Lauren Russell Speaks Up About Her Multiple Sclerosis

Last July, in the midst of The Real L Word airing, Lauren Bedford Russell was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  

As most people's first natural reaction, Lauren was frightened and shocked to receive such diagnosis at age 31. 

The timing was as well quite ironic as the young reality TV star was at her prime in both her professional and personal life with a successful show, The Real L Word, airing to record breaking ratings, and a burgeoning successful relationship with her cast mate Kiyomi McCloskey, lead singer of Hunter Valentine, who both became the darlings of the show.

Lauren's first MS "episode" manifested with loss of vision in one eye known as optic neuritis. She has now regained her vision back for the most part.
For treatment she has been on a daily injection since August called Copaxone and has not had an "episode" since.
Evidently the scary part about this disease is that anything can happen, a multitude of symptoms can occur at any time and Lauren now lives with this all too brutally real reality. But Lauren is headstrong on being positive about her new health situation, despite the occasional (human) "what if" moments.  

"By publicly coming out about my recent MS diagnosis and becoming a fervent spokesperson for Multiple Sclerosis, I hope to turn my personal fight into public awareness to educate people about the warning signs, raise funds for more research and overall inspire positive change towards the disease, " says Lauren Bedford Russell, "I strongly believe in the power of one to make a difference, after all Jack Osbourne inspired me to go see my doctor as after hearing back in June of 2012 about the first symptoms he experienced, which were similar to mine, I suspected something was wrong with me. Now I am committed to do the same for others and plan working with the National MS Society in every possible way. I've already designed a special bracelet for my Lyons Fine Jewelry line called POSITIVITY BRACELET with 15% of the proceeds to be donated to the National MS Society." 

MS is fast becoming a hot topic in the news as more celebrities don't turn a deaf ear to the disease and are speaking out about it. 

Clearly Lauren is not the only celebrity to receive a diagnosis or to lend her name to raising awareness for the disease, but she is the first openly out public figure to do so.  

As we know, Jack Osbourne recently came out with MS joining celebrities in the likes of  Ann Romney, Montel Williams, and Richard Pryor, to name a few, who are as well affected. Also First Lady Michelle Obama, recently spoke about her father's multiple sclerosis on a recent episode of "The Late Show With David Letterman." 

By publicly speaking out about her MS diagnosis, Lauren hopes to turn her personal fight into public awareness, using her star-power to inspire positive change in the world.  With Showtime having officially announced the cancelation of "The Real L Word" last week, we feel Lauren's announcement is timely as fans were anticipating their favorite character to be returning on the air for a fourth season.  

Lauren gained a tremendous amount of media exposure in both mainstream and LGBT markets with features on MTV’s Style, Curve Magazine, People.com, Coco Perez, Riviera Magazine, and Curve Magazine, to name a few, successfully establishing herself as not only one of the new revelations of the show, but also as an artistically creative, engaging and socially conscious entrepreneur. 

Beyond being a reality TV star, Lauren is first and foremost, the master mind behind Lyon Fine Jewelry - a high-end fashion jewelry company known for its popular Equality & Rock the Vote Bracelets (sported by the likes of Kelly Osborne, Jason Mraz, Perez Hilton, Patti Stanger, Cyndi Lauper, Judd Nelson, Kevin Jonas, to name a few) and most recently, Obama "FORWARD" bracelets in support of the Obama/Biden tickets and its commitment to LGBT rights/Equality (10% of the proceeds donated to the campaign). 

At the helm of her Lyon Fine Jewelry, Lauren’s goal has been and still is to create statement pieces to spark conversations about important social causes and engage people to take action, stand up, speak up, shout out, and ultimately make a statement to make a difference. 

And staying true to that philosophy, Lauren is now taking a brave step by publicly coming out with her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

She is taking on a new role speaking out on behalf of those  2.5 million people worldwide (including 400000 Americans) affected with Multiple Sclerosis, to educate and empower people as well as explain the need for more research. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, the MS symptoms typically include muscle weakness, numbness or tingling sensations and problems with coordination and vision. More common in women, MS is usually diagnosed between age 20 and 40, and symptoms may start out mild, come and go or become so severe that a person becomes unable to speak or walk. 

