August 2014

SUMMER MUSIC SPECIAL

BODY-POSITIVE ANTHEM UNLEASHES THEIR

WILD WILD LOVE

Talks Fashion, Family & Being Fabulous

DJ SCOTTY DYNAMO LANDS FOR QUEENS IN SPACE: THE SEQUEL • AUGUST 21

CHIPPENDALES

®

B AC K BY P O P U L A R D E M A N D

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUG 28 & 29 | 8 PM EVENT CENTER $20 – $45 (Show open to both men and women) Visit RiverCity.com, Ticketmaster.com, or call 800.745.3000.

Concert is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Valid ID required. ©2014 Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 21 or older to enter. Please enjoy responsibly. © 2014 Pearl® Vodka, 40% Alc/Vol (80 proof), Flavored Vodkas 35% Alc/Vol (70 proof), Imported from Canada by Pearl Spirits Inc., St. Louis, MO.

Pearl_PrideAd_8.375x10.75.indd 1

6/17/14 12:32 PM

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Advertisers at a glance Pinnacle (River City Casino) 2 Pearl Vodka 3 Bacadi 6 Just John 8 Rainbow Run KC 12 AARP 13-15 St. Louis Effort for AIDS 16 KC Convention & Visitors 20 Pam Schneider 24 Social 24 Planned Parenthood 25 Hilton President KC 25 Missouri History Museum 25 Hamburger Mary’s 30 Forsyth 30 W.E. Fit 30 STL Science Center 32 Bistrok 303 32 Mango 38 Hilton President KC 38 Immerse 38 Curbed KC Real Estate 40 CREA 40 Christine Elbert 40 Walter Knoll 40 Clear Channel 50 Lumiere Place & Hotel Casino 51 25K Issues Printed Monthly 400+ Points of Distribution throughout the St. Louis and Kansas City area Vital VOICE is your premier

LGBT publication and reaches a diverse readership from thoughtful leaders and young thinkers to trendsetters in culture, entertainment and beyond.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Darin Slyman

dsly@thevitalvoice.com

Associate Publisher/Director of Marketing Jimmy Lesch jimmy@thevitalvoice.com

Art Director Andrea Piamonte andrea@thevitalvoice.com

Content Manager Brent peterson brent@thevitalvoice.com

Communications Assistant sam sanchez sam@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Photographer Mikey Berner mikey@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Chris andoe chris@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Hanna botney hanna@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Denny patterson denny@thevitalvoice.com

Contributors

Photography: Mikey Berner, Jonathan Barbe, Lily Voss, Darin Slyman, EPIC

Records, Graeme Coleman, Katarina Gajic, Heather Golde Photography, Andrew Eccles and Andrew Stiles Writing: Brent Peterson, Andrea Piamonte, Sam Sanchez, Hanna Botney, Chris Andoe, Chris Clark, Denny Patterson and Mikey Berner Design: Andrea Piamonte, Sam Sanchez and Michael Tarazi

Advisory Board

William A. Donius, Thom Halter, Jay Perez, Pam Scheider, Kellie Trivers and Sharon Tucci

Online

thevitalVOICE.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION instagram.com/VitalVOICE

Contact

Vital VOICE Magazine

4579 Laclede Ave #268 St. Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com St. Louis: 314.256.1196

Advertising

vv@thevitalVOICE.com

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August 2014

August 2014 | Volume 15 | Issue 8

Table of

Contents 4.

7.

9.

13.

advertisers at a glance publisher’s letter lez be real — Meghan Trainor AARP: Advance planning in a straight state

17.

Kelly hamilton: The NEw Board

President of Promo

21.

28.

dj scotty dynamo

the real housewives of new jersey: rosie pierri

31.

family matters: gayswithkids.com & frank lowe

34.

36.

39.

42.

44.

46.

48.

ABC Family’s The fosters meet the ladies of g.r.l Mikey’s morsels — pho bo STL playdates KC playdates scene in StL scene in Kc

Stay Connected with us

26.

On the

Cover

Magic’s son and #RichKid EJ Johnson on coming out, fashion and philanthropy.

Cover Photography by Andrew Stiles.

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August 2014

publisher’s Letter

Families are forever As we wrap up summer and begin our slow journey into the fall season, I look back over these past few months with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. All the amazing advancements within our society and the celebrations of those achievements are memories that I’ll never forget.

The party continues this month on Aug. 21 with our Queens in Space: The Sequel atop the beautiful Moonrise Hotel. We are so excited to bring YouTube sensation DJ Scotty Dynamo and Kansas City’s DJ Remix to get you up on your feet and dancing. This year, we’ve pegged St. Louis’ Siren to lead us on this intergalactic space odyssey. The $10 cover gets you complimentary cocktails from Pearl Vodka and Bacardi. A portion of the proceeds will benefit HRC St. Louis.

Back by popular demand, Vital VOICE is relaunching VOICE Your Choice, our Reader’s Choice Awards in St. Louis and Kansas City. From Aug. 1 until Aug. 30, simply go online to TheVitalVOICE.com and let your voice be heard! We will be announcing the winners in the October issue.

(Photo by Lily Voss)

Who doesn’t love Rosie Pierri from the Real Housewives of New Jersey? She is an example to our society of how to come out to your family on national television. It was a powerful episode that educated us on how to face the challenge of having that discussion with your family.

As more and more LGBT couples create families, we reached out to Internet advice columnists gayswithkids.com and Frank Lowe (@GayAtHomeDad) about parenting in this new era of LGBT families.

Someone I used to consider a media sister and now my media brother has become the new Board President of PROMO. Kelly Hamilton is not only the new president of PROMO, Missouri’s Statewide LGBT advocacy organization, but he’s also editorin-chief of ALIVE Magazine and a leader in our trans community. I’m proud to feature him this month.

Finally, I wanted to acknowledge that in last month’s issue we misspelled George Kotsiopoulos’ name on our cover. We at Vital VOICE try our hardest to make sure these errors don’t happen. Even with the grueling and arduous task of copy editing with a fine tooth comb, sometimes mistakes still slip through the cracks.

Thankfully, George was okay with the error. He’s always the gentleman and laughed it off. We still extend our sincerest apologies.

This month, we are showcasing stories that’ll benefit today’s mainstream LGBT families. We are happy to have AARP back to educate us about potential plans for your future, as we all will grow old one day.

Darin Slyman Publisher/CEO

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8

August 2014

“All About That” Music:

Meghan Trainor

talks her Positive Body Image Anthem Written by Hanna Botney Photography by Epic Records

Meghan Trainor has jumped into the hearts of many with her single “All About That Bass.” The video for the song quickly went viral and has over 2,000,000 views to date. She sends a message of body positivity and loving yourself. “If you got beauty just raise ‘em up ‘cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top,” she sings.

The song is so fun and catchy, it’s hard not to love. Trainor is equally as hard not to love. She is loud, honest and hilarious.

She is the first to laugh at herself, and her laughter is infectious. Amidst the jokes, Trainor told us a little about her music career, the story behind “All About That Bass,” and her avid love for her kittens and Miley Cyrus.

How did you get started in music?

My dad. We all went to church with him and we did the plays. He plays the organ at my church on Nantucket Island.

I have been singing ever since then.

When I was 13, my father provided me with equipment to record myself. I got a Mac and GarageBand and I have been producing and writing ever since.

Were your previous albums a similar sound to “All About That Bass”?

That is the weird thing about me – they all had different sounds. On the last one I did, I had 18 songs and I made sure that each song was a different genre. You would hear the 50s stuff, then the next track would be an acoustic Colbie Caillat feel and stuff like that. They were all over the place.

As an artist, I didn’t know what sound I wanted.

What is it like having so much success with your debut single?

It is unreal. It is kind of like, “Haha, I told you I could do it!” I am also thinking about my next move – about finding my next single. I still have to finish the album.

Where did the inspiration for the song come from?

When I was writing as a songwriter, I was working with a producer. I didn’t want to write a song for Rihanna today.

I wanted to write a fun song that the whole world will appreciate. I had the

The video for “All About That Bass” has gone viral. At what moment did you realize it was going to be a hit?

Uhhhh, I don’t know. I noticed it was really capturing attention when it hit 500,000 views. And then it started to go up 100,000 views a day. Once it hit 1,000,000, my stomach just dropped.

I was like, “Oh my gosh, everyone is watching me booty pop.” It is kind of scary when people are watching you.

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August 2014

Oh my God he tweeted me and I died. I was so stoked! I can’t believe that he of all people found my video.

You mentioned you’re working on an album. Do we have a time frame for when that will be released?

