V5I3 DBQ Magazine MAY/JUN 2015

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OUR GUIDE TO LGBT PRIDE

*HOMO

BE PROUD OF YOUR SELF!

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DBQ May2015 of 4 ad.indd 1 4/29/15 10:21 PM

It’s another year of pride. What can we say? Better yet, what can we feel? We should feel blessed that life has given us another year to celebrate who we are as part of the LGBTQ community. After all, things like this don’t happen overnight. The year 2015 represents decades of hard work that many of us have encountered to achieve equality and the freedom to live our lives freely as the people we were born to be. So my message to you is love yourself and be very proud of yourself This issue is all about pride and things that makes us proud about this wonderful neighborhood, which is Harlem. We have a piece titled “Homo Harlem,” which details thirteen affirming things that make us proud in Harlem. There is a popular store known JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Boutique that people in Harlem know all too well when it comes to shopping. We got a glimpse into their wonderful store, and even got the chance to interview owner Jonathan Bodrick. Nathan James contributes a piece on medical Mary Jane, HIV and the gay community. It's a must read. We have an exclusive interview with R&B singer Monifah where she talks about her new music and memories of Harlem growing up. And of course, I share with you all my “What I’ve Come To Know" column. Hope this issue will entertain you from page to page. Most importantly, my hope is that it makes you feel proud of your fabulous self and all that this life has caused you to become.

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Roque Caston is a writer, editor, and journalist. He’s a college student majoring in Writing & Literature. His writings have been featured to various digital and print publications such as True Fashionista Now, MUSED Magazine, Floss, Swerv, and The G-List Society.

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Writer, playwright, and radio personality Nathan James is a longtime advocate of the LGBT community. He serves as Executive Editor of GBM News.

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CULTURE

PRIME

COVER

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*DBQ�CULTURE

FRONT ROW

1) My favorite memory of growing up in Harlem is the summers. It absolutely comes alive during that season. People are out, parties in the parks, folks selling interesting things on the streets. When I was a teenager my friends and I would walk all over from our block in Spanish Harlem (115th 2nd & 3rd Ave) to the infamous Rucker's Park b-ball court. Between us, we knew everybody. 2) For me, LGBT Pride is self-acceptance and celebration, which plays an important part of who I am, but not the only or most important. My humanity is the most important of all my 'identifiers.’ 3) What I’m most proud of about my new CD project is that I'm actively doing it. There was a time when I didn't know if I wanted to do this anymore, but the power that IS had another plan. I'm relaxing in the passenger seat this time around; living, learning, loving, and growing through the journey. 4) My favorite part of being a part of the inaugural cast of R&B Divas was the camaraderie, laughter, and freshness of

the first season. I will forever be endeared to the show. It was an experience I’m truly grateful for. I believe it served as a great platform for a lot of things that are important to me. I learned a lot about myself. The show came when I was in the midst of a much personal transition, and served its purpose in my life. I’m grateful for the experience and now I'm looking forward to other endeavors, in front of and behind the cameras. 5) One of my favorite quotes is "Well-behaved women, seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher UlrichIt always spoke to my outspoken nature. Society tells us that a woman must always be a 'lady', which always translated to me as ‘look cute, keep the dress tight, and shut up.’ I am far from that type of woman. You can't be afraid to make yourself or others uncomfortable. Speak up loudly for what you require of others, whether it’s yourself or your passions. The words I live by are “Evolve or Die.” I pray that's self explanatory.

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Page 6 | DBQMAG.COM | @DBQMAG

The Urban Dictionary defines “Shade” as acting in a casual or disrespectful manner towards someone/dissing a friend. The

mission of the #StopTheShade Campaign is to promote awareness and understanding of the negative impact of Shade

within the LGBT Community and beyond through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest. Shade can happen

anywhere, to anyone, at anytime, and can have long lasting negative effects. Historically, Shade has been a part of the LGBT Culture for a very long time. More often than not, when Shade is

no longer just a "Kiki," it creates animosity, hate, discrimination and division within the community. The campaign is way to shed

a light on the discord Shade creates. Find more at DBQMAG.COM.

Over the course of three years, director Elegance Bratton filmed three gay and transgender youth of color who have become homeless on the same street the Gay Rights Movement began so long ago. Inspired by his own personal experiences, Bratton decided to film a haunting realism about the lives of LGBT homeless youth through the eyes of a few people who are experiencing the struggle. It’s an incredibly serious issue that is happening in the Big Apple, and it is up to us to address this topic, raise awareness, and put an end to this epidemic. If there is any documentary that you should add to your list of things to see revolving around a heavy topic, Pier Kids: The Life should be one of them. His advocacy, activism, and journalism work has been recognized on a national level. He is the living proof that in his own words “Trans. Is. Beautiful.”

