JULY 2021
Inspirational Stories of Love, Acceptance, & Communication from the Black LGBTQIA Community
Celebrating
PRIDE
Amiyah Scott BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
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L et ter f rom the Publisher This Pride Issue is dedicated to all the Black Queer voices that go unheard, ignored, and overlooked. Their stories of winning against all odds, challenging the status quo and nonconforming are reminders to the world that you create the life you want and walk the path you chose. It is a testament to the work of those Black LGBTQIA community members who came before us to fight for our equal rights. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, it was without a doubt necessary for me to make sure a black publication had an issue that showcased Black Queer voices. The importance of this is to show that within our community we aren’t as monolithic as society seems to think. Things aren’t black and white, and neither are they grey. Each person comes with a unique story that will inspire you to take action to create change in your community, to love more, and to accept more of your truest self. The world needs more love, understanding, and acceptance. It’s not about tolerating what others choose as to who they will be or the lifestyle they choose to live, it’s accepting the fact that it’s their choice and that has nothing to do with us. Pride for me means living the most authentic and joyous way you possibly can without ever fearing ridicule or regret. When we live our lives authentically, no one can ever make us feel small or less than. I hope that this issue and each pride issue that comes every year in July will serve as a reminder to everyone to live the life they have always wanted. For the next generation of Black Queer people, I want them to know that there is nothing wrong with them, and they don’t need the approval of anyone. They are unique, loved, and unicorns who make the world a better place. The stronger we are as a community and the more love we pour into each other, the more we can do for the world. A letter to my younger self: Dear young Michael, Remember, your mother told you as you were growing up that there was nothing wrong with you. Cherish the times she taught you how to braid a barbie doll’s hair correctly after being laughed at by your brother and male cousins. Keep that same self-awareness she instilled in you and hold on to it, because the world will try to make you feel like something is wrong with you or change you. Your mother didn’t want to change you, so don’t let the world do it. Embrace your mannerisms and all that you are because you have a mission in this world that will create an impact. The best gift your mother gave you beyond her love was the importance of feeling accepted. Keep that love and carry it everywhere you go because you will need to give that love to others; they will need it. Sometimes, it will be your job to help make others in your community feel accepted, so be patient with them and show them kindness because the world needs that too. Lastly, don’t look into terms of masculine or feminine to describe yourself. You are a human being and that is all she wrote.
Michael Cox
Owner & Publisher Instagram: @partnerwithmike
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BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
C O N T E N T S |
J U L Y
2 0 2 1
ACTIVISTS
LIFE’S ALL DRAG
6. KELSEY O. DANIELS
38. MONET X CHANGE
8. DAIRRICK HODGES
40. AMBER ST. JAMES
10. ANGELLE MAUA ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVENT PRODUCERS (CREATING SAFE SPACES)
41. AERIANAH
15. BRANDON ANTHONY
47. JOHN WELLS
17. MIKI VALE
49. BENNIE MAYBERRY 55. AVONTE
NONCONFORMING 19. DENZEL GLAM BOY
BLACK LOVE
20. TIFF ARTIS
59. KRIS & CAM
22. TRIPP ALI
page
23. MARCUS BUSH TRANS STORIES 26. AMIYAH SCOTT 28. ANDREA JENKINS 29. KINGSTON IN THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT 33. KEITH BRYANT
On The Cover
Photographer: IROQ Photography Location: SIIX AGENCY Creative Director/Stylist: Assad Tyler Styling Assistant: Deandre McKinley Makeup & Hair: Amiyah Scott Hair provided by: Brandon McDaniel
Celebrating
PRIDE
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BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
ACTIVISTS
06. Kelsey O. Daniels 08. Dairrick Hodges 10. Angelle Maua
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SHE IS ON A MISSION
AT THE INTERSECTION OF BLACKNESS & QUEERNESS BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACEY KECK
K
elsey O. Daniels is an individual whose actions speak louder than her words. Determination, dedication, and drive are three attributes that can best describe this community hero. Most people are spectators when it comes to the change that is happening around the world and within their communities. It’s easier said than done to do something about injustices, inequality, and standing up for what is right. Putting all others first, she strives to create something better for the next generation.
“I thought it was very important to do the work because collective liberation for all is the point” Daniels states, “I am showing up for a larger cross section of the community that is more reflective of me.” This intersection of race, gender, and sexuality is where she fights because there are more individuals who don’t just check one box out of the many that are supposed to normalize who we are. This is where queer and blackness meet because each organization she participates in and shows up as her full self represent the change she wants to see in the world. Her causes intersect at the level of being human and the basic rights they deserve. It is more than just the good fight, it is the liberation of self-identity, expression, and acceptance.
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She is an organizer with March For Black Womxn San Diego and yes, the X belongs there; the founder of both the Black Womxn Save My Life Summit and Black Womxn Deserve Mutual Aid Fund. And if that’s not enough, she also helped to organize Black Lives Matter San Diego, Police Free SD, and We All We Got San Diego. She was co-host of The Sit In: A Black Healing Space and hosts a weekly open mic experiment called Check, Please. During her journey, she has witnessed people come into these organizations and take the mantle and carry it on to other works. “I think it’s a really cute domino effect,” said Daniels as she tells stories of how others came to participate in her particular events and left with a sense of duty to take on challenging their own systems. Too many times we don’t share our opinions or talk to other people about what is really going on because we are afraid of judgement. She wants to challenge people to stop that because this “domino effect” can only happen when things are put into motion and others see inspiration. Daniels states, “this is why I love Actress Laverne Cox so much, because she has shown me that I can use my platform, blackness, and queerness to do more for our communities.” Multiple communities need uplifting, healing, and leaders. Marching, sit ins, and organizing meant that she was doing part of the work her ancestors brought forth. This work is for the ancestors who also didn’t have the opportunities
we deserve more ans that our liberation is bound up together. I call myself a practicing abolitionist because I know that we deserve life affirming institutions and practices that acknowledge our humanity. I know that this work is for the long haul and that we get to choose to embody the care and support that we want to see in this world today."
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLACK, QUEER, AND PROUD TO KELSEY It means remembering that my crown has been bought and it is my birthright to be curious and to live in love. It means knowing that showing up for ALL of myself is the celebration and the resistance. It’s knowing that I don’t have to codeswitch to be seen. I admire my Black queer ancestors not just for the things they did that brought them acclaim (i.e., Marsha P. Johnson throwing that brick at Stonewall), but for the community care that they operated in when there was no spotlight. I know that if I’m striving to do that, I’m carrying on that legacy.
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"This fight is important because i know
A C T I V I S T S
conversing so that collectively we could heal. She dedicates her life to this because these collective conversations have to meet at certain points to get rid of barriers brought on by institutionalized racism. This is why it was important for her organization to bring the March for Black Women to San Diego, and in particular, the Southeast region, which is predominately black and brown. They held this march with public conversations on what is wrong in the city and what changes needed to be made. Though she is making strides, her works are far from complete. On a mission to continue to create change, she is looking for various ways to help the communities continue to communicate across social, cultural, and economic lines.
| A C T I V I S T S
DAIRRICK KHALIL HODGES BY MICHAEL COX
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“If you don’t ask you don’t know
“I think as a society we are moving into a
what’s going on with someone."
place to where we’re starting to expand our understanding of who we are as a queer community.”
Five years ago, he founded a collective called the SOULcial Workers. This is a group of artists who come together to practice their platforms for social education and emotional development. Dairrick has been a busy person because he also formed an organization called Agency Five and Five. This is a social education group where people come to use theatre arts, poetry, playwriting, and performance to tell their stories. They also focus on suicide prevention and mental health education. “We host spaces for LGBTQI to use to tell their stories, and for others to learn how they have been impacted. He genuinely cares about others connecting with the stories and gives people the opportunity to tell them to heal as well. It is very therapeutic that he is working towards community cultivation.
It was his personal experiences that shaped the decisions he made in life to be there for others. “I was a homeless kid who navigated the foster care system in my community, and one who had lots of barriers,” said Hodges. Through these lived experiences, he realized that others could be going through something similar. He wanted to do his part in the community to make sure they don’t go down the same path alone or afraid. He recalled times when people told him something was wrong with him, and when he didn’t feel safe at school. This is why his work is important. He doesn’t want others to feel powerless or to feel less than because they identify or want to express themselves contrary to what society dictates.
“It took me a lot longer to
“My advice is for people to get comfortable
come into comfort around my queer identity
around what’s real and learn to have real
and identity as a gay man.”
conversations around it. People can surprise
Fighting so long against who he was had been an uphill battle for Dairrick. This journey took him to a place where
you if you let them.”
as a society we are moving into a place to where we’re starting ur understanding of who we are as a queer community.” 9 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
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he wanted to create spaces for Blackness and Queerness to meet at an intersection. “My interest is creating more visibility for the purpose of young people who are being excluded from spaces because they hold a multitude of identities, “said Hodges when speaking on his work in service-based industries. He didn’t have many examples of what it meant to be like him, so he is ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity. Representation is a powerful tool in helping you to see hope, aspire to be more, and doing more. “Because of the stigmas that exist in the community, there a lot of fear that I held,” said Hodges
A C T I V I S T S
Movements are started by those who want to make you stop, listen, think, and act. That’s a hard feat for many to accomplish, but for Dairrick Khalil Hodges, it was something he was going to make happen. A true renaissance man, community leader, and activist are the many ways some would describe him. Those are usually descriptions given to heroes and he is definitely a local hero in San Diego.
TAUGHT BY HER SON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE TRANS BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA LEDYARD
W
Who is Angelle Maua and what is she doing to assist a community of individuals often forgotten? Angelle Maua is a mother, activist, humanitarian, and philanthropist who is giving her all to assist the Black and Brown LGBTQIA community. Her focus lies predominantly with trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. Many times, people are discarded from homes when their sexual orientation, identity, and expression is discovered. All too often it becomes a story echoed with not so many happy endings for those individuals, but Angelle Maua is doing her part to change the narrative. She not only is assisting those in need, but also educating people on trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people. When asked about this, Angelle states, “I’ve always been that person who marches to the beat of her own drum, and this is what I teach my children.” In 2017, Angelle was informed by her son that he identified as Trans and their journey of discovery began. She was determined to show her son love and to do whatever necessary to support. This led to her starting the Gender 10 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
Angelle shares her experience as a parent of a transgender teen, now young adult:
ACCEPTANCE - The pity party is over. Googled my butt off and found some resources but nothing that supported Black parents with kids transitioning.
My initial conversation with my son was in the car when I picked him up from school at the age of 15. He reached out to me when I was at work, and I responded immediately and told him I wanted to talk to him about it more when I picked him up. Our car conversations were and are the best; I have a captive audience and vice versa. Utilize those moments for conversations and checking in. They cannot run and hide, and you cannot either.
DEPRESSION - Feeling alone, like I was THE ONLY ONE with a Black transgender child. I cried at the mention of his former name. Tried to read up and research but I literally cried on and off for two entire weeks.
