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NOV 2023 ISSUE#038

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RECOGNIZING TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE 2023

Ede Gardn’s en

PREVIEWING THE

BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

eden’s garden A BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE

THE MALACHI “SEVEN” KING SERIES

TAMARA S. LEIGH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CONTENTS BLAQUE/OUT MAGAZINE IS A MONTHLY DIGITAL PUBLICATION CENTERED FIRMLY IN BLACK & BROWN QUEER QULTURE. BLAQUE/OUT FEATURES WRITERS, ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, CREATIVES AND INFLUENCERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WE ARE WORDS. WE ARE ART. WE ARE FASHION. WE ARE CULTURE. WE ARE MUSIC. WE ARE PROTEST. WE ARE WHERE BLAQUE QUEER CULTURE LIVES. FIND US ON FACEBOOK, IG, TIKTOK. TO SUBSCRIBE TO BLAQUE MAGAZINE, VISIT: HTTPS://ISSUU.COM/STORE/PUBLISHERS/BLAQUEOUTMAG/ SUBSCRIBE

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EDEN’S GARDEN: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

QUEER REVOLUTIONARIES JAVANNAH DAVIS

THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON

HE GOT THE KEYS: NATHANIEL JOHNSON

KIYANI SAVAGE: A TRANS MAN SPEAKS

COVER ART: TAMARA LEIGH

UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY REVIEW MEL HOWARD 02

MEET THE BLAQUE 10 OUT NATIONAL VIRTUAL TDOR TOWN HALL PANELISTS COPY EDITOR: RONI WINSTON ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN

NOV 2023 | ISSUE# 038

I’ve been a part of planning Trans Day of Remembrance

who considered It your fault, justified or just plain unimportant.

events for almost a decade. I keep track of the pictures and

As a cis-gender woman I will never understand this weird hate disguised as fear,

names each year. I post them and write about them so often

religiosity or morality that would make us feel like somehow our life or comfort or opinion

that I feel like I’m seeing old friends when I come across the

matters more than someone elses or how we somehow believe we have the right to decide

pictures. I remember the friends I’ve made and lost over the

who someone loves or has sex with, dresses as or what they have between their legs. Or even why

years. To overdoses, poverty, violence, bad medical care, and

we’d want to. I don’t know how we end Transmisia but until we do, we keep fighting,

suicides. I can still feel the hugs of the families I’ve worked with

keep saying their names, keep those memories alive and keep reminding people that they are

who were counted amongst the mourning at TDOR each year. I

loved. After you attend your local TDOR events, join us

think about Mel and Jennifer and Nino daily. I fight to not picture

for the 1st National TDOR Virtual Town Hall as we search for solutions together.

myself as one of the crowd of grieving because I know the probability of one day It being one of the people I love most In the world being taken out Is so real. And although It Is always Incredibly scary to be a Black woman In this country, no matter what state you live In... I can’t Imagine living with the reality each day that someone who doesn’t even know you- not your heart, not your struggles, not your name- could be hiding around any corner waiting to take you out. And that If It did happen, there would be people

a word. Editor-In-Chief

TamaraSanaa SanaaLeigh Leigh Tamara Editor-In-Chief

BlaqueOUT columnists & contributors Javannah J. Davis (she/her) resides in Rochester, NY where she has worked in healthcare for 19 years, is a self-published author, Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women Inc & CEO/Owner of Linjé Enterprises LLC. Javannah is passionate about healing, self-love, self actualization & helping others to live the best of their lives in a healthy way.

E.L. Winston of Fayetteville, NC (He,Him, His) Trans Community Advocate, CoFounder of Lambda Gamma Omega Nu Fraternity. Just your everyday introspective old man and 1 half of Team Winston

Roni Winston aka The Mrs. aka Pastor Roni (She/Her/Hers) Fayettevlle, NC. Minister, educator, entrepreneur, couples' coach, writer, mom, and grandma. Half . of Team Winston.

