1 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
AIDS/ HIV NEWS
After my diagnosis, it took me a while to accept the fact that being HIV-positive is not the end of the world: It’s just the beginning of a whole new way of life. The first meds I was prescribed gave me some bad side effects. But I worked with my doctors to find a new one that was better for me. Now I feel great and my viral count is undetectable. That list of things you wanted to accomplish before you were diagnosed? It’s still possible if you stay in care and work with your doctor to find the treatment that’s best for you. 2 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
“I’ m here. I’ m living. I’ m happy. So take that, HIV.” Cedric
Living with HIV since 2012.
HIV
TREATMENT
WORKS
Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks 3 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
Be part of TUV Magazine’s Next Issue
Send all stories and articles to: info@tuvmag.com Advertising inquiries: ads@tuvmag.com Deadline for ALL ADS:December10, 2017
JAN+ FEB 2018
Credic Gum Cover photo Photo credit : Aaron M. Brown (AROtography)
19
MARLEAUX JONES
4 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
26 EXCLUSIVE FEATURE Chris June from “About Him 2“
27
UNLEASHED NYC
Rejected Societyx3 (RSX3)
06 THE DAY I MET HIV/ AIDS Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Editor
07 WORLD AIDS DAY
Davin D. Clemons, DMin, Editor
08 INSIDE THE LIFE OF MEAGAN & MASON 10 RECLAIM MY TIME Cedric Gum
12 BLACK, GAY AND HERE TO SLAY K. Déaunta Edwards
14 HIV/ AIDS
Monique Howell
15 LIVING IN TRUTH Art Jackson
20 UNLEASHED ATL Brandon Avant
21 MSM: WHAT ABOUT US?
Snap to Subscribe to TUV Magazine
Eddie Wiley
22 SPIRITUALITY
Scan this code with your phone to subscribe to The Unleashed Voice Magazine Today! Take it everywhere you go, along with the print edition. You’ll qualify
Beth Trouy
to download each issue digitally through your IPhone, IPad, or Android devices.
23 LIVE IN THE TENSION DR. Darnell Gooch Jr.
You can also follow us on Social Media @TUVmagazine
30 GAY CODE TEAM TUV
Isaam Sharef
Shawn M. Clemons Administration/ Fashion Director
De’Mario Q. Jives Creative Layout Designer
Eddie Wiley
AIDS/ HIV Correspondent
Monick Monell New York Correspondent
Whitney Johnson Chief Editor
Renae Taylor
Transgender Correspondent
Ravell Slayton Project Manager
5 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
EDITOR’S LETTER |
THE DAY I MET
I
HIV/AIDS
should have known something was wrong when I saw my sister and how much weight she’d lost. I attributed her appearance to her involvement with crack cocaine, which had been a nemesis she’d fought with for years. I attributed her sudden sickness to the numerous whispers from family members, about her being “this and that.”
I should have known something was wrong with my many friends who suddenly fell ill and for whom, afterward, we were attending a funeral within less than a year. They were too young to die from a “summer cold” or any other unknown condition that their family refused to disclose. I should have known something was wrong when I got the phone call that my ex was dreadfully ill and her mother refused to let any of us visit her… when her mom just took her into seclusion, and the next time I saw her was on her obituary. I can’t begin to tell you how many friends’ funerals I’ve attended, or how many times I’ve heard “she got the package” or “he got the package” and wondered what in the HELL is “THE PACKAGE”?! This time frame I am writing about was circa 1990’s and early 2000’s -- and yes, we have come a long way. However, the gains covered cannot be at the expense of those who served as guinea pigs for experimental drugs prescribed to those
Gwendolyn D. Clemons Publisher Editor-in-Chief 6 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
infected with HIV during the earliest years of its discovery. I painfully watched my trans-sister wilt away in less than a year from the side effects of AZT and lack of treatment options. I watched in horror as she was ministered to and directed to “repent” to God for living as a woman, convinced that she must transition back into a man in order to enter heaven’s gate at her looming death. I can only imagine the betrayal against herself that she was forced to feel in her final days. This 2017 World AIDS Day Issue delivers a necessary educational component about this terrible disease that has ravished the Black Gay Community. No one must needlessly suffer the affects or effects of HIV/AIDS anymore, especially with the exceptional help and treatment options now available. The family should not have to lie to friends and loved ones for fear of judgment or expulsion from heaven because of HIV/AIDS. We must get better with handling the situations we are uncomfortable dealing with. There is too much information available at our fingertips, for us to remain ignorant about the systemic social and health issues prevalent in our community in 2017. I invite you to peruse the pages, read the articles, take in the information, and learn from those who are living with HIV/AIDS or passionate about getting the numbers down to zero infections. Read the information the advertisers market to the public about available treatment options.
Read as much as you can about HIV/AIDS so that in the following years, you will not have to say, “I SHOULD
HAVE KNOWN.”
| EDITOR’S LETTER
A
s I sit back to reflect on World AIDS Day and its theme of 2017, “Let’s End It” -- as in End Isolation, End Stigma, and End HIV Transmission -- I can only think about how religion, especially “Black Religion”, has played its role in the transmission of HIV/ AIDS in the lives of many African Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV in the United States. “Gay and bisexual men account for a majority of new HIV diagnoses among African Americans.” Now this relationship between black religion and HIV/AIDS is complicated, and often controversial. In my opinion, the controversies have mainly revolved around LGBTQ people and the uneducated rhetoric of black preachers on Sunday mornings. The stigma of HIV/AIDS will never end when, in 2017, we still have preachers misinterpreting scriptures and preaching hell fire damnation scriptures to appease the status quo.
“Let’s End It” My hope during this 2017 World AIDS Day is that we can end the hatred of the LGBTQ community in “heterosexual pastor churches”. We all know that there is no such thing as a “straight church” or “gay church” -- it’s called a church, and is a place where everyone should be welcomed. I believe the HIV/AIDS transmission rate in the African American community can be lowered, and that education is one of the key components of tackling this epidemic. But we can’t educate if we do not end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the black community. We have tried other methods of lowering and eliminating the transmission of HIV/AIDS, so why not try the theme of “Love”? Remember, “We are One!”
