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Pastor Says “LGBT Agenda Will Take Church Money
Publisher/Executive Editor David Vandygriff Dvandygriff @cityxtramagazine.com 10% of HIV Cases Linked To Gonorrhe & Chlamydia Editor In Chief By William Fryer Harvey Carr hcarr@cityxtramagazine.com Boy Erased’s Joel Edgerton’s Advice To LGBTQ Parents Director of Sales By Troy Bennett Carlos Martinez By Chris Jenkins
Rainbow Awards Jax 2019 Honorees By David Vandygriff
RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew New Hunk By David Vandygriff
LGBT More Likely To Earn Less & Overdraft By Tina Hudson
Troy Sivan Wonders If Being Gay Hurt His Success By Jake Manchester
London’s Mighty Hoopla Line-Up Released By Tom Crawford
Kremlin Embarrasses Trump-Again By Sarah Drake
FBI Investigating ‘Empire’ Jussie Smollett Attack By Nick Allen
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working against the church. Talking to Premier Christianity By Chris Jenkins magazine, he said: ‘Do you The church receives enormous realize how volatile our system tax breaks from the US is of our church gatherings? government. How much money it requires? All it takes is one law that Christian pastor and author changes the tax breaks that we Francis Chan has claimed the get and so many churches ‘LGBT agenda’ could force the would have to shut their doors. US government to cut tax breaks on churches, causing ‘Look At The LGBT Agenda’ many of them to close. ‘And when you look at the The evangelist, 51, from San LGBT agenda, and whatever Francisco, said that large else is going on in the churches require a lot of money government, you just think: to run and so rely on “How can I continue with this government tax breaks. system that is so dependent on Without them, he claims the so much money and so many services would not be able to breaks from the government?”‘ run. Churches in the US get However, he singles out the massive tax breaks from the ‘LGBT agenda’ as a force that’s government. While some argue
Pastor Says “LGBT Agenda’ Will Take church Money
it helps protect religious freedom, others say this allows the church to horde massive amounts of wealth – as seen in famous megachurches. In all 50 states and the District of Columbia, churches are exempt from income taxes and property taxes by the IRS. Individuals also get tax deductions when they donate money to churches. Who knew the ‘LGBT Agenda’ had such powerful forces to close all churches in America. WOW!
STD & Oral HIV Testing Every Second Tuesday of Each Month By The AIDS Healthcare Foundation
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parts of the ‘modelling’ study relied on estimates.
shows two of our most common STDs can cause HIV. This is a wakeup call to our country to respond to the real and growing threat of STDs.’
However, researchers from Emory University and the One in ten new cases of HIV Centers for Disease Control in gay and bisexual men are and Prevention (CDC) in linked to gonorrhea and chlamydia infection. That’s the Atlanta say their findings should be used by those conclusion of a modelling working in public health to study highlighted by the address the issue of STIs and NCSD (National Coalition of HIV transmission. STD Directors) in the US.
The Importance Of Regular Sexual Health Check-Ups
10% Of HIV Cases Linked To Gonorrhea & Chlamydia By William Fryer
The journal, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, published the research this week. Both sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of HIV transmission taking place: a fact known for some time. However, with rates of both gonorrhea and chlamydia rising in the US, health experts are concerned how this may impact public health advances in tackling HIV. Between 2013-2017, the US saw a 22% increase in chlamydia. Gonorrhea diagnosis shot up by 67%. By comparison, there has been a 13% drop in HIV diagnosis over the last eight years. The precise extent to which chlamydia and gonorrhea increase HIV transmission is unknown. Other biological factors may also play an influence. For this reason, 08 www.cityxtramagazine.com
Ian Howley, Chief Executive of the UK-based LGBTQ HERO, the parent organization of gay men’s health project GMFA, told cityXtra Magazine Gay Star News: ‘It’s been thought for some time that having an STI increases the chances of contracting HIV. When your ‘The Historic Levels Of Stds body is fighting an STI it Imperil Our Progress becomes more accessible to Towards Ending HIV’ contracting HIV. ‘This study highlights a clear need for a federal investment in the STD field and serves as a stark reminder that HIV and STD prevention must go hand -in-hand,’ says David C. Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD). ‘The historic levels of STDs imperil our progress towards ending HIV. We can’t hope to end HIV without also addressing STDs.’
‘If you are HIV-negative and been diagnosed with an STI you should abstain from sexual contact with another person until you’ve been treated and cleared.’ Howley recommends all sexually active men should test for HIV and STIs at least every six months.
