V5I3 DBQ Magazine MAY/JUN 2015

OUR GUIDE TO LGBT PRIDE

BE PROUD OF YOUR SELF!

HOMO HARLEM

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MONIFAH ONE MOMENT WITH OUR OWN R&B DIVA

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I age and life urges my soul forward, I’m discovering self and all that is dazzling and uniquely I agebeautiful and life about it. There is something about the selfish urges my soul forward, I’m discovering self andperson is so luminous. At the beautiful same time, we live in all thatthat is dazzling and uniquely about a society that in many shames selfishness. it. There is something aboutways the selfish person a person who is able to we onlylive focus that is Imagine so luminous. At the same time, in their love, energy, attention, and appreciation on a society that in many ways shames selfishness. themselves so much theirfocus cup their is running Imagine a person who is ablethat to only over an abundance of goodness from on within. It love, energy, attention, and appreciation is interesting thatthat we their live incup a society that trains themselves so much is running usabundance against ourof own intuitive guidance over an goodness from within. Itsystem within ourselves. of that us, trains the pattern is interesting that we liveFor in amany society started we were younger when we us against our when own intuitive guidance system that must make within learned ourselves. Forwe many of us, the others pattern happy following bliss within startedinstead when ofwe were the younger when ourselves, we learning to align with others our ownhappy well being. learnedandthat we must make becomethe outwardly centered instead of insteadWe've of following bliss within ourselves, inwardly, being stem the and learning to and alignfrom withthis our way ownofwell being. major part of our misalignment with ourselves. We've become outwardly centered instead of inwardly, and from this way of being stem the We were with this Not only to lead major part of ourentrusted misalignment withlife. ourselves. it, but also to love it, and to be in good aligned standing withwith us this along It is only We were entrusted life.the Notprocess. only to lead intimate withaligned ourselves is it, but when also toour love it, andrelationship to be in good aligned we feel best, and standing with that us along theour process. It is are onlyable to radiate our relationship best everywhere we go. when our intimate with ourselves is The As we all become more enlightened and learn the divinity that we are, we will understand shinning light and love we experience in our aligned that we feel our best, and are able to lives why we naturally must come first. Whatever we focus on expands, explodes, and extra byproduct of that aligned radiateis aour best everywhere weselfish go. relationship The overflows. whyenlightened not focus on thelearn abundance thatthat youwe are? Our calls this being As we all becomeSo more and the divinity are, wesociety will understand with self in love direct matters shinning light and weproportions. experience inIt our lives most full of yourself. I believe that those who are full of themselves are those who are moving why we naturally must come first. Whatever we focus on expands, explodes, and extra how we feel, and how we feel is a personal is a byproduct of that aligned selfish relationship boldly through this earth creating meaning and manifesting goodness because that's overflows. So why not focus on the abundance that you are? Our society calls this being thing. For with the great energy of our feelings, with self in direct proportions. It matters most exactly who you are. full of yourself. I believe that those who are full of themselves are those who are moving we feel, can live greatest dreams, or perpetuate how we andour how we feel is a personal boldly through this earth creating meaning and manifesting goodness because that's thing. our For darkest with thenightmares. great energy of our feelings, in you this are. time and season of pride, as you hold the rainbow flag high and you feel this exactlySo who we can live our greatest dreams, or perpetuate sense of pride for all the LGBT people amongst you, first know that you must first be What I’ve come to know is that we’re all seeking our darkest nightmares. PROUD of yourself. that as selfish of love and flag appreciation knowing So in this time and seasonFrom of pride, you place hold the rainbow high and will youflow feel athis any given thing with the belief that we will feel and beingness that will come alive in you, and move us all forward. sense of pride for all the LGBT people amongst you, first know that you must first be better in to having those things.all I've come to What I’ve come know is that we’re seeking PROUD of yourself. From that selfish place of love and appreciation will flow a knowing understand thatthe people against us. They any given thing with belief aren’t that we will feel and beingness that will come alive in you, and move us all forward. are simply for themselves. Not because they’re better in having those things. I've come to wrongthat or bad, butaren’t because that us. is how understand people against Theythey’re wired.forI’ve learned Not that because our relationship are simply themselves. they’re with andbecause feeling good wrong ourselves or bad, but that is organically how they’reour first and anything thatrelationship tries to detour wired. priority, I’ve learned that our withthat will pinch usfeeling off of our own well being. our first ourselves and good is organically �� priority, and anything that tries to detour that will �� pinch us off of our own well being. Find d ��

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It’s another year of pride. What can we say? Better yet, what can we feel? We should feel blessed that life has given us another year to celebrate who we are as part of the LGBTQ community. After all, things like this don’t happen overnight. The year 2015 represents decades of hard work that many of us have encountered to achieve equality and the freedom to live our lives freely as the people we were born to be. So my message to you is love yourself and be very proud of yourself This issue is all about pride and things that makes us proud about this wonderful neighborhood, which is Harlem. We have a piece titled “Homo Harlem,” which details thirteen afﬁrming things that make us proud in Harlem. There is a popular store known JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Boutique that people in Harlem know all too well when it comes to shopping. We got a glimpse into their wonderful store, and even got the chance to interview owner Jonathan Bodrick. Nathan James contributes a piece on medical Mary Jane, HIV and the gay community. It's a must read. We have an exclusive interview with R&B singer Monifah where she talks about her new music and memories of Harlem growing up. And of course, I share with you all my “What I’ve Come To Know" column. Hope this issue will entertain you from page to page. Most importantly, my hope is that it makes you feel proud of your fabulous self and all that this life has caused you to become.

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�� If you’re looking for a great bistro that displays a great environment with great food and drinks, Harlem Food Bistro should deﬁnitely be a place to add to your list. Whether its breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, Harlem Food Bar will provide such a wide range of food that will stop your heart just by looking at it. So you can only imagine what happen when you actually eat it.

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Roque Caston is a writer, editor, and journalist. He’s a college student majoring in Writing & Literature. His writings have been featured to various digital and print publications such as True Fashionista Now, MUSED Magazine, Floss, Swerv, and The G-List Society.

Writer, playwright, and radio personality Nathan James is a longtime advocate of the LGBT community. He serves as Executive Editor of GBM News.

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When it comes to a night out with good food, spontaneous drinks, and occasional live performances, you can deﬁnitely add Billie’s Black to your list of places to go to in Harlem. This location is quite known when it comes to talking about the nightlife in Harlem. Side note: The catﬁsh strips are amazing!

�� If you take the train to Harlem, chance is you stumbled upon this mural. This one single piece of art created by Faith Ringgold, which is known as Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines, is an excellent representation of the LGBT community, Harlem, and the creative arts. You never know when you’re walking past history. You will ﬁnd the faces of Mary McLeod Bethune to Malcolm X, W.E.B. Dubois, Marcus Garvey, to name a few, on this mural. When you look closely at the third section that represents the Schomberg Library, you will see literary icons Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, and Zora Neal Hurston. This shows that the LGBT community has and will continue to play a part in the history of Harlem. So if you ever ﬁnd yourself taking the 2/3 train to 125th, don’t forget to take a moment and glance at this wonderful piece of art before you resume with your busy life.

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HOMO HARLEM 13 THINGS WE LOVE THAT MAKE US PROUD

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HARLEM SHAKE The home of my new favorite burger in Harlem, which is the “Harlem Classic & Cheese” is none other than the wonderful dining joint known as Harlem Shake. You will a touch of the past and the groovy present. Side not: Make sure you ask for the special sauce to go along with the burger, and have one of their organic vanilla milkshakes.

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9. La Bodega 47 – Drinks

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Formally known as “Native,” La Bodega 47 is a social celebration where people can come together and enjoy a variety of staple foods, ﬂavorful drinks, and great conversations with the people you love.

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10. Red Rooster Red Rooster contains a rich history that continues to engage their customers into enjoying drinks and music in an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was named after the legendary Harlem speakeasy that was located at 138th Street and 7th Avenue, which was a neighborhood where folk, jazz greats, authors, politicians and some of the most noteworthy ﬁgures of the 20th Century used to hang out. The best time to catch the true atmosphere is at night. Side note: The French toast is amazing! — David Bridgeforth.

