JULY - AUGUST 2021
AN EMPOWERING
C O N V E R S AT I O N with TUV Editor’s
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E XC LU S I V E INTERVIEW!
Andre’ Hammonds From Tennessee To Hollywood
C E L E B R I T Y FA S H I O N STYLIST | JUDGE O N S H A DY B R U N C H | FA S H I O N D E S I G N E R Andre’s roots extend from Somerville, TN to Hollywood CA. Andre’ is making his mark in the fashion industry and is quickly cementing his place as an ICON. His philanthropy work is credited with helping others by using his annual fashion show to give back.
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A ME S SAGE TO THE
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W H AT
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is
NOT!
The argument against Commercialization of Pride by White Corporations
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P O R N S TA R
DEANGELO Shares what life is like to be Black and working in the porn industry
The Pivot Issue
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This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
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MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
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BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: � Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. � Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. � Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. � Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. � Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. � The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
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GET MORE INFORMATION � This is only a brief summary of important information
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� Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 � If you need help paying for your medicine,
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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0370 04/21
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| THE UNLEASHED VOICE
DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT
KEEP ASPIRING.
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com. THE UNLEASHED VOICE |
3
CON TEN TS
Ad Deadline August 12, 2021
Next Issue September | October 2021
10Cover & Story 11 Andre’ Hammonds Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Fashion Designer, TV Host 06 | Editor’s Letter Gwendolyn D. Clemons Dr. Davin D. Clemons
09 | Health & Wellness
16 | Entertainment
Jeremy Johnson
Ariel Johnson
The Road from COVID To Recovery
One To Watch
12 | Health & Wellness Diandra Marie Vaxxed or Nah?
15 | Spirituality Beth Trouy Pivot If You Must
08
Special Feature Monique Monell Living Beyond Limits
19 | Arts News Anthony Green Souls of Black Pebbles
20 | Fashion Jevon Martin Strut Your Pride Apparel
21 | Mental Health News Davis Washington LGBTQ Counselors
22 | Special Contributor Madison Butler
14 17
Spirituality
4
Brodderick Roary Get Out of Your Own Way | CONTENTS
Entertainment News DeAngelo Jackson Porn Star
What Pride is Not!
23 | Commentary TUV Staff 2021 Marks 40 Years of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Shawn M. Clemons Administration/ Fashion Director
Gregory Graphics Layout/Design
Diandra Marie Guest Contributor
Monick Monell Talent Director & New York Correspondent
Whitney Johnson Chief Editor
Renae Taylor Transgender Correspondent
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CONTENTS |
5
“God’s Plan, God’s Plan I can’t do this on my own, no way” — DRAKE
ecently, American actress Tabitha Brown
made headlines after announcing that she was
retiring her husband from LAPD after securing enough
money from her acting career and recent contracts. Talk show
host Wendy Williams chimed in on the news to share her two cents
(as if she is the authority on healthy relationships) and negatively criticized Mrs. Brown for her decision. Nevertheless, in Tabitha-style, she eloquently addressed Wendy Williams by encouraging her to heal and find her own peace and love. Tabitha also shared with the world the secret
principles that she and her husband have applied in all aspects of their
lives, attributing their success to keeping GOD first!
This brings me to my focus on the importance of GOD’s Plan. The secret sauce to your success is not tied
to your own plan, but it is tied to GOD’s Plan for you. I remember when we first launched TUV Magazine. I had
big dreams to small-minded people. The vision is yours.
The imagination is yours. They can’t see your thoughts, so
stop sharing them with dreamkillers! GOD’s Plan is fail-proof if you stay the course and be
like Tabitha Brown: “Keep GOD first in everything you do!”
ON THE COVER:
a lot of plans and ideas in November 2014, but ultimately those plans amounted to truly little progress in our
Andre’ Hammonds is a native
the plans GOD had for me. It has taken us seven years to move from my home into a physical office space and
TSU. We are proud to highlight
businesses. Those plans were pretty much aborted because the plans I had then were not in alignment with finally create passive income for ourselves. As a business owner, building TUV Media has been particularly challenging and frustrating because things were not happening as fast as I envisioned. The money wasn’t there in the first six years. The staff we started with is not the staff we have now. People have tried to
sabotage our businesses. People have copied and stolen our brand and marketing strategy. People we
thought would be around to support us, abandoned us and tried to ruin our reputation. BUT GOD! But GOD blocked every attempt to take us out, and I mean EVERY ATTEMPT!
In the grand scheme of things, I have learned that GOD’s Plan for your life will blow your mind. The things I had planned for our businesses are matchless when compared to the moves and the people GOD has initiated for us. I could not have imagined the position we are thriving in now because these
weren’t my plans. I was planning too small, but GOD always goes BIG once you’ve proven your faithfulness and complete trust that things will come to pass for you.
One piece of advice for those of you who are waiting on your big breakthrough. Stay on Faith Street because that’s the only address that GOD delivers too.
6
And… please don’t tell your
| EDITOR’S LETTER
Tennessean and a graduate of this Southern Gentleman with our audience so that you can
vicariously experience how to “Live Beyond Limits.” Andre’ shares how hard work and
meeting the right people have positioned him to pivot and
thrive in Hollywood, California. Be Well, Do Well, My Friends,
Gwendolyn D. Clemons, MBA, MSM
Editor in Chief of TUV Media
Living Unapologetically am often asked this question: Q: “For the younger Black generations, what is your greatest piece of advice for living unapologetically or pursuing passions or joy?” Here is my answer in hope that someone reading this will become free and
inspired to Live Unapologetically!
