The first time I met Deborah was at the International AIDS Conference when it was in Montreal back 2022. We had been facebook friends but had never met in person. Her energy and spirit was the first thing I noticed about her. A great organizer and very devoted to the cause of raising her voice for Women and those in the LGBT Community living with HIV. We quickly became good friends.
That same year I got the opportunity to be a resident for the Queer & Trans Research Lab at the University of Toronto. The residency gave me funding to pay a couple of writers for the magazine. I immediately thought of Deborah and Bob Leahy. We needed a voice for women, and she was the perfect candidate. And Bob could give a perspective from aging with HIV. Probably the best move I could have made because even after my residency was over, Deborah stayed on as a contributor. She realized that her writing was important and there was so much information and interviews that I didn’t have access to when it came to women’s issues.
I didn’t want to ask the family at this time what happened in her death. The statement they gave on her social media was that she died peacefully in her home on May 12th. I had just spoken with her on May 9th. We joked about a spelling mistake that AI had done with her tagline for her new column “EAR TO THE GROUND with DEBORAH NORRIS” in the May 2025 issue. I had promised that I would fix it and complimented her on her new haircut. As she did at the end of every conversation, she said “I love you”. I repeated it back. She was such a dear friend to me and helped me through a couple of rough patches in my life. Even though she lived in Edmonton and I live in Toronto, we often just called to check on each other.
I am glad that those were the last words exchanged in our last conversation.
Know that she passed the day after Mother’s Day is bittersweet. She adored her children and was over the moon for her new grandson. She often talked about her plans to see him and to spoil him. I hope that their faces were the last things she saw before leaving. She loved them so much.
When I asked Bob Leahy to say a few words about Deborah he sent this:
“I’ve always admired the quietly effective kind of advocate, the ones who keep a relatively low profile but nevertheless effect the biggest changes. Deborah was one of those people. Never seeking the limelight, she was driven, as all good advocates areyou have to be. But she was smart as a whip, tenacious and a super hard-working individual. Her refusing to see CPPN stumble when it was faltering is a case in point. She just wouldn’t give up and ultimately it paid off. Why? She didn’t just mouth GIPA, she lived it. But aside from all this, Deborah was a lovely person. Over dinner, you could have the best chats, the best giggles, the best time. Deborah was, above all, humanwarm, loving and loveable. I’ll miss her. So many will miss her too. The HIV movement just won’t be the same without her quietly working away, making life better for all of us. ”
Last year I sat on the committee for the Casey House Awards. One of the issues that was brought up was that all the awards were going locally and that they needed to branch out and recognize activists and community leaders from all over Canada. I immediately nominated Deborah. I knew of all of her hard work with the Canadian Positive People Network plus the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and felt that she needed to be honoured. It is people like her that really keep the faith and hopes of tomorrow alive. There will never be another like her. Her experience of living with HIV was featured in POZPLANET Magazine back in September 2022. Being a mother of two children and finding out that you were HIV+ must have been devastating. But instead of crumbling, Deborah became a fierce advocate for women. She set an example for how we cannot let this disease silence us.
I am happy to say that she got that Casey Award. She was so surprised when she got the call.
Deborah worked at the CPPN and someone who worked with her was Brittany Cameron. Brittany sent out a message to all who worked and loved here:
I’m heartbroken to learn that my dear friend and fellow HIV advocate, Deborah Norris, has passed away. Deborah was a fierce, brilliant, and compassionate force a true pillar in the AIDS movement. After her diagnosis in 1991, she didn’t just survive she stepped forward with courage and purpose, choosing to live her truth out loud so others wouldn’t have to walk alone. Over more than three decades, she poured her heart into advocacy, peer support, and education locally, nationally, and beyond.
Her work with HIV Edmonton, the Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN), and the Alberta HIV Stigma Index project helped shape the way we talk about HIV, and the way we center lived experience in this work. She had a special passion for supporting women living with HIV, always making space for stories that too often go unheard.
Deborah's recent honours the Casey Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal — only begin to reflect the depth of her impact. She touched so many lives, including mine.
Her legacy is one of resilience, fierce love, and relentless commitment to justice. Deborah, your voice, your laughter, and your spirit will continue to guide us.
Rest in power, my friend. You were one of a kind.
