What an amazing experience! There was nothing more then bliss thru this Cleveland Pride Weekend, All The Work that we did came to fruition this Saturday June 29th 2013- The 25th Annual Celebration had a record attendance and not to mention a huge parade! Here is a Play By Play- I was the Director of Logistics for the 25th Anniversary for Cleveland Pride, As stressful as it was i had so much to learn in little time and i have to say i was excited to make it happen. There was alot of work and have to say it was very worth it and i do have to say the lessons learned were epic, I will like to thank every sponsor, every volunteer, every performer, every vendor, every person in that parade and every person in attendance THANK YOU !!! Thank you to the rest of the board directors for your assistance and lessons, Thank you Todd Saporito for all you do, Chuck, Jon, Jim De Long, James, Annette, Michelle, Brionna, Jessica, Vision Video, Jereme, Veranda, Carly, Anthony, Keith, Ervin, George and so many more .. Special thanks to Drew Cari and Martha for starting Pride in 1989- Thank you for standing out! Thursday Set Up
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First of all let's take this blog back a bit shall we?
LGBT history refers to the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) peoples and cultures around the world, dating back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality of ancient civilizations. read full story here- Thank you WIKI- (Some how thru The Ancient Civilizations to the 1960s Homosexuality became Unacceptable) Fast Forward To Stonewall - The legendary Stonewall Inn is the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against what had become regular, tolerated, city sanctioned harassment by the police department. For the first time in history Gay people refused to accept the status quo of oppression and stood up for themselves and, ultimately, the global Gay community. read full story here- This event started LGBT Pride Month During June - Let's touch on more LGBT History - Harvey Milk was an American politician who became the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Politics and gay activism were not his early interests; he was not open about his homosexuality and did not participate in civic matters until around the age of 40, after his experiences in the counterculture of the 1960s. 1970 – The first Gay Liberation Day March is held in New York City; The first LGBT Pride Parade is held in New York; The first "Gay-in" held in San Francisco; Carl Wittmanwrites A Gay Manifesto. 1973 – The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II), based largely on the research and advocacy of Evelyn Hooker; Malta legalizes homosexuality; In West Germany, the age of consent is reduced for homosexuals to 18 (though it is 14 for heterosexuals).[citation needed]; Sally Miller Gearhart became the first open lesbian to obtain a tenure-track faculty position when she was hired by San Francisco State University, where she helped establish one of the first women and gender study programs in the country 1980 – The United States Democratic Party becomes the first major political party in the U.S. to endorse a homosexual rights platform plank; Scotland decriminalizes homosexuality; David McReynolds becomes the first openly LGBT individual to run for President of the United States, appearing on the Socialist Party U S A ticket; TheHuman Rights Campaign Fund is founded by Steve Endean; The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. 1990-LGBT Organizations founded: BiNet USA (USA), OutRage! (UK) and Queer Nation (USA) 1991- AIDS Related: The red ribbon is first used as a symbol of the campaign against HIV/AIDS. 1992-Homosexuality no longer an illness: The World Health Organization 2000-The Transgender Pride flag was first shown, at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona. Read more on time line - Same Sex Marriage - (Common Ohio!) State Legalization date Effective date. Massachusetts November 18, 2003 May 17, 20042. Connecticut October 10, 2008 November 12, 2008. Iowa April 3, 2009 April 27, 2009. Vermont April 7, 2009 September 1, 2009. New Hampshire June 3, 2009 January 1, 2010 District of Columbia December 18, 2009 March 9, 2010. New York June 24, 2011 July 24, 2011. Washington November 6, 2012 December 6, 2012. Maine November 6, 2012 December 29, 2012. Maryland November 6, 2012 January 1, 2013. Rhode Island May 2, 2013 August 1, 2013. Delaware May 7, 2013 July 1, 201312. Minnesota May 14, 2013 August 1, 2013. After that snippet let's check Ohio State based Law- (According to WIKI) - (corrections can be made) Recognition of same-sex relationships In 2004, voters approved a constitutional amendment, Ohio State Issue 1, that banned same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state. It passed with 62% of the vote. Domestic partnership registries were not affected,[citation needed] nor did the measure affect the state's domestic abuse laws. A September 2012 poll by the Washington Post indicated that 52 percent of Ohio residents surveyed said that gay marriage should be legal, while 37 percent said it should be illegal. A March 2013 Saperstein poll for the Columbus Dispatch revealed that 54 percent of Ohio residents surveyed supported a proposed amendment that would overturn the state's 2004 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Domestic Partnership Registries Nine cities in Ohio offer domestic