‘More if you are having condomless sex and not on PrEP. You should also know what the symptoms of STIs According to the NCSD, there are, such as gonorrhoea, has been a 40& cut in STD chlamydia and syphilis. That prevention program funding way you can catch it early and since 2003. It is asking for an get it treated before it imposes additional $70million injection a further risk to yourself and from Congress to help tackle others.’ the problem of rising STD However, all three infections rates. may present with no ‘STDs lead to serious health symptoms. This is why sexual problems, and now this study health workers stress the
importance of regular testing, whether you notice symptoms or not. ‘Reducing The Levels Of Undiagnosed STI Infection Is Crucial’ Matthew Hodson, executive Director of NAM/aidsmap, said: ‘The public health emphasis on HIV has often overshadowed concerns about STIs. Considering many STIs will have no symptoms initially, reducing the levels of undiagnosed STI infection is crucial.’ Hodson was also keen to point out the role of STIs in HIV transmission does not detract from the Undetectable=Untransmittable message sexual advocates support. ‘When someone is undetectable on treatment they will not pass HIV on to their sexual partners. Even if other STIs are present. “U equals U” still applies. ‘We know this because the studies that affirmed zero sexual transmission risk when undetectable didn’t find a single case of transmission, even though many people in those studies had STIs.’
family together. Follow your heart, rather than belief or scripture or other people’s Boy Erased’s Joel Edgerton’s opinion.’ Advice To LGBTQ Parents As well as By Troy Bennett directing and acting in Boy Erased, Joel has 'Follow your heart, rather than appeared in films such as Red belief or scripture' says Sparrow and The Gift. director. ‘Boy Erased And Cameron Boy Erased director Joel Post, They’re On The Same Edgerton has offered advice to Shelf’ parents who struggle to accept Speaking to cityXtra Magazine, LGBTQ children. Joel also discussed last year’s His new movie stars Lucas The Hedges as a teen sent to Miseducation of Cameron Post. LGBTQ conversion therapy The critically-acclaimed drama camp and Nicole Kidman as his about conversion therapy mother. starred Chloe Grace Moretz. Asked ‘As a result of making ‘Boy Erased and The the film, what would your Miseducation of Cameron Post, advice be to a parent struggling they’re on the same shelf,’ he with their child’s sexuality?’ said. ‘I call it a one, two punch. Joel replied: ‘That love is the Anybody that says those two path to least resistance.’ films existing in the same year The star furthermore added: dilutes something – I point ’That acceptance keeps a them in the direction of the 50
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superhero movies and rom coms that are made every year.’ Boy Erased, which also features Bloom singer Troye Sivan, is released on 8 February in the UK. "Boy Erased" tells the story of Jared (Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Kidman and Crowe) at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a conversion therapy program or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith. Boy Erased is the true story of one young man's struggle to find himself while being forced to question every aspect of his identity.
given the local Jacksonville LGBTQ Community a greater respect and inclusiveness.
Rick Finn with Duval Pageantry System. He is a well -known and respected LGBTQ Community Leader within the LGBTQ Jacksonville Community. His leadership for Rainbow Awards Jax the past 23 years with the 2019 Honorees Duval Pageantry System has By David Vandygriff Paige Kelton grown the system to one of the Lady Marissa Armstead with with Action News Jax. Paige most sought after crowns in the Duval Pageantry System. She Kelton, an award winning jour- state and region for the past 23 nalist, moved from the anchor years. Miss Duval has been is an Icon and Legendry Entertainment with the LGBTQ desk to the management team existence for over 40 years. Jacksonville Community. Here at WJAX-TV and WFOX-TV. The nationally known pageant leadership for the past 23 years Paige has called Jacksonville is open to all races in the home for 20 years. She has with the Duval Pageantry United States and entrants do System has grown the system special interest in covering not have to live in Duval to one of the most sought after issues that affect children, County or even the state. crowns in the state and region reporting extensively on However, the pageant does Jacksonville's battle against for the past 23 years. Miss have one requirement, entrants child abuse and online Duval has been existence for have to be born male even if predators. She currently serves they’ve fully transitioned as a over 40 years. The nationally on the Community Advisory known pageant is open to all woman. races in the United States and Board for the First Coast Child Protection Team and the Board Pastor Valerie Williams of entrants do not have to live in Living Witness Family Worship Duval County or even the state. of Directors for The Florida Associated Press Center. Pastor