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1) My favorite memory of growing up in Harlem is the summers. It absolutely comes alive during that season. People are out, parties in the parks, folks selling interesting things on the streets. When I was a teenager my friends and I would walk all over from our block in Spanish Harlem (115th 2nd & 3rd Ave) to the infamous Rucker's Park b-ball court. Between us, we knew everybody. 2) For me, LGBT Pride is self-acceptance and celebration, which plays an important part of who I am, but not the only or most important. My humanity is the most important of all my 'identiﬁers.’ 3) What I’m most proud of about my new CD project is that I'm actively doing it. There was a time when I didn't know if I wanted to do this anymore, but the power that IS had another plan. I'm relaxing in the passenger seat this time around; living, learning, loving, and growing through the journey. 4) My favorite part of being a part of the inaugural cast of R&B Divas was the camaraderie, laughter, and freshness of

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The key to being a fashionista is having “the look”, one that is effortless and unique, with ambience that stops traffic and makes onlookers gasp as they try to figure you out. New York is filled with trendy destinations where fashion counts and image is everything and where today’s styles are all about character and authentic expression. But, there’s one location that captures every facet of fashion without the shocking price tags and where true trendsetters are finding New York’s best deals.

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the ﬁrst season. I will forever be endeared to the show. It was an experience I’m truly grateful for. I believe it served as a great platform for a lot of things that are important to me. I learned a lot about myself. The show came when I was in the midst of a much personal transition, and served its purpose in my life. I’m grateful for the experience and now I'm looking forward to other endeavors, in front of and behind the cameras. 5) One of my favorite quotes is "Well-behaved women, seldom make history."   - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  It always spoke to my outspoken nature. Society tells us that a woman must always be a 'lady', which always translated to me as ‘look cute, keep the dress tight, and shut up.’ I am far from that type of woman. You can't be afraid to make yourself or others uncomfortable. Speak up loudly for what you require of others, whether it’s yourself or your passions. The words I live by are “Evolve or Die.” I pray that's self explanatory.

On Fifth Avenue, girls spend their coins on designer nametags and go broke chasing the newest fashion statement. In SoHo, hipsters mix it all together, giving you a blend of eclectic and cross-cultural fashions. In Harlem, known for its Renaissance atmosphere, the elite rock fashion-forward getups that exude swag with a vintage ﬂare. While everyone else spends hundreds and thousands to look fabulous and amazing, Harlem shopaholics have access to the best hidden gem in town, JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique. b (borrowed). o (old). r (refurbished). n (new), is a Vintage Fashion Showroom, located in the heart of Harlem’s fashion district at 57 East 125th Street and Lenox Avenue. Clientele and shoppers enjoy a variety of vintage and high-end designer clothing that fuses together generational trends at a reasonable cost. Instead of buying one piece of clothing for hundreds of dollars, fashionistas walk away with bags overﬂowing with trendy pieces at a steal of a price. While strolling the aisles, searching for that next hot item, you’re sure to bump shoulders with like-minded shoppers, from artists and fashion professionals, to psychologists and university professors, of all races & genders. It is, without a doubt, a melting pot of style, charisma, and all that jazz! I had the pleasure of sitting down in an interview with JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique’s owner, Jonathan Bodrick. I inquired into the vision and secret behind his success as a fashion boutique owner and what it took for him to earn the title as “Godfather of Fashion in Harlem.” His boutique offers carefully curated Vintage pieces, new apparel, & consignment pieces from clients & local designers. His brand has remained Harlem’s best kept secret, until now.

Jonathan Bodrick, a Brooklyn native, moved with his partner to Harlem 11 years ago and was immediately drawn to the fashion and multicultural expression. Jonathan had always loved vintage clothing, jewelry and eye-catching accessories, which led him to begin hosting shopping parties with friends two times a month. Jonathan sold the pieces he collected and realized his parties were becoming a hit. He stepped out on faith and opened his own boutique, where customers could enjoy a unique and personal shopping experience while learning the value of vintage wear. Jonathan strongly believes vintage clothing provides a historical feel unlike any other type of clothing on the market today. JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique offers its fashion community a resource to explore and enjoy a unique shopping experience, one designed speciﬁcally with the fashion-forward trendsetter in mind. “You Are The Business” is Jonathan Bodrick’s business philosophy. If you haven’t already been there, you need to get down to Harlem’s best place to ﬁnd consignment prices at retail quality.

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�� When it comes to writing about Harlem James Baldwin was certainly one who did it beautifully. One of biggest stories was the semi-autographical novel Go Tell It On A Mountain. The novel tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy's self-discovery in terms of figuring out his identity as the stepson of the minister of a storefront Pentecostal church in Harlem. It’s also an examination on how the Christian Church plays significant role in the lives of African-Americans. True, raw, and personal to the bones, you can’t find any book like this when it comes to reading about Harlem back in 1953.