DBQCULTURE

5 THINGS WE LOVE* 1

Tiq Milan is a writer, activist, and media consultant whose own story is remarkable. Since coming out as a transgender male, Milan’s has been actively involved in the LGBT community. He’s written for various digital and print publications. He’s currently the national spokesperson for GLAAD, thereby allowing him to train national transgender advocates on best ways to craft their stories and maximize their impact on society. As a personality, he’s discussed the latest developments on transgender rights on various media outlets from MTV News to The Katie Couric Show. He documented his life in the GLAAD-Award nominated documentary U People and Realness along with being featured in a MTV reality series, and in videos for the website Upworthy.

Following the release of the well-received film by Patrick-Ian Polk Blackbird is the film soundtrack of the same name. Blackbird is a coming-of-age film based on the novel by Larry Duplechan tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy, a devout Christian, dealing with the inner struggle of coming into terms with his sexuality as a gay man, and his family who are handling his realization in their own critical way. The music that comes along with this film features vocals from music artists like D. Woods to give the film the emotional touch that will captivate their listeners from beginning to end.

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Producer Seven King is breaking grounds this summer by releasing a web series that is bound to make people talk. Eden’s Garden is a dramedy that will depict the issues that Black transgender men face in society today. The cast are all transgender men and series will tackle taboo issues such as homophobia, promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS. Inspired heavily by his own personal experiences as a transgender man, producer Seven King hopes you gives other the chance to live in their truth, and tell their stories.

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DBQMAG.COM | @DBQMAG | Page 7

DBQ�CULTURE

POLITICS* recent years, the therapeutic usages and benefits of medical marijuana in treating a variety of illnesses and injuries has been increasingly well-documented. Studies, trials, and symposia have all demonstrated the positive effects of cannabis in alleviating pain, promoting healing, reducing the harmful effects of stress, and even helping to slow the onset of infectious diseases. For people living with HIV, these findings are of particular interest, but even with empirical data, many municipalities and legislators remain unconvinced of the efficacy of marijuana as an integral part of treatment and convalescence.

At the center of the controversy over marijuana as a treatment for HIV (and as a medical tool at all) is a Louisiana State University study, published last year in the medical journal AIDS Research And Human Retroviruses, which discovered that regular doses of THC given to lab monkeys over time, slowed the spread of HIV in the animals' bodies. The research was federally funded by the National Institute Of Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the results were startling--and infuriating to many on the right side of the legislative aisle. These conservatives, immediately decried the work as "flawed", and "enabling, 'legitimizing' the use and manufacture of an illegal substance". They've successfully stymied efforts in 27 states to legalize marijuana for medical uses--and frustrated the efforts of the medical community and advocates of medical marijuana to have their research seen in a serious light.

For almost 80 years, marijuana has been seen as a "recreational" drug in the United States, and as a "gateway" to other, "harder" drugs like crack, cocaine, and heroin. Because of this, legislators have, over the past sixty years, have enacted more and harsher laws for possession, sale, and even casual use of weed. In New York State, the notorious Rockefeller laws imposed mandatory, Draconian penalties on people charged with minimal amounts of marijuana--fifteen years in state prison. These toughest-in-the-nation sentences for nonviolent drug offenses gave rise to the further demonization of marijuana in the public mind, and contributed directly to the difficulties now faced by those seeking to add it to our wide array of pharmacopoeia.

Adding to the challenge, is the heated debate that still revolves around the LSU study, involving as it does, another bane of conservative politics--the LGBT community, and, as a subset, people living with HIV or AIDS. Linking these two marginalized groups with advocacy of a heretofore illegal drug with which to treat them, is the highest form of anathema to lawmakers accustomed to criminalizing marijuana, and denying LGBTs and HIV/AIDS patients full recognition as fellow citizens ad human beings. Even after the LSU study was supported by other work, before and since, confirming the therapeutic value of medical marijuana for HIV treatment, including a "landmark" study by San Francisco General Hospital, these GOP members remain unconvinced. Others, however, including several Republican presidential candidates, have changed their positions on the issue, trying to keep in tune with voter sentiment.

Sen. Ted Cruz and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, for example, have "rethought" legalizing medical weed, but with reservations--such as denying its use as a general analgesic, or to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. As the debate continues, medical marijuana--for people living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses--will surface as a platform issue in the campaigns of both parties, on every level. Overcoming legislative obstacles to legalization will be achieved mainly by voters--in referenda, and by electing those candidates who are known to understand and support its passage. Medical marijuana could ultimately prove to be a formidable weapon in the fight to treat and eventually cure the modern-day plague of HIV/AIDS. Even in medicine, as so often is the case in other areas of life, political action is the mechanism through which progress is made. That means your presence in the voting booth on Election Day. That's the best medicine of all.

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DBQ�PRIME

* ��What are you learning about self love? Self love is a process. Once you’ve acknowledged and tackled loving one aspect of yourself, you will soon find out that there’s an entirely new layer underneath.