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BARGAINING - Trying to find others that look like us to talk to them and get some advice. Unfortunately, trying to find a Black family raising a transgender child is like looking for a unicorn.
A C T I V I S T S
Phluid Collective which assists Black and Brown individuals who need support and resources during their transitioning process, helps in maintaining the transition, and more. Her experience is something that can help those who may be dealing with someone going through transition. Her collective is financed by Angelle along with donations and contributions she receives from others. So, continued support and contributions from the community are necessary to keep up this work.
Once I grieved the loss of my former daughter and all the images and planning I had for his former self like marriage, kids, and all the things that a parent plans for
For parents, and legal guardians supporting a trans/ nonbinary child, young teen or young adult, there is no one book or set of rules that you should go by. Parenting is not a cookie cutter role; it is very fluid, and you will have really high highs and really low lows. The best thing to do is to listen to your child when they are trying to explain their feelings. Do not dismiss them, do not defer the "talk" because they will not want to talk to you later. In that one moment when they reach out to you to talk about how they are feeling and/ or explain their identity and/or orientation, receive it at that time. Don't defer it, don’t "schedule" time to talk. Stop what you are doing immediately and talk to them. This is your window into their current life. Just imagine when you were younger and you really wanted to share something with your parents or guardian, but were afraid to because of their reaction? Well, same thing here, except they are making the first move to open up their heart to you and reach out to you. Don't shut that down. Biggest mistake ever. I went through the 5 stages of grief and at some point in your journey with your child, you will too. DENIAL - Reasoning with myself that it was a “stage" he was going through. He was really lesbian or bisexual, he didn’t really mean change from female to male? Or did he? ANGER - Social Media did this?! He's on his phone why too much. Where in the world did I go wrong?!! Did I fail him as a parent?!
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"I went through the 5 stages of grief and at some point in your journey with your child, you will too. "
a little girl, I was ready to accept it and do whatever possible to support him. But I had to get past my own selfish ideals, and I now realize that I am blessed with not only raising a daughter, but now a son! Here are a few things I learned during our journey together as a family.
DO'S •
Talk, talk, talk. Whether you find a movie or book that talks about gender expression and sexual orientation. We watched “13 Reasons Why”. This is a series about high schoolers’ experiences with love, relationships, sexual orientation, gender identity/ roles and so much more. Movies are a good way to open up lines of communication. You can pause the movie, talk about it at that moment and move on.
•
Listen with intent, no distractions.
•
Ask questions but frame them with "I am not sure how to ask but I am trying, and don't want to upset you". Just blurting out what you are feeling can be triggers, disrespectful and just plain wrong. Think about what you are trying to ask and try to say it with thoughtful and genuine intent.
•
•
Find a mental health professional that the family can see, then schedule one on one time with that professional for yourself and/or spouse to talk about your feelings without being fearful of triggering your child. I know for some this is just not an option but think about it. That third party is neutral and has no biases regarding your family. They can give you a perspective you may not see. Check your health insurance to see if they support Transgender health care and what that is for your coverage. If not, during open enrollment in November, switch to an insurance company that is supportive of your child's new identity and health.
•
Support your child by getting whatever transitional items they may need. Binders, gaffs, make up, clothes, etc.
•
Ask what name and pronouns your child will prefer and tell your family and friends to respect your child's pronouns and preferred name and use them. Set boundaries and defend your child's identity.
•
Develop safe words to check in with your child. My son and I, with the help of our mental health care provider, developed a number system. 0-4. 0 is no
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issues, no triggers, emotionally well. Good day. But, a 4 means I need help, please help me. We developed this after we experienced our first 51/50. A 51/50 is when your child tries to commit suicide and the hospital keeps them for observation to see if they are still a harm to themself and/or others. •
Leave reading material out for family members who are not quite ready to accept this transition. Put it in the bathroom or a place where they cannot be seen reading it. This will then lead to questions and set the framework for more discussions and changes in behavior.
•
Get their name and gender marker legally changed.
DON'TS •
Never ask if they are getting surgery (top or bottom). That is none of your business. No one asks you how you urinate or have sex, so don’t ask them.
•
Never ask their choice for the locker room at school or the gym. Again. None of your business.
•
Never ask them "if they are sure"? Your identity is not policed, don't police theirs.
•
Don’t criticize their choice of clothes, colors of dress, etc. Again, not your body, not your choice. Respect their choices.
•
Don’t disrespect boundaries set by them. There are some things I just don't discuss with my son unless he brings it up.
•
Never ask relationship questions. Let him come to you.
•
Do not use a dead name or any reference to their former self. Permission to disclose that information to others must be asked.
For more information on the Gender Phluid Collective visit www.thegpcollective.wixsite.com. Instagram: @the_gender_phluid_collective
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BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
EVENT PRODUCERS | CREATING SAFE SPACES
15. Brandon Anthony 17. Miki Vale
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HE MADE THE CITY LISTEN BY MICHAEL COX | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL J. | STYLING BY WINNIE STACKZ
“IT’S
IMPORTANT
CELEBRATE OUR BLACK
AND
FOR
TO
ACKNOWLEDGE
COMMUNITY, AND
US
BROWN
BOTH PEOPLE.”
B
randon Anthony came to Los Angeles like many others, ready to make a name for himself in the world of entertainment. But entertainment was not the platform that propelled Brandon. He found his voice and used it to create change and heighten a movement. Brandon makes it his mission to not only provide space for a marginalized community to safely express themselves, but also educates them on social and health awareness. Who is Brandon Anthony? I am a native of New Orleans who moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams in entertainment. How did you get your start in the nightlife industry? I’ve been doing this for 9 years now and really started taking it seriously about 5 years ago. That’s when I started to think about it from a business standpoint. I wanted to create a safe space for our community to enjoy themselves and it was well worth the investment. It was the passion that made me fall in love with this industry. I have always had an infinity for hospitality and customer service, and it’s a joy to see people enjoying themselves in a space where they can be free without judgement. What’s the difference between a club promoter and event producer? They both provide people with great experiences. However, a club promoter’s job is to promote the club and the activities going on there, usually ideas given by the owner. Their salaries usually depend upon the sales or the number of people who show up. An event producer performs every aspect of the event by coming up with their own ideas and team. They curate the environment for customers based on their knowledge and creativity. When it comes to event production, it’s their vision that comes to life. What is something people don’t realize about the
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industry? They don’t see what happens behind the scenes or what it took to get us here, so we are often taken for granted. It takes a certain level of patience to deal the things we deal with. Some of us operate events with crowds ranging from 500 to 10,000 people. That’s a lot of different energy and personalities, but we work hard to make sure everyone is having a great time. Your industry was hit hard during the pandemic, how did you survive? My grandfather used to say, “never let the grass grow under your feet”. Cities like Atlanta were open and doing events, so I had to pivot and work out-of-state to earn income, and then come back to my life in Los Angeles. The interesting part of it all was that I learned I had options during the pandemic. It allowed me a chance to see what was happening in other cities and helped me to realize I could take my skills to other places. I don’t ever give up, so I wasn’t going to allow the pandemic or anything else to stop me from succeeding.
Tell us about LA Black Pride? Black Pride in Los Angeles has been a tradition for over 3 decades. Throughout the years, it has gone through several changes with some inconsistencies at times. This eventually lost the trust of the community and it almost ceased to exist. I wanted to keep the tradition alive, so several years ago, I started it back up with the brand name and business “LA Black Pride.” I knew this would be something that people wanted and needed.
those who sat at the head of the table of decision-making didn’t look like me. You can’t organize a march for Black Lives Matter and not have any black people sitting at the decision table. That is why it was important that other members of the founding organization and I produce it. We wanted both sides of the spectrum to know that we all matter.
How has it been since you took on keeping the Black Pride in LA alive? It’s been a journey. The team and I receive so much positive feedback from the community. People travel from cities such as Washington D.C, Atlanta, and New York to attend. It has been a great experience showing them how wonderful the city of LA, in particular West Hollywood, is. We have had some push backs from some members of the community who were there at its inception nearly 3 decades ago. We acknowledge them and want them to understand that we are building off of what they started. The show must go on. At the end of the day, it’s about keeping a tradition alive and giving the community something special.
“We have put in the work, and we feel it’s an honor to pick up the legacy where they left off ” You challenged the city of West Hollywood, in particular, the hospitality industry, why was that important? Many black and brown LGBTQIA community members have horrid stories of being mistreated at several establishments in the city. These individuals have spent their hard-earned money trying to enjoy themselves in the city that is supposed to be the mecca of all things LGBTQIA, Los Angeles. I couldn’t just sit there and allow that to continue. So, I used my platform and connections to give these voiceless individuals a voice. You are part of the organization that held the Black Lives Matter March. Describe that experience. It was such a memorable experience seeing everyone come together to march for racial and social injustice in America. At first, I was informed that another organization was planning to produce this but felt I couldn’t stand by quietly and allow that to happen. It wasn’t that the organization didn’t have good intentions, it was just that 16 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
“There are a group of people in this world that meet at the intersection of black and queer” What does Pride mean to you? It means being compassionate about all human beings. In order for us to celebrate one another we have to be comfortable with ourselves. This generation doesn’t necessarily equate pride with being gay. Pride for them means being prideful in who you are and just being comfortable. In my opinion, you have to have compassion for all people to say you truly celebrate Pride.
T
C R E A T I N G
“I'd go out to Hillcrest, and I just wasn't feeling it”
S A F E
his is what Miki Vale did with Soulkiss in San Diego. Though San Diego has Hillcrest which attracts many LGBTQIA community members to the neighborhood (also known as the “gayberhood”), it doesn’t mean it caters to all demographics. This issue is a quite common one in the LGBTQIA communities of major cities in regard to African Americans. Miki Vale stopped waiting on venues that catered to her and decided to create her own.
WHEN NO ONE ELSE WOULD BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAZZMINE TAYLOR
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For Miki Vale Pride is being able to exist and feel comfortable!
P R O D U C E R S
S H E C R E AT E D A S PA C E
In 2019 Miki and Naomi had contemplated bringing back Soulkiss. “We had really grown tired of nightlife,” said Vale. Something else struck a chord for them because Miki started to learn playwriting prior and Naomi, who was already a teacher, had seen the opportunity to create a transformative experience. This birthed “Soulkiss Theater” which continues to support their mission of giving others a safe space for self-expression. Soulkiss Theater offers 10-week workshops/ programs for participants to learn the art of playwriting and at the culmination of it actors & actresses act out their plays. “We need more spaces that are created for us and where we feel comfortable,” said Vale. Her goal is never done because spaces for us aren’t always readily available, and she is on a mission to make sure that we have them.
