A revolutionary digital space that explores life as we all evolve within it. I present my personal commentary on Fashion, Style, Art, Parenting, Crafting, Music, Literature, Culinary delights, Inspirational people and their stories. I aim to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that I have gathered on my journey in an effort EMPOWER and INSPIRE! Xxo
Making a commitment to myself and deciding to push through personal boundaries can yield the most profound and unexpected gifts. This weekend I spent in Ojai, California at The Empowered Authors Academy hosted by the dynamic, authentic, publishing powerhouse of Enliven Books Zhena Muzyka. I will chronicle my thoughts and feelings about this weekend in an upcoming post.
I wanted to share one of the MANY amazing humans I had the pleasure of sharing a room with over the last 2 days, the beautiful Dr. Tererai Trent.
Dr. Trent's story is nothing short of incredible! She evolved from living as an abused child bride (age 11) in a small village in Zimbabwe, under poverty conditions that we spoiled westerners could not even fathom, to dreaming what seemed to everyone else an impossible dream of hope and education. She wanted a life with access to education, plenty to eat and peace. Her mother and grandmother supported the belief that she held the power to change her life and realize all of her dreams.
She wrote a brilliantly illustrated children's book called "The Girl Who buried her dreams in a can" that tells her story to the girls she is now empowered to uplift. I acquired the book yesterday for my 8 year old daughter and I am so excited to be able to share it with her.
Not only did Dr. Trent realize her dream of acquiring an education (a bachelors degree, two master's degrees, a PhD and 4 honorary degrees) she has inspired thousands of women and girls to reach for their dreams, never letting the bleakest of situation, towering odds or geographical restrtictions stop them from dreaming and living the lives they want.
Dr. Trent is Oprah's ALL TIME favorite guest and received a gratitude gift from lady O herself to the tune of 1.5 million dollars to build schools in Zimbabwe, thousands are now being given access to education because of Dr. Trent's sacrifices, vision, dedication and hard work!
She is currently writing her memoir soon to be published by Enliven Books! I cannot WAIT to get my hands on what I know will be a national and global BEST SELLER.
WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE to you Dr. Trent for inspiring me to not only make all the dreams I have held silent into a reality by sharing my unique voice but showing me through both your word and deed TINOGONA - It is achievable! When we unite our voices as women, empower and inspire one another there is truly nothing that we cannot accomplish.
We are ALL Wonder Women, yes ALL of us without exception. Women around the globe on a daily basis are achieving great things, loving and caring for children, are amazing friends, daughters, partners, educators, musicians, artists and contributors to the workforce. I feel like many of you sell yourself short based on the mirror society holds up and you shouldn't.
International women's day is a great time to celebrate women and their achievements, big and small but it is also a day to question. Why don't we celebrate women all year long? Why don't women receive equal pay for equal work? why don't women have access to proper health care? Why are women in the world denied basic human rights that are bestowed upon their male counterparts? Finally, what can We do as a community to bring forth change?
An Iranian woman shows Persian writing on her hands reading women should same rights as men. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA
I have spent most of the day reflecting on these issues as I read the endless stream of articles and posts on social media. I feel that as a community we can continue to make an impact and move forward towards true gender equality and the dissolution of gender lines. For example, Voting, joining a community organization, even simple acts of kindness and support to other women, one at a time we can make a difference, like a ripple effect.
Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects. - Dalai Lama.
It is my hope and ultimate goal to empower and inspire women through fashion and personal style. I choose to stand with all women as an ally and never a competitor. I want to celebrate every woman's achievements as I truly respect any woman with pure intention who is putting forth effort in this life.
I often wonder what the world will be like for my daughter. The best we can do as mothers, teachers, and role models is to raise our girls to be proud individuals who think for themselves, question the status quo and not accept anything that does not feel right or serve her.
We can equip our girls to know that SHE is enough.
Thank you for being part of this gorgeous female tapestry. For inspiring me each day with your wisdom, bravery, heart and guts.
I cannot easily compile a list of women that I admire as it is ALL OF YOU. Know that we are ALL wonder women, together on this and ALL days!
Today is 'National Coming Out Day' (NCOD) A big day for the gay community to be proud of their accomplishment of being who they are, out, open and honest. In the ugly face of society this can be a brutal task. It takes real strength and courage of character for any 'minority' to stand up against the herd, be different and real.
