V2I3 'Loud List 2012' DBQ Magazine NOV/DEC 2012

i

There Are Journeys That Become LEGENDS...

Volume 2 Issue 3 Nov/Dec 2012 DBQMAG.COM Follow Us @DBQMAG Photography by Cory Malcolm

THE

LOUD

100 LGBT PEOPLE OF COLOR

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Here We Go!

T

here is something about this colder season that makes me get serious about things. It's my favorite season because of fashion, of course my birthday on October 15th [Happy belated 25th to me], and it's also the time that I most want to be committed and in love... go figure.

Last Fall we did our first "Loud List" of my favorite personalities in the country. This year I wanted to reinvent the list in a unique way.

Introducing... The DBQ LOUD 100. I've never in my life seen a list of the 100 Loud in terms of influential and meaningful contribution. And having the list full with LGBT people of color in the country. This list is historical and I'll tell you why on Pg.12

Fashion is aways a must, so in this issue we showcase pieces from the New York City Fall Fashion Show of our favorite gay designer Stevie Boi. Also, we have added a new ballroom section that will be filled with ball reviews and interesting interviews with legends and icons. Pg. 20

Note the change in our lesbian section, now titled "Women". We here at DBQ have noticed that straight and gay women read our publication.

Every gay guy has a straight female best friend. So the content in the women section now reflects our readers.

DBQ Magazine is progressing to greater levels. We are in more hands than ever. We are being discussed on television, radio, and in print media.

This winter is a special season; it's a great season to have this magazine on the planet and we are excited for DBQ to be in your hands. Enjoy!

CONTRIBUTORS Kiara Peterson, editorial assistant for DBQ, majoring in Journalism at IUPUI in Indianapolis,Indiana. She has a passion for writing.

Matthew Is an actor, singer, blogger, activist living in New York. For the past three years he has been a part of the hit web series ADTV. You can watch The Matthew Barrett Show on YouTube.

DaShawn Usher is a native New Yorker. He focuses most of his time and talents in Public Relations, health and the nonprofit sector. His passion is creative writing. He is managing editor at DBQ.

Editor-In-Chief / Publisher David A. Bridgeforth Jr. Senior Editor/ Executive Administrator Jacqui Tanner Contributing Editor Stanley Bennett Clay Consulting Cover Editor Reggie Wells Managing Editor/ Copy Editor

Dashawn Usher Entertainment Editor Matthew Barrett Makeup Reggie Wells Hair Martel Guinyard Photography/ Retouch Cory Malcolm Editorial Assistant Kiara Peterson Videographer Dashawn Usher

DBQ Magazine is a nationally distributed quarterly lifestyle publication. published and printed in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information on advertisement, circulation, or articles please visit us at www.DBQMAG.com Or call 317.500.4327 or 908.656.6218.

DBQ David Bridgeforth Quarterly EVERYWHERE ABOVE THE RAINBOW

2012

Nov/Dec

Az I Am P.6

Our Roses For Sahara P.5

4. News

8. Fashion/ The Whimsical

5. The Love List /

Creations of STEVIE BOI 12. The LOUD 100

FIVE THINGS WE EMPHATICALLY ENDORSE 6. Women/Azmarie Livingston

20. Ballroom RockStars 21. What I've Come To Know /

7. The World According to

Be A Legend

Matthew

Follow US @DBQMAG

News The Evolution of Black Pride to Black Equity

By DaShawn Usher

For many years Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transsexual people of color have gathered around the country in various cities in the United States to celebrate Black Pride all the way from Los Angeles to New York and Atlanta to some smaller cities like Nashville, Memphis, San Diego and Rochester. What some people may not realize is that Black Prides are more than regular circuit parties. As one man from Jamaica described it, “Black Pride is the best community organizing tool to ever exist.”

Earl Fowlkes, CEO of the International Federation of Black Prides (IFBP), has been involved with incorporating Black Prides across the country and internationally into a structured weekend of events for the past 15 years. “I came to DC in 1995 for Black Pride, which was around for four years prior. It was raining, like actually pouring down, and I saw two to three thousand people walking around in the rain. I had never seen that before,” Fowlkes said. “I said if I ever moved to DC I would revive that organization because it was funner than my previous work,” he said.

