Nothing can be more intimidating than the prospect of starting a family. For gay males, the prospect is even more daunting. A simple Google search whips up a whirlwind of hundreds of different options and agencies vying for the attention of potential parents. What was once a service geared toward infertile straight couples, biological surrogacy has found an emerging market in the gay male community. But the option is anything but easy. With surrogates, egg donations, medications, etc., prospective parents opting for assisted reproductive technology can easily spend up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the birth of one child. Not to mention the fact that many in society still have moral qualms and safety concerns regarding the surrogacy process in general. All this makes the efforts of one newly incorporated non-profit,Men Having Babies (MHB), even more valuable. Through seminars, surveys, and financial assistance, the group essentially offers a guiding hand to gay male couples as they wade through the barrage of voices toward the option that works best for each parent.

Naturally, the first step toward consolidating information involves the distribution of diverse surveys. MHB surveys not only provide a space for parents to detail their journey, but they also assess the needs and concerns of prospective parents. One of the goals of these surveys is to gauge the performance of clinics/agencies and to map out costs. The surveys have also given voice to parents and surrogates, allowing for the formation of a Surrogacy Speakers Bureau. This unique service aims to facilitate media and community outreach to highlight the potential benefits of surrogacy arrangements, especially in countries where the practice is restricted. The surveys have also allowed for the MHB website to list out a directory of providers, and to quantify reviews of the most frequented surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics. Thanks to the collection of international consumer feedback, these surveys have even helped to level the playing field by prompting some clinics to lower costs.

The rates, however, remain staggeringly high. Many couples considering assisted reproductive technology quickly realize that their budgets restrict such an endeavor. Couples may also accrue unexpected costs as the first, and even second, in vitro fertilization cycle fails to result in a viable pregnancy. MHB has attempted to alleviate some of the bite by creating a financial assistance program. What started out as a simple fund to be distributed among prospective parents, is quickly evolving into a more comprehensive plan. The program aims to partner with certain providers directly in order to offer discounts and free services, and to utilize crowd-sourcing websites. The end result will greatly minimize cost in a more direct way. The finalized version of this newly minted Gay Parenting Assistance Program will roll out in the coming weeks. “There are no such funds out there,” affirms MHB Executive Director Ron Poole-Dayan, “[the fund] is excitedly evolving into something beyond that.”

Having gone through the process before the formal creation of Men Having Babies, Inc., Mr. Poole-Dayan and his husband Greg, gained firsthand familiarity with the trials of surrogacy and reproductive technology. Before the birth of their own children, they had attended the informational meetings that were available for prospective gay parents at the New York City LGBT Center. They soon found that many of the meetings that explored options for assisted reproductive technology were directed mainly toward women. Many remained skeptical of gay men’s interest in biological parenting. When much of the Center’s resources for the program eventually fell dormant, Mr. Poole-Dayan revived this format into a new direction tailored specifically toward gay men. Right at the outset, the niche demographic showed great demand for information. As the mailing list began to expand at a rapid pace, the group formally incorporated in July 2012 with Mr. Poole-Dayan as Executive Director. Since then, the organization has hit the ground running – distributing information and assistance on an even wider scale.

Indeed, affiliated groups from around the world have invited MHB to speak about their work with gay men, and about the overall benefits of assisted reproductive technology. The seminars/information expos are a way for experts, surrogates, clinicians, etc. to explain the process in an understandable and interactive format. Since 2007, the group has organized events in New York and Los Angeles, as well as international venues in Barcelona, Tel Aviv, and Paris. There are also preparations to visit Chicago and Dallas in the near future. For those who cannot afford a plane ticket to the nearest metropolis, highlights and video recordings of the seminars can be viewed on the MHB web page.

Along with the videos of seminars and quantified surveys, smiling new families also adorn the galleries of the MHB website, exhibiting each tiny realization of the group’s mission. Toddlers clutching the arms of their beaming fathers show the fruits of such an arduous process. MHB helps to solidify the lifelong bonds formed along the journey through a community blog entitled “Living the New Normal.” The name rings true now more than ever. With characters on TV Shows, and celebrities like Ricky Martin, utilizing the surrogacy option, the procedure has never had more exposure. And thanks to the instrumental guidance of groups such as Men Having Babies, this new normal may become just as relevant in Anywhere, USA as in New York City.

To find out more about Men Having Babies, visit their website: www.menhavingbabies.org.

