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A Conversation with Designer & TV Star John Gidding
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Paula Abdul, Straight Up
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Chinese Horoscopes: The Year of the Pig
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I S S U E N O . 1 5 | VO L. 5 | W I N T E R 2 0 1 9
HO ME
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4 | Q Virginia
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LGBTQ people smoke at rates that are 68% HIGHER than the rest of the population
Winter 2019
Hello There !
W
elcome to the Home issue of Q Virginia magazine! Although “home” is a simple,
four-letter word, the feelings it evokes, the spaces in which it exists and the countless
meanings underlying its architecture are incredibly complex. For some, home is a physical structure where you live. For others, it’s a place—physical or otherwise—where you feel safe and where you can be your true, authentic self. Home can also be a set of feelings that span the gamut of human emotions. In our Home issue, we explore deep concepts like civility, consciousness and prejudice. We share conversations with superstars, review fascinating books and discuss some great things happening across the commonwealth. We also take a deep dive into the history of Chinese New Year, investigate the Chinese zodiac and make predictions about 2019. Don’t miss out on your Chinese horoscope! Whatever home means to you, I hope you enjoy this issue and consider subscribing to our publication at qvirginia.com/subscribe. Cheers,
Justin Ayars, JD Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
6 | Q Virginia
Q Virginia Staff
Q MEDIA
Home | No. 15
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Justin Ayars, JD Managing Editor & Creative Director Jesse LaVancher Art Director John Dixon | Runningfire Design Director of Communications Steven Yavorsky, MBA Web Designer Taylor Pace Logo Designer Umbrella Management Group, LLC Advertising Manager Joy Farmer | sales@qvirginia.com National Advertising Rivendell Media Collegiate Fellows Alex Crespo Shaun Njovens Maia Stanley Rich Tran
Q Virginia Contributors Justin Ayars, JD Teresa Reyes Castillo, PhD Vic Gerami Gene Hall Anna Huff, PhD Meredith Jenkins Natania Jones Jesse LaVancher Cameron McPherson Katherine O’Donnell Terri Schlichenmeyer Jerome West Michele Zehr
Q Virginia Publishing Office The Brookwood 1342 Flynn Road Richmond, VA 23225 info@qvirginia.com
Q Virginia magazine is published by Q Media, LLC. It’s mission is to promote equality through storytelling. © Q Media, LLC 2019. Q Media owns and/or operates various physical, digital and broadcast media platforms, as well as events/services, including, but not limited to, Q Virginia magazine, The Q Guidebook, qvirginia.com, Q Consulting, Q Weddings, The Q Expo and virginiagayweddings.com. All rights reserved.
WEDDINGS Q MEDIA PRESENTS
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Spring 2019
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It’s official… Richmond is now cool.
I’m honored to work with talented and passionate colleagues at Richmond Region Tourism who tell the world how wonderful our home is. Some of my proudest moments have been through OutRVA, our LGBTQ tourism campaign. What began 10 years ago as a community-driven idea on a shoestring budget, has generated headlines in The New York Times and landed Richmond as a Top 10 Destination in the British LBGTQ Awards. OutRVA celebrated marriage equality, partnered in the One Love: LGBTQ Families exhibition and helped secure Richmond as the host city for the inaugural Sports Diversity Jubilee—a national, multi-sport tournament featuring LGBTQ athletes. More importantly, OutRVA welcomes LGBTQ travelers to our home.
Congratulations, Q Media, for publishing the 15th issue of Q Virginia magazine! I am truly grateful for the work you do across the commonwealth
R
all people. Tourism improves the quality
ichmond is my home. I am
of life for our residents by stimulating the
tremendously lucky to have
economy, generating jobs and supporting the
spent 17 years of my career
restaurants, attractions and shops that make
sharing my home with visitors.
living here wonderful. I’m thrilled to welcome
Over the years, Richmond
all people to Richmond, my home.
has changed exponentially. We’ve seen an explosion of culinary talent, the birth of
and beyond and am delighted
an award-winning craft beverage scene
to write the foreword for this
and tourism developments from Virginia
Home issue!
Richmond is a welcoming destination for
Commonwealth University’s Institute for
Katherine O’Donnell
Contemporary Art to the Virginia Capital
Executive Vice President
Trail. It’s official… Richmond is now cool.
Richmond Region Tourism
qvirginia .com | 9
Featured Contibutors
Anna Huff, PhD & Teresa Reyes Castillo, PhD
Vic Gerami
Anna and Teresa are licensed clinical psy-
Vic is the Editor & Publisher of The Blunt Post.
Michele is the founder and Executive Director
chologists who run an intuitive practice in New
He spent six years at Frontiers Magazine,
of the Center for Earth-Based Healing, a
York, NY. They go one step beyond psychol-
followed by LA Weekly and Voice Media
non-profit organization offering free trauma-
ogy as we know it, expanding consciousness
Group. He contributes to many LGBTQ
informed ecotherapy programs for survivors
and connectivity and supporting the path
magazines and has a syndicated celebrity
of sexual and domestic violence.
and process of spiritual awakening. Their work
Q&A column, 10 Questions with Vic.
pushes the limits of traditional theories and fo-
Michele Zehr, M.A., M.Ed.
She is a former U.S. Marine, has backpacked
cuses on the integration of the soul and one’s
Vic loves living in Los Angeles because he’s
the entire 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail and,
own intuition, into daily life.
fascinated by Hollywood and cinema. He
in her free time, composes music, hangs out
travels a lot—mostly to other big cities across
in nature, and loves snuggling with her 14-
Their book, Awaken Love, can be purchased
the globe during their Pride festivals—and
year old kitty, Henry.
on Amazon, in print or e-book. For more
often writes travel articles.
information
about
their
practice,
earthbasedhealing.org
visit
being-centered.com.
Vic is a people person, a vegetarian and doesn’t drink. Though happily single, he’s
Their Theresa
collaborative Galuszka
endeavors can
be
found
with at
always open to a relationship if one should happen organically.
center4consciousliving.com. thebluntpost.com
10 | Q Virginia
Table of Contents
12. 14. 16. 4O. Paula Abdul Enjoy a delightful interview with this iconic superstar—served “Straight Up,” of course.
18. 3O.
32. 36. 60. Your Chinese Horoscope Forget the fortune cookie. Learn what animal you are according to the Chinese zodiac and what 2019 has in store for you.
44. 58. 86.
We Are the Generation that Got You Here Prime Timers is a social organization that enriches the lives of older gay and bisexual men through fellowship in central Virginia and Hampton Roads.
Shrine Mont Summer Camp Every summer, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia provides a safe, inclusive space for all youth in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Richmond Recognized for LGBTQ Inclusivity RVA hits a home run when it comes to inclusivity, sports diversity and LGBTQ marketing.
An Invitation to Embrace Civility We can resolve our differences by embracing civility and adopting a both/and approach to life.
Book Review: The Boys of Fairy Town Founded in 1837, the first 100 years of Chicago’s history were marked by a surprising level of acceptance for the gay community.
Book Review: Blame it on Bianca Del Rio If you pick up this book by the “expert on nothing with an opinion on everything,” you best know what you’re getting into!
Ashlee Marie Preston Award-winning media personality, producer and trans rights activist shares her blunt opinions about gender identity, prejudice and avocados.
From Istanbul to your Living Room Designer, entrepreneur and television star John Gidding discusses growing up in Turkey, what influences his work and Johann Sebastian Bach with a recovering lawyer.
2019: The Year of the Pig Learn all about Chinese New Year, a 15-day festival that is the most widely celebrated holiday in the world.
Metatron: Take the Red Pill Two lesbian forensic psychologists and a mystic “Seer” embark on a quest to bring society to a new state of well-being by exploring consciousness, intuition and human connectivity. qvirginia .com | 11
12 | Q Virginia
Prime Timers Richmond & Tidewater By, Gene Hall Prime Timers are older gay or bisexual men who enrich their social lives, engage in diverse activities and enjoy opportunities and friendships with other Prime Timers throughout the world. The organization is emerging as a leading force in the gay and bisexual communities with over 75 chapters throughout North America and Australia.
Central Virginia
Tidewater
Prime Timers—Central Virginia (PTCV) is
This chapter of PTWW serves the Virginia
a local chapter of the Prime Timers World
Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk areas. What
Wide (PTWW) organization. In the fall of
makes this chapter unique is the diversity of
2002, a group of 18 men met to establish
our members. We truly come from all walks
a local chapter for the Richmond area. That
of life. Some of us are thin and some of us are
chapter just celebrated its 15th anniversary
not. Alas, most of us have lost a considerable
and now boasts over 120 members! PTCV
amount of hair. But what we have not lost is
brings together mature gay and bisexual
our love of life or respect for our fellow man.
men, 21 and over, for friendship, personal
We are a club that tries to see the greater
growth, activities and support. PTCV is a
good in all men. What we all have learned
great place for meeting people and making
from our time on this planet is to seek comfort
long-lasting friendships.
in each other despite, or perhaps because of, our different life journeys. As older gay men,
We have numerous weekly and monthly
we take great pleasure in educating younger
activities. This includes a monthly meeting
gay men. Our motto is, and always shall be:
with a speaker or pot luck dinner, weekly
“We are the generation that got you here.”
dining
opportunities,
bowling
outings,
movie nights, etc. We always encourage our
For more information or to join our chapter,
members to come up with new ideas as we
visit: primetimersww.com/tidewater/
diversify both our membership and activities. For more information or to join our chapter, visit: http://ptww.org/cv/
qvirginia .com | 13
Shrine Mont Summer Camp: Where Everyone is Welcome By, Natania Jones
E
veryone searches for a place where they can feel accepted. As a current sophomore in high school, I was extremely lucky to find such a place so early in my life and now I want to share it with others.