Fowlkes would soon learn that his idea about reviving an organization would not be easy and would later find out he was not the only one in the world with this similar idea. Fowlkes remembers the length of time it took him to find the organizers of DC Black Pride, “it took me about 6 months to find the people of Black Pride and in 1997 they finally let him on the board. By the fall of 1997 I became the President.” When Fowlkes

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became president he began to realize the full impact Black Pride was having on DC both socially and economically. “In 1999, DC Black Pride was generating about $5 million in revenue for the city and several small businesses were able to start from Black Pride,” Fowlkes exclaimed.

Soon other cities were catching up with DC and people started creating smaller Black Prides across the country. In 1998, Fowlkes and a small group were talking about a national Black Pride effort. The following year, that same group had come together to have a small meeting and the Federation of Black Prides (FBP) came along. That same year, South Africa had a Black Pride and told Fowlkes if he would visit theirs they would come to DC Pride. Eventually, FBP became the International Federation of Black Prides and have been in operations for 14 years in about 35 cities across the U.S. and the United Kingdom, Toronto, and South Africa.

Even though some bigger cities Black Prides have faced some troubles in the past, smaller Black Prides are continuing to thrive. “We don’t have that many spaces as Black Gay people to go to, which is why Black Prides are still relevant. They see Black Pride as an organizing tool to create a safe space, that you can come out, and be safe in that moment,” said Fowlkes.

Geography actually contributes to the success of the smaller prides in more smaller cities like Gainesville, Nashville, Raleigh, and Louisville to name a few, because they don’t have the same

DBQ Magazine

gay communities as New York, LA, Atlanta, and DC. Although Black Prides have brought people together over the years, there also has been a shift in attendance of Black Prides. As Fowlkes recognized “about two years ago, I saw a change in the demographic. Crowds were getting younger and the older crowd was not coming out as much.” Fowlkes went on to have focus groups in various cities to figure out what was going on and causing the divide. “People weren’t feeling connected to the prides as they got older and Black Prides were not reaching people as it used to” explained Fowlkes.

Fowlkes and the board of the IFBP met to address this and other issues that faced the Black LGBT community. After several months, the board decided to change their name, logo, mission, vision, and structure. On October 11th the official change over from IFBP to the Center for Black Equity comes on the brink of understanding that the organization can do more than the three-day-weekend by looking at other issues that affect the community over the other 362 days.

The Center for Black Equity (CBE) will have five areas of focus: Health Equity, Economic Equity, Social Equity, Black Prides, and Research Institute.

Equity means all people have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to attain their full potential. The new mission statement of the CBE is to create healthy Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

Nov/Dec 2012

communities through individual and collective work, responsibility and selfdetermination.

“I’m tired of being number one in health disparities,” Fowlkes exclaimed about health equity.

“Previously IFBP has done a ton of HIV stuff, but when people get older they have other issues like diabetes and hypertension. A lot of people don’t know there family history. We need to live a healthy lifestyle all around,” said Fowlkes.

“We don’t own anything. Black people spend more on none material things than anyone else.

It’s not that we don’t have money we just waste a bunch of money.

Instead we should be putting the money in the bank. Why are we buying Gucci shoes and not saving? We are going to have to work much longer than we have to because we don’t save. We need to reevaluate our resources and values. We’ve been so devalued that we believe the more you have the more people will see you as valuable. We have to understand that those things do not make you important,” explained Fowlkes in regards to economic equity.

The IFBP has morphed into the CBE to meet the unmet demands of a community. This shift in structure will propel the organization into new arenas for at least the next decade. Pridegoers will certainly have something to be proud about.

“We planned and planned and took the last 14 years of history and wanted to build on the lives of people. We’ve evolved,” Fowlkes said.

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FIVE THINGS WE EMPHATICALLY ENDORSE THIS QUARTER

DBQMAG.COM

1

THE LOVE LIST

FOR MORE

Our Roses For Sahara

On October 1st, Antoine Ashley better known as Sahara Davenport, from RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 2), passed away. Ashley joined the famed “27 Club” for entertainers that have passed at that age. Sources say Ashley’s death was due to heart failure. The news of Ashley’s death took the gay community by surprise. A firestorm resulted in various tweets from former costars throughout the seasons including RuPaul himself. Sahara Davenport’s legacy will continue to live on as the world got a glimpse of the man who was more than a women.

