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DIRECTOR’S CHAIR Stress. We all have it. Anyone who tells you that don’t have it is either full of crap or full of large doses of medication. Work, love, friendships, family, money, dirty laundry piling up in the basket…all things that bring stress into our lives. On top of that we have to think about the infinite number of things that can cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, gum disease or deafness. I won’t lie to you. I am sitting here chain vaping with my headphones cranked up to ‘in front of the speaker at a rock concert’ as I write this. I’m on a tight deadline. Earlier today, my girl accidentally repeated something a friend told me in confidence to the absolute wrong person. My 76 year-old best friend keeps forgetting to put in her teeth and eat something. Seemingly every bill I have is due today. And I don’t have a clean pair of my favorite boxer briefs to sleep in tonight. So there. I think I know a thing or two about stress. In some states, I might even qualify as an expert witness. Duly sworn in, I can tell you that every single person I know, have known, will know or will potentially stalk on Facebook has stress in their lives. It’s something that doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, age, social or financial status. Like sh*t, it just happens, and as the saying goes, “Acceptance is the first stage.” The key, of course, is not only in accepting that it will happen, but also, and more importantly, how we deal with it when it does. As your expert witness, I can tell you from experience that chain smoking or allowing yourself to remain sleepless for several days won’t help. The same can be said for taking it out on your girlfriend, wife, main squeeze or what have you. These things only exacerbate the problem and can lead to headaches, a much swifter path to the aforementioned diseases, a complete lack of focus or ability to operate heavy machinery, and well, a loss of a willing sex partner for an unknown length of penance time. Trust me, I know. So, you have to find a productive means of dealing with stress. At the end of the day, there are many things that, no matter how hard you try, you cannot fix. Regardless of how many quarters a month you give, you will never be able to provide clean water and food to all the needy children or end animal abuse or sickness, no matter what Alyssa Milano or Sarah McLachlan say. You can help, but you can’t just fix it. Thus, you have to be able to take a step back and separate what you can from what you cannot change. What you can’t change, care enough about yourself to say the magic word, “Whatever.” Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed with trying to change things that are some other sentient adult’s self-created problems. That’s not your job. The more you jump in and fix their mistakes, the more you enable them to just keep screwing up. Only worry about your own problems, because those are the ones that are your responsibility to fix. For everything else, the stuff you can change, I pose the following old joke: How do you eat an elephant? [Insert you saying, “I don’t know. How?”] One bite at a time. Translation, you can’t do it all simultaneously. Pick one thing, take a deep breath and handle it. When that’s done, rinse and repeat. The process won’t be easy, but it will be easier if you just do one thing at a time. Like I said, I get it. There are times when no amount of meditation, medication or incantation can make the stress go away. You have to just deal with it one bite at a time. And now that I am done with this, I need to go pay some bills, remind my BFF to put in her teeth and wash my boxer briefs. See you next month!
Tina Sordellini Managing Executive Editor
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MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY DIRECTOR SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EDITORS Marissa Cohen • Shawn Nicholson Denise Warner • Donna Solomon-Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Azzopardi • Marissa Cohen Verónica Espinal • The Village Sage Tina Sordellini • Denise Warner
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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
NOVEMber 2015 / volume 17 / issue 10
15
16 features 14 transgender discrimination in the workplace “Employers frequently offered interviews to less-qualified applicants perceived as cisgender over more-qualified applicants perceived as transgender.” 15 where to go, what to do Don’t just sit at home binge watching Netflix. Check out this listing of awesome events for this month. 16 The Gay World of Selena Gomez “For a small-screen darling who grew up under the watchful eye of Disney, Gomez’s openness both on the album and in conversation is refreshing. “ 26 Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays “I’m so grateful for the artists who will donate their time and talents this December in support of a cause that we can’t ignore.”
she espaÑol 24 NOTICIAS 25 SOY MUJER Ser agradecida, ¡Porque sí!
photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 MiFo WOMEN’S FEATURE FILM/PARTY 20 MIAMI GALA
departments 06 DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 10 MULTIMEDIA 14 IN THE NEWS 22 SHE GIRL 26 GOOD READS 30 SCOPES
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multimedia
with marissa cohen
If you’ve been hiding under a rock, you haven’t heard of Carol (in theaters Nov. 20) the Cate Blanchett vehicle based on the groundbreaking novel The Price of Salt. Rooney Mara is all fresh-faced longing as a 1950s photographer who falls into a life-changing affair with a married, older woman, played exquisitely by Blanchett. Carol swept Cannes and provides a heartbreaking, honest and passionate look at historical queer life. Never has a mainstream film been this important for lesbian visibility. With Sarah Paulson.
Adele recently broke the internet with the leaked release of her latest single “Hello” from her upcoming 25, out Nov. 25. Adele’s spent the last four years working on this, and Adele fans can look forward to eleven brand new tracks, including “Send My Love to Your New Lover,” “All I Ask,” and “I Miss You.” Heartrending, passionate, sultry and chilling in its delivery, 25 is the musical event we’ve all been waiting for. Weeping over breakups is optional.