Immani Love, (she/her) A Lesbian Erotic Poet, Author, Ordained Minister, Freelance Writer, Real Estate Agent, and overall witty, seductress with the voice of a Siren. An educated Vixen in sunny St. Pete, Florida.

Lade Breez (He/Her/Them) is an award winning 3x published author, publisher, philanthropist, humanitarian, motivational speaker, life coach, event host, youth tutor, artist developer & spoken word artist. Owner & founder of Express Me Poetry Business Services & Events, & Educated Blessyns LLC, improving this world one stage at a time. ExpressMePoetry.com

Mel Howard (he/him) Resides in Newport News, Virginia where he worked in finance industry for over 5years, is a columnists for BlaqueOUT Magazine and Founder/President of THRIVING TRANSMEN OF COLOR. Mel is passionate about community, self acceptance and forgiveness.

Tina Marie Jones (she/her/hers) Founder of Uncover, LLC, mother of 4, activist, motivator, and columnist.

Courtney L (she/her) designer, developer, business owner, who loves to travel. When she is not doing that she loves to write poetry, a bit of a nerd, spend time with family and friends and help people learn technology. She lives in Los Angeles, with her dog.

Angelique Davis (she/her), Pastry chef turned teacher. I who enjoys empowering the youth of inner city communities.

Ashanti S. Taylor-Alexander (she/her) is a life educated poet who believes in riding each wave of this world to the fullest. She is passionate about writing poems people can truly feel. Have a subject throw it at her and she'll make a master piece!

Rec ognizes

Tran sD ay

of R emem branc e

2023

Tamara Leigh

HE GOT THE KEYS

DESIGNER, NATHANIEL JOHNSON HONORED WITH KEY TO THE CITY This week was a reminder that not all heroes wear capes, some of them create them.

Rochester,Ny

Nathaniel’s upcoming birthday with an incredible gold key shaped cake. There was shock, laughter, tears and dancing but mostly there was just a good old time to celebrate one of the greatest who has

It was my honor this week to fly home to Rochester, New York, to celebrate the ever done it. community, entrepreneurial and fashion Who Is Nathaniel Johnson? contributions of a man I’ve known since I was Nathaniel Johnson has been a proud nine or ten years old. Although Rochester isn’t Rochesterian since moving from Baltimore, necessarily known for its fashion, it is certainly Maryland, as a child in the early 70s. After known for Nate and Nate is known for fashion. I graduating, he began working various jobs but was able to gather a room full of some of his always enjoyed the creativity of design. His first favorite people, family and friends, to bear attempts at designing clothing had him making witness to Mayor Malik Evans presenting him pieces for himself. His work was so impressive with the key to Rochester. I’ve never known that he began getting design requests from anyone to receive that distinction and whoever they were, they were few. With the help of a very friends and family. He was eventually asked to make a gown for a young lady competing in the small group of his nearest and dearest, the Miss New York pageant and his talent and assistance of local music and talent cultivator, popularity grew from there. Nathaniel worked for Tony “Grandtone” Simmons and his lovely wife staples in the Rochester garment arena like the Star to surprise Nathaniel. His daughter Rainy B. Forman Company at Midtown (the nation’s and I were able to come into town to celebrate first mall) and was eventually asked to create his this majestic event at the Simmons’ weekly R&B own line for the retailer. Johnson went on to Wednesdays at Urban Euphoria. There was open Nathaniel’s Originals and became the City phenomenal live music, (Rochester is bubbling of Rochester’s premier voice in fashion. In his over with talent. Tweet, Taye Diggs and 30+ years in fashion design, Nathaniel, fondly Seymour Hoffman are all from Rochester and referred to as “Nate”, has designed for the best ew-to-you sensation, Daniele Ponder all got their of the best in Rochester and beyond. Possibly start in Rochester while national acts like Missy, Jodeci, and Timbaland recorded there for years), most impressively, he has designed for generations, often creating the prom dress, great food and a mini fashion show of some of graduation outfit, wedding party and baby Nate’s designs. We were able to even celebrate shower outfit within families.

