ISSUE 02/ AUGUST 2014
Exclusive!
Jessica Betts Ladies Love Cool Jess
Fall Accessories
The F Word
Three Little Letters
eats! from
Tech& Cloth
Resist Clothing t a e r G
Darius Cooks
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Contents
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08 04 06 08 10
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From the Editor
A warm welcome from the Editor-In-Chief of Umiius Magazine, Elijah Li
The Power to Inspire
Inspirational people you should know.
Great Eats
Delicious Eats from one of Chicago’s finest chefs, Darius Williams
Unchained
Poetry by Poet on Watch
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Isn’t Really a Coin Toss
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The Playlist
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Three Little Letters
Transition diaries of Yunus Coldman August Playlist for your ears only! HIV: The diagnosis, the truth and the liberation.
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Jessica Betts
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The F Word
Umiius sits down with Road to Stardom sensation Jessica Betts Resist Fashion with Marcus Booth
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Travel Guide
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Tech & Cloth
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Just Head
Dominican Republic is where its at!!!! Fall gear & products everyone should have. Is there more than just sex.
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For isit More V
ort ChrisP rk NewYo .com
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The Life We Dream of... I was sick of my complacent life: A reality that I live through for years - my dead-end retail job, being single, living at home with my parents, school loans steadily accruing everything that I dreamed of for myself was nowhere in sight. Sure, I did have some successes and some things that my parents, family and friends could be proud of. But, for the most part, I felt like a complete failure when I compared my personal success to the lives of my piers from high school and on. So, about a year ago, when I had already started making great stride towards improving my life, my friend Kurell had challenged me to stretch further to reach the life I really dreamed of. I was excited because I had already made great leaps towards making my dream a reality and knew that whatever else that I wanted to do was definitely a possibility. I had just landed my first real job and wanted to move out of Long Island for an easier commute. So we challenged each other to move out of Long Island and move in together within six months which also included Kurell finding a job. Wasting no time we hit the ground running looking for an apartment that met our needs. I was simple, wanting something close to where I would be working, fairly modern with parking, while Kurell, who was a little more traveled, wanted to live in a borough he had not lived in before. This process could not have been an easier, so we thought. No one ever said that apartment hunting in New York would be a daunting task having to deal with landlords, deposits, income/job verification, credit/bank account balance checks and such. As time progressed I grew continually discouraged enough to back out on my dream to be a New Yorker. After taking a break from my dream I decided to take a stab at being a New Yorker from a different angle. It was something that I needed to do because the commute in the morning from Long Island would take up to three hours. So, with the help of friends and family I was able to locate a sublet not too far away from where I worked, with a modern motif and ample parking. Although I did not move in with my best friend, I was able to support him in his search for a job and an apartment. As quick as we had declared to become New Yorkers had that six month’s come and gone with our dream coming true. I would not trade the strength we gave each other to go for the life we dreamt of. Life is always filled with unexpected surprises. What makes us who we are is how we deal with the surprises and who we have on our side. The life we dream of will continue to be just a dream if we think of it as just a dream and not a reality.
