SEPT + OCT 2020 VISIT TUVMAG.COM
AN EMPOWERING CONVERSATION With
TUV Editors
Exclusive Interview!
Meet
N. GINA MALAK Our Masculine of Center cover model is N. Gina Malak, the founder of the social media page “Pretty Tombois.” We are excited for you to learn who N. Gina is, as well as to celebrate her milestone of winning our contest and representing Masculine of Center Women!
P-VALLEY
Takes Us Down in the Valley
“Meet The Hannah’s”
Virginia & Paige
“A Match Made in Hannah”
“How To Be An Ally to the Trans Community”
Lil’ Murda & Uncle Clifford Can they Live?
The COMMUNITY ISSUE
WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON?
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NoRal Apparel
Sylvia Pullum, better known as “SP The Artist” is a singer, songwriter, MC, actress, model, producer, and fashion designer representing the new disruptors to the Hip Hop and R&B world. With an androgynous style from the streets of Brooklyn New York, SP is positioned to share her many talents with the world. SP has always had a love for music. Her musical passion was developed through writing her own songs in her early teenage years. SP motivation for success is driven by creating a legacy for herself and her family. SP is also driven to change how society views women who are masculine presenting. SP regularly showcases her talents throughout the boroughs of NYC. Whenever she hits the local stages, she is known for bringing a positive vibe to the people. SP launched her own
Since May 2012, NoRal Apparel has headlined as the featured fashion show for Blatino Oasis in Palm Springs, CA. NoRal Apparel has appeared on Zane’s Original Cinemax Series The Jump Off, and has also been donned by choreographer Brian Friedman on So You Think You Can Dance, as well as by the character Raheim in the stage adaptation of B Boy Blues.
clothing line “Stud Fit Nation” in early 2015, a community base brand that gained the likes of Artist such as Jaque and Nick Cannon who debuted one of her designs on Power 105.1 “The Breakfast Club.” SP is generous with her time by doing outreach for individuals with disabilities and working with “The Brooklyn Mobile Tour” an organization that focuses on giving back to the community through mentorship and entertainment. She is also a member of the Young Boss Media Brand, a community of young entrepreneur’s making a difference in the world. You can check out her music on most major streaming outlets most notably Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, iHeart radio, SoundCloud and more. Her YouTube channel is “SP THAT’S ME.”
@noralapparel Ron DuWayne noralapparel.com 323•646•6838
GIRLS LIKE ME
NoRal Apparel creatively integrates pop culture elements into bold fabrication and a strong sense of individuality so that you get the attention you deserve. Kentucky native LaRon Hickerson, aka Ron DuWayne, designer and creator of all NoRal Apparel, graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in fashion design. He prides himself on infusing NoRal Apparel with innovative design and ingenious craftsmanship for a custom look that feels amazing to wear.
By TUV Staff
SP THE ARTIST @SP_theartist
@SPTHATSME
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Send all stories and articles to: info@tuvmag.com Advertising inquiries: ads@tuvmag.com Deadline for ALL ADS: October 12, 2020
Be part of TUV Magazine’s Next Issue NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2020
The COMMUNITY ISSUE CONTENTS
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Cover Feature
Derrick Barrett Exploring Black Culture & Human Sexuality
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Cover Story Gina Malak Pretty Tombois & Corporate Boss
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Wedding Announcement Meet The Hannah’s
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Health & Wellness Ricky Dortch Jr. Ambishun Fitness
02 | Family News MidSouth Pride Event Calendar
03 | Fashion NoRal Apparel / SP The Artist
06 | Editor’s Letter Gwendolyn D. Clemons
07 | Editor’s Letter Dr. Davin D. Clemons, DMin
14 | LGBTQ + Youth Youth Villages | Staff Blog
15 | Spirituality What Really Matters Beth Trouy
16 | Entertainment Krystal Beverly / Salina Samone
18 | One to Watch Diandre Marie
20 | Trans Advocacy News How To Be A Good Ally Renae Taylor
21 | National Grandparents Day A Love Letter To My GrandDaughter Monika M. Pickett
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22 | Community News TJ Builds Trinette Johnson
24 | Torry Harris Campaign EASHED NL
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Shawn M. Clemons Administration/ Fashion Director
Gregory Graphics Layout / Design
Derrick Barrett Guest Contributor
Monick Monell Talent Director & New York Correspondent
Whitney Johnson Chief Editor
Renae Taylor Transgender Correspondent
Ravell Slayton Project Manager
| EDITORS LETTER
YOUR LIFE IS NOT A DRILL Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Editor-in-Chief
T
he older I get the more it becomes apparent that Black people have a problem with accepting their own ancestral origins and cultural traditions. One can defensively say this is not fully our fault because we have been inundated by a system called White Supremacy. In the words of Dr. Davin D. Clemons, “White folks have done a number on us!” I want to share a recent experience I had on the social media site LinkedIn, where I was attacked by an HR Manager who works for Accenture at the University of Michigan campus, and who along with five other white men took apparent pleasure in actively trolling LinkedIn attacking black women. Fearing for the countless minorities that were unknowingly being victimized by the racist micro-aggressions of these men, of course I screenshot our exchange and reported him. But to me, this horrific exchange only begged the question: Who
knows how much damage this racist has done to others through his professional position in HR? That encounter was only one extreme example of white privilege and white fragility. I was being attacked, called out of my name, mocked, and bullied by five grown so-called “professional” white men on a so-called “prestigious” social media site. Yet I also understood that the white men attacking me were trying to preserve an anachronistic culture of power and control over minorities. Nelson Mandela once said, “Our world is not divided by race, color, gender, or religion. Our world is divided into wise people and fools. And fools divide themselves by race, color, gender, or religion.” There is plenty to unpack from this quote, but the biggest takeaway for me is how ultra-important it is to learn to discern when you are, in fact, encountering fools. That day and its horrific encounter reinforced an essential lesson: “My life is not
a drill.” That day, defending a Black Lives Matters post proved how important it is to know my history as a Black woman -- and how equally important it is to defend it. The Community Issue is dedicated to all of you searching for a media space where “wise people” can educate, affirm, and surround themselves with like-minded folks. If you appreciate our work and recognize how TUV Media has helped move this culture forward by being bold, visible, queer, and Black and proud then support us by sharing our content with family and friends. This year has shown those of us fighting for equality, diversity, inclusion, rights, access to health care, prochoice, defund the police, and all the “Arrest the Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor” supporters that it’s going to take a village in order to merge our collective powers for every long overdue win that we’ve got coming.
