Issuu

APR 2023

NYC FASHION WEEK

THE ONE AND ONLY LEE SOULJA TAKES NYC ON A BLACK QUEER JOURNEY THROUGH FASHION AND BLAQUEOUT CAME ALONG FOR THE RIDE.

ISSUE#031

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

FOR ADVERTISING, EMAIL ADVERTISING@BLAQUEOUTMAG.COM FOR SUBMISSIONS, EMAIL TAMARALEIGH@BLAQUEOUTMAG.COM

WWW.ISSUU.COM/BLAQUEOUTMAG WWW.BLAQUEOUT.COM

NYC CENTER FOR BLACK PRIDE FASHION WEEK EDITORIAL

BLAQUEOUT MAG CONTRIBUTORS

LIVING IN THE LIGHT JAVANNAH DAVIS

HOW I LEARNED WHAT BLACK PRIDE WAS

TRANSISM SERMON: UNITE US FOR US

IEXCEPTIONAL EXPECTATIONS LADE BREEZ 03

EXCLUSIVE!

BLAQUE/OUT MAG 2023 BLACK PRIDE SPOTLIGHTS 09 RVA 28 BOSTON URBAN PRIDE

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: NZARI USIKU COVER MODEL: SHAWNTEL K. BONET

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN

APRIL 2023 | ISSUE# 031

BlaqueOUT 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.

Benjamin Griffin III; (he/ him/his). Enjoys bringing laughter to those he encounters and a major collector of Diecast School Bus models. In addition, he has a heart for education & children! Lastly, he is 1 half of "A Moment w/ The Griffins"

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

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

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.

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

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. David Maurice Griffin (He, Him, His) Columbia, SC; Providing the gift of massage is what he does, but spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS is who he is…1 half of "A Moment w/ The Griffins"

Tamara Leigh (She/Her)) Editor of Blaque/OUT Magazine. Lead Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant with Blaque/OUT Consultanting with a focus on Intersectionality. Activist, Educator and Advocate. Mom of 2. From NY, In FL.

In February, Blaque/OUT got the honor of covering the NYC Center for Black Pride "Spotlight on Fashion" Show for Fashion Week. Lee Soulja gave us an enchanting walk through Black Queer Fashion, and this month we get to take you along for that journey. Our photographer, Nzari Usiku got so many incredible shots, we struggled to decide which to publish. We passed them around, we voted and they broke even. They were all amazing. At the end of the day I chose to highlight, not one of the models or designers but the performer that night... Shawntel K. Bonet out of Brooklyn.

a word. Tamara Sanaa Leigh Editor-In-Chief

Our Cover Girl ... Shawntel K. Bonet Booking: Manager (646) 217-8791 Email: shawntelauroramunroe@gmail.com Shawntel K Bonet ShawntelKarsdashianBonet

Right now Trans lives and thus Drag performers are under attack in our country. They have delighted and dazzled us for generations. They are Art, they are Fashion, they are the Show, they are Qulture. Activism is by nature performative. You speak up to make noise, to draw attention, to create change. Here at Blaque/OUT we try not to respond to crisis , to defend based on need or follow the headlines. We try to show up every day, in every way for each and every member of our Black & Brown LGBTQ+ community. But just in case you forgot, BLAQUE/OUT SUPPORTS DRAG QUEENS today and every day.

THE OLD MAN'S E.L. WINSTON CORNER

I've been blessed though to cross paths with some really genuine guys who are out here doing the work and living their best lives. They are on Team Encourage all the way and that’s the circle I’m looking to build not only for myself but for the community as well. It is so needed right now. It is unexplainably difficult navigating Rochelle J Photography

