BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE March 2023 #030

MAR CH20 23 ISSUE#030

RIDE THE WAVE MEET JAVANNAH DAVIS, FOUNDER OF WAVE WOMEN, INC. , BLAQUE/OUT COLUMNIST AND WOMAN TO WATCH

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

11

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

RIDE THE WAVE, INTRODUCING JAVANNAH DAVIS

04

BLAQUEOUT MAG CONTRIBUTORS

25

SAPPHO'S DAUGHTER IMMANI LOVE

LIVING IN THE LIGHT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: CHANEL LOPEZ

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: ADRIAN DEJESUS

29 INTRODUCING MAYSON PROCTOR

HARM-ONIZED DISCORD LADE BREEZ 03

EXCLUSIVE!

19

REMEMBERING DAVON "NINO" DAVIS

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN

MARCH 2023 | ISSUE# 030

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36

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.

a word.

It has little to nothing to do with the magazine outside of being the reason for its existence, but today I want to talk about "the fight."

Alot of us fell into this work because of our existences. In order to live and breathe on this planet and be authentically who we are, we had to fight. But I contend that there was still choice there.

Because we all know people with similar circumstances that don't choose it. I will never shame those folks- because why should you have to? But I do want to talk to the people who did choose it. I feel honored to do this work fighting for justice, to liberate, to educate. I feel honored to be surrounded by people who choose to do it and I've probably talked to 5 of them today, Editor-In-Chief 15 in the last week.

We are a special breed of crazy. We know that. We take the blue pill and all the reality and loss and frustration and heart break and exhaustion that comes with it. Some of us are empaths, some of us are co-dependent, some of us have abandonment issues, and some of us are narcissists. Maybe we are all a combination of all of the above. There probably is no "saving the world".

The corruption runs too deep, the systems are too large and the problems too many. But we still show-up day in and day out to do what we can, to help who we can, to disrupt, encourage and empower. Sometimes the overwhelmingness of it all is just too much and you can do nothing but cry, or climb in a comfy bed, in a dark room and hide. Sometimes we drink. We are typically under appreciated, often underestimated. Still. Don't give up.

Tamara Sanaa Leigh

THE OLD MAN'S E.L. WINSTON CORNER

of being a single mother so she started our laundry cart program for single parents

trying

to

navigate

public

transportation and children. The belief that this generation of youth need to have the tools to stand next to their counterparts in every way lead her to one of her passions as a Speech and Rochelle J Photography

Debate assistant coach and then a head coach. Promoting critical thinking and to

Happy Women's History Month! Keeping with this month's theme, I would like to share a little bit about my trailblazer of a wife: Roni Winston aka The Mrs. aka Pastor Roni. SuperWoman is what I call her. She is one of the most intelligent and hardworking women I know.. She is breaking down the way in which we think about education, God, and service. She is the co-founder of Seek and Serve as well as Love Lives In Us and we have an outreach ministry, Whosoever Ministries. The Mrs. is full throttle in all of those endeavors. Her heart for serving the community is huge from feeding the homeless, advocating for the community, through to teaching our youth. This woman is truly a trailblazer!

show African American youth that the mind is a beautiful thing and anytime you can use it, you should.

I could go on about the food pantry that runs out of our garage for those who might need a hand. Your woman says, “We're gonna buy a deep freezer and put it in the garage for the people”…. Can't argue with the Mrs. when she puts her mind on something it will be done. Her heart for the Lord has her speaking, teaching and reaching for the lost and broken. In a nutshell her influence on

Watching her carry all these hats and still be able to manage a household is amazing and it inspires me to work harder and give more. When we were dating we used to play 20 questions. It’s how I started to see the gem that is the Mrs. She knows the struggle

this world will be felt way after she leaves it. Salute to my Mrs. and all the other women making their mark on this world, paving the way for us all!

C O N V E R S A T I O N S W I T H A N FEATURING AMY DIAZ, WOMAN

OF

POISE

&

PURPOSE

Amy, you are the founder of A Mother’s Love, a non-collegiate Greek organization, and a co-founder of C.O.R.E. Tell us a little about these organizations.

Watch the full interview on the BlaqueOUT TV YouTube Channel @blaqueoutmagtv

Well, A Mother’s Love is the non-profit organization I created to help women of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who are suffering domestic abuse. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has grown and expanded to other states and now includes victims of human trafficking.

