TAKING OVER THE RUNWAY 2

                                                                    

This Sunday the 2^nd annual TAKING OVER THE RUNWAY produced by Milon V. Parker show goes down! Not only is it a fashion event for some of your hottest Chicago designers but its also a competition between lovely ladies and  of course stunning bois!

DuSable Museum

740 E. 56^th Place

Chicago, IL 60637

Doors open at 6:45 show starts at 7!

Will you be there??  

Evolution of a Model

Evolution of a Model


This Journey thus far as been a miraculous one for me. Blessed with many opportunities and chances to express my self creatively, I wanted to share with you a video made by Melody Reid. It records my journey into modeling from Print to Runway. As I continue to train and develop as a model, I want to thank all of those who continue to shape and believe in my passion. Undoubtedly this will be a major mountain to climb but humbly I accept the challenge.

With Love and Respect,

~Vjay

Sneak Peek into Poetic Memoirs ©

So this time I wanted to do something a bit different. For those of you that know me, you know that poetry is a passion that I have that runs deep. My love affair with words has been a long lasting one! And finally I choose to share it.. During this book writing journey I am finding out  so much more about myself not only as a writer and artist, but also as  strong woman. Here is a sneak peek into my first book. Although i am still a work in progress! Let me know what you think!

With much Love and Respect,

~Vjay

“Loves reality”

Certain of what’s in store

I transcend above: Watching myself in a surreal like setting dwelling in the midst of confusion.

The direction to go clouded by the uncertain certainties..

positively negative results,

And the masked tales of people… you thought you knew.

The only thing that remains true or constant is the lack of trust that paralyzes my mentals.

My mind serves as my safe heaven, because only there does harsh realities mimic longed for fantasies.

And now this too has been perforated.

Emotionally I drift through this parallel universe call destiny..

Fighting for salvation.

I float hesitantly towards new beginnings for the fear of the fucked up endings.

My knees blister from praying

M eyes tire from Constant tear flowing.

My heart beats sluggishly from all the preexisting damage from bitter-sweet Love battles.

My up bring taught me to fight! And never question why..

As life continues to show me just how real the fuck things are… my strength depletes.

To me, it’s almost ironic that people say “Things happen for a reason.”And they allow that to be their comfort.

What could be the reasoning behind so much pain?

Starring at blank skies..

On the back of my neck I feel the cold breath of Karma passing by sending stab like chills through me.

Eerily I feel her stalking my next move.. My next encounter.

Cursed before we even meet our destiny seems predetermined.

Making our first kiss the beginning of our destruction.

Armed with only my mind, my soul and my heart.. Hurt continues to build.

 Simultaneously my mind continues to fight for deliverance as

My soul weeps- as I feel the exact moment my heart breaks again.

Untitled

Beauty unmasked to reveal the true ugly.

Deceitful lies and Unbreakable ties.

Unbearable tears free fall as memories wrapped in fears flourish.

Long lasting doubt continues to surround me.

Push forward, move on, stand strong!

Reciting these words daily in remembrance of who I use to be..

The stronger me lies six feet deep.

The lesser me weeps in hopes that no more pain mounts.

As my heart beats to a now delayed rhythm

My mind stops to replay the last damaging blow.

That moment staying freshly burned into my psyche.

Praying for it to all be a dream, my skin crawls in anticipation of waking.

Turning dreamland  into a living nightmare..

Followed by restless hours of blank stares.

Gazing into the mirror I watch as my inner most pours outta me.

Despicable to myself, I fall to my knees in despair.

What more can I lose?

 

 

PERFECT

Riding myself of all my impurities.

Starting with my insecurities

And ending with my vices.

Many Self Sacrifices

And mass suicides of Unhealthy toxins…

Negative minded people

Rather it’s my family or friends

Or Just Passer Byers with preconceived notions of my life.

I was born to be different this is clear

But that doesn’t mean unhappy.

So I purge..

I purge myself of all that claims to be good in the light

But shifts gears at Night.

Riding myself of all my impurities!

And my imperfections.

Cutting and bleeding myself dry of hurt.

Eliminating all signs of hatred.

I forgive you… So I can simply Be...Me.

