October 2015: Ft 2Pistols, Shop Boyz, Heather Hightower Designs & more

Publisher Ladychelle Enterprises

Editor in Chief/Writer Rachelle Ford

Creative Director Joseph Lopez

Graphics/ Senior Editor Emmanuel Castillo

Video Director Icey LaBenjamin

Writers Dj Samore Michael Lamb Rachelle Ford

Cover Designed by Slick Designs

Contact US Ford.chelle@gmail.com 239 239--245 245--2117 www.FordEntMag.info

© 2015 by Ford Entertainment Magazine.

All Rights Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Ford Entertainment Magazine is a registered trademark of Ladychelle Enterprises. Printed and published in the United States of America.

ISBN-13: 978-1517220457 ISBN– 10: 1517220459 2

What would I do without the people God has placed in my life? This month’s lesson I learned is that loyalty can’t be fake-pumped. My friends, family and squad are my Relationship Goals. From my brothers, my team Manny, Joe & Icey who keeps me on point, to my family, my mom Ruth, my brother Roody and my sis Romea, especially my mom who irons her cape and is right there whenever I am in need. To my Friendmily Niki, Mickey, Ms Rose, Wicks, Vita! I don’t know how I stumbled unto such wonderful friends or how am I ever deserving of yalls love, but yall remain by my side and show me what unconditional love and friendship mean and I adore yal! Agape. And of course, my boo, you make me feel like I can accomplish greatness! Cant ever thank you enough for that. Just know that I’m riding with you til the wheels fall off!! I love you bae -Ladychelle

In This Issue

pg 16 2Pistols Music

Dj Samore Top 5 Countdown

05

Dj Samore from the FAU Radio show The Urban Experience counts down the top 5 hits of the summer.

Latia

13

The Perfect Imperfection Former American Idol contestant and multifaceted artist Latia introduces fans to her new album.

Life/Love/Advice Fashion/Beauty

2Pistol breaks down the difference between working as a signed artist versus working independently.

Shades of Grey Phlo by Maria

06

Who needs 50 shades of grey when PHLO by Maria can make us fall in love with just one?

Shoegasm by Heather Hightower

08

Shoes! Shoes! And more shoes! While women all over the world dream of heels, wedges, boots and flats, designer Heather Hightower is doing what she can to satisfy our cravings.

Dating with HIV

28

Same Disease, Different Stories A touching personal article that takes you into the lives of two individuals who share the disease but completely different stories

Lua Proc

14 20

Putting In Work From sharing stages with some of the greats in the industry to sharing his sounds on Pandora, Lua Proc is certainly putting work and has no plans to stop.

FTMG: The F is for Family “We’re not friends, we’re brothers!” is the motto of FTMG. Ladychelle sits down with the label’s executive team to learn what sets them apart from other crews.

pg 22 22–– Shop Boyz Ford Ent Magazine catches up with music sensation ShopBoyz and take a glimpse into their world since “Party Like a Rockstar”.

3

4

5

Phlo by Maria

Shade of Grey 6

Www.PhlobyMariah.com 7

Shoegasm By Heather Hightower 8

Looking at your designs, they are

Are you designing from

simply breathtaking! Where does

step 1 to step 10? How

the inspiration for these designs

hands on are in you the

come from?

actual designing process and the actual shoe line?

Thank you! It just comes from life. I like

I’m very hands on, I design

to have fun, I like to have a good time, it

everything from beginning

really is a play on living in Miami and

to end of the designing of

just having a good time with life every-

the shoe. I pick the shoe

day.

style, the material, and I do my own design for the shoe. So I’m very very

How did you get started on a shoe

hands on. I’d like to make

line?

sure I’m giving a great product to the consumer.

