She Magazine — October '15

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DIRECTOR’S CHAIR We’re taught from a young age that more is better. If you think one piece of candy is good, how about two pieces? Okay you have those 4 quarters from grandma. You should only spend one and save the other three, so you can have more later. If you eat everything on your plate, you can have dessert. Of course, we have all the toilet paper we need for the next two weeks but let’s go to Costco so we can try to figure out where to store enough for a whole year.

In an odd sort of way, we’re almost programmed to not really be satisfied with what we have and to always want more. The problem isn’t necessarily the desire or striving to have more. It is instead, when we are so busy trying to get more that we stop noticing and appreciating what we already have. You know, I used to be able to eat one Oreo and be happy. Now, you better give me that whole pack of double stuffs if you wanna live. Do you think I care that my girl likes Oreos, too? No. I do not. Is that fair to her, the woman who fills my 32-ounce cup with love? Whatever. One can never really have too many double stuff Oreos.

It’s odd. If she broke up with me tomorrow because I wouldn’t share my cookies, I’d swear every crispy, chocolaty wafer, filled with sweet creamy icing, to her forever. But I’d stab her hand with a fork if she tried to take them from me while still my girl.

By mere coincidence, the other day I found myself explaining to my girl why the only condiment I tend to reach for is ketchup. I told her how, as a child, my mother found a way to make ketchup its own food group.

If I did that classic preteen whining and said, “I am hungry and there’s nothing to eat.”

She’d calmly say, “There’s plenty in the house to eat. Make some spaghetti with butter and ketchup. Make bread pizza with cheese, ketchup and oregano.”

I went on to tell my girl that it was as if my mom was really saying, “I know we don’t have as much as you want us to have, but be grateful for what we do have and be glad that we don’t have less,” without ever actually saying those words.

Another thing that I am grateful for having is amazing LGBT women icons to honor throughout October as we celebrate LGBT History Month. This year’s list includes women across many decades and professions, who have helped pave the way to where we are now.

From Moms Mabley to Angelina Joile, Edie Windsor to Robin Roberts, the contribution these women have made to our lives is remarkable.

So, over the next month, in those few quiet minutes with nothing to do, take a few of them and learn a little about the more than 14 women on 2015 list of 31 LGBT icons. Be grateful for what we have. Be glad that we don’t have less. And in this case, let’s keep on wanting and striving to have more.

See you next month!

MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tina Sordellini PUBLICITY DIRECTOR SHE ESPAÑOL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Espinal ASSOCIATE EDITORS Marissa Cohen • Shawn Nicholson Denise Warner • Donna Solomon-Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marissa Cohen •Verónica Espinal The Village Sage • 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

october 2015 / volume 17 / issue 9

14

16 features 14 SPIRIT DAY “This year, Spirit Day and GLAAD’s anti-bullying resources will reach more young people than ever with messages of empowerment and acceptance.”

14 THE WOMEN OF LGBT HISTORY MONTH Check out this year’s list of women LGBT icons.

16 FREEHELD’S DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, CYNTHIA WADE The story of how her documentary served as a catalyst for the full-length feature film—that was released in limited cities on October 2nd and will hit cinemas nationwide on October 16th—and no doubt it will be a strong contender in this year’s Oscars.

20 MiFo LGBT FILM FESTIVAL The MiFo LGBT Film Festival in Fort Lauderdale has a fun and inspiring line-up of films and special events that appeal to South Florida’s diverse audience. See a list for women films!

she espaÑol 24 NOTICIAS El estreno de la serie, “Celia”, ya tiene fecha.

25 SOY MUJER

photos 04 SHE SCENE 12 PINK FLAMINGO AWARDS

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

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multimedia

with marissa cohen

Seeking Dolly Parton, about a lesbian couple who wants to get pregnant only to have an ex-boyfriend enter the scene, is sweet and gentle, if a little too fast paced (the female lovers seem to do the ultimate U-Haul courtship). Still, this film won rave reviews film festivals, and it’s easy to see why: excellent performances and a clever script. Seeking Dolly Parton drops on Vimeo this month with a 3-day streaming period. With Kacey Barnfield and Anya Monzikova.

Let’s make this short and sweet. Janet Jackson, in musical seclusion since 2008, is back with Unbreakable. (Get it now. Go. I’ll wait.) Jackson’s 17-track album features the album’s R&B single “No Sleeep” and the title track, which plays like a love song to her loyal fans. The sensation who no doubt inspired some of the hottest singers today finally returns and Janet isn’t alone in her welcome return to music. Missy Elliott’s with her in the rousing “Burnitup!” Out now. Go get it.

Oh, kids of the 80s, Jem & the Holograms opens in theaters October 23, and it’s every bit as truly outrageous as you might remember. It’s from the same studio that gave us Pitch Perfect, so it’s pretty clear from the getgo that the goal is for Jem and company to have the same kind of sass. Do they? In a quasi-David-Bowie way, yes. Fans of the original animated series will enjoy this reboot. With Aubrey Peeples and Stefanie Scott.

The final 13-episode season of Haven starts on SyFi on October 8. Tackling the loss of Audrey, Nathan and Duke try to move on but there’s much more to it than that. Body swapping, life or death, and some pretty sizable mommy issues are just some of the roller coaster rides that loyal fans of the hit Stephen-King-inspired show can look forward to. With Emily Rose and Jayne Eastwood.

Selena Gomez’s 16-track album Revival drops October 9, and the pop star/actor’s latest single “Good For You” plays like a passionate, pulse pounding and utterly hot proposition and has hit the #1 slot in over 30 countries. Her album is good for you, with the single “Same Old Love” topping the charts.

Gomez gets real and sings about body shaming and other issues.

Summer, out from Wolfe Video and streaming on VOD on October6, follows teenagers Anne and Lena who fall in summertime love in a small Dutch town. Anne’s the sweet and smart innocent, Lena’s the mysterious stranger on a motorbike (because what’s a first love film without a bad girl type?) and before you can say “sleeper hit,” the two young women fall for each other in this award-nominated film.

