G O B L U ! The Sky is Always BLU

S P E C I A L VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2011 P O I N T S O F INTEREST:

 The Chakras Voices of BLU: Welcome Family!

 Queen Sage Says… By O’Shea” Myles our new additions including the “Yes! Active links!!” We recipro- “Queen Sage Says…”, Spirituali- cate. This means to email us or  Feeling “Blue” A Welcome to the second issue of ty, and Health/Wellness sec- view web pages directly, press the Black Lesbian Mental “The Sky is Always tions. Also, with a little help CTRL-key plus use your cursor to Health Crisis BLU” (SAB) newsletter! Since we last spoke, there have been from technology, the SAB News- click on the link provided  Baby Steps to creating some enhancements made to and...PRESTO CHANGE-O!...you healthy finances our quarterly publication. Now, are where you want to be. don't fret! Your favorites are BLU + YOU  Check-in with Timika still here, including the “nitty- PLEASE don’t forget that SAB is Jackson; author of gritty” on community happen- “Voices Within” “for us, by us, with us, and about ings and events, but we’ve got us” so make sure to review the some additions that we think end of each segment to see where you may enjoy. Our pages now you can submit your contribu- embody more of the essence tions. For instance, this current that makes BLU. What is that issue was made possible from essence? Its you! Our hope is to contributions from the following provide you with the same BLU Retreat community mem- pillars of information, re- bers: Angie Maldonado, Eko Ca- sources, and experiences that nillas, Keisean Raines, Lelani are cultivated during the BLU McKenzie, O’Shea” Myles, Saun- retreat. So without further dra Tignor, Queen Hollins, Yolan- INSIDE THIS ISSUE: adieu, start flipping these pag- da Whittington, Jeannette Bron- es and enjoying the contribu- son, and Lisa Powell. tions of our BLU community. letter is now free via the BLU BLU Ticker 2 webpage and includes an active For more information regarding the “The WHAT’S NEW link feature. “Active links?!” Sky is Always BLU” newsletter, email: Start by checking out some of you enthusiastically exclaim. [email protected]. Spirituality 2 Queen Sage Says...: Queen Sages Wanted K.I.T 2 By Saundra Tignor women who love other women. QUEEN SAGE-to-SAGE It`s wonder- In this inaugural edition the As we mature, it becomes more Health/Wellness: Feeling words of others will be used to 3 ful to be alive and more important to exercise, “Blue” and to be present a perspective of matura- I know you have heard this be- included as a tion. So if you consider yourself fore, but it is time to move it or voice of the to be a Queen Sage, let us hear loose it. Take a walk daily, no- Health/Wellness con‟t. 4 “Queen Sage your voice of mentorship, guid- tice your neighborhood, the area says…” in the ance, and support for inclusion surrounding your area of wor- launching of in future editions. ship, church, temple or mosque. the BLU Send your submission to: Plant a garden or cultivate the Entertainment & News 5 Newsletter. [email protected]. one that`s present. Enjoy the In keeping I am looking forward to hearing efforts of your neighbors. Learn with African Cosmology, Queen from you. a new language or skill so that Social Justice & Resources 6 Sages are defined as those wom- your mind stays active and you en who are sixty and older, are Peace, Saundra feel accomplished. of African heritage, and are P A G E 2 K.I.T W/ BLU

MARCH 2011 “Hey BLU! I am currently living in California with my Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat son and a budding writing career.“ 1 2 3 4 5 -Keisean Raines BLU Retreat c/o of 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2009, 2010

13 14 7 MONTHS LEFT 18 19 to the Annual

–9th BLU RETREAT 2011 “My writing is my voice and I want to be heard.” 20 21 22 Oct.23 7th24 25 26 Keep in touch with the BLU Retreat community by sending an www.blacklesbiansunited.org email to: [email protected]. 27 28 29 30 31 Please include the following:  a recent picture  your name  year(s) you attended BLU retreat  an update about you

