

The city’s vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island’s economic and social revival in the 1980s. Whether by foot, trolley, bicycle, scooter or electric car, it is great to go up and down the street and see the rainbow flags and gay/lesbian-owned businesses as the community grows. “We estimate that about 30% of Key West is LGBT. Our community has been integrated for so long that very few people lead with their sexuality any more,” said Rebecca.

Regardless of the economic downfall, 2011 has been significant to Key West. “Travel to Key West has been strong all year. It’s great to see new businesses opening and struggling busiSHE -

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nesses feeling like they can finally breathe. I think people are feeling very good about our island as a destination and as a home.”

Make it to the southernmost part of the country for Womenfest, Fantasy Fest, or Lobster-Fest or choose to ring in 2012 as the rubyred, high-heel shoe comes down on Duval Street.

Key West has a year-round calendar packed with both gay and straight events. “LGBT events bring millions of dollars into the Key West economy every summer. These dollars are so important to our businesses during what is traditionally considered ‘slow season.’ But they are only a small fraction of the dollars that the LGBT traveler brings to Key West throughout the year.”

On a last note, whether on a charter, a small plane, or the pier, make sure you don’t miss Key West’s fabulous sunset at the end of Duval Street. It is breathtaking. See you under the Key West sun!

For more info visit gaykeywestfl.com

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BY MATERIAL GIRL

I just love my good friends at Real Deal Brazil and their recycled tarp hats, caps and bags.

Newly added to their collection is the BEER CAP HAT BAND. It’s the primo hat accessory! They have a second band with used beer-bottle caps collected for them in central Brazil. Free shipping. >> realdealbrazil.com | $17.99 - $23.00

UMA CERVEJA, POR FAVOR! If you are a cartoon and movies fan, this item is just for you, guys or girls, there’s no better way to represent Marvel than sporting some brand new COLOUD CAPTAIN AMERICAN headphones. Not only do they include a cool Captain America design, but they also have a remote and mic to answer calls while listening to your favorite music.

• Marvel characters are printed in 3D rubber patches • Adjustable headband provides a perfect fit • Features 3.5mm jack for maximum compatibility including iPod Marvel characters include: Hulk, Iron Man, Punisher, Wolverine, X-Men & Captain America. You can also find Hello Kitty, Betty Boop, Sponge Boob & more. >> coloud.com | $40.00

OUTDOOR FUN! Summer is here and hotter than ever, that makes it the perfect time to have some outdoor fun flipping burgers and sipping refreshing, fruity and lighter cocktails. Let me introduce you to AGWA DE BOLIVIA, the world’s first and only liqueur made from coca leaves. Here is a recipe for a Bolivian Mojito: INGREDIENTS: 1.5 oz. AGWA, 12 Spearmint leaves, 1/2 lime, 7 oz. Club soda, 2 tsp. Sugar PREPARATION: In a large glass, gently crush mint leaves. Then, squeeze lime juice over crushed leaves. Add sugar and ice. Afterwards, add AGWA and club soda. Stir drink well. Garnish with a lime wedge and tiny pieces of mint leaves. Cheers! >> internetwines.com | $29.98 Perfect for a trip to the beach or the park with friends it’s the tabletop M.IGRILL with MP3 connection and speakers, fuel is supplied, it is dishwasher-safe, stainless steel, one turn igniter. Features 2 speakers, audio port is compatible with MP3 player, Zune, XM/ Sirius, iPod and standard CD players. Speaker power: 4 AA batteries or included AC adapter. >> walmart.com | $144.00

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MIAMI SPICE TURNS 10 GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU TANTALIZES TASTE BUDS AT UPSCALE KICK-OFF EVENT The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) popular end of summer foodie program, Miami Spice, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking year August 1 – September 30, 2011.