The post “Men Having Babies” Non-Profit Aims to Ease Process of Biological Parenting for Gay Men appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

Pictured: members of Mark Carson’s family speak at the rally and remember Mark fondly

by Bambi Weavil (Out Impact on Facebook, Out Impact on Twitter)

Photos from contributing Out Impact photographer Chiu K. Ng,

please attribute photos to Chiu Ng and Out Impact

There were estimates of thousands of New Yorkers who attended the anti-hate march and rally for the New York City gay community against the recent hate crimes this evening.  Many people, both from the gay community and straight allies, attended and spoke for near the crime scene that took Mark Carson‘s life.  Of those that spoke included members of Mark Carson’s family, as well as Nick Porto and Kevin Atkins who were recently attacked and targeted after a New York Knicks game on May 5th presumed because of their sexual orientation.

A moment of silence was held at the end of of the rally following passionate speeches by various community leaders from the Anti-Violence Project, New York Gay Men’s Chorus, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights, Campaign,  New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Bronx LGBTQ Center, Harlem Pride and other community leaders including members of the spiritual community, in this peaceful rally against hate.

Speaker of the New York City Counsel Christine Quinn and Edie Windsor both participated in the march but did not speak at the rally.

The post Massive NYC Rally For The Gay Community Against Hate Crimes appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

Free hugs were offered by people of the gay community in Times Square earlier this afternoon.  This was a peaceful rally in Times Square started by Frostie Flakes (Miss Stonewall 2013) against recent hate crimes in NYC as recently as early Saturday morning against Mark Carson.

The post Free Hugs In Times Square: Love Against Hate Crimes in NYC appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

The post NYC Candlelight Vigil for Mark Carson, Hate Crime Victim in Greenwich Village appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

Photos from contributing Out Impact photographer Chiu K. Ng

Imagine being called a faggot while you and your boyfriend/girlfriend were just walking down the street in New York City. Imagine trying to have a typical morning with your significant other, and being viciously attacked for one reason and one reason only: you are gay. These anti-gay attacks are what sparked an anti-hate crime rally Thursday, May 16.

“This is how I go to work…I will not live in fear,” Miss Stonewall 2013 drag performer Frostie Flakes held up her poster in full drag.

“Take Back the Night” was hosted outside of Madison Square Garden, and its original intention was to have a nonviolent protest to the recent hate crime attacks happening right outside of Madison Square Garden.

“Faggot is a punch. Dyke is hitting someone,” Eugene Lovendusky, Queer Rising (Facebook, Twitter) co-founder, said. The first blow of gay hate crimes start with the
verbal assaults, then it can turn violent.

There is the common interpretation of New York City because it is thought of as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Specifically, for members of the gay community, it’s becoming frightening to walk the streets at any time and in any place.

Some are not willing to be afraid, and peacefully protest against the crimes that have been happening.

According to John Fredrick, an activist not associated with Queer Rising, “these bias attacks are disheartening, and infuriating.”

These attacks are not just happening in New York City, but people wonder about how long these have been going on for.

With the rally close to many hearts, some of the audience members still understand why a peaceful protest is the best route to go: “It’s nice to know that people still care and that they are willing to do this,” Meaghan Alexander, a sophomore at Pace University said.

Even though there was so much love at this rally, a few people tried to disturb that peace and love. A guy stormed through behind the rally, screaming obscenities at the people protesting.

“When you see me in the streets, scream like a queen,” Cathy Marino-Thomas, Board President of   Marriage Equality USA (Facebook, Twitter), said in her speech.

Though this rally provided more gay hate crime awareness, according to the New York Anti-Violence Project, there has been a 13% increase of violence. This is been the third year in a row that the increase has been present although the national rate is down.

“I am here to say that people respond to violence in their own special way. They can turn to the political sphere and work in the political system, or some people take self-defense classes, and fight back,” Lovendusky said.

Depending on the person being attacked, they have the option to fight back. One thing positive coming from these horrendous crimes was the amount of different people coming together. Not only did the LGBTQ community come out, but a lot of allies and supporters came from different ages and backgrounds.

The common theme throughout the whole rally was that “you are worth defending.” Raven Koch from the Center for Anti-Violence Education (Facebook) wanted to give the audience that instead of teaching them how to throw a punch.

The peaceful protest was held on the same night as a New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs game. A couple of the posters talked about Jason Collins, the NBA player that recently came out of the closet. Collins was mentioned in a few of the posters, and some of the speeches: “Would you hit Jason Collins for being gay?”

So, where did all this hatred come from? According to Fredrick, this hatred is promoted via people on the Internet, but he said, “We can do a better job, but we aren’t educating enough.”

In addition to speeches, information was also being distributed including safety tips, and information on why the rally was happening for those who weren’t aware of the recent attacks.

“It’s pretty ridiculous to me that in 2013 I have to stand here and fight for my right to be safe,” Flakes said. She refuses to be afraid taking the subway to work because she is just like everybody else.

Would informational peaceful anti-hate rallies like this influence positive change or will hate crimes continue?

“I think the government should pay more attention to it. It’d be nice if the government would follow through with attacks that should be called a hate crime,” Ashley Marrero, a 24 year old film student, said. To her, time will only tell if things will get better for her LGBTQ friends.

