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AIDS/ HIV NEWS
“I’ m here. I’ m living. I’ m happy. So take that, HIV.” Cedric
Living with HIV since 2012.
HIV
TREATMENT
WORKS
After my diagnosis, it took me a while to accept the fact that being HIV-positive is not the end of the world: It’s just the beginning of a whole new way of life. The first meds I was prescribed gave me some bad side effects.
Get in care. Stay in care. Live well.
But I worked with my doctors to find a new one that was better for me. Now I feel great and my viral count is undetectable. That list of things you wanted to accomplish before you were diagnosed? It’s still possible if you stay in care and work with your doctor to find the treatment that’s best for you. 2 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks 3 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
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14 LOVING OUR LGBTQ CHILDREN By Gwendolyn D. Clemons
10 A HOLY CONVOCATION
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By Bishop O.C. Allen III
THE ENTREPRENEUR ISSUE 08 EMPOWERING CONVERSATION 18 I AM NOT AN MSM
27 YOU’RE NOT ALONE
09 DISCOVERING LIBERATION
20 HEALTH & FITNESS
28 RELIGION “THE NEW VEHICLE OF
11 SPIRITUALITY
21-26 COVER FEATURE
By Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Editor-in-Chief By Davin D. Clemons, MDiv By Dr. Darnell Gooch
12 A TRANS-WOMAN’S WORTH By Renae Taylor
By Martavious Hampton
By Justin Brown Fitness The Entrepreneurs
26 ARTIST FEATURE By Rahim Brazil
By Eddie Wiley
QUEER DISCRIMINATION” By Ami Dudley
30 HEART OF THE MATTER By Beth Trouy
31 THE IMPORTANCE OF ADVOCACY By Tyai Green
On the Cover: Davin D. Clemons and Gwendolyn D. Clemons Photographer: Wiley Brown
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EDITOR’S LETTER “Where would you have me go? What would you have me do? What would you have me say and to whom?” -Marianne Williamson
H
ow many of you have ever asked yourself, “What is the Purpose of my Life?” For me, this question had been an obsession of my preeminent thoughts for years. Unbeknown to me, the very essence of my mission at Earth’s School was the assignment I had for so long fought so hard against. The God I have come to know has such a sense of humor. I believe God allows us to use our “free will” when it comes to making our life choices. Philosophers argue that “free will” allows one to make free and independent choices and reject the idea that human actions are determined by fate. I don’t know if I was unconsciously thinking I controlled my own fate, but I do know that many of my past choices were often met with poorly executed results and delivered me some of my hardest life lessons. As each lesson unfolded, I was often left feeling dispirited, which was followed by bouts of emptiness, bitterness, anguish, dejection, regret, pain and confusion. Yet these are the experiences that had to unfold in order for me to find my path of spiritual enlightenment and transformation. As I examined my life from a spiritual perspective, the visions of God’s plan for me revealed themselves. Each subtle sign guided me closer to finding my life’s purpose, which frightened the heck out of me. I knew I was called to be in ministry, but I wrestled against the call because I had other plans for my life, and those plans did not involve ministry — or so I thought. Your Life’s Purpose is Calling, Gwendolyn… Who me, the Gambler? Who me, the Lesbian? Who me, the Liar? Who me, the… well, you get the picture. It wasn’t until I answered God’s call into Ministry in 2013, that my purpose for attending Earth’s School was affirmed. I’m not saying that you have to be in the ministry to “Get It.” I’m merely sharing my story about my path of spiritual enlightenment. The ironic culmination of this story is how much cynicism I received upon announcing my call into ministry. The celebration I wanted to share of being called to live a higher life and of doing God’s work was met with side eyes and crooked lips. The popular opinion was that Kingdom building was not reserved for a person of my qualifications and that my anointing was somehow an oxymoron. The beautiful ending to this story is that neither man nor woman can qualify or disqualify your assignment. Praise the Lord…
A
s I reflect on being a new entrepreneur in America’s Deep South, here in Memphis, Tennessee with all of its rich history of racism, classism, sexism, poverty, and homophobia, sometimes I say to myself, “Self, you must be crazy to want to be an entrepreneur with all of the opposition against you as a black man with no silver spoon, no connections, and gay.” As it is, entrepreneurship comes with its share of ups and downs, but what career choice doesn’t? From my perspective, entrepreneurism can be especially lonely and particularly scary as a result of the pressures that come with being completely responsible for a business’ success or failure. To my relief, however, it is then that my inner voice speaks up and prophetically assures me, “Your foundation is strong enough to handle whatever comes your way because you’ve been strong enough to discover who you really are.”
myself pale in comparison to the plan God has laid out before me. Finally, surrendering to a life I fought so long against has yielded me the largest reward. Now, that’s the “oxymoron” in this story!
Here are 10 things I want you to consider if you, too, are searching for your Life’s purpose: 1.
Ask God for affirmation in prayer, “What is it that I was sent to Earth’s School to learn?” 2. Become clear about your question and be ready to receive your answer. 3. Learn to meditate. (The voice of God is speaking to you. LISTEN.) 4. Conquer the fear of failure and success. (God’s decision will never make you betray yourself.) 5. Stop letting others dictate who you should be and how you should live. (No one has the authority to judge you but God). 6. Live authentically. (You aren’t living a full life if you aren’t connected to the spirit of who you are.) 7. Do what gives you meaning. (Embrace new beginnings.) 8. Examine every choice by gauging the results. (Does it enhance your life, or drain your spirit?) 9. Remember, in any given moment, life is exactly what you make it. (Find the good in every experience.) 10. Find a mentor(s) because in this journey of life, you can’t do it alone.
a no brainer…
The Discovery phase of my life was vital to finding the answers to such burning questions as: Who Am I? What is my life’s purpose? What makes me feel most alive? Harriet Tubman’s words were fitting when she said, “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” It took me years to realize that I was a slave not only within my own society and even within my own family, as well as within the Black Church… but also within my own mind. But once I vigorously demanded the liberation I deserved and received my free papers, I became UNLEASHED and discovered that what I love doing most is helping my fellow LGBTQ sisters and brothers to also become UNLEASHED. I do this with The Unleashed Voice Radio Show, the Relationships Unleashed nonprofit organization, The Unleashed Voice Magazine, and Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis, Inc. Understanding what you love to do and what makes you feel most alive is crucial to understanding how to align yourself with your essence, which culminates in
EDITOR’S LETTER Universal Love. So here I am today, understanding it as my duty to help others realize their potential begins with comprehending that we are all energy vibrating at a frequency determined by our thoughts. In other words, “You are what you think.” As a partner in entrepreneurship with my mother, I find that each day is filled with new opportunities to challenge one’s abilities, skills, and determination. According to Fortune 500, the number of businesses owned by African American women has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the nation. The founder of The Unleashed Voice Magazine is a reflection of this trend, and I am proud to be a part of this publication’s role in making and shaping history as one of the future top businesses in the United States. The steps we are implementing to make this happen can help carry us all closer to where it is we want to be: 1. Love what you do. 2. Learn from others. 3. Learn how to self-promote. 4. Take action, constantly. 5. Make a plan. 6. Build a reputation. 7. Build your “A-team.” 8. Be mindful of your attitude. 9. Keep knocking on doors until they open. 10. STAY HUNGRY.