By the time you guys read this, I will have participated in the 100 Masc Suits, a healing retreat and panel discussion with masculine of center people. Most of the brothers that are attending are Trans like myself but it is open to anyone of masculine center. It is important that brothers of Trans experience start to create real spaces where we can be free to be our authentic selves. Spaces for us to be recognized and recognize one another. The need for more spaces where brothers can gather and show each other love and support is needed more than others know, but maybe even more than we acknowledge ourselves. There is so much foolishness out here with buckets of misinformation and people who mean us no good. With all of the sillines, you can only imagine what kind of damage it does. All of that brings me to this place where I've been thinking alot about my guy circle. I must admit it’s kinda small, but I’m out to change that. The misconception that men don’t share space well because competition is always in the atmosphere is a false narrative and I want to help dispel this myth.

my Trans experience without having trustworthy brothers to share it with. So I’m

super

excited

about

the

relationships that I’m currently building. Hopefully, we can make it grow out. Be the change we want to see. It is a blessing to sit at the table with men who have dreams and aspirations like my own and we’re able to genuinely support and love each other. We hold each other accountable and grow as men. It is so refreshing yet it is a thing I didn’t know I needed. The beautiful thing in my Trans journey is I’m in total control of what kind of man I am; I get to pick the circle of brothers I want to pour into along the way; and who I want to pour into me. Do an Old Man a favor and surround yourself with those who are meant to feed into and not those that would come to drain you. Build yourself a circle!

Writer: Javannah J. Davis Javannah Jasmeen Jjasmeend20

QUEER REVOLUTIONARIES

In the 1960s and 1970s the pageant world was overwhelmingly integrated – for women of color, lightening your skin with makeup was the norm for a chance at winning. In her early years, Crystal worked, competed, and made a name for herself during the 1960s Manhattan drag circuit. She was a fur fanatic who was an epitome of glamour and poise. Ultimately, she went on to win the title “Miss Manhattan”, an achievement which would land her a spot in future affluent pageants.

Unbeknownst to her, she would make history on a cold Monday evening - February 13th, 1967. On this night, the Miss All-America Camp Beauty Contest was held at New York City's Town Hall. Announced as the third runner up & coming in fourth place, Crystal unleashes her long overdue rage at judges and walks off stage. In that moment, she realized the standard of beauty was solely based on race. The winner was announced as a much younger, less than-glamorous White woman. The unforgettable events of the evening would be captured on film in the Iconic 1968 documentary The Queen. Sick and tired of being overlooked, Crystals good friend Lottie convinced her to start her own pageant. Crystal was the pioneer of civil rights, equality, and integration of pageants. In 1972, Crystal & Lottie LaBeija presents: “The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball” at Up the Downstairs Case in Harlem, NY. It was the first of its kind to welcome those from their community, people who looked like them, people who lived like them, people who were them – people of color! The House of LaBeija is the first ballroom house and was the first to host benefits to raise awareness during the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic. In ballroom, a “house” is a safe- haven for queer people of color and a home with a family for those who don’t have one. As with any traditional home, it is structured with a Mother (the head/leader/financier of the house) and Children (younger members of the house). A staple that is still implemented today. There is little information surrounding Crystal’s death in the mid-90s from organ failure due to her extreme hormone regimen, however her legacy lives on.

References: The Royal House of LaBeija

BLAQUE/OUT

BLACK PRIDE '23 SPOTLIGHT Black Pride RVA, a program of UGRC, came into being to celebrate the unique intersection of identities experienced by all Black LGBTQIA+ people, to promote equality for Black LGBTQ people within the broader Richmond community, and to work towards health equity for the Black LGBTQIA + communities of Richmond and Virginia. Who is the voice behind Black Pride RVA?

Co-Founders: Luise "Cheezi " Farmer, Zakia McKensey, and Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross.

How did the Black Pride RVA come about?

In 2016, sitting at a roundtable in Tarrant's, Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross brought together several Community Leaders to discuss how to create space when our voices were not being heard and space was not being developed at the table for black and brown people. After several meetings and discussions, Cheezi, Lacette, and Zakia decided to move forward and created Us Giving Richmond Connections, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

What is the difference between UGRC and Black Pride RVA?

Us Giving Richmond Connections, Inc. is the name of the non-profit organization and Black Pride RVA is a program of the organization. Tell me your story is there a reason you became a visionary, minister, and founder? As Cheezi Farmer I have 30+ years of giving back to the community, and 30+ plus years of bridging the gap between black and brown communities of color.