V E N T
Mike Vale had to face issues with not just venues at times racially or sexually discriminating against her. “It was an uphill battle at times,” said Vale. This was matched with occasional fights at their events, which had venue owners questioning if they should allow for Soulkiss to return. These are the moments others didn’t see that Miki and Naomi had to deal with after the party was over. They were continuing to fight and keeping sane to give the community something others would. These events were self-financed and at times appreciation wasn’t shown to them. It’s out of their control how people act at their events, but what they did control was their ability to continue to produce even against the odds at times.
|E
“I had to literally fight to claim these spaces”
S P A C E S
Though the neighborhood is welcoming and inviting for all people, it doesn’t mean that everyone feels they are represented well. “I said within myself, that what would be ideal for me is a hip hop spot with good music and black and brown lesbian and gay people,” said Vale when asked about the thought process behind Soulkiss. This event production company was created in 2007 and had a long run until she and her partner Naomi closed the company in 2015. Through this extent of 8 years, they had thrown over 400 events. From weekly Friday events to yacht parties, they wanted to ensure the community had a safe space. This wasn’t an easy feat for them as they had to be everything for the company from production all the way to marketing. “We had to figure out clever ways to get people to come to the events, and it’s a lot of work,” said Vale.
BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
NONCONFORMING |
19. Denzel Glamboy 20. Tiffany Artis 22. Tripp Ali 23. Marcus Bush
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Denzel Glam Boy
A Unicorn Is What He Calls Them PHOTOGRAPHY BY DERRICK CHAMBERS
Tell us who Denzel is? How did you get into makeup? I am a cosmetologist, makeup artist, esthetician, and United States Navy Veteran. Honestly I’m a boy that LOVES the beauty industry period. I like helping others “unleash their inner glam” and making them feel like the best version of themselves. I got into makeup in cosmetology school we had a makeup course and I was just naturally good at it and that’s when my love for makeup started. Denzel, what does being a Glam Boy mean to you? Being a glam boy is about breaking barriers. We are under-represented in the beauty industry, especially the glam boys of color. We have to fight hard for every opportunity. But what makes it beautiful is the talent and creativity we possess that makes our skills top notch! Why do you think so many people are obsessed with Glam Boys in the beauty industry? So many people are obsessed with glam boys because honestly we are like unicorns. We are trend setters and innovators in the industry and everything we do has a little bit of “extra” incorporated. What are some of your favorite black owned beauty brands? Coloured Raine Pat McGrath Danessa Myricks 19 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
Who are some of your favorite black Glam Boys to follow? I have several sickening TALENTED black glam boys I follow. @kennethsenegal @darienisaac @derrickdavismua What are your best tips for doing makeup for melanin skin? My best tips for doing makeup for melanin skin is to MASTER your complexion. I personally believe this is highly important because it can honestly make or break a look. When your foundation or concealer choice or even your choice of powder is off it doesn’t matter how good the rest of the look is because that will be the focus. What does Pride mean for you? Pride to me means our community celebrating our authentic selves. In all honesty it has taken a lot of work to get where we are and we continue to fight for our rights so it is a time to celebrate and reflect as well.
WELLNESS IS HER GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY
MEET T I F FA N Y ARTIS BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA LEDYARD
Who is Tiffany Artis? I am a 33-year-old Master Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Specialist originally from Virginia. I relocated to San Diego in September of 2017 and never looked back. I am the owner of The Elite Results in Mission Valley. How long have you been a trainer? I started being a trainer when I was 21 years old.
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What caused you to get into being a trainer specifically? Honestly, I have always been a leader and started some coaching when I was 16, but nothing serious. After a while, it became part of me, and I felt like my career path was chosen. The cool thing is that I get paid to do something I love enough to do for free. Is this still the case over a decade later? The experience has been nothing short of amazing. I have a career that is not only fun but also changes lives. Through training, they learn to make their health a priority and the rewards from that alone are worth it. More than ten years later, I can still say I love what I do, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. As a trainer are you always in top physical shape and condition? I would love to be able to say I am always in top physical shape but like everything else in life, you have to find balance. I have gone through phases where some days I am in the best shape of my life and other days, my worst.
What are some of your extracurricular activities? As a trainer, I have to remain active. I enjoy surfing, doing half marathons and I love riding motorcycles. And some days, I just like taking a walk. I can’t say that I am big on hiking. How do you identify as it relates to gender identity or expression? I’m new to all the gender identity terms and expressions. I am from the south where things are simple are usually one thing or the other. But things are more complicated these days. So, I do my research and stay away from hard labels, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand why others use them or identify with them. I still love them and respect them. As for me, I would say I identify as non-binary when looking at the textbook definition of the word. I do identify as a woman. That is, I know that I am a woman, but I also have other parts of me that are everything. I say this because sometimes people try to put us in boxes with labels and we are everything we desire to be. I don’t allow myself to be put in a box and neither should anybody else.
N O N C O N F O R M I N G
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Speaking of being put in boxes, did you experience others trying to put you in a box growing up? Yes, many times. While in school, I played basketball and other sports. So, as an athlete, I was placed in the jock category. But I was so much more than that. Athletics was my talent, but I was also pre-engineering. People didn’t think I could be athletic and smart. I have always lived outside the box and ended up graduating in the top 10% of my high school class. I don’t believe in boxes and at any point in time anyone decides to change anything about themselves they should do it.
bigger chain fitness centers because it's an entirely different experience. At The Elite Results, they feel safe.
You attract a wide range of client types, why is that? I would say that many clients come to me because I’m part of the LGBTQIA community. They feel more comfortable coming to workout with me because they feel they are not being judged or given the side eye like at other facilities. I have worked with a lot of trans men that want to get in shape and don’t feel confident going to
Visit Tiffany and her team at Elite Results Training, 4345 Twain Avenue, Suite A, San Diego.
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What advice would you give the new entrepreneurs? I would tell them to make self-care a priority in their life. This was something I learned after I stopped trying to work 7 days a week and scaled it back to 3 to 4 days a week. I can serve my purpose more fully now than when I was going all week long. I know it sounds crazy, but I have become more impactful in 3 to 4 days a week.
A N O T H E R NARRATIVE WITH TRIPP ALI BY MICHAEL COX
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ollywood isn’t an easy industry for an openly gay male, especially if he is African American. The decision to live your truth or hide it so that you are marketable becomes an uphill battle. Tripp Ali decided that he wouldn’t allow it to define who he was, the roles he took, or how he expressed himself through his craft. Pride is something that takes courage and determination especially when you don’t know the ramifications of living your truth.
“When I first started I didn’t know if I would have what it takes” Tripp Ali who was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. He got his start in Hollywood, but like most success stories, he had to work his way from the bottom to the top. After leaving Ohio, he had his sights set on The Big Apple hoping to make it in production. From assistant to production assistant to producer, he was determined to make it. “It came easy for me,” said Ali when asked how he was able to make the climb so seamlessly. Then one day, the director on a film he was producing had him stand in as an actor and the rest was history. The director told him that he had a natural presence on camera and urged him to pursue it. He landed the role that would change the trajectory of his acting career. He moved to Atlanta and was cast as Desmond in the hit television series Freefall. Freefall was a web series that was a based around black gay men dealing with dating woes. This became the catalyst that launched him into roles that showcased different black, gay male experiences. “These were characters I could relate to and reminded me of the guys I grew up with,” said Ali. It was important for him to demonstrate to audiences that there were different black gay male experiences that weren’t being shown in television or film. It came with a price when Tripp Ali chose to take on more black gay male roles. “It really got to me because I lost followers and I could see the impact as the numbers declined,” said Ali. In the beginning, he was hesitant and worried about what they would think but he was prepared mentally. Though it initially hurt his feelings to see many people unfollow him because of what he chose to post, he got over that really quickly. “This experience showed me that people really weren’t there for me,” said Ali. This gave him the strength, desire, and determination to go even harder with his craft and the direction he was going with selecting roles.
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“I felt my presence was needed” Tripp Ali’s story is what Pride means because he is walking in his authentic truth. He’s fearless and does it for the next generation. Many times, people may wonder what Pride means for someone. For Tripp, pride as an openly gay black man means the ultimate freedom. He doesn’t choose a career based on a predetermined path or one others want for him. “I have to share the stories I envision for our community to uplift them,” said Ali. What better way to celebrate Pride than taking a bold stance and telling stories that otherwise wouldn’t be shared!!?
N O N C O N F O R M I N G
HE MADE HISTORY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY MICHAEL COX Tell us about Marcus Bush and why he loves National City so much?
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I am currently married, and the proud father of two. I have worked extremely hard to make a difference in National City. In 2013, I became the youngest Planning Committee chair of my hometown where I also serve as a Councilmember. National City is my hometown, and to this day, many of my friends and family still live there. I love it because it's so unique. We have our own culture and vibe here. Also, there is a special hometown pride here because of its history, diversity, art, and stories. We are a community that has had its struggles and its ups and downs, but our resilience in getting through those struggles is what I love and appreciate. You made history twice in National City as a Councilmember, how does that feel and what does it mean to you? It's a huge honor to be the first Afro-Latino and bisexual Councilmember, but the second African American after Councilmember Fred Pruitt who served 1988 to 1992. It's important, because those of us from minority groups need to be visible and bring our perspective to the community. It inspires people to get involved with their government and hopefully they see themselves when they see us in these spaces? But beyond the symbology, we as Black, LGBTQ, and other groups need to make sure we're doing the organizing work to change these oppressive systems that are largely designed to prevent minority/disadvantaged groups from having a seat at the table. There will be lots of uncomfortable conversations to have, but we need to have them and truly listen to each other. You classify as Bisexual, what are common misconceptions you hope people would get rid of? The misconceptions I come across personally are many of the same ones I hear from other openly bi folks, stemming from biphobia and bi-erasure. For example, my queer identity has been called into question because I'm married to a woman.
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Why does this type of representation matter in government? Representation is power and it's so important our government is reflective of the people that it serves. Progress is slow at times but how can the Black + LGBTQIA community help push the needle forward? Progress and systemic change is definitely slow - a marathon, not a sprint. We can help the Black & LGBTQIA community by collaborating with other groups that have faced similar oppression, and by educating the younger generation on the mistakes of the past, and how to correct it moving forward. What are some of the current initiatives you are working on? One of my key priorities is addressing the crisis of homelessness and finding resources so that we get to the root cause of what's causing their struggles, help in healing their trauma, and work to make them self-sustainable. Another initiative is addressing the global climate crisis and doing what we can in our power to limit our city’s greenhouse gas emissions. What does Pride mean to you? Pride means self-love. It means embracing your queer identity and fighting back against oppressive systems and a society that wants us all to conform and be the same.
For me, pride quite literally comes in every shape, size, and color. The LGBTQ+ community is the epitome of pride because when the world has tried and continues to try to shame it, the community continues to shine. Pride can be quiet and reserved, or it can be boisterous and booming. I would just hope that for those who are still afraid to be themselves, that they would find hope in the messages that pride brings. That hope is the rainbow cherry on top of this crazy universe we live in.