I have attended funerals -- of individuals who have possibly died from complications of HIV/AIDS -- where black preachers have openly gay bashed or preached derogatory sermons regarding the death, targeting the LGBTQ individuals in attendance at the funeral. Now is that Christ-like? I wonder how many individuals have experienced this church hurt, continued to live a life of lies to fit in, or married a woman to get a minister’s license... but continued to have unprotected sex solely because of the self-hate inflicted by some ignorant preacher. Malcolm X asked the question, “Who Taught You To Hate Yourself?” I am not sure of any statistical analysis of this theory, but I am sure this is a common theme of many individuals in the African American community who have contracted HIV/AIDS. And if a black church thinks for one second that HIV/AIDS is not in their church, then they have another thought coming. So that is just another reason why we need more encouraging sermons regarding improving wellness, ending transmission, and ending the stigma of HIV/AIDS in every black church. Black preachers talk about all other diseases and prevention measures, but when it comes to HIV/AIDS they are silent. Maybe they think it’s still a GAY disease.
Dr. Davin D. Clemons, DMin.
7 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
COMMUNITY NEWS |
I
magine being a teenage lesbian, or a lesbian couple in a small town, and having no positive influences in “the life”. Thankfully, through social media, specifically YouTube, those individuals are able to connect with a couple like Mason and Megan through their YouTube channel, “Inside the Life of M and M”. YouTube has been a social outlet for people to create tutorials, give advice, and voice their opinions. It is also used to have candid conversation and share some of their most intimate moments with their followers. Mason and Megan have chosen to use this platform to share their journey with the world and inspire others by providing a sense of “normalcy” to the lesbian lifestyle. They also use YouTube as a way of chronicling their growth and experiences to share with the friends and family they may not see on a regular basis. The couple pledged to their subscribers, whom they refer to as “Insiders”, to remain open, honest, and personable while being true to themselves. “Inside the Life of M and M” combines their passion for travel, their love of food, and their overall relationship values. The channel has given them the opportunity to meet other lesbian couples, offer support, and be a source of information for parents who have children in the LGBTQ community. This channel is a safe place to better understand some of the trials lesbian couples may face and also to celebrate their many accomplishments. Imagine typing “lesbian couples” into the search engine on YouTube; the number of results
8 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
today compared to five years ago proves the LGBTQ community is growing and flourishing. In the midst of so many other great YouTubers, Mason and Megan hope to be that inspirational, fun-loving couple that people can relate to while finding comfort in knowing they are not alone. In a world filled with superficial love, Mason and Megan strive to show that real love still exists. Having met on a popular social networking site, the couple found each other and developed something genuine. After many failed relationships, they pledged to maintain open and honest communication and make each other a priority to ensure their relationship would be successful. The couple attributes the success of their relationship to the “4 F’s”: Faith, Foundation, Friendship, and Forgiveness. In their relationship, they acknowledge their imperfections and strive to turn weaknesses into strengths. Mason and Megan are constantly working to build themselves individually so they can grow collectively. Being supportive of one another’s dreams and goals restores a sense of pride and drives them both to want more for their future. Their vow to be better than they were yesterday but humble about what tomorrow brings allows others to have a realistic look into their daily lives. As each day passes, Mason and Megan will continue to strengthen their relationship. They look forward to sharing a lifetime of love while allowing their “Insiders” to be a special part of the journey.
TAKE THE LEAD
Take an active role in your health. Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.
onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4619 06/17
9 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
COVER FEATURE |
Photo credit : Aaron M. Brown (AROtography)
RECLAIM THE MOMENT HAS COME FOR ME TO
MY
TIME Cedric Gum
HIV Treatment Works Campaign Amassador Actor | Writer | Activist The year is 2008. It is early spring. Lights up on a confused, depressed, sexually free, angry, yet well-mannered and respectful little black boy from Arkansas, struggling to find his identity during his second semester of college. For 18 years, he lived uncomfortably as those around him made decisions about who he would be, how he would act, and what he’d be responsible for. What now? He’s alone. No parents or sisters as an alarm clock. No restraints or limitations on when to be in the house, how long to stay gone,
10 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
who could come over, when to have calls stopped at night, or how to prioritize homework over after-school activities with friends. This independence is frightening. Business Management as a college major isn’t working out, but that’s what everyone wanted. Everyone wanted him to “major in something that will make you a lot of money.” With so much pressure to be what so many people wanted him to be and an innate desire to escape the constant nicknames of sissy and faggot, how can he ever get to a place of discovering who he is or what he truly wants from life?
| HIV & AIDS Forward. Forward. Giving speeches in front of the class is doing something to his confidence. Is that personality we see? Is he effortlessly able to grasp the attention of those listening and clearly articulate his thoughts and feelings, although public speaking has always been one of his greatest fears? “You should change your major to theatre,” said an eager and passionate communications professor (since his current major wasn’t working out). Freshman year had ended and he made the decision to take a step into the unknown. It was time to fly. It was time to soar. As much as he was willing to learn, it was time to fail and experience life and all that it was prepared to teach him.
Baltimore, we meet again! With this purpose came popularity. With this popularity came more struggle. Struggle to say NO. Struggle to be happy. Struggle to find what was missing from his life. Day in and day out he’s working for others who are oppressed and repressed and oftentimes forgotten about, but he’s forgetting about the most important person of them all: HIMSELF! He so desperately wants life to be better for everyone he meets, all the while neglecting to focus even the slightest attention on issues in his own life.
Forward, once more.
He is me. I am him. We are one.
First audition complete. Yes, this is home! There’s a natural fit and an immediate realization that it was time to take control and hone in on every repressed thought, feeling, and emotion of the past 18 years of his life. A few shows and one National Excellence in Acting Award later, it is time for graduation. He has discovered his passion and has conquered countless fears and overcome a lifetime of obstacles. This is the real test. He must now take this newfound passion, sense of self, and awareness of life and apply it to real world experience.
The moment has come for me to reclaim my time. While I get extreme satisfaction from helping and supporting those around me, I have reached a place where I am strong and secure enough to know that I can’t continue to pour into other people without taking time to recharge and truly refill the cup that I’m constantly pouring from. My passion is performing. My purpose is helping. My mission will be to combine the two.
Pause. Hello, Baltimore. He has an internship with Center-stage, the state theatre of Maryland and Baltimore’s largest professional producing theatre, a 16 hour drive from family, is single, and is eager to experience life as a working theatre professional. All work and no play for the first few months. But guys are starting to notice him. From the cliche “I haven’t seen you here before” to the never-ending “Can I buy you a drink?” Things were off to an excellent start. There was a certain charm about Baltimore that kept a sparkle in his eye and a curiosity to explore. Countless sex partners and a year of valuable professional theatre experience later, it was time to go.
