The TOP TEN SIGNS You Might Be A Lesbian

by Lauren W

The Dinah Shore Weekend shot this hilarious video on the red carpet this year.

It stars comedians Bridget McManus and Fortune Feimster, a bunch of stars from The Real L Word, and many more celesbians.

Not sure whether or not you're gay? Watch the video below and see how many of the criteria sound like you!

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK'S BIG BOO In New Web Series!

Lea DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black” is the first guest on BK Beats!

Dedalus Moving Pictures (www.DedalusMP.com) premiered its newest web series Brooklyn Beats & Eats on Wednesday August 6th, 2014! In true BK fashion, Brooklyn Beats & Eats is an irreverent and hilarious take on art, food, talk shows and music.  

Deep in the heart of Bushwick, host Sheena Alexis Suarez invites fellow creatives to put on an apron and exchange recipes, stories and perhaps a few too many drinks in her kitchen. Local bars, restaurants and venues are also featured, introducing the faces behind some of Brooklyn’s most creative and successful concepts. Each episode features some of Sheena’s favorite musical acts taking a seat on her couch for a live performance in The Green Room. 

The premiere episode features Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black’s “Big Boo”) and Brooklyn-based band Darling Din. Brooklyn Beats & Eats is our love letter to the crazy, complicated and creative borough we call our home. By sharing these ideas and stories we hope to inspire people to make their own crazy passions a reality no matter where they live. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring the one, the only, Yo! MTV Raps legend Ed Lover.

Email: bkbeatsandeats@gmail.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ppIcTuAfU7m-sAlRKJmlg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynBeatsAndEats

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TEGAN & SARA @ Dinah Shore 2014

Well do we have a Monday morning treat for you!?

Here's an exclusive interview of twin pop duo, Tegan & Sara at the Dinah Shore Weekend 2014.

(Look out in background too - you might just see The L Word's Leisha Hailey (Alice), Kate Moennig (Shane), and Laurel Holloman (Tina)!)

Adorable, right?!

Did you make it to Dinah this year? Tell us your stories in the comments!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW w/ Lesbian Rock Goddesses ANTIGONE RISING

by Lauren W

PHOTO CREDIT: LESLIE VAN STELTEN

That's right, I had the absolute privilege of interviewing this kick-ass band this week! 

Check out the interview below to find out more about Antigone Rising!

All Things Lesbian: Describe your music in no more than 10 words for those who haven't heard you (yet!).

Antigone Rising: Boot stompin' americana-southern-rock-n-roll with harmonies and guitar riffs.  

ATL: You've opened for a bunch of super famous bands. Who do you consider to be your biggest influences in music?

AR: Our biggest influences are The Beatles, The Allmans, The Stones, The Indigo Girls, The Carpenters and great female singer songwriters like Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In that order. Not really. But close to that order. 

ATL: We read somewhere that you performed in Israel a while back, to show how music can unify and bring people together. What was that like? Would you be interested in doing it again?

AR: Traveling and performing in Israel and the West Bank was a life highlight for the band. We got as much from the experience as we gave. We traveled as cultural ambassadors for the United States and we'd go back again in a heart beat if asked. 

ATL: Where is your favourite place to perform? (i.e. a favourite city, a favourite venue, etc.)

AR: Eddie's Attic in Decatur, GA has become a favorite tour stop. The Bitter End in New York City is like our home field. Most recently, Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA just outside of DC has become a favorite as well. And Northampton, MA at the Iron Horse has been a longtime favorite venue for us.  

ATL: Tell us about any upcoming tours/gigs you have coming up.

AR: We will be on the road for much of April - we're headed down south with a great singer songwriter, Hannah Thomas. And we're looking forward to getting further west later in the year. 

ATL: Where do you stand on the 'celebrities coming out' debate? Do you think more well-known people (musicians, actors, politicians) should come out to show solidarity and set an example, or do you feel it is more down to personal choice?

