| THE EDITOR’S LETTER
Happy By Gwendolyn D. Clemons, MBA | Editor in Chief
T
he month of June was chosen for LGBT PRIDE Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June in 1969. As a result, many PRIDE events are held during June and throughout the Summer months to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world. This year June 2019 will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, for which New York City will host WorldPride. This is the first time WorldPride has been held in the United States (I wonder why, but I digress) and is expected to be the largest Pride celebration ever. It is expected that roughly 4.5 million people will line the streets of NY. Why is this important? It is important because the voices of the people are being “Unleashed” at a magnitude unseen before. Collectively, LGBT folks and allies will demonstrate that fighting and celebrating for
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LGBT humanity is an important and necessary cause.
author with his newly released poetry book “A Year Without You”.
How can you become an ally to the LGBT community? I am glad you asked. You can become an ally by becoming educated on matters that may differ from your normal, and by not allowing bias and prejudices to permeate around you. Become a listener. Be open minded. Be willing to admit you don’t know. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with you and your family. Don’t assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Watch antiLGBT comments and jokes because they are harmful. Confront your own biases and prejudices, even if it is uncomfortable. Defend your LGBT friends. Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Special Contributors: Author Monika M. Pickett has become a fixture in TUV Magazine. Monika is a passionate writer who shares relatable lesbian stories for the grown women in us to enjoy. Rayceen Pendarvis HRH, TUV Magazine’s Washington, DC Ambassador has been dubbed the Empress of Pride. Read about all of the wonderful things Rayceen has been doing for her community. This month we travel vicariously to Toronto, Canada to meet Keziah Osei originally from Ghana. Keziah is an outspoken advocate for women in her community and hosts Pleasure Her Toronto every year. We are excited to re-feature two amazing couples exactly one year after their weddings in our “Where Are They Now” series.
On the Cover: TUV Magazine obtained an exclusive interview with actor, activist, singer, and now author Julian J. Walker. Julian appeared in “Blackbird” in 2015, a gay coming of age tale written by Patrik-Ian Polk. Julian is now ready to add another accomplishment to his resume as an
If you hear about PRIDE in your city, consider becoming a volunteer, and make sure you attend. If you are in the Memphis, TN area find out how to support Tri-State Black Pride at tsbpride@gmail.com.