Johnson has always had an eye for the couture and fashion forward carefully designing each piece by hand. His looks have graced the runway countless times from Rochester to Tampa and Atlanta. He has also been dedicated to mentoring future designers and up and coming models along the way. Despite all his success and accomplishments, anyone who knows him knows he is proudest of his daughter and grandchildren. He loves being Nate-Nate. Nathaniel Johnson has killed the runway at Rochester Fashion Week and brought Rochester iconic shows like AMBUSH, Fashion in the Park, The Fashion Experience: Designer Challenge, Through the Lens, and For the Love of Fashion just to name a few. Nathaniel Johnson IS Rochester fashion. October 25th ended with the Rochester city skyline lights being turned blue in his honor. Nate, the city is YOURS. And now you got the keys, keys, keys, keys!

MAGAZINE

TRANSCENDING HATE: NATIONAL VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

OUR PANELISTS: NOV 20TH

6PM EST

CORTEZ HOLMES, TEXAS

YEMAYA DE LA CRUZ, NY

JEVON MARTIN, TEXAS

RONNIE ANGELIQUE GODWIN, FLORIDA

TEE DOUGLAS, UPSTATE NY

MEL HOWARD, VIRGINIA

BRITTAN HARDGERS, NY

E.L. WINSTON, NC

TORI COOPER, GEORGIA

MX DAHLIA BELLE, OREGON

OCEAN RIVERA, NYC

ARI MOORE, UPSTATE NY

St. Pete Pride & Capital Consulting Group In Partnership with. ....

MAGAZINE

TRANSCENDING HATE: NATIONAL VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

ON TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE BLAQUE/OUT MAGAZINE SITS DOWN WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE NATION FOR A 2-PANEL VIRTUAL EVENT DISCUSSING LIFE AS A COMMUNITY UNDER ATTACK. We honor the memories of our Trans/NB/GNC family & seek to uplift the voices of both our Incredible writers as well as Community Leaders from across the nation who deserve the ear of the world In this crucial moment In history.

OUR PANELISTS:

NOV 20TH

6PM EST

TO REGISTER FOR THIS FREE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION, VISIT...

https://TDORTownHall.eventbrite.com FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:

tamaraleigh@blaqueoutmag.com

W W W . B L A Q U E O U T . C O M

BLAQUE OUT MAGAZINE

In the News Imagine going into your local store, which you frequent,

TINA MARIE JONES

to purchase items to start your weekend. After going through the aisles looking for what you need, you head to the front to check out. A brief exchange with the cashier and you are assaulted. The cashier grabs you, pulls you out of the store by your hair, and kicks you in the head while screaming the word “Transvestite”. How would you feel? Can you imagine this happening to someone? It did! Jasmine Adams, a 35-year-old Bi-Sexual, cisgender woman lived this exact event in Staten Island, New York. On July 28th, 2023, she went to the store to purchase marijuana for a friend. Marijuana is legal in the state of NY. Ms. Adams says that she called her friend to inquire if the item was correct. The marijuana cost was $40 and Adams asked the friend to confirm this was what they wanted. Adams says the cashier then became upset, as if she was insulting the cashier or negotiating the price of the marijuana. Adams was not a smoker and was unsure if she was purchasing the correct item; she tried to explain this to the cashier while she paid the $40. The cashier ‘sucked his teeth’ and threw the packet of marijuana on the ground. Jasmine rightfully refused to pick up the item. The cashier started yelling at Jasmine, accusing her of trying to get him fired and threatening to call the police. Ms. Adams asked for her money back, instead, the cashier’s anger increased and he maced her. Adams tumbled to the ground, the cashier quickly grabbed Jasmine's hair and dragged her out of the store. After pulling her out of the store, he indignantly kicked Jasmine in her head, screaming the word, “Transvestite”. People passing by screamed in disbelief, unfortunately, the cashier was not arrested. After multiple attempts, the police finally were able to speak to the owners of the deli. The police inquired about the cashier; the owners informed the police that the cashier was fired. They also would not provide the name or whereabouts of the cashier. As a result, Ms. Jasmine with the help of her attorney, Mr. Robert Brown, filed a lawsuit against the deli owners on October 5, 2023. The lawsuit alleges negligence, assault, battery, and discrimination. Despite the lawsuit, the assailant remains at large as the owners keep the cashier's name and address a secret.

