Bleu Magazine Issue #74 Lee Daniels by Bleu Magazine

V O L U M E

MISTERB&B

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Table of

Contents

62 COVER STORY

s Photography by Sebastian Kim

LEE DANIELS

m i s e m i m

photography by Isha Shah

Table of

Contents

14 Activism by Bleu

58 Cars Porsche

18 Access by Bleu

68 Feature Jessica Betts

20 Gadgets

24 Soled Up

72 Books

74 Feature Homage to POSE

28 Grooming SuperDope Q

76 Feature In Memoriam of Ari Gold

30 Fuel Chef Jeff

78 Humans Sixto Cancel

36 Native Son

46 The Creatives Derick Monroe

52 Travel

84 Feature Jordan E. Cooper

90 Icon Marsha P. Johnson

MisterB&B

56 Travel The Mexican Riviera

Photography by Andre Perry

MASTHEAD

On the Cover LEE DANELS Photography By SEBASTIAN KIM

Publisher/Editorial Direction

Contributing Writers

AD Sales:

DéVon Christopher Johnson

Reginald Dominique, Kirby Wright, Jamie Rollo,

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Meg Wardrop, Cataanda James, Sable Tempestt,

Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison

Art Direction & Design

Myrlaun Walker

Web Design Muhammad Azeem

Contributing Photographers Sebastian Kim, Ricky Day, Hoshi Joell,

Ecommerce Partnerships

Harvey Jackson

Justin Wallace

Vee Banionis, Agnes Mazeikate

Managing Editor

Contributing Editors

Licenses & Joint Ventures

Chevy Wolf

David DeGraff,Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips

Interns

Special Projects Coordinator

Madison Allison, Ashley Gallardo

Antheny Raiy

Taylor Edwards

West Coast Fashion Editor Apuje Kalu

Brand Ambassadors

UK Fashion Editor

Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest)

Sean Azeez

Newsstand Distribution

Copy Editor

TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste.

Trevoy Ross, William Flores

400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Staff Writer Elysia Tanswell

THE BLEU LIFE MEDIA GROUP

Submissions Bleu Magazine

Graphic Design Digital & Ecommerce

Chairman, CEO & President

26 Broadway, 3rd floor

Anahi Flores

DéVon Christopher Johnson

New York, NY 10004

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Still don’t know what I was waitin’ for And my time was runnin’ wild A million dead end streets and Every time I thought I’d got it made It seemed the taste was not so sweet So I turned myself to face me But I’ve never caught a glimpse How the others must see the faker I’m much too fast to take that test Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Turn and face the strange Ch-ch-changes Don’t want to be a richer man Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Turn and face the strange Ch-ch-changes There’s gonna have to be a different man Time may change me But I can’t trace time DAVID BOWIE CHANGES

The past 18 months will go down in history as one of the greatest tests of human adaptability. The world has changed without an invitation. It’s like spontaneous combustion. We are dealing with a multitude of catastrophic situations. COVID-19 seemed like the likely frontrunner of the aggressors. However, climate change showed up in ways usually saved for doomsday movies set centuries in the future. The storms are stronger. The flooding is higher. And the economic impact is unfathomable. Then of course humanity itself can’t seem to be at peace with each other, so we are dealing with Afghanistan too. How, do you have a harder time leaving a place than you did invading it? Is it too late for us to change? The answer is a little more complicated than yes or no. I’m leaning toward a strong maybe. Which is sad. We need a healthy planet to exist at all. The air we breathe and the food we eat depends on it. But, who makes the rules and has control is what causes the wars that we can’t seem to avoid. So diseases and superstorms slip in and throw us for a loop. It’s a vicious cycle that is totally manmade. We have to be the change we want to see. This must be a unified effort. A selfish existence can only lead to self destruction. Let’s work together. Let’s live together.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

Issue 74

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Kent

OLDEN

Meg

WA R D R O P

Reginald

DOMINIQUE

Elysia

TA N S W E L L

Cataanda

JAMES

Born and raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana Reginald Dominique quickly took the networking approach to his advantage by getting out and being recognized. As an Alumnus Tiger, of Texas Southern University with a BA Degree in Mass Communication and a Minor in Journalism, Reggie has worked on many projects including several Super Bowls, ESPYS, Award shows, and many more as well as having interviewed some of your favorite celebrities. Reggie currently is a freelance journalist and serves as StyleMagazine.com Lead Videographer/Editor and Social Media Editor.

Elysia Tanswell is a lifestyle and culture writer from Britain. Quiet in person, she found that writing was a great way to make her point without being interrupted. Elysia started her writing career by taking part in a whirlwind internship right here at Bleu! Her pieces cover everything from adjusting to NYC, to being baffled by mandatory patriotism, to only slightly sarcastic responses to persistent millennial bashing.

Cataanda James is a consummate hair and makeup influencer with a fervor for words and story telling.

Adam

Sable

Sable Tempest Sweeper is an author, freelance writer, and practicing limited permit Psychotherapist (MHC-LP) . Sable incorporates normalization and bringing awareness to mental health issues. Focusing on person-centered, narrative, and family therapy, Sable provides a comfortable, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment that allows clients to be vulnerable while working towards wellness through psychotherapy.

TEMPEST SWEEPER

MAGAZINE

Meg is a thot residing in New York City. She graduated from The New School in 2018 with a degree in literature and a minor in religion. A child of the recession, currently she has been reduced to sitting in her bedroom longing for the day the government decides to start helping the people it governs. She’s passionate about Britney Spears and believes in wellness walks. She also writes sometimes.

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the television panel game QI. After leaving he began to investigate other languages, examining 280 dictionaries and 140 websites. This led to the creation of his first book of three in 2005, The Meaning of Tingo, featuring words that have no equivalent in the English language. He is now a regular international travel writer and luxury hotel reviewer, having written for the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph and numerous travel print and website publications.

JACOT DE BOINOD

Buffalo native Kent Olden is an Aquarian creative who gets excited to push people to see life through a different set of shades. Extremely involved in his community, he is a proud and active member of both Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons (Paramount Lodge #73), and instills that commitment to community in his daughters, Kendall and Khloe (no, they’re NOT named after the Kardashians -- he didn’t even know who they were when his daughters were born). Kent holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) and an M.S. in Public Relations Management from Buffalo State College (Buffalo, NY). Kent’s favorite thing about being a part of the Bleu team is when our Founder + CEO calls him out in meetings and on conference calls to share who his famous relative is -- because he very rarely talks about it on his own!

IT’S NOT JUST A MAGAZINE

BLEUMAG.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

it’s a lifestyle. Issue 74

AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

Fighting For The Right To Just Be! Activism is a worldwide effort. With people of various cultural backgrounds fighting for many underrepresented groups, equality for all people appears to be more in reach. Many communities, specifically Black and LGBTQ+, suffer from disadvantages of outdated societal policies. And these leaders are paying it forward and moving mountains for those who continue to go unheard.

A l i c e N ko m Alice Nkom is a well-known Cameroonian lawyer and activist. Born in 1945 in Poutkak, Cameroon in West Africa to Martin Nkom Bayi and Alice Ngo Bikang. Alice was the oldest child and had 10 younger siblings. Alice pursued higher education in France at the University of Toulouse. At the age of 24, Alice became Cameroon’s first female attorney in 1969. Throughout her law career Nkom was most known for defending vulnerable people, including those a part of the LGBTQ+ community, impoverished people, political prisoners, and women. Alice has been a stakeholder in one of the most reputed law firms in her country since 1976. In 2003 Nkom founded a nonprofit organization to help protect the LGBTQ+ community, the Association for the Defense of Homosexuals (ADEFHO). In Cameroon, engaging in sexual acts with the same sex can lead to legal consequences. By 2011 Nkom had taken part in 50 trials involving LGBTQ+ people. Gaining recognition for her work, the Association for the Defense of Gay and Lesbian Rights (ADEFHO) Foundation was granted 300,000 euros by the European Union, causing the Cameroon government to threaten Alice with imprisonment, however, they were unsuccessful. 14

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AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

Indya Moore Indya Moore is an American actor and model, born in the Bronx, New York on January 17, 1995. Moore moved around frequently growing up, was bullied often, and left home at 14 years old due to their parents’ transphobic views. They dropped out of school at 15, which is also when they pursued their modeling career. Moore began booking shoots for Gucci and Christian Dior. In 2017 Moore appeared in New York’s Fashion Week, in Vogue España, and Katy Perry’s music video Swish Swish. They were also cast in their well-known role in Ryan Murphy’s FX television series Pose. The show premiered in 2018, on June 3rd, with over 50 transgender characters. The series takes place during the AIDS epidemic and depicts how ignored and mistreated the LGBTQ+ community was during the time. The beloved series was renewed for a second season which premiered on June 11, 2019. In 2019 TIME magazine listed the actor and model as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Moore promotes activist work on their social media, sending donations to people in need. Moore has upcoming projects in the works including Escape Room, which will be released on July 16, 2021.

Amandla Stenberg Born in Los Angeles, California, on October 23, 1998, Amandla is an actress and singer born to Karen Brailsford and Tom Stenberg. Colombiana was Stenberg’s debut film, which premiered in 2011. Amandla gained recognition from their role playing Rue in The Hunger Games based on Suzanne Collins’ book series. The role won them a Teen Choice Award for “Best Chemistry”. Stenberg is non-binary using the pronouns she, her, they, them - they’re known for their outspokenness and views regarding feminism and LGBTQ+ youth. In 2015, they were named “Feminist of the Year” by the Ms. Foundation for Women. Their single Let My Baby Stay was played in their 2018 film Everything, Everything. Stenberg received widespread praise for their role in The Hate You Give, based on the Black Lives Matter movement. Amandla was awarded a significant number of awards for the role, including an NAACP Image Award.