3

2

Required Reading:

The Dyke Diet The definition of bisexual is being attracted to both male and female sexes, Shecara Squires doesn't identify with that label and she wrote a book that in its own way explains. “The Dyke Diet: A Poetic Purge", is a compilation of poems broken down into two parts. The first half is dedicated to her love with women, and the second half is about the man who stole her heart and helped her see that love is love. Reading the poems, people might speculate that Shecara is confused about her sexuality, but she is far from that. She is just a woman whose love has no restrictions, no matter if it’s a women or a man. In the words of her late father, “Love is love no matter what it looks like.” This book explores the emotions of love and all the other unexplainable stuff that goes into relationships no matter if it is with male or female. “The Dyke Diet” is dedicated to everyone who wants the inside scoop on trying a new diet, and how one person evolved through it at all. You can get your copy today, for more info go to DBQMAG.COM.

5 Page 5

American Punk Clothing

American Punk Clothing is a hot and provocative apparel line for the LGBT community. It is more than a T-shirt line, it is a statement of self expression, sexuality, love, and equality. The phrases on these shirts gain attention, create conversation, and express love. We feel every LGBT person and supporter should have their very own American Punk T-shirt.

4

Girl Play DBQ Magazine

We all have watched ADTV for years. We have laughed, learned, and fallen in love with guests and their casts. This year brilliant ADTV creator Derrick L. Briggs conjured up something that is needed in our community. ADTV Raw is an unscripted raw conversation about different issues and topics in our community. The cast openly shares their experience ranging from sex and love to molestation. It's real... It's honest... It's raw. It is a must see. - David Bridgeforth

Aryka Randall, creator of TheFabFemme.com, is anxious to bring you a compelling new lesbian web series based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Girl Play will feature eight 15-20 minute episodes about four feminine lesbian women who are focused on their exhilarating careers while finding love and most importantly, their own identities.

The series will aim to end common lesbian stereotypes and showcase diversity among feminine lesbian women; it will also initiate dialogue on hot topics in the LGBT community such as femme invisibility and gay marriage. Additionally, the series will shed light on the southern lesbian lifestyle in New Orleans which is commonly overlooked by main stream media.

Nov/Dec 2012

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Women

comfortable with my sexuality.

That made it easier for me to be accepted by others.

DU: There’s usually a double standard in various industries. Do you think it is easier to be an out lesbian model than an out gay male model?

AzMarie: Not sure what's easier because there are many in the industry that is LGBT and running things and many that are not. It depends more if you have the "it factor" than ones sexuality I'd believe.

DU: Any words of advice to our younger readers that might feel like they are the only ones out there like that?

AzMarie: Everyone has a hard time coming out whether with parents or friends even as adults.

There are many that still have not come out to anyone because they felt safer keeping their sexuality to themselves. To me it depends on your situation at the moment if you should come out, if you have family and a support system for comfort to make things easier.

Az I Am:

Interview with Former America's Next Top Model Contestant AzMarie By: DaShawn Usher Earlier this year, Tyra Bank’s America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) finally had a battle on her show, and it wasn’t just amongst the contestants. This similar war has gone on for centuries prior to the show’s existence between two great countries: the United States and the United Kingdom. From that cycle, an androgynous lesbian beauty emerged and the world was introduced to AzMarie Livingston.

DaShawn Usher: Since America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), what have you been up to?

AzMarie: I've been working on my solo album.

I've also been added to a new Gay TV series called “DTLA.” I play character Ricky who is Kim's girlfriend played by Melanie Griffith. [“DTLA” stands for Downtown Los Angeles and premieres on LOGO on October 24th.]

DU: What’s your favorite place you’ve been to so far? What makes that place special?

AzMarie: Moab, Utah was a favorite place I’ve visited. I went on a road trip and had the opportunity of seeing the most amazing rock structures. The rocks turn red at sunrise and sunset. It’s an absolutely beautiful sight to see.