Spirituality: Chakra Spiritual Wellness

By Queen Holllins better understand and manage alleviated, physical problems I would like to share our emotions. When energy cen- corresponding to the dam- some information ters are imbalanced, we may ex- aged Chakras can manifest. that changed my life. perience fatigue, depression, sad- For instance, a consistently They are called, the ness, anger, ill-health, and other- angry person may have prob- CHAKRAS. Chakras related symptoms. lems within the are something that I CARE, CLEANSING, AND HEART believe we all have, MEDITATION CHAKRA and as a result may but many of us may A healthy chakra should be spin- be unaware of them have challeng- ning clockwise and be 6” in diam- es to emotions until later in life. eter. It is important that Chakras Please read on for related to love. are similar in size. This promotes If the problem Location of Charkas more information balanced energy. Chakras are persists, the and I hope you find it similar to muscles and if over- useful. Here we grow! individual worked can tire. They can also could develop What are CHAKRAS? have all sorts of problems which heart prob- Chakras are energy centers in the can include chakras that are: lems. Chakra cleansing and body that correspond with endo- closed, spinning in the opposite meditation may help to better crine glands. When these energy direction, torn, bent, damaged, care for the Chakras. centers are balanced, we func- distorted, and/or discolored. tion in harmony and operate at These dysfunctions can be caused For more on Chakras, see “Chakra Information and our highest potential. We may by traumatic experiences or kinds Resources” on page 6. It should also be better able to understand of personality problems that need be noted that the location of what is going on inside our bod- to be resolved. If problems caus- Chakras and related information ies. This awareness may help us ing Chakras dysfunction are not may vary according to cosmolo- gy.

THE SKY IS ALWAYS BLU VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 P A G E 3 Health/Wellness: Feeling “BLUE”- A Black Lesbian Mental Health Crisis

By Yolanda Whittington children than were white or may be high among lesbians.  Exhibiting self-injurious behavior As a mental health professional, I Latina lesbians First, one’s initial entre into their (e.g. cutting) newly lesbian community is often am usually reluctant to write  Black and Latina lesbians are  Has a history of psychiatric ill- about or discuss mental health as at increased risk for suicide the lesbian or gay bar where alco- ness or psychiatric hospitaliza- a conversational topic during my attempts and childhood sexu- hol is typically served and con- tions scheduled days off. Why? It’s al abuse sumed and used for social interac- tion. One other possible reason  Is deliberately waving a weapon probably because I am inundated FACTORS OF SUICIDE or what appears to be a weapon daily with mental health and I find for alcohol abuse and illicit sub- In addition to sexual stance dependency is its use as an at law enforcement (i.e. suicide myself seeking a reprieve and res- by cop) pite for my own mental health and trauma, there are several contrib- ineffective coping mechanism that wellness. However, the tragic uting risk factors associated with is usually wrought with negative STEPS TO TAKE consequences like addiction, high- losses of life associated with sui- suicide attempts and/or rates If you are experiencing risk behavior, cidal deaths among our lesbian, among Black lesbians. The first suicidal thoughts or idea- and in ex- gay, bisexual, and transgender factor is depression. As Black tions or know of someone treme cases, youth coupled with the screen women, we experience a conver- “Suicide is who is suicidal and you or death. Non- adaptation of the play “For Col- gence of social and physical fac- someone you know is in drinking al- ored Girls Who Have Considered tors such as racial discrimination, preventable. It immediate danger, please ternatives to Suicide When the Rainbow is En- gender oppression, sexual and call 911. If you or someone the bar scene uf” has prompted me to engage in physical abuse, poverty, and high begins with you you know is threatening to may occur in community dialogue about our prevalence rates of chronic health commit suicide, call the pre-existing mental health. problems and debilitating illness- Psychiatric Emergency lesbian net- and me…” es. Team (PET). If in Los SUICIDE AMONGST US works where The second factor is Angeles County, contact typically one is usually introduced For those of us who may not be homophobia within the larger the Psychiatric Mobile Response into the social network by another aware, the incidences of suicide community, but specifically within Team (PMRT) at 1-800-854-7771. member or new lesbians may con- attempts and rates among Black the African-American culture as If you or someone you know is nect with lesbian organizations lesbians is an unknown phenome- manifested in the espousing reli- having thoughts but do not have a like BLU, for example. non in the literary reviews on sui- gious dogma and plan, call the Suicide Hotline at 1- cide statistics among excommunica- WARNING SIGNS 800-273-TALK or 1-800-273- lesbians and lesbians of tion from our Suicide is preventable. It 8255. If you are an LGBT youth or color. According to the churches as a know of an LGBT youth that is National Lesbian begins with you and me. First, you result of our must familiarize yourself with the thinking about suicide, please call Health Care Survey same gender- the LBGT Youth Hotline 1-866-4U reported by the Nation- warning signs of suicide. These loving sexual warning signs can include: -TREVOR. If you are experiencing al Institute of Mental orientation. This depression or anxiety, do not be Health (NIMH): intolerance often  Major depression ashamed to reach out for help.  Suicide rates leads to familial  Has an expressed will to die Mental health services are grossly among Black and alienation, loss underutilized by Black women,  No interest in living Latina lesbians are of cultural con- lesbians, and the overall commu- 27% and 28% nections, com-  Has a history of suicide attempts nity at large. We, as Black lesbi-

