JULY 2024
ISSUE#046
M A G A Z I N E
CELEBRATING our Diversity INTERVIEW WITH DJ SIN, FOUNDER INTERVIEW WITH DJ SIN, FOUNDER OF LATINA LESBIANS OF FLORIDA
EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEWS
TERRY J. BENTON-WALKER AUTHOR OF THE BLOOD DEBTS SERIES MAURICE N. GATTIS, PH.D FOUNDER OF FORT MOSE’ 1738
C E L E B R A T I N G
S Y L V I A
GET
INVOLVED
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
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DJ SIN, FOUNDER OF LATIN LESBIANS OF FLORIDA
WWW.ISSUU.COM/BLAQUEOUTMAG WWW.BLAQUEOUT.COM
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IN OUT NEWS BLAQUE/OUT WRITERS
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TITTY CONFESSIONS VICTORIA VON BLAQUE
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BOOK THERAPY: TERRY J. BENTONWALKER
SATISFICTION
COVER ART: PHOTOGRAPHER: ZEENO.NY
JAY VALENTINO
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SNAP SHOTS OF PRIDE MONTH FROM THE BLAQUE/OUT TEAM ALL OVER THE NATION COPY EDITOR: RONI WINSTON ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN
JULY 2024 | ISSUE# 046
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FORT MOSE’ 1738
a word. This month, Blaque/OUT celebrates the Brown part of our community. We are all family, sourced from the African diaspora that spread our culture and traditions throughout the world. Wherever we landed, no matter what oppression awaited us, we grew, bloomed and made roots. We honor the Brown Trans women who powered the fight for Queer & Trans liberation over decades. We celebrate the 74th Birthday of the Queen, Sylvia Rivera who founded STAR with Marsha P. Johnson to give the Trans women & Queer youth of NYC a home. I got the opportunity to work with Sylvia’s daughter for a while. She’s worked to keep STAR & Sylvia’s memory alive. She has sued, and often won, damn near every Institution In NYC. You’d have to think Sylvia would have loved that. Being able to work so closely with someone who knew her so well was a really special experience for me. To Interact with the living remnants of an Icon was fascinating and enlightening. Most of us have seen the footage of Sylvia fighting her way onto a Pride stage amidst boo’s armed with a mic stand to speak of a movement SHE was Integral In creating. I think most Black & Brown Queer activists have felt some fraction of that anger, shame, dismissal & denial In our work. It makes you want to give up- but you don’t, because you can’t. She left the city for a while and returned when Marsha’s body was found in the Hudson. She spent most of the rest of her life, homeless, living on the piers fighting HRC and other major orgs, getting kicked out of LGBT serving entities for demanding they shelter Queer homeless youth. On her deathbed in February of 2002, she negotiated with Empire State Pride Agenda to Include Trans Rights in their platform. She died penniless, but she died FIGHTING for us Tamara Sanaa Leigh all. Thank You Sylvia, Thank you for being the fight in us all. Editor-In-Chief
BlaqueOUT columnists & contributors Javannah J. Davis (she/her) resides in Rochester, NY where she has worked in healthcare for 19 years, is a self-published author, Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women Inc & CEO/Owner of Linjé Enterprises LLC. Javannah is passionate about healing, self-love, self actualization & helping others to live the best of their lives in a healthy way.
E.L. Winston of Fayetteville, NC (He,Him, His) Trans Community Advocate, CoFounder of Lambda Gamma Omega Nu Fraternity. Just your everyday introspective old man and 1 half of Team Winston
Ashanti S. Taylor-Alexander (she/her) is a life educated poet who believes in riding each wave of this world to the fullest. She is passionate about writing poems people can truly feel. Have a subject throw it at her and she'll make a master piece! Founder of Pulse Poetry Magazine.
Tina Marie Jones (she/her/hers) Founder of Uncover, LLC, mother of 4, activist, motivator, and columnist.