AR: I think both things. It's certainly a personal choice, but I believe it's extremely important that public figures come out. Ultimately, it's a personal decision, though, and not one for any of us to judge. I believe that as much as I believe it's important to come out. 

ATL: Do you feel it's easy being out as a musician?

AR: I never thought about it. So yes, it must be easy! 

ATL:  Here's your chance for a shameless plug. Why should people buy your newest album?

Well, we work hard and care about what we do. And I think we made a really great EP that I am proud of. The songs are pretty catchy and relatable, and my bandmates rock, if I do say so myself. And I'll even offer a money back guarantee. But don't quote me on that....!

Lesbian Band "Antigone Rising" Interview.

ANTIGONE RISING 

- THE ALL-FEMALE-BOOT-STOMPIN'-COUNTRY-ROCK BAND - 

LAUNCHES PLEDGE MUSIC CAMPAIGN TO FUND TWO BRAND NEW EPs: 

"WHISKEY & WINE - VOLUME 1" & "WHISKEY & WINE - VOLUME 2"

5% OF PROCEEDS TO GO TO GLAAD

BENEFACTORS TO RECEIVE ADVANCED DIGITAL 

DOWNLOAD OF 'WHISKEY & WINE - VOLUME 1' 

Cyberspace - Antigone Rising, the all-female-boot-stompin'-alt-country-rock band from New York, has launched a Pledge Music campaign to raise funds, guerrilla style, for the recording, promotion, marketing and touring for their upcoming TWO new EPs, 'Whiskey & Wine - Volume 1" and "Whiskey & Wine - Volume 2"

The fundraising campaign kicks off today at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/antigonerising with 5% of the proceeds to be donated to GLAAD upon hitting the targeted goal. The campaign is also granting backers the opportunity to get an exclusive advanced digital download of "Whiskey & Wine - Volume 1" before it's available anywhere.

Asking their fans to be an integral part of the new project, Antigone Rising is offering exclusive incentives for ultimate access into the band's 2014 exciting musical journey. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all their fans!

Antigone Rising, the band that exploded into the spotlight in 2005 becoming the first band on Starbuck’s Hear Music (Lava Records) selling over 150,000 copies of their debut LP, is set to release not one, but TWO  5-song EPs this year. 

The first EP, "Whiskey & Wine - Volume 1,"  featuring the singles Everything Changes, Whiskey & Wine, Call Me Crazy, Magnolia on the Breeze, Get To You, is already completed and will drop March 25, 2014.  The second one, "Whiskey & Wine - Volume 2," still in its production phase, is set to come out October 28, 2014.

Starting on March 25, 2014, the band will begin a never ending cycle, one song at a time, releasing a music video, followed by an acoustic or alternate mix version. The goal is to provide audiences a variety of online content from video interviews to blog posts all year long. Treating each song as a single, the band will dedicate 6 to 8 weeks on the individual promotion of each of the five songs featured on 'Whiskey & Wine Volume 1', and will keep the cycle going all through Fall when 'Whiskey & Wine Volume 2,' gets its October 28 release.   

In the meantime, Antigone Rising is hitting the road again with tour dates lined-up across the US including an upcoming performance early February on the leadership and equality cruise sponsored by Olivia, along with The Indigo Girls. 

The fab four comprised of Nini Camps (lead singer), Dena Tauriello (drums) and founding sisters Kristen Henderson (bass/vocals) and Cathy Henderson (guitar/vocals), are  showing no sign of slowing down!

Since then they’ve been shaking things up ever since, touring with acts such as The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers Band and Rob Thomas. After the 2011 release, 23 Red, Antigone Rising traveled to the Middle East, spending time in Israel and the West Bank as cultural ambassadors for the United States Embassy. More recently, founding member Kristen Ellis-Henderson was featured on the front cover of Time Magazine‘s groundbreaking Marriage Equality issue (April 8, 2013).

As the band puts the finishing touches on a new EP, they’re thrilled to introduce the first video. “That Was The Whiskey” was co-written with Nashville song writer Lori McKenna (Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes) and is getting praise from critics as a foot stompin’ country/rock mash up, perfectly marrying the band’s ability to rock with their gift for writing undeniably catchy songs.