The program, inaugurated in 2002, offers more than 125 participating restaurants, providing great value and making dinning out affordable and accessible with three-course lunch ($22) and dinner ($35) menus, excluding gratuities, representing an average discount of 30-50 percent. To get the Miami Spice anniversary off to a rousing start, an upscale kickoff event, with live entertainment, tastings, demos, specialty cocktails and book signings by some of the area’s top chefs, took place on July 28 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

“Greater Miami and the Beaches has long been a popular vacation destination, but over the last 10 years the area has emerged as a mustvisit culinary scene as well,” explains William D. Talbert III, CDME, president and CEO of the GMCVB. “We are proud to have a thriving culinary culture thanks to talented chefs from a variety of diverse influences using the best ingredients as well as a community that has embraced them.

This year we are also excited to include the Miami Spice program as part of the GMCVB’s “Summer of Love” campaign; a program that encap-

sulates everything we love about Miami in the summer.” This year’s lineup promises to make mouths water with 35 new restaurants.

“Miami Spice is about embracing what we love about the destination’s culinary scene and this year the delicious diversity of dining options is greater than ever before. “ says Steven Haas, Board Chair for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and owner of new restaurant, City Hall.

For information on participating restaurants, visit ilovemiamispice.com.

CHEW ON THIS! South Florida’s restaurant guide is as diverse as its multicultural population. From low to high budgets, there is one location to choose from.

The LGBT community is know for its loyalty and support to those who give back to our community. Regardless of geography, during Miami Spice months, visit and enjoy the menu from your local gay-owned restaurants that support our L community. Here are some highlights, bon appétit!

THE MANOR COMPLEX: Located on Wilton Drive, the Manor is known for its Thursday Prime Rib Special, its wide list of martinis, its fried oreos and one of my favorite dishes, the coconut shrimp. Plan to stay on Thursdays for their new women’s night, Bitter Sweet.

HUMPY’S PIZZA: If you love NYC style-pizza, this is a must-visit place to eat-in or take out Located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Humpy’s offers a variety of every day lunch specials and BOGO 50% off on pizza or pasta. Whatever your choice, you must try their hump-a-licious cupcakes!

RODEO RESTAURANT & BAR: If you love southern cuisine, get a table at Rodeo, Wilton Drive’s baby! New on the drive with a relaxing ambience, lunch and dinner menus are available. Must recommend the Southwestern Chicken Sandwich and the cowboy hamburger. Call ahead, it gets packed!

BEEFCAKE’S: Located on Andrews Avenue, Beefcake’s motto says it all: Eat Late, Eat Great. Open 7 days until 2am, this is another stop for burgers and their famous 50 cent chicken wings on Tuesdays. Beefcake’s offer daily specials and a convenient 2-4-1 on appetizers 7 days a week for late eaters.

PALACE: Head down south to the only gay-owned restaurant/bar on Ocean Drive. Plan to make reservations for the Palace’s Sunday brunch while enjoying their famous drag shows. There is plenty to choose from on their menu, but the onion rings and spicy calamari are a must-have!

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NOTICIAS CORTE CONSTITUCIONAL PIDE LEGISLAR SOBRE MATRIMONIO GAY EN COLOMBIA Por unanimidad, los nueve magistrados de la Corte Constitucional dejaron a salvo la definición de matrimonio que está vigente en Colombia desde 1887—la unión de un hombre y una mujer, pero dieron un paso clave en el reconocimiento de los derechos de las parejas homosexuales: señalaron que estos tienen derecho a conformar una familia.

En ese sentido, la Corte exhortó al Congreso a legislar sobre el reconocimiento de las uniones homosexuales, con una fecha límite: si en dos años esto no ha ocurrido (seis iniciativas en el mismo sentido se hundieron en el Legislativo en los últimos años), “las

parejas homosexuales podrán acudir ante un notario para legalizar su unión”, dijo el magistrado Juan Carlos Henao, presidente del tribunal.