partnership registries. The first city to offer domestic partnerships was Cleveland Heights in 2003, which was passed by voter referendum.Toledo began offering domestic partnerships in 2007. In 2008, the Cleveland City Council created a domestic partner registry.In 2011, the Athens City Council established a domestic partner registry.In 2012, the Dayton City Commission, the Cincinnati City Council, and the Columbus City Council approved ordinances creating domestic partnership registries. Yellow Springs and Oberlin created domestic partnership registries in 2012, as did Cuyahoga County. Alright, What prompted this idea to post all this information? Honestly, After attending a Plexus Meeting (Info on plexus) Where they spoke about the (LAW in LGBT) They had a lawyer there that spoke about different cases and hypothetical issues that might rise with a same sex unions and also what companies will have to do to accommodate the changes of the same sex unions in the corp world like benefits, insurance and such. Some of the topics were. Per example- Jim and John get married in NYC where their union is Recognize and Legal but they like in Ohio Where their union is not legal or recognized. Say Jim and John grow old and happy together but Jim grows sick and John is trying to help him with the basics. Jim is hospitalized and John can't see him since he has been refused right by the family of Jim. This would have been preventable if there was (A Living Will) There is also other types of legal contracts that protect you and your partner legally. *Im Not a Lawyer Consult One* The Other thing that made me think and ask a good question (I know i did! ) The mass "Illegal" same sex weeding at The Galleria in March 2012- 200 coupes wed and this is what was stated in the public press article by the plain dealer. "Promoters pointed out that even though Saturday's ceremony is not legal, it could provide some of the paperwork needed for obtaining a marriage license, if gay marriage is ever recognized in Ohio. it will provide some of the paperwork needed for obtaining a marriage license should gay marriage ever be recognized in Ohio."-PD Click here to read the facebook info So per example- Anna and Joanne got married in the mass wedding and as we know it still not recognized in the state of ohio. So say 10 years later Anna and Joanne have separated and the ohio state law passes same sex marriage is legal. Does this mean that Anna and Joanne are still married and require a dissolution? Does that include personal property and income can be deviated equally?? Does their marriage become recognized only by sending in the paper work given to them by the mass wedding organizers? Do they send it in? (Answers??) Perhaps this is not very romantic but a pre nuptial agreement till your marriage becomes legal. *Again am not a layer consult one* There is so many things going thru my head right now about LGBT families and the every day struggles they face, Also some of these families do not have resources other then google to support questions. I mean There is PFLAG, Cleveland Pride, The LGBT Center Of Greater Cleveland, AIDS Taskforce, GLSEN NEO and Equality Ohio. These are all organization that can offer you referrals to legal services to answer questions. My mind is going around in circles.. can some one provide answers? help.. this will continue- :) Transgendered Information as well :) Kiarra Cartier Fontaine In Dedication-
Trust that the skies will hold you ever so tightly, Trust that your face witll shine very brightly. In hearts of millions you will be eternal My drag sister passed last night, My deepest condolences to everyone, Cleveland has lost one of the greatest. Man did you miss a great show, Congrats to my dear Twiggy Stardust on her coproduction! She did great and it was amazing to see Lushes La Moan from Detroit and Satori! MORE PICS HERE CLICK ME <-- Our Facebook page! There is no solace for a longly heart,
The thoughts of a day may go from gracious temporary happiness, to reckless self loading. Tear away the scab in their heart, The infection will fester to a world of void pointless thoughts of days of conquest and glory. Heavy is the burden, Lifting sights and healing hearts might only temporarily relive you them of pain. Attention to the details of empty desire, Momentary dreams and imagined love is all that is needed to cast the spell of healing. Look at the moon forgetful lover, There is some one missing you tonight. XxOrchidxX "We all keep shining in the stars" These last few weeks there is been plenty of thoughts to get out, I have been staying away from writing but it does not seem to stop dawning on me specially today. It was a beautiful day and i was waiting for the transit as i looked down i saw a flower, what others will know as a weed. That took me back to The Rally for CeCe that i attended on Wednesday there was city leaders, activist speakers and my best friend ZOE!. The rally was in memory of Ce Ce Dove a transgendered woman that was found murdered, There has been so much controversy around the news articles calling her a him. More then once this week it has been brought to my attention the transgendered community are more then 2 rate citizens they are literally none existent to society and it makes me very sad, I have lived in the LGBTQIA community for so long they are a normal part of my every day life, Some of them are the most beautiful people i have ever met and my best friends.