With Sigrid ten Napel, Jade Olieberg.

NOT TO BE MISSED: Christine and the Queens’ self-titled English debut releases on October 16. The Parisian sensation’s album features “No Harm is Done,” and Christine’s drag/fluid Europop sound has been called the next big thing. Check it out now.

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community celebrating community: it was a wonderful night as the third annual pink flamingo awards recognized community members, at jungle island in miami beach. photos by rock ur photo & production / view more photos at shemag.com

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in the news GLAAD responds to no condemnation, no word of welcome for LGBT people from Pope Francis GLAAD, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, has expressed disappointment and hopefulness in Pope Francis’ lack of explicit welcoming messages for the thousands of LGBT people who followed his trip to the United States.

“As someone who was raised Catholic, I’m left both disappointed and hopeful by Pope Francis’ visit to the United States—disappointed that his Holiness didn’t affirm the millions of LGBT Catholics who simply want to be accepted as equal children of God, but hopeful because our families were not attacked or condemned,” said GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis. “As support for LGBT people continues to rise among Catholics, we look forward to the day when the church so many of us grew up to love will finally embrace us back, just as we are.”

GLAAD goes on to say: Instead, the Pope uttered coded phrases about strengthening and defending the family. His words stirred debate among LGBT advocates about their meaning. While there was no explicit word of welcome, there was no explicit condemnation, or even mention of LGBT people.

As a Jesuit, Francis knows that love is better expressed in actions than words, and the actions that come out of that meeting is going to have profound effects on the rates of acceptance for LGBT people around the globe. GLAAD will continue to watch and to call for a church that listens to LGBT people and ministers according to their needs.

go purple on october 15 and stand again bullying. it’s spirit day!

Coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month, millions go purple on Spirit Day, the largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world aimed at accelerating acceptance of LGBT youth, in a stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT youth.

Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of celebrities, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, and individuals.

“Since 2010, Spirit Day has cast unprecedented light on the issue of bullying and its disproportionate impact on LGBT youth,” said GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis. “This year, Spirit Day and GLAAD’s antibullying resources will reach more young people than ever with messages of empowerment and acceptance.”

Celebrating the women of LGBT History Month In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions. LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons.

This year’s list of 31 icons contains over 14 women including: Jane Addams, Activist Miriam Ben-Shalom, Soldier Staceyann Chin, Poet Angelina Jolie, Actress Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Comedian

Elaine Noble, Politician Francis Perkins, U.S. Cabinet Member Robin Roberts, TV Broadcaster Dusty Springfield, Singer Edie Windsor, Marriage Equality Hero

You can find the complete list, a bio a day for the 31 days of LGBT History Month and more at the website, LGBThistorymonth.com.

Spirit Day began in 2010 after a high school student, Brittany McMillan, posted the idea to her Tumblr page following the suicide deaths of several LGBT and LGBTperceived young people. According to GLSEN’s 2013 National School Climate Survey, 85% of LGBT students report they have been verbally harassed with 65% percent reporting that they have heard homophobic remarks frequently or often in school.

GLSEN also reported that 30% of students missed at least one day of school in a given month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable in their school environment.

For more information on Spirit Day and how GLAAD accelerates acceptance, visit glaad.org/spiritday. You can also download the free resource kit and images for social media.

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SENIORS, THE FOCUS OF HEALTH FAIR AT EQUALITY PARK IN WILTON MANORS, FL “Nothing else matters, as long as you have your health.” That may be a familiar adage but it rings very true -- and ever more so as the years roll by. Staying healthy, it’s safe to say, is a major concern for many seniors, and The Pride Center’s sixth-annual Senior Health Expo is sure to attract a crowd of attendees.

The event will be held at The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors on Saturday, October 17. Doors will be open from 10 am until 2 pm. More than 60 providers in the fields of healthcare, aging and geriatrics will showcase their services and products to an anticipated crowd of several hundred seniors, their families and friends.

Last year, over 700 individuals attended the Senior Health Expo.

Booths and display spaces at this year’s fair sold out in June to more than 60 vendors, who will offer valuable information on senior living facilities, home healthcare agencies, legal issues and a wide assortment of other areas affecting the well-being of our senior community.

By vetting vendors for their open-minded values, the fair does address issues such as discrimination that may be a particular concern for elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) folk. But of course most

health matters relate to all the elderly, regardless of their orientation.

The Man Van, provided by Broward Health at Imperial Point will be on site for a full complement of testing opportunities. Other medical tests, along with flu shots, will also be available. As in past years, the Expo will feature a variety of practical and engaging educational seminars focusing on the needs of the LGBT senior population.

Admission is free. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided by Stork’s Bakery, and there will be free lunches for the first 300 attendees. Furthermore, everyone is eligible to win one of many wonderful door prizes including a large, flat-screen television.

Community partners include Broward Health Imperial Point, Futurity First Insurance, Gilda’s Club of South Florida, SAGE of South Florida, SunServe, The Fort Lauderdale Prime Timers, The Light of The World Clinic, The Peninsula, The Pride Center Senior Advisory Council and Women In Network.

For more, call The Pride Center, at 954463-9005 or PRIDECENTERFLORIDA.ORG.

YOUTUBE TO BE HONORED AT 2015 GLSEN RESPECT AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, will honor YouTube with the Chairman’s Award at GLSEN’s Respect Awards – Los Angeles to be held Friday, October 23, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills. YouTube joins previously announced honorees Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.

YouTube is being celebrated for providing a platform that serves as hope and inspiration for LGBT youth around the world. By establishing a safe and supportive community, YouTube and its creators continue to make a positive impact for LGBT people and their families, while changing countless hearts and minds.