When I was eight years old, I started going
called Parish Youth Ministries (PYM). When
to Shrine Mont Camps (SMC). At that time,
I walked in for the first time I was extremely
I was being bullied in school and I was afraid
nervous, but I was instantly greeted by people
to let my true colors shine. I went to SMC for
willing to help me have a great time. We played
the first time and instantly knew this was the
a ton of fun games and we sang a lot of songs.
place for me. I walked to my cabin and within
By the end of the weekened, we had all become
ten minutes I had made five new friends. My
really close friends. I returned the next year for
cabin counselor greeted me with open arms
another amazing weekend.
and I knew at that moment my life would be changed forever. I quickly learned that I would
At SMC, we try our hardest to make sure that
be accepted for who I am and I would not be
everyone attending has an amazing time. We
judged. I was surrounded by people who loved
lead small groups with the intent to start safe
and supported me.
and open conversations about a wide variety of things. We often end up in deep conversations
I am not personally a part of the LGBTQ
where everyone feels safe to share their
community, but many other campers are.
personal stories. We also have workshops
I know that many people in the LGBTQ
during the weekend for high school students
community feel accepted at SMC. When we
where we talk about things like faith in politics,
introduce ourselves at the beginning of camp,
self-love and meditation.
not only do we tell each other our names and a random fact about ourselves, but we also share
I truly feel that SMC is a place where everyone
our preferred pronouns. People feel safe to be
can be accepted. I have never met a person
themselves at camp.
who attended and had a bad time. I think SMC and the PYM program are truly amazing
I fell in love with SMC the first time I went and
opportunities for youth to feel safe and be
I was always looking for excuses to go back.
accepted. I encourage you to check it out. There
In seventh grade, I began attending a SMC
is something for everyone at SMC!
program for middle and high school students
Shrine Mont Camps are located in the Shenandoah Valley between Harrisonburg and Winchester. The mission of Shrine Mont Camps is to promote the emotional and spiritual development of children, youth and young adults in a safe and positive environment for all. We encourage the growth of relationships with self, others, and God. Operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Shrine Mont Camps strive to create a diverse and safe community that welcomes campers and staff from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental ability, or sexual orientation. For more information, go to shrinemontcamps.net.
14 | Q Virginia
qvirginia .com | 15
Richmond Recognized for LGBTQ Inclusivity By, Cameron McPherson
Grab your helmets and shin guards. LGBTQ athletes from across the nation will compete on dodgeball courts and softball fields throughout the Richmond region when the Sports Diamond Jubilee comes to the area May 17-19, 2019.
Organized by Compete Magazine, a publication focused on LGBTQ sports, the inaugural sporting event chose Richmond— and presented it with an award—because of its status as an emerging LGBTQ sports tourism destination. Representatives from the magazine’s Sports Diversity Leadership Council, a coalition of about 80 sports leaders representing more than 110,000 members, honored the region at the Petey Awards last fall. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Richmond Region Tourism staff members accepted the award at the annual event that honors the best in sports diversity and celebrates the magazine’s mission of “uniting the world through sports.” The recognition from Compete Magazine comes on the heels of another important national designation. Richmond recently received a Municipal Equality Index score of 94 in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual report that rates cities on their efforts to support LGBTQ communities. The establishment of a Human Rights Commission and non-discrimination laws
16 | Q Virginia
and offering transgender-inclusive benefits
“We all know the Richmond region is a great
The OutRVA campaign originally launched
for city employees are among the initiatives
place for LGBTQ people to live and visit,”
with coming out letters addressed to nearby
that helped propel Richmond’s score, which
said Philip Crosby, Executive Director of
cities and LGBTQ celebrities to promote the
sat at 42 in 2017.
the Richmond Triangle Players theatre and
region as welcoming. The work, along with
a founding OutRVA advisory committee
other efforts like the Out stickers seen around
A variety of factors are helping to fuel the
member. “The committee gives an authentic
town, landed Richmond on the “Top 10
public’s awareness and understanding of
voice to the campaign by highlighting
Destination” list by the NatWest British LGBT
Richmond’s diverse LGBTQ community.
and sharing what members of Richmond’s
Awards.
Richmond Region Tourism—the nonprofit
LGBTQ community enjoy most about the
organization dedicated to promoting the
region.”
region to meeting, convention and sports
“We’re working to promote the region as a welcoming place to all travelers,” said
event planners, tour operators and leisure
The committee meets every other month
Katherine
O’Donnell,
Executive
Vice
travelers—has been working to market the
with Richmond Region Tourism staff to
President of Richmond Region Tourism.
region to LGBTQ visitors for several years.
share opinions and helps guide the OutRVA
“We’re proud of Richmond’s recent accolades
The group launched OutRVA in 2014,
initiative as it markets the region to travelers
and look forward to introducing more
a program that promotes the region as
across the world. OutRVA has an LGBTQ
travelers to Richmond through the OutRVA
welcoming to LGBTQ travelers. An advisory
travel guide and includes profiles of local
campaign.”
committee of local LGBTQ business owners
residents sharing their favorite places and
and volunteers helps guide the campaign.
things to do at www.richmondisout.com.
qvirginia .com | 17
Virginia: An Invitation to Embrace Civility By, Michele Zehr
18 | Q Virginia
Y
ou’ve probably read this phrase somewhere before, “The definition of insanity is
So why did I describe this normal everyday
doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” This is what
story shocking?
comes to mind when I see what is happening in Virginia, our country and much of the world.
The conflict in northern Sudan I describe above took place 13,000 years ago! Take
What do I mean by “doing the same thing over and over again?” I’m going to pull back the
that in for just a second. Do you realize that
zoom lens from Virginia for just a moment to offer a broader, yet still relevant, perspective.
13,000 years ago wooly mammoths still roamed parts of the Earth?
Did you hear the shocking news? A group of remains belonging to 13 children, 24 women and 19 men were found buried along the east bank of the Nile River in northern Sudan. It is believed
According to French scientists working in
the deaths were caused by what officials are
collaboration with the British Museum, this
calling a “prolonged low-level war” between different ethnic groups who were fighting over finite resources such as water and food. Unceasing drought conditions were blamed for the scarcity of resources, causing both wildlife and humans alike to migrate to the areas where life-sustaining resources could be found.
Wars, conflicts, fights and battles all share one thing in common. One side believes “we are right,” the other side believes “we are right,” and they both believe, “Everything would be fine if the other side would just believe what we believe!”
conflict is considered the “world’s oldest known relatively large-scale human armed conflict.” It is the first known human war, and the skeletal remains were discovered during the UNESCO High Dam salvage project,
a
fast-paced
archaeological
project that records, excavates and collects archaeological data from a specific region prior to development. In this case, the project preceded the construction of the Aswan High
I bet after reading this, most of us would
Dam, which was built after the Egyptian
acknowledge it is tragic news and, at the same time, I’ll admit that stories like this get stored in
Revolution of 1952.
“the world is so screwed up and appears beyond repair” file in my brain. In other words, I have no idea what I can do to change this situation in Sudan and, sadly, I’m not shocked to hear this
Wars, conflicts, fights and battles all share
happened. These types of stories of human war and conflict have become normalized as if they
one thing in common. One side believes “we
are just everyday fare. You wake up in the morning, turn on the news while drinking your coffee
are right,” the other side believes “we are right”
and the headlines might look like this:
and they both believe, “Everything would be fine if the other side would just believe what
Harvey Weinstein Case May Be Unraveling. 56 Found Dead in Northern Sudan Due to War and
we believe!”
Drought. L.A. Dodgers Headed to the World Series. I know I’m simplifying this a bit, however, in the most fundamental sense, human conflict is fueled and supported by a binary system of black and white thinking—right vs. wrong; us vs. them; good vs. evil. You are either with us or you are against us. So, how is that working out so far? We’ve been warring for at least 13,000 years. We’ve never achieved permanent world peace, nor has “side A” succeeded in convincing “side B” that their viewpoints are wrong. In fact, an article in The New York Times reported, “Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely
qvirginia .com | 19
I believe we have to find the courage to consider that perhaps a “third way of being together” should be explored. I call it “embracing the both/and through civility.” Virginia offers a beautiful invitation to do just that.
20 | Q Virginia
at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent
living in this beautiful place. Prior to Virginia,
in response to the Stonewall Riots of 1969.
of recorded history.” That means our chosen
I lived in states that were considered “the
Travel less than an hour west to Staunton,
approach to resolving differences has a 92
buckle of the bible belt,” as well as states
a city of just over 24,500 people, where it
percent failure rate, assuming our ultimate
that you can safely assume are accepting of
was just 2018 when this city celebrated Pride
goal is to live in peace on this little blue planet
queer people. Virginia is interesting because
as a public event for the first time in history.
that we all have to figure out how to share. If
there are regions of the commonwealth
Staunton has traditionally leaned more
anything else we did had a 92 percent failure
that are very progressive, where businesses
towards the conservative side, but I would be
rate that resulted in human deaths, we’d be
proudly place rainbow stickers on their doors
remiss if I didn’t also say that this city is in the
trying other things pretty quickly; but instead,
to let queer folks know we are welcomed
process of reinventing itself.
here we are, 13,000 years later, doing the
and safe. However, if you drive even 30
same old thing.
minutes in any direction of that progressive
I live in Nelson County, about one hour
region, you’ll likely see very few rainbow
south of Charlottesville, on 11 acres in the
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over
stickers and more confederate flags or Trump
beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It’s a
and expecting different results.
bumper stickers. Add to this that the capital
very rural and conservative area. What I’ve
of Virginia, Richmond, was once the proud
found here is that the both/and absolutely
I am dumbfounded by the fact that in 2019
capital of the Confederate States of America.
exists. My neighbor has a confederate flag
we are still trying to resolve our differences
We have a complicated ideological history
sticker on his mailbox, but a few miles down
through
that intersects with the current socio-political
the road the Episcopal Church’s priest is a
climate in this country.
