Connextions Magazine Issue 15

ISSUE #15 | SUMMER 2014

45

Pride Festivals Featured 2014 Pride Awards INSIDE!

Hawaii | Massachusetts | South Carolina | Astoria, NYC

LIVE free TRAVEL often CONNECT daily

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelly Straub ART DIRECTOR Lucia Camarda

r e t t e L

from the editor To share or not to share... that is the question.

Well, I ask you this: What is the point of a life well lived, if not shared? The writers, photographers, promoters and creative thinkers that make up the Connextions team, all understand the meaning of sharing. A travel writer thoroughly enjoys traveling, and maybe just as much, enjoys telling others of the experiences. A photographer shares the beauty as seen through the eyes, or rather, the lense. And we all know that the best experiences shared are those with a personal touch.

ADVERTISING SALES sales@connextionsmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Duran Edward Truth Maria Lesetz Manny Velasquez-Paredes

Connextions was conceived with this concept in mind. To share our personal experiences with others. I know I speak for the whole group when I say that we are grateful to you, our readers, for allowing us to “share”.

Read Connextions Magazine online or purchase your print edition through our website at:

In this annual PRIDE Issue, we have featured 45 different pride festivals that take place around the Country. Most of which wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers who share their personal time to make them happen.

www.connextionsmagazine.com WRITE TO US: Do you have a question or comment regarding this issue or future issues of Connextions Magazine? We would love to hear from you! E-mail responses and press releases are always welcomed. shelly@connextionsmagazine.com All submissions become the property of Connextions Magazine.

The views and opinions stated throughout this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of staff at Connextions Magazine.

Connextions Magazine, LLC publishing office is located at 8601 Tartan Drive North, Cicero, New York 13039. Connextions Magazine will not knowingly publish or advertise text which is fraudulent or misleading. The publisher reserves the right to edit, limit, revise, or reject any text without cause. Connextions Magazine assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors. If any errors are found, please notify Connextions Magazine immediately. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Our travel highlights include David’s island hopping adventures in Hawaii; Manny’s gay family memories in 3 Massachusetts resorts; and Edward’s round-up of Astoria, New York’s newest gayborhood.

Personally, I would like to share that my experiences for the past 7 months have been wrapped up in a pretty pink breast cancer ribbon, and I offer a HUGE thank you to the Connextions team and the many wonderfully loyal readers who have been so supportive.

As always, thanks for taking the time to flip through Connextions Magazine and cheers to a great summer filled with pride!

Shelly Shelly Straub

Get social with us!

ISSN 2160-4347 (print) ISSN 2160-4355 (online)

@Connextionsmag

Cover Photo & courtesy: Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, Hawaii

CONTRIBUTORS The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.

- Bob Marley

Lucia Camarda Art Director Lucia brings innovation and creativity to create simple, yet sophisticated eye-catching layout designs. design@connextionsmagazine.com

David Duran Contributing Writer David is a culinary, hospitality and travel writer who focuses on both domestic and international travel destinations for several different markets. His love for discovering cities and travel spots is evident as he is away from his favorite place and home base of New York City the majority of the time.

Follow @theemuki on Twitter

Manny Velasquez-Paredes Contributing Writer MVP is a multicultural & diversity marketing professional focusing on the Hispanic and LGBT communities. He is a social media junkie and avid traveler, who brings the traveling family’s perspective to Connextions magazine.

Follow @mannyvp on Twitter

Edward Truth Contributing Writer Edward Truth is a critical theorist based in New York City.

Follow @EdwardTruth on Twitter

Maria Lesetz Contributing Writer Maria Lesetz is one of the top Law of Attraction Happiness Coaches and a Motivational Speaker who is on a mission to change the happiness level of the world. She will inspire you to step into your power, teach you how to thrive through any adversity and help you to create success and happiness from the inside out. www.LovinLifeNow.com Follow @Lovin_Life on Twitter

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contents 30

08

M

10 Looking in Astoria

tplac e k r

aCoupons, deals,

e

Travel Features

The

16

discounts, events, & notables

NYC’s Hottest Neighborhood is Going Gay

14 South Carolina

63

Westin Hilton Head

16 Making Massachusetts Memories

Gay Family Travel at 3 Massachusetts Resorts

23 Andaz West Hollywood Music History in a Hotel

26 Exploring America - One RV Park At A Time Learn how to socially network without wifi.

28 Out n About

Ideas for your bucket list from our readers

30 Aloha From Paradise

Exploring the Islands of Hawaii

Health & Wellness 22 Inspiration For Your Life

Turning Life’s Lemons into Margaritas!

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PRIDE 09 2014 Pride Awards Vote for the best!

38 WorldPride

Get the scoop on what’s up at WorldPride this year

40 Pride in America

45 Pride Organizations featured

PRIDE 40

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Socia

l Connextions

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Reader feedback | What’s new on the web | Social media Latest Blogs on connextionsmagazine.com Quickly find any topic on the connextions website by simply typing any keywords into the search bar

Organizing all your favorite travel destinations by location Some of our followers favorite pins EVENT REVIEW: The GLBT A postcard perfect beach in Travel Expo at NYU Aruba.

Tips for picking out the perfect RV.

Keyword ‘2014 GLBT Travel Expo’

Keyword ‘pick an rv’

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Keyword ‘Manchebo’

2014

Pride Awards BEST

E

WEBSIT

Kudos to www.BuffaloPrideFestival.com for the Best Website!

After clicking dozens upon dozens of pride organization dot com’s, we found one website that was easy to navigate and user friendly, with a colorful design yet not too busy, AND mobile friendly.

We reached out to nearly 200 pride organizations across America and asked each to submit a past pride photo.

Our pick for the Best Submitted Photo comes from Upstate Pride SC (South Carolina).

BEST

PHOTO

BEST

YOU PICK!

We have it narrowed down to the top 3 for creativity, functionality & design. YOU pick the winner! Head to www.connextionsmagazine.com and vote for the winner!

LOGO

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photo courtesy Static Lounge

Looking in Astoria NYC’s hottest neighborhood is going gay

by Edward Truth

Show your pride this season by kicking it back in "one of the most diverse neighborhoods on the planet.” Ever since National Geographic gave Astoria, Queens the now infamous nod five years ago, Manhattanites and Brooklynites alike have been coming out to party and play in New York City’s newest gayborhood just east of the East River. Here’s why you should come out and play, too.

Bar/Club Static Lounge 28-43 Steinway Street, Astoria 718-721-8181 http://www.staticloungenyc.com/ Subway: R/F Steinway stop

Opening night party, Xavier Calderini (left), Andrew Tsaousis (center), celebrity/TV personality, Carson Kressley

Exclusively gay seven nights a week, Static Lounge features guest performers from Broadway shows, screenings for local filmmakers and DJs for music and entertainment that will have you howling for more. This large open venue accommodates a number of lounges where you can kick back and share your dirty secrets or vibe with your flavor of the month. The bar stretches across the length of the main floor, and the main stage is home to broadway performers, sexy cabaret shows, Elixir Lounge and more.

43-03 Broadway, Astoria 347-642-5804 Static Lounge owners Andrew Tsaousis, Xavier Calderini and http://elixirloungenyc.com/ Keneth Monuz: "We felt the need to create a destination spot for Subway: R/F Steinway stop the gay community that would act as a hub and a community center. We also wanted to offer a stage to showcase the talents of the very large community of performing artists residing in our neighborhood. We want people to come together at Static Lounge and learn that beyond the labels, we’re essentially one at heart. We believe that diversity is only an excuse for celebration!"

Transgender owned and operated in the sleepy stretch a few blocks east of the Steinway Street subway stop, Elixir Lounge was the hood’s best kept secret until the word got out. The bar has attracted attention from the likes of The New Yorker and The New York Times for its dark and seedy charm, and it's worth a visit if you’re into sleezy drag MCs, karaoke, or both. Owners Marilyn Sulay and Lidia Jimenez believe that with more LGBT establishments, Astoria will be a better destination and a stronger community. We couldn’t agree more.