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One of my favorite things about Harlem is the beautiful brownstones. Harlem 144 Guest House was purchased in 1980 by Valerie Bradley, the queen of all fruit ﬂies in this neighborhood. She has created a cultural, eclectic, a bold full of character that is not only comfortable, but afﬁrming to the LGBT community. If you want to have an real brownstone experience just like those of James Baldwin experienced back in the day, this would be the place for you.

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5 THINGS 5 THINGS WE LOVE WE LOVE

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If you’re going to stay somewhere in Harlem, and you want to stay in a quality, affordable hotel in Harlem, Aloft Hotel is for you. Not only is it one of the major sponsors for Harlem Pride each year, you will be able to be yourself, and have an amazing experience in the bar and lounge. All is welcome.

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Over  the course of three years, director OverBratton the course of three three gay years, director Elegance filmed and Elegance Bratton filmed three gay and transgender youth of color who have become transgender youthstreet of color become homeless on the same thewho Gayhave Rights homeless on the same street the Gay Rights Movement began so long ago. Inspired by his Movement began so long ago. Inspired own personal experiences, Bratton decided toby his personal experiences, decided to film a own haunting realism about the Bratton lives of LGBT film ayouth haunting realism lives of LGBT homeless through the about eyes ofthe a few homeless throughthe thestruggle. eyes of aIt’s few people who are youth experiencing people who are experiencing the struggle. an incredibly serious issue that is happening in It’s anApple, incredibly that is happening in the Big andserious it is up issue to us to address the Big Apple, and it isand up to address this topic, raise awareness, putusantoend to this topic, raise awareness, and put end to this epidemic. If there is any documentaryan that this epidemic. If there is any documentary that you should add to your list of things to see you should add to your list of things to see revolving around a heavy topic, Pier Kids: The revolving around a heavy topic, Pier Kids: The Life should be one of them. Life should be one of them. His advocacy, activism, and journalism work His advocacy, activism, and journalism has been recognized on a national level. He iswork has been recognized on a national level. He is the living proof that in his own words “Trans. the living proof that in his own words “Trans. Is. Beautiful.” Is. Beautiful.”

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Producer Seven King is breaking grounds this summer by releasing a web series is breaking grounds thisissummer by releasing a webthe series that isProducer bound toSeven make King people talk. Eden’s Garden a dramedy that will depict that is bound to make people talk. Eden’s Garden is a dramedy that will depict the issues that Black transgender men face in society today. The cast are all issues that Black transgender men face in society today. The cast are all transgender men and series will tackle taboo issues such as homophobia, transgender men and series willheavily tackleby taboo issues such as homophobia, promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS. Inspired his own personal experiences as a promiscuity, HIV/AIDS. Inspired heavily bygives his own personal experiences transgender man, and producer Seven King hopes you other the chance to live as a transgender man, producer in their truth, and tell their stories. Seven King hopes you gives other the chance to live in their truth, and tell their stories. thePolk release of the well-received film byFollowing Patrick-Ian Blackbird is the �� film by Patrick-Ian Polk Blackbird is the ��film soundtrack of the same name. film soundtrack of the same name. Blackbird is a coming-of-age film based � � �� Blackbird is a coming-of-age filmthe based on the novel by Larry Duplechan tells �� on the novel by Larry Duplechan tells the Following the release of the well-received

�� story of seventeen-year-old Randy, a �� of seventeen-year-old �� devoutstory Christian, dealing with theRandy, inner a

devout Christian, withhis the inner struggle of coming intodealing terms with struggle of coming into terms with sexuality as a gay man, and his family his sexuality as ahis gay man, and family who are handling realization in his their who are handling his realization in own critical way. The music that comes their The music comes alongown with critical this filmway. features vocalsthat from along with this film features vocals music artists like D. Woods to give the from music artists touch like D.that Woods film the emotional will to give the film the emotional touch that will to captivate their listeners from beginning captivate their listeners from beginning to end. end.

