SheMagazine—May'13

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director’s chair

Last month, my girl and I went on vacation. I don’t mean one of those working trips where we had to show our faces at multiple venues across a week’s time, take pictures and schmooze VIPs. I mean a real, sit on our asses and only do what we feel like doing vacation. No cell phones, no computers, no moms, no kids, no dogs, no work. Just us, overlooking the ocean, in paradise, for seven whole days. And we did it surrounded by women.

Over the years I have heard critics talk about the downsides of traveling with the companies who provide this type of trip. Usually, the one thing that is said over and over again is that it costs more money to go with one of those companies than if you go to the same place without them. Sometimes, that is true. But I have to tell you, it’s one of those things where once you’ve done it, you never want to have to do it any other way.

There is an amazing feeling of freedom that comes from being on a real women who love women’s vacation. You walk hand-in-hand every time you leave your room.

When you spontaneously decide to play “Dancing With The (Non) Stars” in the lobby, everyone who walks by smiles and mentions how cute “you two are together.” You don’t even think twice about grabbing a smooch in the pool or hot tub or snuggling up in the same chaise lounge to watch the sunset.

Put that together with entertainment, music and comedy for and by women. And women, from all over the world who, like you, just want to have that same freedom. We came away from this trip not only rejuvenated, refreshed and romanced, but also with several new friends who touched our hearts and will be in our lives for years (and trips) to come.

Yeah, you can hop on that same cruise line or run off to the same resort for a few bucks less. But it won’t be the same, I can promise you that. Paradise isn’t really paradise if it doesn’t come with the ability to enjoy it to the fullest with the woman you love. And really, isn’t she worth a few bucks more? Mine sure is. Don’t let me make you look bad.

So, give it a shot. I promise it’s so worth it and afterwards, like me, you will never want to do it any other way. Feel free to send me a postcard from paradise!

See you next month.

Tina Sordellini Managing Executive Editor

MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EDITORS Marissa Cohen • Tara Farquhar Shawn Nicholson • Christina Radish Denise Warner • Donna Woessner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marissa Cohen • Verónica Espinal Jane Hardy • The Village Sage Nadine Smith • Tina Sordellini Denise Warner • Donna Woessner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Verónica Espinal • Yadira Claralt Laura Volk • Angie Sowers Juan Saco Mironoff • Boi-Photography SALES ASSOCIATES Maria Espinal • Diana Price Laura Volk • Donna Woessner ads@shemag.com DISTRIBUTION JR Davis • Randy Justice SUBSCRIPTIONS www.shemag.com EDITORIAL OFFICE 6511 Nova Drive, #173 • Davie, FL 33317 954.354.9751 office info@shemag.com • www.shemag.com SHE: WOMEN OWNED, WOMEN OPERATED, WOMEN EMPOWERED! The ideas and opinions expressed in She Magazine do not necessarily reflect opinions of Shemag, L.L.C., She Magazine, or of editors or staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization should not be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of that person or organization. All advertising subject to approval by She Magazine. She Magazine/Shemag, L.L.C. is not responsible for unauthorized use or copyright infringement as present in camera ready, client provided ads, nor is it liable for any loss or suit arising from submitted advertisement, copy, photography, or artwork. Reproduction of She Magazine, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Shemag, L.L.C.

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may 2013 / VOLUME 15 / ISSUE 4

IN THIS ISSUE

16

20 features

she espaÑol

16 CELEBRATING THE L MOMS!

30 NOTICIAS

Our Second Annual Family Album

Entérate lo que sucede en nuestros paises.

18 CHERYL DUMESNIL

A Long and Winding Road to Parenthood

20 FRENCHIE DAVIS

“The journey to self-love is a lifelong one. The world is full of people who will go out of...”

22 GIRLS IN WONDERLAND

Your guide to all women’s events in Orlando

28 ANTIGONE RISING

Interview with Kristen Ellis-Henderson: “I feel like my family deserves equality. I’m no less an American than my next door neighbor is.”

departments

06 DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 10 MULTIMEDIA 14 IN THE NEWS 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 22 SHE GIRL Meet Gabrielle from Orlando, FL

34 ARCHIVES 34 ON THE SHELVES 35 DID YOU FACEBOOK ABOUT...

36 SCOPES

22

31 YO SOY MUJER

photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 MIAMI BEACH PRIDE’S FLIRT TEA DANCE 26 PALM BEACH PRIDE 32 THE DINAH

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28

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

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MULTIMEDIA

with tina sordellini

From Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez, comes the ABC Family’s original drama The Fosters premiering Monday, June 3rd at 9pm. The Fosters follows a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms— Stef Foster (Teri Polo), a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams (Sherri Saum), a school Vice Principal.

Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks, will release her debut solo album, Mother on May 7. “I wanted this music to be very different from the Dixie Chicks,” she says. “Lots of albums by lead singers might just as well have been made by the band, but I think this is very different from anything the Chicks could make. That separation and distinction was important.”

In the new Tyler Perry comedy, Peeples, starring yet another great ensemble cast including Craig Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson and super-hot Kerry Washington, sparks fly when Wade Walker crashes the Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s hand in marriage. Opens in theaters May 10.

Demi Lovato is set to release her fourth studio album, Demi on May 14. Demi is Lovato’s most personal album to date, and is an affirming celebration of life. “I’m incredibly proud of this album,” said Lovato.

“It’s better than anything I have ever done!

I experimented with a variety of different sounds and poured my heart into writing these songs.”

Greta Gerwig stars in the comedy flick Frances Ha, opening on May 17. The story follows a New York woman who, doesn’t really have an apartment, apprentices for a dance company though she’s not really a dancer, and throws herself headlong into her dreams, even as their possible reality dwindles.

Alyssa Milano is back in the new series Mistresses, with co-stars Jes Macallan, Rochelle Aytes and Yunjin Kim, a provocative and thrilling drama about the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery, as they brave the turbulent journey together. Premieres June 3 at 10pm, on ABC.

NOT TO BE MISSED: The East starring Brit Marling. An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. Opens May 31.

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fling—wet & wild tea dance, the women’s party during miami beach gay pride festival &

parade at the clevelander rooftop, presented by pandora & icandee events. photos by maricel castro / view more photos at www.shemag.com

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in the news 73% OF FlORIDIanS SuPPORt Ban On antIGaY DISCRIMInatIOn Public Supports Competitive Workforce Act banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to a new University of Florida.

The poll conducted by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service in collaboration with the UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research found that 73 percent of respondents support theCompetitive Workforce Act while only 24 percent oppose it.

Introduced by State Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando and State Rep Holly Raschein, RKey West, the bill has strong bipartisan support including five Republican co-sponsors.