That’s a very good question. Kind of a tricky question. I’ve been very much into

Is it just you, or is there a

shoes since I was a young girl. I moved

team of shoe designer

to Miami 11 years ago with the thought

extraordinaire? Is there

of going to fashion school,

a league of super heroes? What’s

just get their opinions. Sometimes

going on over there? (Laughs)

they’re friends of mines, sometimes

went to

school, started working in the industry then decided I wanted to go into acces-

they are colleagues. But I do take the

sories design. I knew I had a love for

shoe design to a, I guess you could say a

shoes, so I focused on the shoe part. I

(Laughs) I think they are a league of

learned about all the accessories, but

superheroes, I think that’s what they’re

focused on the shoe part. That’s kinda

classified as. It’s just me that does most

where I got started.

of the designing, I have a team that I confer with. Once I’m done with a design and once I get something made, I have a team of people that I go to and I

9

board of super women and they help me filter through the designs. Sometimes I go with my gut, but most of the time I see what they’re feeling and what they like and how I could tweak some things and make some things better and more geared towards the consumer.

How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been in the fashion industry since 2006 but I have been doing shoes officially since 2011.

We’re

looking

bringing

in

at

more

prints, a more of a Miami tropical feel, just getting back to I always like to say

You said you’ve been into designing,

“original glam”, just

so it’s not just shoes that you

classic shoes, classic

design?

heels, classic go to pieces. A piece that you could buy now

I do handbags as well, I’ve done some jewelry, but as the Heather Hightower brand, the next thing that we’re gonna bring into play is going to be handbags.

and it will carry you through the next 2 seasons, that’s what we’re all about. A shoe that you can wear from day to

have selected retailers. In Florida we have Mossimo Boutique which is at the Hard Rock Live in Seminole and then we have some other boutiques in other

night.

states. The best way to locate them is

We know you are currently working

through

Where can we get your shoes?

The

shoes

are

mostly

online

at

HeatherHightowerMiami.com and we

10

website

which

HeatherHightowerMiami.com

on your Spring 2016 line, what’s in store? What’s different?

our

is

We’re definitely excited to see the brand, definitely excited to see the Spring 2016 line. Anything else you’d like to add?

I’d just like to tell them to follow us on our social media, we have new exciting things coming up that are strickly for the fans, for social media like contests and promotions. And they’ll also get to be more involved with the brand and with the actual making of the shoes. Our Instagram is Heather_HightowerMiami and they can they can to everywhere else from there. Facebook is Heather Hightower Miami and they can get to everywhere else from those 2 links.

Interviewed via phone by Ladychelle

11

12

R&B

Latia

Singer,

Latia Lee said, "I began sing-

usually about my experiences; past, present, or someone's close to me

ing when I was

that I may have given ad-

4-years old. My

vice on," Latia said.

grandmother would

video

While also establishing

tape my sister

her own label, Everything

and I; starring

for Brub" / EFB owned by

in

own

herself and sister; Latasha

shows.

Marie. The label name is

our

talent

My first time

in

on

on

brother, Steven "Brub"

stage was in

Lee Jr. whom she refers

the

to as her No. 1 fan; was

the

fourth

grade, which I knew I wanted to be

presence. Making it as far as I did, I

an

learned first hand what it felt like to

entertainer."

memory

of

Latia's

gunned down and tragically killed.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Latia

be a star, how to perform in front of

Latia's management team is, iGRIND

made her first musical debut in

a camera and and audience. I appre-

GLOBAL.Currently, Latia is pushing

2005, when she released a record

ciate the experience for everything I

her recently released album/ EP enti-

with a few artist in the area entitled,

learned and the amazing people I

tled,"The Perfect Imperfection." Her

"Ride 4 You." Shortly after, Latia

met," Latia said.

single on the album is, "Control."

went to try out, and put her musical

Latia not only sings, but also writes

gift to the test, when she tried out

all of her music. The multifaceted

The Perfect Imperfection is available

for the hit television series, Ameri-

singer has been receiving a lot of

on iTunes and(or) Google Play. For

can Idol and became a competing

buzz throughout the city, and is

frequent updates on Latia, follow her

contestant.

ready to take the city by storm.

on social media accounts on Insta-

to

"I've become confident enough to

gram: @latia_ Twitter: @latia_efb.

