INTRODUCING…MS. WILKERSON

As the Publisher/Editor for an online LGBT magazine, Delena Wilkerson has no boundaries and believes in living authentically; however, life has not always been this way. For 30 years, Delena lived her life in the closet, which affected her professional life in many ways. As a successful Executive Director of a nonprofit organization for 20 years, her connections and networking opportunities were always muted, and consequently limited in their effectiveness. Now, her situation has made a complete 180 degree turn. With an AM in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, and a BA in Social Work from Livingston College, Delena has transformed from being a closeted adult, to a Leader within the LGBT community who encourages everyone to be genuine and to live truthfully.

INTRODUCING…MS. JOHNSON

Judith says she began writing her first novel, Interminable Longing, as an attempt to explain herself to one person, continued writing it to figure out herself, and finished it to share what she’d learned with other people. “I used to repeat to myself ‘let me be an instrument of Thy Will; let me not fall down in the trenches; please let me finish this book!” she says of her five-year effort to write the novel.
She hopes it will bring strength and enlightenment to other women and families who are struggling to accept that either they or someone they love is gay.

“I came of age during a time both of upheaval and when being gay was not as accepted as it is today,” she says.After fighting her sexual preference for years and even staying in a marriage for almost twenty years, as she approached fifty, Judith decided it was, “now or never: to thine own self be true.”

Her novel, Interminable Longing, is the story of a Baby-Boomer who falls in love with her tennis partner, has a dream that releases her demons, and then sets off on a personal journey to discover, ‘who she really is; who she is meant to be.’

“I really hope that this book empowers other women and families to accept one another as they truly are. I hope it can save others the many years that I spent hiding my true feelings, especially from myself!” she says. She wants the novel to be both entertaining and enlightening. “Interminable Longing is my contribution to ‘The Cause,’ and if just a few people enjoy it and discover their own true happiness after reading it, then it will have been worthwhile to me,” she says. “The days of living alone as a spinster are over. Lesbians should come out of the closet. None of us need to be alone anymore. Once we accept ourselves, then it becomes easier for others to accept us as we are!”

Judith is now “out” to her family and friends, has a girlfriend, and lives happily in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She has also written a collection of short stories, one of which was published by Alyson Books in January 2008.

You can order a copy of the novel at www.InterminableLonging.com
And visit her at www.MySpace.com/chicklitent

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

INTRODUCING…MS. AMES

With a Masters degree in Social Work and 15 years worth of experience, Ms. Carolyn Ames is the Executive Director of a nonprofit development organization providing housing to homeless and the mentally ill in Baltimore City. Development is a male-dominating field where she must deal with being a woman on top of being a lesbian. Being in the closet is something that she refuses to do. ”What you see is what you get.” Ms. Ames feels that brains (knowledge) trumps all. One must be ready, prepared, and to never let anyone bully you into any role that you are not ready to play. She feels that other lesbians should find ways to support their community and to express themselves as a lesbian. As a woman with many talents, Ms. Ames also makes jewelry for the LGBT community (look for her site on the Link page) that she wears regardless of her surroundings. “By openly existing as a gay woman, I break down many stereotypes and preconceived notions other smay have about gay women.”  Thanks for LeadingTheWayOut Ms. Ames!!

INTRODUCING…MS. THAXTER

Sporting a “Dirty South” jersey, this lady chose to rest her head and business in the sunny state of California. By staying to herself and remembering that all it takes is an idea and thought to have it all, Maisha is LeadingTheWayOut as a Self-Employed Graphic/Web Designer and owner of a modeling agency for the dominant women in our community.  Even with 5 years of experience and an Associates Degree under her belt, she is still looked upon as threatening or illicit. Maisha refused to let the opinions of others determine her success and has no problem speaking out against the discrimination that some of us are too familiar with.  You can read her response to an intriguing article that covered being a homosexual in the workplace in Black Enterprise. Maisha feels that you can have everything life permits if you take yourself seriously.  That…is when you become who you are destined to be. “Explore your greatness!”

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