RIZI TIMANE’

This OUT Lesbian gospel singer who believes that God loves us all JUST THE WAY WE ARE; GAY, STRAIGHT, BI, TRANS, OR WHATEVER, was born in Northern Nigeria, West Africa. With her album, Just the Way You Are, this radical gay Christian singer, who turned to Jesus and gospel music after being delivered from a 4 year cocaine addiction, is taking the gospel of Jesus’ love to her fellow LGBT Community and letting them know once and for all that the religious fundamentalists/extremists have got it wrong again. “God doesn’t hate homosexuals, we are not going to hell and we have the same right as everyone else to pursue higher spirituality if we so choose because God Loves the LGBT Community JUST AS GAY AS WE ARE!!!” The album reflects all of Rizi’s early influences and her youthful spirit by incorporating hints of soul, hip hop, rap and R&B to create a truly unconventional blend of gospel music that tells of God’s love for EVERYONE! This music will appeal to you, inspire you, encourage you and convince you that God loves you “JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!”

Website: www.rizigospel.com

Contact/Booking info:
Rizi Timane’
c/o The Gospel Truth Music Ministry
25876 The Old Road, Suite 247
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Email: rizitimane@gmail.com or thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
Phone: (323) 446-7472

ART by LIZ

Baltimore based artist, Elizabeth D. Wilson, a.k.a. Art by Liz, creates work full of energy, color, passion and balance. Her works evoke thoughts of love, universal connection, self concept, history and destiny. Trained as a graphic designer, recognized as a child of god, this artist evokes both the visual and the spiritual in her work. Her acrylic works are both physically and mentally textured, some informed by a message painted in words. Others have the rhythms of song imbedded in them with paint brush beats as she leans over a canvas placed flat on a family heirloom coffee table. The results: creative energy channeled through artistic expression that is worthy of consideration.

Website: www.originalartbyliz.com & www.myspace.com/artbyliz

Contact/Booking Info: artbyliz@gmail.com or (410) 299-6090

KALISTA STORM

Straight out of St. Louis, MO, Ms. Storm has been writing since she was 12 years old. Spoken word has played a huge part of her life as she uses it as her outlet. Ms. Storm is extremely involved in the LGBT community, from volunteering with the HRC to organizing pride events, counseling teens who have no one to turn to. Recently, she has involved herself more into the transgendered part of the community, seeing as her significant other is a trans-man. “My goal is to eventually open an outreach center for LGBT teens, and people in general, because, honestly, a lot of teens are misguided and have no one to talk to, which can end in a very bad way.” Along with everything else, she is also a freelance writer, and make-up artister. Kalista Storm is LeadingTheWayOut by attempting to engage herself in the LGBT community as much as possible. Care to join her?

Website: www.myspace.com/saninathewriter

Contact/Booking Info: mrsninameccah@yahoo.com

MEET CARMEN & NIKA

As a newborn nanny and a security employee, it didn’t take long for these two to know that they’ve found something special in one another. Carmen and Nika have been together for 5 months and reside in Farmington Hills, MI. There isn’t anything that they do not enjoy doing together. They’ve built a strong foundation out of honest, trust, communication and respect. They know that by not being afraid to be their true self and open to all that is new, they are able to go the distance and enjoy a life of love, strong values, and family.

INTRODUCING…MS. POLLIFRONE

When Nicole Pollifrone left high school, she knew she was not mentally prepared for college – nor could her family afford to send her. Thankfully she was not pushed and was allowed to find her own way. At the age of 20, she was sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office to go through the Police Academy – and that is where her career began.  Through hard work, strategic moves, and specialized certifications and training, she’s accomplished alot.  Now, she is currently a licensed Private Investigator and ACAMS certified. In 2005, Nicle a few of her friends decided to form a Pride Network (GLBT) in their area, for her very large, global employer at the time. She is currently Co-Chair of the Pride Network and have served on her company’s Out & Equal Planning Committee. “We’ve had alot of firsts since the Network has been in place, and to see the changes has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career!”

In November 2007, her first book of poetry entitled “WONDER,” was published by PD Publishing. It was recently a finalist for the Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) award in Poetry.  She is currently working on another book. To see more on WONDER click here.

There has absolutely been challenges for Ms. Pollifron, but all obstacles are there to be overcome. ”We often face losing loved ones, harassment at work or even harassment while walking down the street! I’ve experienced all three.” When she made the decision to be true to who she is and to make no apologies for it, she knew it was a risk that she had to take.

“I’ve had to remember there are challenges in everyone’s life – and although our sexuality is only one element of the whole package – people often become focused on that ONE thing. I’ve found it is truly up to ME to educate people, when I have the opportunity. You may never get people to completely understand or “agree,” but it helps others see us as people, and not just some enigmatic subversive culture! We can agree to disagree. This is why I became Co-chair of the Pride Network at my job.”

Ms. Pollifrone encourages others to be true to yourself, and TAKE CARE of yourself. “You can not help, or take care of others until you have your own solid base. If you are true to yourself – and know your own strengths and weaknesses you can overcome anything. It’s just a matter of finding your own way. I’ve been lucky enough to find mine!”

“That, which is perceived as perfection – is often envied. That, which is known to be flawed yet resilient – admired.” – Nicole Pollifrone, WONDER

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