PHOTO BY: DAVID MILLER
PHOTO BY: DAVID MILLER
BLACK HISTORY HAS HAPPENED...YOU CAN’T ERASE IT
The ICONIC Tina Turner has an amazing bio-musical play traveling around the country now simply called “TINA”. Because let’s face it there is only one TINA and she is “simply the BEST” to quote one of her more famous hits. But, things were not always glitz and glamour for the international superstar. By now most of us know, either by way of her own autobiography or the movie it inspired “What’s Love Got To Do With It” that she was an abused child and a battered wife. She was being brutalized by her ex-husband Ike Turner the whole time she was entertaining the world as an international Rock Superstar in the 60s. In the end, the part of the story that always gets me is when she was divorcing from Ike - the only thing she wanted from him to settle the separation was HER NAME (as he had dubbed her Tina Tuner and legally owned that stage name). It was granted and the rest is HISTORY.
History is now under attack. Specifically BLACK and QUEER HISTORY. It started out as argument by the far political “right” with rhetoric saying we don’t want OUR children to carry the weight of the mistakes committed by OUR forefathers in OUR country. Then it moved onto College Boards in Florida, urged by Gov. Ron DeSantis, purging the names of many black writers and scholars associated with critical race theory, the queer experience and black feminism in its upcoming A.P. Curriculum. It ushered out some politically fraught topics, like Black Lives Matter, from the formal curriculum as well. Now, I find it interesting/appalling that EVERY other culture studies has remained untouched. A virtual WHITE WASHING of history in the areas that, well, just hurt to talk about. Well, in the immortal words of Judge Judy, I too say,”Baloney!” Let’s call this thing by it’s real name – RACISM! Bold and in your face. Now, what are WE gonna do about it?
I remember going through those courses and every time I was taught about those horribles stains on American and World History being built on the backs of slaves, my heart ached. IT’S SUPPOSED TO! It’s the reality of how are nation and other countries used the black men, women and children as cattle and beasts of burden because they were deemed “less than human”. After almost everyone of these lessons my professors would end with some variation of “And, it is important to know OUR history so we DO NOT risk repeating it.” That is why Black History Month is important and that is why we cannot allow these leaders in Washington to continue to try to erase it from our history books.
Remember, it was a BLACK TRANS WOMAN, Marsha P. Johnson who is credited with starting the Stonewall Riots which lead to Gay Rights Movement. If not for her throwing out her high heel stiletto against our oppressors that fateful night where would we be now? Not enjoying PRIDE parades this summer. Not toasting Mimosas at brunch on Sundays with our chosen family of friends. And, definitely not dancing to the wee hours in total abandon with our shirts tucked behind our jeans. We have a BLACK TRANS WOMAN to thank for that and yet some of us stay silent. “This is not OUR fight”,some say. Well, any fight towards oppression is OUR FIGHT! We are a community composed not by the boundaries of race, religion or even political ideology. The LGBTQA+ community is ALL INCLUSIVE so any stripping away of rights or education is a slap in the face of everything we have gone through collectively as a people to move forward. So, be on the CORRECT side of HISTORY and speak up or at the very least VOTE with all this in mind and not just your economic circumstances. As the saying goes,”an attack on one is an attack on all of us.”
As we close out February and BLACK HISTORY MONTH, let’s not forget history is not something we should be ashamed or scared of. Like Tina Turner, out of personal adversity came a story of triumph and joy. Representation matters to every child who finds themselves looking to the media or school books to see themselves and dream about what the world is going to be like for them tomorrow. Let’s not let OUR children lose their chance to see brighter future because we are too ashamed of OUR past.
Light,Love and Peace,
Francisco Garcia Publisher of HAPPENING DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Dorothy Dandridge, born on November 9, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, was a superb actress, singer and dancer who became a national and international star, and the FIRST African American female actor nominated for both an Academy Award for Best Actress (Carmen Jones) and later a Golden Globe for her performance in (Porgy and Bess). She also showcased her singing and dancing talent in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1950s where a portion of “D” Street that runs through the Westside black community was renamed for her.
Dorothy and her slightly older sister Vivian were called “The Wonder Children” when their mother, Ruby Dandridge, a former entertainer, launched them into show business as young children. They sang in black churches around the country during the Great Depression. As economic conditions deteriorated, Ruby moved them to Hollywood, California to promote their careers. After changing their group name and teaming with a school friend, Etta James, the “Dandridge Sisters” garnered moderate success there before achieving acclaim in New York at the famed Cotton Club, and also in Europe.
