The Unleashed Voice 2022 World AIDS Day Issue featuring Aliah and Terrell Davis

MEET ALIAH & TERRELL DAVIS

These newlyweds took a page from the Netflix Series “Bridgerton” and delivered a resounding wedding depicting a Queen Victoria era custom look. This is what happens when love meets fashion, a desire for excellence, and a commitment to have the best day of your life comes to fruition.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

� Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

� dofetilide

� rifampin

� any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

� Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

� Have any other health problems.

� Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

� Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

� Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

� BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

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%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

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.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

� This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

� Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5

� If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0008

Shawn M. Clemons Administration/ Fashion Director

Gregory Graphics Layout/Design

Monika M. Pickett Guest Contributor Monick

To learn more about our work visit www.runl.org and consider becoming a monthly donor to help us eradicate HIV in the South!

As we enter one of my favorite times of the year, the holidays. I am reminded that a lot of people that I love will not be with me to celebrate. I have committed myself to commemorating the legacy of those who are no longer with me through my advocacy work. This year we established the “Crown Jewel Award” in memory of my late sister Jewel Clemons. We honored individuals who have dedicated their lives in the LGBTQ Community and in HIV advocacy during our TriState Black Pride Memphis. I felt the spirit of my late sister in the room and I know she was smiling because I promised her I wouldn’t forget about her life and legacy. If you have loved one’s who are no longer living, find a way to cement their lives into some form of honor, be it a scholarship, naming an award after them, or even honoring their life during their birthday or holidays, just don’t forget about them!

This issue makes our 8th year highlighting World AIDS Day as a Signature Issue for TUV Magazine. Our plan is to intentionally publish it until HIV is eradicated in our communities! We know that one effective way to reduce new HIV diagnosis is through education and that is why we are intentional in every issue to include articles that speak about stigma and discrimination.

As the world prepares to celebrate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2022. I am excited because this day presents an opportunity to rally and show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

ON THE COVER:

Meet Aliah and Terrell Davis – In a world where LGBTQ rights are constantly under attack. We take great pride in proudly sharing an example of a commitment to love through marriage! Representation matters and it gives us great pleasure to provide a glimpse of their fabulous wedding!

Gwendolyn D. Clemons MBA, MSM, PRC Editor in Chief of TUV Media

Despite the advancements in HIV prevention and care, the state of the HIV epidemic, particularly in the South remains at the forefront. According to a recent report from Gilead Science – State of HIV “the epidemic today reminds us that there are many social, economic, and structural barriers that continue to prevent some people from accessing the care they need. As a result, progress has been unevenly made, with already marginalized groups who continue to bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic.”

As a person, who has personally lost family members, and close friends to HIV it has become a personal call to action and lifelong mission of our businesses to help spread awareness and education. I don’t want another family to experience the suffering my family experienced because they did not have access to care or education for their loved ones.

The number 474,786 represents the number of individuals living with HIV in the South!

It won't happen. NOT ON OUR WATCH!

Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV

As we approach Thursday December 1, 2022 World AIDS Day – Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV are we really putting ourselves to the Test? We have been commemorating World AIDS Day for 34 years and yet despite our tremendous progress, our work is not finished with globally 1.5 million new cases of HIV every year and over 35,00 new infections in the United States. So, what is really going on? Are we really putting ourselves to the test with stopping the stigma, discrimination and other structural factors? Putting ourselves to the test requires some real conversation and real work to combat ending HIV and most importantly the equity ensuring that everyone with HIV and those at-risk for the infection have access to appropriate HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services.

I wish my Aunt Jewel Clemons who identified as a transgender woman had the many opportunities in 2022 that many of us take for granted such as: life saving medication, adequate health insurance, HIV education, HIV advocacy, etc; During her battle with HIV in the early 1990’s my aunt took as many as 10 or more pills per day. Unfortunately, Aunt Jewel’s did not have the advantage of taking the 1 pill a day regiment available in 2022. Aunt Jewels' health tests were daunting and she succumbed to HIV related illness in 1991 which meant she never had the opportunity to achieve the equity to end HIV. So, for those of us who are living today I suggest that we should be grateful to be living during a time of HIV advances. This year’s theme reminds us that that time has come to act, and for all of us to put ourselves to the test of ending HIV.

