Israel Conerly Vol. 02

IF ISSUE ONE WAS BRIGHT, CHEERFUL, AND COLORFUL, THIS MUST BE QUITE THE CONTRAST. BLACK WOMEN ACROSS THE BOARD BRING INCREDIBLE ENERGY. THEY ARE PROVIDERS, SUPPORTERS, FRONT-LINERS, AND MUCH MORE. THE MODERN QUEER ISN'T JUST A CONVERSATION WITH, ABOUT, AND FOR MEN; IT'S A CONVERSATION THAT INCLUDES WOMEN TOO.

By: Xzavier V. Simon Photography: Israel Conerly

ISRAEL

TAKING CHANCES, MAKING MISTAKES, & GETTING MESSY

It's funny...I am not entirely sure how I came to meet and get to know Israel Conerly. But I immediately knew there was a different air about her. She seemed one part nerdy, one part tomboy, several parts Black, with a mix of some otherworldly energy. In short, I knew that when The Modern Queer first started, I had to interview her I'm grateful she accepted.

This interview for our second feature is unique. Israel comes with experience and a proud lesbian spirit She says, "I'm always myself [and] I use my platform to try to be a voice for other queer black girls." This extends further into her time in the Army National Guard

The Modern Queer is proud to present: Israel Conerly.

You’ve dubbed yourself “Izzy The Sloth.”

Can you share a bit about yourself and the origin behind the name?

I'm a Flint native. I have many passions in life, and animals are one of those. In high school, I discovered sloths through memes and Animal Planet. I immediately got attached, and all my friends call me that. It's truly my spirit animal. That being said, I'm a very chill, relaxed person. Though I have a very vibrant energy to me, so I've been told. I recently just changed my major from Mechanical Engineering to Biology to study Pre-Vet. I'm all for change and happiness, so I'm okay with this process. I also have a reputation of not caring for others' or society's "norms." People have called a hippie and free spirited because of this.

You identify as a Black Lesbian. What does that mean to you, and what experiences have you had under this particular union?

2019 is a very opening and accepting society compared to our parent's and grandparent's generations. I'm lucky enough to feel accepted not only from my friends but from the workplace, school, and the military.

Friends have accepted you, but what about family members?

Family is working their way around to everything but it could be worse [laughs] I haven't felt much out of place being a Black lesbian compared to me being my natural eccentric, tomboy self.

At what point did you realize you were attracted to women?

Growing up, I was a TRUE tomboy. Still am, just not as rough as the boys anymore. [laughs] I used to get mixed up with the boys whenever I'd wear a baseball cap due to my slim frame and boyish clothes It made me feel weird, because I don't want to be a boy! [laughs]

I can imagine! [laughs]

I never purposely tried to be anything other than me. So for people throughout the years to call me a boy or question my sexuality at a young age was very confusing. I felt as if I had to keep protecting my innocence because people would fight me about this

Yes people are quick to label throw you in a box.

Like how you gone tell me who I am!? I wasn't ready yet! So, through the beginning of high school I discovered Rihanna and I noticed how much I was attracted to this woman. It seemed more than just a celebrity crush you know?

Mmm-hmm. My celebrity crush for awhile was Trey Songz. [laughs] What happened once you realized that?

The following years, I noticed this attraction towards Rihanna was now flowing onto random women on the street. I used to think I was uncomfortable because there was a pretty girl around, or I'm insecure, or I'm jealous. No, that wasn't it. I was physically attracted to them and I couldn't process that emotion towards women

So being from Flint, I notice a vibrant but low-key LGBTQ community here.

Although you're talking about it here, are you out and about and open with it?

I haven't done much in the LGBT community. I haven't even went to a PRIDE before although not by choice I'm on the low-key spectrum It's not like I hide from my community. I just don't partake. I've been to Innuendos in Detroit, but that's it.

Do you attend any LGBTQ events on campus since you're a student?

I occasionally attend LGBT campus events if I'm free. If you follow my social media, you know I'm prominent in the LGBT community I guess I just don't get out and support the community as much

You haven't participated much, but I'm sure you've had some experiences just being in the city.

Flint's a small community and I know a LOT of people my age from campus events, local showcases, high school, etc. This is why I date outside my community because it's so hard finding someone who hasn't dated in the same LGBT circle here

Do you feel that Flint as a whole is accepting of its undercover but present LGTBQ+ community?