PROTECTY URENERGY
EDITORS LETTER |
By: Dr. Davin D. Clemons, DMIN
D
uring the past month, Relationship Unleashed - our 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is “fighting inequality through comprehensive programming to empower black LGBTQ+ folks” - has presented a four part series entitled The Roots, which deep dives into DISMANTLING WHITE SUPREMACY. The presenters have all been excellent with their gifts to the universe, but on September 3, 2020 Dr. Orisha Bowers, PhD gave us a lecture on Mindfulness Involvement: The Importance of Healing. From this lecture, I gathered the phrase: “Protect Your Energy.” Protecting your energy must be done by any means necessary and at all costs of preserving your space from all negative people and all negative energy. Such measures may include surrendering your breath, practicing meditation, setting healthy limits and boundaries, and defining and honoring your empathic needs, just to name a few. During these interesting times of the COVID-19 pandemic, incompetent supervisors, care giving, and stressful politics of #45 in the White House, we must do everything possible to live a healthy and happy life. So, let me add my two cents to the conversation, beginning with setting healthy limits and boundaries. Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people and learn to say “NO.” Set clear limits and boundaries with people, nicely cutting them off at the pass if they become mean or overly critical. And remember, as the saying goes, “No,” is a complete sentence. So, if someone asks too much of you, politely tell them “No.” It’s not necessary to explain why. Last but not least, “Keep your own POWER.” One of the problems that happen when you are around a person with negative energy is that you can easily give that person permission to steal your joy, or otherwise impact your own state of mind in a negative way. We all have given our power away to these types of negative, lonely, and miserable people at some point or another. But starting now, make the decision to hold on to yourself and your power. Refuse to let negative people “own” you. Now, go and sin no more!! PROTECT YOUR ENERGY & PROTECT YOUR PEACE!!
EXPLORING
BLACK CULTURE
& HUMAN SEXUALITY territory on television in P-Valley by normalizing eroticism between a straight and gay male.
M
emphis-native and Oliver Award-winning playwright, Katori Hall is the talk of the town. Her new television series P-Valley was unleashed on Starz on July 12, 2020 and has taken the summer television lineup by storm. The series is an enduring saga of money, power, and respect; takes place in the Mississippi Delta in the fictional town of Chucalissa. Hall’s unique choice of writing style centers itself in the prophetic tradition of black southern folklore writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and is most importantly, written from a womanist perspective. Each character in the story bends the arc of the politics of respectability in black culture and exposes the complexities of human sexuality. The most scintillating storyline of the series involves the taboo sexual relationship between the non-binary character Uncle
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Clifford, played by rising actor Nico Annan and straight local rapper and hustler Lil’ Murda, portrayed by J. Alphonse Nicholson. The mixed reaction from viewers has sparked a firestorm of controversy on social media concerning ideals of black masculinity and how those perceptions shape and influence public opinion. In real life, both Uncle Clifford and Lil’ Murda are caricatures of black popular culture that exists in the minds of the mainstream population. On one hand, genderqueer Uncle Clifford is familiar to the audience and is largely accepted for her flamboyant personality and acute sense of women’s fashion. On the other hand, Lil’ Murda is vehemently rejected. Lil’ Murda’s persona represents heteronormative thug appeal; he is hypermasculine, very attractive and has the respect of everyone around the town of Chucalissa. In Episode 1: Perpetratin’, Katori Hall takes us into unchartered
From the moment of Lil’ Murda and Uncle Clifford’s first encounter, there is an element of danger that we in the LGBTQIA community sense. In Episode 2: Scars, Lil’ Murda breaks in Uncle Clifford’s car to discuss their previous arrangement to play his music in the club. Uncle Clifford pleads with him to go ahead and kill her and get it over with. According to the Human Rights Campaign, in 2019 there were 27 murders of non-binary and transgender people in the United States reported, majority of whom were African American. Could Uncle Clifford’s insecurities about pursuing a romantic love interest be a result of unchecked trauma and violence perpetuated against gay and lesbian people? Nico Annan stated in an interview with TV Guide that playing the role of Uncle Clifford caused him to check over his own prejudices and assumptions about how this relationship would unfold. Annan stated: “I realized how conditioned I had been as a gay man.” Club Pynk is a space reserved for heterosexual men to gather for entertainment. Despite her proprietorship, Uncle Clifford enters that private space and disrupts societal norms by engaging in a romantic relationship with a man who is largely desired by women. This is a forbidden liaison. The sex scene set into motion a huge public debate on its appropriateness. Katori Hall took to Twitter on