lesbian who offers a traditional Episcopal
war,
fighting,
violence
and
oppression. It clearly doesn’t work. This brings me back to Virginia. I believe we have to find
service in the morning and a Celtic Evensong
the courage to consider that perhaps a “third
This is why I consider Virginia to be a both/
and Communion Service in the evening,
way of being together” should be explored.
and. In my experience, most cities and towns
which is described as a “contemplative
I call it “embracing the both/and through
are comprised of a little bit of everything.
service.” Everyone here knows this church will
civility.” Virginia offers a beautiful invitation
Take Charlottesville for instance. It’s a city of
welcome you no matter who you are or what
to do just that.
about 48,000 people and might be perhaps
you believe.
the most progressive (a relative term these I’ve lived in Virginia as an out and proud
days) small city in Virginia, but it has only
queer woman for the past 11 years. I have
had a Pride festival for the past seven years
finally found my home and I absolutely love
even though Pride parades began in 1970
qvirginia .com | 21
I’m only one of the estimated 222,417 queer adults (about 3.4 percent of the total population) living in Virginia and I’ve personally never felt like there is a solidified or highly organized queer presence here, but I’m watching this slowly change, too. For instance, in 2015, Virginia’s first statewide LGBTQ magazine launched, and you are enjoying it right now! Q Virginia magazine gave voice to allies and members of Virginia’s queer community as “a whole” for the first time in the commonwealth’s history. But it was only one year prior to this in 2014 that the Virginia General Assembly finally voted in favor of revising Virginia’s crimes against nature statute to remove the criminalization of consensual same-sex sexual relations. In other words, making love with your same-sex partner was considered a criminal act in Virginia until just five years ago. In 2017, Danica Roem became the first openly transgender woman to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly, defeating incumbent delegate Bob Marshall who had gone undefeated for 26 years. When Ms. Roem began her term in the House of Delegates in January 2018, she became the first openly transgender woman to serve in any U.S. state legislature. I fully acknowledge that no approach is without its flaws and challenges. But, as I’ve already established, our default “us vs. them” approach hasn’t been working for 13,000 years without tragic loss of life and resources at worst, or humiliation and dehumanization of “the other” at best. So, maybe it’s time to try something different. How does a both/and approach work? One word—civility—something that is blatantly absent in the majority of interactions between people these days. I like The Institute for Civility in Government’s definition: Civility is claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process. Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements. It is political in the sense that it is a necessary prerequisite for civic action. But it is political, too, in the sense that it is about negotiating interpersonal power such that everyone’s voice is heard, and nobody’s is ignored. And civility begins with us. For many years I housesat for a couple who also lived in a more rural area of Virginia. The wife was a Democrat and her husband was a Republican. On occasion we’d all get together for dinner and it wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities that the conversation would turn towards politics.
22 | Q Virginia
Civility is claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process.
qvirginia .com | 23
Clearly, we were not all on the same ideological page, but we “honored our personal identity, needs and beliefs without degrading anyone else’s,” and we all parted ways still holding each other in high regard even though we were clearly at opposite ends of the belief spectrum on many issues. This is what embracing the both/and through civility can look like. Notice no one’s body had to be buried. Civility is a skill that requires intentional practice and, because of this, I would never claim that every (or even most) interactions in Virginia look like the one with my dinner friends because it really depends on who is sitting at the table. I also believe we all have neighbors, friends and community members who likely have very different views than ours. If we chose to look at this reality as an invitation to embrace civility rather than just another fight where we try to “prove I’m right and you’re wrong,” then perhaps all of us together can “heal our insanity” by transforming our historical narrative of us vs. them and give birth, as community, to a “third way of being together.” My hope is that in doing so, we will ensure not only our survival, but the survival of Mother Earth and all of the precious life that she supports.
24 | Q Virginia
MOMIX Opus Cactus
JANUARY 22
JANUARY 26
MARCH 8
MAY 23
Tickets at:
fergusoncenter.org
26 | Q Virginia
qvirginia .com | 27
“ IN MY DEFENSE, I WAS LEFT UNSUPERVISED.” 28 | Q Virginia
qvirginia .com | 29
30 | Q Virginia
Book Review: The Boys of Fairy Town By, Terri Schlichenmeyer
D
ates, times and old dead guys. When you were in school, that’s
all history was to you: a list of years and names to memorize and then forget twenty minutes after Finals Week. So, maybe now it’s time to find a history book that’s relevant to you—a book like The Boys of Fairy Town by Jim Elledge. Because Chicago was considered to be a “largely male frontier city” when it was established in 1837, the Windy City has always been home to a strong population of gay men, cross-dressers and male sex workers. Here, Elledge tells the stories of some of the ones who might otherwise have been forgotten. Take, for instance, John Wing who, says Elledge, “was a sodomite.” That’s the word many post-Civil War Chicagoans would have used for Wing, although most people then only had a vague idea of what a sodomite was. They knew it was something bad, though, even as Wing did something good: he was a faithful diarist and left his volumes for historical posterity. Female impersonators were tolerated in Chicago in the latter 1800s, but sometimes only barely. Those who were most accepted were men who put their feminine sides to work as entertainers; for others, the desire for women’s clothing was meant for strictly private times. For families, such things were often an embarrassment. Elledge cites a story of “Mrs. Noonan,” who was married and worked at a
nearby military fort. Despite her final wishes, the “women at the fort” went to prepare her body upon her death and discovered that Mrs. Noonan was a man. Her third husband swore that he hadn’t known but he was ashamed and killed himself. Gay men posed nude for other gay men in perfectly respectful and artful ways that went mainstream. Newspapers reported on same-sex love—sometimes kindly, sometimes scandalously. Gay lectures were open to the public, entire neighborhoods became hubs of openly gay life and living as another gender was easy until, alas, the tide started to turn in the 1940s and being gay could suddenly get a man arrested. At first blush, it may seem like The Boys of Fairy Town is just another historical tome. Dates, times and old dead guys. But look deeper and you’ll see why you should want to read it. It’s bursting with stories that are irresistible. In his introduction, author Jim Elledge explains how he chose the tales he shares in this book and why recording these stories for public consumption is absolutely essential. In addition to being lively and ever-relevant, the tales show an interesting historical arc of acceptance and persecution, displaying a youthful America that’s just dipping her toes into the pool of difference and duality. Readers are lent a feeling of pride but may also be particularly affected when Elledge shows the tide turning. The Boys of Fairy Town contains nudity, but also the kind of delight you get when you come across a pile of old newspapers in Grandma’s attic. It’s quaint, informative and entertaining. It’s totally worth your time.
qvirginia .com | 31
Book Review: Blame It On Biannca Del Rio By, Terri Schlichenmeyer
Y
ou have no rope left. You were at the end of yours
last week and you need help. Advice. Tell-me-what-to-do direction. Even a little hint would be great and in Blame It on Bianca Del Rio by Bianca Del Rio, you might find it. Or not. Then again, Del Rio adamantly says that she gives “better advice than Dr. Phil” because what she espouses is based on “years and years of insightful prying and corrosive gossip.” That’s what this “literary goldmine” is based on. But Del Rio cautions that she changed names and circumstances as she wrote this book. In other words, even if you see your name here, it’s not all about you. Some of the problems here may be yours, though, and Del Rio offers “help” – first on health and grooming. This includes bad smells and what to do about them, rocking a bald look, dealing with serious illness, preparing yourself for a loved-one’s death and looking one’s best (or lowering one’s
32 | Q Virginia
standards). This book wouldn’t be right without Del Rio’s guidance on sex and relationships. She has a lot to say about LBD (Lesbian Bed Death), coming out as gay to your girlfriend of four years, how many cats a queen can have before crossing the line and what to do about a terrible mother-in-law. There’s “advice” here on how to deal with neighbors who don’t like you, and neighbors you like a little too much. Find out what Del Rio says about unknown paternity and how to avoid the same situation in the future. Get help on dealing with homophobia, parents that are overly supportive, bad Grandmas and other family matters. Learn how to turn down an invitation, how to read an invitation and how to be rude-not-rude. Finally, find out what it’s like to be famous, fabulous and fabulously famous. In a rush of snark and a long answer, Del Rio tells all… In case you hadn’t already figured it out—whether you are familiar with author Bianca Del Rio or not, whether
you know her work or don’t—you need to know that there’s not one single thing about Blame It on Bianca Del Rio that’s PC. Nope, in fact, there may actually be parts of this book that could be downright insulting. Contrary to what you were told in grade school, however, there are some books that need to be judged by their covers and this one is a good example. With one look, you should know what you’re getting yourself into, and a good insult is half the appeal of what you’ll have once you’re there. Mixed in with that is the occasional usable nugget, a lot of “you-go-girl!” empowerment, blunt MYOBiz answers to authentically sticky problems and fall-down screaming-hysterical laughs hidden in the snarkiest of comments. Blame It on Bianca Del Rio absolutely does not belong on the shelf with other Agony Aunt tomes. Get it and it might not even need a shelf at all because you’ll want it close, all tied up in fun.
qvirginia .com | 33
EQUALITY THROUGH STORYTELLING QVIRGINIA.COM
WANT TO SHARE YOUR BRAND'S INCLUSIVE STORY WITH AMERICA'S MOST LUCRATIVE NICHE MARKET? WE CAN HELP. INFO@QVIRGINIA.COM
VIC GERAMI I started my column because I wanted to interview my favorite celebrities from a fan’s perspective and ask questions that most journalists don’t ask.
My questions are designed in three parts. The first set of questions acknowledges the person’s accomplishments, lifts them up and asks them to elaborate on their successes. The second part is more casual and focuses on the celebs’ time off camera and trivial things that fans are interested in knowing. The third set of questions is designed to allow the subject to discuss their upcoming project(s), favorite causes and charities, as well as high-profile people they admire. I ask everyone the same last question, “Tell me a secret… a good one.” I have met, hung-out with and/or interviewed some of the biggest superstars in the world, but my single greatest experience was meeting Cher on my birthday and having her talk to me as if I was one of her girlfriends!