I know this work can make you frustrated, tired of people, tired of working with non-profits organization, etc. but it’s worth the fight. Now let’s re-commit, re-energize and refocus on the task at hand of putting ourselves to the test and achieving equity to end HIV.

Dr. Davin D. Clemons DMin

FROM this FORWARD Davis

Who would've thought that meeting on October 20, 2017, that the following year we would be together. A Southside Chicago native with a Girl Raised in the South, Columbia South Carolina to be exact. From two completely different worlds seamlessly meshed into one. We just CLICKED!!! In the beginning, everything that could be thrown at us was. But somehow it brought us closer. We knew very early on that we were each other's missing piece but only time would tell. On June 26, 2021, three years into our relationship, on what was supposed to be Aliah's 32nd birthday, Aliah proposed!!!!! Surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was literally like a dream.

We have not been exempted from life's hardest hits. It would be too many to name. But with every rock thrown at us, what remained consistent is the strengthening of our love, communication, understanding, patience, and forgiveness. Those things have seen us through it all and they continue to make our love magical. After the proposal we literally were living in a bubble and eventually thought, "Maybe we should start planning this wedding lol." We went back and forth with the idea of having our ceremony out of the country at an all-inclusive resort, then we thought about Chicago, Atlanta, then we finally settled on having it in Terrell's hometown of Columbia S.C. Several venues were sent to us but when we laid eyes on The Lace House, we knew this place was it! The concept in the beginning was going to be a "My Fair Lady" theme considering that Terrell is a HUGE Audrey Hepburn fan. But of course, everyone was confused and had never seen the movie. Lol. So, we went with the Bridgerton theme which turned out PERFECTLY!!!! Weddings are a lot of work. We spent every waking moment sorting out intricate details. It at times became overwhelming

and exhausting. But the day exceeded our expectations. To see our thoughts on paper, converted to this beautiful reality is still unbelievable. Our day was perfect. We've never seen or been in a room so FULL of LOVE. The energy was soooo beautiful, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. On this day strangers became family. As each guest gathered in the room it was hard to tell who did and didn’t know each other. But what was evident is that they were all there for one purpose, LOVE. We will never forget 10.13.2022. Literally Heaven on Earth. We could not have done this alone.

ALIAH AND TERRELL DAVIS

@capturingaliahandtettell #FromthisDAVISforward

Photography: @Jeremiahs_photography

Event Planning: @strikingironsc Ashlee White at Striking Iron

Our Glam Team:

Bride (Terrell) Wedding Gown: @iamgegegilzene

Bride MUA: @kentchristianbeauty

Bride hairstylist: @sashaslays

Broom (Aliah) Custom Suit

Alterations and Custom Shirt: @jarrods1977

Broom wardrobe stylist: @sirpress_

Broom barber: @_phillytatts2

Broom hairstylist: @sashaslays

With every rock thrown at us, what remained consistent is the strengthening of our love, communication, understanding, patience, and forgiveness.

Black Gay, Bisexual Men, and HIV

What Can We Do to End the Epidemic in Our Community?

By Brodderick D. Roary

treatments that can lead to viral suppression and prevent them from unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.

For Black Gay and Bisexual Men, HIV awareness is not about one day; it is about choosing to put our health first and our being willing to address hard issues and have tough and difficult conversations. It’s about reconstructing the walls of stigma, misinformation, and fear with the facts, along with love and support that create safe spaces for people to learn, be tested for HIV, seek care, and stay in treatment. Stopping HIV starts at both the personal and community level; we must work together to make it happen. Cultural biases like stigma, discrimination, and homophobia place Black Gay and Bisexual men at greater risk for HIV. These barriers prevent many of us from seeking routine HIV testing or receiving HIV preventative care and treatments due to fear of judgment from family, the community, and peers. In fact, many Black Gay and Bisexual Men living with HIV are unaware of their diagnosis. Without knowing they have HIV; they cannot take advantage of the

There are three things we should do to reduce HIV among Black gay and Bisexual Men. First, given the moral narratives often associated with HIV, it’s important to understand that higher rates of HIV among Black MSM are not due to higher rates of risk behaviors. Black gay and Bisexual

Men have fewer sexual partners than White gay and bisexual men and we are less likely to use substances before sexual activity that might disinhibit their behavior and lead to taking greater sexual health risks.