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Picture Spotlight - Katrena PHOTOGRAPHY Eliza Weet
BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
TRANS STORIES |
26. Amiyah Scott 28. Andrea Jenkins 29. Kingston
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She Wouldn't Be Defined By Anyone But Herself Photographer: IROQ Photography Location: SIIX AGENCY Creative Director/Stylist: Assad Tyler Styling Assistant: Deandre McKinley Makeup & Hair: Amiyah Scott Hair provided by: Brandon McDaniel 26 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
Who is Amiyah Scott? (Let our readers know something that they can't find online) Well, I am an only child, born in Manhattan but raised in New Orleans. I always knew I was special. Growing up, I was very determined and outspoken. I’ve been so transparent online that there isn’t much that people don’t know about me. But I guess a fun fact is that I love animals, especially exotic ones. I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian growing up, but instead, “I’m a bad bitch”. And yes it is true, Amiyah Scott doesn’t care what people think. When did you first realize (identify as Trans) and how was the journey? I always felt like I was trapped in the wrong body… but there wasn’t much representation growing up. So, it wasn’t until I was 15, after sneaking into a gay club and meeting a trans woman for the first time that I knew transitioning was possible. The journey was…. Intense. What does being a Trans Woman mean to you? To me, it means I’m a woman who happens to identify as trans. It doesn’t define me. I am a WOMAN; mentally, physically and that's that!! What are misconceptions you wish people would get rid of when it comes to the Trans community? All of them I guess, but honestly, what people think of the trans community [me], has less to do with me and more to do with them. My life is going to go on regardless of whether they like it or understand it. You are an actress, advocate, author and so much more. What are some of the hurdles you faced when it came to breaking into Hollywood? Being black in Hollywood has its own difficulties and being trans does as well. Hollywood is a very political place, and I’ve learned that as I’ve navigated through it.
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You have turned down certain roles and appearances. Why is it important to protect your brand and stay true to yourself? I personally have to believe in something to be associated with it. Your reputation is one of the most important parts of your career, so I choose wisely what I associate myself with. Not every opportunity is for you, and you don’t have to walk through every door that opens for you. What does Pride mean to you? Pride to me means strength. It takes a lot to be your true self. What advice would you give someone who identifies as Trans who is not getting the necessary support through their journey? My advice would be to follow your heart, find your tribe and live your life FOR YOU. Sometimes families are those we choose. Surround yourself with people that genuinely care about you and protect your energy. What’s next for Amiyah Scott? World Domination, but before that, some much needed vacations. I’ve been really focused on my mental health recently. Sometimes, we can unknowingly drain ourselves. I’ve been under the public microscope since I was 17, so I’ve recently been taking some much needed “me time”. I would love to get back into acting, maybe producing as well, but my peace and happiness has recently been my main concern. Sometimes, I think about maybe settling down, starting a family, but who knows.
WORDS AMIYAH SCOTT LIVES BY: “Don't let anybody dictate how you live,” says actress Amiyah Scott. “You get one life, and it's yours, not society's, your parents’, or anyone else's to dictate to you how you should live it.”
Her Time to Be True & Create Change -
Andrea Jenkins BY MICHAEL COX PHOTOGRAPHY BROOKE ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY
Walking in our authentic truth isn’t as easy for everyone especially when your truth is nonconforming. Defying the norms and being who you were always meant to be is an uphill battle and sometimes one not always won. For Councilmember Andrea Jenkins, finding her truth and living in it gave her a new sense of pride, liberation, and outlook on life. “Once I came to terms with that, it felt like I had shredded these chains. The weight was lifted off my shoulders” It has not been easy for this Councilmember who has come from humble beginnings being raised by a single mother. Andrea grew up in the rough areas of Chicago but has now become the first black openly transgender woman elected to office in the United States. Living under the impression that she had to be everything society required of her caused her to go through years of emotional, mental, and emotional turmoil. Councilmember Jenkins states, “after I transitioned, my friends and family said I seemed happier and more at ease”. Looking back, she realized the boycotts in her youth, playing football and joining male specific organizations in college did not help her achieve any true sense of happiness nor purpose. It actually had the opposite effect. “I was living a lie and I knew my reality,” said Jenkins when thinking about the times she was not honest with herself. “But this wasn’t who I was” 28 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
She recalls at the early age of four knowing that the reality she was born into wasn’t the reality for her. “There was this deep and strong femaleness I had early on,” said Jenkins. Because she couldn’t describe it and put it into words, she hid the truth from the world. For Andrea, she knew that she could identify with the terms Bisexual and Transgender, but by then she was already in a committed heterosexual relationship. “This stuff takes a toll on you,” said Councilmember Jenkins. She was living a facade and denying herself the true pleasures and joys in life she always desired. This is why her biggest message when she speaks around the country to people is to be who you are meant to be on your own terms. “Be yourself easily, that is the biggest gift you can give to yourself ”
HE ISN'T BOUND BY SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED CONCEPTS By Michael Cox
Kingston, what does being trans mean to you? This is an interesting question because technically “trans” is simply a socially constructed concept used to categorize people based on their gender identity and gender expression. Similar to any other socially constructed identity, the concept can mean so much and yet fail to communicate the most important aspect of any person their humanity. As a culture, and I’m talking mainstream popular culture, we’ve seemed to have found ourselves in this chamber of reducing people down to their bodies: how they do or allegedly do not conform to what society has allowed to be “normal,” or perhaps even more problematic, “natural.” It’s eerily reminiscent of purity politics. Where we fail to see the beauty in divergence, are dogmatic about inception, and attempt to control variation; regardless of the fact that nature’s most extraordinary quality is the way it refuses to conform. I’m talking conceptually first because identity is layered and my transness is simply one of my many layers, and perhaps, a more superficial one at that. Don’t get me wrong - I absolutely love being trans. We are a powerful, courageous, complex and diverse group of people who descend from a lineage of resistance to systemic oppression, state-sanctioned violence, and social exclusion. We are a people who are unapologetically ourselves on a daily basis even in the face of such grave threats as death. Just look at our statistics, Black and brown trans-women have been getting murdered at epidemic levels for years, but it rarely reaches the news. And yet, we continue to organize and not only fight to liberate ourselves but fight to liberate the most marginalized communities across the globe because those are the very communities 29 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
we intersect with. Often, our intersecting identities are overlooked. You see, along with being trans we are BIPOC, gay and straight, womxn, immigrants, working class, differently (and perfectly) abled, nuerodiverse, spiritual and religious, and on and on and on. We are not solely trans. And, beyond these layers of socially constructed identities, we are people with hopes, dreams, desires, passion, ideas, hurts, grief, and loss - we are valuable. So, to answer your question … to me, being trans, is as natural as being cis but more dangerous, it’s a form of resistance to oppression, a display of immense creativity, an expression of unapologetic courage, and a continuation of human expression which has asserted itself since antiquity. When did you know you were Trans and what did that mean for you? If trans was part of my lexicon at birth, I probably would’ve claimed it. However, I grew up in the northshore of Boston in the mid-80’s. The only thing about transness that I knew was through the storytelling of what my dear friend calls, The Jerry Springer paradigm. That multi-million dollar talkshow platform, completely based on harming trans people (amongst other vulnerable groups) while simultaneously teaching the public to abhor us. I am laughing though, just a little bit, because it’s very hard to package transness into a palatable tale. For so many, it’s not a linear journey. I mean, life isn’t a linear journey. Transness gets scapegoated but really anyone can review their life and see all the twists and turns that make it difficult to reduce into a single thread. I even actually
think this question derives out of a misconception that has been sold for years now in mainstream media. That is, kid realizes they’re trans at X years old and proceeds to go through a transgender journey to become their authentic self. How many specials have covered this trope? What I can say though is that my decision to share this part of myself publically was both a terrifying and liberating one, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. What are misconceptions you hope others will stop having towards the Trans community? It’s tough to say because “trans” doesn’t mean just one thing, it’s really an umbrella term that captures countless gender identities and gender expressions, which makes the misconceptions incalculable depending on how one is defining or perceiving transness, and ultimately discriminating against it. I think generally though, there’s a way in which cis people are centered in this movement to “demystify” transness or make it more “acceptable” to the public. And, I don’t mean to sound icy but I think this is a dynamic we see in many liberation movements where those who hold power are continuously centered in the disempowered people’s fight for freedom. Meaning, every step towards freedom for people who are marginalized is enshrined in being asked to make sure those who hold power are comfortable, comprehending, and in agreement. Our integrity is also constantly called into question, we are silenced, policed, and attacked. I think this is why the book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism” hit so hard this last summer. It elicited a new wave of reckoning with white supremacy; and the thing about supremacy is that it’s not solely occupied by whiteness. It can also be occupied by cis-ness. So, I guess, I’d much rather we get to a place where we are more interested in centering trans people. Asking what trans people actually want and need rather than offering them fleeting moments where we’re asked to dissect, disclose, and explain the (often) most basic aspects of our identities, bodies and histories to fufill the curiosities and mend the misconceptions of cis people. I’m more interested in creating spaces where trans people can be honored and valued; provided with equitable opportunities for employment, housing, and healthcare. Decriminalized.
this only comes when we learn to center trans people. For those raising a child that identifies as Trans what advice would you give them? Temper your fears. Be curious and open. Protect your child. Not only from the world around them but from your own prejudice. Call them in instead of calling them out (or throwing them out). Most importantly, perhaps, is to educate yourself. Don’t rely on your child to educate you. The canon of trans literature, research, and resources is immense at this time. Absorb what you can and explore your own edges. Ask yourself as many questions as you ask them. Knowing consciousness is a lifelong commitment. What are some Trans rights people need to be aware of that affect the Trans community negatively? We’re actually in the midst of a record breaking year in terms of anti-transgender legislation. In March the 82nd anti-trans bill was introduced into the state legislative session, surpassing the 2020 total of 79 and marking the highest number of anti-transgender bills in U.S. history. Just three months into the year! The legislation filed includes anti-transgender medical care bans, sports bans, and bathroom bans to name a few. I think the discourse around sports bans is perhaps the most popular and widereaching right now. And, I actually think NCAA champion CeCe Telfer has been outspoken in this area and is a phenomenal resource for learning more about it. Beyond legislation, trans people have a right to privacy. Pointblank, period.