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Elijah Li Editor-in-Chief Founder With all that being said.... The life I live for day by day being manifested. I live to be in service to the LGBT, utilizing my skills and drive and life lessons to promote change for the community as well as its individuals. I see UmiiUS Magazine as the best medium to be able to provide great influence for change in the positive direction.With powerful content and viewership UMiiUS’s mission will be more than a dream. Featured in this issue of Umiius Magazine is an exclusive interview with Jessica Betts, winner of Missy Elliot’s Road to Stardom, learn great recipes from the Internet sensation Darius Williams from DariusCooks.com, Fashionable tech accessories for the fall, read the transgender transformation experiences of Rev Yunus Coldman and much much more!!! This is the Second Edition of Umiius Magazine and we hope you enjoy what we have put together for you
Elijah Li
Elijah Li Founder & CEO of Umiius Magazine
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UMIIUS HISTORY INSIDE
ZEKE
THOMAS
JUNE 2014 ISSUE #1
MORE THAN A SON
Coming out
HistoriCaL LgBt
Kin4Life
miNoriTies who Are mAkiNg A diFFereNce
ANd FiNdiNg Your owN TruTh “Live OUT LOUD”
including janet mock
The Spirit of Giving
November’s Inspiration
sporTs, love & comiNg ouT
The hoidays shouldn’t be want
Pg 35
An Interesting Look into the thoughts of the Founder
Pg 35
Daily Fluids Holiday Fitness
Pg 24
Wade davis
Full of
Fresh New content! Pg 12
The original idea for Umiius Magazine started after I matriculated through a few institutions and recognized a lack of diversified representation at events and in media on campus. It was just a thought until I had the opportunity to view Brother to Brother (2004), directed by Rodney Evans. In Brother to Brother we look at the life of Perry, a gay African Americanyouthandhisinteractionswith BruceNugent,anauthor and contributor to the literary magazine: Fire!!. Fire!! magazine started during the Harlem Renaissance andwasusedtofacilitatetheexplorationofissuesthatweretaboo in Black community, like homosexuality, bisexuality, interracial relationships, promiscuity, prostitution, and color prejudice. Standing on the shoulders of its predecessors, the mission of Umiius Magazine is to Represent, Inspire, Support and Empower (RISE) a global LGBT community through its work.
The Bi Life
Just Head
The Big 30
#ExpresJust sYou rself Head
Beat It Up Summer Mix
To Represent, Inspire, Support & Empower a global LGBT community
UMIIUS STAFF Editor in Chief Elijah Li Creative Director Genese Bristol Managing Editor Bryan E. Glover Content Director Travis Madisson Photographer Colin Lawton Graphic Designer William Omar Jeffries
Writers Stephen Cucci Darius Williams Donta Morrison Jamie Black Poet on Watch Travis Madisson
Special Thanks to Chris Port New York DariusCooks.com Divine & Sugar Genese Bristol Javi Mota Photography L&B Creative Group Resist Fashion Ulysses Williams Zenbiz Travels Ismael Quevedo
Contact
contactus@shuomii.com www.UMiiUs.com
UMIIUS Social Twitter.com/Umiius
UmiiUS.com/Link
Fb.me/Umiius
Umiius.com
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THE POWER TO
INSPIRE
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth -muhammad ali
T
here is inspiration all around us every second. However,
we get caught up in our own lives unconscious too all the exciting things going around us. Inspiration personified is here to make your job that much easier to realize all that is going on. We felt that there was no better way than to empower us than to inspire us. To nominate someone or yourself email Inspire@shuomii.com
GEENE ROCERO
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XEM VANADAMS
Founder of Gender Proud
Blogger Personality
Rocero is an out-and-proud transgender woman who has been modeling in New York for nearly a decade. One of her most recent campaigns by Marriott, #LOVETRAVELS, promotes acceptance and visibilty. Through her company GenderProud, she helps promote transgender awareness and empowerment.
Xem VanAdams, founder of Xemsays, is an internet activist who blogs on an array of topics related to everyday lifestyle, relationships and pop culture. Xem Says serves to educate and entertain the masses while critiquing issues related to lifestyle, relationships and pop culture. The fans that he inspires is well over 14k souls.
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There is no greater force for change than people inspired to live a better life.� -Steve Maraboli
DAVID CORK
JASIKA NICOLE
BRITTNEY GRINER
Actor and Producer
Actor, Artist, Blogger
Basketall Player
David Cork, who recently appeared on Gun Hill, is an actor on a mission to take the world. In addition to his acting career he is also the producer of a new online TV network called BIUSTV. BIUSTV is a social network dedicated to those passionate about LGBTQ and human interest stories.
Jasika Nicole is best known primarily for her work on the Sci-Fi TV series, Fringe and Scandal. She is an out an proud. When not acting, Jasika creates interesting comics and creates interesting sketches of her daily experiences.
Brittney Griner, is a profesional basketball Player with Phoenix Mercury of the WBNA. She was just named the NBA’s 2014 Defensive Player of the Year. She recently proposed to her current girlfriend, Glory Johnson, over social media.