1) So why don’t you introduce yourself?

I’m Cathy Henderson, co-founder and lead guitarist of Antigone Rising. Currently the band consists of four (4) members including myself. They are Kristen Ellis-Henderson (co-founder and bass guitar), Nini Camps (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and Dena Tauriello (Drums).

2) How did you put this band together?

AR has been a constantly evolving band, with myself and my sister, Kristen Ellis-Henderson at the core. We’ve played in bands since we were in Jr. High School, and frankly have never been without a band since! Antigone Rising itself was born in Greenwich Village with two other girls we used to play with in college. We started gigging in the local village bars almost every night, and the band evolved into what it is today. Although the original members have changed, Dena Tauriello has been the drummer for nearly all of AR’s lifespan, and Nini Camps joined us as our lead singer in 2008. Both we met while playing the NYC circuit.

3) What’s the story behind the band’s name?

The story of Antigone is rooted in standing up for your beliefs, regardless of the situation or the outcome. In Greek legend, Antigone insisted on giving her brother a proper burial after he was killed in battle, deemed a traitor by the king and left to be eaten by vultures (so the story goes…). She stood up against authority for what she felt was right regardless of consequence at a time when women were outwardly treated as inferior. In a sense, it’s what we are committed to doing as well. We believe in ourselves and our music, and will stop at nothing to continue doing what we love.

4) What are your musical influences?

My personal guitar influences are many including Lindsay Buckingham, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Neil Geraldo (Pat Benatar) and all the Allman guitarists! Big musical band influences are The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and the Allman Brothers. The band as a whole brings in influences from different genres including folk, pop, rock, country and Latin music. I mean.. really the influences are endless as we continue to be inspired by each other as well as the many artists we tour with and meet along the journey.

5) “That Was The Whiskey.” How was the filming experience and what’s the concept behind the video?

The whole idea behind the “Whiskey” video was to create a hometown bar feel that exists in “anytown, USA”. And what better way to capture that than to shoot it in our hometown bar out on Long Island? Very good friends of ours own a local bar called “Still Partners,” and allowed us to film it all there. We invited all our close friends to join the fun, including previous members of Antigone Rising (Jen Zielenbach, Peppy Kokines and Suzanne Obolsky), who without them, we wouldn’t be where we are now. Our roots! The video story line was two fold with the first being AR coming home for a hometown show and the second following a girls night out / bachelorette party that goes awry after a few too many whiskey shots! We think it’s pretty relatable!!! (Most) Everybody’s had a night out on the town and regretted a little something the next morning! Just blame it on the whiskey!

6) How was it to work with Lori McKenna?

Lori McKenna is such an exceptionally talented songwriter and performer. We had met Lori a few years back when we were down in Nashville writing songs, and bumped back into her last year at the 30A Songwriters Festival down in Florida. It was AR’s show at this festival that actually inspired “That Was The Whiskey”. We had the last slot on Saturday night – everyone was just on fire and it was Nini’s birthday. And…. the birthday shots started circulating, so the story goes. Luckily, Lori, along with Kristen and Nini, were able to capture it all in a song!

7) So there’s a new EP on the way, what can you tell us about it? Any official release date, title in mind?

We have been working hard in the studio when we are not touring. We are really excited about the new material and have been lucky enough to be able to record at Nini’s home studio. This has allowed us the time to really dive deeper into the tracks and to experiment a bit more with sounds and arrangements. We actually have been adding tracks to the project which is now possibly turning the EP into a full length CD. This would push the release date to early 2014. No title yet. We will be posting updates on this to our website and Facebook page.

8) What’s next in AR’s world?