I don’t know, honestly. I am almost done with it. We are putting some finishing touches on it and talking about production. But I don’t even have a title. I have been so focused on making awesome songs. There are some really honest stuff, some fun ones and some serious songs. It is a good mixture of everything I wish I had growing up. I wish there was a song in high school about drunk texting at 3 a.m.

So will the album sound like “All About That Bass,” or more a mixture like your previous albums?

I am pushing really hard to get my Caribbean love in there – you know, my reggae feel.

It is hard because everyone wants an album that sounds consistent. There will be some throwbacks on there and you will hear some of my Caribbean influence. There is definitely no country though.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

You’re gonna laugh, okay? There are some obvious choices like Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, Beyoncé and Brandy but in terms of writing and lyrics: T-Pain. He is one of my favorite writers.

I think he is so creative and no one can handle it. I think that’s it. I grew up listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.

It was all soul growing up.

Tyler Oakley talked about “All About That Bass” on the show “Top That!”

Did you happen to see it?

Do you have a favorite track on the album? title, “All About That Bass” and I said, “Okay, let’s make this a body thing. Let’s make this a women loving themselves song.” And I wrote it for me too because I struggle with that every day. I struggled in high school and growing up.

The world could definitely use more body positivity.

Yeah, we don’t have enough of that.

The song is so catchy. I can’t stop singing it.

That is perfect! I hope they play it so much that people just hate it. I hope it gets to a level where people are just like, “No more bass!”

Yeah, there is one called “Close Your Eyes.” It is more serious and slower and has great lyrics. There is one called “Title” and it is about my whole life because I struggle with this all the time. It’s like, you know when you’re with someone and you’re pretty sure you’re together but you’re out with your friends and they talk to you like you’re just friends? And you’re like, “Oh, we are past this.” So “Title” says “give me that title, call me your girlfriend.”

Everybody can relate to that at one point or another.

Yeah, I notice that one is the one that all of my friends are like, “Oh my god, that is so me.” [Laughs]

lez be real

If you could tour with anyone, who would it be and why?

Ariana Grande. She is one of those artists that I can’t help but fall in love with. She is so talented and so perfect and so pretty. Going on tour with her would be unreal, I would probably cry for like a week. You know who is great at performing? Michael Bublé. I haven’t been to many concerts but I have seen him and he is just great. Like I cried, he is so good.

What is the #1 most played song on your iPod? Right now I am all about Sam Smith. I love all of his songs. I am all over that album right now. He is a god. I want to go on tour with him.

Besides the bass, what else are you all about these days?

I am all about my cats. I got two kittens and I don’t know what I am going to do with them when I go on tour. I’m in love with them.

Like actual young kittens?

Yes, little kittens. Right before I got a record deal I went crazy and bought two kittens. One is Siamese and one is black.

So are you the kind of person who might turn into a crazy cat lady?

I mean two is a lot. Two is enough.

They’re best friends. I don’t think I could do anymore. I used to be anti-cats; I used to hate cats. We could never have any when I was younger because my brother is allergic.

What sparked the change of heart?

I held one. It licked my face like a dog and I was sold. I was like, “I love you!”

What are you going to do with your first big check?

Put it away and save it.

How responsible.

Lez BE REAL

I know. One of my biggest goals in life is to buy my parents a house or some kind of property in Hawaii. That is all I want to do. I mean ask anybody, they are the best human beings. They’ve helped me through everything.

just watched Orange is the New Black. I watched it in like two days.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?

So my first kind of boyfriend ever in high school was coming in for the first kiss and I said, “Hold that thought!” and I went and I threw up. I had the flu and I vomited the rest of the day. The poor kid thought I was just so grossed out by him trying to kiss me.

I don’t read books, so not that. The Following made me cry. They killed someone’s dad and I was just a wreck.

You didn’t throw up on him, did you?

No, no I am a clean girl. I ran to the bathroom, come on. [Laughs]

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

Any kind of partay? One of my goals in life is to throw a #1 party. Like, “I did it, I got a #1!” When I was growing up we had a pool and we had disco parties. We would have disco lights and a bubble machine. I think I will keep that family tradition going.

You guys went all out!

Yeah, we did. And the cops came because there were too many bubbles. I swear to God that happened. I was like, “Pop ‘em, sorry.”

When you have 30 minutes of freetime, how do you pass the time?

Watch Netflix.

Anything in particular you like to watch?

I just started Breaking Bad, finally. I also

Do you have any celebrity girl crushes?

Mileyyyy! I can’t help it, dude, she is like so crazy. I don’t think I would be allowed to hang out with her but I want to so bad.

She is great.

Anything in particular that draws you to her?

I like that I grew up with her, you know?

I was with her the whole way. I was with the Hannah Montana vibes and loving it. And then she grew up and I could tell from her “Can’t Be Tamed” record that she was gonna be crazy. I was like, “None of you are ready for this!” Then she finally did it and I just went with her and I was like, “Do whatever you want, who cares?”

Would you say you have that “I do what I want” kind of attitude?

Not as much as her but I definitely want to say whatever I want. I don’t want to be filtered or have to change what I really want to say. I want to be as honest as I can. A lot of my songs are very honest like that. I’m like, “I don’t care, I’ll say it.”

If you haven’t already seen the video for “All About That Bass,” do yourself a favor and look it up on YouTube. Her single is available for purchase on iTunes. V

That is perfect! I hope they play it so much that people just hate it. I hope it gets to a level where people are just like, “No more bass!” thevitalVOICE.com

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August 2014

Special Promotion

Advance Planning in a

Straight State Exercise Your Right to Choose Who Will Decide When You Can’t AARP St. Louis illustration by Andrea Piamonte Written by

“You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your relatives.” Maybe not, but we can choose our families. We can choose the person we want to spend our lives with and the circle of loved ones who surround, support and sustain us in our lives.

Yet, no matter how you choose to define your life, in a state that does not permit or recognize same-sex marriages, you are a single person. When you are not able to make important decisions for yourself — when you are ill or when you die — the state will not look to your partner or friends to act on your behalf.

Without a legal spouse, these important matters can be placed in the hands of estranged family

members, doctors or sometimes even judges, who may know very little about what you would prefer.

Although in Missouri, we are not yet able to marry our life partners and bestow on them the legal rights and privileges that come with the marriage license, you have real possibilities. You can take legal steps to assign them some of those rights. You can ensure that, in times of crisis, your loved ones are provided for and have the authority to carry out your wishes when you are not able to.

Whatever your age or relationship status, you should have a will and prepare advance directives.

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Special Promotion

who will settle your estate after your death — paying taxes and money due to creditors and distributing the assets — according to your will’s directions. If you don’t appoint an executor, the state will.

Preparing a Will Whether tomorrow or years in the future, what will happen when you die?

A will is a legal document that details how your assets will be distributed after your death. You can divide your assets in whatever way you choose. For instance, you might leave everything to your partner, divide the estate equally among your surviving relatives, or leave specific items to individuals or charities. Through a will, you can also name guardians or conservators for your children or other dependents.

Your will must include the name of your executor, the person

You can change or revoke your will at any time, as long as you’re not mentally incapacitated. In fact, you should review your will periodically to make sure that it still works for you.

To be valid in Missouri, a will must be in writing and signed by the maker and two witnesses. The witnesses cannot receive property under the will. Although you can draft your own will, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review your draft. One technical mistake could render the entire document invalid.

Other Ways to Transfer Property Your life insurance benefits and savings in an individual retirement account (IRA, 401(k), etc.) are not subject to probate and do not need to be included in your will — if you have designated beneficiaries.

Consult your lawyer or a qualified estate planning professional to explore other legal options for transferring property directly to your designated heir(s), including trusts, pay-on-death bank accounts, transfer-on-death titles and deeds and joint ownership.

AARP Resources AARP Caregiving Resource Center: Legal & Money Matters (www.aarp.org/home-family/ caregiving/legal-and-money-matters) Find out more about wills, advance directives, tax tips and more.

AARP Pride (www.aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/aarp-pride) Find resources, news and other topics of interest to older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their family and friends.

State laws can shut LGBT partners out of an inheritance, or can require them to pay steep taxes on an estate that a surviving heterosexual spouse would inherit tax-free.

-www.AARP.org

Advance Directives None of us wants to think that an accident or illness would prevent us from saying what we want — or don’t want — when it comes to our medical care. But serious, unforeseen things can happen to anyone, any time. Your partner, family and friends need to know how you want them to handle situations if you’re too ill to tell them. If they’re left guessing, a conversation can quickly disintegrate into a confrontation.