Valerie Williams However, the pageant does have one requirement. entrants Broadcasters. Honors include 5 is the Lead Pastor of Living Suncoast Regional Emmy Witness Family Worship Center have to be born male even if Awards for "Investigative in Jacksonville Florida. Making they’ve fully transitioned as a Reporter", "Crime Reporting", and Strengthening Disciples! A woman. "Politics/Government community advocate, loving James Michael Acton with Reporting", "General wife, devoted pastor and Bank of America. Michael is Assignment Reporting" and all-around dedicated friend. currently serving as Vice "Newscast". She's a 14 time She helps hell the LGBTQ President of River City Pride Emmy nominee and was through the word of GOD. She and has been an active board honored by the AP Florida helps mend many souls that member for several years. Mr. Broadcasters for Individual fought a life of turmoil with Acton served 6 years as Achievement & Documentary. being gay and worshiping God. Co-Chair of Bank of Recognized as Media Jeff Fix with Equality Florida & America’s Lesbian, Gay, Advocate of the Year by both Bisexual & Transgender Pride the Mayor's Victims Assistance AIDS Memorial Project of Resource. He currently serves Advisory Council and Florida's Northeast Florida. Jeff helps as Regional Business Support Children First, Paige was also with Equality Florida Manager for All LGBT + Netpart of the CBS 47 News at 11 Jacksonville Gala’s Silent works. He was a mentor with team which won the Edward R. Auction. He also serves as a UNF Club Can Do. His work Murrow award for "Hard News board member with AIDS with both organizations has Excellence" for a largeNews" in Memorial Project of Northeast our region and "Overall market Florida. station. 14 www.cityxtramagazine.com
Bank of America At Bank of America, they realize the power of our people and value our differences — in thought, style, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, ethnicity and experience — recognizing that our diversity makes us a stronger company. Diversity and inclusion are central to our company's values, and we are proud to be widely recognized for our progressive workplace practices and initiatives that promote inclusion. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender, + Pride (LGBT+ Pride), Bank of America is proud to be a key part of Bank of America’s longstanding leadership to support the rights and needs of LGBT+ employees. In 2018, they launched chapters in India and Korea, and now have members in 30 chapters around the world focused on education, advocacy and visibility. Bank of America educate teammates on what it’s like to be LGBT+ in today’s workforce, and how to be
inclusive so that everyone truly can bring their whole selves to work. Bank of America advocates for progressive and inclusive policies and programs. Together with the more than 25,000 members of their Ally Program, their’re visible, waving the rainbow Flagscape to set an example of the importance of valuing, supporting, embracing and celebrating diversity.
veterans and Hurricane Irma victims and participate in several drives including the Children of Ken Knight Drive and the Children’s Home Society toy drive. John Phillips raised more than $20,000 to support American Breast Cancer Foundation’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer campaign, being a “Real Men Wear Pink’ leader who wore pink every day until he reached his goal. He is also an Law Offices of John M. advocate for human rights and Phillips participate in the will team with Safe Port efforts of the Martin Luther King Initiative, which provides Foundation and the Lesbian & services and advocacy to Gay Community of Jacksonvictims and survivors of human ville, lend a hand to M.A.D.D. trafficking and other human DADS, make more rights violations. contributions to helping local
RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew New Hunk By David Vandygriff
because we were backstage together. But they were focused on their lip syncs and I thought I should like, let them focus.”
Lai, who, for the record, “doesn’t bottom,” says he’s become inundated with messages since his Drag Race debut. “I already had my DMs on private but I have gotten a lot of messages,” he says. “I kind of just show my friends and my fraternity brothers and they are 23-year-old Wilson Lai is the all like ‘what the f*ck, this is latest addition to the squad, some wild-ass sh*t!’ And like, whose responsibilities include yeah, that’s what I deal with.” important tasks like looking hot Three adjectives we’d describe while slathered in baby oil. Wilson Lai would be the three “It was pretty cool but sadly B’s- brawny, brainy and there wasn’t a lot of beautiful. Meet Wilson Lai. interaction,” Lai tells Out when The Californian is a Kinesiology asked whether he’s made friends any of the queens. “To grad from California State University, Fullerton. He’s also be honest, I just saw them During one of last months episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars had a lot happening, including plenty of shade, workroom drama, and four back-to-back lip syncs. And, of course, the Pit Crew, which featured a new thirst-inducing member.