PHOTOC NY DAILY NEWS

Jasmine Adams

UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY REVIEW

Navigating

ioov.org/utd Facebook: @in our voices Linkedin: @in our voices

the

world

member

the

BIPOC+LGBTQIA community can be a difficult task, to say the least, but to hold a health conference and display the power of unity while doing it is impressive. Just such a concept came to fruition October 26-29,

In Our Own Voices Inc. Power of Unity Conference 2023

2023, at the Hilton Albany. With over 260 Black, Brown, Queer, and Allies in the same space from all over the world is exactly what In Our Own Voices did in Albany, New York. The theme of the conference was collectively displayed to liberate and empower members of the community. Seldom are conferences structured by the population they are intended to serve but Chief Executive Officer Tandra R. LaGrone and team eloquently transformed the metrics. From the equity presented by the keynote speaker ALOK at the opening of the conference to the food served throughout the conference to the cultural incorporation of the Kiki Ball, pageant, networking, and tabling opportunities. There was no need to shrink in the room; there was no need to feel shame; it was a welcoming environment of knowledge and comfort. A conference centered on advocacy, public policy, education, capacity building, wellness and treatment led by Black, Brown, and Queer folks was exhilarating. It also included healing workshops presented by icons like Lacette Cross, ME Hart, Luz Marquez Benbow, Hettie Barnhill, and the emerging Symba Luna. Additionally, the conference was able to unite spirituality, end stigma, amplify the voices of Queer people of color, and make restorative changes that were fully inclusive and exemplified through a number of different entities. This conference was for us, by us, and geared toward us. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this much needed experience and hope In Our Own Voices continues to grow and flourish!

“Movement is reactive, movement

M E L

is apart of our daily lives..move for change, move for healing. Allow movement to stop time”

H O W A R D

-Hettie Barnhill

E G WELCOME 2 THE JUNGLE

Our community has talent and a spotlight is well deserved. Seven has done just that with the creation of Eden’s Garden. It is a series that tells the ins, outs, twists, and turns of a group of Transmen who are living, loving, hustling, dreaming.

As a Transman of color, I feel it important that we are seen and heard in every space and place possible. When I was interviewing Desmond The Creator earlier this year, he was telling me about this groundbreaking Trans led series that he was part of. So I jumped in and started doing my research. I needed to know everything there was to know about Eden’s Garden. Whew! When I tell you, dear readers, that the journey to completion has been something all the way live! First, I viewed material on YouTube, then I reached out to the creator, and from there it took off. Trying to get schedules together, gathering contact information, and communicating with all the moving parts has been a journey, but one well worth it. I feel so much pride in seeing us represented on screen in all of our humanness for the world to see and I can’t help but be thankful that I have gotten to support someone from my community in the process.

I would like to personally thank Seven Malachi King and crew for trusting me with your stories. I consider it an honor to be able to take your experiences beyond the screen. To our readers, if you haven’t gotten your tickets to the premiere later this month in New York, I suggest you do so as soon as possible. No fear though if you can’t attend this momentous occasion, the Mrs. and I will be in attendance on your behalf. I hope that all enjoy the interviews of the creator and cast members on the pages to follow as much as I enjoyed doing them. Without further adieu, Welcome 2 The Jungle of Eden’s Garden!!!