By Derrick Barrett August 2, 2020 to state her position: “I knew splicing the scene of Mississippi’s dance with the Uncle Clifford and Lil Murda’s sex scene was going to be divisive. Homophobia is rampant in our community. P-Valley is a show that honestly explores the sexuality of ALL black people.” In Episode 4: The Trap, Pico confronts Lil’ Murda about rumors floating around that he is gay, which results in a huge brawl and a loss of friendship. Straight men like Lil’ Murda are often silenced and made to feel ashamed for being attracted to effeminate men and transgender women. On Monday, August 19, 2019 Marcus “Reese” Willoughby of Philadelphia, PA committed suicide after an onslaught of violent transphobic bullying over Twitter for dating a transgender woman. Willoughby stated: Y’all can say whatever about Faith I really don’t care if she not passable I don’t care if she wasn’t born a woman she is a woman to me & I love her flaws that’s what makes her Faith if you heard her story it’s motivating..... I’m happy you should be happy for me.” We are faced with the question: who is worthy of love? In Episode 5: Belly, Lil’ Murda offers to take
Uncle Clifford on a date. Uncle Clifford replies: “You know good and goddam well you and me ain’t made for the outside. Where are you going to take me? You want to take me on a romantic walk down by the river? Well, the last two f-----s who did that found themselves floating up in it. You wanna take me to over to the Hot Wing Castle for that lemon pepper wet? Well the last two d---s who did that found their b--------s turned out by a train of truckers.” Uncle Clifford and Lil’ Murda are both deserving of love and the right to live out loud without fear of violence. Normalizing black gay love in public spaces is a revolutionary act within itself. Episode 6: Legacy was a breakthrough when Lil’ Murda is introduced to Uncle Clifford’s grandmother Ernestine, played by Loretta Devine. This episode affirms family love and acceptance as a place of real healing that message needs to be seen and heard by mainstream audiences. Somehow throughout all of the drama that has unfolded this season Lil’ Murda finds himself still trapped in the closet. In Episode 7: Last Call for Alcohol, we realize that people around town are beginning to suspect about Lil’ Murda’s relationship with Uncle Clifford. Both Keyshawn and Woody express genuine concern for Lemarcus aka Lil’ Murda by warning him to protect his reputation. Woody reveals to him that he caught Lil’ Murda down by the river with Uncle Clifford. He even goes as far as to question Lil’ Murda by stating: “I thought this was a one-time thing? I don’t get it. You
have all these women throwing themselves at you...you are around here rolling in the bushes and done caught feelings for a f---?” LBGT Celebrities often have a much more difficult journey revealing their sexuality to mainstream audiences. The show resonates in a very realistic way. Legendary So So Def rapper and radio personality Da Brat, is one glaring example of how we can stand in our own truths. On March 26, 2020 she revealed to the public that she is engaged to be married to Jesseca Dupart. She wrote on IG: “Needless to say... I’ve always been a kind of private person until I met my heart’s match who handles some things differently than I do. I have never experienced this feeling. It’s so overwhelming that often I find myself in a daze hoping to never get pinched to see if it’s real so I can live in this dream forever.” P-Valley was renewed for a second season, so this story is far from over. The outcome of Lil’ Murda and Uncle Clifford’s relationship remains a mystery to us all. Whether or not their romance withstands the test of time in the series remains to be seen. Katori Hall has done something unprecedented on television by merging all spectrums of the black love together in one story. We love to see it.
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| COVER FEATURE
A PRETTY TOMBOI & A BOSS Meet GINA MALAK By Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Editor-in-Chief
Meet Gina Malak our national MOC search winner for the September - October Community Issue. After amassing a resounding number of votes to represent “The Pretti Tombois of the LGBTQ Community” Gina has earned the rights to represent us. TUV Editorin-Chief, Gwendolyn recently interviewed Gina to help us better understand the duality of being true to one’s self and representing Black women in an unchartered profession.
N.
Gina Malak, the Innovator, Philanthropist and an Activist. Gina, a native of California, currently residing in the Atlanta, GA area. She is notably recognized as a leading Interoperability Healthcare, Public Health Engineer and an International Digital Health Speaker. Gina is a Minister in Training at The Greater Empowerment Ministries (The GEM Project) in Atlanta, GA. Gina’s calling has positioned her to bring her spiritual gifts of entrepreneurship and exhortation to the ministry. Family is her cornerstone and with that Gina has a son Lincoln-Alexander and is in a God’s purposed relationship
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with a lovely lady. Q: Let’s talk about “Pretty Tombois” the social space for Lesbian Women. What was the motivation behind starting to private page? A: Pretty Tombois™ is a Digital Entertainment and Innovations company. Our brand serves women who love women. Pretty Tombois was established in 2020 while in COVID-19 quarantine. It started as a Facebook Group, a safe place for LGBTQ women of color to interact, engage in thought-provoking conversations, entertainment, and a place for online dating.