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a male model represented by Otto Models and Factor Chosen Management. We would have to give kudos to Ru for her NEWEST choice for the RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew. May we just Ru tour with the Pit Crew.
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earners. Around 25% of LGBTQ said they earned less than $25,000 compared to LGBT More Likely To 14% of the Earn Less & Overdraft By Tina Hudson general population. A study has found LGBT •4-Of those earning more people in the US more likely than $50,000, LGBTQ people to go into their overdraft than were again in the minority. the general population. Thirty-two per cent of the general population said they The study, undertaken by earned $50,000-$75,000, but OverdraftApps.com, only 25% of LGBTQ questioned just over 1,000 people across the US. Around respondents earned this 11% of respondents identified much. This continued in the $75,000-$100,000 bracket as LGBT. (16% of non-LGBTQ against The study asked people how 12% of LGBTQ). often they found themselves 5--Ninety per cent of the dipping into their overdraft LGBTQ population doesn’t over the past year: Never; trust the current once or twice; three to nine administration to help lower times; or 10+ times. bank fees, compared to 76% of those outside the Key Findings Include: community. 1-Fifty-four percent of non-LGBTQ people said they 6-Ninety-four per cent of the LGBTQ respondents do not ‘never’ went into overdraft. This compares to only 47% of believe President Trump specifically will help decrease LGBTQ people. bank fees. This compares to 2-Eighteen per cent of the 83% of those not in the LGBTQ population LGBTQ community. overdrafted three to nine times in the last year. This is Banks Will Charge ‘Whenever And Wherever against 12% of the They Can’ non-LGBTQ community. 3-When it comes to earnings, The survey found that many a similar number of LGBTQ people across the population and non-LGBTQ people earn had a lack of knowledge between $25,000-$50,000 about overdrafts, associated (around 35%). However, banking fees and options differences appear when such as overdraft protection. looking at low and high It found LGBTQ people were 18 www.cityxtramagazine.com
also slightly less likely to complain to their bank about overdraft fees. ‘Everyone is now aware that fees are a multibillion dollar business for banks. They are going to charge whenever and wherever they can, so it’s really up to people to track their finances, finding alternative ways to borrow money,’ said Paul Golden, spokesperson finance NGO Nefe, the National Endowment for Financial Education, in the report. Spending In The LGBTQ Community Much has been written about the power of LGBTQ spending. Many of those who point to wealth in the LGBTQ community highlight the fact that same-sex couples are less likely to have kids. While it’s true that couples with no kids are likely to have more disposable income, this does not compensate for the fact that LGBTQ people often face barriers to career advancement or have had to overcome challenges in life linked to their sexuality or gender identity. A spokesperson for Overdraft Apps told JaxGay.com: ‘We think that the prejudices that the LGBTQ community suffered in the past and are still going through today are great factors when it comes to their lower income and the amount they overdraft compared to the general
population. ‘It just makes sense: When your mind is busy with existential questions, you have less time to focus on your financial well-being.’ Distrust In Political Leadership Bob Witeck is the founder of Witeck Communications. The marketing agency produces an annual report on the spending power of the LGBTQ community.
He told JaxGay.com he was, ‘not especially surprised’ by the findings. However, as a caveat, he says part of the findings may be down to those identifying as LGBTQ being younger: baby boomers ‘tend to be more closeted based on their lives’ experiences.’ However, he said the study, ‘seems to confirm data I’ve seen over the years that suggests LGBTQ consumers tend to be slightly less savvy about financial services, and tend to distrust or to be wary of financial institutions slightly more than others. ‘There is no surprise at all that LGBTQ respondents express their distrust in our current political leadership too, given the climate fostered by the
Trump Administration.’ Male Couples Discriminated Against On Mortgage Applications A 2013 study by The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law found though ‘poverty rates for nearly all populations increased during the recession, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) Americans remained more likely to be poor than heterosexual people.’ Spending power is also complicated by many other factors. Some studies have found that lesbians, on average, tend to earn more over their lifetime than heterosexual women of similar educational standing. However, this is largely due to them being less likely to take career breaks to raise children. The study found that gay male couples were more likely to encounter discrimination when applying for a mortgage. It found white male couples 2.5% less likely to be approved a mortgage than a white, opposite-sex couple. Faring worse were black male couples. They were 7.5% less likely than a white, straight couples to be approved for a similar mortgage.
