David Magazine v8_i37 | Going For Gold

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Photos courtesy of JaredLance and After Six Photography Studios

After winning the Mr. Gay Southern America title and competing for the 2023 Mr. Gay America title last year, JaredLance is back on the pageant trail to pursue the 2024 Mr. Gay America in October – and this time, he is taking all the valuable lessons learned from last year’s run to show up and show out with more experience, a better outlook, and a more streamlined package. We spoke to JaredLance about his preparations for going for the gold and becoming the next Mr. Gay America.

Last we spoke, you had won the Mr. Gay Southern America title and were competing for Mr. Gay America, which you didn’t snag at the time. Now you are competing for Mr. Gay America again –what made you decide on a second run?

I knew once I didn’t qualify for the Top 5, I wanted to come back and compete. I know in my heart of hearts that I WILL be Mr. Gay America one day; it’s just the question of “when?” I know that I am in the newer generation of Male Entertainers that the Mr. Gay America system is looking for, and I intend to help push the system in a beneficial way to keep up the longevity that it is known for. We are on our 41st anniversary, and I want to make sure that my reign (when it happens) keeps the momentum and interest up!

Tell us about the components of competing in Mr. Gay America.

Mr. Gay America has five scoring categories: Personal Interview, Talent, Beachwear, Evening wear, and on-stage Q&A. Each category has a breakdown of what the judges will be looking for, and each category has subcategories. Personal interview happens only in front of the judges, whereas every other category will have the judges as well as an audience! That’s just during the pageant itself, not even mentioning any of the prep work that goes into the pageant.

How are you preparing to compete this time?

Last year, I had zero experience with what competing at a national level is like. I surrounded myself with anyone and everyone that I knew had experience. I got some of the best insight from legends in this industry, and I’ve taken that with me every day since. However, this year, I decided to edit much of

what I wanted to do compared to last year. I have a much smaller and more intimate team of professionals I am working closely with that has my best interest at hand and wants me to succeed. Not people who will be “yes men” but people who will challenge me and help push me in a way that will make me the best titleholder I can be.

And what valuable lessons did you learn last time that you can implement this time?

Losing the pageant last year was not necessarily a loss. The people I have met, worked with, and built relationships with have shown me what I need to do going forward in this industry as an entertainer and a business person. I have been lucky enough to travel to different parts of this country and perform and build the JaredLance brand.

What else are you doing differently for this competition?

Like I said, I’ve edited a lot this year. Last year, I was definitely 100% myself, but I added everything plus the kitchen sink on stage.

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This year, I have curated every decision from music, visuals, and fine-line details with much thought and heart—simplicity yet show-stopping.

How can we all support you so you can take home a win this time?

Outside of financial sponsorships, following me on social media plays a big part while I’m doing this all! I have said it before: I may be the one on stage, but there is a village behind me that helped put me there.

I asked you this last time, too, but what would a win mean to you?

Last year, I referenced my mother being proud of me, and I am competing to make her proud. That is still true this year. However, I have thrown myself into what the American system is all about, and I know that my next mark in life is to be Mr. Gay America. The win wouldn’t just be for me but for Atlanta as a whole. I am so proud to live in this city, and I look around and see the legends this city has produced. The win is great, but the legacy I want to have is bigger than me competing and winning on a stage.

Where can people see and support you before you go to the competition?

Social media, like most millennials! If people want to support me with a financial sponsorship, that obviously goes towards all expenses that come with pageantry. I fully acknowledge that pageantry is an elective and that I am choosing to do this on my own accord. I am thankful for every single dollar that has been thrown my way to help support my dream of competing to be the next Mr. Gay America. If anyone feels inclined, my Venmo is @JLHuston and Cashapp is $JLHuston.

Anything you’d like to add?

A huge village behind me supports me in 1,000 different ways to make this possible. The person that I would like to acknowledge is my husband, Dorian. It takes A LOT out of a person to compete in a pageant, it takes

even more out of a partner of someone who is competing in a pageant. To selflessly support, listen, and take in all the stress that comes along with preparation takes a special person, and Dorian has been by my side at every event, show, and benefit.

It’s more than just my husband wearing a Team JaredLance shirt and carrying bags for me as we walk into a club for a gig; it’s the look in his eyes when he sees me on stage in my element. It’s the subtle head nod and smile of approval while blowing me a kiss that reassures me that I am the luckiest man in the world. When it’s my year, I will be a successful Mr. Gay America because of the support that my husband Dorian has shown me.

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Celebrating Queer Art with Queer Perspectives

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (STMA) is thrilled to announce its latest exhibition, *Queer Perspectives*, a celebration of LGBTQ+ art and culture that promises to be both thought-provoking and uplifting. Opening on August 10, 2024, and running through January 4, 2025, this juried exhibition is part of STMA’s ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives in the art world.

For over four years, the Brotherhood Exhibitions at STMA have been a beacon of inclusivity, providing a platform for underrepresented artists. This year’s theme, Queer Perspectives, challenges the conventional understanding of “brotherhood,” exploring how gender identity and queerness reshape our interpretation of community and shared humanity. The exhibition draws inspiration from Steffen Thomas’s credo, “This world is too small for less than brotherhood, too dangerous for less than truth,” words he inscribed on a granite wall at his studio in Stone Mountain over 60 years ago. His belief in the importance of humanity and equality resonates deeply with the mission of this exhibition.