The Senate companion is sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington. The legislation would update the state’s civil rights code to include protections against discrimination for reasons of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“The poll confirms the strong support we’ve seen for this common sense measure that reflects the values of equality and fairness that Floridians share,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida.

“Support continues to grow and while 73% of

Floridians know it is the right thing to do and our business leaders have been delivering the message that it’s the economically smart thing to do in a state that needs draw and retain the best and brightest workforce.”

Many Florida communities have passed strong local anti-discrimination policies, however state law currently fails to protect Floridians against sexual orientation and gender identity workplace discrimination.

VICTORY FOR LAKELAND STUDENTS AS GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE ALLOWED TO FORM A group of students at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, FL have been informed after months of delay that school administrators will allow them to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) student club at the school. The students had reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida for assistance in getting the club recognized.

TAKE THE SURVEY! The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is currently conducting a survey to see where LGBT people see the direction in which our movement for freedom, justice and equality is headed. While marriage is important, the Task Force knows and understands that there are many other issues facing the LGBT community today including immigration, discrimination in the workplace, protection of LGBT youth and hurdles we face as we age.

They want to hear from you. Help them by taking this short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/morethanmarriage

On April 19, 2013, the Scouts announced that the proposal to lift the ban for gay youth members, but keep the ban for adult leaders who are lesbian or gay would be submitted to over 1,400 voting members of its National Council on May 20. iF the resolution is approved, “no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone, “Deron Smith, the BSA’s spokesman stated.

Rory Teal and Brenna Pelland, two seventeen-year-old 11th graders at Kathleen High School had been working for months to establish the GSA in order to confront bullying and promote tolerance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students at Kathleen High School, having first contacted administrators about the club in November 2012.

“We are really excited that the GSA is going to be allowed to start creating a safe space where students can be themselves,” stated Pelland. “We want our school to be a place where people are respected for who they are, and the GSA is going to help a lot with that.”

“The bullying situation made focusing on academics really hard for a lot of people,” stated Teal. “We’re glad we don’t have to wait until next year for the club to help students feel comfortable at school.”

GSAs are student organizations made up of LGBT students and their straight allies that advocate for an end to bullying, harassment, and discrimination against all students.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT... “it is a sad moment and a huge disappointment for Miami-Dade residents and fans that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace makes such a homophobic statement on the day a fellow professional athlete, NBA player Jason Collins, shows such inspiration and strength with his personal story. It’s time for the hateful speech and bigotry to stop - and we hope that the Miami Dolphins issue an apology to our residents and the broader South Florida community.”

—SAVE-DADE’s statement in reference to homophobic statements made via Twitter by Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace. wallace tweet: “I’m not bashing anyone don’t have anything against anyone i just don’t understand it... all these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH...”

He later deleted the tweets and said: Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don’t understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended.”

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TO DO TO GO

the 8th annual PRIDE & PASSION WHAT 2013 to KICK-OFF PRIDE FESTIVITIES WHERE ACROSS TAMPA BAY The Tampa Museum of Art will host the 8th annual Pride & Passion 2013 event on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 8pm-midnight, celebrating diversity in the local community as the official kick-off to the month-long Pride festivities across Tampa Bay. “Pride & Passion celebrates its 8th year as one of the Museum’s signature events,” said Todd D. Smith, the Museum’s Executive Director. “The leadership and committee behind Pride & Passion 2013 continue to delight current and new members by producing a stellar evening that celebrates the Museum’s commitment to diversity while also raising funds for our education and exhibition programs. We are proud to be the home of this significant LGBT event.”

The first Pride & Passion was held in 2005 and the event has significantly grown each year, bringing in over 1,000 new memberships and raising funds to support the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Last year’s Pride & Passion raised over $103,000.00 for the Museum, surpassing the previous year’s record as being the most successful event to date.

A second year in a row sell-out is expected when over 800 hundred guests join Pride & Passion 2013 for an evening of art, entertainment, culture, food, and drinks. Tickets are $85 and are available for purchase online at www.prideandpassion.org. Tickets include a fabulous evening where guests will be treated to delicious dishes from Timpano Italian Chophouse, complimentary wine, beer and champagne, open top –shelf bar featuring specialty cocktails, mouthwatering dessert, mind-blowing live entertainment by Penguin Entertainment from Orlando, Florida, music by DJ Dino Bonetti, and gallery access to the Museum’s exhibitions Faded Elegance: Photographs of Havana by Michael Eastman and Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern Mexican Art. All Pride & Passion 2013 ticket purchasers will also receive an annual membership to the Museum. Current Museum members who purchase tickets to Pride & Passion 2013 will receive a gift voucher for an individual membership that can be given as a gift. All Pride & Passion 2013 guests are encouraged to wear black and white to the event.

The Tampa Museum of Art opened its new award-winning home in 2010 with a commitment to providing innovative public programs with a strong focus on modern and contemporary art. It is the region’s largest museum devoted to art of our time and has built a reputation for embracing contemporary photography and new media. Leo Villareal’s Sky (Tampa) (the Museum’s 14,000-square-foot LED installation on its façade) has become an iconic image for Tampa.

Pride & Passion 2013 is produced by a volunteer steering committee in partnership with the Tampa Museum of Art and is promoted through a volunteer host committee responsible for spreading word about the event and encouraging ticket sales. www.tampamuseum.org & www.prideandpassion.org

SilverServe Luncheon Series Every Second Friday of the Month 11AM - 1PM Art Serve / 1350 East Sunrise Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL / Lunch Provided!

954.764.5150 x114 Aqua girl Ft. Lauderdale VIP Cocktail May 11 • 7PM - 10PM Private home at 2411 NE 32 Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL aquagirl.org • 305.576.2782 A Conversation on LGBT Parenting May 11 • FREE Registration at 9:30AM 2750 McFarlane Road Coconut Grove, FL / sobelaw.com Aqua Girl May 15 - 19 Various events & locations Miami Beach, FL / aquagirl.org AIDS Walk orlando May 18 • 7:30AM Lake Eola, Downtown / aidswalkorlando.org 1st Biannual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast May 20 • 8:30AM - 10AM Dubsdread Country Club • $40 thecenterorlando.org “Building a New Foundation” Networking Series May 22 • 6PM - 8PM 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Coral Gables, FL gaybizmiami.com • 305.673.4440 Latina Lesbians (& Women of all Nationalities) May 23 • 7PM - 9PM The Center / 946 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL / thecenterorlando.org butch/femme dialogue May 30 • 7PM The Pride Center / 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, FL / pridecenterflorida.org Girls in wonderland May 31 - June 3 Various events & locations Orlando, FL / girlsinwonderland.com