If you know someone who was attacked in any way and they can call the New York Anti-Violence Project (Facebook, Twitter) at (212)714-1141. It’s a 24-hour bilingual hotline and they serve New York’s Lesbian, Gay, BiSexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-affected Communities.

The post Refusing to run back to the closet: Take Back the Night, an Anti-Hate Crime Rally in New York City appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

Held Saturday, May 4th at SIR Stage 37 in New York City, the “Fashion Loves Animals” benefit fashion show and cocktail party honored Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart for her Vaute Couture work, an animal free line of clothing. She made history earlier this year with the first all-vegan fashion label at New York Fashion Week, which placed her on the news pages of places such as CNN with her cruelty free couture.

Launched in the summer of 2009, the goal of Hilgart’s first project, and what started the Vaute line, was wool free winter coats. She developed a new fabric, entirely vegan, and made from the latest in recyclable and recycled materials. The concept was a hit, preordered by the hundreds by people who would have to wait for the coats to go into production without seeing them or having them in hand first.

By the end of the sale dates, Hilgart had enough funds to start the Vaute line with the latest processes and machines.

Having been through New York’s famed Fashion Week and moving to New York to open up her own store, Hilgart was asked to give a repeat showcase and runway walk of her designs once more to benefit Farm Sanctuary (Facebook, Twitter). An organization that was founded in 1986 to combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals, Farm Sanctuary is committed to ending cruelty to farm animals and promoting compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts.

The night started with drinks and vegan hors d’oeuvres provided by Jay Astafa, before guests took their seats for the show. Emceed by Chloé Jo Davis of Girlie Girl Army, the vegan line showed off that there is no need or desire for animal products within the fashion world, leather and wool materials of the past as models strutted the various pieces down the catwalk.

To show that cohabitation of fashion, style, and animals, some of the models could be seen carrying dogs as they walked. These animals could be adopted from the New York Humane Society (Facebook, Twitter) after the show, promoting not only aware of animal skins in clothing but also that there are other ways in which someone can help furry friends. In this case, through adoption of local animals that need new homes.

Not only were the models in vegan clothes, however. The night’s lineup included various other vegan accessories from Love is Mighty, Brave Gentleman, and Matt & Nat.

Makeup was done by The Body Shop, so that not only were the showcased styles vegan but the entire show. The inspiration of the look was based around the anime character Sailor Moon, who is known for her ability to transform from an average school girl into a super-powered version of herself to save the day.

After the show, Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-Founder Gene Baur spoke of the twenty-five years that the Sanctuary has taken farm animals from abusive businesses and brought them to their New York reserve. Hilgart even stood before the crowd and offered an account of her first introduction to and visit of the Farm Sanctuary in New York.

The benefit ended with an auction on fashion packages from the shows designers and even an exclusive in home meal made by Chef Astafa for the highest bidder’s family and friends. The theme of the show continued into the night with vegan desserts by famed author and pastry chef Fran Costigan, accompanied by music from Rosi Golan, whose songs have been featured on The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, In Plain Sight, Dollhouse, and Ghost Whisperer”

To see pictures from the live show, please visit Vaute Couture’s Facebook album: The VAUTE SHOW for the FARM SANCTUARY Gala,

To hear more from Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart and Vaute Couture, follow them at their Twitter or via Facebook. Or you can follow her blog, On Our Sleeve, on her site.

The post Fashion Loves Animals benefit fashion show benefits Farm Sanctuary’s work appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

MIXED BEAN & QUINOA BURGERS with SMOKED PAPRIKA SAUCE

These burgers are a total power food. They are super light, healthy and loaded with protein, fiber and nutrients. Depending on how big you want your burgers, this recipe will serve six to eight.

Ingredients:

2 cups quinoa, soaked for two to four hours and rinsed well
4 cups cooked beans or lentils (or a combination of mixed beans) I often use canned beans as long as they are organic with no added salt. Canned beans must be well rinsed and drained.
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 to four cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small bunch herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil over a medium flame in a pot with a lid that is large enough to hold all of the ingredients, and sauté the onion and garlic until soft, but not brown.

While the onion and garlic are cooking, puree 3 cups of the beans in a food processor, scraping down the sides as needed, until they become a thick paste. It works best to pulse the processor from time to time to keep the beans moving.

Add the quinoa to the pot of onion and garlic with just enough water to moisten is, about 1/4 cup, and cover the pot. The quinoa will be cooked in about five minutes. Remove the lid and check that the grains have popped open and become translucent. If there is any remaining water simply cook it off for a few more minutes until the quinoa mixture is dry. Then stir in all of the remaining ingredients with a spoon or your clean hands. The pureed beans will bind everything together.