Issue 74

AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

Ashton Mota Born in Lowell, Massachusetts Ashton Mota is one of 12 young ambassadors for the Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ organization in the nation. Ashton came out as transgender to his entire school community, as well as his mother on his 12th birthday. Following Ashton coming out to his peers he immediately hopped into activist work speaking up for the Black and LGBTQ+ community. Ashton formed a Gay-Straight alliance at his middle school. Ashton aims to build, maintain, and support communities. In 2018 Mota was a devoted supporter of the Yes On 3 campaign to keep a law that allows transgender individuals to use the spaces that correspond with their gender identity. Mota became one of the public faces of the campaign and aimed to show people in his community how overturning the law would affect him and other transgender individuals. Mota has a bright future ahead of him and has already made a positive impact within his community at such a young age.

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John Amaechi Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 26th, 1970, John Amaechi, is a consultant, physiologist, and former professional basketball player. Amaechi was signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995. On ESPN’s Outside the Lines program, Amaechi became one of the first players of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to publicly come out as gay and speak about their sexuality in February 2007. The announcement gained both positive and negative feedback; some players were not very accepting of John’s announcement. However, other players such as Shaquille O’Neal told the New York Daily News “If he was on my team, I guess I would have to protect him from the outsiders. I’m not homophobic or anything. I’m not the type who judges people, I wish him well.” After retiring from basketball Amaechi started his own company, Amaechi Performance Systems. Not only has Amaechi paved the way for other LGBTQ+ athletes and people to feel comfortable coming out and owning their sexuality, but John also does activism work against racism and openly shows his support for athletes doing the same.

AC T I V I S M BY B L E U

Phill Wilson Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 22, 1965, Phil Wilson is an activist, educator, and organizer. In 1981 Wilson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University. Wilson began his journey in activism, following the passing of his partner, who died from an HIV-related illness. During the AIDS epidemic, the Black community was neglected, and Phil wanted to do something to help and bring the community together. Wilson was already involved in the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago, however, in 1982 he moved to Los Angeles, which is where he started his activist lifestyle. In 1983, Phil organized his first event dedicated to those who lost their lives due to AIDS. Following this Phil became the Director of Policy and Planning for the AIDS Project. He went on to work for other organizations, however, he took a break in 1997. When Phil returned to his life of activism he founded the Black AIDS Institute in 1999. Phil’s organization has helped the African American community receive grants to educate and help efforts centered around AIDS and HIV. In 2010, Wilson became the co-chair of the disparities subcommittee for President Obama’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. In 2018, Phil retired as CEO of his foundation, making way for a new leader to step up and lead the organization in the future.

Andrea Jenkins Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1961, Andrea Jenkins is a politician, performance artist, writer, poet, and transgender activist. Andrea is the first Black transgender woman to be elected to public office. In 1979, Jenkins moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota. She returned to pursue higher education at the age of 30, finishing her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University, following two master’s degrees in creative writing from Hamline University and a Masters of Science in community economic development from Southern New Hampshire University. In 2005, Jenkins won a fellowship for her work on Elizabeth Glidden’s staff, which in 2014 helped establish the Transgender Issues Work Group. Jenkins was featured in an article and on the cover of Time magazine in 2018, along with other women who ran for office in 2017 and 2018. Jenkins is recognized worldwide for her work and contributions. She has received numerous awards and has positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community.

Issue 74

AC C E S S BY B L E U

Words by TAYLOR EDWARDS

Big Block Parties with DJ B-Hen It’s a vibe! Long before the popular 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla Sign collaboration, “it’s a vibe” was a feeling best described by the energy of the B-Hen Block Party. First known as Brian Henry - a Baltimore native - DJ B-Hen birthed his brand in Atlanta, Georgia on the campus of the Atlanta University Center by way of Morehouse College. With famous alumni that include Spike Lee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John David Washington, among others, Henry has no fear in setting a standard for his craft and his people. And because “words don’t teach like experiences do”, Brian Henry’s DJ B-Hen Block Party has provided the liveliest, most melanated block party hosted by a disc jockey in our time. With a flaring reputation, the B-Hen Block Party keeps growing into the biggest, exclusive, yet inclusive party on the West Coast. Crisp sounds, everyday people, and a music menu to feed the hungry, everyone leaves the B-Hen Block Party full and satisfied. (Again, it’s a vibe!) From the colorful lighting to the custom cups [because you “bust a move” best with maximum hydration] and the infamous “fire truck”, you will not find a better party. No wait. No sections.

No VIP. EVER. One ticket, one party, and one man of the hour: Brian Henry. Making patrons party for a purpose, the B-Hen Block Party is more than a home for party-goers, it is an ongoing celebration of Henry’s love for his mother and her fight with cancer. Meshing his love for music and his mission to combat cancer, the B-Hen Block Party meets in the middle, infusing awareness into the show. As a celebration for the culture, DJ B-Hen’s latest Juneteenth Block Party installment brought the stars out with singer and actress, Brandy making a cameo. Onlookers that “wanna be down” with B-Hen Block Party experience outside of Los Angeles are in for a treat. For the first time, Brian Henry takes the show on the road, beginning in the South, Atlanta, Georgia. What inspired you to first create the B-Hen Block Party? What was the moment that moved you to expand to different cities? In 2014 I was inspired to create this event in response to a venue manager telling me I couldn’t play trap music. We were planning to celebrate my birthday and it was evident that the venue wanted my crowd for our money, but they didn’t truly respect the fullness of our culture. I’m a Morehouse Man, so I know better than that. I walked away from the “opportunity” and decided to host a party in the parking lot behind my boy Tay Hawes’s 4-unit apartment building, and that’s how the B-Hen Block Party was born. I wanted to create an environment free of pretense, sections, and bottle service. “There is NO VIP because we’re all VIP” is the block party motto. By eliminating nightlife factors that separate us, we create a community that’s solely focused on the

MAGAZINE

DJs and dancing. We’ve hosted The B-Hen Block Party 10 times in Los Angeles - once as an after-party at Coachella. Now we’re ready to share a few cities across the country. “Words don’t teach like experiences do”. Explain what this means to you. It’s the mantra by which I live my life. I used to spend a lot of time comparing myself to other luminaries, other DJs, other black men. Most of it came from a place of admiration; in other cases, it stemmed from envy or criticism. But I eventually learned that comparison is the thief of all dreams. It’s impossible to compare God’s calling on your life, to the calling on mine. You can listen to every interview, read every article or Instagram caption -- but none of those words will teach you how to be the best you. You can move mountains once you heal your past trauma, get off the sidelines and step onto the field of your own life because words don’t teach like experiences do.

“Comparison is the thief of all dreams.”

AC C E S S BY B L E U

“You can move mountains once you heal your past trauma, get off the sidelines and step onto the field of your own life because words don’t teach like experiences do.” The B-Hen Block Party is an “equal opportunity” block party with no sections, no VIP, no wait lines, ever. What motivated this accommodation? So often when I invited people out; they were always concerned about I wanted to create an environment free of guest lists, pretense, sections, and bottle service. “There is NO VIP because we’re all VIP” is the block party motto. By eliminating nightlife factors that separate us, we create a community that’s solely focused on DJs and dancing. So many promoters across the country hire and then dictate what DJs play, but truth is -- if you knew the best thing to play, you’d be a DJ. So stay in your lane. On the flip side, I encourage our DJs to go against the grain -- don’t give us a radio or trap club set. dig deep to play the music your heart desires. Give us that Brazilain Baile Funk meets Marvin Gaye meets Kaytranada meets Baltimore Club Music. Because if you love it while playing it, that energy will permeate into the crowd and we’ll love it while dancing to it. Beats to Beat Cancer - LOVE THIS! Tell us more about your mission to fight cancer and spread awareness. How do you incorporate this into your B-Hen Block Party shows? My mother Tracy passed from metastatic breast cancer when she was only 35 years old. The time from the doctor’s diagnosis to her untimely death was only 14-months. Over the years I learned that African American women succumb at alarmingly higher rates, in comparison to women of other cultures. Thus, the focus of Beats to Beat Breast Cancer is simple: To drive awareness and prevention amongst Black

women across the country. Use your BEAT (your passion, your purpose) to celebrate life and make a difference. We raise funds for research, enlist families for genetic counseling, and honor breast survivors with full makeovers. Similar to the block party, we’ve hosted events in multiple markets including Atlanta (with Spelman College), DC, NYC, and my home base of Los Angeles since 2014. It’s a labor of love that not only honors my mother but also ensures we lose far less Black women we love to this disease. Now that you’re taking your show on the road...what’s next for the B-Hen Block Party? Converting it to a music festival, obviously. Stay tuned. Issue 74

GADGETS

GET INTO IT! Apps for the LGTBQ+

MAGAZINE

GADGETS

LGBT+ Amino Community Have you ever felt left out because you are a part of the LGBT+ community? Not anymore! This app ensures that you feel welcomed no matter what you identify as. Through this application, you are able to discuss different issues and experiences, share your opinions, get advice/support, and make new friends all while feeling safe and accepted.

Issue 74

GADGETS

Pride Counseling Whether you’re struggling with your sexuality, mental health, or any other issues, you should have an outlet to express your emotions. Pride Counseling offers private and affordable counseling through live chats or video calls on the app. Book your appointments online when it’s convenient for you and talk to specialists who understand your problems.

GADGETS

Quist History has not been the kindest to the LGBTQ+ community so it is important to have knowledge of it. Quist allows you to dive deep into the historic times of your community. With such resources such as “First Recorded Same-Sex Wedding,” and “How Gender Fluidity Were Treated Through Time,” you gain extensive understanding and awareness of the LGBTQ+ history.

ManAboutWorld Are you into travel? If so, this digital magazine is the perfect one for you. Run and written by gay men with a passion for traveling. Includes not only stories of amazing travels but future events you need to see. With a focus for the LGBTQ+ community, you will never miss out on important occasions all across the globe.

Issue 74

SOLED UP

STEP PRIDE Celebrate the power of love all year round with these statement sneaker collections. From Dr. Martens, to Chuck Taylors, major shoe brands are championing courageous soles!