Static Lounge owners, Xavier Calderini (right) and Andrew Tsaousis (left) (owner Kenneth Monuz not pictured) photo courtesy Static Lounge

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photo courtesy Static Lounge

Elixir Lounge owners, Marilyn Sulay and Lidia Jimenez photo courtesy Elixir Lounge & Bar

photo courtesy Static Lounge

Dinner/Drinks William Hallet 36-10 30th Ave, Astoria 718-269-3443 http://www.williamhallet.com/ Subway: N/Q 30th Ave stop Closest Club: Static Lounge

Icon 31-84 33rd Street, Astoria 347-808-7592 https://www.facebook.com/Iconnyc Subway: N/Q Broadway stop With its popular all male revue and quality DJ lineup, Icon is a scandalous addition to Astoria's gayborhood nightlife. Sporting a mid-century vibe and color palette (think Marilyn Monroe's ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’), the club also gives love to the ladies with a weekly lesbian night on Thursdays. Owner Nick Lion says the destination is worth a visit for boys and girls alike. We’re sure he’s right, but you might want to inspect these expensive jewels for yourself, just to be sure.

William Hallet is the perfect place to begin (or end) your night, pretty much any night of the week. Named after the area's original landowner, this retro-style “speakeasy" located in the heart of Astoria boasts the largest selection of whiskey in Queens. Since the end of prohibition, the speakeasy (also called a blind pig!) is a fun reminder of how good it feels to hide behind your beer in a cozy dark wooden place with rustic light fixtures and elaborate wall designs. Whether you’re looking to let him down easy, chat the night up with friends or launch a preemptive strike before dancing the night away, Hallet’s lights-down local atmosphere will have you blending in with the regulars, no matter who you want to kiss.

Milkflower 34-12 31st Ave, Astoria 718-204-1300 http://milkflowernyc.com/ http://instagram.com/milkflowernyc Subway: N/Q Broadway stop Closest Club: Icon This minimally hip rustic wood fired pizzeria lives in the quaint tree-lined 31st Avenue section of Astoria. Personal brick oven pizzas, mouth-watering salads and crisp refreshing beer top the menus of other neighborhood faves, and the New York execution of this “Neapolitan” eatery makes us warm and fuzzy.

But secretly it’s the dreamy owners, Peter and Danny Aggelatos, that have us coming back for more.

photo courtesy Static Lounge

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Astor Bake Shop photos courtesy George McKirdy

Brunch/Boutique Astor Bake Shop 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria 718-606-8439 www.astor-bakeshop.com Subway: N/Q Astoria Blvd stop

Loveday 31 33-06 31st Ave, Astoria 718-728-4057 http://loveday31.com/ Subway: N/Q Broadway stop

A 10-minute walk from the N Train (and worth it), Astor Bake Shop is tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Old Astoria. The shop, going on its fourth year of business, is a favorite with locals and visitors for its refreshing drinks and decadent cakes and pastries.

Owner George McKirdy has seen a significant growth in the gay community over recent years, a trend we’re sure will continue as the gayborhood expands outward from the center. Come to Astor for first rate food and a charming atmosphere.

Sometimes Cheap Chic is all you need to score the perfect little something. This local boutique founded by a former buyer from Screaming Mimi’s is known for its great selection of dresses, jewelry and sunglasses. Loveday 31 is most popular with the mid-20s to late-30s crowd, featuring women’s summer styles in a fun and cozy showroom close by to some of the hood’s happiest watering holes.

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Owner George McKirdy: "My friends and family questioned my sanity for setting up shop in an area that seemed a long way from gentrifying. Five years later I can say, 'I told you so.' ABS is going on its fourth year of business. Over the past two years we’ve seen substantial growth and a change in demographics; young, hip, straight, gay, families and singles are finding their way to this part of Astoria. There has also been a significant growth in the gay community, especially over the past year. We’ve made many celebration cakes including two wedding cakes for our gay neighbors over the past year. It seems like this is the new gayborhood!”

Cruise/Social Astoria Park Subway: N/Q Ditmars Blvd stop Nothing screams summer in the city louder than co-ed socializing at the park. Astoria Park is one of the biggest and best in NYC, and its near-virgin status gives it an air of innocence that begs breaking in. Sport your skin with a good book after brunch, take the dog for a run or get it on with a game of frisbee, all against stunning views of Hell Gate Bridge and the East River. Here, nature’s monuments abound. Astoria Park gives you a few good reasons to stay up and alert, from tattooed cyclists to shirtless runners to cuties with dogs you’d take home to meet mom. Bring a blanket and a breath mint; in this neck of the woods you never know when Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now) will come along.

Club Fitness 31-11 Broadway, Astoria 718-545-0004 http://www.clubfitnessny.com/ Subway: N/Q Broadway stop Voted best gym in Queens six times in a row and the gayborhood’s “in" wellness, health and fitness facility, Club Fitness NY is a great way to pump some iron and get sweaty with the locals. Monthly memberships have competitive price tags and one-day guest passes are free for girls and boys who want to give the gym a test drive.

Astor Bake Shop pie eating competition

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I

Westin Hilton Head

by David Duran

personally didn’t know too much about Hilton Head, South Carolina, but after some great experiences visiting neighboring states, I thought I would give the south another opportunity to impress me. What had me most excited about the trip was the chance to stay at the Westin Hilton Head, an iconic property known by most who have been to the area. It was on the beach, and a Westin, so I couldn’t think of any reason why it wouldn’t meet all my expectations.

The Westin brand has taken a major turn in the past few years by introducing a healthier concept. With focus on the mind, body and spirit through different initiatives, they are truly making the guest experience with their resorts and properties a more welcoming one. With programs such as the New Balance lending program where guests can borrow workout clothes, including shoes, the Westin was very much about promoting a healthier travel experience. Even their room service menu has lighter fare options, including calorie counts, which is a fantastic alternative for travelers like myself who don’t want to feel guilty while indulging from their beds.

Arriving to Hilton Head was easier than expected.

A new direct flight on JetBlue from NY’s JFK to the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport was inexpensive and super convenient. Upon arriving to the resort, I was immediately taken back by the openness of the lobby, and the friendliness of the staff. My ocean view room with balcony was a welcoming touch.

Later in my stay, I spent an afternoon on the balcony watching a poolside wedding taking place, a very special moment that I was able to experience, from the privacy of my balcony.

I knew I was going to eat, and eat good food while in the south. The options were varied and all decadent. I might have ordered the chicken wings in the Carolina Café more than once… On that note, I was thrilled to find out the property was partnered with an activities company that offered active adventure type program for guests of the Westin.

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photos courtesy Westin Hilton Head

Since I’m an avid kayaker, I took advantage of an eco-tour around the area where I learned about the local environment while still getting in a good workout. Our guide took the time to really answer any questions we had and really left an impression on the group. Southern hospitality was in full effect with every activity arranged through the Westin.

to the LGBT community. Having met and spent time with their in-house team, I was delighted to learn just how accommodating the resort is. Hilton Head is a family destination, and that includes LGBT families, because a family is a family, in their eyes. But personally, since I don’t yet have a family, I could easily see myself sneaking away with a plus one for a quick weekend.

The same day, through the same tour company, I also took a very beautiful small boat trip over to Harbour Town for lunch. Biking on the beach direct from the hotel access, and a beautiful new zip line course by Zipline Hilton Head added to the active weekend.

Direct flight, private poolside cabanas, an appropriately named, Heavenly Spa, the beach, great weather, all the activities one can plan and do, in addition to the first-class service makes this a desirable destination. When visiting Hilton Head, travelers can expect to feel a connection with the south, and with the people who live there. Expect lots of smiles and “hellos” from strangers, and take a moment to meet someone, as they will most likely have an interesting story to tell you, or words of wisdom to share.

Although my impression of the Hilton Head was a positive one, especially because of all the activities available to me, what really blew me away was how welcoming the Westin Hilton Head was

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g Massachusetts n i k a M

Memories

by Manny Velasquez-Parades

photos courtesy Manny Velasquez-Paredes

This past winter seemed to drag well into spring, which encouraged us to travel more and create new memories.