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1- Janet & Nicky with Taylor, Brentwood, CA 2- Sarina, Wendy & Brianna, Port St. Lucie, FL 3- Mariela & Andrea, Sunrise, FL 4- Danielle & Jacob, DeLand, FL 5- Sandy & Arielle, Coral gables/Orlando, FL 6- Kristy & Jenny with twin daughters, Miami 7- Christina, Oliver & Jamie, Fort Worth, TX 8- Shenika, Yolanda & Apollonia, Orlando 9- Logan, Heather & Sarah, Claremont, CA 10- Jesselin & Joseph, Miami 11-Nicole & Nathaniel, Miami 12- Pierce, London, Mom Ruthie & Hudson, Lake mary, FL 13- Anna & Jaz, Pembroke Pines, FL 14- Sky, daughter Niki & Claudia, Sunny Isles Beach 15- Jennifer & son Isidore, Miami 16- Ricky, Sammie, Angela & Vincent, Coral Springs, FL 17- Marysabel & Julian, Hialeah, FL 18- Carolyn & Sebastian, Miami 19- Addison, Moms Monier, Heather & Sara, Lighthouse Point, FL 20- Tonja Alvis, Sean & Ryan, Albany, NY 21- Alicia with daughter Alex, Miami • Happy Mother’s Days to your beautiful families!

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by jane hardy / photos by lisa dazols & gabrielle seagrave

feature

A Long and Winding

Road to Parenthood

Cheryl Dumesnil was ten weeks pregnant when her doctor announced that the baby she and her wife Tracie thought they had conceived had failed to develop. “What I was carrying in my uterus was not a baby, but something called a blighted ovum,” she explains. “The gestational sac develops, but not much else.”

The following day, Dumesnil, an award-winning poet and writer, spent some time with the sonogram printout her doctor had given her, trying to come to terms with her loss. “The image looked like a lunar landscape with a wide black hole in the center of it. I kept wondering, ‘What did I lose into that hole?’”

Like so many people who find themselves initiated into what Dumesnil calls, “The dreaded miscarriage club,” she felt confused. “How do you grieve someone who was more wish than flesh? How do you say goodbye to someone with whom you shared not a past full of memories, but a future made of fantasies?”

In the following weeks, Dumesnil did what she’d always done when confronted with unfamiliar emotional terrain: “I turned to literature, looking for a map. But all I could find were a few paragraphs in pregnancy books that reassured me that the miscarriage was not my fault and some statistics that suggested that my next pregnancy would be a-okay.”

Her next pregnancy was not a-okay. Nor the next.

As Dumesnil continued along her twisted path toward parenthood, feelings of sadness, confusion, and doubt built up.

“My brain seemed hardwired to avoid the pain I was harboring. While part of me suspected I should step off the baby-making track for a while and inventory that backlog of emotions, the rest of me was hell-bent on rushing forward, desperate to see how my pregnancy saga would end, fingers crossed that the final scene would show me in a rocking chair, nursing my baby.”

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In order to survive her “trip through the miscarriage jungle,” Dumesnil needed to learn both how to make space for grief and how to live with uncertainty. “Trying to grow a family,” she says, “is nothing if not a wrestling match with uncertainty.”

What sustained her through those years were the heartfelt conversations she had with dear friends, “some of whom had experienced miscarriage, others who simply had an endless capacity to listen.” What also sustained her was the wisdom she gleaned from Buddhist thinkers like Pema Chödrön, who view confrontations with uncertainty as necessary opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth.

Through five pregnancies, three miscarriages and (finally) two bliss-filled births of two blessedly healthy babies, Dumesnil clocked her fair share of growth opportunities. “But once I crossed that threshold into parenthood, I packed my losses away in a box marked ‘then,’ never to look back.”

Or so she thought.

Dumesnil knew her miscarriages had taught her some valuable lessons. She also knew that every day more women “stumble into the miscarriage jungle, just as shocked and unprepared as I was. I felt compelled to reach out to them, to map my own path, hoping it would help them navigate theirs.”

So Dumesnil wrote Love Song for Baby X: How I Stayed (Almost) Sane on the Rocky Road to Parenthood, a memoir that Erica Gillingham of Lesbrary.com calls “the Eat, Pray, Love for any lesbian hoping one day to be a parent. Really, for anyone hoping to be a parent one day.” Booklist Online describes the book as “[a] touching, witty chronicle that explores the universals of creation, devastation, and persistence.”

These days, Dumesnil’s persistence pays off in other areas of her life—balancing career and family, inhabiting the suburbs as an out lesbian parent, and trying to keep up with her two active children, now six and eight years old. “Last summer they had me challenging my fear of heights on waterslides and zip lines. Who knows what they’ll have in store for me this year?”

No matter where they go, Dumesnil is ready. “Thanks to my experiences with miscarriage, these days if I’m ever caught unprepared for something life throws my way, I see it less as a sucker punch, and more as an invitation to grow.”

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by denise warner / photos by robert ector

from the cover You know her and have heard her amazing voice from American Idol and The Voice and a bunch of news headlines. Now, Frenchie Davis talks to She Magazine about TV, Broadway and coming out as she gets ready to visit South Florida to headline at one of the biggest events for women in the country, Aqua Girl, taking place in Miami Beach, May 15th - 19th. Make sure you bring this issue to get it autographed!

What do you remember most about The Voice and working with Christina Aguilera?

What I remember most is the amazing friendships I built with the other contestants. I love them like family, and I am forever changed for the better since having them in my life.

You’ve accomplished so much–the TV singing competitions, studio album releases, Broadwayand concert tours. Where do you feel most comfortable?

[Laughs] Sometimes, but I accept that it comes with the territory and appreciate the fact that were it not for those two shows, people may not be interviewing me in the first place.

I would say Broadway. I love being on stage.

What’s been the hardest thing about being in the celebrity

Does it get annoying at times to have The Voice and Idol come up in, I am guessing, almost every interview?

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The loss of privacy. I first entered this business because I genuinely love to sing, and I’m good at it. But, most of the things that come with being in this business have nothing to do with singing at all. It’s strange that people in other professions can work hard to reach their full potential and still have a private life, but artists are expected to relinquish their rights to any privacy whatsoever in exchange for reaching their full potential. It is a bit unfair, but life is too short to be mad about it. So, I just choose to embrace it.

I understand you came out to your mom at age 16. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this May, can you expand on the relationship with her as well as your mom’s support in your life and in your coming out process?

My mother taught me so much about being strong and owning who I am. She was the oldest of six, from a poor family and was the first one in her family to go to college. She marched and protested during the civil rights era. Her life experiences gave her the conviction that she would raise children who would never apologize for who they are. It was actually a bigger deal to the public than it was to my mom. She had many LGBT friends, and she wasn’t really shocked or bothered by it.