The non-collegiate organization is the Lambda Nu Dynasty, Inc. We are a Greekletter organization that truly believes we need to be the change we want to see within our communities. The Dynasty has four different organizations: Lambda Alpha Kappa Sorority, Lambda Zeta Phi Nu Fraternity, Lambda Gamma Omega Nu Fraternity, Lambda Beta Delta Nu Fraternity.

And then, there is C.O.R.E. Ministry (Christ Over Everything). It is a ministry that I serve with 3 other pastors. Our objective is to serve and give back to our community.

Above all else though, we put Christ above everything.

OLDMAN E . L .

W I N S T O N

What inspired you to start each of your endeavors?

My inspiration for all of my endeavors is to help others. Philanthropy has always been a passion of mine. With A Mother’s Love, I found that there was a need for a bilingual advocate for women of domestic abuse in Allentown. I saw a need that was not being fulfilled, so I wanted to stand in the gap to aid these women and children trying to escape domestic abusive situations.

With the Lambda Nu Dynasty, I wanted to create a Greek experience where all people could come together and have a sense of family while collectively supporting the communities in which we live. With C.O.R.E. Ministries, this was an opportunity for people to see me in a different light while changing views and/or opinions of people when it comes to pastors and church in general.

You are also a motivational speaker, but who motivates you?

The person who motivates me the most is my son Emmanual. The last 22 years have been a roller coaster ride with him and I. He was diagnosed with Autism very late and back in the early 2000s, the diagnosis of Autism did not have much direction. Then, when you add that he is an African American child navigating a system designed not to help him or single mothers, such as myself, then the road was even more complicated. This lack of help and access to resources motivated me to educate myself and become an advocate for other mothers who had no idea what to do and where to turn to with their children with Autism. It was from that experience that motivational speaking emerged. I could pour into others: strength, wisdom, and courage through motivational speaking encouraging them to believe in themselves.

All this talk about your community work, but who is The Fem with the Slick Mouth and how do you manage her alongside Pastor Amy? Yes, MaJesty is my radio personality name and I am the Sexy Fem with the Slick Mouth. My radio personality is unapologetic, honest, and feisty. Then, there is Pastor Amy who is actually not too far off from MaJesty. I speak from a biblical standpoint with an objective and honest perspective. I am not your typical pastor and I don’t preach like your ordinary pastor. How do I manage the two? If I have to be honest, I don’t manage them. They are the same person. I do not change or alter who or what I am just because I’m in a different arena. As MaJesty, I give my honest and unapologetic opinion and as Pastor Amy, I do the same thing. The only difference is the addition of scriptures.

Some people are taken aback when they hear that I am a pastor, especially after listening to my podcast or radio show, but one thing you will always get from Amy, MaJesty, or Pastor Amy is truth, honesty, and realism.

You have such strong opinions, but are involved in so many things. Have you ever had to refuse to work with anyone because of your fiercely held beliefs and ethics?

Yes, I have. I firmly believe that if it does not align with my beliefs and morals, I can't get behind it. Compromising your integrity never feels good, and I refuse to compromise who I am for anything or anyone.

What would you say is your superpower?

My superpower is my perseverance. In my life, I have been hit with many losses and unfortunate circumstances that would've driven an average person completely insane. But it has been my perseverance that has always carried me through. I've never allowed my circumstance or a situation to dictate what my outcome would be. I also don't allow those around me to succumb to their circumstances or problems, and I tend to get in the trenches with them to help them through. So let's just say I share my perseverance with others.

With all of the various projects you have going, how do you find balance with all of that and your home life?

Balance is something that I'm still learning.

I am a person who throws herself into any task that I set my mind to. And often, I do get tunnel vision. But I am grateful for my wife, who reminds me that family is first and I must take a break.

What would you like for people to remember about you?

I would like people to remember me as being genuine, authentic, and always caring about other people.

So that makes you a mentor, what does that mean to you?

To be a mentor, in my opinion, is like being a teacher. You are responsible for guiding your mentee and want to impart wisdom and knowledge to them and help them navigate this thing we call life.

How can our readers find and connect with you?

Your readers can find me on Facebook as Amy Oya Diaz or they can reach out to me via email at SororOya.AK@LambdaNuDynasty.org and I would love to hear from them.

