Meet the Cover Model Joe Adorno
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Meak Productions
Carey P. Photography, Zack Attacked Creations
JoeAdorno is an entrepreneur, model, brand ambassador, and youth advocate from Philadelphia, PA.
Joe has been acting and modeling since he was a teenager. He went to the University of Tampa and received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and started his career as a case manager doing outreach with the homeless population. He then transitioned to a job working with criminal teenagers for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Afterwards, he became a dependency case manager for the Department of Children and Families. While working as a dependency case manager for the Department, Joe became interested in adopting. He became the first single gay man in the State of Florida to legally adopt a son from child welfare. Now Joe is a proud father of three adopted sons.
While in graduate school at the University of Central Florida to achieve a Master’s in Social Work, he founded YOLO Mentoring, a social service agency working with at-risk kids in the community. Joe also created an app called OurFAM, which helps parents of special needs kids and foster parents organize and log their child’s medications, moods, behaviors and daily activities.
Most recently, Joe returned to the entertainment scene by becoming the brand ambassador for the Annual Bear Jamboree of One Magical Weekend 2023 – 2025. He also joined the LGBTQ-exclusive talent agency, Meak Productions Inc., and became the Mr. Meak Productions 2024-25.
Photos:
Occupation: entrepreneur, model, brand ambassador, and youth advocate.
Socials: IG @thejoeadorno
TikTok @thejoeadorno
Name: Joe Adorno
Meet the Cover Model
How does it feel to be the David Magazine cover model?
What an honor. I feel so blessed and happy for this opportunity to represent my new agency and my business on a major scale. Thank you, guys. I have never been to Atlanta before, I have heard so many wonderful things about it. I am excited to make a trip and meet everyone.
How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling since I was in high school. I love doing it as long as there is a purpose and clear goal. I have my company as my main focus right now, so when I choose modeling gigs, I like to be selective and something new and different. As long as it makes me happy while I’m working, I’m happy to do the gig. This is one of the main reasons I joined Meak Productions.
You are also the founder of a mentoring organization. Can you please tell us a little more about that?
I founded YOLO Mentoring in 2012. It is a social service agency working with at-risk children in child welfare. We are currently franchising; please, let all your readers and subscribers know that they can a part of the positive change in the world. They, or someone they know can go to YOLOMentoringLLC.org and fill out the franchise interest form on the main page. We can get started with them to own their own YOLO Mentoring and start helping kids right in their own community wherever they live in the US.
Where can we find and follow you online?
You can find me on my Instagram and Tiktok at TheJoeAdorno or on LinkedIn at Joe Adorno. For bookings, please contact my agency, Meak Productions at www.meakproductions.lgbt, and on their social media @meakproductions. Either way, don’t forget to find me, follow, comment, like and subscribe. Thank you all for your time. Hello Atlanta!
Meet the Cover Model
J O E A D O R N A
By Chris Azzopardi
Photos: Chris Azzopardi / Courtesy of Q Syndicate.
I Was Invited to the White House for Pride. Here’s Everything I Saw and Everyone I Spoke With.
One sentiment shared among some LGBTQ+ people at the White House on June 26 for its Pride picnic: My younger self wouldn’t believe I’d one day be here. To include Q Syndicate, an invitation that came directly from the White House in early June, was more than a huge honor for our LGBTQ+ network of publications — it was an affirmation of our work in LGBTQ+ media, directly from the highest level of government. And that message was made even more resoundingly clear when I arrived enthusiastically to the White House in the late afternoon on June 26. There, I spoke to many people who never imagined as a kid they’d feel this kind of official support from a presidential administration. I was one of them.
reports, doesn’t quite feel real. Nor did sitting in the White House Press Briefing Room, where presidents throughout many decades have spoken to the country through our TVs about, among many human rights issues, advancing LGBTQ+ rights. When I walked up to the podium, I recalled how, in 2021, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made history as the first Black lesbian to lead a White House press briefing behind that mic.
First, we filed in through the security checkpoint at the northwest gate of the White House across from Lafayette Square to receive our encoded badge. Then we entered. To be standing on the White House grounds was dreamlike. Even now as I write this, to think about how I was interviewing notable LGBTQ+ attendees about being at the White House for Pride on what is famously known as Pebble Beach, the north grounds of the White House where television news organizations have historically broadcast their
was founded upon. So it’s amazing.”
This year, he added, “Pride has been more about finding those people that support you,” a sentiment echoed by First Lady Jill Biden, the celebration’s featured speaker, when she welcomed hundreds of LGBTQ+ people to her and President Biden’s iconic South Lawn, including myself: “Looking out at all of you, I see America,” she said, beaming. “And it’s an honor to welcome you to our home.” (Though we were told initially that senior administration officials would be speaking to us at Pebble Beach, that did not materialize, and President Biden, who was preparing for the next day’s debate at Camp David, was absent.)