PRIDE CHUCK 70 SRV: $95

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SOLED UP

PUMA PRIDE SUEDE SNEAKERS SRV: $75

VANS PRIDE CLASSIC SLIP-ONS SRV:$55

Issue 74

SOLED UP

REEBOK CLUB C REVENGE PRIDE SHOES SRV: $75

DR.MARTENS 1461 SRV: $120

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SOLED UP

COACH LOWLINE RAINBOW SIGNATURE CANVAS SRV: $135

VANS PRIDE ANAHEIM FACTORY LAMPIN 86 DX SRV:$85

Issue 74

GROOMING

Words by MEG WARDROP Photo Credits: MICHAEL D IMAGES / LAWRENCE S. MURRAY

SuperDope Q of VH1’s Black Ink Crew Presents Hair Dope Quinton Maurice, better known as SuperDope Q of VH1’s Black Ink Crew, is excited to talk about his “billion dollar idea,” his new line, Hair Dope. This line features Hair Sauce (temporary wax) in colors Hot & Spicy and Silver Bling as well as Hair Juice (semi-permanent color) in colors Fab Fuschia, Mula Green, and Icy Hot. Breaking boundaries as one of the first Black-owned hair dye companies, Q is aiming to take his idea all the way to the shelves of major retailers. Bleu: Want to give an overview of this line? Q: Hair Juice is for if you want a longer lasting color that will fade out after 6-7 washes. Hair Sauce washes out right away and can go on top of any hair color, even dark hair, so you don’t have to damage your hair. Whether it’s just a photo, a date, going out, you can just wash it out. People come to me with concerns because it’s a hair wax but no, wax will not do damage to your hair; there are no harsh chemicals, it’s ammonia free, and contains good things like olive and coconut oils. I wanted to create something that was, really, super dope for everyone. What was the process of making this line? Usually a line like this takes a year or two, but we did this in 11 months. I was so excited linking up with Fanvestor, Creator Global, and Brand Trust LA. They helped me come up with this whole idea and bring it to life. We worked together figuring out colors and testing different products. I want everyone to know I put my hands and feet in this. Like, we didn’t just slap the label on this; this is really from the heart. I tested everything on my hair, I never want to sell anything I do not know about or anything I am not involved in.

MAGAZINE

GROOMING

Was it daunting to start a new business in the beginning of a pandemic? Everything was shut down, I had nothing at the house but hair colors, so I thought ‘I should create a hair line, something with color’. I love color, I feel like it’s an accessory. I want [Hair Dope] to be looked at like an accessory. I wear a lot of black sometimes and I like to have like 3-4 colors [in my hair] to make my outfit more jazzy, more extravagant, just like women with their purse and how they switch it out. At this time color is everywhere, from men to women, straight to LGBTQ. I wanted something cost efficient to make sure

most people could afford it, I was thinking about everything. You know, money is getting different, so I just wanted to step into the market. How do you feel stepping into the beauty world at this moment in time? I feel like I’m breaking into a market that no one has entered. I’m black, young, queer, and this is my time to break boundaries. This product is making a statement. Hair Dope, that’s dope. I’m ready to stand next to those top sellers as the first Black person to own a hair dye brand. I’m like ‘ok, now it’s time to break records’.

So what’s next for Hair Dope? We’re launching a store very soon, so look out for that! Currently, the team is sending out PR boxes to talented hairdressers, celebs, influencers, just anyone we feel is super dope; from just a couple thousand followers to millions of followers. I want this to be for everyone, everywhere. This is not just a Black-owned brand that works for Black people, this can be used on any hair type. We live life through color! Purchase Hair Dope on FanVestor.io and follow Q on his rise to the top of the beauty industry on instagram @superdope_Q.

Issue 74

FUEL

Words by KIRBY WRIGHT

CHEF JEFF CATERING IS A ONE-STOP-SHOP WITH

Jeffrey Morneau Based in NYC, Jeffrey “Chef Jeff ” Morneau is the Executive Chef at Chef Jeff Catering. Chef Jeff Catering is a one-stop-shop offering cake design, event mapping, large-scale event catering, and more. Most known for his delicious Haitian patties and elaborate events, he’s worked with celebrities such as Teyana Taylor, Leslie Jones, Wyclef Jean, and more. However, before he was planning lavish events or baking for our favorite stars and influencers, he was simply a man with a vision that transformed into a lifestyle. BLEU: Tell me a little bit about yourself and walk me through your path within the industry. Chef Jeff: Okay so, I finished culinary school in 2006 and did a few internships before landing a super dope one with Pier 60 and the Lighthouse. Looking back, I didn’t even understand budgets and finances. But now as a planner and a chef, I realize that I worked for a company that rents out venues at tens and thousands of dollars per event. I was on the inside of the catering kitchen, I didn’t even know that the people I was cooking for were paying $200 to $250 per person. I’m learning that now, now that I’m doing the same kind of work. But It’s crazy to know that I was amid such greatness because I was just doing what I love.

Wow, that’s amazing! Where do you think that drive comes from? Could it be your Haitian upbringing? It probably could come from that. West-Indian parents are strict and that rigorous upbringing makes little to no room for failure. Because failure would bring a butt-whopping, now ain’t nobody gonna beat me up today, but you know (laughs).

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Photography by April Johnston

Speaking of internships, I know working for different companies provides a sense of security. When did you know you wanted to become an entrepreneur? I’ll never forget that date, it was April 2011. A chef was yelling at me for something I had nothing to do with. I was one year shy of my Bachelor’s degree, and I just turned in my badge and kept it pushing. I have not clocked in for anybody except Chef Jeff since that day.

FUEL

Issue 74

FUEL

Photography by Daniel Serrette

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FUEL

Photography by Daniel Serrette

Also, pledging, being a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, there were certain things I couldn’t say no to. I had to get it done. Even if it was truly impossible, I had to make it possible. So in my business, I keep the same idea. If I don’t know how to do something when a customer books a service, by the time the service needs to be rendered, I’ll perform it with flying colors. Can you recall a time where you doubted your path or even just your skills? All the time. People see greatness for you before you see it for yourself. Every event when people say it’s amazing, I’m like, I can do better. People doubt themselves because they know what they can give and bring, it’s human nature. So how do you feel about the entrepreneurship wave? Ugh! (laughs). The thing about entrepreneurship is that social media has ruined it. Social media only shows the baked cake. It doesn’t show you how to make it, the eggs you needed to make it, or how you had to learn the different kinds of butter that make the texture just right. The process is a lost art. I’ve been in my field since 2006, that’s 15+ years. But no one sees that, they just see the large budgets and celebrities. They don’t see that I was doing $500 events for 1,000 people, selling $35 cakes, or sometimes doing events completely for free because I loved it.

When was the moment you knew you made it, that you had reached the next level? Can you tell me about a certain experience or celebrity client, perhaps? I can’t even pinpoint that because it happened so organically, and then it just started happening. I didn’t plan on being a celebrity “anything.” I don’t introduce myself like that, it’s not until people meet me and go on my page that they call me that. It’s just love and passion for me. At the end of the day, no matter who I’m providing a service for, someone is going to see it so it has to be great. Finally, if someone wanted to follow in your footsteps. Let’s say they want to be in the culinary world or event management. What advice or tips would you give to them? Be your authentic self. Whatever it is that you ever want to do, do it for you and not for anybody else. Don’t look to anybody for gratification or satisfaction. Also, stay in your lane. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. At the end of the day, your gift is your gift and no one can rob you of that!

You can keep up with Chef Jeff on social media at @ChefJeffdidit or visit his website at

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BOMBSHELLBYBLEU.COM

Photography By ANDRE PERRY

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40 Native Son Pride PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICKY DAY

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50 The Creatives: Derick Monroe WORDS BY CATAANDA JAMES

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72 Feature: Jessica Betts WORDS BY MYRLAUN WALKER

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88 Feature: Jordan E. Cooper WORDS BY REGINALD DOMINIQUE

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FA S H I O N

Native Son

Celebrates Pride 2021 Words by ELYSIA TANSWELL Photography by RICKY DAY

Native Son is a “global platform that illuminates Black gay/queer men and assures them of their worthiness and purpose in all communities in which they exist“. The organization was founded by Emil Wilbekin who is an expert in multimedia storytelling. His credits prior to founding the organization are a testament to that. He served as Chief Content Officer at Afropunk, Editor-at-Large at Essence, Managing Editor of Essence. com, Style Guru at Complex Media, and much more. Of course given the focus of the organization, it was only right that they celebrate Black men in the community to honor pride month. The event was sparked by the Stonewall Riots. Today it serves as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, but also a reminder of the struggles they still face. To mark the occasion the organization partnered with photographer Ricky Day to create the 2021 Pride photoshoot. We spoke to Ricky about the project, and what it means for him and the community at large. BLEU:Why was it important for you to collaborate with Native Son on this project? RICK DAY:It was important for me to collaborate with them on this project for very simple reasons. Native Son and its founder and my dear friend, Emil Wilbekin are doing tremendously important and impactful work

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by amplifying the black gay male voice and presence in our society. By sharing our collective and individual achievements, Native Son makes sure the world sees us and equally important. Native Son makes sure we see each other and ourselves. As a result, the organization now has the bandwidth to reach a very large and diverse cross-section of our community and I wanted to use that bandwidth to make a simple, but powerful and elegant statement about who we are today. Creating beautiful images of some of the amazing men who make up our community and hearing about what Pride means to them continues the work of Native Son by empowering members of our community to tell our own stories using our own voice and our own images. With the consistent progression and advocacy happening in the LGBTQ community, in what ways do you hope to continue to amplify the Black male voice? There are so many ways to continue amplifying the Black male voice. As a visual artist and emerging theologian, I hope to continue this work by creating additional portrait series. Works of fine art including photographs and paintings, storytelling via film and TV production, and of course in my writing, teaching, and soon by preaching a loving message of inclusion and dignity.