She simply said “ok” when I told her. [Laughs] She is awesome, and I love her a lot.

We read in other interviews that you decided to publicly come out because of your relationship with a woman.

Was there something specific that triggered the process,or did you just want to let everyone know you were in love?

Well, I was doing a magazine interview, and the interviewer asked about my love life– wanting to know if I was seeing someone.

When I replied “Yes,” he asked if it was a man or a woman. In that moment, I decided that I had to either come out or lie, and I am many things but a liar isn’t one of them.

Is she still your significant other? I am sure our readers want to know, and we do too!

Yes! She is!

Can you give us some insight on what it’s like to date Frenchie Davis?

[Laughs] I don’t know. My partner can probably answer that alot better than me, but I can tell you that there is a lot of laughter involved and a lot of talking involved. We laugh a lot, and we talk about EVERYTHING. Those are two of my

“The journey to selflove is a lifelong one.

The world is full of people who will go out of their way to make you feel crappy about yourself, but at some point you have to tell yourself, ‘I’m not what

other people say I am. I am what God says I am, and I’m f*cking awesome!’” favorite things about our relationship.

Do you feel that coming out so publicly has had any kind of impact on your career in one way or another?

Not particularly because most of my loyal fans are LGBT. It probably made my fans love me more.

You have talked about homophobia within the African American and black community. Was that an issue for you when coming out? Do you feel that homophobia has changed a bit?

It was a huge issue when I came out publicly.

It was a big part of the reason that my father was so afraid for me to be out. I think it really came to a head when I did an interview on a black radio show, and they were so cruel and disrespectful. The interview ended with a guy yelling: “Let a man into the bedroom!” It broke my heart because this was a show that I grew up listening to, and before this experience, I had a lot of respect for the host as I considered him a strong voice for the African American community. It was very disappointing. I think it’s slowly changing, but we have a long way to go.

I have to tell you that I love your publicity photos from the far shots to the tight shots. I feel a sense of pride and good self esteem. Was it always like that for you?

Oh no. The journey to self-love is a lifelong one.

The world is full of people who will go out of their way to make you feel crappy about yourself, but at some point you have to tell yourself, “I’m not what other people say I am. I am what God says I am, and I’m f*cking awesome!”

You’ve performed at a ton of Pride Fes-

tivals recently. Tell us a little about what it means to feel that kind of community support?

There are no words to describe what it feels like to do what I love and share my gift with my own community. It feels amazing.

We’ve always heard that Broadway has its challenges–the schedule, the live and the instant audience response–what do you take away from the experience?

Discipline. Eight shows a week will certainly teach you discipline and how to care for your instrument.

How much input do you like to have when going into the studio with a new project?

Lots. I co-write, and I do a lot of vocal arrangements, not only for myself but for other artists as well.

Who were some of the idols you had when growing up?

Ella, Aretha, Whitney, Sylvester, Grace Jones and Freddie Mercury.

When you are not working, what can we find you doing for fun?

Hosting dinner parties and game nights for my friends, reading a book at the beach, power walking and teaching voice to my students.

You’ve had such great support from a number of heavy hitters like Rosie O’Donnell.

How does that make you feel?

It feels amazing to be supported and respected by people I respect a great deal.

Tell us about how you’ve evolved over the past 10 years since American Idol.

The short answer is that I’ve grown a lot musically and spiritually. I’ve gotten a lot better at accepting things that I can’t change and busting my ass to change what I can. And that, my friends, is the key to having peace and happiness.

This month you will be at Aqua Girl performing and making an appearance at the Miami VIP Party. what can we expect to see, hear and enjoy?

I’ve heard of Aqua Girl, but this will be my first time attending. I am really excited about it.

People can expect to hear some good singing and music that will make them want to dance.

We look forward to it enjoying your performance!

Aw, thank you for interviewing me! www.frenchiedavis.org

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feature

a starstudded

wonderland orlando, fl

From May 30 to June 3 there is nowhere else you should be but in Orlando, frolicking with thousands of women from around the country, for a truly magical weekend in Wonderland, Girls In Wonderland that is!

As Girls In Wonderland celebrates its 12th year, they are taking the infamous women’s weekend that invades Orlando and the Magic Kingdom annually the first weekend of June to a whole new level with a brand new stylish resort, new events and a star-studded lineup of rockstars, celesbians, show girls, comedians, drag kings, DJs and more. The team over at Pandora Events, who produces some of the biggest and best women’s events and destination weekends in the country, are sprinkling their fairy dust on this year’s party planning and promise all a weekend to remember with live performances by sexy rockers Hunter Valentine and The Voice finalist Bev McClellan. Chelsea Lately regular Fortune Feimster will be providing the laughs at this year’s Out for Laughs comedy show, and a gang of celesbians, including the seductive vampire goddess from True Blood Jessica Clark, The Real L Word faves Cori and Kacy, Bad Girls Club alumni Amanda and Zuly and local favorite from Kourtney and Kim Take Miami Dani Campbell, will be there. Mix that with a lineup of fierce girl DJs featuring DJ Lisa Pittman, DJ Pat Pat, DJ Zehno, DJ Just Steph and DJ Marilyn, sexy dancers and shows with Baby Blue, Ivy Les Vixen, Dru Baby and Vikerrious Vixen, and the views will be aplenty.

If the dance parties, pool parties, comedy show, concerts, celebrities and thousands of women weren’t enough, two new events are gracing the lineup this year. First, is Dine Out, a three-course dinner by James Beard nominated chef Kathleen Blake at the criticallyacclaimed restaurant Rusty Spoon with a live jazz performance by Bobbi Jones. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Zebra Coalition, a non-profit network of organizations that provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Second on the schedule is Kingdom South, a drag king competition of epic proportions hosted by Spikey Van Dykey and legendary MC and drag king from NYC, Murray Hill. Ten of the best drag kings of the South will compete for $1,000 in cash and prizes–along with bragging rights.

The new headquarters for Girls in Wonderland and the only all-women’s host resort is the newly designed Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort. Guests will enjoy luxury rooms, most overlooking the beautiful pools of the Palms Pool Club featuring two pools, a full service cabana bar and grill, fire pit and water wall. If you want to relax, head up to the Top of the Palms Spa for a massage or facial before dancing the night away, or if you’re looking to get a bite to eat or a signature cocktail, visit the Zest restaurant and lounge. Best of all rooms start at just $124 a night, including great perks like free welcome parties on Wednesday and Thursday evening along with two pool party passes per room to enjoy all the fun.

