Happy 2018 everyone.

Wolud love to think that everyone 2018 started off with a bang. I’ve been here, going thru some ups and downs, but the most high have given me the strength to carry on.

I’m most at peace listening to the music made by the waves. SXM STRONG 💪.

LGBT COMMUNITY PRIDE FLAGS AND SYMBOLS..

The LGBT COMMUNITY has adopted certain symbols for self identification which demonstrate UNITY, PRIDE, shared values, and allegiance to one another.  The LGBTQ symbols communicate ideas, concepts, and identity both within their communities and to mainstream culture.
 
   The two (2) most-recognized international LGBTQ symbols are the PINK TRIANGLE and the RAINBOW FLAG.  The Rainbow Flag, previously used as a symbol of UNITY between all people, was adopted to be a more organic and natural replacement without any negativity attached to it.

   The colors of the RAINBOW FLAG have meanings, and they are as follows:
. Hot Pink : For Sexuality
. Red : For Life
. Orange : For Healing
. Yellow : For Sun
. Green : For Nature
. Blue : For Art
. Indigo : For Harmony
. Violet : For Spirit
 
   Making it in the colors of the rainbow, Baker says, was the obvious choice. “We needed something that expressed us. The rainbow really fits that, in terms of: we’re all the colors, and all the genders and all the races,” he says. “It’s a natural flag; the rainbow is in the sky and it’s beautiful. It’s a magical part of nature.
The two original flags had eight stripes each, with hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo and violet descending from the top. Baker conceived meanings for each color; for example, orange represented healing and hot pink represented sexuality.

The Bisexual Community also known as the bisexual/ pansexual, fluid, or non-monosexual community includes members of the LGBT COMMUNITY who identify as bisexual, pansexual, or sexually fluid.

   People who identify as bisexual or pansexual receives a lot of hatred and distrust (biphobia), stereotyping, and denial from both straight and gay people.  People would say bisexuals are just unsure of their feelings or going through a "phase" and will or should "decide" or "discover" which sex they are attracted to.  On the other hand, there is also increasing support, inclusion and visibility of bisexuals in the LGBT COMMUNITY.  Here are the meaning of the colors of the BISEXUAL FLAG, they are as follows:

. PINK : represents sexual attraction to the same sex only (gay and lesbian).
. BLUE : represents sexual attraction to the opposite sex only (straight).
. PURPLE : represents sexual attraction to both sexes (BI).

I will be back in two (2) weeks time with the continuation of LESBIAN IDENTITY , part two (2) will be focusing on Soft-Butch/ Stem as they are called, and Femme lesbians. This article was just to answer some of your questions about the difference in pride flags in the LGBT COMMUNITY.  There's so much more I can elaborate on but this article wouldn't get done. There's a lot of history behind the flags and the colors of the LGBT COMMUNITY  going way back during HITLER'S TIME AND WOLRD WAR 2 TIME. 

   I hope you guys enjoy this little piece, and feel free to leave comments and questions.
   ONE LOVE.....   

                                            MINELVA MADURO..

 






 

 

My Heart Goes Out To the Families and Loved Ones Of Orlando!!

Let me start by sending my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims of the Pulse Night Club in Orlando.  I'm not going to spend any of my time speaking about the sadistic killer.

 What happened to those young, vibrant, full of life, and had a bright future ahead of them victims, is a senseless act. I stand in SOLIDARITY with the Mother that was just out front texting to her son and couldn't help him.  I stand in SOLIDARITY with the young guy that lost his Mother in the club, cause she had gone there to support her son for coming out. 

I stand in SOLIDARITY with many parents and loved ones and friends, that are mourning the loss of their loved ones, that was taken away from them in the most heinous way. Words can't express the way am feeling, not because it happened at a Gay club!! It could've happened anywhere else, taking the lives of innocent people.  I stand in SOLIDARITY with the LGBT COMMUNITY in Orlando, that are mourning the loss of its members.

While families are preparing to bury their loved ones, we keep you in our prayers..

                             Minelva Maduro..

LESBIAN IDENTITY PART -1(STUD / BUTCH / TOMBOY).

One question that has been asked by many straight women: what is the difference between a STUD and a BUTCH?  So I in return asked them what is the problem with you guys and those LABELS?  Their reply to me is, that's the only way they could understand our sexuality and the LGBTQ Community.  

   I on the other hand, don't like labels, I am who I am, and I like what I like, and there's no other like me.  So after some extensive research and studying, here's my answer and opinion to your question.

   STUD / BUTCH, are two (2) terms that share the same meaning and are used to describe a MASCULINE LESBIAN.  The definition STUD is "a human male viewed as very successful with women." This same concept has become adapted in the lesbian community among the women who are considered to be STUDS.  STUDS / BUTCHES are known for having a way with the ladies, "and being able to sweet talk," or gain the attention of  other lesbians and sometimes of HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN as well.  Generally, most women who identify as being a STUD / BUTCH LESBIAN prefer to wear men's clothing.

   In contrast to FEMMES who can be confused as STRAIGHT women, STUDS / BUTCHES are easier to identify.  Since these women assume the more dominant role in a lesbian relationship, these women are the MALE FIGURE and PROVIDER for their PARTNERS and FAMILIES.  STUDS / BUTCHES are women that are strong, masculine and aggressive.  Their affirmed identity challenges social makings of gender, and the parallels between masculinity and femininity.