Dorothy’s career path had seemingly been designed by Lena Horne, but she created her own legacy by achieving greater if more brief success as a movie actress. However, unlike Horne, Dorothy Dandridge succumbed to the depths of Hollywood exploitation. Film studios recognized her considerable acting talents but—to her detriment—promoted a sultry and sexy persona for her. She lived in an era when black actresses and actors were denied equal footing with leading white actresses and actors, limiting their ability to demonstrate the full dimensions of their acting skills. At the time she was referred to as “The Colored Marilyn Monroe”
Although she achieved success as an entertainer, the same cannot be said about her personal life. Both of Dorothy’s marriages—first to Harold Nicholas from 1942 to 1951, and then to Jack Denison from 1959 to 1962—ended in divorce. Her first marriage to Harold Nicholas (of the famous Nicholas Brothers dancers) particularly distressed her because she had to cope with her husband’s many affairs, as well as the care of a disabled daughter, Lynn, who needed round-the-clock assistance. Nevertheless, she found a way to keep her Hollywood career afloat.
Her dalliances, particularly her affair with the famed and married white movie director Otto Preminger, also contributed to her personal woes. Preminger, ostensibly her favorite among many white suitors, refused to leave his wife after a 4 year relationship with Dandridge Even for a man of Preminger’s power and stature in Hollywood, a permanent relationship with a black star was too risky.
Dorothy endured other trials. Between 1947 and 1958, the FBI monitored her professional affiliations and activities. She was questioned by the agency about her interactions with the NAACP and groups such as the Progressive Citizens Of America. Red Scare-era newspaper stories about her political activities restricted her acting career.
Some familiar titles among Dorothy’s almost 40 films, in addition to those mentioned earlier that were nominated for awards, include Hit Parade, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Island in the Sun
In 1965, Dorothy was found dead in a Hollywood apartment from an overdose of prescription drugs. This woman who broke down doors was only 42 when she passed.
PISCES DATING SEASON
Don’t tell Pisces, but he has a reputation for being flighty and unpredictable. Actually, go ahead and tell him, he’ll probably be daydreaming about something else entirely.
A fish out of water even in the bathtub, Pisces isn’t indecisive, his mind is made up — in both directions. Get any sort of bargain you wish to seal with Pisces notarized in triplicate, or better yet, carved in marble. Even still, he’ll deny his signature, and the worst part is, he will actually believe it was forged, even if you saw him chisel it yourself.
Highly creative and emotionally savvy, Pisces will often apply this creativity to the truth, so take promises with a grain of saltwater. Not that Pisces is dishonest, it’s just that reality shifts and buckles more in his undersea world.
A social butterfly and anything but constant, Pisces is apt to wriggle out of your net; but he’s also a sentimental fool, so grand gestures of romance can get him hopping aboard your boat.
Known to be a serial monogamist, who has periodic flings during frequent bouts of amnesia, he tends to have more enduring relationships with friends from school than with lovers. Nevertheless, many Pisceans can and do devote a lifetime to a partner, so long as they’ve found someone who enjoys juggling a bundle of contradictions.
HOW TO ATTRACT A PISCES
Many Pisces have a tendency to date down, which is either fortunate or not, depending on how you view your own worthiness. If you cast your line for Pisces, be sure to steer clear of the murky swamps where bottom feeders roam.
More positive connections can be made by frequenting art galleries, poetry readings, and animal rights rallies. Pisces are usually sensitive to the plight of animals, and will be genuinely moved if you rescue an unwanted pet from the pound or volunteer at a shelter.
He might seem flaky to some, but is also a deeply sensitive and nurturing soul, much more in tune with the heart than the mind. Which is not to say that Pisces is shallow, although he is often unfairly accused of superficiality, or being vapid; both Michelangelo and Beat Movement author Jack Kerouac were odd fish.
Evoke what talent lurks inside your intuitive Pisces, and you may find he’s pretty busy up in dreamworld, creating the next “David” or penning the next “On the Road ”. Your bohemian space case just may be next year’s Broadway Buzz — once you’ve inspired him to compose a musical in your honor.