respectively munal castiga-  Has the means to kill themselves ans and women, need to break free tion, fear, shame, and social stig- of the pressure to “hold it down”  Higher than those of white  Has a specific plan to kill them- ma and violence against LGBT for our family and the community. lesbians which were at 16% selves persons, which results in a signifi- The time has come for us to self-  37% of lesbians had been cant risk factor for suicide. The  Has given away all of their be- disclose and tell “all of our busi- beaten or physically abused at NIMH Suicide in the U.S. Statis- longings for no apparent reason ness” to mental health profession- least once tics and Prevention reports that  Has said goodbye to family, als who desire to help us get relief  1/2 of Black and Latina lesbi- LGBT youth rejected by family are friends, and loved ones with no from our silent suffering, emotion- ans had been abused com- up to nine times more likely to immediate travel plans or trips al pain, and physical hardship. My pared with one-third of white attempt suicide then their hetero- dearest sistah, there is a rainbow  Is socially isolated lesbians sexual peers. for us. She is you, she is me, she is  Is engaged in high-risk behavior us!  Forty-one percent of lesbians The third contributing (i.e. walking or running into on- surveyed had been raped by factor is substance abuse and de- References/Resources: going traffic, jumping out of a National Institute of Mental Health (2007). Suicide in U.S. men pendence, especially alcohol and Statistics and Prevention. moving vehicle, threatening to do drug addiction. There may be Rothblum, E. (1990). Depression Among Lesbians: An  Black lesbians were more self-harm, etc.) several reasons why alcohol use Invisible and Unresearched Phenomenon. Journal of Gay likely to have been raped as and Lesbian Psychotherapy. Black Women Depression – Tribute to Black Women www.tributetoblackwomen.com/articles/depression.htm

Caruso, K. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Suicide. www.suicide.org P A G E 4 Health/Wellness: Stages

What’s Really Going on? It is most concerned with growth, your: struggles, triumphs, By Yolanda Whittington connection, self-discovery, dis- strengths, challenges, joy, pain, closure, venting, processing or successes, and failures? We want When the late Marvin bringing forth the challenge for to hear from our Black Lesbian Gaye, R&B singer and songwrit- us to act. As such, we are asking sistahs, mothers, students, in- er, debuted “What’s Going mates, recovering sistahs, older, On,” in the 1970’s, he brought younger sistahs, writers, artists, forth a social consciousness teachers, counselors, spiritual movement that propelled the practitioners, healers, entrepre- nation to confront our politi- neurs, legal and health profes- cians and hold them account- sionals, unemployed, homeless, able to tell the public the truth financially stable, those experi- about the current events of encing economic hardship, butch, that period. This inevitably femme, and non-labeled sistahs, transcended the political form sistahs in the closet, out of the to the personal stage in 2010. closet, questioning, and bisexual We now ask ourselves and sistahs, and transgender sistahs each other “What’s Up” and my “How can we you to contribute what is going (female-to-male, male-to-female) favorite, “What’s Really Going on with you in this present stage that identify as lesbian. Whoever On?” What are we really asking? learn from your of your life. How and in what you are, wherever you live, your We are genuinely asking for you ways are you impacted by what story is our story. Help us to get struggles, to tell us how you are doing? you are experiencing in this to know you while learning more What have you been up to? phase of your life? What kinds of about each other. What is “going on” in your life? triumphs, issues are you dealing with? How To share your “Stages”, submit your Thus, the “Stages” section is are you coping or not coping with story to: [email protected] strengths, dedicated to you and your story. them? How can we learn from challenges,