As I close this article, I want each of you to know that God’s plan for your life is never meant to bring you sorrow or pain. The struggle against God’s plan for you is what invites the spirits of hardship in your life. If you are repeatedly finding yourself on the short end of life, I decree for you to find your power source and “plug in” because your Life’s Purpose is Calling.
Will you answer?
Here’s the ticket that some of you failed to purchase when God offered LIFE: “Whosoever believe in me shall have everlasting life” (John 3:16). To me that’s
This 2016 May/June Entrepreneur Issue is personally important to me because this magazine is one of the reflections of my life’s purpose. The plans I had for 8 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
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SPIRITUALITY
M
ost preachers are known for giving illustrations, so I will use one. Every piece of clothing is held together by a series of threads. Threading holds each piece together. Therefore the end result is a masterpiece that can be worn comfortably and tailored to any size. This is what I believe is happening with a new AfricanAmerican affirming-spiritual leadership throughout the country. The threads of a young bourgeoning inclusive leadership is bringing the pieces of spirituality and social justice together. The creation of a beautiful tapestry of social progress, a pursuit for equality and a religious fervor seen in the early history of the Black Church is beginning to emerge. The United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship is leading the challenge to do as the scripture admonishes, “Seek justice and defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17). Founded in 2007, the UPPC, is committed to weaving a “Social Gospel” and “Liberation Theology” with the Pentecostal roots of spiritual gifts, fervent worship and intense devotion to God. Gathering in Atlanta, Georgia June 21-26, the UPPC, will hold its annual Holy Convocation to inspire, motivate and cultivate clergy and leaders who are committed to creating innovative ministry to those on the margins and beyond. The 2016 theme is: “Miracles, Signs and Wonders”. The “miracle” is simply the gathering of people from different walks of life in one place and on one accord. The “Signs” are the conditions of inequality, oppression and hopelessness in our world. These signs prove that spiritual leadership is desperately needed to affect real change in our society. The “Wonders” are what can happen when people from the margins have the courage to stand up, be the change they want to see and open their hearts to a living God. My final thought references the illustration I started with. Clothes are held together by threads on the margins. Therefore, those who have been deemed to the margins of society are now called to bring the pieces together. I believe that living on the margins is not only a reality, but an assignment. What a beautiful world this can be when we see our position in society not only as a gift but as a calling to bring all the pieces of our world together to create a mosaic of love, compassion and peace.
SPIRITUALITY
“T
he Kids” have been creating a lot of fuss around the Bible Belt in Memphis, a city staunch with traditional and religious beliefs. Word on the street is that the Kids have been flocking to Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis, Inc., where we are aiming to transform the Memphis culture. As a result of this mission, although the church is entering the fourth year since its inception, we still experience discrimination in our city, especially targeting the LGBT community. As pastor, I am therefore intentional and unapologetic about our approach to ministry in the 21st Century, endeavoring for the world to know that we exist for all people to come and develop a relationship with God. Thus, when people speak negatively about our church and its members, I consider it as free advertisement — less marketing and publicity we have to do on our own. So I just want to thank those adversaries for all the tireless effort and hard work they’ve put into helping us get Christ’s message across to the Kids. Without our naysayers, we at The Cathedral, as it is affectionately known, would not be making the difference in our community that we are making right now.
encompassing all ages, we take ownership of welcoming, embracing, and loving every race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, family configuration, and physical or mental condition that comprise the attendants of our church. Considering it a must that our leadership reflects our diversity, in 2014 I appointed the first transwoman to our church board. One thing I’ve learned in ministry is that it pays to be different, which may come with some inevitable challenges but also comes with a rewarding solidarity.
Despite efforts by some to reduce us to cultic propaganda, or to label us the “Gay” church, we are a Christian Church just like any other Christian Church. What does make us unique is that we are simultaneously Progressive and Pentecostal, in that we hold dear to Pentecostal traditions while taking a progressive stance on human inclusion, social justice, and political action. We believe in holiness, sanctification, spiritual gifts, speaking in tongues, prophesy, deliverance, divine healing, and expressive worship. Moreover, we believe in getting out into the community, engaging in outreach and evangelism, feeding and clothing those in need, providing support for those in rehabilitation, offering toys to children during Christmas, and more.
For more information about our church, you may visit us at www.cathedralmemphis.org. Our worship times are 11:00 a.m. for Sunday School, 12:30 p.m. for Sunday Worship Service, and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for PHAT worship. We are located inside of Buntyn Presbyterian Church at 561 S. Prescott, Memphis, TN 38114.
We have been blessed to share a community of interests with, as well as to become a part of, the United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship under Bishop O.C. Allen, III of Atlanta, GA. In the words of Bishop Allen, “We are Jesus people, creating a Jesus culture.” As followers of Christ, we are nurturing a culture that reflects Christ’s love, and because of our devotion to sharing that love, The Cathedral has grown to over 230 members. We boast a leadership of both men and women who serve as ministers, elders, and deacons, along with a church staff that is committed to all whom God has placed in our care. With vision, faith, and courage, we are committed to compelling all people to follow Christ and reveal His love to others.
Furthermore, we are Episcopal and Inclusive. Offering ministries dedicated to music, women, men, youth, and so much more, in the face of so much resistance against people often characterized by their differences, we are seizing the opportunity to engage a community of people that others dare not reach. We have a profound understanding of those to whom God has called us to minister. We are not afraid of the backlash, and we want the people we serve to know we care about them to the utmost. Multiracial and
I’ll see you in June.
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TRANS-MOVEMENT
What is my life worth?
