Pregnant and Lesbian

Posted on June 12, 2008
Filed Under Gay/Lesbian, Women | 1 Comment

Being pregnant and lesbian can be challenging at times. A few of our lesbian friends have happily decided to become parents. A decision that has been thoroughly considered, and researched. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many online sites by lesbians for lesbians that offer tips, support and information to make the process easier.

In stores now, The Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy and Birth delivers on the promise of its title. It is a step-by-step guide to the physical and emotional aspects of conception through delivery, providing easy-to-understand charts and illustrations, checklists, groundbreaking fertility information, and personal exercises geared specifically toward lesbians. Reflecting the unique experience of lesbian mothers in a manner never before addressed, The Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth is both practical, providing lesbians with everything they need to know to become mothers, and inspirational, addressing the social issues surrounding lesbian pregnancy in an empowering manner. Comprehensive and indispensable, this book will serve as a literary midwife to the growing number of lesbian mothers.

Another book, albeit different but honest is Andrea Askowitz’s, My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnancy, a funny, bawdy, unflinchingly memoir of her journey to motherhood as a single lesbian.

A Dip Into Puerto Rican Waters

Posted on June 11, 2008
Filed Under Elections 2008, Politics, Travel | 1 Comment

Starlette is on holiday in Puerto Rico. Rincon, Puerto Rico to be exact. A lovely beach town on the western side of the island.

Known for it’s breathtaking sunsets, Rincon is a secluded beach town with emerald hills that overlook golden calm waters at the south beaches and you can also ride big waves at the north beaches.

We’ve been coming here for the past 10 years , and fortunately, not much has changed. A Miami style hotel popped up a couple of years ago, much to my chagrin, but, I’ve gotten used to it by now. More jobs for the locals. Not a bad thing.

Puerto Rico was Hillary’s last stop during the long winded primaries of 2008. According to the media, Puerto Rican voters came out in full support of Clinton. What most neglected to mention was that only 16% of the voters participated in the primary, compared to 80% who usually vote for the general elections on the island.

Puerto Rico is a semi-independent commonwealth that cannot participate in America’s general elections. Those living in Puerto Rico, and all other U.S. territories, (Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa) are not permitted to vote in November. In order for residents of a territory to gain the right to vote in the general election, the territory would have to gain statehood, or the Constitution would have to be amended. For Puerto Ricans, the primary was a chance to make their voices heard on the mainland.

Puerto Rico’s role within American politics remains hopelessly muddled. The United States won the island from Spain in 1898. Today, 110 years later, Puerto Ricans’ ties to the mainland are still fraught. Since 1952 the island has been a commonwealth. Puerto Ricans can vote in presidential primaries, but not the election itself. They serve in the armed forces, but have no vote in Congress. They enjoy some federal programs, but pay no federal income tax. In essence, Puerto Rico is still a colony.

Puerto Ricans’ state of political limbo was reflected in their attitude to the primary.

Hillary visited Rincon among the 40 towns campaigned in and, enjoyed her stay while in PR at the Horned Dorset Hotel, situated in Rincon.

A couple of years ago, we splurged and had a nice 5 day stay at the Horned Dorset. A lush resort with beach fronted villas and infinity pools. Pricey, but worth it for a quiet getaway.

Rincon offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfast spots like, The English Rose, to surf shacks with minimal luxuries located in Puntas. There are also plenty of beach houses for rent. So, next time you’re looking for a sleepy beach town remember, no passport needed for US residents, Spanish and English are widely spoken and Jet Blue flies directly in Aguadilla airport which is approximately 30 minutes from Rincon.

Adios!