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Great Eats
Lemon Drop Cupcakes Ingredients
Lemon Curd 4 lemons 2 cups of sugar 1 stick of room temp butter 4 eggs a pinch of salt Vanilla Cupcakes 2 cups of sugar 1 cup of vegetable oil 1 1/2 cup of buttermilk 2 eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons of Vanilla extract 1/2 cup of cocoa powder 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of baking soda 2 cups of flour
Lemon Curd/
Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes/
1| Peel the zest from the lemons using either a potato peeper or a microplane. Throw it into a food processor with the sugar. Pulse until the lemon peel has been ground into small pieces. 2| Add each egg, one at a time, in the food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth. 3| Add in the butter and lemon juice and mix until well combined. 4| Pour the mixture into a sauce pot and bring to a boil by cooking over medium heat. Be sure to stir often. Once the mixture boils, it will thicken. Allow to cool before using.
1| Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2| Mix sugar, vegetable oil, and buttermilk together until well combined. 3| Mix in eggs and vanilla extract. 4| Stir in salt, baking soda, cocoa powder, and flour. 5| Pour in baking cups and bake for about 18 min or until done.
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Cuban Chicken
Ingredients 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces 4 tablespoons of olive oil 2 tablespoon of annatto seends 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt 1 table spook of pepper 1 teaspoon of black pepper 2 tablespoons of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
Cuban Chicken/ 1| Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2| Ia an oven proof skillet, heat the olive oil and annatto seeds together. This will release the color and fragrance of the oil. Once the oil had turned an orange color, remove discard the seeds. 3| Season the chicken with salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and fresh lime juice. 4| Turn the oil to medium high, add the chicken, and brown on all sides. Once the chicken has browned, place it on a baking sheet and roast until it’s tender and juicy. This should take about 25-35 minutes.
Check out More at:
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Unrestrained
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By Poet on Watch i want soul sex, like i want your breath upon my mound to unravel the riddles of my womb like tiny nudges of sweet persuasion you make me come to my knees to claim what’s mine like the bondage of pleasure, power and possibility when we are tangled up in our moment of every inch and every curve of our late night swimming i want soul sex, like i want your breath upon my skin to take me places i have never been as i put it right there for you/ make it easy for you to get to/after I’ve done everything you asked me to and now you moving slow like you don’t know what to do, don’t act brand new I don’t want just sex from you I want soul sex, like when you say my name when know one is around
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ooo, awe, oh, awe, ooo, oooh, ooooo baby deep in the mood of our late night rendezvous like unrestrained straps that tie you to my bedpost that keep me there doing what you need me to do/ you know how we do, with no rush in between the passion, just time to wade in the mist of wetness and sweet musk early mornings i want soul sex, like i want your breath upon my neck while I lie here, pressing fingers where your kisses have been i want your soul sexy just because your heartbeat, fluttering innocence and charming essence, speaks soul talk to me
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Being Black and Male in the USA is one of the most marginalized of the African American and LGBT Communities.
It Really Isn’t a CoinToss By Yunus Coldman
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Image: John Hall
UMiiUS In a month or so I will be celebrating my one year anniversary in the milestone decision to move forward in my transition. As a Male of the Transgender experience, there is so much I can relate about that experience! I could share the details of how my life was as a lesbian before I made this decision. I could talk about the intricacies of the physical aspects of my transition or “transformation”. I could also talk about the mental and emotional aspects of such an undertaking. And, yes, there would also be the spiritual or religious aspects. I am hoping I will have the opportunity to address some-or-all of these at a later date, but not today. There is a larger question that resounds in my head, heart, mind and spirit; it might be likely for some of you as well. Why? Why go that route? Black males in the USA are one of the most marginalized of the AfricanAmerican and LGBT communities. Trans* people of color (TPOC) survive in a world riddled with white male privilege. I will carry around my neck all the “isms” afforded my transition … Black, male, and Trans*. Why do it? One question in the forefront of my mind is do we even know the number of TMOC that have been victims of hate crimes and murder in this country? So often, we refuse to recognize them as male and thereby mis-gender identify them. Do I want to be stopped “driving while Black”? Will I become a victim of “stop and frisk”? or, at the very worst, killed because someone found out or decided a choke hold would better serve them when I stand up for myself and my community? Though I am not a young man I will fall privy to all the so-called disadvantages of my race and gender-identification. I keep asking myself, why is the larger LGBT community (there is that “T”) doing so little to help and support what is happening to their Trans* sisters and brothers? Stonewall was about all of us or have they forgotten that many transgendered individuals stood together on that day? Have they forgotten the deaths of Mathew Shepard and Brandon Teena? We are under the same onslaught and perhaps even more so. My Trans* sisters are experiencing harm unto death and no one is stepping forward.