What message do you want to leave the community with? Us Giving Richmond Connections: Values: EQUITY…INTEGRITY….VOICE There is beauty in diversity! UGRC/Black Pride RVA welcomes everyone.

April 22nd - Community Health Fair April 22nd - Legacy and Jay Whit Live (fundraiser) April 29th - Dinner in the Dark (fundraiser) June 17th - LGBTQIA Prom (17 & up) July 14th-16th -Black Pride RVA weekend

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- Pastor Roni

PORTRAITS PRESTIGE BY:

ause of of fear. You don’t take that job bec You don’t give your heart because fear. II Timothy 1:7 tells us of e aus bec s ice cho ent fer dif ke fear. You don’t ma of power, and of love, and but r; fea of rit spi the us en giv not “For God hath you to be trapped in your place of for ire des not s doe d Go d”. min of a sound thought might be on the outside, you at wh of e aus bec lls wa lt bui fear. You . on the inside that is destroying you is at wh is it ce pla t ren cur r you but in

PHOTO

Whosoever Fears...

The impact and influence of African Americans on popular culture around the world can be experienced through food, music, fashion and in their vernacular. This fact is even more true for Black LGBTQ people. Lee Soulja, the Executive Director of The NYC Center for Black Pride wanted to find a way to showcase this and decided that New York Fashion Week (NYFW) would be the perfect time. He partnered with The LGBT Center and created the NYFW event, SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION to present the collections of three designers, Douglas Says, Michael Leon and Larry Underwood's House of Underwood. These designers are veterans of the fashion industry with over 30 years experience. Douglas Says' resume is very impressive. He's noted for creating calculated timeless collectables which can be easily rolled up and tucked away for travel. Michael Leon, a transplant from Philadelphia has made an imprint on the world with his art, style and fashion that is reflective of his persona and spirit. To describe Michael the words Bold, Elegant and Sophisticated comes to mind. Larry Underwood started his House of Underwood collection in 1988. His garments are truly timeless treasures because they combine avant garde silhouettes with traditional fabrics in classic styles. Everything Larry touches is made with the finest Couture techniques.

Lee Soulja

Nzari Usiku

BLAQUE/OUT

BLACK PRIDE '23 SPOTLIGHT As a response to numerous conversations within our QTBIPC community many acknowledging the predominantly white LGBTQIA+ spaces in Boston, Curtis Santos and Eilakeisha Spencer founded Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation a 501c3 community-led, nonprofit organization, and subsequently, Boston lesbigay urban events (B.L.U.E.).

June 29, 2023 - July 3, 2023 Boston Lesbigay Urban Events mission is to produce an annual festival (Boston Urban Pride) that uplifts the voices within the QTBIPOC community in the inner city of Boston and surrounding areas. We focus on strengthening cultural connections through diverse urban events while promoting unity, nonconformity, health and wellness resources and family activities for all to enjoy. We party with a purpose

Team Members: Founders / Organizers of Boston Urban Pride Eilakeisha Spencer and Curtis Santos We partner with the following on events during Urban Pride weekend that also make up our team: Koya, Charne, and Ari (Secret Society) -Ive attached photos of them to be added Vionet (Buenas_Ent) -Ive attached photos of her to be added Star & Prince (Island Pride) -Ive attached photos of them to be added Diggity Dom De'Zyre Cassadine Dupree Brand Ambassadors: Tena (Manager) Mika Diggity Dom CJ

New York

Living in the light:Spotlight Interviews w/Javannah J. Davis Presents

KAMRYN JERREL (She,Her)