DU: You’re featured on our “LOUD List”, which highlights people within the LGBT community that are making remarkable strides in various aspects of our community. What makes you “LOUD”?

AzMarie: I'm not sure what makes me loud.

I’m not yelling out loud that I'm an out being but I am comfortable at saying it if a conversation comes up.

DU: We’ve seen you on TV, but what is AzMarie like off camera?

AzMarie: With my family and friends I'm fun and silly. I like to go to beaches, play pool and visit the Self-Realization shrine to meditate.

DU: There have been rumors about you being in a relationship. Are you currently in one?

AzMarie: I'd rather not discuss my personal life as I'd like to keep my privacy.

DU: How was it growing up with a gay father? Do you think it made it easier for you to come out?

AzMarie: I lived with my mother majority of my years growing up but still communicated with my father those years I was not with him.

It did make it easier coming out to my father first because he knew what I was going through mentally at the time.

DU: How do you balance your career and your relationships?

AzMarie: Balancing my career with my relationships has never been hard for me. I don't mix the two and anyone I'm dating has to understand that I’m always trying to progress with my career which may take me away often.

DU: What was it like coming out to your family at such a young age in a rural area?

AzMarie: It was a little easier coming out for me because of my father’s sexuality. I've always been sure about myself and have been

DU: What attributes in a girl do you look for?

AzMarie: Attributes I look for in a woman would be strong minded, spiritual, and humorous, who loves the outdoors and is cultured from traveling.

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

DU: What makes you different from other models? What is it that makes you stand out from the others?

AzMarie: My ambition and drive makes me different from other models. My aura and energy and how I carry myself helps me stand out from others.

DU: Have you always felt beautiful?

AzMarie: I didn't always feel beautiful. I did not understand who I was looking at on the images I'd take. I never saw myself as the beauty in the images I'd take. It took years of gaining more confidence in myself.

DU: How have you embraced your beauty and body?

AzMarie: I'm embracing my body more now.

The industry definitely knows how they want their models bodies to look and mine didn't always look as such. I've tried unhealthy ways of losing weight and healthy ways of losing weight to fit the standards of the modeling industry. Now I've found a comfortable state of being that's healthy for my body & mind.

DU: A lot of people are upset that some of the familiar faces won’t be returning to ANTM this season. What do you think about the ANTM switch up of the judging panel?

AzMarie: I stopped watching the show after I was eliminated and didn't really watch it before the season I appeared. I got on the show for exposure, what they did with the show after I'm neutral in opinion.

DU: How do you define success?

AzMarie: Success certainly is not in what materials you possess and cars you have.

Success is a journey not a destination either, it’s continuous. Being present in the moment and learning from life's lessons.

DU: How would you describe your music? Is there a favorite track you’ve made so far that we should be on the lookout for?

AzMarie: My music is feel good music with stories of love and life. One of my favorite tracks is "Morning Guarantee" which may be downloaded on MonkeyBars.Net, Music: AzMarie.

DU: Is there anything else that you want our audience to know about you? How can people connect with you and continue to show support?

AzMarie: People may connect with me via twitter @iamaziam (official twitter). You may also follow on instagram @iamAzMarie (official instagram)

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THE WORLD ACCORDING TO

Mat!ew

DBQ's Entertainment Editor shares what he's crazy about this quarter.

Must see film...

I Am Crazy For...

Samsara is a nonverbal film described by the makers as a "guided meditation". Film directed by Ron Fricke 'Baraka' (1992), a film of a similar vein. Samsara was filmed over four years in 25 countries around the world.

The film contains no plot or actors, although there are several performers in the film. The one thing I can say about this film is that I was mesmerized.

American Horror Story The Second Season. American Horror Story was my favorite new show of 2011 and Season 2 is off to an amazing start. The best part is The Incomparable Jessica Lange is back as Sister Jude. I can't wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the season. Make sure you set your DVR. You can watch American Horror Story Wednesdays at 10/9c on FX

The Best Thing That Happen To Me...

I got to be in the new Mariah Carey 'Triumphant' video. From the first moment I saw Mariah Carey's 'Vision Of Love' video back when I was just a little kid all I wanted was to be in one of her videos.