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO DINE OUT LAUDERDALE

through Oct. 12 • various restaurants sunny.org/restaurants ARTWALK ongoing - recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday • 7 - 10 PM Downtown Hollywood • 954-924-2980 TAMPA INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 2 - 11 The Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa & freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL • tiglff.com PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE Oct. 5 - 11 • various locations Oct. 10 & 11 • Pride Weekend at Holiday Park & War Memorial pridefortlauderdale.org

AQUA AFFAIR Oct. 9 • 7 - 10PM Aloft South Beach, 2360 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 • aquafoundation.org MIFO LGBT FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 9 - 18 • various locations Fort Lauderdale, FL mifofilm.com NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Oct. 11 • nationwide SPIRIT DAY October 15 • nationwide FANTASY FEST Oct. 23 - Nov 1 • various locations Key West, FL • fantasyfest.com THE TASK FORCE GALA Oct. 24 • 6PM Fontainebleau Miami Beach

thetaskforcegala.org SAVE’S HALLOWEEN 21 Oct .30 • 9PM Magic City Casino 450 NW 37th Avenue • Miami, FL 33125 savehalloween.org TAYLOR SWIFT LIVE Oct .31 • 7PM Raymond James Stadium 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 56TH ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTL BOAT SHOW Nov. 5-9 • Broward County Convention Center • showmanagement.com EQFL GREATER ORLANDO GALA Nov. 6 • 8PM The MEZZ • 100 S. Eola Drive • eqfl.org

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on the cover

It seems like everywhere you look, especially on the Internet, there’s talk about Freeheld, the new movie filmed in New York starring Ellen Page (who also serves as producers) and Julianne Moore, based on the real life story of Detective Laurel Hester and her partner of six years Stacie Andree of Ocean City, New Jersey, and their fight for justice.

With less than six months to live, a New Jersey police detective, Laurel is diagnosed with lung and brain cancer and wants to leave her hard-earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie. However the county officials, Freeholders, conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this.

If you’ve watched the trailer, you’ll know in just two minutes that this is an important film, capturing the struggle and the deep love

by denise warner

between Laurel and Stacie as they face the reality of losing each other. But, before the big screen feature film was made, director Cynthia Wade won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for Freeheld.

This is the story of how her documentary served as a catalyst for the full-length feature film—that was released in limited cities on October 2nd and will hit cinemas nationwide on October 16th—and no doubt it will be a strong contender in this year’s Oscars.

I had the honor and pleasure of speaking to award-winning director and producer Cynthia Wade before press screenings were scheduled. She explained exactly how her documentary– and the feature film—came to be. This is the real story behind Freeheld.

Cynthia, how did you find out Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree’s story?

Well, let me set the scene. It was 2005 and I was sitting on my front stoop in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I was a documentary filmmaker, I had just given birth to my second daughter, my first was just about five years old and I said to my husband, “I don’t think I’m ever going to make another film again.” I just felt like I was drowning in motherhood and whatnot. I was overwhelmed, like “How am I going to make movies and raise two kids?” My husband said to me, “Look, your job is to just be ready for the next big thing. I know it’s going to hit, I can feel it ...and you just have to be ready.” At the time, I was kind of annoyed by that because it felt like pressure. I mean, I

Documentary photos by Heidi Gutman 2006 • Film photos by Phil Caruso.

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had jobs, I had an office, I had the cameras and equipment. I was doing client work, but I didn’t have a project I was passionate about.

I guess it was a few months later, maybe late November or early December 2005, when I read an article about how Detective Laurel Hester was being denied the right to leave her pension to her female life partner and this was happening, like, an hour away from me! I honestly could not believe that an hour away from where I live this blatant discrimination was happening.

So, I got a rental car, or back then a Zip car, because I didn’t even have a car and I drove down with an assistant and two cameras.

I walked into a Freeholders meeting and within ten minutes, there were protesters and people with signs ...and there was a lot of emotion. The air was thick with tension. light then and there, I thought, “This is my labor of love.” I decided I was going to make this film. I was going to do everything to make it right and do everything I could to tell this story. I hadn’t even met Laurel and Stacie at that point yet. After the meeting, though, I introduced myself. Of course, they had tons of media around them, but I got a chance to tell them how I work and what I wanted to do. I tend to actually live with my subjects and tell the very personal story from the inside out. I’ve never been very surface-y, newsy

Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree

about my work. I take an organic approach and I often end up becoming extremely close with the people I’m filming, living with them, sleeping on their couch. So, I went home and I told my husband, “Look, I don’t know how we’re going to do this, but I have to.

We have to find a way to make this work.” I mean, two kids, very little money, long hours.

My husband had a full-time job that he had just started and I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I had to do it. So, here we are with a new baby and a kindergartener and I’m basically telling my husband, “I’m going to be living in New Jersey.” After I explained to him what I witnessed, he just said, “Do it.

We’ll make it work.”

Everything really happened fast, then.

Yeah, it was only three days later that Laurel

“I promised Laurel that I was going to try and take this film all the way to the Oscars.

When I said that, her eyes lit up...I accepted the Oscar from Tom Hanks and...spoke out about the inequality that gay people face.”

Director & Producer Cynthia Wade

was in the hospital, getting diagnosed with brain cancer, a result of stage four lung cancer. It was all happening very fast and I had this extremely small window to gather my information. So, it was there at the hospital that they told me, “Ok, it’s you, we want you to be the one who tells our story.” For Laurel, this was a big relief because she had always wanted to write a book about her life and career as a police detective, a woman in a very male-dominated field, particularly in the 80’s.

It was New Jersey cop land. But when she got this very grave diagnosis, she knew she would never be able to. Stacie, on the other hand, was more suspicious of me, a little bit like, “Who is this woman?” You know, she worked at an auto body shop. She needed to keep working because she needed the hours and the money. I mean, she was honestly going to lose the house they lived in without this pension money. It was really Laurel who rallied for this and Stacie saw how excited she was. It was the perfect distraction and project for her, so Stacie accepted me probably because of that. In the course of the ten weeks that I lived with them - remember, I only knew Laurel in the last ten weeks of her life - by the end, I was probably much closer to Stacie than I ever expected to be. There was a real “cross over” moment that’s actually reflected in the film. The first half is about Laurel and

Julianne Moore and Ellen Page

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her struggle. The second half really becomes about Stacie and how she emerged from this as a fighter and a hero. you really earned a lot of trust from them, to go into their home and their lives at such a critical time.