There is nothing like a woman who knows herself and is confident in the life she leads. Be sure to watch the journey of this woman, she truly does have poise and purpose. She wears it well! Thank you, Amy Diaz, for what you do for our community!

RIDETHEWAVE INTRODUCING JAVANNAH DAVIS

A

n extroverted-introvert, Javannah Davis doesn't mind being around people, or going out and having fun, but will always prefer to be in the house watching a good show. Davis is a Community Advocate, Entrepreneur, and an Activist for equity in health care. She is a nurse, self-published author, and ordained minister.

She is also the Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women INC.; a 501c3 not-for-profit organization based in Rochester, New York.

2023 is shaping up to be a very big year for Davis and her organization. She is setting the stage to create safe spaces for Black and Brown Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming women in the Rochester, NY community, networking and advocating for better healthcare for Trans folks, and setting up workshops that will educate and train other businesses, organizations, and healthcare facilities regarding how to safeguard Trans lives.

So Blaque/OUT asked our "Visionary of the Month" for March 2023, twenty-questions to get some additional insight about who she is and why she does the work that she does.

What’s your no-fail, go-for it motivational song?

That would definitely have to be “Unstoppable”

by Sia. That’s the battle cry for the day! When I hear the words, “I put my armor on…”, though it’s a pop song, it lifts my spirit and reminds me of the protection and covering I assume from a higher power.

What’s most important to your mental health?

Not having to live in a state of confusion.

Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals that I can trust and feel safe around. Also, doing things for myself that takes me away from always having to make decisions or think all the time. Sometimes I just like to be in peace and quiet and just be present.

Who’s your hero?

People who find the courage to become the best version of themselves everyday. People who continue to find the strength to push through life and the various challenges we face each day. People who genuinely care about those around them, and continue to fight against the harm society can place on them for being who they are as a person.

Those people are my heroes, because I see myself in those people.

If you could send a note to yourself in 2033, what would it say?

“I hope this doesn’t find you in any state of regret. You did your best, you did what you felt was the best thing for you, you cared hard, and loved even harder, and I hope you have found the joy you deserve.”

What’s the one thing in life you’re so happy you did?

I’d have to say, finally allowing Javannah to breathe. The moment I allowed myself to transition, and to do it my way, my life did a full 360 for the best. I gained my superpowers, and I’ve been flying ever since.

Who’s the one person who changed your life?

I have many people I’ve met along my journey that have inspired me, but I can’t say that I have met anyone that has “changed” my life. I hope when that does happen that it’s extraordinary!

What gives you hope?

As long as the sun rises on a new day, there will always be hope. I just have to keep reminding myself of that when the nights get really tough.

What the Trans community needs now is…. …to be able to trust their own community. It’s traumatic and frustrating enough dealing with “outside” communities, and the stigmas that are put on us on an everyday basis, just to experience the same from our own people, within our own community.

What’s your favorite place on earth?

I don’t know what my favorite place on earth is yet, because I haven’t traveled that distance… yet. But I have to say, any quiet place by the water is definitely my favorite place to be.

What should be required reading for every human?

“Rest is Resistance - A Manifesto” by Tricia Hersey. This book, in so many words, helped me to get rid of the guilt I would feel if I felt my body required a little more rest. It also taught me that Black and Brown folks need to embrace their need to rest more, and how it is actually our silent protest against racism and capitalism.

Fill in the blank: ___”Minding the business that pays you!”_____ is underrated.

What’s most important to your mental health?

Not having to live in a state of confusion.

Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals that I can trust and feel safe around. Also, doing things for myself that takes me away from always having to make decisions or think all the time. Sometimes I just like to be in peace and quiet and just be present.

Who’s your hero?

People who find the courage to become the best version of themselves everyday. People who continue to find the strength to push through life and the various challenges we face each day. People who genuinely care about those around them, and continue to fight against the harm society can place on them for being who they are as a person.

Those people are my heroes, because I see myself in those people.

If you could send a note to yourself in 2033, what would it say?

“I hope this doesn’t find you in any state of regret. You did your best, you did what you felt was the best thing for you, you cared hard, and loved even harder, and I hope you have found the joy you deserve.”

What’s the one thing in life you’re so happy you did?