Jillian Michaels, the tough-love trainer who left The Biggest Loser (again) last year, resurfaces with Sweat, Inc., (Spike, Tuesdays at 10 pm). This new show takes the focus from zaftig people eager to shed pounds to finding the next big fitness phenomenon. Michaels, along with celeb fitness expert Obi Obadike and TRX founder Randy Hetrick, will judge 27 would-be fitness entrepreneurs. They’ll compete for a top prize of $100,000, the chance to create their unique brand, and be featured in Women’s Health.
Liz in September, out now on DVD, follows Liz, a womanizer who meets her match in Eva, a young outsider who’s in mourning for her young son. As the two women form an extraordinary bond, their newfound joy is threatened when Liz reveals a disturbing secret. Based on the award-winning play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, Liz in September is heartbreaking, deep and daring. With Patricia Velasquez, Fina Torres.
We Love Disney, out now from Verve Records and Walt Disney Records, features some of today’s best singers giving their take on Disney classics. Among them, Gwen Stefani brings her own take to Kermit’s iconic “The Rainbow Connection,” mutli-platunum pop star Ariana Grande covers “Zero to Hero,” country group Rascal Flatts and Lucy Hale take on the most overplayed song of the century, “Let It Go,” and NE-YO channels the beloved Genie in Aladdin’s “Friend Like Me.”
Netflix is releasing Marvel’s Jessica Jones on Nov. 20 as a 13 episode season all at once, thus proving what we all know to be true: Netflix doesn’t care if you do things like earn a living or sleep. This original and highly addictive series follows Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones as she rebuilds her life after her tragic stint as a superhero. Forced to face her own demons, Jessica goes to work as a New York City detective, amid an all star cast. With Carrie-Anne Moss, Eka Darville.
NOT TO BE MISSED: Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore in Miss You Already (in theaters Nov. 6) as Milly and Jess, lifelong best friends whose lives are changed forever when Milly is diagnosed with breast cancer as Jess tries to get pregnant. Miss You Already is based on the BBC radio play, Goodbye. she 10 11.15
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a packed night as MIfo lgbt film festival presented its women’s spotlight film, “liz in september,” and a meet & greet with its star, patricia velasquez, in fort lauderdale. photos by veronica espinal. more photos at shemag.com
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in the news Obama’s Executive Order to Benefit Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ People President Obama plans to issue a new executive order that would help reduce employment discrimination against formerly incarcerated people applying for federal government jobs. Earlier this year, the National LGBTQ Task Force sent a letter along with a dozen organizations urging the President to eliminate the requirement from job applicants to check off a box in their application if they have a criminal record. The organization also joined 200 groups in a similar effort urging the President to adopt fair chance hiring practices as part of the “Ban the Box” campaign. “Everyone deserves a fighting chance at the promise of America, including formerly incarcerated people. As LGBTQ people, particularly LGBTQ people of color, we know all to well what it means to experience employment discrimination. And, because of the ongoing discrimination and unfair treatment LGBTQ people experience, we are more likely to come into contact with police authorities—which leads to higher rates of exposure to the criminal justice system and incarceration,” said Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the National LGBTQ Task Force. “The President’s announcement to eliminate barriers to federal employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated people, including formerly incarcerated LGBTQ people, will help thousands of families move from unemployment and poverty to financial stability and the chance of prosperity. This historic policy change will also contribute positively to our nation’ economy. We hope that the President will build on this success by issuing an executive order that will hold federal contractors to the same fair chance hiring policies as he set today for federal employers.”
Human Rights office Releases Report on Transgender Discrimination in the Workplace
The Washington, D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR) released a new report the first week in November (Transgender Awareness Month) analyzing transgender discrimination in the workplace. The report found the highest rates of discrimination against the transgender community are during the job application phase. “This report (Qualified and Transgender: A Report on Results of Resume Testing for Employment Discrimination Based on Gender Identity) presents the findings from the first government-run testing project in the nation to analyze how employers respond to resumes from applicants perceived as transgender,” OHR explained. “Employers frequently offered interviews to less-qualified applicants perceived as cisgender over more-qualified applicants perceived as transgender.”
Same-sex parents spend more time engaged with their children than do heterosexual couples A major study confronts prejudices against LGBT families. The Population Research Center at the University of Texas used data from the US Census Bureau to find that same-sex parents spend more time engaged with their children than do their heterosexual counterparts. The difference is most pronounced in families with two mothers, where parents spend on average 40 percent more time on child-focused activities than straight couples. The extra time comes largely because both mothers typically offer as much childfocused activity as mothers in heterosexual partnerships. Fathers with female partners spent only about half as much time with their children. The research, to be published in Britain on the Child and Family Blog, analysed time spent with with children while engaged in activities that supported physical and cognitive development. Tasks such as reading, playing, helping with homework, bath time, and doctor’s appointments were included, but passive activities such as watching television, or doing housework while a child was around, did not count. The report’s author, Kate Prickett, said: “Our study suggests that… children with two-parents-of-the-same-sex families received more focused time from their parents – 3.5 hours a day, compared with 2.5 hours by children with different-sex parents.”