“Si el 20 de junio del 2013 el Congreso no ha legislado, las parejas homosexuales pueden ir ante un notario y con la misma solemnidad del matrimonio heterosexual establecer un vínculo, con consecuencias similares al de una pareja heterosexual”, agregó Henao.

Así las cosas, las parejas gays tendrían en el 2013 la posibilidad de unirse en una figura similar a la del matrimonio civil, con los derechos y deberes que ese acto implica.

CONTINUARA EN SEPTIEMBRE BATALLA LEGAL POR BODAS GAY EN CALIFORNIA La batalla legal por la reinstalación de los matrimonios de personas del mismo sexo en California continuará en la Suprema Corte de la entidad estadounidense el 6 de septiembre próximo, anunció. Ese día jueces de la corte de San Francisco escucharán los argumentos de las partes involucradas en donde unos defenderán el mantener el estatus actual de los matrimonios heterosexuales y la contraparte que alega su libertad a las bodas gay.

Los magistrados tendrán 90 días para decidir si las leyes en California le dan a los impulsores de mociones como la Proposición 8—que reinstaló la prohibición a matrimonios gay—a defenderlas en la corte cuando funcionarios en el estado rechazan hacerlo.

La Novena Corte de Apelaciones de Estados Unidos, con sede en San Francisco, ha pospuesto su decisión sobre la constitucionalidad de la prohibición a matrimonios del mismo género pendiente de una resolución de la Corte de California.

La polémica crece por considerarse que todo este proceso judicial se contrapone a lo establecido en la Constitución de Estados Unidos sobre el matrimonio y las uniones, que sólo se permiten entre un hombre y una mujer.

Funcionarios en California puntualizaron en los últimos meses que rechazarán defender en los litigios en la corte la Proposición 8 y es ahí en donde los grupos pro bodas gay consideran que está su oportunidad para defender su opción.

El caso de Nueva York se suma a este entorno, luego que en esa entidad desde hace varios días se han realizado cientos de matrimonios del mismo género.

UNO DE CADA CUATRO ESTUDIANTES LGTB NO TIENEN HOGAR El Hospital Infantil de Boston ha llevado a cabo un estudio que contempla la situación de los estudiantes de Massachusetts desde el año 2005 hasta el año 2007.

Los datos del estudio, publicados recientemente, han dado a conocer la peligrosa situación en la que se encuentran numerosos estudiantes LGTB. El estudio ha contado con la participación de 6.317 estudiantes de la región estadounidense. quienes han dado a conocer que uno de cada cuatro jóvenes LGTB se encuentran sin hogar.

Dicha cifra supone que pese a que solo el 5% de los jóvenes que han participado en el estudio se definen como homosexuales, bisexuales o transexuales, dicho colectivo representa el 19% de los jóvenes que se encuentran sin hogar.

De dicha cifra se desprende que el 25% de los estudiantes homosexuales carecen de una casa, una cantidad mayor que entre los jóvenes bisexuales, donde la cifra se sitúa en el 15%.

Las organizaciones LGTB han recordado el peligro al que se enfrentan los jóvenes al revelar su orientación sexual, ante la negativa que puedan expresar sus padres, quienes en ocasiones prefieren abandonar a sus hijos, dejarlos sin hogar, antes que aceptarlos.

Dichas organizaciones han exigido a las autoridades que se creen centros para acoger a la alta cantidad de jóvenes LGTB que se encuentran sin casa.

CONECTATE A TU COMUNIDAD,VISITANOS EN INTERNET: SHEMAG.COM SHE -

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8/2/2011, 6:51 AM

POR VERONICA ESPINAL FOTOS: MEG MEDIA/KIKE SAN MARTIN

Nacida en Venezuela de descendencia Italiana y radicada en Estados Unidos, llega la cantautora Francesca al mundo de la música con su primera producción, Ya Nada Es Igual, que se presentó a la prensa el mes pasado. El primer sencillo, “Me Cansé de Esperarte”, es de esas canciones que después tarareas sin darte cuenta. Recientemente hablamos con Francesca sobre la producción que le hará decir que en su vida “ya nada es igual”.