Bikinis by day, party clothes by night–the immediate goal is on pure satisfaction. But this feel-good weekend is also a do-good event. A portion of Girls in Wonderland proceeds go to the trailblazing The National Council for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). Pandora Events is committed to the rights and safety of lesbians and the greater LGBT community and their families through litigation, public policy and education.

At Girls in Wonderland, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your bags, grab your friends and head to Wonderland!

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS thursday, May 30th

BUD LIGHT HAPPY HOUR 5PM – 7PM / Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort 12205 S Apopka Vineland Road / Orlando, FL FREE Bud Light for Girls In Wonderland® attendees.

thursday, May 30th

dine out / 7PM – 9:30PM / Benefiting Zebra Coalition Rusty Spoon / 55 West Church Street / Orlando, FL Shuttle service available to and from the host hotel $60 in advance

saturday, june 1st girlsinwonderland.com

thursday, May 30th

traffic jam 10PM – 2:30AM Ember / 42 W Central Blvd. / Orlando, FL Shuttle service available to and from the host hotel $10 in advance / $13 at the Door

the splash pool party / 12PM – 5PM Cabanas with VIP Bottle Service are available Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL $12 in advance / $20 at the Door

saturday, june 1st

hppt poker academy / 11AM - 4PM Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL The High Heel Poker Tour is presenting a day-long poker academy with one of today’s best professional female poker players / $80

fortune feimster

friday, May 31st

saturday, june 1st

wet pool party 12PM – 5PM / DJ Lisa Pittman & DJ Pat Pat Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road / Orlando, FL $12 in advance / $15 at the door

out for laughs comedy show 7:30PM – 9:30PM Featuring Fortune Feimster Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL $25 in advance / $30 at the door

friday, May 31st

saturday, june 1st

nclr welcome cocktail reception 5PM – 7PM Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road / Orlando, FL FREE for hotel guests

boggie wonderland HOB / 9PM - 2AM Stellar line-up of girl bands, celebrities, djs, drag kings...

House of Blues / 1490 E. Buena Vista Dr. / Lake Buena Vista, FL / Shuttle Service available to & from host hotel $26 in advance / $31 at door / $69 VIP ticket in advance baby blue

saturday, june 1st / late night

friday, May 31st

kingdom south / 7PM – 10PM The legendary Murray Hill and Spikey Dikey MC the ultimate Drag King Competition Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL $10 in advance / $15 at the door

rabbit hole after hours / 2AM – 5AM The party continues back at the hotel / DJ Zehno Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL $10 with a Copacabana ticket stub / $15 without

Sunday, june 2nd

friday, May 31st

pumps vs. pants pool bash / 12PM – 5PM Dani Campbell, Zuly Ramos, Dj Lisa Pittman & Dj Pat Pat, Dru Baby, Vikerrious Vixen, Baby Blue, Ivy Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort / Orlando, FL $12 in advance / $20 at the door

climax / 9PM – 2AM / DJ Pat Pat & DJ Marilyn Bongos at Downtown Disney / 1498 East Buena Vista Dr. / Lake Buena Vista, FL / Shuttle Service available $15 in advance / $20 at the door

Sunday, june 2nd

friday, May 31st / late night

rabbit hole after hours / 2AM – 5AM The party continues back at the hotel / DJ Zehno Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort $10 with a Copacabana ticket stub / $15 without

spikey van dykey

indie rock / 6PM – 12AM Featuring Bev McClellan Kitty O’Sheas Irish Pub / 8470 Palm Parkway, Orlando $12 in advance / $15 at the door

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SHE GIRL

see more photos at www.shemag.com / by boi4life.com

i live in: Orlando, FL My occupation: Project Manager for Orlando 2018, the bid to

bring the Gay Games to Orlando Dream Girl: Shakira Dream Job: Making change in the community as a producer or director through the art of theatre for social change or producing major special events my pets: 2 adorable dogs My mother thinks I: Am “the bravest person that I know!”

Turn-ons: People who can make me laugh, make me smile, are intelligent, artistic, open minded, affectionate, ambitious, can laugh at their own imperfections, and are down to get silly!

Turn-offs: People who are arrogant, vain, lack intelligence, have no drive, materialistic, fake, smokers (cigarettes), BULLIES, and who overall have a terrible personality!

My Best Quality: My perseverance and drive. If there’s a will there’s a way!

I have a weakness for: Puppies!

I like to wear: Button down shirts, skinny jeans, and a pair of Sperries!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?: I would want the ability to mimic abilities of other

superpowered people like Peter Petrelli in the TV show Heroes. In turn, I would then be able to have all the super powers of all the people I come in contact with.

Your house is on fire, besides a loved one, what is the inanimate object you’d grab?: My cell phone,

glasses and Ipad.

What breakfast cereal best describes you?: Fruity

Pebbles my greatest accomplishment: Producing and directing

Break Through: Bringing Down the Barriers, a raw original devised play that chronicles the 21st battle for equality in America. most memorable date: I was taken to a gun range. Let’s just say we didn’t just shoot the sh*t. my favorite quote: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to the music in which he hears, however measured or far away.” —Henry David Thoreau I just won a million dollars. The first thing I am going to buy is: A ticket to Thailand to back pack through

Asia!

My coming out: Definitely wasn’t easy. I went through a major

depression period consistently questioning my sexuality. I initially came out as bisexual to my parents and friends when I was 15 years old. It took me a couple of years to realize that I was really a lesbian.

If you were to become an activist in the LGBT community, which organization would you choose and why: I’m definitely already a MAJOR activist in the LGBTQ

community. In regards to organizations that are specifically LGBTQ, I have worked with Equal at UCF, Zebra Coalition and currently work with Orlando 2018. I hope to work with Come Out With Pride, HRC, and many others in the future!

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compass comunity center celebrated pridefest lake worth & the palm beaches, united colors of pride, at bryant park in lake worth, fl. see you in 2014! photos by veronica espinal / view more photos at www.shemag.com

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by denise warner / photos by anthony saint james

feature

Bottom photo: L - R: Dena Tauriello, Cathy Henderson, Nini Camps, Kristen Ellis-Henderson.

On the heels of the already infamous TIME Magazine April cover, Kristen Ellis-Henderson and Antigone Rising are set to release their new EP and first single, “That Was the Whiskey.”In case you missed the article in our April issue, yes, that’s Kristen kissing her wife on the cover of TIMEMagazine!The first single from Antigone Rising’s forthcoming EP (due out later this spring) is available for download on iTunes now.

What was your reaction when you were first approached by TIME Magazine?

My initial reaction was excitement. I loved the idea of being involved in the piece that TIMEMagazinewas doing about Marriage Equality, DOMA, Prop 8 and the Supreme Court hearings.