I’d have to say, finally allowing Javannah to breathe. The moment I allowed myself to transition, and to do it my way, my life did a full 360 for the best. I gained my superpowers, and I’ve been flying ever since.

Who’s the one person who changed your life?

I have many people I’ve met along my journey that have inspired me, but I can’t say that I have met anyone that has “changed” my life. I hope when that does happen that it’s extraordinary!

What gives you hope?

As long as the sun rises on a new day, there will always be hope. I just have to keep reminding myself of that when the nights get really tough.

What the Trans community needs now is…. …to be able to trust their own community. It’s traumatic and frustrating enough dealing with “outside” communities, and the stigmas that are put on us on an everyday basis, just to experience the same from our own people, within our own community.

What’s your favorite place on earth?

I don’t know what my favorite place on earth is yet, because I haven’t traveled that distance… yet. But I have to say, any quiet place by the water is definitely my favorite place to be.

What should be required reading for every human?

“Rest is Resistance - A Manifesto” by Tricia Hersey. This book, in so many words, helped me to get rid of the guilt I would feel if I felt my body required a little more rest. It also taught me that Black and Brown folks need to embrace their need to rest more, and how it is actually our silent protest against racism and capitalism.

Fill in the blank: ___”Minding the business that pays you!”_____ is underrated.

When in your life have you needed courage?

Everyday I walk out of my front door I need courage. But If I have to pick a particular moment in time, i’d have to say it was when I found the courage to look forward to another day and live my life as intended.

City or Mountains?

MOUNTAINS HAS DOWN!!! I love people, but having lived in the city my whole life, I have come to the realization that city life is definitely not for me. I love and appreciate peace, and seclusion most of the time.

When was the last time you felt in awe?

I’m in ‘awe’ everyday I wake up and look in the mirror. The person I see is someone I never thought I’d EVER see for so long.

What do you think about on long flights or drives?

I don’t, I try to sleep if I can! When I can’t sleep I still don’t really think because I always listen to music or watch my favorite show.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Arrogance, and being ignored. Those two things make my blood boil. I understand life happens, but in this new technological age, anyone can send a 2second response no matter how busy you are. I just have very little patience for it.

What’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves?

Compassion What is the greatest gift we can give each other?

Selflessness. Understand each other on a deeper level to know where they are coming from, and keep in mind that your experiences in life are not theirs.

What ignites your sense of injustice?

Those that try to use their authority over others in ways that feed into their ego, while leaving other people triggered or traumatized.

How do you define soul mate?

Someone who can have a complete conversation with and neither of you say a word. Someone that you literally want to go nowhere without, and when you are apart, you just think of them and smile. A mutual understanding between two individuals that just simply seems…right.

RECOGNIZES

TRANS DAY OF

VISIBILITY MARCH 31ST 2023

REMEMBERING

NINO IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF MARCH 19TH, 2022 ARTIST, FAMILY MAN, SON, BROTHER, NEPHEW, GRANDSON, PROUD TRANSMASCULINE MAN, DAVON "NINO' DAVIS WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE RIDING A BIKE HOME FROM WORK IN BRIGHTON, NY. THE DA FAILED TO INDICT, THE DRIVER WAS NEVER PROSECUTED, A FAMILY LOST A PIECE OF THEIR SOUL FOREVER AND THE DRIVER REMAINS FREE.

On this One year anniversary, we remember Nino, his beautiful heart, eclectic taste in music & artistic soul.

And we affirm that we will never ever forget & won't give up until justice is served. The following are words from Nino's family & organizers who led the crusade for justice a year ago and continue to fight on today. #JusticeForDavonDavis

-Tamara Leigh

To My Sonshine, It has been almost a year since you gained your wings, it seems like it gets harder and harder for us. I re-live 3/19/2022 over and over again. As a mother, you want to protect your children. I feel I failed you and for that, I am very sorry. I love you my Sonshine to the Heavens and back. One of the main things I miss about you is when you cooked, we got a whole show with the singing and dancing. I miss your "it was not me" smile. When I am going through, I miss hearing you say, "mama you got this no matter the pain and the turbulence". Even though I am the mom, you were the rock for Toot and me and with you gone, things do not make sense. But I got this for the both of us. I do truly wish Heaven had a phone just to hear your voice one more time.

