She Magazine—Feb '15

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DIRECTOR’S CHAIR I have to admit, it was a day I’d definitely don’t think I’ve really saw coming. At the ripe age of sweet 16, when I fully realized and accepted that I was gay, I resigned myself to believing that my life would never be that which was “normal” for other people. I don’t mean “normal” in the sense of others considering me different or “not normal.” Not in a, “She’s weird. She doesn’t like men,” kind of way. I mean “normal” in the sense that I was not going to be looking for a husband and getting married, while trying to build my career and birthing babies every 24 months. I gave up on the ideals of things like the white picket fence, 3.5 kids and walking down the aisle. Many years later, in 1999, when I found someone I really wanted to marry, it didn’t really matter to me that it wasn’t legally binding. It was my heart that wanted to marry her, not my checkbook. I only cared that I would be able to make the vows to her, in front of God and our loved ones. I didn’t need a piece of paper from the bureaucrats to tell me that my vows were real. I’m not saying I didn’t believe we should have the right to get legally married. I am just saying that I loved her so much that I didn’t need the government’s permission to marry her. Like I said, at 16 I knew my life would be different from the status quo and I was completely okay with that. Fast forward to 2015. Yes, sweet 16 years later, I was watching the news and there, right before my eyes, gay people were down at the court house getting married. Legally married. No longer having to mark the check box next to “Living with Partner,” legally married. As I watched these gay people getting married, my eyes welled up with tears. Seeing all these other people, who many years ago also had resigned themselves to believing that their lives would never be that which was “normal,” suddenly having the right to all the things they never thought they would have, literally brought me to tears. And as I watched some more and saw there were not just random gay people, but also two of our closest friends, our Associate Editor Donna and her beloved Deb, I all out balled the same kind of tears I shed at my own wedding. So, I am completely in love with the fact that this is what I got to write about in She’s Sweet 16th Anniversary Issue. And I am just as in love with the new look throughout She for her 16th birthday and with all the amazing women you will see in this issue, including the two full pages of women from around the globe in our annual Lesbian Couples Album. We celebrate their love and will continue to celebrate couples getting married, each month, over this next year. So, if your wedding is looming, make sure you contact us and let us know. Today, a 16 year-old girl has just fully realized and accepted that she is gay and also realized that her life is going to be exactly as “normal” as she ever thought it would be. And that is just extraordinary. See you next month.

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

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

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in this issue

february 2016 / volume 17 / issue 1

12 “...my definition of winning is being able to look back at that show and being proud of myself every single minute, not necessarily to be the last person standing.”

16 features 16 MICHELLE CHAMUEL Talks about her debut album and her relationship with another one of our favorite girls! 18 PRE-WEDDING PLANNER Planning your life as a couple should be undertaken as an act of love. The cost should be affordable and your attorney should be chosen with an eye to experience and of course, respect for our LGBT community. 20 LAS VEGAS There is a good reason why Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations for the masses. 26 WE TV SEX BOX The series takes therapy to a whole new level with couples not only discussing their relationship issues with a panel of experts, but also spending time in a camera-free, soundproof box on the show’s set to have sex…all in front of a live studio audience! she espaÑol 24 NOTICIAS 25 SOY MUJER

photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 4TH ANNUAL LESBIAN COUPLES ALBUM 27 4TH ANNUAL LESBIAN COUPLES ALBUM

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

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

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multimedia

with marissa cohen

The amazing Brandi Carlile drops her fifth album, The Firewatcher’s Daughter, on March 3. Also joining her on her album are her songwriting and singing partners, Tim and Phil Hanseroth. “You can dance in a hurricane, but only if you’re standing in the eye,” sings Carlile on “The Eye,” a track that channels the best of Fleetwood Mac with the singer’s own depth and class. Carlile is a brilliant storyteller for our time.

Mila Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, a janitor who is the unsuspecting heir to Earth in Jupiter Ascending, the latest from the team responsible for Cloud Atlas and The Matrix. Caine Wise, an interplanetary warrior tracks her down to tell her about her true destiny. Before you can say, “You’re a wizard, Harry,” Jupiter is thrust into a strange new world. With Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne. In theaters Feb.6.

The Slap is based on the book by Christos Tsiolkas about Hector and Aisha, a couple whose lives are rocked to the core when a relative slaps another couple’s misbehaving child. What follows is a chain of events that will explode long-buried secrets and challenge the core values of this extraordinary family. This eight-part miniseries begins Thursday, Feb. 12 at 8 pm on NBC. With Thandie Newton, Uma Thurman, and Zachary Quinto.

Broke with Expensive Taste comes out on Feb. 10 from Azealia Banks. This mix of house, R&B, house, and punk is a unique, stylish, and quirky effort from the 20-something Harlem lyricist. Best of all is her angelic voice, which soars on this 16-track album. Among her hottest tracks are “Chasing Time,” “Soda,” and “212,” featuring Lazy Jay. Pick this up the second it comes out. You’ll be glad you did.

In Breaking the Girls, flaw student Sara loses her job after she’s caught stealing. Then, she falls for sultry Alex. In a Hitchcock style plot, the two lovers make a pact to murder each other’s enemies. However, what began as a sexy affair becomes a twisted game, as the two women must stay one step ahead of the other to survive. With Agnes Bruckner, Madeline Zima. Available on DVD from Wolfe Video.

Interesting plot twists are afoot in CBS’s The Amazing Race (Feb. 25, 9:30pm, moving back to the regular Friday slot on Feb. 27 at 8 pm) and Survivor (Feb. 25, 8 pm). AR featuring five blind date couples and six established couples, including New Kids on the Block’s Jonathan Knight and his boyfriend. The cast of Survivor will be teamed up based on their occupations: White Collar, Blue Collar, and No Collar.

