-->

Monday, March 20, 2023

Carine de Mesmaeker Talks Velvet Ibiza Epic Women’s Party (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Carine de Mesmaeker, the creator and founder of Velvet Ibiza the fab all-inclusive five-day party for LGBTQ women that takes place May 2nd to May 7th at Cala Martina in Ibiza, Spain. De Mesmaeker rents out the entire resort so there’s no need to venture anywhere, the party is literally on your doorsteps. Velvet Ibiza is an all-inclusive five-day and five-night party which includes transportation from the airport, a bungalow, meals, activities, all parties and drinks until around 10:30P. Celebrating its 7th year Velvet Ibiza attracts a vast international crowd with LGBTQ women traveling from all over the globe for one big giant celebration for our community. From the pool parties, sports tournaments, yoga classes, club nights and now the infamous duck race to the top queer female DJs from Europe and America dropping the sickest beats, Velvet Ibiza has it all. This year Velvet Ibiza is focusing on single women adding speed dating to the mix. All the dance parties and special events take place at the host hotel Cala Martina located in the historical Hippie Market one of the few places in Ibiza where you can still find the retro hippie essence. It was founded in 1973 and for that reason it is currently the largest and oldest market on the island. A second hotel Paraiso Beach right next to Hotel Cala Martina has also been retained as well so there’s no reason to go anywhere unless of course you want to go shopping, head to the beach or explore the island. We talked to Carine about her inspiration for creating Velvet Ibiza and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Carine De Mesmaeker is the mastermind behind Velvet 69 one of Europe’s biggest queer Women’s Party in Brussels, Belgium founded in 2010. Since 2015 Velvet Ibiza has made history being the first ever queer women event held in the small Balearic Island famously known for its LGBTQ friendly culture, its vibrant nightlife scene and celebrity sighting. Carine has been producing parties in bars and clubs since the early 80s. She owned and operated her own club “Gate” from 1999 to 2004. Her goal is to create a safe space for queer women and to throw amazing parties. Velvet Ibiza the all-inclusive 5-day and 5-night event is becoming a holy ground for queer women who continue to descend on this fabulous isle to enjoy one the most life changing and bonding experience. For More Info…



 
 
 




Monday, March 6, 2023

Emma Chinn Talks Discriminatory Laws In Tennessee (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Emma Chinn, Special Projects Coordinator at Campaign for Southern Equality and a proud LGBTQ Tennessean. Recently Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law 2 LGBTQ discriminatory bills that go into effect on July 1, 2023. First is HB/SB 9 that bans drag performances from taking place on any public property in the state as well as in any location where people under 18 could be present. This law unfairly places male or female impersonators in the same adult cabaret performance category as topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers and strippers. The second Bill signed into law was HB/SB 1 that bans lifesaving medical care for transgender youth under the age of 18. Although legal groups including the ACLU of Tennessee have announced intentions to challenge the law in court young people who have begun accessing gender-affirming hormone therapy or puberty blockers prior to July 1st will be able to access care until March 31st 2024 at which time this care will no longer be available in Tennessee. Prior to the passing of Tennessee’s anti LGBTQ legislation Chinn co-authored a report entitled “Coming of Age as an LGBTQ Southerner: Family, Faith, Education & Health” detailing the life and health experiences of LGBTQ Tennesseans. The research found that approximately 84% of transgender respondents from Tennessee reported that when they were under the age of 18 having access to gender-affirming care was important to their overall well-being. Yet among respondents who reported currently using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only 18% reported using HRT prior to the age of 18 and only 5% reported using hormone blockers prior to the age of 18. We talked to Emma about Tennessee’s aggressive attack on our transgender community and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Emma Chinn in addition to her work with the Campaign for Southern Equality is currently a Master of Public Policy student at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her thesis is based on the effect state policies have on LGBTQ Tennesseans. Southern Equality based in Asheville, North Carolina promotes full LGBTQ equality across the South. Their work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender and where everyone is free to be who they truly are and love who they truly love. For More Info…