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... 32