Then there is the larger African-American community who has out and out condemned us, especially in the church, by both non-support and silence. With the exception of a few open and affirming AfricanAmerican religious institutions, they have taken on the mantle of their former slave owners and have decided that we should have no rights at all - even the right to live! Their silence in the onslaught of mass imprisonment and even execution of LGBT people in “the motherland” is absolutely appalling! There has been no outcry from them here with the murders of TPOC who live in their communities. It is the new civil rights movement, whether they acknowledge it or not. On the flip side, I have made my decision not out of choice, not out of wanting to “pass”, or some socalled mental dysfunction, or even the misguided notion that I am possessed of the devil, but out of the inexplicable desire to be. It is to simply live my life unapologetically as I am called by my Creator. It is far easier than accepting any alternative, including fear. Been there done that! As the song goes … “I’ve gotta be me!” Anyone would be happiest living their life fully, authentically, openly, lovingly, unapologetically … living. In spite of the challenges I have mentioned and all the complications that come with it socially, economically, culturally, religiously, it is what I have decided to do … be the man that I am. But there will be no hiding; there is much work to be done and going underground for me is not an option. So, the Black community and the LGBT community need to wake up. There is one more on board in the struggle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our lives matter!
Reverend Yunus Coldman Reverend Eunice “Yunus” Coldman is an ordained Interfaith Minister. e serves as Director of the Healing and Interfaith Ministries at Rivers of Rehoboth church in New York City.
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THE MUSIC PLAYLIST
By Stephen Cucci 14 www.UMiiUs.com
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PLAYLIST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
Free (Nas Remix) (feat. Emeli Sande) - Rudimental Heavenly (No Way tried/ Can’t give up ) – Mariah Carey Shower – Becky G You & I (Nobody In The World) – John Legend All I Need Is You – Lecrae Legends Never Die (feat. Katy Perry)- Ferras Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony Feel so Good - Jessica Betts Believe Me (feat. Drake)-Lil Wayne I Want You Back – Jackson 5 Hideaway – Kiesza Stay With Me (feat. Mary J. Blige) – Sam Smith Revolution (feat. Faustix & Imanos and Kai) – Diplo Often – The Weekend Chandelier – Sia Noche de Sexo (feat. Wisin & Yandel) ( live Yankee Stadium) – Romeo Santos Burnin’ It Down – Jason Aldean Mine – Houston Kendrick To Love & Die – Jhene Aiko Your Song (feat. Damian “JR. Gong” Marley) – SOJA Bang Bang – Jessie J , Arianda Grande, Nicki Minaj Say Yes (feat. Beyonce & Kelly Rowland) – Michelle Willams Choose Your Battles – Katy Perry Anaconda- Nicki Minaj Money($*/…) (feat. Fabolous) – Mariah Carey Throw it Back – Jonn Hart Before I Let Go (feat. Franie Beverly) – Maze Rude – MAGIC Last Call – Traci Braxton You Do Not Know What To Do (feat. Wale)- Mariah Carey
Listen on Spotify at:
Umiius.com/Play www.UMiiUs.com
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*National average annual savings based on data from customers who reported savings by switching to Esurance between 12/1/11 and 4/30/12. © 2012 Esurance Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. CA License #0G87829
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By Donta Morrison
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UMiiUS HIV, those three little letters can either make or break a person. The truth becomes a weight. It attaches itself to unwanted feelings of embarrassment, anguish, and guilt. Those living with HIV are forced to seek a lot of resolves: When do I disclose? Who should I disclose to? How do I disclose? Why should I disclose? The answers to those questions can shift a new or budding relationship, or even cause the person to hide the fact of being infected. That clearly is not living in truth and exacerbates the other problems we face in Black gay communities nationwide. For Black gay men there is nothing more liberating than living in truth; truth about who and how you love, about the direction our life is going. Yes, living in truth is freeing and once a person has arrived at that place it is difficult to exist any other way. However, the truth of HIV disclosure still has a great amount of shame and fear associated with it. If honest about it one may find themselves alone and wondering if they can ever be transparent again.