Your sister misses you so much. You two were each other's strength and even though I am here, she feels so alone. Just know, I am going to make you proud. When I feel lost, I can hear you saying, "Mama you got this," so I do. I love you my Sonshine to the moon and back. Just know you're forever in my heart.

Until we meet again.

TiTi miss you and love you. I think bout you all t the time. Our lives are no d the same without you an y.

I'll see you again one da Waiting to embrace you with the biggest hug!

My baby NINO

March 19,2023 makes a year since you were taken from us. Your legacy lives on in the existence of your brothers. In your honor we will forever protect your loved ones, uplift their voices, and share your memory as long as we, your brothers have breath in our body.

DAVON DAVIS "NINO" AS YOUR BROTHER, I WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD HER DURING THE

HARDEST DAYS, I WILL ALWAYS CHECK ON JOCELYN. I CONTINUE TO LOVE OOMA &

PFALLON AS IF THEY WERE MY VERY OWN.

-Brittan

Hardgers

#IAMMYBROTHERSKEEPER

REMEMBERING

NINO

@IMMANILOVE SHE/THEY

SAPPHO'S daughter IMMANI LOVE

Years ago, I was given the opportunity to travel to Lesvos (or Lesbos to some), Greece during my summer tour to perform at the Sappho Women’s Festival. It was an unexpected opportunity to extend my tour for an additional week and I was excited! My wife (at the time) was traveling with me and it had been a very trying summer. It was the summer I lost my son to AIDS. I was touring and couldn’t return home to be by his side. I was devastated. I was broken and had questioned my purpose in life, I mourned and struggled with my own existence. I had made it through the scheduled stops and was debating whether to end my tour on time and go home to face reality or take this opportunity and see why it was presented to me. I had to fundraise to be able to do it and it was in the middle of a financial crisis that was just brewing in Europe. There were so many things hindering the trip but somehow we raised the funds and took the chance to continue the tour. I had no idea how much that trip would impact the rest of my life and define my purpose in it.

For those who don’t know the Sappho origin and meaning, the name Sappho is a girl's name of Greek, Ancient Languages/Civilizations origin meaning "sapphire." It is the name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love. I wasn’t aware of this at the time, and went to the island where she had been born, unbeknownst to me, to be reborn myself. The island was beautiful, full of historic sculptures and beautiful landscapes teeming with wildlife like black flamingoes and wild goats, breathtaking sunsets, lively music, and art. The people were genuine and welcoming, offering the island’s eclectic varieties of cuisine, and shots of Ouzo even for the non-drinker that I proclaimed to be, and I indulged in their hospitality wholeheartedly. I had surprising conversations, long walks on the women-only naturist beach, bronzing my skin and inhaling the salty sea air. I felt my spirit healing. I felt my

he word Goddess is defined as a female God or Deity.

heal through Love.

A woman of extraordinary beauty and charm. A greatly admired or adored woman. From this

The next day I visited the sculpture on the island that

definition, we can gather that what makes a woman

was dedicated to Sappho and began to write. It was

a goddess is a woman who adds real value to

just a few lines but they were powerful to me.

people's lives, and she is also someone whom others look up to. I relate most to Aphrodite (Greek) -

I am shaped by my experiences, molded like clay by

goddess of love, lust and beauty, Inanna (Sumerian) -

life, I am permeable and pliable. I expand and

goddess of love, war, and fertility, and Charis (Greek) -

breathe the sea air to take shape. I am a daughter of

one of the Charites or "Graces", goddesses of charm,

Sappho, an heir to her throne as Goddess of Love and

beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. I have

as I take my true form, embody light and love, I mold

found that after my time in Lesvos, I began to

those around me into images of their own essence. I

channel and embody all of these qualities in my

spread love and eroticism to the world as I am called to

thoughts, words, and actions. I became a Goddess of

do. It is not what I do, it is who I am and I have been

Love and began to live in that light. My energy and

reminded by my ancestors to spark fire, light the kiln,

aura began to ignite a passion for life in me I had

heat the hearths, solidify the works of art I touch. Be

thought was lost. I knew I was on the right path

Love.

when my host for the festival came to me in the midst of a quarrel with her partner. She was upset

That night I walked in a community fashion show and

and almost fearful, she wanted me to speak to her

an image was captured of me that spoke volumes to

partner with her. I had no background, I had never

me and showed me that I had come to that island to

met the woman she loved, and I had no concept of

find myself and I did. I am a Goddess of Love. I share

what I was walking

this experience with you to let you know that

into. I entered the room with trepidation yet courage.

