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Who: DJ, Joey & Priscilla (Pilot, co-pilot & home on wheels) What: GLBT Travel Expo Where: Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Ft Lauderdale, FL When: December 14, 2013 from noon - 4pm Why: Meet the boys on tour, as well as others in the gay travel industry! Plan your next adventure! Free admission, raffles, prizes, & good gay fun! For more info: http://www.glbttravelexpo.com/happiness/
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Connextions Magazine Issue 13 Features: Travel highlights include Mobile, Rehoboth Beach, Antwerp, Jay Peak Resort, Buenos Aires & Santa Fe; Special feature on the Connextions Out n About RV roadtrip across America; Holiday gift guide; featured lesbian wedding; Exclusive interview with Michael Billy discussing his engagement and living with addiction; book, product and movie reviews; along with simple tips for healthy eating. Click here to read the digital issue. Click here to download the Connextions Mag FREE app in the iTunes store and keep our latest issue, along with all past issues, in your newsstand. Click photos below for a larger view. An Exclusive Interview with Jarl Haugedal, c0-star and co-producer of the short film "Coming Out Straight." Where did the idea come from for a short film such as "COMING OUT STRAIGHT?" Well now that times are changing fast, we wanted to be on the right side of history ; marriage equality and gay rights being what is todays fight. However we thought that dealing with an issue that is still facing LGBT teenagers and put it in a fun way might help people open the way that they handle it and help others come to terms with being gay. With all the advances for the LGBT community- do you think the idea of "coming out" isn't that big of a deal anymore? Well It is, its still a huge deal. No one wants their kids to be different. And in order for all of us to fit in to society we want to follow the norm. However as we see more and more gay parents this situation could actually happen more and more as well. We think this short could highlight how ridiculous it is no matter when you come out gay or straight. All parents want their kids to be like them and most are afraid of what everyone else would feel or say when they find out. But by showing the other side hopefully it will prepare parents a little to deal with their kids no matter what their sexual preference is. If the kids feel good about them selves than that should be what we all embrace and help them grow even more. What do we expect to see from the series Coming Out Straight? We are working on many issues . All of which will go after social stigmas and show it with humor. We are taking on bullying and coming out stories , racism, socialism, and more in many settings and it hopefully becomes a great series that can be used in schools to educate kids and parents and teenagers of the times we are in and what to expect in the future when these issues occur. How is it for you and Michael Billy to work together as actors rather than just playing yourself on "The NEXT American Gay" We have both been acting for years and whenever you go in front of the camera you act a little even if we play our selves. The “real us” you only see in private but when the cameras roll we play a role one way or the other. Both of us love acting and we actually feed of each other and this is just the beginning. I cant wait for the next one we are doing. Was there anything in Coming Out Straight that you have experienced yourself- coming out to your own parents? When I came out it was very traumatic, my mom cried for over a year . Every time I spoke to her she would cry. She was hoping it was a faze. She did not tell my dad at all. I had to come out twice. As if it was not enough once. When I finally got the courage to come out again to my dad his reaction was much better than I had anticipated. My mom had told me he would die but he took it so well, his first comment was we will love you any way , it will just be hard for you to experience the same kind of family we had. But he told mom to stop crying and from than on there has never been an issue. They are both the biggest supporters of gay rights…only one problem mom thinks everyone is gay now. Why is this important to not just the gay community- but for everyone to see? Well just to show how ridiculous it is when we come out and the comments most of us get…but in this short we push the envelope a little. We posted it on you tube and it has close to 20,000 views already so go see for your self. Hope you enjoy it. New York City registrations have spiked over the past few weeks after the announcement date of the third stop of the 13-city Many Faces, One Dream (MFOD) Economic Empowerment Tour for LGBT Communities of Color, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Black Justice Coalition. New Yorkers along with other regional participants have signed up for the two day conference specifically designed for LGBT entrepreneurs and small business owners being held on November 20 - 21, 2013 at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. President Barack Obama designated November as National Entrepreneurship Month in 2012, proclaiming; “As long as America's daring entrepreneurs are taking risks and putting themselves behind new