The WBI has launched a series of teleseminars for the women’s business community. In fact, last fall I was honored to have been invited to moderate one of these events: a panel discussion with high achieving professional women on the issue of work/family balance. You can read more about this event by clicking here.

In honor of March being Women’s History Month, today’s guest on the WBI teleconference is Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Wow – I can’t believe I came right before such an accomplished, American servant!

Maloney was just introduced by the executive director of the NGLCC Justin Nelson. He mentioned many of her past votes on issues of concern to the women’s and GLBT communities (such as hate crimes legislation).

Maloney began talking by sharing with us that she was just coming back from an awards ceremony recognizing those female aviators from World War II who didn’t receive any service benefits like the men in the military. For example, if one of these aviators died, ‘in the line of duty’ their families had to pay for their funerals.

Maloney spoke of her support of legislation such as repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), passing ENDA, etc. And, she’s fighting for federal paid sick leave laws for domestic partners.

She’s very concerned about the very anti-gay Ugandan law being proposed that would make being gay a crime punishable by death and has gone to Uganda to testify against it, calling the law the ‘most offensive piece of legislation’ she’s ever seen.

On health care reform she reports the importance of covering those who are uninsured right now. Why is health care reform essential to women? Women are more likely to go without care because of cost. Over 55% of women over age 50 haven’t received a recommended mammogram.

Maloney reminded us that it’s the ‘working poor’ who are most likely to be uninsured. I would add that most of these folks work harder than many in higher economic classes do and they aren’t slackers, even though many people still judge them in this way. Be sure to read Barbara Ehrenreich’s work on this topic if you’re still wondering!

So much is being discussed on the call, it is hard taking it all in! Suffice it to say that Maloney is involved on multiple fronts to help small business, the unemployed, etc. She reminded us that yes, we are still losing jobs, but at only about one fifth of the rate we were during the end of George Bush’s presidency.

Maloney also talked about her book and how there is still ‘deep discrimination’ out there against women in the work force, even as we are moving forward.

She summed it up by saying that we must do what we can to elect the leaders who ‘best reflect our values’ and that we must band together to get ‘what’s right’ done. Thank you to Congressman Maloney for being such a strong, yet gentle and caring person. The next time I’m tempted to ‘trash all politicians’ I’ll remember Ms. Maloney!

Summerfield, FL – March 5, 2010 – A year ago, Barb Elgin (AKA ‘Coach Sappho’), launched Lez Rendezvous, a social community for single lesbians 35 and up. This month, Lez Rendezvous celebrates her first birthday. “Wow, this has been an incredible year for the women of Lez Rendezvous,” reports Ms. Elgin, a 40-something lesbian herself. “Lez Rez, as we affectionately call her, has become a lifeline for the 35 plus lesbian who is ready to meet like-minded lesbians for friendship and romance.”

Elgin says, “The 35 plus lesbian understands herself much better than she did even just five years ago. She’s learned more about what she does (and doesn’t) want and need when it comes to long-term love.  Lesbians 35 and over are wise enough now to know they must not only be more selective in discovering who is a great partner for them but they must also learn how to be a great partner.

“However, at the same time, she’s more humble (or cautious). She’s loved and lost. And, she may not yet have the support needed to live her truth. In addition, most likely she’s probably finding it harder connecting with similarly aged women who are available and ready for commitment.

Today’s mature lesbian may also be more sensitive about her physical appearance. She has to ‘work harder’ to be noticed now than she once did. Unfortunately, today’s lesbian media and entertainment culture is as guilty as the straight and gay men’s worlds at over emphasizing youth and rendering older lesbians invisible!

“Lastly, chances are today’s 35+ single lesbian is more concerned about the practical issues of her future, like retirement, health care, finances, etc. She’s not planning to keep starting over at this point in her life, especially when it comes to love. She’s ready to find a woman who, like her, is prepared to move forward and build a secure and vibrant future together! Older, wiser lesbians dream of the long haul, if you will, instead of the U-Haul,” laughs Elgin.