Yes, so much in fact, that Laurel had actually wrote it into her will that I would be the only filmmaker, with my team, allowed to film her memorial service because at the time, there was a lot of press surrounding this story. I worked with Laurel, Stacie and Dane, the straight male cop and unexpected gay ally, Laurel’s work partner. He had a change of heart when all this came down and he became one of the biggest supporters of their fight. I worked with them to get their life right for the film because, although it’s great to make a film about all of this and get the word out about this injustice of discrimination, I promised Laurel that I was going to try and take this film all the way to the Oscars. When I said that, her eyes lit up. I told her, “I think the time is right,” so I promised her that when she was dying. It became really important for me to fulfill that promise.

Were you ever able to secure funding?

It wasn’t until about ten months after Laurel had died. I had finally finished the film, and sadly, she never got to see the final cut, but all along, because this was now 2006, all along I ran into resistance left and right. I was getting shot down by everyone I approached.

People told me the name “Freeheld” was stupid and no one would want to see it. It wasn’t interesting enough. I would meet with investors and tell them I wanted to start an Oscar campaign and they thought I was completely delusional. But then... I got it into Sundance.

For Stacie... I think she knows the bigger picture and the message is important, but it’s not easy. She still lives in the house. She still works at the auto shop. But, I think it’s the knowing how happy Laurel would have been is what makes her able to handle it. All of us, really. We know Laurel would be proud...”

At that point, I was thousands and thousands of dollars in debt with my editors, my composers. I didn’t even know how I was going to afford a plane ticket to Sundance, but I could see it. I could see this film had legs. I knew it was a story the world needed to know.

Oh my God.

I made it to Sundance and we won the Special Jury Award. Finally, I mean finally, I was among people who were listening, who believed in the film, who understood the message, who understood my Oscar strategy and everything I wanted for this film. I met so many LGBT people and the support started really pouring in. Then, we won in Boston, Denver, OutFest and it started getting the attention it deserved. We had a true theatrical release in cinemas in several cities that were locked in equality battles. And before you know it, we’re able to submit it to the 2008

Academy and we were in Oscar contention.

So, I took Stacie with me to the Oscars. She’s an auto mechanic in New Jersey; she had never been past west Pittsburgh. She wore Laurel’s ashes in a locket.

What an amazing moment, to be at the Oscars, like you promised Laurel.

It was. As we got to Los Angeles, there was a giant rainbow stretching across the sky.

I thought, “This is really going to happen.

We’re going to win. Laurel wants this. I want this for Laurel and Stacie. This is really going to happen. I’m going to have 30 seconds to speak live to 40 million people about the privilege that I have as a heterosexual married woman that homosexuals deserve. I have to be ready.” And it happened. We won, I accepted the Oscar from Tom Hanks and I made my speech in a shaking voice. I spoke out about the inequality that gay people face.

I actually remember that! I didn’t know much, at the time, about the film but I remember getting goosebumps over the speech.

Yeah, and from there, we began meeting with studios and were weighing our options: movie, TV movie, cable special, but I knew I wanted it to be a full-length feature film. We met with Double Feature Films, some of the people that made Erin Brockovich and I told them, “I don’t want to direct this film. I want to be a lead producer and have a say, but I also want to learn because I’m not ready to direct a feature.” And that was how the whole idea for the feature length film got started. I know it sounds crazy, but we spent seven years trying to put together the right group.

We landed screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, who wrote Philadelphia, and interviewed direc-

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tors. We were in talks with Peter Sollet who directed Raising Victor Vargas and Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist. Things were coming together. Ellen Page was in from the beginning. I just have to say that. She attached herself from the very beginning. She wasn’t out at the time, but she had seen my short film and wanted to be a part of [the feature film], in the role of Stacie. It all played a part in her publicly coming out later. It took a while to find the other leading lady, though.

Was that hard? Because some people are really afraid to play gay, aren’t they?

They are, it’s true. For some people, there’s a stigma attached to it. So, yeah, we had quite a time trying to find the right actor for Laurel. Ellen Page was absolutely instrumental in the search. She actually picked up the phone and called friends, actresses, names that she had access to. So, while all that was going on, I had given Ron, the screenwriter, my film plus the all stuff that never even made it into the finished documentary to use as actual research for his writing. I also took him to New Jersey to meet with the real people who were a part of this story.

I worked with the team and Ron to really get the script accurate and finalized. That’s when Peter Sollet got onboard. Next, Julianne Moore got onboard and all the pieces came together. Ellen, Julianne, Steve Carrell and Michael Shannon all pulled from the documentary for their preparation to be as authentic to the characters as possible, even working with voice coaches for the New Jersey accents. Julianne, in particular, would say “Can I call you at home? I know it’s a Sunday, but I really want to understand this better,” and Ellen, too. They would put hours

and hours of [recorded] transcript from the Freeholders meetings on their phones and listen to them. I think that’s what makes this film different from a lot of other adapted screenplays because everybody came to it very much from the inside out, the way the documentary was made. The performances are so strong and so genuinely authentic. I’m so excited about it. It’s being released in over 500 theaters nationwide this October 16th. I am so proud and so happy. I needed to do this. I needed to shepherd this through, to get it to this place for Laurel, to carry it over the finish line. Lionsgate is rereleasing the documentary in digital form to go along with the movie, and at the end of the film there are pictures and notes from it about where Stacie is today and what’s happened since then.

Even though it says at the beginning “based on a true story,” sometimes you tend to forget, as you get involved in the film that this really happened to real people. This discrimination happened. We felt it was important for people to remember that.

I feel like this film is working in two ways. Not only are you telling a true story about what this couple went through ten years ago, but it’s showing people how important it is that we have laws now due to the same-sex marriage ruling in June this past year. so many people fought so hard, and they need to see this film to see the difference all that work has made. I think it’s important, too, for this generation to take a look backwards to really appreciate the steps forward.

Exactly. I also think its important for straight people and couples to see this because they

sometimes take their privilege for granted and for them to see the devastation that inequality caused to a very normal, hard-working, same-sex couple and to know that it was happening all over, in all sorts of ways… it’s important for them to see it. It’s important for them to understand what went on and that it matters. It really matters.