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
Roni Winston aka The Mrs. aka Pastor Roni (She/Her/Hers) Fayettevlle, NC. Minister, educator, entrepreneur, couples' coach, writer, mom, and grandma. Half . of Team Winston.
Immani Love, (she/her) A Lesbian Erotic Poet, Author, Ordained Minister, Freelance Writer, Real Estate Agent, and overall witty, seductress with the voice of a Siren. An educated Vixen in sunny St. Pete, Florida.
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.
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.
Victoria Von Blaque, NYC (she/her/hers) A seductive, alluring, Black non-binary Trans femme. An Influential speaker on Equity, Inclusion, & LGBTQ competency. Author of Titty-Confessions.
EDU WWW.YORK.CUNY. VALERIE SHAFF//
y p p a H ! y a d h t r i B a r e v i R a i Sylv JULY 2, 1951 - FEBRUARY 19, 2002
@ZEENO.NY 2023
THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON
This means think about the words we throw at one another. There is no free pass for us to say hurtful things to one another. We start by sitting down and talking to each other about how we feel and why we feel these things. I also think we need to get away from this gatekeeper type of mindset. We have to let go of what's always been done or how it used to be. There is no one size, dress, tie, or style that must fit all.
Why Are We Fighting? Growing up as a twin, my brother and I had some stomp down, drag out fights and half the time we couldn't even remember what the hell we were fighting about in the first place. I've noticed that same thing happening with my Trans siblings. As a Trans man, my experiences will be different from my Trans sisters and I think this sometimes causes us to argue and disagree with one another because we're not listening to each other to hear where we are each coming from. We surely have more in common than not. In this time when the system is literally trying to erase us from existence, we need to be putting these petty beefs to the side and start really working together.
The greatness is within our community. We could be capable of so much more if we let that BS go and started doing what we’ve been asking the world to do all this time. We want others to accept us for who we are and how we show up, but we can’t extend that to each other? Our fight is the same when they come for one of us then they're coming for all of us. The haters in power definitely benefit when we are at odds so I challenge us all to do better with listening to each other and extend the grace and empathy that we wish from others. Do this old man a favor and be your sisters’ and brothers’ keepers. Safety in numbers and power in a movement.
LIZ
FOUNDER OF
LATINA LESBIANS OF FLORIDA
“DJ SIN”
AN IMMANI LOVE INTERVIEW
Immani Love sits down with our Cover Feature, Liz “DJ Sin” to learn more about her group, DJing & why representation is so important.
book therapy
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B E N T O N - W A L K E R
TERRY J BENTON-WALKER IS DEFINITELY SOMEONE WHO NEEDS TO BE ON EVERYONE'S RADAR. HIS WRITING IS WHAT I NEEDED AS A YOUNG ADULT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE I FIT IN THIS WORLD. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PROFOUND TO HAVE SOMEONE TO SAY IT WAS OK TO BE WHO I WAS. I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANYTHING THIS MAN CAN'T WRITE AND I’M SURE THERE’S NOTHING THAT HE WILL WRITE THAT I WON'T BE READING. THIS INTERVIEW WAS FUNNY, INFORMATIVE AND DOWN RIGHT NECESSARY JOIN ME WHILE I SIT DOWN WITH THIS PHENOMENAL AUTHOR! WELCOME TO THE TJVERSE!