STMA is proud to present the works

of 12 remarkable Georgia-based LGBTQ+ artists, selected from numerous submissions to the museum’s spring Call for Art. The jurors, Melania Armenta, Demetri Burke, YuKai Lin, and Christina Schlesinger, have brought together a vibrant collection that speaks to the heart of what it means to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

One of the exhibition’s jurors, Christina Schlesinger, shared her personal connection to the theme, reflecting on her own journey as an artist and activist. “I came out a long time ago—the early 1970s. I knew of no other lesbian artists at the time, and images of lesbians in art were almost non-existent,” Schlesinger recalls. “One of the hardest parts of coming out was this lack of imagery, the invisibility of the queer perspective. I could not see myself anywhere. Fast forward to the

LGBTQ world of today. While people are more out now, there is still an urgent need for the recognition of LGBTQ art and artists, especially in these fraught, divisive times. Mutual recognition is how we discover our shared humanity.”

This shared humanity is beautifully captured in the works of the featured artists: Nat Blooming, Perrine Gaudry, Rial Rye, Ezra Witkowski, Yousef Bushehri, Krista M. Jones, Royce Soble, Cassie Wright, David Clifton-Strawn, LaSalle, Jeffrey Wilcox Paclipan, and Clint Zeagler. Each artist brings a unique perspective, using their creativity to explore themes of identity, belonging, and visibility. Their works span a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art, offering visitors a rich and diverse experience.

A special exhibition by Freddie L. Styles will also be showcased, adding another layer of depth to this powerful collection. Styles, known for his vibrant and expressive work, is a fitting addition to this celebration of queer artistry.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, nestled in the picturesque town of

Buckhead, Georgia, is more than just a museum; it’s a community hub where art and activism meet. The Queer Perspectives exhibition is a testament to the museum’s dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding. By bringing together these talented artists, STMA not only celebrates the richness of LGBTQ+ culture but also challenges visitors to consider the evolving meanings of identity, community, and brotherhood.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, or simply looking for inspiration, Queer Perspectives is an exhibition not to be missed. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the incredible talent of these artists and the important conversations their work inspires.

Artwork credits (in order of appearance):

- Acknowledgment, acrylic on canvas, 2024 by Ezra Witkowski.

- Molly, Archival Pigment Print, 2024 by David Clifton-Strawn

- Untitled for Cindy #3, acrylic on canvas, 2019 by Freddie Styles.

- Red Shoes and the Blues, by Atlanta-based artist Royce Soble

Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

Attention Grabber

CERANDA, Pop’s Newest Princess, Has Something to Say! “Do I Have Your Attention” is more than just an infectious dance track; it’s a declaration of unapologetic confidence. Inspired by the artist’s own experiences with social media and the way it often favors superficiality over substance, the song taps into feelings of being overlooked. “I remember feeling so frustrated that my half-naked picture was gaining more attention than my music,” CERANDA, who is opening for Katy Perry this Fall, recalls. “This song is about embracing who you are and knowing that you are ‘that’ girl—unapologetically confident and completely in control.”

We love that you’re bringing anthems back to the dance floor!

I grew up on Britney, Lady Gaga, Kesha and Rihanna and they were all about high energy party sounds that made me feel alive. I love a big overproduced sound. My goal with my music is to make people dance, have fun, escape reality, find confidence, get revenge on an ex, and let go.

“Do I Have Your Attention” reflects on your experiences with social media.

I get frustrated when I post an Instagram story in a bikini and receive a ton of views but then post a story about my music, and get considerably less. Recently, I decided to get c-nty and post bikini pictures with a link titled “OnlyFans”—except the link actually led to Spotify to stream my debut single.

So, when you’re asking for attention, it’s really for your music that you want people to notice?

Definitely music first but come on, who doesn’t love attention?

Tell us about how you found your way in the music industry.

CERANDA: I grew up playing music with my dad. I went to college and studied classical voice, piano, and music business, and worked for Live Nation. After college, I worked for Youtube Music as a data analyst and started writing songs on the side. I found the more my love grew for making pop music, the less I cared about working in the industry. I am still involved in the music industry but in a very different way now.

Who are your inspirations?

Hannah Montana! She wasn’t just a pop star; she was a normal kid who played music with her dad, just like me. Also, she was from a small town in the middle of nowhere, Texas, and I could relate. Her show opened my eyes to what I imagined life could be like.

Were you always confident and completely in control?

(Laughing) Hell no! I faked it ‘til I made it. The reality is, the world does everything it can to strip us of our confidence. My songs are a reminder to myself and to everyone else of who we are and what we’re capable of. And honestly, the more you listen to the songs, the more you get it.

How does your next single, “Superpowers” continue the theme of empowerment?

“Superpowers” is such a fun song. It’s meant to be a breakup cure. Breakups are tough, no doubt about it, but something incredible happens when you finally get over it. It’s like a new light starts shining from within—a real glow-up. It’s a powerful feeling. I knew I had to write a song that captured that vibe and helps listeners fast-forward to the good part a little quicker.

Are you cool with your LGBTQ fans adopting the tracks as their own?

The gay community owns pop music. They truly do know best. If the music is not cool with them, it’s not cool with me!

I have been so blessed by the support of my gay fans. They have pushed my music and gotten my songs played in clubs all across the country and even overseas. I’m incredibly grateful.

Pride is power. What are you most proud of at the moment?

I am most proud of the fact that I am able to live my dream and that I have fans who love and appreciate the art I make. That’s all I could ask for.

Follow on Instagram @ ceranda_xo

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Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood

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.

Behind every gay person is an evil, more annoying gayer person.

Gay bars need to start playing gay porn again, so that straight people stop going.

Iʼve lost my life to 2-factor authentication.

I have no dietary restrictions. I’m not in that income bracket.

You know you have a good group of friends if the group chat has a weird name.

When someone tells me I look familiar, I teel them I do porn.

You know that point when the drinks start tasting like “you know what would make the night more fun?”

“What that mouth do?” – hurt your feelings probably…

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