BeChicMag.com

By Camlyn V.

In light of the Pride Parade in NYC, contributing writer Camlyn shares her observation on the Gay Community.

There is nothing I love watching more than men in heels and heart thumping pelvic thrusts and this is what Lady Gaga is all about! The reigning pop culture icon recently discussed her latest single “Alejandro” during a Larry King Live interview. The lady described her newest video as a “celebration of my love and appreciation for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery and their love for one another, their courage and their relationships….” Gaga proves that she is a strong activist inside and outside her recording studio, combating homophobia in her music pieces. In her interview, Gaga also discussed the music industry’s issues and problems concerning homosexuals and how her music embraces them. Lady Gaga (aka Stefani Germanotta) could not have chosen a better time to arrive. She has revolutionized the music industry with her intense visions, outspoken ideas, and daring style. Not only is Gaga an amazing artist but she’s also a great equal rights supporter.

Showing up to Washington, D.C. in October of last year, Lady Gaga, along with other stars like Cynthia Nixon, attended the Human Rights Campaign and the National Equality March where the crowd went “gaga” for Gaga. She captured the attention and gained the admiration of many as she proclaimed to our own President Obama: “ARE YOU LISTENING? We will continue to push your administration to bring your promise of equality,” witnessed the Washington Post.

However, what does the Latino community think of gay issues? We have never heard more talk about homosexuality, than when the beautiful Ricky Martin announced his sexuality claiming he is a “fortunate homosexual,” as if we didn’t already think so! Other Spanish star Christian Chavez, singer from popular Mexican sensation RBD, came out to the world last year. However, we don’t see anyone’s face more than Perez Hilton. The gossip king openly speaks about his coming out experience to CNN: “At the beginning, when I came out to my mom, she reacted with a sigh and said, ‘You’re my son and I have to love you,’ ” Hilton says. “But now she says, ‘You’re the best son in the world, and we need to find you a man.’ ” These men are extremely proud of their sexuality but what about the non celebrities who are dying to “come out” to their parents, their friends and the world? The courage that celebrities have is not the same as regular people, especially young adults.

Latino families have been perceived as families that will never accept a homosexual or transsexual child but this is a stigma that Latino celebrities like Ricky Martin, Christian Chavez, and Perez Hilton are fighting to change.

Along with many others, celebs have made a great effort to raise awareness and do a fantastic job supporting the Gay/LGBT Community. The gay community is one that has been struggling for acceptance and continues to fight for their rights today. You would figure that with all this democracy and equal rights for the people talk would apply to everyone. Currently the gay couples are only allowed to marry in a few selected states- giving homosexual couples some freedom rather than all the freedom they deserve. These celebrities are fighting for all LGBT rights and urge everyone to accept people as they are. They urge families especially to try and support this brave outing of their own personal decision and what their heart desires.

“It isn’t equal if it’s sometimes. I want real democracy. Imagine all the people could love equally.” -Lady Gaga

JOURNALIST DENISSE OLLER

We had the honor of speaking with five-time Emmy award-winning journalist Denisse Oller. After 25 years of broadcasting, Oller decided to pursue her interest in the culinary world. The anchor turned chef spoke to us about her career change, why her mother never wanted her to learn how to cook and exclusive info on her upcoming projects. We even shared a few laughs when I showed her a particular photo!

We also asked Oller if she would express her thoughts on CNN’s Latino in America series, and she did! We divided our on-camera interview in two. Check them out on BeChic TV here.
– Mercedes

If you like Michelle Obama’s style, then you’ll love Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy. You might already be familiar with the Web site Mrs-O.org that follows the First Lady’s every chic move. Blogger turned author Mary Tomer was contacted by a publisher shortly after launching Mrs-O.org. We met with Tomer at her office downtown where she spoke to BeChicMag.com about her blog and her first book!

By Mercedes Sanchez

SOLEDAD O’BRIEN ASKS “WHAT’S YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS”

Last week CNN aired its Latino in America special where Soledad O’Brien captured the lives of a few Latinos in a two-part series. O’Brien touched upon very real and accurate issues such as education, immigration, language barriers and teenage pregnancy. Although she attempted to spread awareness, many viewers say O’Brien failed to include more positive stories.

Before Soledad’s book signing on Thursday, GlobalHue Latino welcomed the journalist in Lower Manhattan where she spoke about the series and her upbringing as a Latina in Long Island. Via their live online stream, we asked Mrs. O’Brien, “What about the success stories?” And she responded with, “What’s your definition of success?”

