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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CELEBRATING OUR ICONS COLLECTION
12/32 QUEER REVOLUTIONARIES JAVANNAH DAVIS
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THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON
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ETSI HEALTH CLINIC
YOUTH RIGHTS ALLIANCE, UGANDA
LOVE IN THE CLUB IMMANI LOVE
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EXCLUSIVE!
FEATURE LGBTQ DJS FROM ALL AROUND THE US
10, 26 & 31 COVER PHOTOS CREDIT: ZAIRE DOWNS @ZEENO.N.Y. AND TAMARA LEIGH
AUG 2023 | ISSUE# 035
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ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN
BlaqueOUT columnists
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.
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.
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"
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.
a word.
The last week or so has been rough. A B-List comedian managed to spark a controversy centering around the use of the term cis- that extremely unnecessarily became a topic of the week on every social media, chatroom and conversation. After tons of thinking and arguing with the interweb, I really believe the reason so many Black cis-women chose to jump on that conversation Is because It allowed them to express their latent or not so latent trans and homophobia. It was In their minds, an acceptable way to express what they always felt. It's the reason you see Black women "sis" and "yesssss" and "slay"-ing a gay Black man to death and then catch them laugh reacting or affirming an Anti-LGBTQ post three days later. This week they did to the Trans community what white women have for generations done to them. Dismissed their experiences, questioned their humanity and used dog whistle rhetoric to affirm their own superiority. Sad thing Is, many people who may not have been doing that were so misinformed and undereducated that they didn't even know that that was what they were doing. Saddest thing for me Is most of them were Black just like us and understand how that hurts and many were also Queer. I live a life dating women, Transmen or whomever I may fall In love with and will defend my right to do so always. So how can I possibly not fight as hard for everyone else to live as authentically as I'm fighting to. I'm also a Black woman. So how can I ever supress the humanity of anyone when we fight to be acknowledged with equity every single day? But I don't want to give that conversation anymore life than It's had for days on end. I'd rather talk to you, our reader, about you heart. The consequence of conversations like this that happen all too often these days and a bi-product of living In the US In 2023 Is constantly hear people questioning your right to exist. No matter HOW strong you are, It takes a toll. Please make sure you are logging off, practicing selfcare, surrounding yourself with love and feeding your soul In any way you can. Drown out the noise! We love you and you aren't alone.
Tamara Sanaa Leigh Editor-In-Chief BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE 05
YOUTH RIGHTS ALLIANCE, UGANDA T he following interview is of one of our Transgender sisters from Uganda. Mukisa (aka Clara) still currently resides in Uganda where she faces ongoing backlash against
the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Instead of cowering in fear, Clara has decided to stand up for the community by creating the Youth Rights Alliance. The Youth Rights Alliance participates in a number of community activities by organizing connections to Trans health services, shelter for the homeless Trans youth, as well as, documenting human rights violations and providing safe sex items. This is Clara’s story in her own words with small corrections for clarity and/or grammar:
What inspired you to start the Youth Rights Alliance?
What do you want people to know about Uganda?
For a long time I had [the] passion to work and serve my community to the best I can and for a long time I have worked to organize. There was always a gap left when it came to the issues and needs of Transgender persons, mainly in the Eastern region of Uganda. [It is] full of rural areas where levels of advocacy, awareness and sensitization on human rights of the marginalized are still low. Given the fact that I come from a rural area too and [was] once a victim, I saw the need to start up an organization to bridge the gaps faced by my fellow Transgender persons in access to health services and legal services as they were being left out.
I would love people to know that the president of Uganda assented to a deadly bill that’s now a law that makes the LGBTIQ community members live like criminals in our own country. Given the penalties of the law that even denies an LGBTIQ person shelter as it says there is a penalty for a landlord found housing an LGBTIQ person. Uganda now has become [a] perpetrator in violating rights of the LGBTIQ community in Uganda. What is the employment situation like for LGBTQIA+ people in Uganda? In Uganda its very hard for an LGBTQIA+ person to get employment mainly the transgender persons given the levels of stigma and discrimination and biases people have over the LGBTQIA+ community. Does the community take care of each other? In what ways? Yes the community does care for each other in ways like: When one is arrested, they are there to offer all the kind of support needed to see you free. When sick, referrals are given in order to get better medication. We always gather to celebrate good times and bad times together.
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Is there any type of governmental support? If so, in what ways? Partly I would say yes as there is access to health services from health facilities. [It is the] only sector at which the government is trying to respect the health rights of individuals no matter how you identify. What is it like in the religious community? Do you have churches where LGBTQIA+ people can worship? Before the bill we had an LGBTQIA+ inclusive church for our community where we would go and worship. After the bill became law it's now hard for church to happen as also the council of religious leaders were part of the people supporting and pressuring the President to sign the bill.
