Rahkel and Malik Graces the Cover of TUV Magazine 2024 PRIDE Issue

THE SUCCESS CODE Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen III has done it again. He’s written a new 31-day Self-Sabotage Detox Guide to expeditiously direct you towards greatness.

+

W H E N B OY M E E T S B OY Actor, model, and Social Media Influencer Trey Pressley tells it all!

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2024 T R I S TAT E B L AC K PRIDE MEMPHIS Event Guide

MAY - JUNE 2024

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

Meet Rahkel & Malik In celebration of PRIDE Month, we celebrate the life and loving relationship of Trans Couple Rahkel and Malik.

Both are a force to be reckoned with in their respective professions!

American SingerSongwriter and Actress Syleena Johnson headlines The 4th Annual TSB Pride Memphis Music Festival

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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 that may have been hidden in your body. 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%).

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. 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.

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: � 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.

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Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: � Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. � BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

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NOW THERE’S

MORE TO LOVE. BIKTARVY® is now approved for more people than ever before.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

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.

� This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. � 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, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0411 03/24

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CON TEN TS

Ad Deadline June 14, 2024

Next Issue “The Empowerment Issue" July | August 2024

Bishop O.C. Allen, III Photo by Oran "Prime" Williams

Shawn M. Clemons Administration/ Fashion Director

Gregory Graphics Layout/Design

Brodderick Roary Special Contributor

Dr. Umieca Hankton Special Contributor

Whitney Johnson Chief Editor

Kyra Bonet St James-Cassadine Transgender Correspondent

08-10

Cover Feature

Rahkel & Malik This is Not Ordinary Love

TEAM TUV

06 | Editor’s Letter Gwendolyn D. Clemons Wave Your Flag

12 | Health & Wellness Dr. Umieca N. Hankton What’s The Evidence That You Are Okay?

15 | Entertainment News Marleaux Jones retroLUV, Volume 1: Vent Sessions”

16

TUV Exclusive

Trey Pressley When Boy Meets Boy, A Love Story

17 | Community News Southern AIDS Coalition Saving Ourselves Symposium

19 | Spirituality Beth Trouy Rainbow Pride

20 | Special Contributor Brodderick D. Roary Believe in Yourself

14 22 Literary Corner 4 | CONTENTS

Bishop O.C. Allen, III The Success Code

Community News The LGBTQ+ Documentary Speaking Out

23 | Special Contributor David Wyley Long Pride Love

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CONTENTS |

5

WAVE YOUR FLAG I vividly remember the first

of my own community

"too gay!" To my surprise and

unrealistic standards on how

time someone told me I was

amusement, I hadn't realized such a concept existed.

Apparently, there's a subset of "elite gays" who believe

being gay should be cloaked in secrecy or extreme discretion.

In my view, this is like imposing a heteronormative standard

on those who live openly and proudly. I would even argue

ON THE COVER: In a world where our

democracy seems constantly under threat, it is even

more challenging for our

trans sisters and brothers.

Meet Rahkel and Malik, an

driven by jealousy, burdened

by constant worry about what others might think.

In 2024, I refuse to lead a life of seclusion when there is

so much to experience. Why

incredible couple captivating

wouldn't I wave my Gay Flag?

dynamic show, "TransWorld

for living unapologetically,

unapologetically showcase

of "they, them, and theirs."

the internet with their

Atlanta." They have chosen to what it means to live and love

as transgender individuals.

We hope that by learning about their lives, you will

gain a newfound respect and

understanding for trans love.

Gwendolyn D. Clemons MBA, MSM, PRC, Editor-In-Chief

6 | EDITOR’S LETTER

that these individuals are

"Waving your gay flag" is slang unbothered by the opinions We are the people who show affection to our partners in

public and refuse to diminish

our existence to make others comfortable. It's deeply

unsettling to see members

(LGBTQIA+) attempt to impose we should behave.

June is Pride Month, our time

to celebrate diversity, prepare for parades and marches,

or simply wear our rainbow

colors. However you choose to express your truth, don't let anyone—absolutely no one—diminish your life!

Wave that flag proudly and let it fly in their faces!

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, YA’LL!

THIS IS

NOT ORDINARY LOVE

Rahkel & Malik

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND MALIK BEEN IN A RELATIONSHIP? A: We started conversing on July 17, 2017, on Instagram about the spiritual warfare Malik was experiencing at

the time and he reached out for guidance and prayer. We

remained in contact and our

friendship continued to grow;

however, we did not elevate our

—Malik

This June will mark 4 years that we have been together.

Q: HOW WOULD YOU BOTH DESCRIBE THIS RELATIONSHIP AND WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? is different first of course because we are both

transgender individuals and our relationship came out of our Love for the Lord.

MALIK: I believe we have a very special relationship, because

it was born out of our love and

passion for God. For me, I fell in love with the way Rahkel loves

the Lord, and I didn’t have that in my last relationship.