This day is MORE than just coming out and declaring your sexual preference to your family, friends, and society. It is a day to celebrate EQUALITY for all and the HUMAN RIGHTS we all deserve regardless of sexual preference, gender, age, race, or religious affiliation.
I love the NOH8 (No Hate) pictorial campaign for equality so much that I wanted to share these 2 PSA Videos - Especially while we have an election looming in America. From where I sit President Obama is all about rights; for minorities of all kinds and his opponent is the polar opposite. There are MANY issues to consider while casting your votes but NONE are as basic or important as equal rights, it is truly the foundation on which everything else rests.
I was blown away by Michelle Obama's speech last night. For the first time I was a VERY proud American resident. With such effortless class and ease the First Lady delivered an amazing speech in support of her husbands re-election. The speech had such a genuine air about it. I read somewhere that she took the last month writing the speech herself (no 3rd party speech writers required). I loved the reinforcement that our choice is really not a political choice but a human choice. Never once slamming, degrading or talking negatively about the Republicans; total CLASS. She highlighted the President's desire for equality for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, income or education level. The choice in November is CLEAR to me; to move FORWARD. It makes me SAD that many people are so hung up on "What has not happened" rather than what the President has accomplished. People need to take a REALISTIC look at the political situation Mr. Obama walked into after 8 years of the Bush administration as well as the fact that REAL CHANGE takes TIME! By adjusting expectations and standing together we can all realize opportunities that are truly afforded to all in America if we are willing to work for it and offer our.
Tracy Reese Dress and J. Crew Pumps
I agree with Russell Simmons statement: Never stop giving back! First Lady Michelle Obama shared so many powerful messages last night, but the 1 that really stayed with me was when she said of President Obama, “He believes that when you’ve…walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. No, you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” To me, that’s the basic choice we face this Fall. Are we going to be a country where the priority is “get yourself paid and everyone else can fend for themselves?” Or a country where it’s ok to, “Get paid, but always give back too.” To me, it’s an easy choice. Listen, I’m as rich as a lot of these big Republicans, but I WANT to pay more taxes if that means better schools, health care, transportation and welfare, for everyone else. Because I know that the second you stop looking to help and give back in life, whatever success you’ve experienced will become worthless. I really hope The First Lady’s message came through loud and clear to ALL Americans last night, because if we don’t collectively embrace the concept of giving back, then we’ll be lost as a country.
It is fabulous that we live in a free society where everyone has the right to their opinion's and feelings. I'm thrilled to have a medium to voice my utter disgust at a recent "joke" made by comedian Wayne Brady.
He was taking part in Comedy Central’s roast of Roseanne Barr this past Sunday. At one point in his routine he directed the following statement to Jeff Ross, another comedian taking part in the roast.
“Now the thing is Jeff, these are all jokes, and I really like you. I really, really like you. But a lot of people hate you, especially Sarah Palin because you remind her of what Trig is going to look like when he’s 40.”
First let me say that I DO NOT agree with Sarah Palin's politics, religious beliefs or her conduct with respect to animals but I am disgusted as a mother that Mr. Brady felt the need to make a "joke" inferring that Trig (Sarah's son) would be ugly at 40 because he has Down Syndrome.
Seriously? He also did not take kindly to the Boo's that immediately rang out from the crowd. The real JOKE is that if ANY comedian made fun of or derogatory remarks about the African American community you better believe that they would be forced to make a public apology.
That is exactly what Wayne should be giving the Down Syndrome community today. Starting with Trig Palin, an innocent boy in all of this who cannot read his hurtful words now but will one day be able to.
I know that I am personally excited to see what my beautiful boy Blake will look like when he is 40! I hope he will be a HAPPY man despite the clear prejudice, ignorance and lack of compassion this society still seems to have toward people with perceived differences. He will be a contributing member of society, the greatest teacher in my life and NOT reduced to the punchline of a game show hosts joke.
My Son Blake!
I wonder if Wayne would be laughing if someone made a joke about his daughter Maile? or about a group or community that Maile was connected too? As a parent it truly HURTS when someone has a laugh at your child's expense; directly or indirectly.
This is NOT a political issue it is a HUMAN one. My friend, father and Writer at Noah'sDad.com wrote an amazing open letter to Wayne Brady which I hope he takes time out of his busy deal making and joke writing schedule to read.