You can form the patties my scooping out a cupful of the mixture and shaping them by hand. Or you may press the mixture into a large cookie cutter to form burgers.

At this point the burgers can be frozen for future use. Although they are essentially cooked, it is best to brown them on both sides by baking them in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes on each side. Or better yet, grill them on an open flame for a smokey, charred flavor and crunch. Either way, they will be crisp on the outside while staying soft and moist on the inside.

The options for topping the burgers are endless. These lentil-quinoa burgers I topped with chopped avocado. The mixed bean-quinoa burgers I topped with a sauce made by combining equal parts salsa and reduced fat Vegenaise (vegan “mayonnaise”) and a sprinkling of smoked paprika. I served them over a bed of baby arugula. No buns necessary, but the choice is yours! Keep it healthy and whole grain!

To see more of Frank’s recipes, check out his blog: frankpicchione.com!

The post Vegan Chef Frank Picchione’s Quinoa Burgers Recipes! appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

Frank Picchione is a vegan chef, lifestyle blogger, and animal advocate. He won the season finale of Rocco’s Dinner Party on Bravo TV, and has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show. Frank lives in New York City with his dog Dudley, and recently took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the vegan lifestyle, his love for animals, and what it feels like to be healthy and mindful:

Out Impact: When and why did you decide to become vegan?

Frank Picchione: My personal vegan journey was a step by step process that began about 10 years ago. Like most people, I did not grow up vegan. And as a chef, I used to cook (and eat) all kinds of animals. But I have been an animal lover my whole life, and I have had pets of every kind – from mice, fish and birds, to dogs, a cat and a horse. Eventually I started to see that there really is no difference between the animals we love and bring into our homes and the animals who are raised for food. And as I learned about the cruel treatment of farm animals I saw no alternative but to stop eating them. Going vegan is a huge adjustment, and for me, in order to make it stick, I did it in stages. First I gave up eating pigs because they are so intelligent and suffer so much. Pigs are smarter than dogs. They are playful and social. It really is brain washing that allows people to disconnect and differentiate between animals they consider pets and animals they are willing to eat. All of the horrors of animal farming and slaughter are hidden from us. But as the saying goes, if slaughter houses had glass walls everybody would be a vegetarian. Unless people are curious and learn about what goes on behind the scenes, as I did, it remains easy to just go into a store to buy a faceless “product” under plastic wrap. After pigs, I gave up eating all mammals. Then I stopped eating birds. And more recently I eliminated eggs and dairy. Those last two are the hardest. Eggs and dairy are hidden in so many products. Most people think they cannot give up eating cheese. Well, the egg and dairy industries really are among the cruelest in animal agriculture. Baby boy chicks and male calves do not grow up to lay eggs and give milk. So literally half of all chicks and calves born are killed for being “useless.” In my opinion continuing to eat eggs and cheese is the same as eating chicken and veal.

OI: You were the winner of Rocco’s Dinner Party on Bravo TV. What was that like? Did you cook vegan dishes on the show?

FP: Yes! The dinner was to celebrate Liza Minnelli’s birthday. We were told in advance that beef was one of her favorite foods, but at the last minute Rocco came into the kitchen and announced that two of the other guests were vegan. At the time I still cooked meat professionally for clients, but most of the menu I had planned was already plant-based. I was happy for the added challenge and was able to take this in stride because of my experience. I added items from the pantry, like tofu and root vegetables, while my competitor was thrown for a loop trying to deal with all the butter and cream she had planned to use. It was hysterical. I still like to watch cooking competitions on TV, but I would never do one of those shows again. They’re always opening their mystery baskets to find pigs’ heads and sausages, and I’m just not going back there.

OI: You were also on Martha Stewart’s television show. How was that experience?

FP: It was an amazing, exciting dream come true. I had been a huge fan of Martha’s for years. This was before I gave up eggs and dairy, and I made a spectacular floating island dessert on her show. It was made from 18 egg whites, 12 egg yolks and a quart of half and half. Martha loved it. She featured it in her magazine and on her PBS show, Martha Bakes. She also put it in her most recent cookbook and blogs about serving it at parties in her own homes. Martha has lots of fancy chickens laying lots of colorful eggs. I don’t want to think about where those chickens come from. I have evolved beyond that recipe. She can have it.

OI: How do you think veganism is perceived in the media?

FP: Well, I think it has become somewhat trendy and cool, which is great. I mean, that’s not really the point, but when high profile vegan celebrities speak about the health benefits and how great they feel (and look), this all helps advance the cause. But it’s not just movie stars. Some of our nation’s biggest thinkers, like Twitter founder Biz Stone, are outspoken about their vegan diets. Recently Bill Gates has made the case for plant-based alternatives to meat because the earth simply cannot keep supplying all these edible animals. The energy that goes into producing meat – and the CO2 that comes out of it – are far more destructive than all of the world’s automobiles. This is a fact, and it is unsustainable. And thanks to the many articles being written on the topic the more informed meat-eaters are making changes. Many people I know jump start their days with fruit and vegetable packed juices and smoothies, rather than egg sandwiches and muffins.