FA S H I O N

Emil Wilbekin-Journalist and Founder of Native Son @emilwilbekin

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Ty Hunter-Creative Director @tytryone

FA S H I O N

Ricky Day-Photographer @RickyDay

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William-Fashion Enthusiast @wrrf

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Patrick Hester-Producer @imjustpatrick_

Charles and Richard-Owners of Lambda Vodka @lambdavodkaceo1 and @lambdavodkaceo2

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Sean Torrington-CEO of SLAY TV & SLAY FEST NYC @seantorrington

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Stephen King -Model @reignofstephen

Cody Renard-Stage Manager/Advocate/Educator @codyrenard

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Matthew Guthrie-Producer Valente Fanning-Talent Agent @valentefanning and @weloveyouguthrie

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Anthony-Content Creator @sixsixpapi

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C R E AT I V E S

Words by CATAANDA JAMES

Behind the Scenes with Celebrity Hairstylist, Derick Monroe From very humble beginnings in Hurt, Virginia, to behind the scenes of award -winning sets, Derick Monroe has turned his hobby of collecting little girl’s barrettes from the playground as a school aged boy, to becoming a three-time Daytime Emmy nominee and Celebrity Hairstylist for entertainment’s most highly acclaimed celebrities. Growing up in provincial surroundings, Derick, candidly known by his hometown community as King of Glory, always envisioned himself in the places and rooms that he has had the opportunities to grace with the humblest spirit. Derick lost his mom at 11 years old, not long after he started pocketing the barrettes that he had found to take home to adorn his doll. “I feel like I always wanted to do [hair]. As a child I played with dolls. My Mom didn’t buy me any personally, but I had a godmother that bought me one. She had hair to her feet. She was the only one I had and by the time she expired, she had no hair! I brushed it all out.” It was after hanging out with a friend at the pool watch-

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ing her shampoo and blow dry her hair, Monroe, 13 years old at the time, started earning respect on his name King of Glory, which would later become the name of his first salon. “I was like let me do it and that really sparked the actual [styling] on a person aspect. I started going to Sally’s where I realized they had human hair heads, so I would buy them. I’d buy curling irons and practice. That’s basically how it started.” He remembers being 15 years old running a mini salon on Saturday mornings. “I had people coming getting box relaxers. They’d bring it and I’d slap it in, then I’d do finger waves because that’s what was in.” Monroe notes being from a small town that was factory oriented, and having lost his mom so early in life, he needed to have a plan and he started devising the blueprint well before high school graduation. “I knew I wasn’t college material, I hated school, I didn’t learn well, I felt like math was horrible. I literally would cry because I was trying to get it, but I couldn’t. I remember thinking ``okay what are you going to do to support yourself. With my mother passing away, social security cuts you off on your eighteenth birthday.” With that at the helm of his decision making, Derick’s determination to walk out of high school with a solidified plan went into overdrive. “I took Cosmetology my 10th grade year and I got my diploma and my Cosmetology license at the same time. The next week I went to the beach for graduation, came back and started in the salon as a [professional] cosmetologist.” JCPenney Salon in Lynchburg, VA was the first stop on his behind the scenes journey to becoming hairstylist to the stars. Derick Monroe has certainly evolved into an incredible master of hair since the days of doing $5, $15, $20 styles in his mini salon as a teen. He has planted seeds from LA to NYC working with everyone from Tyra Banks, Rosie O’Donnell, Sana Lathan, and Samira Wiley. When asked what he would attribute as his big break into the entertainment realm of beauty, he responded, “that’s a hard question because all of it contributed. I would say NY was my biggest break, but the groundwork laid in LA helped.” Moonlighting as an assistant in LA after being referred to as King of Glory back home, Derick landed opportunities with Brandy and Serena Williams and credits those moments as paving the

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way for even greater success once he planted his feet in the concrete jungle, the City of Dreams. For Monroe, that is when he would learn where his greatest opportunity resides. The Wendy Williams Show, Project Runway, “those were my two breaking into the industry jobs”, but the most instrumental to his growth as a sought-after artist was, “Iman, Tasha Smith and Kenya Moore here in NY”, says Derick. Iman represented editorial, Tasha represented TV, and Kenya represented pop culture. All three influenced a dynamic where people would ask him to work with reality stars, and talent doing red carpet appearances. Having worked with Iman on editorial shoots, he began getting work from Essence. “All of those [opportunities] helped me build.” Monroe has built a wealth of meaningful relationships which is the foundation to his career today. He is often publicly celebrated on The View (Talk Show) which he serves as hairstylist to the hosts and co-hosts, he is a celebrity spokesperson for the iconic brand Dark & Lovely and hairstylist for L’Oréal Professionnel. Derick has been featured in the documentary Pretty Shouldn’t Hurt, has been seen creating masterpieces on the Steve Harvey Show, and is the creator, executive producer, writer and host of his very own YouTube Talk Show, Behind the Scenes Beauty where he has interviewed talent such as Wendy Williams, Sunny Hostin, Whoopi Goldberg, and the iconic Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire. Through it all, Derick has managed to stay grounded in his faith in God in an industry that has been known to dim the lights of many. He is a beacon of light whenever or wherever he enters the room. Although his determination to make his mom proud, his character and talent has opened many doors, Derick never hesitates to share in a good come to Jesus moment so we saved the best for last. When asked why he named his salon King of Glory Salon, Derick Monroe concludes, “it had a double meaning. I always felt like if I honor God in whatever I was doing, it would be blessed. The Bible [says] the woman’s hair is her glory. I am the King of Hair. God is also the King of Glory.”

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T R AV E L

Experience a More Welcoming World with

Words by ASHLEY GALLARDO

MISTERB&B

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Experience a more welcoming environment when booking with MISTERB&B - a friendly traveling app for the LGBTQ+community with a million LGBTQ+friendly accommodations in many different countries. MISTERB&B wants to commit to creating a non-judgemental world. Their mission is to assist people in making personal connections with not only the local culture but also the people. With the platform that they have created, their main focus is to fabricate a shared sense of respect and hospitality. From beautiful apartments in Paris to amazing stays in New York City hotels, MISTERB&B offers a variety of options that fit your liking. MISTERB&B not only motivates you to explore the world but also to experience your pride. Popular Destinations: Paris is known as MISTERB&B’s most popular gay destination. It is the capital of French excellence and it also happens to be the city of light. There are many options for a stay in Paris, and also a variety of events to attend. When traveling to a place like Paris, you are able to attend different events to support pride. This month many people will be able to attend the Paris Gay Pride Parade that will take place in the heart of France’s capital city. In the late 80s, a group of locals united to fight for the rights of LGBTQ and this led to a realization of how important the Pride Parade is.

New York, being the second most popular gay destination offers many unique places to stay at. New York is known to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the United States. With a variety of events that happen in the city, it makes sense that it is of the top 3 most popular gay destinations for MISTERB&B. The LGBTQ Pride March is one of the largest annual Pride marches in the world and occurs in New York. There are many festivals and day parties that take place in New York that many gay travelers would not only enjoy but also feel comfortable and respected. Barcelona is a favorite European LGBTQ destination for MISTERB&B travelers. Barcelona is an open-minded city when it comes to the LGBTQ community and offers visitors many attractions that associate with diversity, freedom, and is open to everyone. The beaches and the beautiful art that Barcelona has to offer attracts a lot of LGBTQ travelers. Barcelona is fond of an open and liberal gay life. With many clubs, bars, and restaurants MISTERB&B travelers never get bored. Wherever you choose to stay in Barcelona, you will always find an amazing view to admire as the city is very beautiful.

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T R AV E L

Words by ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

A Journey Through The Mexican Riviera In less than fifteen years, the small but significant village of Tulum in the Yucatan Peninsula has evolved from a rucksack’s paradise into an achingly cool destination. It’s what they call “the ultimate in barefoot chic”. It’s on a par with the Asian pleasure domes of Bali, Goa, and the Mediterranean’s Ibiza, America’s hedonistic and bohemian bolt hole. Tulum is one of several littoral destinations on what’s attractively billed as the ‘Mexican Riviera’ and all are served by the international airport of Cancun. Tulum was once a quiet fishing village. It’s bang opposite the charming island of Cozumel, with mangrove forest which attract bird watchers and waves and wind for windsurfers. It’s only a short boat trip and constitutes a day’s excursion which I thoroughly recommend. It’s located along a long strand of deep yellow sand that divides the jungle from Mexico’s only Caribbean coastline. It takes exactly 90 minutes along one breezy straight ‘Roman’ road from the airport. This is a resort that attracts many of the A-list including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jared Leto, Heidi Klum, Sting, Sienna Miller, Drew Barrymore, Kate Bosworth, and Demi Moore. It’s all reassuringly familiar since I last visited seven years ago. Okay, so there are a few more boutique hotels open and one or two extra advertising signs. But pervasive and dominant is a remarkable lack of fear.

It’s as though the entire resort is protected. Attractive women can walk alone safely and there’s none of the hassles we all know you can too often get elsewhere. There may be the odd beach jewelry salesman but they push off without too much bother. It’s hearteningly devoid of bouncing jet skis, other people’s litter, and the beach has no glass. There are endless spas in the hotels offering the usual unwinding practices of massage, yoga, and meditation. In the midday heat, I preferred for my daily constitution a ramble along the road parallel to the shore but otherwise chose the beach. You can’t get lost as it’s one long stretch of sand. And it’s here where I got a sense of local life with Mexican families picnicking and swimming. While this is a resort respectful to local Catholic sensitivity, private parts can be spotted by those adopting a natural way of living underneath the stars. Not beach bums, more eco-warriors. Indeed eco-friendliness is everywhere with many of the younger visitors opting to bike up and down this mainly-shaded road. There are so many great places to stay as a result of the arrival of Italian hoteliers and restaurateurs 20 years ago. They brought that effortlessly chic and visually satisfying aesthetic. There are hammocks, in different sizes: some tasseled and others in bright colors and swings, which in one venue act as bar seats.