A: Well, this is a loaded question, but let me give it a try. Living unapologetically is
an act of self-realization that means not expending energy on what people think! It
means loving yourself and your inner circle of friends because some sure won’t. I love my deep
melanin and my rich culture. I love being LGBT and the voice I have to speak about important
issues. I am so proud of who I am and who I want to be. And whenever someone wants to just sit and listen, I will be unapologetically me.
Now, in my humble opinion, this position can take some time and experience to develop. If
you are underage or living with your parents, for instance, you risk the chance of becoming evicted or possibly homeless due to your parents being homophobic. But if you’re an adult facing the dilemma of living your life unapologetically then it’s time for you to stand up and be you. Being “unapologetically you” is your ultimate freedom. It’s where lifelong joy is found. It’s how you craft a lasting legacy that persists in the world beyond you. This is the time to stop asking others for permission to live your life!
To all my sisters and brothers who are LGBTQIA+ ...heterosexual, pansexual, black,
white, or whomever… You possess the infinite power of choice. And through some hard-earned lessons, plenty of
dedication, and genuine commitment,
you can choose to start living a brandnew life from exactly where you are
today. No matter who you are or what
you do, it begins with becoming more and more unapologetically you. I approve this message!
Dr. Davin D. Clemons, DMin.
EDITOR’S LETTER |
7
Living Beyond Limits By Monick Monell
C
hoose to acknowledge the brilliance in you! Many years ago, I met someone
who told me I should not be working on so
many projects since I just came back to New York City. She also said something later I
overlooked. I’ve been hearing this for years and usually watch others say this to their peers. They say, “Stay with what you know” I often
wondered, what’s wrong with doing multiple things in life? I know artists who
have written books and worked a 9 to 5
office job as well. I have heard of sports players and actors who turned into politicians and have transcended.
I walked into New York City party life and
found out that things have changed as I’ve
gotten older. Things have change and evolved, so we must evolve with it. I started promoting parties and noticed something was missing.
It is a belief in the human spirit, that to live without placing limitations on oneself or other’s ability is to experience, grow and thrive. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. – Marianne Williamson
There was too much division and not enough togetherness or opportunities. I started
working for a company that fosters social
responsibility through fashion installations,
as a platform for activism and the promotion of sustainability. Something that provides
awareness to the following causes: global water crisis, anti-bullying, anti-domestic
violence, body positivism, marriage equality, trans-justice, youth homelessness, among
other major issues that the LGBTQ community still face. It helped me reach my next step,
a new action in my life, it gave me purpose. I learned something new; storytelling and creating safe spaces was something my heart desired. The SAGE Table and The
Generations Project provided me a mirror
to navigate intergenerational connections
with people of all ages. The Unleashed Voice Magazine gave me my passion back for
writing, something I did years ago that proved to be healing. They gave me the opportunity to give people space and light, while also
highlighting people’s talent and creativity.
Legitmindstate_LLC
@shellyferrrellofficial
8
| FEATURED INTERVIEW
of gender-diverse women and people who
identify as queer & trans Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPoC). Their stories
allow us to reflect on the truth that gender is infinite. By honoring this, it brings us a step
closer to liberating ourselves from damaging social constructs. Additionally, “I Identify as
Me” addresses social issues that are avoided within the LGBTQIA+ community and society at large. The film spotlights folks who are
often invisible in entertainment and media. Now my story has not stopped there at
age 43, No! There is more to come. I write
this to let you know that every turn, every connection, every door has led me to an experience that gave me hope, gave me
fulfillment, and of course gave me power
to believe in myself. Could you imagine if I
listened to that person who said I should do only things in life one at a time? Would you
only take a trip once in your life? Would you swim only once in the sea? Would you hug
someone you love only once in your life? No! So why not take a chance in getting to know
yourself more, see what change you can give back into this world.
Every day we evolve, we take release things
that hold us hostage (Family/Friends) from our dreams. We remove the heavy armor (doubt) that has been dragging us down (negativity), as we get closer to our purpose. Our drive
changes (heart) our course, our views, the
way we eat, the way we choose to express ourselves through how we dress, even the
way we talk to ourselves. Are you growing?
Do you know that person you are becoming?
Hold on to what makes your soul richer, where you find completion and self-actualization. Go beyond the state of success, experience life and visualize creating a bigger picture that
connects to something greater that is you!
They shine a light on Black LGBTQ and our
Remember there is always more to come. Live
piece by piece each day on this earth.
you will be able to see that there is more to
history which we are actively decolonizing, Photographer:
on a documentary. The feature is a chorus
My newest adventure helped magnify
my voice to an even greater extent. I am
working as one of the directors/producers
life beyond limitations, stretch out your hand, grab in this world. My motto is “Breathe You” and I will ask again, how much love have you poured into yourself today?
FROM COVID TO RECOVERY-ONE MAN’S DETERMINATION TO KICK THE CORONAVIRUS ASS By Jeremy Johnson
P
icture it! Atlanta,
Georgia, February
2020. The air, musty. The birds, chirping as usual.
And traffic, hella congested
as always. Townships, cities,
and states everywhere would soon become battlegrounds and rallying centers, once
again, for justice and the continuous outcry that “Black Lives Matter.” The United States of America and ultimately the world-at
large was dangerously anxious about the
upcoming presidential election. Yes, the good ole resilient folks of this great country, were carrying about with everyday life shit, and I was one of them. Going to work, coming
home, doing the laundry, having sex, eating,
praying, and repeating the cycle that so many of us had spun ourselves into.