Our future will always include writing, recording and touring our  music. That’s just in us, and we will never stop that. In the near future, we will be touring the US over the next year (with a primary focus on the east coast). We’ve got a few ideas brewing for the longer term (can’t spill them yet!), including the possibility of touring internationally. In the meantime, we have digitally released “That Was The Whiskey” as a single from the upcoming CD – which can be found on iTunes, as well as on all the major music platforms (Pandora, Spotify, Sound Cloud, etc.). The video to “Whiskey” can be viewed from our site and Facebook pages (see below for URLs), as well as on CMT.com among other places.

9)Where can we find more about your music?

People can always reach us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/antigonerising). We love when people stop by and comment on whatever’s going on at the moment. We can also be contacted through our website antigonerising.com. All our music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and Sound Cloud.

Interview w/ Kiss Her, I'm Famous Director, Rolla Selbak!

What is Kiss Her, I'm Famous? Only the hottest new lesbian web series on the map starring a few famous faces!

Check out what (the hilarious!) director Rolla Selbak had to say about the project.

All Things Lesbian: Kiss Her, I'm Famous looks awesome, but can you describe it in 3 words?

Rolla Selbak: Creamy. Luscious. Goodness.  Oh wait, that’s Nutella.

ATL: What inspired you to create the series?

RS: Nowadays, gratuity and fake publicity seem to be able to catapult just about anyone into the spotlight, so I wrote the series as a satire that tackles the phenomenon in a smart, subtle, and entertaining way.

My past work has trended towards drama, so I was also very excited to delve into the more comedic realm.  As far as creating a web series, I must say, connecting directly with the audience and being able to be in full control of the content is so refreshing, it’s such a high.  I love it.  It’s hard to go back to the more traditional ways of producing content as a filmmaker once I’ve gotten a taste.

 At the same time, though, I wanted to create something that was memorable, that stuck with people. That’s why it was important to create a good story, with compelling characters. I didn’t want to get caught up in trying to put out the next viral video.  I think there is a real thirst for quality, TV-type content on the Internet, especially within the Lesbian domain.

Of course there’s certainly room for both, but since my cat won’t let me dress her up in bread slices and pasties, I settled for the latter.

And now with platforms like tellofilms.com, who are the distributers of Kiss Her I’m Famous, that’s what you get.  It’s like the Lesbian Hulu.  For a few bucks a month, you get access to all these quality shows and content, all lesbian-centric. I’m happy to be a part of it.

ATL: What made you cast Tracy (Ryerson) and Ilea (Matthews) in the lead roles?

RS: Tracy was someone I had been eyeing to be a part of the project. I reached out to a few other possibilities, but it wasn’t gelling for one reason or another. Then Sheetal Sheth (whom I know from my feature film Three Veils) was a guest on Tracy and Stamie’s podcast, OFM. I thought: huh, maybe Sheetal can introduce us and see where this goes? I was introduced, I sent over the script, and the rest is history. There’s something about Tracy’s onscreen presence that really lures you in, and that’s what I was looking for. She’s got it.

With Ilea, I needed someone talented, energetic and smart to fill the role of Jen (who’s a handful in the series!) I was looking for someone with great comedic timing, but who also exuded sincerity. I wasn't having any luck through my own searches, and so I hired a casting director (Lori Laube from AE Casting) to help out. Ilea was on the top of her list, and after seeing Ilea’s previous work, and meeting her, she was the only one on mine.

Put both of them together and you've got that electricity I was looking for.

ATL: What was the atmosphere like on set?

RS: Principle shooting was a 5 days in Los Angeles, and I also shot some scenes in San Francisco as well.  It was a riot of course.  I mean there’d be something wrong if you put all of us in a room without craziness ensuing.  And when filming with folks you haven’t worked with before, it really is a crapshoot.  So I feel so fortunate.  My abs are still hurting from all the laughing.

The cast and crew were pretty darn queer, men and women.  It was so awesome, actually, I’d never had the privilege of experiencing that before.  We all got along so well; everyone was so respectful (especially when it came to the more intimate scenes). My crew is the best. I’d love to shoot anything with them, at any time, for any reason.

ATL: Would you point us in the direction any of your past/future projects?