L
iving outside of the established cisheteropatriarchy, there are times when the question becomes inevitable. Life certainly isn’t the best when constantly met with so many levels of gender oppression from all directions. One common level of gender oppression is Personal or Individual, such as when someone taunts or attacks a trans person. Some days I go to the grocery store and can’t even get my groceries sacked because I am who I am. At any moment, I’m subject to being mis-gendered, called anything from He, She, and It just for being myself. Is that what my life is worth — yielding ingloriously to the mercy of the next person’s fluctuating sense of basic civility? Another level is Cultural, involving media depictions of trans people in a negative light. Sure, we’ve recently made strides when it comes to media portrayals of trans people, such as the supportive portrayals of Caitlyn Jenner throughout her transition. However, those depictions don’t reflect the norms in perception of the trans community at large. Especially since we aren’t typically as privileged as those most frequently celebrated on television, sharing their stories does not illuminate ours. Is that what my life is worth — being tucked away discreetly behind the most attractive version of “my” story as presented by someone nothing like me? And still another level is Institutional, which involves restrictions against changing birth certificates and IDs to reflect the gender a trans person knows himself or herself to be, rather than the sex someone else incongruously assigned him or
her at birth. Not only for the sake of our acceptance and validation, but also for the sake of our protection and security, it simply makes sense to streamline our identification of ourselves with other people’s identification of us. What a difference this would make when it comes to job equality, since the more apparent any discrepancy is between sex assignment at birth and gender identification of self, the more opportunity exists for discriminatory hiring and firing practices of prejudicial employers. Is that what my life is worth — a survival contingent upon prejudicial whims rather than the same legal protections as any other member of society?
deserve to be attacked or killed by some vicious brute simply because he doesn’t see me quite the same way that I see me? No. No, it isn’t. Worth refers to the value equal to the entity in question. And what has ever determined value? The quality of being exactly like any and everything else ever encountered… identical in appearance, presentation, and execution? I think not. Rather, it is that which an entity presents above the standard, beyond the norm, transcending all that we have come to regard as common.
And yet another level is Criminal. On any given day, I could step outside my own front door and be raped or murdered just for being me. I wonder how Islan Nettles felt being out with her friends, enjoying her life, only for a lethal punch to come out of nowhere and put her in a coma she’d never come out of — simply because a group of men she shared the sidewalk with had such strong feelings against trans people that they deemed it appropriate to take her life. I wonder how many more senseless murders it will take before others will recognize the worth of trans lives as equivalent to their own. It’s maddening how many people, even in 2016, feel comfortable saying, “Oh, they deserved that,” upon mention of such egregious crimes against trans victims.
Consider diamonds… prized for their rarity, valued higher and higher based on the uniqueness of their attributes precisely because no two are alike. In order to truly know our worth, in order to retain our value, in order to ever convey that value to anyone else… we cannot stifle a single facet that characterizes us as singular. We cannot dampen our inner light, nor can we allow anyone else to dim it.
Is that what my life is worth — so little that I
My life is worth shrugging off any humiliation I endure when treated with ill regard.
So my life’s worth comes down to what it’s worth to me — not anyone else’s assessment, not anyone else’s reaction, not anyone else’s treatment, not anyone else’s decree — but simply whether I’m willing to let my inner light shine as brightly as it yearns to.
My life is worth fighting even harder each time the fight suddenly seems unbearable. My life is worth living in my truth rather than succumbing to societal pressures and acts of terrorism… even if my every day is laced with pain and paranoia.
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My life is worth living for me rather than hiding for you. THE
V
NLEASHED
OICE
MAGAZINE
“...It’s more than a magazine-It’s a Synergized Movement.” 12 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
TUV Mission
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.
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FAMILY LOVE
O
n Mother’s Day, the media gives considerable attention to our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, and our grandmothers, by highlighting the contributions these women make to their families and communities. The lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families are often absent in Mother’s Day coverage since print and electronic press reports often focus solely on straight parents.
This issue of The Unleashed Voice Magazine will highlight the loving messages these mothers share with the world about their children irrespective of being LGBTQ. It is widely known how harrowing the stories from the opposite side are, from parents rejecting their kids, to kicking them out of their homes, to even resorting to murder, all because of their children’s sexual orientation. The pictures of the love captured within these pages illustrate the authentic bond shared between these parents and their children. To all the mothers out there who give their LGBTQ children the unconditional love they deserve, we all say THANK YOU.
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Wilene V. Oliver & Winston Shepard
Laretha Wiley & Eddie Wiley
”Winston is my light in my darkest hour. Having him has given me strength and power through motherhood!”
“I want the world to know that I am the proudest mother on earth. Eddie is the best son a mother could ask for and I LOVE him unconditionally!” 15 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
Bernita McKinney & Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr.
Earnestine Clemons & Gwendolyn Clemons
Angela Ray & Shermeka Banks
Tanzy Johnson & Rashandra Campbell-Clemons
“Not only is Darnell my son, he is my Pastor as well. Darnell is a blessing to all of us. I am so proud that God placed a calling on your life to carry out such an awesome task in leading God’s people. I am proud to be your mother. I LOVE you unconditionally!”
“As a mother I don’t care what kind of laws or bills they pass, I still LOVE my daughter. I want to say publicly to my daughter, THANK YOU GWEN for being Gwen. I love you so much!”
“My daughter Shermeka is so special to me. I LOVE her for who she is. She is perfect for being her true authentic self.”
“I LOVE Shawn unconditionally. I love the unique person she is. I’ve watched her grow spiritually, and I love the fact that she is free to be the loving, caring, compassionate person she is. No mother could have asked for a better daughter than mine. Not only do I love Shawn, but I am also blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law in Gwendolyn Clemons. No matter what the world says, just do you and your family is behind you 100%!”
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FASHION WINFIELD
AIDS / HIV
W
ell, actually, I am indeed a man who has sex with men. But in all actuality, I only have sex with one man, and that man is my romantic partner. (He knows who he is.)