Forward. Audition complete. I got the part. I’m back home. Let’s work!
Stop. Rewind. Lights up on a confused, depressed, sexually free, angry, yet well-mannered and respectful little black boy from Arkansas, struggling to find his identity after an HIV diagnosis. This is all seemingly familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. In the blink of an eye, everything he learned and everything he knew was gone. He no longer knew what to do or how to navigate this new life. Retreating to that silent and scared little boy, he moved back to Arkansas to be with family. No one knew what he was dealing with. The internship was over. That’s all they knew. As he watched how people living with HIV were treated, he began to educate himself on everything there was to know about this… thing. Why is it so frowned upon? Why aren’t people talking about it without being hateful or demeaning? It’s public now! The world knows his secret. The secret to his pain. From talking about the struggle to get in care and stay in care to the greatness that is “HIV Treatment Works”, he found a new purpose in life.
11 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
FEATURE | MSM
BLACK GAY And Here To
Slay The age of reason at the tail end of your twenties!
By K. Déaunta Edwards
12 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
I
was completely thrown through a loop when I was approached about writing an article for TUV. In the best possible way—of course, but a loop none the less; what was I going to give with this platform? What knowledge did I have to bestow upon my community with complete sincerity that could enrich their everyday lives or inspire them for greater things? Determining what was the most important for the moment (I desire to say so much) proved to be perilous to say the least, but I did come to a pleasant resolve. When it comes to my beloved homosexual community, especially the black population, I hold nothing higher in regard than our perseverance towards total equality and our overall positive quality of life. With that stated, I believe that the proper message for the end of 2017, in preparations for an amazing new year, I rejoice at the opportunity to discuss my personal experience with the age of reason, and how by using this inspired new outlook, with resolute hard work, I was able achieve my personal and professional life goals! - P.S. I’m still achieving them! As we approach the end of a very confusing 2017 in America, it is tradition, almost religiously at this time, for us to look towards the shining unused new year with optimistic marvel. We look at the past year and comprise a list of the many ways we want to change ourselves for the better. When our trivial resolutions crash and burn, we often look again with optimism for our alternative new year: our birthday…at least I do! There seems to be no earnestness in the act; we are merely acting out of habit. The central principle of growing up, experiencing life, and passing years is change and our reaction to it. It is only natural for us as human beings to evolve in thoughts and emotions as life propels us forward; the only difference is the age we choose to accept this change and use it for our better. The “age of reason” is a milestone for any thriving young adult who wishes to confidently ascend into adulthood. For some, it may be personal: marriage, have children, or simply to find someone who will text back in less than two minutes. This age could also be professional: getting that dream job, graduating from college, or turning that grand idea into profit. Whatever the case, a person’s personal integrity and intent goes into overdrive, initiated by an exceedingly high or low moment in their life, thus activating an age of reason. My age of reason was triggered by my overwhelming desire to end homophobia. True, I had already decided at the time that my dead-end job and mundane living was not living, and that I wanted to return to finish my degree and become a writer full time, but my decision to write to heal, to unchain my people with inspiring works of literature came with my age of reason. To pinpoint my exact moment, I would have to say that I knew that my literary talent was meant for more than exciting fantasy fiction in March of 2016. The news was not abuzz, but it made its way to me that two black gay men had been victims of a hate crime by way of scalding hot water being thrown on them while they slept. Here is where my niche made itself known to me. The culprit was related to one of the victims. A passion-fire welled inside of me and I did all I knew to do: write. I spent all of three hours tearfully
| MSM crafting my sorrow—anger into an open letter that I wanted the accused personally to read. I wanted him to know that there was someone in the world who held him accountable and would fight for his jailing to no end. I wanted the victims, Marquez Tolbert and Anthony Gooden Jr. to know the same. I was consumed by feelings of vengeful fight and uselessness simultaneously, and I knew I had stumbled upon a new sense of self in regards to what I wanted to do with my talent. I knew without any inkling of doubt that it was my duty to my community to command the American audience to see homosexuals for the equal men and women that we are, regardless of our sexual orientation; that depth of hatred shook me awake most violently, and I haven’t closed my eyes since. I revised my piece over and over—and once more after that and I emailed it to The Huffington Post Queer Voices in hopes that they would post it; it may very well be sitting in the trash bin of their email now, but there is no stopping true determination. I sent the letter to a mentor of mine, Yardé Noir, who kindly sent it to his editor of Swerv Magazine. The editor loved my piece and published it in their past March/April issue! I shared that story with you because I want you to understand how effective a true change is. My sincere decision, and putting in the hard work, put me in a position to achieve my goals. I wanted to write professionally and have published work, and nine months later, I had achieved both. This coveted age affects both the professional and personal life of the individual. After I began to reconfigure my professional role in society, I began to wonder how I was being perceived personally and socially. I began to understand that how I’m seen could, does, and will continue to affect how readers and critics perceive my message; the very last thing I want(ed) was for my work to be undermined by how I dress or how I behave on social media. I’m sure you may be thinking, “What does that have to do with anything?” or “My work should speak for itself.” Well, it has to do with everything, and your work should, but that simply is not the case! No one will even consider what you have to say once they’ve made up their mind about who you are negatively. I’m not saying this action is right, but it is the reality of the world in which we reside. Not only did I consider how others would perceive me, but with this new age of thinking, my biggest concern was how I saw myself. This is key. I wanted to take myself more seriously; I began to explore the possibilities of what my future husband and children would think of me if they were present now. I began to craft myself in the image of what I wanted people to see when they heard or read my name. I returned to class, and my metamorphosis continued as I noticed the eyes of younger gay men upon me, looking for directions of pride and how to maneuver in this community—world with our distinct fashion. I again accepted this pedestal and worked out scholastically, socially, and in fashion. It is peculiar how tragedy breeds hope, but it does. Understanding my age of reason—my place and calling, and having the integrity to work hard, has ushered in achievements and opportunities I never thought possible—hey I’m writing for The Unleashed Voice! My lesson is simple: Find what makes your heart beat, attack it feverishly, make it your mission to use it to heal this world, and it will all work out. Be Encouraged.