Elgin reports Lez Rendezvous is distinct from any other social or dating site or network she is aware of. “Lez Rez is a hybrid, says Elgin. “Lez Rendezvous is something other than a dating or hook up site. And, it’s something other than a social or career networking community. Lez Rendezvous gives members all of those facets (if desired) as well as unique opportunities to gain the social support, dating and relationship skills needed to succeed at long haul love.”

“Lesbians over the age of 35 now have both access to a group of established women like themselves and the tools they’ll need to attract, grow and sustain a deeply satisfying, lasting relationship with another woman. Finally, the mature lesbian has a healthy, supportive meeting place for maximizing her potential on what I call the ‘journey of love’. While our ultimate goal is helping each lesbian attract a compatible woman they can grow a vibrant, lasting bond with in this lifetime, Lez Rendezvous is also about helping lesbians become happily single, which is, by the way, key to attracting a great partner. And, lastly, Lez Rendezvous endeavors to support lesbians in forming healthy, vibrant friendships with other lesbians that last a lifetime. Strong, supportive friendships of all types can help singles stay true to themselves during the partner selection process and may help couples weather the inevitable challenges of long term, committed love.”

Lez Rendezvous is celebrating her first anniversary by offering all current members the chance to invite a friend to join for free. Other benefits include a private web site full of resources for the 35+ lesbian woman, live, weekly ‘single mingle’ chats and a monthly book club discussion.

Most events are available via telephone and/or the Internet, meaning that anyone with a phone and an Internet connection can participate from anywhere. In addition, Elgin is planning a list of 2010 in person events for members. Lez Rendezvous held it’s first in person event last fall, a singles brunch in Baltimore, Maryland.

”35+ lesbians will now truly have a place to go where they can be assured they’re meeting like-minded, same-aged women,” says Elgin. “Lez Rendezvous is “the” 35 and over lesbian dating and relationship resource.” ###

Whether you are single, dating or coupled, it’s time for YOU to begin the journey to experiencing more of what you want in your love life!   To help you continue your journey to a more amazing love life, I want to invite you to an exciting new tele-seminar I’m leading called

Coach Sappho’s ‘Secrets to Creating the Love Life You Deserve’ Tele-Discussion

You see, I’m sure you know success in anything requires more than reading a book, taking a quiz or, even chillin’ and having fun.  Success happens when we learn not only what works, but when we learn how to DO what works. Easier said than done, right?  All of this can seem pretty daunting, especially when it comes to love and relationships.

Sex is great for your health, whether you are single and taking matters ‘into your own hands’ or you are in a committed, monogamous relationship (yes, I just had to put those boundaries on it because sex within a committed monogamous relationship is the safest and most satisfying sex of all)…

For example, did you know that chemicals released when you are making love lowers your cholesterol?  Even moi, the lesbian love guru didn’t know…I just LOVE learning something new like this every day!

So, indulge yourself.  Click here now to read Simone McGill’s article and learn more examples of how regular sex ‘greases the skids’ for greater physical and mental health.  

And, here is one final ooh-la-la for you:  Be sure to check out the ‘recommended readings’ Simone lists at the end of her article.  More information on the joys of a great sex life await you…

HINT…hint…to reward those of you who jump on early, we’ll be announcing a contest soon for some great prizes, which will be drawn from the first 500 fans that join on!

Become a fan of Coach Sappho today, before the 500th fan signs up!

Click here to do so now!

Bill Moyers just interviewed the two straight attorneys representing the gay couple and lesbian couple who are suing the State of California for denying them the right to marry.  PBS calls this suit a ‘well financed challenge to California’s Proposition 8′.

Stories such as this sure makes me hope (and think) there has to be a ‘greater plan’ in the universe.  The two attorneys I am referring to are Ted Olson, a conservative and David Boies, a liberal.

Do these names sound familiar to you? If not, just know that these two men went against each other in the infamous Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that stopped the Florida recount and awarded George Bush the presidency.