The term Men Who Have Sex With Men, or MSM, was created by public health officials to better investigate and understand the disproportionate rates of HIV among sexual minorities, particularly gay and bisexual men. Considering the enormous social stigma around male sexuality and HIV, public health officials adopted the term MSM so as to encompass men who have sex with men but who do not identify as gay or bisexual. Hence, the term MSM was adopted in response to an idea that behaviors, not identities, put people at risk for HIV. And yet it was only matter of time before MSM became widely presented and embraced as a marker of identity nonetheless. From a clinical perspective, I can understand the pros of using the MSM category as an epidemiological tool for HIV prevalence within the population it describes. Yet from a personal perspective, the term becomes a problem the moment it strips distinctive entities of the identities that have taken as long as they have to not only cultivate but embrace. What has happened in the field of HIV and public health is that the term MSM has reduced gay, bi, queer, and same-gender loving (SGL) men to one single label or category defined just a touch too precisely by who they sleep with.
FASHION
for women who have sex with women but who identify as mostly straight. If we are not going to use MSW for men who have sex with women, WSM for women who have sex with men, and the like, then we as a community must avoid labeling ourselves with such inhibiting and inaccurate terms that perpetuate social inequities, heteronormativity, and identity repression. So again, I acknowledge the use of the term MSM from a public health perspective, but I ask that public health officials take into consideration the significant social and community differences between SGL men and straight men who have sex with men. And I ask that when it comes to the next event for our community, let’s refrain from referring to our brothers as MSM when in actuality most of our community’s men identify as SGL or otherwise. If there are some men who prefer to identify with the term MSM, they should be able to do so; but the emphasis of my argument is on rejecting the anti-identity rhetoric and literature that falls short of acknowledging that we are more than our sexual acts, we are more than numbers, and we have more value than any label. I am a same-gender loving man of color, and I am much more than an MSM!
Identity is who we are; identity is not who we have sex with. Thus, I reject the label MSM because it does not represent me or my community in totality, instead reducing our identities to a mere behavior. Our inclination to love makes sense to me as a major facet underlying our definitions of our selves — after all, who we love does ideally culminate in an extension of our selves. The same cannot and should not be said, however, of an element as crassly connoted as who we have sex with. Underneath this MSM mislabeling ordeal lies a concerning a society’s dominant culture improperly imposes negative minorities in order to control some sort of behavior or identity, an example of what some social theorists would refer to as the labeling theory. Thus, my biggest concern lies with the history of science and public health, which has throughout time bestowed such labels upon groups that have resulted in unfortunate, albeit inadvertent, social consequences for particular communities that have been labeled by the dominant culture. The oversaturation of the term MSM in the HIV field, especially among SGL men, has perhaps created an atmosphere in which the term MSM is viewed as a new norm serving as an emerging sexual identity. As a result, I am most importantly concerned with SGL men of color in our community who refer to themselves as MSM, or as “the MSM community.”While I’m not saying that the majority of SGL men identify as MSM, I am definitely seeing more professionals and community members refer to the community as a whole as the MSM community. The difference I’ve observed in communities of color claiming MSM as an identity more often than our white counterparts is even further disconcerting.
matter in which labels upon
Furthermore, there exist blatantly inequitable differences in how other groups are categorized or identified based on their sexual behaviors. For example, there are many women who have sex with women but who don’t identify as SGL, but we rarely see the term WSW 18 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
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HEALTH AND FITNESS
J
ENTREPRENEUR
ustin Brown has been a certified personal trainer for nine years and a private sector personal trainer for the last three years. He has had the fortune of working with a multitude of people from various walks of life and a range of careers including high level doctors, lawyers, celebrities, newscasters, and dancers. Here, he shares answers to some of the fitness questions he is asked most frequently:
Q. Which diet works best?
We’ve all heard of the low carb, high protein, low fat, low calorie fad diets out there. Unfortunately, none of them work. Well, they don’t work long term, and certainly not on their own. Most people underestimate the power of a total lifestyle shift including mindset, nutrition, and exercise. But the truth is that any diet will work as long as it’s sustainable for you to adapt to the total lifestyle. When I talk to my clients about nutrition, the first thing we discuss is benefits of eating a whole foods diet — meaning limiting the amount of foods that come in boxes and bags and instead focusing on items with a short shelf life of 5 to 7 days, such as whole fruits and vegetables. This is the one diet that has substantially and consistently helped some of your favorite stars like Monique and Jennifer Hudson maintain their slimmer bodies after weight loss.
Q. How do I get rid of belly fat?
Before I lost 55 lbs on my own, I thought doing crunches was sufficient to flatten the belly region. However, individuals have to understand how the body distributes fat before they can truly comprehend the fact that they cannot spot reduce — that is, they cannot isolate one area of the body to lose fat in. While it is true that someone can build muscle in one specific area of the body, it is impossible to pick one specific part of the body to target for fat loss. Losing fat is a systemic undertaking, which means that it has to happen all over the body in order to happen for any part of the body. Therefore, if someone has a fatty midsection but skinny arms and legs, an essential aspect of their fitness regimen beyond exercise will have to be developing nutritious eating habits that are most conducive to their weight loss goals. Crunches and sit-ups will help to strengthen the core area, yet they will not achieve a flat stomach or six pack without a body fat percentage low enough to reveal the developed muscle. It wasn’t until I started understanding nutrition that I learned how to also manipulate food to the benefit of actualizing such fitness goals, a concept which I will discuss further in future editions.
Q. How do I get a big booty?
I always chuckle when I get this question, but
Want Perfect
Abs & Butt? 20 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
believe me I get it more than you’d imagine.
The first part of this answer concerns genetics. The reality is that some people just don’t have the genetic make up for a bodonkadonk, thunderous thighs, or voluptuous curves. The good news? This doesn’t mean that such individuals absolutely cannot have a big booty. It just means they’ll have to work harder at gaining and maintaining one by exercising and eating the right foods to encourage the necessary muscles to grow as they work them out. One novice mistake in trying to build a bigger booty is sticking exclusively to the traditional squat. While squats are a great exercise for shaping and toning one’s butt, it is simply not enough to achieve full development. Full development will require working the entire lower body on different planes by varying the styles and intensity of your workouts. A few of my favorite booty-building exercises (which I picked up from my six years in the United States Navy) are curtsy lunges, fire hydrants, donkey kicks, and squat jumps. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with those names. A quick Google search will show you everything you need to know about the proper form and technique for each!