13 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
HIV / AIDS |
Monique Howell
L
iving alone as a black female with HIV has been no picnic in the park. Finding out about my condition in 2005, I didn’t know what to think or how to cope with the many unanswered questions and “why’s” that were going through my head. I was serving my country at the time of my diagnosis and had also just found out I was pregnant. “HIV?” I said to myself. “Not me...” I had so much going for myself... how could this be? But it WAS me... suddenly the face of HIV!
With the support of my family, I went through with my pregnancy even after the doctors suggested I abort my unborn child. My son was born months later, and as a mother I was nervous and terrified. But after having my son, life continued. Trying to hold onto a smile that had been shattered by betrayal was hard, but I managed to do it. Another soldier wanted to take me out one evening, and in my mind I wanted nothing to do with “a relationship” but I allowed him to come to my home instead and have dinner with me and my small children. We chatted, and the night was long! Before I knew it, one thing lead to another, and I QUICKLY said, “Get a condom,” but he refused. I was nervous and afraid of rejection… so he and I allowed our flesh and emotions to settle into one another. Within two months, I was being charged and placed on trial for non-disclosure of my HIV status. Again, the same thoughts traveled through my head again, saying, “Why?” Except this time I knew why. I knew what I had done wasn’t right, but I was also dealing with the enormous complexity within myself of being so newly diagnosed, still being so hurt, and just not even knowing the right words to even say to anyone who approached me wanting sex. I wasn’t educated then, like I
14 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
am today, on the details of prevention or the law when it came to HIV. If convicted, I would have been looking at 8 to 12 years, but all my charges were dropped. They couldn’t find reasonable cause to convict me. They made him get tested and determined that I had NOT transmitted the virus to him, as well as determined that I was yet a human being, a mother with children, who had honestly not intentionally tried to cause anyone any harm. HIV Criminalization is so important to me because it happened to me! Education is the key, and we are not educating ourselves on HIV because we tend to be so stuck in STIGMA! Today, I am fully educated on the laws. In 2011, I was featured in a short documentary film called “HIV IS NOT A CRIME” by the SERO PROJECT, which talks about different survivors of different races and different lifestyles who have been charged or placed on trial due to outdated laws concerning HIV. As a black female, it’s not always easy to share my status even though I’m public about it. A woman in general who is HIV positive has to protect her family, her employment, and her relationships. We have to be so careful. Many women who are HIV-positive face abuse and higher exposure to risky behaviors simply because of our FEAR of rejection. We all have sex, the whole world does -- but with HIV it’s like we’re placed us in a special category, when it shouldn’t be that way because HIV is NOT a death sentence. HIV is NOT a crime. We should NOT be judged because of our status! It can happen to anyone. Many people living with HIV, including myself, are living long and healthy lives. HIV is only a part of me. I will stand with a smile and will always be proud of who I am today!
Monique Howell currently resides in South Carolina. She served in the US Army, and is now an at home mother, author, and advocate. Her life has presented many challenges, but through them she has learned to push through anything that comes her way.
Living In
Truth W orld AIDS Day for me has always been a time of reflection, a time to honor all those I have lost and remember the gift they were to my life. It’s also a time to review and renew my commitment to this fight and try to be better. So as I reflect, I must say I have never been politically correct or cared too much whether I was in the “it” crowd. For me it has always been about the work of erasing stigma-based fear and shame through education and prevention -- about being sure to always Stand Up. But most importantly, it’s about being a vessel of love for those newly infected, those newly affected, and those who are long term survivors, as well as about living my life fully, happily, and unapologetically. I know that being present and speaking TRUTH can sometimes be a task that not all find endearing. And yes, delivery matters -- but for me, January 6 will make 29 years living with this virus, and my patience for the minutia is at an all-time low with the all-time high of new infections among young beautiful black brothers and sisters. I fight hard because I have lived the ravages of this disease, and I still see the ravages of this disease. I went through the war that was HIV/AIDS, and out of the 13 souls that comprised my gay family there are only two of us still living. In 1989, I was a 24-year-old Black Gay man, and at that time death, devastation, fear, bias, and hate were the norm. How do you come to terms with thinking you have three months to live, and how do you prepare yourself for all you have seen and somehow not fear what’s coming your way? And then after those three months, you’re still here and after three more years, you’re still here... the survivors’ guilt of feeling unworthy sets in daily until you can’t stop asking yourself, “Why me? Why was I one of those you spared?” I want to take some time to reflect on those who have been instrumental in building me throughout this fight. First and foremost is Dr. Mark Columb, who is by far one of my heroes I miss most. I always remember him saying these words I came to live by: “Just do the work, and it will speak for itself. I never needed the accolades.” He and his organization, My Brother’s Keeper, gave me so much. To this day, they have invested
| HIV / AIDS
An Open Letter To My Community By Art Jackson
in me and supported me, and I will always treasure the relationships I have formed with them, such as with Demarc Hinson, Antwan Nicholson, Christopher Roby, Joseph Lindsey, Cedric Sturdivant, Adolph Aromand, and Dr. Robert Swaizer. Enough said! I must also recognize Mr. Rudy Carn, of NAESM (National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities) Leadership Conference, because it was there that I had the opportunity for the first time to see Black Gay Men addressing Black Gay Issues unapologetically! The power of those days and the real and honest support and encouragement extended was beyond my wildest ambitions. I only wish we had more of it today. The best workshops I ever attended were there -especially the Gay & Muslim workshop with the legendary Rev. Donald Ransom and my brothers -- and to this day, they help me to never ever guess or assume. I will close by saying to the new and emerging leaders -- like Daniel Driffin, Keith Green, Gabriel Maldonado, Michael & Aunshay Everett, and others -- how proud I am of each of you and the men you have become. Keep shining. Our future is bright. You are why I fought!