Goddesses walk among us. You may find that you

I felt empowered by the Goddess energy I was

indeed are one. I encourage you to listen to the inner

walking in. I spoke with a gentle, yet firm voice, I used

voice that speaks to you when your spirit is most quiet,

words I didn't realize I knew. I spoke with the

let that guidance lead you to embrace your purpose.

authority of a Goddess and the humility of a visitor to

Don’t allow fear sway you from your path. Take the

their island. We talked for several hours and as the

time to understand your journey and most of all

night waned into the wee hours of the morning, I

delight in the opportunity to be YOU.

saw why I was meant to be there in that space. I was led to help them

an TW/SA -year-old, Black, Tranlosgtehnindgelir nme, called Dekahbaoruet,

By

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Harm-onized Discord

By Lade Breez

The Melodies dance around down the low beats/ pounding your sheets of every note I could spit/ I breathed the song you would speak like it was fresh air to me/ the music made plugged in we were perfect harmony/ Until scratches tore missing pieces in the sheet music/ drained every pen dry to supply life to the rhythm that stopped moving forward/ So powerful it held me hypnotized to her/ Music notes dropped from the throats of a begging plea/ Dancing like finger tips across the piano keys/ the song cries screeched while strings angrily disconnected from the neck of smashed violins/ I Never knew I needed her heartbeat to maintain the pep in my step/ Her pitch was euphony to every vibration as it rattled my intensity/ The bell ding to my triangle/ Still/ Expecting the consensus to maintain the perfect pitch/ I over worked the redundancy of being comfortable in my middle of discord/ took the greatest leap of faith by jumping to conclusions/ the music didn’t match the words the ink lied about on paper/ It leaked spots on notes that told the truth/ When all the high notes went flat in songs i would never play again/ the slow tempo no longer tapping to the beginning overture/ My orchestra quickly became a sonata/ A director of redirect directed the music notes that once played the sweetest symphony/ Not realizing that I had gone tone deaf to her need for my conducting/ I had stopped conducting/ blaming her like I had not/ Replaced with crashing percussion that massacred the blues/ You will weep when the music seeps deep into the grain of wood carved to make the most marvelous guitar/ until my music became a silent memory in a lost Crescendo/ My pitch tossed in the trash by the beat I could not keep/ I wanted to keep her a secret/ but the world needed to hear her speak more than me/

LOVE LIVES IN US...

The Winstons Winston and the Mrs. (E. L. and Roni)

Love lives in us…the Winstons and we want to share a little of it with you. In our life together, we have been blessed to meet a number of icons…grandmothers, mothers, aunties, teachers, and yes, even couples. Women deserving of our admiration and veneration. They survived experiences, raised families, and loved in times when most would have folded under the pressure. The Winstons have realized that it is the love these iconic women of the LGBTQ+ community poured into us which allows us to live our own love story out loud.

The Mrs. Before I came out to the world, I came out to two women I see as iconic.

Their love encouraged me to be my most authentic self and believe that the kind of love I wanted was possible. I was in my 20s, but I had already had relationship after relationship. Nothing stuck. I didn’t have the patience or the understanding of what love looked like, but watching these two as they loved, fought, and made life work was a blessing to my spirit.

Sheila and Shanda McLean fed me. They loved me. They encouraged me. They were real friends to me in the midst of my chaos. This is my opportunity for me to say thank you to two women who helped me find my way. The strength of their relationship showed me that loving isn’t perfect, but a perfect love can sustain us. You may not have known Sheila and Shanda before now but believe me, they are icons!

Winston On the path to my wife, I met my own iconic inspiration.

When my mom died, I was 22 years old and lost. I got into drinking too much and caring too little. So I became homeless and I was living in a shelter. One of my friends there told me about a local halfway house.

Little did I know then that my life was about to be blessed in ways I couldn't imagine. Regina D. Lewis, the icon, is the owner of Ashunti RMS Inc. and the woman who taught me that any change you want to see in your community and in yourself you're going to have to work for it. She taught me to be who I was unapologetically.

She showed genuine love to a stranger when I needed it the most.