We decided to concentrate on Massachusetts because of its historical significance, from the Salem Witch Trials, to the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth, and of course, becoming the first state in the US to legally recognize marriage equality. So, in celebration of the tenth anniversary of Massachusetts legalizing marriage equality, my partner and I took our 2 kids on a tour of three different family-friendly resorts and spas in MA.

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Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club in Lenox, MA Its doors originally opened in 1894, and the Cranwell Resort’s history is as rich as the different reincarnations it has undergone throughout its lifetime. The 380-acre estate has been a mansion, a resort and even a Jesuit school and has played host to the likes of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Vanderbilts, and President William McKinley, among others.

This pet-friendly resort houses guest rooms, suites, cottages, townhouses and the Mansion, which my kids referred to as Cinderella’s castle, because of its castle-like architectural design and it is normally reserved for guests 12 and older. The hilltop Tudor-style Mansion is classically elegant. It is richly decorated with dark wood paneling, French tapestries and porcelain decorations featuring breathtaking fireplaces and mesmerizing views.

Family members of all ages can stay at any of the four unique guestroom dwellings, cottages suites and townhouses. Kids and adults can participate in many of the yoga and health and wellness classes. Babysitters can be arranged, and children are welcome to enjoy the walking tours and scavenger hunts, which take the family through a tour of the entire facility.

Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf is a member of the prestigious National Trust Historic Hotels of America and provides a stress-free vacation spot, featuring a 35,000-square-foot full-service spa, indoor pool, a fitness center with plenty of room to include a spinning class, and a championship 18-hole golf course that surrounds the resort, creating a leisurely atmosphere.

Dining at the Mansion is a magical experience. We dressed up in our fancy clothes and enjoyed an evening of local wines, juice for the kids, assorted cheeses, and lamb. My partner and I encourage our children to to experiment and expand their taste buds, so here is where we all had our first bite of frog legs.

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photos courtesy Sea Crest Beach Hotel

Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth, MA If you can picture the resort atmosphere in the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey movie Dirty Dancing, then you can imagine the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Cape Cod. With golf, private white-sand beaches, legendary seafood and famous clam chowder, countless kid and family-friendly activities the Sea Crest Beach Hotel should be placed on your vacation bucket list.

The Sea Crest Beach Hotel, set on a private beach in Cape Cod’s legendary North Falmouth recently completed a 15 million dollar renovation. Surrounded by traditional New England cottages, the Sea Crest has 264 guest rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and private water-view balconies, as well as a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight of your favorite family members or friends.

This resort-style hotel is ideal for families seeking a fun beachfront setting and couples looking to experience the romance of the Cape. Do yourself a favor and request a room with a view of the beach, the sunsets are simply breathtaking.

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What began as a summer playhouse in the 1930s, hosting aspiring actors such as Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, was destroyed by a fire in 1936 and a hurricane just two years later. In 1942, Lou Walters opened the Latin Quarter, a hotel and dinner theater, paying homage to the original summer stage. Lou's daughter, Barbara Walters, grew up here and by 1971, the venue was converted to a year-round family resort.

Today, the Sea Crest continues to welcome new and returning visitors from around the world with the beauty, hospitality and magic of Cape Cod. The Sea Crest offers the largest Cape Cod conference facilities under one roof, with over 30,000 square feet of flexible function space to choose from, with magical beach views. Red’s restaurant, named for legendary Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach, serves a delightful menu including their world famous clam chowder.

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Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis, MA Better known as “a fun family resort” the Cape Codder offers Cape Cod style lodging, romantic dining and a family fun atmosphere year-round. Originally built in 1972, the resort was purchased by the Catania family in 2001, who initially invested over $15 million in the Cape Codder Resort’s renovations. All of the rooms, common areas, and restaurants were upgraded. The resort houses a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor wave pool, spa, bonfire pit, enchanting gardens and a rainbow falls heated outdoor pool.

We arrived for a very special annual event known as Pirate and Princess weekend, which is a staple event at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa. Imagine children playing on the water slides during the day, families creating and embellishing their own swords, tutus and tiaras in the afternoon, followed by an evening of pirates and princesses dancing at the ball, with games and prizes. It's definitely the event of the year, and it’s an unforgettable experience for pirates and princesses of all ages.

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Upon check-in, this kids were thrilled to receive their goodie bags, which included a princess bracelet, eye patch, tattoos, tokens for the arcade along with a scavenger map. Look forward to a weekend full of fun events!

After dinner, kids are treated like royalty and a red carpet entrance into the ball escorts all pirates and princesses. Games, dancing, more balloon animals, and photo booths are all part of the fun. This kind of excitement only comes around once a year, so grab your captain’s hat and book your trip!

As always, it is not the destination that counts, but the journey we take and the memories we make.

Email me your comments, thoughts, or questions and I will try to address them in upcoming issues, (velasquezmanny@gmail.com), or follow me (@mannyvp), also head over to www.facebook.com/gayfamilytravel for engagement and interaction with myself and other proud gay parents.

photos courtesy Cape Codder Resort and Spa

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Turning Life’s Lemons into

Margaritas!

by Maria Lesetz, Happiness Coach & Motivational Speaker

“Ariel” is a woman who works at my local super market. She has quite the bubbly personality and always makes a point to say hello to me every time she sees me. She yells out “Hey New York!” and blows me a kiss. She is a hoot! The other day I commented on her tan and asked her where she went. (You don’t get that type of tan in Oregon at this time of year!) She told me she went to Hawaii for her vacation but then proceeded to tell me what happened to her before she left for her trip. Her pocketbook was stolen. All her credit cards and checkbook were in there. She felt violated, duped and a bit mad at herself because it happened right under her nose. She left her pocketbook under her seat at a local pub for a brief second while she turned her head to look at something. She had seen a guy with a backpack earlier, but didn’t think much of it. It was that same guy who snatched her bag while she wasn’t looking.

That’s one of those life events that can be categorized as a “lemon” – leaves a sour taste and turns that smile into a puckering facial expression where you just want to let out a scream of frustration and say “ARGHHH”!

We all have life experiences that could be categorized as “lemons”.

Some more sour than others. But it is what we make of those “lemons” and how we respond to them that determines how our future life will unfold and how happy we are during even the most trying times.

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Sure, “Ariel” was frustrated that her pocketbook was stolen right before her trip to Hawaii, but she also chose to embrace the attitude of “it is what it is”, ranted a bit, had a few choice words for the person who did it (infusing her sassy and yet bubbly personality into the way she responded), and moved on from there. She called the authorities and had them handle the situation. She did NOT declare that her vacation was ruined because of this unfortunate occurrence. She did NOT freak out assuming that all her credit cards were already charged up to their maximum limit. She just trusted that they would catch this guy and that all would be well. They found him at the local Walmart with her credit card in his hand! Busted! And she got her pocketbook back. Yes, she was a bit inconvenienced by having to contact her bank and credit card companies, but she infused her sassy personality into a difficult situation with a light-hearted energy and it all turned out ok. She enjoyed her Hawaii vacation and came back with a great big smile on her face.

Do you think her vacation would have turned out differently if she responded in a more negative way to that event? Sure it would have. Do you think that the way she responded played a role in whether the guy was caught or not and how quickly he was caught? Of course it did.

Our thoughts and feelings create our reality.

The energy you put out comes back to you and is always a match.

I prefer the analogy of turning life’s lemons into margaritas over the common phrase of “lemons into lemonade” because sometimes in life’s difficult situations, you just don’t have access to the “sweet” side. You can’t immediately reach for pure joy when you are in the thick of a negative event. But you always have access to a whole array of emotions that could lead you on the path to feeling “relief ”, where you can just chill out, relax and trust that it will all work out.

So how do you turn life’s lemons into a Margarita?

• Release how you feel – let it all out. Have a hissy fit if you have to. Throw a pity party. Make that “pucker” face like you would after that first sip of a Margarita. But then, choose to move on (and the quicker you move on, the better). Any action step you take that leads you to feeling some relief will start turning the situation around for the better.

