SWERV Magazine - Fall 2013

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

FALL 2013

FREE

Andre Leon Talley Stephen Burrows Edward Wilkerson Lloyd Boston Willie Smith Patrick Kelly & more

Ask Rayceen...

Cougar Love

Sylver Logan Sharp

The Voice of Chic & More

Jewel’s Catch One National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. It combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food. STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines.

STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain.

• You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse.

Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort.

• For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages.

• Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®).

What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD. • Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines.

• Changes in your immune system.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider.

• If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc).

• If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed.

HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

I started my personal revolution Talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment.

STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 treatment in 1 pill, once a day.

Ask if it’s right for you.

25 FASHION LEGENDS

CONTENTS Fall 2013

Features

24

Music - Sylver Logan Sharp ..................... 9 Architects of Beauty – Tré Major ............ 20 Architects of Beauty – Jarmal Harris .... 21 Marco Hall ……………………………. 22 Masters of Style ……………………… 24 Fashion Legends ……………………... 25 Catch One’s 40th Anniversary …...... 26 The Task Force at 40 …....................... 27

26

Departments

Publishers Letter - Contributors ............. 7 News ........................................................... 8 What’s Hot ................................................10 Ask Rayceen ........................................ 12 Marriage Announcements ..………...… 14 Health ………………………………....… 15 Events for Us ............................................ 30

JEWEL’S CATCH ONE 40TH ANNIVERSARY

20

27

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE AT FORTY

6 22

FRENCHIE DAVIS

ARCHITECTS OF BEAUTY TRE MAJOR

5

MASTERS OF STYLE

OUT ON THE HILL

MARCO HALL

2012

ON THE COVER:

Photographer: Jazzy Studios Photography Model: Texy Miatta Hair: Mua-Nina Butler

SWERVMAGAZINE.COM © 2013 SWERV, Get Life Productions. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material within this publication, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party of the information, claims or ads herein to include errors, inaccuracies or omissions. By advertising, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against all claims relating to or resulting from said advertisement.

6 Fall 2013

ART DIRECTION: ARTONI

P. O. BOX 1249 WASHINGTON, DC 20013-1249, SWERVMAGAZINE.COM

Publisher’s Letter STYLE MATTERS

I Don Harris Photographics

must confess that I am no “slave to fashion.” That being said, I realize the importance of style in our society. We are often judged based on how we look, the clothes we wear, our hairstyle, the makeup, etc…. Our style makes a loud statement about who we are, how we feel about ourselves, and how we expect others to treat us.

Believe me – STYLE MATTERS! This issue pays tribute to all the Black LGBT folks involved in the style business and the extraordinary work they do, often behind the scenes and unrecognized. From the make-up artist who beat out those faces, and the hair stylist who can make a pauper look like a king or queen with just the right cut, to those fashion designers who transform clothes into walking works of art – their influence is undeniable.

Whenever you see a celebrity on the red carpet looking fabulous, chances are that there is one or two of the kids Yardé Noir

behind the scenes working their magic.

Just ask Tre’ Major or Jarmal Harris.

Names like Andre Leon Talley, and Lloyd Boston are widely recognized for their international influence on everything related to style. From the pioneering Stephen Burrows to the iconic contemporary designs of Edward Wilkerson at Lafayette 148 New York, our mark continues to be made on the look of the world. Fashion legends like Willie Smith and Patrick Kelly changed the fashion game dramatically for Black designers before their young departures from this earth.

Yes, STYLE MATTERS and we matter to style. Black members of the LGBT community continue to make a mark on the world in various facets, including style. Don’t sleep on your talents, for the world is waiting.

Together we can make a difference, Jamil A. Fletcher Publisher

Fashion Editor

Contributors Ernest McCarley, Jr. “Marriage Announcements” and “Sylver Logan Sharp” This stylish DC socialite and his life partner are launching a new design business that is sure to be successful.

Jazzy Studios Photography “Cover Photo” Jeff and Aisha Butler make up this very popular Baltimore based, dynamic photographic team, widely recognized for their innovative and classic images. This is their fourth cover for SWERV. www.jazzy-studios.com

Publisher - Jamil Fletcher Fashion Editor - Yardé Noir Artistic Director - Artoni Advertising - Rivendell Media (908) 232-2021 7 Fall 2013

Virginia Public Schools Implement Gay-to-Straight Conversion Programs

Bayard Rustin to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin will be awarded the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor. Rustin, the primary coordinator of the original march on Washington, will be joined by fifteen other outstanding Americans including former President Bill Clinton, feminist author Gloria Steinhem, Oprah Winfrey, baseball hall of famer Ernie Banks, and country music legend Loretta Lynn. President

Obama said, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours. This year’s honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world.” The medals will be presented later sometime this year. Check out the documentary “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” for more info. www.rustin.org

Beginning October 1st of this year, the state of Virginia is implementing a mandatory school program designed for all children grades K-12 to help homosexual males and females choose to become straight. The gay-to-straight conversion therapy treatment will be used in all of Virginia’s 2,186 public school curriculums. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who signed off on the ‘People Can Change’ gay-to-straight conversion therapy treatment told CNN he is excited about the program.

“A child has to choose to become gay because god would never create a homosexual. It’s a choice, not something they were born with – and that is a proven fact,” McDonnell said.

New Arcus Initiative Announces First Group of LGBT Leaders

Inferno Dominican Republic Event CANCELLED! The annual end-of-summer beach event to the Dominican Republic was cancelled by coordinator Will Williams on Wednesday, August 28th just prior to the Labor Day Weekend. This announcement came as an unpleasant surprise to attendees, of which many had already initiated travel to the island. A statement was issued by Mr. Williams identifying complications with the resort as reason for the cancellation.