Deborah knew and worked with many activists and advocates in the HIV sector. One of her close friends was fellow activist, founder of the “I Can Give U” Campaign and CANFAR Ambassador Randy Davis. Randy wanted to say a few words:
“I am shocked to learn that Deborah Norris passed away on May 12. Even now, it feels impossible to imagine this world this work without her in it.
Deborah was a friend. She was also a fierce advocate, a tireless leader, and a force of love and truth in a world that doesn’t always make space for either. She lived openly with HIV for more than 30 years, and in that time, she transformed her own story into a catalyst for change for comfort, for connection, for justice. She didn’t just speak truth to power. She built bridges. She held space. She made room for others to be seen, and she always led with warmth, compassion, and an uncompromising belief in the dignity of people living with HIV.
Deborah was featured twice in the “I Can Give U” campaign, and it was such an honour to have her voice included. She brought her full self to that work just as she did everywhere she showed up.
And her leadership didn’t go unnoticed. She was the recipient of the Casey Award from Casey House, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to social justice in the HIV movement. Earlier this year, she was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognition of over 30 years of unwavering advocacy. Both awards speak to the scope of her impact, though anyone who knew her could tell you she never did this work for recognition.
Deborah gave so much of herself. She helped shape a more loving and just response to HIV in this country and in doing so, she changed lives. She certainly changed mine.
I miss her already. I’ll carry her words, her example, and her legacy forward and I know I’m not alone in that.
Thank you, Deborah. You gave more than most will ever know. And you will never be forgotten.
#WhatIsRememberedLives”
Like when my grandmother and my mother passed back in the 80s, I have always believed that the ones we love are still watching over us. May she continue to look over her family and friends.
SPEARHEAD: The Leather & Denim Social Club
that has been in the Fight Against AIDS for Decades
In my many years here in Toronto I have worked with many of the AIDS Service Organizations and a lot of the fundraiser groups. One of the groups that I have partnered with over the past decade has been Spearhead (North America's longest running leather denim social club. Est 1970).
Jade Elektra sat down with the Director of Publications & Person of Spearhead, Xavier Thrace
JE: Today I am sitting down with Xavier Thrace. Before we get started...I've known you for over twelve years but realize that I don't know that much about your role in Spearhead. Could you tell our readers a little about what you are in the organization and what Spearhead is to the community?
Back Row Left to Right: Max Groves (MINGLE DJ), Randy Spearhead, Michael Hunt & Xavier Thrace
Front Row Left to Right: Robert Jeyes, Jade Elektra, Ron Gullis & Okimawiw Kevin
XT: Yes, Jade, we’ve known each other for quite some time! Spearhead Leather & Denim Social Club (LDSC) was founded in 1970, shortly after the Stonewall Riots. Originally formed as a club for cisgender men primarily gay men who were part of the leather and denim scene, our mission has always centered around community support and fundraising. That commitment has remained our foundation ever since. We've proudly operated as a not-forprofit corporation since 1991.
As for me, I serve as the Director of Publications for Spearhead LDSC. I'm also the chief editor of Phalia, our bi-monthly magazine and newsletter.
JE: When and how did Spearhead start fundraising for AIDS?
XT: In the early 1980s, the AIDS crisis began to take a devastating toll on Toronto’s queer community. Spearhead LDSC was deeply affected during this time particularly in 1984. Membership declined, and for many in the club, it was a frightening and uncertain time to be gay. Even Phalia, our regular magazine, saw a sharp decline in production: typically published six times a year, we managed only one full issue and two mini-issues between 1984 and 1985.
Despite the fear, our longstanding commitment to community fundraising became a source of hope. That year, we organized our first fundraisers in support of the newly formed AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), raising $1,300. We also contributed $1,000 toward HIV research. The impact of this disease reshaped the landscape of 2SLGBT+ communities across the country.
In 1986, inspired by the resilience and unity of our community, the Imperial Court of Toronto was established further strengthening our collective efforts to raise funds, support those living with HIV/AIDS, and work toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
JE: Wow! That means that you have hit a 40-year milestone of fighting AIDS. Since it's Pride Month, are there any special events coming up to commemorate the work that Spearhead has accomplished?
XT: We certainly do! Spearhead LDSC is proud to host our annual Paint Your Weiner event
(formerly Paint Your Buns) on July 26th from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM at The Black Eagle Toronto. This year, we're thrilled to formally recognize the incredible impact this event has had over the decades raising tens of thousands of dollars in support of those affected by HIV/AIDS. For just $5, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs as part of the festivities. We’ll also feature two jockstrap-clad models who will be available for body painting in exchange for a donation. Following the painting session, the jockstraps worn by the models will be auctioned off, and we'll also hold a raffle with great prizes.