COVER FEATURE |
The group has quickly grown to over 2,000 members. Since Pretty Tombois™ launch, I have also created the Pretty Tombois underwear line. A clothing line where one can buy and subscribe to a monthly subscription of Pretty Tombois boy shorts, boxer briefs, socks, and tank tops. We also recently launched PrettyTombois.tv, a LGBTQ+ streaming platform. The platform features creative works from content creators, filmmakers, and producers. Content creators can monetize their works and share in ad revenue on the platform. The platform has an array of videos ranging from interviews, short films, weddings, proposals, love stories, activism, comedy, music videos and much more. Q: What a lot of people may not know is that your profession is in the Blockchain industry. Please tell us about the industry and the work of your company.
Photo credit: Lee Jones Photography
A: Serving as the CEO|CTO and recently featured in Forbes™, BlockInterop™ is a Digital Health and Blockchain company. We focus on the development, acquisitions and investments of Healthcare Meaningful Use Applications, Web Services and Data Transformation tools. Meaningful Use is a national initiative to implement information technology for the ultimate purpose of improving patient care. Our Digital Health Moonshots: u To provide superior quality healthcare interoperability services and solutions that will empower patients by giving them more personalized control over their healthcare data;
u To provide healthcare organizations with solutions that will reduce their operational costs, improve efficiencies and data security; u To enable providers and payers with more robust and secured data transactions across ecosystems, clinical studies and supply chains; and u To ultimately increase long-term returns and retention for providers and healthcare organizations. We are committed to creating an innovative and decentralized healthcare ecosystem. Patients, Providers and Healthcare Organizations all benefit from our innovative solutions as we aim to solve the issues of interoperability, accessibility, security, and the overall integrity of healthcare data. Q: What other ventures are you involved with? A: Agate Resin Painting is a hobby that I enjoy doing with my lady and perhaps another business venture in the future.
You can learn more about Gina and her vast entrepreneurship involvement by following her at: Digital Health : https://blockinterop.net Watch: http://www.prettytombois.tv Shop: https://www.prettytombois.com
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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
(bik-TAR-vee)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: � Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. � Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. � Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. � Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. � Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. � The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
� Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you
have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: � dofetilide � rifampin � any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:
These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
� Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,
including hepatitis infection. � Have any other health problems. � Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. � Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: � Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-
counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Get HIV support by downloading a free app at
MyDailyCharge.com
� This is only a brief summary of important information
about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
� BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.
Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
GET MORE INFORMATION
� Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 � If you need help paying for your medicine,
visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0197 03/20
DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT
KEEP ASPIRING.
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.
LGBTQ Youth
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE PRIDE? June is Pride month, a time designated to celebrate the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) members of our community. Focusing on inclusion and support at home is critical for all children and adolescents but especially for those who identify as LGBTQ. One of our core values at Youth Villages reflects the importance of a supportive household: Children are raised best by their families. When at all possible, LGBTQ children belong with their families.
Youth Villages Blog
FAMILY SUPPORT Parents and caregivers play a critical role in the lives of LGBTQ youth through family support. According to the 2018 Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ Youth Report, “studies have shown the positive health outcomes for LGBTQ youth whose families are supportive and accepting, including greater self-esteem and resilience and a lower risk of negative health outcomes such as depression, distress, hopelessness and substance use.” Even small changes in an adult’s behavior toward less overt rejection can have immediate, protective benefits for a youth. Shifting to acceptance and affirmation of their child’s LGBTQ identity is even more powerful.
SOGIE IN THE HOME Youth can struggle to share aspects of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (SOGIE) with parents/caregivers. We know that children as young as 3 years old have an innate sense of their gender identity, and sexual orientation begins to emerge in youth starting at 10 years old on average. Parents and caregivers can prepare for conversations with their children around SOGIE as they grow into adolescence by providing developmentally appropriate and inclusive puberty and sexual health information. Whether or not you have openly LGBTQ youth in your home, parents and family members should set up their homes as safe and affirming environments, as evidence shows more than 75% of young people struggle coming out to their caregivers.
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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Research from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) has validated clear strategies for promoting health and wellbeing while also labeling actions known to cause harm to LGBTQ youth. FAP published these free educational posters to reinforce the critical link between specific family rejecting and accepting behaviors with risk and well-being for LGBTQ youth. Effective change does not always have to take great effort on the part of a caregiver, but it can be genuinely life-saving to a LGBTQ youth through a reduction in their risk of suicide.
COVID/ BLACK LIVES MATTER Why is it important to focus on celebrating LGBTQ youth during the COVID pandemic and current Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality? Many children and teenagers have been sheltering in place for the past few months while our country has faced unprecedented health risks. The burden of perceived or genuine rejection likely is weighing heavier than ever before due to isolation. While confined to their homes for extended periods, LGBTQ youth have not had access to the same support systems previously available through their classmates, teachers, or gaystraight alliances on campus. LGTBQ youth of color are even more likely to have experienced discrimination at home and school due to bias around their intersecting identities. According to HRC Foundation and the University of Connecticut , a shockingly low 11% of LGBTQ youth of color believe that their racial/ethnic group is regarded positively in the United States and report hearing more negativity from family members about LGBTQ people than their white peers.