In six studies conducted between 1996 and 2006, 20 to 57 percent of transgender respondents said they experienced employment discrimination, including being fired, denied a promotion or harassed. The report clearly highlights the many barriers transgender people face as job applicants. “Statistical and anecdotal evidence tells us transgender and gender non-conforming people are experiencing employment discrimination at very high rates, and this testing project confirms that unfortunate truth,” Mónica Palacio, Director of OHR, said in a statement. “It’s vital that government, the business community and advocates work together to end this chronic injustice.” While D.C. has explicit workplace protections for LGBT people, 31 states lack explicit non-discrimination laws protecting transgender people. More at hrc.org.
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eQualitY floRida to pResent “Voice foR eQualitY” aWaRd to Jim oBeRgefell, scotus maRRiage eQualitY plaintiff, at annual BRoWaRd gala In a year that has seen historic milestones in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement, more than 500 community, business, political and student leaders will gather on Sunday, November 15 for the 13th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala to honor Jim Obergefell with the Voice for Equality award. Presented by PNC Bank, the event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Panorama Ballroom in Fort Lauderdale.
The Voice for Equality award recognizes individuals whose steadfast courage and personal sacrifice demonstrate a commitment to LGBT full equality. Obergefell certainly deserves this award, as he was the lead plaintiff
in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 26, 2015, affirming the freedom to marry throughout the United States. “The fight for marriage equality has been borne and carried by countless people, including many of us here in Florida,” said Nadine Smith, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Equality Florida. “We are thrilled to honor Jim Obergefell, whose love, courage and persistence helped win this victory once and for all.” “It is an honor to accept this award, and I feel humbled to be at the forefront of this important decision furthering equality for the LGBT community,” said Obergefell from his home in Cincinnati. “While this decision was an important one, we still have a long way to go, and I invite everyone to join me as we continue this journey for positive change.” Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel, who in January ruled that Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional (Pareto v Ruvin), will present the award to Obergefell. Equality Florida Institute was a plaintiff in the case, along with six couples from MiamiDade and Broward Counties. Judge Zabel performed the wedding ceremony for two of the plaintiff couples that same day - Cathy Pareto & Karla Arguello, and Todd & Jeff Delmay. Both couples will be at the Gala. eQfl.oRg
YOUR OPINION COUNTS! NOMINATE 2016 LGBT HISTORY MONTH ICONS
A project of Equality Forum, a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, LGBT History Month celebrates every October the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
Equality Forum is currently accepting nominations for LGBT History Month 2016 Icons. Nominations should be submitted through their website only. The deadline for nomination submissions is Friday, December 11, 2015. selection cRiteRia Nominated LGBT Icons may be living or dead, national or international, and are selected based on one or more of the following criteria: • They have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavor • The nominee is a national hero • They have made a significant contribution to LGBT civil right lgBtHistoRYmontH.com
WHat to do, WHeRe to go tHe 56tH annual foRt laudeRdale inteRnational Boat sHoW Nov. 5 - 9 • Bahia Mar Yachting Center 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Showmanagement.com tHe 45tH miami inteRnational auto sHoW Nov. 6 - 15 • Miami Beach Convention Center • Miamiautoshow.net saRasota medieVal faiR Nov. 7 - 8, 14 - 15 and 21 - 22 Ringling Woods behind Sarasota Fairgrounds, Sarasota sarasotamedievalfair.com faiRcHild fall gaRden festiVal & 75th RamBle Nov. 13 - 15 • Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden • fairchildgarden.org miami BeacH gaY pRide
pResents “soiRÉe” Nov. 14 • 8 PM - 11PM Miami Beach Women’s Club 2401 Pinetree Drive miamibeachgaypride.brownpapertickets.com. eQualitY floRida’s BRoWaRd gala Nov. 15 • 6 - 9PM Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six • 2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale • eqfl.org/browardgala camelot daYs medieVal festiVal Nov. 14 - 15 and 21 - 22 T. Y. Park, Hollywood, FL camelotdays.com miami Book faiR inteRnational Nov. 15 - 22 • Miami Dade College Downtown Miami • MiamiBookFair.com miami eQualitY means Business luncHeon Nov 16 • 11AM
The Westin Colonnade • 180 Aragon St. Coral Gables, FL 33134 • eqfl.org a slice of cuBa featuRing alBita Nov 21 • 8PM • Adrienne Arsht Center • Miami WHite paRtY Nov. 25 - 30 • Various locations WhiteParty.com Women’s WHite paRtY Nov 25 - 29 • Various locations womenswhiteparty.com melissa etHeRidge liVe Nov 28 • Bleau Live Miami Beach fontainebleau.com ouc oRlando Half maRatHon & tRack sHack lake eola 5k Dec 5 • Lake Eola, Orlando • trackshack.com gRand slam paRtY latino Dec 7 • Markins Park in Miami Tickets.com
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on the cover
by chris azzopardi
“I think it’s healthy to gain a perspective on who you are deep down, question yourself and challenge yourself...”
Selena Gomez is alive, revived and relieved. After photos turned up in 2014 of Gomez scrub-a-dub-dubbing with gal pal Cara Delevingne, who’s openly bisexual, what transpired? Gay gossip, of course. Gomez doesn’t care, she says, “because they weren’t talking about other people in my life for once, which was wonderful.” In fact, regarding the blogosphere buzz, Gomez, 23, tells me she “loved it,” a testament to the entertainer’s true-to-herself, not-reallycaring-what-you-think-anymore persona. That
same perspective is reflected in all the dizzying late-night pillow talk throbbing throughout her sexually liberated and self-reflective second studio album, Revival. For a small-screen darling who grew up under the watchful eye of Disney, Gomez’s openness both on the album and in conversation is refreshing. After recently revealing that she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus in 2013, she concurs that, yes, this is her coming out party of sorts. (Actually, the way she puts it is, “werk!”)