Community Leader, Activist, Advocate

JD: Tell us about yourself? (childhood, coming out experience, etc.) KJ: I am a Transwoman from the 80's. I grew up here in Rochester for most of my life. My childhood is a bit bleak, as I became aware of my Trans status at a very young age. Growing up in a hyper-masculine household didn't afford me the freedom I needed to flourish. So I buried my identity for decades. I became a professional wrestler to offset my "tendencies" as labeled by my father. I hid my sexual identity and Gender identity as best I could. All the while damaging myself along the way. I came out as Trans and Pan at 33 years old. I gave up my wrestling career as I was sure it would be taken otherwise. I was terrified but ready.Things have not been terrible since then. The newfound love I have cultivated for myself was worth the loss. JD: How did family and friends react to your decision to be your authentic self? Were you supported in your decision, if so, by whom? KJ: My family “othered” me, almost immediately. I still have to explain to some of them how their thought processes regarding trans existence are archaic and borrowed white oppression. To no avail. So I am in the midst of making my own family. Blood does not necessarily bond us. JD: What was/is the BEST thing about your transition? KJ: The release of the resentment I had towards myself. Lifts more and more each day.

Kamryn is the host of 'Tranos and the Lived Experience' podcast, a Co-Owner of New Queer Order network, and a LGBTQ+ advocate working towards radical intersectional justice for transgender people. She has spoken out for and educated our community on Black and Trans justice and is the Founder and Board chair of The League for Equity Of Gender In Our Neighborhoods (LEGION), a Black Trans run organization for the defense of gender expansive people in the Rochester area. JD: What was the HARDEST thing about your transition? Is there anything you’d do differently? KJ: I would have done things sooner. Realizing now that the things I feared losing I lost so they were not worth waiting to figure out. Not a single lost friend or family member was a shock to me. I heard how they treated my kind for decades. I was under no disillusion that I would be spared the homophobia or blatant transphobia. I was not Strong enough to see it then, but I am now, but that isn't how time works. JD: What prejudices/discrimination/racism have you experienced as a transgender individual in the Rochester, NY community? If so, what happened? KJ: I have been physically attacked on several different occasions. I once worked a single job for about 16 years. Since coming out I have had to quit 9 times due to hostile environments. And have been fired 7 times, but never for my job performance. In Rochester if you are aware of your rights as a queer person of color you are a liability. Rochester is one of the most Racist, Homophobic, Transphobic, Ableist and somehow still very segregated work environments in all of New york.

JD: What prejudices/discrimination/racism have you experienced as a transgender individual in the Rochester, NY community? If so, what happened? KJ: I have been physically attacked on several different occasions. I once worked a single job for about 16 years. Since coming out I have had to quit 9 times due to hostile environments. And have been fired 7 times, but never for my job performance. In Rochester if you are aware of your rights as a queer person of color you are a liability. Rochester is one of the most Racist, Homophobic, Transphobic, Ableist and somehow still very segregated work environments in all of New york. KJ: The community here is not as strong as it would make itself out to be. The LGBTQIA movements here are too often white centered, over saturated with programs run by white queer counterparts who speak over POC activists. It borrows too much from white respectability. At times it feels like a popularity contest centered around clicks and altruistic agendas. It leans heavily on black and brown LGBTQIA peoples and then values are contributions based on popularity and assimilation. Rochester is the literal Factory where Performance Art Allyship is made. A majority of the time the bigotry starts inside the community, leaving very little actual safe spaces for all LGBTQIA people. JD: What is your BEST and WORST experience in a healthcare setting? KJ: Trillium has often been a source of problematic care for trans people of color, but no one is as dangerous as the University of Rochester. Don't believe me, research the history of complaints between them and the Unity health system.

KJ: I have been both sadly. My experience has been that there is no infrastructure built to combat either of those issues. We are very aware of how trans people are treated on job sites. We are even more aware of how brown and black people are treated at the same sites, but there is no structure to battle either issue here. Especially nothing that protects Trans people of color. JD: What would you like your community to know about you as a transgender person in your community? As a black or brown transgender/GNC person in your community? In the Rochester, NY community? KJ: Resilience is a gift given to me by experience, but it is not the only gift I attained through this revolutionary love I cultivate for myself daily. JD: What advice or guidance would you share with the trans youth in your community? KJ: Unify, destroy the bias within this community, for the sake of us. No more tip toeing around it. Down with respectability and the constant centering of oppressors.