Frank with one of the elephant orphans at the Ithumba Unit of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust,
in Tsavo East, Kenya

OI: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about the vegan lifestyle?

FP: People are learning that it’s healthier for their bodies and better for the environment. But for many it remains a mystery. For example, most people still believe that you need to eat animal products to get enough protein. This is just not true. And there are those who think it means giving up sweets and cheese, but as a chef, I have learned that the possibilities of cruelty free baked goods, made without eggs and dairy, are endless – and more healthful. Nut cheeses are delicious and nutritious replacements for dairy cheeses. My latest cooking obsession is culturing cashews to make “cheeses” that are sliceable, spreadable and meltable. There are amazing dairy free options. I enjoy teaching people new ways of looking at cuisine and nutrition. But it is difficult to overcome the brainwashing we all endure from the moment we are born. I wish everyone would watch the movie Forks over Knives – it is enlightening. The United States is burdened with a health crisis: obesity, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Everybody is medicated. But all of these can be reversed by switching to a plant-based diet.

OI: How is your clientele as a vegan chef?

FP: I have been cooking professionally for about 25 years. When I started my catering business a decade ago I cooked everything – braised meats, osso bucco, that floating island – but as I have increased my own knowledge and evolved, so has my clientele. I cook for pretty forward thinking people. They and their guests appreciate healthful home cooking, served elegantly, with beautiful flowers, all cruelty free. My message now is veganism. Not to be a flower child vegetarian of the 70s, but rather a modern, mindful, responsible person who thinks about where his food comes from and how it is prepared. Many of my clients are not vegan, but they all appreciate the health benefits and delicious flavors of my cooking. Many cannot eat dairy or gluten or eggs. This is where having a chef who specializes in these issues makes entertaining possible.

OI: Do you think veganism is a lifestyle everyone can adopt?

FP: It is challenging, and our culture does not make it easy. I admit, a vegan lifestyle is a lot more convenient in Los Angeles and New York City than in a small town in the Midwest, where many still view it as elitist or a hippie fringe element. And sadly, it is much cheaper and easier to go to McDonald’s than the local farmers market. It takes a lot of self-education, effort and responsibility. Anyone certainly can do it, but many people are afraid or mystified, and don’t know where to begin. Veganism is not for the lazy, fast food seeker. But it becomes easier the longer you do it. I love to show people that even small changes add up to big differences. I am a big promoter of Meatless Mondays. Certainly everybody can avoid meat one day a week.

OI: How do you replace protein, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin B-12 typically found in meats, fish, eggs and dairy?

FP: Other than B-12, all of these nutrients are found in plants. I take a great omega-3 supplement that is loaded with DHA and EPA fatty acids. It comes from algae. I alternate among three different raw vegan protein powders, and I love tofu, tempeh, quinoa – all complete protein foods that contain all of the essential amino acids and none of the trans-fats and cholesterol found in animal proteins. Beans and lentils are other great sources of protein. They are low in fat and high in fiber. I admit I am not a huge fan of the “fake meats.” Processed food is processed food whether it’s vegan or not. I have a green smoothie every day. Kale and leafy greens are full of calcium and iron – I also use a cast iron skillet for cooking. I take a high potency daily vitamin with B-12, and my almond milk is fortified with calcium and B-12. Also, nutritional yeast often has added B-12. At my last physical I had my B-12 levels checked and they were through the roof. The bottom line is that if you are informed and diligent, plant-based nutrients can fulfill all of your requirements. They are more healthful to you and the planet, and of course the animals.

OI: You’re training for your first triathlon. Do you find it difficult to train given the restrictions in your diet?

FP: No. First of all, I do not look at my diet as having restrictions. My diet is probably more varied than most people’s. I have tons of energy. I work out six or seven days a week. I lift weights and train for endurance, and recover better and faster than before I went vegan. Believe me, I was one of those people who was hung up on his protein intake. I used to eat six egg whites after every workout. I’m only half joking when I say I was slightly traumatized when I first committed to not eating any more eggs. But I immediately felt better without them. Not only are many top endurance athletes vegan, but there are vegan bodybuilders and elite Martial Arts competitors.

OI: As a triathlete, what are your thoughts about the Boston Marathon tragedy?

FP: It was a horrible tragedy that might make you feel unsafe everywhere – if you let it. These were destructive, desensitized people who lack empathy, causing pain and suffering. We see this every day in our treatment of animals.

OI: What causes are you passionate about?