All hotels and restaurants have a breezy, spacious feel which is grounding and nurturing. The three best hotels were Be Tulum (www.betulum.com) with its exclusive oceanfront suites featuring panoramic views and secluded pools and I found it special for its lovely isolation and The Beach (www.the beach-tulum.com) for the wonderful wooden decking and stylish swimming pool. The top in my book, though, is Ana y José (www.anayjose.com). Here I had six excellent healthy breakfasts of fresh oatmeal, muesli and green juices, fruit smoothies beside the waves and several delicious dinners in their restaurant of firewood-baked whole fish and Sian Ka’an fish fillet. The lavish comfort of my intimate and spotless beachfront suite. One tip for all is to get air conditioning rather than a simple fan. It’s vital. For other restaurants, Ziggy’s (www.ziggy beach tulum.com) and Casa Violeta (www. casa violeta tulum.com) are two I would suggest. All menus offer avocados, limes, and tacos so go a step further with ‘camaros a coco’ (prawns and coconut and mango and tamarind) chillies and chia, oregano, ‘cilandro’ (coriander), papaya and coconut juice. To make an evening of it, Papaya Playa Project (www.papaya playa project.com) is the place to ‘menear el bote’ to dance or, in literal parlance, to wiggle your bucket! But after all, beyond the creature comforts, it’s about the stunning nature on offer. Pel-

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icans swoop and monitor all below and baby turtles venture out on their debut crawl towards the sea. One of the delights of ocean life is this ‘arribada’, the mass nesting of the turtles. Massive mothers had dragged themselves onto the shore weeks ago to leave their precious eggs covered with sand in a secret place only to then plod back to the sea never to see their young again. These miniature newly born then make their way out of their cracked eggs onto a sandy mound at the top of a beach. As tiny babies, they wade into the murky waters without fear with thousands of little heads bobbing about on the water waiting for the right time to come out. And tragically only a few ever make it as they get picked off by predators. And you must experience the famous Mayan temple at Tulum. It was a holy site for worship and where they buried the dead. Nearby are the ‘cenotes’, the best one being called Dos Otos, the underwater rivers, where sunlight slants gloriously through foliage and right into the caves. Then there’s the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, called the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, where I finally found peace and quiet amongst the mangroves and wetlands, across channels and unroughened waterways to a long bedecked wooden walkway. But it was time to go north, halfway back towards Cancun to fully explore this Riviera. I reached Playa del Carmen which felt altogether more American up a dust road that led to a discrete sign for Viceroy (www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/riviera-maya). It’s a hotel that is all style and luxury and tucked between under-developed wasteland plots. Go now before what is pretty evident developers will cause to follow. Here I was greeted with a traditional Mayan blessing. All bells and smells. Wherever you wander, and it’s landscaped to that aim, someone is monitoring with a clipboard in an attempt to ‘upgrade the stay’. It’s all thoroughly thought through right down to the offer to clean my sunglasses! All perhaps to ensure the resident monkeys swinging from above don’t spoil my view. I have to go back whenever but soon.

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W H E R E T O S TAY :

W H E R E T O E AT :

W H AT T O D O :

BE TULUM

ZIGGY BEACH

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

THE GRAY CANARY

CASA VIOLETA

SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE

THE RENDEZVOUS

PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT

TULUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the first BBC television series QI, hosted by Stephen Fry. He wrote The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books.

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CARS

THRIVE WHILE YOU DRIVE: 2 0 2 2 P O R S C H E 7 1 8 C AY M A N

Words by MADISON ALLISON

Not many cars offer the luxury and unbelievable driving experience as the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman does. From the arrangement of the engine to the tuned suspension, buyers have a lot to look forward to and enjoy when purchasing this sports car. Unlike most sports cars, you can choose the type of engine, buyers have the option of a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine or a six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder engine provides a quicker acceleration, which emits coarse sounds. While the six-cylinder engine generates 394 ponies. Regardless of the engine you decide to get, each Cayman comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The sports coupe has astounding balance and stability, especially on a twisty road or turn. The tires and engine layout work together to make these features a reality, giving drivers a relaxing, safe ride. Compared to rivals such as Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan GT-R, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman is a bit more expensive; the car starts off at a price of $61,850.

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However, Porsche’s brand itself is enough to make the increased cost worth it. The 2022 Cayman is available in two breathtaking new colors: frozen berry metallic and shark blue, and additionally, key fobs are made to match the exterior color of the car. A couple of other awesome features and customizations include floor mats, key pouches, and several other leather accessories to make the driver’s experience not only luxurious but convenient. Additionally, with an extra cost, of course, Porsche will cover almost any surface you could dream of in leather. Seats are made to make the driver’s experience as comfortable as possible, gauges are easy to understand, controls are conveniently placed and accessible. When it comes to sports cars buyers may be worried about the storage areas, considering there’s usually not much to offer. Therefore if you’re looking for a sports car with a rear storage area, the 2022 Cayman is a great option to look into; providing the most storage space in a small sports car, drivers can utilize the space making travel much easier.

CAR SPECS: MSRP:

FROM $60,500

HORSEPOWER:

300 TO 414 HP

CURB WEIGHT:

3,034 TO 3,208 LBS

DIMENSIONS:

172-176″ L X 71″ W X 50-51″ H

MPG:

UP TO 21 CITY / 27 HIGHWAY

ENGINE:

2.0 L 4-CYLINDER, 2.5 L 4-CYLINDER, 4.0 L 6-CYLINDER

In need of directions? No worries, the Porsche has a touchscreen infotainment system that is simple to use and offers quick response times. Porsche charges for extra features and certain features can be upgraded such as the stereo, Wi-Fi, and built-in navigation. Unfortunately, Android Auto isn’t a feature on the 2022 Cayman. Regarding safety and driver-assistance features, the Cayman has a variety of driver assistance options such as parking sensors that alert you of close objects on the rear and front end of the car. A couple of other safety features include the monitor of blind spots and adaptive cruise control which can help drivers monitor speed and avoid collisions. Fortunately for drivers, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman does include a warranty. Porsche’s standard warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. Porsche does have other warranties available for drivers who want that extra layer of protection.

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THE STORYTELLER’S STORY How Lee Daniels Continues to Shape Hope for Hollywood When I was growing up, one of the greatest lessons my grandmother ever taught me was to always make sure to be heard. “The best you can do to be forgotten is to let someone else tell your story for you,” she would say. And with good reason. When we let someone else tell our stories, we open the door for their “creative freedom” to make whatever twists and turns they think are necessary in order to make the story better – for them. Like a game of Telephone, as the story passes from person to person, things get added and subtracted with each sharing, ultimately resulting in something completely different from what it originally was. This has been the reality for Black voices for far too long, but hope is here. Hope has been here. Hope has taken the mic, the pen, and the camera for us. Hope is a Black voice. Hope is an LGBTQ voice. Hope is Lee Daniels. Just Living Life… An Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker and all-around stellar storyteller, Lee Daniels took Hollywood by storm with the debut of Monster’s Ball, starring Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, in 2001, taking on the challenge of playing out such a forbidden love affair on the silver screen. Ever since, he has consistently left moviegoers on the edge of their seats with exemplary, unexamined, direct, and unapologetically in-your-face films that others would be too afraid to touch. In 2009’s Precious, he brings Sapphire’s novel Push to a visual level that no one was ready for but everyone needed to see. With 2013’s The Butler, he takes us behind the scenes of political power throughout some of the most unforgettable presidential administrations this country has seen. Lee Daniels continues to do what needs to be done so that no story is

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“I like to tell real stories. I like to talk about us. All of our problems and all of our happiness and all of our glory.” left untold, and the ones left in the dark can see the light of day. And it all comes from just living life. “Lady Sings the Blues inspires me quite a bit. Claudine inspires me quite a bit. These stories were reflections of authentic experiences that I’ve personally experienced,” Daniels says of where he draws inspiration from in telling stories in a way that only he can do. “I like to tell real stories. I like to talk about us. All of our problems and all of our happiness and all of our glory.” He recalls watching movies as a young kid in Philadelphia “that just didn’t feel real.” It was the need for that realness – and all the complexity that comes with it – that served as a springboard to fill the void of having grounded work in Black cinema. In fact, Daniels was so inspired by Diana Ross’s Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues that he decided to dig a little deeper into the late singer’s story – primarily focused on Holiday’s Civil Rights activism and heroism – in The United States vs. Billie Holiday starring singer/songwriter Andra Day. This Is Me… Being a complex character himself, Daniels certainly has put in the work to let his work speak for him. With Hollywood having always been a place where you have to fit into some type of mold or have a label slapped on you to make you more marketable, Daniels has successfully broken the mold to live in authenticity. “From the beginning of my career, it was important not to get boxed into a specific type of story. It was important to me that we showed a diverse group of actors playing together,” says Daniels. “That’s what Monster’s Ball was really about: we had Puffy and Halle Berry and Heath Ledger and Mos Def and Billy Bob Thornton. That is me. That’s the collective of Lee Daniels. That experience is me.” Even in his acclaimed Fox series Empire and Star, Daniels brings actors from all walks of life to portray real, raw and relevant characters who live out all of our lives on the television screen. Lee Daniels makes sure we are seen.

“Sometimes I overthink things, and I won’t work for a while. I’m so nervous about fucking it up that you just won’t hear from me for an extended period of time.”

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Refusing to be labeled as a Black filmmaker from the start, Daniels set his own standards of how the public would and should perceive and receive him through his body of work. He doesn’t like being labeled. He isn’t just a great Black producer. He isn’t just a great LGBT director. He is just awesome at this entertainment thing. Period. I See You… “Sometimes I overthink things, and I won’t work for a while. I’m so nervous about fucking it up that you just won’t hear from me for an extended period of time.” Relatability is everything in this business, and Daniels definitely maintains his, and it shows through every aspect. “There’s no rhyme or reason, I’m just very strategic about the next film I wanna do.” His strategy is so strong with his commitment to keeping the stories real that he’s involved in every decision-making process when it comes to his films. Especially casting. “When you’re looking at the movies that I do, everybody that you see is [representative of] someone that I personally know. That’s why I think everybody identifies with these people.” Fusing his personal experiences with his profession has become the perfect platform for every star on the screen to become an ambassador for every person watching and waiting and daring to dream even bigger than they thought they possibly could. All because they see everything about themselves – their lives – play out right before their eyes. Lee Daniels’s movies make it possible.