book therapy
BOOK therapy B O O K
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When I tell y’all if you haven’t read Blood Debts and Blood Justice then you are doing yourself a major disservice. The series is about the Trudeau family and righting a terrible injustice that was done to their family. The main characters, twins, Clement and Cristina Trudeau take you on a wild ride of emotions as you go from sad to mad to anxious. I couldn't help but get wrapped up in everything Clem and Cris. Their anger and frustration at an unjust patriarchal system rooted in hate and racism. They take you there. Then, we have Valetina Savant and her family. The beef that has passed down from Valentina’s grandmother and the Trudeau family to her and Cris is crazy. You want to hate Valentina but at the same time you don’t. As you get a peek into her life, you sideways want her to win but not at the cost of Cris and her family. The crazy thing is that Cris and Valentina are so much alike that you often find yourself thinking how far they could go if they were working together and not against each other. This series will have you on the edge of your seat. It was definitely a journey of ‘you not about to play with me’ because ‘I’m standing on business’ and ‘I’m definitely getting my damn lick back’ type of vibe. When you think about the climate of the world today, this series is right on time. It speaks to the anger and frustration of our times. To be able to see Clem and Cris express what so many of us are feeling is profound. To be able to explore being angry and not taking the high road and what that looks like is powerful. How far is too far though? Another thing that comes up is not being able to let go and ultimately what that will also cost not just you but others around you. I saw a 16 year old me in Clem with his anxiety and feeling abandoned by those who should have always been there for him. I wish there was a Terry J. Benton- Walker when I was growing up! This series was everything 16 year old, E needed and still everything present day E.L. needs. We all can see some part of ourselves in this series and it's definitely a much needed conversation starter. Do yourself a favor and grab Blood Debts and Blood Justice, you will not regret it!!!!
book therapy W I T H
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JOIN US FOR CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR BOOK OF THE MONTH ON THE 15TH OF EVERY MONTH ON FB & IG LIVE @BLAQUEOUTMAG & @BOOKTHERAPYWITHEL
july 15th 7pm
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR WINSTON ABOUT THE BOOK? EMAIL: ELWINSTONBLAQUEOUT@GMAIL.COM
Maurice N. Gattis, Ph. D.
Fort Mosé 1738 A
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Exploring new frontiers in contemporary African fashion through a kaleidoscopic lens, the dynamic first collection from creator, Dr. Maurice Gattis, M.S.S.W, Ph.D, features men’s and women’s apparel. His bold new entry in the global fashion arena, Fort Mosé 1738, (www.fortmose1738.com) celebrates the legacy of the first free legally sanctioned Black community in America. The looks feature exclusive African textiles including Kente, in a pattern you will only see in Fort Mosé 1738 apparel. Blaque/OUT’s Jay Valentino sat down with Dr. Gattis to learn more about his life and the fashion. JV: Where are you from? MG: Daytona Beach, Florida
F A S H I O N
“We are committed to the economic empowerment of artisans in Accra, Ghana. Net profits from Fort Mosé 1738 will go directly back to this community of vastly talented individuals.” JV: What drives you to create? MG: Since childhood, I have always had a love of color, patterns, and textures. The composition of fashion has always been a fascination. I am the designer and CEO of Fort Mosé 1738, creating a collection seasonally to reveal to consumers and retailers is a creative process I am fully committed to, it is a fulfillment of my drive to make a difference. JV: How do you feel about fashion being culturally relevant or even shaping culture? MG: I strive to make Fort Mosé 1738 culturally relevant. Our fashion collection is conceived to
I N T E R V I E W
build a bridge between the African Diaspora and contemporary lifestyles, to connect the past with the present. African textiles at the sophisticated hand-crafted level we offer should not be seen as “special occasion only.” These stunning textiles should not be stuck in the back of the closet. I am making every effort through Fort Mosé 1738 to bring them front and
center, out into day-to-day activities. Just as a man might wear a navy Brooks Brothers suit to a meeting, there is no reason he cannot proclaim his heritage and wear a handwoven Kente suit. My intention is to change perceptions of looks that function equivalently to conventional styles yet may not be seen in exactly the same light. There is always room for greater individuality in fashion.