The president of Uganda assented to a deadly bill that’s now a law that makes the LGBTQIA community members live like criminals in our own country.
What do you believe other misunderstood about Uganda?
people
Do you have a quote that motivates you? What is it?
Uganda being a country of democracy where all citizens exercise their rights is something I believe people misunderstand about Uganda because even the fundamental rights are not respected and protected as stated in the constitution of Uganda.
A quote that motivates me most of the time is that “ To overcome fear, you need to face fear” . It really helps me to remember that I need to face things I fear to overcome them otherwise [I] will keep on fearing them forever.
If you had an opportunity to move out of Uganda would you? Why or why not? Honestly speaking, if I had that opportunity, I would move out of Uganda as its no longer safe for any LGBTQIA+ person to be staying in Uganda [because of the law] that criminalizes us, mainly us Transgender persons. [I] would still wish to continue with my activism, share my story to the world but also lobby for my community in terms of advocacy for its betterment.
What is dating like in Uganda?
What of your personal story do you want to share with our reader?
Here dating is something community members are doing but in hiding where people cannot see given the many homophobes we [have] in Uganda. LGBTQIA+ people who are dating try to pretend whenever they are in public places given that it's still illegal for same sex relationships.
Mukisa Clara is a 23 year old Transgender person under hormonal therapy coming from a rural area in the Eastern region of Uganda. [I] am the first Transgender woman to come out in our area and also being under hormonal therapy. Given it’s the area where I come from, I have had so many challenges with my family with
Do you see representation of our community on television or movies? What are those like? In Uganda, I don’t see any representation of our community on television or movies because even the documentaries we do cannot be aired out on televisions given the stigma and discrimination we still have in Uganda. In addition, personalities, movie actors will fear to come out given the terrible conditions faced by our community in Uganda. Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read Clara’s words, you have the opportunity to help her. Due to the tenuous situation in Uganda and Clara’s community activism, she is at risk in every area. Her employment and housing situations have become unstable. If you would like to donate to Clara, download the Remit App and enter the following information to donate directly to her. She is a woman of great courage and a big heart, let’s help her continue to do her good work. Airtel number - +256740551720 Names - Kakooza Davis Address - Mpererwe, Kawempe City- Kampala Country - Uganda
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FEATURE DJS Keshia (Kaos) Banks
My Most Hype Song: Tití Me Preguntó My Dream Gig: P!nk’s Birthday Party (My favorite artist)
TheeKeshiaBanks
KeshiaKaosBanks
Keshia Kaos Banks
HOMETOWN: ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS CURRENT CITY: SAINT PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
There’s nothing like the feeling of hearing an old song with new ears, speaking through lyrics or controlling energy through frequency. This is what I do. I make the hidden connections that aren’t always visible. I’m a DJ, KJ (karaoke jockey) & host based out of Tampa Bay, FL. I’m 36 years old. You can typically catch me at a multitude of events throughout the week. Including DJing your local bar, DJing & hosting music bingo, KJing karaoke, and the one stop shop for your DJ, Karaoke, and hosting of private parties and events. I’m pretty new in the game but my energy is unwavering. I can’t wait to experience where this road takes me. L’Chaim!
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PORTRAITS PRESTIGE BY: PHOTO
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North Carolina
Whosoever Loves...
Love, Pastor Roni
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VIRGINIA
ETSI HEALTH CLINIC ETSI Health Clinic, a 501C-3 non-profit organization based in Hampton, Virginia, has been at the forefront of providing culturally competent HIV/AIDS preventive care and linkage to care for the past three years. With a mission to empower transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals and improve their overall quality of life, ETSI focuses on communities that often reside in high-risk environments for HIV/AIDS infections. To support its operations, ETSI secures grant funding from various sources, including Gilead Sciences, Sentara Healthcare, The Virginia Department of Health, Youth and Adult Opportunities, and Destination Tomorrow. These funds enable ETSI to offer a range of critical services, including HIV/STI testing, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, and gender-affirming care. ETSI's comprehensive services encompass HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, HIV testing and counseling, outreach services, and gender-specific care to address community stabilization, domestic violence prevention and shelter, substance abuse, case management, and mental health support. Additionally, ETSI extends its assistance to individuals both living with and without HIV/AIDS by providing housing support, sexual abuse education, vocational training, employment readiness, domestic violence support, and mental health education through partnering agencies. The dedicated team at ETSI consists of competent and compassionate professionals, including community health workers, substance abuse counselors, case managers, part-time medical physicians, clinical compliance managers, therapists, phlebotomists, outreach specialists, client navigators, HIV educators, and testers. These staff members receive mandatory HIV and counseling training as required by the Virginia Department on a quarterly basis. ETSI is expanding its services by establishing a full health clinic in Portsmouth, Virginia, located in the southeast region of the state. Portsmouth, the 9th most populous city in Virginia and part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan south side area, has been selected as the site for this expansion due to documented disparities in HIV healthcare within the city. With a population that is 52% Black or African American, Portsmouth exhibits significant HIV rates, particularly among African American women. The city also faces challenges related to domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse, and survival sex work. By opening the Portsmouth Health Clinic, ETSI aims to provide vital HIV/STD testing services to address these pressing issues and serve the community in need. BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE.
