PRESENTED BY
BLAQOUT MANIFESTO
At BlaqOut our definition of equity in society is for everyone in our community to flourish. Our methodology is to take full responsibility and do the best and most we can to embrace each other instead of point fingers. Instead of demanding that somebody else “fix it”, we recognize that the challenges any member of our community faces is our opportunity to live from the depth of our love.
We simply refuse to leave any of our people to suffer in the silence of obscurity. Not everyone is going to care about us. That’s life. Distractions and detractors only fuel our determination to be what we came here to be for each other. We define our community and with each project seek to lift that community up to exist as one healthy, united family of able bodies and souls.
Together we might never find all the solutions but we will give it all we’ve got. As an organization, we are exploring various means of sustainability, including social enterprise to reinforce self-sufficiency but with the wisdom we need not do this in isolation. The successful models of change we create can be exported and utilized to address challenges in other communities who can deploy insights we’ve gathered to fuel their efforts towards progress and transformation. We exist to confirm that our lives matter.
We are not gathered here to convince or persuade anyone to get it. A capacity to love and put that love into action is the defining characteristic of our true allies who we invite to support us in fulfilling our mission.
The light we shine on the brave lives who graciously opened themselves by baring their innermost truths as respondents for our survey show us where we can do more. Our findings reveal the specific areas where the need for a shift in approach and consciousness is most critical. Our findings are a directive for those who are truly determined to serve this multi-faceted community made up of unique individuals who require support as we all do.
They don’t want a hand out. They want to contribute to the world and we want to reinforce their value as members of the greater community at large who stand to benefit from their presence and talents. It is in a spirit of appreciation and love that we welcome all who have gathered here today. We hope that your presence is a sign.
More than a sign we hope your presence here is confirmation that you are able, interested and willing to not only learn something but to leave here to determined to do something to contribute to our mission.
Thank you.
JOEL BARRETT
Master of Ceremonies
Joel Barrett of Joel Speaks Out is an LGBTQ Writer, Speaker, and Gatherer. He is recognized for his honesty in sharing his story as a former Baptist pastor and survivor of ex-gay therapy. He has a unique ability to bring people together, his message encourages everyone to challenge their fears and live with authenticity and transparency. He is a regular guest expert on podcasts, news reports, and panel discussions. His story has been featured on StoryCorps, Risk!, The Daily Mail, and more. His book Godly, But Gay is scheduled for release in 2020. He and his husband David of 13 years moved to Kansas City in 2016.
DAVID SEYMOUR
Master of Ceremonies
David Seymour is a public affairs specialist, dancer of music filled with soul, and promoter of building bridges. He firmly believes that one of the best forms of protest is to “be who you are, wherever you are, all the time.” During his short time in Kansas City, David has been actively involved with efforts to build a stronger and more robust LGBTQ community.
NATASHA RIA EL-SCARI
Poet
Natasha Ria El-Scari is a writer, editor, Cave Canem fellow, performance poet and educator for over a decade. Her poetry is widely published. She is the author of, Screaming Times (Spartan Press, 2015), The Only Other (Main Street Rag, 2016), three spoken word CDs (available on all media outlets) and one DVD. She is the founder/curator of Black Space Black Art and the co-owner of the El-Scari Harvey Art Gallery in Kansas City, MO.
MICHAEL ROBERSON Activist
Michael Roberson is a public health practitioner, advocate, activist, artist, curator and leader within the LGBTQ community, as well as an Adjunct Professor at The New School University/Lang College, NYC and Union Theological Seminary NYC. He is an international art and politics consultant and a member of the international sound art collective entitled “Ultra-red”. Michael is a recent TED Media Resident, where he performed a global TED Talk about the underground black/Latino LGBT House/ball ballroom community.
EVENT PROGRAM
Lunch and Registration
Attendees are asked to go directly to the lunch buffet upon registration and seating.