I forgive you… Even if you don’t deserve it.

Because simply my utopia is worth it!

I rid myself of all my impurities..

Insecurities..

And self doubts.

Standing here naked in front of the mirror of life

Not as a girl

Not as a boy

JUST ME…

PERFECT

Rainbow fun this summer!

present to you the top 10 active and FUN events to check out this summer!

1. From Rags to Riches, an Art Showcase & Fundraiser, June 10
Affinity Community Services presents a night of performance, art and music this Friday June 10th. The event will be held at the Community Lounge (5710 W Woodlawn) and will cost $15 (or $10 for students). Head to this event to observe or perform and support yet another organization that has been essential to our community. Not only do the ticket sales benefit Affinity, but a portion of all art sold will also be given to these amazing women that have worked to shape the community in which we live today. For more details, check out the event on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221708761192447

2. Pride Month for Equality at Minibar June 15
Come out and support Equality Illinois by eating and drinking at Minibar on June 15th! Equality Illinois has been fighting relentlessly for the rights of the Queer community in Illinois and has made some amazing progress in recent years and even more groundbreaking progress in the past few months! Working to pass the Civil Unions Bill and defeat the discriminatory proposals in its aftermath, this organization deserves your support! All you have to do is eat at Minibar and 20% of all sales will be donated back to Equality Illinois! Reservations are strongly recommended, take a look at www.eqil.org for more information.

3. OUT in the Park at Six Flags, June 19!
OK you got me, this may not be as politically relevant as the other 9 events that I am writing about (and the DOZENS more I haven’t mentioned) but who is going to complain about gay day at an amusement park? That’s right, no one! Wrangle your friends and head out to Gurnee to rock the rollercoasters, impress your lady on the Midway or eat way too much cotton candy. If you can manage to get 10 or more people on board, you are even eligible for group rates! Who’s in? Because apparently most of MY friends get motion sick…

4. The Center on Halsted’s Pride Celebration, June 24
Join the Center on Halsted as they kick off Pride Weekend 2011 from the rooftop garden! Enjoy the view, music, a full bar and food while socializing with friends and supporting the Center. A mere $20 will get you access to the excitement and four drink tickets! Think about it ladies, a great deal for a great cause- and can you honestly think of a better way to kick off your weekend? Just sayin. To get tickets, go to www.centeronhalsted.org

5. The Chicago Dykemarch, June 25
A grassroots movement that aims to celebrate dyke, queer and transgender resilience, this annual march takes place in South Shore Chicago and unites women from all around the city. If you have never been to this event, I recommend you get down there for an afternoon of goosebump-inducing solidarity, inspiration and empowerment. If my description sounds intimidating, get over it, in the end its just a stone-cold blast. Take a look at their facebook page to follow the action!

6. The Chicago Outfit Roller Derby , July 9
Need I really say more? Women racing around a track trying to obliterate the other skaters. Plus $3 beers. Add a crowd of rowdy Chicagoans and some good friends and this is an event you don’t want to miss! BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!!!! This season, the Chicago Outfit is donating 5% of all ticket proceeds to the Howard Brown Health Center! Did I mention that the regularly priced tickets ($15 presale and $20 at the door) can be bought for just $5?! That’s right, not only can you have a CHEAP, FUN, and UNIQUE night of debauchery, you can give back to an organization that has been a staple in our community for years. Check out www.howardbrown.org for more details.

7. Dykes Pedaling Bikes, July 9
Check it out, a bike ride dedicated to us! This chill ride is free and sponsored by the Windy City Cycling Club and is sure to introduce you to some people you never thought you would meet. If you would like more information (start location and route TBD) or to RSVP for the brunch afterwards, email Susan at Susanl.wccc@sjlevin.com. Get out and get active ladies!

8. Orgullo en Accion Presents: The Latin@ Pride Picnic! July 30
For its 6th year celebrating LGBTQA pride in the Latin@ community, Orgullo en Accion is hosting yet another picnic in Humboldt Park. Not only will there be performances by drag queens and kings, dancers and a DJ but this event represents the true family that I’ve been preaching about for the last couple posts. Bring friends, food and a grill to celebrate the pride that shines through in a part of Chicago that the Queer community often forgets. For more information, go to www.orgulloenaccion.org.