Q: AS A TRANS COUPLE WHY IS REPRESENTATION IMPORTANT FOR THE BOTH OF YOU? RAHKEL: It is important that

other trans people see it can happen. It is most important

that our community, especially trans people, see that we can

serve GOD, because God loves us all, and we are worthy of

health love and relationship.

MALIK: Representation is

important for me as a Trans | COVER STORY

our lives boldly and unapologetically as who we identify as.

relationship until June of 2020.

RAHKEL: Our relationship

8

ToWethe readers: simply want to live

Couple because it shows that

goal is to share stories of

matter how you identify.

triumph, and resilience. All

love is love and it can exist no Q: PLEASE TELL US ABOUT TRANSWORLD ATLANTA.

empowerment, beauty, love, Lives Matter and Transgender individuals are human.

A: TransWorld Atlanta is about

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU

Often trans and non-binary

KNOW ABOUT THE TRANS

not transgender or non-binary,

RAHKEL: We want your readers

individuals to tell their unique

are human too. We deserve

telling stories by real people.

LIKE OUR READERS TO

stories are told by those that are

COMMUNITY?

but TransWorld allows these

to know that we as trans people

and authentic stories. The

purpose of TransWorld is to save lives. We want to show young

people that they are not alone.

We know that often children

don't quite have the words for

what they feel on the inside but

shows like TransWorld Provides representation.

The one thing that we have learned over the years is

that representation matters.

TransWorld takes a deep dive

to have the rights to live our

A native of Atlantic City, New

cut us, we will bleed just like

children born to Deirdre I. Henry

people. The reality is if you

them. Yes, some of our lives

are fascinating but we deserve to live it to the fullest and not

live our lives without the fear of thinking that just because we

are trans, we don't deserve to

be afraid whether we'll make it

home just because of someone's insecurities of the self.

MALIK: I would like the readers

provides knowledge on what it

too, and we just want to exist

means to be a transgendered father giving birth. Stories

of injustice and hate are also being shared. Every season the TransWorld franchise's

Rashel Henry

lives and the same laws as cis

into those that are living with or at high risk for HIV. TransWorld

Ms. Rahkel

to know that we are people

and be treated fairly. We don’t

mean any harm to anyone. We

just simply want to live our lives boldly and unapologetically as who we identify as.

Jersey. She is the oldest of five and the late Richard A. Jones.

She attended the Public-School System in Atlantic City. Rahkel

preached her first sermon titled “The Name of Jesus “at the

tender age of fifteen, at her

home church Glorious United Pentecostal Church where at

the time her Pastor was Robert F. Hargrove II. By the age of

nineteen she was clear that she needed to make some

decisions to be completely and

authentically comfortable in her skin. Rahkel had always known as early as the age of five that

there was something different COVER STORY |

9

about her. To respond to what

The Fellowship of Affirming

age of twenty-one she began

Yevette Flunder of Oakland,

she had always felt by the

hormonal therapy to aid in her body taking on more of the

form of looking like what she had always felt.

Ministers led by Bishop Dr.

CA. To Rahkel’s credit she has

Malik is the Director of Faith

LGBTQI conferences and has

Foundation and serves on the

spoken on various panels for

also been the speaker at many

At the age of twenty-seven

LGBTQI community services.

where she began to attend

same gender loving marriage

she moved to Atlanta, Georgia

Rahkel performed her first

church again due to her

in 2018. Rahkel also dedicated

stopping years prior only

to realize that God still had

a calling on her life through

living in her now new truth of being a transgender woman.

She joined a church called

Tabernacle Baptist Church

whose motto is “A Place of Love and Acceptance” where the

pastor is Dennis A. Meredith.

His wife at that time decided to assemble a women’s

day choir that consisted of biological women, persons

who show up as women, and

anyone who lived as a woman.

Rahkel became a member

of the choir, and her world

finally came together. Through this experience Rahkel felt

complete in her body and now the major components of her

life were now cohesive, she was now realigned with the call on her life to ministry.

A few years later she would help to start a ministry in Atlanta,

GA called The Vision Church of Atlanta where the pastors

and founders were Oliver Clyde Allen and Will Horn. The Vision

Church of Atlanta is where she

became an ordained elder in the Lord's church. Currently Rahkel is a member of the Rehoboth

Fellowship of Atlanta, where her pastor and founder is Bishop Troy Sanders. The church

serves in ministry as a part of

10 | COVER STORY

Initiatives for the I Am Human

the first transitional house in

Atlanta for transwomen, through

board of Directors of Dream

Catchers Foundation, as Head

Malik Brown

the organization A Vision 4

Introducing Malik Brown, AKA

and direction of Mr. Dwayne

are (He, Him, and Sir) and he

Hope, under the leadership Crowder. Rahkel currently

works at TWOC Healing Project, where she serves as the Project Coordinator for the healing

through the highways campaign.