It is important for you to document your advance directives and share them with the ones you love.

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August 2014

Special Promotion

Advance Directives

You’ll need to draw up three documents: a living will, durable power of attorney for health care choices and a letter of instruction.

1

A living will alerts medical professionals and your family to the treatments you want to receive or refuse and under what conditions. You can choose specific treatments that you wish to be withheld or withdrawn in the event you have a terminal illness or are persistently unconscious. This will only go into effect if you meet specific medical criteria and are unable to make decisions.

2

A durable power of attorney for health care choices allows a partner, friend or trusted family member to make health care decisions — and not just decisions regarding life-prolonging treatments — for you if you are unable to do so. One of the strongest reasons for naming an agent is to have someone who can respond flexibly as your health care situation changes and deal with situations that you did not foresee.

•

Continued...

3

The health care agent you appoint becomes your spokesperson and advocate on a range of medical treatments you set out in the document. (Of course, the health care agent makes decisions only when you can’t communicate on your own.) Your health care agent should know you well, clearly understand your wishes and be willing to accept the responsibility of the directions you have given, regardless of personal feelings or influence from family and friends.

A letter of instruction outlines any special requests you’d like to be carried out and names of people to contact. You could describe what you think constitutes an acceptable quality of life, expand on your health care plans (such as your wishes regarding hospice treatment), list friends and family members you want to be able to visit you if you become very ill or address other advance planning issues, such as your burial wishes.

•

If you anticipate any controversy over those wishes, you can authorize your health care agent to have “right of sepulcher,” that is, to control your burial, cremation, or other final disposition of your body. Otherwise, Missouri law gives that control to your family members, in a certain priority.

•

Your letter should also include important phone numbers, such as your employer and your insurance agent or broker. Some people also include a list of meaningful possessions they’d like to give to certain loved ones.

This is not a substitute for a will, but it helps clarify your intentions and feelings. When you become unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes, your doctor and agent will make decisions based on what you have expressed in your living will and letter of instruction.

Setting Advance Directives in Missouri In Missouri, you may combine these three documents into one. The Missouri advance directives form is available on the Missouri Attorney General’s website (http://ago.mo.gov/publications) or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline, 800-392-8222.

The form has four sections:

1

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Choices – Lets you designate your health care agent.

2

Health Care Choices Directive – Your Health Care Choices Directive is similar to a living will, although this form allows you to make a broader range of decisions than allowed by Missouri’s statutory living will. Part two allows you to provide clear and convincing proof of whether you want your life lengthened by medical treatment and also choose whether or not you want to donate your organs.

•

Part two includes space for you to add the additional instructions you would include in a letter of instruction.

3

Relationship between Health Care Choices Directive & Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Choices – Lays out your health care power of attorney and your health care choices directive work together. If you disagree with this, you may want to talk with an attorney about tailoring an advance directive to you specific needs.

4

Execution – Sign and date the document. You will need to have the form witnessed and/or notarized. Follow the instructions on the form.

Share Your Wishes & Decisions Once you have completed your advance directives, sit down with your family and friends — especially your designated health care agent — and explain what you’ve decided.

Discuss your values and health care goals, so your agent can act according to your beliefs and wishes, and other important people in your life can understand and support those decisions.

Give them a copy of your directives and have your doctor put one in your permanent medical record.

Keep copies of your advance directives in a safe and accessible place at home, because they may be needed at a moment’s notice. No one wants to dig through papers in the middle of a family crisis.

Finally, be sure to review your will and advance directives every few years. Check that your beneficiary information and bequests are up to date and that your instructions still reflect your wishes.

(Graphics by Michael Tarazi)

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August 2014

the

RIGHT man for the

job

featuring

kelly

hamilton

Written by Chris Clark Photography by Darin Slyman

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K

elly Hamilton is a Dallas, Texas native who came to St. Louis in the summer of 2000 to study German Literature in the Women’s Studies program at Washington University. In 2002, ALIVE was launched with friends and business partners Elizabeth Tucker and Attilio D’Agostino. The goal was to present a publication that provided relevant lifestyle, fashion and culture content to local readers. Mission accomplished!

Born female and formerly self-identified as a lesbian, Kelly made a major life change over the past several years by taking testosterone and beginning his mental and physical transition to become a transgender male. He is currently co-owner and publisher of ALIVE Magazine and newly appointed board president of PROMO.

I’m glad we finally found some time to chat, but gee this was hard.

Just how busy are you these days?

There’s a lot going on at ALIVE, which I co-own and run. We are currently growing and expanding our editorial department, so I am very busy.

In your spare time, you are the new board president of PROMO and have experienced a major life change in the past few years. Do you have any free time, and if so, how do you relax?

I always make sure that I do take free time. I actually consider myself an introvert and definitely need to take a lot of down time to meditate and recover in a quiet space from all the meetings and people I interact with on a daily basis.

I need to take down time to reflect and take inventory on everything that is going on in my life. My new duties as PROMO board president certainly add to this.

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August 2014

I must confess that I am still getting used to the voice that you have now, which is different than what it was when I first met you. Does this still come up in conversation?

Not as much as it did the first year. I just celebrated my third year on testosterone in April, so I began my physical transition in April of 2011. My voice changed a lot that first year and it was definitely something that people had to get used to. I would run into people six or eight months after I considered myself fully transitioned, and if they hadn’t seen me, they would be really surprised.

What was surprising to me was to realize that in St. Louis, so much time could pass in between seeing people that you knew fairly well. What was old news to me at that point was new to them. People would ask if I had a cold and I would use that opportunity to come out to them as transgender. That coming out process is still a part of my existence but it’s not a daily thing. Now I’ve come out as trans because most people perceive me as just a guy, or sometimes a straight guy since I have a female partner.

I’ve also come out as gay, which I never really had to do before.

Do you prefer to be considered transgender or just a man?

I definitely consider myself and will describe myself as a transgender man. I think day to day just walking around in the world I think of myself as male, but in terms of my social identity it’s important to me to be visibly queer, especially around the queer community. There are plenty of people that, once they transition, tend to go on with their lives in the gender they affirmed through transition, but for me, I am active and involved.

It’s important to me to be out as a transgender man and talk to people about it.

Have you found in the past couple of years that you approach your business life any differently?

Do you mean as a man?

Yes. You run a fashion magazine and switched gender gears midstream, so has there been any disconnect there on any level?

No, I think I feel more connected. In the couple of years before I transitioned, I wasn’t ready yet and I was stuck in that in between stage before taking any action. I thought about it every single day and spent energy and headspace thinking about it. I was just as busy as I am now, but know that I spent a lot of time thinking about it.

Once I began the process, I began to feel a lot freer, had a lot more energy and felt whole. It made everything click into place in a way that made me feel even more effective. In terms of the magazine and content — approaching it as a male or female — I recognized that a lot more when I first started taking testosterone. I was 33 going on 15, basically entering male puberty.

Pardon me for not knowing this, but are you and Sarah married?

We are not married.

Are you waiting for it to be a Missouri thing? Is it something you want?

This is a complex question with two different sides to it. When I transitioned, a big piece of it is the paperwork and the public records. For me, getting my drivers license and documentation changed was quite a process. There’s this Wild West environment where there is no clear path. I got my license changed to male right after I had my chest surgery and as of that date, I could get legally married as a man to my partner, who is a woman. To me that feels very weird and on one level makes me very angry.

To answer your question, we are not quite at the point where we are talking about that right now, but I want to imagine myself as married one day whether that is this year or next year or five years from now. What is interesting is that from one day to the next, I could get legally married and that had nothing to do with marriage laws for same sex partners.

That aspect was something that never dawned on me, so maybe that was a bad question.

The momentum of today really speaks to the hard work PROMO has done on the ground to educate the public and legislators on the issues.

During that first year, I noticed it physically and emotionally. Male energy can be a lot more forceful and aggressive in a way. This wasn’t so much dealing with other people as it was with the way that I approached my own work. It was an interesting observation.

You have been involved with PROMO for a number of years and are one of the co-founders of their annual Urbanaire fundraiser. Is it now more important to you than ever in this new phase of your life to be in this leadership role of this organization?

I’ve been involved with PROMO since 2007 and was on the first Urbanaire committee. I formally joined the board in 2010 and was elected board chair this past April 1. I am thrilled and very excited where PROMO is going. I bring with me my years of experience in event planning and branding and bringing people together.

On the federal level, I think we are going to see change far sooner than we think. On the state side, I can’t imagine not being involved with the biggest civil rights issue of our lifetime because it so significantly affects my community and life. Since I’ve been on the board, the local landscape has changed tremendously.