RS: Well I mentioned my most recent feature film, Three Veils, starring Sheetal Sheth (I Can’t Think Straight), Mercedes Masöhn (666 Park Ave), and featuring Eric Avari (Heroes, The Mummy).  It’s a film about three young Middle-Eastern women living in the U.S, each with her own personal story.  As the film progresses, all three stories unfold and blend into each other as connections are revealed between the three women.

The film confronts delicate subject matters such as arranged marriage, homosexuality, and love within the Muslim-American subculture.  You can watch it on-line, from anywhere in the world, by going to www.threeveilsmovie.com, and pressing play.

I’ve also got a monthly Spreecast called Grrl’s Guide To Filmmaking, a show dedicated to aspiring filmmakers who would like to learn more about making films or online content.  I interview strong females in the industry, and audiences can interact live, ask questions, or just sit back and watch.  You can watch upcoming Spreecasts, or catch up on older ones on the GGTF Spreecast channel:http://www.spreecast.com/channels/grrls-guide-to-filmmaking.

As for the future, I’m always working on something.  We’ll see how Kiss Her I’m Famous goes, maybe a season 2 might be in store *crossing fingers*.  I’m also working on my passion project, “Empyre”, an intelligent dystopia about what the world will look like in 500 years.  So you know, along the same lines of Kiss Her I’m Famous, lol!

Now a question just for fun: Will you be at Dinah this year? And which celesbians are you hoping to hang with?

Yup, I will definitely be at Dinah.  I haven’t had a vacation in a year, so I’m so looking forward to it!

I can’t wait to hang with Brandy Howard and Julie Goldman again; they seriously crack me up! I’d love to meet Fortune Feimster, it’s always the best when she’s on Chelsea Lately.  And really, I’m also just also looking forward to being poolside, soaking up the sun and music, and chatting it up with whomever.  I’ve been in my editing cave for weeks, and can’t wait to bust out.

An Interview w/ Jill Bennett!

If you don't know Jill Bennett, you know nothing about the future of lesbian talent.

Already a favourite among the LGBTQ community, Jill has appeared in web series such as the hilarious 3Way, We Have to Stop Now and has appeared in queer favourite, Dante's Cove on TV.

What's perhaps most exciting is that Jill will be at Dinah this year!

Check out our interview with her right here.

All Things Lesbian: Firstly, it’s such an honor to be interviewing you – we’ve all been fans of yours for many years!

Jill Bennett: Thank you!   

ATL: Let’s talk your upcoming series, Second Shot. Can you give us any hints on what it’s about?

JB: Hint?  Why hint?  Here's a full synopsis: 

Katherine "Kat" McDonald (Jill Bennett) thought she had left her small Ohio hometown behind when she went out into the world to play pro soccer. When she gets word that her mentor, Dot, has died, Kat leaves her life in Miami and reluctantly returns home for the wake, only to learn she has inherited "Dot's Hole," the only gay bar in three counties. 

Kat's brief visit turns into her worst nightmare: being stuck in the tiny town she left, working with the local oddballs who call Dot's Hole home (Maile Flanagan, Maia Madison), and reconnecting with her first love, Allison (Amanda Christensen), who is now married to a man. Meanwhile, back in Miami, Kat's demanding girlfriend, Julia (Rosa Blasi), is wondering when she's coming home so they can get married.  

ATL: We know you worked with Dara Nai on your vlog, We’re Getting Nowhere and with Nancylee Myatt in 3Way. What was it like working together again?

JB: It was an absolute blast.  I adore both of these women, and it was an honor to be able to collaborate with them again.  The entire above the line production staff was made up of women - the creators, producers, writers and director. And most of the cast is female. I'm very proud of that fact.  

ATL: Tell us a little about what you’ll be doing at Dinah this year.

JB: First and foremost, the Friday night screening of Second Shot and Out in the Desert.  On Saturday, I'll be participating in the charity poker tournament benefiting HRC. In between those two events, who knows what kind of trouble I'll get into? Probably attending a pool party or two, enjoying the concerts, dancing and hanging out with friends. I'm really looking forward to it. 