become more confident in my stage

write from the heart 13 so my songs are

"American

Idol

helped

me

Lua Proc: Putting In Work

Proc, has effectively made himself a known and respected rapper amongst the Pittsburgh music scene. Acknowl-

With a keen ability to transfer struggle

roads that others haven't even thought

edging that hard work does pay off,

to wax, Lua Proc is a product of his envi-

of, he's A&R his own projects and has

instead of allowing himself to be hin-

ronment. Born and reared in the gritty

curated a number of producers that

dered by life's ups and down, Lua' Proc

streets of Pittsburgh, he's as transparent

have not only added to his sound but

has used his circumstances, loses, and

as he is real. Thoroughly dedicated to

have furthered it.

setbacks to fuel his energy to generate

the progression of his newly acquired

momentum

in

his

movement.

label, High End Society along with his

Having already shared the scene with

own career, he's coming hard with his

well known artist like Busta Rhymes,

first major single Work ft. Kevin Gates

Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, Juvenile, to

and getting a great response.

name a few throughout his musical journey, Lua' Proc is still humble.

"I really kicked it up this year," starts

Always looking to turn chances into

Lua' Proc. "I've made mistakes in the

opportunity he's hit tour stops with

past but this year I applied everything

the Bone Thugs N Harmony as well

that I've learned and things are working

as Joe Budden.

out. Doing the All Hip Hop stage at SXSW this year and having my single on

With promotions for Lua' Proc

the radio is a blessing. Everything I've

currently in full swing, his single

done thus far is falling in to line and

Work is receiving spins all over the

showing me that I'm on the right track."

Midwest, the South, Hip Hop Nation and was most recently added to

Coming from a city where the music

Pandora. With God on his side he has

scene is close to non existent in the na-

decided to dedicate all of his atten-

tional eye, Lua' Proc knows you have to

tion to his music. With the debut EP

work harder to be seen and heard. If

“Fish Tailing� set to release at the

he's learned anything from the black

end of 2015, off of Lua Proc's newly

and yellow nicknamed city, its that this

required label High End Society. Until

life can take you from the streets to the

then, be sure to check out other

boardroom rather quickly, if your

music from Lua' Proc including Lean,

serious enough. After realizing that his

Stunt Hard, Good Life, Dopeman,

determination to make his mark in the

King Kong, and Something On It.

national music game was unmatched by others, he took over full control. Jumping into the driver seat of his own situation Lua Proc's is the CEO and the first release off of his budding label. Taking

With his career at the forefront and hav-

Music and visuals are available on

ing aggressively taken the proper steps

Itunes, soundlcoud, and Youtube.

to brand himself as an all around professional through his visuals, merchandising, and performance presence Lua' 14

Twitter: LUAPROC Instagram: LUA_PROC Facebook.com/luaproc

15

2 PISTOLS STILL GOT IT STILL GOT IT 16

Now we all know you from your Bill-

have a title for yet. I have a lot of good

and Tyga get plenty of radio play with

board hit single featuring TT--Pain,

music. Me & Mally Mall got a single out

Cash Money but distributed through

“She Got It” can you tell us about

now titled ‘Toast’ that’s starting to move

Universal Republic. I mean the deal

around really good. I’ve just been grind-

structure was great but it was just more

ing on the independent circuit. So, for

of lack of communication because there

those that’s looking for me from ‘She

was so many artists over there that

Got It’ I’m still here making music I’m

wanted radio play and it was hard to

just not doing business with a major

facilitate in a way. I just decided to leave

market level so you might miss it.

early, everybody then decided to step

you’re projects you’ve been working on since then?