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Yes, HIV is talked about within the Black gay community, but not from the vantage point it needs to be. If you are a Black gay man (hell, if you are Black) you know quite a few who are infected. The sad reality is that despite how common HIV is there are multitudes of gay men who are adamant about not dating someone who is living with the virus. That leads me to say it should be of no surprise why so many men deny being HIV positive on social meeting sites. How many of us have ever perused profiles and noticed that when it comes to HIV statuses at least 80% of the half-naked (always horny) men claim to be HIV negative? It is obvious that as socially advanced as we are we still have not created a safe atmosphere for those living with HIV to be truthful. Statistics show that Black gay men have high rates of HIV infection. Many of those infected are unaware of their HIV status and walk around as though all is well, unknowingly infecting other men. It hurts me to hear about men having quick, anonymous, unprotected rendezvous with men who claim to be disease free. Understand that I am not judging anyone who has had a swift
UMiiUS jump-off with a stranger because I too have a past. However, we must understand that the risks involved are great. The act of sex is good (sometimes breathtakingly phenomenal) and I get why questions about status are not always introduced. In one hand you meet someone who is everything you desire physically, while in the other are lots of questions you know you should ask. Usually the physical part wins and it isn’t until afterwards that you regret not inquiring. The risks of sex in a sex charged community is not something we discuss on a daily. The same way it is not easy to disclose a positive status to a total stranger, it is just as difficult to ask and believe a person is telling the truth about their negative status. I have been living with HIV for fourteen years and have had my share of rejection. Hearing ‘if you didn’t have HIV you would make the perfect boyfriend’ was not easy and a great excuse to keep my ‘truth’ a secret. Nonetheless, I pushed past that moment of ignorance and accepted the fact that my diagnosis didn’t define me as a person. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to do that, yet. It is time for my brothers in the gay community to understand that we need to combat the increasing rate of HIV infection from within. We need to embrace those who are openly positive and construct an environment where they will not be shunned for being truthful. Our communities are being ravaged by a virus that we are hiding
behind. If statistics are true then a great majority of Black gay men have slept with someone who is HIV positive; oftentimes unknowingly. That being said, no one should hold their head higher than the next. We owe it to our community to bring about change. We owe it to ourselves to live in truth. We owe it to each other to love without secret.
Dontá Morrison *Dontá Morrison was born in Los Angeles, CA, and grew up in the city of Carson, CA. He is a veteran of the U.S Air Force, graduate of Springfield College and licensed minister. Currently, he works in the field of HIV education and prevention. His first book, “The End of the Rainbow,” was released in 2011, and its follow up “Yesterday Clarified” in 2012. Both have been well received by readers for their passionate storylines about samesex relationships and the complexities of love, friendship and spirituality.
It hurts me to hear about men having quick, anonymous, unprotected rendezvous with men who claim to be disease free.
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Ladies Love Cool Jess
when I saw that the people were rooting for me and I was myself, I said I was going to me and there was not going to be any cute bubble gum wrapping 20 www.UMiiUs.com
Jessica Betts
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Ladies Love Cool Jess.....