All proceeds from this year’s event will go to Camp Wendake, our charity of choice. Camp Wendake is a week-long retreat for all people living with HIV, including children and their families. It offers a supportive, joyful environment where campers can relax, connect, and take a break from the daily challenges of living with HIV.
We hope you’ll join us for this fun and meaningful afternoon in support of a truly important cause!
JE: And if someone would like to join your Leather Denim Social Club or even donate how would they do that?
XT: If you have an interest in leather or denim and would like to become part of Spearhead LDSC, we invite you to visit our website at www.spearheadtoronto.com to learn more. As of 2025, we proudly welcome individuals of all genders and sexualities, having become an all-inclusive club in 2015. Our community thrives on diversity, shared values, and a passion for giving back.
If you’re interested in supporting our work through a donation, please reach out to our Treasurer at treasurer@spearheadtoronto.com. Every contribution helps us continue our mission of community support and fundraising. We’d love to have you join us or support us in any way you can!
JE: Well, when I heard about this milestone, I felt that this was the perfect story to tell in our magazine. As I always say "It's going to take all of us to end this epidemic, and every little bit of help counts." So, thank you Spearhead for all that you do for not only the HIV+ Community but for all the other charities as well.
XT: A heartfelt thank you to you, Jade Elektra, for giving Spearhead LDSC the opportunity to share this important milestone, as well as who we are and what we do, with your readers. It’s always a true pleasure speaking with you, and we’re incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and platform.
We look forward to many more chances to collaborate with you in the future here’s to continuing the work, building community, and making a difference together!
Trump cuts will cause a spike in HIV cases in L.A.
and across the country, warn Democrats and public health advocates
Story by Kevin Rector, Susanne Rust / Source: L.A. Times
A growing coalition of HIV prevention organizations, health experts and Democrats in Congress are sounding the alarm over sweeping Trump administration cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention and surveillance programs nationally, warning they will reverse years of progress combating the disease and cause spikes in new cases especially in California and among the LGBTQ+ community
In a letter addressed Friday to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) and 22 of her House colleagues demanded the release of HIV funding allocated by Congress but withheld by the Trump administration. They cited estimates from the Foundation for AIDS Research, known as amfAR, that the cuts could lead to 143,000 additional HIV infections nationwide and 127,000 additional deaths from AIDS-related causes within five years.
Friedman said the effects would be felt in communities small and large across the country but that California would be hit the hardest. She said L.A. County which stands to lose nearly $20 million in annual federal HIV prevention funding is being forced to terminate contracts with 39 providers and could see as many as 650 new cases per year as a result.
According to amfAR, that would mark a huge increase, pushing the total number of new infections per year in the county to roughly 2,000.
HIV treatment reaches millions in South Africa, but critical gaps threaten progress
Story by Yasmine Jacobs / Source: Independent Online (IOL)
Despite South Africa making world-leading strides for HIV testing rates, new data reveals that tens of thousands of people still begin treatment dangerously late and over a million have stopped taking their life-saving medication altogether.
This is according to the latest estimates from Thembisa 4.7, South Africa’s most sophisticated HIV modelling tool.
Thembisa 4.7 synthesises multiple data sources including Stats SA’s 2022 Census and the HSRC’s latest national HIV survey.
To understand the numbers, we need to understand what viral suppression is and what it means for South Africans.
HIV treatment reaches millions in South Africa, but critical gaps threaten progress
What is viral suppression?
When someone living with HIV takes their medication regularly, the amount of virus in their blood can drop so low that it’s undetectable. This is known as “viral suppression.” This is a good thing, as it keeps people healthy and prevents the virus from spreading to others.
Are South Africans on ART reaching viral suppression?
According to the data, in South Africa, viral suppression varies by province and by person.
Researchers used patient data from a global HIV research network called IeDEA, as well as South Africa’s own TIER health system, to understand how well antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working in different provinces.
However, not everyone had their viral load (amount of virus in the blood) measured and recorded. So scientists used a method called Bayesian analysis to fill in the blanks based on patterns they saw in the data they did have.
Scientists found that viral suppression rates dropped after 2009, but have been improving since 2013.
According to the data, women tend to have better suppression rates than men and older adults (age 50 and above) are doing better than younger people.