I actually have been doing a lot of stuff independently, I went in the direction I really wanted to go in. I felt as if I wasn’t getting the support from the label I wanted or needed so I started doing stuff before everybody started going crazy with the independent circuit, I was kinda forced into it. I did an ‘Arrogant’ mixtape with DJ Strings, I dropped ‘Comin Back Large’ the latest project that I just did is actually in stores or what have you now. I’ve had various features with Juicy J and the homie French Montana. Actually the record I did with French independently was number 30 in the country on the charts, ‘Know That’. We did a few records that got the exposure that it needed, we did nice numbers. For the last 6-8 months I haven’t released anything because I didn’t know what I wanted to do, sign with a major label or drop something independently. I got a few conference calls with a few labels so, I’m hoping that lines up with my next project that I don’t

forward in which they thought was You also mentioned you were working a

beneficial for them. People felt as if I

lot independently, I know you were

couldn’t make it there but that wasn’t

once signed to Universal back in 2007 as

the real problem, I just didn’t feel, busi-

well as Cash Money. Can you tell us

ness wise, as if I wasn’t getting back

what happened with them? Are you still

what I was putting out with the music

signed under them as of today?

ability that I do have. I felt like I was running with the best of them but I

The situation with me and Cash Money is nothing bad, there’s no conflict. I mean, I could go back and me and Stunna can do business right now. We’re on good terms and good standing. I just feel with that company there, there’s a lot of artists over there, its kind of hard. My first situation, shout out to Universal Republic was a major label than I went to Cash Money the radio really fucks with Universal. Drake, Nicki,

“

People felt as if I couldn’t make it there but that wasn’t the real problem, I just didn’t feel, business wise, as if I wasn’t getting back what I was putting out with the music ability that I do have.

“

17

needed them running back with me.

Now, coming from both sides, being

I feel people felt that’s what happened

label then won’t know what the major is

with a major label & working

with my situation but then the basics

actually doing and then without the

independently, what

from of grinding independently when

major, there nonexistent. I suggest to

the label wasn’t there, I was still able to

stay as long as possible. You’re more in

would you

recommend to artists that are

independent

control with your name and

artists

your brand and building every-

right now with the main

thing for yourself.

goal to be signed to a major label? Would you

What artist in the game right

recommend them to go

now would you want to work

ahead and sign on the

with that you haven’t yet?

dotted line or to continue to be independent?

Rihanna, I feel me and Rihanna could make a dope record

I would say, it’s always great

together. Not because I want to

to go with a major but

holla at her just because I feel

depending on what actually

we’d make good music. I liked

product value you have with

the record her and Wale did

them and what control you

together, I feel as if the remix

have. I feel artists that come

was better than the original

in the game don’t really have

version.

a lot of background really grinding

independently.

I

Is there anyone that reminds

came from starting out with

you of 2 Pistols in the game

shows and bringing artists.

now?

After brining artists and build-

Kinda, I kinda look at some

ing relationships with them

artists that are put together in a

then do a record then I’d be

different format. Mainstream

email blasting and before you

pop, kinda like Kidd Ink. The

know it I’m kicking it with DJs

label kinda took him and put

at different DJ conferences

him together but he under-

then I’d physically hit the

stands

road. It’s different nowadays.

won’t know what ever happened to em.

inde-

yone in the game right now, I’d

will get hot on the internet

They’ll sign the record deal and you

grinding

pently. So if I was to look at an-

They’ll drop a record and it

and the label will come and sign them.

from

choose Kidd Ink. keep up with putting music out myself.

Interviewed b Ladychelle via phone at

These artists will jump and sign with a

Hit Central Station

18

19

FTMG

The F is for Family

Well, Charles, you wanna kick things off and let the fans know, what’s FTMG? Can you break down the acronyms for me?

Charles: FTMG is for Family Ties Music Group, it’s started by me, Charles Venus, my boy Ace Kennedy, my brother from another mother GBall Jr and essentially we have a 6 men crew, but for the most part the guys we have on the call, we CEO everybody’s projects.

Can everyone take a turn and break down what role they play?

Charles: That’s a really good question, I think one of the dynamic of our crew that’s a little bit different from most music crews is that we have a small circle so for the most part we have a lot of different people wearing different hats. With me, I do a lot of writing, and I’m getting more into mixing as well. And I’m learning a lot of things from Ace and from G to be able to do more on an

do a lot of our designs like album covers.

side, I’m trying to get into the A&R role,

But for myself, I do a little bit of produc-

I have a few artists in mind that I would

tion, I also write, I’m also one of the

love to bring into the crew, but its trial

artists and I also do a lot of the A&R

and error, it’s artist development, and a

stuff as well as artist development. One

lot of things that go into that. I also do a

of our other people in our crew is an

lot of designer work along side with

R&B artist as well, so I’ve been helping

Charles.

him vocally and helping him arrange stuff so that’s kinda my role.