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36 | Q Virginia
INTERVIEW
A Blunt Conversation with Trans Icon Ashlee Marie Preston By, Vic Gerami Ashlee Marie Preston is an award-winning media personality, producer and civil rights activist. She is the first trans woman to become Editor-in-Chief of a national publication and the first openly trans person to run for state office in California.
A
shlee Marie was named one of The Root’s “100 Most Influential African Americans of 2017,” one of LOGO/NewNowNext’s “30 Most Influential LGBTQ Influencers of 2017 & 2018,” one of PopSugar’s “Top 40 LGBTQ’s of 2017” and one of Out magazine’s “OUT100 of 2018.” In addition, she made her TED Talk debut in September of 2018 and was chosen as one of Coca-Cola’s “Next Generation LGBTQ Leadership” influencers of 2018. This compassionate, unfiltered and unapologetic tour de force took time from her busy schedule to chat with me, bluntly.
activists who’ve come before us taught us that our existence is resistance. We’ve always been here, and we always will be. We’re not going away. In fact, we’re just going to keep leaning in, popping up in the military, governmental offices, schools, faith-based establishments and wherever else we decide to fill space. We’re going to keep shaking the table because what they don’t realize is that the fiercest warriors are those who have absolutely nothing to lose but life itself. We’re coming for everything they said we couldn’t have.
Congratulations on your recent honor as one of Out magazine’s OUT 100. You are one of the most prominent and high-profile trans individuals in the world. How do you reflect on the trans community’s achievements in the last five to ten years?
We can’t talk about trans issues without discussing intersectionality. Basically, intersectionality describes multiple threats of description when an individual’s identity overlaps with multiple marginalized groups. Those experiences aren’t independent of one another, but each informs the others. So as a black trans woman I’m not only navigating transphobia, but I’m also navigating misogynior and antiblackness at the same time. It’s for that reason that the estimated life expectancy for a black trans woman is only 35 years old. If we truly want liberation for the transgender community, it’s important that we prioritize the most vulnerable of that community. When black trans women experience liberation, so will everyone else.
Omg thank you! When I transitioned 15 years ago, most trans people (myself included) were primarily focused on assimilating into cisnormative roles, while exhausting ourselves over passibility politics. Over the last five to ten years, the transgender community has come out from the shadows, unsubscribed from the idea that we’re “broken” and are done apologizing for existing and taking up space. That doesn’t mean that gender dysphoria isn’t as real as it was in previous generations or that we won’t run into challenges as we navigate a heavily binary society. It just means that as the global conversation around trans identity continues to expand, we realize we are valid and that we get to honor every stage of our evolution instead of buying into the idea that happiness only awaits us on the “other side.” I don’t feel I was born in the wrong body. I was born in a society that promotes the wrong information about sex and gender.
Tell me about your #ThriveOver35 Campaign.
What is your assessment on the recent setbacks and attacks on the trans community, especially from the current administration? Also, please discuss some disparities within the trans community, such as the murder rate for trans women of color, for those who might pigeonhole all trans people in one group.
The #ThriveOver35 Campaign is really an opportunity for black trans women to reimagine our futures outside of a prison cell or casket. We are more than a statistic and we have the capacity to do and be anything our hearts desire. I felt it was important to promote positive messaging and visuals of black trans excellence and to completely transform the narrative. The campaign is also an opportunity to educate would be allies about our barriers to progress and challenges that present impediments to our ability to thrive. Instead of media consuming our erasure as if it’s trauma porn, I wanted to peel back the lens and take a raw look at the circumstances which place us in front of the barrel of the gun—or the blade of the knife.
Trans folx are built for battle and will not be intimidated. Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major and the long lineage of trans
Some day we will reach a point when someone’s gender identity is a non-issue, when your “trans-ness” does not lead your name and when
I don’t feel I was born in the wrong body. I was born in a society that promotes the wrong information about sex and gender. Photos courtesy of Ashlee Marie Preston
qvirginia .com | 37
Sometimes I can do guacamole, but I absolutely hate avocado. I know most of California is ready to fight me now, but I said what I said. you diverse work reflects the fact that you are a lot more than your trans identity. Is that a fair statement? Will you elaborate as the first trans woman to become Editor-in-Chief of a national publication and the first openly trans person to run for state office in California? Lastly, being a famous trans voice, trailblazer and leader comes with an awesome responsibility. Is it ever too much? You pretty much said it. My trans identity is only a facet of who I am. More importantly, the trans experience is not one size fits all. We have just as much beautiful depth and complexity as our cisnormative peers. And it’s within those folds that our humanity lies. My hope is that when others are able to access the full range of who we are, they finally retire their perception of us as caricatures or fetishbased beings. The most important practice I’ve adopted this past year has been self-care. I find it so interesting when people glamorize activism. In all actuality, there are very few perks to it. I rarely receive compensation for my labor, others won’t always see the immediate value in your work or the sacrifices behind the scenes and, ultimately, the folx that everyone runs to rarely have anyone to run to. I’ve learned to be as kind to myself as someone I’d advocate for. If we don’t know how to advocate for ourselves, we can’t be as impactful in showing up for others. I’ve learned better boundaries, the power of no and, more importantly, how to delegate and allow others to participate in their own liberation. I think the reason most activists burn out so quickly is because we have trouble learning to let go of the reigns a bit and placing more emphasis on mentoring those coming behind us. You recently started a grassroots humanitarian campaign to help Central American asylum seekers who were not allowed to enter the USA and are being kept in limbo in Tijuana, Mexico. What made you decide to gather tens of thousands worth of donations and head across the border and how has that experience been? I was born in America but had no choice but to flee Kentucky. I knew that it wasn’t a safe place for me to navigate gender expression or sexual orientation. I had to temporarily leave my family, friends and everything that mattered to me in hopes that I could build a better life and have a fighting chance. That’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s necessary in order to not only survive, but to thrive.
38 | Q Virginia
The audacity of our government to stand on stolen land and deem another human being as illegal and meet their pleas with tear gas is absolutely egregious. I felt that sense the current administration refuses to do the right thing it was an opportunity to self-govern. We don’t need permission from a higher authority to access our individual capacity to express compassion and empathy for one another. Many of us are sick of the circus and are yearning for the solution. Love is always the answer and the solution. I reached out to my network and asked friends to volunteer their time, cars, resources and bodies to go into Mexico and make it very clear that Trump is not our leader and he does not speak for all of us. I also loved that there several other black people in our “Compassion Caravan.” Anti-blackness is global and when brown people come to America from other countries, sadly enough, they subscribe to it. As our migrant families are granted asylum and start their new lives in America, my hope is that when they’re in brown spaces that spew anti-blackness, they will fiercely disrupt it in solidarity because we stood in solidarity with them and will always do so. It was especially important as a trans woman to make that trip because while we helped LGBTQ migrants as part of our mission, we also extended resources to the migrant families who, in some cases, were violently abusing the LGBTQ caravanners to the point that they had to be taken to undisclosed locations outside of the encampment for their own safety. How is it when a fan who has never met you recognizes you in public and offers feedback? It’s everything to me. I love, adore and appreciate every single person who lifts up my work. Sometimes I’m just flat out exhausted, but they are the ones who give me strength and courage to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Who are a few people that you admire? I’m a huge Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fan. Her vibrant spirit, unapologetic expression of her Latina roots and her refusal to kowtow to the establishment is so goals. AOC is bae. Amanda Seales is everything. Her ability to use comedy to mobilize and heal trauma while telling the unadulterated truth is so magical. I’m hitting refresh on her Instagram several
times a day. Lady Gaga because there’s so much heart, depth and intellect to her that I’m not sure most people can really digest. I’m an empath and I feel like I have such a visceral connection with her. Matt McGorry, Giacomo Gianniotti, LeBron James and Trevor Noah. They are the brothers/allies we all need and deserve—not to mention the absolute blueprint of what cis-heteronormative masculinity should look like. I admire their commitment to women, black, brown, LGBTQ and other historically disenfranchised folx. And, of course, Beyoncé. Slaying the game, snatching wigs, snagging awards and still maintaining privacy out of the public eye. What’s not to admire about that? What project(s) do you have coming up? Is acting in your future? There’s a film coming up, which will be my first. I have butterflies in my stomach, but I’m sure I’ll nail it. I’m just so extra sometimes. And there’s a non-scripted project coming up, as well, which I’m excited about. I love vibes which allow me to just simply be myself. And trust me—there’s never a dull moment. For those who care about social justice and inequity, how can they help? What is your call to action? Educate yourself instead of relying on the labor of those who are too busy fighting for their lives. Some of us are willing to educate you, but the best allies are those who make sure we’re compensated for it. Lastly, we all have something to contribute to progress. Not everyone is a protester or circuit public speaker—and that’s ok. Your music, art, films and other creative talents carry just as much impact. The main thing is to refrain from staying silent when you witness injustices taking place. Silence is complicity. Tell me a secret-a good one! Sometimes I can do guacamole, but I absolutely hate avocado. I know most of California is ready to fight me now, but I said what I said.
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INTERVIEW
Paula Abdual: Straight UP By, Vic Gerami
Paula Abdul is a rare superstar. Despite her remarkable career, immense talents and global popularity, she is as accessible as she is iconic, as sweet in person as she is on TV and as authentic as she is extraordinary. So, it’s no surprise that her fans are ecstatic to see her first solo tour in 25 years.