EL WINSTON

M A N O F V I S I O N

M A L A C H I “ S E V E N ” K I N G

1. What is your goal for creating Eden’s Garden? My personal goal for creating Eden’s Garden was to challenge myself creatively with subject matters that are vulnerable, especially being able to relate to the subject matter so intimately. In the process of creating the show, I went through a range of emotions, mistakes, and lessons learned before it became the final product in 2023. The thing that held me together was my determination. I was determined to win; I was determined for the world to see the vision how it was always intended. I used the pushback, lack of support, haters, and the village of love surrounding me and my ancestors protecting me to fuel the destiny of this project. My goal for Eden’s Garden is for people to experience everyday people of Trans-experience and see the synchronicity in our paths, as part of the human race. I was also inspired to have a professional production credit under my belt getting into the industry of creative arts. My father is a hip-hop legend, but I happened to fall in love with film, so this is my way of making my legendary mark which feeds another goal of mine. 2. How were you able to accomplish these goals you set? Why were they so important? By being just crazy enough to believe in my big dream! I say crazy because I went through every emotion with this project from happiness to loss to disappointment, etc. I had to believe in my community. Although sometimes the people I gave opportunities to didn’t take it as seriously as I wanted. I had to re-do this series more than five times - before getting to "The Jungle Has No Face" segment. I wasn’t going to quit though until I felt satisfied enough to walk away if I chose to. In 2023, I accomplished that. It’s important to tell stories and specifically, our own stories. I wanted to be brave enough to stand tall, unapologetically giving visibility to Transitioned men. I accomplished that with the brave soldiers who walk the front line as the lead actors. 3. Are any of your characters based on people you know/knew? Initially, the characters were inspired by those just living in these shoes and going through the ups and downs in them. I also observed a lot of guys who came from various backgrounds, lifestyles, and temperaments. I had never seen this type of creative outlet back then and I was inspired by doing something different. Sometimes, I included real-life people's situations doing advocacy work around the topic of men like us, but most of the script is made up characters with a trace of reality.

4. How would you summarize the story of Eden’s Garden? What inspired the title? The story of Eden’s Garden is a maze. It’s a story-line that can take different directions, especially with everyone’s transition being so different. It’s about the beginning to everyone defining their own story and creating their own path. The Garden of Eden, is metaphorical for the origin of humanity from the storyteller. The twist of Eden’s Garden is a garden of different humans with some who happened to be humans who decided to transition to their preferred gender. I’m heavy into symbolism and just connected those dots, to create a catchy title for the series. 5. Do you have a favorite character from the work? Who is it and why? My favorite character would have to be Eden. Eden inspired the narration of this story from Season 1. Although he disappeared, the title Eden’s Garden transformed into the realm of a brotherhood within the Garden of Life. The character of Eden is a reflection of multiple characters and sparked the whole evolution of the brand. I was motivated to act in this role in the beginning, but I’m not really into acting. I’m a hard-core director and love what I do. 6. Did you choose actors who aligned with their characters based on their aesthetics, personalities, or what? When it came to the actors, the main criteria was earning your position through a selective audition process. I learned from the past that just giving opportunity without it being earned led to entitlement and egotistical expectations without putting in the work required. Since then, every person had to audition for a spot on the show and I selected the actors based on initially meeting them and matching them with the best fit for the lead characters. It was interesting how each or most of the actors said they related to their character. A good actor takes the character and makes it their own. Each person has a different personality and it made the production flow with all the different energies. The chemistry with the lead cast made this worthwhile and was probably the best version of brotherhood, off the screen, that I've ever witnessed. Shout out to the cast!

NORTH CAROLINA

THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON

Rochelle J Photography

As I'm writing this National Day Of Coming Out Day has just passed and as you read this Trans Day Of Remembrance is 19 days away. November is also my Man-aversay month. This started me thinking of all the people we've lost this year just for living in their truth. November is a very emotional and stressful month for me. The range of emotions I feel about it all becomes overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, my mulling isn’t just about the ones we’ve lost not just in this year but for the last 24 years. November is a constant reminder that I'm not safe in a country that prides itself on being the land of the free. Until I can go to the store without fear of not making it home because I am who I am, I will never be free. A while back I was on a panel where someone said that this is the plight of all people of color. My pain is that my fear is heightened amongst my own people. Those who look like me who buy into the narrow-minded bigotry. It is shameful.