JV: What impact do you want to be known for? MG: Bridging a cultural gap. Spearheading mainstream acceptance of African textiles and craftsmanship in comparatively upscale yet still accessibly priced day-to-day apparel for men and for women. JV: What project or task would you consider your most significant career accomplishments to date? MG: For me, launching Fort Mosé 1738 without question is the endeavor that is my most inspiring career accomplishment. It is an amazing opportunity to do something of cultural significance in America while shining a light on the artisans of Ghana. JV: Do you feel this craft has always been one of your career paths or did you develop this craft over time? MG: Becoming a fashion designer was a career path that found me, I did not have a plan to be a designer in the traditional sense. However, being the designer for Fort Mosé 1738 allows me to exercise my creative/design abilities as well as my commitment to helping others, in this case, the tremendously talented individuals I have the joy of working with in Ghana. I have a background in Social Work which I teach as a Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. JV: Tell us about your first collection that released this spring. MG: Prices range from $150 to approximately $500 for looks for men and for women in hand-woven Kente in brilliant color stories woven with golden threads as well as 100% cotton in bold prints taken from Africa’s flora and fauna. Styles include dresses, long and short, for women as well as a gorgeous Kente pantsuit. For men, we have traditionally tailored suits however the jackets and color-coordinated trousers are made in Kente. We also have, for men, fun and colorful 100% cotton prints in shirts and shorts ensembles. JV: What do you feel is the best way to execute an idea you’ve always prolonged? MG: Fashion moves at a rapid pace. There is no opportunity to prolong a collection or any decision regarding moving Fort Mosé 1738 forward. All ideas are evaluated and when they make sense, immediately executed.
JV: What’s one thing you would like your Audience to Learn about your clothing? MG: We are looking to build a community that embraces their heritage through the looks from Fort Mosé 1738 and all that they represent. We are not about being limited by the latest fashion trends. We are designing for real life, real people not looks that only belong on the runway or the red carpet. Although I have to say I thought the look of the Kente overalls on a dancer in Jungle’s “Back on ’74” video was a fun and trendy idea, who knows maybe it will turn up in a future Fort Mosé 1738 collection? Above all, we strive to be culturally relevant and fashion-forward without sacrificing practicality. JV: What does the word Harmony mean to you? MG: To me the idea of Harmony means “acceptance.” Accepting diverse fashion looks in this instance. And realizing that a ‘Fort Mosé 1738 man’ might wear a navy Brooks Brothers style suit to a meeting, there is no reason he cannot proclaim his heritage and wear a handwoven Kente suit. My intention is to change perceptions of looks that function equivalently to conventional styles yet may not be seen in exactly the same light. There is always room for greater individuality in fashion.
Thank you Dr. Maurice N. Gattis for sitting down and sharing your work with the Blaque/OUT family. If you are Interested In learning more, shopping Fort Mose’ 1738 or contacting the Fort Mose’ 1738 team, visit: https://www.fortmose1738.com/
During my time on Fire Island (off the coast of New York), I have encountered a complex history intertwined with the institution of slavery, which has greatly influenced the island's past. The presence of this history has made my visits to Long Island in the recent past feel uneasy and peculiar. While I may not have fully appreciated or understood these dynamics as a child, I now find myself uncomfortable due to the deep-rooted legacy of racial injustice and inequality that continues to impact Black and Brown individuals on the island. It raises the question of why we are drawn to an island that was never intended for us, and this energy is palpable in certain interactions, such as the lingering looks, whispered conversations, and the objectification of those that fetishize us.
Another important topic to consider is the pressure to conform to cisgender, heterosexual norms. It prompts us to question whether we, as a society, suffer from Stockholm syndrome, as we strive to adopt norms that have historically caused harm to our community. It is crucial to reflect on why we feel the need to assimilate to toxic ideals and examine our ability to hold our gay, lesbian, and non-queer siblings accountable for the harm they may inadvertently inflict upon our community, such as ableism, lack of accessibility, body shaming, and femmephobia. Although I have enjoyed my art residency on Fire Island and the opportunity to relax, I find it difficult to believe that a place I once considered home and a safe haven can truly be the paradise I seek.