I feel Flint is very accepting and a very developing city in many aspects. It's very easy to be yourself here, in my opinion, due to support from friends and city events/organizations

Speaking of school, you're attending the University of Michigan - Flint. What's being a student on campus like?

I just changed my major. I'm now studying Biology with a concentration in Pre-Vet with my two original minors: Photography and Graphic Design. They are the things that kept me grounded.

I know from experience being a student can be stressful. How do you find balance?

School has been a wakeup call. I noticed after 3 years in undergrad, I'm not mentally stable to be a student - at least at that moment Winter 2018 semester, I had a mental breakdown and literally couldn't continue with school. It was mentally draining working 3 jobs to provide for my lifestyle, bills, and school. I took a year off.

Wow! Because I wondering why you just vanished. So what happened then?

After my year off, I came back to realize what problems stood in the way of my journey to happiness So far, so good I'm still getting back in motion of school and taking things slow to not overwork myself.

I realized once I started doing this journey for me and not anyone else, I had a lot lifted off my shoulders That's honestly a common problem being a first generation student - we do things to please others not so much ourselves.

Well you've been an active member of the Black Student Union (BSU). What made you join?

When I first came to U of M, back in '15 as a freshman, I was a part of a LOT of organizations. BSU always sparked my interest because of the environment they provided and the members involved. Once I finished my freshman year, I became depressed with school and stayed away from campus organizations.

The year off must've really did you some good.

Yeah Taking off the year to find myself, I came back with a mindset that I [wanted to] get involved again. I may not change the world, but I guarantee that I can spark the mind of the person that will.

I feel as if I have this energy and power within me to make others feel as comfortable as possible around me and offer positive free-spirit thinking. I use Black Student Union as a platform for my voice of change and originality

I learned from your Instagram, that you joined the Army National Guard.

Can you talk a little bit about that experience?

"I had a mental breakdown and literally couldn't continue with school. I realized once I started doing this journey for me and not anyone else, I had a lot lifted off my shoulders."

IISRAEL SRAEL

CONERLY CONERLY

I've always been a tomboy. I thoroughly enjoy hanging with the boys being outdoors playing sports, riding bikes, climbing trees. I've always loved being physical I honestly joined mostly for that reason. It looked fun! [laughs]

Never in my life have I heard that as a reason before! [laughs]

The military is much better than what people set it up to be - at least for the Army National Guard. They don't play about sexual harassment or discrimination.

Really!?

They try to make it so men and women are equal for the most part. I feel much more protected working jobs in the military as a young Black lesbian woman than an average civilian job due to lack of EO (Equal Opportunity) training and basic mindsets I love the National Guard and I speak highly of it.

So what kind of things did you experience?

I always say Basic Training was the most fun I never want to have again The people there made it 1000x better.

It was a struggle for everyone and that's why I didn't feel alone, which is good and bad.

I was exposed to a LOT of things I've never even witnessed in my civilian life: shooting weapons of all kinds (never seen a gun before), gas chambers, barracks (sleeping area), where we stayed with over 50 other women. A 9-week cleanse of technology, music, and good food It was all such a shock to me.

What did you learn about yourself being in the National Guard?

I've learned that people see me as a powerful, high-speed leader than what I see within myself. Sergeant's outed me in leadership positions because I've been told I have a motivational and get-itdone attitude.

I honestly hated this because I would be stuck in leadership and I couldn't stay low-key and go by my day doing the minimum. I appreciate every last one of them for pushing me and allowing me to make mistakes within myself. Not everyone has the support I do and I don't take that for granted.

From school to the National Guard, how do you enjoy life and have fun?

I have a passion for a lot of things in this world, but adventure is my number one The rush of trying new things is always interesting and motivation for me to pursue being happy. I take trips often to various cities throughout Michigan for cheap.

Where did you go?

The year that I took off for school, I had the pleasure of taking multiple crosscountry trips. That added to my happiness and my journey of finding myself and [my] purpose for life Overall, I enjoy trying new things and typically meeting new people.

It is a bit of a rush once you actually get out there and do it. [laughs] What are some of your favorite places you've been?