15 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
16 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
17 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
18 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
| ONE TO WATCH
Marleaux
Jones B
orn in Memphis, TN on November 30, 1989, singer/songwriter Marleaux Jones (born Marlow Christopher Seavers) has been involved with music since early childhood, continuing his love for it through his teenage years by staying heavily involved in school talent shows and his high school concert and show choir. Jones cites both his vocal and musical inspiration as coming from classic R&B/ Soul and Funk acts, such as Stevie Wonder, Con Funk Shun, Heatwave, and
Earth Wind & Fire. Unable to obtain financial support for his college education, Jones put music on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2008, where he served three years. As both an unknown singer and a soldier serving his country, Jones continued to work towards being discovered. While in Iraq, he began recording both covers and original songs in the room of a fellow soldier and friend, who had turned the space into a makeshift studio. Although Jones had written his own material before, this particular setting allowed him to further hone his skills
as a songwriter by also writing for other aspiring singers and rappers that came into the studio. When he got out of the military in 2011, he enrolled in college as a business major. Not long after, Jones became the lead vocalist for Savannah, GA-based band Infallible Funk, with whom he’s played around Savannah for almost four years. Recently, Jones has also been recording guest vocals for local artists and working on an EP of original music, which is due for release in the coming months. FB: Marleaux Jones Instagram: marleauxjonesmusic
19 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
UNLEASHED ATL |
I
was born Brandon Reginald Glenn Avant on August 1, 1989 in Little Rock, Arkansas to parents Janice Avant - Ayers & Gregory Ayers. I received a band scholarship from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I played the saxophone and was a member of the fashion committee. After college, I worked a number of odd jobs before I secured a permanent full-time position with Wal-Mart. The pay was good and the people were kind. But my heart wasn’t in it, and every day I felt more empty and less motivated. I was tired of not living my best life. While getting ready for work one morning, I stopped in front of the mirror and was forced to look at myself. I didn’t like what I saw, and I heard a voice saying, “If not now. . . when? If not you . . . who?” I believe that was divine intervention and a pivotal point in my life. I packed up my belongings, drove to Atlanta, GA, and haven’t looked back since. I lived off my savings until they ran out. There were days when I ate only chips and honey buns, or nothing at all. I lived in my car for weeks at a time. Yes, it was hard, but I persisted and was always prayerful. I never lost my drive or my focus. Out of sheer determination and a passion for fashion and modeling, Avant Underwear was born! Launched September 4, 2017, the underwear line is fun, sexy, sporty, and breathable. Our plans include an upcoming fashion show, along with expanding the line to include women and develop an activewear line. This is my testimony that anything you put your mind to, you can do it! I can’t thank God enough for blessing me, and I thank you TUV Mag for seeing the potential in my success and allowing me to share my journey with you and millions more.
www.avantunderwear.com IG:Avantunderwear FB:Avantunderwear 20 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
WHAT
| MSM
ABOUT US?
T
he role of the black male working in HIV prevention is often a role that is taken for granted. However, it’s a role that really keeps a lot of the largest agencies afloat. Not to say that we’re the saving grace, but we do make a distinct offer to the agency as a direct link to the community that we serve. It’s the community we live in. It’s the community we party in. It’s also the community we love in. And if we’re quite honest, making that offer places us at an unfair advantage in certain situations and at a disadvantage in others. You have to know that, yes, we love our community. And, yes, we love a good coin. But we also need to be checked on. Just because we work in the field doesn’t mean that we don’t need our own accountability partners when it comes to sexual health. Ya’ see, we’re at a vulnerable position because people tend to forget that the black male HIV service provider is still human. We’re not some messiah here to eradicate all new infections. We are definitely not the representative of our entire community. We are as diverse as the community we serve. And our pride can get in the way because of unfair expectations sometimes placed on us. Unfortunately, we can’t be perfect because sometimes we neglect ourselves. We neglect ourselves because we’re always fighting stigma. We’re fighting the injustice in our community and even in some of our agencies. We’re always wearing that damn cape. But who saves us? Who remembers us? And it doesn’t get better when colleagues mistakenly call us by the wrong name in public. We might share similar fashion sense in our tailored suits, but damn…
By Eddie Wiley
doing some awesome work. They must think the same of me.” And then you get called by “that name” and you’re like, “Look bruh. We don’t all look alike!” Then you realize you’re a token because you’re in a field where many of the organizations’ leaders don’t reflect the communities most impacted. And because of this, many of us are forever categorized as the outreach workers as if we could never ascend up the leadership chain. And because of our innate ability to throw some professional shade, we’re clocked as a “b*t*hy queen” when we correct someone with our credentials. But either way, we have to be included. We have to have a welcomed space at the table and not only be treated as a community leader. We are your subject matter experts. We didn’t spend all of our nights in the club and neglecting alone time with bae for nothing. We didn’t turn trade down for a round just to turn around and offer him PrEP in vain. And we damn sure didn’t get these student loans to be your glorified volunteer. Treat us as the public health professionals that we are. Invest in our professional development as you would anyone else in your office. Encourage higher education and help find financial assistance. Just remember us.
I can’t begin to tell you the number of meetings and conferences I’ve attended and been called by the wrong name. It was cute at first because you think, “Wow… he’s 21 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
SPIRITUALITY |
R
ecently, I was having dinner with my neighbor, Sumit, who shared with me his profound experience of seeing the eclipse with his 75 year old father who had flown in from Colorado. The two drove several hours to Hopkinsville, Kentucky to set up camp in a large field along with thousands of strangers. He described the moment of total eclipse as one of the most memorable moments in his life. He said the instant darkness and crickets chirping was surreal but the biggest surprise was the collective reaction of the crowd gathered around him. He described the moment of eclipse: gasps, clapping, tears, hugs and a united sense of awe and wonder. He said he had never felt such a sense of belonging and togetherness with such a large group of strangers in his life. He said it was as if everyone was “fully present and aware of something much greater than themselves and we were all connected. I will never forget that moment.” Shared experience of something greater than ourselves reminds us of our common humanity and connectedness. Truth be told, we need to be connected now more than ever. Over 77% of Americans told Gallup in November that they felt the country was divided. Many experts have determined that our nation is more divided now than it has 22 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
By Beth Trouy been since the start of the Civil War in 1861. We are not only divided; we are also more isolated than ever. We spend much more time alone with our gadgets than conversing together. We can order food, clothing, entertainment and even go to work without ever leaving our house or speaking to another person. Even when we are together, we aren’t listening to each other. How many times have you seen a family at a table together looking at their phones while eating in silence? This level of isolationism only worsens our sense of division. We can’t get to know or understand one another if we aren’t present to one another. More importantly, if we only surround ourselves with people who think like, look like, worship like, and vote like us, we will only contribute to the polarization gripping our nation today. The more isolated we are, the more divided we become as a community. People fear what they don’t know, and fear is the spark that fuels the fire of hatred. What does Sumit’s experience teach us? Taking part in a shared experience with others unites us in ways we can never imagine. Stepping outside our doors and making time to be present with others brings us closer. Being curious, exploring nature, trying new things, and just showing up can bring us together and reveal the best in us. In Houston during the severe flooding, there was video of an elderly man trapped in his sinking car about to be swept away. Some bystanders saw his dire predicament, only moments from drowning, but had no rope or means to save him other than themselves. They quickly used what they had -- each other -- and risking their own lives, linked arms to form a human chain, made their way into the waters, and pulled him to safety with their collective strength. You see, in our darkest hours we are also capable of our best and brightest selves. It only took seconds to save the elderly man. The eclipse was also just a few seconds of darkness. But in those few seconds, everyone present was forever bound together by a shared experience of connectedness. Go out and find those moments. We need each other now more than ever.