Let's make a deal Wayne. I will personally give you a round of applause if you take the opportunity to apologize for your disrespectful, unfunny comments .. oh, I mean "JOKE". If not the joke is on YOU. Your comments say much more about YOU and YOUR character (or the lack thereof) than it does about people with Down Syndrome. Keeping in mind of course that one day your daughter may read your comments and see your conduct. Will you joke or laugh at the expense of others and perpetuate judgement, bullying and hate? or choose to stand up and take accountability for your actions and words inspired by kindness, compassion, inclusion and love?
BIGOT:"a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance"
Recently the trashy fat food chain Chick-Fil-A has publicly proclaimed their bigotry to the world as their president and CEO Dan T. Cathy felt the need to profess his opposition to same sex marriage and his proclamation that "gay marriage violated God's plan." I would like to point out Mr. Cathy although you are entitled to your opinion of intolerance and hatred, if you really knew what God's plan was you would not be murdering and selling one of "god's" creatures (chicken) and peddling fat fried food to assist in the national epidemic of obesity and all junk food related illnesses. I can confidently say that I KNOW God's plan is NOT to segregate, hurt or judge others. Did you skip the passages of your "good book" that states - “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1-5 or "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?"Romans: 2: 1-3
Kate Moss W Magazine
Let me be clear that I am NOT a religious person. I do not subscribe to the herd mentality. I am so sick of religious hypocrites that pick and choose from their bibles for items that apply to them on a situational basis and use it to hurt other people. This is not restricted to the Christians either; Catholics and Jehovah's Witnesses please stand up!
Kate Moss W Magazine
No matter what my personal opinion there is no denying human recorded history of the atrocities that have been committed with a religious justification. People's prejudicial opinions being one on a smaller scale. It is not my intention to make disparaging remarks about everyone who claims to be religious. I actually know a select few believers who are amazing people and for those of you that I don't know I don't hold Mr. Cathy's ignorant comments against you. I don't judge your beliefs, on the contrary I actually respect them. What I don't respect is the use of those beliefs to hurt, judge or exclude others.
I bet if someone looked a little closer at Mr. Cathy's "traditional" Christian behavior, history and marriage we would find a whole new level of hypocrisy.
How can someone CLAIM to be a good Christian when they exclude, hurt or judge their fellow human being because their life does not fit into the confining walls of their proverbial church collection plate? Do you really BELIEVE something because someone told you it was TRUTH? or you read it somewhere?
This kind of bigotry goes way past same sex marriage. Essentially Mr. Cathy is excluding ALL who do not fall into this generic, faux-religious boundaries. I think it is a fair assessment that it is "God's" plan that we all love, support and respect one another through this physical life. Why would he/she deny love to someone just because they happen to be of the same sex? based on a book written by another imperfect human? In the wise words of my outspoken husband who happens to believe in God "God did not write religion or the bible, humans did". We are ALL imperfect, too bad we were not all HONEST. I don't claim to have any of the answers but I do KNOW that LOVE is never wrong no matter what it's form.
The moral of my story: The best thing we can do to combat the bigotry is BE OURSELVES, LOUD and PROUD!
I usually ignore the haters (as there are a lot out there) and I let the HATE MOTIVATE, but sometimes it feels good to stand up to the bigots and bully's
I like Lady Ga Ga's lyric on the subject "I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track baby I was born this way"
It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'cause you were born this way, baby
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't be a drag ‒ just be a queen [x3]
Don't be!
Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (Love needs faith)
Don't be a drag, just be a queen Whether you're broke or evergreen You're black, white, beige, chola descent You're Lebanese, you're orient Whether life's disabilities Left you outcast, bullied, or teased Rejoice and love yourself today 'cause baby you were born this way
No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive. No matter black, white or beige Chola or orient made, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to be brave.
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
Same DNA, but born this way.
Same DNA, but born this way.
After another ridiculous constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in the state of North Carolina I feared that the United States, once again was going to take a big step backward with respect to equality. I was disgusted and reminded of the days where the schools were segregated and different races were not even permitted to share the same water fountain let alone the same bed or life. I questioned the amount our society has really evolved since then. The injustice that prejudice has caused in this country is still being felt from the days of segregation. History is still repeating itself, just focused on another group.