And so it is, as Gomez speaks candidly about other aspects of her life: “absolutely” questioning her sexuality, growing up around her mom’s gaggle of mimosa-sippin’ gays and— cue the awws—her admiration for ex-flame Nick Jonas’ “love and compassion for everyone.” Growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, what was your introduction to the gay community?
You have to understand: My mother is absolutely fantastic and she worked at a modeling
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agency when I was a very young girl, so every Sunday I would have brunch with her and all of her gays, and I just remember a lot of mimosas. It was the best. So, I’ve been around it my whole life and, you know, I love it. I have to tell you: On my 16th birthday my mom had a bunch of drag queens come out and they sang “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” and it was sooo funny. As someone raised Catholic, accepting the LGBT community was never an issue for you then?
Not at all. Look: There’s a huge difference in how I was brought up; the word “religion” is a very complex thing. It’s something you have to follow, and that’s not what faith is. Anybody who has a higher power, anybody who has anything they believe in: If you don’t know how to love other people, I don’t believe in it. It doesn’t work that way. Have you ever met a Selena Gomez drag queen?
Yes! I had one who did one of the viral videos of “Love You Like a Love Song” (Willam Belli’s “Love You Like a Big Schlong”). (She) did a nasty version of it, which was hysterical, and I went to the Logo NewNowNext Awards and I got to meet her, which was amazing. Honestly, I feel like that’s when I made it—genuinely! I emailed it to my mom and she emailed it and CC’d everybody. You say Selena drag queens were the true measure of success for you. But isn’t it true that you’re not truly famous until you’ve been the subject of a gay rumor? And last year, the tabloids had a field day with photos of you and Cara Delevingne.
I’ve made it! How did you react to those rumors?
Honestly, I loved it. I didn’t mind it. Especially because they weren’t talking about other people in my life for once, which was wonderful. Honestly, though, she’s incredible and very open and she just makes me open. She’s so fun and she’s just extremely adventurous, and sometimes I just want that in my life, so I didn’t mind it. I loved it. Have you ever questioned your sexuality?
I think everybody does, no matter who they are. I do, yeah, of course. Absolutely. I think it’s healthy to gain a perspective on who you are deep down, question yourself and challenge yourself; it’s important to do that.
Your friend Demi Lovato played a lesbian on Glee, starring as Naya Rivera’s love interest. Who would you choose as an onscreen lesbian love interest?
That’s a long list! Suki Waterhouse—she’s a model; she was Bradley Cooper’s girlfriend. As a performer, when were you first aware you had an LGBT following?
My first single was when I was 16 and that went to No. 1 on the Dance Club charts so that was my introduction. I don’t think people really knew me, so I don’t know if it was a following necessarily, but once I hit “Love You Like a Love Song” status, that’s really when I started realizing it. And it was the best! My concerts used to be little kids, and then seeing the entire front row being all these guys who were wearing neon T-shirts and just losing their minds— it’s incredible. And then you see the jocks in the other corner throwing their boxers on stage. It’s like, “Oh gosh.” It’s amazing. You say “oh gosh” like it’s a problem.
(Laughs) Well, it is a little bit; come on. Do you keep your gay fans in mind when you create music, particularly with _Revival_?
Absolutely. One-hundred percent. Even with my earlier stuff, I’ve always tapped into it, and at the end of the day I’m a full-on pop artist, so I wanted the tracks to be incredible because I know how important that is. But on top of that, having the lyrics be equally as important was something I needed to do for this album. I think it just kind of came together really well. I spent a year on it and I poured everything I had into this album, and I was thinking of everyone. I was thinking of my diehard fans from everywhere. Have you ever dated or fallen for a gay man?
Honestly, I don’t have that story, but two of my best friends do and it’s very Will and Grace-like, which I love. But no, I haven’t actually experienced it—wait, maybe that’s not fair to say. Maybe I won’t know? Maybe I don’t know? (Laughs) I just thought about that. Oh my gosh. I’m thinking about my whole life now. Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber, Taylor Lautner: Aesthetically speaking, you have good taste in men. How jealous do your gay guy friends get of the people you’ve dated?
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They’re more into it than I am. Part of the reason I probably went out on a few dates is because of them. They’re just like, “Go! Go!” I’m like, “No!” They’re all about it, for sure. So your gay friends are your matchmakers?
All the time. Whoever I’m with or like or don’t like, they’re all about dissecting it and putting me with other people.
“...It was exciting for me while also being a little complicated; I had dealt with certain body issues and things like that...I knew that this was my moment to really share my heart, because there are so many people who follow or look up to me who are dealing with so much in their own life...”
It must be fascinating for you to see Nick Jonas become such a gay icon. His outreach… his underwear pics…
And his (gay) characters that he’s been playing! Scream Queens and the other show, Kingdom, which I thought was super rad. We actually talked about it at dinner one time. He’s incredible, and I think it’s amazing. I’ve known him for years—we were 14 when we met—so it’s crazy, because I actually knew him at a different time in his life. Now, to see him have this amazing perspective on life is awesome. I’m really proud of him. Are you surprised by the way he’s connected with the gay community?