How is Stacie feeling now? The ups and downs, the highs and lows, for so long...? Has Stacie had a chance to do that since her story has literally been going on for ten years?

You know, I think she feels good. She really, really likes the feature film. Ellen went down and spent time with her in New Jersey. Stacie, my husband and myself were all extras in the film, so Stacie was on set. The actors were terrific with her. For Stacie, she knows that this is what Laurel really wanted, but it’s hard for her because she lived through the death of her life partner. Then, she had to live through it again with the documentary, which was at Sundance and the Oscars. Then, it was on HBO and Logo repeatedly. Now she has to live through it a third time as it debuts in theaters and is getting Oscar buzz and even more attention. I think she knows the bigger picture and the message is important, but it’s not easy. She still lives in the house. She still works at the auto shop. But, I think it’s the knowing how happy Laurel would have been is what makes her able to handle it. All of us, really. We know Laurel would be proud with not only the documentary and its reach and achievements, but with this feature film as well.

Get social with freeheld freeheld.com • freeheld.movie /freeheldmovie • #loveislove

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FEATURE

Following a hugely successful Festival that saw record attendance last year, the MiFo LGBT Film Festival in Fort Lauderdale has a fun and inspiring lineup of films and special events that appeal to South Florida’s diverse audience.

Presented by Merrill Lynch, Showtime and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Office of Film, Music & Entertainment, the MiFo Festival features 53 films and takes place on Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11; and on Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18. Screenings will be held at the Classic Gateway Theatre, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard; Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street; and Opening Night at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

“With a new moniker reflecting the melding of Miami and Fort Lauderdale under one brand, this year also signals an added emphasis to reach out to the women in our community,” said Victor Gimenez, Executive Director of MiFo. “This means an expansion of films and events that reflect the true diversity of South Florida, as well as the addition of several women to our Board of Directors.”

One of the must-see films this year is Liz en Septiembre (Liz in September), not only for the quality of film, but also for its leading actress, Patricia Velasquez, who will be attending the screening and after-party. Liz en Septiembre was recognized at the Miami MiFo Festival earlier this year as the audience favorite for Best Feature.

While many may recognize Patricia from The L Word or her appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, her international success runs the gamut. A social activist, she founded the Wayúu Taya Foundation to help Latin American indigenous groups, and as an Artist for Peace she is a celebrity advocate for UNESCO and received the “Women Together” award at the United Nations in 2009 and the Solidarity Award in November 2010.

As a sought-after supermodel, her exotic features have adorned the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and other international fashion magazines. Most recently, Patricia released her autobiography, “Straight Walk: A Supermodel’s Journey to Finding her Truth,” in which she recounts her triumphant journey from poverty to international acclaim. Patricia will be signing copies of her book at the after-party. Following are a few of the film and party highlights.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 OPENING Night Film Fourth Man Out • 8 PM Director: Andrew Nackman • Runtime: 95 minutes / USA, 2015 NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Twenty-something auto mechanic Adam enjoys beer, hockey and inappropriate bodily functions. But Adam also likes guys.

A hilarious mash-up of man-child and coming-out comedies, Fourth Man Out examines a small-town, blue-collar guy who lets his friends know he’s gay - and what happens when they try to help him find a boyfriend.

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION • 10 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 WOMENS’ SHORTS • 5:15 PM Total Runtime: 92 minutes Victor XX • Director: Ian Garrido Spain, RT: 21 mins; In Spanish with English subtitles 9.55 - 11.05, Ingrid Ekman, Bergsgatan 4B Directors: Cristine Berglund and Sophie Vukovic • Sweden, RT: 15 mins; In Swedish

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with English subtitles In The Hollow • Director: Austin Bunn • USA, RT: 17 mins Adrift in Sunset • Director: Narissa Lee USA, RT: 24 minsIn English and Thai with English subtitles Disaster Preparedness • Director: Melissa Finell USA, RT: 15 mins • at The Gateway Theatre Liz in September (Liz en Septiembre) • 7:30 PM Director: Fina Torres • Special appearance

by Actress Patricia Velásquez Runtime: 92 minutes / Venezuela, 2014 / In Spanish with English subtitles • C&I Studios

Every year, womanizing party girl Liz and her friends celebrate her birthday at a Caribbean beach retreat. This year might be the final celebration because she is terminally ill, a fact she hides. When Eva, a young outsider arrives, Liz seduces her. But the ingénue is deeply wounded by the recent death of her young son, and nothing turns out as expected. The encounter between these two opposite women changes their lives, setting new perspectives where love, life, and Death, away from any morals, play as simple steps of nature.

AFTER-PARTY AT 9:30 PM AT C & I STUDIOS, FOLLOWING THE FILM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 While You Weren’t Looking • 7:30 PM Director: Catherine Stewart • Runtime: 104 minutes / South Africa, 2015 / In English, Xhosa and Afrikaans with English subtitles at The Classic Gateway Theatre The changing landscape of post-Apart-

heid South African politics and lifestyles is portrayed through three queer relationships: a successful, black real estate woman who is cheating on her white wife, their gorgeous bohemian daughter dating a gender non-confirming woman in the Soweto ghettos, and a white, male, queer studies professor pining for his black male lover from the revolutionary days.

Preceded by Night Life • Director: Sarah Scarlett Downing • USA, 12 mins THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 CENTERPIECE FILM 54: The Director’s Cut • 8 PM Director: Mark Christopher • Runtime: 106 minutes / USA, 2015 • at Cinema Paradiso It stars Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell and Mike Myers as Steve Rubell, the co-founder of the club. Studio 54! In 1998, director Mark Christopher created a cinematic monument to this ostentatious mixture of Art Deco, plush, frivolous 1970s hedonism, and drug-induced 24-hour party people. Prior to its release, the studio made this film more “mainstream” by eliminating all the things that would have

made it great. 54: The Director’s Cut is a reintegrated version that is weightier, darker, more drug-addled and, above all, queerer than the version that received the nod at the time.