I
t’s been 30 years since her first mega-hit, seven-time
Your extraordinary career includes two multi-platinum
platinum album Forever Your Girl captured us, with singles
albums, six #1 singles, two Grammy Awards, five MTV
such as “Straight Up,” “Forever Your Girl,” “Cold Hearted”
Awards, four American Music Awards, two Emmy Awards,
and “Opposites Attract.” But Paula was no stranger to the
two People’s Choice Awards, a Teen Choice Award and two
entertainment industry before becoming a mega-star. Her
Kid’s Choice Awards. Is there less pressure on you now as a
mother was a concert pianist and she studied ballet and jazz
performer or more so because of your iconic status?
at a young age. While in college, she was a Los Angeles Lakers
I think the pressure is more from me to do a great show. You
cheerleader, which led her to be discovered by The Jacksons.
know, most of the dancers are almost half my age, so I have
She was signed to do the choreography for the video to their
to be in top shape.
1984 single “Torture” and eventually several videos for Janet Jackson and various other artists.
What made you decide to do this tour?
Paula graciously made time for my interview while
It was time to go back on the stage and do what I love. At
rehearsing for her tour, fine-tuning every detail and
the height of my career, I had to disappear for seven years
preparing to perform for her excited fans.
to recover from a plane crash. I was touring and it was toward the end of my tour, we were leaving St. Louis to go
How does it feel to be touring again?
to Denver on a 7-seater private plane. I wasn’t wearing my seat-belt and we crash-landed, and part of the plane went up
Right now, I’m just trying to put the last-minute touches and
in flames. I sustained multiple injuries and had to have many
tweaks on the show. I’m at a dance studio rehearsing with
surgeries and rehab. So, I spent seven years getting better.
the dancers. I really enjoyed touring last year with New Kids
Then this show came along, American Idol. In fact, I had one
on the Block and Boyz II Men, so I thought it was time to do
of my surgeries while judging on American Idol.
a show and reconnect with my fans.
I wouldn’t have my career if it wasn’t for my gay fans. 40 | Q Virginia
Photos courtesy of Austin Hasgrove
qvirginia .com | 41
Millions have been your fans since the beginning of
Do you miss American Idol?
your career and whole new younger generations love you from American Idol, too. Did you have to focus on a
American Idol was a great experience, even with the
particular demographic when planning your show?
dysfunctional family that we were. I had a great time with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and all the talented
When I was recording and doing shows, I had a very
people that came through the show. You know, I
diverse demographic fan base. Then I had that accident
never had a big brother, so I learned a lot from Simon.
and disappeared for seven years. Thanks to American
He taught me how to go deeper and be strong. I was
Idol, I got a whole new wave of young fans, so it’s
always strong, but he helped me a lot. In fact, we had a
cyclical.
mini reunion not long ago at Simon’s house.
What can audiences expect to see in the show?
Should we look forward to a new album in the
Any surprises?
near future?
They get to see a great show, have fun and a good time.
I’m waiting to see the response to this tour and how
I do a mix of retro stuff that people like but also new
things turn out, so maybe. I’m starting to work on a
material too.
few things.
Tell me about your fans.
Tell me a secret-a good one!
They are great! I am so grateful and lucky to have
I have a huge fear of elevators. I think because I was
people who have been with me throughout my career,
stuck in one with my mother when I was a little girl.
so I wanted to do this show and connect with them
What happens is that I start laughing uncontrollably
again. I love my fans!
and have to face the wall. One time, I was overseas and staying at this hotel. Even though I had asked to be on
I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about your gay fans.
one of the lower floors, they put me on the 33rd floor. I got into the elevator with my assistant and
I wouldn’t have my career if it wasn’t for my
started laughing. All of sudden, a heard a
gay fans. I have always been very close to the
voice say, “Paula?” I turned around and
community, as a dancer, a choreographer and
it was my dad! There we were, half
musician. They have been there with me
way around the world, at the same
through thick and thin and stayed
hotel and at the same time!
with me, always loyal. I love the gay community!
For more information about the Straight Up Paula tour, including tickets, visit www.tour.paulaabdul.com.
42 | Q Virginia
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
QVIRGINIA.COM
Interview: John Gidding
Photos courtesy of Madison+Main
44 | Q Virginia
INTERVIEW
From Istanbul to Your Living Room By, Justin Ayars, JD
If
you want to learn a thing or two
teenagers’ bedrooms), Designed to Sell
about how art, science, math,
(where he and helped homeowners
I had the pleasure of speaking with
music and design all intersect, look
make their homes more attractive to
John about his life and career. As a
no further than fascinating life and
potential buyers), Curb Appeal: The
recovering lawyer turned entrepreneur
career of John Gidding. John is a well-
Block (where his team spent $20,000
who was raised in a Las Vegas
travelled,
highly-educated
architect,
designer,
master
on improvements to homeowners
showbusiness family, our exchange
entrepreneur
exterior and landscaping) and, most
took some interesting detours that
and television star… not to mention
notably, the reboot of Trading Spaces.
most interviews don’t traverse. I hope
a former fashion model and music
John is also a co-host on LOGO’s
you enjoy our conversation as much as
lover. He’s appeared on numerous
Secret Guide to Fabulous, a judge on
I did.
television
FOX’s Home Free and a regular guest
shows
including
Knock
First (where he did makeovers of
on The Rachael Ray Show.
qvirginia .com | 45
46 | Q Virginia
JUSTIN: You grew up in Istanbul, and you
pantheon of cities with green spaces, I think
moved to the United States to go to college.
Istanbul is in the bottom five, maybe even
Are there any aspects of your childhood or
bottom three. It is a very special place,
early life in Turkey that stay with you today?
obviously, but it’s very much a megalopolis
For example, any cultural traditions involving
sort of city. I would say my first real sort of
food, music, fashion or color preferences?
sunrise and sunset awakening was in high school in Switzerland when I realized that
JOHN: Turkish influences have revealed
there’s this star that we’re hurtling around.
themselves to me throughout the years as never having left me. For example, food. In
Speaking of color and light, I was just in
Turkey, we tend to put everything on a big
Marrakesh for Genevieve Gorder’s wedding.
plate and let all the sauces combine. We sop
Genevieve is a colleague and a very good
up those sauces with bread and it’s kind of
friend of mine. The light quality there was
a beautiful thing. In America, it took a while
incredible. The horizontal light at the end of
before I started demanding that I wanted all
the day was bouncing off the air in between
my food on the same plate.
the buildings to create the color of the city. Every city has its own color. Marrakesh is
When it comes to design, I studied a
kind of pink and blue. It’s amazing how the
pedagogy
minimalism,
pervasive color of a city can inform design
function over form and a kind of pared down
decisions. If I were to pick a color for Istanbul,
aesthetic. But there was always this inclination
it would be gray.
that
embraced
of mine to push towards something more decorative and ornamented, even though
JUSTIN: Speaking of gray, you’ve often
I got a lot of pushback from my professors.
said your favorite paint color is porpoise,
Once I got into design—especially interior
which is a gray, neutral color. Do you think
design—and started having real clients, all
that that porpoise is your favorite color
of those old inclinations for the decorative
because the color of Istanbul, as you just
arts came back. I found that people need
described, is gray?
to live in spaces that are not just functional, but pretty and comfortable. And so, over
JOHN: I love that you brought it back to
time, my design aesthetic has bounced back
that. Because yes, porpoise remains one of
to something a bit more ornamental. I still
my favorite colors. I’ve always thought of
strongly embrace the tenants of minimalism,
gray as one of the richest colorways that you
but I think my Turkish background informs
can go with because of the incredible the
how I decorate once I’ve designed a space.
amount of variation there is. It’s all about the undertones. Especially when you’re designing
JUSTIN: Did your experience with color in
spaces for people that don’t like to live in
Turkey influence your design work today?
bright, primary colors, the power of gray is
For example, the way light bounced off of
in how you control those undertones to create
buildings at sunrise or sunset.
the feel of a space. Even gray walls can make a space feel warm and inviting. I love that
JOHN: I’ve never really connected with
even though I was being critical of Istanbul
nature in Istanbul. When I think of the
when I mentioned that the color of the city
qvirginia .com | 47
is gray, people to this day make fun of me
ways that architects are doing mind-blowing
for having a love affair with the color gray. I
things around the world… not what Pantone
guess there’s a connection after all!
has decided this week’s color is. Though, I do recognize the importance of trends. I focus
JUSTIN: You studied architecture at Yale
on what I’m interested in and outsource those
and Harvard. What drew you to that field
things where someone needs to have a finger
of study?
on the pulse of society.
JOHN: As a kid, I was good at art and
JUSTIN: That’s a great way to balance
math. Eventually when I was asked what I
your personal talents with what the public
wanted to be when I grew up, I just started
wants. So, here’s a left field question. What
saying that I wanted to be an architect.
do you think about Liberace? He was a
When I showed up at college, I wasn’t
brilliant, technical concert pianist. Yet, he
allowed to take architecture courses first
had an understanding about popular music
year because they were too specialized. So,
him that drew audiences in. Do you see any
I twiddled around, and I did my English and
kind of similarity between what you do with
my math courses, and I took art, which was
design and what Mr. Showmanship did
a close second. In my second year, I took my
with music?
first architecture course, Architecture 101, with Alec Purvis. And as with many of the people
JOHN: The fact that he took a concert
in that class, everybody fell in love with the
piano level virtuosity into a kind of pop realm
curriculum, and I stuck with it.
is something that I feel a certain kinship with. Of course, his level is at a genius level, and I
JUSTIN: Have the principles of architecture
wouldn’t call myself a genius. Because I’m at
shaped your practice and understanding
the strange intersection of kind of high design
of design?
and pop culture, where even the language that we were taught in school doesn’t really
JOHN: I struggle with trying to put the
fly, especially on television. I’ve had a really
decorative details before the functional
good time shoe-horning my kind of formal
and the sort of space sliding motions when
education into something that I can bring to
I’m designing for interior space. My first
a mass audience and have fun with.
inclination is to think of the space in three dimensions. I think about it in terms of
JUSTIN: It seems that you and he have a
circulation and function because that’s what
lot in common. Basically, you’re Liberace
we were taught in school. When it came to
without the piano.
picking colors and fabrics, cushions and faucets, I typically have an assistant who’s
JOHN: You know, I wasn’t going to say it
extremely well versed in what the trends are,
myself. But I do play the piano.
what the colors coming up are, what fashion is doing. That kind of stuff is not what I live
JUSTIN: Speaking of music, you were an a
and breathe. My inspiration is fabrication
cappella singer in school, and you play the
techniques, rapid prototyping and the cool
piano. How has music influenced your work?