Many unanswered questions remain for attendees regarding refunds. This would have been the fifth year anniversary for this popular event.

The Arcus Foundation, a leading global foundation advancing pressing social justice and conservation issues, announced the first leaders to participate in the Arcus LGBT Leadership Initiative (ALLI).

Those joining the initiative aimed at supporting United States-based leaders of the LGBT movement represent a range of professional experiences and backgrounds and were selected through a rigorous process from among more than 80 applications.

“We’re proud to support this group of inspiring and passionate individuals who’ve already demonstrated tremendous achievements in their work and contributions to social justice,” said Kevin Jennings, Arcus’ Executive Director. “Arcus intends to maximize the caliber, connectedness and impact of these leaders who are advancing LGBT equality in the U.S. by enhancing their skills and collaboration.”

ALLI participants: Zachary Bauer, Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center; B. Cole, Brown Boi Project; Wade Davis, You 8 Fall 2013

Can Play Project; Ted Farley, It Gets Better Project; Christopher Paige, Interfaith Working Group (Transfaith); Malika Redmond, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW; Andrea Ritchie, Streetwise and Safe; Chris Sgro, Equality NC; Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez, GetEQUAL; Joseph Ward, Believe Out Loud; Monna Wong, API Equality Northern California. www.Argusfoundation.org

The University of Arizona Expands Transgender Studies Program One of the top graduate programs in women’s and gender studies, The University of Arizona, announces plans to expand transgender studies by hiring four tenure-track professors to focus specifically on the topic over the next two years. Currently, the University’s LGBT Center produces the groundbreaking Transgender Studies Quarterly (TSQ). www.Arizona.edu

SYLVER LOGAN SHARP

By Ernest McCarley, Jr.

W

ith a major upcoming engagement in Sweden, a new jewelry collection, and a new hit single (Little Things), Sylver Logan Sharp, former lead singer for the group CHIC, doesn’t have time to “Freak Out.” But Sylver made some time to sit down with SWERV to talk a little about CHIC, her new single, and the future direction for the soulful singer with a Rock edge as expressed through her vivid red tresses. The charming and engaging Ms. Sharp invited us into the beautiful salon in her Washington DC home that houses her jewelry collection. She offers a selection of beverages and I choose a nice white wine to sip on as we lounge on a lovely silk settee.

SWERV: What was your motivation behind your new single “Little Things?”

Sylver: “Little Things” is a wonderful song that was presented to me by my Swedish Executive Producer, Jesper Wikstron, and happened to be a perfect musical fit. I said in no uncertain terms that I was gonna bring some fire to this melody and my vocal approach.

My motivation behind this song is that everyone who jams to it comes away with the message to appreciate the little things in life, in your partner, family, friends and all situations and people you may encounter through your journey. The main character in this song misses her love partner and the “Little Things” are what she’s remembering, missing, wanting back…she couldn’t see the big picture, as the bridge lyrics say. In some cases, the very thing that works your nerves about a person is the very thing you miss most, and now it’s too late.

SWERV: What feeling would you like listeners to walk away with from this single?

Sylver: The feeling I want listeners to come away with from this single is the edginess of the track that makes you groove to the music and the intensity of 9 Fall 2013

the vocals that would make you have a “light bulb” moment and remember to appreciate the “Little Things.”

SWERV: You recorded and toured with Nile Rogers and CHIC in the early 1990s and 2009. Tell us a little about the CHIC experience and how it helped to enhance your solo career?

Sylver: The CHIC experience was and still is life changing! Besides the loss of the late Bernard Edwards, producer, writer and original bassist of CHIC, most of my 19 and some change years as the lead singer was an amazing learning and growing experience. To record and perform songs I grew up on with the men who wrote them and front the band was an unbelievable dream come true. While they have a very signature sound, Nile, Bernard and another original member, Fonzi Thornton, took me under their wings and CHIC-a-tized me. They also allowed me to bring my vocal skills and vibe to the party and a perfect match was made! It has enhanced my solo career on a credibility level and made me a stronger executive artist.

SWERV: In honor of this interview I’m wearing a unisex piece from your “SYLVERWEAR“ jewelry collection.

Tell us about the collection and some of the celebrity clients that adorn your pieces.

Sylver: SYLVERWEAR is LOVE!!! She’s a lifesaver! I prayed for a blessing, and SYLVERWEAR was born. My mother and I handcraft and design every piece in our DC based studio. We have all kinds of clients and fans. Some of my biggest celebrity supporters are, Nile Rodgers, Yolanda Adams, Chaka Khan, Sir Elton John and many others.

SWERV: Your upcoming gig in Stockholm, Sweden sounds exciting.

How does the European audience receive this beautiful African American with vivid Red tresses?

Sylver: I recorded my latest CD, The

(continued on Page 29)

HOT

Between Women From

the Executive Producer and writer Michelle Daniel, of the critically acclaimed short film Broken Silence comes the original series, Between Women. Set in the bustling city of Atlanta, we join six friends, also known as the “6-pack,” through their daily lives filled with fun, drama, love, and the tests and trials of everyday living. www.Betweenwomentv.com

Tim’m West

“The He-Art & Experience of Tim’m T. West”

The

latest release by one of the most celebrated, gay-identified hip-hop artist of our time features collaborations with KAOZ, Nhojj, I.K.P., DaQuan, Sun Rae, The Point, and Victor Hugo. www.Reddirt.biz

Redefining Masculinity is a publication focusing

on the essence of manhood and what it means to be masculine. This work is ideal for a wide range of audiences, from the mother trying to raise her son, to the connoisseur of fine literature and photography. www.X-Clusiveimage.com

“ENRICH YOUR LIFE WITH ORIGINAL ART!”