AND THEN, SOMETHING STARTED HAPPENING. Strangely, there are many times, I don’t recall specific dates or events; and frankly, I am
not sure what attributes to this absence of
memory. But I can remember February 22nd
and 23rd with razor-sharp accuracy. I was one
was extremely necessary for my seated
virus of systemic racism and injustice reared
response, I had hit another home run. Little did
brutal murder of George Floyd later this same
performance. Judging by the audience
I know though, shortly after that performance, something would hit me and send me running home. I recall using my knee scooter to roll myself back to my seat, and upon my safe
transition, a tickle developed in my throat.
Initially, I didn’t pay it much attention as I just assumed it was nothing serious. But that “nothing serious” began to escalate.
I managed to get home that evening with
the help of a friend and rested to prepare
myself for the following day’s performance. Like Saturday’s performance, Sunday’s
performance went well. And then, suddenly, something started happening. Remember
that tickle I spoke about previously? The one that I just assumed was nothing serious? It’s
like someone was in possession of a dial that when turned to the right increased the level of seriousness, and they turned the mutha
fuckah all the way to the right. Within minutes, I went from experiencing a tickle in my
throat to a full-on cough, feelings of nausea, a headache, and a whole bunch of other
symptoms. I removed myself from the general
population, which was several hundred people at this time and waited for the event to end. Wanda Hollis, affectionately known as the
“Motivational Queen” drove me back home,
and I informed her that I was not feeling well. I recall unbuttoning my shirt and loosening my belt to make my transition to the bedroom as expeditiously as possible. After a quick honk
of the horn and an exchanged wave, I dashed
into my apartment and threw myself onto the
bed as quickly as possible. My head pounded, I felt congested, and I just could not quite grasp how things went left so suddenly.
its ugly head again with the senseless and
year, which sparked national and world-wide protests. I never did find out whether what ailed me was the Coronavirus. All I know is that many viruses were actively plaguing
our country simultaneously in 2020. By the
time the Presidential Election rolled around
more than 250,000 people had lost their lives. Things that make you go hmmmm.
BUT LIKE DESTINY’S CHILD SANG… As previously stated, I never did find out
whether what I experienced in February of
2020 was Coronavirus related. But, in May of 2021, I took myself out on a date and I often encouraged single folks to date as well. I
started my afternoon at Virgil’s located in
Eastpoint, Georgia and then concluded my
evening at Louisiana Bistreaux which is also in Eastpoint, which happens to be the company that employs me. I was having a good time. I
enjoyed my oysters and my rice and my drinks and laughter, and yeah, all was well-until I got home. The same as with the February 2020 occurrence, I went from feeling completely
healthy, wealthy, and wise to feeling like shit.
It started with a cough, and then it progressed to feelings of nausea, chills, a fever,
excruciating headache, and a loss of appetite. I was advised to get tested for Coronavirus
and this time I listened. The test came back positive, and I was given the instructions
to self-quarantine for 10 days; 14 days if I
experienced any symptoms. Those fourteen days felt like the most debilitating time I
have ever experienced on this earth. Friends and family came to my aid and provided me
with nourishment, fruits, vitamins, tea and all
manner of advice and well-wishes. I followed
of several entertainers slated to perform and
IN THE NEWS…
their instructions on how I should sleep to
be a guest panelist at the 2nd Atlanta Creators Conference, which was held that Saturday and
And then came the news that a new virus
to the emergency room, and my relentless
Sunday at the Atlanta Marriott Northeast Emory
had reached America, kind of like when
the Pilgrims landed. Could this be what I
Hotel. Created by B.R.E. International Inc., the
event brought together filmmakers, producers, illustrators, actors, cinematographers,
screenwriters, musicians, Entertainment Law
and Associated Industries together for a 2-day conference and networking affair.
Even though I had to perform with crutches and a cast, due to my recent surgery to
repair a fractured fibula, all went well that
Saturday. I sang with power and confidence
and even managed to recall my vocal coach’s instructions about snatch breathing, which
was experiencing? Was I one of the first to
contract this new Coronavirus? I recall hearing news stories of China this and monkey that; bat this and meat market that and yeah,
somehow, we now had this virus that was running rampant and claiming lives. That was February 2020. From then on, that’s
pretty much all we heard in the news about
Covid-19! We learned from the news that the death toll across the world was rapidly rising
supposedly due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As if this wasn’t challenging enough, the
avoid getting a lung infection. Upon my visit pursuit to know what the heck was going
on with me, a CT scan determined that my
condition had advanced rapidly to Pneumonia. And to think they barely wanted to take a
chest x-ray. But you know how the saying
goes, you can’t keep a good man down and what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Through prayer, journaling, an attitude of
gratitude, patience, and perseverance, just like Destiny’s Child, I’m a survivor, and thankfully, without the emergency approved “vaccine”
that every celebrity and their mama is trying
to convince us to take. Take that Coronavirus. Who’s next?