Of course, I look forward to the time when cis people no longer view trans people as an abberation but I believe
"TO ME, BEING TRANS, IS AS NATURAL AS BEING CIS BUT MORE DANGEROUS, IT’S A FORM OF RESISTANCE TO OPPRESSION, A DISPLAY OF IMMENSE CREATIVITY, AN EXPRESSION OF UNAPOLOGETIC COURAGE, AND A CONTINUATION OF HUMAN EXPRESSION WHICH HAS ASSERTED ITSELF SINCE ANTIQUITY." 30 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
I’d like to see Hollywood take a more equity based model when it comes to embracing the trans community. What ignited your activism in Trans rights? Being marginalized ignited my activism. Loving my community so deeply and seeing the ways in which we suffer. Circumstances, for sure. And, not only having a deep desire for more but a vision that more is possible. Is there a difference in how people view Trans men versus women? Is there a difference between how people view cis men verse women? Absolutely. What are some up and coming projects / works for you? Right now, I’m working with an artist and editor on a graphic novel for kids. I’m co-writing a television pilot that I’ll also be acting in. I’m lecturing and doing a ton of anti-oppression work within the prison industrial complex. And, I’ve been working on a passion project, called: Love Your Vehicle, the integration of mind | body | soul for historically marginalized bodies. Through strength training, movement, and meditation, we (re)discover the parts of ourselves that we’ve lost along the way. 31 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
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I’d, of course, like to see more trans actors filling roles that aren’t explicitly trans. I love that we have talent agencies emerging that are geared towards trans people, but I also want established agencies to welcome trans people in. We absolutely need more trans writers in the writing room and directors on set. We also need resources for trans artists to continue harnessing their talent and refining their skills. Trans people are last in the race and running on the longest track. See, what we’re not yet speaking on is equity. It’s powerful to have a transwoman in the room writing and directing, but what does it mean when she isn’t even paid half of what her cis counterpart makes? It’s dope to have a transman make an appearance on a show but what happens when that character isn’t recurring or there’s no other opportunities after that one ends.
S T O R I E S
You’re kind. I think there has been some progressive movement in Hollywood. We’re seeing major networks making pledges to diversify their programs, shows and films with trans characters, we watched Janet Mock become the first transgender woman of color to write and director a television episode. However progress, when not led by those who have been marginalized, is incredibly slow.
“TRANS” IS SIMPLY A SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED CONCEPT USED TO CATEGORIZE PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR GENDER IDENTITY AND GENDER EXPRESSION. SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED IDENTITY, THE CONCEPT CAN MEAN SO MUCH AND YET FAIL TO COMMUNICATE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ANY PERSON - THEIR HUMANITY.
T R A N S
You have gained fame and notoriety in Hollywood. Has Hollywood become more progressive to writing and having roles for Trans people? What is something you wish Hollywood would embrace more about the Trans community?
BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
IN THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT |
33. Keith Bryant
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KEITH BRYANT Many complain about the lack of representation in the media but only a few actually work to change it. there is one person in San Diego who we know is working to change that narrative and that is Ke i t h Bryan t .
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B
ryant is currently a News producer at NBC 7 San Diego and a meteorologist. He is also the newly elected Board President of The San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ). In this position, he hopes to bring more life to the organization to help foster a community of African Americans in media, journalism, and public relations. Keith has had humble beginnings in media before moving to San Diego last year from Connecticut. “I’ve worked at various stations where I was told that my mannerisms were going to work against me getting into certain positions,” said Bryant when asked how the experience has been for him as an African American in the media. This fueled his fire to excel in the industry but at times made him doubt
himself. It was from mentors and a small support system of other African Americans who helped him understand that he didn’t have to let those negative connotations affect his career outlook. In the media, many times African Americans are stereotyped into what roles work best for a news outlet. For example, he referenced how ex-athletes are at times preferred for more mainstream media roles in news because of the masculinity excuse by stature. This narrative of not having many rooms for various types of African Americans is something that he wants to see change. “We aren’t monolithic, and the media needs to represent that,” said Keith. I received firsthand details on what happens behind the scenes from my conversation with Keith. From General Manager to Agent, the life of a person working for a news outlet is out of their control. “Sometimes the General Manager may have a style and taste that you might not fit,” said Bryant. This was in response to the question “Who determines what is or who is acceptable to be on the air?” Then you have to consider the market of the station, the news director, and other roles filled by management. With all this being said, this is exactly why he believes an organization like The San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ) is important. “We want to help make sure other African Americans who enter into the San Diego market feel welcomed and have the resources they need to succeed in the media.” said Bryant. With so many things happening behind the scenes, an organization like this becomes a safe haven and beacon of hope and light for others. Through his journey, he has found a progressive and diverse home with NBC from his time with the company in Connecticut to his current position with them in San Diego. “I feel NBC has been number one when it comes to diversity out of all the stations in my experience,” said Bryant. His admiration for NBC is also met with a high level of journalistic integrity throughout the NBC family. This level of integrity and diversity is something he hopes to see one day throughout the nation.
About San Diego Association of Black Journalists The San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ) is the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). SDABJ is a 501(c) (3) organization and was founded in 2000 by a small group of journalists and communication professionals, including Jim Trotter, Maria Hunt, Jerry McCormick, Ozzie Roberts, Gil Griffin, Bernie Jones, Samuel Autman, Lisa Lake, Booker Crenshaw, and Kelly Williams. SDABJ has approximately twenty registered members working in print, broadcast, public relations, and academia. The nonprofit organization’s goals include increasing the number of Black journalists in management positions and encouraging Black journalists in becoming entrepreneurs. SDABJ works to foster an exemplary group of professionals who honor excellence and outstanding achievements by 34 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
Black journalists, and outstanding achievement in the media industry as a whole, particularly when it comes to providing balanced coverage of the Black community and society at large. The organization works with high schools and colleges to identify and encourage Black students to become journalists and to diversify faculties and related curriculum. We are also committed to providing informational and training services to the general public. All fundraising efforts go toward academic scholarships and student training programs such as “Pro for a Day”. This is a journalism boot camp where students are taught how to produce their own news stories on a variety of platforms under the tutelage of professional journalists. Learn more at www.sdabj.org.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF SAN DIEGO BLACK LGBTQ COALITION It is Pride Month and in celebrating Pride as Black LGBTQ individuals, it’s important we take a look back at what we have overcome so far. We have overcome 4 miserable years with a president that did not support our rights and our lives. We survived the Derek Chauvin trial after months of the media repeatedly showing the unjustified and senseless killing of George Floyd to the extent that many of us, if we hadn’t already by the Breonna Taylor verdict, lost faith in the justice system. We have since survived many senseless killings of individuals who looked like us, sound like us, and were either vilified in the media by individuals with a political agenda or misgendered, deadnamed, or ignored from the media entirely. We continue to survive the covid-19 pandemic which disproportionately impacted us for various reasons that reflect our access to healthcare and our well-being, and many of us may have lost someone we love, something we knew and loved. We continue to fight, survive and quench our thirst to thrive and we keep these things in mind as we celebrate Pride. We celebrate how far we have come while knowing we still have far to go. We rejoice and celebrate not only how we got as far as we have arrived but those that came before us that laid the foundation for us to be here. Whether you participate in San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition’s Black Pride in July or another form of Pride, remember to celcbrate! Celebrate yourself. Celebrate the various pieces of you that did not quit and did not give up this year. Celebrate all the parts of you that showed up, however you did and however you came to stand here and be you today and remember that you are enough, you are more than enough, just the way you are. Black is beauty. Black is bold. Black is strength. Have Pride.
• History of SD Black LGBTQ Coalition The San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition was founded by Dwayne Crenshaw in 2015 out of a desire to help connect and empower the Black LGBTQ community by becoming a resource hub of Black LGBTQ events, services, programs, and resources to serve the San Diego Black LGBTQ community. Over the years, the Coalition grew from just being a program of San Diego Pride to forming bylaws, articles of incorporation and this year becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, led by Black LGBTQ community members serving Black LGBTQ community members as San Diego’s only Black LGBTQ led and Black LGBTQ serving nonprofit. As the board of directors is voted in annually by community members, each year has shown changes in leadership and program focus. Led by it’s first Transgender female President, this year the Coalition has enacted San Diego’s First Emergency Black Transgender Fund for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals seeking emergency assistance with housing, food, and lacking access to continue receiving gender affirmation care and treatment. In addition, the Coalition just created the Damon J. Shearer Academic Scholarship fund for Black LGBTQ students seeking financial support 36 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
with their college education. Coming up is the Coalition’s Transformative Justice Skills Building Group in addition to our ongoing partnership with San Diego LGBTQ Community Center who co-facilitates Brave Space, a monthly support group for Black LGBTQ community members. Led by an unpaid board of directors who volunteer their time, the San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition focuses on sharing resources (groups, programs, services, mental health providers, etc) that matter and impact the Black LGBTQ community as well as attempting to fill the gap in need to help further support the Black LGBTQ community to see our vision of “a strong, sustained and connected Black LGBTQ community in San Diego”.
• Why this organization is important.
Being the only Black LGBTQ non-profit organization serving Black LGBTQ community members and communities, we serve two marginalized communities who due to their intersectionality are even more likely to be marginalized or discriminated against. We work to highlight organizations that are serving Black LGBTQ communities to lift them up, share their resources, programs and events, and help connect Black LGBTQ community members to them. We use our platform to advocate for the needs of the Black LGBTQ community in spaces where their voices are not often heard and with organizations that serve or are not serving them to help serve them better. We hold a seat at various organizations including San Diego Pride, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, and keep pathways of communication open with political leaders including the Mayor of San Diego and conversations with and about law enforcement. We also create and educate other organizations on deconstructing, challenging and combating anti-Blackness, transphobia, and providing education on LGBTQ issues and ways to advocate for a better change. We utilize our partnerships with other coalitions to help connect our marginalized communities so they can be even stronger together. In a disjointed community where Black individuals live in pockets instead of having one central place, our organization seeks to build that central place and help those individuals find each other and find Black LGBTQ affirming spaces to #ExistBlackly whatever being Black and existing as Black means.
• Recurring events
The San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition meets the 2nd Saturday of each month however these meetings are closed and only for Board of Directors in planning and updating on programs and services. The San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition holds quarterly General Meetings open to the public and entire community to share updates, explore need and illict feedback on how to improve and meet our mission more effectively. The Coalition uses our website to share recurring events that happen throughout the community at https://www.sdblackcoalition.org/
BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
LIFE'S ALL DRAG |
38. Monet X Change 40. Amber St. James
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BEHIND THE LOVE OF DRAG WITH MONET X CHANGE BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN SIMIONE HAIR LEO LLANOS
Many know her for winning season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars and Miss Congeniality of season ten, but there is so much more to this queen. This queen isn’t just a reality television star she is a classically trained singer and personality.
G
rowing up in Brooklyn with a traditional West Indian homelife was not easy for Monet. “Everything says for us to shame femininity in men,” said Monet. This is the typical experience for those coming from certain social and cultural backgrounds that promote hyper masculinity in young men and forces them to denounce any traits that could be regarded as feminine. She was picked on in middle and high school and bullied at times. Monet states, “I had a gaggle of black girlfriends who would look out for me and even fight for me”.
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"I realized how much Black women meant to me" Her ode to black women stems from the many memories of the black queens who fought for her and accepted her for who she was. It embraces every aspect of who she is today. From a beauty queen to business realness along with a hint of banjee, her drag shows it all. “I believe black women are the most beautiful sentient beings in the galaxy,” said Monet.