You mentioned that there were 6 artists under FTMG, do you guys only work

executive level as well. But for the most

G: Both of these guys are very talented

exclusively with those artists or do you

part I kinda touch on the producing and

in a lot of different ways. My contribu-

branch out and collab with other

the writing, I also executive produce

tion come from, being an artist myself

artists?

beats and kinda put together the full

within the group, I also do a lot of the

projects from beginning to end.

engineer work as far as mixing and

Ace: Charles is also in charge with a lot of the graphics that we come up with when we do our pictures and stuff, he

mastering, not only on my projects but on the other artists projects as well. I do a little bit of production on the beats 20

Ace: We do branch out to other artists.

Just alone myself and G, we’ve had about 28 features within the last 3 months that we were apart of, so we definitely branch out here in the city.

Ace Kennedy

started to communicate

their own brand which means that they

and do some music while

are responsible for making their career

we were serving the coun-

goals happen. I might not agree with

try. And with that said if

something Charles said, I might not

yall don’t mind,

I just

agree with something G said, but at the

wanna send a quick rest in

end of the day, I have that executive

peace to the soldiers that

decision about Ace Kennedy as long as

past away in Afghanistan in

it’s falling in line with the brand.

the airplane crash. I just Dope! I’ve seen some videos online. G Rated videos (laughs) of Charles and

wanna say my peace on that.

Definitely. May they rest in peace.

Ace dancing at what seems to be a school talent show, not trying to date yall, but it looks to be forever ago, how far back do yall friendship go?

Charles: Me and Ace go back to 8 grade when I was in a dance group of my own

better. But then about 8th grade we kinda linked up and been friends ever since. So I would say we go back to 93.

I’ve literally known him over half my life.

ma City. We were both serving in the United States Air Force together. We linked up and we instantly became brothers.

to shy away from mixing business and

2015, we’re planning on finishing out

personal, so how do you keep a friend-

the year with putting out more visuals

ship while working together? A long

out there, we have 3 mixtapes currently

term friendship at that. What’s the

out and for those particular projects

secret to keeping it from going south?

we’re looking to put out more visuals.

Ace: it’s a not really a secret. The difference is we consider don’t consider ourselves a label, we consider ourselves

Every project has a theme to it so we’re kinda aiming to tie in more visuals to every project.

a family. So we’re not friends, we’re

And where can we all check out these

brothers. And what that means is that

projects and keep up with you guys?

ments, you go through problems, you might even go through periods where you don’t communicate but at the end of the day we have a mission. And the beautiful thing about our particular

G: Yea that was about 2010 when we

Charles: 2016 looks great! 2016 looks phenomenal as a matter of fact. With

just like any family you go though arguAce: Me and G we met here in Oklaho-

2015 and what’s up for 2016?

What is yall secret? A lot of people tend

and he was in is own dance group and we used to battle it out to see who was

How are you guys planning on ending

Charles: Every body can go to just one website and that’s www.FTMGisus.com and from there they can find links to their favorite artists and keep up with all the happenings of Family Ties Music Group.

brand, is that every body is the CEO of

GBall J.R.

21

Charles Venus

Shop Boyz A Gift and a Curse

How did you come up with the

Like a Rock Star”. We are busy making a

What was life like before Party Like

name Shop Boyz?

comeback with our new music, videos

a Rock a Star?

Friends in the neighborhood gave us the

and an upcoming tour.

It was cool. We were young black men

name.

I guess you can say Meany is the lady's

just trying to find our way. We were

man and the performer. Meany likes

trying to figure out this thing called life.

Who are the individuals of Shop Boyz?