HEALTH & WELLNESS |
9
What is the story behind the establishment and personality of Shop HEM that sets it apart as an apparel brand —and what can we expect to see coming forth in your collections as everyone finally gets back to their regularly scheduled slaying in 2021?
Andre’ Hammonds IS A NATIVE TENNESSEAN where he credits his fashion
career to his days at
Tennessee State University where he studied Fashion
Merchandising. After a
successful run in Tennessee
booking campaigns for bridal, tech, and other companies he
decided to make the leap to
Los Angeles. Andre’ is working hard and showing aspiring
designers and entrepreneurs that it’s all possible.
10
| COVER STORY
Shop HEM is my web-based luxury fashion boutique that offers clothing, accessories, and custom designs for any occasion. We strive to provide our customers with affordable prices, high quality
merchandise, and most importantly top of the line customer service. The brand was birthed through my extensive career as
a celebrity stylist & costumer designer. I realized the value I was providing to
emerging designers through styling their creations on my clients. Coupled with
my decade long friendship with my now
business partner, we were able to create a brand that was true to our heritage as
friends and our unique individual styles.
“Not to be cliche, but I honestly believe we can truly do anything we set our minds to. The worlds of entrepreneurship and entertainment are riddled with obstacles and learning opportunities.” As a stylist what’s the most godforsaken
What advice would you offer to others
look that you’re beyond sick and tired of
with big aspirations in such competitive
seeing — whether in the streets, on the
and premier industries as fashion and
runway, or on the screen — and why?
entertainment— or any entrepreneurial
Truthfully, there are no looks that I am “sick of”. I believe in the power of uniqueness
through fashion choices. Fashion should
or creative venture, for that matter — where it can be so difficult to set yourself apart and make a name for yourself?
be seen through the individual lens of the
The best advice I can give to people aspiring
and other avenues create our unique
and entertainment is to follow their hearts
that individually as we build our personal
believe we can truly do anything we set our
works for you might not work for me and
and entertainment are riddled with
garments, but for others the “oversized”
must be willing to face them all head on with
wearer. Travel, culture, food, architecture
to be in the competitive markets of fashion
sense of style, and we should all embrace
and intuition. Not to be cliché, but I honestly
aesthetics. The old saying is true, what
minds to. The worlds of entrepreneurship
vice versa. For what it’s worth, I hate ill fitted
obstacles and learning opportunities. You
look is always in.
the same tenacity.
We’ve noticed you mention in a couple
What do you have in the works that you’re
of different spaces that, “Everything
most excited to have coming up next?
matters,” is your favorite quote and
This year has been off to an amazing start.
favorite piece of advice. Can you expound on the context, the meaning, and the reason that statement resonates with
I am a recurring cast member on two digital series that just finished airing, “The Shady
you so deeply?
Brunch” presented by well-known media
The context in which I say “everything
Chasing LA. Both of these amazing shows
matters” is very simple, everything matters! It’s my personal mantra to move with
intention. To make every decision, choice,
and action intentional. Often times I notice people make moves in their career and
life without any real direction or thought
behind the steps they are taking. Typically,
they end up underwhelmed with the results or taking different courses of action.
Through moving intentionally, we create
an awareness that every step we take to
further our brands or personal lives must be methodical and well thought out.
titan The Shade Room & Chasing Reality’s
just wrapped their first season with record
breaking numbers that will hopefully solidify
us for a season 2! In addition to my multimedia presence, I have been strengthening my work as a costume designer with my first feature film as a lead designer airing this summer
on the Lifetime Network. I will be releasing
new and exclusively designed pieces from my luxury boutique Shop HEM that I look forward to sharing with my audience.
Overall, I never know what the future holds for me, but I am always eager and excited to see what’s in store next!
Photo Credits: Photographer: Reginald Alexander @childishart
Stylist: Niko Brown @nkthbrnd
Clothing: Blue Suit: Naid’s Fashion @Naidsfashion
Beige look: ANEAU Fashion PR
Multi Colored Short Set: Guess
Sunglasses and Jewelry: SHOP HEM Purple Top: Shop HEM
@Shop_With_Hem
Plaid Pants: ANEAU Fashion PR
PR: @thebookingconnectionteam COVER STORY |
11
Vaxxed... or Nah? By Diandra Marie
P
arties, concerts, & no masks – oh my!
Our lives have been transitioning back
to a state of “normalcy” after following
CDC guidelines and regulations for over a year. Many states have lifted most (if not
all) of their COVID-19 restrictions, giving
is a quick go-to argument against receiving
others, indoor and outdoor. We’re able to
scratch the surface.
concerts again. As an extroverted millennial
unwilling (and often unknowing) participants
us free reign to be in close quarters with
the vaccine, but that honestly doesn’t even
enjoy gatherings like parties, brunch, and
Overall, there’s a lack of humanity shown to
myself, I have found a lot of recent joy in
of science experiments like The Aversion
going out with my friends and enjoying each
other’s company without masks on. It seems like the dread and fatigue of quarantining has dissipated and I’m ready to have a
#HotGirlSummer. The reason I’m eager to
get back outside & live my life like it’s golden isn’t because I think COVID has magically disappeared and there’s no longer a real
concern about the virus. My concern is still there, but now that I’m fully vaccinated,
there’s a huge sense of relief with reducing the spread of the virus.