Finally my dream came true and Mimi was all I had imagined her to be. It was one of the best days of my life. Mariah is busy working on a new album that will be out March 2013, You can also catch Mariah on the two-night premiere of the 12th season of American Idol on Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/ PT).

Just got off...

A juice cleanse and I feel great!. Every year millions of people gain weight this time of year due to all the holidays and junk food people eat during this time of year. So, this year do yourself a favor and cleanse your body. Your skin and stomach with thank you. I did a 5 day cleanse. How long of a cleanse you want to do is totally up to you. I did the Blueprint cleanse, but it can get expensive. If you don't want to spend that kind of money a cheaper way is to juice everything yourself. There are juice recipes online, but make sure it's all raw 100% organic fruits and vegetables nothing else. I juiced myself along with the Blueprint cleanse. - In the picture of me as Farrah Fawcett for Halloween I was on day 5 of the cleanse.

The Most Beautiful Things I've Heard All Year...

Cut the World by Antony and the Johnsons. I've been a long time fan of Antony there is something so real and raw in Antony's voice you feel the soul, pain, love and passion. I own all Antony and the Johnsons albums, but "Cut the World" is by far my favorite album to date. The album was recorded live in Copenhagen with a full Orchestra. Now, usually when I hear an artists is releasing a live album, I cringe because to me most artists these days can't sing. With Antony, it's not the case. It's even better live!

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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The

Whimsical Creations of

Stevie Boi A Quick Glance Photos: DaShawn Usher All Products: Stevieboi.com

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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SB ZOMBIEZ Black (Shades) $120 stevieboi.com Helmet for custom order only

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Nov/Dec 2012

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SB ZOMBIEZ Gold (Shades) $120 stevieboi.com Helmet for custom order only DBQMAG.COM | @DBQMAG

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Nov/Dec 2012

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Stevieboi.com Helmet for custom order only

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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THE

LOUD

100

LGBT People Of Color

(

)

Loud is more than volume and noise. To us not only can loud be volume and noise, but also it can be power, influence, or meaningful contribution. Never before in the gay world of color has there been a list compiled quite like this.

There have been other lists to celebrate LGBT people of color and many on these inspired our list; like Clik Magazine's Elite 25, which years ago brilliantly celebrated the best of the black gay community. This list isn't better, it is done with the same intention just done our way.

It is our intention to paint a landscape, to knit a quilt of LGBT people of color who are LOUD in there beingness in the world. Some of these people are influencing our culture, many of them we follow daily, a few are our muses. There are those on this list who are behind the scenes whose faces and names are never seen or heard, and there are those who are so LOUD in our world that they make us proud to be gay people of color. After spending months going through hundreds of names, here is our uniquely diverse list; some rich, some powerful, and some Influential in only their area of expertise. Here is our list of the one hundred LOUDEST LGBT people of color.

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

Page 12

She is the new "it girl", transgender model Isis King has been on an incline journey of success since her time on America's Next Top Model. This year she made history as the first transgender model to sign a national modeling contract with a major brand. Next time you're at American Apparel, be sure to buy whatever Isis is wearing.

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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He never said he was gay, but with sharing that he was in love with a man in a letter to his fans,

Frank Ocean quickly became every gay boys and drag queens dream husband.

The soulful hit songwriter turned superstar singer released his debut album, “Channel Orange�, which was number two on the Billboard Chart. Now for the first time gay guys everywhere get to hear music on the radio being sung by a man about a man.

Photo: Terry Richardson

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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Page 15

Ruff N Stuff Comedian, Drag Queen, Entertainer, Club & Party Promoter

Stanley Bennett Clay Legendary Actor, Best-selling Author, Award Winning Playwright, Director

Keith Boykin New York Times Best-selling Author, Political Commentator, LGBT Activist

Harold Balenciaga Overall Father Of The House Of Balenciaga, Ballroom Icon

MC Big Daddy Entertainer, Host, Club & Party Promoter

Merrell Hollis Celebrity Makeup Artist (Wendy Williams)

Pony Zion Creator of Vogue Evolution, Ballroom Vogue Legend, Choreographer, Dancer