They also found that those who started treatment earlier when their immune systems were still strong had better outcomes.
The study indicates that the Western Cape and Free State are performing better than average, while other provinces, like Limpopo and Eastern Cape, are lagging behind.
For example, in Limpopo, patients had 46% lower odds of viral suppression compared to the reference group. Meanwhile, the Western Cape had 22% higher odds than average.
What about missing data?
As mentioned previously, not everyone had their viral load measured and recorded, which could make the official numbers look better or worse than they really are.
To deal with this, the researchers estimated what might be happening with patients who didn’t have test results. On average, people without a recorded viral load were slightly less likely to be virally suppressed but not always by much.
Alarming statistics
In 2023, an estimated 7.8 million people or 12.6% of the population were living with HIV in South Africa. Of those, 5.9 million were on ART, leaving roughly 2 million untreated. Worryingly, about 1 million of the untreated population had
previously started treatment but later disengaged, signalling deep cracks in the country’s treatment retention strategy.
Over 46,000 adults only started ART in 2023 after their CD4 counts had fallen below 200, a level that reflects advanced immune suppression and significantly increases the risk of life-threatening illnesses like tuberculosis.
SA's progress on global 95-95-95 HIV targets
South Africa has made notable progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets. The targets aim to ensure that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
• The country has already met the first goal, with 95.4% of people living with HIV diagnosed.
• However, only 78.7% of diagnosed individuals are currently on ART far short of the second goal.
• Of those on treatment, 91.3% have achieved viral suppression, indicating strong medication efficacy but when assessed across all people living with HIV, only 68.6% are virally suppressed.
New infections are outpacing deaths
There were 149,000 new HIV infections in 2023, down from over 500,000 annually in the early 2000s. Yet, with only 50,000 HIV-related deaths, the overall number of people living with HIV continues to climb and is expected to rise for several years.
On a positive note, more people are starting treatment than becoming newly infected. In 2023, 237,000 individuals began ART, creating a 1.6:1 ratio of treatment starts to new infections. But this ratio has declined from over 2:1 in the 2010s, suggesting momentum is slowing.
Life expectancy continues to rise. After dropping to 53.6 years in 2004 at the height of the AIDS crisis, it has now climbed to 65.9 years in 2023 62.3 for men and 69.7 for women largely due to ART scale-up.
10 OUT HIV+ CELEBRITIES THAT WE SHOULD CELEBRATE
Written and Researched by Nour Abdul-habi
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever since I met Nour I have made it my mission to introduce her what the HIV+ Community is and how far we have come. Hopefully this assignment will show those who are thriving despite their HIV statuses
Greg Louganis is a famous diver from the United States who won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics. He’s considered one of the greatest American divers and “probably the greatest diver in history”. There was one incident during the 1988 Seoul Olympics when Gregory had a head injury and bled into the pool where others were diving. He said he
was “paralyzed with fear” that he would infect another competitor but it never happened because chlorine kills HIV.
Andrew Ivan Bell is an English singer and songwriter and whom many consider an icon in the LGBTQ community. He is most recognized as the lead vocalist of the synth-pop duo Erasure. Andrew Bell is openly gay and had announced that he was HIV-positive since 1998. He explained in an interview with The Guardian in 2007 that there is a complacency among gay men about HIV.
Conchita Wurst who’s real name is Thomas Neuwirth is a famous drag queen and activist. He became famous after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 as Austria’s entrant with the song “Rise Like A Phoenix”. He has explained that he is not a trans woman. He is a gay drag queen. In 2018
Neuwirth announced that he was HIV-positive but that it was undetectable and thus not infectious for some years. He felt it necessary to announce his status because he was receiving threats from an exboyfriend that he would reveal Wurst’s status.
Ongina whose real name is Ryan Ong Palao is a Filipino drag queen who was a contestant at Ru Paul’s drag race in season five. He is famous for both being a drag queen and HIV activist. He has also appeared in some web series like World of Wonder, and Wait What?, Ring My Bell and Fashion
Photo RuView. He was one of the first reality TV stars to come out as HIV-positive. He did an interview with amFAR where Ongina said he used his drag persona to advocate for HIV, basic human rights awareness and trans equality.