My common sense has always told me NO ONE, much less the government should have the right to dictate who you should or can spend your life with. The government should not be able to distribute rights to one group and not another at their own discretion or deny rights's because they feel like it. Don't even get me started on the judgemental, hurtful and hypocritical institution of the church with respect to these issues.
I was pleased that President Obama FINALLY spoke up and declared to the world the way I somehow knew he felt. He has now publicly stated that he is indeed in FAVOR of same sex marriage. Imagine letting two people lawfully make a commitment, love each other and have the same rights as all other human beings. What a concept.
I hope to soon see equality across the board for everyone. LOVE, RESPECT and EQUALITY are 3 items our world could use a lot more of. It is not an issue for Government or Church, it is a human issue. We therefore should all be part of the dialogue on our road to positive change.
Well Said:
"Gay people are born into and belong to every society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths, they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes and whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbours. Being gay is not a western invention. It is a human reality." ~ Hillary Clinton
I had the honor of meeting my two friends Ariel & Joey in the most amazing place; in line for a P!NK consert in San Jose, California. We hit it off right away when I fell in love with their T-shirts and then each of them for being so much fun, sweet and kind. We shared the front row at the show and have been friends ever since (Thanks P!NK).
I am so proud of who they are and what they stand for, most importantly Equality and LOVE.
They are now on one of their most important journeys in their lifetimes; The journey to become parents. The adoption process is a very difficult one on so many levels. They have made a commitment to each other, being one of the first same sex couples to be legally married in the State of California (San Fran City Hall 6/17/08).
They are now ready to make the same loving commitment to a child.
After reading the information in their amazing I Heart Adoption Profile I had a chance to chat with Ariel & Joey about their journey.
LISA: What is your message to prospective birthmothers?
A&J:When we set out on the path to start our family, we had no doubt in our minds that open adoption was to be our route of choice. To us, adoption meant more than just bringing home a baby… it meant creating an environment that provided our little one the best opportunity to thrive. We want our child to grow up knowing who they are, knowing where they came from, and to be able to have a relationship with the courageous birthmother who made our dream of starting a family a reality. Open adoption makes all of that possible for us, with no secrets and no questions that can’t be answered. We fully believe that it takes an intense amount of courage, sacrifice, and above all LOVE, for a birthmother to make an adoption plan for their child. Though the process to come to that decision is no doubt a difficult one for any mother, we hope that our commitment to love our (collectively) child unconditionally, be a constant source of support and encouragement, and raise him/her to be open-minded and accepting of others makes the decision just a tad bit easier.
LISA:What do you feel are the most important things a prospective birthmother needs to know about each of you and you both as a couple?
A&J: Ariel is the eternal optimist. He searches for the silver lining in even the darkest of situations, and never lets anyone tell him he can’t do something. He is professional while at work, but isn’t afraid to let his comedic side come to the surface to help lighten the mood. He loves movies, music, and anything pop culture related, and is a big nerd-at-heart. Ariel is good-natured, generous, and a great listener. He will likely to be the one to mischievously sneak a piece of candy to our little one, while Joey watches disapprovingly from across the room, causing a giggle-fest.
Joey is the spontaneous one in the family. While reality (and Ariel) grounds him from time to time, it doesn’t hinder his ability to daydream about the next amazing thing that lies ahead. His love of theatre, music, and the arts will help enrich the life of our future child. He always sees the best in others, and works his hardest to be the best friend a person can have. Joey will likely be the rule enforcer, while Ariel and our son/daughter try to find the loopholes. He’ll provide loving advice and guidance, while encouraging independent thought and the ability to learn from mistakes, rather than never taking a risk.
Together, we make a great team. We finish each others’ sentences, and while we might approach things differently, we are usually on the same page about most everything. We both have amazingly supportive families who we are extremely close to, and have a small circle of friends who mean the world to us. Without a doubt, I can easily say that there is nothing that we’ve wanted more than to become dads. The adoption process has been a huge life lesson in patience, but it is also one of the many goals in life that we don’t have much control over. We know that there is an amazing birthmother out there looking for us just as hard as we are looking for her. We are hoping that by getting the word out about our journey, it might be just enough to help clear the path.
LISA:What are your goals as parents?
A&J: This is an easy one… for our child to grow up happy. Isn’t that what every parent wants?