FP: I have always been affected by the exploitation of the innocent and defenseless among us. All life is equally valuable. This notion that human beings are somehow set apart or above the rest of the natural world is harmful not only to the ones we share this planet with, but also to ourselves. I am passionate about all animal welfare. I feel responsible to speak for the ones who have no voice; for the ones born in factory farms and puppy mills, into lives of misery and suffering. I foster six baby elephant orphans in Kenya at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. You can foster an elephant in someone else’s name as a gift to them. Today ivory poaching is at epidemic levels, with tens of thousands of elephants being hunted annually for their tusks. It is such a cruel, ignorant waste. Elephants have been exploited for centuries. They are highly intelligent and form deep family bonds. They communicate on a level that we are only beginning to understand. They are among just a few living creatures who, like us, possess self-awareness. And they mourn their dead. The tiny elephants who witness the brutal slaughter of their mothers are highly traumatized. The ones who are lucky enough to be rescued by the Trust will hopefully recover and one day be reintroduced back into the wild. Last year I visited the orphans and their keepers in Nairobi and Tsavo East. It was something I wish everyone could experience. It was life changing.

OI: What’s next for you that you’d like to share with our readers?

FP: I am working tirelessly on my vegan lifestyle cookbook, and am looking forward to sharing my world of plant-based, healthful, stylish entertaining.

OI:  For more on Frank, please visit his website at http://www.frankpicchione.com/  & follow him on Twitter!

Want a recipe from Frank Picchione to try?  Check out Frank’s recipe on how to make delicious Mixed Bean & Quinoa Burgers with Smoked Papika Sauce and Lentil & Quinoa Burgers with Chipped Avocado on OutImpact.com!

The post Frank Picchione: Vegan Chef, Lifestyle Blogger & Animal Advocate appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

ARIES:

Aries moves into May with powerful energy behind making money and fresh starts on income opportunities right from day one. Mull over ideas, field offers, write, look at sales, and consider choices. The Solar Eclipse on the 9th gives you added potential to eclipse out anything not working and reinvent your earning power, launch over the next 2 weeks. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th bringing more focus on agreements, writing, sales, short trips, meetings, offers, and decisions so gear up over the love or income needs and let them know what you need or what you have to bring to the table. The 20th is another turning point in the 3 year personal or physical change you are undergoing, it started in 2012 and ends in 2015, where are you on that journey? Do career, goals, authority figures, or reputation play into these changes? The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th is a major ending or achievement with a legal matter, educational pursuit, or media, marketing, publishing, travel, or wedding plan, look for a climax here. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

TAURUS:

It’s about you as May begins so look to your personal goals, physical interests, needs, identity, brand, body, or image, and make some choices or field offers. The Solar Eclipse on the 9th adds fuel to this flame helping you push things over the top during the next 2 weeks, step forward with your agenda, eclipse out what you’ve outgrown. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th marking turning points in your income potential so start on these dates to really meet, sign, sell, and pour on the charm towards earning more. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th adding more to your ongoing story of upheaval and transformation between 2012 and 2015. This will bring changes involving hospitals, research, work behind the scenes, strategies, investigations, artistry, spiritual interests, romance, addictions, and any legal, wedding, media, educational, or travel plans in the mix. The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th marks a major ending or climax over divorce, sex life, a death, or some big financial matter, you’ll wrap things up or note achievements.   Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

GEMINI:

Time behind the scenes, resting, recharging, letting your imagination take over, connecting with the muse, getting into art, music, film, a romantic liaison, research, spiritual interests, or time at a hospital or tackling an addiction is what May offers from the start. This will get an added boost on the 9th with the Solar Eclipse helping you eclipse something out to launch in fresh directions here. Venus and Mercury move into your sign on the 9th and 15th, 2 days worth noting as they bring more love, income, beauty, offers, ideas, and decisions to you through the rest of the month. You have more charm to wield, use it with care. The Uranus/Pluto square on the 20th is the 3rd of 7 shake-ups meant to transform you on some profound level between 2012 and 2015. Look to awakening through friends, groups, the internet, astrology, charities, and aspirations while making powerful changes about your sex life, divorce or financial needs. The Lunar Eclipse of the 25th is a major ending or achievement involving a partner, client, representative, or opponent, celebrate or wrap things up. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

CANCER:

May beckons you to pursue your aspirations and to open up time for friends, groups, internet interests, astrology, or charitable pursuits. News, offers and decisions begin from day one with these people or opportunities and they get a huge boost on the 9th with the Solar Eclipse, asking that you eclipse something out for a fresh new direction or connection. Venus and Mercury both move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th and take things into the private or secretive realm where you can hole up with a lover, retreat, research, get into the music, art or film, spend time at a hospital, pursue spiritual interests, or tackle an addiction in the weeks ahead. Love and money flow here as will ideas, let the muse take you. Uranus and Pluto square on the 20th marking the 3rd of 7 such ‘change’ aspects between 2012 and 2015. For you this marks another leg on your evolutionary journey with shake-ups or excitement around career, a boss, parent or other authority figure, or goals. This is going to bring more powerful transformation involving a partner, representative, client, specialist, or opponent, so note where you are in the process. The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th marks a major ending or achievement at work, with paperwork, a health matter, or pet, celebrate or wrap things up. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

LEO:

Make may about setting goals and achieving them, moving ahead on the career path, setting new things in motion with the boss, parent or other authority figure, and taking a step towards the spotlight Leo. You will have information at your disposal right from the start of May to do so and the Solar Eclipse on the 9th will give you the added boost to help you take off in new directions or get that fresh start. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th so there will also be focus on social interests, friends, groups, the internet, astrology, or charities now through the rest of the month. Look here for love, income flow and more offers, talks, ideas, and decisions. Uranus and Pluto square on the 20th marking the 3rd of 7 life changing squares between 2012 and 2015. Note what is changing for you involving legal, travel, media, marketing, publishing, educational, wedding, work, health, paperwork, or pet interests. Freeing yourself, finding your individual vision and going deeper for evolutionary empowerment is called for. The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement in your love life, with a child or over a creative endeavor, wrap things up or celebrate. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

VIRGO:

May gets you amped up over your legal interests, travel plans, media, marketing or publishing needs, educational pursuits, wedding plans, or beliefs and it does so through more offers, ideas, talks, and decisions right from day one. You get an added boost from the Solar Eclipse on the 9th that will help propel these interests further by eclipsing out what’s past and giving you a fresh bold start in new directions over the next 2 weeks. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th and give you more focus on goals, career, authority figures, and leadership so look for opening up communications, making choices, and seeing more love or income working here. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th marking another turning point for you between 2012 and 2015 over sex, divorce, major financial matters, and your love life, children or creative projects. Look at where your originality and freedom come in and how you can go deeper and make changes that empower you up ahead. The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement involving your home, a real estate deal, move, roommate, or family matter, expect to celebrate or wrap things up. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

LIBRA:

Make May about moving ahead on the financial matter at hand, dealing with divorce issues or tending to your sexual or reproductive needs. From day one you have more information and communication available here and the Solar Eclipse on the 9th will take things to the next level, helping you eclipse away what you are past by opening up fresh directions and opportunities over a 2 week period. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th bringing some added attention to legal, travel, wedding, educational, media, marketing, and publishing needs. You should be able to attract love or income through these means and make some good connections or decisions. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th marking a turning point in the 2012-2015 span they are working to bring upheaval and empowerment in your life. They will focus in on key relationships with people in business or your personal life and what is evolving on the home front, with real estate or property matters, moves, renovations, roommates, or family. What still needs to change? The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement involving offers, sales, writing, agreements, meetings, talks, siblings, neighbors, moves, vehicles, electronics, short trips, local activities, or decisions, wrap things up or celebrate.  Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website! To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

SCORPIO:

May is a big month for you as far as key relationships go so note that from day one more information and decisions will involve marriage or business partners, agents, attorneys, specialists, clients, competitors, or opponents. You will be writing, in sales, agreements, and some huge new beginning starting on the 9th with the Solar Eclipse here that will help you eclipse out something in favor of fresh new directions with these people. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th so you will also be focusing on more information and decisions involving sex, divorce or some big financial matter the rest of the month. Your love life or income hinges here as well so work out third party situations. The Uranus/Pluto square on the 20th is the 3rd of 7 bringing upheaval and rebirth to you between 2012 and 2015. Note where you are on this journey aimed at your work life, paperwork at present, health interests, and pets, and the choices you are making, your writing, agreements, sales, and ideas on these matters. The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement involving your income or sense of being valued, wrap things up or celebrate. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

SAGITTARIUS:

Focus on work projects or the pursuit of work, organization, health, paperwork, time with co-workers or employees, and pets as May begins. You have more information, offers, ideas, writing, sales, or decisions available over these topics and you get a powerful boost from the Solar Eclipse on the 9th giving you a chance to eclipse out what is over and get a fresh start or new direction underway in the following 2 weeks. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th so there will be more focus on partners, agents, attorneys, clients, specialists, and other key relationships now as well. Look for love, income and decisions working through these people. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th marking another turning point in the 3 year upheaval and change between 2012 and 2015. Note where you are with love, kids or creative projects and your earnings, what still needs to change? The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement for you, your body, image, brand, or identity, celebrate or wrap things up!  Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website! To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

CAPRICORN:

