IT GETS BETTER!

I just saw this video the other day!

Honestly, it made me cry.  It DOES get better, guys.  Believe me when I say that.

Even if everything seems hopeless, even if you don't think there's any way that your friends, family, or your community can accept you, take it a step at a time.  Like they said: FIND that person you can confide in.  FIND that person who will assure you that you are loved.

Start with them.  Then keep going!  You need to walk before you can run, after all!



Part of why I think this message is so important is BECAUSE it's coming from Pixar. You may say: "They're a company that makes movies geared toward children. What's so significant about that?" But that's the importance: the fact that they make movies geared toward youth!

This message of acceptance and hope coming from a company whose media will help children grow means that more kids will be comfortable in their own skin, and that those who aren't LGBT will grow up to learn tolerance. Acceptance, if change keeps happening.

So stay beautiful! Because it really does get better. :)

VioletDove

In the Arts

Short blog post this time - there's a lot of stuff to do for Thanksgiving, so I apologize in advance!

From my experience, it seems that those of the artistic community are more accepting of LGBT folk than many others.  Granted, that's not a rule of thumb, as everyone is an individual (don't we know it), but there are many communities for LGBT people within art websites.

Take a look at a few of these!  If you're an artist, you might just find a place where you can fit in.  :)  Even if not, many of the communities are open to people who want to comment to take place in discussion!

Creative-Women.com
Lesbian and Bi-Women's Art on Redbubble
TheLesbianClub on deviantART

Happy Thanksgiving!  :)  Have the gift of ART!

You are beautiful!

VioletDove

The Biology of Homosexuality

"Homosexuality is a choice!"
"Homosexuality is determined by biology!"

These two sides seem to be constantly at war with one another.  There is evidence to support that homosexuality is determined by biology, seeing as many species (everything from the African Elephant to the humble King Penguin) have displayed homosexual tendencies.  Even Bottlenose Dolphins, who mate for life, have been observed in this way.

But what about people?

It has been argued that humans are free-thinkers, able to make our own life choices.  So why isn't sexuality one of them?  I mean, don't people just choose to be gay?

Absolutely not, according to scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

There are distinct links between the heterosexual female and homosexual male AND the homosexual female and heterosexual male brains, in more than one way.  If this study is to be believed, what does that mean for the LGBT community?

It means that claims of "You choose to be gay!" are completely false.

You're born the way you're born.  Biology determines who you are attracted to!  It's not as simple as waking up one morning and saying "You know what, I think I'm going to be gay!"  Not at all.  Heterosexual people surely don't do that, so why would homosexual or bisexual individuals?  :)  Sexuality is in our blood, hearts, AND our brains!

Stay beautiful!  Stay proud!

VioletDove

Making way for "a different,... more human way of living sexuality!"

Those that have grown up under the Catholic faith (such as I have) know that the Church does not endorse or "okay" birth control for the use of its community. Well, this statement isn't entirely true: the Church has okayed the rhythm method as well as a few other kinds of "birth control" that do not involve hormonal or barrier methods.

That's changed! Well, at least somewhat.

Pope: Condoms OK for Male Prostitutes

Condoms are a barrier method that have actually existed for many years (of course, early condoms were not made out of latex) and are vital to safe sex. The Pope has NOT okayed condom use for married couples or anything of that sort, but this can be seen as a step in the right direction.

It's progress! :)

After all, LGBT folks come from every race, religion, class, etc. The Pope is an authority figure for many. Safe sex for all couples is vital, as is healthy human sexuality.

So while this article may not have to deal specifically with women or with the LGBT population, it gives me hope. :) Change is coming! Slowly but surely, things will get better. This is just the beginning!

Stay beautiful!

VioletDove

The Symbolism of the Violet Dove

I know that you all have seen this picture to the left a lot, but it's important for me to explain what it means!  :)  Especially since I was the one who designed and drew it!

Yes, for those of you wondering, there is an actual animal called a "violet dove" (click on the word there to go to a picture), but I only found that out AFTER beginning the Project!

The dove is a universal sign of peace, and what better symbol to use for a movement meant to create awareness and acceptance?  Acceptance of self, too!  It's vital for every person to accept their inner beings - especially young women of the LGBT community.  After all, with everything the media is trying to shove down our throats, it's a miracle for us to even reach a true definition of self!

Further, why a violet dove?  Well, purple has come to be known as a "pride color" for those of the LGBT community!  Rainbow was also another option, but I feel as if violet is a much more unifying color.

Finally, there is the symbol on the chest of the VioDove: the female symbol inside a heart.  Since Project Violet Dove focuses mainly on the female LGBT community, it was important to me to emphasize that.  :)

So, there you are!  :)  The symbolism of the VioDove!  It is a rather beautiful animal, isn't it?  As well it should be!

It's all for beautiful people like you!

VioletDove

What is GENDER?

I've mentioned before that gender is socially constructed, but what do I mean by that? (Take note - I am not talking about physical sex, genitalia etc.)

GENDER is not something that we ARE, but - rather - something that we DO. Society (as a whole) creates the rules that form our gender. Gender roles are not static from place to place; they vary depending on the cultural context. For example, in many middle-eastern countries it is "normal" (as in, pertaining to the "norms" of society) for women to be passive, quiet, and submissive. Of course, there ARE exceptions to this, but when this image of "female" is juxtaposed with the women of the United States, a huge difference can be seen. Women in the United States are typically "strong"er in voice and action.

So what is the definition of "femininity?"

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as being "the quality or nature of the female sex," but there are no real, solid demeanor characteristics or rules for being female. The diversity that can be witnessed in our society is evidence of that. Femininity itself is based on what the society at large thinks it to be.

We DO gender every day in the way that we ACT the roles that society dictates. But what is femininity to you? What does being female mean to you as an individual?

That is something you should seek to find on your own. And if you aren't happy with the way society defines femininity for you? Change it! :) Get out there! Be different!

And be proud!  You are beautiful!

VioletDove

What is beauty?

I always tell you all that you're beautiful, but what is beauty?

Beauty comes from the inside. Young women, especially - as I'm sure many of you are - are affected by what the media says. Magazine covers, commercials, all of that: all of them have an influence on your self-image.

Well, how about this?

That's right, ladies (and gents!). A transgender woman - on a fashion magazine cover!

How's that for beauty?

One more day, one more step toward acceptance. Toward tolerance and understanding.

And remember.

You ARE beautiful!

VioletDove