NOT TO BE MISSED: Repeat After Me (ABC, Feb. 17) stars host Wendi McLendon-Covey of The Goldbergs, who will guide celebs to interact with everyday people who don’t know they’re being filmed. The pilot features Ellen Pompeo, Taye Diggs and Harry Connick, Jr. She 10 02.15

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1- Sifontes-Vazquez Family, 10yrs., Sanfernando, CA. 2- Maleny & Evelyn, 13yrs., Miami, FL. 3- Vicki and Kealey, 9yrs, Wedding, at Niagara Falls. 4- Naylet & Miriam, 15yrs., Pembroke Pines, FL. 5- Rita & Angela, 8yrs., W. Palm Beach, FL. 6- Robin & Lisa, 3yrs., West Virginia. 7- Nikki & Amanda, 4yrs, Oregon. 8- Cristina & Victoria, 3yrs., Tampa, FL. 9- Mel & Jesika, 2 1/2 yrs, Miami, FL. 10- Stephanie & Shalean, 5months, Pembroke Pines, FL. 11- Yogi & Barb, 22yrs., Miramar, FL. 12- Odalis & Gina, 22yrs., Miami, FL. 13- Stacy & Erin, 4yrs., Atlanta, GA. 14- Rebecca & Carol, 5yrs., Los Angeles, CA. 15- Nicki & Sandy, 25yrs., Tallahassee, FL. 16- Pam & De , 3 yrs., Kennett, MI. this is what Love looks like. happy valentine’s day! she 12 02.15

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in the news Lambda Legal Urges First Circuit to Reverse Ruling Dismissing Puerto Rico Marriage Case Lambda Legal filed, at the end of January, a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to overturn a lower court ruling dismissing Conde-Vidal v. Garcia-Padilla, the lawsuit seeking to end the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s discriminatory ban on marriage for LGBT couples.

Lambda Legal plaintiffs Zulma Oliveras Vega and Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro

In its brief, Lambda Legal argues that the lower court erred in holding that Baker v. Nelson, a United States Supreme Court summary disposition from 42 years ago, prevented it

from considering plaintiffs’ claims. The lower court not only misread the holding of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor, but also ignored over four decades of precedent and left unaddressed the far-reaching harms the marriage ban inflicts on LGBT couples and their children. As scores of courts have now held, marriage bans like Puerto Rico’s violate both the equal protection and due process guarantees of the United States Constitution. On January 16th, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review of the marriage equality cases decided by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, including two Ohio cases. The Ohio cases are Henry v. Hodges, where Lambda Legal joined Gerhardstein & Branch, and Obergefell v. Hodges, where the ACLU joined Gerhardstein & Branch. Oral argument is expected to take place later this year. For updates, lambdalegal.org

GLAAD Announces Nominees for 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards GLAAD has announced today the nominees for its 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards to be held in Los Angeles on March 21, 2015 at The Beverly Hilton and in New York on May 9 at the Waldorf Astoria New York. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for equality. Among the nominees: Amazon Instant Video’s smash hit Transparent; ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder; HBO’s Game of Thrones, Looking, and The Normal Heart; Academy Award nominee The Imitation Game and Golden Globe nominee Pride; Love is Strange, starring John Lithgow and Alfred Molina; La-

verne Cox Presents: The T Word and True Trans with Laura Jane Grace, both documentaries about transgender people; Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel for Nick News with Linda Ellerbee and Good Luck Charlie respectively; To Russia with Love, Oprah Prime, and Outsports.com for interviews with out athletes; MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry; and Sam Smith for his critically acclaimed album In the Lonely Hour. For a full list, visit glaad.org

New Report Finds LGBTQ Health Funding Totals $50 Million for 2011 - 2013 Funders for LGBTQ Issues r eleased a new report today entitled Vital Funding: Investing in LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing . The report finds that despite alarming health disparities for LGBTQ communities, foundation funding for LGBTQ health totals less than 0.5 percent of all health funding. Vital Funding: Investing in LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing (2015) assesses the scale and character of U.S. foundation funding addressing the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities . Looking closely at the more than $50 million awarded for LGBTQ health issues between 2011 and 2013, Vital Funding not only identifies funding trends but also highlights opportunities for funders to achieve a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities . Highlights from the report include: • Nearly half of LGBTQ health funding was for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, with significant funding also devoted to the issues of primary care, mental health and substance abuse, cancer, and insurance coverage - each of which received $3-4.5 million. However, only 21 percent of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS specifically targets LGBTQ communities. • While only 15 percent of LGBTQ funding supports direct services, the majority (62 percent) of LGBTQ health funding is awarded for direct services. • While nearly 80 percent of LGBTQ health funding is awarded for statewide or local work, only 7 states and the District of Columbia receive $1 million or more in LGBTQ health funding (California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Texas). • Of the nearly $3 billion that foundations invest in health issues annually, less than 0.5 percent is awarded to LGBTQ communities. The report also includes an infographic that visually summarizes the findings. Both the infographic and full report are now available for download at lgbtfunders.org

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BIG CHANGES FOR MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE INCLUDE A WOMEN’S PROGRAM There are some exciting changes to Miami Beach Gay Pride this year. The first is that the festival has evolved into a two day festival on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th, with the parade still taking place on Sunday. The second big change is that Executive Director Ivan Cano, along with the Miami Beach Gay Pride Board of Directors, has approved a women’s program for this year. Cano hired female key players to execute the women’s program: Lynare Robbins, Festival Event Coordinator; Amy Bloom, Exhibitions Coordinator; and Icandee Events and Pandora Events, sponsors of Miami Beach Gay Pride and producers of the women’s themed stage and entertainment. Pride will feature four stages with a Women’s Stage featuring the best in women’s entertainment scheduled for Saturday, April 11th at Lummus Park on Ocean Drive. Also on April 11th will be a Women’s Village surrounding the Women’s Stage. The Women’s Village will be filled with exhibitors, a seating area for women to relax and fun activities related to women. On Sunday April 12th, the Women’s Stage transitions into a Latin themed stage. Cano said, “I am excited that we were finally able to put on a women’s program for Pride. Go Girl Power!” Since its inception in 2009, Miami Beach Gay Pride has grown from a neighborhood event to an event on the global stage with A-list celebrities such as Adam Lambert performing in 2013 and Gloria Estefan serving as Grand Marshal in 2014. Attendance has grown as well. An estimated 15,000 spectators turned out for the first Pride parade in 2009. An estimated 100,000 attended the event in 2014, which attracted not only South Floridians, but also visitors from throughout the world. In addition to Parade spectators, last April’s event included more than 100 parade contingencies, 35 floats and 2,000 participants. Festival Event Coordinator Lynare Robbins remarked, “We have accomplished a lot in terms of civil rights in the LGBT community. In order for these milestones to have been made possible, it was crucial to establish visibility as citizens and human beings. Miami Beach Gay Pride is an organization that commands a lot of attention and helps our community be seen and we serve as a unifying force that brings everyone together. What is truly amazing and unique is that most Pride festivals charge an entrance fee but the Board, Staff, Sponsors and Donors of Miami Beach Gay Pride put in a lot of work and commitment to keep Pride as a free event for everyone to enjoy.”

The Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th. The parade will take place on Sunday, April 12th at noon. There is still space for exhibitors to register for the festival expo. MIAMIBEACHGAYPRIDE.COM

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO CHERRY PIE Every Friday • 10PM Azucar Nightclub • 2301 SW 32 Avenue, Miami • pandoraevents.com FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Feb 7 - March 15 • 10AM - Sunset Quiet Waters Park • 401 S. Powerline Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL • ren-fest.com MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Feb 12 - 16 • Various Locations miamiboatshow.com ANDREA BOCELLI February 12 - 15 • 8 PM Hard Rock Live • 1 Seminole Way JUAN GABRIEL Feb 15 • Amway Center • 400 W Church St. Orlando, FL WOMEN WITH PRIDE’S

FILM SCREENING Appropiate Behavior Feb 17th • 7pm The Pride Center • 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors, FL 6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF LAKE WORTH February 20 • 5pm - 9pm Compass • 201 North Dixie Highway Lake Worth, FL • compassglcc.com LGBT GRANDPARENTS GROUP February 21 • 9:30AM - 11:30AM SunServe • 2312 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL RSVP to lgbtgrandparents@gmail.com BLACK GAY PRIDE February 22 • 1PM - 5PM The Pride Center • Wilton Manors, FL AQUA FAMILY BBQ February 22 • 12pm - 4pm

Greynolds Park • 17530 W. Dixie Hwy. North Miami Beach • aquafoundation.org HOLAM EVENTS PRESENTS BE MINE T DANCE February 22 • 3:30PM The Manor • 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL • lesbogogo.com AQUA ALLY AWARDS Feb 26 • 6pm - 9pm 2701 Le Jeune Rd. 5th Floor Coral Gables, FL • aquafoundation.org WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL Mar 4 - 9 • Various Locations winterparty.com SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Feb 19 - 22 • Ocean Drive • sobefest.com ELTON JOHN & HIS BAND Mar 7 • Amway Center • Orlando, FL

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on the cover

by denise warner

When it came to the end of the season, it was Michelle Chamuel who won our hearts on The Voice. She’s ready to wow us with her debut album, Face The Fire, releasing on Feb. 10. She Magazine had the chance to talk to Michelle about The Voice, her new album and (wait for it!) her relationship with one of our other favorite girls, Mary Lambert. Were you prepared for how much being on a reality TV show would change your life?

I think it’s different for a competition show where there are eliminations versus just a reality show because if you only make it to the blind auditions, not much is going to change, you know? If you’re on for a few shows, you may try to prepare for what may come of it, but the farther you go and the longer you’re on, the more you become recognizable because your face is plastered everywhere. (laughs) Then yeah, it’s time you start thinking about making your life ready for that kind of change, but I’m honestly not sure how, mentally, you can do that. I think one of the things you can prepare is security. As in protecting yourself, like buying your domain name and stuff like that. Take the spaces that are yours because oddly enough someone will buy them and try to sell them to you! Or they’ll pretend to be you and interact with fans and press. So as far as preparing for how life will change, I think, maybe you can do some things. But, if possible, like for me- I try not to prepare too much. I try to stay chill and grounded and not look ahead too far. Your new album Face The Fire is due out on February 10th. I love the name and I feel like there’s a bit of a story there.

Yes, when I got together with my friends, Theo and Tyler, we were working on different tunes. There was this one tune they sent to me that started out as an instrumental nugget. The tune called to me. There’s this energy to it. I started to feel what it was and I started talking to them about what I was feel-

Get social with Michelle: /Michellechamuel, @michellechamuel michellechamuel.com

ing. Through that brainstorm session, Face The Fire happened from talking about what was happening inside me, like this fire that was burning in me. Everyone knows what it’s like to want to do something so badly, you can feel it. [It’s been a] learning experience because when something is burning inside you like that, there’s this pull to let it take over and consume you. It can get in the way of everything else. Finding a balance was really important and Facing The Fire is really about both sides of it. Funny, it ultimately goes back to your first question about preparing for a successful career because it can be so demanding and you want to stay focused but also balanced. You mentioned Theo (Katzman) and Ty-

ler (Duncan), your collaborators. I read somewhere they are your college friends and former band mates.

Yeah, we met at college and we formed a band together. What’s cool is that we’re really hard workers. I mean, we were all there to work. The goal was to make an album. We had two weeks to write ten songs. It was a really tight schedule and we were there to get a job done. It’s great because we’re all friends. We did have a few nights where we were able to just hang out and have fun. That’s the best part, though, right?

(laughs) Well, yeah, but it was cool because we’re used to hard work. Like with our band, back then, we co-managed it like it was a band and a label. We worked really hard.

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How difficult is it to not be overrun by record executives and industry insiders and remain true to what you want to create?

My perspective of this shifts all the time. When I was with an indie label in my contract, I had the final say on the end product. There’s a pressure you put on yourself to make the best record you can, but it’s pressure you put on yourself. But with a major label who’s investing tons and tons of money into you, they are going to want to have a say in what you’re doing because they have this understanding of the industry and their idea of what a successful formula is. You say, “Hey, I want to make a number one hit record” and they go, “Well, we’ve made 100 number one hits,” so, there is a bit of pressure to use parts of their formula. It’s hard to stand up to it, because it doesn’t necessarily make their ideas bad, but you struggle with wanting to maintain your truth. It’s very hard because you know that them saying, “Hey, maybe try it without your glasses,” is just a subtle suggestion and you’re trying to keep in mind that it’s helpful advice. But for me the goal, especially on The Voice, (laughs) like with the glasses stuff, my goal was to be myself, not to quote, unquote “win” by their standard. To me, my definition of winning is being able to look back at that show and being proud of myself every single minute, not necessarily to be the last person standing. I know I did my best. I mean, if you’re the last person and you don’t recognize yourself, what’s the point? So true! Do you have a favorite track on the album?