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While most of the world finishes their celebrations of Pride, Blaque/OUT is taking a moment to pay homage to two of the women by whose sacrifice & fearlessness saved countless lives & gave us the ability to celebrate Pride at all. Our photographers recreated some of the most iconic shots of Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera as they fought for our liberation. Re-imaged by Tamara Leigh & Zeeno.NY, featuring the beautiful Nicole Levy & Jay Miah. BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE.
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Sylvia Rivera July 2, 1951 - February 19, 2002
Marsha P. Johnson August 24, 1945 - July 6, 1992
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera are two names that left an indelible mark on the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. These women stood for who they were regardless of their families’ opinions, societal acceptance, or personal struggles. To honor their contribution, NYC has announced that there will be a monument dedicated to the work they did. Nicole Levy and Jay Miah did Blaque Out Magazine the honor of recreating some of Marsha and Sylvia’s iconic images in a powerful photo shoot. Each then gave me the pleasure of interviewing them. BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE.
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L L A W E N O T S
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Jay Miah’s interview about the historical significance of Sylvia Rivera and the opportunity it has given Jay Miah to just be Mi is one of thoughtfulness. Jay Miah has appeared on national television programs, shared their talent in their community, and blazed their own trail. The significance of faith, family, friends, community, and the long term love of their kitty keeps Jay Miah pressing on with the action of activism. Jay Miah’s interview is full of insight and passion. Enjoy our conversation!
Jay Miah @ZeenoN.Y.
as Sylvia Rivera
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Nicole
Levy
as Marsha P. Johnson Nicole sat down for our interview to reflect on her thoughts of Marsha’s influence as well as her personal experiences. Nicole has journeyed in her 40+ years as a force to be reckoned with. She has had the foundation of her diverse family (who taught her to be proud of who she is), the support of her loving fiance, and the embrace of her faith to motivate her. Nicole is unapologetically herself. Check out our conversation and the nuggets Ms. Nicole has to share.
@Tamara Leigh
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FEATURE DJS Aiko Finesse
My Most Hype Song: Lil BoosieSet It Off My Dream Gig: A Celebrity Wedding
Aiko Finesse
www.aikofinesse.com
Dj Aiko Finesse
HOMETOWN: NEWBERRY SC CURRENT CITY: COLUMBIA SC
I’ve always had a passion for the arts. I use to write as a kid. Stories, poetry, spoken word. Music is my biggest passion. I picked up rapping in middle school. I studied music production at the Art Institute in 2008. Due to funding, I had to quit. 2014 I picked up djing. As I learned the craft and invested, I started making a name for myself. I’ve been all over, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Houston, TX. My drive is I just love seeing people enjoy themselves, enjoy life. All from the music I play.
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North Carolina
THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON Effective mentorship can also have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Mentors can provide emotional support, encouragement and a sounding board for their mentee. This can help the mentee build resilience, manage stress and overcome challenges. These are the reasons I have been on a personal search for a mentor. I have craved the help of someone who can assist me as I assist my community in more effective ways. People assume because I've been doing this work for a while that I know how everything should go. That just isn’t the case. I believe you never stop learning and there is always someone who can show you something you didn't know. On my journey it has been a mixed bag of
Rochelle J Photography
results. I’ve met a lot of people and although some have been working in the
MY SEARCH FOR A MENTOR
community longer than I have, it's hit or
Mentorship is a powerful relationship in which a more experienced and knowledgeable person guides and supports a less experienced person to achieve their goals. A mentor can be a valuable asset to anyone looking to develop their skills, grow their career or personal life, and gain new insights and perspectives. One of the main benefits of mentorship is the opportunity to
learn
from
someone
who
has
experience
and
knowledge in a specific area. A mentor can achieve this by sharing their own experiences and providing guidance and advice. This can help the mentee develop their own expertise and become more confident and capable in their field.