Cover Feature
B
y day, they are public servants who have taken the oath to protect and serve the citizens of their beloved community. By night, they are relentless business owners chipping away at their shot at entrepreneurship. Gwendolyn and Davin are not your typical business owners; they are a mother and son team whose dynamic perspectives make a perfect blend for partnership. If you would ask them separately who is the mastermind, they both would divert the attention to the other; however, if you were to ask them jointly, they would both claim the victor’s spot. Davin is Gwendolyn’s only child, and they are separated by 15 years in age. As a young mother, Gwendolyn swore to Davin that life would be strikingly better for him than it was for her, and she is vested in assuring that “the promise” is fulfilled. The Clemonses have jointly co-founded three entities in the last 18 months, each established in devotion to the betterment of the LGBTQ Community. Relationships Unleashed, a 501c3
nonprofit organization with the mission of fighting inequality through comprehensive empowerment workshops, and The Unleashed Voice Radio Show for the LGBTQ Community, LLC were both launched in November 2014. The Unleashed Voice Magazine, LLC was founded in June 2015 and launched in November 2015 with the release of “The Unbothered Issue.”
1. Believe in your dreams and visions because dreams do come true!
Undertaking roles as leaders in the LGBTQ Community, The Clemonses are busy chiseling away at their niche in the fields of media, marketing, and advocacy. Shuffling three businesses simultaneously has not been an easy task, but in their words, the reward has been breath-taking. Neither would trade this journey, which they traverse with the mantra,
5. Learn your craft better than the competition.
“NO MATTER WHAT!”
2. Believe in yourself first. 3. Conquer all fears and doubts before they conquer you. 4. Take the first step and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
6. Your God given gifts will make room for you; develop your gifts with intention. 7. Do what you love. Nothing is more rewarding. 8. Expect to hear “NO” which means “Next Opportunity.” 9. Always search for ways to collaborate with others. 10. Don’t stop climbing toward your goals.
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ENTREPRENEUR
L
Bruce McClain
il’ Bad Mouth is a new urban t-shirt clothing line that came about as a manifestation of Bruce McClain’s inner self, upon which he’d relied for strength during his childhood’s roughest hardships. Growing up in a household of physical and mental abuse that his mother endured from his father, he lay awake crying throughout many nights, terrified
of what tomorrow would bring. Outside of home, his experiences were no better as he endured constant bullying in school because his peers regarded
D
De’Mario Q. Jives e’Mario Jives is the “Doctor of Graphics,” a creative, versatile, multi-talented graphic designer with a track record of satisfying clients by developing contemporary and stateof-the-art computerized graphic visuals. A gentleman with expertise in presentation, design development,
and layout enhancement, he started his company DeMaJio Graphics & Media Productions in 2004 while attending college. Since then, he has
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Rashandra M. Clemons ashandra M. Clemons is the owner of One Cute Dimple Kustom Kixs, a business that was birthed after she overcame what she calls her own self-imposed fears. As she began to utilize her gift of customizing shoes, clothing, and accessories, all of her fears were quickly eliminated.
She had always known that she was gifted in artistry, but had never realized her craft could be used to promote a product that people would
K
Ken Kash en is a 24-year-old male who has always possessed an eye for design and a heart of gold. As a child, he filled one sketchbook after another with his burgeoning ideas. During high school, he attended Yo! Memphis Academy of Visual & Performing Arts with the vision of creating a women’s
clothing line featuring high fashion gowns and dresses. As he grew into a young man, however, his vision evolved into a clearer view of the goals,
him as “different.” Yet as Bruce cried on the outside, Lil’ Bad Mouth raised hell
continued to work in the field for almost 20 years, developing a stellar
actually pay her for. She had been so fearful that no one would like her
plans, and direction for his life and his talents. Observing the evolution of
on the inside, until finally, after years of feeling lost, alone, and inadequate,
understanding of what it takes to deliver what his clients envision.
personalized products that she was overwhelmed by the demand and
men’s fashion over the years instilled in him the desire to introduce new
admiration she received for her customized designs.
concepts that he would revel in and that other men would be sure to love
Bruce decided that enough was enough. When the moment arrived that he
as well. He knew that developing a line with mass appeal wouldn’t be
couldn’t endure another day of feeling suffocated by oppression and depression,
Follow DeMario on social media:
he discovered that voice within and cultivated the strength to start using it. It
www.facebook.com/DeMarioQJives
She offers this advice to anyone wanting to start a business, no matter
easy but declared, “With faith in God, anything is possible!” After three
was with that epiphany that Lil’ Bad Mouth was birthed as a brand intended to
Website: www.DeMaJio.com
the passion: “I had always been the Queen of many talents, yet I could
years of planning, brainstorming, and designing, he is now introducing
embolden others just as it had emboldened Bruce, with the understanding that
never capitalize on my gifts until I began to follow my passions and
Kash Men, a brand representing young men of Fearlessness, Faith, Truth,
it’s okay to be different, as well as with the power to accomplish anything he set
purpose in life. Do not let fear paralyze you to the point that life passes
Creativity, and Freedom. Kicking off his line with a Spring/Summer ’16
his mind to. Now that he has learned to love his own skin and embrace all that
you by. I now live with no regrets.”
Collection, he is sure that a myriad of intrepid men — and maybe even some audacious women — will have a blast browsing and donning his
makes him unique, Bruce uses his brand to encourage others to amplify their own inner Lil’ Bad Mouths and be the best they can be.
“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown
pieces.
Email: badmouthclothing@yahoo.com Website: www.lilbadmouth.weebly.com
Follow me on Instagram @1cdcustomkix and let me customize you, because “The Same is Lame.”
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ENTREPRENEUR
Glen Kimbrel Allen
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len Kimbrel Allen is the owner of D&G’s Klassy Designs, a mobile pop-up shop located inside Oak Court Mall in Memphis, Tennessee. The shop specializes in women’s and men’s accessories, custom designs, and floral arrangements. Mr. Allen is also a consultant for small
business owners, as well as an event planner specializing in local and national vendor showcases. Underlying his perseverance and success is
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Kimberly Branch imberly Branch, better known as The Nail Diva, specializes in healthy natural nail care. Her 15 years of cosmetology experience and five years of management experience have manifested in her dream-come-true of establishing and maintaining a premiere nail salon catering to upscale clientele
in the Memphis area, complete with exceptional staff and luxury service from the moment a client walks in. As a well-rounded manicurist and
A
Tiffany MeiLin
ccomplished in styling, modeling, and on-set creative direction, Tiffany MeiLin is a multi-faceted fashion professional based in New York City. A seasoned fashion merchandiser and visual director within the retail realm, Tiffany is currently developing her own brand, BLK House
NYC, which is expected to launch by the end of this year. This online fashion hub will offer an array of fashion and beauty services along with its own
the credo he has learned to live by from experience: “You cannot tell your
a licensed MINX specialist, she offers shellac/gel polish, brow and facial
online boutique featuring collaborations with flourishing designers.
big vision to small-minded people.”
wax, and lash enhancements all at an affordable cost. She invites one
Each mini collection will consist of original limited edition pieces which
and all to stop by and enjoy being pampered by Kimberly’s Nail Care.
will be exclusive to the brand. Throughout the process of building her brand, Tiffany has valued networking and collaborating with likeminded
To Schedule Appointments:
professionals. “One main focus for me in this branding process is always
www.styleseat.com/KimberlyBranch
offering opportunity to other determined and passionate artists, being able to bring creative spirits together to create a powerful impact in the fashion industry.” By mid-2017, the brand’s expansion is expected to also incorporate an Entertainment/Media division.