Did they tell you anything about what the cover/shoot was going to be like?

At first, the information we received was vague, just that they were looking for married couples to shoot for the cover story they were doing on the Supreme Court hearings. As the day unfolded, we did get word that they may

be looking for a couple that is willing to kiss in front of the camera. And clearly, Sarah and I did not have a problem with that!

I think I handle it just like anyone else handles all their various roles. I can tell you that I fall asleep really hard at night!

Is there any way to prepare for something as big as this?

you and your wife became pregnant at the same exact time and wrote a book together (Times Two) about it. How did you stay sane through all of that?

Well, yes, and no. I did go shopping because the directive for the shoot was to wear khaki pants and light colors –mostly things that don’t exist in my wardrobe since I play in a rock band. So, I prepared by shopping at the Gap! But, if you mean coming out on such a grand scale in such a grand way, there probably is no way to prepare for it. I just know how I feel. I feel like my family deserves equality. I’m no less an American than my next door neighbor is. The LGBT community deserves equality. And, if you ask me, I’m going to show up to help make a statement for our cause. At some point during my coming out process, which I believe is a lifelong one, I became prepared for this moment, and the moment may have happened one second before I kissed Sarah in front of the camera!

You are a wife, mother, author and musician. How do you manage all that?

Sarah and I have a great network of friends and family that we leaned on throughout the pregnancies. We are surrounded by many people we love and who love us back, so we’re very blessed in that way. That being said, who said we stayed sane through the process!

What’s been the band’s reaction to all that’s been going on?

I know my band mates are very proud of Sarah and me, and my band mates love to bust my chops! So, it’s a great mix of pride and total hilarity at all times.

Antigone Rising has a new EP, and the first single is about to be released – it’s been described as a “foot-stompin’ good time.” Can you tell us about it?

Our lead singer Nini Camps and I co-wrote the

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song with a great songwriter named Lori McKenna. The song is loosely based on a night we spent playing at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. It was Nini’s birthday, and we celebrated on stage with some shots of whiskey and Jägermeister –all being delivered to the stage by some girls wearing trucker hats. Lori McKenna was in the audience witnessing the entire event, so she was the perfect person to co-write the song with. All the really good parts of the song are totally true, and the rest of it probably is too!

The band has been together since 2005 gigging and touring.

How do you cope with the ups and downs of music industry?

We completely ignore the music industry. Every few years what we’re doing coincides with the industry’s agenda –maybe –and when that happens, we put them on the guest list for our show. Other than that, we’re happy to handle our own business.

You have such a loyal fan-base, especially within the lesbian community. What does that kind of support mean to you?

I couldn’t possibly put into words what the support of the lesbian community has meant to our band. Or, maybe I can: We wouldn’t have a career without it. We are grateful for it, and because of it we’re going to show up and make sure people know we are out and proud of who we are. www.antigonerising.com

Kristen & wife Sarah

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I feel like my family deserves equality. I’m no less an American than my next door neighbor is.”

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noticias Demandan lesbianas en Nicaragua tipificar la homofobia como delito El grupo lésbico Feminista Artemisa y “Somos Tribadistas”, demandaron al Estado de Nicaragua y a la sociedad fin a la discriminación por su preferencia sexual, que se les trate con igualdad y respeto.

El llamado se hizo previo a la conmemoración del Día de la Visibilidad Lésbica, que se celebró el 26 de abril, demandando el efectivo cumplimiento del Decreto 249-2009 que establece la no discriminación hacia las personas lesbianas, homosexuales y transexuales en los servicios públicos de salud y particularmente en lo relativo a la salud sexual y reproductiva.Exigieron que en el Código Penal se tipifique como delitos la homofobia, lesbofobia y transfobia como actos de violencia y discriminación que lesionan el principio constitucional de igualdad y no discriminación.

Otro aspecto que demanda es que en la Ley General de Educación se implementen disposiciones explícitas que prohíban toda forma de discriminación hacia las lesbianas en los centros de enseñanza.

Igualmente solicitaron el derecho a adoptar niños y el reconocimiento de las familias formadas por una pareja de mujeres. Además, denunciaron la negación de derechos, asegurando que “las expresiones de discriminación y violencia que se ejercen contra las lesbianas son múltiples, tanto en el ámbito familiar, como en los espacios públicos”.

Fracasó proyecto de matrimonio en Colombia Con 51 votos en contra y 17 a favor, el Congreso de Colombia rechazó la ultima semana de Abril la iniciativa de ley que buscaba legalizar el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo. Este resultado adverso se produjo durante el segundo de los cuatro debates que necesitaba el proyecto para convertirse en ley, y luego de que los legisladores hubieran aplazado su discusión y análisis dos veces en los últimos días.

Entre las opiniones más controvertidas del arco opositor que durante seis horas de debate se escucharon en el Parlamento, se destacan los dichos del legislador conservador Roberto Gerlein, quien durante el primer debate ya había afirmado que el sexo homosexual es “asqueroso” y “excremental”, y que esta vez agregó que es “escatológico, es un sexo inane, incapaz de generar vida, un sexo que se practica casi que con fines recreativos”.

A su vez, el procurador general Alejandro Ordóñez consideró que la unión entre parejas del mismo sexo bajo la figura del matrimonio es inconstitucional, dado que “la ley solo contempla la unión entre un hombre y una mujer”.

Por su parte, la Iglesia católica, representada por el cardenal Rubén Salazar, presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal, llamó a los 102 integrantes del recinto legislativo

a que no le dieran la misma importancia a las uniones homosexuales que a las heterosexuales.

Mientras tanto, en las afueras del capitolio, varios centenares de manifestantes gritaron consignas para defender sus posturas. La activista Marcela Sánchez, de Colombia Diversa, agradeció “a los pocos senadores que respaldaron esta iniciativa de la igualdad”, y agregó: “una vez más el Congreso defrauda a la población; una vez más nos demuestran que no tienen independencia; una vez más nos mandan al sistema judicial, en el cual confiamos por su independencia”.

Al rechazarse este proyecto, el Congreso estaría incumpliendo con el plazo de dos años que marcó la Corte Constitucional para aprobar una ley que reglamentara el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo, el cual termina el próximo 20 de junio.

[ Supremo de Puerto Rico ratifica fallo en contra de la adopción de una pareja de mujeres ] Tras casi un mes de espera, el Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico denegó el recurso de reconsideración radicado por una mujer para que se le permita adoptar a la hija biológica de su pareja.

De esta manera, se sostiene la decisión que emitió el tribunal el pasado 19 de febrero, con votación 5 a 4, de denegarle a Ángeles Acosta adoptar a la hija biológica de 12 años de la mujer que ha sido su pareja por más de dos décadas, Carmen Milagros Vélez, quien tuvo a la niña tras una inseminación in vitro.