Project in South Africa, the Guatemalan STD study, and “The Chamber” used
during the Cold War to test a deadly poison on prisoners. Even the Agent Orange
Experiments, which used 75 prisoners to study the effects of Agent Orange, was
partially funded by Johnson & Johnson, the company also responsible for the 1-dose COVID vaccine. It’s clear why someone
would disregard the vaccine altogether,
especially when it took less than a year to
develop, run trials, and receive approval from
Let’s face it, recent progress with COVID-19
the FDA. What I will say about my reason to
Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines
another huge deciding factor that came into
the year. Daily COVID cases have decreased
If you’re like me, you know that living alone
11,500 as of June 21st. While the cumulative
dread of a new, deadly virus no one had the
has been largely attributed to the Pfizer,
get vaccinated, though, is that there was
that became available at the beginning of
play: my mental health.
from over 220,000 in January to roughly
with stay-at-home orders combined with the
death rate has risen to over 600,000, the daily death rate has maintained a steady
decline, especially as the vaccines became
more available. Yet, there is still a portion of
the American population who have decided
not to get vaccinated for a variety of reasons. What connects those reasons seem to be a
general distrust toward science...and I get it.
As a Black woman, the Tuskegee experiment
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| HEALTH & WELLNESS
cure for was not the business. The extrovert I am felt cut off from society, not able to see my family and loved ones in person, out of
fear of getting infected or infecting someone else. Mix that with the constant news cycle of daily infections, death tolls, and seeing
Black people die because of police brutality,
mental breakdowns were imminent. If you’ve lost a loved one to COVID-19, I can only
imagine how much more magnified that
would be. I struggled to hold on to my sense of purpose as the days melted together and it felt like my inner demons always wanted
to come out and play. Not even 6 months in and I was calling my therapist to see if she
could put me back on her books. So, when the opportunity presented itself to get
vaccinated, my concern about the effects of the vaccine were outweighed by my mental turmoil. My reason was bigger than just
wanting to get back to normalcy, it was for
the concern of my mental state and keeping those around me as safe as possible (I still wear my mask in stores for that reason).
While I don’t judge people, who choose not to get vaccinated, I hope you realize the bigger picture – getting back to enjoying each
other’s company, in person, without fear or high risk of someone becoming infected.
If the vaccine turns me into a “zombie” (for the record I don’t believe in zombies or
their pending apocalypse), that’s a chance
I’m willing to take. Are there symptoms you experience after taking the vaccine like a sore arm, fatigue, and chills? Absolutely,
but they are a small price to pay for you or someone else not to experience the more difficult symptoms of COVID-19. As the
world continues to move toward getting
as many people inoculated as possible to reduce the risk and spread of the virus, a prominent question we will all have to
grapple with is: are you vaxxed... or nah?
LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER
HIV prevention our way. HIV doesn’t have to stand in the way of a healthy sexual relationship. PrEP is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV.
FIND A PrEP PROVIDER NEAR YOU
13
CONTENTS |
Get Out of Your Own Way By Brodderick Roary
achieve IF you put your mind to it. And be
uncomfortable? Yes sir, Yes Ma’am but this
make your goal and/or dream a reality. Will
trying something new, you can only grow if
committed to doing the work necessary to it be hard work? Yes. Will you want to give up? Yes. Will it be worth the fight? 100%.
However, you cannot just dip your foot in the pool of the unknown. You must dive
in, headfirst. It is mind blowing what can
happen when you choose to not give up. In the words of Thalia, “I think that nothing is
impossible when you want to fulfill a dream. A lot of people will tell you that you cannot
do it, that you do not have what it takes, but if it is in your heart and you feel it, there is
nothing that will stop you. It is like the sun you can’t block it: it will shine regardless, if that is what you want.”
It will spark your intrinsic motivation and light a fire under your behind that will
put you into a state of doing whatever
is necessary to achieve your goals and
dreams. In fact, it has been proven time
and time again that great things happen
when we are challenged and work at the
edge of our skill level. When was the last time you went above and beyond your
limits and did something that tested every bone in your body? Whatever challenge you are currently facing in life, you are
strong enough to rise above the things that are trying to hold you down.
CIRCUMSTANCES. RISE ABOVE THEM!
Dwelling on the “what if’s” and having a
words out loud? Instead of dropping into fear mode when a challenge hits you, try approaching it from a position of
Your circumstances do not define who
you feel awkward and uneasy.
YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY YOUR
How does it feel when you say these
RISE ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
is where the magic lies. Any time you are
excitement and enthusiasm. Is this going to be
pity party will not help. Trust me. I have
done it, and it only leaves you feeling stuck and afraid to move. It all comes down to pushing through
your mental blocks and fears
knowing that your only limit is
YOU. Get out of your own way.
you are. When you live without limits, you
You must do the thing that
people are willing to choose this path.
above your circumstances.
are truly FREE. Unfortunately, not enough
you think you cannot do. Rise
Instead, they stay in their comfort zones,
In the words of the late great
for fear that they will fail or letting other’s put limitation on they live their lives. The fact of the matter is you are the only thing standing in your way of
success. Guess what? Change can be
scary but living with regret is even scarier. The key to conquering anything that
seems impossible to the mind’s eye is an
unwavering belief in oneself. We all reach
critical points in our lives where our mental toughness is put to the test – the loss of
a loved one, the ending of a relationship,
marriage, a financial crisis or a health scare. You have the power to turn the impossible into the possible. It all starts and ends in
your mind. It is amazing how much you can
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| SPIRITUALITY
Muhammad Ali:
“Impossible is not a fact. It is an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It is a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
Now is the time to show the world that the word, “impossible” does not exist in your vocabulary.