ATL: Will We Have To Stop Now be coming back for a new series? (Or 3Way, for that matter.)

JB: We hope to do the last season of WHTSN sometime in the future, but there's no set plan as of yet.  I really care about that project and we want to wrap up that story and those characters... they were a huge part of our lives for many years. There was talk about a 3Way feature film at some point, but you'll have to ask Nancylee about that.

ATL: Will Second Shot be available online after Dinah?

JB: As of now, Second Shot will ONLY be available online for 48 hours during Dinah weekend.  We are offering a sneak peek of the first two episodes on April 6th and 7th for $4.99.  You can watch straight from our website or Facebook page - www.secondshot.tv or www.facebook.com/secondshotseries

We are offering a sneak peek because we haven't settled on a distribution model yet.  We are gathering numbers from that weekend to show a potential network or studio that we have a core demographic.  We need people to tune in!  We have 3 episodes in the can, but hope to do a full season and beyond.

ATL: Some fans have asked if the series will be available in the UK and Australia. Do you have any insight into that?

JB: Anyone from anywhere in the world can access it Dinah weekend at those web addresses.

Questions from fans:

First off, I think you’re a great actress! Do you have any desire to direct? And totally unimportant question but what’s your beer of choice?

- Shannon

JB: At this point, I have no interest in directing, but I do have an interest in producing, even projects that I'm not in. I find producing to be quite creative and I enjoy the process. Favorite beer: Anything from Germany.  I was there this summer and every pint I had was a little slice of heaven.

Considering how technology has changed our daily lives (not just social media but also the digital revolution in film/TV making) suppose someone wants to get into the film/TV business as an actor/actress now, what is a good course of action?

- Naomi, Netherlands.

JB: A good course of action is to make your own destiny by being your own production company. Sure, take the typical path of auditioning, getting an agent etc, but don't count on anyone else to create your career - that's entirely up to you.   

Did you watch the Oscars? Who’s your biggest girl crush right now? I’m curious!

- Sophie, Minnesota

JB: It's a tie between Charlize Theron and Kate Winslet.

***

You can follow Jill Bennett on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DailyJill, or like her Facebook fan page at  https://www.facebook.com/melindabennett75.

Be sure to look out for Jill at Dinah this year, where she'll be introduced her new web series, Second Shot! (Click HERE for the Facebook page.)

Interview with Lesbian Social Networking Mogul, Natasha Nicole Ponomaroff!

Remember that time you asked for us to interview YouTube/Tumblr/Twitter/everywhere famous, Natasha Nicole Ponomaroff?

Well, look what we have here!

(Photo Credit: Pocket Punt)

All Things Lesbian: The accessibility of the internet around the world has led many young (and old!) lesbian and bisexual women to look up to you. How does this feel? Do you ever feel as though you're under any pressure?

Natasha: I feel rather honored to have such an online presence and I honestly would never take my audience for granted. Coming out is never an easy task, accepting your sexuality is never an easy task, and having to go through both on my own wasn't an easy task. If there was ONE thing I hope to be, it's an outlet for other young LGBT youth who may be struggling with the same struggles I once faced. I want them to look at me and my life and realize that things DO get better, and they will. You just have to stay brave and stay true to who you are. Having such a strong online influence does add a degree of pressure. I know I have a lot of younger girls who look up to me making me in an essence their role model. Although I'm no saint, I do like to present myself in the most respectable of ways. I want to teach women to be somebodies, not somebody's. (Great quote, but it's not mine so don't quote me on that one!)

ATL: Just in case our readers having been living under a rock, when you vlog, what do you like to vlog about?

N: When I vlog I literally never have a set plan. I just turn on the camera and open my mouth, whatever I think about, I vlog about. You can imagine how much footage I don't end up using because I have a tendency to just ramble away! I usually like to throw in one or two quotes of inspiration and/or motivation, but I try and do it discreetly so people will have an easier time remembering the little quotes I throw at them.