William Ellis Porter II also known as Billy Porter won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Lola in Kinky Boots. He also won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. He starred in a series called Pose which garnered him a nomination for three Golden Globe Awards. He also won the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was the first gay black man to be nominated and win in a lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys. He was considered one of Time’s list of 100 most influential people in the world. And he got a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the musical A Strange Loop. He was
diagnosed with HIV in June 2007 and was filing for bankruptcy during this time. He talked to Hollywood Reporter about how it was a huge shock to him but that “truth is healing”.
Billy Newton-Davis is an American-Canadian R&B, jazz and gospel singer and songwriter. He has had a lot of hits including songs with Celine Dion. In 2008 he won the Juno
Awards for All You Ever Want as Best Dance Album. He was openly gay and wanted to celebrate all the naughty things men get up with. He was diagnosed HIV-positive in 1986 while he was at the top of his career. He made it public during a documentary by Sylvia Sweeney in 2000.
Jonathan Van Ness also known as J.V.N. is an American hairstylist, podcast host and television personality. He is famous for being a grooming expert on Queer Eye on Netflix. He also worked for Gay of Thrones and hosted the Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness podcast. He says he comes from a family of journalists. When he was younger he was sexually abused and experienced a lot of bullying in his formative years. In 2012 he was diagnosed
with AIDS and made it public in 2019. He used his revelation to stop doing drugs and said, "I want people to realize you're never too broken to be fixed."
Gareth Thomas is from Wales and is a former professional rugby union and rugby league player. He was nicknamed “Alfie” and was the first Wales rugby union player to play in 100 test matches. He is the third-highest Wales try scorer. He won four rugby league caps for Wales, scoring three tries. He came out as gay in December 2009. The following year he was voted the most influential gay person in the UK and got the Stonewall’s Hero of the Year Award. On 14 September 2019, Thomas announced that he is HIV positive with undetectable status. He vowed to break the stigma around the illness when he completed the Ironman Wales event in Tenby. He finished 413th out of 2,039.
Mykki Blanco is an American rapper, artist, poet and activist who started out on YouTube. She has worked with big names like Kanye West, Teyana Taylor and Blood Orange. Blanco is transgender and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Throughout her career she would use different gender pronouns. And began hormone therapy for her gender transition in 2019. In June 2015 she revealed that she was HIV positive on her Facebook page. She got over 12,000 likes and has talked about her hesitation about revealing her HIV status. But then the flood of positive reactions that came from her coming out as HIV made her more committed to her artistry.
Holly Johnson was an English born singer songwriter and was a member of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. They are known for their song, Relax, which was controversial at the time. He also embarked on writing, painting, and printmaking careers. In November 1991, Johnson found out that he was HIV positive. This resulted in a withdrawal from the music business, and public in general. His last performance was in Belgium where he performed songs like “Americanos” and “Where Has Love Gone”. He eventually announced that he had HIV in an interview with The Times in April 1993 but he’s still alive.
The Hardworking Humility of Craig Washington
Find this blog and more at https://marksking.com/
Craig Washington could be forgiven if he has a certain strut in his step these days. His lifetime of community service, building one program after another that lifts up, supports and celebrates SGL (Same Gender Loving) Black men, is written across the history of Atlanta and beyond.
A small sampling of Craig Washington’s influence would include: being the creator of Deeper Love, a program building intimacy and self-care among gay Black men; the co-organizer of the Bayard Rustin-Lorde Community Breakfast; and as a writer of piercing honesty, sharing his personal journey as a gay Black man living with HIV for publications such as Georgia Voice and the incredibly influential blog, The Reckoning, produced by Counter Narrative Project.
Craig Washington at Auburn Avenue Research Library
And now Craig’s papers and historical documents chronicling the decades have been accepted by the Auburn Avenue Research Library (AARL) on African American Culture and History. This milestone was celebrated at a special event at the library on May 17th.
“This collection means so much to me in two big and connected ways,” Craig told Georgia Voice. “One, because it’s a representation of, a record of, my life and my work. But more so, it’s something I can offer to the community to which I’m most connected, the Black LGBTQ+ community. I was this to also be the impetus for us to develop more resources [for Black LGBTQ+ people].”
So yes, a certain strut would be understandable but, in keeping with Craig’s demeanor of humility and service, was not on display at the event, which brought together nearly every living Black queer leader who has shaped the lives of Black community in Atlanta. Instead, Craig largely shared the spotlight with a collection of speakers who spoke of their work and its intersection with his own. Craig’s devotion, to his friends and to the Black gay community he clearly adores, was a constant refrain during the remarks.