ideas and innovations, the Federal Government will serve as a partner to support their endeavors and catalyze their success.” Considered one of the business capitals of the world, New York City is the most appropriate destination for MFOD in the month of November. View highlights of the tour featuring the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Black Justice Coalition: Many Faces One Dream Video. The undeniable fact that rebuilding the American economy has always been directly associated with the construct and support of small businesses. The MFOD-NYC aims to endow individuals and existing business owners with the tools to claim economic power and success. The NYC convening community partners, chosen by the National Black Justice Coalition, include Harlem Pride, LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent and Global Network of Black Pride. These organizations are overjoyed with the opportunity to provide one-stop business enhancement shopping for participating attendees. “It’s wonderful to see assembled so many national and local groups to focus on potential entrepreneurs. One thing is very clear, our young people are involved in entrepreneurial efforts in areas such as entertainment and social media, and even some of the social services are spinning off into small business. It provides employment and income opportunities. This program is unique in that it gives young people an opportunity to realize their dreams.” says Dr. Wilhelmina Perry of LGBT Faith Leaders of African American Descent. The SBA and SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to helping grow the small business market will provide one-on-one counseling for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Participants will select one of two tracks: “Starting Your Business” and “Taking Your Business to the Next Level.” In the first track, training will be provided on the key elements of a business plan, loans, marketing, and SBA’s program and services. The second track will be geared toward New York City’s LGBT entrepreneurs that would like to expand and grow their business. "This is an exciting time in our community to stand up and make a financial shift," says Richard E. Pelzer II, President of Global Network of Black Pride. "Ownership and harnessing all the creative talent to develop NEW entrepreneurs is what this conference is all about." Key components of the MFOD-NYC conference is the opportunity for LGBT people of color to exchange business-to-business products and services information. Participants will also learn about the various certifications available and how to do business with the local, state and federal government. MFOD-NYC will feature financial services and certification agents to support small business development. There will be a Small Business Marketplace where LGBT-owned businesses will have access to the resources and tools needed to grow and sustain their enterprise. "Economic empowerment is essential to the longevity and well-being of LGBT communities of color, partnering with the US Small Business Administration, National Black Justice Coalition, Black Enterprise Magazine, National Gay & Lesbian Chambers of Commerce, Global Network of Black Pride, and LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent to bring the Many Faces, One Dream. Economic Empowerment Tour to New York City is another step toward solidifying our community's foundation and promoting self-sufficiency,” says Carmen Neely, president of Harlem Pride, Inc. NYC Community Outreach Partners such as: National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of New York (NGLCCNY), James Saunders Events, The Center, GLBT Travel Expo, Destination Tomorrow, MVC Production, Brooklyn Community Pride Center, GMAD Youth Advisory Board (GYAB) BluntedMuse Production and Strategic Transgender Alliance for Radical Reform (STAAR) have assisted and supported the Many Faces, One Dream efforts to spread the news and information of the conference. For more information, visit www.manyfacesonedream.com. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for MFOD, please contact Richard E. Pelzer II, President of Global Network of Black Pride at richard@gn-bp.com or 212-537-4069, or Carmen Neely, President of Harlem Pride, at cneely@harlempride.org or 347-846-0362. Stay connected #MFODNYC Connextions Magazine is excited to announce the Out N About roadtrip across America. DJ Doran and Joe Morales embark on a year long trek across the USA aboard their 33’ vintage 1979 Bluebird Wanderlodge Motor home, to discover Gay America. DJ and Joey began their 52-week journey in early October, departing from Chicago. “We will have the chance to experience the USA aboard “Priscilla” in a way that allows us to take our time exploring the places we visit and getting to know the gay and straight people that we meet during our adventure in a much more personal way ” says Doran. In only a few short weeks, the couple has already discovered the LGBT community in Buffalo, New York while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Niagara Falls region. They have made some wonderful “Connextions” in the beautiful and LGBT friendly town of Ogunquit, Maine and spent Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts with the Official Queen of Salem, “Marquessa Gigi” as their guide. After a short holiday break to spend time with family in Upstate New York, the couple will continue down the eastern coastline to Fort Lauderdale Florida to attend the GLBT Expo on December 14th. Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Shelly Straub states: “The Out N About road trip is a great way to explore some of America’s smaller towns and many hidden gems, as well as an opportunity to really connect with our readers in a more personal way.” With an itinerary that includes wiggle room, upcoming destinations include the possibility of golfing with the gays in Georgia, as well as diner stops along the infamous Route 66, while heading towards LA. Follow DJ & Joey on the Out N About roadtrip at http://www.connextionsmagazine.com/out-n-about-rv-roadtrip.html For interview requests and images, please contact dj@connextionsmagazine.com About Connextions Magazine: Connextions Magazine is an LGBT travel and lifestyle publication in print and digital format, targeting readership to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and their allies. Offering purpose driven content designed to enlighten, inspire, educate and inform. www.ConnextionsMagazine.com Writer/Director, Nicole Conn known for her groundbreaking lesbian movies Claire Of The Moon (1992), Elena Undone (2010) and A Perfect Ending (2012) featuring Jessica Clark (vampire goddess “Lilith” from HBO’s True Blood), will direct a Marriage Equality PSA that will be released in December. "Music and video projects like this have the power to impact millions of viewers by showing the love and commitment that is celebrated and protected by passing civil marriage equality for LGBTQ families. We at MEUSA are thrilled to be a part of the SHE4MarriageEquality project!" – Brian Silva Executive Director Marriage Equality USA SHE4MarriageEquality will launch a high-end video clip to the song SHE produced by LA based WingSpan Films. The song, written and performed by Jen Foster and re arranged into an orchestral dance mix by LA based music producer Eve Nelson, is expected to become a dance anthem as soon as the PSA premieres. The SHE video will be the first music video directed by multiple Award Winning Writer/Director Conn, who was most recently named one of the top ten gay women in show business by POWER UP! SHE4MarriageEquality tells a story of what seems to be a traditional bride and groom on their wedding day, to be shot on location at the modern boutique Andaz, in gay-prominent West Hollywood. Choreographer Anthony W Johnson has prepared an exhilarating lyrical dance sequence that will feature two women dancing together which is underrepresented in the media. Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), Visit West Hollywood, WOLFE Video, Curve Magazine and Andaz West Hollywood have all signed on as official supporters of the soon-to-be viral video along with a fleet of volunteers from the LGBT community who have contributed in every aspect of this Music Video PSA. Jen Foster was thrilled by the idea of making a PSA in the form of a music video, “It started out as a small project and now it has snowballed into this large movement. Everyone who has pitched in to make this PSA come to life has been so genuinely excited to help. It has been a really moving experience.” Among other familiar faces in the video, highlights include guest appearances by award winning actresses Barbara Niven (A Perfect Ending), Nicole Pacent (Anyone But Me) and Gabrielle Christian (South of Nowhere). Executive Producers Marriage Equality USA, Melke Pty Ltd and Fosterchild Records are very thankful for the support of iConn Films, WingSpan Films, Visit West Hollywood, Andaz West Hollywood, Wolfe Video, Curve Magazine and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. Sidelines Sports & Video Bar re-opened its doors to the public on August 21st, 2013 after closing for several weeks to give Sidelines a fresh and modern facelift. Sidelines Sports & Video Bar now has over 24 TV's placed throughout the 3150 Sq ft bar and outside patio area where sports fans and non sports fans can be found watching over a dozen various sporting events at any given time throughout the day and evening. As the night progresses, Sidelines turns into a video lounge with state of the art LED lighting, a VIP bottle service area, and the newest and hottest music videos from around the world can be seen on all 24 TV's. There is something for everyone at the all new Sidelines!Since reopening, Sidelines has been busy working on the rebranding as Sidelines Sports & Video Bar which has included new events & drink specials, a new logo, and the newest addition, a brand new website which launched this past weekend. The website is still located at its original domain www.sidelinessports.com which was launched 7 years ago. The new site includes an interactive section where viewers can browse through the weekly events, upcoming events & drink specials being hosted at Sidelines, make reservations for a table in the VIP Area, view photos from past events, and so much more. Soon viewers will be able to purchase tickets for upcoming events such as the highly anticipated MMA and Pay Per View Boxing Events that Sidelines has not shown in the past. The new site allows you to access everything from your computer, ipad, or smart phone so you can always know