I never felt like a client. Regina has an amazing way of making everyone feel like family. Not only did she take me in, but she imparted in me a work ethnic like none other. She encouraged me to go back to school and she showed me the business of running a halfway house. These skills are still helpful to me today. I may no longer be doing that work, but the experience is still worth its weight in gold. This woman is the definition of an icon because she has helped more women and men in the last 20+ years and her impact is immeasurable.

She does it all, from back to school drives to summer camps for kids and work programs for her residents. I can honestly say that if it had not been for her I'm not sure where I would have ended up. I firmly believe that the seeds that are dropped into your spirit bloom long after you've moved onto the next phase of your journey. She is definitely the definition of Love Lives In Us and a true icon!!

Thoughts to Leave You

Oftentimes we focus on the trauma of our experiences and these are truly major in our lives, but now let us break the cycle. The Winstons have known women who helped to change our trajectory. The words, the love, and the influence of these iconic women moved us into paths that led us to one another. If you don’t know a woman of this kind of greatness, it’s okay. Find how love lives in you and become an icon to your community.

Spread the love that will take the world into tomorrow with hope!

MARCH

National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

2023

Salutes..

Tiffany Porter Fairport, NY

Venmo: @Beingblack-InTheburbs Cashapp: $Beingblackintheburbs PayPal: PayPal.me/beingblackintheburbs

"Tiffany Porter is a Black, disabled, LGBTQ woman who is a force in our community.

She created her own nonprofit, Being Black in the Burbs and is an unwavering advocate for all but specifically for Black and Brown children in predominately white school districts and for lower income folx. She exemplifies the definition of mutual aid and taking care of our community. She constantly holds food and clothing drives as well as specific donation drives for community members in need. She frequently attends

speaks out at school board meetings to demand changes within our euro-centric school districts. She is an asset to Fairport, and all the surrounding communities who have been touched through her outreach. Along with this she is also a single mom who spends a great deal of her life in chronic pain due to her health issues. Regardless of her own personal struggles, she is always willing to help others and project her voice against white supremacy. Tiffany deserves all the recognition for her incredible work in the Rochester suburbs."

to spend time focused on the not are We r. we ans our is d Go of The Word away. Feed your spirit. Create a s pas l wil y ckl qui so t tha ngs thi types of act created and these women who imp are y the but n, bor not are ns Ico . legacy k like, are w us what strength and power loo sho and us, age our enc y, rne jou our effort. You cannot sit idly by as life the ones who have surely put in the to a place of engagement. moves around you. God is calling you the world you want to see. God ate cre to er ord in lf rse you of e You must giv ce, healing, and deliverance. If He pea , ion vat sal r you for Son y onl gave His your you willing to give? Can you give up are at wh n the , you for t tha do could right g? Can you give up your need to be hin ryt eve of l tro con in be to ire des Or ss to someone who has hurt you? ene giv for e giv you n Ca e? tim the all it your way? patience to someone who doesn’t do t need to be a person trusting jus you n; ma wo nic ico an be to e You don’t hav greatest blessing. Don’t rely on the God to show you the way for your ds, the work of your faith, the work han r you of rk wo the on y Rel . ary tempor God to be selfish, but that is not who us h pus t tha es tim in are We ! of you gives shall God in your giving. For whosoever d Fin e. giv to e pos pur r you d Fin is. to be an icon! truly be blessed. It is your chance

- Pastor Roni

PORTRAITS PRESTIGE BY: PHOTO

As we honor iconic women of the d. sse ble be to ant me is es giv r Whosoeve r what puts the fire within them. nde wo st mu we n the y, nit mu com LGBTQ+ tells us are to the world? Proverbs 31:30-31 y the o wh be to m the ves dri at Wh that , and beauty is vain: but a woman ful eit dec is or Fav is: it at wh y ctl exa fruit of her hands; and let the her e Giv d. ise pra be ll sha she feareth the Lord, es. her own works praise her in the gat

Looking for a little more guidance on what life might bring you this month? Tarot cards, read by an intuitive reader, can provide us that guidance. While your personal reading may vary slightly, the readings here are directed for all of those born in the same month for the current month. For a more specific reading to your specific circumstance contact Doreen Scanlan on FB Messenger to set an appointment.