• Learn to chill out and take a “sip” of “ALL IS WELL”, even in the face of adversity. The attitude you bring to the situation will impact the outcome. So you might as well make it an attitude that feels good on the inside. Tell yourself “it is what it is”. You can’t change what just happened, but you sure can change the course of what happens next. Relax into the knowing that the Universe has your back. You’ve got this.

Situations have a way of working themselves out.

Can you see how much lighter that would feel if you really embraced that belief?

Whether you drink or not, “Margaritas” have a connotation of happy, fun, letting loose, relaxing with friends, a fiesta – a celebration of sorts. I see them as a “sassy” drink – one that makes you pucker initially, but as one of my friends told me, starts going down smooth. Use this as an analogy on how to respond to life’s lemons. No, I am not telling you to drink a Margarita; I’m suggesting that you let yourself feel your initial response, let it out, chill out and then just relax, knowing that if you believe it will turn around for the better … it will. You’ve got the power.

Get your positive vibe rockin’ with Law of Attraction Inspirational quotes delivered to your inbox weekly - visit => www.LovinLifeQuotes.com Become a fan at www.facebook.com/LovinLifeCoaching or follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/Lovin_Life

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t e s n u S d r a v e l u Bo

Sunset Boulevard, the hippest and most desired rooftop pool in LA, and one serious connection to music are three very important factors of what makes the Andaz West Hollywood one of, if not the coolest hotel in Los Angeles.

The history of this location dates back to the 60’s. It’s been an ever-changing name under the Hyatt brand since it was acquired in 1966. But it’s once nickname of “The Riot House,” is what put this property on the map.

With it’s proximity to some of the most famous bars in LA, the now Andaz, was home to some big name rock stars. Led Zeplin was known to rent as many as six floors of the hotel in the mid-to-late 70’s for band members and entourage. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones dropped a television out the window of a suite in 1972.

Jim Morrison lived there until being evicted by management for hanging out a window by his fingertips, and Little Richard lived in room 319 through much of the 1980’s and 90’s.

These are just a few of the stories that have come from within this epic and historic building.

The fantastic thing about the updated Andaz is that they hold on very tight to the property’s musical history. Evidence of rock n’ roll is clearl in every corner of the hotel. The beauty of experiencing the Andaz is that the staff is very passionate about the hotel and it’s history. If those walls could talk…more films like Almost Famous, where much of the film portrayed scenes of what once happened at the Andaz, would be gracing our silver screens.

And the hotel continues to be a hub for the spotlight. The rooftop pool has been featured in countless films and current reality television shows.

It’s very much the place to be and be seen, offering some intense panoramic views. Snapping a pic from up there and blasting it on instagram is a sure way to get some extra “likes.”

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Having had stayed there a handful of times, I always opt for a corner suite. They are massive, including two restrooms, a living/dining room, as well as a bedroom.

But even the standard rooms feature my absolute favorite part, the now enclosed balconies. To avoid further television dropping incidents or rock stars hanging over the rails, the hotel opted to fully enclose the balconies in glass and make them a viewing room to sit and enjoy the Sunset Strip. Hanging in there at night, with the glittering lights and street traffic below is an experience worth experiencing. The Andaz also provides free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in-room, as well as a wine happy hour for guests each evening. There’s a killer restaurant downstairs with direct street access to the strip and some spectacular ballrooms for any rock star-ish event.

The ever-changing artwork within the hotel is worth a trip inside, even if you are just passing by. Step in, have a drink and explore some musical history.

Imagine the rock gods who have stood in the same place you are standing, and envision which celebrity will be there after you leave. It’s a one of a kind type of hotel, and it’s a must see and do for anyone in the area. Plus, it’s in WeHo, just a few steps to all the action.

R H

photos courtesy Andaz West Hollywood

Music History Hotel

Riot se Hou

by David Duran

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Explore. Engage. Experience.

One RV park at a time. U. .A.

In Connextion’s Issue 13, we began the story of a yearlong journey to discover the hidden gems of gay America in a vintage RV with DJ and Joey. By Issue 14, the boys had explored over a dozen states but decided to end their journey. As such, they sold the vintage RV and headed in a different direction.

Well, since the boys obviously weren’t up for the challenge, let’s let the lesbians handle it. Shelly and Lucia, along with their beautiful bright red Chevy Avalanche and Coleman camper in tow, head out to unplug and explore America’s parks and recreation.

Follow the camp fire fun at: http://www.connextionsmagazine.com/out-n-about-rv-roadtrip

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Camping With Cancer Something happens when they tell you that you have cancer. In an instant, your life changes but more importantly, your attitude changes and what matters most isn’t the job or the laundry, but the family and friends. What better way to spend a summer than roaming America with a camper in tow? We are taking family along for the ride and making lots of new friends along the way!

Make your experiences and adventures count as if they were your last! Follow our journey online.

New Social Networking I love my social networks online, that is a fact. And I could spend countless hours browsing these networks, that is also a fact. But in the past year, I have found a new way to socially network that allows me to make memories and share stories while sitting around the campfire, which proves to be much more rewarding than spending all my time online.

Join our journey across America, one RV park at a time. We will share the rewards of unplugging while exploring the great outdoors.

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Aloha From Paradise

by David Duran

The last time I was in Hawaii was when I was fresh out of high school. My parents had bribed me to successfully graduate with a once in a lifetime trip to Honolulu for a friend and myself. I had traveled a bit before, but this was my first big trip with no adult supervision. I remember exploring Oahu and being fascinated by the culture and beauty found on the island. We stayed in a basic hotel in Waikiki and did the obligatory tourist excursions. For a first time visitor of 18 years old, that was exciting. Flash forward 15 years to my return trip to the Hawaiian Islands where I now was a more seasoned traveler and explorer, and when staying put on one island, in one hotel, would just not be sufficient to satisfy my traveling needs.

UN-CRUISE HAWAII Having had taken a Un-Cruise Adventure in Alaska last year, I knew they would be the right partner to indulge my Hawaiian curiosities. The company prides itself in offering a different type of cruising option for those who just want some more personal attention on a cruise, as well as for those who don’t want to be stuck on a massive ship with thousands of other guests. The

“Hawaii is one of those places that we often take for granted.We know it’s there, and we visit parts of it, but we often don’t take the time to dig deeper and explore everything the stunning islands have to offer.”

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Hawaii Un-Cruise I opted for was a 7 night outdoor adventure based, 36-passenger luxury yacht cruise, something radically different from the larger cruise ships.

I flew in from Los Angeles and landed at Honolulu Airport where I quickly made my way through security once more to board a small regional jet that would take me to the Kona Airport on the Big Island. From the airport, I transferred over to the Hilton Waikoloa Village, a massive resort property with everything you could ever need or want, readily available to you. Two separate shopping malls, a dolphin sanctuary, and some of the most killer views of the ocean waters. Looking back now, I wish I would have opted to stay an additional night so I could thoroughly enjoy all the resort had to offer. I did make the time to walk from one end of the property to the other, passing an amazing art collection, where I found a beautiful big Buddha statue, perfectly placed on a hill with places to sit, overlooking the resort.

When I boarded the yacht, I literally dropped my bags and hugged a familiar face. The awesome thing about Un-Cruise is that they are a smaller company, and employees often work multiple

destinations in one year. Seeing Darcy, one of the amazing crew from my Alaska cruise, ensured me I was in for a treat! The best part was, she knew exactly who I was and welcomed me on board, making me automatically feel special. To my surprise, Darcy wasn’t the only familiar face. Lisa, another steward from Alaska was also there to keep me laughing and entertain me, as well as Paul, the wellness instructor who kept me wanting more massages on the last cruise. Paul was really a highlight to see because the fact that the small yacht offers yoga and massages on board is impressive. Also, he’s not too bad to look at. Waking up early to start the day with a little yoga while watching the sunrise and see some whales breech was beyond anything I could ever imagine.

