Letter From the Editor
Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll — Tina Turner, In The Memory Of
Interview: Adrian Rossi
Interview: Elizabeth Ricci
Interview: Carry Saunders
I wanted to embrace my culture as an African-American woman for the fifth edition. But I wanted to go further; I wanted to give our magazine's models, interviewees, and guests the freedom to present their own "culture". Whether such culture is shared by members of the same group, ethnicity, or community. In spite of the fact that certain depictions may be more overtly specific, others are more specialized and depend on the model's perspective relating to their chosen culture.
Specifically, I wanted to go back to Diversify's foundational themes of reclaiming one's time and reflecting on the unseen in Los Santos for this issue. To promote art beyond commercialism and give our models a platform to express parts of themselves in a fashion magazine, I want to embrace the abstract, the artistic, and the uncanny for this edition. But most importan want to give those whose voices you might not expec hear in a fashion magazine a chance to be heard.
Similar to mermaids, trans women are wrongly viewed as an 'other'. Mermaids are misunderstood yet 'desirable', consequently leading sailors alike to their demise. Like mermaids— the trans community deals with misconceptions, stigma, and unnecessary hatred merely for existing.
"The LGBT community holds a profound significance to me as a symbol of inclusivity, acceptance, and the celebration of diverse identities and experiences. It represents a collective of individuals who have come together to support and advocate for the rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, along with other sexual orientations and gender identities." Mermaid tail commissioned
through Haute.
SIENNA'S SIREN MESSAGE
"As a proud transwoman, I have seen the obstacles and adversity the community faces. I want to use the resources at my disposal to amplify the voices and experiences of transgender individuals, honoring their perspectives and addressing the specific issues they encounter. By embracing and uplifting the transgender community, we create a society that truly embraces the values of equality and respect for all."
"Brazilian culture is also full of art, music, literature, and cuisine that reflects its diverse population. The country has a long history of cultural exchange between its different regions which has resulted in an eclectic mix of cultural influences. I'm an example of that myself; and I say so proudly, as a person of white and black ancestry despite my family and myself being purely Brazilian nationality-wise."
SAMBA!
"Brazil is a country with a unique culture that is steeped in tradition and history. From the country's broad array of cultural elements and influence, there are many aspects of Brazilian culture to explore; of which the Brazilian samba and the country's very rich football history are staples. There are also many other elements that make up the vibrant culture; from the traditional drinks such as caipirinha and cachaça to the colorful carnivals, beautiful beaches, and their everlasting nightlife."
Nightlife culture is currently regenerating and reinventing itself regularly. Without question, one of the key hubs for mingling and connecting in Los Santos is the nightlife culture itself. Particularly, Singleton's created a new atmosphere in Los Santos where the phrase "Love Wins" perfectly captures the nascent energy of the city's current nightlife scene.
RESOLVE
One woman's battle to stand up to those who would rather her fall feet from the stirrups— Ren's embodiment of culture is simply "intersex culture"—with the familiar face overcoming hurdles within the fashion industry as an intersex icon.
Gothic subculture archetypes have associated taste in music, aesthetics, and fashion. In a non-complex description, Gothic culture can be defined as; "eerie, mysterious, complex and exotic". A morbid fashion and style of dress that celebrates free thinking, tolerance, and challenges traditional gender norms.
Tina Turner passed away on the 24th of May 2023, aged 83. Ever since 1978, Tina has suffered multiple illnesses, some of which were life-threatening.
High blood pressure, kidney failure, intestinal cancer, and ultimately a stroke, after which she had to learn how to walk once again. Tina passed away at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland. Tina Turner was a legendary artist whose electrifying performances, powerful vocals, and inspiring life stories have made her an enduring and beloved figure in the music industry. Her impact transcends generations, and she will be continued to be celebrated as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Born as Anna Mae Bullock, but professionally known as Tina Turner was an American-born and naturalized Swiss singer. Often, she was referred to as the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, she was originally in a duo band but then rose to fame as a solo singer, which turned out to be very successful. Despite Tina Turner’s hundreds of successful songs, she also did a lot of activism for the Black Community, as she was many of the first Black Artists, becoming the first Black woman to ever be on MTV, reachingNo.26onBillboardHot100,No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club Songs, and No. 3 on Hot Black Singles, and many more including becoming the first Black female artist to appear on the cover of RollingStoneMagazine,andsoon.