CALL TO ACTION Creating an affirming environment for LGBTQ youth in their homes can make the difference between having to choose between a safe place to sleep in shame and facing homelessness for being true to their SOGIE. According to Children’s Rights, up to 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ. Take home message for parents: We haven’t achieved equality until everyone has a safe home to call their own.
| SPIRITUALITY
T
here are no coincidences. I’m convinced of this fact and, being a believer, I’m also convinced God orchestrates these moments to keep us focused on what really matters. I woke this Saturday morning with a clean slate in front of me for a change and at the last minute, decided to go for a morning bike ride on the green line. Hurricane Lara had left her mark just yesterday and it was still wet and hazy outside, perfect bike riding weather. I took the green line East and meandered my way into Shelby Farms and across Walnut Grove. I love the route along the Wolf River with
plenty of shade and wide paths for passing. After an hour of riding, my butt was sore and I was hungry so I decided to find somewhere to rest and have a power bar. There’s a lot of construction right now on the green line and many of the usual spots are barricaded for repairs. Luckily, I did find an area off the path that faced a small lake and I even found a bench to sit. I had already passed dozens of benches and just decided on this one at the last second. As I sat down, I noticed it had a
matters
What really
By Beth Trouy
plaque in the center that read: “In Memory of David Lee Myers Jr, DDS.” I caught my breath and the hair on my neck rose as I felt the ringing in my ears. I knew David.
David was my Uncle Jeff’s best friend in life. I remembered him as being so funny, full of joy and with a handsome smile that welcomed you. He was a chiseled athlete so full of energy and a skilled dentist. Some of my favorite memories were of spending time with Jeff and David in a ski boat listening to Earth, Wind and Fire and making the most of a Saturday afternoon. David’s life, as was Jeff’s, was much too short. David developed severe and debilitating arthritis in his early 50’s and died a few years ago from complications of depression, incapacitating pain and other factors none of us will ever fully know. In June of last year, my Uncle Jeff died of a brain tumor just 7 weeks after being diagnosed. Two men, so full of life and just hitting their stride, gone. Why had I found David’s bench? No, why had I been led to this bench? You see, I think we all need to be reminded that this life
is fleeting, precious and fragile. We can’t let ourselves forget that we know not the day nor the hour that our time here ends. Are we making the most of it? Are we loving the people around us and forgiving those who hurt us? Are we planting seeds of hope, joy and peace that will influence others after we too are gone? Will we be remembered with love? There’s another lesson learned here too. I got up to leave and then thought maybe I would just sit awhile longer reflecting. I must have stirred up the hornet’s nest when I shifted and after several painful stings to the arms and chest, I made a hasty retreat on my bike. It was a magical moment to see David’s bench and remember him and Uncle Jeff. It was powerful to remind myself that life is fleeting and precious and I’d better make the most of it. But I also cannot dwell. Those that have left this world are still very close to us and we carry them always in our hearts. But we can’t sit too long. We have to keep moving forward. There’s still so much left to do and the path awaits.
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ENTERTAINMENT | ONE TO WATCH
When people talk about music coming out of the South the first city that comes to mind is Atlanta, GA. The city that birthed artists like Future, OutKast, T.I., Kandi Burruss and many more. Atlanta has now added another genre of music that is taking the world by storm, Trans Artists! Remember this name, Krystal Beverly! Krystal is a rising trans powerhouse that continues to shine in the new era of Trans Artists out of Atlanta, Ga. The Singer, Rapper and Pop Artist dropped her first single in 2016 titled “Work” where she captured people’s attention.
KRYSTAL BEVERLY
SALINA SAMONE S
inger, rapper, and Trans artist Salina Samone is having a moment right now. The singer made her debut in 2019 with her first single “Lady Magdalene” and followed with “Lolita.” Salina’s Latin sound is catching fire and her popular lyrics, sexy looks, and catchy hooks make a perfect combination for a star!
Philadelphia. She began writing poetry in elementary school, those poems turned into raps and songs. As her passion for music grew, she began to take her story seriously and use music as her artwork form. Through her trans experiences her style is cultivating and refining itself in a beautiful major way.
Salina Samone is a beautiful, complex, and talented black American transgender woman. Salina started her transition at the age of 26. Born in Wilmington Delaware, raised in Atlanta also spending a great deal of time between Puerto Rico and
Just recently, Salina dropped her new single “Doña Salina” and has been performing in Atlanta and will be a headliner at the Trans Love and Happiness March September 19th in New York. For booking information and to follow all things Salina please visit www. transentertainmentnetwork.com
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Krystal uses her life experiences to express her story in her music. She began her transition in 2007 at age 19 and is a role model for other Trans Women. Krystal recently released her new single “The Come Up” on the Trans Entertainment Network label. She is also headlining The Trans Love and Happiness March September 19th in New York. To learn more about Krystal check out transentertainmentnetwork. com for videos, music and more.
