DESMOND the CREATOR
Interviewer: E. L. Winston
Following the notes of our music theme this month, I reached out to someone who I believe has great influence creatively. Mr. Desmond Tyrone is a creator. He doesn’t make music, but he makes the kinds of moments others can admire, enjoy, and respect. After interviewing Desmond, I recognized that just like the songs of our youth, there are people we meet in our lives who can leave a lasting impression. 1. Desmond, I know that you are a mentor. How did you become interested in mentoring others? I became a mentor because when I was incarcerated I started attending a program called Thinking for a Change. When I was released, that same program helped me become a certified peer specialist. I developed a passion for giving advice, encouraging others, and uplifting my peers. I wanted to use these powers in a positive way. 2. What motivated you to start hosting educational workshops about transitioning and what purpose do they serve? I started hosting educational workshops because I always wanted someone to help me navigate and guide me through my transition. I had to do most of it alone and through my own research. Since that happened to me, I vowed to be the person I needed. I am determined to be that person for others going through the same experience.
audition tapes and I had the good fortune
There are so many people who are ignorant about who we
of being cast. Filming with others like
are and what it takes so I figured I could help by being an
myself has been one of the best
open book for educational purposes and to help people
experiences in my life.
understand our lifestyles.
6. What else would you like for our readers
3. You also have a fitness group. What is it and how did you get
to know about you? I would like everyone
started? Fitness Whorez was created during the pandemic. I
to understand the significance of spiritual
wanted to help others of trans experience stay motivated
transformation. This helps us to be the
and uplifted. Virtual workout sessions were one way I felt I
best we can be and to live a creative life. I
could contribute.
am the kind of person who enjoys
4. With everything else you do as a community advocate, you
listening to others and giving advice, so
are also an actor. What was your break into the business? I
that others can survive their rough or
have a friend who is a writer and they started a web series
complicated times. Lastly, we don’t have
called ‘Lesbireal’, so I asked about joining. I realized that I
to rush on anything because we need to
loved being in front of the camera. Acting has gotten me
trust the process. Just smile.
through a lot of dark times and it has kept me out of trouble. I really enjoyed all of the rehearsing and working with my
I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing
cast mates.
Desmond and I hope you enjoyed it as
5. You have a new project coming out, share a little about it.I
well. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for
became involved with Eden’s Garden because in all my days
me on social media platforms as
it was one of the first films I saw about the trans experience.
DesmondGang_Ace. Let’s support
A few years went by and I saw a casting call for new actors. I
someone in our community doing
couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. I sent in my
amazing things!