Being unsafe amongst my own people means where do I find peace and safety in this world? It’s enough to keep the strongest person stressed and depressed. The reason our suicide and depression rates are so high. Today's climate is so charged that it feels like we're in occupied territory. How do you navigate this world without losing your mind? To be honest, I don't think I have the answer to that question. I do know one thing: a lot of people sacrificed so I can stand in my truth and now it's my turn to carry that torch. I feel like we dishonor those who came before us when we don't pay it forward, especially if we don't stand for those who can't stand for themselves. Not just in November, but always I will continue to say the names of those that we have lost until there are no more senseless killing, until we all can live in this world free, and as our authentic selves. Do an old man a favor: remember those we've lost. Keep their light alive and make sure that the world remembers them. We owe it to those who came before us.

“From a young age I felt like I was a little boy…even though I was assigned female at birth, I knew I was in the wrong body.” With a brilliant smile and a cheerful, positive energy, I was drawn into his world and got a glimpse into his purpose. Kiyani Savage from The Stud Model Project spoke about their life, their Trans journey, and the brilliant future ahead of them. I.L.

“Tell us about yourself.”

K.S.

I am 35 soon to be 36 in January. DMV native, for those who

don’t know, DC rep! I was born in Maryland, raised in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. So, I’m a DMV native. I have 3 degrees, Automotive, Medical, Tattooing, and now I’m in modeling, which I’m known for. I’ve only been modeling for about a year but in that year it has taken me from a basic model to running the back office of things. My partner has been a major part of that. I’m a resource person, the person you go to for information especially within my Trans community. I love to give back to my community and when I speak of community I’m talking about my LGBT, POC, West Indian, and Hispanic communities. My main purpose as a Trans-masculine individual is that I am here, you see me, and I’m going to make history. I.L.- “Tell us a little about your Trans journey” K.S.- It’s been a hard one. My transition has been something I’ve wanted to do since my teens, actually even before that. From a young age, I felt like I was a little boy…even though I was assigned female at birth, I knew I was in the wrong body. I had certain parts that boys or guys don’t have. I felt strongly about

having those parts though. I would do little things

care and hormone replacement therapy was like

like wear jeans and t-shirts and I was packing

hearing someone say you won a million bucks! I’m

without knowing that I was packing. At like 9 or 10

now 5 years strong and I haven’t looked back.

years old, I would put socks in my pants and go outside to play. I felt different. I only played with

I had locs up until a week ago, I literally just cut

the boys, I didn’t play with “girl toys”. I didn’t really

them. When my ancestors start to speak to me and

connect with my female cousins, I was always

my spiritual journey feels like I’m moving further I

more around my male cousins. I knew at a very

listen. One thing I say to myself all the time: there’s

early age. I was raised by my grandmother who

no elevation without dedication that leads to

taught me to really love myself for who I am and

elevation. I felt like it was a sign, I felt like things were

she was the first one who knew I was interested in

being blocked or put on standby because of the

women. She was extremely supportive and would

actual toxicity I had allowed to linger around and I

defend me and fuss at anyone who questioned

felt like it was in my hair, so I cut them to start over,

me. Under my dead name she would say, “Leave

to rebuild good energy, get rid of the bad people,

Kiyana alone, leave her alone and let her be her.” I

places, things that I’ve been through and any

miss the support but I know she’s still here. She has

negative energy that attached itself to me. After

passed away. I told her at like 10 years old that I

that first loc was cut, it felt like new life was being

was interested in girls but before then she found a

breathed into me. I was like YES! Cut it all off! I really

letter I had written to a girl in middle school. It was

didn’t have a lot of support when it came down to

an intimate letter, it wasn’t sexual but we just knew

my transition outside of a few people. I have had

she was my “girlfriend” and I was her “boyfriend.” I

my partner of 2 years. She’s been extremely

grew up as a stud and once my grandmother

supportive. My transition has been an abundant

passed away I, unfortunately, had to go into foster

journey but I’m still growing and learning.

care which opened up my eyes to the level of support that I wasn’t getting from my mom, my dad, my aunts and uncles. I saw that there was a