L I F E ' S A L L
Monet X Change got her start in drag when she attended Westminster Choir College in 2009. The university had a drag ball pageant and brought out a famous New York drag queen by the name of Peppermint. “I didn’t want everyone to know I was watching the show because of all the stereotypes,” said Monet as she recalled this experience. Though she enjoyed that moment, it was overshadowed by her fear of what others would say or think. “This was a lot to unpack as a sophomore and freshman in college”, Monet says. These are the same feelings many members of the LGBTQIA community experience as they navigate through the waters of internalized homophobia from others outside and inside the community.
D R A G
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“We both made this connection” Fast forward to 2012 when Monet was in a summer arts program in New York City. There she met Jasmine Rice. This would become a monumental moment for her in drag. She and Jasmine found a common love for RuPaul’s Drag Race and the art of drag. “We decided to get into full drag and participate in New York City Pride that year,” said Monet. They went all out in Full drag with the wigs, hips, heels, and everything that makes a fabulous drag queen. This wasn’t the same experience she had in 2009 because this time, she owned it. “There was this overwhelming feeling of love and acceptance,” said Monet as she described how it felt when passing through the crowds. This showed her that drag queens are heroines and how people are impacted by drag queens in the most positive ways. “They are royal figures in the queer community,” said Monet. For Monet, drag queens and transwomen are held to higher regards in the community because they are the ones who set the tone for fighting for equality and started Stonewall (the riots that began in 1969 to fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA community).
“It changed my life forever” Being on RuPaul’s Drag Race might have changed her life for the better, but there is still work to be done. “From the time you get on the show, your entire trajectory is changed,” said Monet. This opportunity boosted her platform and career to new heights, and she ceases every opportunity that comes. From major bookings to being flown out to different cities, it has been a roller coaster ride. This isn’t always the case for some. “Some queens can get a negative reputation based on one clip,” said Monet. Too many times people believe what they see on reality tv and form their opinions about others. She wants people to understand that it is Reality TV, and everything is not as it seems. Certain queens are disliked because of what may have been just a bad day. Everyone has their moments when they might not be at their best, but it doesn’t mean to cancel them out. “This is the part I really hope people get,” said Monet.
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HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MONET X CHANGE She came up with her drag name randomly at lunch with a friend. They were eating in Time Square at Dallas BBQ and noticed a money exchange across the street. They tossed a few ideas back and forth on various names with money in them and she landed on Monet. The rest, as they say, is history. Her mom and dad, who still live in the West Indies, didn’t know about her doing drag until she appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Monet recently released her new single, Love Like This. This song is written to help combat the homophobia sometimes present in reggae and dancehall songs.
AMBER ST. JAMES
community. Amber to me is liberation and black joy and beauty at its pinnacle of what it could be. Not only has she been an inspiration for others but as the bold beautiful and badass 6ft african bearded queen she has taught me so much about life and myself even outside of drag. She has been my key to liberation and freedom and as a possibility model for so many she has been a glimpse at what life and love can be for so many. When did you discover your joy, passion, and love for Drag? It was from an early age (probably around my middle school years) that I found drag granted at the time in the quick glimpse I had seen of it on my grandmother's television in the form of an episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race, I had not fully understood what it was. At that moment it was just this magically colorful thing filled with these colorful people living, laughing, and being free, which was good enough for me to become entranced in its call. However run ins with it poppin up here and there again in my life strengthened its eventual pull on me when i got to college, where i had more access to language and other experiences that better helped me not only find my love for drag but my journey to self discovery in my discovery of my gender identity as a non-binary trans person. That journey married with an increased feeling of freedom and liberation as I delved deeper into the world of drag paired with my growing radicalization as an activist culminated in the beloved activist african bearded queen I am today. I wouldn’t have made it here and been able to fully embrace my passion for drag and production intertwined with activism (as i am now known for) without the MANY beautifully helpful people who showed me how to access myself along the way, many of which as now apart of my drag family, The Haus Of St. James. What does Drag mean to you?
Who is Amber St. James? Amber St. James is a mother, an activist, a dreamer, an educator, and an all around legend. She is the manifestation of everything society ever told me I couldn't be or wasn’t worthy or valuable enough to do. Amber is the living embodiment of the intersections of joy and
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Drag to me has always meant freedom, from my first glimpse of it so many years ago sitting in my nana's house, to now where I've come to understand it with an academic lens as being a model for identity development and exploration. Drag for me as an intersectional artform with many uses has come so far from its historical meaning of being “men in dresses”. It has transformed and evolved with the times to be a social construct that is predicated on art and expression in whatever way that might mean or manifest itself for each individual drag artist.
Please let us know everything there is to know about the Haus of St. James! As a Haus built on love, community and activism, we are a family that is not only there for one another but a family that tries to do our best to always be there for our community, creating spaces and opportunities for our community to be spotlighted, heard, seen, and loved.Our commitment
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As someone who believes that we are all the arbiters of our own story I understand that in the journey of self discovery each trans person's definition of what it means to be trans for them is different in the same way each of us, while all humans, each live and lead a different human experience. For me being trans in its definition is simple, in that, it just means that you do not identify with what was assigned to you at birth. It is in this that I have come to understand the trans identity as an umbrella that can encompass many a trans identity ranging from binary trans identities like trans man or trans woman, to non-binary idetiies like: Genderfluid, bi-gender, demi-gender, and gender-non-conforming to name a few. For me my understanding of my trans-ness was intertwined with my deeper exploration of my drag as i began to recognize which parts of drag made me feel at home in my body even out of drag like: wigs, heels, and various clothing items typically associated with femininity, which paired with my stronger understanding of myself at the intersections of that journey and my increased pride in my black identity culminated in a liberating understanding of myself as a badasss non-binary transfemme force to be reckoned with. This Drag shoot for Pride SD is important for you, please explain why? This shoot is important for me as it is the natural progression of the many years of work we have done to spread the beauty, love, light and joy we have for our community. There's a certain pride in finding your tribe and your community and there is even more love and pride in being able to share that community and love with others in letting them know that their people are out there, that they are worthy of joy and love. We have a saying in our Drag Family that, “You are enough and I see You” and this project feels
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As the overall Muva of the Haus Of St. James the haus came into existence when I did, or so I like to think. But in an official capacity the Haus as an actually organized family didn’t really exist until my first drag daughter Zara Centauri in 2016 accompanied by my first Drag Sister Baebae Blu and my second drag daughter Chamelia Everglades-St. James who officially became my daughter the year after in 2017.Which was followed by then welcoming another Drag Daughter,(Imain Zella), and a Father of the haus (Father St. James) in 2018. Which from there saw a major boom in the growth of the haus with the addition of 5 new members throughout 2019, starting with the newest Drag Sister Brennda Joyy, The first Drag Grandchild (Viva Valenciaga, as the drag daughter of Imani zella), Ada Hue Silas (The Drag Child Of Father St. James), The second Drag Grandchild, Mothra Chianti (The Drag Daughter of Chamelia Everglades-St. James), and My final drag daughter, Ethniqué Saysón. Which was rounded out with our newest haus members, LUXE The Drag Queen, who was added as my official Drag Sister in 2020, and Lady Blanca joining the haus as a member in 2021 as the first cousin of the haus. And of course none of this would not have been possible if it had not been for my own Drag Mother Lucy Labruja who found and nurtured me in the world of drag and self discovery way back in 2014 when I met her at one of the many drag show shows she had produced at San Diego State University.
You recently stated you identify as Trans, would you please explain what does that mean for you?
D R A G
When did the Haus of St. James come into existence?
A L L
I believe that there are many a- misconceptions surrounding drag: from the idea that it is only for men, to the trans-antagonistic beliefs that trans and AFAB (assigned female at birth) performers aren’t real drag performers. Many people unfortunately because of the taboo associated with the idea of playing with gender in the way many drag performers do, hold so many misconceptions about drag that result in limiting their exposure to such a beautiful artform. If folxs could take the time to just step outside of their norms and boxes to take a look at some of the preconceived notions, ideals, perspectives, and beliefs, they either hold or have been told they will find the wondrous and magical world that lies beyond those narrow roads, which will open them up to the multitudes of drag and art the world has to offer.
to our values and morals in supporting our community and using our voices and platforms to advocate for the most marginalized in our communities, is just as strong as our imagination and creativity when it comes to putting on a show. We are not only a haus of lovers and fighters but a definite haus of movers and shakers when it comes to our talent and skill for performance and production. As a haus that was created on the campus of San Diego State University we have been responsible for nearly over 6+ years of LEGENDARY Drag shows produced and planned by members of our drag family dating back from Lucy Labruja prior to 2014, which over 4-5 of those years (after 2014) being headed by The overall Muva of the Haus Amber St. James with support from members of the haus including: Camellia Everglades- St. James, Imani Zella, Father St. James, and LUXE The Drag Queen, along with many collaborators from the wonderful SDSU Pride center.
L I F E ' S
What are some misconceptions people have about Drag?
like a symbolic representation of that message and this shoot for Pride SD is important because it like most things we do is a way for us love on our community and fight against the stereotypes and the hate that lives out there, and that tries to count us out and pull us down. How would you and your House describe the state of Drag in San Diego? The state of drag in San Diego, if I had to describe it, is at a beautiful moment of transition and growth. It is on the precipice of becoming so much more than we could have ever imagined. With the increase in new dynamic and bold performers and the push from many of them to create more diverse shows, representative of the many multitudes of experiences out there aside from what we have come to see as normalized within the typical drag show is beautiful. Which makes me excited for the future of drag here, and seeing shows with an even wider array of performers differing in so many beautiful ways from: body size, race, gender, spirituality, drag aesthetic, age, experience, ability, to even socio-economic means. Which will be not only beneficial to performers but even more for audiences, in bringing even more people into shows by letting them see themselves represented and creating spaces where they are feeling safe, seen, and valued.
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BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
ENTREPRENUERSHIP |
44. 47. 49. 51. 55.