Pisces You are going to face many crossroads this month. I hope you are ready to make some new choices. Make sure you weigh all the options. This is definitely a month for you to step out on faith that you know what is best for you. You may also need to work somewhat in isolation to get things moving so this could take a toll on your relationships. It is important to communicate what you are doing and not just assume people know, Challenges you face now will make room for celebration later. You may find that it is time to leave behind some things in favor of moving in the direction of what will be better for you.

Keyword: Evaluation

Aries Stop taking everything so seriously. Try to shift from your head to your heart. This is a time of passionate motivation. Find friends that share your passions and spend more time with them. This might also be a great month to try to expand your social circle. Try going to some different places and see who you might meet. There are plenty of people that haven’t heard your story yet. It is time to share. You may meet a very significant other in the process.

Keyword; Verdict

Taurus Things that you have been working for actually start paying off but you make sure you are given what you agreed upon. Someone may try to short you so stand up for what is yours. Stay professional but don’t back down.This may mean you have to wait a little longer for your pay off but if you settle for the lessor amount it will be harder to collect later. The lessons you learn form this are valuable though. Make sure that you have things in writing before you commit so you cover yourself.

Keyword: Learning

Gemini I hope you are up to the challenge because this month it is time to break away from things that haven’t been working for you. You have gotten too comfortable and with that you aren’t growing. Other people have gotten used to you being “you” and may not be so interested in you changing so you may feel somewhat alone on this journey. You don’t have to take their criticism. Take some time to study what new things you want to introduce into your life. This is a great time to start a new job or even look for a new place to live. Make decisions that put you on the path of your future. Make new goals that you really what to achieve.

Keyword: Balance

Cancer This month should be dedicated to actively studying and learning new things. You may even have to fend off some people or situations that try to interfere with you doing it There are lots of things left for you to explore so don’t let old limitations find their way back into your life. Spend time socializing towards the end of the month . Friends can be particularly supportive.

Keyword: Advancement

Leo New inspiration comes your way this month. This is a time to share that inspiration with others. It will feel really good to do it too. Someone will benefit from what you know. There may actually be an opportunity to make some money do it. You may want to consider teaching some classes. Take some time before the month ends you might want to find an festive event to attend.

Keyword: Nurturing

Virgo Career is a big part of your focus . You are going to get inspiration from many different sources. You may even get an opportunity to revisit a childhood dream.

Have fun with it. You may also be the recipient of someone’s generosity. Be a gracious receiver. Whatever you receive you will be able to put to good use. It is time for things to be a little easier for you so try not to take on too much.

Keywords: Advancement

Libra Emotionally you are not at your best early on. You may find yourself in some pretty heavy conversations . Try not to make more of them than you have to. Whenever possible try to turn the conversation to more pleasant topics. You are better off taking the high road than trying to meet others on the low one. All in all, be true to yourself.

Keyword: Shadow

Scorpio The stressors that you are facing are in place for you to get some clarity in your life. Take some time to decide which battles are worth fighting and which ones aren’t . Once you decide which ones are worth your time and energy go after them once and for all. You can’t let the past keep you from moving forward. The universe wants to help you even out your successes and your challenges.

Keyword: Boldness

SAGITTARIUS This is a very passion driven month for you. It may be time for you to make some decisions in that regard. There is something in your future that you need to start making plans for. This is something that may take you on a different course than you are currently on. As things get challenging you may find that some people that were once on board with your plans are no longer supportive. Then others step up to fill the gap. By the end of the month you will really know who has your back. Once you have your team assembled it is time to take a leap of faith. Keyword: Crisis

CAPRICORN You may find that someone that has been against you in the past will now become an ally. You have found something that is equally important to both of you and it puts you on the same side of an issue.

Together your creative ideas can make new breakthroughs. You working together may confuse others and some of them may drop their loyalties to either of you. Trust yourself to know who to befriend.

Keyword: Exhaustion

AQUARIUS Expect major changes this month. This is the time to make big things happen. You have tools that you haven’t even tapped into yet. Now is the time to see what they can do. Have fun with it. This is when you can utilize your powers of manifestation to create the life you have dreamed of. The Universe is aligned with your desires. It is your turn to align with them too.

Keyword:Union

Doreen has been doing Intuitive Tarot readings and spiritual work for over two decades and is available for private readings . Text 585-6158494 for details and availability. Any feedback on how these readings have helped you would be appreciated.

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