GAY PISCES EROGENOUS ZONES
If you can land your Pisces in a Jacuzzi, half the battle is won. You’ll know where you stand by the shape of his thong — or if he bothers to wear one at all. The fish tends to be a bit of a foot freak, so caress his sole lightly, and reel him carefully in.
Pisces in general are not hung up about sex; he’ll be less occupied by the physical mechanics of the act than with the emotional context in which it occurs. Experimental role-play, live-action fantasy theater and body painting are all welcome in the spawning grounds.
Exotic locations appeal to Pisces, so keep the scenery changing… seashore cliffs, naughty hideaways just out of sight, the Mile High Club…keep up with his sense of adventure, and he’ll be yours until the current sweeps him away.
A DATE WITH A PISCES
At all costs, avoid becoming embroiled in a heated debate. Be wary of taking the bait he may whimsically offer you as a test. Pisceans turn a fast tailfin at the slightest hint of a dispute, and you’ll know you’ve crossed a line from the booming silence suddenly assaulting your eardrums.
Overall, dating Pisces should be an enjoyable experience, as he will be chatty and engaging once he’s decided to be. Arrive with an affectionate gift, such as a tray of assorted chocolate covered nuts, and keep the conversation light and general at first, encouraging him to tell you all about himself, as he will promptly be happy to do.
It’s a rare Pisces who cares enough about material things to be able to pick up the tab on a date. Fortunately, he won’t be impressed by dining at expensive digs, so your best bet is to grab a picnic lunch and enjoy some marine recreation, such as canoeing, waterskiing or scuba diving for the afternoon.
In the absence of a convenient coastline, choose a trip to the museum, or simply the nearest public park — spontaneity is a quality to indulge with flighty Pisces.
Does everyone remember those first weeks after the shock of being quarantined during the pandemic wore off and then we realized how collectively bored we were? Some of us decided to read that book everyone had been raving about, while other (like me) decided instead to make it our mission to watch EVERYTHING on streaming channels, eat carbs and drink wine.
MODELS: MATTEL’S KEN
MODELS: MATTEL’S KEN
Then there a people like DAVID MILLER. He took the world’s “time out” and turned it into an hobby he would later find out to be incredibly talented at. David has always had an eye for color and style. Styling clothing and photography had always been an interest of his, but with models becoming scarce he went the next best route - buying them on AMAZON! Into the picture comes Ken Carlson - “boyfriend” to America’s favorite teen fashion model Barbie Milicent Roberts! David found his very available subject that was also COVID safe! The rest is as they HIStory! Enjoy!
HDM: When did you start photographing and styling Ken Doll?
DM: It all stemmed from being bored at the beginning of the pandemic. I had a James Dean doll and decided to take some pictures of him. I shared them on Instagram and started getting MANY likes. I then started looking at Ken dolls and decided to buy a couple as models and he became my muse.
HDM: You have a special sense of style when it comes to you styling? Where you get your inspirations?
DM: Honestly, it just kind of comes to me naturally. I keep trying things until I find a look I like. Sometimes I’m not sure it is going to work until it finally all comes together.
HDM: Are you a formally trained photographer or naturally talented?
DM: I did study film in college but haven’t pursued that for many years. I like to think I have a “good eye” but I don’t consider myself a particularly technically proficient photographer.
HDM: You use both male and female clothing to style your Ken Dolls and get some amazing looks! Where did that idea come from?
DM: I guess being a gay man, I just had too much style to limit myself to male clothing. Honestly, I just really wanted to represent non-binary people in a different way.
Your photographic skill is exquisite! Do you have formal training in photography?
DM: Thank you! I have no formal training or any fancy equipment. I wish I did, but I can’t afford it yet. I use my phone to take the pictures and have some inexpensive lights from Amazon and a light box. I just follow my instincts and see where it leads me. For every picture I share there’s probably 20 I scrap (lol).
HDM: Which Ken face mold is your absolute favorite?
DM: The mold called Harley Is my favorite. But, I really love them all for their uniqueness.
HDM: Have you ever wanted to photograph and style real male models?
DM: I’ve never really considered it. With my anxiety I don’t know how that would or could go. I personally prefer my dolls, they don’t talk back or complain about what they’re wearing. (lol)
HDM: What would be your dream job using this amazing ability style miniature models?