When i spoke to people about what had happened, Some of them were misinformed about so many things and it killed me to think of the ignorance that some people carry. As i stood downtown with masses of people walking pass me on their phones and ipods .... I stopped breathing and i closed my eyes and all i saw was stars.... lights all these people were lights... Then i thought of Ce Ce and the legacy that she never expected to leave behind, I started to breath and opened my eyes and realized even when stars die in the heavens their light will shine and inspire for years to come. News Article Online Here "Fun Times with Good Friends" - B This weekend i had the pleasure of working with Natalia Dale, She has been a long time friend that has been an amazing artist thru the years hosting many shows in many galleries in Cleveland. Here is a taste of the edited pictures from the shoot :)
Check out her facebook and add her - Natalia Dale Photography Circus Circus
Burlesque & Vaudeville FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Cleveland, OH- May 17th, 2013: Run Off and Join The Circus Contact: Le Femme Mystique Burlesque ohioburlesque@yahoo.com or (216)-263-9965 www.bellasin.com or www.burlycle.weebly.com The Circus comes to town, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls Step Right up, Come Closer, you wonʼt believe your eyes. Le Femme Mystique Burlesque has ran off and brought you the circus. Circus Circus takes place at The Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Road) at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m) Friday. May 17th 2013 General admission is $15 advance, $17 day of show. We bring you entertainment from the from a land far far away where the circus still rules the land, Special Headliners are a vaudevillian laughter stealing clown from Motor City Satori Circus, Detroitʼs Hardest Working Show Girl Billed as The Paris of The West Lushes La Moan, Clevelandʼs very own burlesque queen Bella Sin All three headliners were featured in Brian C. Janes “Itʼs All That Glitters- Burlesque Performers In Their Homes”They will be supported of Le Femme Mystique Burlesque. As well as a magical mix of vaudeville, circus entertainers like magicians, ring leaders, lion tamers, gypsies, balloon animal makers and more! This will also be a very special benefit for the upcoming 3rd Annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival 2013 that will celebrate burlesque, vaudeville, variety and history in the rustbelt city. August 2nd and 3rd 2013 in Cleveland, OH at The Beachland Ballroom. Thank you, See you there. Le Femme Mystique Burlesque "Cigarette holder which wigs me Over her shoulder, she digs me. Out cattin' that satin doll" - Duke Ellington "Satin Doll" This is Burlesque Legend Toni Elling, I had the pleasure of spending some time with "The Duchess" her self this past weekend in Detroit, MI. I had the pleasure and honor to spend some time with Ms. Toni Elling this past weekend in Detroit Michigan. I was hosted by Detroit's Own Lushes La Moan as we got ready and left to pick Ms Toni Elling to run her o the show in Detroit, We have spoken some time ago about me using "Satin Doll Act" Before i knew anything about her being "The Satin Doll" this song held a personal significance in my life, Phat Man Dee also had mention the song to me thru some time i had yet to reveal my intentions to use it. It always brought me comfort for I loved Duke Ellington. Ms Toni Elling was so loving and amazing, I talked to her about my costume and my dance being very nervous she gave me a big grip on my hand as she held it and said "Your going to be great" The pressure was on to perform not only the song in front of her but do it with a live band. I remember being announced and stepping out to the song and just moving with it with grace and love for it took over my heart and at that point the whole room went away and its was only Ms Toni in the audience. I saw her face shine and her eyes looked like they were sparkling it was a very special moment. After the intermission of the show came thru i went directly to her and saw her smiling face. She was in tears and with a smile from ear to ear, She had told me how much she loved it and how beautiful i looked and that