I love each of them. (laughs) It’s kind of like children. You can’t pick which one you love more. Since I was younger, I always had a track in my mind, a track that would sound like this, and it’s what I always wanted. Theo helped with it and that track is “Golden.” I wanted to make this for so long. I didn’t even know it fully until it was finished and I was on the other side of it. That’s a really cool experience. I’d say “Golden” is the one. That’s great and I love that people are scarfing it up already! That must feel awesome. What kind of response are you getting? It’s been great! I have to say I’m so lucky. I’m spoiled by my fans. When I put a lot of work into something and I get it out there, I feel so

appreciated by them. It’s an amazing feeling. Yeah, your fans are really loyal and they’ve been waiting for this! I got the free download of “Golden” because I follow Mary [Lambert] on Facebook and she posted the link!

Aww, cool! (laughs) She’s incredible!

we’re on it now! Can you tell us a little bit about your relationship with Mary Lambert? How did you guys get together? Was it luck? A fix-up?

I don’t know how the world works as far as destiny goes and stuff, but this definitely feels like it was meant to happen. It was not a fix up by any means, I’ll tell you that much. But yeah, it feels so meant-to-be. She is a very special lady. How careful do you have to be not to influence one another’s music? You have your own very different sounds, but is there ever a concern not to mix or blend the two?

So, we hadn’t ever met, but we both liked one another’s work. The reason we met is because we ended up collaborating as friends. As we were working together, we realized our feelings were growing. I think it’s awesome that we were both fans of one another and appreciated the work the other one was doing before being in a relationship together. It’s really cool to love what the person you love does. Does that make sense? It’s such a wonderful feeling. As far as the influence thing you asked about, it’s great because we’re having a lot of similar experiences at the same time in our careers, releasing singles, releasing albums. I think in this industry, you are always learning new things. Both Mary and I like learning new stuff all the time. Two people can learn things and have two totally different perspectives, so, we’re very conscious of that. So often when people learn something new they’re like, “You have to do it this way!” so we’re careful not to interfere with one another’s learning process. At the same time, we’re supportive of each other. One thing I keep learning about this industry is that nobody really knows this business. It’s just a process of learning what works best for you. I mean, what’s your goal? If you look at someone when you’re talking to them about their goals and they light up over something- then that’s the thing you should be supporting, you know? And that’s different for everyone.

You’ve been playing for crowds all over. What do you find that fans want most to know about you?

I don’t think there is any one consistent thing I continually get asked. It’s more like the people who don’t come to live shows or follow me too closely, but they know of me- those are the ones. Like, I could be shopping at Trader Joe’s, doing my own thing, and they’ll be [concerned] like, “Hey! Are you doing well? How’s it going for you?” and I’ll go, “I’m good, I’m happy, I’m doin’ my thing.” The hardcore fans always know what’s happening and they’re pretty chilled out about it, so they’ll go, “Hey, what’s up?” They’re all totally cool. You used to tour a lot. How difficult is life on the road?

Yeah, I did tour a lot with the band, like 200 days a year, minimum! Now, I’m not on the road anymore too much. I have a cat. I have a home. I have a relationship. Something I’ve always wanted is to be on the production side of music. I want to be at home, producing and working on stuff. That’s where my heart is and with all those things combined, I’ve now said, “Hey listen, I don’t want to be on the road that much so it’s two weeks on, two weeks off.” You know? I mean if your goal is to be a worldwide superstar, that’s not going to work for you. But for me, I like songwriting and producing, so this suits me. I’m in line with my goals. Over the course of a month, I don’t want to be gone for three weeks at a time. Maybe it has to do with that thing, “after 21 days of something, it becomes a habit.” I get that because after three weeks on the road, things start to become normal. It becomes normal to be gone and be away more than it is to be home. I don’t want that. I don’t a majority of my life to be spent “away”. Makes total sense to me! Okay, last question. It’s February, so I have to ask. Are you a big romantic when it comes to Valentine’s Day or is it just another day?

It’s neither of those extremes for me. I think it’s important to recognize the day and acknowledged it, of course. I don’t think I’ve had very many Valentines Days with people who aren’t my bandmates. Honestly, it’s not one of the major ones that you have to carve out a day, for me. I’d rather celebrate an anniversary or a birthday or New Year’s in a bigger way, I think.

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feature

By Robin L. Bodiford, JD., MSW

Now that we have the right to marry in Florida and you have chosen your bride to be, there are legal issues to consider in addition to the when and where of your wedding plans. While there are over 1000 rights conferred by the act of legal marriage, your marriage also comes with serious set of obligations. Also, contrary to popular belief, even after marriage, the estate planning documents we previously relied on to give us rights to inherit and act on behalf of our partners are still needed. These are needed to assure that your assets and your care in event of disability and death are managed according to your wishes, and not by default under the law.

Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements

Most of us believe it won’t happen to us, but statistics say approximately half of marriages end in divorce. In the absence of a legally binding pre-nuptial agreement, should your marriage end in divorce, your assets (real property, personal property, bank accounts, brokerage accounts and retirement savings accounts) may be subject to being divided between you and your ex-wife by Florida’s rule of equitable distribution. In order to avoid that potentially devastating outcome, many couples agree in writing to give up all or most of the rights to the other’s separately acquired assets, retirement plans, and assets earned during the marriage. The agreement can be entered into either before the wedding - a “pre-nuptial agreement - or after the wedding “post-nuptial” - but should comply with some basic rules that ensure it won’t be overturned in a nasty divorce. For example, both parties

should be represented by an attorney so that neither can assert that she didn’t realize the legal implications of signing the document, that the document wasn’t presented on the “eve” of the wedding, avoiding the argument that it was presented at the last minute and that it was signed under pressure of the imminent nuptials. Pre-nuptial Agreements are regarded by many as a very unromantic proposal to make upon the acceptance of the marriage proposal. However, the effect of entering into the agreement in advance of a possible divorce is that your behavior when you are at your worst (at the divorce settlement table) will be governed by your agreements made when you were feeling sane, in love and respectful of your spouse to be. Marriage shouldn’t be encumbered by a coerced financial liability to your spouse. It should be a consensual union based upon mutual love and respect. That being said, the decision to create a “pre-nupt” should be jointly reached and not coerced, and negotiated with love and mutual regard. For example, if you intend to be the working wife and your betrothed the stay at home mom, then your agreement should include provisions assuring that your partner, who is forgoing advancing her career, etc., be compensated for her sacrifice to your joint marital plan. As for planning for disability and death, the essential documents are still needed. First, you will need a will and/or a revocable living trust to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes upon your death. Marriage provides some inheritance rights, but does not ensure that your spouse will inherit as you both might imagine. To assure that your wishes be carried out in the event of disability, a Durable Power of Attorney (for finances), a Living Will, a Designation of Healthcare Surrogate, and a Preneed Guardian Designation may be prepared. Planning your life as a couple should be undertaken as an act of love. The cost should be affordable and your attorney should be chosen with an eye to experience and of course, respect for our LGBT community. Attorney Robin L. Bodiford is an estate planning attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Visit her website www.LAWROBIN.COM.

