IKONS Magazine Issue #2 by IKONS Magazine

I AM AN IKON

Volume I, Issue II PUBLISHER

Ardranae Byer

BUSINESS AFFAIRS Chief Executive Officer Chief of Operations Chief Officer Of Finance Creative Director

Ardranae Byer LaCarrie Byer Alethea Jones Princess ‘PStylez’ Vines

EDITORIAL FEATURES EDITOR Yasheda Skipper MUSIC EDITOR Eric ‘Mystery’ Perez GRAPHICS Kevin A. Peguero NEWS EDITOR Porsha/Naomi Bain SPECIAL PROJECTS Yasheda Skipper/Naomi Bain/Porsha CONTRIBUTING WRITERS’S Yasheda Skipper/Naomi Bain/Porsha/Briana Jones/Alethea Jones/Kelly Clark INTERNS & PROMOTIONS Tyeshia Pegram, Cody, Tamara Simmons, Tee Tee, Tadisha Richard, John Harris, Cee Cee Dixon, Raul Rios, Kristal Sanders, D2R Promotions, Team IKONS Worldwide ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVERTISING SALES Raul Rios PUBLIC RELATIONS Stacia Holley MARKETING DIRECTOR Ta’Disha Ri’Chard PROMOTIONAL TEAM LEADERS Tamara Simmons, Kristal Sanders, John Harris, Kylette Balkcom, Cody, Tasciana Rosales, Nijhier Jules-Lattimer

www.ikonsmagazine.com Sales request shall be addressed to Sales c/o IKONS Magazine P.O. Box 521087 New York, NY 10452 ATTENTION RETAILERS: CALL (646) 401.6006 to sell IKONS Magazine in your store or newsstand. IKONS Magazine is distributed Nationality & Canada DISCLAIMER: Contents of IKONS Magazine may not be reporduced in any manner either whole or in part without written consentfrom the publisher. Publication of the name or photograph of any persons or organizations appearing, advertising and listing in IKONS Magazine may not be taken as an indication of the sexual orientation of that individual or group, unless speciﬁed. The views and thoughts of the writer are not the views of IKONS Magazine. We believe in the art of expression and encourage readers and supporters to share their concerns and stories with our publication. The material/photos submitted will not be returned and become property of IKONS Magazine. Material may be edited for length and grammatical errors. Single copy price: $6.99, Canada (US Funds Only), $9.99 International (US Funds Only) ALL MAGAZINES ARE SENT DISCREETLY. Please write to IKONS at IKONS Magazine P.O. BOX 521087 New York, NY 10452 Email: info@ikonsmagazine.com

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FEATURES 24

IKONS Magazine Volume I, Issue II

Health & Beauty

Maintaining beautiful skin in this heat can be a problem, here are a few great tips for smooth skin.

Fashion

Whether girlie girl, tomboy or laid back, we have you covered.

Shoe Check

Check Out The Hottest Brands For The Hottest Months

A Lesson In History

We are here, We’re Queer, So get used to it.

IKONS IKandy

The Summer just got hotter, check out these blazin’ females.

The Best Break-Up Lines

She loves me, she loves me not... This is the season to shed a few pounds and lovers.

Broken Diaries 43 Avoid Pride Violence Story Tellers 15 Health Q&A with Star 26 Ask AJ 66 Summer Recipes 68 Book Reviews 49 On The Low: The DL Chronicles Life Of An IKON Photos 70 She Rocks The Crowd 14 Pet’s Corner 64

On our cover and this page: Photographer: Taj Washington On the cover: Stylists: Princess “P Styles” Vines, Clarissa: Bodysuit by: TopShop, Gloves by Lacraisa, Shoes by Steve Madden Earrings by Laureluxe /Angie: Swimwear by SammyB Designs, Gloves by Lacrasia, Shoes by Steve Madden Make-Up by Silver Navarro, Hair by: Freddie Fortune This page: Clarissa Swimwear by SammyBdesigns, Shoes by Steve Madden, Earrings Models Own / Angie: Swimwear by SammyBdesings, Earrings Laureluxe, shoes by Minx, Make-Up by Silver Navarro, Hair By: Freddie Fortune

“

I’m beautiful and Black. I [am] independent. I am a woman who love women and no one can change that or take it away from me. People [will] have to respect the LGBT[Q] community. I am a perfect representation for the lesbian community. I [am] very well educated [and] cute; the best of both worlds. I love to work and contribute to my half. I [am] very business and street minded, I [am] what you would consider the total package. 1 love to IKONS.