TiTTY Victoria Von Blaque CONFESSIONS
Reflecting on my time in Fire Island, I am grateful for the experience that brought me back to my childhood home. It has also made me realize that there is still important work to be done in the healing process. This trip has ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into the dark history of Long Island and explore the underlying issues of selfhatred within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly towards Transgender individuals and other marginalized groups. I am excited to embark on this research journey and share my findings with all of you. Stay tuned for more insights and reflections as I continue to write about these important topics. Furthermore, there appears to be a divide between those who identify as queer and those who solely identify as gay, bisexual, or lesbian. Being queer encompasses more than just a sexual orientation; it is a political statement and a commitment to liberation, equality, equity, and the overall improvement of marginalized individuals. Personally, my time spent on Fire Island serves as a reminder of the trauma and experiences I endured during my childhood, where I was often objectified as a token or fetish. This continues to occur, as my identities have transitioned from being seen solely as a tall BBC man to a voluptuous, big-breasted BBW with a cock. These identities occupy niche spaces, particularly in public settings.
TiTTY Victoria Von Blaque CONFESSIONS
Living in the light:Spotlight Interviews w/Javannah J. Davis
Deputy Directer of LGBTQ+ Affairs of the NYS Governors Office Chanel Lopez is a trans activists, advocate, and first Afro-Latina to hold the position of Deputy Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for the office of New York State Governor Kathy Hocul. Chanel is also the recent recipient of the 2023 Community Change Maker Award.
JD: Chanel, Tell us a little about yourself? CL: I never felt like I really came out, I was always that feminine child. At a young age around 5 years old I questioned my identity, my mom use to get upset at me because I wasn’t masculine enough. Growing up I was back and forth between my mom and dad since they divorced when I was young. Living with my dad I was surrounded by toxic masculinity. I didn't Come out to be my fully authentic self until I left my family's home at the age of 25. JD: When did you find your calling for community activism and advocacy? CL: I realized as a sex worker that this wasn’t the lifestyle for me, I wanted more out of life. I started enrolling in 8 week courses and becoming certified for pre and post testing at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. I would be told by the community how they wanted to have that type of work life, but at the time it was hard because many jobs wouldn’t hire any one who identified as transgender. That’s when I decided to start advocating and becoming an activist. I would get up at 5am and go on trips to Albany and Washington DC with other trans advocates and knock on legislators and elected officials office doors and sit to have conversations with them about the importance of supporting the transgender community.
JD: How did you make your way all the way to the New York state governor’s office? What are some of the challenges you’ve faced? CL: I never saw myself in politics even though my father's side of the family were heavily active in politics. I never had interest but once I started Working for the City Commission on Human Rights as the transgender community liaisons? I was able to sit at the table with policy makers as well as to go around the city educating the importance of respecting a trans person who would access your services and then I realized I can do more for my community on the state level and through the support of a friend of mine I was able to land a job working for our Governor where I have The opportunity to really fight for our rights. JD: How did you deal with those feelings when you feel emotionally full and tired? CL: It’s not easy at times I shit Down and isolate myself especially because it’s hard for me to really trust people, but I practice as much self care as I can and reach out when I really need to. JD: How did your family and friends react to your decision to be your authentic self? Were you supported in your decision, if so, by whom?
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SATISFICTION
FOUNDER, JOLEE M.