Now Olson and Boies are working on the same team to help gay and lesbian citizens achieve full equality on the marriage front.  Yes, they are starting the ‘battle’ in California, but their bet is that eventually, and, sooner rather than later, someone will take the marriage equality issue to the United States Supreme Court.

Olson and Boies want to make sure gays and lesbians have the best chance of coming out on top.  They’re betting they can represent gay Americans better than anyone and they are ready to do so.

You will love what these men have to say about human rights, our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.  All of these issues point directly and decisively to the fact that unless gays and lesbians are allowed to marry, we are, as a country going against the most important values we hold as a nation.  And we are going against the most credible research on the topic.

There is no turning back.  America’s current treatment of gays and lesbians is abhorrent, when seen in the way Boies and Olson frame the issue.

Click here to watch Moyer’s excellent interview of these two bright, compassionate men.  Just the fact that this intelligent, conservative man (Olson) sat there, responding so clearly and rationally, to the usual arguments anti-gays use when talking about same sex marriage, will change some hearts.

Particularly if you are a gay or lesbian couple who doesn’t have the benefit of legal marriage, or, if you live in an area where you have domestic partnership protections, but you haven’t registered as a domestic partner, you will especially want to learn more about what it means to protect yourself and your relationship.

You’d be surprised to learn the various legal ‘vulnerabilities’ that exist for unmarried couples.  And, even if you are currently single, you’ll want to learn more now so that you are prepared later when you are in a relationship!

I’ve got a great way for you to get started!  Recently in my web and business travels, I met, and am building a closer working relationship with, a smart gal by the name of Lindalisa Severo. Lindalisa is passionate about the topic of GLBT legal rights and, out of that passion has created a website specifically focusing on the legal needs of gay and lesbian singles and couples called LegalOUT.

Lindalisa also produces a newsletter you’ll want to sign up for, because, in it, she publishes some very practical articles on increasing your awareness as to common legal issues you will come across as you live your life as a gay or lesbian person or couple.

For example, in this month’s newsletter, Lindalisa addresses advanced legal planning in an article about a woman by the name of Joy. Joy learned the hard way what happens when you don’t plan ahead legally.

Click here to go now to LegalOUT’s website.

Click here now to read LegalOUT’s blog.

Okay, so now you can go out tomorrow and enjoy some wine and roses!

The name of their show is ‘Leading From Within’.  They invited me to be their guest expert, focusing on relationships and, in particular Valentine’s Day.

I had a great time with them.  Both guys have amazing radio voices!  And they were classy hosts.  We shared a fun chat, zeroing in hot topics such as the secrets to finding your soul mate (if you are single), how to handle Valentine’s Day when you and your partner aren’t getting along and lots more.

Click here to pick up your free mp3 copy of the interview now.  Happy love day to you!

During today’s show I offered up some juicy love tips for singles and couples, as well as some lovely links and resources.  Have pride in yourself and your relationship (if you are coupled) this Valentine’s Day.  If you are single, you need to have just as much pride in yourself as your coupled friends.

Here are the two websites I mentioned on today’s podcast:

10,000 couples – This is the site my colleague Delena Wilkerson from Chicago, Illinois, started and runs.  It’s a great site – full of couples-related content.  She’s also collecting the profiles of gay and lesbian couples.  I hope you’ll help her achieve her goal of collecting 10,000 couples profiles! Her vision is ‘Representing the face of gay and lesbian couples around the world’.

Freedom to Marry – This is the non-profit another colleague, Evan Wolfson, started and maintains.  Two years ago, I was honored to interview Evan on our podcast.  This year, Freedom to Marry will celebrate it’s 13th Annual Freedom to Marry Week, which gives us a way to “share our stories, reflect on the values of equality and love, while also engaging our neighbors in the movement for equality and fairness”.

Evan’s site has lots of cool resources such as their section on well known figures who are speaking up for equality.

As for the detailed love tips I shared, you’ll just have to listen to the podcast!  Enjoy…