Why Am I Proud.........

Written By: Catrenia Evans IKONS Magazine Reader & Supporter

“

I can sit here all day long and tell you it’s about the women but it’s about something bigger. It’s about not conforming to what society or “religion” says I have to. It’s about being who I am whether it was from birth or from growth. I’m free to be me. Being a lesbian growing up in a small town was definitely not condoned. The few that were lesbians were forced to hide displays of affection and be “best friends only”. When forced to pacify our surroundings and hide who we are and who we love, to me is wrong. And somehow this shows a conflict of interest. How can you say you love someone and love yourself more, yet you are ashamed to be who you are before others? I am Proud beyond words of the woman I am and the woman I love. She completes me and I will hide her before no one. The thing we forget is if we are true believers in Christ we cannot hide from him, so why hide from man. Pride should ooze from you like the blood that flows through you. It is the adrenaline that makes it all worth wild. The beauty in love alone makes me proud and the woman that I shall call destiny makes me grateful. I returned to my small town only to still see the same stares and turned up noses but I am now holding the hand of the love of my life...Hand in hand and proud of it!

Just

Buzzin’

Story Tellers.........

“

Peace & Blessings Sincerely Shonte Brown aka Snoop Money Bagz!!!

Tell us who is Jimmii Montana? Thank You Guys For Having Me. J Jimmii Montana Is A Free Spirit. I Love Life And Love Living It. Love Learning.

When did you first discover the talent that you possess? Im Gonna Saaaay… I Was About 12. I Started Writing Poetry First. Now I Can’t Write Without Putting A Beat With It Lol I remember talking to you on Twitter right after the Beamer, Benz & Bentley freestyle and I told you that you had a great skill. You told me that you didn’t take it serious until now. What made you take notice and motivate you to get to the next level? What Motivated Me Was My Audience. How Everyone Reacted. Even The Haters. Everyone Showed Me So Much Love. I Felt Like “Dang, Maybe I Can Do Something With This” What makes you an ICON (IKON)? Im Authentic With Everything I Do. J Im ME !

“

Coming Out Diaries

“

My name is Charmaine and this is my coming out story. I kept my homosexual preference in the closet from my family. At first I always felt that being gay was wrong and something must have been wrong with me. But, as I grew deeper in love with someone, I grew heavily depressed because I couldn’t come out to my family. Then one day it clicked to me that no matter what or whom makes me happy, I should be able to express that to anyone. I told everyone except my grandmother. She always thought so highly of me and was always proud of the things I accomplished. She believed in me when no one else did. So I was scared to come out to her. I made a phone call to her since she doesn’t live in NY as I do. I poured my heart out to this woman, she then proceeded to 21 question me about the situation. She wanted to know what I did with a woman to know I like women, and a whole bunch of other stuff. She told me that I need to go have sex with a man and then see if I’m still homosexual after that. This honestly hurt me so bad and it broke my heart to know she wasn’t accepting this from me. The result of that phone call costs me a really amazing relationship with my grandmother. She absolutely did not speak to me for 4 months straight, then when she eased up to talk to me, she would rush me off the phone after five minutes. Do I regret telling my grandmother about being a lesbian? No I don’t because I have to say, I’ve been the happiest person since then. The weight of secrecy has been lifted off of my shoulders and I can finally breathe. Now that right there is my coming out story!