ME LLAMÓ LA ATENCIÓN LAS PLUMAS QUE LLEVAS COMO ARETES. ¿TIENEN ALGÚN SIGNIFICADO O ES SOLO IMAGEN?

Las plumas fueron inicialmente un detalle que quisimos agregarle al look en la pre-producción de la sesión de fotos en diciembre 2010. Pero me fui identificando más con ellas, son un símbolo de ligereza y elegancia. ¿CÓMO ENCON-TRASTE TU IDENTIDAD COMO INTÉRPRETE?

En mi caso, creo que ha sido un proceso evolutivo. Desde muy temprana edad me gustó el Rock y música alternativa (así como) la balada por la música que sonaba siempre en casa. Por eso “Ya Nada Es Igual” es un disco de baladas y

temas pop/rock, sin dejar afuera los toques tropicales y acústicos distintivos de Latinoamérica. Como siempre digo, la música es un lenguaje tan extenso que me tomará mas de una vida explorarla completa.

AL ESTAR A CARGO DE LETRA Y MÚSICA DE TODOS LOS TEMAS, ALGUNOS COMPARTIDOS, ¿CÓMO LOGRASTE OFRECER DIFERENTES SONI-DOS ENTRE UN TEMA Y OTRO?

¡Muy buena pregunta! La mayoría de las veces la canción llega con su sello. Si me toca trabajar con otros productores y/o compositores vamos siempre hacia una misma dirección cuando tenemos una canción por trabajar. Parece mágico.

Tiene mucho que ver con la letra de la canción y cómo quiero que mi público escuche lo que quiero decir. También tiene mucho que ver con la energía que transmite la letra del tema.

MIS CANCIONES FAVORITAS SON UN GRAN LUGAR, MI ANGEL, BLANCA LUNA, YA NADA ES IGUAL Y EL PRIMER SENCILLO ME CANSÉ DE ESPERARTE—AUNQUE PREFIERO LA VERSIÓN ITALIANA. ¿HAY ALGÚN TEMA QUE TE LLENA MÁS QUE OTRO Y POR QUÉ?

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más con un tema que con otro. Por ejemplo “Me cansé de esperarte”, su versión en italiano “Se tu non ci sei” y “Tanto” son temas que produje yo, y siento muchísima satisfacción. Hay temas en los cuales logro plasmar un momento de mi vida como “¿Por qué?”, “Discúlpame” y “Apareciste de la Nada” que me transportan a ese específico momento.

LA IDEA DEL TEMA QUE DA NOMBRE AL DISCO, ¿ES EXPERIENCIA PROPIA O PARTE DE LA IMAGINACIÓN DE AUTORA?

“Ya Nada Es Igual” es una canción derivada de “¿Por Qué?”, que sí fue una experiencia personal de un amigo que se quitó la vida a los 17.

Pero más allá de eso, traté de ponerme en los zapatos de alguien que vive la muerte de un ser amado.

PARA TERMINAR ¿QUÉ FUTURO LE VES A VENEZUELA, EN TODO ASPECTO?

Venezuela es un país que se dejó caer. Hay muchas ganas de mejorar y de salir adelante. Veo que hay muchos líderes luchando por el país.

Como todo, tiene sus cosas buenas y malas, pero amo a mi Venezuela bella y quisiera ver más sonrisas y menos pobreza.

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8/2/2011, 6:53 AM

[FRANCESCAENLINEA.COM]

UTERINE AND OVARIAN

now going to school to get a Social Studies Education degree. I am an honor student, working full-time.

WHAT IS YOUR HEALTH LIKE NOW? I am in great health. I was a good candidate for the HPV vaccine and I still get my yearly checkups. [To other women] I would say if I was 19 and diagnosed, you could be too.