In the past 18-month time span, we have gone from, I think, three municipalities to more than 13 or 14 that have voted in nondiscrimination policies. The momentum of today really speaks to the hard work PROMO has done on the ground to educate the public and legislators on the issues.

No, not at all. Before I came out, I had established myself in my career, so my transition was very public. I used it as an opportunity to educate as much as possible. I consider myself a teacher in a way since I was a teacher’s assistant in the PhD program at Wash U before I started the magazine. I’m really an open person and now am in a place where I feel comfortable enough to answer any questions people have, especially people that were unfamiliar with LGBT issues, much less trans issues.

As a non-native, Imo’s yes or no? And are there any other local comfort foods you love?

Imo’s took me a few years to get used to, but I have made peace with provel. I like Ted Drewe’s, but most of the people I have dated over the years aren’t fans of frozen custard and I never think to seek it out on my own.

Anything else you want to say about your vision or goal as board chair of PROMO? It’s prime focus for us to get a non-discrimination policy (MONA) passed across the state and we’re getting really close on that. First and foremost, that is what our organization needs to get done. Every state with pro-gay marriage laws got nondiscrimination legislation passed first, so for us to get marriage on a homosexual level, we still have to push this through.

We are at a place and time where we might see those two big goals happen. As a board and organization, we are always looking at what the needs of the community will be in the long-term. There is a lot of change going on in the state and it’s very exciting.

Shortly after our interview, Kelly went out of town to celebrate one of the most hallowed of male traditions – a bachelor party for a friend. I vow sometime this summer to kidnap Mr. Hamilton for an expedition to Ted Drewe’s for a well-deserved concrete. V thevitalVOICE.com

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O ROCKETS M A N DY TY OT SC ON TI YOUTUBE SENSA : THE SEQUEL INTO QUEENS IN SPACE

WRITTEN BY Chris Andoe ic PHOTOGRAPHY BY Katarina Gaj azi DESIGN BY Michael Tar thevitalVOICE.com

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“

My goal lise p to get peolike to dances nobody’ g. watchin

namo Scotty Dy

22

August 2014

In preparation for our rooftop event at the Moonrise Hotel, Queens In Space: The Sequel, Vital VOICE scoured the universe to book entertainers with cosmic appeal, including YouTube sensation Scotty Dynamo.

A full-fledged (and often shirtless) entertainer, Dynamo’s been referred to as a “superstar-in-the-making” by heavy hitters in the industry. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, the 21-year-old producer and recording artist reflects an array of influences ranging from The Beastie Boys to Daft Punk. The result is an original, upbeat and energetic electro-pop sound.

He’s built a large online following by uploading original

music videos, cover songs and weekly video blogs to his popular YouTube channel. This consistent stream of content has attracted an enormous following and has enabled him to share his music and engage with followers from around the globe.

Dynamo has also taken his talent to the stage by performing at Canada’s largest music festivals, including NXNE, Canadian Music Week and the Manifesto Festival.

His music has also been featured on Canadian TV, including Fame Television.

Before Scotty Dynamo rockets into our orbit, I thought it would be prudent to ask some probing questions.

Q: What can partygoers expect as you entertain them high above Earth?

I’m looking for a starship trooper that is kind, has a good sense of humor and whose butt is out of this world.

My goal is to get people to dance like nobody’s watching. Lose your inhibitions; just dance. I hope everyone is ready for takeoff.

Q: Which planet do you find the sexiest?

Q: You mentioned that bad hygiene is a big turn off for you. Do you have any musical turn offs?

Q: With millions of fans, there’s got to be a few space cadets. What are some of the stranger fan reactions?

I have a pretty eclectic taste in music and enjoy a lot of different genres. If it has a beat, I might just remix it and have people twerking to it the very next day.

Everyone I’ve met has been really great! The funniest interaction I’ve had took place in the men’s room at a major league baseball game.

A guy who watches my videos spotted me a couple of urinals over from him and started freaking out. There were about 50 other guys in there. I love meeting new

Q: What kind of guy would you like to explore the cosmos with?

Uranus, duh.

people! Just not when I’m using a urinal and my junk is out.

Q: You have videos eating and drinking gross things without knowing what they were. What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve ingested?

The grossest thing I’ve recently eaten is Vegemite. No offense to all you Australians out there, but I don’t know how you guys do it!

Q: With the galactic appeal of Queens in Space, there might be extraterrestrials in attendance. If so, how would you adjust your show?

Well, I come in peace, but I’ve got Sigourney Weaver on speed dial so don’t try anything funny. V

adly l g l l i amo wp for n y D y Scott beam you u esents dka PrThe Sequel o V l r pea n Space: of i p Queensn the rooftootel o se h moonri

thevitalVOICE.com

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25

EJ

Johnson 26

August 2014

magic’s son Talks fashion, family & being fabulous Written by Chris Andoe Photography by Andrew

T

#RichKids of Beverly Hills on E!

Sunday s

at 10/9c

Stiles

he openly gay son of Magic Johnson and #RichKids of Beverly Hills star EJ Johnson is fashionable and flamboyant. Raised in the gay mecca of West Hollywood, Johnson exudes confidence with his bold style, which this season includes a lot of fringe and an array of Chanel bags.

Although many gay kids feel pressure to conform, Johnson says there was no real push for him to be somebody other than who he is.

“I tried basketball when I was six or seven. It didn’t click,” he says. “I’ve always been creative and artistic versus sportsoriented. I was always more into drama and art and my family supported me in that.”

Johnson doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t around LGBT people.

“My mom’s eyebrow artist was gay, as was one of her assistants and I knew many kids who had same sex parents,” he recalls. “I remember being very young and Mom explaining that some kids have two mommies, some have two daddies and that’s just the way it was.”

As for ever being bullied in the past, Johnson made it clear he could hold his own, not only physically, but with his cutting wit.

“I was never a kid to be messed with,” he says. “I’ve never been weak and I’d always have a devastating comeback.”

With National Coming Out Day in October, Johnson offered advice for those struggling with their sexuality.

“I always encourage people to come out to themselves first,” he says. “I think it’s really important to really accept it within yourself and really get comfortable with it first before you tell anyone. It’s never an easy process, but it helps a lot when you adjust in the mindset and you’re mentally strong in the situation.”

he’s been inspired by New York.

“I’ve always had an interest, but I really got serious when I moved to New York,” he says. “I moved there for school and it all came into prospective for me. People there kill it. They dress up to go the grocery store.

“There’s so many eclectic looks,” he continues. “I’m just like, yes! How can you not want to be a part of that? Everyone is doing the most. It’s amazing. I really immersed myself in that culture. I stepped up my style and played with looks I normally wasn’t into and came into myself.”

In addition to #RichKids, Johnson’s taken on other projects for E!, including covering New York Fashion Week.

“I love the interviews with the designers,” he says. “It’s nice to get back there with the artists themselves and really hear about what the vision was and where they were going with the line. That’s what I really enjoyed. Obviously, watching the show as well, but just getting behind the line and the artistry, talking about their craft and passion, and creating art is really great.”

His father, professional basketball player Magic Johnson, retired from the NBA abruptly in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV. Magic has since been an ally to the LGBT community, offering to be a confidant to any players struggling with coming out.

“It’s comforting for athletes,” Johnson says of his dad’s offer.

“It’s also good for the African American community, where it’s harder to come out. On both of those points, it’s great that these relatively sheltered communities have a role model in that aspect. I’m very blessed and glad my parents are able to do that.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Johnson has taken on advocacy. He recently tackled the issue of homelessness with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and is passionate about the cause.

“It really spoke to me, thinking about people that didn’t have homes or places to go,” he explains. “Especially when it’s based on sexual orientation, meaning their family didn’t want to care for them or they didn’t want to accept them, so they cast them aside. It really breaks my heart.”

On how his family is similar or different from most, Johnson replies: “I have nothing to compare my life with, but I think my family is just like any other, aside from the glitz, glam and fame. I’ve got two parents, we all love one another and there’s always been a celebration of talents in our house.”

Discussing his love for fashion, the California native explains

In a recent interview, Johnson says his father has given him clothes and bags as gifts. With shopping for fashionista an intimidating task, I asked if Dad always got it right or if he sometimes needed the gift receipt.