| SPIRITUALITY
LIVE IN THE TENSION:
HIV/AIDS
I
t’s a SAD day in Christendom when LGBTQ individuals are attacked in every possible way by White Supremacists, Evangelical Extremists, and Black Christian Intimidators. We have seen the LGBTQ community disgraced with cruelty and judged as being comprised of possibly the worst examples of humanity. It seems as though others refuse to see God through the lives of LGBTQ individuals. But the reality is that we, too, are created in the image of God, in the imago dei (See Gen. 1:26). The world we live in cannot exist unless we are present. As a result of this, we must continue to disavow the actions of individuals and organizations who continue to spew hatred and refuse to acknowledge that all men/women are created equal and are due inalienable rights. We must not recognize people by the color of their skin [inserting: sexual orientation, gender identity, sickness or disease] but by the content of their character as the late Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. once said.
to
Therefore, if your theology forces you to intimidate individuals into Christianity then you need a NEW religion. If your theology forces you to threaten unlawful violence to inculcate fear then you need a NEW religion. If your theology forces you to premeditate the banning of LGBTQ individuals because of your political motivation of religious freedom then you need a NEW religion. If your theology forces you to believe that you can catch HIV/AIDS by worshiping, touching, hugging, or serving with a LGBTQ individual then you need a NEW religion. If you were that concerned about your religious freedom -- then the moment you opened your mouth prevent economic opportunities, prevent marriage equality, prevent housing and essential services, prevent facilities, prevent healthcare access, prevent fairness and justice to anyone -you should have been not just religiously convicted, but morally convicted. Every person in the LGBTQ community is not affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. Still, the LGBTQ community consists of YOUR relatives, friends, coworkers, church members, patrons, consumers and citizens who are dying by this negative rhetoric, and we need your
help. Haven’t you heard that in 2013 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics reported that 1 in 8 people with HIV didn’t know that they had it? In 2014, African Americans accounted for the highest percentage of new HIV infections among women as reported by the CDC. “Gay and bisexual men, particularly young African American gay and bisexual men, are most affected,” said CDC. As you can see some of these statistics show that the needs of the community are great. Although LGBTQ individuals are members of several communities, we are communities within communities. Therefore, one individual with HIV/AIDS in a community is still one too many. Thus, it is vitally important that we as a nation take pride in the state of our people. As a pastor of a progressive and Pentecostal congregations, many of my parishioners are LGBTQ individuals and African American. I have had the privilege of not only pastoring and counseling those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS, but also the privilege of loving them unconditionally. I do this because, morally, it is the right thing to do. God gave me the sensitivity to this particular ministry, and I must concern myself regarding the state of affairs of my people because what affects the people outside my church also affects the people inside my church. My heart grieved from the homophobic slurs, damnation rhetoric, hate and anger of people who held signs protesting pride events. There is so much tension. However, I realize that in ministry, people reside where tension is and as a pastor and activist, I must continue to give people hope in the midst of that tension. One significant source of this tension concerns HIV/AIDS and its role in the dehumanization, marginalization, rejection, ostracism, discrimination, inequality, and patriarchy of my people. In closing, former President George W. Bush delivered a strong speech, which I interpreted as directed not only to the nation but to No. 45, saying that we must recover our identities, refrain from turning Americans against one another, and strengthen our democracy. I say the same to America and its administration. We must develop a democracy that speaks to the tension of our people, and every citizen should have that right, even LGBTQ individuals. “HIV and AIDS- Get information Here,”ViiV Healthcare, www.treathiv1.com. Ibid. “HIV in the United States: At A Glance,” https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html
By Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis, Inc.
Pastor/Founder
23 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
PPM-Focus-QuarterPgAd-mech.pdf
@AskRayceen @TeamRayceen @RayceenHRH
The
AskRayceen TeamRayceen RayceenPendarvis
Ask Rayceen Team Rayceen Rayceen Pendarvis
TEAM RAYCEEN PRESENTS
Ask Rayceen Show Monthly community festival & live entertainment hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis
C
M
Y
#AskRayceen
FREE
CM
First Wednesdays March - November 2017
Open to the public
CY
Doors open @ 6pm Showtime: 7pm CMY
AskRayceen.com Arrive early for free food sponsored by:
K
Live Music, Competitions, Panel Discussions, Burlesque, and more!
Cash Bar sponsored by:
Washington, DC’s International LGBTQ Film Festival
Free exhibitor & vendor space available
and
CO-PRESENTING SPONSOR:
MY
HRC EQUALITY CENTER 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW Washington, DC
(Near intersection of 17th Street & M Street) Metro Stations: Farragut North & DuPont Circle
24 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
PROMOTION:
1
5/25/16
3:40 PM
How Cissexism Affects
| TRANSMOVEMENT
HIV Prevention within the
Trans Community
D
By Renae Taylor
ue to a number of cultural realities, the trans population experiences higher rates of homelessness, joblessness and sex work (survival sex), which in turn puts trans people at higher rates of HIV Infection. One major key in HIV prevention is the ability of a population to represent themselves. A community’s narrative is important and must come from someone within that community, someone who has experienced life within that community. Cisgender gays get to represent their community; members of the transgender community should be afforded the same opportunity. There are many trans women and trans men in the HIV prevention field who are doing magnificent work to reach the trans community. We are the gatekeepers of our community. And yet at the multiple conferences I attend each year, the Messiah Complex is rampant with presentations on trans people consistently being led by cisgender people on a panel with little knowledge of the trans community. Why do cisgender people think trans people can’t speak for themselves? The parallel I draw whenever I see a cisgender person leading a presentation on trans people is that it’s like a white person doing a presentation on being black. Please take the time to seek out and employ Trans people to represent themselves. It’s not hard -- we all know trans people in our personal lives or on Facebook. Meanwhile, a great number of the staff at these LGBTQ organizations still need Trans 101 and Trans 102 -- they are more concerned with what genitals you have than how you self-identify. Even with repeated clarification, trans consumers must deal with rude staff… and then the organizations find themselves wondering why clients are lost to care. I have personally had to deal with staff members who have told me they “don’t believe in” trans people, and that we are merely confused. I have even been called ‘It’ by office staff at well-known organizations, repeatedly. Normally, when I meet with someone like that, I won’t be back. To remedy this, key office staff must receive repeated cultural sensitivity training, preferably taught by a trans person. It is not for the client to educate office staff; that is emotional work and deserves payment.