Some of you may remember this slightly familiar face as a contestant and winner on Missy Elliot’s “Road to Stardom” talent search reality show a few years back. Her name is Jessica Betts and she’s a powerhouse vocalist who can easily go toe-to-toe with your favorite singer making her way onto the R&B music scene with a new look and unparalleled voice that’s sure to hold your attention. With a recent release of her album, LLCoolJess, she is definitely an artist you should have in your music device. Umiius got a chance to catch up with her and see what she was up to.
What genre would you catergorize your music?
If you could open for a current day recording artist, who would you choose?
The genre that I am gearing towards is main stream Pop Culture, which also has influences from Rhythm & Blues, gospel and Rock & Roll. By infusing this various genres I am able to create a very cool mixed sound.
Based on the direction that I am going musically, I would love to share the stage with the likes of Adele, Kanye West, Iggy Azalea. If I could pick exactly one I would pick Kanye West, because he comes from the same city I do. There is a certain method and message in his music, not to say I agree with everything. But, I love the demographic and I love the direction he goes in terms of the people that he is able to reel in.
What inspires you to create the songs that you do? My everyday life situations, always inspires a song or an idea. If I am going through something, relationships based, depending on how I feel in the moment is solely the motivation and inspiration for whatever I decide to write.
Out of all your major accomplishments, which one meant to the most to you? I would have to say the Road to Stardom with Missy was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Being on Road to Stardom was a great foundation for me to launch my career independently. It not only opened doors, which was a good highlight, but it was a big learning experience with challenges that I faced and overcame. My learning experiences were what I got most out of the experience on the show. It opened doors and keeping those doors open required a certain level of discipline, consistency and creativity. Learning to grow as an artist and learning how to disciple myself in the business while being able to reach out and do things independently was also a big takeaway from the show. The show also opened up international doors. I was afforded the opportunity not only to tour here in America, but I got a chance to tour in Africa, Europe, Saudi Arabia and the Emeritus to perform and shed light on my artistry.
How receptive has the music industry been of your sexuality? Starting in 2000 I had a record deal with a label called G-Funk, owned by Warren G. Coming out was a very much talked about idea with my team at G-Funk. With my first record deal I let them put weave in and let them give me a very feminine appearance. I had to experience this façade for about two years. It got to the point where I could not do it anymore and I started losing myself. When I began to question who I was I walked away from the situation just to keep my sanity. Road to stardom was one of the most amazing experiences I had because it was like a redemption. On the show people were rooting for me and I was totally myself. I said I was going to be me and there was not going to be any cute bubble gum wrapping the situation. At that time I was aware of how reality TV and how in-depth it can play on your personality and role. It really shed a great light on me and the audience was really digging my music and I was the number one choice. That gave me the confidence to be myself and I fell more in love with myself from that experience.
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Where do you see Jessica Betts in the next five years? I definitely see me taking my concepts mainstream and Jessica Betts being a household name. My music will be similar to artists like Tracy Chapman and Michelle but, with a new age twist. I want to be raw and edgy as well as keep the messages visible in the music. I see Grammy nominations and credibility given to all my hard work.
If you had to think of one song that is your motivation song, what would it be? I like my song, “Feel So Good”. It is a song that if you are not in good spirits gives you a boost of positive energy. The three minutes helps take me away from whatever I am going through at the moment. I feel that it is a song that changes the dynamic of your emotions and it is for a good purpose.
How did come out to your family? I came out to my grandmother when I was a senior in high school. I believe that during that time it was difficult for me because I did not want her to shun me or not love me. I knew how deeply rooted she was with God, being a pastor. I also knew how important religion played a part in a lot of relationships in her life. Being her granddaughter, I did not know what to expect and was surprised when I was met with unconditional love. Once my grandmother accepted my lifestyle choice, I felt the strength to be open, free and transparent about who I was. Her acceptance, which motivated me to be authentic, is why I won an audition on Road to Stardom.
Do you have a piece of advice for anyone just starting off his or her career? I have gotten a lot of “No’s” based on my image and also because I want to be transparent about my sexuality. That raised a couple of flags for this industry where you have to conform. My advice is always to stay true, love and believe in yourself. Before anyone else will believe in you, you must believe in yourself.
