#globalpride

You might not realize it, but if you’ve ever found yourself rejecting conventional relationship rules and embracing a more fluid approach to love, there’s a chance you’re practicing relationship anarchy. Grounded in non-hierarchical principles, relationship anarchy encourages individuals to define connections on their own terms—free from societal expectations or imposed labels. To help you recognize if you’re already living this philosophy, here are 7 Powerful Signs You’re Practicing Relationship Anarchy Without Even Realizing It. 1. You Reject Traditional Labels and Hierarchies If you balk at terms like “primary,” “secondary,” or even “boyfriend/girlfriend,” you’re likely dismantling the usual relationship hierarchy. Relationship anarchists believe that no one connection should be regarded as inherently more valuable than another. Instead of slotting people into categories, you let each bond develop organically—prioritizing authenticity over status. 2. You Prioritize Autonomy and Independence Does the idea of “ownership” in a relationship make you cringe? In relationship anarchy, autonomy is paramount. You value each person’s right to live their life fully, without feeling obligated to conform to societal norms about coupling or family structures. Whether you’re dating multiple people or committed to one, the emphasis remains on honoring each individual’s freedom to draw their own boundaries and express themselves. 3. You Feel a Strong Sense of Honesty and Respect One of the most rewarding aspects of relationship anarchy is the profound honesty it fosters. If you consistently communicate openly about your needs, desires, and boundaries—encouraging your partners to do the same—you’re embodying this principle. Embracing transparency not only deepens trust but also creates relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding rather than unspoken expectations. 4. You Curate Your Own Rules Instead of Following Society’s While many forms of non-monogamy come with their own set of guidelines (think “ethical non-monogamy” or “kitchen table polyamory”), relationship anarchy places the power back in your hands. If you’ve ever said, “We’ll figure it out as we go,” instead of defaulting to cookie-cutter norms, you’re already practicing this approach. You recognize that every dynamic is unique, so you and your partners co-create agreements that fit your distinct needs—rather than borrowing someone else’s playbook. 5. You View Love as an Infinite Resource Do you believe that loving one person doesn’t diminish your capacity to love another? Relationship anarchists argue that love isn’t a finite commodity to be rationed out. If you find yourself excited to expand your circle of intimacy—seeing new connections not as threats but as opportunities—you’re aligning with the idea that love multiplies, not divides. 6. You Eliminate Entitlement and Control At the core of relationship anarchy is the conviction that no one is entitled to a partner’s time, affection, or attention simply because of past history or societal norms. If you’ve ever paused to ask yourself, “Am I expecting too much just because we’ve been together X months?”—you’re questioning the notion of entitlement. Instead, you cultivate relationships grounded in genuine admiration, respect, and self-determination, allowing you and your partners to remain free from coercive or possessive patterns. 7. You Craft Personalized Commitments and Boundaries Far from avoiding commitment, relationship anarchists simply redefine it. If you’ve taken the time to sit down with someone and intentionally outline what matters most—whether it’s daily check-ins, open communication about new connections, or shared responsibilities—then you’re already in relationship anarchist territory. You don’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all commitment; you negotiate and negotiate again, ensuring both you and the people in your life feel seen and valued. Conclusion Recognizing these seven signs can be eye-opening.

Fotografías por Juan Manuel Ruétalo.

Global Pride 27/06/2020

https://youtu.be/4HhzcnTFfjE

Drag queen and opera singer Jasmine Rice LaBeija has made history as the first drag act to reach the Britain’s Got Talent finals. With just one performance left, she stands on the brink of potentially winning the whole competition. Known simply as Jasmine Rice on ITV, she has captivated audiences and judges alike. Her powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” wowed Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Bruno Tonioli during the auditions. As the curtain lifted to reveal her in a stunning, baby blue gown that she created herself, the crowd erupted in applause. In the semi-finals, Jasmine delivered a breathtaking performance of Loren Allred’s hit “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. This earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from Tonioli, catapulting her straight to the finals. Reflecting on her journey, Jasmine expressed, “It’s just been a magical experience, and this is an unimaginable dream coming true.” Though nervous about her final performance due to ongoing hay fever allergies, her excitement is palpable. Jasmine Rice’s Journey: Rejected by the Opera World Jasmine shares, “I definitely want to win, but my goal is to showcase what I’ve prepared for my whole life.” A Juilliard-trained operatic tenor, she began her music lessons in fifth grade. Initially, she kept her drag and opera careers separate, believing opera to be the more “proper” art form. However, after facing repeated rejection from the opera world for her “femininity” and identity as a “friend of Dorothy,” she decided to merge the two worlds. “I have a very outspoken, rambunctious personality,” she says, emphasizing how it contrasts with classical norms. “I thought opera would embrace that, but they wanted to put me in a box.” Despite the rejection, Jasmine found solace in New York’s queer venues like Balcon Salon and Pieces Bar, where she hosts free LGBTQ+ opera and variety shows. In NYC, she is celebrated as the International Godmother of the iconic drag collective, The House of LaBeija. After her audition, Simon Cowell, who has often been critical of drag acts, told Jasmine she had “found a home” in the competition and lamented the “idiots” in the opera world who had overlooked her talent. Following her semi-final performance, he joined her on stage to offer praise. Jasmine Rice’s Impact on Britain’s Got Talent “It was truly a shock,” Jasmine reflects. “If I can win over Simon, there's no hill I cannot climb.” She believes that genuine passion and hard work can change perceptions. “If you share your true self and connect with the audience, it can truly move anyone’s mind.” Her journey is a significant milestone, challenging the harmful narratives surrounding drag and its place in society. “Drag has been present in every civilization since the beginning of theatre,” Jasmine notes, highlighting its rich history. Jasmine Rice: ‘Drag Isn’t Something to Be Afraid Of’ Jasmine addresses misconceptions about drag, saying, “Suddenly, they think drag is something to be afraid of, but there are various genres.” She points out that while some performers may be risqué, many drag artists are simply entertainers. “If you enjoy Mrs. Doubtfire, you shouldn’t have a problem with me performing in an amazing gown.” Her audition gown was a dazzling creation, likely more extravagant than most wedding dresses. “We probably wear more layers of fabric than most clergymen or nuns,” she jokes. Since her semi-finals, she has received countless requests for photos from children, and parents have reached out, sharing how Jasmine’s presence on TV has reassured them about their children’s self-expression. “I thought I was just doing this for me, but I resonate with so many individuals around the world,” she smiles. If she wins the Britain’s Got Talent title, she’ll perform for King Charles at the Royal Variety Performance later this year—“A queen in front of a king,” she laughs. Regardless of the outcome, Jasmine feels victorious every day since her first audition. “I feel like I’m winning every single day,” she concludes.

National animals are more than just creatures; they’re symbols of strength, pride, and heritage that represent the essence of each country. From the lion of India to the panda of China, these animals tell powerful stories that unite us all in a world full of wildlife wonders. 🌍🐅🦅