PIVOT IF YOU MUST! By Beth Trouy
N
othing like spending much of your day off in a social media confrontation
with someone on a mission to attack the
gay community, unprovoked, with stone-
throwing. Worse still when it is an old high school classmate. I decided though, that in honor of Pride Month, I was not going to overlook the negative posts about
the gay community. Not this month. As
expected, my attempts to bring him around only brought on more biblical quotes and
accusations about my sexual promiscuity that he assumed I was performing:
(Interesting how so many people think of themselves authorities of the bible and
endowed with X-ray vision to see through others’ bedroom walls). The righteous hypocrisy of this divorced man and so many like him, who claim to be devout
Christians as they throw stones at others, well, it is perplexing to say the least. His friends soon joined in and wrote about
the “choice” of being gay and the hatred
God has for those in sin. One even spoke about burning in hell for the choice I had
made. You might wonder at this point why I even stayed on his wall and kept reading
the comments. It would have been so much easier and less emotionally draining to just
conversation. These were deeply rooted
confusion and self-hate might be lethal. We
condemn, not listen. I needed to pivot away
be accepted and loved and allowed to grow
and motivated people out to preach and from my anger and toward my purpose.
Confronting them was necessary because of those in the margins: the bystanders
who were silently watching and reading. I was fully committed to supporting those in the margins who needed to hear a
positive and affirming message. I was
speaking to the ones who were vulnerable enough to believe the man’s words that
God did not love them as they were and
until they changed, they were doomed to
hell. You see, I was once that bystander. I once heard those very words from good-
stand up for them. Everyone deserves to
up free to discern what and who they are in this world. I also think they deserve to hear that God loves them as they are. Come to think of it, I am standing up for God too. Directly after his sentence, “Who am I to
judge” Pope Francis added, “Religion has the right to express its opinion in service to the people, but God in creation has
set us free. It is not possible to interfere
spiritually in the life of a person.” We too
are the Church and there is room for all of us in God’s house of many rooms.
meaning Christians too. My presence
today is because there was someone who
confronted the negative messengers with a positive one and I heard them. It saved my life. Someone was brave enough to
keep engaging them with a level-headed
proclamation of the Good News and I heard it loud and clear. It certainly sounded much more like what I felt Jesus would say.
Yes, I will pivot and take the blows, even
the stabs in the back from this classmate I deeply care about in spite of his missdirected behavior. Why? Because
In the flush of love’s light, we dare to be brave, and suddenly, we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet, it is only love which sets us free.” – MAYA ANGELOU
sometimes, like during Pride Month,
standing up to the hate gives others hope.
Sometimes it is not even so much what we are saying, but it’s what we are doing, that influences the bystanders around us. We
have come a long way, but we have a long way yet to go. For every time someone struggling with gender identity issues
is confronted by these comments, their
scroll and find some puppies to watch. I
admit, I was beginning to lose motivation to support Pride Month as my anger and frustration mounted.
I needed to pivot. You see, there are times
when confrontation is not only appropriate, but necessary. Not because we are
trying to win an argument; certainly, no
minds were going to be changed in this SPIRITUALITY |
15
Letting The Music be
the influence Q
ueer artist, Ariel Johnson but known to her fans as Ariel J, is taking on
the music industry with her R&B vibe and
vocals and expressive and relatable lyrics.
She is a songwriter, musician, and an artist. She writes her own songs along with ghost
writing for other artists, as well. She brings a
universal topics that everybody can listen,
twenty-year-old of African American descent
an influence to help bridge this gap in the
new sound and fresh style to R&B. Ariel J. is a who has proven her mettle as a singer and songwriter and is now working her way to
the top of the music scene. With her passion, determination, and drive, she is sure to fulfill her lifelong dreams of being a well-known, established, and successful artist.
Ariel J. is passionate about many things
beyond music and is ready to shine light,
address, and fight for things that she feels heavily on. “While we focus on music, we need to have conversations about how
LGBTQ+ people are presented and treated as individuals in the media and day-to-day interactions. There are so many wrong
things that need correction, and those
conversations must be had”, she says. Her music contains real-life storytelling about
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| ENTERTAINMENT
connect, and relate to. She is proud to be music industry.
Ariel J.’s motivation to build her music
brand comes from seeing how hard her
entire family worked when she was young.
She wants to be a successful musician and create a better life for her entire family and everyone coming after her. “I watched my
grandmother, father, uncles, aunts, and other members of my family put work into their
music. They all sing or play one instrument or the other, and they’re the reason I
decided to expand on my gifts. I want them to experience real comfort, and I’m willing to put in the work to get me to that level
where nobody has to bother about anything anymore.” Ariel says.
In the next 10 years, Ariel sees herself as an established songwriter in her career with a
couple executive producer credits. Hopefully
by this time, she would have won an academy award and is well secure in her career.
Songs like “Excited”, “Are You Down”, and
“Fears Off”, are 1 of many reasons why fans love Ariel’s music. It’s real, relatable, and
from the heart. She writes a lot about her own experiences so her fans will be able to connect with her through her songs.