48 | Q Virginia
qvirginia .com | 49
JOHN: If it has, it’s been a subtle influence.
JOHN: I am good at visualizing on paper.
JUSTIN: Did your marriage Australian
I’m a true amateur, in the sense that it’s a hobby
For me, everything begins with a plan and an
born ballet dancer Damian Smith affect
and it brings me great joy, but I don’t practice
elevation. How to think of something in 3D in
your work? Specifically, ballet is all about
enough. There was a gap in my musical life.
ways that are 2D. So, the paper is really my
movement. How do you deal with movement
Right as I started television, I kind of left music
friend when I design. Doing things on paper
in your work?
by the wayside. Thinking about it now with
is also a great record of my design process
you, in a way, those were dark times. I was
because I’ll have seen all the different ways
JOHN: For
reconnected with the piano about eight years
that my mind was trying to think about a
between the body and the built environment
later. I bought one for myself as a birthday
problem before I solved it.
around him was very visceral. Often, he
present. And suddenly, my life became so
Damian,
the
connection
was asked to come into spaces and assess
much richer. Something I’m doing right now is,
JUSTIN: Earlier in your career, you were a
them for if they’d be appropriate for a
I’m trying to learn the Goldberg Variations by
runway model for some major labels, and
performance. We tried to collaborate on a
Bach. They’re very difficult, but just within my
you even graced the cover of a few romance
couple projects but, as you can imagine, we
grasp. I’m on variation 7 of 30. And who knows
novels. Did your work in the fashion industry
often clashed. I respect him and we’re still
how this will influence my design, because now
influence how you see the world and how
friends. The broader dance community never
I get to see what a variation on a theme truly is.
you apply the notions of beauty and fashion
fails to amaze me. I’ve got two left feet when
to your design work?
it comes to dancing, so yeah, what they do,
JUSTIN: Returning to architecture, I under-
JOHN: Absolutely.
stand that you really like to draw. What is it
the design world follows lock step with the
about the act of drawing that helps you when
fashion world. It’s incredible how hand-in-
you do your work?
hand the two are.
50 | Q Virginia
It’s
uncanny
how
it’s just mind-blowing to me.
JUSTIN: I couldn’t agree more. Sammy
keep a job in a very fickle industry. I think,
JUSTIN: That’s interesting because that
Davis Jr. used to say that if you can count
if I would change anything, it would be the
goes back to your balancing of aesthetics
to three, you can swing dance. I can count
credit that we give our viewers for being able
with function.
to three, but I’m no dancer! Moving back to
to wrap their minds around more complex
color, if porpoise is your favorite paint color,
and more intellectual approaches to design.
what color would you say describes your
JOHN: Yes, for sure. With a heavier sort of emphasis on having passed the function
JUSTIN: Returning to design, In the
bar on the aesthetics. It’s also nice to think
past, you’ve said that when you started
of furniture as the lifestyle component of
JOHN: I’d say trade wind, which, of
your career, you were a very hard lined
an interior. Having designed that piece of
course, is a version of gray, but it’s a blue/
minimalist. More recently, you’ve said that
furniture, you’re really involved in crafting
silver version of gray. It’s light, it’s airy and
your inspiration is solving problems. As a
the lifestyle.
it feels comfortable. There’s nothing heavy
designer, what do you find are the most
about it. These are the ways that I feel kinship
challenging problems you encounter?
personality?
with that color.
JUSTIN: I know that, as a designer, you’re not big into trends. But from your perspective,
JOHN: I like to approach design from a
do you
JUSTIN: Do you have a favorite medium to
problem-solving perspective because it takes
themselves in the next year or two?
work with?
having to be inspired out of the equation. I
see
any trends
popularizing
can walk in and start identifying the issues of
JOHN: Well, as design is now on
JOHN: When it comes to sculpture,
the space, fixing these issues and suddenly
everyone’s televisions and lips, and everyone
plywood is my go-to. And that’s a sort of
the whole design comes together. I find it
kind of knows what they’re talking about,
catchall phrase for things that I can stack,
hard to decorate for a homeowner without
the trend conversation becomes ever faster.
whether it’s plywood, or cardboard or
really knowing them. I actually can get a
It used to be a yearlong trend, and now
hardwoods. It’s all sort of flat cut material
quick read on people, especially on television,
it’s a three-month long trend, as people
that I can craft with from a stack perspective.
and kind of force my own design sensibility on
consume design online and on media. The
I go back to this time and time again. When
them and hope for the best. For homeowners,
fashion industry has a quarter system and
I paint, I actually like using house paints. I’m
special issues are often the most difficult thing
the design world is quickly going to that
not a huge fan of watercolors. I can do okay
when it comes to design. For me, solving
model as well. One thing I am seeing is
with acrylics. But I have such a familiarity with
special problems is easy. What I find difficult
an inclination towards precious and semi-
house paints at this point that when I do fine
is translating a brief understanding of the
precious materials as now being okay to
art, I buy my paints from Sherwin Williams!
homeowner’s personality into a fully-fledged
put vertically within spaces. Materials that
decorative design.
would’ve been too expensive, or still are
JUSTIN: You’ve worked in the television
too expensive, but now design is seen as
industry for quite some time. If you could
JUSTIN: Do you have a favorite thing
worth it, even in more pedestrian settings.
change one aspect about working within that
about the work that you do in design?
You’re seeing semi-precious stones cut into
industry, what would that be?
countertops, leather wallpapers and other JOHN: I love furniture design. It’s a whole
things that are bringing luxury back in
JOHN: We have a tendency to repeat
world in and of itself and I’m just dabbling in
unexpected ways. And with the economy
ourselves and the viewing population has a
it. But whenever there’s an opportunity, I like
the way it is fluctuating all the time, the built
short memory. I got caught up in doing similar
to design a custom piece of furniture for a
environment becomes a stalwart against
shows, one right after the other, and it was
client. Something that is artistic and unique,
everything outside that’s changing so
a little frustrating. However, looking back, I
and encapsulated within a small space so
quickly. It also gives people an opportunity
now I see that I have a nice body of work, an
you can wrap your entire mind around it
to craft their homes as an art project that
interesting voice and the ability to perennially
quickly and understand it.
expresses their own individual character. It’s
qvirginia .com | 51
not just an interior design project, it’s really
JOHN: Well, live it and breathe it. The
an artistic expression of one’s self.
most successful colleagues of mine are the ones who don’t really see a threshold
JUSTIN: Can you define yourself in just three
between the different forms of design, be
words?
it fashion or interiors, or even automotive design or street art. It’s all one big continuum
JOHN: I would say I’m quirky, that’s always
of expression and it’s how, I think, the wheat
come up. I’m unique, these both mean the
separates itself from the chaff. The people
same thing. Um...
that live and breathe their work are the ones that inevitably end up understanding
JUSTIN: Use your words, John.
how to create spaces for the future that will resonate with people. This is a lesson that I’m
JOHN: Quirky, tall, tired.
still learning. I’m so conditioned to think of different kinds of design as being completely
JUSTIN: Tall and tired? Based on our
separate, and it’s almost daily that I see
conversation thus far, I would say you’re
examples to the contrary.
balanced. So, quirky, tall and balanced. There it is.
JUSTIN: John, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today.
JOHN: Thank you. I like that! JOHN: Thanks, Justin. It’s been fun! JUSTIN: Final question: There are a lot of young, aspiring designers out there. What message do you think they should take to heart as they begin to embark upon their careers?
52 | Q Virginia
Enjoy an ambiance that will radiate joy and happiness.
Say "I do" to your dream wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner with an intimate ceremony followed by an elaborate reception to celebrate your special day. Learn more by visiting ritzcarlton.com/tysonscorner. TYSONS CORNER
2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
Š
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RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS SEASON 26 / 2018–2019
Come see what all the fuss is about!
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AUGUST 8 – SEPT 1, 2018
THE LARAMIE PROJECT By Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project
SEPT 26 – OCT 20, 2018
WHO’S HOLIDAY By Matthew Lombardo
NOV 14 – DEC 15, 2018
AN ACT OF GOD By David Javerbaum Presented as part of The CityWide Acts of Faith Festival
FEB 13 – MARCH 9, 2019
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RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS AT THE ROBERT B. MOSS THEATRE 1300 ALTAMONT AVENUE, RICHMOND, VA 23230 MEDIA SPONSORS:
54 | Q Virginia
The 2018-19 Season Is Supported In Part By Funding From
APR 10 – MAY 4, 2019
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2O18/2O19 Season
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“ A wise man makes his own decions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.� 56 | Q Virginia
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2019: The Year of the Pig
2019 marks the Year of the Pig, which is the twelfth and last year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. After this lunar year, the cycle resets with the Year of the Rat. The Pig is a “yin” and also a water sign. The closest Western correspondent sign is the Scorpio. According to the Chinese astrology, 2019 is a greaat year to make money and a good year to invest. 2019 is going to be full of joy, a year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs because the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life.