DM: I would love to be a doll stylist at Mattel. I think I would do an amazing job putting outfits together for their play line dolls and creating a line of fashion packs. They have really kind of lost their way when it comes to fashion packs for their dolls. When I was a kid the Barbie aisle had fashion packs after fashion packs, all different styles all different colors. Now we’re lucky if we get 20 a year and they’re not Earth shattering when in my humble opinion. Doesn’t give kids much to work with to create their own sense of style.
HDM: Do you also photograph and style female dolls?
DM: I do, I only own a few, like Tina Turner, Cher and Laverne Cox. I also recently started collecting vintage Jem And The Holograms dolls, and I am in love with them. I wanted them so bad as a kid, but being a boy wasn’t allowed. Oops! I think I just dated myself! (lol)
HDM: What is your next project your are excited to work on with your dolls?
DM: I never really have a plan, when inspiration hits, it just hits. Usually, if there is a plan, I end up not liking it. I have been pretty focused on Jem lately and trying to create my own “truly outrageous” looks for them.
HDM: How do our readers follow your beautiful photography?
DM: They can follow me on Instagram my handle is @DollLovinDude I am also on Facebook and can be found searching @DollLovinDude, it’s just my personal page there. But, Instagram strictly features my doll photography.
I met DJ ALEX FERBEYRE at a straight swingers club. Yes. You read right. I had been hired to promote and host a night for “GAY MEN” to enjoy a “STRAIGHT SWINGERS” club. DJ ALEX FERBEYRE was hired to keep the music hot and sexy. We both did our jobs great and it even was successful for a while, until the patrons figured out it was much cheaper to go to a sauna/bathhouse and swing from the chandeliers there. Live and learn. The best part of that whole endeavor was that we were able to grow an amazing friendship that has lasted for years. I know, for a fact, whenever anyone asks me to recommend a DJ that can set a mood and control it ALL NIGHT LONG, there is no doubt in my mind that ALEX FERBEYRE is your man! Not only capable of swaying a gaggle of gay men to the beat of his sub-woofer speakers, ALEX FERBEYRE is also one of the most creative multi-talented individuals I have the pleasure of knowing. ALEX is an amazing graphic artist, fantastic brand-master and he has a billion dollar smile to boot! The next couple of months are crazy busy for this man, I am grateful he had time for this interview. Enjoy!
HDM: What would you say that your style of DJing is?
AF: I would consider myself to have a very diverse background and repertoire of music. I grew up on Disco and Classic Rock and have always gravitated towards music that is essentially nostalgia. Ive been known to go deep and underground as well as being able to play to virtually any crowd. My heart has always been in 4x4 house music and I always crave gloss, glitter and sheen my sets. I tend to lean into uplifting vocal house with lots of re-edits, re-visits, remakes and covers of songs you can essentially sing along to with just enough edge to keep things interesting.
HDM: You have DJed some legendary parties all over the WORLD. What were one that really stuck out to you?
AF: To be able to play at EVERY pride event here in South Florida over the years as a headliner has been one of the greatest joys of my life. In the US ive played in P-Town, Denver, Key West, Nashville, Orlando, Palm Springs, NYC etc. Thus far, my pinch myslelf im dreaming moment is when I headlined for MadBear in Madrid, which was my debut in Europe AND the first time in Spain. That was an expierience I cant describe in words. Ive been fortunate to open up for some AMAZING talent and work with people I idolized as a young person.
HDM: What are the trends that you see in music right now?
AF: Im SOOO excited that the 90’s House vibe AND Disco/ Nu-Disco are a trend. Its really been the flavor that has resonated with me for decades. So to see major circuit events and promoters embracing a more FUN, happy, sexy house sound reminiscent of the 70’s etc when people would DANCE and have a great time on the dancefloor. NOW, if we can get everyone to put away their Instagram and cell phones we’d be set! (lol)
HDM: How does it feel to move a crowd with the music you choose?
AF: The EUPHORIA is something I have never been able to replicate. Especially large festivals and main stages. When there are thousands of people feeding the energy back to you its symbiotic. The adrenaline feels like were all connected through our hearts and minds and the pure joy of having people dance and revel is undeniable.
HDM: Is there a signature song you play in EVERY set you play?
AF: There are 2 actually – CeCe Penisten “Finally” and Innercity “Good Life” - staples in my sets. “Good Life” being my favorite song of all time. Nothing wakes a crowd up more than a throwback smack in the middle of a deep set.