“We have an obligation as filmmakers and writers and creators, since we are in this moment now, to achieve excellence. And I hate just riding on my Blackness – I’ve never ridden on my Blackness anyway!

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LEE DANIELS AND ANDRA DAY ON SET FOR THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY

“Studios didn’t wanna fuck with me, so I did it myself!” The world is the grandest stage any story can ever be played out on, and since we can see it through a much clearer lens now than ever before, Lee’s faith in the future of film and television is full of hope. “I just wanna make sure that we are telling great stories and that we’re telling them right. It’s so important that we take this moment and say, ‘Hey, just because it’s Black doesn’t mean that it’s good,’” he says. “We have an obligation as filmmakers and writers and creators, since we are in this moment now, to achieve excellence. And I hate just riding on my Blackness – I’ve never ridden on my Blackness anyway! That just didn’t work, and they weren’t hearing me anyway. Studios didn’t wanna fuck with me, so I did it myself!” 66

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“Because when a Black person does it right – and when a gay Black person is doing it right – it ain’t nothing better than that!” He owes his faith in the future of film and television to the writers and directors and producers who are watching him as a guiding light as they map out their own success. It’s what pushes him – and what pushes him to push his colleagues – to be the best and do the best. As Daniels puts it, “Because when a Black person does it right – and when a gay Black person is doing it right – it ain’t nothing better than that!” On the Horizon… A master of his craft, Lee Daniels shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to telling timeless stories that we all can relate to. His natural knack for drama has even sparked flames that he’s dying to fan. “We haven’t really seen a genuine Black horror film where we’re just scared shitless. I’m very anxious to do horror. I also think I owe it to my LGBTQ brothers and sisters to do a great gay love story and do it right.” Not too much of it can be shared, but Daniels definitely has some sweet and savory stories headed our way to play with our palettes. And while he continues to take pride in being a champion of Black and LGBTQ and real, raw voices, he will always be most proud of just being Lee from Philly.

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F E AT U R E

Words by MYRLAUN WALKER Photography by KARL FERGUSON JR. Creative Direction by ALYSHA PAMPHILE

LOVE & HAPPINESS Jessica Betts talks Pride, Love, and Dignity

When musician Jessica Betts married award-winning actress and comedian Niecy Nash, fans were captivated and most of the world was astonished - both feelings that neither lady has been stranger to on their journey to success. So it’s little to wonder how the pair connected in the first place. Their journey to love is just as beautiful as the rainbow stripes that make up the Pride flag; each stripe symbolizing the meaning of self-affirmation, dignity, increased visibility, support, and triumph. As a woman who has always identified as LGBTQ+, Bleu is honored to speak to Jessica on her road to discovery. Attributing her accomplishments to living in her truth, we talked about how she navigates through stigmas and various hurdles. Our biggest takeaway, “Love is listening but being heard.” BLEU: What are you the most proud of? Jessica: The evolution of my journey and being able to spread love and understanding how important it is to be proud of who you are. So myself and just the evolution of everything coming into fruition of equality and Pride itself within the LGBTQ+ community. 68

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What affirmations do you live by? I’m not a conformist so I don’t really fit into what is considered a societal norm or how people will put individuals into boxes. What affirms me is how I continue to maintain my integrity and the love of such

“I define love as being connected. Kind. It’s being seen. It’s listening but also being heard.” amazing people around me. Of course my wife, my family, and close friends. The ability to have the ambition to keep going and know it’s not just about me. It’s a bigger picture you know. That’s what affirms me, it keeps me going actually. It’s what motivates me also. What is dignity to you? Dignity is pride. Pride is dignity. Being proud, just loving yourself and self-care, spreading love and positivity. All those things define dignity. Self-respect and loyalty.

FA S H I O N

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FA S H I O N

As a Black and gay woman in the entertainment industry, are there any stigmas you had to fight through? Of course, of course! Especially early on, in my career starting off. I was able to find that courage, In the midst of all the stigmas, being Black, being gay, being a woman. Years ago they were strikes. They were minuses and now they are pluses. People are placed in these boxes and some people say I’m masculine and identify as such. So the stigma with that was negative in the beginning - the opinions about that because maybe they never saw that or saw someone truly being themselves. Having to conform, you know, wearing makeup, wearing dresses. It felt like something you had to do in order to become successful. Those were hurdles you know. Being able to say no, I’m going to fall in line with who I am even if no one else agrees with it. I’m going to be myself because I know the stigmas are only opinions. They are other people’s opinions and thoughts about me. Not how I feel or what I think about myself. Which is why now, all of this is a triumph for me. We can live out loud and we can live free without

to the laundromat, the grocery store and I was like, wait, no...this was my turning point. I realized they were really trying to change me. What makes you feel the most “you’’? That’s a great question! Every morning I love waking up next to my wife, I love seeing her smiling. Then I would go down into the backyard, get a nice feel of the sun, feel the breeze, bare feet, feel the ground. Let the electrons go through my body. Just feel the presence of our elements. Being able to be in love, getting married, finding love, also just having love within. It matches the soul I decided to marry. I feel the most me, here. How do you define love? I define love by not necessarily gauging all the good parts and things. I define love as the balance of being able to be with someone when things are not so good. You’re able to figure out and communicate ways for the betterment of the relationship and betterment of our energies. I define love as being connected. Kind. It’s being seen. It’s listening but also being heard. Because the

“...I’m going to fall in line with who I am even if no one else agrees with it.” being placed under these stigmas people have for me. What was the turning point for you when you no longer had to fit within the boxes? When I was signed to a label at 21 years old, they had all these dresses and heels, makeup artists, the hair - the bone straight weaves…I was younger so I was like, ‘this can’t be bad right’. But then it was more based on who I was on my day in and day out activity. It wasn’t just something I had to do on my photoshoots and music videos, it was like you have to look like this going

good times are always going to be there. So love is also about facing challenges. And God is love. Speaking of the love with your wife, I heard a crab dinner sealed the deal, how was the initial link up? Yes lol. We had crab that night. LOL Which we have done that once or twice before so it was all cool. That night though, she was near where I was living at the time. We went to a place called Just be Claws in Jersey City. I mean, those claws man, they will get you every time lol. We had an amazing crab dinner and the rest was history.

When you first started dating, a lot of people said Niecy was “coming out”. How were you able to combat that theory? Well, she says it best. It wasn’t like she was coming out of anything, if anything she was going into herself. Understanding that love is love. We place it upon just being one way and I believe what she was saying is that you can’t just place love in one box. You have to be free to love who you want to love. I don’t combat it because a lot of times it’s just that people just don’t understand. The reality is that as women, we are fluid and we can decide on whatever we want to do and whoever we want to do it with. That includes love, work, anything. My wife is one of the most amazing and courageous people I know. I don’t believe that it mattered what was going on in the past. She’s such an amazing person and when she loves, she loves. I love her back. Did you ever think you would date someone in the industry? Have you dated in the industry before? You know I don’t kiss and tell. LOL. But no, I haven’t dated anyone previously in the entertainment business. Is there something you would tell your 13-year-old self? Soooo you’re not going to be in the WNBA. I was highly recruited from different universities and I wanted to play pro ball. So I would have told my 13-year-old self to just play for the fun of it and not to take everything so seriously because what is divine is divine. You’ll see everything else come to fruition later on in life. Take it easy, have fun and be a good person in the midst of it all; and put God first because that’s why I’m here. What’s next for you? I’m working on my album and a full EP. I haven’t come up with a title yet, but that’s what I’m working on now. I have a couple of television shows I’m going to be on (that I can’t mention yet). One is based in Atlanta, one is in Chicago. So I’m looking forward to traveling.

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BOOKS

FLUID READS ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE

INVISIBLE LIFE

MOUTHS OF RAIN

NOVEL BY GEORGE JOHNSON

NOVEL BY E. LYNN HARRIS

NOVEL BY BRIONA SIMONE JONES

A frank and upfront narration of his personal essays, George M. Johnson shares his childhood, adolescent, and adulthood years from New Jersey to Virginia in All Boys Aren’t Blue. Notable journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist, Johnson goes into deep, un-favored details that deserve more conversation from getting his teeth kicked in by bullies at the tender age of five, to thrifting and flea marketing shopping with his adoring grandmother, even to his first sexual encounter. A moving memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue turns the pages of topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, consent, structural marginalization, and Black (boy) joy. “There are days I look at TV and film and still don’t see myself represented. So, my ultimate goal was providing the story I didn’t have but always needed” Johnson tells NPR.

In the life of Raymond Winston Tyler Jr, life is perfect in his senior year of college at the University of Alabama; he’s smart, popular, and dates the only Black cheerleader on campus, Sela. When Raymond encounters the star football player, Kelvin, their relationship quickly leads to an eye-opener that discovers Raymond’s homosexuality. A riveting tale of a handsome, green-eyed, young Black lawyer from Birmingham, Alabama, Raymond continues adulthood in the dark, living a double life, and moving to a different state. In an unexpected series of events, Raymond and Kelvin bump into one another. Both withholding their secret identities, the duo is forced to live their truths in different ways.

A testimony especially dedicated to young queers of color, George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue, has been favorited by actress Gabrielle Union and queer peers everywhere. A raw account of both good and bad encounters, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a table read for all and delivers an important Black perspective.

From his grey relationship with Sela and his father’s vocal rejection to his self-battle with bi-sexuality and an indirect face-off with AIDS, Invisible Life is a plot-twisting, engaging novel penned for entertainment. Highly acclaimed, the novel and E. Lynn Harris associates are set to evolve the original work from shelves to the small screen with an HBO developing in 2021.