what is going on at Sidelines Sports and Video Bar 7 days a week. About Sidelines Sports & Video Bar Sidelines Sports & Video Bar has been providing a fun, friendly and a “Cheers” like atmosphere for over 7 years here in Wilton Manors. Sidelines is a smoke-free environment with an outdoor patio for gay and gay-friendly men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports, as well as some of the hottest music videos and mixes out in the music market. Sidelines Sports & Video Bar has over 24 flat screen TVs, pool tables, dart boards, Wi-Fi access, and video games for your enjoyment 7 days a week. Sidelines is a gay owned and operated sports bar that has become one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s favorite gay venues. Voted #1 Gay Sports Bar in South Florida this year by Local 10 viewers, and awarded the Best Community Supporter award by Florida Aids Walk. Sidelines Sports & Video Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com. Two Teams – One Goal: To Raise $100,000 for charity “We don’t have much to give, so we give what we have...our stories." Jeremy Manning, founder of the website manningupusa.com, a one-time meth addict who turned his life around through fitness and eventually became a medal winning martial artist believes strongly in helping others who are in need. "On the website we invite people to share theirs and that inspires all of us to take action!” Turning your life around is hard enough but the team behind the young website decided to take on a challenge bigger. In January they announced the Manning Up challenge to raise $100,000 for local charities by assembling two teams and participating in endurance events. The first consisted of ten cyclists who trained for and completed the seven day, 595 mile AIDS LifeCycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles and raised over $75,000. The “Manning Up Allstars,” consisted of men and women who are either in recovery from drug addiction and/or alcohol abuse or close to someone who is. The second team is currently training for the Xterra Trail Run in Hawaii November 24th, 2013 as part of the Team to End AIDS endurance events. The, “Manning Up Trailblazers,” is a group of five members who have each faced their own adversity and joined together to inspire others to defy their limitations. Besides Manning, this team of champions includes Marine Alex Minsky who lost his right leg in Afghanistan, Mylee Yc, an Army Veteran and single mother who is a survivor of sexual assault and stage 3 breast cancer, Jessie Sink a burn survivor who lost his right arm, Alan Huneycutt who broke his back in a fatal car accident and Randy Miyashiro who survived domestic abuse. When asked what inspired him to start the Manning Up Challenge, Manning says, “In the process of sharing my story I realized it wasn’t as much about how strong I was, but how vulnerable, that’s what invited others to join the fight.” ManningUpUSA.com is the world’s first integrated media channel using sports and fitness to overcome adversity. Founded in November, 2012 the website is comprised of health and fitness professionals and enthusiasts sharing stories of triumph and helping others overcome adversity. Their vision is a beacon for those still fighting for their lives. Their mission is to provide inspirational stories, essential resources and educational guidance on ways of using sports and fitness to gain strength and initiate action. The website, which covers a variety of topics – nutrition, fitness, etc., features inspiring stories to help motivate people to change their lives. Some of the people featured on the site have lost limbs, yet defiantly stood against the news that they might never walk again and have since run marathons and completed other extreme endurance challenges. To read inspirational stories or join their “community of fighters,” please visit: www.manningupusa.com and follow their Facebook page at fb/manningupusa To support the team, please visit: Manning Up Trailblazers Team Page By Shelly Straub, Editor-in-Chief, Connextions Magazine DJ Doran and Joe Morales embark on a year long trek across the USA aboard their 33’ vintage 1979 Bluebird Wanderlodge Motor home named “Priscilla” to discover Gay America and write a film about their experiences for their web show The Adventures of Joey & DJ. One of their first stops on this journey that began October 1st, was to the Buffalo and Niagara Falls region of New York. After picturesque views, a fabulous tour in town, and even a drag show (a first for DJ), they hit the road and continued toward Vermont. On October 7th, while making their way along an Upstate New York highway, I met up with the traveling couple. I was given a tour of the vintage diesel-fueled home on wheels, snapped a few photos, and enjoyed conversations about their journey - past, present and future. The second leg of their tour will be through Vermont and New Hampshire and then down the eastern coastline to Washington DC. From there they will head west to intersect the infamous Route 66 and follow its legendary path to LA before heading north on The Pacific Coast Highway to Oregon and Washington State. The final legs of their adventure will have them zigzagging their way to down from the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast and Florida. “We will