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Tiq Milan is a writer, activist, and Milan is awhose writer,own activist, mediaTiq consultant storyand is media consultant whose remarkable. Since coming out own as a story is remarkable. coming out as a transgender male,Since Milan’s has been �� transgender male, Milan’s has been �� actively involved in the LGBT �� activelyHe’s involved in the LGBT �� community. written for various �� community. He’s written for various �� digital and print publications. He’s �� digital and print publications. He’s currently the national spokesperson for currently theallowing nationalhim spokesperson for GLAAD, thereby to train The Urban Dictionary deﬁnes “Shade” as acting in a casual or GLAAD, therebyadvocates allowing him The Urban Dictionary deﬁnes “Shade” as acting in a The casual or national transgender on to train disrespectful manner towards someone/dissing a friend. national transgender advocates disrespectful manner towards someone/dissing a friend. best ways to craft their stories and on mission of the #StopTheShade Campaign is to promote The best their waysimpact to craftontheir stories mission of the #StopTheShade Campaign to promote maximize society. Asand a awareness and understanding of the negative impact ofisShade maximize impact the on society. awareness and understanding of the negative impact of Shade personality, he’stheir discussed latest As a within the LGBT Community and beyond through education, personality, discussed the latest within the LGBT Community and beyond through education, developments onhe’s transgender rights advocacy, social media, and visual protest. Shade can happen developments on transgender advocacy, media, and visual Shade happen on various media outlets from MTV rights anywhere, tosocial anyone, at anytime, andprotest. can have long can lasting media outlets from anywhere, to anyone, at anytime, and can have long Newson to various The Katie Couric Show. HeMTV negative effects. Historically, Shade has been a part of the LGBTlasting News tohis The Couric Show. He negative effects. has not, beenwhen a part of theisLGBT documented lifeKatie in the GLAADCulture for a very longHistorically, time. More Shade often than Shade his life in the GLAADCulture for a very long time. More often than not, when Shade is Awarddocumented nominated documentary U no longer just a "Kiki," it creates animosity, hate, discrimination Award nominated documentary no longer just a "Kiki," it creates animosity, hate, discrimination People and Realness along with beingU and division within the community. The campaign is way to shed People alongand with within the discord community. Thecreates. campaign way to featured in a and MTVRealness reality series, in being and division a light on the Shade Findismore at shed in a MTVUpworthy. reality series, and in a light on the discord ShadeDBQMAG.COM. creates. Find more at videosfeatured for the website videos for the website Upworthy. DBQMAG.COM.

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CULTURE POLITICS POLITICS

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recent years, the therapeutic usages and

beneﬁts of medical marijuana treating variety of illnesses and recentinyears, thea therapeutic usages and injuries has been increasingly well-documented. Studies, trials, beneﬁts of medical marijuana in treating a variety of illnesses and and symposia all demonstrated the positive effects of injuries has beenhave increasingly well-documented. Studies, trials, cannabis in alleviating promoting the healing, reducing and symposia have all pain, demonstrated positive effects the of

harmful of stress,pain, and even helpinghealing, to slow reducing the onsetthe of cannabiseffects in alleviating promoting infectious diseases. For people livinghelping with HIV, thesethe ﬁndings harmful effects of stress, and even to slow onsetare of

of particular interest, even with many infectious diseases. For but people living withempirical HIV, thesedata, ﬁndings are municipalities and legislators remain unconvinced of the efﬁcacy of of particular interest, but even with empirical data, many

Adding to the challenge, is the heated debate that still revolves

marijuana as an integral part of treatment and convalescence. At the center of the controversy over marijuana as a treatment for

people living with HIV or conservative politics--the groups with advocacy of people living with HIV or

marijuana as an integral part of treatment and convalescence. municipalities and legislators remain unconvinced of the efﬁcacy of

HIV (and as aofmedical tool at all) is a Louisiana University At the center the controversy over marijuana asState a treatment for study, published last year in the medical journal AIDS Research HIV (and as a medical tool at all) is a Louisiana State University