Ty Hunter Celebrity Fashion Wardrobe Stylist (Beyonce), Creative Director

Miss Sophia McIntosh Actress, Entertainer, Drag Queen, Comedian

Stevie Boi Celebrity Accessory Designer, Model

Dr. Ayana Christian Ballroom Legend, Overall Mother Of The House Of Christian, Transgender Advocate

Derrick Rutledge Celebrity Makeup Artist

Bry'Nt Rapper, Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Actor

Patrick Riley Celebrity Journalist, Pop Culture Blogger, Personality

Dave Johnson Executive Director of Indiana AIDS Coalition, HIV Advocate

Clay Cane Award Winning Journalist, Radio Personality, Entertainment Editor for BET.COM

Jamal Fletcher Publisher Of Swerv Magazine, Businessman

Marissa Miller Executive Director of TransEmpowerment, CEO of ShadyPump Production, Transgender Advocate

A Cornelius Baker Senior Policy Advisor, National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition, Member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Â

Earl Fowlkes President of The Center for Black Equity, Pride Builder, Community Organizer

Derrick L. Briggs Creator of ADTV, Actor, Producer, Businessman, LGBT Advocate

Xem Van Adams Award Winning Blogger, Personality, Motivational Speaker, LGBT Advocate

Sam Fine Legendary Makeup Artist, Creative Director

Phil Wilson President of the Black AIDS Institute, Writer, HIV Advocate

Dwight Powell CEO/ Creator of Sizzle Miami, Businessman, Pride Builder

Lloyd Boston New York Times Best-selling Author, TV Show Host, Fashion/ Style Legend

Amiyah Scott Internet Personality, Model, Transgender Advocate

Aryka Randall Creator & Editor of (Thefabfemme. com), Blogger, Lesbian Advocate

Sampson McCormick Standup Comedian, Entertainer, HIV & LGBT Advocate

Deondrey Gossett and Quincey LeNeear Directors, Producers, Creators of The DL Chronicles Series

DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

Lonnell Williams Online Talk Show Host, Personality, LGBT Advocate

Lee Daniels Award Winning Film Director, Actor, Producer

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Who is the most famous drag queen in the world? Hands down it is the 6'4" glamazon, RuPaul, who has become an international pop culture icon. His rise to stardom was over a decade in the making, and he has continued to break barriers, and open more doors. Balancing a multimedia career, RuPaul has many talents, such as, actor, singer, author, talk show host, and executive producer. He has paved the way for drag queens all over the world, and has, also, given them opportunities to show their talents on the ever popular “RuPaul Drag Race.” Not only does he help drag queens, he is in the business of helping women find their inner beauty in his hit show, “RuPaul Drag U.”

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

Page 16

Ardranae Byer Publisher of IKONS Magazine, Businesswoman

Uriah Bell Publisher & Editor-InChief Of Truth Magazine

Tiq Milan Editor-In-Chief of IKONS Magazine

Venton Jones Communication and Education Manager, National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition.

Greg Wilson Deputy Director Reach LA, HIV Activist, Pride Builder

Jay Blahnik (Damon L. Humes) Ballroom Legend, Producer, HIV Activist

Sean Milan Marketing Director Reach LA, HIV Activist

Patrik Ian Polk Award Winning Director (Noah's Arc), Writer, Singer, Songwriter

Wanda Sykes Comedian, Talk Show Host

De'Von Christopher Publisher of Bleu Magazine, Businessman, Club & Party Promoter

Nathan Hale Williams TV/Film Producer, Author, Essence.com Columnist, LGBT Advocate

Trapboy Adult Film Star, Businessman, HIV Advocate

Azmarie Livingston Model (America's Next Top Model), Musician

Janet Mock Writer, Speaker, Transgender Advocate

Demarco Majors Pro-basketball Player, Actor, Model and TV Host.