“

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For Booking Email montanajimmii@ yahoo.com or call 229-6303757

Health & Beauty

healthQ&A

The questions you could never build the courage to ask your doctor. Find out what’s on the minds of women nationwide when it comes to protecting themselves and the women they love.

am an aggressive Q Ifemale I have never

had penetration do I still have to get vaginal exams? The answer is yes of course because regardless of what u classify yourself female is female and that genetic makeup puts u at the same risks as any other woman. Vaginal exams are recommended at least yearly for all women

Is there a risk of spreading infection from one partner to the other if I use the same strap with both partners?

with Star

you transmit Q Can STD’s during oral sex if you’re performing oral sex with two women at the same time? recently shaved Q Idown” there” and

I noticed an Q Recently “odor” coming from

now I’ve noticed a few bumps are these normal and what should I do about it?

my partner’s private area, I want to use a dental dam but I don’t want to offend her.

bumps can A Normally occur after shaving and

when did A Since protecting yourself be-

should resolve themselves in 1-2 weeks. If they persist after two weeks, it is best to have them checked out by your medical examiner. lesbians more at Q Are risk for sexually trans-

There are multiple A Yes. disease which can be spread by contact with sexual toys i.e. HPV herpes and Chlamydia to name a few. The best advice is to clean your toys after each use. If you choose to have multiple partners use especially.

mitted diseases than Heterosexuals? times we take A forMany granted that the person that we are with “is” and “ was” a lesbian. The true risk cannot be calculated because the true sexual nature and orientation of your partner may be questionable. This makes lesbians just as vulnerable to STD transmission as any other group.

come an offensive gesture. I would question a partner who did not want to protect herself. Now about this odor problem; every female has her own fragrance. Ask yourself is this is a different smell for you or a definite odor. If the odor smells fishy or if there is discharge associated with it advise your partner to be checked bout by a professional. This could be an indicator of not only an STD but also several types of cancer

*Ask Starr is not a physician she is a licensed and registered health professional. If you are in any situation similar to these please consult your gynecologist. If you are embarrassed or scared here are some helpful websites for more info: www.wrongdiagnosis.com

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www.herpes-coldsores.com www.helia.com www.stdtesting.md/hpv-testing

Yes. The risk is low but A increase if the following factors are present one of the parties has open sores in their mouth or vaginal area. One of the parties is beginning their menses or has an open cut or lesion. Sex with multiple partners always increases your risk so protect yourself and them.

When in doubt never be afraid to ask. I had been involved with a female that had Herpes, but we thought it would be fine to have sex while the virus was inactive. WRONG!! I contracted the Herpes virus in and around my mouth during her inactive stages. I have to live with this for the rest of my life. Don’t be like me....ask!!!! - Anonymous

A Healthier You Fun Fitness Tips

When it comes to exercise and health some of us tend to ignore the steps that we need to take in order to have a healthy body; I’ll be giving you the top 10 ways to not become a Exercise Drop Out.

1. Come up with a “Workout Team” 2. Set realistic goals for yourself and your body frame 3. Make a contract with yourself, sort of like a Personal Timeline, in that contract you can also make a guideline on what you expect to accomplish for that week. 4. Prepare yourself; meaning Workout Routine, Diet, Workout Clothes and Shoes. Be ready 5. Dedicate yourself: Studies show it takes 21 days to stick to a habit. Written By: Porsha Carter

6. Make your exercise routine FUN! 7. Vary your Routine so that you don’t strain the muscles. One day start with Cardio, maybe the next try Strength Training.

Fun

Ways to Beat

the

8. Maintain a Healthy Low Fat Diet 9. Make sure to Rest a good period of your day; a good sleep is needed to Rest your mind, body and soul gives the body time to relax the muscles. 10. Stick to your Regimen and enjoy the outcome when you’ve hit your desired weight/look

Heat &Defeat

Wear light weight, light-colored loosefitting clothing # Limit exposure during the hottest hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If possible, avoid strenuous work or exercise outside. # Take advantage of shade in the environment and/or wear a wide-brimmed hat. # Stay in air-conditioned areas or use cooling fans to speed sweat evaporation Drink lots of cool, non-alcoholic fluids.