I.L.-How did you get into modeling?

level of love even though I was in the situation I was in. Once I got through foster care, I knew at

K.S.- My partner, she’s been modeling since she was

around 17-18 years old that there was something

in high school, in her teens. She just encouraged me

wrong with me. I didn’t know the term “gender

to put in my application. The agency I’m with is

dysphoria” but I would just be a Debbie Downer. I

called Stud Model Project, I’ve been with them for a

felt like I should be a man, like I was put here to be

year and a half. They taught me there’s more to

a protector, to be a physical being of masculinity. I

modeling than just looking good. You have to know

began to understand through research and by

how to use your facial muscles for your expressions,

seeing others around me (shout out to Baltimore

speaking with your eyes, and painting a picture with

Mothers who were the ones who actually told me).

your body language. As a Trans man, you just don’t

There were a lot of my Baltimore mothers I didn't

see a lot of us in modeling, in fashion shows or

know were Trans, I just did not know. After I came

magazines. It’s something I’ve been able to do by

out they really supported me and led me to focus

being with this agency, my boss, Teresa Morcho, has

on me. My transition didn’t really start until my 30s,

definitely paved a way for us in this industry. We just

it took a while for me to gain the courage to really

walked in Atlanta Pride’s parade with Slutty Vegan!

live as myself. From the age of 18 all the way to 29, I

I’ve never walked in a parade and now I’m not only

was only sheltering myself from who I really was

because I wanted to make everyone else around

community. I’m now starting to build my own brand

me happy. This led me into a depression. I felt like I

and my partner really helps with that a lot. Not only

was living this lifestyle for them and I was still

does she help with the makeup and hair, but she

shunned. To this day, my dad still can’t look at me. I

really pushes me and helps me with the open

finally got to a point in my mid 20s where I finally

mindset that I can do it even though the world said I

just

else’s

couldn’t. That’s one thing about a lot of us Trans or

perspective. I started testosterone on January 22,

anyone in the LGBT community or queer in general

2018, this was the biggest choice of my life. When

is we lack in this world acceptance and it’s the thing

the doctor approved me, all I did was fall on my

we want the most. In a lot of areas it’s lacking but

knees…that’s all I could do…to hear those words

within this agency and with my partner supporting

that you were approved for your gender affirming

me I was able to gain the confidence to say, “Hey

stopped

caring

about

everyone

model

but

ambassador

for

the

LGBTQ

look, I did it and you can do it too.” A level of learning yourself, believing in yourself, and actually striving to go and get what you want.

Thanks so much to Kiyani Savage for taking the time to speak with us at BlaqueOut Magazine. You can find them: IG: Blessed_Qassim

I.L.- Tell us about your podcast K.S.- As of now, our main platform is on TikTok and it’s called “A Trans Man Speaks”. We have episodes

TikTok: Blessed_Qassim or Other handles Ig & TikTok: ATransManSpeaks YouTube: Kiyani’s Ambition

on TikTok and Instagram. My partner, Waya the Healer and I are both models at SMP (Stud Model Project) and we discuss anything related to the LGBTQ community, be it good, bad, or something in

Photo Credits: @studmodelproject, ADJ Media (@antoinneduanejones), and Kiyani Savage

the news. It is to bring awareness to things that other podcasts are afraid to talk about especially in the Black community. You have a lot of other ethnicities that don’t really experience what we experience being 1-Black, 2-LGBTQ, 3-Trans, and 4living in Florida. They are trying to wipe us out; Ron DeSantis is trying to wipe us out completely. But we have shown him that at the end of the day, our balls are bigger, literally.

I.L. What would you like to share that we haven’t spoken about? K.S. I am an up and coming photographer. I’m in school for that now. I’m in fashion and recently walked my first fashion show in Atlanta for Black Pride. I want to launch a brand not only based off of my for my urban and skater boi side but I want to launch a casual and business wear line for the more savvy wear. I’m pushing for December 2023 with pop up shops. I want to be working for myself by the end of 2024.

Written By @Immanilove she/her