While Lauren is receiving the proper medical attention and care to deal with her disease, she refuses to play the victim and is committed to fight and make a difference. She is already scheduled to take part in the MS awareness week in NY and walk in the Philly MS walk. 

However, for Lauren Bedford Russell MS Awareness isn't just an event in March: it's a way of life; yet a way of life she has fully embraced (just like her homosexuality) and does not see as a curse. Her goal is to enlighten people who think otherwise, and help those affected by the disease as well as their family members & friends understand and cope with it. 

Again, staying true to her professional and personal principles of using her jewelry to be in the vanguard of social and political activism, and vigorously championing causes that are close to her heart, she has designed a special bracelet called "Positivity Bracelet" - which is orange (MS officially color) cord braided with a + sign in silver - - with 15% of the proceeds going to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society / New York City Chapter.  

Lauren has the power to carry the message to a important niche market as not only being a hugely popular and beloved member of the LGBT community but as well as a young woman taking on, like many others, the courageous challenge of leading a normal life while battling MS. 

The "Positivity Bracelet" is a reminder for us all of the power of positive thinking in the face of adversity. "What you think you become.” - Buddha. 

Lauren Bedford Russell will next appear at the 23rd Anniversary of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend held April 3-7 in Palm Springs, CA. 

For more information about the "Positivity Bracelet" go to: www.LyonFineJewelry.com or http://lyonfinejewelry.com/positivity/index.html 

An Interview with The Real L Word and Hunter Valentine Star, Kiyomi!

Hey you gays, its finally that moment you've all been waiting for: an interview with the absolutely darling and gorgeous Kiyomi!

Let's not delay it any longer!

All Things Lesbian: When I saw Hunter Valentine live in Peterborough, Ontario, there was quite a small crowd. How has the rest of the tour been so far? 

Kiyomi: The tour was actually very successful. I think that was probably one of the smallest dates we did on the whole thing. We sold out majority of the rooms across North America.

ATL: What can we expect from your new album, Collide and Conquer? Can you describe it in 3 words? 

K: Vulnerable, gritty and catchy 

ATL: We saw the arrival of new band member, Aimee, on the Real L Word. Do you think she’s in it for the long run? 

K: I would love to have Aimee along for the ride. She is an amazing musician and an even better friend. She’s is incredibly easy to work with and we are extremely happy with the addition of her in the band. 

ATL: As a HV fan from the UK, I’ve noticed you rarely gig over there. Are there any plans for European dates any time soon? 

K: We are trying to get over there as soon as possible! We have gone to Germany a few times, but never really spent much time in the UK. It’s definitely in our future plans. 

ATL: So we already know you’re extremely invested in the band and spend a lot of time working. Do you ever have spare time and what do you like to do when you’re free? 

K: I rarely have free time these days. I am a bit of a workaholic. When I am not doing band stuff, I am working on other projects. I have some acting stuff on the go and also the beginnings of a clothing line. In the free time that I do get..I love hanging out with my girlfriend, cooking, going to live shows and just relaxing in my home.

ATL: Let’s talk The Real L Word. If it gets picked up for a fourth season will you and your band mates be appearing? 

K: We are still waiting on word from the network, so we will all just have to sit tight and see.. 

And some quick fan questions… 

What is something you and Lauren want for your future as a couple? - @TheIslandLez, Canada 

K: We want so many things in the future! I definitely want to have kids and Lauren shares that passion. 

On a more serious note, Danielle from California asked: Do you think marriage is a possibility for Lauren and yourself in the future?  

K: Marriage is also something that we think about already, but right now we are both very much focused on our careers and learning the ins and outs of each other. We believe you should know everything about each other before you make such a big commitment! 

Do you have any favourite bands (except Hunter Valentine)? – Fay, Oklahoma City 

K: I love the Distillers, Muse, Kings of Leon, Andrew Bird, Rihanna, Calvin Harris and the list goes on!

Kiyomi loves the Distillers? Right on!

What do you think about Kiyomi? So much nicer than they portrayed her on The Real L Word, am I right?

Check out Hunter Valentine's official website: http://www.huntervalentine.com/

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Hunter Valentine & Lauren Russell at Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors Fund"

Don't you love it when your favourite reality lesbians get on the charity work?

So do we!