Tina Turner’s experience with domestic abusebecameaturningpointinherlife, which flamed her passion for being an advocate for other survivors. She openly shared her story and spoke up against domestic violence, and by doing this, it became a beacon of hope and empowerment for thousands of individuals that are trapped in a similar situation. In her autobiography, “I, Tina”, which was published in 1986, she shed light on the experiences she endured during this time in her life and the kind of courage it took to break free from the cycle of abuse. The “What’s Love Got to Do with It” film adaptation brought the storyintothelimelight.
This film adaptation forwarded her message of resilience and inspiring otherstoreclaimtheirlives.
Inspiring millions of young LGBTQ+ young individuals worldwide. In 1982, the “Typical Male” singer led the opening ceremony at the first-ever Gay Games, hosted in San Francisco, but other artists wouldn’t, The games marked a new chapter for the community’s athletes and sports globally,andTurnerwastheretoseethe community through it. In the year 2000, she openly pledged her support once again, voicing her thoughts on the “wonderful thing”, which was same-sex marriage. Tine Turner spoke up 13 years before gay marriage was legalized in the United Kingdom, and 15 years before it was recognized in the United States. Tina Turner also supported drag queens, and she changed the face of drag by doing that. Many drag performers like RuPaul, have lip-synced to her songs often.
Her influence extended beyond music and activism, with her iconic fashion choices and style, she left an indelible mark on popular culture. She was known for her dynamic stage presence, and Turner embraces fashion as a means of self-expression. Her daring ensembles became a visual extension of her power performances. Turner’s fashion sense was defined by boldness and originally, she fearlessly wore eyecatching pieces, including sequinned dresses, fringe-adorned outfits, and thigh-high boots like a true performer. Her wild but eccentric hairstyle became an iconic symbol of her personality as well. In a Swiss television interview in 1996, Tina admitted that she made her own wigs, with the natural-looking results contributing significantly to her image. Simply, Turner embraced her individuality, inspiring generations of artistsandfashionenthusiasts.
“Through this piece I wanted to represent the beauty and the vulnerability of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community and through that vulnerability, I open a glimpse of the vibrant resilient community that I’m apart of. There’s nothing shameful about being who you are so wear and lay in it beautifully. “
"Until I finally embraced myself, I felt like I was locked away from who and what I was destined for in life. It took me a lot of pain and suffering to fully realize my worth, even after I had come out and experienced the worst pain somebody could ever inflict on me after trusting them [...] I lost everything whilst they are flourishing in the city but these hardships? They were worth my freedom, the selfworth I now feel. I'm exactly who and where I was meant to be."
"Maintaining a connection with my roots is incredibly important to me. The decision to leave my homeland and pursue my dreams in the United States was both exciting and challenging. However, throughout this journey, I have remained committed to preserving my identity and heritage. My roots serve as a compass, guiding me through unfamiliar territories while reminding me of the values and traditions that shaped me."
Leading a life of action and danger while serving and protecting his community and the public, Senator Adrian Rossi was not always a state senator of San Andreas. Before he turned to politics, he served the community as a Law Enforcement Officer. Just like in his previous career, he turned to serving the community of Los Santos, and by extension, San Andreas as a state senator, going into politics focusing on public safety, which the people of the state of San Andreas witnessed firsthand. However, Senator Rossi did not pursue politics initially, but after his resignation from the police force, he was employed within the corporate world for a brief time. Senator Rossi even thought about reinstatingbutdidnotduetosomeof his friends convincing him otherwise, and with his knowledge about public safetyandcommunity,hecouldserve the people of the state a different way, which was by becoming a state senator.
Senator Rossi resumed the interview by sharing some personal details. His father and mother live on the East Coast where he grew up as an only child. Despite having no siblings, Senator Rossi has extended family, such as his cousin from his mother’s side, Lux Remy, founder of Hawaiian SnowApparel.
Justlikeeveryoneofus,weallhavesome regrets in our lives and wish we could have changed the past for the better. Senator Rossi in his interview did not pinpoint any specific moments. He did, however, state that there were times when he wished to exercise patience, especially in trying and difficult times. He recognized that such situations will occur in the future, as well. He acknowledges that he is not and never will be perfect, but continues to battle the constant challenges to improve and excel further both in his personal and professional life, quoting; "I still have to improve on that [patience] front sometimes, but I think it is something we should all try and improve." Without a doubt, it is essential for someone in Rossi's political position topracticepatienceasavirtue.