Jeffrey King Executive Director of In The Meantime, HIV Advocate

Brice Scipio Party & Club Promoter, Businessman, Pride Builder

Derek J Award Winning Celebrity Hairstylist, TV Personality (The Real Housewives ATL)

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DiAndre Tristan Celebrity Fashion Stylist (Robin Roberts)

Jamal Brown White House Special Assistant, Writer, LGBT Activist

Anthony Burrell Actor, Dancer, Choreographer

Wade Davis Former NFL Player

Jussie Smollett Actor, Singer, Songwriter

Mark Corcee Writer, Radio Personality, LGBT Advocate

James Earl Hardy Best-selling Author, Awardwinning Writer, Playwright

Don Lemon CNN Talk Show Host, Best-selling Author

Sinia Ebony Ballroom Icon, Former Overall Mother Of The House Of Ebony, Transgender Advocate

Rannon Harris Editor-InChief Of Bleu Magazine, Club & Party Promoter

DBQ Magazine

Reggie Wells Iconic Makeup Artist (Oprah Winfrey), Creative Director, Bestselling Author, TV/ Radio Personality

Luna Louis Ballroom Icon, Overall Father Of The House Of Khan, HIV Activist

Nov/Dec 2012

Mario Young Club & Party Promoter, Pride Builder

Michael Roberson NYC Father Of The House Of Garçon, Ballroom Legend, HIV Activist

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If you are not a 'love mufďŹ n', chances are someone you know is. Media maven B. Scott with his gender bending look has successful gone mainstream from his online cult following. He has gone from YouTube videos, to a radio show, to now having celebrity friends and appearing on mainstream television all while being his lovely self.

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DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

Page 18

Dr. Sheldon Fields Asst. Dean Of Clinical Affairs & Health Policy At Florida International University, Researcher

Shaquita Lee Drag Queen Entertainer, TV Personality, Businesswoman

Greg Millett Senior AIDS Policy Advisor To The White House, HIV Advocate

Leiomy Maldonado Member of Vogue Evolution, Ballroom Vogue Legend, Transgender Advocate

Vaughn Taylor Interim Executive Director of GMAD, Researcher, HIV Advocate

Dr. David Malebranche Researcher, Writer, Gay Men Health Advocate

Jack Mizarahi Ballroom Legend, Commentator, HIV Activist

Anthony "Ladybug" Hardaway LGBT Community Activist, Pride Builder, HIV Advocate

Anthony Toliver Part owner of Traxxs International, Pride builder, Businessman

Rod McCullom Producer, Writer, Blogger, LGBT Advocate

Spencer Casseues Program Coordinator At Brooklyn Men Konnect, HIV Activist

DJ Baker Creator, Producer,Host of Da DooDirty Show

Amari Ice Program Coordinator At Denim Center, HIV Activist, Pride Builder

Dwayne Jenkins Founder Of The Brother's United Network, Inc. President Of Nashville Black Pride, LGBT Advocate

Gabe Maldonado CEO/Executive Director of TruEvolution, LGBT Activist, Motivational Speaker

Raquel Lord Transgender Entertainer, Ballroom Legend, Overall Mother Of The House Of Balenciaga

Charles Nelson President Of Chicago Black Gay Pride, LGBT Advocate

Jonte International Choreographer, Dancer, Author

Jonathan Capehart Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Editor, Writer, TV Personality

Rick Thurmond CEO, Traxx the Nightclub, President of Kappa Xi Lambda, HIV Advocate

Tona Brown Transgendered Violinist, Music Teacher, LGBT Advocate

Rich Phillips Leader Of The Hotboys, Club & Party Promoter, Pride Builder

Sheldon DeSouza Co-founder & Vice-chair Of The Black Gay Men’s Network, HIV & LGBT Advocate

Keith Washington Minister, Businessman, LGBT Advocate

Kevin Taylor Pastor, Author, LGBT Advocate

Bishop Evette Flunder Christian Pastor, LGBT Activist

Maurice Jamal President Of GLO TV Network, Director, Actor, Producer

Brandon "Waleek" Anthony Club & Party Promoter, Pride Builder, Businessman

Andre Mizrahi Ballroom Icon, Overall Father Of The House Of Mizrahi

Seimone Augustus Olympic Gold Medalist, WNBA Player, LGBT Advocate

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DBQ Magazine

Kevin Simmons & Makael Mclendon Host Of The Skorpion Show on YouTube.