The circumstances that make Black gay and Bisexual Men more vulnerable to HIV infection than White gay and bisexual men have grown through the decades and are directly related to lower rates of adequate health insurance and access to health care. They include higher rates of undiagnosed and untreated sexually transmitted infections that can facilitate HIV infection, higher rates of undiagnosed HIV infection, and lower rates of antiretroviral treatment adherence if diagnosed with HIV.

Second, we need a renewed focus on educating young people about HIV and sexually transmitted infections. There

is a lack of comprehensive sex education in schools across the country: less than half the states require that sex education be taught in public schools. Even in liberal cities sex education has started only recently, within the last few years, and in many parts of the country, there is no sex education at all.

Third, we must support efforts to expand Medicaid eligibility in the South. Of the millions of Americans who are too poor to afford subsidized insurance but not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid most of them live in the South. To date, 39 states including DC have adopted Medicaid expansion and 12 states have not adopted the expansion including the following Southern States –Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

Efforts to promote the expansion of Medicaid eligibility up to 138 percent of the poverty line will disproportionately benefit Black Americans, half of whom live in the South, and could help Black gay and bisexual men and Black heterosexuals access the preventive health care they need and deserve.

Forty years into the HIV Epidemic we have come a long way, but we still have much work to do.

We must work together as a community to end the HIV epidemic in the south.

Supporting those

By Dr. Umieca N. Hankton

When a loved one, colleague, or stranger discloses they are living with HIV or AIDS, your response should be one of compassion, kindness, understanding, and support. Your response should not include the fact that you know someone else who lives with HIV or AIDS. Your response should not be stigmatizing or fueled by judgment or ignorance. Your response should not be followed up with a series of questions about who, what, when, why, or how. A simple “I am here for you or how may I show up for you” may be sufficient, as words tend to be inadequate in moments of stress, loss, or pain.

The moment(s) after learning one has been diagnosed with HIV can temporarily feel physically and psychologically paralyzing. The body may instantly go into fight-orflight mode as the brain attempts to process and make room for this new information to be added to the pre-existing details about one’s self. Receiving a diagnosis of HIV is NOT a death sentence and should not be treated as such. With 1 in 7 Americans diagnosed with HIV, you either know someone, love someone, or you are the one living with HIV. Admittedly, living with HIV and loving someone living with HIV can be scary because it is common to hyper-focus on the label “HIV” vs. focusing on the action of “LIVING.” As we approach HIV/AIDS awareness day, we must redirect our attention to the idea of “LIVING” because those diagnosed with HIV are indeed “LIVING” with a medical health condition. Be open educating yourself and those closest to you to

LIVING

& THRIVING with HIV

decrease stigma, discrimination, and the spread of erroneous information about HIV and AIDS.

What are some ways that we can support those “LIVING and THRIVING” with HIV?

Hold Space and Hold Confidence: It can be painstakingly difficult to disclose one’s health status to others. When your loved one shares their health status with you, listen attentively with your ears and heart. Resist the urge to bombard your loved one with questions. Understand their desire or lack of desire to talk in detail about their health status. Be a person of your word and hold on to their truth as if it were your truth. It is not your responsibility to be the public service announcer of your loved one’s health status. If your loved one disclosed their health status to you, it is because they value you and the strong connection you share. Honor this connection by continuing to be present in their lives and being intentional about Living, Learning, Listening, Laughing, and Loving as you did before they disclosed their health status.

Inquire & Invite: Do not make assumptions about what your loved one will need to be well. Ask how you may support them, particularly when the breath-snatching waves of grief, anger, and confusion hit. Support them in prioritizing their emotional and physical health as the mind and body are interconnected. There will be times when your loved one will want you to be more present and hands-on; other times, they may request time and space to reflect.

Invite them to be direct with you regarding these times and let them know that you will be there for them as best as possible. Unfortunately, stigma and shame increase isolation. If you notice changes in your loved one’s pattern of behaviors, acknowledge awareness of the shift, assure them of your love and desire to spend time with them, and invite them to get out and live with you.

Validate & Value: Due to fear of rejection or discrimination, talking about one's health status may be emotionally draining. Please express gratitude for your loved one's willingness to share and trust you with their health information. Remind your loved one of their value in your life and the ways you may serve as an advocate. Reaffirm your ability and intention to be a softlanding space for them. As often as necessary, validate their feelings and experiences by allowing them to talk about their anxieties, grief, and plans to flourish.