Many years ago, Rahkel learned that “when purpose is not

known abuse is inevitable”

and with that being said she continues to do the work

that God has called to her

hands, both in the church, secular arena, and in the

LGBTQI community. Rahkel

is an anointed prayer warrior, has been involved in helping

couples successfully navigate

relationship issues, advocated for the marginalized and

Malik Santiago. His pronouns

identifies as a Transgendered

stars of the groundbreaking

Glaad nominated Docu Reality Tv Series -TransWorld Atlanta.

Malik is the 2023 recipient

of the Pioneer of Resilience

Award, honored and presented

by The Trans Life Awards!

Malik is also the founder and

located in Atlanta, Georgia. In

House of Santiago, Est 2003.

Alonzo A. Crim High School

2007. Malik attended the Fulton County Public Safety Training Center, where he obtained

his Basic Law Enforcement

certification as a Mandated Peace Officer for the State

of Georgia. Malik earned his associate and bachelor's

degrees in criminal justice/ Homeland Security and his

Masters’s Degree in Criminal

Justice Legal Studies at Saint Leo University. Malik was

inducted into the PI Gamm

Mu International Honor Society,

underserved communities,

many men and women in the

Sigma National Criminal

national community.

is one of the Producers and

Male. Malik is a graduate of

the Omega Nu Lambda Honors

and is cherished as a parent to

of Transgender Services. Malik

Society, and the Alpha Phi Justice Honors Society.

father of the Ever-popular He Is a living Icon in the

community and a legend in

the pageantry world, where he has won the titles of Mr.

Essence of Beauty (Jackson,

MS.), Mr. Savannah Players Ball (Savannah, GA.), Mr. Esquire (Nashville, TN.), Mr. Studd

Continental (Atlanta, GA.), Mr. Towers II Entertainer of The

Year (Atlanta, GA.), Mr. Phase I

Entertainer of the year (Atlanta, GA.), Mr. Atlanta King (Atlanta, GA.), Mr. Black Renaissance

(Atlanta, GA.), Mr. Sweetheart International (Jacksonville, FL.) and Mr. South Florida

International (Orlando, FL).

TransWorld All Lives Matter and

Transgender individuals are human.

By Dr. Umieca N. Hankton

you entertaining in your head?

inquiry helps them to name why

have spent hours inquiring

self-assess their “okay-ness.”

about people’s feelings and

You may be asking, “How do

them to say, “I’m okay,” when

questions. Examining your

uncovering what it means for they were not. Through the

years, I have learned that “okay” is a default response that

doesn’t provide any information about the condition of the

person’s head, heart, or spirit.

My clients would be the first

to tell you that we begin every session with a temperature

check. I want to know how they feel, including the challenging emotions they attempt to

camouflage in a neatly wrapped response of “okay.” When

given the response of “okay,” I ask them to check in with

themselves and to make contact with the emotions present.

Why is this temperature check

important? Well, it ushers them into the present moment and

allows them to take inventory of what they feel emotionally and physiologically. This presentmoment awareness helps us collaboratively identify what

needs to be healed, resolved, or managed. The ability

to acknowledge their

feelings is a skill I work hard to support them

in building. Being able

to name their feelings helps

them care for themselves based on the feelings present and,

when shared with others, allows others the chance to show

up for them in a helpful way.

In those instances when their

response remains, “I’m okay,” I

12 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

this approach in the future to

I know if I’m not okay?” Great T.E.A. (thoughts, emotions, and actions) is one way to

engaging in the following:

1. Maintain routines (work/

social/family/religious) as

routines provide structure and stability

2. Prioritize your needs

(consider what requires

immediate attention and what you can revisit at a later time)

determine whether you are

3. Surround yourself with people

not okay or potentially may be

4. Schedule a consultation

okay. A few signs that you are approaching the point of not

being okay include the presence of unhelpful, harmful, or

overwhelming thoughts. If you

are no longer interested in doing

who support and uplift you appointment with a mental health provider

5. Practice good physical health

(nutrition and movement)

things you enjoy, feel lethargic

6. Lean more into practices you

body aches or changes in your

not feel like enjoying them at

most days, have unexplained

weight, appetite, sleep, or libido, or find yourself irritable or

typically enjoy, even if you do the moment

snappy, these are signs that you may need support. If you find

yourself isolating or withdrawing from others, struggling to do

the things you typically do with ease, or engaging in numbing

m

For the last two decades, I

they are okay and they can use

being okay” passes, consider

a iec

N. H a

Dr. U

Now, how are you really feeling?

their okay-ness. This extended

ton

that you are okay?

simply ask for the evidence of

your body? What messages are

nk

What’s the evidence

We’re six months into an active 2024.

Goodness. How are you feeling?

If you’re like many folks, your initial response was probably, “I’m okay.” Well, let me ask differently.