SOCIAL NEWS |
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| ONE TO WATCH
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eet Diandra Marie: videographer, cinematographer, content creator, mental health advocate, and “A Creator of Limitless Visions.” This highly energetic visionary has a longstanding history in performance and media. Whether it was dancing, acting in local theater plays, or rapping in various talent shows, Diandra Marie spent her childhood and teenage years finetuning her creative expression. Her knack for displaying her talent soon
on amplifying Black, queer, and transgender voices. She is also committed to using her voice to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. In addition to covering events, curating experiences, and producing an assortment of web series, interviews, and promos, Diandra Marie has completed two documentary short films: Strength Faith Courage: Conquering Lupus and Psych Nah, I Am NOT My Mental Illness. Her most recent project, Oh, Black Woman, includes both a
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short film and an interview series highlighting the diversity of Black women’s narratives. This array of poignant content has landed her features in the Lesbionyx blog, Newark International Film Festival, Mental Health Film Festival, and Queen City Film Festival. Just recently, she began a partnership with BronxNet, thereby greatly enhancing her global reach. She maintains a social media presence aimed at spreading “love and light,” immerses herself in digital content creation, and keeps her
developed into a blossoming radio personality. Her first radio show, Baby Di Radio, was cast on Blog Talk Radio where she interviewed VH1 reality show personalities and cast members of the Nickelodeon hit series Victorious!. These early seeds of self-expression have blossomed and continuously bear fruit. Diandra Marie, now a full-blown innovative gift that keep on giving, has been persistent in developing an impressive canon of content with a focus
hands in filmmaking. As Creative Director of Limitless Visions, LLC, Diandra Marie is also passionate about working with like-minded entities to develop and execute their media projects. The media world is up for the taking, and Diandra Marie has first dibs. If you are not already familiar, get your life! She may be able to help you bring your visions to life, too.
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT |
The Meeting
R
arely one to approach another, Paige took a chance on her 33rd birthday and “slid in Virginia’s DMs” to propose a meet & greet before flying back home to Cincinnati three days later. Rarely one to read her Facebook messages, Virginia happened across Paige’s message and was intrigued enough to invite her over the next day for a “Sunday Funday” Virginia was hosting. Paige jumped at the offer, and after initial nervousness subsided the two hit it off. They talked about life as the time ticked to 5 AM and the crowd trickled down to just those two.
The Courtship At that time, Virginia’s circumstances dictated the need for constant assistance as she was recovering from ACL repair surgery. Conveniently, Paige was working from home full-time and offered to spend weeks at a time in Memphis to provide the care that Virginia needed as not to tax the family and friends who were generously offering their time to do so. Those few months were crucial in allowing the new friends to develop into something more. They were also integral in Paige’s evolution in the kitchen as she was the furthest thing from the near savant people believe she is today. And, as they say, the rest is history.
The Wedding Planning a wedding in 2020 was, to say the least, interesting. When Covid-19 took the world by storm, the couple had planned to just have a small courthouse ceremony witnessed by their parents whenever things started to somewhat normalize. But when the courts had not yet started officiating weddings within three
meet
thehannah’s Introducing Virginia & Paige Hannah
weeks of their desired wedding date due, Virginia and Paige had to quickly improvise. In 20 days, they planned a quaint, socially distanced event in the courtyard of a beautiful Airbnb in downtown Memphis. In attendance were a handful of friends and family, and they ensured that the nuptials were also live-streamed for those who were kept away by the pandemic. Respecting each other as individuals, the love shared between Virginia and Paige is unconditional and unparalleled. Their relationship started as a strong, honest friendship that evolved into a beautiful love story.
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| TRANS ADVOCACY NEWS
How to be a Good Ally A
while back, I wrote a piece for The Unleashed Voice, called How to be a Good Ally. My perspective has evolved since then, so the following is an updated outlook on what it means to be an ally, compared to what it means to be an accomplice or coconspirator: What are the differences between an ally and an accomplice or coconspirator? In my experience, allies will often talk a great deal about being champions for a particular cause, but will tend to only champion that cause from the safe confines or their homes and among the safe confines of those already in agreement with their perspectives. If you have to call on them when the going gets tough, they are bound to be safe and sound at home ready to tell you what they would done if they were you. Y’all remember a while back when safety pins were all the rage with white allies proclaiming themselves safe allies for black and brown folks doing anti-racism work? Such are the gestures of self-proclaimed allies whose allyship is rooted in a desire for the image and clout of being so progressive that they are allies to whichever controversialyet-trending cause, often for some marginalized identity like black or trans. Accomplices and co-conspirators, however, pursue direct action to help bring about real and meaningful change, and will not only speak up in unfavorable situations but will also go so far as
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by Renae Taylor to put their bodies on the line to protect other people from harm in dangerous situations. Y’all see the differences? We need more accomplices and co-conspirators. Recently, three trans-Women were ridiculed, chased, robbed, and physically assaulted while waiting for an Uber in Los Angeles. Their attackers and their accomplices were aggressive and loud; not a peep could be heard from a single trans “ally”. If we’re ever going to truly stand a chance against the bludgeoning cacophony of the people who hate and attack us then we, too, need accomplices who are willing to be just as aggressive and just as loud in their love, support, and defense of us when it means the most, counts the most, and makes the biggest difference. We are so desensitized to the plight of those needing assistance that not only were onlookers standing by idly recording videos of the incident, they were egging on the perpetrators and laughing at the terrified women whose lives were in such undignified and uncalled for danger. No one in the crowd stepped up to help them. Even after calling the police for help and finally hearing a siren approach, the women were still wrong to believe anyone was
coming to their aid. The police only slowed down and then pulled off again past them, despite that one of the women lay unconscious on the ground. I wonder how many of those people walking by without a word, without an offer of any help, have at some point or another proclaimed themselves our allies from the safety of their homes. A real accomplice or co-conspirator would have spoken up. A real accomplice or co-conspirator would have done something. Real accomplices or co-conspirators are what we need to help spur this movement along, now more than ever. We, people with marginalized identities, cannot do it alone. We are not afforded the same privileges, or even the same acknowledgement, afforded you. Aside from the violence that causes us to become hashtags or sources of ridicule on social media, our communities are small and often unrecognized. So for those who are already accomplices and co-conspirators, please know that I love you! And for those allies still safely and quietly in the background, please show that you really and truly mean it when you say you support us, by really and truly having our backs even when no one else does! Step up. Speak out. Yes, even outside of your homes. Yes, even to those who disagree with you. Especially outside of your homes. Especially to those who disagree with you.