And Retroviruses, that regular doses of study,Human published last year which in the discovered medical journal AIDS Research THC given toRetroviruses, lab monkeyswhich over time, slowedthat the regular spread doses of HIV of in And Human discovered

the The over research federally fundedof by THCanimals' given to bodies. lab monkeys time,was slowed the spread HIVthe in National Institute Of Health and the National Institute on the animals' bodies. The research was federally funded byDrug the Abuse, the results were and startling--and infuriating to many on Nationaland Institute Of Health the National Institute on Drug the right side of the legislative aisle. These conservatives, Abuse, and the results were startling--and infuriating to many on immediately the work aisle. as "ﬂawed", "enabling, the right sidedecried of the legislative Theseand conservatives, 'legitimizing' the use and manufacture of an illegal substance". immediately decried the work as "ﬂawed", and "enabling, They've successfully stymied efforts inof 27 'legitimizing' the use and manufacture an marijuana for medicalstymied uses--and frustrated They've successfully efforts in 27

states to legalize illegal substance". the efforts of the states to legalize

medical and uses--and advocates frustrated of medical the marijuana marijuanacommunity for medical efforts toofhave the their research seen in a serious light. medical community and advocates of medical marijuana to have their research seen in a serious light. For almost 80 years, marijuana has been seen as a "recreational" drug in the 80 United States, and has as abeen "gateway" to aother, "harder" For almost years, marijuana seen as "recreational" drugs like crack, cocaine, and heroin. Because of this, legislators drug in the United States, and as a "gateway" to other, "harder" have, the past sixty years, have enacted and harsher drugs over like crack, cocaine, and heroin. Becausemore of this, legislators laws for possession, sale, and even casual use of weed. In New have, over the past sixty years, have enacted more and harsher

York State, the notorious Rockefeller lawsuse imposed mandatory, laws for possession, sale, and even casual of weed. In New Draconian penalties on people charged with minimal amounts of York State, the notorious Rockefeller laws imposed mandatory,

marijuana--fifteen years in statecharged prison. with These toughest-in-theDraconian penalties on people minimal amounts of nation sentences for nonviolent drug offenses gave rise to the marijuana--fifteen years in state prison. These toughest-in-thefurther demonization of marijuana the public nation sentences for nonviolent drug inoffenses gave mind, rise to and the contributed directly to the difficulties now faced by those seeking further demonization of marijuana in the public mind, and to add it to our wideto array pharmacopoeia. contributed directly the of difficulties now faced by those seeking to add it to our wide array of pharmacopoeia.

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around thethe LSU study, involving as it debate does, another of Adding to challenge, is the heated that still bane revolves conservative politics--the LGBT community, and, as a subset, around the LSU study, involving as it does, another bane of

treat groupsthem, with accustomed treat them,

AIDS. Linking theseand, twoas marginalized LGBT community, a subset, a heretofore illegal drug which to AIDS. Linking these twowith marginalized

is the highest form of illegal anathema advocacy of a heretofore drug to withlawmakers which to to criminalizing marijuana, and denying LGBTs and is the highest form of anathema to lawmakers

HIV/AIDS patients full recognition as fellow citizens LGBTs ad human accustomed to criminalizing marijuana, and denying and beings. Even after the LSU study was supported by other work, HIV/AIDS patients full recognition as fellow citizens ad human before since, the was therapeutic value of medical beings. and Even after conﬁrming the LSU study supported by other work, marijuana for HIV treatment, including a "landmark" study by San before and since, conﬁrming the therapeutic value of medical Francisco Hospital, these a GOP members remain marijuana forGeneral HIV treatment, including "landmark" study by San unconvinced. Others, however, including several Republican Francisco General Hospital, these GOP members remain presidential candidates, changed their positions the issue, unconvinced. Others,have however, including severalonRepublican trying to keep in tune with voter sentiment. presidential candidates, have changed their positions on the issue,

trying to keep in tune with voter sentiment. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, for example, medical weed, but with Sen. Ted have Cruz "rethought" and formerlegalizing Florida governor Jeb Bush, for reservations--such as denying its use as a general analgesic, or to example, have "rethought" legalizing medical weed, but with treat post-traumaticasstress disorder. the debate continues, reservations--such denying its use asAs a general analgesic, or to medical marijuana--for people living with HIV/AIDS and other treat post-traumatic stress disorder. As the debate continues, illnesses--will surface as a platform issue in the campaigns both medical marijuana--for people living with HIV/AIDS andof other parties, on every level. Overcoming legislative obstacles to illnesses--will surface as a platform issue in the campaigns of both legalization be achieved parties, on will every level. electing those candidates legalization will be achieved

mainly by voters--in referenda, and by Overcoming legislative obstacles to who are known to understand mainly by voters--in referenda, andand by

support passage. Medical marijuana couldtoultimately proveand to electing its those candidates who are known understand be a formidable weapon in the ﬁght to treat and eventually cure support its passage. Medical marijuana could ultimately prove to the plague of in medicine, so be amodern-day formidable weapon in HIV/AIDS. the ﬁght to Even treat and eventuallyascure often is the case in other areas of life, political action is the the modern-day plague of HIV/AIDS. Even in medicine, as so

mechanism made. Thataction meansis your often is the through case inwhich otherprogress areas ofis life, political the presence in the voting booth on Election Day. That's the best mechanism through which progress is made. That means your medicine presence of in all. the voting booth on Election Day. medicine of all.