“Songs about love, unity, and understanding need to be released, and I want to do that
to make the world better,” she says. As she continues to grow as an artist and person, she just hopes that her fans will be right there beside her.
e
N
arrated by GAYVN 2020 Best Actor
and reigning Performer of The Year
the Oscars. He started his career in 2009 and is now in his third year as Noir Male’s
Award winner DeAngelo Jackson, Being
exclusive contract performer. Jackson was
men of color as they navigate their way
studied Criminal Justice at Florida State
adult film industry. Through interviews
as a way to make extra money in college.
and LA, the film examines their unique
Jackson lost his virginity on camera. He
Black in Porn follows the lives of four gay
born in Germany, raised in Georgia and
in the competitive and often complicated
University. He entered the adult industry
with the men in NYC, Chicago, Las Vegas,
Having never been with a man or woman,
experiences including their encounters
doesn’t regret any choices he has made
with racism (being cast in servant roles
or as thugs; also, facing white performers
who refuse to perform with them because of the color of their skin), stereotypes
(black talent are expected to have large
penises and they’re made to bottom when they do not) and inequality (though “BBC films” is one of the most searched terms in porn, black actors report making less money than their white counterparts). In addition to their time behind the
camera, Being Black in Porn delves into the personal lives of the men, exploring
the impact their careers have on their real worlds, on social media and in the global Black Lives Matter movement. Being Black in Porn is being distributed by
and maintains a happy relationship with
Productions and adult production house
proud of all of his adult film success.
will premiere world-wide Juneteenth
struggles as all working professionals,”
Mile High in association with Novo Novus
his supportive family who say they are
Noir Male. The Being Black in Porn trailer
“Our favorite porn stars have the same
weekend through Noir Male’s Instagram
says DeAngelo Jackson’s co-executive
channel here:
@officialnoirmale
producer on Being Black in Porn,
“I had to share this story,” says DeAngelo
Dwight Allen O’Neal. “Our hope is that
Black in Porn is also the film’s executive
understanding of these men and sends
the documentary: Dillion Diaz, Max Konnor,
of adult film that Black Lives Matter
directed DeAngelo’s first scene in adult
within very industry.”
Jackson who in addition to narrating Being
our documentary creates a better
producer. He selected the main cast for
a message to everyone inside and outside
and Rock Rockfella, an industry legend who
everywhere, in everything, and
film. “I had to do this for my fellow brothers and sisters in the entire adult industry. I
learned early on that if we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”
Jackson is the first black man to win a GAYVN Best Actor Award in 2020 and
most recently claimed the most coveted GAYVN Performer of The Year 2021 title,
from the adult film industry’s equivalent to ENTERTAINMENT |
17
18| CONTENTS
A
social horror film about a black, gay republican haunted by the ghost of a murdered, unarmed black man. The plot explores society’s fear of black
bodies and the concept of sexual soul ties, where remnants of the soul linger within sexual partners. Not only is it an allegory for STIs but it depicts the body itself as a
haunted house rather than an actual dwelling. The Souls of Black Pebbles is a multilayered narrative that has not been told before.
Anthony Green is the founder of Cage Brid Productions where he creates socially conscious projects that affirm African-American LGBT storytelling. The goal
is to provide representation in genres where LGBTQ perspectives, culture and
lived experiences are often ignored. His last play, When Boys Exhale sold out last
January and received news coverage in Metro Weekly. His team scheduled another run as well as a tour, but the pandemic cancelled their shows. Luckily, he was
awarded a small grant from the DC Arts and Humanities Commission to begin
work on his first film,The Souls of Black Pebbles.
Green is in need of financial assistant to take the story from the page to the screen. Your donation would ensure that our cast and crew have the necessary equipment, props, wardrobe and
locations to bring a quality film to our community. Connect with him or follow him on Facebook @anthonygreen.
By Anthony Green THE UNLEASHED VOICE |
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STRUT YOUR PRIDE APPAREL I
f there ever was a time to Strut You
Pride, THIS IS YOUR TIME! With what
is going on in the world, the need
to claim, own, and celebrate YOUR fierce uniqueness, as an LGBTQ+
person, is more important than ever. I you identify as LGBTQ+ of an ally,
NOW is the time to grab your PRIDE flags, shake your tambourines, hit your drums, take to the streets &
STRUT YOUR PRIDE! It’s time to lead the parade and march in style, slip on these 100% Italian handmade
shoes and prance, baby, prance down 5th Avenue in NYC, pump down the
Santa Monica Blvd. in LA and in every country that celebrates LOVE! Today, we need to dig into our LGBTQ+
community soulfulness. We need to be seen. We need to be heard and we need to strut our pride every
opportunity we can. How you strut your Pride is up to you! Check out
these 100% Italian handmade limited edition leather shoes! These shoes are designed by Transactivist Jevon Martin. Order: aliveshoes.com/strut-your-pride-1 aliveshoes.com @aliveshoes
ALIVESHOES
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| FASHION
The Davis-Washingtons They have been married for four years and are celebrating their anniversary!
M
eet the Davis-Washington men! These two live in Houston, TX.
Britton is an administrator for K-12
schools and Los works as an operator in oil movements for an Oil & Energy
company. They have been married for four years and are celebrating their anniversary!
As advocates for mental health within
the LGBTQ+, these two not only chose
to get married on the first day of pride
month but they also both went to gain a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Mental
Health Counseling. They are both eager to spread love, inspiration, and a little hope during these trying times in society!