Welcome
Earl Fowlkes, President, Center for Black Equity
BlaqOut Year-In-Review
Lawrence W. Crawford, Vice Chair, BlaqOut Board of Directors
Presenting Sponsor Remarks
Kirk Isenhour, Truman Medical Centers Charitable Foundation
Special Presentation — “Positive Images”
Devin Hursey, BlaqOut Board Member and Sean Alexander, Community Member
Whole Health Model
Tusday Dudley, Secretary/Treasurer, BlaqOut Board of Directors
Roadmap for the Future
Godfrey Riddle, BlaqOut Board Member
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Dominique Jackson, Lead Actress, Pose
Closing Remarks
D. Rashaan Gilmore, Founder and President, BlaqOut
A Message to Mothers
Natasha Ria El-Scari, Poet and Performer
* * *
DOMINIQUE JACKSON
Keynote Speaker
Enduring intolerance, discrimination and prejudice, Dominique Jackson left school and moved to New York City, where she became a member of the Ball Community, winning six crowns/titles while competing locally and nationally. A fashion model since 2000, she has been featured in titles including Paper Magazine, Get Out Magazine, The New York Times and Vogue. In 2014, Jackson released her autobiographical memoir, The Transsexual from Tobago (Revised). She has starred in Carla Pridgen’s Incongruence, Oxygen Network’s GLAAD Award-winning reality docu-series Strut and 2019 Golden Globe nominee Pose.
INTRODUCTION
Visual AIDS: A Photographic Exhibition presents eleven men –African-American, gay, HIV-positive – whose stories are painful, courageous, hopeful and inspiring.
You are asked to confront your biases about homosexuality, African-American masculinity, sexual behavior and HIV, as these men have learned to do. Living with HIV, they have discovered their identities, prior to and after infection. You are asked to reflect on the risks you’ve taken with your body, in your sexual encounters: Did you always know your sexual partner? Did you use protection? These stories speak to a human experience that connects all of us despite the varying evidences your bodies show of your decisions, your choices. Each man offers reflections on how he was infected — many ignoring intuition, and all of course without permission. (But regarding HIV accountability, think about the “contractual” terms of sexual encounters: can condom use be understood as a social contract of liability?)
Viewers of Visual AIDS are asked to regard these men as agents of change. They each have made themselves intentionally vulnerable to generate change: changed ideas, changed behaviors, changed society. Everyday these men confront their HIV-positive status and choose to live positively, to think positively, and to own positivity. This despite failed support systems—their families, their churches—that at one time seemed guaranteed for the length of their lives. Some have expressed that they feel they walk alone. They carry a burden that can only be lifted with a cure, and they hope the prayers of loved ones can encourage this miracle. And now our bodies are the guilty ones / Who touch and color the hours / Night won’t breathe / Oh how we / Fall in silence from the sky. This song from Spring Awakening offers a new mediated image of a HIV-positive status: These men are guilty only of being human. Visual AIDS asserts that the humane response to imposed stigma is to hold accountable the persons, perhaps you, who point at others with accusations of shame and disgrace based on social traditions, religion and fear. To do so, you must require an explanation of their human superiority. Answer: It does not exist.
Matthew Newton, 22
HIV-Positive, 2 years
Brian Brooks, 29
HIV-Positive, 5 years
Devin Hursey, 24
HIV-Positive, 4 months
Quintez Fox, 25
HIV-Positive, 5 years
Terrence Moss, 24
HIV-Positive, 8 months
Kaylon Sanders, 29
HIV-Positive, 4 years
Christopher Dozier, 24
HIV-Positive, 4 years
Seandretta Alexander, 22 HIV-Positive, 1 year
Keitch Irvin, 27
HIV-Positive, 4 years
Trent Ramsey, 24
HIV-Positive, 4 years
“PEOPLE DID NOT REALLY NEED TO BE LED; THEY NEEDED TO BE GIVEN THE SKILLS, INFORMATION AND OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD THEMSELVES.”
— ELLA BAKER
About BlaqOut About BlaqOut
BlaqOut is a united community of individual advocates, community activists and healthcare professionals who work to address the psychosocial and environmental challenges faced by Black queer/Same Gender Loving (SGL) men in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
Mission Statement
To bring about a community where young Black queer/Same Gender Loving men are connected and supported, have access to safe spaces and sufficient resources that will help them thrive.
