Life in Pink

Liz Vega

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”--E.E. Cummings

I was shocked to hear about the brutal murder of a Puerto Rican teenager who was killed because of his sexual orientation. I read the newspaper articles describing the cruelty of the act and with disbelief and sadness learned that a police officer said he was asking for it, simply because he was dressed as a woman.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/18/puerto.rico.gay.teen.slain/index.html

Here in L.A. we may be clear across the country but are not immune from the violence that is perpetrated on those who live in the margins of society. To honor the memory of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado let me introduce you to TSaction.org an organization that seeks for the transsexual/transgender community to succeed in becoming socially accepted with dignity and respect.

One of the primary ways in which TSaction.org raises awareness is by coordinating a Tranny Fashion Show. In December 2008 the transgender Latina community in Los Angeles County decided to have a Christmas Party, at Club Arena with a formal dinner and entertainment in honor of all transgender individuals.

The concept grew as other transgender women began sharing their ideas and suggestions and guided by Ms. Cristina Lugo Novelo evolved into a fashion show. Cristina Lugo Novelo was no stranger to the transexual/transgender community. She's been a leader and an activist for several years and knowing that there is always limited funding and a shorfall of social services for this community she founded Tranny Fashion USA.

The 2008 Tranny Fashion Show was a complete success with talented fashion designers such as; Cecilia Martinez, Lupita Amparo, Sonya Elizondo, Adolfo Alvarado, Adan Terriques, Tony Iniquez, Alexis Baldini, ProLine Skateboards, and an amazing group of beautiful transgender models.

This year, Tranny Fashion USA has organized a series of events which will culminate on December 21, 2009 at Club Arena 6655 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90038. On that night,during the 2nd annual Fashion show a nonprofit organization will be selected to receive part of the proceeds of the event.

I invite you to attend and support this event and help raise awareness. For more information visit the website:

http://trannyfashionusa.com/

or contact the event coordinator:

Cristina Lugo Novelo

Tel: (818) 450-7100

E-Mail: Cristina@Tsaction.org

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Sirena Selena
A Novel

Mayra Santos-Febres;

Translated by Stephen A. Lytle
Picador, August 2000

ISBN: 978-0-312-25227-4,

ISBN10: 0-312-25227-7, 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches, 224 pages

A tragicomic novel about an abused gay street hustler with a magical voice that enchants and captivates. He is discovered in the slums of San Juan and mentored by Martha Divine. Together they travel to the Dominican Republic where Selena meets and is determined to seduce a rich investor.

For another review of the author's latest work read an earlier post on La bloga: http://labloga.blogspot.com/2009/09/mayra-santos-febres-and-our-lady-of.html

Descansa en paz,

Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado (1990-2009)

Pride Source