En su moción informativa ante el tribunal, la procuradora general Margarita Mercado Echevaray planteó que la política pública del gobierno cambió para favorecer la adopción por parte de parejas del mismo sexo y

recomendó considerar la postura del presidente estadounidense Barack Obama a favor de la equidad.

El juez Martínez Torres hizo constar, en una expresión a la que se le unió su par Feliberti Cintrón, “que el Estado habrá cambiado

de parecer, pero la ley no. En vez de gastar tinta y tiempo en tratar de convencernos de que la Constitución dice lo que no dice, sería prudente y más provechoso para su nueva postura que el Estado dirigiera sus esfuerzos a enmendar la ley”.

No obstante, la jueza Fiol Matta defendió el proceder de la procuradora general, criticada por la mayoría del cuerpo.

Cabe destacar que el máximo foro judicial del país emitió su dictamen sin permitir la comparecencia de varios grupos, como amigos de la corte, ni la del Estado a través de la procuradora general, aduciendo que la petición no se hizo dentro del término jurisdiccional de diez días laborables que provee la Regla 45 del reglamento del tribunal.

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yo soy mujer

por veronica espinal

bellay bestia Había una vez una princesita (esa soy yo) que deseaba conocer a otras princesitas para empezar a vivir, en el país de la maravilla, sin regirse por “el que dirán”...

Esto es parte de mi cuento, por eso tenia que empezar con esa clásica línea. Un día de tantos, hace muchos años, decidí conocer otras muchachas por medio de la famosa Internet. Puse mi anuncio, contesté otros, intercambiamos e-mails y hasta converse por teléfono con unas cuantas. Para hacerles el cuento corto, empecé a hablar con regularidad con una joven, de la que realmente no recuerdo ni el nombre. Por teléfono teníamos buena química e inclusive había una cierta atracción más o menos fuerte, hasta que decidimos conocernos personalmente.

Por supuesto tenia que ser lejos de mi casa, entre más distante mejor (era mi época de empezar a remodelar mi closet). Aún no podía creer lo que estaba haciendo pero bueno, de alguna forma tenia que dar el primer paso. Como toda buena dama, cometí el error de recoger a la joven en su casa para ir por supuesto, al cine. Ahora viene el trauma. Estoy esperándola al frente y de pronto veo venir a una muchacha (la bestia del cuento) con una apariencia desagradable. Me arrepentí totalmente de haber manejado casi por una hora para conocerla.

Sin deseos de ofender a nadie pero, era un hombre completo desde la cruz hasta la cola. Toda ella era ordinaria, sin gota de personalidad y como si fuera poco tenia la peor dentadura que jamás ojos humanos hayan visto. En ese momento sólo me imaginaba lo repugnante que seria darle un beso a esta muchacha. Pero bueno, llegamos al cine y la mande a revisar la cartelera, en ese momento mi mente maquiavélica pensaba en dejarla en el cine e irme del lugar (tan mala no soy).

Enseguida puse en práctica una buena táctica,

deje mi (ahora dinosaurio) beeper en el carro…a propósito. Me dio tanto repudio esta joven que ni siquiera quería que nos vieran caminando juntas. Estúpidamente escogí una película que recién se estrenaba y por supuesto, todo el mundo estaba esa noche en el cine.

Otro momento penoso fue cuando mi famoso “date” puso los pies sobre la silla delantera donde además, estaban dos viejitas sentadas. Me quería derretir de la pena cuando, gracias a Dios, se terminó la película que como se podrán imaginar, fue la más larga que he visto en mi vida.

Me dirigí al baño para marcar mi entonces beeper y llamar a una amiga para suplicarle que me llamase por teléfono con cualquier pretexto. La idead era irme pronto. Hice el teatrito hasta que llegamos a mi auto. Al momento de entrar se le ocurrió tomarme por el cuello para tratar de besarme. ¡Hay, que desagradable!

De pronto... ¡ring, ring! Seguí con la segunda escena y me inventé una emergencia.

Inmediatamente le dije cuanta cosa se

me ocurrió y me encendí el auto lo más rápido que puede para dejarla dónde mismo la encontré, al frente de la casa que no volvería a visitar por nada del mundo. La verdad es que fue una experiencia del carajo. La famosa princesa se había convertido en rana desde antes de la medianoche.

Espero no te formes un mal criterio de mi persona y de mis comentarios. Quise contarte esta mal lograda realidad para que te cuides de pasar por lo mismo. Comparto la idea de que la belleza se lleva por dentro pero ¡Por Dios!, espero que al momento de escoger nuestras parejas tengamos el gusto moderado y no omitamos la oportunidad de preferir cierto nivel de apariencia.

Este es el pequeño trauma que tuve hace muchos años, y que actualemente me da mucha risa y hasta un poco de ternura al recordar lo ingenua que fui. Eso sí, mi cuento terminó de forma distinta. Afortunadamente, la próxima experiencia sí tuvo un final feliz…¡y la siguente también!

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some outdoor fun and other moments at the 23rd annual club skirts’ the dinah—the original dinah shore weekend, in beautiful palm springs, ca. photos by vanessa dubois & connie kurtew / view more photos at www.shemag.com

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on the shelves

with marisa cohen

Someone Like You

by Syd Parker Well-loved author Syd Parker’s latest, Someone Like You, is a touching tale of artist Aspen Lane, who never forgot her first love, Lex. Lex, ready to marry her current girlfriend, has to return home to Vermont (where gay marriage is legal) to file for divorce from Aspen. When most lesbian romance novels are exploring legal marriage territory, Parker takes an interesting look at lesbian divorce, with Lex and Aspen realizing that they may not want to let each other go after all. Touching, romantic, and well paced, Someone Like You is a perfect story for anyone who has ever questioned their decision to leave a relationship and wished they could have a second chance.

GLAAD’s 2010 Red Carpet Gala in Fort Lauderdale.

Shades of Gray

by K.A. Kron K.A. Kron, a lawyer and a former serviceperson, first explored the life of soldier Gray Edwards in Don’t Tell. Gray Edwards is back in Shades of Gray, as she and Dani Brown experience experience an on-base attack during what is supposed to be a routine training session. Gray struggles to find out who is responsible for the attack, while contacting old and new friends. Kron’s second effort is fast-paced and well told, perfect for anyone who loves military mysteries.

Torn

by Justin Lee Justin Lee, the founder of the Gay Christian Network, recounts, among other things, his experiences with the ex-gay movement (the chapter “Justin in ExGayLand”) as his “ex-gay” married friend James, confesses attraction to men.