“He’s a really great listener,” he explains. “There have been times I just mentioned that I loved something and then on my birthday, he’ll surprise me with it. He also has a good eye and I trust him. He gets it right nine times out of ten.” V thevitalVOICE.com

27

Everybody Loves

Rosie

even if they don’t, She doesn’t care Written by Hanna Botney Photography by Bravo An unexpected favorite on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Rosie Pierri is housewife Kathy Wakile’s sister and has gained a lot of attention with little screen time. She doesn’t do anything halfway. She laughs loudly, she is angered quickly and she loves a lot. Pierri’s honesty and the way she is always true to herself is a large part of her popularity.

After I did some digging, I wasn’t surprised to find that she is just as honest to talk to as she is on the show; she lays everything out there. “People kind of already know a lot about me just from watching me on television,” Pierri says. “I don’t really hide much of myself. I am an open book.”

HOW SHE GOT STARTED

Seeing herself on TV has given Pierri an opportunity to make some positive changes in her life. “You see the things you like about yourself and you see the things you don’t like about yourself,” she says. “And if you really want to make a change about yourself, you dig down deep and you do it.”

One of her favorite moments was when her brother-in-law dared her to go off the diving board while they were having a pool party.

Instead of diving like she intended, she belly flopped pretty hard. Pierri had a good laugh at her own expense.

“You gotta find humor in everything you do,” she says. “Even when you go crazy and lose your temper.”

As seen on The Real Housewives, Pierri is no stranger to a good screaming match, but her anger might be a little misunderstood.

Pierri spent most of her younger years working. She describes her younger self as a workaholic. “There was a time when I had three jobs and I was working around the clock,” she explains.

“When things don’t go right, I start to get impatient and frustrated,” she explains.

“But I am losing my temper at myself, not at anybody else. I don’t think people realize that.”

Pierri unexpectedly stepped into the spotlight on The Real Housewives. She wasn’t one of the main cast members but she quickly became a favorite. She says her experience on the show has been great, but is surprised by fan reactions.

Some people might be a little put off by her temper, but she doesn’t really care what people think.

“I never thought I would get the response,” Pierri reveals. “It has made such a difference in my life. I guess for so many years I didn’t think I was that great, you know? Everybody feels that way, I think, at one point or another.”

BEING HERSELF ON REALITY TV 28

August 2014

“People only see a tidbit of your personality on a reality show,” she says. “I try to be 100 percent authentic and real. I don’t think about what I am going to say or do.

You like me or you don’t like me.”

ON COMING OUT

Pierri had a long coming out process. It took her some time to fully understand her sexuality before she could tell people.

“I think I always knew I was different than

everybody else but I didn’t know why,” she recalls. “I knew I was very creative and I had a great imagination when I was kid. I just stood out from everybody else.”

It wasn’t until she starting dating in her 20s that she realized she wasn’t interested in men. She dated a man that she loved very much, but she couldn’t understand why she wasn’t attracted to him.

“There was nothing not to love about him,” she recalls. “He was an awesome person.

I was wondering what was wrong with me.

Why am I not attracted to him? For that matter, why am I not attracted to any men?”

Soon, she realized that she was interested in women, but it took her over ten years to really open up. She slowly began to be open to the people in her life, but there is one person she never had the chance to fully talk to — her father.

“After my father passed away, I was really upset,” she recalls. “I still get upset. I guess I did talk to him a little bit about it.

He always knew I was never going to get married. After that, I had kind of a bad time in my life. I was really depressed.”

Pierri finally told her mother and her response was, “I just want you to be happy and we love you, you know. We don’t care.”

Although Pierri had a fortunate coming out experience, she feels for the kids that aren’t accepted when they come out to their parents.

“I wish all mothers out there accepted their children,” she says. “I wish they would wake up. That is your child. We are born this way. This is not something we do to be cool, you know?”

wives e s u o H l a e The R w Jersey of Ne vo

on Bra /7c ys at 8 Sunda an odes c is p e r e Earli nd on be fou om v.c bravot

Pierri hopes that through her role on The Real Housewives, she can show people that it is okay to be whomever you are.

“I hope I help them overcome the struggle as they see how happy I am now that I overcame it,” she says. “Hopefully they see what a loving and kind-hearted person I am and say, ‘Oh, you know what? Gay isn’t bad.’”

ON FAMILY

Pierri is that cool gay aunt we wish we had.

“It is the best role you can have,” she says. “You do all the fun stuff with them.

They are never mad at you and you’re never mad at them. My sister’s kids are wonderful; they have great hearts.”

She loves to spoil her sister Kathy’s

kids and has a really open and honest relationship with them. Before her first season aired, she sat the kids down and came out to them.

“I didn’t want them to hear it from somebody else; I wanted them to hear it from me,” Pierri says.

There was a continuation of that conversation on camera and it was very clear how much the two kids adore Pierri and would do anything for her. She loves Kathy’s kids, but don’t expect her to have any kids of her own.

“I think I am going to say no to kids, unless something changes my mind,” she says.

“I’m 47. I think my years of being a mother are done. I think I am just going to stick with being an aunt. You know, when the

party is over and the laughs are done, you can hand them back to Mommy.”

When it comes to dating, Pierri is looking for someone that can keep up with her.

She says she likes when a woman gives her a little challenge. “When I am wrong, I want to be told, ‘You know what, you’re f*cking wrong.’”

Pierri is currently single, but more will be revealed in this upcoming season, she promises.

“You’re going to see some new girls and everybody is going to be entertained by them,” she says. “There will be a couple of twists and turns, of course. You’re going to get your drama and all the glitz and glamour. It is definitely going to be a good season.” V thevitalVOICE.com

29

6875 W. 91ST, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212 (816) 716-9091

30

August 2014

Family GaysWithKids.com

Ferd van Gameren & Brian Rosenberg are changing the landscape of information for gay fathers Brent Peterson Photography by Graeme Coleman Written by

They say family is everything. Family is the brothers that tease you, the sisters that cry when you call their invisible friend names, or your parents that worry when you stay out too late.

For those of us in the LGBT community, family sometimes carries a different meaning. Home life can get ugly when we come out, so we turn to our friends to be our “chosen family.” If we find that special someone that we want to be with for the rest of our lives, we start a family, but in a different way than an opposite-sex couple.

Whatever the case may be with your definition of family, we can all acknowledge that same-sex parents are sort of out in the cold in terms of resources to consult. Tons of “mommy guides” exist on bookshelves and online, but what of the “daddy guides”?

Ferd van Gameren and Brian Rosenberg have aimed to help out the gay dads out there that may be in need of some fatherly advice. The couple has three children: a son and a set of twin girls.

Their website, GaysWithKids.com, launched June 4 of this year. The guys hope to cultivate an online community, for the benefit of other gay dads out there.

“There is not much out there in the way of parenting resources written with dads as the intended audience – let alone gay dads,” they explain. “We purchased books [for information on raising our kids]. We sought out books that provided advice and insight on the early years.”

Matters part 1

regardless of what the family looks like.

“It’s not uncommon for us to hear questions from strangers or the kids’ friends about the whereabouts of their mom,” they add. “We always make sure to respond quickly but casually that we don’t have a mommy in our family, as we have two dads instead.

We hope this type of response reinforces our message that our family is just like all other families.”

I decided to press the guys on their thoughts on a term that’s been around for ages: Mister Mom. “We never use the term,” van Gameren says. “To me, it sounds vaguely sexist; a man trying to be a mom. I picture a man in a housedress with a feather duster in his hand.”

“Ferd’s right,” Rosenberg says. “The term is not relevant, as it implies that only moms know how to raise kids, but the ability to raise children is not a unique trait to women.”

Although Rosenberg says that the term doesn’t apply to same-sex couples, he says he feels that it’s irrelevant in oppositesex couples as well.

Raising kids as a gay couple presents the obvious challenges that all parents face, but the guys say their situation presents a different, more unique challenge.

“Among today’s modern heterosexual parents, both the mom and the dad take active roles raising their children,” he explains. “These roles often don’t conform to gender stereotypes from past generations.”

“One challenge that is unique to gay dads: we need to be sure our kids understand from an early age that families come in many different shapes and sizes,” they say. According to van Gameren and Rosenberg, the most important part is that the kids feel safe, loved and nurtured,

Being a parent is all a learning game.

Nobody nails it the first time and it’s often a trial-and-error experience. What was one piece of information the guys wish they had back when raising their first child? The sheer time and dedication it took.

“[I wish I had known] how incredibly difficult it was going to be to retain an exercise regimen,” Rosenberg explains. “I always figured my straight friends that lost their athletic figures after becoming dads were using their kids as an excuse, but now that I’m a dad, I know first-hand how tiring the first few years are.”

Finally, now that they’re certified Internet experts, what are some things that Rosenberg and van Gameren can offer new or expecting dads?