Dr. Umieca N. Hankton Dr. Umieca N. Hankton

Dr. Umieca N. Hankton is a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of UNH Counseling Services. Dr. Hankton's clinical interests include the mental health and wellness of Black women, LGBTQ+, clergy, and college students. Clinical services are available to those located in TN, LA, TX, GA, WI, AL, D.C., IL, MN, & KY. To learn about the services offered, please call 901-300-9082.

And Everything In Between…

By Beth Trouy

A friend of mine was talking to me the other day about her daughter who identifies as bi/ pan (bisexual/pansexual) and non-binary. Afterward, I had to google the terms - again. I’ve looked them up before, but I still get confused sometimes. If you are over 40 like me, the world of gender expression and sexual identity is much more complex now. When I was a teen, you were either gay, straight, or bi. Today’s environment is better for gender non-conformists: we are talking about it more and giving more definition to the spectrum of gender and sexuality that has always existed. If only more people could accept the science of a spectrum versus only welldefined gender roles, then we would be much farther along in this discussion. Religion and Science, however, are rarely on the same page and often at odds with each other. The people in the margins who religion should see and protect are those most hurt by their rejection.

It's a welcome sight to see businesses, universities, social networking sights, and others using preferred gender titles. It sends a clear and

welcoming message to the nearly 20 percent of the world’s humans who identify as nonheterosexual. The advances in science and research on these issues are paving this path and we are discovering that it was never, as the literal interpretation of the Bible describes, only male and female. It is encouraging to see the effort being made to educate ourselves so that we can be respectful of others and their differences. With my own background in science and with my gay identity, I have never doubted the spectrum theory for gender and sexual expression. It is only logical for me to accept that these characteristics, along with hair and skin color, height, intelligence, and so many other characteristics we possess as humans; are anything but binary. Science has always attempted to provide the facts to reconcile religious truths and the current thinking of our society. Thank goodness science and scientists have been successful with this challenge and we now know the world is round, vaccines work, and we did in fact, evolve from common ancestors as the primates.

As a believer in the scientific method as well as a person of faith, I’ve never had any conflicts between the two. The Big Bang Theory is probably real and the Creation narrative in Genesis is written by men who tried to teach people of their time that God created the world and everything in it. They used stories the people could understand and directly relate to. Big Bang or not, I know God did it. We and apes are relatives? Of course. The Theory of Evolution has proven this too. In fact, being educated in Catholic schools to interpret the Bible as inspired writings versus literal interpretations, has helped me hold on to my faith as I embrace these truths as they are uncovered. One does not have to give up one’s faith in order to accept what science teaches us even if it seems to contradict our current beliefs. For me, it has deepened my faith in a God Whose ways are so far above our own, we are still learning how it has all come to be. Having the conviction of faith in a God Who created everything removes any fear for me in the “how” part of creation. God did it.

This leads me back to the subject of gender and sexual expression. How beautiful that our Creator made us so diverse that this too is made with such complexity! My faith teaches me that above all, I need to give others their dignity and call them by the terms they wish to be identified. My faith teaches me that even if I do not understand where a person is coming from or how they express themselves, I will respect them and their right to live as they believe they were created to live. I took the time to look up the definitions I had forgotten because it’s important that my friend’s daughter knows I respect who she identifies herself to be even if it confuses me. Most importantly, recognizing her as neither male nor female does not conflict with my religious beliefs as a Catholic; rather, it enhances my love for a God Who made us so complex that we are still learning new truths about ourselves and how we love one another.

God made them male and female and everything in between and God saw that it was good.

Good indeed. Amen!

AIDS Memorial Quilt The National

The National AIDS Memorial (NAM), steward of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, is partnering with the Southern AIDS Coalition to launch a major initiative bringing sections of the Quilt to communities in the southern United States as a teaching tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Funded by a $2.4 million grant by Gilead Sciences, the weeklong Quilt display and programming aims to raise awareness about health disparities and social justice issues that continue to disproportionately impact communities of color.

This powerful and timely Quilt exhibition will feature more than 500 hand-stitched panels of the AIDS Quilt that honor Black and Brown lives lost to AIDS and feature many newly made Quilt panels from the local areas, which will be featured for the first time publicly. They are meant to be a call to action to disrupt systemic issues that impact health equity which continue to disproportionately impact communities of color and marginalized populations.

