Diversity Rules Magazine

6 Diversity Rules Magazine June 2018 Solo - Con't from page 5 fame and fortune. It is not what drives me to do what I do. I am happy with my existence as I am. Of course, we all want to be able to pay our bills and most artists want to have their work touch people which drives us to work hard. I am inspired by making a difference in whatever way I can contribute. I am inspired by reliev- ing someone of a certain pain or a struggle. If I am able to share an experience and they derive something use- ful from it, then I feel I have succeeded in my purpose. Music is a gift which drives me To share my experi- ences when I write a song, or when I produce a film or music video or when I compose the concept for a photograph, in a way which is authentic in the hope it will have a message which is of some use to someone. You can visit my website raphsolo.com for my work both audio & visual as well as learn about my book. JRK: You recently found love. What advice do you have for someone searching for this elusive thing called "love" but has been unable to find it? RS: First and foremost I would assume that you want to feel that you are whole and complete on your own and you want to love yourself for who you are. And, from then you will find that love is not elusive but it's something which lives inside you. Be yourself is the only advice I can give and say No when you want to say No and don't put yourself in a position where you feel you are not comfortable. When it comes to relationships, Love will never make you feel that way. And remember whether you are partnered or single, your worth as a person is determined by your ability to love. at is what I believe anyway. I am grateful to have found myself in a relationship which works for me and I have learned a lot from those relationships which didn't work. JRK: Do you have any parting words of wisdom you would like to leave with readers? RS: Yes… "here goes Raph and his Word of Love" haha. We are all human. Karma is a person who lives with you. Give what you want to get back. We all fuck up. at's part of life. We all need to clean up after we fuck up too, good to remember that. Say No when you don't want to say yes. Love for the simple reason that you are born to love. Straight/ Gay/ Rich / Poor / Black / White are all just labels… we all bleed the same color. Love Lives. Be yourself. We all have a unique set of fingerprints to remind us of that Mantra. Photo Credit: Michele Martinoli June is Pride Month! Celebrate your individuality by attending a pride celebration near you! See page 7 for a complete listing of pride festivals in New York State

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