9. Amigas Latinas Siempre Latina Masquerade Gala, August 6
I’m not going to lie to all of you, I have never attended this event. HOWEVER, I love and respect Amigas Latinas like crazy and every event I have attended has been a blast. Though not much information has been posted, put the date in your calendar! This is what I imagine: music, food, drinks, masks of mystery and the Mexican Museum of Art. Lets be honest here, all components of a major bash. Follow the progress on facebook or check out the website, www.amigaslatinas.org.

10. Pride Day at Wrigley, September 4
So even though I am pretty sure I don’t have to explain much here, lets just say this: baseball, queers, beer and a guaranteed good time. This year the Cubs are taking on the Pirates on a Sunday afternoon, at a game that is sure to raise massive funds to be distributed among six local LGBT and AIDS charities. Though bleacher tickets are $50, you will get the chance to listen to the newly crowned Windy City Gay Idol sing the National Anthem, and if you are lucky you may run into some of the participants of the National Gay Softball World Series which is taking place in Chicago though September 3rd. How YOU doin’??

For more info! Check out the L Stop! All info provided by them,

Lets make it a SAFE! FUN summer full of support!,

~Vjay!

H.E.R: Health, Education, and Recreation Day right here in Chicago

Center hosts H.E.R. Day

CHICAGO – The second annual H.E.R. Day – Health, Education and Recreation Day – for LBTQ women at the Center on Halsted June 11 featured a full day of events, capped off with top Chicago comedian Jessica Halem performing her new one-woman show, “Bad Feminist.”
“We have a terrific line-up,” said Hope Barrett, director of public programs at the Center.
That line-up included workshops, discussions and classes on a broad range of topics. The one-time executive director of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project (now the Lesbian Community Care Project at Howard Brown Health Center), Halem also began the day’s program with a keynote speech, “What I Learned from Cancer.”
All participants also heard a lunchtime discussion on “In Vitro Fertilization for LGBT Couples” presented by aParent IVF’s Colleen Wagner Coughlin, and in three morning and afternoon sessions attendees chose from a menu of options. In the morning sessions, Roxy Trudeau, of the Chicago Women’s Health Center, presented “Sex Ed 101,” while Renee Engeln-Maddox, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, discussed “Women, the Media and Beauty Ideals.” At the same time chef Toni Rivera, of Dragonfly Chefs and Bartender Services, showed other participants how to prepare simple and healthy vegetarian pasta dishes.
Barrett and Lakshmi Nemani, family and recreation coordinator at the Center, said they tried to make the day’s programming as inclusive as possible. The afternoon sessions included one on transgender health, presented by Lois Bates, transgender health advocate at Howard Brown Health Center, as well as a session on intersex people that featured researcher Veronica Drantz. Participants could also attend “Tickle Your Fancy,” a discussion on sexuality, sex toys and more by Early to Bed’s Searah Deysach.
The final afternoon session offered a choice of classes on salsa, self defense and yoga.
“I think it’s really important to provide programming here at the Center on Halsted that reaches women throughout the community,” Barrett said. “We tried to offer a variety of programs, and folks who did participate found them quite useful.”
Nemani said the Center aims to build on this year’s H.E.R. Day as part of its effort to reach and attract more women.
“We’re looking to make it one of our hallmark programs,” Nemani said.
Barrett added that the participants at this year’s event were already playing a role in making next year’s H.E.R. Day even better.
“I’m listening carefully to the responses of the participants on what we can do better,” Barrett said. “Hopefully we can build on this year’s success.”

**Spreading the word. Look out for more events like this! Follow the blog Gay Now Chicago**

Stay positive,

~Vjay

Chicago Talent: Photographers

Chicago is so full of talent! Only a daily basis we are in the presence of those I call superheroes! By day they manage to hold down a full time job or school life and by night they pursue the thrills of their passion! I wanted to highlight a few people I’ve had the pleasure of working with whose talent has left an impression on me and my craft. As I continue to chase this dream, I’m sure more people will impact my world, so this list will continue to grow!. For starters id like to direct your attention to some photographers right here in Chicago. Although their missions may be different, their talent remains the same: Remarkable! As I just stated this is only the beginning of my list for Remarkable Chicago talents so In the future stay turned for influential folks from Producers, Activists, Creative Directors, Entrepreneurs, Designers, Artists, Promoters, Poets and to even Semi Professional athletes! Although its just my one small voice, this is my big way of simply saying thank you! For doing you!