have the chance to experience the USA aboard “Priscilla” in a way that allows us to take our time exploring the places we visit and get to know the gay and straight people that we meet during our adventure in a much more personal way” says Doran. Out n About TV is a You Tube channel featuring shows from across the globe relating to LGBT Travel and Adventure. Join the gay duo on their journey via their website or facebook page: http://www.outnabout.tv | http://www.facebook/outnabouttv Read the full interview and learn more, in the next released Issue of Connextions Magazine. Available November 1st. Subscribe free here and don't miss the release --> http://www.connextionsmagazine.com/get-the-mag.html Artist: COBI MOULES Exhibition: "Bois Just Wanna Have Fun" October 10 - November 9th, 2013 Opening Reception: Thurs, Oct 10th (6-8pm) Lyons Wier Gallery 542 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011 gallery@lyonswiergallery.com www.lyonswiergallery.com Lyons Wier Gallery is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition for Cobi Moules, "Bois Just Wanna Have Fun." Driven by the desire for adventure and discovery, Cobi Moules set out across America not only to explore the country's natural beauty and diversity, but also to reflect upon his position within it. Moules' study of the grand American landscape quickly conjures up images and iconography from a plethora of historical landscape paintings, most notably mid-19th century American landscape paintings. Loosely utilizing the Hudson River School as a visual point of departure, Moules metaphorically utilizes the landscape as a stand-in for his own Christian upbringing. "Bois Just Wanna Have Fun" is a synthesis of wanderlust and raison d'etre, where he creates a fantasy world in which only he exists. His compositions contain a multitude of self-portraits and narratives, each coexisting to create a parallel and/or alternate plane that invokes a sense of excitement, self-worth and play. Through the multiplication and overwhelming presence of his 'self' within the paintings, Moules takes precedence over the landscape, fully integrating himself into an art historical lexicon that typically exemplifies the insignificance of the individual and the manifestation of God. Moules states, "I see a number of ideological links between their [Hudson River School] works and a specific current American Christian culture that was an integral part of my formative years; particularly in regards to ideas of purity and the honor of sacrificing one's selfhood for the glory of God. As a queer and transgender person, I seek to renegotiate my relationship with this upbringing and the act of being told I am 'unnatural' through such a pointed Christian lens." Moules deftly manipulates the visual trope of traditional landscape painting as a way of seeking inclusion, creating a utopian space for his personal significance and queer identity. He embraces the beauty of nature while shifting its weight through the exaltation of his own existence within it. The importance becomes the experiences of his multiples and their overall existence in the landscape - each engaging in different activities, exploring their [his] presence within nature, and ultimately becoming whole. Cobi Moules received an MFA in 2010 from The School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. Recent awards include the SMFA Traveling Fellowship, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship, Blanche E. Colman Award, Joan Mitchell MFA Grant and SFAI Artist in Residence, Art Santa Fe, NM. His work has been exhibited nationally including the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Ogunquit, ME, Wesleyan College, WV, Platform Gallery, Seattle, WA, CUE New York, NY, Foster Gallery, Dedham, MA, and Carroll and Sons Gallery, Boston, MA. He lives and works in Boston, MA |
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Connextions Magazine, the award-winning LGBTQ Travel Magazine, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
Connextions Magazine LLC - PO Box 242, Calverton NY 11933
MISSION: Connextions Magazine is The Travel Magazine for the LGBTQ community. Making connections to travel like a local, whether on a quick weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, Connextions transports our readers through dazzling photography and insightful content about gay travel, dining, queer culture and style to destinations and memorable travel experiences across the globe. We are your Connextions to the world!
Connextions Magazine, the award-winning LGBTQ Travel Magazine, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
Connextions Magazine LLC - PO Box 242, Calverton NY 11933
MISSION: Connextions Magazine is The Travel Magazine for the LGBTQ community. Making connections to travel like a local, whether on a quick weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, Connextions transports our readers through dazzling photography and insightful content about gay travel, dining, queer culture and style to destinations and memorable travel experiences across the globe. We are your Connextions to the world!
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LIVE | TRAVEL | CONNECT®
Copyright © 2010 - CONNEXTIONS MAGAZINE, LLC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
LIVE | TRAVEL | CONNECT®