CANCER SURVIVORS SHARE THEIR STORIES

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

AMY, 35 • BOSTON, MA DIAGNOSED AT 33, STAGE 3 HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE DIAGNOSED? DID YOU GO FOR A SECOND OPINION? I was crushed. I was fortunate to be seen at one of the best hospitals in the nation, especially well-known for their Oncology program, so I did not go for a second opinion. It was a clear diagnosis and the treatment options were clearly laid out for me. I was most concerned about the surgery. Facing a full hysterectomy so young is a very difficult thing.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE FEELINGS? I’ve read sites and posts from others who have had uterine cancer and have also connected with a therapist.

WHAT OR WHO MOTIVATED YOU TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? My mother is a four-time cancer survivor. My family has had to get very good at working through health crises over the years. My partner was an absolute rock for me.

WHAT IS YOUR HEALTH LIKE NOW? My health is much better now. I take care of myself and stay on top of my check-ups and screenings.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE WOMEN WHO THINK IT CANNOT HAPPEN TO THEM? Go for annual screenings and talk to your healthcare provider. If insurance is the issue, research government-funded programs. Take nothing for granted. You only get one body, so treat it well!

JESSICA R., 31 • MILLVILLE, DE DIAGNOSED AT 23, STAGE 3

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE DIAGNOSED? It seemed impossible for a person my age to have uterine and ovarian cancer. I saw three doctors. They all said that I needed to have a radical full hysterectomy. No one wanted to do it because of my age. I had to go before the hospital board and sign a ridiculous amount of additional paperwork stating that I wouldn’t sue them over not being able to have children.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED AFTER BATTLING UTERINE AND OVARIAN CANCER? I was surprised to learn how little information is given at the doctor’s office.

WHAT OR WHO MOTIVATED YOU TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? I found my motivation within myself.

WHAT IS YOUR HEALTH LIKE NOW? It’s fantastic! The physical scars have given me some emotional pain, but I’m working through it.

KRISTEN, 26 • ARDMORE, OK DIAGNOSED AT 19, WHEN HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS WAS JUST STARTING TO ATTACK HER CERVIX HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE DIAGNOSED? I wanted to curl up and cry. Instead, I sat down with my cancer counselor and talked out my feelings.

WHAT WERE YOU MOST CONCERNED ABOUT DURING THE TREATMENT PROCESS? I worried if I’d be able to have kids, if it would affect my partner, and if I would die from this.

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UTERINE CANCER is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system in the United States. This year, about 40,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer. Most uterine cancers develop over a period of years and may arise from less serious problems such as endometrial hyperplasia. Although the majority of uterine cancers occur in postmenopausal women, up to 25% may occur before menopause. The survival rate for all stages of uterine cancer is approximately 84%, but if diagnosed at its earliest stage, survival increases to 90-95%. Fortunately, most uterine cancers are discovered early because of warning signs such as irregular or postmenopausal bleeding.

OVARIAN CANCER is expected to strike approximately 25,580 women in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). When detected early, up to 90% can be cured with conventional surgery and chemotherapy currently available. Much has been learned in the laboratory regarding cellular and molecular alternatives in ovarian cancers. This knowledge is being applied to early detection, prevention and treatment.

Ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers have similar symptoms. If you notice any postmenopausal vaginal bleeding for more than two weeks, see your doctor, especially if you are post-menopausal.

• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition www.ovarian.org • 1-888-682-7426 • Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered www.facingourrisk.org • 1-866-824-7475 • Foundation for Women’s Cancer www.foundationforwomenscancer.org 312-578-1439 • Gynecologic Cancer Foundation www.thegcf.org • 1-800-444-4441

8/11

8/1/2011, 5:30 PM

VES ON THE SHEL SHELVES

SEPT ‘02

BY MARISSA COHEN

Edited by writer and Bold Strokes Books publisher Radclyffe, BEST LESBIAN ROMANCE 2011 is an intelligent and tender look at love. Featuring new writers such as Rebecca S. Buck (Truths; Ghosts of Winter) and anthology favorites like Sacchi Green (Lesbian Cowboys), this latest from the Lesbian Romance series explores the undertones of Shakespeare’s comedies with Catherine Lundoff’s “Twelfth Night,” a pool-based summer romance in “Camillas” by Anna Meadows, the excitement of a blossoming relationship with “Rock Palace,” and werewolf love in “When Hearts Run Free” by Radclyffe, writing as L.L. Raand. From the commonplace to the supernatural, Best Lesbian Romance delivers.

BEACH BLANKET BABE & BEACH BLANKET BUTCH AT THE SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN KEY WEST, FL. ....................................................................................

TRANSITION STORY: HOW I BECAME A MAN is Chaz Bono’s brave story of coming to terms with his own gender identity. Everyone knew Chaz as Chastity Bono, the lesbian activist daughter of world-famous entertainers Sonny and Cher, but he kept his true feelings a secret from the world.

Transition Story walks the audience through a clear process of what it’s like to transition from femalebodied to male bodied. What’s so amazing about this book is the clarity, honesty, and deep, heartfelt bravery with which this story is told. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of a unique, courageous, and heartbreakingly honest individual.

CBS Radio host and TheMovementWithin.com CEO April Claxton turns her hand to children’s books with GOODNIGHT JUST THE SAME - a bedtime story with a diverse message. Even animal families are included in this charming story, which is colorfully rendered by the joyful art of illustrator Diane Koziol Krueger. Reminiscent of a modern Goodnight Moon, New York Times bestselling author Melody Beattie raved, “It will help any child of any age go to bed and wake up feeling like they’re loved.” This title can be purchased on www.themovementwithin.com.

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8/11

8/1/2011, 5:31 PM

SHE CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

ACCOMMODATIONS

KEY WEST’S DISTINCTIVE RESORT Guesthouse ambience, resort amenities. Ideally located off Duval Street. Award-winning, renovated historic inn features 38 rooms and suites, two pools, two hot tubs, Pearl’s Patio bar, concierge service, Internet access, restaurant and friendly, welcoming staff. Member, World’s Foremost Gay and Lesbian Hotels. 800-749-6696, www.pearlsrainbow.com.

SELL SOMETHING YOU LOVE Sales representatives (FT or PT) in Dade, Broward, Palm Beach counties needed. Unlimited earning potential and some of the highest commissions in the industry! Sales experience, professionalism and a love for She a MUST! Orlando/Tampa Reps. welcome, too! Send resumes to info@shemag.com.

THE HIGHLANDS INN — LESBIAN PARADISE! Planet Out says “1 of the 10 best g/l guesthouses in North America!” Year-round women’s resort in Bethlehem, NH. 19 romantic rooms, 100 acres! Member of World’s Foremost Gay & Lesbian Hotels. 1-877-LES-B-INN • highlandsinn-nh.com.

FOSTER FAMILIES WANTED Homes needed for Newborns to 17 years. Financial Reimbursement. 24 Hour Support—Free Training. Weekly In-Home Contact—Respite. Foster Parent Bonuses—Developmental Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Programs.

Call 818/365-3665, x238. LIC#191500303

EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROOMMATES

ROOMMATE WANTED Responsible, considerate, GWF seeks same for roommate in FLL area to rent a place or move-in with. I have a very well-behaved 10lb. poodle, must love dogs. If interested, call Gina at 954.812.0701.

SHE SEARCHES

IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO BE IN SHE! She Girls: Send us a color photo with contact information.

Indie Chicks: Send your press kit, CD and photos!

Email us at: info@shemag.com.

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SHE CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

SERVICES

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SHE SCOPES

WITH THE VILLAGE SAGE

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19

LEO JULY 23 - AUG 23

You have an opportunity to fine tune your relationships and work as a team instead of doing things your own way. Experience gained will guide you to the right choices.