   So while i was doing my research, I stumbled upon TOMBOY. Before you guys ask me about TOMBOYS, I will tell you this much, they are not lesbians, but then again they may or may not be lesbians.  A TOMBOY  is a woman that is slightly masculine, but not necessarily overly masculine, and who is usually STRAIGHT.  TOMBOYS are seen as being interested in sports, hardware/mechanics, and other non-girly activities, do not dress too feminine, and may not wear makeup etc... but they are overall seen as less BUTCH than BUTCHES.

   Both STUDS / BUTCHES are lesbians, and they are basically the same, but STUD is generally used for black lesbians, and BUTCH is generally used for white lesbians.  So you see, race plays a roll in these LABELS that SOCIETY has branded us with, so that they could understand and identify us.

   I'm happy to say that, those labels doesn't define who I am today. I am PROUD of who I am, and that is MINELVA MADURO, I live my life for me and not for others. Be proud of who you are, and what you've become.  Do not let society's labels define who you are and the way you live your life;; that is all up to you!!!!

                                             I AM PROUD!!!!!!!
                                              MINELVA MADURO.

Out & Proud In SXM: LOVE YOU!!!!

Out & Proud In SXM: LOVE YOU!!!!: I lost my dad, James.E.Maduro on June 22 nd , 2015 in Columbia.   Since then my desire to continue on with my Blog diminished.   I’ve...

LOVE YOU!!!!

I lost my dad, James.E.Maduro on June 22^nd, 2015 in Columbia.  Since then my desire to continue on with my Blog diminished.  I’ve had no motivation or desire to pick up a pen and continue to write.  I’ve started this blog because of my Dad, and his many attempts to interview or get the story from a Gay man’s perspective.

    I’ve spoke to a couple of Gay Guys, and two (2) of whom are my dearest friends. One of them since then passed on, going on two (2) years now.  He was an avid reader of my blog, a great teammate and a damn great netball player he was, Cavin Bridgewater miss you dearly.

   Before my dad passed, I’ve asked him why start with them when you have me here.  His reply to me, were that he needed to know from another perspective, and he knows his daughter inside out, and I must say he did, very much so.  He never got around to the interviews, but he saw when I started this blog, and were very outspoken about it.  Many of you saw the video and read the Q and A between him and myself.

    Many of you that knew my dad, had known that he was a very religious man, very kind, always helping others in whatever and whichever way he can, whether its English classes, Spanish or dutch classes.  Don’t let me get started on his many run ins with politics, both good times and bad times.  From his children to everyone else, that got involved with him, knew that he had a great sense of humor, to go with his long political conversations.

   My dad James.E.Maduro, had coached many persons that were just starting their political careers.  He was very honored that at that stage in his life, young ones came to him to get whatever knowledge they could from that great, brilliant mind of his.  I am very happy that I got to share him with the world, but sometimes there were those that took advantage, but this is not about that.  Many times he had told to enter as a candidate on a party list, but I told him I’m too liberal and a radical, so people like me they would never want on their party list.  If my Dad were alive today, we both would be having a laugh at what’s going on here in beautiful St. Maarten.  He would have had many articles written and sent to the Daily Herald and maybe the Today News Paper, and if they were written in their favor they would publish them.

    I miss our round table talks almost every Monday when I’m off from work, miss our weekly beach visits to Le Gallion beach, before he had gotten his other leg amputated.  We made fun and memories from whatever hand we were dealt, and I thank God for that always.  Most importantly I’ve missed his many teachings of the Bible, and the teachings of Ellen.G.White.

Many had told me that it would get easier moving on with my life without him, but they never told me about the hole that remains in my heart, it would never heal.  To think I should have known that from the passing of my Grandmother, that I called mommy, Mrs. Hildred.D.Tyson that raised me in my young years, and my Grandfather that I called Daddy, Mr. Charles Tyson many years ago.

    My Dad always told me, to be proud of who I am.  Not because of our differences on my sexuality, that doesn’t make me a bad, horrible person.  He prayed for me always, and asked God to guide my path.  He also prayed that we will see each other when Christ returns, and I know we will.  My Dad was my Rock. Back in the day, whenever or wherever you saw him, you saw me also.  I used to loved it when he came to a few of my basketball games, and before he passed I used to keep him abreast of all my games, both Netball and Basketball.  He was my BIGGEST FAN!!!

    Now today May 16^th, 2016, just six (6) days before he makes eleven (11) months in Heaven, I know he’s looking down on me with a big smile on his face and saying, “THAT RED CARABU GIRL PICKED UP HER PEN AND STARTED WRITING AGAIN”. YES I DID DAD, BECAUSE OF YOU!!

    My Dad lived for God and Country, and for his children.  For the millions that knew him well, knows that’s the truth.

    I LOVE YOU DAD, and that you knew.  Those special birthday calls, I will keep them in my heart forever, those Father’s Day calls, checking to see which one of your children rang you first, I will keep my tally close to my heart; (“SMILE”).  I’m very blessed to have had a wonderful, loving, and a no nonsense Dad like you.

LOVE YOU DAD

MINELVA MADURO.

He Lived For God And Country. # A Tribute To My Father James Elridge Maduro.

   My father and best friend. 

 

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