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feature

There is a good reason why Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations for the masses. From some of the most incredible hotel properties in the world to the food, the shows and casinos galore, Las Vegas is not only the real entertainment capitol of the world, it is also a place where you can experience some serious opulence in a way that is still affordable. Getting there is easy. It’s just a quick plane ride away and if you are headed out from South Florida, JetBlue now offers nonstop flights daily, with more legroom, free TV and many flights also give you to free Wi-Fi. Once you arrive, you will need a place to stay. Formerly known as The Hotel, the newly-renovated, newly-invented Delano, sister to the infamous South Beach property, is a superior choice for the best of Vegas accommodations. From its grooving vibe lobby area to the crisp white-bathed contemporary décor of the rooms, this boutique hotel offers great service with a friendly and welcoming staff. There you will find a full service spa,

by tina Sordellini

Bathhouse with a hot stone massage that’s just what your spirit ordered, a coffee shop featuring things like S’mores Cappuccino, a rooftop nightclub, restaurants and direct access to the entire Mandalay Bay property. You know, a girl’s gotta eat. And Las Vegas offers some of the most innovative, palette pleasing cuisine on the planet. Breakfast/ Brunch? The Delano’s own farm to table inspired Della’s Kitchen has a truly decadent Lobster Eggs Benedict. (And yes, if you ask, they will run over and get you that S’mores Cappuccino to go with it.) Bacchanal over at Caesar’s Palace wins the mega-opulent award for its buffet brunch, featuring, well, just about everything you can possibly imagine and then some. Not kidding here for an instant. It is beyond anything you have ever experienced, for one shockingly affordable price. When lunchtime rolls around, you can head down to Lao Sze Chuan at the Palms Casino Resort for a superior Chinese food experience by renowned Chicago chef, Tony Hu. Make sure you try the Dim Sum. If you’d

like more of a relaxed afternoon experience, cruise Downtown to Container Park. There you will find a bevy of laid back food options to choose form, including The Perch, which features great cocktails, salads and sandwiches with amazing fries, overlooking all that Container Park has to offer including unique specialty shops and a super cool tree house play area for kids. When dinner time rolls around, there are three places that are an absolute must. First is La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at the Wynn. There, make sure you have the Mushroom Grits and the Bacon-wrapped Dates, which will bring tears to your eyes. Pair up with something from their truly extensive wine collection or one of their delicious mocktails. The next stop on your must-try list is José Andrés’ Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan. Not only will they serve you the best gin and tonic of your life, they will also dazzle your taste buds with things like homemade chorizo or paella. Last but certainly not least, make sure you visit Buddy V’s at the Venetian. This

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rustic Italian experience brought to you by the family recipes of TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, will leave your stomach filled to the brim with delectable offerings like Lisa V’s Linguine and White Clam Sauce and Steak Pizzaiolo and you can finish it off the truly scrumptious Flake Cream-Filled Lobster Tail Pastry. Looking for some excitement but not feeling the casino thing? That’s okay. There is fun and adventure all over Vegas. Downtown at Freemont Street you can find Slotzilla, the most exhilarating zipline experience outside of the jungle. Sure, you could opt for the shorter, standard sitting position ride down part of the strip, but why not go for the big time and go Superman style in a full horizontal run from 10-stories high down the entire original Vegas strip. It sounds crazy. It even looks crazy when you are watching from below. But it’s so worth it!

If adventure from up high is your thing, you can take an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris hotel for about $15, which gives you a full 360 view of Vegas, including the fountains of the Venetian show directly across the street. Wanna get even higher? Just a quick limo ride from your hotel will take you to Sundance Helicopters, where you can feel like a contestant on a dating reality show as you fly in style in state of the art helicopters, over the Vegas strip, the Hoover Dam, or head out to the Grand Canyon for a little champagne picnic. This is VIP treatment at its best and the roundtrip limo transport is included in the price. How about a show? Let’s be honest, Las Vegas is the true entertainment capital of the world. Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Cher did it big in Vegas and now you can see Brittney Spears through the end of February, Elton John and more. Or you can catch one or more of Cirque du Soliel’s eight spectacular offerings, including the watercentric O, action-packed Ka, super-sexy Zumanity, The Beatles’ Love and Michael Jackson One. So, get planning! Whether you travel with your favorite girl, group of friends or even fly solo, you just cannot go wrong in Las Vegas. For more on all that Las Vegas has to offer, visit: lasvegas.com.

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SHE GIRL

See all photos online at www.shemag.com / by boi-photography.com

jackie // st. petersburg, fl // taurus Dream Girl: I already have one. Dream Job: ER nurse. My occupation: Gogo dancer/nurse aid. My pets: My pit bull Princess, a short hair pointer named Andy German, two cats named Zachary and Sebastian, all rescues. My mother thinks I: am a survivor. Turn-ons: Make me laugh, laugh at my awkwardness, love fitness. Turn-offs: Someone who constantly makes excuses, poor diet and body hair. Sensitive Body Part: Back of my neck. My Best Quality: My laugh. Secret Fetish: Feather tickling while I’m blind folded. I have a weakness for: Pickles. I like to wear: Black all the time. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?: Fly, so I can travel for free. What breakfast cereal best describes you? Lucky charms. If you could change your name, what would you pick?: Vanessa. last book I read was: Wolfgang Puck’s Makes it Healthy. If my life were made into a movie, my part will be played by: Mila Kunis. My greatest accomplishment: Living a healthier lifestyle to manage my Crohn’s disease. My most memorable date: Off road mudding at 16 and getting stuck. Celebrity’s butt I would most like to squeeze: Ian Somerhalder’s. The cartoon character I am most like: Road Runner. The strangest place I’ve ever been naked: Fire station. The weirdest thing I ever ate was: Squirrel meat. My favorite quote: “And that is all she ever wanted. For everyone around her to embrace their storms and make them fall in love with their own violent winds.” French Fries, French Vanilla, French Toast or French Manicure? French toast. The last movie I went to a theater to see was: Night at the Museum 3. If I could have one wish granted, I would wish: That there would be a cure for cancer. My coming out was: Nerve racking, but my parents told me as long as I’m happy that’s all they care about. If you were to become an activist in the LGBT community, which organization would you choose and why: I am a part of a human outreach team with my LGBT church, King of Peace MCC, located in St. Petersburg. We feed the homeless and collect much needed items for the community. I think our community needs: I feel that the LGBT community needs to come together more to help each and be more accepting. I feel that we segregate ourselves too much. We need to come together more as a family if we want acceptance from the rest of the world. she 22 02.15