By, Meredith Jenkins
A
ccording to the
in countries with big Chinese
Chinese lunisolar
communities, including Korea,
calendar, the Chinese
Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia,
New Year 2019 Festival starts
Singapore and Malaysia. The
on Tuesday, February 5th.
holiday is the cause of the
Chinese New Year is also called
largest annual mass human
“Spring Festival” and “Lunar
migration in the world with over
New Year” because it falls in
3.6 billion trips made in China.
spring and is dated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
Chinese mythology claims
For over 1,000 years it has
that Nian was a creature that
been the most important and
lived under the sea or on top
widely celebrated holiday in
of mountains. It is said that
the world. Associated with
every year at the beginning
many fascinating legends
of the Spring Festival, the
and customs, it is a time for
Nian would come out of
honoring deities and ancestors,
hiding to eat the crops and
full of prayers, offerings and
sometimes the villagers. People
other acts of devotion.
discovered how to scare him away with red lanterns
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The public holiday in China
and explosions of fireworks,
for celebrating the New Year
which led the traditional New
lasts 15 days. The Lunar New
Year’s celebration. Fireworks,
Year is celebrated worldwide
traditional lion and dragon
Dragons are a big part of the New Year celebration. They are legendary creatures that are known to scare away evil spirits, bring wisdom, good luck, wealth and prosperity. The Dragon Dance is an ancient traditional Chinese dance performed during the Spring Festival in hopes of attracting peace and prosperity for the whole nation. As millions of Chinese people started to emigrate abroad, the tradition of this dance has become a symbol of the Chinese culture. FOOD Longevity noodles (unusually long, uncut noodles) is one of the main dishes served on New Year and represents longevity. Other lucky dishes include fish (prosperity), dumplings (wealth), spring rolls (wealth) sweet rice balls (family togetherness), good fortune fruit (fullness and wealth) and glutinous rice cake (higher income/social status). Any kind of fish or bird is traditionally served whole, including the head and feet. The Tray of Togetherness is a platter full of sweets traditionally used by families to welcome visiting guests and around the Spring Festival. Watermelon seeds are also common, as they are a symbol of fertility. HOME DECORATIONS
This holiday is so widely celebrated that the world record for the most text messages sent in a single day is broken each year on Chinese New Year.
dances, lantern displays and street performances mark the 15-day festival, culminating with the Lantern Festival. TRADITIONS Before the New Year, Chinese people get haircuts to keep evil spirits away. People also try to settle all of their debts,
Year Festival.
make amends with others and
Chinese often give
rekindle relationships prior to
a red envelope with money
the New Year. At midnight on
to children for prosperity and
New Year’s Eve, people open
good luck. On New Year’s Day,
their doors and windows to let
no one washes or cuts their hair,
the old year go out.
nor do they use scissors or cry because all of these things are
On Chinese New Year, many
thought to bring bad luck in
people buy gold to welcome
the year to come. Superstitious
the New Year. Red is the color
Chinese people consult an
associated with fire, which is
Almanac in order to find out
thought to ward off evil spirits,
which is the best time and
so many Chinese people
direction to leave the house on
wear red during the New
New Year’s Day.
Preparations for the holiday start one month prior when people buy presents, materials for decorations, food and clothes. People also start cleaning their homes to chase away bad luck and paint their doors and windows red. These are then decorated with red paper strips (Chun Lian) with different wishes of happiness, prosperity and long life written on them. Before New Year, the Chinese decorate their living rooms with flower vases, plates full of oranges and tangerines
(symbolizing great happiness) and a tray of sweets consisting of eight kinds of dried fruit (8 is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture as it signifies wealth and prosperity). Feng Shui—the use of energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment—is very important in Chinese culture. The top 4 Feng Shui items for homes in 2019 are: 1. Pi Yao Statue – attracts wealth and brings good fortune 2. Pig Statue – brings happiness and prosperity 3. Himalayan Salt Lamp – great for romantic evenings, calming nerves and sleeping 4. Foo Dogs Guardian Lion – protects a family’s wealth and social status
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Chinese Zodiac By, Jerome West
Rat Years:
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020‌
TRAITS Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind, smart and lovely. With strong intuition and quick responses, Rats easily adapt themselves to new environments. With rich imaginations and sharp observations, they can take advantage of various opportunities. Rats have strong curiosity, so they tend to try their hands at anything, and they can deal with tasks skillfully. Due to a lack of courage, as well as good command skills, Rats are not capable leaders. Opportunistic and picky, they do not have broad minds, but a narrow view.
HOROSCOPE Rats will go through a transition period before they pass in the year of their zodiac sign in 2020. During the Pig Year of 2019, their careers becomes a priority. Rats will look and, very likely, will find their direction—especially in May when changes, ideas and new possibilities, both professional and financial, will occur. However, Rats should take care in 2019 as their health prospects are average and their love lives will not be so good.
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Ox Years:
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021‌
TRAITS Oxen are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Having an honest nature, Oxen are strongly patriotic, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family and work. They exhibit traditional, conservative characteristics. Oxen often achieve their goals because they are strong workers, have great patience and methodically plan every action. They often possess both a powerful faith and physical strength. Oxen are weakest in their communication skills, often thinking that exchanging ideas with others is a waste of time. They are notoriously stubborn and rarely deviate from their own ways.
HOROSCOPE The Year of the Pig is one of major changes in personality. In 2019, those born under the Ox sign will go through a period they haven’t enjoyed in a long time full of peace, quiet and well-being in their relationships. Oxen need to pay particular attention to developing partnerships and important relationships. They will experience financial luck; however, it will still be hard for them to get ahead in their careers. Oxen will be more popular among the opposite sex, even if only platonically.
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Tiger Years:
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022‌
TRAITS People born in a year of the Tiger are brave, competitive, unpredictable and confident. They are charming and wellliked by others, but sometimes they are likely to be impetuous, irritable and overindulged. With stubborn personalities and tough judgment, Tigers work actively and express themselves boldly, doing things in a high-handed manner. They are authoritative and never go back on what they have said. With great confidence and indomitable fortitude, they can be competent leaders. They will not make preparations for anything but can handle anything that comes along.
HOROSCOPE The Year of the Pig is a year of development, evolution and knowledge. In 2019, the Tigers will orientate towards a better lifestyle. They have plenty to learn, understand and explore within the subtler areas of themselves. 2019 is a great year to begin a process of spiritual development. This is a good year for the health of Tigers and for the socioprofessional environment in which they live. Tigers will achieve a lot in their career and gain more wealth. On the relationship front, however, it will be a rough year.
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Rabbit Years:
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023‌
TRAITS Rabbits tend to be gentle, quiet, elegant and alert as well as quick, skillful, kind, patient and responsible. However, they might be superficial, stubborn, melancholy and overly-discreet. Rabbits always treat others politely with a gentle smile that makes people feel that they are credible and sincere. When encountering difficulties, they remain persistent in their endeavors, find solutions and eventually achieve enviable success. Rabbits are faithful to those around them but are reluctant to reveal their minds to others. They also have a tendency to escape reality. They can be too cautious and conservative, which means they could miss good opportunities.
HOROSCOPE For Rabbits, 2019 will be filled with passion, warmth, love, joy of life, as well as the desire to create and do what pleases them. Children will be a topic of discussion, either planning to have children or deciding to get involved more or less in the life of the younger generations. The main topics in the Year of the Pig will be centered around romantic relationships and partnerships. Rabbits are forecast to have a prosperous year financially. In their careers, Rabbits will do well and complete their work with extraordinarily high proficiency.
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Dragon Years:
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024‌
TRAITS Among the Chinese zodiac animals, the dragon is the sole imaginary animal. The dragon is the most vital and powerful beast in the Chinese zodiac, although Dragons have an infamous reputation for being hotheads and possessing a sharp tongue. Gifted with innate courage, tenacity, and intelligence, Dragons are ambitious, confident and enthusiastic. They are not afraid of challenges, are willing to take risks and buck tradition. However, Dragons are sometimes aggressive and not open to criticism.
HOROSCOPE 2019 comes with a lot of responsibilities that require Dragons to lead a disciplined, organized and a rigorously planned lifestyle. The Year of the Pig can also bring unexpected changes, nonconformist ideas and spectacular career changes. For the first time in a long while, Dragons will be able to express themselves freely and they will be ready to make serious commitments. Overall, Dragons will have good luck in 2019, especially in the arenas of career and wealth. Dragons will, however, have to be careful about their health.
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Snake Years:
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025‌
TRAITS The Snake is the most enigmatic and intuitive animal among the 12 zodiac animals. Snakes tend to act according to their own judgments while remaining private and reticent. They are determined to accomplish their goals and hate to fail. Snakes are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. They’re usually regarded as great thinkers. Snakes are materialistic and love keeping up with the Joneses. Snakes prefer to work alone and are easily stressed. If they seem unusually stressed, it is best to leave them alone.
HOROSCOPE 2019 is a year for building, anchoring and concretizing some older wishes and ideas that couldn’t be put in practice until now. This year, the most valuable advantage is communication, through which Snakes can improve relationships, solve old conflicts with family and obtain contractual benefits. The Year of the Pig will not be easy for Snakes. Things will be challenging before they become easier; however, Snakes will find suitable opportunities to turn the tables in their favor towards the end of the year.
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Horse Years:
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026…
TRAITS Horses are extremely animated, active and energetic. They love to be in crowds and are often seen at concerts, theater performances, meetings, sporting events and parties. With a deft sense of humor, Horses are masters of repartee. They love to take center stage and delight audiences everywhere. Sometimes, Horses are a little self-centered, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested in others. They are really more cunning than intelligent, and that is probably why most Horses lack real confidence.
HOROSCOPE For years, Horses have had a rough time—from rocky relationships to a general sense of instability. During the Year of the Pig, however, everything changes. Horses will finally begin to experience happiness and stability in their relationships, career, finances and health. 2019 will be an especially good year of financial growth and business expansion. This year will also be one of inner reconstruction marked by delving into childhood memories and experiences that, over time, will improve overall satisfaction in life.
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Goat Years:
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027...
TRAITS Goats are gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice. They have delicate thoughts, strong creativity, perseverance and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside and have excellent defensive instincts. Although Goats prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending a lot of time in their own thoughts. Goats like to spend money on fashionable things, but they’re not snobbish.
HOROSCOPE 2019 will bring Goats unexpected changes, surprises and rebellious or strange new acquaintances. Some Goats will enjoy much tenderness and love. The Year of the Pig is one of the most important years for Goats because they have outstanding and unique chances of evolving in all spheres of life. This year, Goats will have great career prospects and a prosperous love life. Though, they should pay more attention to their health.