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY |
A Love Letter to My
Granddaughter by Monika M. Pickett
In honor of National Grandparents Day, celebrated on the Sunday following Labor Day, this is my affirmation of hopes, dreams and unconditional love for my granddaughter. My Dearest Keegan,
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ou are the manifestation of a thousand dreams. I am in awe that you are finally here. Oftentimes, I would stare out the window and daydream of you. I wondered who you would look and act like. Whose personality would you have? Your mother’s or your father’s? You were a part of my dreams that society said would never exist. At a time when it was not acceptable, I was a little girl determined to love whom I wanted to love, no matter the cost. I lost friends and family and yet I never wavered in who I knew God created me to be. Your great grandmother used to say, “God watches over children and fools.” Thanks to God’s Grace and Mercy, I survived traumas that no child should ever have to endure. I pray that you never experience the pain and suffering I had to bear to become the woman I am today. My hope is by the time you are old enough to understand these words, the world will have become a better and kinder place. You came into this world at one of the darkest times of my life. My heart was broken but I refused to allow my spirit to be broken. I prayed for God to send
me a sign that He was preparing me for something magnificent. My grandmother used to say, “When there is a death, there is a birth.” Although I did not experience the physical death of a loved one, I experienced the death of what I thought was a love supreme. And then there was you. I recall the hushed voices of the doctor and nurses in the delivery room when you were born. You came into this world with your eyes wide open. The doctor said you were one of the most alert babies he had ever delivered. In time, your radiant spirit shined through. You were such a happy baby. Your smile … your mere existence made everything better. Life seems so much brighter with you in it. You’ve made me a better, kinder, more forgiving person. Born on the same day as your paternal great grandmother and the same month as your paternal grandfather and my mother, I know you will have a heart of gold. I love your big brother, Carter, just as much as I love you. And yet, I need to let you know what my hopes and dreams are for you as a female child who will become a woman. This world is a very different place for women. We are expected to carry the weight of the world upon our shoulders and in our wombs. You – like me, my mother, your mother and her mother – stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us. Your mommy, daddy and I will ensure that you are proud of both
your African American and your Italian heritage. We will teach you to know your worth even when you are judged based on the color of your skin. I hope life treats you well. I pray for your strength and guidance as you pursue your dreams. I hope you never dim your light for the comfort of others. I pray that you face your fears head on and watch how quickly they disappear. I pray you are kind to others who are less fortunate than you. You may need a helping hand one day. Most importantly, I want you to know God. I want you to know that He created you as you are, and you are enough. That you are smart enough to become whomever and whatever you choose. That you are courageous enough to love whomever you want to love. That you are strong enough to withstand any storm that comes your way. And when you feel you cannot weather the storm, I want you to know that you have a praying grandmother. I will pray with and for you as our ancestors cover you in their Monika M. Pickett ‘s latest release, hopes and dreams. Pretty Boy Blue-2nd Edition has become the number one best-seller on Amazon. Icom willinlove youand unconditionally, the U.S. Canada across as multiple categories including my grandmothers lovedlesbian me. romance and LGBTQ fiction. The sequel, The Darkest Shade of Blue, is available on Amazon.
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| COMMUNITY NEWS
W
hen you think about construction and woodworking hardly ever is the thought of a skilled black woman dominating that occupation. Recent statistic reflects that only 13% of construction firms in the United States are women-owned, and only 3.7% of these firms are black-owned. Meet Trinette Johnson the owner of T.J. Builds our community spotlight! Q: Trinette, before we jump into specific questions about your company. Please share the background of yourself. A: I was born in Canton, MS. I’ve always loved construction, especially woodworking. In the last 10 years of my 22-year career at FedEx, I worked as a project manager. While there, I improved my woodworking skills and increased my interest in construction. I wasn’t happy as a project manager for the business (or end user) side of software development, I decided to leave to become a construction manager. I went to Southwest TN Community College and got a technical certificate in Architectural/Construction Fundamentals. In the spring of 2017, I enrolled at Drexel University’s College of Engineering for a master’s in Construction Management. I completed the program in 2019. Q: Tell us about your construction business, TJ Builds. A: I found it hard to find a fulltime job in my new field. So roughly 150 applications and 3 internships later, I opened TJ Builds, LLC. I offer design/build custom woodworking, construction management, and owner’s representation services. I’ve been opened since March 2018. Currently, I design and build mostly custom closets and cabinets for residential. I’ve started bidding on cabinetry for commercial projects in the last year. I’m also the owner’s representative for OUTMemphis’ Youth Emergency Center located at 2055 Southern Ave. Q: What does “success” or “successful” look like to you? A: To me, success is that I still wake up everyday to do what I was meant to do...build dreams. TJ Builds, LLC www.tjbuilds.com IG: @tj_builds
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O
wner of Ambishun Fitness LLC, Ricky Dortch Jr. is certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist through the nationally accredited organization NFPT (National Federation of Personal Trainers). This means he has been trained to guide individuals on their path to a healthier lifestyle using various training methods along with nutritional guidance. Ricky teaches individuals that no two bodies are alike and it takes a knowledgeable individual to guide a person to a healthier life.