May is going to focus you in on love, kids, recreation, and creative pursuits right from day one. You may have more talks, meetings, writing, sales, agreements, or short trips here and your bold new direction or fresh start comes on the 9th with the Solar Eclipse amplifying what you want to eclipse out and start new on in these areas. You have 2 strong weeks to launch so have fun. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th so you will also be in talks or making choices over work, health, paperwork, and pets in the weeks ahead. You may see income or love blossom through what you do here. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th bringing the next stage of upheaval and rebirth involving home, real estate, family, roommates, moves, and your body, identity, image, brand, or personal goals. What needs to change? The Lunar Eclipse brings a major ending or achievement involving film, music, art, research, spiritual interests, hospitals, addictions, isolation, a clandestine affair, retreat, or development, celebrate or wrap things up! Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

AQUARIUS:

It’s time to focus in on home, moves, real estate deals, property matters, roommates, or family as May begins. You should be ready to make some choices or field some offers. Expect this to intensify from the 9th onward as the Solar Eclipse will help you eclipse anything out and get a bold new start or opportunity moving forward. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini on the 9th and 15th so there will be more focus on love, kids, recreation, and creative endeavors from here forward as well. This will bring more proposals, ideas, meetings, talks, and decisions as well as more flow with love or income through what you choose now. The 3rd of 7 Uranus/Pluto squares arrives on the 20th and marks another turning point for you in the ongoing upheaval and transformation between 2012-2015 regarding your choices, writing, sales, local activities, moves, short trips, vehicles, siblings, agreements, neighbors, electronics, and decisions. There is something Karmic or hidden about all of this. Hospitals, addictions, spiritual pursuits, magic, psychic interests, artistic projects, strategies, clandestine affairs, or development is part of the transformation, so what still needs to change? The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement involving a friend, group, the internet, astrology, or a charity, wrap things up or celebrate.  Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website! To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

PISCES:

May will be amping up communications, local activities, short trips, writing, agreements, offers, sales, what you do with siblings, neighbors, electronics, vehicles, and decisions being made. This magnifies from the 9th onward with the Solar Eclipse helping you eclipse out the outworn paving the way for new directions and fresh starts here. Venus and Mercury move into Gemini adding focus on home, moves, real estate, family, or roommates in the weeks ahead. This is where more choices, offers, writing, sales, agreements, love, or income will flow so pursue interests now. The Uranus/Pluto square on the 20th is the 3rd of 7 aspects between 2012 and 2015 that are bringing upheaval and powerful rebirth and awakening to your life. Note how income and the friend, group, internet, charity, astrology, or social networking are figuring into this for you, what still needs to change? The Lunar Eclipse on the 25th brings a major ending or achievement on the career front, with a goal or ambition, your reputation or fame, a parent, boss, judge, or other authority figure, or through your leadership, wrap it up or celebrate. Read more at Zoe Moon’s Astrology website!  To find out more look at dates and rates for a private reading with Zoe by emailing: zoemoonastrology@gmail.com

The post Astrology with Zoe Moon: May Monthly Forecast Preview 2013 appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.

NAGLREP, the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals will host their midyear meeting May 15^th 2013 from 4-5pm at the Washington DC Omni Shoreham Hotel in the Calvert Room. Immediately following the meeting, NAGLREP will host a complimentary cocktail reception from 6-8pm on the roof deck of Nellies Sports Bar, a fun LGBT themed lounge in Washington DC. The NAGLREP midyear meeting has been strategically planned during the week long midyear meetings of the National Association of REALTORS.

2013 is a very important year for LGBT Fair Housing and NAGLREP’s mission of advocacy and business. It was in 2007 that Jeff Berger established NAGLREP with a mission of advocacy and business and since that time NAGLREP along with the WRA introduced a proposal which advanced to include sexual orientation to the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics as of January 1, 2011. NAGLREP is presently working to see that gender identity is also included to the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics. As of May 2012 the National Association of REALTORS Diversity Committee had voted unanimously on NAGLREP’s proposal to include gender identity protections to the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics. Then in November 2012 during the NAR Annual Meetings in Orlando the National Association of REALTORS Professional Standards Committee and Board of Directors both voted in favor of the proposal. Finally this November 2013 during the National Association of REALTORS Annual Meetings in San Francisco, the National Association of REALTORS Delegate Body will cast the final vote and if the item passes then gender identity protections will be inclusive to the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics and will go into effect January 1, 2014.

NAGLREP is the voice of Gay Real Estate and can be found online at NAGLREP.com and on Facebook and Twitter.  The trade organization currently has a national and international member base of over 500 real estate professionals including REALTORS, Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Professionals, Home Inspectors, Appraisers, Title Agents, Insurance Agents, Commercial Agents, etc.

The post NAGLREP Members to Meet in Washington DC May 15th for REALTOR Meeting appeared first on Gay Online Magazine | Out Impact.