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noticias otro avance para la diversidad sexual en chile

“Estamos felices de que el Estado reconozca, por primera vez, que una pareja del mismo sexo también constituye una familia y merece protección. Es un resguardo de la vida afectiva”. El Congreso chileno aprobó el 28 de Enero la primera ley de uniones civiles o de hecho en el país, que regula la convivencia y crea un nuevo estado civil accesible a parejas heterosexuales y homosexuales, una demanda histórica de su comunidad LGBT (lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales). El proyecto, inédito en Chile por su tradición conservadora y la gran influencia de la Iglesia Católica, permite que las parejas que conviven sin estar casadas puedan comRoxana Ortiz y Virginia Gómez se besan en las partir bienes a nivel jurídico, recibir herencias y pengradas del Congreso. siones o ser carga en el sistema de salud. Además, contempla la posibilidad de que se les otorgue la custodia de menores, en caso de que la madre o el padre biológico estén inhabilitados. De esta manera, la propuesta queda en condiciones para ser promulgada como ley por la presidenta Michelle Bachelet y se espera que pueda entrar en vigencia en septiembre de este año. “Es un momento de celebración para el pueblo de Chile. Se trata de una ley que reconoce la diversidad de familia”, aseguró a Página/12 Nicolás Levy, miembro de la Fundación Iguales, organización chilena que trabaja en la inclusión de la diversidad sexual. Luego de once años de tramitación y con un amplio respaldo, el proyecto de ley crea el Acuerdo de Unión Civil (AUC), que tiene como objetivo mejorar las condiciones jurídicas y sociales de parejas de igual o distinto sexo que conviven sin estar casadas. La propuesta había sido aprobada por la Cámara a mediados de Enero y ratificada el martes, 29 de Enero por el Senado. La futura ley se refiere al acuerdo de unión civil como un contrato celebrado entre dos personas que comparten un hogar, a las que denomina convivientes civiles y que serán considerados parientes para los efectos previstos en el artículo 42 del Código Civil.

Matrimonio gay, atado a revisión en Venezuela

Las uniones civiles entre ciudadanos del mismo sexo tiene el camino difícil en Venezuela. En la Asamblea Nacional (AN), donde reposa el proyecto entregado por la comunidad de Gays, lesbianas, bisexuales, transexuales e intersexuales (Glbti) desde hace casi un año, aún permanece engavetado a la espera de la revisión de las 20 mil firmas que lo respaldan por parte del Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). Sus promotores afirman que la fracción mayoritaria es la principal traba. El diputado por el Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (Psuv), Elvis Amoroso, primer vicepresidente de la AN, explicó que la comunidad Glbti, “debería primero conquistar lo que tiene que ver con las parejas de hecho” para que puedan tener un logro al reconocimiento de éstas. Pone como ejemplo a las parejas de la comunidad que tienen años viviendo juntos, y que al desaparecer uno de sus miembros sus bienes no le correspondes al otro pese a la convivencia debido a la falta del respaldo legal. Sobre el ‘freno’ en la AN, Amoroso responde que al ingresar la propuesta se le solicitó la verificación de las firmas al CNE, y “todavía no nos han dado respuesta, tenemos que ver la veracidad de esas firmas que enviaron, y no somos nosotros es el Estado, eso es algo obligatorio. Si el Poder Electoral dice que sí son ciertas se procede al trabajo legislativo en relación a lo que es el derecho comparado con los países donde existe el matrimonio igualitario”.

papa francisco recibe a hombre trans espaÑol y a su novia El Papa Francisco recibió en audiencia privada en la Casa de Santa Marta a un transexual español y a su novia. Diego Neria Lejárraga, de 48 años, había escrito una carta como católico al Papa argentino, entre amargado y desesperado, debido al el rechazo de la iglesia en su pueblo de Plasencia, de 41 mil habitantes, en Extremadura, por haber cambiado de sexo. El caso ha levantado un gran revuelo, despues que fue hecho público por el diario Hoy de Extremadura, en el oeste de España. Fuentes vaticanas no quisieron comentar la noticia. Diago escribió una carta a Jorge Bergoglio tras haber sido humillado como “hija del Diablo” por un sacerdote y prácticamente expulsado por fieles de su parroquia. “Como te atreves a entrar aqui con tu condición? No eres digno”, le dijeron en la parroquia.

El 8 de diciembre, para su sorpresa, sonó el telefono y del otro lado de la línea escuchó: “Soy el Papa Francisco”. Bergoglio le dijo que su carta le había llegado al alma y quería recibirlo. El 20 de diciembre volvió a llamar a Diego y le propuso verlo el 24 de enero pasado en el Vaticano, invitando también a su novia a acompañarlo. El transexual español contó su historia al pontífice. Que ya en su niñez sufría por “la cárcel de mi propio cuerpo que no se correspondia con lo que mi cuerpo sentía. En las cartas de los Reyes Magos les pedía siempre convertirme en un niño”. En el encuentro con Papa Francisco, Diego le preguntó: “¿Porqué la Iglesia me rechaza, porque no puedo ser un católico practianente? ¿Hay un rincón en la casa de Dios para mí?”.

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SOY MUJER

CON VERóNICA ESPINAL

Enamorada del Amor

“En el amor no se puede ser cobarde y no puedo permitirme dejar de sentir por temor a fracasar...”