HDM: When you are at home what music to you listen to?
AF: At home , I listen to Acid Jazz and Trip-Hop as my go to (when im not consuming house music 24/7 lol) Thievery Corporation, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Portishead, Massive Attack, etc. Then anything new and chill for my morning mediation time. I gotta balance out the high octane!
HDM: What’s what’s next for DJ Alex Ferbeyre?
AF: Im back in Palm Springs for my debut at International Bear Convergence weekend headlining with CeCe Peniston (whom im working with for the first time), another pinch myself moment. Im also joining The Bears of Central Florida Group for “Bears on Deck” for my second international DJ appearance (in multiple cities) in Belize, Cozumel and the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line headlining with Ginger Minj, Jayla Serena Mitchell and a whole cast of amazing entertainers. Ill be back at World Bear Weekend in September for “Heroes and Villains weekend” with Coco Peru, Bearoncé and more. I have bookings at 3 major PRIDE Events over the summer and one VERY near and dear to me that I JUST quite can’t say yet but it’s 100% confirmed. I have events coming up in Tampa, Orlando, St Petersburg and many events here in SoFlo lined up. I am also currently working on releasing some archives of my past podcasts and itll be fun to revisit all these. My website will always have my latest video, instagram feed, podcasts, upcoming events and more. You can hear them on www.AlexFerbeyre.com
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: DJ ALEX FERBEYRE
Many gay bars have been the site of protests, riots and acts of violence. Some are well known across the country and around the globe. This is the story of one tragic event that almost slipped through the cracks.
THE UPSTAIRS LOUNGE
604 Iberville Street, New Orleans
At a time when the U.S. was welcoming Richard Nixon as its new leader and the gay community was adjusting to the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots, Philip Esteve was pursuing his dream. Although New Orleans was already home to several gay bars Phil dreamed of a safe space for working class gay men, free of hustlers, drugs and (initially) drag queens. In 1970 he acquired a 2nd floor space above Jimani Liquors at the corner of Chartres and Iberville. It was an edgy part of town known for nuisance crimes like muggings and drug use. The upstairs bar space had an awkward entrance on Iberville opening to an uninviting winding staircase to the second story. Floor plans indicate the bar was a sizeable 3000 square feet but the décor was severely lacking. Nonetheless, Phil was not discouraged. He saw the possibilities. After installing a canopy above the door he took to sprucing up the interior. Red fabric was draped over exposed pipes; red carpeting covered the floors and stairs; flocked red wallpaper decorated the walls with a Cosmopolitan centerfold of Burt Reynolds finishing the look.
A white baby grand piano anchored the main room. The UpStairs Lounge opened on October 31, 1970 and quickly became a popular hangout. The local MCC church even held Sunday services there for a while. After church, a $1 “all you can drink beer bust” kept the space full for a couple of hours of revelry and song, often attracting more than 100 patrons. A rousing rendition of the bars de facto anthem, “United We Stand”, marked the end of the special and the crowd would begin to thin out. Sunday June 24, 1973 was no different. While gays in Atlanta, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and other cities engaged in fledgling PRIDE festivities marking the 4th anniversary of Stonewall, New Orleans had no such events. A crowd of about 120 people had attended the UpStairs beer bust that afternoon. By 7:30 pm about half of them had left. Minutes before 8 pm the buzzer sounded incessantly.
Unexpectedly a wall of fire burst into the room, fueled by a fresh supply of air when a door was opened onto the second floor. In an instant, the bar was engulfed in flames and smoke, trapping 5 dozen people inside. Some were led to a rear fire exit and escaped. Others, like MCC Reverend Bill Larson, attempted to escape through the bar’s 9’ tall windows. The reverend was trapped by a fallen window sash and burned to death. Others squeezed through the wrought iron window grates and jumped to the sidewalk, their bodies aflame. 5 engine companies responded and the blaze was extinguished in 16 minutes, yet dozens perished. The total death count was 32; the deadliest fire in New Orleans history and the deadliest attack on a gay bar in the U.S. until 2016. Local response was appalling. Families refused to claim the bodies of their gay relatives due to homophobia. Police and fire investigators failed to apprehend the arsonist. Eventually the prime suspect committed suicide. Eventually a bronze plaque commemorating the victims was installed outside the former UpStairs Lounge location. To this day the 2nd floor remains vacant.