she would not change a thing... (except for putting my clothing on the floor) I giggled.. she held me tight and there and then i had her permission to call it her tribute number and her permission to use the song. I feel grateful and my heart is swollen with pride and love just honored. After the show we went for a coney and a soda talked much much more along with Ms Lushes.. It was just like i was with family and i was... having a coney with one of my sisters and my mother... We drove her home and i walked her to her door and made sure to have her in safely. When Lushes and i got back to the house and she got us some tea we spoke about ms elling and the show in general... but that feeling of happiness never left my heart.. The next morning we went to eat before i left... Shane, Lushes, Holly Huck and her Man and my self but in the back of my mind i still day dreamt about the night before.... The whole time was magical... I still am in an ahhh over the whole experience with the one and only "Satin Doll" Toni Elling Talks About Duke and The Song Satin DollThere is no easy way to talk about this but here we go,
My personal life has been some what of an adventure as of late but some of you have been reading cryptic facebook updates, After a good conversation with my therapist here i am blogging about what happen. In January 26th 2013- I was assaulted by my companion of 2 years. At the time i was in the city of Pittsburgh tending to some work prior to returning to Cleveland. The abuse had been there before and trying to escape the situation had not been easy. That very night my life was almost taken by violence and there is no easy way to talk about it 12 weeks out still, It's seemed like a scene our of a movie, I guess it did not hit till the swat team knocked out the door to rescue me that i was almost killed. I was immediately taken to an undisclosed location with some personal belongings and tended to my body, mind and spirit. None of this was by any means easy but friends really came out of the wood work including my own troupe sisters to take care and manage everything that was needed so i would have time to get up. I really can't explain nor understand my self still what dark place he was in to have done this to me but i have seeked light and have been healing slowly and surely with the amazing support that my friends and family have provided. I was very well taken care of by personal amazing people that hosted me for the time i was in Pittsburgh my family there is amazing and i would not trade them for the world. My Cleveland Family was been helping me from a far but as it goes am home and its pretty easy to breath at times. PTSD is still strong and it does not allow me to sleep at night, Random bouts of panic attacks make my life a bit harder but being back to almost normal does help a bit, My spirit is rising and my hopes are growing with the possitivity i recieve from family and friends. I truly love you and thank you for picking up so many pieces. Legally I have a Protection From Abuse Order that is active for my self and my family till 2015, The Court Of Common Pleas of Allegheny County have charged him with three counts Simple Assault (there was nothing simple about it) False Imprisonment and Harassment- Subject other to Physical Contact. The record information is online and avalable to view- Assult Record It took me some time to get out of the abuse but recognized it and made excuses for why it was happening, My advise for any of my fans that are going thru something similar is please DO NOT STAY LEAVE! do not make the mistake i did and many others have do to stay beacuse you love him and it will get better. Leave there is no reason why people should ever hurt you and touch you in any matter. The Domestic Violence Center In Clevleand can help you in any way you can to leave and be safe. It in my heart to heal and in pursue my dreams and take care of my self and my family, This road is hard but its still not over. Updates will come as the time grows near to the trial. Please do not call or google his name or make threats to him or his family- Please respect that the law is dowing what they can to find justice. Thank you B |
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