Aunque nunca me he regido por ellos, en ocasiones son lo primero que busco cuando tomo una revista o un periódico. Hace días leí mi horóscopo, el mismo que su traducción decía: “‘No todo lo que brilla es oro’ puede ser una idea inteligente que tener en mente si es que conoces a una persona con prospecto amoroso. Podrías estar enamorada del amor y eso no te deja ver a los demás por lo que realmente son”. Estas palabras, que en cualquier otro momento no significarían nada, se quedaron grabadas en mi mente por varios días. Pensaba en todas y en ninguna. Aunque no era necesario, buscaba leer entre líneas el mensaje “escondido” que parecía estar más claro que el agua. Estas palabras, en este momento, parecían encajar con esa parte romántica y emocional que vivo intensamente. Esas palabras me llegaron fuerte y me costó unos 4-5 días mandarlas al diablo y ponerlas de lado. Dentro de mi claridad, me invadieron de mucha confusión. Que yo recuerde, nunca antes había sentido tanta ansiedad ni tanta incoherencia de pensamiento. Sí…que c*rajo, lo confieso, lo acepto y lo afronto: me enamoré otra vez. Sí, me enamoré otra vez de una linda mujer. Es una situación un tanto incomoda y de la que no daré detalles, pero la decidimos vivir y no me arrepiento. Las preguntas no tardaron en llegar. ¿Cómo es posible que esté enamorada del amor y no de su mirada? ¿Cómo es posible que esté enamorada del amor y no de su sonrisa? ¿Enamorada del amor? ¡Por Dios! ¿Y qué del calor y la seguridad de su abrazo? ¿Y qué de la paz de su sueño, ese mismo que cuando estamos juntas cuido? ¿Y qué de la corriente que llega a cada nervio de mi cuerpo cuando siento su mano en mi espalda y en ocasiones en una nalga? Yo me enamoré de su amor, de sus contrastes, de su pasión, de sus roces, de su sexo, de su fuerza y su debilidad. Entonces, ¿bajo qué clasificación debo empaquetar las noches de estrellas compartidas, las puestas y salidas de sol, las cursilerías, la ternura, los besos y calenturas? Me parece que si estuviese “enamorada del amor” me afectarían igual las acciones de amor de otras personas, ¿o no? Pero claro que estoy enamorada del amor, pero del que Ella lleva dentro y del que me hace sentir a diario y que se refleja, ya sea en una lágrima, en una sonrisa, en unos mimos o en una canción. Hoy, pongo mis confusiones de lado y decido seguir en la

complicidad de vivir el presente sin tenerle miedo al mañana que es solamente incierto. En el amor no se puede ser cobarde y no puedo permitirme dejar de sentir por temor a fracasar. Sólo tengo el día de hoy para querer, entregarme y recibirla en mi ser. Para mi, cuando se trata de vivir el amor de pareja todo riesgo es valido. Así es que amiga, si te encuentras ante el lumbral del amor, con sus inseguridades o sin ellas, sigue adelante y atrévete a vivir tu presente. No te arrepientas de lo que hiciste, sino más bien de lo que dejaste por hacer. ¡Feliz Día del Amor y la Amistad! Cambio de Actitud Aprovechando que hablamos del amor, deseo compartir esta información de datos y acontecimientos que ya han pasado a la historia. Sin lugar a dudas este año que terminó, 2014, ha sido uno lleno de grandes logros en nuestra comunidad LGBT en Estados Unidos. Según la organización HRC, Diciembre del 2013 cerró con 16 estados, más D.C., que aprobaron el matrimonio gay; mientras que el 2014 cerró con un total de 35 estados—sin incluir D.C.—donde el matrimonio de parejas del mismo sexo es legal. Es un incremento de poco más del 100% en sólo un año. Principalmente en nuestro condado Miami-Dade, la primera semana de Diciembre trajo dos grandes noticias o logros: El 2 de Diciembre la Comisión del condado Miami-Dade aprobó el proteger a las personas transgénero contra la discriminación. El 3 de Diciembre llego la noticia de que el matrimonio gay tenia un 99% de convertirse en realidad en todo el estado de Florida, y así fué. A partir del 6 de Enero, 2015 parejas del mismo sexo empezaron a contraer matrimonio en todas las cortes del estado. Estas decisiones son grandes logros para nuestra comunidad y son el esfuerzo de organizaciones LGBT locales y nacionales que han luchado por ello. No olvidemos que el 21 de Agosto pasado también se aprobó el reconocimiento y legalidad en Florida de matrimonios realizados en estados donde ya ha sido aprobado el matrimonio gay. Con el tiempo vemos los cambios de actitud y cambios en la forma en que otras comunidades ven a la nuestra. Según una reciente encuesta del Pew Research Center, en el 2014 un 52% de Americanos apoya el matrimonio gay, en comparación a un 40% que se opone. En el 2013, un 50% estaba a favor y 42% en contra. La diferencia es mayor si lo comparamos con el 2004 cuando un 60% se oponía y un 31% estaba a favor.

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good reads

with marisa cohen

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley We celebrate Valentine’s Day and Black History Month in February, which makes Lies We Tell Ourselves the perfect book. While it’s from Harlequin Teen, don’t be fooled. This is a hefty, emotional book, and plenty deep enough for adults. In 1959 Virginia, Sarah, one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, meets Linda, the white daughter of a man who viciously opposes integration. Can friendship and love conquer all? Talley’s book is brilliant and bittersweet.

The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Fifty by Joan Price Cleis Press and Joan Price hold the secrets to great senior sex. This clear, reliable and sexy guide to sex after fifty covers everything from long term relationships, communication issues, G-spots, even friends with benefits. Covering all sexual orientations, The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Fifty is an invaluable resource for singles, couples, and even the widowed. This upbeat, sensual and positive book is a must have for anyone over fifty.

The Palace Blues by Brandy T. Wilson Chicago in the 1920s is the setting for this gritty, gorgeous whirlwind of a novel. Tomboy Frankie is smitten with the cross-dressing singer, Jean Balley. Together, the lovers cross color lines and gender lines. Wilson creates a sure and certain world of railroad yards, smoky clubs, and forbidden love. Play some jazz while you read this one.

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Would you discuss your sex life on TV? Well, some couples are willing to do just that. WE tv introduces a groundbreaking new series, Sex Box, to its Friday night line-up beginning Friday, February 27 at 10pm ET/PT. The series takes therapy to a whole new level with couples not only discussing their relationship issues with a panel of experts, but also spending time in a camera-free, soundproof box on the show’s set to have sex…all in front of a live studio audience!