Yeah, for sure! Not in a bad way, but I was like, “Thank you.” It was kind of incredible for somebody to step out of their zone for a minute. It’s really incredible to see what he’s done. It’s incredible to not really be in a judgmental place and to really let down all of your guards. I just think you have to really let go, and you do have to find this in your heart. He clearly has had a love and compassion for everyone, and I think that’s great. The cover of your album, where you’re basically naked, is pure empowerment. You seem very comfortable in your own skin.
Every other day it changes, but this year is a very important year for me. A lot of discovering and exploring who I am. It was exciting for me while also being a little complicated; I had dealt with certain body issues and things like that. Once the album was put together and I went through so many different emotions, I knew that this was my moment to really share my heart, because there are so many people who follow or look up to me who are dealing with so much in their own life. I just want to give my all to it—give all of myself literally. Are there any gay people in your life currently who helped you on your journey to self-actualization?
Yes, one of my dearest—his name is Gweny. He’s been on my Instagram many times—featured on my Insta! (Laughs) But he’s very sweet and unbelievably confident. He’s a dancer, so he knows how to move his body. Even when I dance, sometimes I’ll ask him to dance with me in the mirror so I can be comfortable in my movements. Sometimes I get a little self-conscious and don’t think I’m a great dancer and he’s able to pull me out of my head instantly. Also, I’ll wake up one morning and he’ll be cooking breakfast, and all of a sudden The Sound of Music is on and it just makes my life happy. He’ll just run into my room and cheer me up and yeah, he’s been a huge part of the last four years of my life. He’s changed my life. You have had to become an adult in front of the whole world. For you, how hard is it to grow up in the limelight?
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Get social with selena selenagomez.com /selenagomez • @selenagomez
The worst part about it is the lack of forgiveness. When you’re a quote-end quote “child star,” it’s just unfair to be able to throw things at people when they don’t even know who they are yet. So that’s the only frustrating part, because, ultimately, that’s life. Everybody goes through things, and more than anything, I think it’s just the judgmental part. But I enjoy it. I love my life, and I’m so thankful for it. I have been able to experience life in a different way, and even though there are some low moments, it’s incredible to do what I do. You’ve credited Taylor Swift as not just a friend but someone you admire. How often do you and her shake it off at the gay clubs?
Oh my gosh—how chic! And all the time. Taylor and I literally will have mini dance parties with all of her dancers who are 100 percent gay (laughs)—and it’s the best feeling ever! It is so fun, and we just lose our minds. So wherever you and Taylor are, it’s always a gay club? Even in her apartment?
Yeah, in New York! On tour! Backstage! The whole thing. What is the most common misconception people have of you?
Lack of credibility. I understand that I come from Disney or whatever, but I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of what I wanna do in film and music, to be honest. Even though I’ve been doing it for a while, I don’t feel like I have really gone there yet, and that’s fine. I think I gotta grow into it and make mistakes and learn and whatnot, but I do feel like that (credibility) is the one thing that people don’t give me enough of. Do you ever Google yourself?
I have, yes. It’s very dangerous. I can’t do it often. I didn’t do it after the album came out because I didn’t know what the reviews were gonna be, and I mean, I can’t do anything about it now—the album is out—so I have to be confident in what I released. But yes, I have, of course. If people text me things or if I hear people talking about stuff, yeah, I’ll do it. What is the craziest thing you’ve read about yourself?
What have I not read about myself at this point?! My gosh. I think I’ve been pregnant 15 times. That’s always been the craziest thing for me, which is my favorite. I’ll be at the beach and have the flattest stomach or not, and regardless, I’ll be pregnant. It’s the most hysterical thing to me. To debunk any rumors of a 16th baby—are you pregnant right now?
No, nope—definitely not! (Laughs)
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the national lgbtq task force presented its gala miami honoring community members, mary l. bonauto and juan bosco talavera at the fontainebleau miami beach. photos by j.r. davis. more photos at shemag.com
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SHE GIRL
morgan // tampa, fl // gemini
Photos by tomboi photography. More photos at www.shemag.com
Relationship Status: Taken. Dream Girl: Tall, tattoos, dark features, and a chef. Dream Job: Bar owner. My occupation: Craft cocktail bartender and hair stylist. My pets: Mack and Prince Henry are my cats and Han Solo and Woofer are my dogs. My mother thinks I: Am finally starting to get my sh*t together. Turn-ons: Beautiful smile, good hair, personal style, creativeness. Turn-offs: Introverts and cockiness. Sensitive Body Part: My lower back. My Best Quality: Contagious laughter. Secret Fetish: Sexy underwear. I have a weakness for: Girls in banana boxers. I like to wear: Red lipstick. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?: If I had a superpower it would be to teleport so I could even more like a gypsy. What breakfast cereal best describes you? The Special K with the chocolate because I like to think I’m being healthy. If my life were made into a movie, my part will be played by: Anne Hathaway with tattoos. most memorable date: An impromptu trip across Florida in my convertible followed by dinner, dancing and a mini vacation. Celebrity’s butt I would most like to squeeze: Jennifer Anniston The cartoon character I am most like: Jessica Rabbit The strangest place I’ve ever been naked: An Ybor City parking lot. French Fries, French Vanilla, French Toast or French Manicure? French Kiss The last movie I went to a theater to see was: Jurassic World Your house is on fire. Besides a loved one, what is the one inanimate object you’d grab? My makeup bag! My favorite flower: Tiger lily. I just won a million dollars. The first thing I am going to buy is: My passport. My favorite TV show: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. my favorite quote: “This morning, with her, having coffee.” — Johnny Cash, when asked for his definition of paradise. My coming out was: Relieving. If you were to become an activist in the LGBT community, which organization would you choose and why: One that helps families cope and understand each other in the coming out process. I think our community needs: Better equal employment rights.