Nothing is more intimate than the relationship between office staff and clients. As the first people we interact with, and the people responsible for building relationships with new clients, it would benefit us all if such staff were held accountable for familiarizing themselves with the concepts of cissexism and cisnormativity in order to be more mindful of the problems associated with their perpetuation: “Cissexism” describes systems of oppression for trans people such as trans-phobia and cisnormativity, and also describes the marginalization of trans people by cultural and societal norms. And “cisnormativity” refers to the assumption that being cisgender is and/or should be the normal and typical experience of everyone in society, disregarding the reality that there are people who live beyond the cisnormative, including trans people and gender non-conforming or nonbinary people. A significant portion of important data is missing because trans people are mislabeled by office staff who don’t even take the time to ask. And sometimes, even when they know, they may still choose to label based on genitals. I have been told, ‘I see your sex assigned at birth is male, so I put you down as male.” In the same vein, trans women are also often mislabeled as men who have sex with men (MSM), and the same goes for some trans men. Yet -for the millionth time -- gender identity and sex orientation have nothing to do with one another. There is still just too much judgment placed on appearance rather than letting people self-identify. #Translivesmatter
Trust Trans people, we can speak for ourselves. It’s great to be an ally, but please take more time to actually hear what it is we have to say.
#Blacktranslivesmatter #Transattractedmenmatter #stoptheviolence I can be contacted at Renae@transcendmemphis.com I am currently seeking speaking engagements. I can be reached at Renae@TranscendMemphis.com
25 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
T
CULTURE |
rying to describe all that encompasses Chris June is like trying to describe a color you have never seen, or a spice you have never tasted — new, thrilling, and now unforgettable! Chris was meant for greatness and has that rare “it factor” that will make him Hollywood’s newest leading man. Hailing from the DMV, Chris has always known he was meant for greatness. This exceptional
professional prides himself on his work, being true to himself, his brand, and walking in his purpose. At first glance, you might think he is “just another actor or handsome face,” but your assumptions would be wrong! Mr. June is making some serious moves in the entertainment industry as the star of the hit web series, About Him Season 2: The Revolution, which continues to take the internet by storm and has garnered national attention. Here, Chris stars as “Armani,” the heartthrob of the series who struggles between living his life and standing up for his civil rights. His other starring roles include
Chris
Tyson Anthony’s Raising Eli, Lee Hayes’ The BAIT Files, and coming this fall, Bawn TV’s Blackville. June is currently filming a new web series, Twisted, where he will break his traditional casting and play a character unlike any you have ever seen. Like any actor, Chris dreams of mainstream success and stardom, but understands that nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and most stars are not made overnight. The grit, grind, and dedication that come with being a professional actor are the tools that sharpen and hone his skills, giving him the life experiences to play just about any role. Anyone who meets Chis June would describe him as conscious, expressive, and someone you cannot help but love -- a true master of his craft, not only in acting, but in modeling, singing, and writing as well. Currently, he operates out of Atlanta, balancing various projects with his responsibilities to his family and close friends. Living by a quote from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, “Self is a sea boundless and measureless,” Chris is the epitome of limitless potential. Not only is he leaving his mark with breakout roles and raw talent, but he has truly become a force to be reckoned with in his own right by marketing his many skills and business ventures via social media, community events, word of mouth, and his impeccable reputation.
June
“About Him - Season 2”
26 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
| UNLEASHED NYC
the R S X 3 ’s sharing, community.
Rejected Societyx3 (RSX3) is a threeway partnership made up of Swadeya Starling, Tamara Todd and Shimese Coleman, three young androgynous females who have been a part of the LGBTQ community for over ten years. RSX3 was unsatisfied with the negativity, lack of education, and lack of support from society, including the lack of support from members within LGBTQ community. This inspired desire to make positive changes in educating, and supporting the LGBTQ
RSX3 came to the conclusion that, in order to communicate to each part of the community, they would have to make a clear understanding of each letter -- LGBTQ -- one at a time. Rejected Society will focus on each part of the community -- Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders -separately through including entertainment and arts, in order to grasp a clear understanding of each particular lifestyle. Through this approach, society can gain knowledge of how each group is uniquely affected, while everyone can be inspired by our accomplishments and the struggles we have overcome. Our beautifully HANDSOME designs are custom made to fit the body of each androgynous female and to fit women who prefer a more masculine look, giving androgynous women a place to call home. No longer do we have to shop in the women’s section or the men’s section -- we have a beautifully HANDSOME section now giving us all a feeling of acceptance. Once we have established our lines to fit every portion of the LGBTQ community, we will feature clothes for each distinct letter: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. With our new generation of fashion Genderless Clothing, our goal is never to forget about anyone within society! The purpose of Rejected Societyx3 is not to alter anyone’s feelings. We are here to educate the eager, inspire the dreamers, motivate the believers, and support and recognize the GoGetters -- and that goes for anybody in the world, not just those within the LGBTQ community. Rejected SocietyX3 “Those Who Mind Don’t Matter & Those Who Matter Don’t Mind” 27 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
HIV COMMUNITY FEATURE |
ANTHONY GREEN
Prevention in Memphis
W
e are entering a golden age of HIV Prevention in Memphis. There are numerous Community based organizations with programs geared towards HIV testing, treatment, education and access to PrEP. If my peers had all these resources when we were coming up, I would not have lost so many friends to the virus at such a young age. I am proud to be among those in this city who are not just fighting to reduce the rate of infection but improving the quality of care for those who are already diagnosed as HIV positive. As an outreach worker, I strongly believe our greatest weakness in Shelby County is the focus on ‘one method fits all’ prevention. We find one method that works and attempt to apply that across the board. Social Network Strategy (SNS) was a successful program because it empowered the community to save itself. The program offered incentives to recruiters from one of our most vulnerable demographics (black MSMs) to encourage their social/sexual circles to be tested. The project was a huge success with an unbelievably high positivity rate as well as linkage to care rate. Now that the SNS grant has ended, that exact same recruitment model has been implemented to promote PrEP education and access in the mid-south. This effort has over-saturated Memphis with outreach workers purely focused on swabbing mouths and getting PrEP appointments on the books. The feedback from the community has been that local HIV agencies just want to put everyone on medication. This attitude has only been reinforced by the fact that funding for any HIV-related program not related to PrEP is at risk of having budgets cut. Providers have trouble finding the necessary funds to support the services necessary to get our HIV Positive clients to their appointments -- but all the stops have been pulled out for PrEP because it’s a new buzzword. Don’t get me wrong, I love PrEP! I have been on PrEP for almost two years, and I’m so thankful for how it has blessed my life. Yet I still recognize that PrEP is not the right choice for every black gay male that walks into my office. PrEP serves as one of the many weapons in our arsenal towards the battle against HIV, but Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis alone will not win the war. The issue with HIV in this city is not a biological one. It’s spiritual, emotional, and mental. There are deep psychological scars, at both the community and individual level, that must be healed in order for outreach efforts to really make an impact. We need to demonstrate how to navigate conversations about our sexual health and how to identify the moments we are in vulnerable spaces and susceptible for high risk. No pill has the power to force us to face the internalized homophobia, selfesteem issues, rage, poverty, and loneliness that affect how we navigate sexual health decisions. Outreach efforts that empower and engage us to push through what can feel like an endless struggle will be our saving grace. Let’s invest in the community and convince these young men they are worth fighting for.