At this very moment, what emotions do you feel in your heart?

What sensations do you feel in

behaviors, it is time to ask

for help. We have all heard

the saying, “It’s okay not to

be okay.” I support this belief

wholeheartedly. AND, it is not

Dr. Umieca Hankton (Dr. U.) is a

okay to camouflage not being

health treatment experience

okay to remain not okay. It is not okay with a disingenuous “I’m

okay.” When people ask, “How

are you feeling?” I hope you will dig deep inside your satchel of

courage and pull out an honest response that will allow others

to see you, hear you, and show up for you. I also hope you will

seek the support of a licensed mental health professional to support you along the way.

But, until your moment of “not

licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of mental across multiple treatment

settings. She founded UNH Counseling Services, a

behavioral health agency

that deliberately focuses on

the psychological health and wellness of BIPOC, LGBTQ+,

college students, and clergy.

Dr. Hankton has authored two self-help journals,

“Thriving on Purpose: Reflect.

Meditate. Plan. Implement''

and “B.R.A.V.I.N.G. the Grief.” To learn about treatment options

and services, please visit www.

UNHCounselingServices.com or call 901-300-9082.

HEALTH & WELLNESS |

13

Literary Corner

“retroLUV, Volume 1: Vent

The Success Code

Sessions” is an absolute labor of love, while I sorted through

my pain. I OFFICIALLY started recording this album back in

BISHOP O.C. ALLEN, III

2017, yeah, THAT long! This

was right around the time my

ex-fiancée and I broke off our engagement and split up.

I wuz a WRECK! I played

around with a few tracks and did some writing/recording

with different engineers, but nothing really panned out

until I met my producer and engineer, Ashton Harris.

We, Ash and I met at this

dope event back last year,

exchanged info, and hopped

B

ishop Oliver Clyde Allen

III is a religious trailblazer,

human rights advocate,

author, CEO founder and

Pastor of one of the largest affirming congregations in

the U.S., The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta. He is a member of the Mayors LGBTQ Advisory

Board and a Commissioner on the Atlanta Human Relations Commission. In 2014, he

was appointed by President Barack Obama to the

Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS through the

White House Office of AIDS

Policy. He has served as the

Southeastern Regional Chair of the Democratic National Committee LGBT Advisory Board. He is Executive

14 | ENTERTAINMENT

Director of Vision Community

Board of Preachers and

underserved populations in

Morehouse College.

Foundation which serves

greater Atlanta, provides HIV/ AIDS programs, and co-hosts

Atlanta Black Pride. He is CEO of iElevate+TV—a streaming network for marginalized

and black LGBTQ viewers.

He has been featured on

BET, CNN, and ABC. Bishop Allen has been honored by a host of community and

national groups including the “Trailblazers” of Rev. Jesse Jackson and The Rainbow Push Coalition

and the Georgia House of Representatives. In 2014,

Bishop Allen was inducted

into the prestigious Martin

Luther King Jr. International

Scholars, sponsored by He is married to Mr. Rashad Burgess, Vice-President of

Advancing Health and Black Equity for Gilead Sciences, Inc. They are the fathers of

2 children: Joshua and Caylee.

In 2013, Bishop Allen and

his family made history by

being the first same-genderloving couple to be selected as one of Ebony Magazine’s “top 10 Coolest Black

in the studio a couple of

One of the BEST things to

this record to both relate and

2023 until October that

Sessions” was me finding

press through life. Hopefully,

weeks later. From January year, we recorded the full album, 5 of the tracks

produced by Ash himself and managed to catch a good stride! Eventually,

the process became both

healing and therapeutic for me. The LP chronicles my

journey of working through my relationship baggage,

especially the songs “La La La” and “Down Bad,” I had

TONS to say and get off my

chest respectively, about my

frustrations with life and love, and my insecurities.

come from working on “Vent my niche. Ash really had a

HUGE hand in helping me find my sound and emphasizing my strong points. It was GREAT bouncing ideas

back and forth with him and

experimenting with different ways to use my vocals. I

definitely feel like I challenged myself on this LP. Hell, I’mma

gas myself up right quick and

just acknowledge the fact that I did some of my best writing

uplift the listeners as they this LP serves as a ray of

light for people as well as an affirmation of self-love and self-worth.

I hope the album resonates

when it fills ears. You can find my music on all streaming platforms! Stay tuned! marleauxjonesmusic marleauxjones

here [ Ijs… *shrugs*]! Just the same, I wanted to also use

About "The Success Code" Embark on a breathtaking

31-day expedition towards

greatness with "The

Success Code: A 31-Day Self-Sabotage Detox

Guide." This mesmerizing

self-help masterpiece holds

the key to unlocking the

hidden doors of emotional and mental growth,

transforming lives with its illuminating wisdom and

potent exercises.

Families'' in America.