joy, pain, Health/Wellness: Healthy Finances successes, Maintaining a Healthy Finan- Track Monthly Expenses: ple, if you have a $100 cable bill, cial Life-Baby Steps Keep track of all expenses for one but rarely watch TV, consider and failures? “ By Lelani McKenzie month. Save your receipts from downgrading your package or purchases and bill payments. At eliminating the cable expense. In these times, saving the end of the month, create a money is often an ur- There are many list of all the expenses incurred. ways to ban legend. Financial “There are Plan for Next Month’s make struggles are afflicting many ways everyone from lower Expenses: Use your list small to make income levels to mid- from the prior month to cuts in dle class. Often times, small cuts approximate next month’s your the idea of figuring out in your expenses. Add any addi- spend- tional planned expense ing so one’s money-matters is spending items for the new month. that you a daunting task. As a so that you result, it is set aside. Add Income: Add all sources can gradu- can However, by starting of income to get an accurate ally start out very small, there is gradually look at how much money you building a sav- no better time than start actually have coming in. ings. This exercise will allow you to identify those areas and begin now to begin changing building a Prepare your Budget: Based your spending habits. the process of maintaining a savings.” on your total income less ex- healthy financial life. To get started, begin penses, prepare your budget by creating a monthly needs by determining the areas Questions? Email: le- budget using the following steps: you can cut spending. For exam- [email protected]. Your question may be highlighted in the next issue.

THE SKY IS ALWAYS BLU VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 P A G E 5 Music Spotlight:

By Lelani McKenzie “Lost Where I Belong”, is an acoustic pop-soul gem that grad- Title: “Lost Where I Belong” ually takes you on a journey through the ages of music that Artist: Andreya Triana Release date: 9/07/10 define her essence. There are several other versions of the song just as satisfying, including If you have “Soulful the remix, been intense- which lifts you to musical grooves with ly craving grooves with heights, giving the feeling of some great strong drifting on a cloud. Her new music that fills your soul, sensual voice echoes the then look no further than the heartfelt melodies throughout the sounds of independent artist, album, as in “Far Closer”, where she ists’ tracks that are sure to wet your palate. Andreya Triana. An upcoming lyrics, topped seduces you into a trance. Other songs One must hear is “The Keeper”, a separate artist from the U.K., Andreya on the album such as “A Town Called collaboration with producer , where is bursting onto the under- off with a Obsolete”, “Draw the Stars”, “Darker her majestic voice is the main ingredient to ground music scene with her than Blue”, and “X” showcase her re- the recipe of this basement soul jazz dish. debut album “Lost Where I voice that is markable For more on Andreya Triana, visit: Belong”. Her songs calmly songwriting soft, deep, www.myspace.com/andreyatriana blend the genres of soul, jazz, talent as she “...’Lost Where www.andreytriana.com and folk. Soulful grooves with I Belong’, is an and soothing writes of lone- I Belong’, is an strong heartfelt lyrics, topped acoustic soul ly struggles, acoustic soul Picture sources (not active links): off with a voice that is soft, and caresses deceitful lov- gem…” http:// deep, and soothing and ca- farm2.static.flickr.com/1016/857277243_8743af3498.jpg ers and chas- resses every inch of your be- http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pADRoLUFupA/TFgEktGJoxI/ every inch of ing dreams. AAAAAAAAArQ/e0iQubOXBkw/s1600/andreya-triana.jpg ing. Although this is her debut album, she http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2009/artists/ The title track of her album, your being.” has prior collaborations on other art- andreyatriana/photos/img/main.jpg Books: Timika Jackson/Voices Within