Follows Kamryn's Podcast/Social Media: Instagram - @Tranoslives TikTok - @TranosPod

JD: Have you ever been homeless and/or unemployment due to being Transgender? What were your experiences during these times?

To check out the FULL video interview with Kamryn, visit Blaque/OUT TV at: https://youtu.be/HwbJqdU-xRE -or -

www.wavewomeninc.com

National Poetry Month The month of April, I hold quite dear to my heart because April takes the time to recognize the passion I love so much, POETRY! A few of my favorite artists, Audrey Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neil Hurston, Queen Latifa, Janae Monet, Alice Walker, Dr. Telesa Hart, Tierica Berry, Theresa The SongBird,and to me, Lade Breez. I know you read Queen Latifah’s name and thought, “but she isn’t a poet?”, which, in my opinion, isn’t true. Any lyricist starts out by being a poet, they just add music to it. Thank you for the History! Inspired by how successful Women’s History month in March was accepted, In 1996, the Academy of American Poets petitioned and established that the month of April would be deemed National Poetry Month; not only to pay homage to the dynamics of how poetry had the ability to incite thought, or to make you angry, but to also make you love and express the power of words. Poetry’s intricate purpose to present to the people words that entertained you, however you decided to interpret, had a need to be recognized. To push the movement further, In 1998, the Academy of American Poets joined the American Poetry & Literacy Project. The combined two would go on to give away over 100k books of poetry across the nation for free in the month of April of that year. In 2021, we celebrated 25 years of National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month’s importance to me has always been to use my gifts so that I don’t abuse my gift. So every month of April I write a daily poem to pay respect! Poetry saved my life over 30 years ago, so I will always be grateful for the amazing and phenomenal women who paved the path for me and my brothers and sisters in rhyme today, and those to come. My contribution for 4/1/23, I will share with you!

-Lade Breez

EXCEPTIONAL EXPECTATIONS Pulling up to the house smiling big with all ya teeth showing/ Thinking, you are getting ready to walk into your place of peace to use it for all it’s worth/ Excited to step inside to see what?/ them!/ And in your mind you thinking that as soon as your feet hit the door/ There they are standing/ and waiting/ Impatiently waiting to grab you by the face to plant a big wet one on ya/ You know the juicy kind/ Heck cuz in your mind they should be just as happy as you are too, with the same big grin/ Like Why wouldn’t they be? Then boom/ Nope, it wasn’t nothing like that happening there!!/ but/ the trash can tipped over and left on the floor, that the dogs knocked over to ramble thru and left for you to clean up instead/ That you now have to step over, to put down your things/ Clean it up and resume your irregularly scheduled impromptu celebration things/ Either way/ you come with gifts/ Your high expectations of The celebratory embrace of comfort after months of stressing and wondering/ Oh this is going to be a good one/ You roun the corner To finally see their face/ And To your dismay/ They just sitting there/ That’s it! Just there/

Actually no bodily contact was offered, shared or made/ Lookin at you like why you lookN stupid just standing there waiting/ Man Those self set expectations/ Now ya feelings hurt/ Oh you deep off in them/ and in your mind you want to cry/ you didn’t know that your pre plan to celebrate would have hurt in its place/ Now you got questions/ Hol’ up?/ Why you not happy like me?/ Why you wasn’t up, hyping me up, I know you seen when I got here/ Like, so what you telling me is, we not really friends/ So you really not tryna hype yo Bestie up/ Well what the fu/ what!?/ Instantly that hurt turns to anger, then the anger to rage/ you wanna fight/ you didn’t expect to end up feeling neglect/ Mentally rammed between what the what is happening and where did I go wrong/ ain’t no way, this isn’t way I expected to come home / So I pause for a second/ I had to stop for a moment to think and truly process this like I’m supposed to/ Let me back this up right quick/ Man, her i was getting ready to be really rude/ It’s my own expectations, not the communication that had changed my mood.

-Lade