A
Anttoni Lopez
t an early age, Anttoni Lopez began performing for live audiences as a dancer at his after-school program. Inspired by the performing arts, he followed his natural inclination to continue expressing himself onstage, sharpening his craft at top tier performing arts institutions including Fieldston Dance Company, Talented Unlimited, and the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Training at these prestigious institutions earned him media attention by way of feature stories in national publications such as The New York Times, and eventually Anttoni found himself on a shortlist of dancers being called upon to audition for world tours. Over time, his love of the arts inspired him to expand his pursuits beyond dance to include modeling and acting. Just as his dance career was thriving, his modeling career began taking shape as designers selected Anttoni to showcase their clothes during New York Fashion Week. While on the runway for Haus of Estrada’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Anttoni caught the eye of a brand management agency that encouraged him to focus his pursuits on film and television. Taking the agency’s advice, he enrolled in acting classes in New York and soon landed roles in commercials and small parts in blockbuster movies such as Men in Black 3. Currently, Anttoni divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles, auditioning for television and film roles on both coasts. Most recently, he was cast as a lead character on the television pilot Hip Hop High by the producers of Little Frankenstein and Hip Hop High: The Musical and also played a role in the web-series entitled Street Behavior. In 2016, Anttoni landed his first big feature for Secdum Magazine, and this year he will also launch Alpha Male Cosmetics, an all-male cosmetics line that he founded in 2013 as the first of its kind.
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| Artist Feature
ENTREPRENEUR
MSM What’s wrong with me? Am I sad? Why am I not happy? Each is a question I’ve asked myself over the past three years.
T
here I was, surrounded by people who loved me. But I felt like I was alone, an outcast. Depression had caused me to stray from the things and people I loved. I found myself fighting the urge to fire up an app or look into a bottle to find my validation, knowing it would only amount to an endless search for validation I would never attain. My story isn’t unique. Unfortunately, it’s an all too familiar reality for many other gay black men.
Winston Shepard
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inston Shepard is CEO and Founder of The Oliver Group, LLC, a company that provides shelter for people who need long-term housing rentals or transitional housing such as weekly rentals. His intrinsic desire for a role in providing people with housing revealed itself throughout his childhood when he would draw pictures of neighborhoods and assign its homes to his cousins and friends. Today, it gives him great satisfaction to know that he is providing decent and affordable transitional housing for his clients while they await the home of their dreams. In December of 2016, The Oliver Group will be ten years old. “God is in control,” Winston says, “And without Him I would never have made it this far. I know that as The Oliver Group goes on, He will continue to bless my business and its mission.”
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Rahim Brazil
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ahim Brazil is a hot talented pop artist, writer, producer, performer, and actor. A Baltimore, MA native who resides in Atlanta, GA, Rahim is currently working on his second album which will drop late Fall 2016. He can also be seen in three new web series “KALEIDOSCOPE,” “FREEFALL,” and the hot new series “ABOUT HIM.” His hobbies are cooking and writing music -- he is also single and looking for that special someone! Follow Rahim Brazil on Facebook & Instagram @rahimbrazil.
From a young age, self-discovery can prove to be a difficult task. This is especially problematic when you’re from the South, where the epicenter of the black community is the Church. Many of us were raised believing that being gay was an abomination and that we were going to Hell because of who we loved. This fear of condemnation forced us into the closet. And in that closet with us, we stacked issue after issue. Yet if we weren’t in the closet, here came the constant chatter and taunting from other kids and even adults. I can only imagine what it’s like for that young boy who’s grown up seeing one loved one attacked physically or verbally by another. And I don’t know the pain or embarrassment of the young boy who was molested by his uncle, cousin, or family friend. However, I do know how it feels to be ridiculed for expressing more feminine mannerisms than were beyond my control. Situations like these don’t just happen on TV. They happen all the time in living color — to one of your family members, a friend, or even you. The worst part is that the larger issues that arise from bullying or abuse lead to deeper emotional problems beyond the struggle with sexual identity. As many gay/bi men fight to suppress their feelings for other men, they are forced further into the closet. The deeper into that closet they go, the less likely they are to seek help. Even if people are comfortable being out, they can still have issues that prevent them from getting help. During this time is when we battle ourselves most furiously, fighting against what comes natural to us. Soon that inner voice fills our heads with thoughts of, “I’m not good enough!” and “Nobody will want me!” and
“Who would love me?!” Many men run to alcohol. Some run to cigarettes and drugs. Others run to food. And one of the most damaging escapes is the run to sexual addiction. Meanwhile, self-hate is perpetuated with battles against inner demons, evidenced as some men cut and burn themselves, or suffer from bulimia and anorexia. While such behaviors may bring instant comfort, any satisfaction gained is temporary. Physical scars begin entering the picture through desperate attempts to hide years of emotional scars. Now plagued with physical scars that no guy wants anyone to see, one can’t help but dig a deeper hole of depression to climb into due to lack of social support. When you don’t love yourself, or if you don’t know who you are, you put yourself at higher risk by seeking validation in places you’ll never find it. But your validation won’t come from abusing substances like drugs or alcohol, and it damn sure won’t come from somebody calling you “bae” or having sex with you. Too many times, we’ve jumped in bed with someone without asking their STI or HIV status just because they make us feel good by whispering sweet nothings in our ear, making us their
men will contract HIV — an unsettling statement that does not have to be true. Protect yourself – mind, body and soul! If you are struggling with your emotions, do not be afraid to talk to someone. It doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means you want to live a healthy life: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Suicide is real, guys – it doesn’t matter if you stick a gun to your head, take a handful of pills, or refuse to get tested and treated for HIV/STIs. When you feel alone, or like you don’t have the strength to fight anymore, there’s help. Locally, you can call the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-274-7477. If you’re not in Memphis, text “START” to 741-741 for free support from a live, trained counselor. You can also visit www.DBGM.org to read more about Depressed Black Gay Men. Don’t be afraid to reach out. I did.