The Shop Boyz consist of Demetrius “Meany”

Hardin,

Richard

“Fat”

Stephens and Rasheed “Sheed” High-

R&B music and he is the singer in the group. Fat is the business one in the

What has life been like since?

group and the organizer for the group,

Sometimes it's stressful and sometimes

and Sheed is the political one and kind

it can be fun. We take the good with the

of fall in the middle of the group.

bad. We took on more responsibilities

tower. We are artists from Atlanta's

but it is all good. We love a challenge,

Westside, Bankhead area, and we are

and we just try to make the best out of

known for our breakout single, "Party

each situation.

Make sure you build and keep a great team around you that 22 you trust and respect.

“

“

Can fans expect new music and how

What advice can you give to young

Do you have any tours/shows

has the game changed musically

artist trying to pursue music as a

coming up in the near future? Any-

since you guys came into the game?

career choice?

where in Florida?

Our booking agent is busy working on a tour. We hope to get to Florida soon.

Yes, we have new music out right

I would say stay true to your talent

now. We have a Mixtape, "Gift and a

and stand out and be different.

Curse" and EP, "Shop Boyz Reload-

Make sure that you are pursuing

How can people stay in touch with

ed" that offers a variety of music. We

your music for the right reasons

what is new with the Shop Boyz?

are a versatile musical group, touch-

because it requires long hours and

Please

ing bases with all genres, such as Hip

hard work.

www.shopboyzmusic.com or visit us

Hop, Rock, Country, EDM, R&B,

Put a plan in place and work your

on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

mixing it all and making it enjoya-

plan.

@ ShopBoyzMusic.

ble... We're not just trying some-

Learn all you can about the music

thing. This is our God-given talent.

industry and be persistent.

And, we are currently in the studio

Make sure you build and keep a

working on new music...

great team around you that you trust

Our fans can expect more good qual-

and respect.

ity music. They can expect a variety

Lastly, be patient and don't ever give

Facebook Individual Accounts: Richie

of genres and topics being discussed

up on your dreams.

CEOFat Stillshopent, LilMeany and Shop-

visit

our

website

at

We also have individual pages on social media.

Individual

Accounts

on

Instagram:

Shopboyfat, shopboy_meany and Shopboy_sheed.

through our music. We address

boy Sheed Hightower.

everything from police brutality ("On

Who are some influences you guys

& On") to our Pop song ("Party All

had on the way both musically and

Thank you for the interview. The Shop

Night") to a Country track called,

professional?

Boyz appreciate the love and support!

"Country Girl".

Musically, we like Drake, Future, Lil'

The game has definitely changed

Wayne,

since we initially got involved in the

Goody Mob, Jay Z,

music industry. Record labels have changed and more people are on independent labels or own their own label. Artists are calling their own shots and creating their own teams to help them maneuver through the

Outkast,

Tupac and Biggie...

Professionally, we are influenced by Tony Smalls, P- Diddy, 50 Cent and Jay Z. We also look up to each other‌

entertainment industry. Everything is digital now and digital streaming and online radio is the way to go.

23

24

25

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www.TotalLifeChanges.com/FanfanJean 26

Listen Middays @ 10:00am

27

Dating with HIV:

Same disease, different stories.

Miss Mikey & Diamond Chanel Written by Michael Lamb 28

“Once someone discloses their status

happened to not only be a heroin addict

Diamond then decided it was now his

with me I always tell them, ‘Okay, from

but also had full blown AIDS. Now, being

time to share his story because, “You

here on out I’m loyal you. You felt

that Diamond was so young you’d think

never know who needs to hear it. Some-

comfortable enough telling me your HIV

he would be put on medicine quick, fast,

one close to you could be fighting some-

status, I’m loyal. No questions asked.’”

and in a hurry. Nope! His immune sys-

thing just as big as you but you’ll never

Diamond Chanel says in an interview.

tem was so strong in suppressing the

know it until someone breaks the ice.”