26” x 46” 17” x 22”

“Grande Vista de Cerro Punta” Fantastic Original Art & Prints by Artoni

Tropical Getaway

Copyright©2013 By Artoniworld, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For more info.: 646 387-6142 www.Artoniworld.com ARTONIWORLD 10 Fall 2013

ASK RAYCEEN

By Rayceen Pendavis

C

ougar Love… well it’s a new twist on an old concept that has been around since the beginning of time. It’s funny, when an older man dates a younger woman it’s just one of those things, but when and older woman does the same everyone seems to have a problem. I am just saying -- it’s about time -- GET YOUR LIFE! Hey if Hue Hefner can do it, then so can Cher.

So let’s take a look at the LGBT community and the many sides of Cougar Love. Whenever it comes to the Gays, some will either love it or hate it. Why can’t we just be okay with it as long as folks are of age and no one is getting hurt. One can find many things in common when it comes to dating like great conversation, mutual desire to travel the world, and great SEX. So what if the new apple of your eye is 25 or 30 years younger than you. Why do we have to tear down those who are happy. I say B@#%h life is too short!!!! Just as long as they have good credit, they are not a drug addict, and they’re not related to Ike Turner… that is a good start.

Now here is were a few problems may arise. Can you take them to your thirty year high school reunion even though they were born in 1988? What happens when you find yourself talking to them like a parent talks to their child. But most of all if they do not remember when Chaka Khan sang with Rufus, the first march for Dr. King’s holiday or when Saturday morning cartoons came on all three channels – enough said. Now do not get upset, it just comes with the Cougar Game.

Before this lesson is over please know the three golden rules of The Cougar Handbook!

Rule number 1.

Play with cub and keep it happy!!

Rule number 2.

Feed the cub and show it some tricks!!

Rule number 3.

Release the cub back into wild!!

Always remember to love yourself, play safe, have fun, and no matter what BE HAPPY!

Peace & Blessings

Rayceen

12 Fall 2013

Marriage

ANNOUNCEMENTS

S

By Ernest McCarley, Jr.

WERV

Magazine is proud to present LGBT Marriage Announcements for the first time. We have a couple who waited 33 years to become a legal family in the eyes of their statesmen. Another couple that are not only soul mates, but one wife donated a kidney to the other to

ushianda Karen & L Karen Elaine Palmer and Lushianda Maria Bell will

marry on September 20, 2013. Karen is a hostess for a national restaurant chain and Lushianda is a retired US Government worker. They reside in Suitland, MD and have been together for 32 years.

... it was love at first sight.

How they met: Lushianda had no children at the time, but being new in town she attended a children’s birthday party with a friend. Karen was in attendance (with her girlfriend in a fleeting relation at the time). Karen set her eyes on Lushianda and it was love at first sight. Referring to her admiration for Karen, Lushianda was also smitten and recalled seeing the girlfriend and thinking to her “I got that!”

preserve her life. We also have a third couple that consists of two ministers.

Made for a romance novel, this 15-year friendship budded into a beautiful love affair. More importantly, their passion is to help make the dreams of others come true by officiating wedding ceremonies. On April 7, 2009 Vermont

Deborah & Sheila Deborah Cummings-Thomas and Sheila Alexander-Reid

were married on Saturday, July 20, 2013. Deborah is a Licensed Wedding Officiant at Marry Me In DC and she is an Accounts Receivable Manager at Astrum Solar. Sheila is a Licensed Wedding Officiant at Marry Me In DC and she is the Director of Strategic Engagement at Washington City Paper. They reside in Ellicott City, MD and they have been together five years.

... married life is a dream come true.

How they met: The couple met almost 20 years ago, when Sheila founded Women in the Life, Inc., an organization that produced social events that provided safe spaces for lesbians of color.

Deborah attended many of the events, and the two knew each other socially. Many years later, the two connected romantically in 2008, when they were surprised to find themselves attracted to each other. The couple says, “Married life is a dream comes true, and we look forward to a life of many more happy surprises.”

14 Fall 2013

became the first state to legalize samesex marriage. As of August 2013, 13 states, the District of Columbia, and five Native American Tribes have legalized the issuing of same-sex marriage licenses. so with no further ado, here are SWERV Magazine’s Fall 2013 wedding announcements.

Baby & Angelia Baby Jenkins Williams and Angelia Williams

were married on March 7, 2013.

Baby is an Insurance Agent and Angelia is a Registered Nurse. They reside in Philadelphia, PA and have been together almost six years.

... one day Baby called the Hospital & the rest is Herstory.

How they met: Baby and Angelia met at work. Angelia was the nurse and Baby was the unit’s Administrative Assistant. Baby had never met a nurse with Angelia’s masculine swagger before and was intrigued to get to know her better. Feeling “ill” one day, Baby called the hospital for Angelia to bring her some orange juice to her home. As it turns out, Baby didn’t really want the juice, but let’s say she did get what she wanted and the rest as they say is “History or Herstory” in this case.

Want to see your pics here - send info to: Jamil@Swervmagazine.com

T

he U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new campaign entitled “Informaiton is Powerful Medicine� to empower

those living with HIV/AIDS in managing their care. The campaign offers instructions on accessing health records, Health Insurance Portability

and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules and regulations, and information on healthcare rights. www.AIDS.gov/privacy

Did You Know? Mental Health Statistics Nearly one in five Americans suffer from some kind of mental disorder, which can be successfully treated.

Seven percent of African American men will develop depression during their lifetime. This is likely to be an underestimate due to lack of screening and treatment services.

Less than half of African American adults with mental illness seek treatment for mental health problems, and less than one third of their children receive treatment.

Stigma and difficulty paying for care keeps millions of Americans from treatments that have proven successful. www.blackmentalhealth.com

African Americans make up about forty percent of the homeless population, the majority suffering from mental illness are self medicating to treat mental illness.