Get to know them more @thedaviswashingtons THE UNLEASHED VOICE |
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WHAT PRIDE IS NOT! By Madison Butler “Blue Haired Unicorn”
Pride has not been brought to you by big tech and rainbow logos.
Pride was brought to you by Black trans women.
Pride was brought to you by Black trans women throwing bottles at cops.
Pride is not about rainbow capitalism. Pride
is not about changing your logo, your banner or your frame. Pride is not about cis-heteros making themselves feel good by waving a rainbow flag.
Pride is about queer liberation. Pride is about Black queer liberation. Pride is about queer
existence. Pride is about queer people, period. Yet every year, companies show up with their
updated logos, screaming how much they care about the LGTBQ community?
Yet very rarely are they telling us how they
are supporting their own LGBTQ community
who is employed within their four walls. They
never show their C-suite, boards or equitable
pay structures. Instead, they spend their time pushing marketing campaigns to boost their revenue and expand their social footprint.
They market themselves on the backs of LQTBQ
Allyship is a verb. Change does not come from adjectives. Change does not come from making money off those you claim to “support”. That’s the tea. This month my inbox has been full of companies looking to profit off Black or LGBTQ trauma. Profiting off people’s pain is not justice. Before you buy big box store’s “Juneteenth” or “Pride” merch
on sale, remember that you can go into these same stores and
demand to not have to work with a Black or gay associate.
Ironically, during the Pride month
we announced that Juneteenth would
become a federal holiday, while states
simultaneously banned the teachings of why Juneteenth even exists.
The irony of creating a national holiday around
a topic that is being removed from curriculums around the country is not lost.
pain and trauma. The first pride was a riot, it was
The pain and suffering of our communities is
yet you rarely see companies touch that topic. Too
learned we really know how to throw a party.
about the pain and suffering of our community,
often people want our rainbows, but not our rain. You can’t just slap a rainbow on your logo and call yourself an ally.
You can’t take an unconscious bias training and call yourself an ally.
We deserve more than rainbow logos and skirting around hard conversations/
We deserve to have companies and people who
too much to look directly at, but they’ve Slapping a bow on systemic racism and homophobia doesn’t make it prettier.
Removing history from books doesn’t make it disappear.
Reform comes through policy change. Reform comes through accountability. Reform comes through education.
stand alongside us fighting this fight.
Reform comes through economic equity.
We deserve visibility 365 days a year and we
Reform does not come in the form of
deserve safety.
We deserve to hold hands in public and love out loud.
As long as it is unsafe to exist as a Black trans
22
woman, your rainbow logos are a dog whistle.
| THE UNLEASHED VOICE
marketing campaigns to push your white/ hetero owned brand.
If your allyship is rooted in capitalism, it is not allyship, it is performance.
Pride is about queer existence. Pride is about queer people, period.
2021 Marks 40 Years of Commentary by TUV Staff
F
HIV/Aids
In the U.S.
orty years ago, on June 5th, the
Centers for Disease Control and
REFLECT
RECOMMIT
of what later became known as AIDS. At
We honor the more than 32
The U.S. government is fully
that AIDS would still be with us today or
from acquired immunodeficiency
a diverse group of partners to help
Prevention reported on the first five cases that time, none of us could have imagined that it would have taken more than 32
million lives globally, including 700,000 in
million people who have died
syndrome (AIDS) -related illness
globally, including 700,000 in the
the United States.
U.S., since the start of the HIV
Today, we honor the memory of these
we will not stop until we end
men, women, and children, many of whom we lost in the prime of their lives to this
devastating disease. We also celebrate the
epidemic. In their memory,
the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and around the globe.
more than 38 million people worldwide,
To commemorate June 5th, federal
RE–ENERGIZE Forty years into the HIV epidemic,
ending the HIV Epidemic.
of-society mobilization effort
The United States Government has committed on focusing the theme of “Four for Forty” SOURCES: www.state.gov/on-the-40th-anniversary-ofthe-first-reported-cases-of-aids/
oar.nih.gov/nih-oar-mmwr-40th-anniversarysocial-media-toolkit
abroad, especially in communities of people with and at risk for
HIV, while ensuring an effective response to COVID-19 and
preparing for future pandemics. To this end, the Biden administration has proposed increased
health programs, including those
agencies around the country hosted a
series of talks, shared strategic plans for
end the HIV epidemic at home and
investments in global and domestic
including 1.2 million in the United States, who are bravely living with HIV.
committed to continued work with
we need to re-energize a wholein order to end it. This requires
reinvigorating and diversifying the HIV response to ensure equitable access to prevention, care, and
treatment services, especially for
those disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. This effort is only possible by engaging
people with lived experience and
elevating their efforts to energize the community. We have made
remarkable progress in preventing
addressing HIV.
RE–ENGAGE The U.S. government cannot
end the HIV epidemic alone. We need continued contributions
and innovation from all sectors
of American and global society. Together we must re-engage, continue to empower, and
strengthen coordination with
our partners across the U.S. and around the world for maximum and enduring impact.
and treating HIV in the U.S. and around the world and our work
is not finished. Stigma remains
Thank God we have a sitting United
COVID-19 pandemic has slowed
proactive stance of eradicating HIV and
a significant barrier and the
and threatened hard-won gains.
States President that encourages a allotting funds toward this cause.
THE UNLEASHED VOICE |
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| THE UNLEASHED VOICE