CENTERPIECE PARTY AFTER THE FILM. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 Margarita, With A Straw • 7 PM Director: Shonali Bose • Runtime: 100 minutes / India, 2014 / In Hindi and English with English subtitles • at The Classic Gateway Theatre In this inspirational love story, Laila is a student, aspiring writer, and a member of a band, who just happens to have cerebral palsy. Always seeking more freedom and new experiences, Laila wins a place at New

York University and leaves for Manhattan.

There she meets a fiery activist, Khanum, who challenges her beliefs, sparks her creativity, and eventually takes her to bed.

That’s Not Us • 9:15 PM Director: William Sullivan • Runtime: 97 minutes / USA, 2015 • The Gateway Theatre

That’s Not Us is an intimate portrait of three 20-something couples - one gay, one lesbian, and one straight - as they travel to a beach house to enjoy the last days of summer. But amidst the fun, sun, sand and carefree attitudes also comes an exploration of what it takes to sustain a healthy relationship and make love last.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

Deep Run • 12:45 PM

Director: Hillevi Loven • Runtime: 75 minutes / USA, 2015 • at The Gateway Theatre Director Hillevi Loven and LGBTQ supporter Susan Sarandon are the talents behind Deep Run, a powerful verité portrait of trans life in rural North Carolina.

Exiled by her family and rejected by an ex, 17-year-old Spazz has no one to lean on for support. But when Spazz falls in love again and summons up the courage to become Cole, a strong-willed trans man, his

candid humor and steadfast, all-inclusive Christian beliefs counter the bigotry he experiences daily.

Preceded by Pink Boy • Director: Eric Rockey • USA, 25 mins SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 The Girl King • 7:30 PM Director: Mika Kaurismäki • Runtime: 102

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minutes / Finland, 2015 / In English and Swedish, French and German with English subtitles • at The Classic Gateway Theatre

Crowned Queen at the age of six, Kristina of Sweden was thrust into a labyrinth where a court of austere, Lutheran men pressures her to marry and produce an heir. She finds sanctuary and love with her lady-inwaiting, the countess Ebba Sparre. Soon, the forces around the Queen realize that Ebba is the key to controlling her, but underestimate Kristina’s brilliant mind and her drive to be free. Torn between the conflict of political and personal aspirations, Kristina chooses to make one of the most controversial decisions in history.

AFTER-PARTY AT MOD WINE BAR, NEXT TO THE THEATRE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 Portrait of a Serial Monogamist • 7:30 PM Directors: John Mitchell and Christina Zeidler • Special Appearance: Director John S. Mitchell And Actress Diane Flanks • Runtime: 84 minutes / Canada, 2015 • at The Classic Gateway Theatre

Elsie, a 40-something television producer and serial monogamist, is beginning to feel restless in yet another long-term relationship. She decides it is time to break up with her girlfriend and pursue the young DJ/barista she has had her eye on. After successfully landing who she thought was the girl of her dreams, Elsie is faced with the growing realization that she may have broken up with her soulmate. Portrait of a Serial Monogamist is a hilarious, honest and oh-so-romantic comedy about the coming of middle age.

Closing Night Party & Awards Ceremony at 10 PM • Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.

VENUES: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale • 1 E Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 C&I Studios • 541 NW 1st Ave. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 The Classic Gateway Theatre & MOD WINE BAR 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Cinema Paradiso • 503 SE 6th • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 GET SOCIAL: www.MiFoFilm.com, or call (305) 751-6305.

Follow MiFo on Facebook at /MiFoFilmFest.

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noticias La presidenta de Chile pide con urgencia una Ley de Identidad de Género Michelle Bachelet, presidenta de Chile, se ha sumado a la petición que existe desde hace algún tiempo para que en el país exista una Ley de Identidad de Género para que así, se de un paso más hacia la igualdad de los derechos.

Chile sigue apostando por ir aproximándose a la máxima igualdad. La Ley de Identidad de Género es una de las más comentadas en este último tiempo a razón de que son muchas las asociaciones que apuestan por ella y que quieren, que todas las personas puedan ser quién realmente son incluso, reconocidas por las leyes del gobierno.

Marcelon Díaz, ministro vocero del gobierno, informó de que la presidenta Michelle Bachelet su sumaba a todas aquellas personas que estaban reclamando una ley para que la identidad de las personas quede reconocida tal y como ellas son y de la forma que lo han venido buscando desde siempre.

Bachelet siempre ha destacado por tener una posición directa hacia la igualdad y ante elreconocimiento de los derechos para las personas homosexuales y es que, a pesar de que son muchos los cambios que ha habido en Chile, aún sigue existiendo una fuerte discriminación para las personas transexuales y/o transgénero, a las que no se les reconoce como tal.

Con la aprobación de urgencia de esta nueva ley, estaríamos hablando de un país en el que se avanzaría mucho más hacia la buscada igualdad y se marcaría de esta manera, u nuevo recurso para todas aquellas personas que aún no se sienten parte en los derechos humanos por las imposiciones del gobierno.

telemundo estrena la anticipada serie, celia, este mes La tan esperada serie dramática, “Celia”, finalmente llega a las pantallas de millones a través de la ca Telemundo. “Celia” se estrenará el martes, 13 de Octubre a las 8pm/7c.

Dias antes del estreno, Telemundo hará un homenaje a la legendaria cantante durante la transmición en vivo desde el Dolby Theater enLos Angeles de los “Latin American Music Awards” ej jueves, 8 de Octubre a las 9pm/8c. El tributo contará con la participación de La India, Maluma, Yuri, y Aymee Nuviola, quien hace su debut como actriz en la serie.

Basada en la vida de la Reina de la Salsa, Celia Cruz, la serie muestra la vida y legado musical de una mujer que lanzó su carrera artistica en medio de la revolución cubana, en una era donde las voces femeninas no tenian espacio en ningún escenario.

La serie, que consta de tres episodios, también estará disponible en Video on Demand antes de su estreno en televisión.

..............................................................................................................................