Around the topic of healthcare, Senator Rossi admires the current state of medical health in the state of San Andreas, quoting; “We are blessed with the opportunity of having public free healthcare for all residents of the State. This is something that we should take advantageofsinceitisnotsomething you see much of across the country.” Senator Rossi also highlighted the negatives of public healthcare quoting; “Universal healthcare could increasewaittimesforbasiccareand be the reason for wages to be lower in the health sector. Free healthcare also means more government control over the individual's health care, somethingthatweshouldnotbekeen onseeing.”
Continuing to address the current education sector within the state, Senator Rossi believes that education is important to everyone, especially due to the fact that the younger generations will be the future leaders of our world. Senator Rossi added; “We have to ensure that they are equipped with the proper education to do so. I believe the best way to do soistoallowforStateandlocallevels of educational departments to set standards for schools as opposed to the federal government.” Senator Rossi believes that parents should be able to opt their children out of certain programs and that only core subjects such as physical education, mathematics, history, language studies, and others should be mandated. Continuing, he believes that parents should have the right to also decide what is best for their children.
Senator Rossi supports the ideas of charter and private schools. Closing this opinion topic, Senator Rossi quoted; “Without a strong educational system, or with an educational system run by an increasingly polarizing and powerful federal government, we will fail our childrenandthosetocomeafter."
Around the topic of diversity, Senator Rossi expressed his recognition of the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion.Hefirmlybelievesthatdiversity played a crucial role in improving decision-making, fostering creativity, increasing productivity, and paving new paths. Within his own office, Senator Rossiensuredadiversestaffcomprisedof individuals from various backgrounds and upbringings, including both men and women.Theyemphasizedthesignificance of embracing diversity by valuing the unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives of individuals. Senator Rossi believedthatbydoingso,societycouldbe transformed into one that promotes innovation, equal opportunity, and social progress.However,healsohighlightedthe necessity of a merit-based approach, where individuals are tasked or rewarded based on their skills, qualifications, and abilities, and that without merit, diversity amountstonothing.
Above all, Senator Rossi pledged to stand for equal opportunities and justice, both in the workplace and beyond, to ensure that meritorious and diverse progress could thrive. Although a red-blooded American and Republican, Senator Rossi's personal background and selection of employees upon merit-based approaches showcase the politician's inclination toward authentic representation and diversitybeyondpoliticalstanding.
Situated amidst breathtaking views andofferingasereneatmosphere,the recently reopened Pacific Bluffs Resort has undergone a stunning transformation. With new leadership at the helm, the resort aims to provide a peaceful retreat for guests seeking respite from the city's chaos. We had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Elizabeth Ricci, one of the owners, to gain insights into the resort'sfreshlook,modernamenities, and personal philosophy on creating awelcomingenvironment.
Miss Ricci's passion for guest satisfaction is evident as she emphasizes the importance of mental healthandrelaxation.Recognizingthe overwhelming nature of urban life, sheensuresthattheresort'ssecluded location and tranquil ambiance offer a much-needed break from the daily grind. The Pacific Bluffs Resort is designed to be a sanctuary where individuals can unwind, socialize, and enjoy various luxurious amenities tailoredtotheirpersonalneeds.
Guests and members of the Pacific Bluffs Resort are spoiled for choice when it comes to indulging in the available luxuries. The resort boasts pools, a beautiful beach, tennis courts, and cozy lounges. For those seekingcomfortandconvenience,the hotelroomsprovideasafehaven.
Miss Ricci reveals exciting plans for the future, including a members-only gym with massage rooms, a tanning salon, a forthcoming restaurant open to the public, and a dedicated wedding venue. Elizabeth aims to lessen the stressors of thosedealingwithLosSantos'stressors.
Prior to her role as a business owner, Miss Ricci had an impressive career in public service, particularly within the Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Government. Despitetheiraccomplishments,MissRicci and her husband recognized the importance of taking breaks and decided to prioritize their own well-being and startingafamily.Thisrealizationledthem to embark on the journey of owning and revitalizingthePacificBluffsResort.
Specifically, Ricci quoted the following in regard to her resignation from Cultural Affairs: "I enjoyed my job with the city and am proud of our accomplishments last year. However, we worked too hard and neglected to take breaks despite Mayor Marcus Cambridge and Bianca Russo's encouragement. When my husband and I decided to try for a baby, he suggested we leave the job, and I agreed it was the best decision. Fortunately, we parted on good terms."