Remember your fantasies have materialized many times before, and now you have another opportunity to create your own reality. On a practical level, be extra careful around electrical and emotional stuff, as volatile energies could cause spontaneous combustion. Commit to regrounding your relationships.

You may need to retreat into your lair to recharge. Recheck everything you’re doing along the way. While you’re the center of your universe this month, you will still need to convince everyone else involved to cooperate. Being aware of their needs and wants will ensure success. Your presentations can be as dramatic as you are, but you do have to back everything up with hard facts. Be ready to welcome new members to your fan club.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEPT 23

The retrograde has you feeling a bit out of sorts and has you thinking about past events that have shaped you.

However, the time to put your brilliant plan into motion is after the 26th, so while you wait, do your research and listen to advice. Don’t try to be logical now. Let your ‘gut’ be your guide, and don’t do what doesn’t feel right. Stay in balance one day at a time.

You cannot escape miscommunications, not to mention the delays of retrograde. Do everything in your power to avoid being part of the problem. Don’t spin in your own imagination. Use this time to reevaluate your goals. Instead of lamenting obstacles, find ways to circumvent them. Instead of trying to make things happen, go with the flow. Be patient and optimistic.

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 19

LIBRA SEPT 24 - OCT 23

You’ve got permission to go out and play! However, you do have to take care of all of your responsibilities as well. There will definitely be mix-ups and misunderstandings, and your natural reaction might be to get defensive. Eventually, you’ll have to reach out and express yourself calmly. Remember that your behavior speaks louder than your words. You’ll be able to enjoy many romantic-comedy-adventures.

Combine who you know with what you know by networking. You’re in the mood to socialize and make new connections. Your world’s been a bit topsy-turvy lately, and you could use a few good distractions, but don’t get too crazy. You’ll need to also balance the old friends you already have, with the new friends you’re making as you actively seek to increase your sphere of influence.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22

You want to share your feelings but are feeling insecure and testy. Your goal is to shore up existing foundations.

While making whatever changes are necessary to achieve that, you may try using brute strength to bully and force a quick fix, which isn’t going to work. Listen to your gut and run it by your heart before you do or say anything that would unsettle your world.

With the planets creating all sorts of snafus, you’re bound to get frustrated and who could blame you? Except yourself, of course, because you know better than to give yourself permission to go into ‘back-up’ behavior. Deflect, rather than instigate. Keep your focus on what you need to do to fulfill your responsibilities. Remember everyone you’re interacting with is also on the planet Earth.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 21

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

You’ll need to think before you speak, and be prepared to actually listen to the responses that you get. You can enjoy emotional fine-tuning and moments of clarity.

However you’ll need to use all of your communication skills to enlist the cooperation of all of the significant others involved to share your vision. Make sure your sarcasm is not the cause of the problem. Remember to do unto others and all will be well.

You feel more optimistic about the future, even though you have no plan. That’s good, because the sky’s the limit when it comes to possibilities. Make short-term, flexible plans that can be checked and double-checked along the way. Although you’re bursting with intellectual curiosity, you can satisfy your need to get out of a rut, even if it’s just a day trip to a place that has interested you.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19

It should come as no surprise that your entire focus is on your finances and your career. It should also come as no big surprise that all of that thinking is not always positive. Instead of snitting about what others are doing, take new plans into consideration. Your networking skills will draw more opportunities, so don’t be afraid to use your sphere of influence to create more abundance in your life. Be ready to make changes.

The planets are conspiring to test your emotional balance, which is so dependent on the productivity in your life. Use the passion of your inner volcano to generate positivity, to reclaim your power, and to achieve more quality in your life. Focus most of your attention on fiscal matters, because that matters as much as anything else in your life and it needs some hands on now.

The Village Sage is a freelance writer and astologer, who is available for consultations and charts. You can reach her by e-mail at info@shemag.com.

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