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If you only had one week left to live what would you want people to say about you? I want people to say I love Jessica Betts because finding out who she was and listening to one of my songs saved their life. There are a lot of young women who are living the same lifestyle as me and are hiding their identities due to conflicting religious environments, which results in a lot of them taking their own lives. These are the things that we do not get to hear about in mainstream media like suicide, drugs and prostitution. Things like this happen because someone cannot be open and honest with themselves and their life.
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By: Julian Bialowas
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Resist Design Collective story begins four years ago in Brooklyn, NY, where four young men decided to create an accessible luxury menswear line. Their designs are inspired by fine art, pop culture, music, and community involvement. Resist; Design Collective affords today’s modern man the luxury of style. Their pieces are created with a fashion forward aesthetic to give the customer a cosmopolitan sleek look, and to work seamlessly with your existing wardrobe and update your style.
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DR
The
The Dominican Republic has something for all travelers. It is well known for it beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But this island nation, which shares the eastern-half of the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has so much more to offer.
If you’re looking for beautiful hotels and resorts, then Punta Cana is your choice. It has a huge selection of hotels to fit any budget. From resorts with airfare, all drinks and food included. To the most exclusive resorts with villas costing thousands per night. Punta Cana/ The Dominican Republic has the highest Bavaro is located in the east of the country with mountain ranges in the Caribbean. The country is hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches. becoming well known for its ecotourism. The areas of Jarabacoa and Constanza, in the middle of the In the north you have areas like country are known for hiking, white-water rafting Cabarete and Samana region, with towns like and horseback riding, amongst its many offerings. Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon. Cabarete The southwest of the country, around Barahona, is is the windsurfing capital in the Caribbean. also becoming known for ecotourism. This area has Most of the life takes place on the beach, with no large resorts. But does boast the largest saltwater some world-class restaurants and many water lake (along with crocodiles) in the Caribbean. Along sports competitions. Along with many condo with national parks, and some of the most beautiful or hotel options, Cabarete attracts a younger and pristine beaches. This area is close to the Haitian demographic. Cabarete is also the town where border. many gay Dominicans go for vacation. 34 www.UMiiUs.com
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The Dominican Republic is tolerant of gay visitors; of course discretion goes a long way. By Anthony Montgomery The Samana region of the country, especially in towns like Las Terrenas, have a more laid back European feel. Las Terrenas has a large French contingent living there, along with other European ex-pats, who have given the town many world-class restaurants. There are also many beautiful homes to rent, along with other boutique hotel options. This area of the country is also popular for whale watching. In February & March many whales travel to the warm fertile waters of Samana to congregate.
information about travel to the Dominican Republic, go to Monaga.net. A great time to visit Santo Domingo is for the Carnival weekend, which is normally held the last weekend in February. Visit www.zenbiztravel.com for more information.
Many of these towns have no gay scene to speak of. The only two cities with gay bars and clubs are Santiago and the capital, Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has quite of few clubs and bars catering to the gay community. The Dominican Republic is tolerant of gay visitors; of course discretion goes a long way. For more www.UMiiUs.com
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Tech& Cloth
Image: FuturoTextiles
1 2 Vista Jacket
Noke PadLock
Vista Jacket
NOKE PadLock
The Vista is made from brushed Italian cotton, giving it a refined look and natural-fiber feel. It features a tall, standing collar that can be worn up to keep out the cold, or down for a more casual look. The Raglan shaped shoulders make for a comfortable fit as well as a flattering silhouette.
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Keys have been used to open locks for centuries. But keys have the same problems today as they did back then. They are easy to lose; they can be stolen and are a pain to carry around. Noke utilizes your smartphone that you are already carrying around as the new key via Bluetooth.
TECH & CLOTH DIGS UP THE BEST OF THE BEST ACESSORIES. THIS EDITION COVERS MUST HAVES AS WE ENTER THE FALL.