Meningitis Outbreak in New York Among Gay Men T he New York City Department of Health has observed an outbreak of meningitis among men who have sex with men, many of whom are HIVinfected. Those most at risk are men who have had intimate contact with another man met through a website

(Mandate, Adam4Adam, etc.), digital application (Grinder, Scruff, etc.), a bar, or a party. Meningitis disease is a serious infection that can cause high fever, headache, stiff neck, and rash.

The disease is spread by prolonged close contact with an infected person

15 Fall 2013

through kissing, sex, and sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or cigarettes. Untreated infection can be fatal. Vaccinations are available at the GMHC (GMHC.org).

The

one

for me

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size.

What is COMPLERA? COMPLERA® is a prescription HIV medicine that is used as a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before and who have an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called “viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years.

COMPLERA® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking COMPLERA. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 to others: always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids; never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them, do not share personal items that may contain bodily fluids. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information you should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA® can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain.

• You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time.

In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking COMPLERA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

Who should not take COMPLERA? Do not take COMPLERA if you have ever taken other anti-HIV medicines.

COMPLERA may change the effect of other medicines and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses.

Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: • anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) • anti-tuberculosis medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin) and rifapentine (Priftin) • proton pump inhibitors for stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) • more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) If you are taking COMPLERA you should not take other HIV medicines or other medicines containing tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Stribild or Atripla); other medicines containing emtricitabine or lamivudine (Emtriva, Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Stribild or Truvada); rilpivirine (Edurant) or adefovir (Hepsera).

In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following medications because they may interfere with how COMPLERA works and may cause side effects: • certain antacid medicines containing aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate (examples: Rolaids, TUMS). These medicines must be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. • medicines to block stomach acid including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine HCL (Zantac). These medicines must be taken at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. • any of these medicines: clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral) methadone (Dolophine); posaconazole (Noxafil), telithromycin (Ketek) or voriconazole (Vfend).

• medicines that are eliminated by the kidneys like acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and valganciclovir (Valcyte).

COMPLERA.

A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day.

COMPLERA is for adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and have no more than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood.

Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take.

The most common side effects reported with COMPLERA are trouble sleeping (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, rash, tiredness, and depression. Some side effects also reported include vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) and pain.

Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, or have abnormal liver tests • Have kidney problems • Have ever had a mental health problem • Have bone problems • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV through their milk to the baby. Also, COMPLERA may pass through breast milk and could cause harm to the baby

This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking COMPLERA, and call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

• Have

COMPLERA can cause additional serious side effects: or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. If you have had kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do regular blood tests.

• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or restless, have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself.

• Changes in liver enzymes: People who have had hepatitis B or C, or who have had changes in their liver function tests in the past may have an increased risk for liver problems while taking COMPLERA. Some people without prior liver disease may also be at risk. Your healthcare provider may need to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine.

• Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting COMPLERA. • New

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Additional Information about taking COMPLERA: • Always take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.

• Take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA with food is important to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. (A protein drink does not replace food. If your healthcare provider stops COMPLERA, make certain you understand how to take your new medicine and whether you need to take your new medicine with a meal.)

Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA and see your healthcare provider regularly.

Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com

ARCHITECTS OF

Beauty

By Yardé Noir

M

arking his 20th year anniversary in the beauty and entertainment industry, Tré Major has been referred to as the “Mane Man” of hair styling. At the age of 37 this trend setting hair stylist, makeup artist and image creator has managed to amass an “A” list of celebrity clients including: the late R&B superstar Aaliyah , Naomi Campbell , Mary.J Blige, Jada Pinkett-Smith , Tichina ArnoldHines, Patti LaBelle, Tyra Banks, Gabrielle Union, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Kim, Natalie Cole, Kimora Lee Simmons, Deborah Cox , Veronica Webb and many others.

A native of Compton, California, Tré was moved to the Fernando Valley at the tender age of ten. His mother, originally from Louisiana and his father from Montreal, Canada created the haute little mix we now know as Tré Major. Tré recalls watching Patti Labelle on television, I told my mother “I’m gonna go to Hollywood and do Patti Labelle’s hair and all the other stars.” And he did just that.

Tré graduated top of his Cosmetology school (the only guy in class) at the Los Angeles Trade Tech School. Along the way Tré took a liking to makeup and perfected his technique. Armed with the ability to not only transform someone’s hair and face but their overall look. A look he calls “The MAJOR Look.”

Tré is probably best known for revamping the look of Mary J. Blige, creating her short red pixie look in the “Deep Inside” music video. Tré brought back sexy hair when he put the iconic Farrah Faucet look on Mary J., bringing soft, full and bouncy hair back. Some would say he helped revolutionize hair for African American

Tré Major Haircare Products

women by many signature styles he created over the years.

His first big break opportunity to showcase his talents came in 1993 when he was responsible for Grooming Tahj Mowry (brother of Tia & Tamara) of the sitcom “Smart Guy” for the McDonald’s Monopoly Campaign.

A year later, Tré found himself twirling the tresses and painting the face of supermodel Veronica Webb.

Since then his work has been seen in many other campaigns such as MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam, Dark and Lovely, Pepsi and the list goes on. Not only has he worked with international magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Vanity Fair, W Magazine, and Flaunt, but he was honored by Vibe Magazine as one of the “Vibe 100.”

At the end of 2006, Tré launched his own hair product line consisting of ten items from hydrating shampoo to 20 Fall 2013

hair spray. The line was created for all textures of hair. “I style hair of women from all backgrounds with all textures.

I am part Black, Creole and Irish, so I wanted something that all my clients and family members could use” says Major.

Along with his work frequently being displayed in various trade magazines such as American Salon, Sophisticated Hair & Hype Hair, Tré is currently a patent pending inventor.

