"You Must Be The Change You Wish To See In The World"

 

 

 

Nydia Velazquez= Representation > MisRepresentation of women in politics

No "Binders of Women" here! You know why? Because these women aren't going to be looked up in a Binder. They're going to be looked up to by girls in the United States!

Can we all take a moment to wipe the sweat off of our foreheads and let out a hug "PHEW" remembering the heated presidential campaign and cringing at Romney's smile...

 

 

Okay, okay enough of comedic relief that luckily didn't become a reality...Another "PHEW" right there...

 

Women broke their glass ceiling more than ever in the 2012 elections:

 

According to the Huffington Post, "The 113th Congress will have at least 20 female senators, the most ever in U.S. history. These women include Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, and Mazie Hirono, who all are the first female Senators from their states. Baldwin is the first openly gay Senator-elect, and Hirono is the first Asian-American woman in the Senate.

The House of Representatives will also hold a record number of women this term, with 77 Congresswomen elected so far and several races still to be called. The current record high for the House is 73 women. Some of the new Congresswomen include Tulsi Gabbard and Tammy Duckworth, women who have military combat experience, and two women under the age of 40 (Gabbard and Grace Meng). Gabbard will also be the first Hindu in Congress."

 

The statistic of women only representing 17% of Congress is beginning to banish. Being that women are the majority of the global population, and the fact that we are under-represented is appalling.

 

Binders of women anyone? Nope, not anymore. Now it's soon hopefully going to be"a woman for president anyone?!" Unfortunately although Hillary Clinton is experiencing some harsh health problems, and is said to be retiring, I'm still hoping for that magical miracle on 34th st (or in Washington D.C. as preferred) for her to run for President in 2016! I'm really hoping that she carries the torch, the spirit stick, and the women's flag in the women's army, and really takes a stance for women's rights. Worst case scenario that she doesn't, I have a STRONG gut feeling, that a beautiful energetic force (who WILL be a woman) will take the stand as the symbol for feminists everywhere. No majority of middle-aged, grey-haired men, should be deciding on reproductive rights for women.

 

The day that Nydia Velazquez became another woman in charge of politics, was a day that women no longer continued to be a declining statistic for representation, but rather active participants in their community. As a humanist, I've realized that although feminism is my specific beat, that the focus for all civil rights is point blank...EQUALITY.

 

I've recognized and internalized that although I can feel passionate about a specific topic, human rights is just that, human rights. It means not only do I myself attend the Slutwalk which focuses' on women, but I also attend Stop and Frisk protests, Occupy Wallstreet and British Petroleum protests as well;etc. Justice cannot see any difference in color, gender, or age, because that all is a categorization that is SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED. The media is truly guilty for misrepresenting the 'social norms' (which don't exist). Looks, and actions are being put on an unattainable pedestal, and there needs to be an end to it. As an actress, journalist, activist/philanthropist, I will personally create this change thanks to having a passion for my specific crafts as my creative outlet. Through this expression, I will use these platforms to bring about social awareness to human rights issues and to protest against corruption.

 

No matter your medium, EVERYTHING IS INTERCONNECTED. EVERYTHING IS A DOMINO EFFECT. Have humanity for other people's hubris, because truth be told, the human condition is flawed, but it is very beautiful as well. There's no black and white when it comes to people, there's layers as deep as the subconscious which are often overlooked.

 

I take pride in the fact that I love to analyze, and find symbols, and personal metaphors, which is why I highly appreciate the arts. People categorize others as over thinking (a negative connotation that I personally dislike) but it's a part of the human existence to be aware of not only ourselves, and our own stream of consciousness, but of others as well.

 

I couldn't be happier to see the progress we've made from the Civil Rights movement to having Obama for President, and from Seneca Falls to women being participants in politics today. So much has happened within these last few years especially, and I have faith that others will hold the torch for human rights with me as we head into the future together.

 

Nydia Velazquez, Chuck Schumer, Rosie Mendez, and more and more politicians are fighting for not only women's rights, but gay rights, and I couldn't be happier!

 

     

Chuck Schumer during his speech pointed out that there were only men on the portraits on the City Hall Walls. Don't you worry...women will be up there soon!

 

History is made and I couldn't be happier to be present in this moment.

One Billion WILL RISE! Will you?

ATTENTION Ladies & Gentlemen:

One Billion Rising is taking place on Valentines Day 2013!

As a coordinator, speaker, and organizer for this campaign for Eve Ensler's V-Day organization, I could not be more excited to take part in this special global event!

Why One Billion you ask?

It's a United Nations statistic that 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime.

That adds up to one billion women around the world.

Ensler was extremely inspired by the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo who have unfortunately experienced traumatizing moments of abuse, and stay strong through the power of dance.

Music makes us empowered, and therefore the women and men of the world will rise on this day to dance INTERNATIONALLY.

All but 18 countries have signed up, which is AMAZING, to say the least!

On this day, I hope that all genders will come together, and create change and help end violence against women.

There is no doubt in my mind that that day ONE BILLION feet will be in touch with our Mother Earth and an energetic shift will occur.

The time is now to RISE.

Two years ago, I took part in Eve Enser's premiere showing of her new play I Am An Emotional Creature, with actress Rosario Dawson as the creative director, and since then we've kept in strong contact, and it is an honor that I was invited by her to help raise awareness. It is truly am amazing experience to learn from Ensler, especially as a deeply invested feminist myself.

Festive Holiday Photoshoot!

Favorite part about having a birthday on December 30th, and being a Capricorn ;), is having New Years Eve the very NEXT day! It's like a full circle process for me when I start new the day before, and the day after! Cheers to being 18, and Happy New Year!

 

 

Pina Colada anyone?!

 

 

 And of course you have to have an ugly sweater ;)
which I by the way, wear throughout the year ha!

My 18th Birthday :D !!!

Whoa! I'm 18, dear readers!!! *cue Britney Spears' song,* "I'll not a girl, not yet a woman!" What a tremendously accomplishing year! Being 17 years old was the most eventful year for me in all aspects, as you can see from my previous blog posts! I truly want to thank every person that has served as support for me! These ladies and I below have experienced SO many touching, humorous, and exiting moments together, and I cannot wait to experience many more to come! Cheers to becoming an 'adult,' *cough*...eightTEEN- notice that nineTEEN has a 'teen' in there too? ;) Looks...like I have a few years more for being a teen! Oh, who am I kidding? I will always have an inner child in me!

'Good night Facebook' picture ha!

"GC (Girl's Club)" picture :)

 

"Smells like (angsty) teen spirit"

<3 !

My NAME under 'Interns' in Masthead of Seventeen Magazine!

That name that I'm pointing to is MY NAME in Seventeen Magazine under interns in the Masthead ♥ Ahhhhhh!!! Go pick up the Feb. 2013 issue with Kesha :'DD "This is my moment, I just feel so alive!"