‘Unprotected: A Memoir’ by Billy Porter. Photo: amazon
Billy Porter is an actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is the winner of the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Pray Tell in Pose—the first openly gay Black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category. Porter is also the winner of the 2013 Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his groundbreaking performance as Lola in Kinky Boots. As a director, among other shows, Porter helmed the revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Topdog/Underdog at Boston’s Huntington Theatre, where he was awarded the Elliot Norton Award for Best Director. His new book “Unprotected: A Memoir” is a powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art, and healing. (amazon, 2021)
“Unprotected” – It is easy to be yourself when who and what you are is in vogue. But growing up Black and gay in America has never been easy. Before Billy Porter was slaying red carpets and giving an iconic Emmy-winning performance in the celebrated TV show Pose; before he was the groundbreaking Tony and Grammy Award-winning star of Broadway’s ‘Kinky Boots;’ and before he was an acclaimed recording artist, actor, playwright, director, and all-around legend, Porter was a young boy in Pittsburgh who was seen as different, who did not fit in. At five years old, Porter was sent to therapy to “fix” his effeminacy. He was endlessly bullied at school, sexually abused by his stepfather, and criticized at his church. Porter came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle.
Billy Porter’s “Unprotected” is the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. It is the story of a boy whose talent and courage opened doors for him, but only a crack. It is the story of a teenager discovering himself, learning his voice and his craft amidst deep trauma. And it is the story of a young man whose unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game, and “Unprotected” is a resonant, inspirational story of trauma and healing, shot through with his singular voice.
‘Be Your Own Medical Intuitive’ by Tina M. Zion. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Tina Zion is the globally acclaimed award-winning author of three medical intuitive books. “Become a Medical Intuitive” won 1st Place Gold from the Body Mind Spirit Book Awards in 2019 and “Advanced Medical Intuition” won the 2020 COVR Visionary Award along with 5 star ratings on Amazon. She is also the author of two Reiki books, “The Reiki Teacher’s Manual” and “Reiki and Your Intuition.” Tina’s books sell in over 40 countries and have been #1 in Canada and Australia. She teaches in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the USA. She is also a contributing author in Michael Newton’s book, “Memories of the Afterlife.” Tina has taught self-development courses for 30 years and specifically has specialized in medical intuition for over 10 years, always with 100% stunning reviews by her students. Her new book, “Be You Own Medical Intuitive: Healing Your Body and Soul (Medical Intuition)” guides readers forward into their own personal healing. Below is an excerpt from her new book.
Primary Blocks to Your Intuitive Skills by Tina Zion, Author of “Be Your Own Medical Intuitive”
The blocks that I am discussing here are the primary ones that come up in all of my workshops and my private mentoring sessions. So, these are the most common struggles that I hear from people all over the world. These issues get in the way of people who yearn to do medical intuition but who struggle, in some manner, to get where they want to be. These are the primary blockages that prevent you from becoming an exceptional healer for your own life.
Your Worries or Outright Fears
Seeing Non-Physical Beings – I am here to tell you that deceased people are everywhere. They are at your work, in the yard, in your car, in your house, and at the stores where you shop. They are already everywhere because they are a natural part of life. We are living and breathing in the non-physical world, and it is constantly all around us and within us. You are a spirit right now, and there are spirits everywhere coming and going because they are just as alive as you are. You are a spirit among spirits. So allow yourself to perceive them. You already know they are there, don’t you?
Being Overwhelmed – A common question is, “What if the spirit world takes over my life?” You will notice more as you allow yourself to notice. But the most fascinating thing is that spirits will do exactly what you tell them to do. They will do what you ask because they are real people. For example, if you asked your friend to leave the room for fifteen minutes, they might think it is strange, but they would politely leave the room. It is exactly the same if you are dealing with a dead person. They will do what you say so you must take care to say exactly what you really want them to do.
Life Might Change – Your life will change because you will be living at a more aware and more understanding life than ever before. You will understand what lies underneath other people’s struggles because you have a more profound understanding of what makes you tick, and you will look out of your own eyes at the world in completely different ways.
Failure to Become Intuitive – What happens if you think you have failed? Well, there really is no failure. Becoming more intuitive is about noticing the very subtle signal from the Universe. It is all about noticing or not noticing. Life is about a choice between learning and then improving based on what we’ve learned, or stopping and not moving forward. Every split second in our lives is a choice.
Being Wrong – If you are wrong in some way, then immediately examine how you think you are wrong. What steps did you take or not take? Learn to notice in a different way.
Making It All Up – This is one of my favorite struggles to hear from someone because it is so vitally important to every single medical intuitive. Hear this now: It will never stop feeling like you made it up, imagined it, or dreamed it up. It will never stop feeling that way. Intuition is real, but it will always feel like your imagination because it is information from the non-physical realms. It is not going to be solid like we are accustomed to perceiving in the physical realm that we live in.
Am I Worthy to Receive Intuitive Insights?
I was so surprised when I first heard this particular worry and concern. It had never occurred to me that someone would question if they were good enough. Intuition is truly only information. Granted, it is information from the non-physical life around you, but it is still only information. Do not think of it as something else.