His hair care, wig and cosmetic collection are all innovative products. Tré is expecting big things in the near future.

His advice to all, “Take action on your ideas because anything is possible.” Tré Major’s artful and brilliant creations leave hair, beauty aficionados, celebrities, and clients wanting more, making him…An Architect of Beauty!

www.Themajorlook.com

ARCHITECTS OF

Beauty

Don Harris Photographics

Don Harris Photographics

By Yardé Noir

A New Face on the

J

armal Harris is a 24-year-old phenom who spends his time between New York and the District of Columbia. He is a creative designer and wardrobe stylist with experience in all aspects of fashion, video and print. His diverse background and experience creates a unique style accredited only to him and his artistic talents. “I became interested in fashion back in high school where I served as the captain of the fashion show club for 3 years” says Jarmal. The DC native has the innate ability to bring out the natural beauty of any subject, no matter the gender,

ethnicity or character portrayal. In the past year he has worked with New York designer Cesar Galindo by assisting him during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week (Spring 2013) and representing him at Style Week Jamaica 2013. He was selected as Raw Artist DC Designer of the Year in 2012 and was a presenter at the Journey of Hope Fashion Show with Real Housewife of DC - Michaele Salahi. His client list includes Venus Williams, Grammynominated singer Yahzarah St. James, and Real Housewife of New York - Ramona Jeffries.

21 Fall 2013

Jarmal Harris is also the founder and Executive Director of The Jarmal Harris Project, a not-for-profit organization established in the District of Columbia in 2007 that introduces youth to career options in the fashion industry. “I wanted to give back to my community and present opportunities to youth that may change their lives and put them on a road to success” says Jarmal. Harris and his staff (all of whom are under age 24) provide training in fashion design, production, make-up/hair artistry, dance/modeling and marketing to urban youth in an intensive six-week summer program. During the remainder of the year, the youth participate in various competitions. In 2012, youth from The Jarmal Harris Project won the Showtime at the Apollo Talent Competition in Harlem, NY and appeared on the NBC syndicated show America’s Got Talent.

The future holds no limits for this talented young man. “My future plan is to move to Paris to produce and direct fashion shows for top fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, etc…”

Jarmal Harris – An Architect of Beauty

www.Jarmalharrisproject.com

MARCO HALL

Marco Hall is celebrated for exclusive avant-garde, elegant, and luxuriant designs. He defines his fashion as strong, independent, edgy, and current. When asked to describe the general process he undergoes to design and realize a piece, he stated, “Fabric dictates the whole story. I throw it on the floor and see the look I want to create… I cut … and sew.” He always knew he would become a fashion designer. As he put it, “… it was just a natural progression.”

Marco’s designs have been worn by celebrities such as LaLa Vazquez, Rihanna, Dawn Richards of “Dirty Money,” Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Vivica Fox, Ntozake Shange, Kim Cattrall, Gabrielle Douglas, and the legendary Icon, two-time Grammy Award Winning, Natalie Cole.

You can also find features of Marco’s designs in TV commercials and covers of High Fashion magazines such as Vogue Paris, Harpers Bizaar (Japan), Vigore, Superior, Vibe Vixen, Seven Tribes Magazine, Manik Magazine, and more.

Marco is currently expanding his brand into the world of full figure fashion by working with ACFW 2013 Nominee for Top Runway Model, Suzette Michelle. You can anticipate Marco Hall exclusive designs online at his forthcoming gallery. www.Marcohall.net

22 Fall 2013

MARCO HALL

Designer

Avenue Q and Logo present...

PUPPET SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPREAD THE WORD NOT THE VIRUS TO WATCH THE VIDEOS ONLINE, GO TO

TO LEARN MORE AND FIND AN HIV TEST SITE GO TO

LogoTV.com/AvenueQ

RedefineHIV.com

“Avenue Q © and TM Mingus Park Productions, Inc., Only For Now, Inc. and Fantasies Come True, Inc.” UNBC0286 08/13 23 Fall 2013

R

Andre Leon Talley

ecognized as one of the most influential individuals in the world of fashion, Mr. Talley is truly a baron of everything associated with style. This former editor-at-large for American Vogue magazine remains a staple at all the top designer shows from Milan, and Paris to New York and beyond. A native of Durham, NC, and a graduate of North Carolina Central University and Brown University, Talley started

O

Stephen Burrows

ne of the most celebrated African American fashion designers of all time, this winner of the prestigious Coty Award (1973, 1974, 1977) came to fame during the disco era of the 1970’s in a big way. Burrows’ innovative and colorful designs were a huge hit during the groundbreaking Battle of Versailles show that featured a showcase of top American and French designers in 1973. A native of Newark, New Jer-

S

ighted by Oprah Winfrey as her favorite designer, Edward Wilkerson has served as the Design Director for the iconic Lafayette 148 New York label since 1998. Wilkerson earned his stripes working in the design houses of Calvin Klein and Donna Karan.

This widely celebrated designer sights

his career as an assistant for Andy Warhol in New York. Talley is known for his willingness to mentor and promote young designers, currently serving on the Board of Trustees at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Most recently, Talley served as judge on America’s Next Top Model. His 2003 autobiography entitled “A.L.T.: A Memoir” is a must read.

sey, Burrows was taught to sew at age eight by his seamstress grandmother.

He later studied at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York before opening his first boutique in New York. Earlier this year, the Museum of the City of New York hosted an exhibition entitled “Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced” to celebrate the work of Stephen Burrows.

his international travels as inspiration for his designs. A celebrated photographer, Wilkerson exhibits his photo collections internationally. The Lafayette 148 New York line can be found at fine department stores such as Neman Marcus, and Lloyd & Taylor.