Through local events and programming, Change the Pattern will actively engage communities through Quilt displays, interactive experiences, storytelling, advocacy, and panel-making workshops. By creating an empowering message and safe spaces for conversation,

we can uplift, inspire, and encourage all communities to take an active role in their health, challenge cultural stigmas, and continue the legacy of advocacy for our marginalized brothers, sisters, and others.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance

For generations, the transgender population has suffered various forms of abuse (and even death) for challenging the views, notions, and stereotypes around “male” and “female” identity. Every year we set aside November 20 as a Transgender Day of Remembrance. This holiday is meant to honor, commemorate, and memorialize those who face discrimination and stigma (often on a daily basis) across the nation. This holiday is also meant to advocate for transgender people’s rights as well as focus on the persistent struggles they face in their everyday lives, and how others can share their love, support, and hope.

HOW TO OBSERVE TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE!

01Attend candlelight vigils, food drives, and film screenings.

A vigil enables you and your peers to honor those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. You can also start up a food drive to raise money and awareness for the transgender community.

02 03

March or Walk for the cause.

One of the best ways to raise money and show support is to participate in a marathon or walk-a-thon that contributes to the transgender cause.

Support transgender rights groups.

Research groups in your area that support the LGBTQ+ community and encourage others to donate as well.

Coming Home for Christmas

Coming home from the holidays is something most families cherish. After this holiday, Christmas will never be the same in the Higher-Mills family. Coming from mixed backgrounds, adopted siblings Smythe, Hanna, Bea, Shane, and Lonny along with their parents Pat and Samantha, will have to search for a greater purpose to get them through this holiday season.

Onyx Keesha Films, DreamN1, and 360 Films, are releasing their latest holiday movie just in time for the 2022 holiday season. The trailer for the movie reveals that it will be centered around an LGBTQ family struggling to find the spirit of Christmas.  Written

by B. Danielle Watkins and directed by Gino Payne, B. Danielle Watkins, and Onyx Keesha, the trailer also shows scenes from the film which show grief and pain as well as joyous moments.

Starring Deborah Michal, Daphne Dunning, Rachi Herring, Zenja Dunn, Ronnie Wood, Gio Banks, B. Elise, and Stizz Austin, The Higher Spirit is a film you don’t want to miss.

Coming Home for Christmas is currently an exclusive feature

of the newly FOX acquired Tubi. December 1 it will have widespread distribution on platforms such as Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms, to be announced, around the world.

The film, set in Las Vegas, is filled with laughs, love and pain. A small preview screening took place early in 2021 and the audience raved about the relatability and the production quality. After seeing this heartwarming story, we hope you'll feel more prepared to spend time with your own family this season.

Family

changes but Christmas is forever.

Founded in 2019, Black Women DO Heal (BWDH) is dedicated to creating safe, healing, and culturally competent spaces for Black and Brown Women to heal from trauma, abuse, mental health challenges, addictions, and the additional stressors of being a black woman.

We do this by providing collective spaces to practice self-care, support groups, coaching, referrals, and outings to foster healing, community,

support and self-care, and self-awareness to improve participants' overall quality of life. Our approach helps to reduce the stigma of getting help and what help looks like for Black and Brown women.

We proudly serve Black women through our healing spaces and groups which empower them to not only change their lives but the lives of those around them. By breaking free of the "Strong Black Woman" lie, we remind them instead that

"Your Strength Was Never Meant To Crush You." We are redefining strength for Black Women.

blackwomendoheal@gmail.com www.blackwomendoheal.org

Providing spaces for black & brown women to heal.

Respite spaces, retreats, outings, conversations & support groups.