El Colegio de Psicólogos de Madrid reafirma que la transexualidad no es una patología El Colegio de Psicólogos de Madrid hizo público a finales de la semana pasada un comunicado en el que dejó bastante claro que la transexualidad no solo no puede considerarse una patología sino que además, que la autodeterminación de la identidad sexual y de género es un derecho humano. De esta forma, las asociaciones que defienden al Colectivo, ha hecho piña para que se establezcan unos parámetros importantes dónde la Ley Integral Trans se haga ya una realidad y desde aquí se puedan completar las necesidades que hay pendientes en las personas transexuales. De todas ellas, la que más se ha pronunciado ha sido la FELGTB que es la que ha añadido su agradecimiento hacia el Colegio de Psicólogos por esta iniciativa tan importante para los transexuales que siguen siendo uno de los grupos más discriminados del Colectivo LGTB. “Este comunicado ayuda a poner sobre el papel lo que ya sabíamos: no somos personas enfermas pero las circunstancias derivadas que vivimos, producidas por la transfobia social...Las Administraciones deben ser conscientes de ello y aprobar al fin una Ley Integral Trans que aborde con valentía la realidad transexual” ha declarado la portavoz de FELGTB (Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gais, Transexuales y Bisexuales).

Con este punto, lo que pretenden las asociaciones LGTB es que el gobierno reaccione de alguna manera para que al fin puedan establecer una ley en la que cada uno de los miembros trans se sientan completamente identificados y puedan sentir que se está haciendo algo por ellos y que los derechos, también le corresponden.

Entre su elenco, “Celia”, cuenta con Jeimy Osorio y Modesto Lacen, quienes dieron vida a Celia Cruz y Pedro Knight durante su años de juventud. la serie también cuenta con la presentación de Aymee Nuviola y Willie Denton quienes interpretan a ala pareja durante sus ultimos años.

“Celia” es una producción de Fox Telecolombia traida a los televidentes por la cadena Telemundo en su afan de ofrecer una nueva e innovadora programación. La serie está bajo la dirección de Victor Mallarino junto a Liliana Bocanegra, con Nelson Martinez como productor ejecutivo y basado en un libreto de Andres Salgado y Paul Rodriguez.

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SOY MUJER

CON VERÓNICA ESPINAL

¿DE NUEVO

y con la misma piedra?

Hace unos días vi en uno de esos programa de talk show en español, uno donde el tema era: “Serás mía y de nadie más”. Hubo toda clase de historia, entre hombre y mujer, entre mar*cones y entre lesbianas. Verdaderamente era triste y hasta desconcertante ver como estas personas tenían una banda en los ojos que no les permitía ver los verdaderos sentimientos de la persona a quien decían amar. El común denominador era el nivel de posesividad que existía en el ambiente y esa aferración enfermiza a lo que no pudo ser y no será.

La verdad es que el amor nos ciega, no nos permite ver las cosas con claridad.

El amor enfermizo es hasta peligroso. No en vano hay una frase popular que es muy cierta: “Si amas a alguien déjalo ir, si vuelve es tuya, sino, nunca lo fue”. Cuando de verdad se ama, se desea lo mejor para la otra persona, aun cuando eso no nos incluya, aun cuando esa persona no esté a nuestro lado.

En ocasiones resulta difícil poner fin a situaciones que empiezan sin darnos cuenta, situaciones que llegan a nuestras vidas. Peor aún más difícil es poner fin a esas situaciones que nos llenan de inmenso gozo, de inmensa pasión y limpio amor.

Tal parece que hoy me toca y debo hacer precisamente eso, ponerle fin a una situación que me llena de inmenso gozo, de inmensa pasión e inmenso y limpio amor. ¡Que mi*rda! Pero todo en esta vida sucede

“EL TIEMPO TRAE CLARIDAD A LOS MOMENTOS DE IRA, TRAE PAZ PARA PENSAR Y VER LAS COSAS CON REALIDAD. EL TIEMPO TE DARÁ ESE ‘TIEMPO’ NECESARIO PARA ENMENDAR TUS ERRORES Y DE PASO…” por una razón, aunque no la sepamos identificar en su momento; con el tiempo veremos todo claro. Hoy me toca y debo hacer precisamente eso; quizás mañana sea diferente por esas cosas de la vida que aún me siguen sorprendiendo.

Hace años le di la bienvenida a este cerrando y abriendo círculos, abriendo y cerrando situaciones en mi vida.

Tal parece que el reciclaje continua, después de todo es parte del crecimiento de cada persona. Muchas veces ese crecimiento viene de la mano de heridas profundas, de mucho dolor y por ende del arrepentimiento.

Todo eso se duplica cuando son parte del resultado al cometer los mismos errores de antes, ya sea con tu relación de pareja o una relación de amistad. Yo cometí el mismo error de nuevo. Cometí el mismo error con las dos mujeres que han sido importantes en mi vida y en mi corazón. Aunque lo hice bajo situaciones diferentes, hoy me doy cuenta de

las consecuencias de mis actos y el dolor q cada error causó en ambas. Aprendí mi lección para no caer en lo mismo, pero también reiteré que la comunicación entre dos personas es lo principal en cualquier relación, de pareja, de amantes, de amistad, de trabajo, etc. Mejor dicho, la comunicación y la honestidad, aunque con ello se lastime a la otra persona. ¡Es muy cierto que cuentas claras conservan amistades!

“Si amas a alguien déjalo ir, si vuelve es tuya, sino, nunca lo fue”. Hoy me toca y debo hacer precisamente eso, dejarlo ir. Quizás mañana sea diferente por esas cosas de la vida que aún me siguen sorprendiendo. Me quedo con la satisfacción de una entrega total, en todo momento y cada día como si fuese el último.

Lo importante es aprender de esas lecciones que marcan la vida, pero aprender de verdad y recordar lo que nos hicieron sentir.

De ahí en adelante, si todo se arregla entre las personas involucradas, es más importante valorar ese sentimiento que quedó y que posiblemente regresó fortalecido.