Mark S. King with Craig Washington at AARL event
Speakers included Larry Scott-Walker, Ulester Douglas, Neena SmithBankhead, Mary Anne Adams, Nasheedah Bynes, Charles Stephens, and Darlene Hudson. It was hosted by fellow community icon Duncan Teague. The hard-working AARL archivist is Derek Mosley.
Craig and I have known each other for thirty years, since our days working in the education department of the HIV service organization AID Atlanta. It would be fair to say that I still had a lot to learn then, about issues of racism, privilege, and the micro-aggressions with which marginalized people must contend.
Craig offered me the sort of careful friendship during those days that builds with trust, and gave me the kind of subtle, wise social teaching that happens within conversations and with endless patience. I learned from him daily. I also stumbled over my own ignorance and got called out. Then I tried to learn some more.
White men of privilege like myself are truly blessed if we have teachers like Craig. We’re not entitled to it. It’s a gift when it happens, and I am forever grateful.
The event at the Auburn Avenue Research Library kept its focus where it belonged, on the glorious Black queer community represented by many years of articles, posters, meeting minutes, and the ongoing legacy of a community transformed.
It was sacred Black space. I felt profoundly lucky to be there.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We here at POZPLANET Magazine are extremely grateful for Mark S. King’s contributions to our publication. It may seem like there are plenty of people who would like to share their stories with us but from time to time we ask someone to be interviewed for our UP CLOSE & PERSONAL column, they agree and then suddenly back out. This could be that the person is afraid of exposure. Or maybe they haven’t come out about their HIV status publicly yet. In any case, this could leave us with no featured person for the next issue. This is what happened on May 20th . We had no featured person and Mark allowed us to use this article about the wonderful Craig Washington. So, thank you so much Mark.
And just a reminder that if you would like to be interviewed for our UP CLOSE & PERSONAL column, please write to AlphonsoKingJr@outlook.com We love featuring people who are living with HIV and thriving.
Be sure to join the PINK CINEMA & POSITIVE CONNECTIONS Facebook group to vote on what movie we will be showing on June 17th. This is a great way to learn about our LGBT History in film. Every third Tuesday of each month is our viewing event. It’s a free event and we even spring for the popcorn and pop. The chips and candies are 50¢ each (which goes to helping the People with AIDS Foundation & POZ-TO continue to get the films for our library).
Listen to the mix here: https://www.mixcloud.com/djrelentlessny/ear-candy-june-2025
Download your free video of this mix here: https://mega.nz/file/k6EXyBpB#h44mfiPKjfOtY_RnlhHhlIFnSuDjm0R-i_wfIhx6MOY
Subscribe to DJ Relentless’ Mixcloud page: https://www.mixcloud.com/djrelentlessny Follow DJ Relentless’ HearThis page: https://hearthis.at/djrelentlesstoronto
It is o'icially PRIDE MONTH and we’ve got twenty tracks to introduce you to…hopefully something for everyone. And this month I am featuring three of my own personal remixes. There are new songs by Lenny Kravitz, Miley Cyrus, Estelle and Rihanna!
First…as I started writing this article, I received the news that Colton Ford has died in a hiking accident. I only met him once on the street because he used to live in my best friend’s neighborhood in Queens back in the early 2000s. He was very nice and extremely charming. Because I try to play as many LGBT artists in my sets I often play his music videos. Next month I will include a special Relentless remix of one of my favs by him.
We’ve got a lot to talk about this month so let’s get started…
Our first selection is the remix of “Ou Pakapab” by Sarod featuring Jean Marc. I’ve been programming more and more Latin tracks…probably because of my obsession of Bad Bunny. Don’t understand a word (since I don’t speak Spanish) but it’s got a good hook and beat. Sometimes that’s all you need.
You know I love when a Hip Hop classic gets a good House remix. Well, Jay Psar did an
amazing job on his remix of “Blow The Whistle” by Too Short. It could be another minute longer (if I had any complaints) but it definitely breathes new life into this banga! This trend of making tracks for TikTok is just disrespectful to Club DJs
Up next in our third position, I had never heard of Mimi Webb but apparently, she’s an English singer/songwriter who has been around since 2021. Her latest single is a duet with Meghan Trainor and it’s called “Mind Reader”. Good Pop song. I could possibly hear future remixes but definitely could hear it on the radio.