You are also frequently receiving information from spirit guides, angels, and even archangels. You might become aware of Jesus, Muhammad, or Buddha, or any other revered entity. Hear this: If they come to you, then it was their decision and not yours. That in itself tells you how worthy you are. You are in control. It is imperative that you allow yourself to receive the intuition.
The Spirit World Might Dominate Me
Now this is a legitimate thought but does not need to be a worry or a fear. They are often confused, demanding, unaware, still feeling sick, and yes, even dead people can be afraid. Later on in this book, I will discuss the neediness of many, many deceased people. The good news is . . . they will do what you direct them to do. If you realize that you are in charge of a situation with a spirit person, there is nothing to be afraid or worried about. They are not more powerful than you are. They are really just another human in the room. If they come to you, it is because they need or want something.
Loving Intuitive Wisdom or the Spirit World So Much that You May Want to Leave the Physical World
Being an intuitive and a medical intuitive is much more than interacting with dead people. The more you allow yourself to notice the non-physical world, the more you will love it. You will love it because you, as a human, are non-physical and physical at the exact same time. It brings the depth of balance that most people have been searching for throughout their lives. You will not want to leave your current life, but you will realize how alive people are even after their death. The more you receive intuition into your daily life, you will realize a richness that you have never experienced before. If life is like your cake, intuition is the luscious icing on your cake. You will feel more alive than you have ever been before.
What if Family or Friends Find Out I am Intuitive?
I have noticed over many years that families are often alarmed at first when they find out you have been doing healings for yourself. People tend to judge and criticize the things they know the least about. If you do decide to share this part of your life with them then it is the exact time for you to become the teacher. Give them little bits of information at a time. I have seen this time and time again. When family and friends realize your accuracy and your healing abilities, they begin to sense the wonderment of it all and then they hold a respect for you.
I Have Already Experienced Strange Things and I Do Not Want That to Happen Again
People frequently tell me that they have already had spiritual experiences that either terribly frightened them or they terribly frightened their family members. They go on to explain that they have seen inside of themselves and found something dark, or they have known about events which then actually happened in real life. They might know when someone is pregnant before the woman even knows. These are just a few examples.
My response is this: “If you do not want to be aware of those things, then what has brought you to me or to this book? Working with me will absolutely heighten your abilities.” And with a surprised look on their face they often say, “Oh, I guess you are right. I guess I really want to understand what I am getting and not be afraid of these psychic things when they happen.” Then I respond, “Great, that is exactly what will happen as we work together!”
What if I Am Not Normal Anymore?
Living with one foot in the physical world and one foot in the non-physical world at the exact same time is the truest balance of all. You will be differently awake, knowledgeable, and mindful. You will be more powerfully aware, and this will be your new normal. Once you allow yourself to tap into the intelligence of cosmos, you will not be the same again. You will be more.
In time for the holidays, the Magik Theatre will be presenting Ella Enchanted. Photo: Magik Theatre
Magik Theatre will be turning the much-beloved story of Cinderella upside down when it presents ‘Ella Enchanted: The Musical’ from November 19 to December 24. This special two-act production, adapted by Karen Zacarías as a play from a children’s book by The New York Times bestselling author Gail Carson Levine, will feature music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. (Magik Theater, 2021)
In this fairytale, at birth, Ella of Frell is given the “gift” of obedience by her misguided fairy godmother. But as a teenager, strong-willed Ella chooses to reject her fate and embarks on a quest to break the curse forever. Through her adventures, Ella must outwit evil stepsisters, escape hungry ogres, and save the prince before she can claim her real voice. Ella Enchanted: The Musical emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment, perseverance in the face of insurmountable obstacles, and an eagerness to learn. In this heart-warming and powerful tale, children of all ages are encouraged to discover the power of words within their own voice.
Tickets are now on sale. Single tickets are on sale now for $25 per adult and children $20 ages 2 to 17, with discounts available for educators, military, students, and seniors. The production is recommended for ages 5 and over. Group rates are available to parties of eight or more people.
The special production, which is recommended for ages five (5) and above, runs approximately seventy-five (75) minutes including an intermission, with a five-minute question-and-answer session.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Opening Day The official opening day is on Sunday, November 20 at 6p.m.
Military and First Responder Appreciation The production on Sunday, November 21 at 3p.m. will feature Military Appreciation Day, in which active or retired members of the military with an I.D. pay a discounted price of $11.50 per ticket for their entire party.
Pay What You Wish On Saturday, November 27 at 6p.m., Magik Theatre will offer one of its Pay What You Wish performances, in which tickets are available only at the door on the day of the production.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance (ASL) At the performance on Saturday, December 11 at 2p.m., Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign-language interpreter, will be available for patrons who require American sign language as their primary form of communication.
“It gives our theatre company a great sense of pride for families to experience the joy and wonder of their favorite children’s book come to life, and we know this next production will not disappoint. Ella Enchanted is the perfect addition to this holiday season.” – Magik Theatre Artistic Director Anthony Runfola.
Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theatre. Founded in 1994, it has presented more than 160 main stage and touring productions for more than two (2) million children and their families. Magik Theatre’s mission is to utilize the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. Magik Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For information about Magik’s COVID-19 health and safety measure, click HERE.
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