1. Can you tell us what Satisfiction Book Box is? Satisfiction is a bi-monthly subscription service that places paramount importance on the practice of self-care in everyday life. Our subscription box offers a carefully curated selection of science fiction and fantasy novels by authors of color, coupled with skincare and bath products. 2. Satisfiction is a nice play on words. How did you come up with that name? My partner, Kenny, is the one who came up with the name! If it weren’t for him, the box would have been named something cheesy like, “Books and Bubbles”. When he came to me and said, “How about naming the box Satisfiction? The words: Satisfy + Fiction combined.” I instantly knew that had to be the business name! 3. The stereotype would be that Black women only read romance and hood/gangster books. You're taking a sledgehammer to the narrative with your subscription box. Why Sci-FI and fantasy? I have been an avid reader of the fantasy and sci-fi genre since I was a child, and since joining the book community on Instagram. I've developed many friendships with others who love those genres as well. 4. Who’s your favorite author? My favorite author has to be N.K. Jemisin. I think she is an absolute genius. The use of second person in The Broken Earth trilogy is so bold, but brilliantly adds a layer of depth to the story. In general, I think she is a poignant story teller and it’s one author I will never stop recommending! 5. Do you have a favorite box that you've done? Truthfully, every single box has given the same, “oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s happening!” sort of feeling. I feel especially grateful that I own a business that is a direct reflection of my interests and there happens to be a community of bookworms who are also interested! I will say, our most recent limited edition of Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, has to be the edition I feel the most honored to do as Octavia is such a paramount figure in the science fiction and fantasy genres. I wanted to make sure we created an edge design that everyone would love and I’m so excited to send our edition of Kindred off to readers. 6. What's your process when picking a book to feature? Picking which books to feature is always the hardest part as we only have 6 subscription boxes a year. I feel grateful to have been a part of this community before I started Satisfiction, so I have a lot of people who are always recommending me books along with amazing subscribers who do too. As this business is solely run by myself, ultimately, the picking of featured books comes down to if I resonated with a book I read and if I think my customers will also enjoy it. Representation is also important to me, and I try my best to keep a pulse on what books are being talked about within the community. Going forward, a majority of the books in the subscription will be my BIPOC indie authors as I have found the subscription is the best place to give them a platform. 7. Are there any dream authors you would like to feature? I’ve spoken about this a lot on social media, but I would love to collaborate with Orbit and N.K. Jemisin. Truthfully, getting this business to a point where I can create a beautiful edition of The Broken Earth trilogy is one of my main motivators. 8. Satisfiction places paramount importance on the practice of self care everyday. What things do you do to practice self care? For me self-care looks like sitting down in reading nook with a good book, writing my own stories, and also going on long walks with my partner in the Tennessee woods. Since the inception of this business, I constantly remind myself that this business cannot thrive if I don’t take care of myself too, so this past year I’ve tried my best to be more strict with boundaries and this business. For example, not working on weekends.
9. With a portion of proceeds from each subscription directed to literacy programs. What are your thoughts on literacy and the state of our Black and Brown children? With the rise of book bans across America being comprised of mainly BIPOC and LGBTQ+ books, it saddens me to watch public and school libraries struggle. I think it’s more important than ever we invest into our local libraries, along with literacy programs. When we look at statistics, literacy rates among school age children are decreasing which disproportionately affects children of color. As Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” It’s imperative we advocate for literacy, because reading/writing not only is empowering, but is a critical foundation for learning new skills. 10. What's currently on your TBR? I’m currently reading The Dawn of the Cursed Queen by Amber Nicole and I’m in the process of rereading and annotating a romantasy novel that’ll be featured in our January 2025 box! I can’t divulge too much what my TBR currently is because it’s all books I’m interested in featuring in our 2025 boxes. There are so many wonderful SFF books by indie authors coming out in the upcoming months, and I can’t wait to dive into these stories! 11. Top 5 all time favorite books? The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, Kindred by Octavia Butler, The Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Gods and Monsters by Amber Nicole, and Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur (I know this is six, but it’s hard to choose!) 12. Any suggestions for someone wanting to start reading more diversely? If you’re someone who is wanting to read more diversely, but you aren’t sure where to start, my biggest tip is to begin following more BIPOC creators. Reading novels by authors of color helps challenge and dismantle stereotypes and biases often perpetuated in mainstream media. By exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of different cultures, histories, and identities. 13. Any tips for someone looking to start their own business? My biggest tip is that failure is just redirection, and when things seem slow, it means to push harder.
Your dreams deserve a chance, so take action. 14. Favorite Quote? “Don't make your life about the loss. Make it about the love.” - Legendborn, Tracy Deonn 15. Any big projects on the horizon that you can share with us? We’re currently in the process of planning our 2025 box lineup along with additional limited editions in our shop. I’m hoping that if all goes well, we can do a limited edition set of Octavia E. Butler’s Lilith’s Brood series! 16. Where can our readers connect with you and sign up for subscriptions? You can find us at www.satisfiction.co and @satisfictionbox on Instagram and TikTok.