I guess the UK artists are coming out in full force. Our fourth selection is the new release by Estelle featuring LaRussell & Keyon Harold called “New Direction”. I’ve always loved me some Estelle. I think she has some great taste in music and choices for releases. This track walks the thin line between R&B Dance and mid-tempo House. Definitely going into my summer programming.
And the UK artist train continues. Sophie Ellis Bextor returns with her latest single “Relentless Love”. Well, the title alone gets two snaps up and a twist! The last thing I got from her a cover of Baccara’s “Yes Sir I Can Boogie”. So, I guess she’s on her Disco stint. Nice track but the vertical video shot on a phone is tired! Turn the damn phone horizontal so the footage can be easily made into a music video!
I’m probably late on this one but the follow up to “Heat” by Tove Lo & SG Lewis is “Let Me Go (Oh Oh)”. Another sexually ambiguous music video of undistinguished genders kissing and exchanging candies between mouths. I think I was so distracted by the video that I
didn’t really pay attention to the production. It’s 122 BPMs and it’s a House track. I’m looking forward to programming the video in my Pride sets.
I really grappled over programming this next song in the mix. I don’t know if anyone has noticed but Lorne Michaels has been booking a lot of people who are problematic…Dave Chapelle, Shane Gillis and Morgan Wallen Either they have said something that was controversial, transphobic or racist. Yet Lorne invited them back anyway. The Seeing Double Remix of Morgan’s “I’m The Problem” really is a problem. It is so exhausting watching people in power positions bend the knee to this administration in the White House. No one wants to be on the wrong side of Plump…even if it means being on the wrong side of history. Morgan got booted from the show during the COVID years for not following safety regulations as a recording of him using the n-word was leaked when he was booked to be the musical guest. But he got another chance and was on a couple months ago. And this rebranding of Country music to make it Pop chart friendly is like the new reboot of Duck Dynasty. Lorne…this is not a good look for your 50th season.
STOP
REWARDING
BAD BEHAVIOR! THEY WON”T LEARN WHAT THEY DID WRONG!
Example…Bill Maher who was a major critic of the Orange Menace but made a pilgrimage to the White House to kiss his ass and now his podcast “UNCANCELL ABLE” got cancelled. Why? Plump doesn’t care about anyone but himself. And he’s most definitely going to turn on any and everyone if he thinks it makes him look good or powerful.
But our eighth selection is on the right side of history. It’s the Dirty Werk Remix of “Blink Twice” by Shaboozey featuring Myles Smith. After spending an historic 27 weeks on the Billboard charts with “Bar Song (Tipsy)” it’s great to see he’s doing it again with this remix. I’d play this!
And the UK artist train continues with our ninth track is the DJ Dark Remix of “Azizam” by Ed Sheeran. I listened to the original and was not impressed. There are a few remixes but this one was the only one that I could stomach. I don’t really like this song but if I had to play it, I’d play this version.
And speaking of another song that I don’t care for ”End Of The World” by Miley Cyrus is not winning any prizes with me either. Not even the Huda Huda Mixshow Edit could save it. First, the title…I am a firm believer in what you put out into the universe is what you are asking for. And this 80s Pop revival sound was cute back in 2023. We need a new sound or a di'erent decade to exploit.
For a new sound for a classic artist, the Kungs Remix of “Let It Ride” by Lenny Kravitz is hot!. This is like no other Kravitz song or production. It’s sexy and it’s Club ready! I have a Pride booking at The Black Eagle in Toronto and I can’t wait to play it!
I haven’t been keeping up with the Diddy trial, but I have seen clips of his family showing up to support him. They better! He is and was their meal ticket. But I bet Cassie is finally feels vindicated and relived that the truth is finally out. That’s why I picked the new ECHOBEE Remix of “Me & U” as our twelfth selection.
Did anyone watch the American Music Awards? I did. It was nice to see them honour Rod
Stewart and Jane Jackson. She looked great and I was happy that she chose to open with “Someone To Call My Lover”. I kept seeing all these new remixes popping up in my feed and then I found out why. TikTok! I don’t subscribe to TikTok. I already fall down the rabbit hole on Facebook and BlueSky. But apparently there are TikToks of her song and that has brought new fans and life to it. The version that tickled my fancy was the Country Club Martini Crew Remix. It’s perfect for my floor.
