Jaylo Jabones

JAYLO JABONES

An import from the US, soon-to-be British national treasure, JR Fletcher, or ‘Jaylo Jabones’ as he goes by via his highly-rated podcast, ‘The Sheknique’, is unapologetically real.

Born in Texas and later moved to the UK where he now calls home, his representation and high-spirited commentary of life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community essentially needs to be heard by as many people as possible.

VIPER sat down with ‘Jaylo Jabones’ to talk all things black, gay and fabulous.

Who is Jaylo Jabones?

Good question. International man of periphery. I’ve always danced outside the boundary or limits, ignored the pre-req’s that blemish what we know as normality. I consider that mediocrity. Growing up a misunderstood black kid who danced ballet in Texas was pretty much the starter kit for me.

I lived in NYC, LA, and now London for the last 18 years which is where I now consider home. I moved here as I was in the music industry, I came here for six months to do an album and never left. NYC introduced me to the club and ballroom scene which solidified my creativity, something that was dictated by the LGBTQ community.

Whether gay or black, what does PRIDE mean to you?

Unity, a collective cognizance of our perceived value and with that a rescinding of the “hamster wheel” degradation society dishes us on a daily plate… COLD.

As someone I would regard a ‘queer pioneer’, what was your evolution of identity, and what advice would you offer to younger generations?

Pioneer is very gracious I must say however, I’m just another freckle on the face, another facilitator in the fanfare per se. My queerdom I would not say is defined by my sexuality but more by this crazy prodigious eccentric fervour that has always been perched within me since childhood. Back then there wasn’t any social media or much media representation but I created this world for myself with my own rules. I was just this stubborn baby Virgo.

What does Black Lives Matter mean to you?

Its About Time. Like Will Smith said, “Racism isn’t getting worse, its getting filmed. I myself, like many/most of my fellow black brothers (and sisters) have been victims of racial profiling and police brutality. In my case, gun to

my head, face to the pavement for ‘fitting a description’. Only to be screamed at by one of the officers after they clearly made the mistake with a poignant, “You shouldn’t even look like the description!”

So yes, it is indeed time for this discussion, especially amidst the recent filmed murders by cops… cops with faces devoid of any pity. And this is not only in America, many victims here in the UK have suffered similar fate so this is a necessary movement, and one which has ignited a cathartic narrative.

What role does social media play in race relations?

Huge. A lot of these discussions now happen via social media, often ignited by sensitive videos or reshared posts which people feel much more comfortable putting forth their views and opinions from behind a screen.

Name one a role model to you from the LGBTQ+ community and tell us why they are so iconic.

Too many to name one!

James Baldwin, who wrote the ground-breaking novel, “Giovanni’s Room,” in the 50’s which depicted themes of homosexuality and bisexuality. Baldwin throughout his life educated others about black and queer identity.

Bayard Rustin, the civil rights activist who famously quoted “Gay people are the new barometer for social change”. He marched with MLK during the march on Washington, fought for the passage of New York’s gay rights bill and also urged the NAACP to acknowledge the AIDS epidemic.

Then from the ballroom scene, Willie Ninja… the grandfather of Vogueing, I had the pleasure of knowing him well and dancing for him when I was a young kid in NYC. Of course, Jose and Luis Xtravaganza, Hector Xtravaganza, Grandfather of the House of Xtravaganza. All pioneers from the scene for which the current hit series, POSE is based off of. Very significant.

Trans activists like Janet Mock and Laverne Cox (who, side note, also graduated from my alma mater in NYC, Marymount Manhattan College).

Munroe Bergdorf and Kenny Ethan Jones are also recent heavy hitters carrying the torch for LGBTQ people of colour. Do you think the LGBTQ+ community are proportionately represented in society today?

I think currently there are some quite amazing representatives out there in all fields and despite prejudices, they are proudly carrying the flag.

‘The Sheknique’ is one of podcasting’s best kept secrets. What’s the idea behind it and what’s it all about?

Being an American living in London, growing up in the southern states, then moving to NYC during the 90s Club kid era, I have indeed been blessed with some “doozies” when it comes to stories. My experience has given me a unique perspective which in the past has proved to be quite entertaining at dinner parties.

People kept telling me, “Jaylo, you need your own show!” So, with production costs at an all time high and me having the budget for an Etch a Sketch, the most cost effective option for me was an iPhone and a podcast app.

And eureka, “The Sheknique” was born! I tell stories and even peruse the newspapers for some gems to discuss... which seem to be plentiful these days. It’s a nice halfhour “hoot and a holler” with me, myself, and I but soon I will be inviting guests in to join me on future episodes (once I finagle a second mic).

Final words?

Check me out on “The Sheknique”! On Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The Sheknique is available now on Apple Music and Spotify

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