Diamond Chanel born as Dominque

disease he didn’t have to be put on any

Diamond finally broke the ice and also

Jacobs is a 23 year old Philadelphia na-

form of retroviral medicine until he was

the social circle with over 5,000 views on

tive who is very well known in the north-

17 years old. As he grew up his family

his video in Philadelphia. “It was crazy…

ern ballroom scene. Diamond is a

watched over him very closely so that he

like my first video got so many shares

member of the Iconic House of Ebony

didn’t get sick nor hurt himself in

and comments I had inbox messages out

but has a family of his own, Diamond

anyway. He coped with his disease by

the ass!” Diamond says with so much

Nation. “Diamond Nation or The House

gaining

much

excitement remembering such a glorious

of Diamond doesn’t base its title around

knowledge as possible. He was always

day. He received more than 30 inbox

regular gay houses. We’re not a clique of

open about his status with his close

messages, even some out of the coun-

gay people, we’re just like any other

friends and of course family but decided

try, thanking him for not only sharing his

family. We’re loyal to one another,

one day he was going to share his story

story but also being relatable to people

honor and also respect our family

via social media because a close friend

who are also in his shoes.

name.” Diamond is the house mom of

disclosed their HIV status to him.

and

obtaining

12 children and oversees all of them. He was inspired by Legendary Janese Zion and Legendary Aamina Prodigy to participate in the ballroom scene. “I was moved by the culture and fascinated at the gender neutral side of things. Here you have these men embracing their femininity and putting on a show! Of course they got their 10s and I was ready to walk the catwalk as well.” Diamond is currently in the science program at Community College of Philadelphia to start out his career as an infectious disease doctor. How Diamond came about this career path was his story, he is HIV positive.

At a very young age Diamond was raped by a by a family member who just so 29

as

reduce their risk of

I wasn’t interested simply because of

becoming infected.) is

their ignorance.” When asked if he was

the “new” way of safer

in a relationship, Diamond giggled and

sex, Diamond is still

stated, “That’s bae, but we’re not offi-

somewhat

cial as of yet.”

shaky

about it. “Okay, PReP is a double edge sword for me. For the people who use it along with a condom, it’s great. Not only are they building a

