Ravanna Michelle Menendez - The Lilac Experience, Part 1

In an all new episode of Here & Queer, we hear from Ravanna Michelle Menendez who bravely opens up about her life’s journey, from being raised in the south all the way to transitioning before the public eye. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast and more!

 

Excerpt beginning 2:03

I grew up knowing that I was trans, but I grew up in a very conservative, very religious household, you know? You got the whole Cuban Italian thing. It's really in in the Bible Belt. So a lot of my growing up, was really stifled and repressed, based off of who I was, and who I know that I had to be in that scenario. One of the things that, you know, really stifled a lot of that was I grew up in a very abusive household with my stepfather. And that was very much a constant threat to my sense of safety and my general ability to just live freely. So there's a lot of tiptoeing, lots of eggshells, lots of you know, having to live and be myself behind closed doors. And even within those own little confinements that I had, it wasn't something where I could still absolutely with, you know, no certain terms be able to live freely without someone possibly walking in through the door, you know, I mean, lots of exploring with makeup and everything else like that. But there was always times where they would come in, and they would find my stuff, take it away from me, makeup, things of that nature. But it was always one of those things where, you know, on the religious side of it, I had to really look in and reflect going, Okay, I know that this is supposedly not correct. But I know with every fiber in my being, this is who I am. And I know with every fiber in my being that this isn't going to change. I spent so many nights trying to pray it away, you know. And I'm so one of those very vividly, one of the prayers that I was constantly asking

was, God, please just let me wake up as a girl, please just let me wake up as a girl like I'm supposed to be and let everything stop. So that doesn't have to be wrong.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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