By E. Canillas “painful”, and “inspiring”? matters. I also hope that readers “Poetry has It’s 2011 yall! So as some TJ: I chose these words because realize their words are important. of us were moving into the with each poem the reader takes been my I want readers to finish a poem year, one of us was lucky away a new feeling. The poems thinking, "I can do this too." saving grace, enough to connect with speak of the pain that I have saving grace, SAB: What are you most proud 2010 BLU Retreat attendee, Timika Jackson. gone through and the power to it has been my of with this literary accomplish- Timika Jackson is an up-and-coming writer overcome. There is strength in ment? who has recently published her literary gem, the words as well as fear and mouth piece, TJ: I am very proud to have fin- Voices Within. SAB contacted Timika to empowerment. I believe that my confidant ished this book and who I have learn more and share with you. Read on... each poem seduces the mind and become from writing it. Poetry arouses the readers thoughts. Sky is Always BLU: What is “Voices With- and my friend has been my saving grace, my in”? SAB: What would you hope mouth piece, my confidant, and at times of Timika Jackson: “Voices Within” is a book your readers found after taking my friend at times of deep des- “Voices Within” home? pair. I am also really proud and of poetry. deep grateful to be able to share it with SAB: Describe “Voices Within” in three TJ: After reading “Voices With- despair.” others. words. in”, I hope readers will walk away with a sense of imagina- To get your hands on a copy of TJ: Seductive, painful, and inspiring. tion, a drive to be creative, and a “Voices Within” click on the SAB: Tell us more. Why “seductive”, knowledge that what and how they feel following link and search “Voices Within”: www.lulu.com. CHAKRA INFO & RESOURCES BLU and YOU! CHAKRA CLEANSING & MEDITATION www.ehow.com The annual BLU Retreat is an op- Keyword(s): Cleanse Chakras portunity to celebrate our lives as women of African descent, who love BALANCING OILS & CRYSTALS community-2.webtv.net/essentialhealth/ other women. Since 2009, women CHAKRAS/ are drawn to Malibu, California from throughout the US (and internation- CHAKRA STONES & OILS ally) to experience the love, the joy, the www.olfactoryproducts.com/ChakraOils.htm wisdom, the songs, and the dance that is BOOK REFERENCES unique to our lives. The BLU retreat is Chakra for Beginners By David Pond about rejoicing our shared experiences, Wheels of Light By Anodea Judith, Ph.D connecting with Family, and celebrating Opening to Spirit By Caroline Shola Arewa Chakra Mediation By Swami Saradanda our differences.

CHAKRA MEDIATION CDS To keep the BLU retreat spirit through- Chakra Healing Chants out the year, “The Sky is Always Artist: Sophia www.sequoiarecords.com/sophia.html BLU” seeks to keep the BLU commu- nity connected year-round by providing Chakra Healing Zone a newsletter with information about the Artists: David & Steve Gordon BLU retreat and affiliated activities/ www.sequoiarecords.com/sequoia- compilations.html events in addition to BLU community- relevant information. Social Justice: In OUR Community

By E. Canillas voice to dialogue going, we are Am I my sistah’s keeper? If I am, open dia- requesting your re- then what is my role in ensuring the logue that sponses to the follow- healthy and prosperous well-being fuels con- ing question: of my community? Well, if you are versation, What does social jus- looking for this discussion then you creates tice look like for have come to the right place. The visibility, our BLU commu- social justice segment of this news- nurtures nity? What does letter seeks to spark just growth, it (or doesn't it) GO BLU! that...DIALOGUE. But, we’re not encour- look like in ac- Check us out online: just talking to talk, we are speaking ages ac- tion? blacklesbians.united.org to move...to ACTION! That’s right tion, and Now we know facebook.com/BLUnited im- yall! We are interested in sharing, defining proves downelink.com/blunited BLU Flag Football Event; BLU Retreat „10 social the twitter.com/blunited justice is quality of our lives. How do we plan a big task, but we need you to to do this? By critically reflecting keep it to 200 words. and challenging social, political, and Email Are you up to it? We believe us at: all other issues that contribute to (or [email protected] hinder) our pursuit in enhancing our so. So... email sky- quality of life and those of our com- [email protected] Call us at: with your poems, essays, munities. However, social justice 323-739-4 BLU Opening Workshop; BLU Retreat „10 in the BLU community is an active and/or photographs sport which we think involves cre- expressing your thoughts, receiving, and staying connected ating harmony with, by, and for feelings, and observations Register for around the ways in which we can everyone in within our BLU village. around topics related to individually and collectively unite AND... since this is a forum for a social justice and let’s keep- BLU 2011! our power, share/receive our community dialogue, we NEED your ing enriching the BLU re- knowledge/experiences, and use our community input. So to get the treat connection.