dot429 and StartOut celebrated the season with an evening of cocktails and conversation! 

The event was held on December 8, 2012, at XL Nightclub on 42nd Street in New York City.
 
The event was hosted by:  Elliot Tomaeno,  Jennifer Brown, Jason Dorn, Joseph Israel, Juan Ortiz, Kelvin Chen, Merryn Johns, Montgomery Frazier, Nithan Narendra, Patrick Grosso, Sasha Seven, Shelly Straub, Steph Watts
 
The evening was sponsored by: Ski Bums,  Manhattan Chamber of Commerce LGBT Business Committee, Kimpton Hotels, and Gay City News.
 

JB Talent Management and Humanity Pride Productions have teamed up with international pop star Baby M to announce her very first United States tour, which began in June 2012. 

The Discovery of Baby M 
At age 14, Baby M starts singing in the slums.  Her mother, Monica, ran the Kapatiran Foundation, based in Manila, which is a charity organization established to assist in feeding the needy and educating the children. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Baby M was also driven to give back to communities and individuals who are less fortunate. Blessed with undeniable vocal talent, Baby M began lifting spirits, while singing in the slums. It was during this time that she was quickly discovered by a Japanese producer. 

Baby M is a Pop Sensation 
Collaborating with various South African singers and rappers, Baby M stormed the international music scene in early 1999. She officially debuted in 2002 as "Baby. M" under Universal Music Japan with the single "usual girl", and after the release of two singles with the label and one indie single, she re-debuted in 2009 under Rhythm Zone and then in 2011, with Universal Records Philippines. 

GLBTI Affect 
As early as 2000, she was dubbed ‘The Bridge between Japan and the Philippines GLBTI community.’ Her fame in the community fully came to fruition in 2011, when she became the Music Goodwill Ambassador for Japan to South Africa. In 2012, she headlined the international Mr. Gay World Competition. 

"I've always loved the gay community, but this time my eyes have been opened in so many ways." While there, she was able to solidify her place amongst international pop stars as her performances hailed critical acclaim. 

Baby M Debut’s in America 
During the Mr. Gay World competition in South Africa this year, Baby M was discovered by Jarl Haugedal and Michael Billy, Co-Owners of JB Talent Management. JB Talent Management specializes in international stars of music, stage and screen, by establishing a market for them in the US. JB Talent Management clients understand the importance of charity work and contributions, not for the bang or the buck… but for the good of humanity. Michael Billy states, "Jarl and I have been in this business for a very long time- and we know first-hand, how self consuming it can be. It's time we change our perception of this business and make charity the goal, rather than the end result being just about dollar signs." 
 
Baby M’s American Debut U.S. Tour began in June, with an exclusive release party held in Jersey City. 

Following her media release party, Baby M attended and marched in her first NYC Pride celebration. 

In July of 2012, Baby M releases her first American singles on iTunes!  Preview and purchase hits from her latest CD, Love
For All.

The 19th Original GLBT Expo
Saturday March 17, 2012 & Sunday March 18, 2012

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
38th & 11th Aves
New York City, NY. 10014

#1 in Attendance
#1 in Exhibitors
#1 Advertising & Promotion 
#1 Expo

2012 is  the  19th Anniversary of the expo, and this is a huge milestone for the GLBT Community, the loyal sponsors/exhibitors/attendees that support the EXPO and the dedicated staff at The RDP Group.

For the past 19 years, the EXPO has helped to present the finest products & services available to the GLBT consumer. Starting in 1993, the EXPO has generated over $80,000,000 of dollars spent within the Greater Tri-State area. This includes the GLBT friendly companies from every industry, both large and small, Fortune 1000 and Gay-owned companies. They have all discovered the GLBT Community is affluent, brand-loyal, well educated and business minded. It is the truest of definition of "THE PERFECT NICHE MARKET".

Lesbian comedian Michele Balan performed at Wise Guys Comedy Club in Syracuse, New York on Thursday night, March 8, 2012

This was my first experience at Wise Guys Comedy Club.  After the specialty drink "Temptation by Stein," shared over  conversation with some new friends at the bar, we were treated to a buffet style
dinner.  Unlike the traditional buffet line at a wedding, this dinner boasted a fresh, 'good-looking' salad, carved turkey and roast beef, green beans with almonds, sweet carrots, bread, and two pasta choices that were both outstanding.

With a ticket price of only $50 for dinner and an hour and a half comedy show, it is certainly something I would highly recommend to friends!

By the time we left, my cheeks were hurting from laughing non-stop for over an hour and a half!   Michele brings such a diverse comedy skit to the stage that anyone and everyone in the audience will be able to relate and share in the laughter.  

If you weren't able to catch this show, check her website for more details and future events at: www.michelebalan.com

Connextions Magazine recently featured Michele Balan, click here to view the digital issue, and find her article and photos on pg. 52.

For more info on upcoming CNY Pride events, click to www.cnypride.org