HEALTH & WELLNESS |
While continuing to expand his knowledge in fitness and health, Ricky prides himself on teaching individuals the basic science of health and fitness to guide them in their journey. He knows the that After spending countless hours in the gym lifting weights and doing aerobics, people still don’t know when they are physically fit. He says it is important to know just what constitutes a general state of physical fitness. He says, being physically fit means, “having the energy and strength to perform daily activities vigorously and alertly, with energy left over to enjoy leisure activities or to meet emergency demands.” Your heart, lungs, and muscles should be strong. Your weight and body fat should be within a desirable range. For women, fat should not exceed 25% of their body weight. For men, fat should not exceed 18% of their body weight. For more knowledge about health and fitness fell free to stop by his training facility located at 5050 Covington Way Memphis, TN 38134 Instagram and Facebook business pages (@ambishunfitness) and (Ambishun Fitness LLC). Photographer Credit: Clyde Sims Instagram @madebyglyde
Photographer : Clyde Sims Instagram @madebyglyde
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H
ello World. For those that don’t know me, my name is Torrey Harris. I’m Black. I’m a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community. And I’m running for public office. Representation matters. With all that is going on in the world right now, people deserve to know they are being thought of and that someone is working to improve the world around them. Whether it’s working to expand Medicaid in Tennessee, fighting for public education, or pushing for criminal justice reform…I want to be the champion my community deserves to have. My passion for community service didn’t just begin yesterday. Most of my personal and professional life has been centered around it. My 9-5 commitment has been in Human Resources for over 10 years. Working in HR has afforded me the opportunity to interact with a variety of personalities and backgrounds daily. In my position, I am able to fairly assess needs and wants of individuals
TUV MISSION
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The Unleashed Voice Magazine will cultivate the stories of LGBTQ people with engaging and empowering conversation to people of the world about the multicultural LGBTQ Community.
TUV VISION
The Unleashed Voice Magazine (TUV Magazine) will aid the LGBTQ Community and its allies in redefining how the diverse LGBTQ person wishes to be viewed or spoken about. TUV Magazine will be the optimal print and media hub for the affluent LGBTQ consumer and those who want to be included in the “Unleashing” movement.
in order to successfully collaborate for the greater good. It’s literally my job to make sure people flourish. In my personal time, I mentor young Black boys, find resources for community members, and I was a leader of a facility in our community that focuses on bettering the lives of black LGBTQIA+ people. I have hired more people of our community into roles they otherwise wouldn’t have gotten because we are always left out of the equation. I love just like anyone else and I am a true humanitarian in my own head because I am committed to the work of helping each of us live better. These things have served as the foundation for me to run for office. Simply put, I want to help improve my community. Let’s Be Real, for quite some time my community has been underrepresented. Public schools have not gotten the funding they need. Women’s bodily autonomy has not been supported. Medicaid has not been expanded. Freedom of speech suppressed. A current State Representative that is not accessible. What’s next? My community deserves an advocate for public schools who will fight to fully fund them. We need someone who is going to push for an end to the cash bail system. We need a leader who is available and willing to keep residents informed about what’s going on in the State Legislature. District 90 deserves to have an elected official who is going to listen, empower, and serve all the residents in the district. The community I am choosing to serve in is the very community I live in, District 90. This is not always the case for leaders in my city, but I’m a bit different. The way I’ve navigated politics is different and the way I run my campaign is different. I didn’t grow up always wanting to be an elected official. I knew that it was important to
never forget where you come from and that positive investments into one’s community is what helps it grow. It was much later that the environment was prime for me to answer my political calling and arrive in position to pursue elected leadership at the state level. Be clear this is not something that I do alone. In the same manner that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team and a community to support a great candidate for public office. My team. My team. My team. I would not be here without GOD who put my team here on earth. They hold me down. They boost me up. They motivate me after hours of knocking doors and dialing for dollars. They encourage me when I’m feeling defeated. They were with me when I had zero in the campaign account and have continued as it’s increased. For them, I am extremely grateful. To the constituents of District 90, I would not be in position as the 2020 Democratic nominee for Tennessee State House District 90 without you. You believed in me as a leader and trusted my commitment to service. I am here because of you and do this for you. My hope at the end of this process is that District 90 gets the leadership they deserve. We deserve. November is coming and I hope to bring it home for a change. Everyone will be able to say that in 2020 we elected the first ever openly LGBTQIA+ member to the either chamber of the Tennessee General Assembly and that we elected someone who is going to work to better our lives every day he walks into the State Capital. Our lives depend on it. Vote Torry Harris District 90 in November!