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noticias Organizaciones religiosas se manifiestan en Paraguay a favor de la discriminación Un grupo de asociaciones religiosas se manifestaron a favor de discriminar a los homosexuales en Paraguay pues la defensa que se hace de que los gay puedan adoptar niños, está vinculada a la ideología de Estados Unidos. Seguimos con la discriminación en diferentes puntos del mundo y en esta ocasión le ha tocado el turno a Paraguay dónde organizaciones religiosas se han manifestado a favor de la discriminación, ya que la única unión real que se concibe es la que existe entre un hombre y una mujer además de que las adopciones por parte de parejas gay no deberían ni siquiera de considerarse. Las manifestaciones en cuestión estaban rechazando que en Paraguay se pudieran adoptar las normativas internacionales a favor de los derechos humanos de la misma manera que las conocemos en los países de Europa así como también en Estados Unidos. El pensamiento es que “Europa normalmente está acabada y Estados Unidos es una dictadura ideológica” Centenares de familias acompañadas por la bandera del Vaticano y de Paraguay han sido quienes se han lanzado a la calle a partir de organizaciones del tipo de Federación de Asociaciones por la Vida y la Familia y desde aquí hacían su protesta contra las parejas gay y su intento de igualdad en la sociedad. La ONU ha pedido a Paraguay en reiteradas ocasiones que promueva la aprobación de una ley contra toda forma de discriminación garantice la seguridad de los distintios colectivos y minorías sociales. Paraguay ha ratificado todos los tratados y convenciones del sistema de derechos humanos regional, excepto la Convención Interamericana contra toda forma de Discriminación e Intolerancia, y la Convención Interamericana contra la discriminación racial.
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Polémica con candidata a vicepresidenta de Argentina arrepentida de votar en contra del matrimonio gay Cuando se votó la Ley de Matrimonio Igualitario en Argentina, hubo votos a favor y en contra. Entre quienes no estaban de acuerdo con la ley que finalmente fue sancionada estaba Gabriela Michetti, quien ahora es candidata a vicepresidenta por la agrupación “Cambiemos”. La funcionaria, recientemente manifestó su arrepentimiento por el mencionado voto. Diversas opiniones se dispararon luego de conocerse la noticia. Pedro Robledo, el joven militante del PRO que se hizo conocido hace dos años cuando fue agredido en una fiesta de San Isidro por ser gay, salió a respaldar a la candidata, luego de que la Presidenta Cristina Kirchner hablara del tema. “Cristina atacó a Gabriela Michetti por decir que se sentía arrepentida de haber votado en contra del matrimonio igualitario, lo cual es noble y demuestra arrepentimiento”, planteó el Coordinador del área Diversidad e Inclusión de la Fundación Pensar en AM Belgrano. César Cigliutti, Presidente de la Comunidad Homosexual Argentina (CHA) dijo: “Los derechos de nuestra comunidad LGBTI se conquistaron con votos y nunca, y en ninguna historia, con arrepentimientos tardíos y dudosos. Resulta imposible para la CHA que un gay defienda a quien está en contra de sus derechos, y más en un caso emblemático como el matrimonio igualitario. Y tampoco estamos en contra de confrontar posturas y convicciones, al contrario nos resulta enriquecedor.”
Se llevó a cabo el segundo Encuentro de Liderazgos Políticos LGBTI de América Latina Más de 200 líderes de la comunidad LGBTI exigieron mayor participación en la política en todos los poderes del Estado, así como respeto a sus derechos en un encuentro llevado a cabo en Honduras a finales de Octubre La exigencia de ese grupo social fue planteada en el “Segundo Encuentro de Liderazgos Políticos LGBTI de América Latina y el Caribe: Construyendo Democracia para la Igualdad”, que fue inaugurado en Tegucigalpa con la participación de representantes de 22 países y de las autoridades gubernamentales hondureñas. “Yo creo que en algunos países la comunidad puede acceder a un partido político, pero sigue estando el machismo como el patriarcado dentro de los partidos políticos”, dijo a Efe la argentina Marcela Romero, coordinadora regional de la Red Latinoamericana y el Caribe de Mujeres Trans. Agregó que la comunidad LGBTI demanda una mayor participación en las estructuras de poder porque es un derecho que les asiste. La viceministra hondureña de Derechos Humanos y Justicia, Karla Cueva, dijo que “las violaciones a los derechos humanos por orientación sexual e identidad de género deben ser visibilizadas, censuradas en público y en privado, y sancionadas por los mecanismos nacionales e internacionales de protección a derechos humanos”. Cueva recordó que en las ultimas elecciones primarias (internas) de 2012 en Honduras, la población pudo conocer de las aspiraciones políticas de hondureños y hondureñas reconocidos miembros LGTBI. El objetivo del encuentro es garantizar la participación política y la igualdad real de las personas, promover espacios de inclusión en la sociedad civil hondureña, y conocer experiencias exitosas de personas LGBTI de América Latina y el Caribe que forman estructuras de gobierno. Entre otros invitados al evento, que concluirá mañana, figuran Randy Berry, enviado especial de Estados Unidos y defensor de los derechos humanos de la comunidad LGBTI; el congresista peruano Carlos Bruce; la viceministra de Seguridad Policial de Costa Rica, Carmen Muñoz, y Diana Rodríguez, política de Ecuador.