Aerianah John Wells Bennie Mayberry Baked by Brodric Avonte- Rollin Roots
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AERIANAH - IT'S ABOUT HEALING IN THE COMMUNITY FOR HER
BY MICHAEL COX
PHOTOGRAPHY JAZZMINE TAYLOR
A space for creativity and expression with a retail appeal is what you get when you visit this hidden gem in Barrio Logan. From crystals to artwork, there is nothing in this little shop that you won't adore and take home with you. Aerianah Turner-Vega and her wife, Lupus, wanted to add to the healing happening in the neighborhood and make an impact where they could. “I felt that the area needed it” A self-funded business by a woman of many talents is something you see on Television or hear about in the news. “We took it out and my wife insisted that we stick it out,” said Turner-Vega as she spoke about the beginning years of the business. AGEV Co has been around for nearly four years in the Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego and stands for Amiable, Grounding, Empowered, and Vibrant. You are immersed in a world of art with eclectic one-of-a-kind pieces made by herself, her wife, and other artists. Everything blends together so well in a cohesive space. “Representation will influence others” She wants more healing in the community and for that to happen, others need to step up. For Aerianah, it’s not about making the most noise or biggest splash but genuinely doing something that helps others heal. Healing is 44 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
the aim of her business and as an artist something she knows feeds the souls of people. “I’m currently healing through my own traumatic experiences, and I just want to see other people thrive,” said Turner-Vega. She and her wife teach the youth as they come into the shop new ways to create art and jewelry. They do this to help them identify early on how powerful self-expression through arts and crafts is. “We want to give them something to turn to that is therapeutic,” said Turner-Vega. “Pride is liberation” Aerianah sees Pride as something that shows others how they have been able to conquer whatever cards life has dealt them. But this sense of Pride isn’t a solo venture. Because for her, community is the collective effort where change is possible. “For me, it’s being able to be comfortable in my skin whether I feel like dressing masculine or feminine,” said Turner-Vega. It's a liberating feeling to not have to feel conformed to any gender roles and being able to express yourself as you choose to. People living in their authentic way is the sense of liberation she enjoys seeing. “It makes me feel comfortable that people are just doing what they love,” said Turner-Vega. She wants people to think of her business and artistic brand as a representation of living a vibrant life, being
happy, and rejoicing in that kind of freedom. “Take steps and have an action plan” Lastly, she wants to encourage people to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey if they have the urge. But also, be passionate about it, especially if you are a member of the LGBTQIA community and you're black. This is because it allows them to be in control and to not have to conform to any corporate standards. “Follow the list of things that you need to do and in that order and you will be good,” said Turner-Vega.
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BY MICHAEL COX
E N T R E P R E N U E R S H I P
JOHN WELLS WANTS TO INSPIRE OTHERS THROUGH HIS WRITING
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Books have always been a way for authors to transport people to distant places and even through time. The human experience is sometimes better to be understood through narratives, poems, sonnets, and stories. John Wayman Wells made sure this was the case with his first fantasy fiction novel. We all might come from different socioeconomic backgrounds with different cultural divides, but with stories, we can always relate, compare, and contrast the human experience in ways that go beyond the lines of sexual orientation, identity, and expression. “I spent so much time fighting against the idea of what it meant to be a man” 47 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
Growing up in the small suburb of Marietta, California, John found it hard to come to grips with his sexuality at an early age. It wasn’t easy for him, especially as the son of a Pastor. “When I realized I had feelings for guys I was actually devastated,” said Wells. This was something he faced growing up in a household where church came first, and black male masculinity came second. Those values that were instilled in him early on were the same values he had to break away from to become the John he was most comfortable with. Beyond his attraction to men, he was still attracted to women, which confused him even more on who he was. “I felt
like I didn’t have anywhere to go,” said Wells. “The breaking point was moving my parents off of the pedestal” He had to get rid of antiquated ways to look at what it meant to be human. That started at home and is what gave him the courage to live out proud without any regret. “When I was able to remove them from that pedestal I was able to actually see me for who I was,” said Wells as he reflected on that moment. The hardest part about living in our truth is being fearful of disappointing or losing the respect of the ones we love. This moment and decision speaks volumes on John taking control of his life and who he will be. He wouldn’t be defined by anyone else’s terms ever again. This was the life he chose and wanted, which is a decision we all must make. “As a kid, I had a huge imagination. I loved supernatural things, superheroes, and comic books” John says he loves any story that takes you there. This is what he did when he published his first novel The Last
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Angel Warrior: The Kalib Andrews Chronicles Book 1 in 2019. “I wasn’t aware that I had put myself, my life and experiences in this character,” said Wells. This is something authors usually do and often aren’t aware of, but it makes for a more relatable story when they do. It was more than just fantasy fiction because the journey of the character is where he wants people to stop to see parts of themselves. “It’s important for people to be able to connect with a character and reflect on who they actually are,” said Wells. The trials and tribulations the character faces in his book might mirror his own life, but this mirror can also serve as a reflection for others. It’s taking a deeper look into the soul of the character and the reader. For John it was about making our Blackness the focal point in narration from our lens. Telling stories that matter and crafting them so that even others of different races can relate. Our stories matter and he doesn’t believe they need to be normalized through a different lens to be digestible.
You can find John's book on Amazon.com
“It wasn’t until I started growing a beard, that I would learn about the mechanisms of how a beard grows” Bennie left his corporate job two years ago to embark on a path to give men an opportunity to take control of their beard and skin health with his business SmartBeard. Why? Because there had to be a healthy alternative to the many chemicals and long-term negative side effects. “Why do you use shea butter or need to use argan oil” Mayberry said there were so many questions he wanted to educate men on. Too many big brands use these terms in their promotion but without the right understanding you don’t know if the ratio of the mix is substantial or if at all necessary based on your needs. Bennie is a mad scientist in business with five scientists on staff, so he makes sure his product is sound in the name of science. In a market saturated by brands that use keywords and phrases to simply attract customers, he wants to go past the attraction and build trust. “It was meant to actually help educate men on proper care” When creating this business and brand, this was something more than
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Bennie. “It has to represent the values that I have,” said Mayberry. He wants men to take control of their beards and skincare by learning and educating themselves. His mission is for the average man to understand the difference between certain products when they read the back of the labels. They need to be able to identify buzzwords while having their own tools and understanding to take
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Bennie Mayberry is taking Los Angeles by storm. He took his love for science and a background in Marketing and created a brand to help Men understand the proper way to take care of their beards and even their skin. Bennie has traveled from Alabama to California in hopes of changing something that has far too often been ignored, male beard care and skincare.
E N T R E P R E N U E R S H I P
BENNIE MAYBERRY
who a human being is. Bennie demonstrates this as he says,” I'm just a nerd from Alabama who loves science.” He took his truth, lived in it authentically, and created a successful business in a very hyper-masculine marketing and advertising industry. Pride is freedom to express yourself, be who you are, and be proud about that. He proudly proclaims, “I’m able to say I am gay and not have to worry about someone else’s reaction to that”.
care of their skin. Some brands which African American men purchase because they are black owned are subsidiaries of large corporations. This usually means they use fillers and fragrances that aren’t necessarily good for our skin, “and cause things like skin cancer and chemical damages to your skin”. They sell to the masses and with each purchase and educational content, Bennie wants to change the norm. “It’s actually been difficult for me” Bennie states, “I have invested $80,000 of my own money into this business.” This is the testament to what it means to believe in your dream. With faith and dedication, he has worked to get his business and brand out there to be noticed. Business is a spiritual practice for Bennie because he says, “it pulls from the very essence of who you are.” This is why his story is one that represents Pride. Pride is something that is from the very core and essence of
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SMARTBEARD Products can be found at www.smartbeard.com Instagram: @trysmartbeard
BAKED BY BRODRIC
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Who is Brodric?
How do you showcase your Pride?
I fell in love with food network at a young age and I was a fat kid so I wanted to try to make what I was seeing on TV...so I did and I loved it! Desserts stole my heart with the science and decorative artistry of it all! I was decorating cakes and plating desserts in high school then a rep from Johnson & Wales University came to my school and that's when I knew I was going to be a pastry chef! I moved across the country to Charlotte North Carolina from San Diego California and it was the best decision I ever made! So four years of school, internships, and bouncing around from restaurant to restaurant, constant learning and practicing the idea for Baked By Brodric was born in 2018! 3 years of hard work later and I am now living my dream of working for myself full-time!
I’m a lover through and through so I showcase my pride as a loving gay black man through my baking! I want anyone who enjoys my bakes to feel passion in the details of the presentation and the love in taste!
What does Pride mean to you? Pride to me is being confident in yourself, your passions, and your abilities that make you unique!
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You recently celebrated going full time entrepreneur and the 3rd year anniversary of your business, what advice would you give anyone looking to step out on faith? I would tell anyone looking to step out on faith to just jump! We are always waiting for the perfect time to make our dreams come true but the truth is there is never a perfect time. It will be the scariest thing you will ever do, and you will feel like turning back but as you’re falling you must learn to trust your talent and you will be flying higher than you ever thought you could. But like any you DO THE WORK and show out twice as hard for yourself. I know I’m not at level I want to be, but I know now I am on the right path to greatness!
Yield: 18-20 cookies
Ingredients:
1 Scale all dry ingredients in a bowl, mix well
to combine and set aside. Scale white chocolate chips and butterscotch chips and set aside.
2 Combine butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer fixed with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed just until combine and a ball forms. 3 With the mixer still running on low add the
white chocolate and butterscotch chips. Slowly add dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4 Add the beaten eggs and sprinkles. Continue
mixing just until the dough forms and there is no more dry spots.
5 Using a 1 ounce cookie scoop to scoop out
dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for an hour and a half.
6 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 24 minutes rotating sheets halfway through. You are looking for a light golden brown and the air bubbles to just break the surface of the cookies. 7 Let the cookies cool of baking sheets for at least 10 mins. Once the cookies are cool enough to handle enjoy with milk or ice cream!
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▫ 8 ounces cold butter, cubed ▫ 5.25 ounces white sugar ▫ 5.25 ounces brown sugar ▫ 2 tsp vanilla exact ▫ 7.5 ounces all-purpose flour ▫ 7.5 ounces bread flour ▫ 1 teaspoon baking soda ▫ 1 teaspoon baking powder ▫ 2 teaspoon salt ▫ 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch ▫ 8 ounces white chocolate chips ▫ 8 ounces butterscotch chips ▫ 3.5 ounces rainbow jimmie sprinkles ▫ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions:
E N T R E P R E N U E R S H I P
Birthday Cake Cookies
Mimosa Bundt Cake Yield: 16 slices
Ingredients: Cake: ▫ 4 ounces butter, softened ▫ 4 ounces vegetable oil ▫ 13 ounces white sugar ▫ 1 large orange, zested and juiced ▫ 4 large eggs ▫ 3 ounces sour cream, room temperature ▫ 5 ounces buttermilk, room temperature ▫ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ▫ 1 teaspoon orange extract ▫ 12 ounces all-purpose flour ▫ 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder ▫ 1 ½ teaspoon salt ▫ ½-¾ cup of champagne Glaze: ▫ 1¼ cup powder sugar ▫ Half of an orange, zested and juice (save the other half for garnish) ▫ 2 tablespoons heavy cream ▫ ¼ teaspoon orange exact ▫ Pinch of salt
Directions: 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Scale all dry
ingredients, sift onto a sheet of parchment paper and set aside. In a small bowl combine sour cream, buttermilk, and extracts and set aside.
2 In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a
paddle attachment cream the butter, oil, sugar, and the zest of the orange for 5 mins of medium speed. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time letting each egg incorporate well.
3 Reduce the mixer speed to the very lowest
setting. Alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. After the last addition of dry ingredients raise the mixer speed to high for 10 seconds, DO NOT OVERMIX.