Can you help Ariel and Joey find their baby? Take time to SHARE their Facebook Page
Are you a mother who wants the best for their child and has decided to send him/her to a loving home? Could Open Adoption be a possibility?
If so PLEASE contact Ariel & Joey Toll Free: 1-866-261-5338 or via Email: ajowensbarham@gmail.com
OR
Contact our counselor at the Independent Adoption Center: 1-800-877-6736 or visit their website
Want to learn more about these AMAZING Soon to be DAD's? Check out their I Heart Adoption Profile
As a mother of two I can honestly say that any child would be lucky to be raised in such a diverse, loving, positive and FUN environment with Ariel, Joey and their extended family and friends!
PLEASE Share this blog on your Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Let's work together to bring Ariel & Joey's baby HOME!
I am always surprised by people and their reactions. This week there has been some controversy over JC Penny hiring Ellen DeGeneres to be their spokesperson. Apparently an organization called One Million Moms (who have only 42,644 FB Likes but anyway) have a problem with Ellen because she is gay. According to their website, One Million Moms "want our children to have the best chance possible of living in a moral society."
I wonder what their definition of "Moral" is? Is teaching their children to hate, segregate, judge and attack people because of their PERSONAL choices teaching them morals? if people of the same sex have a family (with our without children) how is their love not valid? or the same as heterosexual couples? These groups usually use religion or "God" as an excuse for their ignorant bigotry. I'm not a religious person but I am a spiritual one and from where I sit no matter what "god" you pray too they are all-loving and all-inclusive.
Ellen spoke out about her haters saying "my haters are my motivators" and had THIS message for them:
I am a mother of 2 and a step mother of 2. I feel it is imperative we teach our children tolerance, acceptance, inclusion and LOVE. We ALL have a RIGHT to be EQUAL -men and women, regardless of sexual preference, religious beliefs, skin color, or personal choices. This is not just a gay/lesbian issue but a HUMAN one. The only labels we should be placing on people is a label of LOVE and acceptance. Celebrating differences instead of promoting the generic herd mentality.
I was impressed that Howard Stern had a few STERN words for all of the anti-gay, haters out there. FINALLY he is ranting about something meaningful. LISTEN:
BRAVO to JC Penny for standing behind Ellen! Do you want to stand behind Ellen and all that she stands for?? LIKE This Facebook page: 1 Million People Support Ellen for JC Penny
Let me start by extending a BIG THANK YOU to NoahsDad.com for starting a much needed public dialogue about inclusion and equality for all children but specifically children with Down Syndrome. For me, inclusion is implied considering Down Syndrome has been part of the human condition since the beginning of time, but it turns out there are still a lot of closed minds and hearts out there.
Noah's Dad (Rick) hosts and writes a blog that chronicles his and his wife's life with their beautiful son Noah. He recently posted his thoughts and a thank you to Target for including a model in a recent ad campaign who happens to have Down Syndrome. He also thanked the retail giant Nordstrom for including the same model in their recent Anniversary catalogue. I am HAPPY to report that this post caught the attention of mainstream media which in turn has opened up a dialogue about inclusion, embracing our differences and celebrating them. It is through education and awareness we can start to make and see societal changes.
My son Blake has Down Syndrome and I am so PROUD that he does. He can be a representative of equality, life and LOVE in our judgemental world. Blake and I have committed our voices to the fight for EQUALITY and INCLUSION for ALL regardless of gender, race, perceived disability, sexual orientation or any other "difference" from the herd mentality. 3 cheers for NOAH andNOAHSDAD.COM for starting this important dialogue. I am excited to see what power the media has for more inclusion for members of the Down Syndrome community.
This media coverage makes me excited because I now wonder are we really evolving as a human race? as a society? are our generic and limited views of beauty changing? are big corporations now going to send a message of inclusion and equality? rather than corporate greed and a herd mentality? I look forward to getting these questions answered. In the meantime organizations like the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) and people like Rick are working to educate and inspire the world to open up their hearts and in turn their eyes.
We all apply labels to everything we have in this life as part of the human condition to allow our minds to make positive or negative associations usually based on pre-conceived notions or beliefs and not always facts or feelings.