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SOY MUJER
CON verónica espinal
tener gratitud ¡porque SI! Agradecer: Sentir gratitud. Gratitud: Sentimiento que nos obliga a estimar el beneficio o favor que se nos ha hecho o ha querido hacer, y a corresponder a el de alguna manera. Obligar: Hacer fuerza en una cosa para conseguir un efecto.
Casi siempre me molestaba buscar el significado de alguna palabra en el diccionario; principalmente porque el significado no me resultaba concreto. Cada vez que buscaba una palabra, tenía que buscar una ó dos más para poder descifrar el significado de la primera palabra en cuestión. Cada vez que le preguntaba a mi papá o a mi abuela algún significado, me mandaban al diccionario. Hoy por hoy, me parece una buena táctica para educarnos un poco más en el intento. Esta vez me interesa conocer el significado de la palabra “agradecer” del diccionario de la Real Academia Española (léase arriba). He ahí el vivo ejemplo de lo que comente antes. Si agradecer es “sentir gratitud”, ¿por qué no le ponen el mismo significado de gratitud a agradecer y nos ahorramos un paso más? Claro, agradecer es un verbo, lo mismo que obligar. Pero…sinceramente, al buscar la palabra “gratitud”, esperaba encontrarme con un significado menos calculador. “Gratitud: Sentimiento que nos obliga a estimar el beneficio o favor que se nos ha hecho o ha querido hacer, y a corresponder a él de alguna manera”. Me llamó la atención sobremanera la palabra “obliga” como parte del significado. Obligar es “hacer fuerza” para un determinado propósito. Quizá estoy sacando de contexto o exagerando esa sola palabra, quizá no. Siento que el decir “obliga” le da un gusto amargo a lo que, para mí, es el significado de “agradecer” y “gratitud”. Ser o saber ser agradecido, y no por obligación, es casi un don. Ser o saber ser agradecido, no sólo con los demás, sino con uno mismo…es casi un don. Por eso no me agrada que la gratitud se defina
como un “sentimiento que nos obliga”. Para mí, eres o no agradecida; y si lo eres, es porque te debe de nacer y no por conveniencia. Entiendo que hoy en día resulta más fácil encontrar a alguien que se obligue a ser agradecida por conveniencia o beneficio, que a quien lo sea por nobleza. Y eso, ¿será culpa de los demás o de uno mismo? También existe la otra cara de la moneda: las personas a quienes el agradecimiento se les refleja en la mirada o en el tono de su voz. Ese reflejo es la consecuencia, que por nobleza, recibimos a cambio de aquello que hemos querido hacer. Y es que los sentimientos verdaderos son fáciles de sentir, como también lo son aquellos que son obligados. Mientras se acerca en Día de Acción de Gracias, desempolvemos o pongamos en práctica un poco más el don de ser agradecidas. Pongamos en práctica el don de ser agradecidas con los demás, por los demás, contigo misma y por ti misma. ¡Vamos a agradecer y tener gratitud porque sí! Sólo mira a tu alrededor y verás que siempre tienes algo o a alguien por quien sentirte agradecida. Desde lo más insignificante hasta lo que para ti sea lo más grande que posees en tu vida, siempre tenemos el por qué sentirnos agradecidas. Dicen que uno nunca sabe lo que tiene hasta que lo pierde. Entonces, ¿para qué esperar perder algo o a alguien para descubrirlo? ¿Por qué no darnos cuenta del valor que cada cosa o cada persona tiene en nuestras vidas y agradecerlo sin tener que perderlo? Vamos a agradecer y tener gratitud porque sí. ¡Que disfrutes este Día de Acción de Gracias!
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good reads
By marissa cohen
When it Raynes by C.D. Cain C.D. Cain’s first novel in the Chambers of the Heart series follows Rayne Amber Storm, who leaves her comfortable bayou and the Southern Baptist values of her family to go to medical school. She meets Samantha LeJeune, a larger-than-life figure and soon, Rayne is forced to question everything she knows about love and family loyalty. This stunning debut is fast paced, emotionally intense, and deep.
Black by Gaslight by Nene Adams In honor of the recent death of GCLS award winner Nene Adams, we’re having a look at her mystery classic Black by Gaslight, the first in the beloved Gaslight series. Wealthy Lady Evangeline St. Claire who rescues prostitute Rhiannon Moore from Jack the Ripper. She takes Rhiannon on as her secretary as the two of them struggle to solve a dangerous mystery. Sherlock Holmes makes an appearance in this novel, but only serves as a background noise to the brilliance of these two women.