“Those who know James would consider him a success story and encourage gay friends and family members to follow in his footsteps. I hope and pray that no one does,”Lee tells us. Amen, brother. Lee, one of our leading voices on the issues of being gay and Christian, gives us this powerful look at ways that members on both sides of the lines can learn from and grow with each other.

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DID YOU

/shemagazinefl

ABOUT...

SHE MAG & SHE MAGAZINE: Are lesbians more accepted by society than gay men?

TINA C: Definitely not in professional work situations! Gay men & male/ make relationships are much more tolerated...and I live in NYC! DEBORAH R: I live in the Midwest and have also lived in Boston, and I would say yes, because what is every man’s fantasy? To see 2 women together, and women by far are more comfortable with their sexuality than men for the most part! Most women have already experimented before they get out of college... so yes, I think we are more tolerated.

Tiffany A: I think it is just different. Apples and oranges.

VALENTINA G: I think society is more tolerable with lesbians than gay men. And is not even because of the sexuality part but only cause it is seen as “hot” by some men and straight women. I never understood why, but we are still a team!

TAWANNA P: As long as they look straight and can easily slide into the male stereo type of two feminine hot women together....and are not aggressive in any manner, except when hetero sex is the fantasy because, let’s face it, we all just need a real man with a real penis....yep! That is how I feel about that.

MARITZA B: Tawanna, I agree with you...I am by no means a feminine lesbian...move about in a very straight and bi world...I have seen bigotry equally shared with our male brothers.

JOANNE C: All depends on the lesbian. I think if you are too butch, then no.

MELISSA M: No, just the opposite I feel! Gay men are known and depicted by straight society as cute, thin, fashionable and good looking.

Lesbians are thought be unattractive flannel wearing granola crunchers. Gay women are never fixed characters on network TV sitcoms during primetime, whereas gay men are: Will ‘n Grace, Modern Family, Parenthood, etc. It’s not a coincidence. Gay men are more appealing to the straight world.

ANGELA S: Depends on how someone defines “Lesbian.” Being a Lesbian, I know how I define it, but, in society, there has to be a distinction between Lesbian and “girl-girl.” Girl-Girl is more accepted, because it’s the image of two women making out to turn guys on/get publicity (yes, I’m talking about the Madonna/Katy Perry crowd). When people realize Lesbians can be just as fun and funny as anyone else and that Lesbian sex is real sex, then, yeah, I think people will see us differently.

JEN M: At times, yes. twitter

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she classifieds accommodations

community groups/organizations

Key West’s Distinctive Resort

Pearl’s is an all-welcome historic inn offering guesthouse ambiance and resort amenities. With Key West’s One Human Family atmosphere, Pearl’s offers full breakfast, 2 clothingoptional (but bottoms up) pools, 2 hot tubs, gym, and poolside bar and grill. 800-749-6696. www.pearlskeywest.com.

THE HIGHLANDS INN — PA LESBIAN PARADISE!

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scopes AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19

leo July 23 - aug 22

Your long-range vision for your future must not interrupt your current business projects or your personal commitments. Be careful not to over-load your brain with information, or your imagination with possibilities. Hone in on what makes the most sense and feels right. Put most of your energy on making it successful. Don’t do anything that might unsettle your security.

You finally have a new goal in mind and a new plan of action. Take all the time necessary to get from where you are now to where you want to be. Remember that getting there is part of the fun. Don’t rush past the experiences you can have along the way. Pursue your goals without being too aggressive. Purr like a kitten instead of growling like a beast.

pisces feb 20 - mar 20 Take care in how you communicate your wants and needs and how you express your ideas and opinion.

Make sure that what you said and meant is what was heard and understood. Pack all of the past problems and challenges into a sack and throw it all away. Then you can finally start the next chapter of your journey.

virgo aug 23 - sept 23

aries mar 21 - apr 20

libra sept 24 - oct 23

Your focus is on your finances and how to improve them. Identify the people, projects and plans that haven’t served you in the recent past and don’t carry them into the immediate future. Use your imagination and your charm, instead of your stubborn temper, to gain support for your cause. Daydream about your hopes and dreams and even your most erotic and exotic fantasies.

Keep your focus on conserving what you already have and creating new ways to get more. Rethink your strategy for achieving your goals as well as who and/or what might help you succeed. For optimum success be open to changing the ‘how’ as well. Be careful that you don’t base your plans on wishful thinking.

taurus apr 21 - may 21

scorpio oct 24 - nov 22

You’re seeking to reinvent yourself into a more successful, productive and happier you. Your best assets are your famous willpower and stamina. Don’t allow those to become negatives by becoming stubborn and resistive to needed changes. Create positive first impressions. Follow through with plans as agreed and create new strategies to improve them. Be more flexible, open-minded and more of a team player.

Choose the new and the different rather than the same old same old, especially if it’s not working the way you want, need or expect. Don’t compromise your goals or values. If you want and need cooperation you have to be cooperative. Stay flexible in order to make good use of unexpected circumstances. Be open to other opinions and ideas on how to best do it.

gemini may 22 - june 21

sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21

Your dual nature is apparent as the twins duke it out for control. Do you stay home alone with your thoughts and introspection, or do you go out and about sharing all you think you know with anyone who’ll listen? Do both. Combine insights with energy and roll up your sleeves for some much needed ‘spring cleaning.’ Adjust your ‘full-speed ahead’ game plan to an ‘advance with caution’ strategy.

Your attention is on improving the quality of your life and of your loved ones. Changing your own bad habits should be easy once you’ve made the decision to do it. But do it, rather than just thinking or talking about it. Even though change is the key not everything needs to happen at once. Stay on the job you already have and improve the way you do it.

cancer June 22 - july 22

capricorn dec 22 - jan 20

Change is in the air and, ready or not, circumstances are about to force those changes upon you. Go with the flow. Networking is one of your tools to successfully navigate uncharted waters. Seek to add people to your sphere of influence who can help you achieve your goals. Meet challenges head on rather than retreating from them. Stand up for yourself and your point of view.

Your faith in yourself, your abilities, decisions, actions and reactions has been shaken. Some self-doubt is healthy as it leads to self-reflection and self-improvement. Don’t allow set-backs and circumstances to weaken your resolve. Don’t be afraid to reconsider abandoned plans. Give your creative self dominance over your logical self, and your playful self permission to have some romantic-comedy-adventures.

Your focus is laser-beamed on your career and your finances as well as on your professional and personal prestige. Get out and network yourself. Make new friends who can be influential in helping you realize your goals. Stay flexible and alert to opportunities by being open to new ideas and direction. Relax with loved ones. Don’t allow your own impatience to undermine you.

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