Bishop O.C. Allen, III Photo

by Oran "Prime" Williams

BOOK AVAILABLE ON ocallen.com

ENTERTAINMENT |

15

From our first meeting I knew

that we would be together. He

From our first meeting I knew that we would be together.

S

o many people have

asked what made Ty the

one for me? Being single for over 7 years I had taken the

necessary time needed to get to know myself and to love

myself unconditionally. Ty has a very large following on Tik

Tok, being that social media is a powerful tool in our society

today. He loved doing Tik Tok dances or just showcasing

his talent in general. One day I decided to shoot my shot

and he told me that I had just

missed my chance because he

WHEN BOY

had just made it official with

his last partner. So being that

I’m a respectful guy I decided

to fall back and show love from a distance. As time went by, I’d occasionally stop by to show

love and he would say thanks and or I appreciate the love.

On August 28, 2023, I reached

out and gave him a compliment like I normally would but

this time he replied, “thank you baby.” This caught my

attention because he had never responded in that manner. So, I said, like I normally would, "I

mean no disrespect, I was just

showing love." He then replied,

A Trey Pressley Story 16 | THE UNLEASHED VOICE

“you’re good I would not have said baby if I wasn’t single." I

then sat straight up in my bed because I knew this was my

chance. He was still living in

Florida, and I was in Atlanta.

Working for Delta Airlines made it convenient for me to travel so I planned to visit him in Florida.

didn’t know this because he

wasn’t ready at the time, but

I knew! From that point on we

have been inseparable. Though

he still wasn’t ready I continued to push the envelope until one day he decided to give in. He

had plans to move back to Las

Vegas and I was in the process of getting my own place at the time. So, I said it didn’t make sense for him to move back

to Las Vegas and me to be in Atlanta, so I suggested that

he move to Atlanta with me.

SOS 2024 is Around the Corner!

alone because he would be on facetime with me to make the

decision whether we agree or disagree on a place. Once we

came to an agreement that was the beginning of our new life together. November of 2023

is when he officially made the move. Since then, we have

until June 15. After June 15,

August 15-18! This year's theme,

register today! Check out some

SOS 2024 is back in Atlanta from Vibrance: The Kaleidoscope

Effect, speaks to the different experiences, approaches,

voices, and diverse beauty of

our communities to create the

freedom and liberation we seek.

The conference will celebrate the vibrancy of individual

and collective strength, and how that manifest through

advocacy, artistic expression, and more. SOS 2024 will

I then started looking for a

place for us. I did not do this

We're excited to announce that

amplify the resonance of REGISTER NOW To register and for more information about the 2024 Saving Ourselves Symposium please visit: sosexperience.org/

sound the community creates when we come together in unity and strength.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION If you want the biggest bang for

your buck, Early Bird registration is for you! You can register for

the price goes up to $325, so photos from last year's SOS conference below. We hope you'll join us this year!

WHY REGISTER?

SOS 2024 is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with the Black LGBTQIA+ community, along with health and social

service providers, regional and national leaders, and a diverse

community of fierce allies. SOS

2024 attendees will connect on liberation! The SOS conference empowers and educates attendees on collective

movement work for Black LGBTQ Southerners with an emphasis on HIV. Come as you are and discover how to better align

toward our healing and freedom!

the early bird pricing of $250

been working hard to make sure our foundation is very

strong. We communicate about everything regardless of how uncomfortable it may be.

We truly started to live!!! I

surprised him with a trip to

Jamaica for his birthday, and

he took me on our first cruise together on Royal Caribbean.

We’re currently working on building our empire. He’s

working more on his music; I am back to hosting and

bartending and we are working

together on our athleisure wear line. Everyone also knows that

we have an Only Fans Page and that's helping us to make a lot of our dreams a reality.

We plan to continue to build not only our brands together but

also our love for one another.

Stay tuned because TNT is coming for IT ALL!!!!

THE UNLEASHED VOICE |

17

y

Beth Trou y

B

By Beth Trouy

of enough followers, then fear

said it was the rainbow posted

to do just about anything to a

that rainbow my wife posted

in his window. “Couples saw

can easily be used as a tool

marginalized group of people.

We throw a to be a very effective political parade. We tool for electing leaders. Get the people threatened and dance and angry that the other side is celebrate (...) taking away something from them and you have their vote. we believe, “Make America Great Again” (by as Dr. Martin banning books, rainbow flags, trans rights, demonizing the Luther King BLM, “woke” agenda, etc). Keep stated, “Hate American values in history books (by not telling the ugly cannot drive out truths of slavery, misogyny, hate, only love greed, ethnic cleansing, etc).

Truth? It’s always in the hands can do that.” of those in power.

“Us” against “them” continues

F

irst they came for the books. Then it was

American history. Now it has progressed to any symbol

that may ignite the “woke”

agendas. The rainbow flag

is on the endangered list as

one of these symbols. If you had told me a few years ago that the rainbow flag could

be banned from schools and public places, I would have

laughed at your insanity. Not

Why the rainbow flag now?

live in the land of the free and

flag mean anyway? Well, it

in America. Not here where we the right to free speech. And yet, here we are.