Your Beauty Mark by Dita Von Tease Eccentric burlesque model Dita Von Tease gives us all of her beauty secrets in this retrostyled coffee table book. Filled with the usual nutritional and skin care guides of most beauty books, Your Beauty Mark is also a how-to book about bombshell glamour. Femmes will love this quirky as hell look at Dita Von Tease’s 1920s1950s inspired style.
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Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund has announced the lineup for its 5th annual “Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays” benefit concert on Saturday, December 5th at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth homelessness. 100 percent of the net proceeds from the concert will support the True Colors Fund’s programs. Cyndi Lauper will be joined on stage this year by Boy George, Cam, Judy Gold, Ledisi, Keb’ Mo’, Sharon Osbourne, Jordan Pundik, Richie Sambora & Orianthi, Valerie Simpson, Anne Steele, Joey Taranto, Justin Tranter, Kurt Vile, and host Carson Kressley. Additional guests will be announced soon. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com right now. “For the fifth year, ‘Home for the Holidays’ will feature an incredible night of performances in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth experiencing homelessness,” said Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund. “I’m so grateful for the artists who will donate their time and talents this December in support of a cause that we can’t ignore. This concert will enable the True Colors Fund to continue our work to create a world in which all kids can be their true selves. I can’t wait.” In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Yet, only up to seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, the True Colors Fund works to end homelessness among LGBT youth, creating a world in which young people can be their true selves. The True Colors Fund is focused on raising public awareness, advocating within government, conducting research, working collaboratively with young people, and organizing communities to develop solutions to prevent and end LGBT youth homelessness. truecolorsfund.org
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classifieds accommodations
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miscellaneous
Your Direct Connection to LGBT Women’s Community
Advertising in She: A Lot More Affordable Than You Think. Contact: info@shemag.com or 954-354-9751 she 28 11.15
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classifieds
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she searches 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 sisters
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scopes
with the village sage
AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 All of your hard work is about to pay off in lots of different ways. Financial rewards will increase, as will your sense of esteem, and most importantly, you will be given many more opportunities to work even harder and make even more. Remember there is more to enjoying a quality life than money. Make sure you balance work and play.
leo July 23 - aug 22 The planets have finally moved out of the hard, restrictive influence on your physical, emotional and mental health, leaving you free to finally get serious about making much needed changes in your everyday life. Once you get started on creating the new and improved “you,” the rewards will be well worth it. Remember that these efforts are long term.
pisces feb 20 - mar 20 You have the opportunity to choose to put having fun and spending relaxing time with family and friends, before spending even more time in the office at your desk. Strike a better balance between work and play, between pessimism, and optimism, and between spending and saving. Keep a positive attitude of gratitude.
virgo aug 23 - sept 23 You have many opportunities to improve the quality of your life, including improving the quantity of your cash stash. You are restless, eager to keep moving and shaking. Remember to communicate with everyone involved in your grand plan and make sure that what was heard is actually what you said and clarify.
aries mar 21 - apr 20 You have been basically all work, all the time, much to the dismay of your loved ones. However, you are now in a position to parley the extra time spent into extra financial rewards. If you have been thinking of branching out, the necessary funding will be available to you, but only with a solid game plan and realistic cash flow projections.
libra sept 24 - oct 23 You can finally throw off the illusion of lack and embrace a reality of abundance in all facets of your life. There have been challenges to both your health, as well as your wealth the past few years, which are happily behind you. All of your energy is focused on improving the quality of your life, by making changes in the everyday.
taurus apr 21 - may 21 You are entering into a lighter, happier cycle that will help you achieve the proper balance within relationships, including your relationship with yourself. The Universe will provide lots of opportunities to add to your sphere of influence. However, it’s up to you to actually take those opportunities and allow the good times to roll.
scorpio oct 24 - nov 22 The planets have given you a whole new lease on life, as well as a new outlook and attitude about what’s important and what’s not. You get to enjoy the fruits of all those seeds you’ve been busy spreading here and there, but that won’t stop you from wanting to plant even more, everywhere. Network yourself, showcase all the bounty your efforts created.
gemini may 22 - june 21 You’re energized to make important and necessary changes to your everyday life, including but not limited to improving your physical and emotional well being. This includes revamping how you communicate with the significant others in your life. Be sure to actually listen, instead of just waiting to talk. Remember, only you can prevent forest fires.
sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21 You haven’t felt this optimistic in forever and although there are still some of the same challenges, what is very different now is your attitude. You have lots of opportunities to make positive changes in your everyday life, including clearing the debris from your house, your closet and your mind. Strike a balance between work and play.
cancer June 22 - july 22 Your creative juices are flowing, as are all the ideas to improve current situations and to plan and launch future projects. The dissatisfaction you have felt in your close personal relationships will reach a boiling point where you realize that you must finally insist on getting your needs met as well. Conversation and compromise will prevent conflict.
capricorn dec 22 - jan 20 It should be no surprise that your laser-beam focus is solidly on your career and finances, and ways to increase your bank balance. As always, who you know is as important as what you know, so network yourself as much as possible in order to increase your sphere of influence by meeting new people. It will be better to lead from behind now.
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