It’s an energizing way to start each day while on the cruise.

The beauty of this particular cruise was that we were taken off the normal beaten path of Hawaii tourism, and although we enjoyed the Big Island and Maui, two stops on the cruise, the highlights during the week were Lanai and Molokai. These two islands are not as well known to most tourists and don’t receive the same amount of foot traffic that it’s neighboring islands do. We spent the days snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and eating. The amount

of food on board was unreal. The same goes for the open premium bar! This particular cruise offered all the alcohol you could drink or want, and the handsome bartender Chris from Seattle was happy to have you taste his daily creations. Being on such a small ship was an experience within an experience. Sharing amazing moments with people who are strangers on day one, but end up being friends by day three is a wonderful feeling. We took hikes, did some night snorkeling and cruised around the islands in style. It was another win in my travel books for Un-Cruise. I can officially say I am now an un-cruiser. Very much looking forward to my next cruise with them and hoping to see more familiar faces the next time I step on board.

photos courtesy David Duran

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THE MODERN HONOLULU After 7 luxurious nights out on the waters with Un-Cruise, I opted to extend my trip a bit and fly over to Honolulu for a second go around.

It had been 15 years, and it was time for me to head back. The only difference was that this time, I wasn’t going to stay in basic hotel, I was ready for a major upgrade, and when I found The Modern, I knew I had selected correctly. The name of the hotel pretty much describes it.

Walking in, the reception desk was adorned with remnants of broke surfboards, signed by some of the greatest. The lobby bar, separated by a moving bookcase, welcomes guests into a chill out spot, where they can work or just hang out.

The only thing basic about this hotel was it’s basic white interior and décor. It provided a calming atmosphere in the guest rooms and allowed the views and small accents of color within the room really stand out. I spent my days by the pool, sipping on one of the greatest drinks known to mankind, a frozen mojito. Seriously, have

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you ever had a frozen mojito? Amazing. In the evenings, there was no need to leave the hotel as one of the top restaurants in the country in addition to the hottest nightclub in Honolulu, are both on property.

The Modern is home to Morimoto Waikiki by Executive Chef – Iron Chef – Masaharu Morimoto. This once in a lifetime culinary experience is what foodies live for, and having it located within your hotel, ensures you a reservation. After dinner, ADDICTION Nightclub, accessible via the lobby, is the place to be. Waikiki basically shuts down and lines up to get into this place. Again, hotel guests are privy to a better spot in line, just be nice and ask when checking in!

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photos courtesy Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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MAUI GRAND WAILEA, A Waldorf Astoria Resort I ended the Hawaiian adventures with a return to Maui. The day we sent on the island and sailing by it on the Un-Cruise was enough to get me to want to fly back over. After all the partying in Honolulu, a little relaxation and pampering was in order, and what better place to do so than at a Waldorf Astoria property. The Spa Grande at the property is often voted as one of the best in the country and definitely considered the best in Hawaii. The 50,000 square foot spa is worth the flight over, even if just to spend the day within this hydrotherapy experience. I had a personal attendant give me a body scrub prior to my treatment and then spent a few hours soaking in different salt baths as well as trying out all the different water therapies.

The remainder of my time was spent lying by the many pools, drinking champagne and reminiscing about the entire trip spent discovering the Hawaiian Islands. The resort is massive, so there was absolutely no need to leave it. While walking by one of the pools, I noticed a kiosk type jewelry shop, but what I saw standing behind the table was yet again, another familiar face.

This time, it was Jamie, a friend from high school that I hadn’t seen, well, since high school. I knew she had a successful jewelry store in Maui, Sophie Grace Maui, but had no idea of the second location at the Wailea. It was lovely seeing someone I knew, living the dream in Hawaii while also being extremely successful. Sophie Grace Maui has been featured in several publications as a must see while on the island, but what makes it so unique, especially at the Grand Wailea, is that guests can create their own jewelry, and have it made on the spot. It’s like a custom jewelry bar that has become a big hit with locals and visitors, and Jamie was behind it all.

Hawaii is one of those places that we often take for granted. We know it’s there, and we visit parts of it, but we often don’t take the time to dig deeper and explore everything the stunning islands have to offer. Meeting Auntie Snookie on the island of Molokai, and learning about her culture and people, while eating the famous local bread, was a once in a lifetime experience, and I would have never known about it had it not been for my Un-Cruise. Discovering my latest favorite poolside drink and then splurging at a top restaurant was also something I never planned, but made happen. And lastly, taking a little time out for luxury and learning all about hydrotherapy while at one of the most scenic resorts in the world was something that has changed me. I’ve fallen in love with Hawaii and my return couldn’t come soon enough. Luckily, I’ve already booked my trip!

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WorldPride 2014 (WP14TO) Toronto is a ten-day international celebration incorporating activism, education, and the history and culture of global LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities. It highlights Canada’s continued progress in human rights, and the diversity and dynamism of Toronto. #WP14TO

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What’s the Skinny?

June 20 - 29, 2014 The main festival footprint will be over 25 blocks and will include 10 open air free-to-attend stages.

WP14TO is the first WorldPride event ever held in North America, and the 4th such festival in the world.

WorldPride 2014 Toronto is presented by Pride Toronto, producer of Canada’s largest annual festival.

Canada’s Largest Festival is Pride in Toronto. It is one of the largest arts and culture festivals in North America. Welcoming more than 1.22 million guests in 2013, it is larger than Chicago's Lollapalooza and rivals Calgary's Stampede for the title of Canada's largest festival. This year WorldPride 2014 is expect to attract up to 2 million attendees, making Pride in Toronto officially Canada’s largest festival of any kind.

WP14TO will be the largest WorldPride celebration to-date.

The theme for WP14TO is “Rise Up!” as chosen by the community.

Pride Toronto is a volunteer-driven organization every year.

In 2013, over 1,400 volunteers delivered the festival, and with WorldPride coming to Toronto in 2014 we expect more than 2,000 volunteers to make it all happen this year. www.worldpridetoronto.com

Follow using the official hashtag #WP14TO

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Arizona

37th Annual Tucson Pride in the Desert

Tucson Pride is proud to present our 37th annual Pride in the Desert festival. This years theme is Reflections of Pride/ Stonewall 45. Tucson has the legacy of being one of the oldest Pride events in the nation and the first LGBT Pride in the State of Arizona.

October 18, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

To be announced. Check our website for details!

www.tucsonpride.org Information provided by April Moss President/ Veronica Chapman-Laguna Vice President

Arizona

Photos courtesy F Shots Photography

#Free2BU Sedona/Verde Valley Pride Weekend

With a focus on our community, we have many local wineries, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and other local businesses involved in our events as possible.

Our festival is unique in the fact that events are held at multiple locations throughout the Verde Valley over the course of 4 days.

We offer tours of our Pride Victory Garden and this year will introduce a new tradition, “The Wall of History – A Time Line of Pride. By doing this, we maintain our mission of celebrating the diversity of our community as a whole and inspire equality within the heart of Arizona.

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September 25-28, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Johnny Lingo Ziegler & Jill Wood of Mountain Stranded Time; Sister Lip; The Sugar Thieves; Hour of Royalty Drag Show featuring DiVa with Mya Mckenzie and Desiree DeMornay

www.sedonagaypride.org Information provided by Myss Miranda, President

Arizona

Bisbee Pride “Magic in the Mountains”

June 13-15, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Bisbee Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces and promotes educational, cultural, and recreational events for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and extended Bisbee community. Bisbee Pride supports other non profits in the local community.

Joey Arias; Sherry Vine; Pandora De Strange; Venus De Mars; Sister Lip; The High Dessert Gypsies; Eddie C. Broadway; Flaming Queens; The Mission Creeps; The Legendary Barbara Seville; The Hardways;

www.bisbeepride.com Information provided by Kathy Sowden

LA Pride

California

For over 40 years, Christopher Street West (CSW) has produced LA PRIDE, a series of events celebrating the accomplishments of the TLGB community and shedding light on its continued march for equality. A year after the modern transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual liberation movement was launched by the mob-led rebellion at the Stonewall Inn on New York’s Christopher Street in June 1969, activists in Los Angeles’ community came together to honor the rebellion with the world’s first PRIDE Parade in Hollywood, CA. Today, the organization continues to promote equality and diversity amongst the TLGB community and its allies with a three-day event held in West Hollywood, CA. The non-profit organization is comprised of an all-volunteer board of directors and professional consultants committed to the goals of human rights, education and outreach.