In this day and age Facebook seems to be a “reliable source” of communication as well as a way to do a little research on whom ever your looking into. Also a great way to view samples of their work. So what ill do is provide a starter list of photographers via their Facebook name or fan page. Under each photographer ill list a few things I like about their services. Of course it would be a daunting task to list everything that makes them a good pick so please be proactive and reach out to them. The next step, if you are truly interested in taking pictures or working with them would be to do a little research and select the talent that best suits your needs. Although there are more then I can imagine , today I’m going to just mention four.

HarmonyPhotographyMcCoy :

·         Harmony Photography is actually comprised of two photographers. So during your shoot you have two different cameras catching the moment you are trying to pursue.

·         Offers Editing.

·         Provides CD of all pictures taken

·         Gives Direction

Photog Tpp:

·         Amazing on location. If you are looking to shoot outside or in a not so typical environment I definitely recommend him.

·         Studio available for usage.

·         Offers Editing

·         Provides CD of all pictures taken

·         Gives Direction

Hard Candy:

·         A  photographer with a mission. Active supporter of Breast Cancer research.

·         Hard Candy Calendar: Captures the beauty of a dominant woman

·         Studio available for usage

·         Offers Editing

·         Provides CD of all pictures taken

Alia Midoun:

      ·         Flexible: Offers studio or on location work.

·         Provides CD of all pictures taken

·         Editing Available

·         Gives Direction

Again, id like to stress it is impossible to list everything each photographer is good at or what they offer, so please reach out to them via Facebook if you have any questions or looking to seriously network. If you have any trouble finding any one of them via Facebook contact me and ill provide you with more information.

Much Love and Respect,

~Vjay

BAGGAGE

I’m going to make a very bold statement: In my opinion! I think that as humans we are all HOARDERS. We have a tendency to hold on to, collect, save, and cherish things that should be virtually discarded and left for trash. This next blog is about the unnecessary garbage we call the past. Don’t get me wrong, I do agree that the past is a very vital tool in helping to guide you in future choices and decisions, but in the same thought I also believe that some part of the past needs to be left there!..in the past. Those parts Id like to identify as the emotional baggage that usually keeps our minds, bodies, and emotions held captive when trying to move forward. Are you the stasher that cant let go of the anger accumulated during a bad break up or the saver of fond memories created when times were good? As we continue to hold onto the trauma and disappointment of an unsuccessful past, we slowly but sure start to create this temple of destruction. Eventually as time goes on, the more you hoard into your “emotional house” the more likely you too will become packed with unwanted emotions that keep you bound to the one thing you wish to escape.

Id like to see just what things people hold on to most after a break up of any sorts…This could be a marriage, relationship, friendship, loss of a job… Anything! What are some things that keep you bound to your past? And that eventually becomes apart your baggage??

Aggressively soft women??

Hey Followers! I just had a quick topic I wanted to discuss. Ladies this question is for you! I wanted to talk to my aggressive femmes out there. A Friend of mine told me that this is the way she identifies, so I was curious to know what classifies a femme as aggressive.? What do you guys consider to be aggressive? Can a woman be too aggressive? Let’s talk about it..

The second part to my question is dedicated to my bois. I wanted to reach out to those that identify as a soft stud. If you are a soft stud let me know what characteristics you feel you have that comprises this label? Is it the mental, the physical, the emotional? So basically I’m asking what makes a stud soft?

The last question I’m going to ask may stir up a little controversy which is not my goal, I’m just looking for some insight to see what people think…

Do you feel that a soft stud is just an aggressive femme? Or vice versa… Do you feel an aggressive femme is just itching to be a soft stud?

My personal opinion is… I think as a community we sometimes spend way too much time classifying and trying to identify what each other are. At the end of the day..we are all just woman!

~Vjay