Activism in burlesque
Name: Bella Sin.
Age: 28.
Hometown: Cleveland.
Role: Coordinator of logistics Cleveland Pride/ Co-owner of Operations LeFemme Mystique Burlesque/Cleveland Burlesque Queen.
“The motivation comes from the education and treatment my mother provided to me when I was young. I had an openly gay uncle in Mexico where I am originally from. … I asked my mother once about the situation and she said, ‘He is just like you and me. Love is universal — remember that.’ ”
“When I moved to Ohio and started my burlesque troupe, the mission statement in my mind was to raise awareness through my time on stage. I have done that through donating my performance time, my hands and voice to the LGBT Community. … My time with Cleveland Pride, Dancin’ In the Streets, bid for the [International] Gay Games, feeding the homeless gay youth …”
“Equality is a right and when I came to America they told me this is the land of freedom and I want to be an American and I want this country to be truly free. ... I want to see my friends be respected and allowed their rights to love and raise a family.”