Contact us to get involved.

saC s a n draJam es-Weath e r s yb

By Cassandra James-Weathersby

Meet

TELL US ABOUT YOU

I am Jaie Tatum also known as Jaie Boo a 33-year-old entrepreneur, travel enthusiast, influencer, mogul, and fashion designer. My main goals are to explore this amazing life I’ve been given and live it to the fullest. I want to show everyone that no matter the goals you have, anything is achievable and I’m proof of that. With all these things being said, I am a mother before anything and my main goal is to not only teach my son all things are possible through determination and God’s grace, but to show him through my actions and accomplishments.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Some of my biggest accomplishments have been opening myself up to a life of hosting, acting, modeling, designing, and taking on the role as a radio personnel. These amazing opportunities have opened many doors for me and introduced me to absolutely amazing people. I am now a brand ambassador and model for HauteButch in California, and I have been blessed to be able to brand myself with this clothing line that I hope you love as much as I do. To add to my accomplishments, I have been honored and featured in 5 different magazine articles, won

#1 Hottest clothing line 2021, Had the hottest summertime Fashion show Houston, opened up a store front at local flea market in Houston, TX. Also, became the wardrobe for Celebrity Comedian TC and formed Da Heartbreaker Movement Tour.

ARE YOU LOCAL?

I’m back and forth from DFW and Houston, but my clothing line is available online jaieboo.com

WHAT MESSAGE

ARE YOU BRINGING WITH YOUR CLOTHING LINE?

Each person has experienced some sort of ups and downs and

a lot of us, unfortunately have experienced heartbreak. No matter what though, we always know that once you feel like you hit rock bottom, there is no other direction to go besides UP. Heartbreak, sadness, and anger bring overwhelming negativity into our lives, and this is a movement showing the world that collectively we all fought back against everything bringing us down. We want to show smiles through the heartbreak, the beautiful war wounds we’ve been left with and happiness that followed the dark clouds!

@jaieboo www.jaieboo.com

GRACE DETREVARAH MEET TRANS ACTIVIST

TUV NY Correspondent Monick Monell shares and An Intimate Conversation with Trans Activist Grace Detrevarah. Grace is known as the voice for the TGNC community especially those returning back to the community post-incarceration or who are experiencing homelessness.

and or donate to community agencies such as Sylvia Rivera Law Project, Legal Aids Society, American Civil Liberties Union, and other agencies, locally, or regionally.

Q: Statistics for 2022 have shown that nearly 5,000 transgender people are incarcerated in state prisons. However, we know very little about their experiences during incarceration. Can you educate us on how the community can offer help in this area?

Transgender detainees/prisoners continue to receive systematic problems: regarding fair, just and humane treatment while in custody. However, there are certain regional correctional in systems, that have begun to address Transgender prisoner medical, educational, and mental health treatment through and within the CJ system.

Q: How can the LGBTQIA community support Transgender prisoners in custody?

Support can be done by becoming affiliated, volunteer,

Q: How does it feel to be the blueprint for trans women of color, particularly black women and watching them thrive? You are an inspiration to many in the community. Can you share with us your barriers you experienced as a TGNC individual who were once affected by the criminal justice system? Do you feel your hard work is acknowledged?

Oh WOW… My visibility on addressing the survival, existence, and safety of Transgender folx, continues to be important. I am humbled that the TGNCNBI community respects me, as well as seek me out, for assistance and my views. Yet, I do believe that my work has been, and continued to be empowering for the community. I also believe this is because I've revealed so much of my life. History has taught me that Transgender folks are affected by the criminal justice system and health disparities differently than our cis-gendered peers.

Acknowledging these disparities continue to evolve in certain regions and demographics.

The TGNCNBI have always had leaders to represent them:  Miss Major, Chase Strangio, Lala Zannel, Cece Thompson, and others.  I've been fortunate, as well as outspoken, visible, and to some even impactful, with my advocacy.  As far as barriers: I realized that my history of incarceration, long-term HIV diagnoses (35 yrs.), lack of education, and relevant work history, would only change me for the best. Once I decided to publicly release the "personal stigma" of those circumstances, I was able to lighten the load of those statuses. First, by following my medical regimen (16 yrs.

undetectable) and obtaining education on HIV, STI's, HepC, and other disparities, which affected me.  While in custody I was able to acquire secondary education (Community college), and certifications in various trades. I've been fortunate in my 10 years of advocacy.  Let me say this:  I receive so many letters, cards, and direct communication with individuals and families, of those affected by the criminal justice system. Yet, the most impactful gesture I’ve received is when I am approached in public, on social media, and at governmental offices. My story is in A&U magazine's 2/22 issue and the HULU DocuSeries: PRIDE episode #4. Often, people tell me how my story has motivated them to get tested and empower themselves, their families, and their communities. Today, the one quote I rest my advocacy on: "Saving Lives to Save my Own.