“First, even if it’s not in your nature, you should absolutely accept any help offered by family and friends,” they begin. “Next, if at all possible, try to have someone else on duty during the night so that you and your husband/partner (if you have one) can get a good night’s sleep. If you’re unable to get help, take turns with the night shifts.

“Last is adhere to as strict a schedule as possible,” they conclude. “That includes taking naps when the baby naps. We’re also firm believers that the baby should be sleeping through the night as close to the 3-month mark as possible.”

Check out GaysWithKids.com if you’re a new or expecting dad or if you’d like to check in on the guys and their family. Who knows?

Their adorable anecdotes may be enough to make you want kids of your own. V thevitalVOICE.com

31

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@GayAtHomeDad For Frank Lowe, making gay dads a fad is hard work

Family

Matters part 2

University named Jeremy that would be the Sam Sanchez perfect setup for him.

Photo by Heather Golde Photography especially if you’re trying to be unique.

Written by

“Why would I take offense to Mister Mom? It’s hysterical and I think it perfectly describes me,” says St. Charles native Frank Lowe. As his fame on Twitter is increasing immensely, no one really knows what his life is like behind the screen (or before it).

Before Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff and whatever other dating apps are out there, Lowe met his future everything in St. Louis, Missouri in 1997. Like a typical young twink, Lowe was working in a tanning salon, where one day a customer of his came in and told him that he knew a law student at Washington

“So, I was like whatever,” Lowe explains. “I don’t even know where we were going to meet. Maybe the Loading Zone in Central West End?” Funny thing was, before Lowe had the opportunity to meet his future partner in crime, he had already met and started dating someone. This someone just happened to be a porn star – which he brought to the date, nonetheless.

“We had this date planned and I had no way of contacting Jeremy because I didn’t have his number,” Lowe recalls. “All I knew what that I was going the the Loading Zone at a certain time. I ending up bringing the porn star with me to this date.

“We met Jeremy who was now pissed and started to grill me,” he continues. “‘Who’s this guy?’ All I said was, ‘Hi, we had this date, but now I’m with this guy.’” Bloop!

One drunken night at the Complex, Lowe ran into Jeremy and they’ve been together ever since – after they made up, of course.

Thirteen or so years later, the selfproclaimed Stepford Gays adopted what was about to be their world: Mister Briggs.

“We had about ten days to figure everything out, from the time we got the phone call and figured out we were parents until the time he was born,” Lowe says.

Luckily, they had everything they needed in the days before his birth – everything except his name. List upon lists of names were out, but nothing had that special ring to it.

“We found the name Brigham,” Lowe explains. “Now keep in mind, Jeremy’s background is Mormon. I had no idea about The Famous Brigham. Within two days of him being born, I was telling friends, ‘His name is Brigham D. Lowe, but we’re going to call him Briggs.’ Little did I know, there was a University in Utah called Brigham Young.”

You can read on the Advocate about Lowe’s reasoning on why Google will be your best friend when picking out names,

What 5-year-old do you know gets his eyebrows waxed, is obliviously a YouTube star and has a different “girlfriend” every week? One who enjoys monster trucks, cookies and despises Beyoncé? Meet Mister Briggs, the man.

His monster truck companion, Eleana, is probably the most “long-term” main squeeze he’s had.

“Briggs is a good looking, rather tall dude so he’s been the target of several girls,” Lowe says. “A lot of it is many girls think they want to meet their prince and they want to get married.

“I think it’s just sweet,” Lowe says with a laugh. “If you want to see how Briggs and Eleana act, it’s on my YouTube Channel and it’s fucking hysterical!”

Being a Gay at Home Dad comes with major responsibilities, like driving your son to Disney World and skipping lines, or doing the Harlem Shake in their living room. Lowe says he wouldn’t touch the term “Mister Mom.” “It’s hysterical to me and I think the people that take offense to it have literally no sense of humor. Sometimes I dress up like Mister Mom to make fun of myself,” Lowe says.

But really, between his husband’s job and Lowe taking care of Briggs full time, time management and staying on the same page is the most challenging aspect of raising Briggs.

“Our approach with everything is we don’t make an issue out of an issue that isn’t an issue yet,” Lowe explains. “We’re very nonchalant about being gay fathers. If the issue comes up, we’ll deal with it. The only thing we openly discuss around him – so it’s not a big shock – is the fact that he was adopted and that he has two dads.

“I have this thought in the back of my mind that by the time Briggs hits high school, it could actually be cool as fuck to have gay parents.” V thevitalVOICE.com

33

a mother erasing

STEREOTYPES

With Sherri Saum from ABC Family’s The Fosters

[

WRITTEN BY Denny

Patterson DESIGNED BY Sam Sanchez PHOTOGRAPHED BY Andrew Eccles

When I tell you to picture a family, what comes to mind? A father, mother and a couple of kids? That may be so, but times are changing. Let’s substitute the father with another mother, throw in a couple of adopted kids and we now have ABC Family’s hit show, The Fosters, which began its second season in June.

The Fosters is the story of Stef Foster and Lena Adams, an interracial lesbian couple who have built a loving, close-knit family with Stef’s biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon, and their adopted twins, Jesus and Mariana. Disruption ensues when Lena meets Callie, a

34

August 2014

[

troubled teen who has spent most of her life in and out of foster homes. Temporarily welcoming Callie and her brother Jude into their home, a more permanent situation may be taking place.

Sherri Saum, who plays Lena in the show, may have a certain approach to motherhood on-screen, but off-screen has been a learning experience. The actress recently welcomed twin boys this past May. I chatted with Saum about being a first time mommy and portraying Lena. In addition, this is Saum’s first lesbian role.

Teri Polo (left) and Sherri Saum (right)

How did you prepare for playing Lena? I read in another interview that being natural was a primary groundbreaker.

I didn’t try to make any specific adjustments per se to be a lesbian.

I thought if I tried to do that, it would probably sabotage the whole enterprise.

From what I read in the character breakdown, Lena is a principal in a school trying to erase stereotypes ─ do what comes naturally. There wasn’t a need to cater to some image.

Has the chemistry between you and Teri Polo been exceptional?

Definitely! I have always said in interviews the first time I met her, her energy was so large and she is so real and so honest. She holds nothing back, whereas I’m a little more reserved. It takes time to get to know someone. She has nothing to hide and I love that about her. We laugh so much and all day long.

My love for her grows and grows. She is something special.

Do you personally relate to Lena?

Lena is a lot like me. She has a large, compassionate heart that sometimes leads her into trouble. She just has tons of empathy and knows that all you really need to raise kids is understanding, kindness and a lot of love through whatever may happen.

Do you think it’s easier or harder to play a lesbian character?

Neither one nor the other. Stepping into someone else’s shoes is always a new and challenging experience. I’m not putting lesbian into the pot. It’s a label to me and doesn’t apply.

What can we expect to see from Lena in the future?

Lena finally gets to do more bonding with Brandon. Their relationship hasn’t really been explored much. As much as she fights and doesn’t like it, Lena

takes a back seat in regards to decisions about Brandon. Our bonding is being brought to life a little more and the next few episodes were fun to play. I really adore David Lambert. He’s such a soulful and beautiful actor; such a sweet person.

Do you think The Fosters has broken down some barriers in regards to LGBT families being portrayed on television?

Absolutely. From Twitter feed explosions to community outbursts, LGBT families are thrilled that we are finally recognizing them. It’s a powerful thing to see yourself on television and be in the fold. Unfortunately, this is way overdue and that’s the feeling I’m getting from everyone I interact with.

Not only is The Fosters about a lesbian family, but a multiethnic lesbian family. Do you think the show would have been portrayed differently if Lena was a white woman like Stef?

We definitely wouldn’t be able to tackle some of the things we have been such as skin color and racism. All of these issues I have personally dealt with in my life. Whether you were the only black kid or Latino kid in school, I like the fact that we are opening up and bringing these topics to light.

Let’s take a look into your life off camera. How has motherhood been treating you so far?

It’s been a tricky balance even with people stepping in to help. It’s a constant juggle that’s completely rewarding at the end of the day. When they are asleep in their cribs, all I can think of is how healthy and beautiful they are. I understand how people say this is the best and most important job you can have. I love my work as an actor, but they are my prized project.

Now we can’t exclude daddy, how’s he doing?

[Laughs] He’s doing great. He already has a 17-year-old son, so this isn’t his first time. He’s super hands-on and not afraid of anything, really. He’s been really excellent with schedules and consistency. He doesn’t just give up when something becomes difficult. I’m so grateful. It’s really healthy for babies to have good consistency when they start out in life.