Edward Wilkerson

L

Lloyd Boston

loyd Boston has earned his reputation as America’s favorite TV “Style Guy” and Lifestyle TV Host. Some of the biggest names in television including Oprah, Rachael Ray, Matt Lauer, Wendy Williams, Katie Couric, and the ladies of The View, all trust his simple, yet empowering style philosophy that “Less is Modern.” The Morehouse Col-

24 Fall 2013

lege Alum formerly served as the VP of Art Direction for Tommy Hilfiger leading the brand’s design and marketing for nearly a decade. Lloyd has authored four style books and is a routine contributor to publications such as Elle, Ebony, Essence, Glamor, People and others.

W

Willi Smith

(February 29, 1948 – April 17, 1987)

W

idely recognized for his fun and colorful designs, Patrick Kelly emerged onto the fashion scene in the 80’s with a burst of energy. Reared in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Kelly studied at Jackson State University before attending Parsons School of Design in New York. Patrick later relocated to Atlanta where he sold recycled clothes.

After working with the legendary Paris designer, Yves Saint Laurent, Kelly

illi Smith was one of the most successful African American designers of all time. At the time of his untimely death, Smith built his Williwear label into a $25 million dollar annual business. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith studied at the Philadelphia College of Art and the Parsons School of Design in New York before partnering with his sister, model Toukie Smith to launch the label that would lead to the creation of Williwear. Willi was at the height

successfully launched his own label.

In 1988, Kelly became the first American and the first person of color to be admitted as a member of the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-porter des couturiers et des createurs de mode. Sold primarily through upscale retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s, Kelly’s designs were often worn by celebrities such as Bette Davis, Cicely Tyson, Isabella Rossellini and Grace 25 Fall 2013

of his artistry in the early 80’s as the Williwear aesthetic defined the look and feel of the era. In 1983, Smith received the American Fashion Critics’ Coty Award for Women’s fashion and the Cutty Sark Award for Men’s Fashion in 1985. Smith, who was openly gay, died unexpectedly at the young age of 39 due to AIDS related complications. Smith was honored with a bronze plaque on the Fashion Walk of Fame on Seventh Avenue in New York in 2000.

Patrick Kelly

(September 24, 1954 – January 1, 1990) Jones. Known for his baggy overalls, Kelly used a large spray painted heart as the background to his wild and fun fashion shows.

Kelly died at the young age of 35 as a result of complications associated with AIDS.

T

his past May, Jewel’s Catch One night club marked its 40th anniversary with a four day celebration – Hollywood style. The extravaganza included an all-star diva concert, a retro disco ball, and an awards banquet dinner hosted by TC Carter of the hit TV show “Living Single,” and a featured performance by legendary actress, Jennifer Lewis.

Founded by Jewel Thais-Williams during a time in the 1970’s when LGBT people of color were not necessarily welcomed in certain parts of the city, the Catch has evolved into one of the most recognized entertainment venues for LGBT people of color in the nation.

Born in Gary, Indiana, Jewel’s family migrated to the west coast to join other family members stationed in San Diego for military service. A Tomboy by nature who routinely beat her brothers at sports and everything else, Jewel came out at the age of 25. She and her current partner have been together for 25 years.

Through a series of various occupations, Jewel persevered to obtain her bachelor degree in History from UCLA. An entrepreneur by nature, she always sought to work for herself. After running a woman’s clothing store for a number of years, Jewel was looking to open another business when she came upon the restaurant/lounge that would become the Catch. Jewel shares how it all came about. “The Catch was not initially started as a gay club. The venue was originally opened as a cocktail lounge with live entertainment for all, but quickly became a spot for black gay men once word got out that the owner

was a lesbian.” Thus, Jewel and staff changed the name to better connect with this new group of patrons. “Catch One” was a very popular term used by the men at the time to reference catching a date. Thus, the legend was started.

In its heyday, Catch One was one of the hottest spots in L.A., hosting celebrities like Chaka Khan, Sylvester, Rick James, Ester Phillips, Phylllis Hyman, Sammy Davis Jr., Sharon Stone, Warren Beatty, and Melba Moore. Madonna once held an album release party at the Catch. Film crews often sought out to use the club for movies and TV shows such as “Pretty Woman,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucker,” and “Cold Case.”

As you can imagine, running a night club like this for 40 years did not come without its set of challenges. Catch One has thrived despite constant police harassment, and being located in an area that has not always been very gay friendly. Back in the 70’s when the club was opened, California law prohibited women from tending bar. In 1985, the club was almost destroyed by arson, yet Jewel was determined to keep the club alive for her patrons.

Over the years, Jewel became more involved in the community with a strong interest in overall health and wellness. In 2001, she started the 26 Fall 2013

Village Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, accessible professional medical services using traditional Chinese medicine and herbs as a base. Jewel has also worked to support efforts to address the spread of HIV/AIDS by co-founding the Minority AIDS Project, the Imani Unidos Food Pantry, and Rue’s House for women living with AIDS and their children.

The Catch’s popularity among Black gays has waned over time as other clubs have become more diverse, thanks in large part to people like Jewel and her influence to advocate for openness. So, the Catch has reached out to expand its audience beyond just Black folks. Recently, the Catch hosted a town hall meeting for patrons and the community to share their thoughts on the Club. Attendance is back on the rise as the Catch plans to expand to more nights besides just the weekends.

Following an exciting Anniversary celebration that drew folks both locally, and as far as Atlanta, DC, and New York, Jewel is feeling inspired again.

She shares her words of wisdom – “Keep dreaming. Be persistent, never give up. And, share your gifts.” www.catchonenightclub.com

In 1999, the Task Force took a strong stand against the death penalty, in part because the death penalty is disproportionately applied in cases involving poor people and people of color.

In the 2000s, our ground-breaking policy work to engage and educate the public about transgender people.