stronger

immune

system resistant to the strand

of

the

HIV

Diamond is a very open advocate for the

infection, they’re still cautious and use

fight of HIV/AIDS awareness. But aside

another contraceptive. For the people

from his advocacy, his mother role, and

who use it and still have unprotected

the ballroom scene Diamond has a very

sex, that does nothing but make you

active dating life. “You know, when I tell

more vulnerable to the disease. True

dudes my status it makes me love

you’re taking HIV medicine but you’re

myself even more. Whether they want

also putting yourself at a higher risk of

to continue something with me or not, I

contracting the disease by risky behav-

did my part.” Diamond says dating for

ior. If you get off of PReP, you’ve now

him has always been easy even with his

diminished the resistance to the virus

diagnosis. He has never been shunned

you once had and are more vulnerable

or pushed away solely because of his

than ever to get it. So, I am for PReP if

status. “When you disclose your status,

used correctly.” Diamond is sexually

it shows that you’re secure with your-

active but is always safe about is so

self. You’re basically telling the person

chances of transmission are damn near

interested I love myself enough to tell

unlikely. “Dating with HIV isn’t hard for

you these this and respect you enough

me at all. Dudes usually walk away with

to let you be aware.” Diamond has been

much respect for me because I’m so

in a relationship where his partner was

open about it. They commend me for

negative and they went about every-

my bravery and it kind of draws them

thing the safe way. Now, being that

more to me. In a way it kind of works in

PReP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis, a new

my favor. Of course I’ve had people who

HIV prevention where HIV negative indi-

were very ignorant to the disease so I

viduals use anti-HIV medications to

educated them then let them know that 30

The one thing I always tell someone when their newly diagnosed with HIV and trying to find love is DON’T SETTLE! You don’t have to take shit from anybody because of this, you’re your worth just like you know your status. Just like I was raped, someone could’ve been promiscuous and contacted the virus. Just like there’s different strands of HIV, there’s different stories behind HIV.” That’s where Miss Mikey comes in. Miss Mikey is a very well-known HIV advocate and founder of Let’s Talk About It Inc. He is also a self-published author of his very first book. ‘Miss Mikey’s Cookbook’, a compilation of poems in which he shares his views of many social topics not talked about enough. Miss Mikey just like Diamond also made a PSA via social media on December 19th, 2014 with a spoken word poem where he stated, “I have HIV. HIV does not have me.” Since then, he’s lived by that motto. Being from small town Fort Myers, Florida, Miss Mikey has been traveling all over the state sharing his story, delivering a message, but also stating facts about this very common disease. As of recent Miss Mikey is now a part of the prevention team with Community AIDS Network of Sarasota, Florida.

“I plan to use this job to help feed Let’s

would be, ‘I’m positive too.’” Miss Mikey

Talk About It. I can finally know the poli-

states when disclosing his status, he’s

tics that comes along with HIV. To my

only been rejected 3 times. “They were-

surprise, I didn’t know there was any. I

n’t rude of disrespectful about it either.

try keep in mind that if we’re all of the

They simply thanked me for keeping it

same mission which is to get to zero

real and left it at that. Hell, one of them

new infections, the politics can wait.”

even came to an open mic night event

Miss Mikey has taken a short hiatus

that I was performing at. He’s been sup-

from his movement to get settled with

portive ever since.” Now that was then,

moving to a new city and starting his

Miss Mikey is now off the market! “My

career but that doesn’t mean that he’s

relationship is great, I truly enjoy the

not cooking up a comeback that’s going

company of my partner. He gets on my

to set the bar for what’s to come in the

last nerve, but I’m sure he’s planned my

year of 2016. Which maybe news to

death at least twice.” Again, the disclo-

some Miss Mikey, also HIV positive, is in

sure of ones HIV status, when positive,

a relationship? Yes and as happy as he

is very important. When is the right

could ever be. “Disclosing my status is

time? “Well for me, if you’re going to

easy. I mean, if you don’t already know

ask me what’s my favorite color, zodiac

from word of mouth or seeing one of my

sign, and what I like to do in my spare

viral videos then me telling you face to

time than you might as well as me my

face won’t be hard at all.” Miss Mikey

status too? If you don’t, I always use the

before he was in a committed relation-

old ‘Tell me one thing about you that i

ship says he was still sexually active, “I

wouldn’t know by just simply looking at

mean, with the hookup apps like Jack’d

you’ line. They answer then ask me and

and Grindr, finding some dick isn’t that

BOOM, I disclose my status.” That’s the

hard at all. Finding love, true love was

conversation that somehow lead Miss

the hard part.” With many reactions to

Mikey into his current rela-

the PSA on December 19th, 2014 you’d

tionship. “Honesty is the best

be surprised at

policy. Even if you’re heterosexual, your HIV status is

some of the reactions he got from sexual encounters. “Okay, I would tell them I’m down to get it in but I have to tell you something, I’m HIV positive. Man, the responses I got were kind of eyebrow raising to say the least. Most of the time I got ‘Okay I got a rubber, we still going to do this?’ other times it

something that needs to be known but also updated. If neither of you know your statuses, going to the clinic to get tested is a good way of breaking the ice. Plus, you know your status!” Miss Mikey is truly all for “being in the 31

know.”

1 in 7 people have HIV but don’t even know it. When meeting people off of social media or just bumping into them while running errands, everybody has a HIV status. Whether you’re dating with HIV or not, dating has evolved. There are some people in the world that will knowingly infect you, which is a crime, and not give a damn. So, when you meet someone, get to know them for them, not their HIV status. The stigma(s) that is/are attached to this disease are already making it hard not only for people to disclose their status but also scaring people to get tested. Imagine if you meet a person that had ever quality you ever looked for in a partner but they just so happened to have a manageable, chronic illness. Would you let that ruin your chances of finding love? Or would you get to know that person for who they are and embrace all of their flaws and past mistakes and love them for who they are? I mean, nobody’s perfect.

Coming soon...

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