Editorials & Articals

Vivienne Perez CEO of Ladies Touch Ent. Keeping it rockin’ out of the West Coast, CEO Vivienne Perez of Ladies Touch Entertainment focuses on a “FEEL GOOD” vibe for ladies of the wild wild west. While offering an exciting but secure atmosphere for the grown and sexy, LTE makes sure their supporters are truley satisified with the service, music, and of course... women! Established In South California, LTE provides eccentric music and an enviroment where all woman of color can link up. San Diego, L.A., Long Beach and Hollywood, LTE covers the SoCal peninsula with hosility that sets a “ready to party” tone. With the help of co-promoters, LTE continues to “create the possible and make it reality”.

LOS ANGELES, CA Written By: Yasheda Skipper

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Tell us about your entertainment company! Who makes up Ladies Touch Entertainment, how long have you been established, etc?

pliment the city we’re in. We’ve always added the Ladies Touch “flava” to the city’s “flava”.

Ladies Touch Entertainment was founded in 2006 to create a new option with great music and energy for the lesbian and bi-sexual community in Southern California. Vivienne Perez is the CEO and she works with many co-promoters such as Freckles-Pen U Up Productions, Thrive Ent., and She Reigns Ent. to create events in the area. Ladies Touch offers a safe space for grown and sexy women to connect, be themselves, and dance the night away amongst other like minded women in upscale venues.

What sets Ladies Touch Entertainment apart from the rest of lesbian entertainment companies in your area?

What are some factors that contributed to your huge success in Los Angeles and Southern California? Some of the factors that contributed to our success in SoCal are customer service, music selection, venues, and truly loving what we do. It has always been important to us to make sure we greet EVERYONE that walks thru our doors with love and a smile, simple things like that set the tone for the night. Having more than just the new mainstream songs always keeps women happy and on the dance floor. We play soul, reggae, hip-hop, and old school classics as well. We also make sure that the venues we pick have a certain type of energy whether it’s the décor or ambiance; it definitely has to FEEL good. Tell us about your audience, what is your target group and how do you reach them regarding events? Our target group is diverse bi-sexual and lesbian women of color- Latin, African American, Asian, Indian, and others like that ages 25 and up. We reach this target through various social networks- Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and also word of mouth. What inspired you to start Ladies Touch Entertainment? What inspired me to start LTE was the lack of mixed events and good music. Originating from NYC, women partied together of all nationalities and we had amazing music-old school hip-hop, r&b, house, reggae, latin all under one roof. When I moved to LA and wanted to find a place to party at, there was only one party I could relate with and many other women agreed. From that point I knew something was missing and with the help of my co-partners at the time we created the possibility and made it a reality. It seems as if Ladies Touch has more of the Midas touch when it comes to events for women. How were you able to obtain such success in areas outside of California? LOL…They say “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and that’s exactly what we’ve done…we took our formula and tweaked it to com-

Every company is unique in their own way and caters to what they do. Because we came in with a vision and something different that is what will always set us apart as long as we stick to it. Aside from parties, tell us other ventures Ladies Touch is involved with? Parties are definitely one aspect of the company. We are involved with LGBT non-profit companies for fundraising, sports, travel, clothing, and women empowerment/spirituality to name a few. You can catch me on Blog Talk Radio on the Lesbian Power Hour Monday Nights at 6PM PCT or travel with me with Ladies Touch Travel. What does the future hold for Ladies Touch Ent.? Ladies Touch Entertainment continues to grow and unfold as it does, sometimes I have to run and catch up! What does the future hold? Hmmm…larger and international events, more community service, more ways to empower women, radio, etc… What does Ladies Touch Entertainment have in store for the PRIDE season? Pride Season will be busy! We have a Pride event in Long Beach on May 15th, Los Angeles- June 13, and San Diego the end of July…check us out www.ladiestouchent.com for event details and see you at a town near you! Do you have any words of encouragement for the aspiring entrepreneur like yourself? If you see it, believe it, and achieve it!!! The only thing that can stop you from what your heart truly wants is YOU…let love lead the way and it will ALL be worth it no matter what your goal is! ;-)

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IKANDY

Angie Let’s go ‘Back to the Crib’ with the next best thing to emerge from The Bronx. This little hottie has the attention of Juelz Santana, Chris Brown and now she has our attention.