And today, our leadership in passing federal anti-employment discrimination legislation and comprehensive and inclusive immigration reform.

Our organization¹s history is rich with political stances and alignments that take us well outside the more typical definitions of ³gay issues² to advocate for issues as diverse as reproductive justice and economic security. We bring to the work a full understanding of social and economic justice.

Rea Carey

Executive Director

T

his year marks the 40th anniversary of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Founded in 1973 by visionaries Barbara Gittings, Frank Kameny, Dr. Howard Brown, Martin Duberman, Bruce Voeller, Natalie Rockhill, Betty Powell, and Ron Gold, the Task Force continues to be an uncompromising voice for equality for the LGBT community in this country.

Executive Director, Rea Carey shares her thoughts as they celebrate this historic milestone.

SWERV: What would you describe as the most significant impact the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has made over its 40 years of service?

Carey: The Task Force has a long legacy of always being at the forefront of delivering justice and equality for ALL members of our community. There are so many achievements I could list but here are some highlights:

In 1973, the Task Force partnered with activists to change forever the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder. This groundbreaking change is regarded by many as the most significant victory of our movement, leading to, among other things, the eventual removal of a ban on openly LGBT people to immigrate to the United States.

In the early 1980s the Task Force hired DC¹s first lobbyist to focus Capitol Hill’s attention on the AIDS crisis.

In the mid-1990s, the Task Force was the first LGBT movement organization to insist that the Employment NonDiscrimination Act must include transgender people.

In 1995, the Task Force threw its support behind affirmative action policies and dispatched organizers to work against campaigns that sought to ban affirmative action programs in California.

27 Fall 2013

SWERV: Of all the national LGBT advocacy organizations, the Task Force appears to have the most ethnic diverse group of stakeholders. How have you been able to bring such diverse groups together?

Carey: Thanks, we strive to be both a fully inclusive organization and an organization that represents the diversity of the LGBT community. We want the movement to be inclusive too. Many of the issues we work on are those that are important to a diverse range of people -- particularly people of color, transgender people and women.

The other reason why we attract such a diverse range of supporters and stakeholders is that we all have a shared vision of a transformed society with equality and justice at its core.

So the vision brings us together -- and together we are more likely to make the vision a reality.

Over the years, the Task Force has been blessed with support from a very diverse pool of donors, board members, staff members and organizational partners, all of whom are looking for

(continued on Page 28)

million undocumented immigrants, including the 268,000 LGBT immigrants. an organizational home that recognizes and works for social justice through the lived experiences of LGBT people of all kinds.

SWERV: With issues like same-sex marriage and open military service somewhat behind us, where would you say we are regarding equality for all members of the LGBT community?

Carey: Clearly we have made progress on marriage equality -- and marriage doesn’t deliver full LGBT equality. Students won¹t feel any safer in school; seniors won¹t get more appropriate care; transgender people won¹t stop experiencing violence and discrimination. And the marriage rulings do not address the fact that people of color -- especially LGBT people of color -- still experience discrimination at every level of society.

Yes, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is history -- but transgender people still can’t openly serve and according to our new report, Still Serving in Silence, face discrimination when they become veterans.

So we have a way to go on the road to full equality -- but there are some things that can be done today to help get us there: President Obama must issue an executive order that bans discrimination against LGBT people working for federal contractors, thereby immediately improving the lives of millions of people across the country.

Secretary Hagel should finally bury Don¹t Ask Don¹t Tell by allowing transgender people to serve openly.

Full equality for LGB and T service members must include repeal of the military sodomy law and a commitment to ending all forms of discrimination within the ranks. The repeal of Section 3 of DOMA and the repeal of DA/DT has brought a greater measure of equality, but the job isn¹t done yet.

Congress needs to pass legislation that bans discrimination against LGBT employees.

And, Congress also needs to provide a path to citizenship to the over 11

SWERV: Gay men of color are still disproportionately impacted by HIV/ AIDS, but yet the issue appears to have fallen off the radar of many LGBT organizations. Where do you think this issue fits within the priorities for LGBT equality?

Carey: I began my career in HIV/AIDS activism and advocacy and I¹ve been discouraged by the increasingly high infection rates, particularly among men of color. We can’t have LGBT equality without ending the stigma around HIV/AIDS and advancing access to testing and treatment. There seems to be so much silence on the issue in the media -- at a time when HIV rates for young gay men of color are as high as they were in 1980s. In fact, according to our landmark study, Injustice at Every Turn, HIV rates are four times higher than the national average for trans people of color.

The Task Force has joined with other LGBT and HIV organizations in an effort to reengage the LGBT community in HIV/AIDS. As part of that effort, I belong to a working group made up of LGBT organization leaders to develop a more multi-faceted approach to all of the issues related to HIV/AIDS -- raising awareness, full access to HIV medications, testing, prevention, and ample funding to develop new therapies and, one day soon, a vaccine and a cure. Our movement needs to do more now -- and we need to continue to do more.

The 2014 Creating Change Conference will feature several components that focus our movements attention on the continuing AIDS epidemic, including a plenary session on Saturday, Feb. 1. We aim to send folks home newly inspired and better equipped to bring HIV/AIDS education and messages to their home communities.

SWERV: The level of involvement from LGBT youth at your Creating Change conference is so inspiring.

What are your thoughts on the next generation of LGBT advocates?

Carey: The diverse groups of young people who attend Creating Change every year are amazing. They both energize and inspire me and I learn 28 Fall 2013

a lot from them each year. The next generation of LGBT leaders, advocates and activist want their rights yesterday. They want to be visible and valued by society and they want to be recognized as whole people. They are the key to hurrying history and they won’t take “no” for an answer. They are the generation coming of age in a world where most people think that full LGBT equality is inevitable. And of course, we know that there is a lot of work to change inevitability into reality. I am certain that they will be the generation who will, to paraphrase Dr King, realize the dream.