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music, maybe the music just isn’t good enough, maybe the world is obsessed Troy Sivan Wonders If Being with hip-hop Gay Hurt His Success right now and By Jake Manchester I’m making “I have a great management the furthest thing from hip-hop. team and great label, and I It could be a myriad other haven’t had this conversation things, but a part of me with anyone else in fear bewonders sometimes, is the cause I hate it, hate it, hate it world actually ready right now when pop stars sound bitter or for what I’m trying to be?” blame any sort of lack of success on anything other than Troye Sivan Mellet is South for themselves. I don’t want to African-born YouTuber, actor, model and singer known for his come across like I’m saying that at all, but this just feels like roles in The Spud Franchise, X -Men Origins: Wolverine, and a safe space where we can Boy Erased (2018). He moved have an open conversation. to Perth, Australia when he Part of me wonders sometimes was two years old. Troye has if I would be more commercially two brothers and a sister, and successful if I wasn’t gay or not was raised Modern Orthodox. as “in your face gay”. I think In 2018, his family moved to we’re in a really interesting time Melbourne. Troye lives in LA in music right now where we where he has a house. He has are seeing more and more over 6.6 million subscribers on queer artists pop up, but we YouTube as of October 2018, don’t have a queer Taylor with videos ranging from song Swift, we don’t have a queer covers to challenge videos to Rihanna, or a queer Beyoncé. original songs and music videos. One of his earlier It’s not there yet I don’t think, videos, a collaboration filmed though it feels very exciting to with fellow YouTube star Tyler be where we are, I still feel like Oakley titled 'The Boyfriend there’s a really tall mountain to Tag' even won a Kid's Choice climb. Sometimes it can be award in 2014. frustrating because I’m giving my all and not having some Over the past couple of years, humongous radio smash all Troye has released two EPs, over the world. the one in 2014 being TRXYE and the one in 2015 being 100% could just be on the WILD. His unique blend of electro-pop and smooth melodies have taken him as 20 www.cityxtramagazine.com
high as number fifteen on Billboard's Social 50 list, which chronicles the most influential names in music today. Along with WILD and the lead single Talk Me Down off of his new album Blue Neighbourhood which came out on 4 December 2015, he released a trilogy of music videos titled Blue Neighbourhood. Both of his EPs have debuted at number five on the Billboard Top 200, his album debuting at number seven and he has won several awards for his work, including most recently an EMA.
London’s Might Hoopla Line-Up Released By Tom Crawford
Mighty Hoopla is a brightly-colored, pop-tastic fever dream in a London park that’s dominated by LGBTI people. And it’s absolutely spectacular.
the limelight.
and the rest of the crowd screams at the top of their lungs. It’s euphoric and beautiful, and somehow you still feel like the star even if you’re sharing
Anyway, onto Mighty Hoopla’s 2019 line-up:
she’s got a stage now and if you missed Britney at Brighton All Saints: They’re a mellow Pride last year, this might help. girl band best known for Tove Lo: If you’ve listened to singing the song to that The massive pop festival is Radio 1, you’ve heard Tove Lo, Leonardo DiCaprio movie no back in 2019 for its third year or one of the fifteen million and the line-up features some one remembers. A remixes of her songs. The kids classic acts. Basically, if you’re hugging-your-best-friend-and- love her and she has hundreds telling-them-you-love-them act. a British gay, you probably of millions of views on sang these songs in your Bananarama: While Gilette YouTube. bedroom in the simpler times may have burnt their iconic Ultra Nate: Making the above before Grindr or Tinder song into the brain, song makes Ultra Nate haunted your life. If you’re from Bananarama have way more legendary anyway. The rest of anywhere else, just trust that bops in their arsenal. They the house maestro’s there’s more than a few bops might be your mom’s favorite, discography will guarantee you between these artists. but they’re amazing. dance the festival away. Let’s hope she’s on later in the Held in Brockwell Park, Brixton Jamelia: Everyone Earth can remember Jamelia’s Superstar. festival. on 8 June 2019, hundreds of Just imagine the carnage when people will descend on the The club nights: green this summer covered in every gay in the crowd hears the song. all the glitter, feathers and Sink the Pink, Guilty Pleasures, vests you can imagine. It’s not Liberty X: Liberty X are best just pop artists on the billing known as being a more-grown- The Grand, Massaoke, The Cocoa Butter Club, Klub Kids, though, as some of London’s up-sort-of copy of S Club 7 U Ok Hun?, Hungama, The finest LGBTQ (and LGBTQ(who were a mixed gender Chateau, Pluma, & We Love friendly) club nights are hosting Spice Girls with the training their very own parties. wheels on). However, Liberty X Pop. are older, they’ve ditched the Mighty Hoopla will be held in Sink the Pink are obviously boys, and they’re just as London June 8, 2019. For more back and they’ll be bringing sexyyyyyyyy. information visit their retinue of drag queens, Samantha Mumba: You know DJs and party games. Another Samantha Mumba, right? She’s www.MightyHoopla.com big highlight is Massaoke. A band on stage plays the music that artist you heard on the car radio those times. Anyway, 22 www.cityxtramagazine.com