Our country has become more polarized than ever. We are on the precipice yet again

of electing a derisive, angry,

narcissist who knows how to incite fear in people to gain their blind loyalty. Forget

the kind words of “let’s work together and reach across the aisles to build a better

country for all of us.” Or, “Let’s pull together and respect

our differences and use our

diversity to make us stronger as one country.” History has

shown us time and again that

if a person can be charismatic enough to gain the attention

of God’s living creation.

What does the rainbow

It instills hope that one can

depends on who you ask

It’s also pretty darn colorful

I suppose. In the bible, it

was written as a covenant

between God and humanity that never again would the

land be flooded. “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it

will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

(Genesis 9:12-13). God’s

promise to God’s people to

spare them from destruction.

It was a love pact from the Creator to the created.

Maybe that’s why the LGBTQ+

community loves the symbol: it is a promise that God loves us, as we are and we too are part

and will be loved as they are. too and diverse, like us. Not to mention, it’s also in so many of our childhood memories: Lucky Charms, Smurfs, the Wizard of Oz… I even got a tattoo (the only one I have) of a rainbow. But harmful?

Derisive? Hardly.

I remember a meeting years ago at our Catholic LGBTQ

gathering when an ally spoke about the power of posting a

simple rainbow in his window at his office. He and his wife were life-long supporters of gay rights and inclusion. As

and they knew they would

be respected.” A covenant, a

promise to be loved. He knew how to confront fear.

As Pride Day comes around again, I’ll be particularly

happy to see the rainbow flag adorned throughout the park and in the parade. We know very well what it’s like to be

oppressed and scorned. We know very well the feeling of being made the “they”

against the powerful “we.”

We know how our words, our

actions, and our motives can be twisted and manipulated to fit a different agenda to

make us part of the problem

with what’s wrong in the world today. We also know how to

deal with such angry rhetoric, lies and threats against our safety and existence. We

throw a parade. We dance and

celebrate with music, food and festivity. Because we believe, as Dr. Martin Luther King

stated, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

In the face of fear,

which we know very well,

we stand together in peace, authenticity and much love.

What’s the recipe to “save” the rainbow flag? More flag flying and more love. Love will

always win. HAPPY PRIDE!

a pediatrician, he said he saw many gay couples through

the years. When asked how they knew to go to him, he

SPIRITUALITY |

19

M

any people struggle with low self-esteem and a

lack of confidence in who they are. Feeling proud of yourself is something that takes work

and cultivation. Having pride in

yourself means embracing your strengths and qualities without comparing yourself to others.

It is about feeling confident in

your abilities regardless of what others may think. Developing

TAKE PRIDE IN WHO YOU ARE

bath, reading an inspiring book,

mindset to view mistakes or rather than failures. Having

and family have as well; showing

Taking loving care of yourself

shows that you respect yourself and feel you are worth the

effort. It also relieves stress

and boosts mood, allowing your good qualities to shine through naturally with more pride.

GROWTH AND PUSH YOU

ways to start feeling proud of

COMFORT ZONE.

of life. Here are some effective

SLIGHTLY OUT OF YOUR

THEY MAY SEEM. This could include things like your work ethic, kindness,

sense of humor, education level achieved, hobbies you excel at, jobs well done, relationships you value, acts of service,

and more. Get specific about your strengths rather than generalizing. Seeing your

qualities and wins written down

Goals provide purpose and

momentum while also giving

you wins to feel proud of as you achieve them. Celebrate the

small wins along the way and

avoid negative self-talk if you

encounter setbacks. Shift your delays as learning experiences goals, working towards them,

and gaining competence in new areas through achievement

fosters increasing pride in your

A GOOD FRIEND TALK TO

on perceived flaws or failures.

RATHER THAN WHAT YOU

YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE

Refer to this list when you need a

CAN DO FOR THEM.

OF YOUR PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING. Make healthy choices about nutrition, exercise, sleep,

SPEAK TO YOURSELF WITH

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH

self-worth rather than dwelling

AND TAKING LOVING CARE

relationships, and pride.

COMPASSION RATHER THAN

PEOPLE WHO APPRECIATE

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

gratitude improves mood,

capabilities.

helps you recognize your true

confidence boost.

YOUR INHERENT QUALITIES,

While it may not happen overnight, trying each day to appreciate your positive qualities, care for your well-being, set meaningful goals, choose empowering relationships and use encouraging self-talk will gradually strengthen your self-esteem and confidence from within.

or getting your favorite coffee.

improve your outlook and quality

MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL

THROUGH APPRECIATING

whether it is taking a relaxing

MEANINGFUL FOR YOUR

AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, NO

resilience, and pride.

each day to pamper yourself,

conscious effort but can

YOUR POSITIVE QUALITIES

By Brodderick D. Roary

creatively fulfilling. Do small acts

SET GOALS THAT ARE

START BY MAKING A LIST OF

Building Pride and Confidence from the Inside Out

daily source of empowerment,

hobbies you find meaningful or

real pride from within takes

who you are.