Personalities, Celebrity Journalists

Nov/Dec 2012

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Ballroom ROCKSTAR A Quarter for the legendary house of Khan Ball I was very excited to be invited to the 25th anniversary ball by the House of Khan. I was even more interested in this house after talking to the sharp and fabulous Father Mark. Not being of the ballroom community, the only thing I had heard about the Khans was to watch them because they will ďŹ ght you.

Ha-ha. When I told Mark that, he laughed, and said "No, we are so different; we have changed and we are still changing."

I respected that very much. And admired Mark for his courage to reinvent the image of his house.

The ball got started very late, but it was very well put together and it was well run. I really enjoyed seeing living legend Luna Khan. He is such an inspiration.

And let the record show, the who's who's of ballroom were in the building and the kids battled for their lives.

David with Antione Anderson in Washington, DC at the Khan Ball, Khan Overall Father Luna

Watch The Throne I think Dante Aga has something special to contribute to the ballroom community and I was looking forward to his ďŹ rst ball after being invited.

I arrived to see a line wrapped around the building, and I was very worried that all the fem queen's silicon would freeze because it was so cold out there. Ha-ha. But when they opened the doors and the ball started, I must say it was one of the greatest balls I have experienced this year. Miss Lisa Prodigy looked so beautiful, she is in her prime.

I sat at the Christian table next to my dear friend Xem VanAdams. And of course I saw all the cute boys and my favorite category, sex siren. It was a sure battle and I was up Dante Balenciaga and Legendary Lisa Prodigy, David Bridgeforth

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front and saw it all. I think this was the best ball of the year.

DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

Page 20

What I've Come To

Know

T

here are journeys, and then there are some journeys that become legends.

Ten months ago, I left my corn fed hometown of Indianapolis, to expand my calling in the land where the brilliant President Obama

resides, Washington, DC. I was going there to build the first community center for same gender attracted young men of color, and to build it in a way that the space allowed these young people to

what urges people to whisper "Legend" as they point, is the stuff

see the possibilities of their lives. For 9 months I used my beingness

created during their particular journeys. These people chose to be,

to create a space that would affirm their divinity. No one could have

and to form, and to invent, a force within that hasn't been seen by

told me that the reward I would receive would be an introduction to

the world before. Legends don't follow paths; they create them, and

my own possibilities.

leave trails. We scream "Legend!" because these people were and

still are our muses, and the key for our progression. On a map, for

In September, myself along with legendary makeup artist Reggie Wells, and political genius Keith Boykin, opened the "Denim Center" (Developing & Empowering New Images of Me(N)). I moved

all keys look at the Legend.

Now I am finished building the first "Mpowerment Center" of its kind

to Washington to be of contribution to my generation, to leave a

in the country's capital, and have progressed to New York City to

piece of the God in me with those who are coming up after me.

urge my being to the next level. What I've come to know, is that

What made the opening so magical was that money couldn't buy the

authentic power is when we gather all that we are. Our lives... Our

experience in the room. I saw these two icons fly themselves to

personalities... Our education... Our connections... Our gifts, talents,

Washington, take care of their own hotel arrangements, and give

and abilities... And then, we leverage them and urge them and align

their brilliant wisdom to gay youth without charging anyone a fee. It

them with the highest calling of our being. It's when we take our

was a moving experience, because I got to see what kind of

looks, our smiles, our money, and our assets to fulfill our destinies.

ingredients live inside legends.

When we do this from the space of contribution... When we do this

I've always been fascinated by list of "Most Powerful People,"

are no longer minuscule journeys of existence. We now have

because you wonder what matter is in between yourself, and those

fashioned a mark. We now have invented our own power. We now

from the space of progressing the light of humanity, then our lives

BE LEGENDS .

on the list. Usually money, position, or fame are the things that draw the line.

What becomes a legend most? That which turns a journey into a

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legend isn't money, fame or position. Those are all byproducts of

@DBRIDGEFORTH

the main ingredient. The matter that legends ooze is beingness.

There are those of us who live this life on our hands and knees.

Some of us exist only as we sleepwalk through this world. But,

Page 21

DBQ Magazine

Nov/Dec 2012

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