ATL: We've noticed that you're very into personal health and exercise. What advice would you give to young women who are looking to be that little bit healthier?

N: Yes, I've recently become quite the health nut! My best advice would be this; throw away all the scales you have in your life. Numbers mean nothing now. People tend to focus too much on the numbers and not how they're feeling. You should want to get into shape to better your health! Losing weight and inches are all added incentives of course, but they shouldn't be the main focus. This is lifestyle change, NOT a diet, so be easy on yourself! Change starts when you do.

ATL: Do you think it is important for lesbians and bisexual women to "come out" in the media?

N: I wouldn't necessarily say it's important because coming out is much more of personal journey. Could we use more members on our team in the media eye? Of course! And we welcome them with open arms. But coming out should never be anyone's issue aside from the person coming out. Does that make sense? I hope it does!

ATL: Who inspires you?

N: I'm going to have to be super cliche right now and say that my mother is my biggest inspiration. She is the prime example of what hard work and a great attitude can get you in life. She migrated to the U.S when she was 14, knew NO English, had no family out here, and was able to not only put herself through high school AND college, she was able to get her citizenship completely on her own and her PhD later down the road. She has always been so inspiring and has given me the positive outlook to life that I carry with me today. 

ATL: We've had a lot of questions regarding your very public relationship with YouTuber Jenna Anne. Does that get annoying? How do you overcome something so personal that was once so visible to the public?

N: I wouldn't say annoying, but it does get a little tiresome after a while. I feel like I've answered so many questions regarding that relationship! I was so young, Jenna was so young, I learned so much from it that I will forever carry with me. One thing being to maybe not post so much of my personal dating life online because of the repercussions. It's hard going through a break up, it's even harder when you have 40,000 people wanting to comment on it, but as I said, I learned and I don't regret a thing. When getting through a break up, it's important to remember that things didn't work for a reason. Life has other plans for you and that in itself helped me tremendously. I got excited about the future, I let my past remain there, and I moved on.

ATL: Do you ever attend fan conventions? Have you ever had any weird fan experiences?

N: I've been to Vidcon but that's about it. Have I ever had any weird fan encounters? No not at all! Anyone who has ever recognized me from the internet has always been so sweet when approaching me. I've befriended many of the people who have come up and introduced themselves. That takes a lot of courage! And I love when people say hello!

Time for some fan questions!

"Tash, do you think that there are enough LGBTQ role models in the public eye? When you were growing up who did you look up to? Also you should know that you're my role model and I think you're absolutely beautiful!"

- @Leanne_Ashley, UK

N: Dear @Leanne_Ashley, to answer your question, I do not think there are enough LGBT role models in the public eye, and I wish there were more! Coming out though is such a personal journey though and many aren't comfortable with being so open in the media eye. I hope that with the coming of time though and as sexual orientation becomes more accepted as the "norm", we'll get more LGBT role models emerging. Growing up I looked up to my mother. She's always been my biggest inspiration. The women is just amazing!

"I really want to come out to my family, but I'm scared! How did you do it?" 

- Isobel, CA

N: Dear Isobel, coming out to my family was definitely a nerve wrecking experience! I came out at the end of my senior year as a goal to myself. I knew that going into college I wanted to be 100% comfortable with who I was, no more secrets, and that was my push to come out. I sat down my family members individually on different days, that way I would get practice in regards to talking about it. I realized that with the more people I came out to, the easier it became to do it.

"I follow you on Tumblr and see you writing the nicest things about your future wife. How can a girl capture your heart?"

- Chloe, ME

N: Dear Chloe, you are the sweetest! Thank you for taking the time to read my writings. That honestly means so much to me! How can a girl capture my heart you ask... well, I really don't have an answer to that question. The heart wants what the heart wants, I don't have any control over her (although at times I wish I did!)

Click these links to follow Natasha on Twitter and Tumblr! (And HERE is a quick link to her YouTube channel, just in case you've been missing out!)