Would you like to have more children?

Once I have a confident handle on these two, I’d be absolutely open to it. Maybe even adopt. I have so much love to give and there are so many kids who need it.

That was going to be my next question, would you ever consider adoption?

Absolutely. I have learned so much through the show and talking to people who have been fostered or adopted.

There are probably so many future lawyers and doctors who need nurturing and love. They could be the next president. You never know.

Any tips or advice for other first time mothers?

You have to laugh a lot – even in the midst of diapers and screaming. Find the time to laugh and know that the hardest times will pass and try to enjoy it even when they are freaking out. It goes by so fast, and I’m beginning to see that for myself. I blink and their eye color has changed. It’s amazing. V

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G.R.L. Reinventing the Girl Band Written by Andrea

Natasha Slayton

Piamonte

If you are one who reminisces of the 90s girl group days, G.R.L is here to spark that nostalgia. They’re sexy, talented and packed with five completely different personalities — you can call them the modern-day Spice Girls.

The American-British-Canadian girl group strives to promote girl power and the idea of being Miss Independent (even the G.R.L name is a play on the word “girl”).

Name your favorite girl band from the past or present.

The Spice Girls! They were such an inspiration to me. I think that’s really why and when decided I wanted to be in a girl group.

Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones. I grew up listening to them because of my dad. I think he’s the ultimate rocker, ultimate boy band star.

The famous Robin Antin, the founder of the Pussycat Dolls, formed the group with members Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada, Lauren Bennett, Paula van Oppen and Simone Battle. All five came together with different talents to create the sweet harmony that is G.R.L.

Dream date with any celebrity boy bandmate:

“The group dynamic is like skittles — taste the rainbow — because everybody’s so different,” Simone says. “Natasha is the bubbly valley girl, Lauren is our British hilarious goofball, Paula is the rebellious party girl, and Emmalyn is like the sweet baby. And I guess I am the fiery fly girl.”

If you could add a sixth member to G.R.L., who would it be?

Lisa “Lefteye” Lopes. I know she isn’t with us any longer, but she had the swag, she rapped and she’s pretty. I’m a huge fan of TLC.

If you could come up with quirky nickname for yourself like the Spice Girls did, what would that be?

I would pick “Girly-Girl.” Simone once named me that. It suits me because I’m all about rainbows, sparkles and the color pink.

What would be your favorite girl band song to cover?

En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go.” They sing their booties off in that song.

I have been a fan of theirs ever since I was really little.

The group’s catchy pop debut “Vacation” was featured on The Smurfs 2 soundtrack and they doubled up with Pitbull for the hit song “Wild Wild Love.”

G.R.L isn’t stopping there. They’ve recently released “Ugly Heart,” their first single off their new album. The song’s catchy lyrics are the story we’ve all heard and can relate to: It’s about getting over and moving on from that pictureperfect, oh-so-sexy man with a shitty personality, hence the “Ugly Heart.”

“The inspiration for that song is about a guy that like every girl has met in their lifetime,” Lauren adds. “A guy that is gorgeous and he knows he’s hot, but he’s not nice on the inside. To all the guys out there, be nice — it makes you so much more attractive.”

Vital VOICE got the opportunity to talk with all five of these up-and-coming ladies about everything involving the muchmissed era of boy bands and girl groups. V

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August 2014

If G.R.L. threw a house party, what would you be in charge of?

I would be the DJ! For sure! I would fight Lauren for the DJ role.

Paula van Oppen

Emmalyn Estrada

Lauren Bennett

Simone Battle

The Spice Girls. I’ve always wanted to be a Spice Girl, like Baby Spice was my favorite.

Destiny’s Child because they kind of had it all — they danced, they sang. I loved everything that they did and I admired them as artists.

Spice Girls because I always wanted to be one of them.

TLC because they were so swagged out. I like the idea of Left Eye was the rapper, Chilli was the smooth R&B one, and T-Boz’s voice is so unique.

Harry [Styles] from One Direction.

Justin Timberlake all the way.

He’s so talented and hilarious!

We all have been wanting to meet One Direction. I like Zayn [Malik], but I know he’s getting engaged to Perrie [Edwards], so I can’t say that one anymore.

The Wailers and I’d obviously take Bob Marley because he’s my style. I love reggae and I love Bob Marley!

Iggy [Azalea]. I love her!

She would bring something completely different to the group and she can rap.

Geri [Halliwell] from the Spice Girls because she’s so funny. I would like to have a laugh with her because I feel like she has a really good personality.

I love Dawn [Richard] from Danity Kane. I actually worked with her before when I was dancing for Diddy and she’s really sweet.

Just to add to diversity, it would be cool to have a Latina member in the band, so I want to say J.Lo. She’s got the Latin flavor, can sing and she’s hot!

I’m still figuring it out. Well, the girls like to call me “The Baby” because I’m the youngest.

The girls like to call me “The Silly Girl.” I think they are trying to say that I’m funny — maybe fun is a better way to put it. I like to joke and laugh a lot.

Well, the girls say that I am “The Bad Girl.” I don’t think I’m bad —I just like to have a lot of fun! I guess I might be the party girl…

I kind of already picked “Fly Girl” because my style and my swag!

Any Destiny’s Child song. We already know all of them. Anytime any of the girls sings a Destiny’s Child song, everyone hops in and we all harmonize.

Independent Woman because as a member of G.R.L. and as a girl group, we really want to represent girls out there. It’s such an empowering song.

Well we have covered a lot of girl band songs, but I’d have to say “Wannabe.”

Bills, Bills, Bills.

I love to decorate. My favorite part is buying balloons, all the party poppers, colorful cups and cool things that people have at parties.

I like having themed parties and getting everyone to dress up and do activities.

I’d be the DJ. There’s nothing worse than bad music when you’re trying to have a good time — it could kill the vibe. I think all the girls would be down for some 90s.

I would probably be the one getting everybody to dance!

I would be in charge of the soul train line. I would be in charge of getting the dancing started.

Also, I would be in charge of the light show. Have you ever been to a rave or a music festival and somebody is doing a light show?

That would be me! thevitalVOICE.com

37

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August 2014

View the full menus and all of the news at www.providence-kc.com 1329 Baltimore in the Hilton President Hotel Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 303-1686 or www.providence-kc.com Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/ProvidenceKitch and follow on Twitter at @ProvidenceKitch

Pho Bo

Vietnamese beef noodle soup Written & Photographed by

Mikey Berner

(314) 352-7575 | www.wkf.com

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August 2014

Note: Rose color may vary.

Red may not always be available.

Pho Bo

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 4 hours BROTH 5 lbs. beef marrow or knuckle bones 2 lbs. beef chuck (Cut into 2 pieces) 2 (3-inch) pieces ginger (Cut in half lengthwise and lightly bruised with the flat side of a knife, lightly charred) 2 yellow onions (Peeled and charred) 1/4 cup fish sauce 3 oz. rock sugar or 3 tablespoons sugar 10 whole star anise (Lightly toasted in a dry pan) 6 whole cloves (Lightly toasted in a dry pan) 1 tablespoon sea salt

1. In a large stockpot, bring 6 quarts water to a boil. Place the bones and beef chuck in a second pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for 5 minutes. Using tongs, carefully transfer the bones and beef to the first pot of boiling water. Discard the water in which the meat cooked.

(This cleans the bones and meat and reduces the impurities that can cloud the broth.) When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim the surface often to remove any foam and fat. Add the charred ginger and onions, fish sauce and sugar. Simmer until the beef chuck is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove one piece and submerge in cool water for 10 minutes to prevent the meat from darkening and drying out. Drain, then cut into thin slices and set aside. Let the other piece of beef chuck continue to cook in the simmering broth.

2. When the broth has been simmering for about 1 1/2 hours total, wrap the star anise and cloves in a spice bag (or piece of cheesecloth) and add to the broth. Let infuse until the broth is fragrant, about 30 minutes. Remove and discard both the spice bag and onions. Add the salt and continue to simmer, skimming as necessary, until you’re ready to assemble the dish. The broth needs to cook for at least 2 hours. (The broth will taste salty but will be balanced once the noodles and accompaniments are added.) Leave the remaining chuck and bones to simmer in the pot while you assemble the bowls.

NOODLE ASSEMBLY 1 lb. dried rice sticks (1/16-inch-wide: soaked, cooked and drained.)