28 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
29 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
ENTERTAINMENT |
Isaam Sharef I
t was always a long-term goal for Isaam Sharef to create a mentoring program for LGBTQ youth. And while creating such a program with his resources would have been easy, he felt as though he could reach a larger audience if he were able to speak to kids where they were… online! Whether you are an out or closeted youth, or even an adult learning the ropes, GAY CODE proves to be for all by providing an entertaining howto-guide for navigating unfamiliar territory while also educating the masses in an unapologetic, shade free, safe space for dialogue. “I’ll tackle any subject if it helps lower the HIV rate among my people.” --Isaam Sharef
Following the loss of a family member to AIDS in 2010, Isaam realized there was an opportunity to make a change, and his YouTube channel was birthed. After appearing on the OWN network’s hit series, Iyanla Fix My Life, he knew how important and impactful the work could be and that marked the beginning of GAY CODE. The cast consists of an amazing array of gay men along with the full spectrum of the LGBTQ, offering a fresh approach in contrast to many of the existing projects that often show a segmented view of the community. He’s enlisted some of today’s notable gays, from Isis King of America’s Next Top Model, Darnell Moore behind the Black Lives Matter campaign, as well as fellow YouTubers Donnie Duright, Yoboi Newnu, ChrisMiss, reality TV stars, porn stars, and some of the biggest names in the industry! Gay Code successfully combines both gay and straight perspectives with its use of the “token straight guy” and resident “fag hag”. His approach has been described as “medicine in candy” with content that is hilariously funny yet also slips in the truth without becoming overly preachy. The premise of the show is a forum for open and honest discussions on topics such as prevention and precaution, as well as for educating viewers on unfamiliar topics like the prep pill or taboo subjects like poppers, how to properly use an enema, the proper lube, crystal meth, and stereotypes that are no laughing matter yet still manage to leave you laughing out loud. GAY CODE is “edutainment” at its finest!
30 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
If MTV2’s hit series Guy Code had a gay uncle, it would be Isaam Sharef’s GAY CODE on YouTube!
| COMMUNITY NEWS
SisterReach has officially moved into our
New office located
@2725 Kirby Parkway Suite #15 Memphis, Tennessee 38119
www.sisterreach.org
Mission Statement:
SisterReach, founded October 2011, is a Memphis, TN based grassroots 501c3 non-profit supporting the reproductive autonomy of women and girls of color, poor women, rural women, and their families through the framework of Reproductive Justice. Our mission is to empower women and girls to lead healthy lives, raise healthy families and live in healthy communities. We provide comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education to women and teens, and advocate on local and state levels for public policies which support the reproductive health and rights of all women and youth. We utilize community dialogues, civic engagement and faith community engagement strategies to expand new relationships among stakeholders.
Programs Available Health Education
Policy and Advocacy
Community Outreach
• Comprehensive Sexuality Education
•• #CSE4TN Campaign
•• Arts In RJ
• Sex Ed 101
•• In Our Own Voice: National Black RJ
•• BOITALK
• Maternal and Child Health Education • SisterReach Youth Ambassador Program • Woman to Woman Adult Education Program
Trainings
Agenda
•• Free Condoms Memphis
•• Memphis Teen Vision
•• Free HIV Testing and Counseling
•• Raising Women’s Voices (TN
•• Health Fairs and Presentations
Coordinator)
•• Volunteer Opportunities
•• Trust Black Women
Inter-Faith
•• Reproductive Justice 101
•• Vacation Body School
•• Reproductive Health Facilitator
•• RJ Faith Community Partnership •• RJ Covenant Partners •• RJ and Faith Educate and Advocate Curricula Training
World AIDS Day
SisterReach Youth Ambassadors Program will present their second WAD quilt project, wherein community youth will add quilt panels to the Memphis Quilt in remembrance of lives affected by HIV/AIDS. The original quilt was created by members of the MidSouth Coalition on HIV AIDS (no longer in existence) in 2008. 31 TUVMAG.COM | November+December 2017
Jerry Vanhook
“Shi-Queeta”
#OurLivesMatter #UNLEASHYOURVOICE
THE
V
NLEASHED
OICE
MAGAZINE
“ ...It’s more than a magazine-It’s a Synergized Movement.”
TUV Mission
The Unleashed Voice Magazine will cultivate the stories of LGBTQ people with engaging and empowering conversation to people of the world about the multicultural LGBTQ Community.
TUV Vision
The Unleashed Voice Magazine (TUV Magazine) will aid the LGBTQ Community and its allies in redefining how the diverse LGBTQ person wishes to be viewed or spoken about. TUV Magazine will be the optimal print and media hub for the affluent LGBTQ consumer and those who want to be included in the “Unleashing” movement.