Our movement for social justice is enlivened by our young leaders, who bring their consciousness and energy to the streets, to the meeting rooms, and to our projects. Young LGBT leaders are changing the world and holding older leaders accountable. It¹s a beautiful thing!

SWERV: What’s next for the future of the Task Force?

Carey: We have been creating progressive change for the past 40 years -- and we are very excited about doing this work for another 40 years or until LGBT people experience full justice, equality and freedom.

While we have made progress over the years, every victory we achieve makes clearer the inequalities that remain. We still seem a long way from a country in which all LGBT people and their families experience full freedom, equality and justice; a place where every single one of us feels safe to express ourselves sexually, intellectually and spiritually. A society where all LGBT people find support in their homes, places of worship, workplaces and communities. And a (continued on Page 29)

.... NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28)

world where no one is devalued and no one is an afterthought.

Yes, we had some good news from the Supreme Court on marriage equality this year -- and some very bad news when the Voting Rights Act was gutted -- and voting rights is an LGBT issue. In fact, we know that we haven’t reached that transformed world we envision when a black trans woman in Georgia -- a first time voter -- is turned away at the polling station because of the gender marker on her ID card or the color of her skin. The right to vote remains a fundamental element of a healthy democracy; that it may be denied to anyone is a travesty. The VRA must be restored by Congress.

So we know where we are going and we know we have a long way to go. The only way we can arrive there all the more quickly is if we continue to stand together -- united in love, and committed to the cause of justice.

The Task Force will always be here to help all of us get there -- helping to lead a broad progressive coalition to deliver positive change for everyone. www.thetaskforce.org

.... SYLVER LOGAN SHARP (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)

Groovement, in Stockholm, Sweden.

I’m very excited for it to be released!

The European and Scandinavian audiences have always been amazing and supportive. I love to return to countries where I have performed before, and the fans come to the gig with pictures from the last gig. They STILL believe in real music, and wonderful song writing. They love live concerts!

SWERV: When I met you several years ago, you were lending your talents to a “Red” Event put on by a popular DC Drag Queen. Why do you connect so well with the LGBT community and what are your thoughts on the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage?

Sylver: The Gay and Lesbian community has always supported my work…always. When my dance single, All This Time, was #1 on Billboard

Dance Airplay charts for weeks, I performed the song at the Sound Factory in New York with the DJ/ Producer, Jonathan Peters, and a Drag Diva came up to me and said “I’m soooo happy to meet you, Guuurrrlll, I do YOU in the show all the time.” I was done! I felt like I had arrived!!!! My thoughts on legalization of same sex marriage - I believe that gay couples should have the rights that everyone else has. If two people love each other, want a life together and make their way on life’s journey together, they should have the rights to protect themselves just as the rest of us do. Leave the bedroom out of it.

SWERV: Who are some of your musical influences and why?

Sylver: My musical influences are Chaka for her bold unmistakable vocal dynamics, vocal range and the ability to be soulful and funky. Roberta [Flack] for her style and savvy way of singing a simple melody and penetrating your heart in the process. Momma Roberta taught me about hitting the “money notes.” Barbara [Streisand] for her delivery of emotion, Cher for her daring over the top fashion, Carol Burnet for her comedic timing and “theatrical funny,” Gladys Knight for her alto soulfulness, Patti [LaBelle] well ‘cuz its Patti, Rachelle Ferrell for her control and technique, Yolanda [Adams] for combining vocal style and giving me gospel, and my mother, Paula, for strong vocals, serious discipline, diligence, practice habits and keeping a standard of excellence.

SWERV: The Muhu Estonia Midsummer Jazz Festival. How wonderful is it to perform in a place like Muhu?

Sylver: The Muhu Festival was wonderful. It took some doing to get there. An over night cruise, a drive on ferryboat ride, two hours by bus and finally to the stage. You never know what to expect from a new audience, but we had a ball! They loved the show, my band, my music, and I gained new fans!

SWERV: What’s next on the horizon for Sylver?

Sylver: My horizon looks very bright!

AMEN! A live performance at the Kennedy Center celebrating 40 years 29 Fall 2013

for The Duke Ellington School of Arts, my alma mater, my new CD is due to be released in a few months, and a tour will follow. SYLVERWEAR is going to the next level, and I’m just getting started… Stay tuned for more!

To find out more about Sylver Logan Sharp’s music, tours and the SYLVERWEAR jewelry collection go to www.sylverlogansharp.com or www. sylverwear.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Advertisement goes here. call for models

Events for Us Cheryl Clarke: A Retrofuturespective October 4th Livingston Campus, Rutgers University, New Jersey www.SocialJustice.Rutgers.edu Brown Sugah Bash Fundraiser October 6th Washington, DC www.brownsugahbash.com/cruise

Us Helping Us 25th Anniversary Reception & Awards Show Featuring Jennifer Holiday October 15th Washington, DC www.uhupil.org

Ultimate Just Friends Cruise 2013 October 28th – November 6th NYC, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominican Republic www.JSMGonline.com Northwest Black America November 2nd Philadelphia, PA Mrlandis@aol.com

2013 ESTEEM AWARDS

More than 125 people celebrated this

year’s seventh annual Esteem Awards at Sidetrack Chicago bar on July 6th to honor individuals and organizations for their activism and advocacy within the LGBT and African American communities.

This year’s honorees included Kenyon Farrow, Wade Davis, Tim’m West, Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD). The Awards also featured performances by Michelle 30 Fall 2013

“LOVE the poet” Nelson, The BrianAlwyn, Yolo Akili, and comedian Sampson McCormick. www.TheEsteemAwards.com