one’s network. A mentor can introduce the mentee to contacts,
industry
professionals
and
potential
employers, which can help the mentee expand their opportunities
much as I do or they aren’t willing to share their knowledge. I pray that my love for community will always be as strong and as passionate as it is today. That at some point I’m able to share what I have learned along the way with the new guy on the block. Until then I’ll continue my search for knowledge
and
ways
to
help
the
community to stand up and be counted. Maybe my future mentor is reading this right now. Only time will tell, but as always you all will be on the journey. So do an old man a favor and each one teach one. As
Another benefit of mentorship is the ability to expand new
miss with them. They either know about as
and
build
relationships
beneficial in their future endeavors.
that
can
be
you continue to grow and learn, do not be shy about sharing your knowledge with someone else. Do not let information die out with you. And no matter how old you are, remember that we can all learn from someone else.
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You couldn’t skip the bliss of sliding your hands inside the halter of her dress exposing those ripe, round breasts and burying your face in them, licking and sucking her pert, eraser sized, nipples. In response, she threw her other leg on your shoulder to prepare for your impending descent between her legs to which you replied with grasping her thighs and spreading them to welcome you. Her neatly trimmed pussy was calling you, and the glint of moisture on her “other set of lips” begged to be tended. It was just as you expected, she tasted as sweet as honeysuckle on your lips and as you slid your tongue in deeper, your tongue ring danced with her clit to the beat of the track that was covering for your absence. Diana dug her nails into your shoulders and threw her head back with moans of pleasure as you let your fingers do the walking in her honey pot while your tongue continued to manipulate her clit. She began to gyrate her hips as if dancing as the finger walking evolved to fast paced relay race. She bucked and moaned as your fingers changed angles and moved in and out, faster and harder. You glanced up briefly while she pinched at her firm nipples and then continued to indulge as you lapped at her now well lubricated cavern. You continued to work her out until the sound of your fingers splashing in her well gave way to the sound of her stifled climax and the quivering of her body as the waves of electricity ran through her limbs. As she slid back on the couch you said, “I gotta get back to work.” She chuckled and said, “What happens in Club Taboo, stays in Club Taboo.” You smiled, licked your fingers, and kissed her as you jetted back downstairs to your post while she composed herself for her descent onto the main dance floor. There was only an hour left before the club closed and you waited to see Diana come downstairs again. You figured she was just like all of your other encounters and would soon join you back in the booth for the last hour before leaving with you for the night to finish what we started. Just a typical Saturday night, but tonight was no different but very different. You never saw her come down the stairs, and as the last drunken
patron stumbled towards the door, she wasn’t waiting by the bar for you to pack up. You were really disappointed when you loaded up your truck and she wasn’t lingering in the parking lot. “Damn! She left!? 30 minutes is all I got of that? I’ve never ended a night like this… unfulfilled! She got hers and dipped! I didn’t even get her number.” Weeks and then months went by, night after night you found yourself looking for her until the memory of the night began to fade. You were back to your routine and life was normal. Typical Saturday night, Ladies night, ladies get in free until 11p and drink free all night. But every once in a while, you’ll catch the faint scent of Rapture, see a thick cloud of white smoke, and let your mind wander back to that night. Replaying memories of a simple request in the DJ booth and an encounter that begged to be finished. “I want you to remind me why I love hip hop.” A familiar voice snapped you out of your reminiscence and brought an instant sense of arousal. She whispered, “Play something for me,” her slender, curvaceous frame beckoning you to come closer as she slid you her address and phone number.
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FEATURE DJS My Most Hype Song: A mash up I created using OutKast's beat and Beyonce's "Love on Top" My Dream Gig: Traveling with Missy Elliott as her concert DJ or even an opening act
DarLuz the DJ
darluzthedj
DarLuz the DJ
HOMETOWN: MT.CLEMENS MI CURRENT CITY: RIVERVIEW FL
I always say, "Motown raised me, MTV made me." I attribute my eclectic musical passion to artists such as; Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Missy Elliot, Justin Timberlake, Grover Washington Jr., Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Janet Jackson, Nas, Jay-Z, and Queen. I've had the opportunity to create music mixes for New York Fashion Week, provided music at Florida mayoral events, DJed for the Women's Conference of Florida, the Sunscreen Music Fest, 2022 AKA Boule, Macy's, Marriot Resorts, US Air Force, and even provided DJ services for Ben & Jerry themselves, during their grand opening celebrations.
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