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Monkey Years:
TRAITS Monkeys have magnetic personalities and are witty and
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028…
intelligent. They’re often mischievous, curious and clever, which can make them very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical jokes. Although they don’t have bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt other people’s feelings. Monkeys are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, others don’t trust their sly, restless and inquisitive nature. Although they are clever and creative, Monkeys can’t always exhibit their talents properly. They like to accept challenges and prefer urban life to rural life.
HOROSCOPE During the Year of the Pig, Monkeys will be concerned with the financial sector in the first part of the year, especially when it comes to their personal income. Monkeys will have a year focused on spiritual evolution. They need a period of time when they can breathe, isolate themselves more than usual and focus on their own peace of mind. Monkeys will have good luck in 2019, especially in terms of development and wealth. On the health front, Monkeys need to pay more attention to their physical condition.
22
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Rooster Years:
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029…
TRAITS Roosters are very observant and confident. They’re hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented. Roosters are active, amusing and popular. They are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest and loyal. Roosters like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm on any occasion. Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak and can become agitated if they don’t. They can sometimes be vain and boastful.
HOROSCOPE 2019 is a year of regaining power and personal authority. Roosters will be very organized, disciplined, efficient and responsible. The Year of the Pig offers Roosters incredible prosperity in their personal and business finances. New sources of income from work, investments from others, inheritances or dividends are likely. Roosters will also have a great year when it comes to relationships and romance. However, their health prospects are not so good. A balanced diet and regular exercise are definitely in order.
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Dog Years:
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030...
TRAITS Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. They have a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity and are always willing to help others. As Dogs are not good at communication, it is difficult for them to convey their thoughts to others. Therefore, Dogs tend to leave others with the impression that they have a stubborn personality. Dogs do not tend to be criminals or seek dishonest gains. They just need a quiet life and a good family. When thrown into doubt, Dogs think the world is evil and complicated. Then they criticize sharply when making comments and infer that all things are according to their pessimistic point of view.
HOROSCOPE 2019 is a year full of energy and Dogs will get involved in many different activities. In the Year of the Pig, Dogs will have special opportunities to progress, to change their plans for the future and to trace new directions, both in their personal and professional lives. Overall, 2019 will be a good year for Dogs as they’ll achieve many of their goals in love and finance. No major health concerns for Dogs this year.
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Pig Years:
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031‌
TRAITS Pigs are diligent, compassionate, and generous. They have great concentration. Once they set a goal, they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Though Pigs rarely seek help from others, they will not refuse to give others a hand. Exceedingly optimistic, Pigs never suspect trickery, so they are easily fooled. General speaking, Pigs are relatively calm when facing trouble. Pigs always see the beauty and joy in life. Endowed with an extraordinary imagination, Pigs sometimes lacks realism and can be content only with dreaming, instead of acting.
HOROSCOPE According to Chinese astrology, in the year of their birth sign people offend Tai Sui, the god of age in Chinese mythology and, therefore, have bad luck. Pigs should be more careful about all aspects of their lives in 2019. However, even though Pigs will be in their birth sign year, they generally have smooth prospects for the coming year. Their overall luck for career, health and love is normal, while their wealth will increase.
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By, Anna Huff, PhD and Teresa Reyes Castillo, PhD
Never a dull moment Two married psychologists’ journey on a path of spiritual awakening
I
“
’m sorry ma’am. Who did you say took your
She excitedly replied, “My divination cards!”
stuff?” asked the police officer, as he leaned
Incredulity seeped in on the officer’s face.
back in his desk chair.
She tried to add in for comfort,“… they gave me my zero gravity chairs …”
“Metatron,” said the Seer. “It all came down to two forensic psychologists, The police officer glanced up from his piece
a shunghite room, divination cards and zero
of paper. “I’m sorry ma’am. Can you spell that
gravity chairs.” said the Seer as she told us her
for me?” Pen held in suspense.
story.
“M-E-T-A-T-R-O-N,” said the Seer, full
We laughed so hard. Who tells a cop these
composure maintained.
sorts of things? Welcome to our lives—if there’s ever an unsurprising or routine day,
The officer dropped his pen on his notepad,
we usually question what’s gone wrong. We
crossed his arms, and asked, “and who exactly
used to be two psychology students, obedient
is that?” The only thing written on his piece of
and observant, sitting at our desks in Fresno,
paper was, “M.. E.. T.. A.. T.. R.. O.. N..?”
California, intrigued and curious as we stared up at our professors. Now, we work in NYC
“He’s kind of like Michael the Archangel. They
alongside a medium, clairvoyant and healer.
said he’s the guardian of the shungite room
Who knew our paths would take us here?
and that he stole my box.” She counter-crossed her arms, confident and calm. “Right, ma’am. I’m trying to figure out what I can do here. What’s in the box?” he asked.
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We used to be two psychology students, obedient and observant, sitting at our desks in Fresno, California, intrigued and curious as we stared up at our professors. Now, we work in NYC alongside a medium, clairvoyant and healer. Who knew our paths would take us here?
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“Getting woke is like being in The Matrix and taking the red pill.” And it’s so true. We definitely took the red pill.
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If we just run down our odd list of identifiers, we’re not exactly
completely shook our world. We were wiped. We were grateful that
mainstream. One of us from good ole’ Arkansas and one from beautiful
when one of us was extremely sick, the other was feeling better and vice
Peru. Our work is based in intuition and expanding consciousness,
versa. Our ebb and flow helped us journey through our illness.
helping our society to grow to a new state of well-being. Oh yeah, did we mention we are married clinical forensic psychologists? Talk about
As we told the Seer about our illness, we began to understand. We
a relationship twist—never a dull (or unanalyzed) moment. And we
were releasing aspects from multiple dimensional spaces and releasing
work with a dear friend, Theresa Galuszka, whom we like to call the
wounds from our ancestry. This was definitely a purge. Tolerating an
Seer. Think ancient wisdom with a powerful and compassionate twist.
illness is one thing—understanding an illness is another. Other cultures examine and discuss cleansing blood lines more readily; ours, not
It took us a while to adjust to this lifestyle—to walk through the first
so much. It’s the sensation of being sick and feeling like way more is
door of consciousness and welcome all it had to bring. We even wrote
happening to you than a simple virus. Or being sick and watching
about it in our book, Awaken Love, which has been described as an
various family members mirror your symptoms.
authentic roadmap for breaching the first door of consciousness. Given our book provides an honest portrayal of our journey together
And after all, this was our journey—an ongoing trek, alongside
through that magical door, we often think back and wonder how to
many others, to bring our world into a greater understanding and
explain what it is like to become “woke.” And then we giggle that this
perspective of what life means, of what our home can truly be in a
is becoming mainstream and a “cool” thing to do. I mean, why not?
greater sense. And that meant purging, which was leading us into
The more, the merrier!
further spiritual awakening.
Urban Dictionary says, “Getting woke is like being in The Matrix and
The Seer offered us an energy healing to help ease the pain of the
taking the red pill.” And it’s so true. We definitely took the red pill.
transition. As she prepared for the session, she turned on a guided meditation. We were snuggled in, ready to feel a better. The woman
After the Metatron incident, we and the Seer decided to live near one
on the recording introduced herself and began calling in all sorts
another in the same apartment complex, knowing we needed each
of Archangels.
other’s support. As the transition into the new year happened, we
had become gravely ill. The illness seemingly penetrating our physical
Then she said, “… and for his strength, we call in Archangel Metatron.”
bodies and energetic fields. The illness came on like a thunderbolt and
90 | Q Virginia
And in that moment, we couldn’t control it. We all burst out laughing.
Our multi-faceted layers as human beings can bring us into such
Thank goodness for the universe’s sense of humor. Metatron
beautiful inter-connectivity with one another and with spirituality
had returned.
or the divine. The connection that we all have as people, with one another, for one another and with a greater spiritual collective. The
The coincidences and synchronicities that occur in life typically have
connection that provides a deeper sense of the word home. The
meaning behind them. Archangel Metraton is said to be both mortal
same home that even the inter-dimensional light beings have … but
and divine. He was once on Earth as a prophet and was then brought
maybe we’ll save that story for another time. Happy connectivity
into the heavens as an Archangel. And so, another layer of our
and magazine reading y’all!
understanding came in. This wasn’t just about purging. This was about embracing a new layer of consciousness. Consciousness is about expanded perception and awareness, learning to live and engage in life in a different way. It’s about learning to live life to the fullest. Embracing who you are and what your path has to bring. The first door of consciousness—it’s like welcoming a home that you have such a faint sense of belonging to, yet aren’t quite sure what it is. A home that has a deeper meaning within yourself and within the collective. A greater sense of more, of expansion.
Anna Huff, PhD and Teresa Reyes Castillo, PhD are licensed clinical psychologists who run an intuitive practice in New York, NY. They go one step beyond psychology as we know it, expanding consciousness and connectivity and supporting the path and process of spiritual awakening.
qvirginia .com | 91
The CENTER for EARTH-BASED HEALING offers survivors of domestic and sexual violence a positive, pivotal, and transformational opportunity to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Twelve campers participate in a gentle wilderness experience for three days, engaging with nature in a safe, supportive environment.
Our trauma-informed approach encourages experiential interactions with Mother Earth, guiding participants to use mindfulness, meditation, movement, and creative arts as resources to stay grounded in the present. Current programs benefit women and teens,
I can say that this program has done more to help me heal than anything I’ve ever done. –E.C., Camp Mabon ‘14
as well as the professionals who advocate for
them. For the future, programs are being planned for transgender and gender-queer survivors. Please contact Michele Zehr, CEBH’s executive director and featured Q Virginia columnist, with questions about our programs at michelezehr@earthbasedhealing.org, or at
www.earthbasedhealing.org.
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