After interviewing reception participants, I entered the sprawling lawn (I worked up a sweat just walking to the bathroom!) through the actual White House — its halls, its doors. This was not a part of the original plan, but I think I have Deborah Cox, who performed after the First Lady gave her remarks, to thank. She unknowingly helped make this happen by arriving later than expected. Instead of exiting and reentering in the line forming outside the South Lawn, we were led by Weston Weber, a queer communications fellow instrumental in making us a part of this event, through the historic halls of the White House. To merely step through that house knowing those colonial walls I was passing by had seen so much history was almost mystical, like Dorothy being swept into Oz. Then, to be taking this walk in the White House as a gay person, felt almost defiant. And it would’ve been in 2020; it could be in 2025. That walk, I realized as I soaked up the moment and walked the White House floor with an awareness of what the next four years could be like, may not even happen.
Just outside that symbolic room is where “Queer Eye” star and interior designer Bobby Berk walked up to our small group of press members. Berk told the Washington Blade that he had spoken with the BidenHarris 2024 team the day before about “going on the road, going on the campaign trail, and maybe speaking” at the Democratic National Convention.
At Pebble Beach, when Berk approached me, his face was aglow as he spoke about the significance of being at the White House for Pride as an out gay person. “I think it’s very important to be here because it’s showing the world, showing America, that this administration really does care about everyone and accepts everyone, which is what America’s about, which is what America
Even though I was fortunate to have my parents’ support after coming out at 18 while growing up in the Michigan suburbs, my experience at the White House mirrored, in some ways, that of Berk’s as described to The Advocate — it felt like the ultimate affirmation.
“To be a little gay kid from Missouri who at one point was homeless when he was 15 because he came out and his family didn’t accept him, to now be here at the White House, not only being here at the White House but being invited by an administration who loves and supports us and not just us, but everyone,” he said. “It’s a big deal.”
My own out-of-body excitement took me to new uplifting heights as I bounced around the lawn wondering, randomly, what my 8th grade government teacher might think of me being here. I couldn’t snap photos of White House Pridegoers fast enough: samesex parents playing yard games with their children, lines of people at the many refreshments tables enjoying hot dogs (all beef) and chips, and others trying to preserve their energy in the 98-degree heat, sprawled out on
blankets savoring every last moment of what would be a forever memory. The First Lady encouraged doing cartwheels on her lawn during her remarks, and even if I didn’t spot anyone doing any sideways handsprings, we were all doing metaphorical flips. There was at least some fancy movement going on while Deborah Cox made the community proud by performing for the first time ever at the White House.
“I’m honored,” she told me earlier in the day at Pebble Beach. “My connection and my relationship with the LGBTQ+ community goes deep. It’s just been wonderful to be an ally, to be a support.”
Earlier in the day, I messaged my mom the livestream link. She left me this message after watching the entire event back in Michigan: “I watched the whole Pride celebration. I did look for you but couldn’t find you. There were quite a few people on that lawn, but you’re probably not answering the phone because you’re busy doing a cartwheel. Anyways, such a special time and so proud of you and love you and and wish I could’ve been there, but I’m here virtually with you, honey.”
It’s possible that when she called I was off devouring hot dogs, which after I had my second, I was ready for an ice cream bar (I almost started with one, but didn’t want to spoil my White House hot dog). So was everyone else. Or so I thought! It wasn’t a Dreamsicle everyone was crowding around for — it was Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and husband Chasten, a children’s book author and the advisor, spokesperson and social media campaigner to Pete during his 2020 (and maybe future) presidential campaign. Tucked to the sideline, they were not eating Dreamsicles but meeting and greeting Pridegoers, engaging in brief conversation and posing for photos taken by someone from their team. National luminaries, as reported by The Advocate, included Jean-Pierre, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, California U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Jim Obergefell, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson, rapper Da Brat and former Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims.
It was a nice surprise to see “Pose” Emmy winner and vocalist Billy Porter hanging out right in front of the Q Syndicate blanket with a small group of friends and a growing number of queer admirers who recognized him. He was organizing his own meeting line, prioritizing his hellos on a first-come-first-serve basis and taking photos in sets: first was “smile,” second was “serve.” When I asked him how being there felt as we geared up to a precarious election that would likely come down to Donald Trump and President Biden, he was plain-spoken, expressing the importance of learning from history and the need to remember the struggles and victories of the past while also emphasizing the significance of voting and democracy.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants who already did this,” he told me. “What’s the fear about? Love always wins. We’ve been in a progressive circle for
60 years. We forgot the fight. Go back. They stopped teaching history in public schools on purpose. Nobody remembers. Nobody remembers. Just Google the fucking civil rights movement. Bitch, look at some shit. We did this already. None of it is new. Show up and show out, the end. And vote. Why are we still talking about that even? Why are we still talking about voting? That’s a no-brainer to me. The choice is democracy or not. That’s right, period. Thank you.”