#MCM, or even jumping in that DM. But what seems like acceptance or validation in these instances is really just another trip down a lonely path. You must realize that your validation has to come from within. Otherwise, all of these factors lead to increased risks of exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that half of gay and bi black 27 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
POLITICS |
COMMUNITY NEWS
At the time this article was written, North Carolina had recently signed into law the Public Facility Privacy and Security Act, Mississippi had recently signed into law the Religious Freedom Bill, and Tennessee had recently signed a bill allowing mental health counselors to refuse treatment based on their personal belief systems.
T
he queer movement and the religion-based pushback to that movement can be likened to summer and winter, respectively — never coexisting, instead maintaining a coarse, continuous, consecutive nature. This sort of call-and-response climate has composed a sour song that reverberates throughout our society’s atmosphere. This tune is largely maintained by religious freedom legislation, or what has also come to be known [to queers/ allies] as Anti-Gay legislation. Anti-queer feelings have been around for quite some time. But because feelings are intangible, they are extremely difficult to combat. What we can combat, however, are the anti-queer actions taken based on these feelings. Such antiqueer actions range from direct physical contact (i.e. hate crimes) to indirect abuse such as the implementation of laws that deny queers service and substantiate job termination for prejudicial reasons. Yet while black eyes, inflammatory slurs, and corpses have always been evident enough to warrant a militant response from queers, homophobia is no longer delivered in the boisterous vehicle of days past. It is now delivered in a sleek, subtle model often fueled by religion. As a result, we no longer hear it bustling up our driveways with its scornful, screeching brakes. It now rides smoothly and quietly through our political systems and parks right in our garages, unbeknownst to us.
vehicle of queer discrimination (i.e. SB101 in Indiana, SB 1062 in Arizona, etc.) the most recent is HB757 of my own state, Georgia. In March of this year, social media became embroiled in controversy over the new bill that had somehow crept passed us and landed on the desk of our Governor, Nathan Deal. According to legis. ga.gov, the bill would have decreed that “religious officials shall not be required to perform marriage ceremonies.” Churches and other religious groups would also be allowed to decline the serving or hiring of persons based on their faith. With Atlanta largely being regarded as one of the nation’s leading entertainment centers, it wasn’t long before entertainment corporations caught wind of the bill’s implications and threatened to take their business elsewhere if Governor Deal gave the bill an “OK.”With this looming threat to Atlanta’s wallet — and with a shot at hosting the 2017 Super Bowl hanging in the balance — Republican Governor Deal decided to veto the bill. I’d like to say that he did so in favor of “the rainbow,” but it’s painfully obvious that he did so in favor of one color: green. In a nation where we so proudly tout and protect our “religious gumbo,” queer persons of faith continue to be served their bowl with a side of discrimination. There is one “bite” of hope available, however, and that is the Equality Act of 2015. If passed, this measure would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex. However, it too will receive pushback as long as the queer is regarded as a foreign matter dislodged from the body of religion — a deep-rooted sentiment, especially in the Deep South. Ultimately, undoing such sentiments will require the same amount of time that it took to fabricate them: decades. In the meantime, persons like myself who feed from the spoon of both queerness and religion are left standing to scan the chow hall for a seat at a table that welcomes the protection of both our queerness and our faith… a table that does not exist.
Religion
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion including the freedoms of speech, assembly, and petition. As a person of faith, I appreciate the protection provided here. In a nation built and nurtured by persons of differing religious backgrounds, such constitutional clauses are indeed necessary. But by being queer, I also loathe this protection because it simultaneously provides an easy loophole for anti-queer discrimination.
The New Vehicle of
By Ami Dudley
Supporters of such loopholes and their oppressive consequences defend their positions with the claim that they have their states to back them up. At least 21 states have some version of religious legislation modeled after the blueprint established by the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which basically slaps the federal government’s hand for just about any attempt to reach into the religious cookie jar. What’s worse is that 19 of these states passed such laws before gay marriage became legal — a checkmate move that blindsided many queers while in their successful pursuit of the marriage equality big fish. While there are numerous examples of states getting behind the wheel of this new 28 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
Queer-Discrimination
50 Shades of Purple W By Jordan Howard
hat is 50 Shades of Purple? Family Safety Center has chosen to celebrate our 5-year anniversary around this theme for a number of reasons. Abuse has many forms, or “Shades,” that can be difficult to recognize.
Physical Abuse is the easiest to spot, but even it ranges in severity and can leave little or no physical proof. For instance, strangulation is one of the most severe types of abuse, yet victims fear no one will believe them because it often leaves no visible marks.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse can be very hard for victims to identify, as well as for others to understand. Abusers blur lines and confuse victims into mistrusting their memory of situations, sometimes even convincing victims that they caused their own abuse. Spiritual Abuse is one finer shade of emotional abuse through which abusers use religious texts for control and manipulation.
Digital Abuse employs the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate. In most cases, this type of abuse is emotional and/or verbal. Even though it is perpetuated online, it has significant impacts on a victim’s real life. Sexual Abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone into unwanted sexual activity. Some abusers falsely believe that lack of resistance from a victim means that their actions are not considered abusive — a hurtful myth that makes it more difficult for victims to speak out, as well as more likely to instead blame themselves. Victims are often assaulted by current or former intimate partners, a circumstance that can be even more damaging since the abuse is committed by a known and trusted acquaintance, often making the abuse even more difficult to report. Financial Abuse can be very subtle, such as requiring a victim to share access to
bank accounts or controlling a victim’s purchases. In extreme cases, an abuser will max out a victim’s credit cards or intentionally ruin the victim’s credit score. An abuser may also prevent a victim from going to work or attending school in order to maintain control.
Stalking refers to repeatedly watching, following, or harassing a victim, making the person feel unsafe or uncomfortable. A stalker could be a total stranger but could also be someone familiar, like a past boyfriend or girlfriend. Since social media makes stalking even easier for abusers, it is important to ensure that you are cautious about who can see your posts and about how much information you share.