Check out these awesome photos from NYC on December 8th.

Hunter Valentine and Lauren Bedford Russell ("The Real L Word") attend the 2nd annual Cyndi Lauper and Friends: 

Home For The Holidays presented by Lauper’s True Colors Fund  

at The Beacon Theatre on December 8, 2012 in New York City.

The event helps to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness and raises money for the organization's Forty to None Project.

Other celebrities in attendance included: Adam Lambert, Andy Cohen, Sarah McLachlan, Carmen Electra, Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Terri Nunn, Jason Mraz and Cyndi Lauper, among others.

Hunter Valentine looking hot as balls - as always.

Is that Adam Lambert?!

Look! Its everyone's favourite couple - Lauren & Kiyomi.

Gorgeous, right?

What do you think of the photos? And don't you just wish you were there?!

Interview w/ The Real L Word's Lauren Russell

What a treat we have here for you gays - an interview with the gorgeous Lauren Russell from Showtime's The Real L Word!

Check below for what she has to say about The Real L Word, her new jewelry line and of course, her girlfriend Kiyomi!

How has life changed for you since appearing on the Real L Word?

Life has changed in a lot of ways, but the biggest is how it has changed my feeling of purpose. I have been and continue to be inspired every day by the people that message me with their stories of how I've helped them come out, to be confident, one woman even said I saved her life. I would have never in a million years expected that. I think it has really shown me what impact I can have both with my actions in life and with philanthropy, and I have a very clear sense of where I want my direction in life to go now. 

The show hasn’t been picked up for season 4 yet. If it is, are you still interesting in being a part of it?

Yes, we are still waiting to hear the word about season 4. I am contractually obligated to do the show, but even if I wasn't, I would still want to do it. 

I’m assuming you’re not used to having your relationships filmed in real time. Was it weird for your relationship with Kiyomi to be so publicized?

Ha! No, not used to it at all. Yes it was a little strange for sure. Especially watching the first time we meet, etc. But it was so fun to watch for me, that overcame the weird aspect.

We understand you have your own line of jewelry. Tell us more about it. 

My jewelry line is called Lyon Fine Jewelry (www.lyonfinejewelry.com) and I started it about a year and a half ago. It started as a high end line but I also am starting to incorporate some more affordable designs. I have a line of charity bracelets too that (http://lyonfinejewelry.com/charity_bracelets.html) I am constantly adding to.

Did you always want to work in fashion? 

I always had an interest in fashion, but only about three years ago I decided to focus solely on jewelry.

Were you inspired by any other designers when designing your pieces?

No.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

The lower priced jewelry line, the expanding charity bracelet line, and always adding to the fine jewelry. Plus I am always working on custom designs for customers.

 
 

And some quick fan questions…

What is something you and Kiyomi want for your future as a couple? - @TheIslandLez, Canada

We talk about all sorts of things, but that question may be answered if there is another season. I can't really say right now! Sorry, lame answer, but true.

On a more serious note, Danielle from California asked: Do you think marriage is a possibility for Kiyomi and yourself in the future?

I think we both are very committed to each other, and we have talked about marriage yes, but not for a few years I don't think.

How do you stay in shape? Do you go to a gym? You always look great! – Grace, Brooklyn

Thank you, I do normally work out at least 5 times a week but since filming started in March of 2012 I have fallen way off the gym wagon due to lack of time!! I eat pretty healthfully, most of the time. I try to always focus on what are good healthy things TO eat, instead of obsessing about cutting out things that are bad for you.

Fun interview, right? Lauren gave some great answers!

What did you think of what she had to say? Comment below and let us know!

To follow Lauren on Twitter, click HERE.

To check out her absolutely beautiful jewelry line, go to http://lyonfinejewelry.com/.

SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS: Interviews with The Real L Word's Kiyomi & Lauren are coming soon!

Hey you gays!

Exciting news for us over here at All Things Lesbian - we've secured two interviews with the lovely ladies from the Real L Word (and Hunter Valentine) fame, Lauren Russell and Kiyomi McCloskey!

Remember them? Of course you do!

And what do we need from you? Why, your questions of course!

What would you like to hear from the lovely couple? Plans for the future? What is was like to star on the Real L Word?

Include your name if you wish and we'll include that with your question too!