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Back 2 da Crib....

Swimwear: Rosa Cha Gloves: Lacrasia Earrings: Laureluxe Shoes: Dereon Makeup: Silver Navarro Hair: Freddie Fortune Styled By: Princess ‘PStylez’ Vines Photographer: Taj Washington

How long have you been modeling? 5 years! You have a very exotic look to you, what is your nationality? I am 100% puertorican! :) Tell the IKONS Family some of the notable music videos you have been in? LL Cool J “Baby” Ft. the Dream, Juelz Santana “Back to the Crib” Ft. Chris Brown, Jahiem “Aint leaving without you” Ft. Jadakiss, Duane da Rock “Bottle Service” Ft. Jadakiss, and much more. Ok, So we’re dying to know what team do you bat for? LOL I Love the Yankees!! Nah, I’m straight, though. Ok, we’re not mad, we still love you. Do you get offended when other women find you attractive? Nope, not at all! I actually love it!! haha You do?? Ok so tell us what kind of women do you find attractive and who? Yes definitely! {I like} Alicia Keys, Shakira, Halle Berry, Kim kardashian, Beyonce and the list goes on. Lol

Angie struts her stuff for the cameras on the set of Juelz Santana’s “Back To The Crib” Video featuring Chris Brown

We bet it does, lol!! What would you say is your best body feature and Why? Hmmm, its hard to pick my best feature since all my body features are hot! lol.. I would normally say my face, but besides my face my boobs are my best feature! They get alot of attention. They are not too small or not too big, they are just right! Plus they are always perky, I love them that way! (giggles) You are a very attractive women but tell us what turns you on? Mutual Attraction, Foreplay,Teasing, Sex Conversations, etc.. Would you ever allow another woman into the bedroom with you and your mate? Yes, it all depends on who’s the girl and what kind of mood I’m in. If the girl is hot & sexy why not! (giggles) So, tell us what makes you an IKON? In my opinion a female Ikon is an independent women who doesn’t let any adversities deter her from her dreams and goals. I wouldn’t say that I am an Ikon to all, however, their are many individuals/aspiring models who looks up to me in that kind of light and I am very greatful! Their are much more dreams and goals to achieve in my life span and I will continue on puersuing them day by day and reaching towards my success! :)

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FASHION

Fun In The Sun At IKONS we give you the best of both worlds while keeping it fresh and clean.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 5.

11.

10. 8.

1. Arden B $19.50 2. L.A.M.B $365 3. Arden B $49 4.Iotta Stensson $385 5. Zimmerman $290 6. T Bags $240 7. Mandee’s $6 8. Arden B 9. See By Chloe $195 10. Steve Madden 11. Missoni $325 12. Mandees $24 13. Mandee’s $10

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12.

13.

AN IKON - Member of the LGBT community who lives and strives for greatness within self and others.

Relax a little 6. 1. G Shock Japan Edition www.gshock. com 2. Gommi Arcade $32 3. Adidas Nizza Hi www.adidas.com 4. Bedwin $68 5. BBC Boys Club www.BBC. com 6. Carerra Aviators $120 7. Adidas Gazelle $60 8. BBC Boys Club www.BBC. com 9. Marc Ecko $34.99 10. BBC Boys Club $149 11. DC Tank $18

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Lifestyle

Photos Life Of An IKON

IKONS Magazine Launch Party NYC

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Photos Life Of An IKON