June 6-8, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Jennifer Hudson, Azealia Banks, Danity Kane, The Bangles, Mary Lambert, Betty Who and Grand Marshal Demi Lovato

www.LAPRIDE.org Information provided by Chris Arboleda

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California

“Pride &Promote” Los Angeles Black Pride

July 3-6, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Check our website for details!

http://myblackpridela.com PRIDE & PROMOTE brings together members of the Black same-gender loving (SGL) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of being both Black and gay. The mission of Pride and Promote of Los Angeles is dedicated to uniting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Same-Gender loving communities of color and our allies.

Information provided by Thea Williams, President

San Diego Pride

photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

California

San Diego Pride’s famous Music Festival includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 200 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, 300 participating vendor booths, an Art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food! Highlights include: 9 entertainment stages, Beverage Gardens, Cool Zone for those 55+, Wedding Expo, Art of Pride (LGBT local artists), Youth Zone, Children’s Garden, and over 300 vendors. We invite singles, couples, friends, families, youth, and people of all ages to participate in the annual Pride Festival.

July 18-20, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Laverne Cox; Deborah Cox; Charice; Alex Newell; www.sdpride.org Information provided by Fernando Lopez, Public Affairs Director

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California

Sonoma County Pride

Photo courtesy Stephen Gross

May 30-June 1, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Pandora Boxx, hosted by one of our favorite local restaurants. www.sonomacountypride.com Sonoma County Pride is a celebration of the LGBTIQ community and its friends! Small business welcoming receptions start on Friday afternoon.

Family orientated activities are throughout the weekend. Parade and vendors on Sunday!

Information provided by Stephen Zollman, Chair

California

Ventura County PRIDE

Aug 22-24, 2014

EXPECT A FUN WEEKEND

Special guests/Entertainment: To be announced. Check our website for details!

AUGUST 22-24 2014

www.vcpride.org

Information provided by Michael Dawson, Vice President of Ventura County PRIDE

BEACH-SIDE PRIDE WITH AN OCEAN-VIEW VENTURA, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 22-24 FRIDAY: KICKOFF SATURDAY: FESTIVAL & AFTERPARTY SUNDAY: LGBT+ ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT TOWN VCPRIDE.ORG

Ventura County Pride is a community-organized celebration of diversity and of the achievements and contributions to society of the LGBT population, their friends and allies. Ventura County PRIDE’s parent organization is Diversity Collective Ventura County, whose mission is to promote diversity, education, mental and physical health via community outreach to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population as well as the general public.

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California

Palm Springs Pride

A catalyst for celebrating the strength, equality, diversity and self-determination of the LGBTQ community locally and globally. The Greater Palm Springs Pride organization (pspride.org) is a non-profit organization founded to promote the public education and public awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and to promote the history, diversity and future prosperity of the Greater Palm Springs LGBT community. The organization produces the annual Palm Springs Pride Festival, Pride Parade, Downtown Block Party, Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and other equal rights events.

November 7-9, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be announced. Check our website for details! www.pspride.org Information provided by Ron deHarte, President

Colorado

Boulder Pridefest

photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

Boulder Pridefest commemorates the many successes and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ community. Thru celebration, community activities, and fabulous events our local community comes together every September to elevate awareness and visibility in our continuing journey towards social justice.

Information provided by Out Boulder

September 14, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment: Mary Lambert and Hunter Valentine

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Pacific Pride Festival

California

The Santa Barbara Pacific Pride Festival is held each year in July at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, CA. Pride’s mission is to build community, foster visibility, and celebrate sexual & gender diversity while raising funds for LGBT programs and services in Santa Barbara County. The Pacific Pride Festival is directed by a committee that works closely with Pacific Pride Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, to produce Santa Barbara’s largest LGBT Pride Celebration.

Information provided by Karen Blakeman

July 12, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced.

Please check our website for details! http://pacificpridefoundation.org/index.php/events/pacific-pride-festival

Delaware

Reflections of PRIDE/Stonewall 45 - 2014 Delaware Pride Festival photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

Delaware Pride is dedicated to promoting platforms for expressing diversity and creating a more visible and united LGBTA community.

Delaware Pride sponsors and promotes cultural, social, educational, and recreational events.

August 2, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Please check out website for details!

www.delawarepride.org Information provided by Steve Newman, President

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St. Pete Pride Weekend

Florida

Florida’s largest LGBT Pride Celebration hopes to inspire the world to love one another by celebrating the power and beauty of diversity.

Information provided by Eric Skains, Executive Director

June 27-29, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment: Mary Lambert and Hunter Valentine

www.stpetepride.com

Florida

Come Out With Pride

To produce the annual Come Out With Pride event, which serves as Central Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) pride event and encourages the LGBT citizens and their allies of Central Florida and beyond to celebrate pride in themselves, their community, and their shared cultural history.

October 6-11, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Check our website for details!

www.comeoutwithpride.com Information provided by Kristian Cosme, Executive Producer of Communications

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photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

Florida Miami Beach Gay Pride Miami Beach Gay Pride is an extraordinary two-day event that features a Beach Party and a Festival & Parade with more than 125 LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments, food and a family-friendly play area. Coming into its 6th year, Miami Beach Gay Pride has grown into the largest, two-day event of the year in Miami Beach. The hugely successful event in 2011 attracted more than 40,000 people, in 2012 more than 60,000 people, in 2013 more than 80,000 people, and in 2014 more than 100,000 people from all walks of life, all parts of the country, and all age groups.

April 12-13, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Gloria Estefan and Kenny Ortega

www.miamibeachgaypride.com Information provided by Hiram Fiffe, Exhibitor Coordinator

Gainesville Pride

Florida

Pride Community Center of North Central Florida is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee and Union Counties with PRIDE!

October 25, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Check our website for details!

www.gainesvillepride.org Information provided by Terry Fleming

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Florida

Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors

Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors is community festival and parade held annually in June in the heart of the world’s largest LGBT community, Wilton Manors Florida.

This festival commemorates the Stonewall Riots in New York which marked the beginning of the LGBT Rights movement in America.

June 21, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Please check our website for details!

www.StonewallPrideWiltonManors.com Information provided by Miik Martorell - Marketing Coordinator

Key West Pride 2014

Florida

To be Announced. Please check our website for details!

Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or get lost in the magic of our tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride!

www.keywestpride.org

Information provided by Matt Hon, Event Coordinator Key West Business Guild

June 11-15, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

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Florida PrideFest of the Palm Beaches March 28-29, 2015 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Please check our website for details!

www.compassglcc.com

Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Lake Worth and the Palm Beaches aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. ​

Information provided by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center

Pridefest of Lake Worth and the Palm beaches attracts more than 12,000 attendees annually throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Since 1992, PrideFest has served as Palm Beach County’s largest gay & lesbian visibility event. The festival exemplifies the strength and growth of the gay & lesbian community by highlighting more than 140 businesses that stand by our community and welcome our business. The event features a parade, live performances and entertainment for all ages.

Hawaii

Pupukahi I Holomua (United to Move Forward) Love is Love Dedicated to making sure Pride is not just one day, one week or one month but a whole year experience!

Bringing together Hawaii’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Inter-sex and allies citizens to celebrate and honor Pride here in Honolulu since 1990!

June 7, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Check our website for details!

www.honolulupride.org Information provided by Michael Golojuch, Jr., Chair

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Indiana Spencer Pride Festival The 2014 Spencer Pride Festival is the 8th annual rural event celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender community and its allies in Indiana. The Spencer Pride Festival takes place on the square of the Owen County Courthouse in downtown Spencer.