Although her schedule is demanding, Miss Ricci values her free time and spends it engaging in various activities. She enjoys watching the Star Wars series, including the popular Mandalorian, and relishes quality moments at home. Additionally, she finds pleasure in attending barbecues, going clubbing, and embarking on camping adventures. Her husband, an enthusiastofvintagecars,oftenjoins herforcountrysidedrives.
Throughout her experiences, Miss Ricci has gained valuable life lessons. Oneofherguidingprinciplesistonot pay heed to criticism from those she wouldn't seek advice from. She astutely observes that individuals who exhibit unpleasant behavior often rationalize it to themselves, believing they are the smartest in the room. However, she firmly believes that good people must challenge manipulativeindividuals,emphasizing the importance of striving to become better as an individual and speaking up against wrongdoings that are oftentimesunfortunatelydismissed.
"Mental health has always been a top priority for me. Living in the city can feel suffocating and isolating, making it difficult to catch your breath. At Pacific Bluffs, we want to provide a welcoming space where guests can leave their worries behind. We value each individual whovisitsus,regardlessoftheirstatus."
In contrast to Ricci's steely business mentality, the woman's personality possesses a self-proclaimed dorkiness and unapologetic adult sense of humor beyond work hours: "I believe that a revelation for those who meet me privately is my tendency to exhibit dorky and unapologetic adult behaviour. At work, I restrain this aspect of myself, but when I am in a relaxed environment, the unrestrained and uncensored adult nerd comesout."
Asforfamilylife,Elizabethquotes:"Asfor my husband, he built a smoker in the garden for briskets and bacon. He also enjoys working on old cars and we take them out to the countryside. We also enjoy visiting small, cosy bars, lounges, and diners where I can have a beer and chat with strangers without any work distractions."
Under Miss Elizabeth Ricci's leadership, the Pacific Bluffs Resort has become a haven for guests seeking a luxurious and tranquil escape. With a renewed focus on mental health and personalized experiences, the resort offers a range of amenities and services that cater to individual preferences. Miss Ricci's journey from public service to entrepreneurship exemplifies the pursuit of personal well-being and the commitment to creating a welcoming environmentforall.
Born in Tennessee, Carry Saunders daredtodreambig.Herheartwasset ontheglitzandglamourofVinewood, where she hoped to make a name for herselfasanactress.Inpursuitofher dreams, Carry packed her bags and ventured into the sprawling city of LosSantosin1989.
Reality struck Carry hard as she struggled to find acting opportunities in Vinewood. Proclaimed by Saunders, the only roles available wereintheadultfilmindustry,apath she refused to take. Undeterred by the setback, Carry sought a different waytoshineinthelimelight.
Carry's destiny took an unexpected turnwhenshelandedaninternshipat a local television station. Balancing her internship with late-night shifts at local clubs to pay her bills, Carry discovered a hidden passion within herself – the power of wellresearched information and its ability tocaptivateanaudience.
Carry's dedication and hard work caught the attention of her boss, who saw potential in her budding journalismskills.Theopportunityofa lifetime came knocking when Carry was sent to Germany to record a David Hasselhoff concert. This seemingly ordinary assignment changedCarry'slifetrajectory.
As fate would have it, a series of unforeseen events unfolded during the concert, turning Carry's recording assignment into a live reporting opportunity. Without hesitation, she embraced the challenge and delivered an exceptional report. Her charisma, wit, and professionalism caught the eye of the industry, thrusting her into the national spotlight.
Carry's ascent in the world of journalism was not without its challenges. As a lowly intern, she had to navigate the complex hierarchy within news organizations. Determined and resilient, she persevered, working her way up the ladder with an unwavering dedication to the LSNN powerhouse that we recognize her nowadaysasbeinginmodernLosSantos.
Carry understood the need to stay ahead of the game. She embraced new technologies, adapted to the ever-changing news landscape, and honed her skills as a reporter. Her thirstforknowledgeandcommitment to excellence propelled her forward, enabling her to tackle every story withfinesse.
To those aspiring to acquire a career in journalism, Saunders advised the following: "Always maintain a professional distance. And if you can’t, do not report. It will compromise the quality of your reports, simply. And always doubt your sources. No matter wherefrom. Always double-check and verify. Documentation is the most crucial part."