The labels we apply to objects rarely have repercussions or consequences. The same is not true with people. We are ALL guilty of judging and labelling others to suit our purpose, justify our behaviours or to confirm a belief system we have. What we don't stop to think is how that effects the other person or their lives. The news has been full of terrible tales of teen's committing suicide based on being bullied and judged for who they are.
Through history humans have been so vile to one another all simply based on ignorance (in both senses of the word).
Professional dancer, Dancing with the Stars PRO, world champion and champion for EQUALITY Louis Van Amstel brought my attention to the comments of Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern (R) who said "homosexuality poses a greater threat to America than terrorist attacks". After my initial shock at her verbal expression of her internal ignorance and character I really felt sad for her and all who share her belief - sadly there are many. Those who choose to hate, bully, or waste their time and energy judging others.
Equality, Acceptance and Tolerance of ANYONE who is different for their skin color, sexuality, life choices, size, or perceived disability is ESSENTIAL to our evolution as a human race. Although fiercely promoted as a gay/lesbian issue I really believe EQUALITY to be a HUMAN issue. Louis shares my belief of EQUALITY for ALL and I had a chance to ask Louis a few questions regarding his feeling on the issue recently;
LISA: Why are you so passionate about this cause?
LOUIS: I was bullied for being fat, gay and short which I learned to deal with growing up, but I'll never forget the feeling. It's humiliating and makes you feel so lonely. I don't wish anyone to have to go through those feelings, that's why I will do anything in my power to not only advocate against bullying, but also find ways what we can do about it together.
LISA: What bothered you the most about the recent comments from Sally Kerns?
LOUIS: At first a laughed, because I thought it was a joke. When I realized she was very serious about her statement "Homosexuals are more dangerous than terrorists" it got me so riled up I couldn't let it go. I felt humiliated and I relived the same feeling again as when I was bullied as a kid. So many people have worked hard to get where they're at in life, for some person, like Sally Kern, to dare to make that statement is devastating and uncalled for.
LISA: What inspired you to write to her? Did she reply to your letter?
LOUIS: Even though I'm not a father, suddenly I felt the need to stand up for all the kids that are being bullied today and have no voice. Writing Sally Kern was the right thing to do. Sally Kern has not replied to letter to her on twitter, but I'm sending it officially to her office. I'm doing my research right now to get it through the right channels!
LISA: What can people do to help get involved and stop the HATE and bullying?
LOUIS: Let your opinion be heard, but do it in a way you're not trying to change people's mind. Sharing your opinion is enough. If you fight fire with fire it only fuels the opposition. When we all start living life excepting each other's differences we wouldn't have the HATE issue, nor the bullying. Can you imagine a world where we would all be the same? Same skin color, same hair color, same religion, same personalities????? It's the diversity in all the above that makes the world go round.
LISA: Can you talk about how you use dance to build self esteem.
LOUIS: For years I used dance as therapy. Thank goodness for dance, because for a long time it was my way to express without ever having to say one word about my feelings. Feelings of loneliness, humiliation, embarrassment etc. On the outside I looked happy, but on the inside I was pretty much numb. It was the combination of my artistic expression through movement and winning dance competitions that gave me the power to deal with my self esteem. I turned into a rebel. My true self esteem started growing when I started learning to say 'NO' if it didn't feel right for me! I started realizing following my gut feeling, which was giving me such a good feeling about myself versus my insecure mind. I also saw how the outside world was respecting me for it. To be true to yourself is really hard work and it never ends, building self esteem through dance is just so much more fun!....and cheaper...(LAUGHS)
Louis is a tireless supporter of anti-bullying andNOH8 campaigns as well as supporting people with developmental/intellectual disabilities. He has a heart even larger than his many talents. He is currently self esteem building via dance fitness with his new movement called LA BLAST! (soon to be available on DVD). Read his Blog HERE
Louis, Myself & my husband David attending a Charity luncheon/Fashion Show for KAINOS - an organization that provides housing, education and vocational training to individuals with developmental disabilities. An AMAZING organization really helping people!
This is an issue that we are all responsible to discuss, live our lives by example and teach our children and those around us tolerance. Hating back and acting out in negativity only perpetuates the problem. We should explore and talk about these issues in an intelligent and educated way. Life should be a celebration of DIFFERENCES and what makes each of us unique. It is only then can we all reach our full potentials as human beings and begin to evolve in peace; LOVE being the only label.