The festival is admission-free and 100% family-friendly. The festival features all-day live entertainment provided by local performers such as the Quarryland Men’s Chorus, Amanda Biggs, Straight Davis, & the Different Drummer Belly Dancers. There is also a huge and diverse marketplace of nearly 75 organizations, including many artists from throughout South Central Indiana. Other popular items include the Family Fun Area for guests under 12 years of age, thousands of dollars in prizes and raffle items, festival foods, and much, much more.

June 7, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Amanda Biggs, Quarryland Men’s Chorus, Straight Davis, Different Drummer Belly Dancers

www.spencerpride.org Information provided by Jonathan Balash

Kentucky The KPF is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization which strives to accomplish the following: (1) Produce an annual festival focused on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) community in the Kentuckiana area. The festival is known as the Kentuckiana Pride Festival.

(2) To provide a forum for creative expression for all members of the community.

(3) To promote and encourage the understanding that the LGBT community plays an important role in Kentuckiana’s social, cultural and economic landscape. (4) To give back to the community through charitable donations and in-kind services.

Information submitted by Aaron Angel

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Kentuckiana Pride Festival photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

June 20-21, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Laura Lee Bundy, Kristen W, Jon Simon, Justin Utley, Alexis Mateo www.kypride.com

Iowa

QC Pride

As our mission states, QC Pride, Inc is a charitable and educational organization, founded on the idea that every person—old, young, male, female, black, white, native, immigrant, gay, straight and transgender—has the right to be respected and safe and should be free to live out their core values, free from prejudice and persecution. We sponsor a number of events throughout the year culminating with the annual PrideFest. During the 2014 PrideFest one can anticipate a street fair, a shopping mecca with 100+ vendors, a non-stop cavalcade of regional entertainment, interactive arts, a smorgasbord of summer treats, a family friendly Kidz Zone, an open air picnic with a few thousand close friends, and the Zaney Zone that offers burlesque performances and live body art…all capped off with a night of fireworks on Saturday and a Sunday Interfaith Celebration!

June 6-8, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Please check our website for details!

www.qcpride.org Information provided by Jennifer Robb, Marketing Coordinator for QC Pride

Massachusetts

2014 Boston Pride Parade and Festival

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, Boston Pride educates, communicates and advocates by building and strengthening community connections. The theme for the 2014 Pride Parade and Festival is, “Be Yourself, Change the World.” The theme encourages the LGBT community to embrace what makes each individual unique and to use those qualities to change the world for the better. The Pride Parade will begin at 11am from Copley Square and will end at City Hall Plaza. The Festival is the last stop on the Boston Pride Parade route and will host musical entertainment, the Family Zone, the Main Stage Lounge, Artisan Avenue and over 130 vendors.

June 14, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Mary Lambert, A Great Big World, Alex Newell, JD Samson, Jeanie Tracy

www.bostonpride.org Information provided by Stephanie Fleming

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New Jersey

North Jersey Pride Festival

The North Jersey Pride Festival is a unique family-friendly event brings together LGBTQ folks and straight allies from all over the Garden State to celebrate diversity and promote equality. Come with a blanket or some beach chairs and spread out on the lawn, and enjoy the fabulous show (and worry not about little ones, because ALL our entertainment is kid-proof).

Browse the work of local artisans, shop our merchant vendors and sample fare from our famous Five-Star Food Court, and learn more about the wonderful LGBTQ and ally nonprofits that are doing important work in the community. It’s going to be an amazing day!

June 8, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Antigone Rising, Kinsey Sicks, Bea Miller and Hayden Maringer, De’Borah Garner and our emcee Scott Nevins www.northjerseypride.org Information courtesy C.J. Prince, Executive Director

Los Ranchos Pride

New Mexico

Los Ranchos Pride is celebrating four years of Pride in beautiful Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico. This village promotes diversity and with the mayor’s support and proclamation have declared Pride Day in Los Ranchos on June 1st, 2014. This is a free, family friendly, fun event with games, entertainment, and a picnic. Over 400 people attended last year with a car show from the Rainbow Roadrunner’s Car Club. Church Service with Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque at 10:30 and Los Ranchos Pride from 11:30-5:00. Come sit back, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day with Los Rancho Pride.

June 1, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Check our website for details

www.sinatradevine.org Information provided by Jay Decker / PJ Sedillo

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photo courtesy Connextions Magazine

New Jersey

Jersey City Pride Festival

The 2014 Jersey City PRIDE Festival is being co-hosted by Hudson Pride Connections Center and Humanity Pride Productions. We are excited to announce that our official PRIDE co-chairs are Elizabeth Schedl and Steven Marion. This year our festival will have a new home which will be in beautiful and historic downtown Jersey City on Grove Street between Columbus Drive and Montgomery. For years Jersey City PRIDE Festival has been one of the most dynamic LGBT celebrations in the state. Our co-chairs promise that this year’s celebration will be even greater as organizers are structuring a PRIDE festival agenda that provides great tasting food, fantastic entertainers, fun for families, youth, young adults, elders and more.

W. Jeffrey Campbell, Executive Director of Hudson Pride Connections Center stated, “We will continue to utilize our PRIDE festival to be a voice for continued advocacy for equality for LGBTQ persons locally, nationally and around the world.

Jersey City PRIDE Festival should certainly be on your PRIDE circuit calendar for 2014!”

August 2, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! http://hudsonpride.org/events/jc-pride-2014/

Information courtesy Elizabeth Schedl, Community Relations Director at Hudson Pride Connections Center

New York

VCS Gay Pride Rockland Sunday

VCS Gay Pride Rockland is a family friendly event, with entertainment, vendors, children’s activities, elected officials, and more! Come join us on Sunday June 8th as we celebrate Pride in Rockland County.

2014 gaypriderockland.org

June 8, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

Nyack High School Marching Band, Autumn Hues, Lady Keyante & Frankie Dee and the Boys

www.gaypriderockland.org

Information submitted by Diana Wilkins, LGBT Program Coordinator

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New York Harlem Pride, New York City’s SGL/LGBT organization representing the residents of the uptown enclave has announced Sunday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 29, 2014 as the 5th Annual Harlem Pride Week . The theme of this year’s week-long celebration is “There’s No Place Like Home,” a reference to the 40th anniversary of the 1974 Broadway musical The Wiz. Our mission is to unite Harlem’s SGL/LGBT organizations and supporters in cultivating a sense of honor, dignity and respect for our diverse culture and community by fostering tolerance of our differences and ensuring equality for all. We promote SGL & LGBT pride in Harlem and provide opportunities for collaboration and communication among its SGL/LGBT organizations and community members through education and advocacy.

Harlem Pride 2014

June 22-29, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Please see website for the full line up once it is available www.harlempride.org Information submitted by Carmen Neely, President

New York

Capital PRIDE Parade presented by Walgreens and the Capital PRIDE Festival 2014 Don’t miss one of the biggest celebrations in the Capital Region! Join tens of thousands as we show off our pride in Albany’s Washington Park. With tons of great vendors, all types of food and drink, and fun-filled family zone, fire eaters, spinners, face painters, and so much more the Capital PRIDE Festival is a great family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ community and our allies! There’s always lots to do and see at the Largest PRIDE in upstate New York!

June 14, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Grand Central Station; Sandy B.; The Glamazons; Grammy award winning Motown legend, Thelma Houston www.capitalpridecenter.org 54

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Information submitted by Pride Center of the Capital Region

New York

CNY Pride

The mission of the CNY Pride is to encourage, empower, and celebrate the Lesbian, GayBisexual, and Transgender community and their friends, families, and supporters, Bisexual, and Transgender community and their friends, families, and supporters.