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ecause abuse can look so different from one victim to the next, it can be difficult to identify or explain once encountered. However, each type of abuse can be equally damaging. Please understand that just because someone never lays a hand on you, doesn’t mean the relationship is not abusive.
Please call the Family Safety Center at (901) 222-4400 if you experience these or any other shades of abuse.
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CATHOLIC NEWS
I
recently read a New York Times article that discussed how the Internet is changing the way we think -- feeding our growing addiction to information amidst the distractions that ensue as we surf multiple sites, simultaneously or in rapid succession. We troll for weather, news, social media, music, jobs, or any other titillating tidbit all while ads flash at us across the screen because, as the article states, we are “addicted to distraction.” In fact, our brains love the access to multimedia at our fingertips. As with a drug addiction, the more we get, the more we want. Consequently, we merely skim the surface of content we encounter as the art of going deep into thought has inevitably suffered, threatening to become lost altogether. Not only don’t we read books like we used to; we rarely even bother to finish long articles, instead skimming paragraphs for talking points. More than ever, we are focusing less and multitasking more. Our daily tasks are incessantly interrupted by the sound of incoming messages and our subsequent compulsion to check email, browse sites,
much less we now communicate in person compared to how much more readily we instead send a quick text. If time is our treasure, then wheresoever we choose to invest it, our hearts are bound to follow. Considering this phenomenon, we do have to ponder whether the Internet is not just changing our brains but also redirecting our hearts. That is, with the time and attention we may now give one another from a distance, are we maintaining the same depth and focus as we were when more of that time was devoted to one another in person… or are we multi-tasking there too? It is enough to text or email a friend, or do we need to pick up the phone and make time to engage in person? Considering that “God so loved the world that He sent His only Son,” Jesus dwelt among us, in the flesh as one of us, precisely because God understood that it was not enough to merely send prophets, signs, or even miracles to convey His message. This message of love could only be grasped fully by seeing, hearing, and touching the Son of God. Thomas would have never believed that Christ had risen unless he had seen Him, heard His voice, and touched His wounds. Word of mouth from friends was not enough. Likewise, there comes a time when we need to be present and available to each other in the flesh; in this day and age, our challenge is to know WHEN and not forget HOW. Skimming the Internet is one thing, but we must not forget the power of presence “in the flesh,” the quality of which involves a depth unattainable through technology. Yes, the web has connected people all over the world in ways never before thought possible. Still, there is no substitute for actually being present to listen to someone who needs our focused attention and deserves our heartfelt affection. Furthermore, do we know when to turn it all off and be present with ourselves and our Creator in the silence and stillness of the depths of our inner sanctuary?
and grab our phones for a quick peek, even while driving. (Be honest: How many times have you checked your phone while reading this article?) Meanwhile, we are thinking and learning at a faster pace than any generation in history. And considering that communication is ever-evolving, we have only to look back in history to observe how technology has impacted our ability to express ourselves to increasing numbers of people at lightning speed. Among the positive outcomes of these advancements have been the feats of uniting marginalized people who’d once believed they were alone in their suffering, as well as rallying supporters en masse to change laws, fund causes, out evil-doers, and right wrongs. So the question now being asked is: Is this “warp speed” access to information harmless, or are there limits we should be imposing? An even deeper question to consider concerns not just the impact on our brains, but also the impact on our hearts. One answer lies within a principle put forth in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Time is one of our greatest treasures, and the more time we invest in online activity, the more time we are inevitably withdrawing from other meaningful areas — a reality which reveals itself in how 30 TUVMAG.COM MAY+JUNE 2016
We must remember to set aside time for matters of the heart and soul, where time stands still. This matter of the heart is not only the heart of the matter — it is the essence of our humanity, and we must never take it for granted.
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LGBT ADVOCACY
G
rowing up in a low income area of Detroit’s inner city, I always heard my parents tell me I’d be watched more closely than others — that the standards set for me would be different from the standards set for others. As far back as I can remember, I’d been groomed with the notion that as a young black man I was constantly held to a different standard than my Caucasian counterparts. Not until years later did I understand what this all meant, upon experiencing my first taste of racial injustice in middle school. Years later, I’d learn that my sexuality served as an even more fiery foundation for not only a lifetime of social disconnection from my own culture and ethnicity, but also from other ethnic groups and spiritual belief systems. The sum of those realities underly the decision I ultimately made to become what I decided to become: an activist. I work diligently at building a better infrastructure for the LGBT community and for Black MSM culture all over the country because if I don’t, who will? More than ever, we have an urgent need for more leaders in the community to educate our youth as well as our constituents. The civil rights movement empowered the woman’s rights movement, the LGBT rights movement, and the fights for rights of other minority groups — yet the way we have continued to treat the gains of such movements is in keeping with a certain phenomenon that took place when Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964: we bought a couple of houses, but never seemed to desire much more. We as African American MSMs must do our part to ensure that the dream of equality — the very purpose of the entire Civil Rights movement, all
its marches, and all its sit-ins — in no way occurred in vain. Black LGBT communities have always been at the intersection of racial justice and LGBT activism, but their continued invisibility within these movements has marginalized their voices due to homophobia and racism, respectively. Consequently, we usually retreat to the familiarity of safety nets rather than risk the ridicule or alienation it may take to make any meaningful difference, more than often refraining from the action or leadership necessary to dispel rumors and annihilate the infrastructure of social injustice. Here are just a couple of statistics to convey some detrimental impacts of why we should be concerned about how behind the curve African Americans are socioeconomically, for instance: •• Black MSMs account for 44% of all new HIV infections. •• 80% of African Americans depend on Medicare systems that do not adequately cover the needs of African American patients in need. •• 88% of African American adults don’t have the health literacy needed to navigate the demands of our increasingly complicated healthcare system in order to manage their own healthcare treatment. A prevention system that is not properly set up to handle the needs of the African American community fails the community entirely. From empowering our people to spend less money on nightlife and materialistic indulgences, and more money on maintaining healthy lifestyles and supporting minority businesses, there is much work to be done. It is imperative that we become more involved in our communities. When we are up against so many imbalances in care, opportunity, and support from society at large, it is pivotal that we ensure that we are taking care of ourselves. There is no other way to collectively rebuild and strengthen our communities than through more structured endeavors for social justice, community involvement, and the reinvestment of African American dollars into our own welfare and the betterment of our people. No African American can afford to tear another down over our differences or internalized prejudices, when we need so desperately to build one another up to advance as a collective.
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