Soledad went on to say that Cindy Garcia- a high school student who was on the verge of failing out and got pregnant- is a success because she went on to college. “Is she not a success story,” asked O’Brien. “What about the Mayor of Los Angeles who dropped out of high school but is now Mayor. What about the young girl who thought about killing herself but now has a great relationship with her mother. Success is very subjective. Are you saying these aren’t success stories?”

They are “success” stories because the folks she interviewed turned their lives around. We agree that it’s not always where you’re from but where you’re going that matters. But it seems she misunderstood our question. Many viewers want to know where were the stories of small business owners, scientists, accomplished students in top universities, doctors, etc.

Having a Black Latina mom herself, where were the Afro-Latino stories?

On Facebook and Twitter some LIA supporters are saying “let’s start doing instead of complaining.” Are viewers really whining or merely asking that they be represented correctly on a major channel that’s documenting the lives of Latinos in America.

In a recent radio interview, I was asked who I thought were the top five most influential Latinos. I said that those behind the camera are the most influential. The producers, reporters and writers have access and power to spread news and awareness.

We respect Soledad and her success, and hope that she covers the vital stories she didn’t include in the first two parts of her Latino In America series. What’s your take on this?

CLARA ROJAS ON BEING KIDNAPPED BY COLOMBIAN GUERRILLA

BeChicMag.com loves passionate and intelligent women. When we heard that Clara Rojas was available to chat about her upcoming book, Cautiva, we jumped at the chance to speak with her. She survived six years of captivity as a hostage of the FARC- a guerrilla group in Colombia. We’re sure you will love her story and be inspired by her courage. So, read on and be motivated to bring about that change you’ve been aching for.

Contributing writer Carolina Baker has the story…

Clara Rojas was kidnapped along with Ingrid Betancourt by the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia on February 23, 2002, while Ingrid Betancourt was campaigning for the Colombian presidency. In 2006, Rojas gave birth to a boy named Emmanuel while in captivity. The father was said to be a FARC guerrilla. He was taken away from her when he was only eight months old. On January 10, 2008, Rojas was freed after six years in captivity. Cautiva is her testimony on her hostage experience. She currently lives in Bogota, Colombia with her son.

BeChicMag: How did writing the book help you cope with your hostage experience, if at all?

Clara Rojas: It helped me face the situation. I was able to write about my traumatic experience. It was helpful to divide my experience into chapters. At the same time, I was able to distance myself from that experience. The book helped me realize that while being kidnapped was painful, it was in the past. And that’s where it belongs.

Is lost time the worst thing that this experience has brought upon you?

Sadly, it is. Nobody is going to give me back that time that I lost.

How is your life different now than before you were kidnapped?

I have a son now. Also, I’ve matured. I’ve grown as a human being. I appreciate life more. I’m more relaxed. Before I was kidnapped, I used to live my life too quickly. I now appreciate the simple things.

What do you hope your book will give to Colombian readers, and what do you hope your book will give international readers?

I want my book to give all readers a conscious. I would like everyone to understand what it’s like to be kidnapped. I want people to feel closer to the kidnapping struggles that Colombians face.

Is there anything that Colombians can do to help provide some relief to hostages held by the guerrillas?

From my experience, reaching out to the Colombian radio stations helps a lot. As a hostage, I used to look forward to the messages that my family sent me through the radio stations. Writing letters to the government is also an important way to be active. Praying a lot also helps. I just got back from Italy, where I was visiting Pope Benedict XVI. I asked him to pray for the release of the 750 + hostages that are still in the depths of the Colombian jungle. Being out of captivity, I’ve made it a point to support the family members that still have loved ones in the jungle. I’ve attended rallies against the FARC. I’ve also voiced my opinions to the Colombian government as to how we should go about liberating the remaining hostages. I attend forums and am available to people that need me.

Do you experience guilt because you were freed and many others still remain in the jungle?

I don’t have guilt. I have made it my mission to assist in anyway that I can in releasing the remaining hostages. The FARC should be the ones full of guilt.

How did you enjoy the book-writing process?

I liked it. I’ve always enjoyed writing. With this book, I had the opportunity to take my writing to the next level, and it felt great. Obviously, I relived some of my most difficult moments, but it was therapeutic to put it all on paper. I’m thinking about writing a second book.

If there’s any advice that you could give BeChic readers, what would it be?

Be more conscious of your life and of your choices. When you’re in a rut, don’t give up. You can and will succeed in whatever you put your mind to.

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Clara’s book is currently available in Spanish and will soon be available in English. She will be touring the states upon publication of the English version of her book. To purchase the Spanish version, click here.�� - Carolina Baker