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3 Aer Duffel Bag
Soma
Soma is an elegant Germanengineered shatter-resistant glass carafe keeps water crisp and fresh. The biodegradable filters are delivered routinely to your doorstep, so there are no worries about having to shop for replacements. Soma Water Filter
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For those who are very busy the Aer Duffel Pack is for you. It gives you a main compartment for clothes and gear, a ventilated pocket for your shoes, a separate compartment for your laptop, tablet, and cables, and quick-access side pockets for smaller items like your phone and notebook. On the exterior, you’ll find backpack-style straps that make it easy to carry and a rugged exterior of water-resistant ballistic nylon that’ll keep whatever’s inside safe from the elements.
Stanley Classic Flask
Made with odorless and tasteless stainless steel, the interior won’t mix good whiskey with the aroma of last month’s mistake. The slim profile slides flat into a pocket for discretion. Stanley Classic Flask
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Aer Duffel Bag
7 Hampstead Holdall
The Hampstead Holdall, constructed in Tuscany, features multi-purpose straps, allowing it to be carried over the shoulder, attached to a bike’s cargo rack, or worn as a backpack. It includes a roomy main compartment and rolltop design help to accommodate larger loads, and thanks to the water-resistant cotton lining and leather-exterior, it’s ready for the elements, too. Hampstead Holdall
Playstation TV
Danner Tramline Boot
Danner Tramline Boot is a rich, Horween leather boot that serves up a classic look that will break in beautifully. Danner Tramline Boot is designed to offer a roomier fit without sacrificing support and stability.
PlayStation TV system is a sleek and compact console with a universe of PlayStation games available for you to stream, download and play. Whether as a second console for your bedroom or the primary gaming system in your living room, PlayStation TV is an easy way for gamers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy playing games together. Playstation Now
Danner Tramline Boot
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9 PRONG Power Case
Of all the things iPhones need, the most important is power. It sucks when you run out of juice; so most people carry charging cables along with their phone. PRONG makes your life just a little bit simpler by integrating a battery and charger directly into your phone case. PRONG
Coach Sunglasses
Crafted for Coach by a premier luxury eyewear maker, these handsome aviators combine custom-mixed acetates with lightweight metal rims. A lozenge logo and a subtle archiveinspired ticking stripe inside the temple pieces give them subtle signature style, while gradient lenses provide state-ofthe-art broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Coach Thompson Sunglasses
12 FitBit Flex
During the day, it tracks steps, distance and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning. FitBit
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Vessyl
Vessyl is an ordinary-seeming cup with a fairly extraordinary hidden feature: It always knows what’s inside of it. Using sensors built into its inner walls, it automatically analyzes the molecules of whatever liquid you pour in. It works with all sorts of prepackaged beverages–coffees, beers, wines, smoothies, juices and more. And it’s impressively precise. Vessyl
Tech& Cloth
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By: Julian Bialowas
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Just Head Is there more than Just Sex: It’s been forever since I’ve been on a date. In fact, I can barely remember the last time I went on a date. And I’m not talking about a formal date, a dinner date, or a blind date, either. I’m talking about a date –a real date. A date where we are meeting up at 9 P.M. and wearing a freshly tailored outfit while getting those butterflies in my stomach because I have no idea what the evening has in store for me, but it just might have the potential to be great. You know that kind of a date. Or maybe you don’t know, because guess what – black gay men don’t date anymore.
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When I lay in bed, I close my eyes, and I Wonder if this lifestyle is worth it. I had to think why would these men want to put in the time - or the work - when we all have convenient little apps on our phone that do it for them. With a new hookup app being created every month, we can only blame ourselves; entrepreneurs are only following trends. These apps have hurt dating because, even if you “find� someone interested, it is just a countdown game to see how long it is going to take to sleep with you.
When I lay in the bed, I close my eyes and I wonder if this lifestyle is worth it. Most of my straight friends are married with children and I am here lying alone at night hoping for something different. Hope is just a four-letter word. I wonder, will this ever change? I hope so. It will take some effort. We will have to learn how to socially interact with each other again and get to know people. I am ready to put down my phone and connect. Are you?
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