As of May 19th , “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar & SZA had been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for thirteen weeks. About a month ago I had an idea for a remix and completed it. I shared it with a few DJs but got a slim reaction. Now all of sudden that the song is slaying the charts folks are putting out remixes. But I think my Relentlessly Touched Vocal fits the lyrics and mood the best.
Our fifteenth track is another Relentlessly Touched Vocal. When I heard the original version of “Can’t Wait” by Eric Benét & Keri Hilson. I like it but the production and intro was not that good. I originally just wanted to find a better way to mix into the song and then the remix came to me. I don’t think this is going to be a big hit, but I’ll be playing it in my sets. It will be great filler for the summer gigs.
I noticed that the AMAs stirred clear of the Kendrick vs Drake feud. Eminem won Hip Hop
Artist of 2025. But I did notice that Drake was nominated. Just as I was finishing last month’s reviews remixes of “Nokia” dropped. There’s several but the DJ Scene Doo Wop Edit was my favourite. But I gotta point out that Drake did something really petty. In Kendrick’s video for “Squabble Up” he has all kinds of references to his hometown Compton. Well…Drake did the same thing in this video with all kinds of references to Toronto. I’m sorry…I live in Toronto and now am a Canadian citizen as of April 14th but I think Drake needs to stop trying to sue the label and just move on. I’ll still be playing and programming Drake. He’s not cancelled for me. You win some – You lose some but you keep it moving. Kendrick will never have the same appeal that Drake has.
Apparently, Ariana Grande’s brother is an actor and recording artist. I knew she had a gay sibling, but I really didn’t give it another thought. Madonna has a gay brother…so what! But since it’s Pride Month I thought I should check him out. He has several tracks and music videos. His latest is called “Boys” and the video is stacked with ‘em! There’s even a cameo from model and trans-man, Laith Ashely. This will definitely be a video played in my sets at my new POP-UP VIDEO MIXSHOW night at FARSIDE (Toronto). I’m there every Monday in June.
I have never been a reality TV person. So, all those Housewives shows and The Hills were not on my radar. I had heard the name Heidi Montag but didn’t know who she was. And never heard any of her music until now. There’s a Dave Aude Remix of her latest single
“Body Language” that I imagine is going to get a lot of attention this summer on LGBT dance floors. With its heavly sampling of “Situation” by Yazoo it has too much of a familiar sound to ignore.
Another surprise performance on the AMAs was by Gloria Estefan. Ironically there is a new Miguel Artega & DJ Alex Garcia Mixshow Edit of “Conga”. Really great remix This will definitely be the version I will be playing from now on (unless I’m spinning for an authentic Retro night).
As I started writing this article, I got a notice that Kevin Aviance was in the hospital. He had just been posting about his new single “Beautiful” and premiered the music video. As of May 27th it has been reported that he has septic pneumonia, but is doing better. After
getting the news about my friend Jiggly Caliente’s passing as well as Colton Ford, I was getting nervous for Kevin. I am relieved to hear that he is recovering. I wasn’t too impressed with the new single. So, I decided to give it a Relentlessly Touched Vocal to have a version that I would play in one of my sets. And of course, that also meant doing something with that vertically recorded TikTok music video. If you want a bigger audience, make sure that your media is accessible and fills the screen – horizontally.
Our twenty-first selection is “Beautiful People” by David Guetta & Sia. I was hopeful that it might have been a cover mashup of the Barbara Tucker and Marilyn Manson. No such luck. It’s an original track. Here lately most of Guetta’s productions have begun to sound the same to me. Hey…it happens after a string of hits. But surprisingly enough I kinda like this one. And the music video is very interesting with its rapture inspired dance routine.
And to close out our mix is our ever- elusive Rihanna who has not released a studio album in years. It’s a track called “Friend Of Mine” for the new Smurfs movie. Following the trend of most Pop Divas who become mothers…let’s start doing material that my child could listen to. But I was even more surprised to learn that Rihanna is the voice of Smurfette in the movie. I won’t be surprised if she is suddenly the next Disney princess. Will we ever get another album again? Or are we destined to hear her on soundtracks only? It’s an okay song .probably will have a few remixes but I can’t really see myself playing this one. The video is animated from the film. Rihanna is only in the first 10 seconds at most.
Be sure to get your free download in the links at the top of the article.
Wishing you a HAPPY & SAFE PRIDE from POZPLANET Magazine & DJ RELENTLESS
https://hearthis.at/djrelentlesstoronto/relentless-pride-2025-volume- one