Q: This World AIDS Day Issue which is a public health issue one that we are personally passionate about. We have found that many people are still not educated about HIV/ AIDS due to fear, stigma, and ignorance. With all the prevention options (athome tests, and a range of prevention such as Preexposure prophylaxis or PREP), and services that’s offered, why do you feel we still have to educate people in 2022 and what else can we do to reach our communities?

Well, frankly most advocates and service providers had to accept the hard fact that HIV/ AIDS is still serious. In 2022, far too many LGBTQIA folx and our

heterosexual brothers/sisters are still getting diagnosed! My advocacy continues. I want to spread the information that HIV can be chronic and deadly, still!

I've been successful combining facts in my presentations. When I present, I start with HIV. then move on to STI's, HepC, and currently MPV (monkeypox) with groups, young people, and adults.  My advocacy in 2022 comes with using narratives that are realistic and lifesaving. As a Transgender woman, it is vital that I take the initiative to use my story, diagnosis, and criminal history as an education weapon for those who are finding their way.

Q: Should straight actors play queer Trans people in the film industry, considering there is still struggle for content of TGNC people playing themselves?  We know that representation is important because it serves a facet of support and validation.  Tell us about the many films and documentaries you are being featured in so we can make sure to watch and learn.  Entertainment is a business. It has been uncomfortable to observe cis-gendered performers taking on roles that depict LGBTQIA+ lives and stories.  As a colleague of LGBTQIA+ actors and entertainers, I've had the opportunity to hear and know their distaste for being "looked over" by their Cis-gendered peers. Then there is the "stigma" most don't want to encounter. What do I mean?  Well, many actors, and entertainers simply

"want to work their craft." Many don't want to be typecast as "The Gay Actor" or specifically/ solely LGBTQIA+, so it's a catch 22.  In a just, fair, and reflective society: if we could attend a movie, play, musical, video, or concert, and NOT get into the "performer’s" life or sexual identity, it would be refreshing.

Q: Please share with us the purpose and mission of The Osborne Association?

Our Mission statement: Transforming lives, communities, and the criminal justice system. To care, assist and be of service to one's community. This agency has and continues to be the organization that has supported my advocacy in an impactful way.  Osborne hired me in 2016, after years of transforming various parts of my life. From a parolee, Intern, P/T worker, then F/T worker 4 years later. I held a full-time position as a LGBT Liaison for the Bronx office and then throughout all Osborne offices. As a former incarcerated Black Transgender woman- Osborne has been instrumental in providing space to the LGBTQIA in all its services. Advocacy has many levels. I aim to encourage Transgender folx, as well as LGBQ - NBNBI folx to absorb that advocacy often starts in a simple way.  I’m appreciative and humbled that I've had the opportunities to represent TGNCNBI folx on topics: Re-entry, Health Disparities, Education, and everything “human.”

Our Mission statement: Transforming lives, communities, and the criminal justice system.

To care, assist and be of service to one's community.

Don’t Cry for Me

father makes amends with his gay son through letters written on his deathbed in this wise and penetrating novel of empathy and forgiveness, for fans of Ta-Nehisi Coates, Robert Jones Jr. and Alice Walker.

ABlack

As Jacob lies dying, he begins to write a letter to his only son, Isaac. They have not met or spoken in many years, and there are things that Isaac must know. Stories about his ancestral legacy in rural Arkansas that extend back to slavery. Secrets from Jacob's tumultuous relationship with Isaac's mother and the shame he carries from the dissolution of their family. Tragedies

Danie l Black

that informed Jacob's role as a father and his reaction to Isaac's being gay. But most of all, Jacob must share with Isaac the unspoken truths that reside in his heart. He must give voice to the trauma that Isaac has inherited. And he must create a space for the two to find peace.

With piercing insight and profound empathy, acclaimed author Daniel Black illuminates the lived experiences of Black fathers and queer sons, offering an authentic and ultimately hopeful portrait of reckoning and reconciliation. Spare as it is sweeping, poetic as it is compulsively readable, Don't Cry for Me is a monumental novel about one family grappling with love's hard edges and the unexpected places where hope and healing take flight.

Daniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place"

With piercing insight and profound empathy, acclaimed author Daniel Black illuminates the lived experiences of Black fathers and queer sons