In regards to what this particular Pride celebration at the White House represented just months before the election, he said, “It’s community. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder of our power. Fear not, the change has already happened. This is not the time to be scared or terrified. Those words need to be stricken from the lexicon. It’s time to fight. We did this already.”
is not just any venue; it is the residence and office of the President of the United States, a symbol of the nation itself. Being in attendance that day among my community sends a powerful message of inclusion and equality, but the First Lady also sent that message directly, addressing the most vulnerable members of our community — the transgender population — who need our steadfast support and solidarity. “I hope all of you feel that freedom and love on the South Lawn today,” she said in her remarks, “because your home is here too.”
To process the uncertainty, he told me he leans on the wise words of civil rights icon John Lewis: “I just put one foot in front of the other and refuse to give up like John Lewis told me.”
As I write this, I’m still processing my own complicated feelings about the country’s future and seeing that debate in my D.C. hotel (you know the one) while being at the White House just 24 hours beforehand; what I can say right now is that there are big emotions about what simply being there symbolizes to me as a gay person and journalist, which is a profound shift in societal recognition, equality and acceptance. For a gay person, such an invitation represents a milestone in my personal journey and a significant moment in the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. The White House
Back in Michigan, going through my numerous photos, I found myself reflecting on the decades-long journey that brought me here, to my role as the Editorial Director of Q Syndicate. From grassroots activism to this national recognition, the path to this moment has been paved with courage and perseverance; I had to survive my agonizing teen years to get here. Being at the White House, witnessing history in the making, reaffirms my commitment to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and advancing our collective cause and the promise of working toward a future where every individual can live authentically and proudly.
A future in which we can always, in 2025 and beyond, call the White House “home.”
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him at chris@pridesource.com.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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Pandora Unwraps Her Boxx
Text by Christopher Fragnito
Photos by Davide Laffe
Pandora Boxx’s new dance album is her most personal work ever. Boxx is fun and quirky, with songs like ‘Pill,’ a rock track that depicts some of her real-life struggles; ‘Stars,’ her tribute to Star Trek; and ‘Raspberries,’ Pandora’s ode to Carol Channing that marks her farewell to the impersonation she famously performed on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The album’s first release is “Dance”, a song Pandora wrote for her younger self who was mercilessly picked on at school and would come home, lock his bedroom door, flip on a Madonna cd, and dance his troubles away. “Dance is a song for everyone,” Pandora explains. “It encourages people not to pay any mind to what others think and to dance like no one is watching.” She explains more.
What inspired you to create an album based on your life?
The music I had done before was silly and ridiculous. I felt like it was time to do something a little more personal. Something that might resonate with other outsiders and make them feel like they aren’t alone in the world.
You cover some heavy themes in Boxx. Some of the songs are about loneliness; others are about ageism and being happy with who you are. I cover lots more, but I want to leave it a little open to the listener’s interpretation.
Do you have a favorite track?
It’s hard to pick one because all of them mean something to me in one way or another. Even some of the sillier songs have their own story. I will say that ‘Pill’ is a standout. It
was one of the first I wrote and is probably the most personal song I’ve ever written.
How has your journey as a world-famous drag queen influenced your music?
I don’t think of myself as famous, so that kind of makes me giggle. There are songs on the album that deal with the pressure of having to get on stage and make people laugh even when I’m not happy at all. There are also tracks on the Drag Race fandom and how they can be truly amazing, yet a fraction of them can be horribly cruel.
You don’t see yourself as famous?
I wouldn’t call myself famous. I do think that drag has presented me with incredible opportunities, and every now and then, I will stop and reflect on how I have achieved many of my childhood goals. However, I’m still dreaming, and I aspire to do more.
How do you hope fans relate and connect with your music?
I hope they enjoy it and dance along to it. It’s a dance album, after all. I also hope they’ll buy it!
What advice do you have for aspiring LGBTQ+ artists who want to pursue a music career?
Do it! There are so many ways to have your music heard these days. If it’s in your heart and soul, you have to go for it. Have regret over a bad lunch choice but don’t have regret over not pursuing a dream.
Looking back at your journey, what is the most significant lesson you have learned?
To not give a shit about what others think. It’s important to focus on the people who support you. They are the ones that have your back and will be there for you. And listen to your heart. Trust and believe in yourself. Boxx would have never happened if I listened to the voices in my head and the naysayers outside of it, that all said I couldn’t do it.
Pandora Boxx’s BOXX is available on streaming platforms. The Dance music video is on YouTube. Visit Pandoraboxx.com The
Socializers Club
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
Might cancel this whole healing thing and listen to the voices.
Touching grass is not enough, I need to be absolutely f*cking railed.
Obsessed with the lady in my yoga class who paid for 60 minutes and laid motionless on the floor the entire time.
I can’t believe I have to lecture my friend about using your sugar daddy money responsibly.
I prefer not to share my opinion verbally. I’ll let my face speak for me.
Be the elephant you wish to see in the room.
What do you mean “can you be mean for a second”? You’re mean all the time!
So, stating that you’re frequently the c*m dump in gang bangs is NOT proof that you work well under pressure.