Lo importante es aceptar nuestro error con humildad y pedir perdón. La verdad es que el tiempo es el mejor aliado en toda situación. El tiempo trae claridad a los momentos de ira, trae paz para pensar y ver las cosas con realidad. El tiempo te dará ese “tiempo” necesario para enmendar tus errores y de paso… ¡abrirnos de nuevo al amor!

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good reads

By marissa cohen

This London Love by Clare Lydon Lydon seems to have taken the lighthearted sparkle from You’ve Got Mail and Four Weddings and a Funeral and distilled it into a charming comedy of manners about Kate, a magazine designer who falls for florist Meg. Both are jaded and trying to figure out how to move on from the past: Meg still shares a house with her ex, while Kate’s sour on the whole love idea. Perfect for fans of Kiki Archer or Helen Fielding, this well-paced and witty comedy is sure to please.

Rest and Relaxation by Rhavensfyre Allyse, a high-powered businesswoman, is under doctor’s orders to rest, and her friend and co-worker Erick suggests that she recovers up on his niece’s ranch. Of course, Dani is Allyse’s total opposite: a quirky, horse-loving rancher, and the city meets the country as the two women fall in love. There are fish-out-of-water trips to the city, where Dani feels out of place, and scenes where Allyse’s clumsiness around horses almost proves dangerous. While the ending came a bit too fast, Rest and Relaxation is straightforward and sweet, part love story and part character study.

All Things Rise by Missouri Vaun In Vaun’s clever fantasy, it’s a century after peak oil and a class system divides humanity: the wealthy live in Cloud Cities, while the poor fend for themselves, living a rural earthbound life.

When Ava, a pilot, crash lands on Cole’s land, the two strike up a friendship. But when Cole is gravely injured, Ava takes Cole back to the Cloud City of Easton to get medical treatment from Ava’s closest friend Audrey, a doctor. Cole and Audrey realize their attraction against a backdrop of explosive political unrest, fueled by generations of misinformation. All Things Rise is a fantastic novel about connections, discovery, and the risks that make us human.

Watch for The Time Before Now, the second book in the series, out later this month. facebook

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Antigone Rising has announced the launch of their foundation dubbed Girl Bands Rock. The official kick off, which took place during the band’s 2nd Annual Antigone Rising BeachFest in Sea Cliff, NY on September 19th, comes on the heels of a two-week-long trip as Cultural Ambassadors of the United States to Vietnam performing outreach programs, master classes and public concerts.

Since stepping onto the music scene, AR fused their success with helping educate youths around the world on accomplishing goals as Cultural Ambassadors to the United States Government.

Girl Bands Rock is a not for profit foundation set to inspire and educate kids, especially young girls, to pursue careers in the music industry.

Antigone Rising partners with school districts and youth centers to create innovative programming dedicated to building confidence in youth by developing leadership and creative skills through musical workshops, outreach programs and performances.

Realizing that the music industry does not provide enough worthy female role models, especially women in self contained rock bands, the Girl Bands Rock program provides kids the opportunity to see women excel in a male dominated profession and offers them strong female role models to emulate. girlbandsrock.org

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classifieds accommodations

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Your Direct Connection to LGBT Women’s Community

Advertising in She: A Lot More Affordable Than You Think.

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scopes

with the village sage

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 No matter what you are doing, you are playing in your head while you are doing it. You are missing key people who are far away, so don’t let that distract you from the tasks at hand. Take needed time out when necessary. Have a conversation with yourself about yourself and your future goals.

leo July 23 - aug 22 You have been a bit of a loner, recently. However, the planets are about to put you right back out there, enjoying friends and family and reconnecting your important dots. Your mental clarity shines a light on what changes need to be made to ensure future financial stability.

pisces feb 20 - mar 20 Your focus is on your finances and how to improve them. Clearing away debt (and not increasing it) should be your priority although sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Make sure the significant others in your life are in synch with conserving rather than spending.

virgo aug 23 - sept 23 The planets are giving you your just rewards for all of your hard work and relentless focus on work, career and cash flow. As your wealth increases, your health benefits from the release of past stress. You feel like a million. Just don’t go spending it all at once.

aries mar 21 - apr 20 Once again, the planets give you the opportunity to strike a better balance between work and relationships. Make necessary changes in your everyday habits, including compromising with your significant other[s]. Your own health and sense of wellbeing will benefit from not over doing it. Conserve your resources, including your energy and time.

libra sept 24 - oct 23 You are usually making sure everybody else’s needs are getting met, putting your own on the back-burner, until now. Take this opportunity to enjoy being the center of attention and be more “selfish.” Spend more of your resources, time, money and energy on yourself and for yourself.

taurus apr 21 - may 21 Take this time to finally acknowledge that you are the key to your own happiness. The only thing you can actually have any control over is yourself and your reactions. That being said, the planets have conspired to put you to the test, creating situations around you to which you can emotionally react. The anxiety you are feeling is not without cause.

scorpio oct 24 - nov 22 The planets have finally put you in a position to manifest all of your hopes and dreams into success stories, but first they bring your past issues up for reconsideration and closure. Keep control over your emotions, as well as your budget. Choose your allies and your words carefully.

gemini may 22 - june 21 You’re ready to stop being all work and no play. After all, you are capable of multi-tasking and enjoying the fruits of your labor, all by yourself or with deserving friends. Yes, there is a qualifier: deserving. It’s way past time to clear the unworthy from your life.

Get creative with ways to improve the quality of your life.

sagittarius nov 23 - dec 21 You’re more social, as well as more socially conscious now. While the planets are not only encouraging you to be more active, they will also be challenging you to be more selective in your choices. By month’s end, they will empower you to break bad habits and make needed changes.

cancer June 22 - july 22 You have been reluctant to make adjustments to your everyday workaday life even though there is a glaring need for more balance, as well as better quality experience. The planets are pushing you to finally take action. Just be careful with all that pentup energy.

capricorn dec 22 - jan 20 Your self-esteem has always been connected to your career and income. The Universe has challenged you with knowing that your self-worth has nothing to do with your net-worth. There is a golden pot of gold and good fortune waiting at the moment of realization.

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