Among the first couples that are part of the case are lesbians Brittany and Sally Pennington, one of the 32 couples married on the Grammy Awards last year by Queen Latifah. Other couples seeking help from the experts include: high school sweethearts whose passion has flamed out after 14 years of marriage and four kids; a couple whose trust issues from a previous relationship have a negative impact on their intimacy; an open relationship with one partner wanting to make their sex life even racier, including S&M; a married couple whose preoccupation with baby making has changed their sex life for the worse; and a couple who actually has too much sex. After receiving initial advice, the couples must decide if they are willing to step into the box to resolve their intimacy issues; but what happens in the box does not stay in the box. In each of the 11 hour-long episodes, couples speak candidly with a panel of “sexperts” for the chance to reignite their connection. Experts include: Dr. Fran Walfish, a leading Beverly Hills psychotherapist, Dr. Chris Donaghue, a licensed clinical nationally certified sex therapist and Dr. Yvonne Capehart, pastor and couples’ counselor. Experts are also joined by Danielle Stewart, who provides commentary and onthe-street interviews.

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1- Wendy & Penny, 12yrs., Coconut Creek, FL. 2- Carrie & Jag, 12yrs., Fostoria, OH. 3- Dawn & Tonya, 15yrs., Collinsville, IL. 4- Christine & Jennifer, 3yrs., Miami , FL. 5- Vonyse & Amy, 5 yrs.,Los Angeles, CA. 6- Brittany & Nicole, 4yrs., Atlanta, GA. 7- Diane & Angela, 5yrs, Coral Springs, FL. 8- Cie & Lisa, 4yrs., Rochester, NY. 9Jaime & Renata, 10yrs., Orlando, FL. 10- Aretta & Sharia, 5yrs., Boyton Bch, FL. 11- Stephanie & Kelly, 3yrs., Chicago, IL. 12- Rachael & Melissa 6yrs., Clearwater, FL. 13- Anna & Maurindia, 4yrs, St Louis, MI. 14- Colleen & Heather, 8yrs, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 15- Lourdes & Mariu, 8yrs., Miami, FL. 16- Tinka & Nicole, 13 yrs., Dayotna Beach, FL. 17- Margarete & Jan, 20 yrs., Hamilton, NY. this is what love looks like. happy valentine’s day! she 27 02.15

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classifieds accommodations

community groups/organizations

community groups/organizations

miscellaneous

Reach The Women of the LGBT Community! Advertising in She: A Lot More Affordable Than You Think. Call Today 954-354-9751 She 28 02.15

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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 29 02.15

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scopes

with the village sage

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 You have a lot on your mind. However, miscommunication and misinterpretation is the rule, rather than the exception this month, so choose your words carefully. Spend time reviewing your recent past and look for ways you can make inner changes in how you communicate your wants, needs and goals. You get to reinvent yourself now, make better choices and a better impression on others.

leo July 23 - aug 22 Your focus is firmly on your interactions with the significant others in your life. Allow yourself to shift and alter your position. Be objective and cooperative. This is not the best time to be overly optimistic about projected cash-flow. Instead, make a budget on current revenue.

pisces feb 20 - mar 20 You are more determined than ever to get over whatever has held you back from realizing the life you dream of having. This involves honest self-analysis, as well as a real willingness to admit mistakes, misperceptions and unrealistic expectations. Once done, your future hopes and dreams will have much better chances of successfully meeting your goals.

virgo aug 23 - sept 23 You will have to set priorities about how to use your resources. You might feel torn between wanting time for yourself and wanting to spend time with loved one. Finding the right balance will be made more difficult by the planetary influences. You will be best served by being more patient, more empathetic, and more flexible, and whatever you do, do it graciously.

aries mar 21 - apr 20 You have the opportunity to make much needed changes, and/or, adjustments to any situation where you find yourself feeling like you are spinning your wheels. Frustrations can build, so find positive outlets for that pent-up-energy. You can help shape your immediate future, one way or the other. However, if you used bullying tactics instead, they might back-fire.

libra sept 24 - oct 23 Finally, the planets are empowering you to star in your own romantic-comedy adventures. You have the opportunity to relax and enjoy life’s pleasures, even while still being responsible to your everyday life. You will also have many opportunities to network yourself, combining business with pleasure. Just be careful to keep to your health and fitness commitment to yourself.

taurus apr 21 - may 21 You are torn between conflicting wants and needs. Adding to it, the planets are throwing miscommunication into the mix. Be responsible in your everyday life, while planning the great escape. Everything that has been the ‘norm’ is about to change. By month’s end you’ll have a new, improved plan and plenty of energy to get up.

scorpio oct 24 - nov 22 You must maintain your status quo until after the 25th, as any changes you may make now undermining your sense of security. Go ahead and strategize how to achieve your current goals. Just don’t try to implement until next month. Things you say can set you up for greater success in building a strong foundation.

gemini may 22 - june 21 Your imagination has manifested in career boosting bursts of inspiration for future success in your chosen field. Combine business with pleasure as you network yourself. Share the grand plan. You will achieve even greater success by doing as much listening as talking. Your greatest assets are your basic core values and sense of responsibility.

sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21 It’s been quite awhile since you’ve had an appreciative audience. Explore your own part of the world, revisit favorite places and discover new ones, preferably with a fun companion. You’ll not want to wander too far away from home, as you’ll still need time to process the past, before envisioning a better future. Remember, the present truly is a gift.

cancer June 22 - july 22 The planets are forcing you to create a better, more realistic budget and an action-plan to achieving your goals. They are urging you to create a better balance between work and play. Use this time to reflect on how you are using your energies. Are you worker harder, or smarter? Instead of hiding in your emotional shell, come out and shout what you need.

capricorn dec 22 - jan 20 It won’t be a big surprise that your focus is laserbeamed on your finances, most especially your cash flow. Now is the time the planets are helping you to better understand the obstacles to your success. Use the retrograde energy to reflect on the past and your reactions to them. Use your infamous control to stick to a realistic budget.

She 30 02.15

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2/2/2015 12:38:59 AM


shep31_zola.indd 1

2/2/2015 12:31:02 AM


shep41_bud.indd 1

2/29/2012 8:10:08 PM


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