In the tumultuous landscape of modern society, recurring patterns emerge. Carry Saunders, with her years of experience as a journalist, witnessed the repetitive nature of certain events, like the Davis riots of the previous year. She reflects on the familiar script that unfolds time and time again—an outcry of discontent, followed by the heavy-handed response from law enforcement, allegations of organized police violence,andthesubsequentlawsuits thatoftenyieldlittleconsequence.
It is through their tireless efforts that the truth can be unveiled. As she reflects on the events of last June, Carry acknowledges the power of shocking images broadcasted live on television, revealing the stark reality of deputies swinging batons. These visual records hold the potential to identify those responsible for such acts of violence, emphasizing the need for external oversight.
Even for a seasoned journalist like Carry Saunders,blindspotsexistwithinherown work. She openly acknowledges that everyone possesses biases and limitations, including herself. Aspiring journalists can learn a valuable lesson from her transparency. It is essential to approach interviews with an active role, taking the lead in the conversation rather than merely allowing the interviewee to speak. By asking probing questions and seeking diverse perspectives, journalists can uncover hidden truths and challenge their own preconceptions which have the potentialtolimittheircontent.
Amidst the chaos, Carry recognizes the importance of investigative reporting. She believes that a dedicated team of reporters, present at the scene and diligently collecting available evidence, can provide an invaluableperspective.
Carry Saunders, with her unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, serves as a guiding light amidst the chaos. Her wisdomandexperiencehavetaughtherto recognize the cycles that often repeat while emphasizing the crucial role of investigative reporting. By acknowledging her own blind spots and encouraging dialogue, Carry provides a blueprint for aspiring journalists to navigate the intricatewebofstorieswaitingtobetold. As she continues her journey, Carry's commitment to external supervision and relentless pursuit of truth remains steadfast—a beacon of hope in a complex world craving transparency and accountability.
Art, music, and food are typically connected with Italian culture. It is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church, and the epicentre of the Renaissance, which flourished for centuries across Europe. It is known for its rich artistic, historical, religious, culinary, architectural, and fashion heritage. These cultural legacies have had a significant impact on defining Western cultural traditions. It should come as no surprise that Italy attracts millions of tourists each year.
"Feminism envisions a world where all individuals, regardless of their gender, flourish in an atmosphere of equality and respect. It delicately nurtures the seeds of inclusivity, fostering a society that embraces the unique perspectives and experiences of every person, while recognizing the historical marginalization of women."
Dolores Del Rio was a Mexican film actress. She was a movie star during the silent era and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Dolores was one of the first Mexican movie stars with international appeal, with a spectacular career in Hollywood throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Dolores Del Rei is without a doubt the face of deco, and we wanted to reflect that in this culturally inspired spread.
"Being authentic with myself and my grounding with the roots of my culture is of highvalue to myself. With a heavy heart and a strength within me, leaving my heritage behind due to the indifferences relating to my sexuality and who I was as a person. Abandoning the style of life that I was so familiar with, it felt like a dagger to the heart.
To be distanced from the heritage that raised me in my youth and into the man I am today. It is my wish to embrace it with opened arms once again and share the beauty of indigenous culture to those who haven't been touched by the beauty. My appreciate to my heritage is through a uniqueness because there is a beauty in being an individual in the LGBTQ+ community from Mexico. That itself is a culture to appreciate and one that will not be silenced."
Japan has a lively "matsuri" culture that is deeply based in the country's unique Shinto religion and traditional agrarian lifestyle. Japan is well-known for its architecture, art, customs, and crafts. It also has a wellknown pop culture. No other country has the same characteristics as Japan. For example, the geisha is a female Japanese performer who is usually employed to amuse guests at teahouses and social functions. We wanted to depict the geisha in its traditional, feminine form in this spread.
"These images are inspired by my youth and witnessing the hardships that people face in the East Coast concrete jungle. They serve as a reminder that with enough will and determination anything is possible."
Faith Labelle
Faith & Alora Labelle
Elizabeth Ricci
Adrian Rossi
Carry Saunders
DeAndre Knight
Ayami Hikaru
Hatsuna Kawamoto
Faith Labelle
Piper Labelle
Micah Garcia
Paulina Martinez
Aaron Kim
Harmony Sinclair
Caden Emerson
Dante Ricci
Kendra Lavigne
Sienna Bordeaux
Mulata
Ren
Columnist
Diya Cattrall
Photographer(s)
Khalida Aquila & Micah Garcia