June 21, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Miss E; Reverse and Bear Crusaders; Darien Lake from Rupaul’s Drag Race. www.cnypride.org Information submitted by Jayme Martin

New York Long Island Pride traces its origins to 1991 when Long Island Lesbian and Gay Pride Freedom Committee approached the Town of Huntington to grant a permit to hold the first Pride Parade. Starting at 12pm, The Long Island Pride Parade is held along Main Street in Huntington Village and draws over 15,000 spectators, making it one of the largest parades outside of New York City. Long Island PrideFest in Heckscher Park starts at 1pm and is packed with day-long musical entertainment, dozens of exhibitors’ booths, food, activities for families and children, health pavilion, beer and wine garden and special VIP Tent with lounge seating, gourmet food and private bar and bathrooms.

Long Island Pride Parade & PrideFest

June 14, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Edie Windsor; Taylor Dayne; Kristing W.; Prince Poppycock; Joe Murena; Aunt Barbara & more! www.lipride.org Information submitted by David Kilmnick, Chief Executive Officer, The Long Island GLBT Network (www.liglbtnetwork.org)

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New York

Buffalo + WNY Pride Week Now in its 23rd year, the Buffalo & WNY Pride Festival features a week of live entertainment, family activities, food and gift vendors, delicious libations, a Retro Dance tent and information tables from local organizations and businesses. We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ll be joined by RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Bianca Del Rio as our Mistress of Ceremonies, along with special musical guests Dev and The Cliks.

May 25-June 1, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment:

RuPaul’s Drag race contestant Bianca Del Rio, with music headliners Dev and The Cliks

www.buffalopridefestival.com Information submitted by Corey Mohr

North Carolina

New Day, New Way, Raleigh, NC Shades of Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency which creates opportunities that acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of North Carolina’s LGBTQ communities. We aim to deliver relevant programs that increase awareness.

Initiatives include the prevention and control of HIV/ AIDS as well as informational workshops on diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer and other health disparities that often impact the LGBTQ community.

July 25-27, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Please check our website for details!

www.shadesofpride.org Information provided by Toya Hankins-chair, Shades of Pride

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North Carolina

CBGP2014 Say it Loud!! Be Here Be Free Be Proud

July 15th-20th, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! www.charlotteblackgaypride.com

Our organization mission is to foster educational and informational events that support the mission, vision, and purpose of black gay prides around the world during pride weekend. To be in and of the community in a positive light as build relationships with LGBT and LGBT friendly people places and things.

Information courtesy Coretta Livingston Marketing Director and Public Relations

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Pride - Pride in Motion

Come celebrate your pride in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Pride weekend finds both the town and the surrounding mountains alive with the colors of the rainbow! The main festival takes place on Saturday in Pack Square located in the center of historic Downtown Asheville NC.

October 4, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! www.blueridgepride.com Information submitted by Mike Zukoski

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Ohio

Toledo Pride Toledo Pride will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary in 2014 with 3 days of great events. The fun kicks off on Friday evening with the Toledo Pride Nite Glo 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, Walk and Roll. The parade and day-long festival take place on Saturday from noon to midnight, followed by the relaxed atmosphere of Sunday Funday.

August 22-24, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! www.ToledoPride.com

Information courtesy Kelly Heuss

Oklahoma

Simply Equal at OKC Pride Pride Week in Oklahoma City is traditionally held in June. It is a time for of our city’s citizens to gather in a celebration of diversity for all people, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.

Thousands upon thousands of people gather each year to party at the Friday night block party, experience our festival and, of course, take part in the parade.

June 20-22, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Taylor Dayne; Martha Wash; www.okcpride.org

Information courtesy Kindt Steven Myers, President

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Oklahoma photos courtesy Connextions Magazine

Enid Pride 2014

The mission of the Enid Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Coalition is to serve the needs of our diverse community by building connections and by encouraging acceptance of all.

September 20, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! www.enidlgbtcoalition.org/enid-pride-festival.html Information courtesy Rachel Moore, Enid Pride 2014 Director

Pennsylvania

New Hope Celebrates Pride

May 11 through May 18, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Dario, Christine Martucci, Josh Zuckerman and headliner Kristine W. http://newhopecelebrates.com Information courtesy Sharon Fronabarger, President New Hope Celebrates

Join us for our 11th Anniversary Pride Celebration, in New Hope, Bucks County, PA. & Lambertville, NJ. Our parade theme “Bridge to Equality” will highlight the fight for marriage equality as the parade kicks off in Lambertville, NJ where same sex marriage is a reality and cross over the bridge, symbolically bringing marriage equality to Pennsylvania. Immediately following Saturday’s parade will be a festive block party and vendor fair in downtown New Hope featuring fabulous entertainers including Dario, Christine Martucci, Josh Zuckerman and headliner Kristine W. Our award-winning festival has something for everyone.

Download our app on iTunes or Google Play for all updates (New Hope Pride)!

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South Carolina

Upstate Pride SC March and Festival

Upstate Pride South Carolina empowers the LGBTIQ community and allies in the Upstate of South Carolina by promoting acceptance through education, advocacy and networking.

September 13, 2014 Special Guests/Entertainment:

To be Announced. Please check our website for details!

www.upstatepridesc.org Information provided by Gail Stephenson, President

Utah From its humble beginnings in 1974 as an informal gathering in the park, the Utah Pride Festival has come a long way.

It is now a Salt Lake City event that grows bolder and brighter with every year, allowing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community of the Salt Lake Valley, as well as the state of Utah as a whole, to come together, celebrate, and educate.Attendance of the festival in recent years has reached over 25,000 people, and it continues to grow each year. Activities have included film festivals, marches, interfaith services, 5K charity runs, and of course, the beloved Pride Parade. A broad spectrum of people can be found at all these events, including members of the LGBTQ community, their family members, and straight allies who wish to show their support.

June 6-8, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: Betty Who; Steve Grand; Sherry Vine; Joey Arias www.utahpridefestival.org Information submitted by Davey Stevenson

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Utah Pride Festival

Tennessee Knoxville PrideFest 2014 is an open celebration of music, entertainment and speakers focused on promoting Equality and Inclusion of ALL people.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, vendors will have the opportunity to display information about their organization and/or business, sell or handout items of interest and interact with our community to promote inclusion and equality for the GLBT citizens of Knoxville and surrounding areas! With a turnout nearing 20,000 people, Knoxville PrideFest is the largest Pride Festival in the State of TN.

Knoxville PrideFest Parade & Festival

June 21, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: The Indigo Girls, Steve Grand & Cazwell (among others) www.knoxvillepridefest.org Information submitted by M. Todd Cramer - President

Vermont

PRIDE Vermont 2014

The mission of Pride Vermont is to celebrate and support Vermont’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community of all ages, to educate and to act as a bridge to create alliances with each other and with the greater community as a whole. By sponsoring a yearly celebration including educational, social and artistic events, Pride Vermont raises awareness of the progress Vermont’s community has made toward equality and the challenges we still face.

September 14, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Check our website for details! http://pridevt.wordpress.com/ Information submitted by Randy Violette, 2014 Chairperson for PRIDE Vermont

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Virginia

VA Pride’s Pridefest 2014

VA Pride’s Pridefest 2014 is a celebration of the Richmond and Virginia LGBTQ community, emphasizing the goals of the VA Pride organization: Educate, Celebrate, Inspire. The board of directors of VA Pride is committed to providing an environment for the community, family and friends,where they can celebrate diversity, meet, be entertained and enjoy the day.

September 27, 2014 Special guests/Entertainment: To be Announced. Please check our website for details! http://www.vapride.org/pridefest-2014/ Information courtesy Sean Pierce

Reading on the Road I Am Loved Right Where I Am Children’s Book by Jason J. Galvez, M.A.T. I Am Loved Right Where I Am Written & Illustrated by Jason J. Galvez, M.A.T. Children’s Book Tate Publishing An adorable, easy to read, and fun children’s book featuring positive messages of love.

Sometimes, the hardest thing about being a child is feeling different from others, but with positive messages of love, those differences become unique blessings. What I appreciate most about this children’s story is that the focus is on ‘love’, not ‘difference.’ The underlying message is that families come in all different forms, but the take-away of the story is that no matter the family make-up, each child is loved. A valuable benefit to every child’s bedtime story book library.

Available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Am-Loved-Right-Where/dp/1630633038

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