BeLIEVE In YoUSELf:

and managing stress. Pursue

Spend less time with critical or energy-draining people and more time cultivating

relationships with those who

celebrate your positive qualities and bring out the best in you.

Their belief in you will help

strengthen your own self-belief.

CRITICISM. WOULD YOU LET THEMSELVES THE WAY YOU MAY SOMETIMES TALK TO

STRENGTHS, AND LIFE EXPERIENCES RATHER THAN WHAT YOU HAVE OR DO NOT HAVE MATERIALLY. External factors like appearance, wealth, status, or other people’s opinions often have little

bearing on true self-worth.

Developing pride from within

starts with embracing yourself

unconditionally and loving who you are every day.

IN CONCLUSION, cultivating

real pride in yourself is a journey that takes commitment to selfreflection and growth. While

it may not happen overnight,

trying each day to appreciate your positive qualities, care for your well-being, set

meaningful goals, choose

empowering relationships

and use encouraging self-talk will gradually strengthen your self-esteem and confidence from within. Small acts of

self-compassion go a long

way. With time and practice,

developing self-pride becomes a sustainable mindset that

serves you well through all life’s difficulties. You deserve to feel

YOURSELF IN YOUR HEAD?

confident and comfortable in

Be conscientious of negative self-

who you are unconditionally,

talk patterns and replace them

with kind, understanding self-talk.

Say encouraging things to boost your mood and confidence

rather than tear yourself down.

With practice, you can transform your inner dialogue into a

your own skin. By embracing

you free yourself from basing

your worth on external factors outside of your control. True

pride comes from honoring your inherent dignity and value as a human being.

Express appreciation for the positive impact your friends

20 | THE UNLEASHED VOICE

THE UNLEASHED VOICE |

21

PRIDE LOVE

SPEAKING OUT

Webster’s Dictionary defines the

T H E LG B T Q + D O C U M E N TA R Y

“SPEAKING OUT” KICKS OFF PRIDE MONTH MAKING ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE LOS ANGELES LATINO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ON JUNE 1ST. The new groundbreaking

documentary feature film

presented by Impulse Group in association with AIDS Healthcare Foundation

shines a necessary light on often unspoken trauma

experienced by men who have endured both mental abuse and physical violence.

The anticipated documentary "Speaking Out" directed by

John Solis will make its World Premiere at the Los Angeles

Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) on Saturday, June

1st, 2024, at 3:45pm PT, as a kickoff to Pride Month. The

moving LGBTQ+ documentary,

produced by BrightBulb Studio and Cabaldana Alchemy and presented by Impulse Group in association with AIDS

sheds a necessary light on the very often unspoken trauma

experienced by men who have

suffered from both mental abuse and physical violence.

"Speaking Out" delves into the

sensitive traumatic topics within the LGBTQ+ community.

22 | THE UNLEASHED VOICE

can heal people from the inside

that celebrates LGBTQ+

issues that are prevalent among

honored and awestruck that

the screening, there will be a

heighten awareness about

gay and cisgender men alike,

highlighting their commonality despite the frequent silence

and shame surrounding them

because of the stigmas tied to

traditional notions of masculinity.

Through heartfelt interviews and compelling narratives,

"Speaking Out" is educating

and destigmatizing discussions surrounding trauma and abuse suffered by men in general.

The feature film tells the stories

of the trauma and abuse endured by three openly proud gay

men, Jose, Charlie and Rigg,

who underwent an emotional journey towards healing and

becoming resilient, overcoming their past, to finally be able to speak out. The film confronts painful subjects that reflect

stark realities. Throughout the documentary, mental health

experts provide insights into the

emotional and mental challenges faced by the men. They steer the conversation towards optimism, offering resources, education, and instilling hope in the

audience by demonstrating that

trauma can be overcome through seeking help and speaking out.

Director John Solis says, “I

created ‘Speaking Out' from a

vision of vulnerability and love with the ultimate hope that it

out. As a Latino filmmaker, I’m

‘Speaking Out’ will premiere at

LALIFF, giving us the opportunity to begin our journey of sharing this important message of healing with the world.”

Jose Ramos, who founded

Impulse Group in 2009 and

is now the National Director

of Sales at AHF, is one of the brave men that shares the

story of his experience and

his journey towards recovery from physical violence. As

part of the producing team as

well, he comments, “As a team predominantly composed of Latinos, being selected to

showcase our work at LALIFF

holds deep significance for us. It represents not only a validation of our creative endeavors

but also an affirmation of the

importance of representation in the film industry."