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Kremlin Embarrasses Trump-Again By Sarah Drake
The Kremlin has just embarrassed President Donald Trump, again. On Tuesday the Kremlin leaked news that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires in November. The meeting was previously not publicly known, but The Financial Times first reported on the story. What made the news a bombshell is that President Trump held the meeting with President Putin without a single U.S. official present. No government officials, no translators, no one from the State Dept. Russia is a hostile foreign country that attacked America's elections in 2016, and has been waging a cyber
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war against the U.S. political system since at least 2013. It is unprecedented to have held the meeting without a U.S. witness, especially someone to record the details of what happened. That was embarrassment number one. Embarrassment number two came Wednesday, via TASS, the official state media news outlet of the Kremlin. In response to the news that President Trump had no translator or other official on hand as he met with Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters (link to TASS article in Russian), "It’s none of our business whether Trump had an interpreter; Putin’s interpreter is always by
his side — we have stability and order in that regard," according to Russian Media Analyst Julia Davis. And that sounds like a strong dig at the Trump White House. Basically, President Putin knows what he's doing, it's none of our business that President Trump does not. Julia Davis tweeted, “The Kremlin responds to the reports that no staff or interpreters were present during Trump’s conversation with Putin at the G20: “It’s none of our business whether Trump had an interpreter; Putin’s interpreter is always by his side — we have stability and order in that regard.”
homophobic slurs towards him. “The offenders began to batter FBI Investigating ‘Empire” the victim with their hands Jussie Smollett Attack about the face By Nick Allen and poured an unknown chemical substance The federal government on the victim. agency—which has powers to “At some point during the intervene in serious crime incident, one of the offenders investigations including hate wrapped a rope around the crimes—will probe the attack, victim’s neck. The offenders which took place in the early hours of Tuesday (January 29) fled the scene.” in Chicago. Chicago Police added: Out TV star Smollett, who plays “Detectives are currently a high-profile gay character on working to gather video, identify potential witnesses and Fox show Empire, was establish an investigative hospitalized after the violent timeline. incident, in which he was reportedly branded a “faggot “The victim is fully cooperating Empire n****r” and had a noose with investigators and we ask tied around his neck by two anyone with information about men. this incident to contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747Chicago Police confirmed to 8382 or report it anonymously ABC News that the FBI is assisting in the investigation of to www.cpdtip.com.” the brutal attack. No video of the attack has yet ThatGrapeJuice, the first outlet been found, and no arrests have been made. to report the attack, alleged that a threatening letter was Smollett is yet to speak publicly sent to Smollett days before about the incident, but many of the attack that reads: “You will his Empire colleagues have die black fag.” sent messages of support. The envelope featured the In an emotional video posted to acronym ‘MAGA,’ which stands Instagram, Empire co-creator for the pro-Trump slogan Lee Daniels said: “It’s taken me “Make America Great Again.” a minute to come to social media about this because, In a previous statement, Jussie, you are my son. Chicago Police said: “Two unknown offenders approached “You didn’t deserve nor him and gained his attention by anybody deserves to have a yelling out racial and noose put around your neck, to have bleach thrown on you, to 26 www.cityxtramagazine.com
be called ‘faggot n****r’ or whatever they said to you. “You are better than that. We are better than that. America is better than that. It starts at home.” Daniels added: “We have to love each other regardless of what sexual orientation we are because it shows we are united on a united front and no racist f**k can come in and do the things that they did to you. “Hold your head up, Jussie. I’m with you. I’ll be there in a minute. It’s just another f***ing day in America.” A statement on behalf of the entire Empire production adds: “We are deeply saddened and outraged to learn that a member of our Empire family, Jussie Smollett, was viciously attacked last night. “We send our love to Jussie, who is resilient and strong, and we will work with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice. “The entire studio, network and production shared united in the face of any despicable act of violence and hate, and especially against one of our own.”