I honestly haven't been that far. I've been to practically all of the East coast states. Farthest west I've been was to Iowa, and farthest North I've been is Mackinac Island. I went to Canada once for a sandwich [laughs]

My favorite place would have to been a hotter state like South Carolina. I went there for boot camp back in 2015. Loved that state. Beautiful weather. Florida has great weather too! Can't live there however, I'm afraid of the ocean and hurricanes.

Speaking of interest, you have a eclectic range of musical taste.

I literally listen to everything. I just had to update my YouTube playlist because I've reached my max of 5 thousand songs in one playlist.

WHAT!? I didn't even know you could put that many songs on a playlist. What are you listening to!?

My favorite genre is HipHop, it's kind of native Close second is Indie Rock or Alternative music. Bloodstream - Stateless is my favorite song ever. Following is Lost in the World - Kanye West.

Please tell me your AMAZING experiences at Afropunk and the 88Rising concerts? [laughs]

Afropunk is absolutely AMAZING!! This year made my second time going. I've been to a LOT of concerts in my life, but the Afropunk festival is to die for. The eccentric culture comes out in all aspects from LGBT community to the Black rockers Afro - Black culture Punk - relating to punk rock music.

I saw the photos and got insanely jealous. It looked so fun!

[It's] very edgy, unique, completely you I have never felt more at place than being there. Being at the festival, I honestly felt like if I left my wallet in the bathroom, I could come back 2 days later and still find it laying there. I've met: Erykah Badu, Spike Lee, Masego, Jill Scott, Rico Nasty, Janelle Monae, and the list continues from greatness! [squeals] Now please tell me about the 88Rising concert. My love for K-pop (Korean Pop music) and Asian culture means I have to go one day! For those who don't know 88Rising is a media collective founded by and comprised of Asian American and international Asian artist.

I visited them in Chicago for one of their group tours and that was a great performance. I got Niki to shout me out on stage and got a shirt thrown at me from Joji, though I gave it away. I love concerts. [laughs]

Who and what are your inspirations?

Unapologetically, Rihanna. I've been a part off the navy since 2011 and am never going back. I love her fashion, her philanthropy, and her business mindset, did I mention she's the freaking Ambassador of Barbados!? Her majesty!! That's a bad bitch. Brains, beauty, talent, you name it, I stan.

I remember reading that you're on a journey to not be fake “woke.” What did you mean, and how important is it to be conscious and perhaps on some level spiritual or religious? So nowadays, everyone seems to be breaking a LOT of generation curses and having an open mind to the many ways of life. Many people associate new found awakenings as being "woke" or even "spiritual". I stated I didn't want to be "fake woke" because how can a person not really stand behind what she says. [I want] to make change, be an activist, and to not hit the surface but get deeply rooted.

Interesting...

The level of consciousness depends on how you value yourself. I've battled with religion my whole life from being a forced Christian growing up, to denouncing religion, to being agnostic, Catholic, now moreso spiritual. I found that once you take time for you, you truly find yourself. You find what you value and you see the world for what it is. I'm beginning my journey of being a free spirit.

Social media has given us access to world, especially as it relates to being Black, a woman, and LGBTQ. How do you filter through all of the messages, and negativity to find peace of mind and truth?

I haven't felt that wrath of being discriminated against in a traumatic way. It's fairly easy for me to be me around my friends because they accept me so much. It's easier to live life when you have a support system

Black womanhood and femininity is such a beautiful and powerful force to be reckoned. How do you feel you embody this and give it your own unique flavor?

I use my platform to try to be a voice for other queer black girls, to be honest. I've noticed that not as many of my peers are as unapologetic as me and aren't comfortable with the skin that they're are in. I be myself to let people know, it's yes, that simple

I follow many people on social media that are travelers and have similar artsy taste as me. I keep them around to keep my motivation up and to be unique. I might even dabble in their fashion here or there, I feel as it's almost a cycle in black womanhood. We all thrive from each other.

I feel like I’ve asked you a lot of questions! [laughs]

What is something you want to leave our readers with?

Heck yeah you did, this was an INTERVIEW interview!

"Be yourself. Free yourself. Do things for you. My favorite quote is - cuss I'm the sloth - "slow progress is better than NO progress " "Stay true "

THE MODERN QUEER