The premiere of "Speaking

Out" at LALIFF not only marks a significant moment for the film but also serves as the

official kick-off to Pride Month, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and

storytelling. It also showcases the power of storytelling

to drive social impact and

promote inclusivity. Attendees can expect an emotional and

thought-provoking experience

pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements,

identities and voices. Following

the achievements of those with whom one is closely

30-minute Q&A session with the

associated, or from qualities

producers and cast, providing

or possessions that are

attendees with an opportunity to

widely admired.

engage directly with the creative

HOW AM I FULL OF GAY

minds behind the documentary.

PRIDE?

"I believe ‘Speaking Out’

This five-letter word has always

serves as both a mirror and

been so loaded. If you are a

a megaphone for the LGBTQ

community, especially for gay

men who have endured trauma and sexual assault. In a world

where stigma still looms large, ‘Speaking Out’ stands as a

beacon of hope, reminding every gay man that their voice matters, their pain is valid, and they

are not alone in their journey

towards healing and resilience.” shares Co-Executive Producer Miguel Angel Caballero

Following its World Premiere at LALIFF, "Speaking Out" aims to continue its mission to inspire

and empower individuals around the globe, and through film

reader of my articles (and if

I am determined to find my person, but I will use this pride month to celebrate everything in my community, with an eye out for the love I need and desire.

festivals and future distribution, continue its journey, reaching audiences worldwide and

advocating for people to speak out and seek help.

v

id Wyley ng Lo

Healthcare Foundation (AHF),

The documentary seeks to

By D a

THE LGBTQ+ DOCUMENTARY

word pride as: a feeling of deep

many emotions that lingered in my life in regards to my

sexuality. As we start the 2024 Pride season, celebrating gay

liberation, I often wonder about

the disconnect within my life and

overall scope of everything pride.

To start, I am a lover of all things Gay Pride. It is grand, over the

top, and all the things that fill my cup each and every year. I am

very lucky and blessed to come from the New Jersey/New York City area, and attended New

York City Pride for years, and often went back every June,

after I moved to Tennessee in

2012. The supreme jubilation, and pure joy that the people, sounds, and sights that I

encountered on the many

pride floats, going down Fifth

forever be a beautiful memory

For more information about "Speaking

cemented in my brain. The love

Out" and its World Premiere at LALIFF, please visit:

bit.ly/3R3avmF

constantly confronted with the

Avenue on Manhattan Island will

KNOW MORE

speakingoutthemovie.com

you are, let me know!!), I am

You can find David on social media, via Facebook: David Wyley Long, or via email: davidwyleylong@gmail.com.

was so real and uplifting and in abundance. Also, the millions

of smiles were infectious, and it

made being gay “cool” at least for that day.

Now, I currently live in a

southern state, and the feeling of pride is fleeting. I live in a

state that doesn’t truly honor my fullness, and wicked

ideologies from city and state elected officials continues

to be a thorn in my side. But, I still enjoy the rich pride

celebrations. It feels good, and good to see my people. While the rainbow coalition is full of

very interesting people from all walks of life, I am hopeful this Pride will reveal itself to be a

new opportunity to deepen my respect and admiration for the community I serve, but also a

expressions are having difficulty in finding someone that they are competitive with. Within

my search for my person, for a monogamous love affair. I am stumped at the options, but

also the huge shift in dating.

Many people are “open” or

have given up on love. While

many can blame social media,

and other modern hiccups that

were not present a decade ago

including the wide array of apps to meet someone. But, I remain

single, but more optimistic. I am determined to find my person, but I will use this pride month

to celebrate everything in my

community, with an eye out for the love I need and desire.

part of. As a seasoned social

This beautiful black man asked a

always happy to see the many

He is in a place in his life where

worker through the years, I am members I have served and enjoyed through the years.

In other love news, as I try to

finally figure out this relationship

fair question “Can you wow me?” he is okay. His career is good, his house is better and his peace is

perfect. How do I fit in? He wants to know and needs to be wowed.

code, and find a loving partner

While I agree and understand

a great man in North Carolina

stamina and strength do I have

and my “person.” I recently met that truly impressed me with

his wit, candor, and ability to tell

very detailed stories with plenty of vigor and spice. It was great

to listen, and be enthralled and

yoked by someone my age. The obvious question “Why are you

single?” is always cringe worthy

for me, as it assumes the person

can go to the local grocery store and find a suitable partner and

be done with it. The struggle to find someone is quite real and

very difficult. Everyone, across all sexualities, and gender

his sentiments, I wonder what

to “wow” this man, and get the love I desire and want. I would say need, but at this present time it is a desire and want.

I’m hopeful.

To conclude, use this Pride

Season as a catalyst for you

o deepen your understanding

of self and to love on community a bit more! We all could use a longer hug or a good loving session to make all the

world troubles disappear for a moment.

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