B-BOY BLUES

TRAP DOOR

NOVEL BY JAMES EARL HARDY

NOVEL BY ERIC A. STANLEY, REINA GOSSETT, JOHANNA BURTON

Putting Black on Black male love front and center, B-Boy Blues is frequently credited as a first of its kind. “Hardy has successfully crafted the first gay hip hop love story. It sexily sizzles off the page.” - E. Lynn Harris When Mitchell Crawford imagines his “perfect match”, his dream guy is far from public desire as he longs for a roughneck with swagger, and street savvy. Wishing and hoping for a crazy, crotch-grabbing, hip-hop loving, bad boy, Mitchell finally finds one. Tall, dark, and handsome, Raheim Rivers is just that: a bike messenger, B-boy, and father of a five-year-old. Though he loves and lives for Raheim’s wild ways of life, Mitchell fights living behind Raheim’s mask and finding someone he can love aloud. An unapologetically Black, uncensored, comical, and relatable piece of work, B-Boy Blues effortlessly shares when two men fall in love in the 90s of Harlem, New York. 72

Self-published by E. Lynn Harris, the Los Angeles Times lists Invisible Life as one of the top 20 “classic works of gay literature.”

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A literally work on behalf of the Trans identity, Trap Door is a compilation of creatives representing the transgender community. A collection of essays, conversations, and dossiers tackling dialogue such as beauty, performativity, activism, and police brutality, Trap Door, magnifies much-needed conversations. Trap Door is a testament of how Trans are often offered a “door” - to visibility and recognition – that are actually “traps” into accommodating and cooperating with dominant societal norms. Trap Door brings discussions that extend through and beyond Trans culture; addressing their resilience and their relevance to anyone invested in visual culture. Praised as a “transgender tipping point”, the telling pieces of Trap Door encourage “good trouble”, endorsing progressive change. An eye-opening novel teaching how to know, see, and feel the transgender community, most importantly, Trap Door is about understanding life through a Tran’s perspective.

The extraordinary companion piece to Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall’s Words of Fire, Mouths of Rain goes deeper almost 25 years later with author Briona Simone Jones. Written by Black women who self-identify as lesbian, Black women who have had intimate and romantic relationships with other women, Black women who have written about lesbians, and Black women who theorize about lesbian culture, Words of Fire is a gathering of work, titled after a poem by Audre Lorde. Tracing a long history of developed thoughts, Mouths of Rain’s prequel, Words of Fire, includes contributions from Shirley Chisolm, Angela Davis, and Sojourner Truth, among others. Addressing pervasive issues from “coming out” and misogynoir to anti-Blackness fallacies as it relates to lesbianism, Jones’ Mouths of Rain speaks fluently on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community. The first major anthology duo to trace the development of Black feminist thought in the United States, Mouths of Rain takes readers back as early as the 1830s and ushers them to the present. A display of life through a lesbian lens, Jones’ comprehensive work is embracing and inclusive of Black feminism and Black lesbianism Mouths of Rain is an essential and timeless read.

I CAN’T DATE JESUS: LOVE, SEX, FAMILY, RACE, AND OTHER REASONS I’VE PUT MY FAITH IN BEYONCE NOVEL BY MICHAEL ARCENEAUX

Telling the stories that demand attention, I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beyoncé, writes life as a gay black man with supernatural strength of conviction and adversity…and with fine wit. Sharing the very things that shape family, faith, and finding a sense of “belonging” in the world he wants to be a part of, Arceneaux’s I Can’t Date Jesus is a must-read collection. Loosening the reins on queer intimacy, I Can’t Date Jesus taps Arceneaux’s personal tales such as growing up in Houston, Texas, coming out to his mother, being queer in the Black church community, dealing with his father’s resistance, and more. Leaving no stone unturned, I Can’t Date Jesus paints a Black LGBTQIA+ literary portrait with a bold, entertaining, sharp narrative.

this is for the kings

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.YOUNGKINGHAIRCARE.COM

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Photography by Harvey Jackson

Words by ELYSIA TANSWELL

How POSE Changed The Game The FX series POSE first aired way back in the summer of 2018. It was written and directed by Janet Mock, who also acted as executive producer and co-created by Ryan Murphy. The series is set in New York in the late 80s and early 90s. It follows the story of ball culture and the gay and trans community. The characters deal with all the big issues of the period. The AIDS crisis, poverty, discrimination, and the drug crisis. It is also a groundbreaking feat of representation that has changed the TV game for the good, in more ways than one.

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WHO THE MAIN CHARACTERS ARE

Just the core concept of POSE is revolutionary. A TV show where the main cast is comprised of queer people of color. With trans women played by trans women, and no white straight character’s acting as a guide or window into the world. That is not a common thing in the American media landscape. POSE makes no attempt to hide who this story is about and even less attempts to apologize for it.

THE ISSUES While a lot of the show has a positive vibe, it can and does get serious and cover important issues. Characters deal with the AIDS crisis. The fear of contraction, the fear after diagnoses, the pain the disease causes. But also the bigotry and failure of systems that should be protecting the community from harm, something that other media on the topic has struggled with. The show also takes a hard look at the complicated reality of trans life. Discrimination, violence, lack of help from the police, access to surgery. But also sisterhood and the strength of community. Poverty is a constant worry throughout the series as are the systems that stop the characters escaping it. Even the ball itself does not escape criticism, as the show also looks at the unfairness of all-male panels, the unfair body and beauty standards applied to the women, and the appropriation of ball culture by white celebrities.

THE HUMANIZATION OF SEX WORKERS There is an episode of Elementary, (a modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes starring Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu) which starts with a dominatrix finding her client dead in his home. The main cast shows up to the scene to investigate. After the woman explains how she found the body, the police chief tells a male detective to take her aside to take her full statement. At this moment, without quite realising why, I braced myself for a leer, or an eyebrow raise. Some kind of crude joke at the detectives proximity to a sex worker. It was only when I was surprised by the moments absence that I realized why I was expecting it. I had never seen a piece of media that did not make a mockery of objectify or dehumanize sex workers. Sex workers in media are background characters in gangsta movie shootouts who get killed in the crossfires while naked and are never addressed again. Or they are nameless victims in police procedurals. They are the body that a fixer disposes of after a wealthy man kills her. You may find the occasional ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ who is too good and pure to be in profession, unlike those around her who are lowly and deserve any mistreatment that comes their way.

BUT YOU DON’T OFTEN FIND REAL HUMANS, AND CERTAINLY NOT ONES WHO ARE POOR, BLACK, AND QUEER. In POSE there are fully fleshed out characters with interior lives, who also engage in sex work. They are not judged for it. The show deals with the fact that trans women, particularly trans women of color of the time, were often forced into sex work due to a lack of opportunity. But there are never gratuitous scenes of violence against the women. The camera does not leer at them. One character even finds a herself in sex work that she finds enjoyable and fulfilling. And when a character is killed by a male client, an all too common problem in real life, the situation is treated with the gravity it deserves. We see the pain of her friends and chosen family. The complicated feelings of her bigoted biological family. We even see all the things she had left that she wanted to do in her life. POSE is a feat of representation that gives voice and life to the most overlooked people and issues with a kindness that is hard to come by. Issue 74

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Words by JAMIE ROLLO

IN MEMORIAM: ARI GOLD

In Bleu’s early years, Ari Gold was the first white and openly gay male to grace our cover. The 2008 cover spread discussed his grapples with a hesitant music industry that wasn’t ready to take on LGBTQ signees. Gold persevered, however, continuously releasing music and being outspoken about his sexuality. He became an instant trailblazer that many would follow behind. Gold passed away earlier this year on February 14th, at the age of 47 after a battle with leukemia. In social media posts and statements, friends, fans and peers of Gold all shared what they cherished most about the artist.

Ari Gold was a widely successful performing artist. He got his start at a young age as a voice actor for the movie The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus and the popular cartoon series Jem and the Holograms. Gold would later move into adulthood performing backup vocals for Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan.

“So many people have come and gone from my life over the past 25 years but you have been a constant,” wrote actress Laverne Cox. “As I’ve grown and evolved, you evolved with me. The spiritual journey we’ve both been on has made it clear why we’ve remained in each other’s lives for so long. I’m so utterly devastated that you’ve moved on today. But I know you’ll be watching over me as you always have.”

Throughout his career, Ari Gold would go on to drop six studio albums and give legendary performances in NYC’s club scene, which birthed a huge cult following. His 2007 single “Where the Music Takes You” ended up on the Billboard Top 10 dance/ electronic songs chart.

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In 2001, he dropped his self-titled debut album and took a six-year hiatus before dropping his single “Wave of You,” which became the first music video by an openly LGBTQ artist to premiere on the Logo network.

Despite praise from the charts, loving fans, and music executives, record labels at the

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time were still wary to sign an openly gay artist. In an essay for The Advocate Gold explained, “The personal is political… And in art, it is the specificity of our experience that is universal. Is being gay all of who I am? Of course not. But at this particular moment, while our rights are still being contested and while we are still learning to accept ourselves, I will continue to emphasize that part of me.” Ari Gold dedicated his life to advocating for LGTBQ youth and helping raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. In 2018, he opened up about his diagnosis for NewNowNext writing, “Nobody wants to have cancer. It may be the only thing we can all agree on. (Not even Trump supporters want cancer!) But nobody wants to grow up gay in the 80s in a relgious household like I did, either. I lived each day of my closeted adolescence thinking that who I was would disappoint, scare, and upset all the people I loved in my life.” He added, “I vowed to devote my entire adult life to making sure kids (and adults) didn’t feel like I did growing up.”