That's the best

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It wowed me to ﬁnd out about the Gay and Lesbian archives at the Schomberg, which is part of the New York Public Library. It was well and fun. I found out about them four years ago. It is directed by Steven Fullwood. I immediately requested DBQ Magazine to have an archive after I got to look at Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Joseph F. Beams, etc. Touching their work moved me in a spiritual sense. It is a must experience for any person of color, or any LGBT person seeking pride.

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�� The beautiful home of Langston Hughes is on 126th between Lenox and 5th a must see in Harlem to discover the location that this literary legend once resided. You can also ﬁnd me rollerblading past it on the cover of this issue.

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HOMO HOMO HARLEM HARLEM

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In 2010, the founders of this yearly event saw an opportunity to celebrate not event just our Same In 2010, the founders of this yearly saw Gender Loving/LGBT community, but also an opportunity to celebrate not just our Same to contribute and become a part but of Harlem's Gender Loving/LGBT community, also to rich history, and thus Harlem Pride was born. contribute and become a part of Harlem's rich Harlem Pride promotes Same Gender history, and thus Harlem Pride was born. Loving & LGBT in Harlem providing Harlem Pridepride promotes SamebyGender Loving opportunities for collaboration and & LGBT pride in Harlem by providing communication among its and SGL/LGBT opportunities for collaboration organizations and community members communication among its SGL/LGBT through education and advocacy. organizations and community members through and Pride advocacy. Eacheducation year, Harlem consists of VIP Launch Party Fundraisers, anof annual Each year, Harlem Pride consists VIP Pride Day Celebration in Jackie Robinson Park, and Launch Party Fundraisers, an annual Pride a Harlem Pride Family Day at the end. Since Day Celebration in Jackie Robinson Park, and 2010, Harlem Pride has expanded to include a Harlem Pride Family Day at the end. Since monthly seminars and workshops, social 2010, Harlem Pride has expanded to include events, and other monthly seminars and community workshops,outreach social activities. events, and other community outreach activities.

HARLEM PRIDE BOARD SHARES �� WHAT ABOUT HARLEMTHEY PRIDELOVE BOARD SHARES WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT ��

One thing is hard to chose but the happiest memories for me of One thing is hard to chose but As a Same Gender Loving Woman in Harlem are from my childhood. the happiest memories for me of Harlem, I like the comfort level I have, My mother was not one who As a Same Gender Loving Woman in Harlem are from my childhood. generally speaking, of being would let having two kids keep Harlem, I like the comfort level I have, My mother was not one who unapologetically me. I am not afraid to her from enjoying the excellent generally speaking, of being let having two kids keep walk down the street hand-in-hand with my would entertainment that was often unapologetically me. I am not afraid to her from enjoying the excellent girlfriend or kiss her. Now that isn't to say available at the World Famous walk down the street hand-in-hand with my entertainment that was often that there isn't still work to be done, but I Apollo Theater. She would girlfriend or kiss her. Now that isn't to say available at the World Famous feel the presence of Harlem Pride has frequently take us with her to see that there isn't still work to be done, but I Theater. She would helped make Harlem more comfortable for Apollo the stars of the day. My all-time feel the presence of Harlem Pride has frequently take us with her to see our SGL/LGBT community. If something favorite entertainer, live at the helped make Harlem more comfortable for the stars of the day. My all-time serious happens, they know that Harlem Apollo, was the Hardest Working our SGL/LGBT community. If something favorite entertainer, live at the Pride will respond. — Carmen, Harlem Man in Show Business -- the serious happens, they know that Harlem Apollo, was the Hardest Working Pride Board President one and only James Brown. My Pride will respond. — Carmen, Harlem Man in Show Business -- the favorite holiday in Harlem was Pride Board President I love Harlem because of its iconic one and only James Brown. My Easter when we would get all stature and it exuberance great culture, favorite holiday in Harlem was dressed up in our Easter best I love Harlem because of its iconic food, and a conscious community of Easter when we would get all and go to 125th Street to have stature and it exuberance great culture, people of all backgrounds. Harlem has dressed up in our Easter best our pictures taken after church food, and a conscious community of revitalized and reformed itself as a and go to 125th Street to have (of course) right across the street people of all backgrounds. Harlem has revolutionary pinnacle of a new Harlem our pictures taken after church from Blumstein's Department revitalized and reformed itself as a Black Mecca. Harlem has given me the (of course) right across the street Store. Oh, and let me not fail to revolutionary pinnacle of a new Harlem tools to be a responsible citizen to inspire from Blumstein's Department mention my favorite park to run Black Mecca. Harlem has given me the and motivate my community that I love. Store. Oh, and let me not fail to around and be a kid -- Riverside tools to be a responsible citizen to inspire “I am Harlem and Harlem is me”. Michael, mention my favorite park to run Park. Harlem, one of the best and motivate my community that I love. Harlem Pride Board Member around and be a kid -- Riverside places in which to grow. –Rev “I am Harlem and Harlem is me”. Michael, Park. Harlem, one of the best Yunus, Harlem Pride Board Harlem Pride Board Member places in which to grow. –Rev Member Yunus, Harlem Pride Board Member