1/3 lb. beef sirloin (Slightly frozen, then sliced paper-thin across the grain)

GARNISHES 1/2 yellow onion (Sliced paper-thin) 3 scallions (Cut into thin rings) 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 1 lb. bean sprouts 10 sprigs Asian basil 1 dozen saw-leaf herb leaves (optional) 6 Thai bird chilies or 1 serrano chili (Cut into thin rings) 1 lime (Cut into 6 thin wedges) Freshly ground black pepper

3. To serve, place the cooked noodles in preheated bowls.

(If the noodles are not hot, reheat them in a microwave or dip them briefly in boiling water to prevent them from cooling down the soup.) Place a few slices of the beef chuck and the raw sirloin on the noodles. Bring the broth to a rolling boil; ladle about 2 to 3 cups into each bowl. The broth will cook the raw beef instantly. Garnish with yellow onions, scallions and cilantro.

Serve immediately, inviting guests to garnish the bowls with bean sprouts, herbs, chilies, lime juice and black pepper.

to Char Tip: How Ginger & Onions To char ginger, hold the piece with tongs directly over an open flame or place it directly on a medium-hot electric burner. While turning, char until the edges are slightly blackened and the ginger is fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Char the onions in the same way. Peel and discard the blackened skins of the ginger and onions, then rinse and add to the broth.

thevitalVOICE.com

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August

STLPlaydates 8/21

Pearl Vodka & Vital VOICE present

spotlight Queens in space: the sequel

at the rooftop of moonrise hotel www.thevitalvoice.com Time: 7-10 p.m.

Join Pearl Vodka and Vital VOICE for the out-of-this-world sequel to Queens in Space. Extraterrestrial visitors will once again descend on the Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar Loop for a night of cosmic proportions! Featuring interstellar drag performances and galactic entertainers, this will be the best space-themed sequel since Zenon: The Zequel. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign.

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT

HRC ST. LOUIS

8/9

Doors open at 7 p.m.

#rockculture: a tribute to female rock stars at the gramophone www.brainchildevents.com (314) 484-9532

Dwight Carter continues his #rockculture series, honoring different musicians and their trendsetting fashion. This month, #rockculture pays homage to Joan Jett and other quintessential female rockers. Throw on your leather jacket, grab your guitar and head to The Gramophone! The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

8/16

Art of Paws at the gallery 400 www.stlefa.org (314) 645-6451

Get the Thirst for Life party started right! Head to Gallery 400 for the official kickoff to the ninth annual Thirst for Life with Art of PAWS! Enjoy a night dedicated to great local art, music and food. The event, sponsored by Bud Light and Feast Magazine brings you live music, free hors d’oeuvres and tons of specialty cocktails! Bid in the silent auction on great original art and autographed pieces from great artists around the area and support a great charity at the same time!

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August 2014

Playdates STL

8/26

Twilight tuesday at missouri history museum www.mohistory.org (314) 746-4599

The popular outdoor concert series comes to an end with Big Brother Thunder and the Master Blasters. Pack your picnic basket one last time this summer and watch as the band gets your blood pumping with its blend of funk-soul, rock and jazz. The African, Caribbean and Brazilian-influenced band will bring Twilight Tuesdays to a close for the year. If you haven’t made it a point to go, now’s your last chance!

8/28

Thirst for Life at various locations www.stlefa.org (314) 645-6451

Over 30 local establishments will donate at least 30 percent of their beverage sales on Thursday, Aug. 28 to help raise funds and awareness for Pets Are Wonderful Support. There’s literally no downside to this event. You go out, drink, and you benefit an awesome charity that helps out local pets. Win/win/win. So go out and get your drink on and help PAWS raise some cashola.

8/288/29

Chippendales at river city casino www.rivercity.com (314) 388-7777

This event really needs no explaining. Have you seen Magic Mike? No? Well, go watch that and then you’ll have an idea of what you’ll get from the Chippendales guys. Buff dudes gyrating around on stage and taking their clothes off. If you haven’t cleared your calendar yet for this one, you’re missing out. Not only do you get to drool over these scantily clad gents, you get to do it two days in a row!

Men and women are welcome at all shows.

august

KC Playdates 8/23

spotlight Rainbow run for equality www.sportkc.org (816) 474-4652

Get active and benefit diversity awareness at the same time! With the inaugural Rainbow Run for Equality, the mission is to highlight differences and similarities found in different cultures and backgrounds. The goal is to raise awareness and support for all organizations that promote that mission. A portion of the proceeds will benefit PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBT-advocacy organization. Strap on your running shoes and raise some money for a great organization! The run starts at 7 a.m.

8/8 8/10

mo’nique at kansas city improv www.improvkc.com (816) 759-5233

The comedy powerhouse stops by KC on her highly-anticpated comedy tour. Mo’Nique has resonated with audiences in film, television, stand-up comedy and literature. She won multiple awards for her portrayal of a mentally unstable and abusive mother in Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire and has continued doing comedy on and off stage. Now with a successful late night BET talk show under her belt, Mo’Nique hits the road once again to get back to her roots: stand-up comedy!

8/15

Splashdance! — Bear crossing kc 2014 at coco key water resort www.bearcrossingkc.org

Kick off Bear Crossing KC this year by getting wet and wild at CoCo Key Water Resort! This is the first big event of the three-day weekend, hosted by Kansas City Bear Mafia. Refreshments and food are provided with a cash bar. Water slides, lazy rivers, live DJ and hot tubs mean this night is going to be crazy fun! This is your chance to observe bears in their natural habitat: enjoying some poolside food and cocktails!

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August 2014

Playdates KC

8/19

katy perry’s prismatic tour at sprint center www.sprintcenter.com (816) 949-7100

Katy Perry hits up Kansas City with her Prismatic tour. Tied with Michael Jackson for most number-one songs from a single pop album, Perry’s new album and tour follow up her smash Teenage Dream with the same energy and sound we’ve grown to love from her. Performing her new hits such as “Dark Horse,” “Birthday” and “Roar,” fans will go crazy for her live. Don your cupcake bra and your purple wig and head to the Sprint Center to get your Katy Perry fix.

8/22

bleachers at kansas city live! block www.powerandlightdistrict.com (816) 842-1045

Lead guitarist of Fun, Jack Antonoff, leads his new project Bleachers. The debut single “I Wanna Do Better” revealed the secret project to the masses back in February. Now, the Strange Desire World Tour comes through KC, featuring special guests The Misterwives. The concert is free to attend and is over 21 only. The show starts at 8 p.m. Sponsored by 96.5 The Buzz, Coors Light and The Pitch.

8/268/27

hamlet at union station www.unionstation.org (816)460-2020

Widely considered to be the greatest play ever written in the English language, Hamlet explores themes of morality, sanity and the nature of existence. The eponymous Hamlet finds something fishy after the King of Denmark’s mysterious death and the Queen’s quick marriage to the dead king’s brother. If your question is whether “to be or not to be” at this performance, let us answer that for you: be there.

Scene in

St. Louis Photography by Mikey

2.

3.

at

4.

rehab Bar & Grill

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August 2014

1.

1. Vicki Corum, Tony Baker, Brad Phillips, Doug EFresh & Evan Rice at Rehab Bar & Grill 2. Corey Zaborowski & Kyle Church at SIAM 3. Tommy Hughes & Norman Hopkins at The Grove 4. Jenni Jacobson & Chris Eveland at Barney’s

Scene in the STL 5. Krista Versace, Andrew Garrett & Morgan McMichaels at Hamburger Mary’s 6. Rodger Vielweber & Scottie J. Roth at Attitudes 7. Eric Howard & Ralph Sears at Rehab Bar & Grill 8. The Just John Crew at Fox 2 News

5.

6.

at

Hamburger Mary’s

8.

7.

at

Just John

Scene Kansas

in

Photography by Jonathan

Barbe

City

Scene in KC

5.

Kansas City’s LGBT community gathered on Thursday, July 10th at the Rooftop Pool of Hotel Sorella for Pearl Vodka Presents Soak’d. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Remix, fashion by Christian Michael and complimentary cocktails by Pearl Vodka and Bacardi Rum. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Millennial League.

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Pamper Yourself. Support the Cause.

Book a 50-minute Your Choice Massage or a 50-minute Classic Facial and ask for the “Pride St. Louis Spa Package”.

Guests will pay the retail rate and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis will donate a portion of sales to Pride St. Louis, Inc. Call 314-881-5758 or visit fourseasons.com/stlouis/spa_and_salon

Void for persons ineligible to game or excluded from Lumière Place Casino for any reason. Must be age 21 or older to gamble. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-BETSOFF. ©2014 Casino One Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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LOUIS WILL BENEFIT A PORTION HRC OF THEST. PROCEEDS

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