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HUMANS

BY A N Y M E A N S H OW S I X TO C A N C E L S AV E S F O S T E R YO U T H

Words by SABLE TEMPEST Photography by TORIAN UGWORJI

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Sixto Cancel is on a mission to support youth who have been impacted by this nation’s child welfare system. Cancel was placed into foster care at the young age of 11 months and stayed in the system until he was an adult. During his time in foster care, Sixto was unable to experience stability, as he was placed in multiple foster homes and then adopted and placed back into the foster care system. Sixto recalls experiencing racial inequality from foster parents and a lack of support from caseworkers. He reflected, “My adopted parent told my caseworker that I could not go to private school like the other children in the home, because private school was not for Black children.” It was at that moment, that Sixto realized that he not only had to advocate for himself, but for others, who did not have a voice.

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“ M Y A D O P T E D PA R E N T TO L D M Y C A S E W O R K E R T H AT I C O U L D N OT G O TO P R I VAT E S C H O O L L I K E T H E OT H E R C H I L D R E N I N T H E H O M E , B E C AU S E P R I VAT E S C H O O L WA S N OT F O R B L AC K C H I L D R E N .”

Sixto currently heads an organization, Think of Us. The organization works to connect current and former foster youth with critical resources including job opportunities, housing vouchers, direct cash assistance, and emergency aid opportunities needed to prevent homelessness, keep families together, and provide funds for food and basic needs. We sat down with Sixto to discuss his organization, concerns, goals, and its current campaign, Check For Us. Bleu: What is the main initiative of Check For Us? Sixto:Check For Us is a national campaign powered by Think of Us

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that is focused on connecting anyone up to the age of 26 that has spent time in foster care after the age of 14 with emergency funds and other opportunities. Congress made $400 million available, your state is making plans on how to use it right now and we’re here to help. What is the biggest misunderstanding of the child welfare system? I think the biggest misunderstanding of the child welfare system is how and why children end up in the foster care system. Individuals tend to think that overall, the biological parents are bad and hurtful parents; however, the truth is, many parents lack resources to provide for their children’s daily needs. So, in essence, in most cases, these families need resources and support, not to be separated. What are some barriers to getting funds and grants to support initiatives for those in the child welfare system? One of the barriers for getting funds is that individuals do not exactly know the funds are available. As a result, if the funds are not used, the government believes the funds are not needed, which results in cutting of funds or not receiving funding for the next year. What programs would you like to see in place for those who have aged out of the child welfare system? It is critical that systems are put into place to ensure youth who age out of care have stable housing and support. We have received over

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HUMANS

27,000 requests from youth who need housing vouchers. Moreover, these youth need career development and everyday life skills to survive this world. Sadly, the role of the family has been replaced with a government agency, and it is not working. We need a system that supports the children and their individual needs, mentally, physically, and emotionally. When it comes to these children coming into care, we cannot generalize, each case is different. Each child has different needs and because of this, we need to support their individual needs fully. What is the most impactful story you have heard or done with Check For Us? There was a young woman who was facing eviction with her baby. The landlord was not giving her any grace and just wanted the cash. Because time was of an essence, we provided the landlord with a check so that the young lady could continue to be stable in her apartment. While a lot of programs are against giving out onthe-spot checks, we are solution-based. If we would have made the young lady go through an intensive program, she may have ended up homeless, which would have resulted in children services taking

her child because of inadequate housing. Again, to my point, a lot of parents are not bad parents, they lack resources. What is the 5-year plan for Check For Us? To continue to create a space to support those impacted by the child welfare system, heal, and thrive for greatness. How can the community get involved in supporting Check For Us? The funds need to be spent by September 30th of this year, and states are having a hard time finding and connecting with their states’ young people. All funds not distributed by this date are in danger of being forfeited and returned to the U.S. Treasury. So please, spread the word around your communities. Individuals can check out our site: https://www.checkforus.org/about

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Less Cult. More Community. Discover a healthier, happier YOU with LIVE and ON-DEMAND fitness classes and performance tracking that meet you wherever life takes you.

www.CYCLEDstudios.com Issue 74

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Words by REGINALD DOMINIQUE Photography by HOSHI JOELL

Executive Producer Jordan Cooper Puts the NEW in New Normal with his sitcom

The Ms. Pat Show Jordan E. Cooper talks starting in the industry as a new creative, his BET sitcom The Ms. Pat Show debut, working with Lee Daniels, and more.

Times have changed and so have American sitcoms. Television has evolved tremendously and it takes the courage of producers and directors to push the boundaries. This is why we need Executive Producers like Jordan E. Cooper who is mastering his craft one scene at a time. The OBIE Award-winning playwright and performer who was most recently chosen to be one of OUT Magazine’s “Entertainer of The Year” is living up to his profile and raising the standards while doing so. Last year, he starred in a sold-out run of his play Ain’t No Mo’ which was a New York Times Critics Pick. In addition, the Twentysix-year-old director and playwright created a pandemic-centered short film called Mama Got A Cough that has been featured in National Geographic and was named ‘Best Of 2020’ by The New York Times. He was also

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featured on the final season of FX’s POSE as “MC Tyrone”. When asked where it all started, “In my mom’s living room,” says Cooper. “I used to cut up my dad’s work uniform and my mom’s weaves and put on plays in the backyard. Then I started to do plays after church on Sunday’s and those grew. From there I started working at local theatre concessions and during that time, I was in high school which is when I started paying for venues downtown for my plays.” Soon after, Cooper had an amazing run with his Off-Broadway play, Ain’t No Mo’ which then ended up in the hands of film director and producer Lee Daniels. Ain’t No Mo’ came about during the summer of 2016 after Philando Castile and Alton Sterling were murdered. I started to think of conversations I was having with white peo-

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ple who mentioned Obama is President (at the time) and racism isn’t a thing anymore,” says Cooper. “I took that and made the first scene of Ain’t No Mo’, what happens if all black people in America got a plane ticket to Africa and if you don’t go, you will stay and turn into a privileged white man”. While working with Cooper, Daniels praised the young playwright saying he reminded him of what he is but if he were freer. From that point, Cooper says Daniels has supported him in every way possible by becoming a producer of Ain’t No Mo’ and now working on getting the show to Broadway. Cooper’s latest short film Mama Got A Cough has been described as extremely funny, and an honest depiction of Black families during the pandemic. With an excellent cast starring, one actress who stood out was legend herself, Juanita Jennings.

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When asked about his perspective of Mama Got A Cough, Cooper says, “This came about at the very beginning of the pandemic and we thought the world was ending. I wanted to be creative and I came across an article in the Washington Post about families who were saying goodbye virtually to matriarchs in the hospital with covid. I heard these characters in my head and wrote them down. My friend Danielle Brooks was first on board. Everyone recorded themselves from Zoom and I directed the entire short film via Facetime, to allow me not to be in the shot while recording. Cooper is currently the executive producer of The Ms. Pat Show, an R-Rated ‘old school sitcom he created for BET+. The show is based on the life of stand-up comedian and former convicted felon Patricia Williams and premiered on August 12. As a noted fan of old school sitcoms like The Jefferson’s, Good Times, and All In The Family, Cooper says, “The Ms. Pat Show is all of those with a twist. I wanted to create it as if Archie Bunker was a black woman.” Daniels asked Cooper to read Williams’ memoir Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat and come back to him with ideas. Those ideas flourished into The Ms. Pat Show. “Pat called saying that Lee was trying to get me in at FOX but they are not taking him seriously because I was in college. So, Pat suggested that I write the pilot and she would give it to them. If they liked she would tell

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them it was me and if they did not like it, she would tell them it was her,” Cooper says. Cooper wrote the pilot in a week and handed it over to Pat who then gave it to Daniels. Daniels took it to FOX and they asked him who wrote it? Daniels responded, “it was that kid you did not want to hire,” and from then on, the job was Cooper’s. “Lee has trusted me so much with this show. He has been so much of an advocate. He lets me go. He lets me think and be. He just gets it. It’s been a long time getting this show aired. I wrote this in 2018 my senior year of college and we shot it in 2019 and we were just now giving people a chance to see all 10 episodes,” Cooper says. “This will almost be unfiltered and relatable. We are breaking loose of all the shackles.” Watch The Ms. Pat Show, on BET+.

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ICON

“We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are.”

Marsha REMEMBERING

“I was no one, nobody from Nowheresville, until I became a drag queen.”

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“As long as my people don’t have their rights across America, there’s no reason for celebration.”

“I may be crazy but that don’t make me wrong.” In a time when “being crazy” simply meant being yourself, Marsha P. Johnson was just that. Mentally sound, Marsha was not crazy, senseless, or foolish – but in fact, began the craze of PRIDE. Being her “crazy” self, Marsha P. Johnson is a Pride pioneer and an iconic face in the LGBTQIA+ universe. Born Malcolm Michaels, Marsha, as the world knows her, was legally adorned after 1966. Affectionately known as Queen Mother to those that knew her, Marsha was adored for her love to dress and perform drag, and her matriarchal nature with her community. Though her legacy holds grace from the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to her pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of Greenwich Village, Marsha’s greatest gift was her PRIDE, her “pay it no mind” attitude, and her undying fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

“I never come out of drag to go anywhere. Everywhere I go I get all dressed up.”

“Crazy” or not…Marsha’s fearlessness is something everyone can and should appreciate.

“If a transvestite doesn’t say I’m gay and I’m proud and I’m a transvestite, then nobody else is going to hop up there and say I’m gay and I’m proud and I’m a transvestite for them.”

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BLEULIST

I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD

Top Tastemakers

LENA WAITHE

CARLOS KING

ADAIR CURTIS

SYD

VICTOR JACKSON

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

JONICA T. GIBBS

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KARAMO BROWN

JANET MOCK

ALVIN AILEY

ANDRE LEON TALLEY

ANGEL MCCOUGHTRY

TYLER THE CREATOR

JASON COLLINS

JESSICA BETTS

JAMES AVERY

AMANDLA STENBERG

EJ JOHNSON

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SHERYL SWOOPES

LEE DANIELS

YOUNG M.A.

TESSA THOMPSON

BILLY PORTER

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