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What are you learning about self love? Self love is a process. Once you’ve acknowledged and tackled loving one aspect of yourself, you will soon ﬁnd out that there’s an entirely new layer underneath. What’s your best advice for someone who is HIV positive? To someone living with HIV, I would ask them to simply live in victory every day. Choose to take each day by the horns and defeat it. To become introverted is the beginning of a slow death. Use it to make yourself better instead of bitter.

Treatment really helped me to feel better about myself and took away a lot of stress. Starting treatment was a big stepping-stone in my life. It really made me come to terms with being positive. I was hesitant at ﬁrst but ended up feeling great about it afterwards. I feel a lot more healthy and conﬁdent now. —AARON

What does your sex appeal come from? My sex appeal comes from my conﬁdence. In knowing who the fuck I am and owning it. What helped you get into treatment? The fact that I want to live to see my son’s sons carry on and begin new legacies. What gives you passion? My passion comes from an unsettling feeling that I must be doing something more, and every time I’ve obtained a goal, a new one surfaces.

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In 1996 my t-cell dropped from 825 to 400 in a matter of 3 months, I got really scared. I didn't expecting them to drop so quickly but I was also just getting myself off of all drugs, my doctor had explained to me that because I had never given my body a break from drugs my body was ﬁnally getting a correct reading in my labs. I choose to get on treatment knowing some side effects would occur regardless I had to take a chance. Within 3 months my t-cell count was 620. Treatment changed my life. It has been 25 years since I was diagnosed and I believe treatment has kept me around longer and will continue to do it's thing. Having an open mind in this area of my life has changed so much of my life and the people around me. — JACKIE I not only protected myself, but my future partners as well. I wanted to show my family that although I was living with HIV, I wouldn't allow this to change me as a person; instead, I would make them proud by going out into the community and turning my personal experiences into lessons for others. — JUSTIN

My reason for beginning treatment was very simple - I did not want to die imminently. I knew of my conversion immediately after it happened, and was having frequent blood work. After only a few short months, my T cells plummeted very quickly, indicating that I was a "rapid progressor" - research has shown that people with this pattern can progress to full blown AIDS within four years of conversion.—DARRELL

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V5I3 DBQ Magazine MAY/JUN 2015

Published on Jun 26, 2015

DBQ Magazine

It’s Pride time. The year 2015 represents decades of hard work that many of us have encountered to achieve equality and the freedom to live our lives freely as the people we were born to be twenty-four seven. Of course, there are many things that need to be done. As another year go by, another challenge is presented to us. It’s completely fine to be prepared for the next challenge After all, if you don’t have a test, you won’t have a testimony. The trick is to be prepared for the fight and be grateful for what you’ve accomplished the fight. We all deserve those moments when we can come home after a long day of work. We open the refrigerator and have a quick glass of orange juice or vodka. Then we lay our backs on the couch, reminiscing about all the blood, sweat,