We Believe
We believe that to turn the tide against the HIV epidemic and improve overall health outcomes, grassroots and indigenously-led efforts originating from those most-affected must be given the opportunity to succeed. It is essential that we begin to deploy revolutionary, evidenced-based, and out-of-the-box models to effectively support young Black queer/Same Gender Loving (SGL) men, especially those living with HIV. We recognize how stigma, discrimination and medical mistrust act as tremendous barriers to good health for many Black queer/Same Gender Loving (SGL) men.
And we want to do something about it.
TO CREATE CHANGE, WE MUST COME
TOGETHER.
Our Approach
BlaqOut has adopted a holistic approach that aims to look at all aspects of the lives of Black queer/ Same Gender Loving (SGL) men. Accordingly, in all of our activities a conscious effort is made not to problematize Black queer/Same Gender Loving (SGL) men by having a singular focus on disease (HIV/ AIDS). We approach Black queer/Same Gender Loving (SGL) men and their lives with a solutionoriented focus that raises awareness of the myriad health issues impacting our community and offers participants the opportunity to begin developing realistic strategies to combat these issues effectively.
Safe Space Concept: BlaqBox Theater & Cultural Incubator
Artistic Rendering by
University of Kansas
Julia GillmanARCH 502 Accelerated Design Studio Summer 2019
Thom Allen, InstructorThank you Dominique.
On behalf of a grateful community, BlaqOut wishes to express our profound thanks to Dominique Jackson for gracing us with her time and presence in Kansas City.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter for updates on our progress and a fun, upclose look into the world of BlaqOut. Our handle is the same across all social platforms: @blaqoutkc. Learn more about us at our website: blaqout.org. We can be reached by e-mail at: hello@blaqout.org.
Partner With Us
We are always interested in exploring new collaborative possibilities that are rooted in equity, mutuality and sustainability. We would love to learn your organization’s ideas on how we can partner to further benefit Black queer/Same Gender Loving men. As the first stage of our vetting process, please shoot us an e-mail with your ideas to: partner@blaqout.org. Organizations that meet our topline criteria will be invited to submit in the second stage of our evaluation.
Let’s improve health outcomes for Black queer/Same Gender Loving men together!
Donate Today
Help us make the change we want to see in our community. Together, with your help, we can do it!
Please consider taking your support to the next level with a convenient, automatic monthly gift. Become a BlaqOut Sustainer and ensure that our essential work is supported with your secure, monthly donation.
All members who contribute $25.00 or more annually receive a complimentary gift from the founder of BlaqOut, Inc.
Thank you for joining us!
BlaqOut, Inc., is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to BlaqOut, Inc., are taxdeductible to the extent permitted by law. Tax identification number: 82-1144166
© 2019 BlaqOut, Inc. All rights reserved.
ACKNLOWLEDGEMENTS
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor $7,500+
Truman Medical Center
Gold Sponsor $3,000+
Gilead Sciences
Silver Sponsor $1,500+
KC Care Health Center
BlaqOut Board of Directors
Seth Hunter, Ph.D.
Hon. Lawrence Crawford
Jacques Simmons
Tusday Dudley, M.Ed.
William Xavier D. Rashaan Gilmore
Jerrell McCullough
BlaqOut Community Action Board
Mathew D.
Victor L.
Edward S.
Devin H.
Aaron B.
Cameron H. D’Andre W. Zendrix B. Jelani S. Quintez F. Cordell P.
Jerrell M.
Partner Organizations
Black Health Care Coalition
Calvary Community Outreach Network
Center for Black Equity
Diversity Telehealth
KC Care Health Center
Truman Medical Center
John R. Rakeem G.
Gerald T.
Nathaniel R.
Traquel H.
Dewayne B.
Fawn Lies
Godfrey Riddle
Vikktor V. Dimone M.
Anthony W.
University of Missouri Kansas City — School of Medicine Community Health Research Group
Design and Copy
Messenger Ink
Shawn Moore