4 Scape down the side and bottom of the
mixing bowl with a rubber spatula then pour the batter into a greased 10-inch bundt pan. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5 While the cake is cooling make the mimosa
soak. Combine the juice of the orange and enough champagne to equal 1 cup. While the cake is still warm in the poke several holes in it with a skewer and slowly pour the soak over the cake. Let the cake cool completely.
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Who is Avonte Hartsfield?
You started your food truck business during the pandemic, how has that journey been? Yes, the food truck was started during the pandemic, however I was originally a farmers market vendor and had to shut down because of the pandemic. It forced me to regroup into a food truck and the whole thing has been a lot of ups and downs! I had to close down the market, and almost had to close down the food truck after I opened it. I started both businesses with my savings, no loans or backing, and although we are expanding, it's a difficult battle. I don’t have a huge amount of money and if I make any mistakes, anyone could close us down. The journey has been exciting. But if you had asked me a year ago if I would be where I am today, I would say you were crazy. Starting a business has been very tiring though, and I feel that if I had more energy I could be doing so much more.
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That’s a hard question to answer and I don’t want to come across as bragging. But I was brought up in the system and just like most, I have been shaped by my experiences. I know the struggles of hunger and abuse, so I am more keen to interrupt those cycles wherever I can. I have worked in the restaurant industry for pretty much my entire working life. I started out as a dishwasher and worked my way up to upper management, eventually to consulting, and now owner. Growing up as the oldest sibling/first grandchild and then being in the system, it taught me to be resilient enough to want to rise through the ranks and learn everything I could. I will say that I used all my pains and struggles as steppingstones to my success.
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AVONTE - ROLLINROOTS
You were almost close to closing your business at one point, but the community came together to uplift you. How was that experience? I created a post stating that I was close to closing down the business and felt like I wouldn’t be able to turn it around. I simply asked for support for other businesses so that they wouldn't end up in my shoes, and the rest is history. The community showed up and came out literally the next day! The huge boost lasted a while and has leveled out since then, but definitely the support is still there. I can honestly say that experience has been an eye opener to the power of community support and has made me want to provide that same support for others. It was a life-changing opportunity and one that I will forever be grateful for. Why is it important for there to be more BlackOwned Vegan businesses? Vegan food is usually not synonymous with African Americans. Usually, it’s an elitist lifestyle unobtainable for minorities. I think it's important for more black business owners to have vegan businesses to show that veganism or being more plant-based is accessible, and for them to put their own spin on things, and just be in that space. I think that vegan food is improving so much right now and it's imperative that POC (people of color) step in and make their voices heard. Not only is it important for the culture but eating less meat is important for so many other reasons. Having Blacks and other minorities enter the fold and involve their communities is necessary. What’s your favorite item on the menu and why? My favorite item on the menu is the Daikon Love Sandwich. When I was creating the menu, I wanted everything to be as simple as possible. This sandwich is by far the most complex on the menu, having almost tripled the individual items as every other sandwich, I just had to put it on the menu. Everything is good
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though and not just because I created them all. What are some misconceptions people have about vegan food? People often think vegan food is simply not good. Now, back in the day, yeah it might not have been the best. But today, there are so many items and products that it's hard to get a bad vegan meal or not find something that suits you. A lot of people also think vegan means it has to be super healthy or lacking flavor, and again vegan food is what you make of it. A lot of people hear the word vegan and just turn off or shut down. I always hear "oh I'm a meat eater, I don't eat vegan" when I talk to someone about it. But after they get a sample of the food, suddenly they forget there's no meat in their meal. For that reason, I usually don't advertise as vegan just so people will try it. I always get people that come back and mention how they are glad they didn't know beforehand that it was vegan, or they would have missed out on a great meal. The past few months have been expansive for you from opening up new locations to receiving a grant from Guy Fieri for $25,000. How have you been able to handle this success? The last few months I have seen some expansions, but definitely all calculated, and none have been overextending or too much of a risk. Currently, we have the food truck and a shared space in which we share the rent and provide the food for the space. I would say that we are on the right track to truly being successful, but the company is still new, and the first few years in the restaurant industry are the most crucial. I am definitely putting my best foot forward in order to keep us going and to finally have some room to breathe. I really try not to think about it much because of all of the work that still has to be done, so I would say I am handling it day by day. You are very bold and vocal when it comes to causes and movements to support equal rights and stop injustices towards marginalized people. Why is that important for you as a business owner to take a stance on such issues?
This journey has taught me many lessons, mainly to be ready for anything at any time. You have to be flexible and able to adapt to change constantly. I also think it's ok, and usually better, to start small. If you eventually want something big and you don't have the money or
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What does Pride mean to you being an openly Gay, Black Man? To me, Pride means being able to be yourself unapologetically. A lot of people do not automatically assume that I am part of the LGBTQ community because I don't act a certain way. But I never try to hide who I am when asked or shy away from it. I think we have come a long way and there are many battles still, like being gay in the black community, or being black in the gay community. If we all stopped hating each other for things we have no control over then the world would be a better place. But that's human nature, just like the entire world never being vegan or accepting the LGBTQ community as a whole. We can win small battles and take steps forward in the right direction. I will never apologize, back down, or not be proud of who I am.
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What is something this entrepreneur to small business owner's journey has taught you that you think would be great advice for others looking to go into business for themselves?
experience then start small and grow from there. There is usually a smaller scale of something that you want to do, as long as you have a well thought out plan on how you want to grow and how you will achieve it. Also, take your business outside of your circle. I say this because normally friends and family aren’t your best audience or the ones supporting your business. But with the right audience, your business can grow.
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I think that remaining quiet about issues that are important is a statement in itself. I specifically find equal rights and marginalized communities near and dear to my heart, so I will always speak on them. I don't ever want to lose sight of who I am or what I stand for, so I want to make it constantly public. Also, I want the new people who join in on my journey to know as well. Some will feel safe and happy that I share my values, and others will not agree. Either way, I want it to be known where I stand on these important issues. Some people think, and often say, what does any of this have to do with vegan food, and the answer is everything. It’s all connected, from vegan food being more accessible to underserved and marginalized communities needing a bigger voice, to what we do with our planet and how we treat our neighbors. If you want your vegan food without hearing about these things then there are plenty of other places you may dine.
BLACK SD MAGAZINE | PRIDE ISSUE
BLACK LOVE |
34. Kris & Cam
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Throughout their relationship, they both had to deal with the hardships of childhood trauma, depression, and even the stressors of both families not accepting their relationship. They shared that coming out to family was difficult, but it wasn’t the biggest hurdle. Kris states, “Coming out to yourself is probably the hardest and most important”. But Camile emphasized that you must “choose your happiness, your authenticity, and your truth and stand in that.” They both concluded, that whether or not they accept you, you have yourself and a loving, supportive partner that will love you unconditionally as your truest, most authentic self.
KRIS & KAM By Delwayne Stepney
K
ris and Camile Reaves-Andrews have been together for 7 years now and though happily married for 3 years, have faced obstacles and barriers that only the strong survive. The celebration of black love can be defined in so many ways, yet we find ourselves dealing with the same social norms as any other couple. All relationships, no matter how different, aim towards achieving the same objective, what’s best for you and yours. Surprisingly, when they connected, neither was looking for anything serious and even laid out the ground rules. However, for the first 4 months, they were merely communicating through phone calls and text messages. So, when they actually met in person, everything changed immediately. “We knew at that very moment things were serious,” Kris said, as they laughed in agreement. But they also remember a time when the answers to the “streets callings” were no more. It was a typical love story. They fell in love at first sight and wanted nothing else than to be a part of each other's lives from that moment on. 59 | JULY 2021 | BLACKSDMAGAZINE.COM
THERE ARE 3 COMPONENTS TO A LOVING, HAPPY AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP 1. Have fun with it! If you’re not enjoying your partner and you can’t come together, then why are we here? 2. Bring all of you to the table and though you may not always know what that means, consistently try teaching new things about yourself to your partner. 3. Continue to grow together. Neither should want to stay stagnant in the relationship. Life is a journey, and it's so much better going through that journey with the one you love the most.
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“Be yourself without seeking acceptance”
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They started to realize they both not only dealt with depression, but neither were open enough to share it. “That was when I first realized what people mean when they say the easiest thing to do is to leave, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” Kris says. They then made a pact to rely on each other and to fully express themselves through therapy, proper communication, and accountability.
B L A C K
We’ve all been there where we see everything we love in a person and nothing else. Often the rose-colored glasses stay on for years, and our expectations are shielded in relationships from the reality of it all. Camile and Kris say that it specifically happened for them the day after their two-year anniversary.
The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) provides LGBTQ+ programs, collections, and resources at its libraries year-round. The LGBTQIA Library Services Committee is comprised of a dedicated team of library staff that assists with programming resources and ideas as well as collaborates with local LGBTQ+ serving community organizations to better serve and connect with our LGBTQ+ community through welcoming and inclusive services. Creating equity and equal access to essential services is a long-term focus for both SDPL and the San Diego Public Library Foundation. The Library Foundation recognizes that for the Library to fulfill its mission, leveling the playing field and giving all San Diegans opportunities to succeed is a priority. And beyond just access, the Library Foundation is committed to financially supporting efforts to ensure all communities understand the Library is free and open and that they feel welcome and comfortable at the Library. This is especially true of the LGBTQ+ community. Every June & July, the San Diego Public Library celebrates PRIDE to honor the rich heritage, cultures, experiences, contributions, and resilience of our LGBTQ+-identified communities. This year the San Diego Public Library is offering virtual programming through our SDPL Pride Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SDPLpride/ which features LGBTQ+ themed read alouds, book reviews, Pride maker activities, educational resources, and more! SDPL and San Diego Pride have partnered again this year to offer a special edition Pride design library card that will be available for free during San Diego Pride week and while supplies last at any of the San Diego Public Library locations offering services. SDPL, in collaboration with SD Pride and with support from the San Diego Friends of the Library, launched a community contest for this year's Pride Library Card and the winning design will be printed on the 2021 Pride library cards and announced in July. With generous support from the San Diego Public Library Foundation and in collaboration with the Library Shop, SDPL is excited to welcome back the community to in-person programs this summer with our PRIDE Storytime series hosted at four library locations in July. PRIDE Storytime is a family-friendly way of recognizing and celebrating our diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories & songs. SDPL has partnered with local BIPOC Drag Queens doing work in the community to promote literacy through these fun and engaging inclusive programs. Attendees will receive free PRIDE activity kits to take home and will be able to visit the PRIDEthemed Pop-Up Shop to purchase fun goodies from the Library Shop with proceeds supporting library services. SDPL will also join community partners participating in the Resilient Community March on Sunday, July 11th marching proudly representing the library to support our San Diego LGBTQ+ community. The San Diego Public Library continues to pledge solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities and is committed to bringing awareness and providing equitable opportunities & resources.
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