What’s your best advice for someone who is HIV positive? To someone living with HIV, I would ask them to simply live in victory every day. Choose to take each day by the horns and defeat it. To become introverted is the beginning of a slow death. Use it to make yourself better instead of bitter.

What does your sex appeal come from? My sex appeal comes from my confidence. In knowing who the fuck I am and owning it.

What helped you get into treatment? The fact that I want to live to see my son’s sons carry on and begin new legacies.

What gives you passion? My passion comes from an unsettling feeling that I must be doing something more, and every time I’ve obtained a goal, a new one surfaces.��

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Treatment really helped me to feel better about myself and took away a lot of stress. Starting treatment was a big stepping-stone in my life. It really made me come to terms with being positive. I was hesitant at first but ended up feeling great about it afterwards. I feel a lot more healthy and confident now. —AARON

My reason for beginning treatment was very simple - I did not want to die imminently. I knew of my conversion immediately after it

happened, and was having frequent blood work. After only a few short months, my T cells plummeted very quickly, indicating that I

was a "rapid progressor" - research has shown that people with this pattern can progress to full blown AIDS within four years of

conversion.—DARRELL

I not only protected myself, but my future partners as well. I wanted to show my family that although I was living with HIV, I wouldn't allow this to change me as a person; instead, I would make them proud by going out into the community and turning my personal experiences into lessons for others. — JUSTIN

In 1996 my t-cell dropped from 825 to 400 in a matter of 3 months, I got really scared. I didn't expecting them to drop so quickly but I was also just getting

myself off of all drugs, my doctor had explained to me that because I had never given my body a break from drugs my body was finally getting a correct reading in

my labs. I choose to get on treatment knowing some side effects would occur regardless I had to take a chance. Within 3 months my t-cell count was 620. Treatment changed my life. It has been 25 years since I was diagnosed and I

believe treatment has kept me around longer and will continue to do it's thing. Having an open mind in this area of my life has changed so much of my life and

the people around me. — JACKIE

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In 2010, the founders of this yearly event saw an opportunity to celebrate not just our Same Gender Loving/LGBT community, but also to contribute and become a part of Harlem's rich history, and thus Harlem Pride was born. Harlem Pride promotes Same Gender Loving & LGBT pride in Harlem by providing opportunities for collaboration and communication among its SGL/LGBT organizations and community members through education and advocacy.

Each year, Harlem Pride consists of VIP Launch Party Fundraisers, an annual Pride Day Celebration in Jackie Robinson Park, and a Harlem Pride Family Day at the end. Since 2010, Harlem Pride has expanded to include monthly seminars and workshops, social events, and other community outreach activities.

I love Harlem because of its iconic stature and it exuberance great culture, food, and a conscious community of people of all backgrounds. Harlem has revitalized and reformed itself as a revolutionary pinnacle of a new Harlem Black Mecca. Harlem has given me the tools to be a responsible citizen to inspire and motivate my community that I love. “I am Harlem and Harlem is me”. Michael, Harlem Pride Board Member

As a Same Gender Loving Woman in Harlem, I like the comfort level I have, generally speaking, of being unapologetically me. I am not afraid to walk down the street hand-in-hand with my girlfriend or kiss her. Now that isn't to say that there isn't still work to be done, but I feel the presence of Harlem Pride has helped make Harlem more comfortable for our SGL/LGBT community. If something serious happens, they know that Harlem Pride will respond. — Carmen, Harlem Pride Board President

One thing is hard to chose but the happiest memories for me of Harlem are from my childhood. My mother was not one who would let having two kids keep her from enjoying the excellent entertainment that was often available at the World Famous Apollo Theater. She would frequently take us with her to see the stars of the day. My all-time favorite entertainer, live at the Apollo, was the Hardest Working Man in Show Business -- the one and only James Brown. My favorite holiday in Harlem was Easter when we would get all dressed up in our Easter best and go to 125th Street to have our pictures taken after church (of course) right across the street from Blumstein's Department Store. Oh, and let me not fail to mention my favorite park to run around and be a kid -- Riverside Park. Harlem, one of the best places in which to grow. –Rev Yunus, Harlem Pride Board Member

HARLEM PRIDE BOARD SHARES WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT ��

HOMO HARLEM

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It wowed me to find out about the Gay and Lesbian archives at the Schomberg, which is part of the New York Public Library. It was well and fun. I found out about them four years ago. It is directed by Steven Fullwood. I immediately requested DBQ Magazine to have an archive after I got to look at Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Joseph F. Beams, etc. Touching their work moved me in a spiritual sense. It is a must experience for any person of color, or any LGBT person seeking pride.

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The beautiful home of Langston Hughes is on 126th between Lenox and 5th a must see in Harlem to discover the location that this literary legend once resided. You can also find me rollerblading past it on the cover of this issue.

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One of my favorite things about Harlem is the beautiful brownstones. Harlem 144 Guest House was purchased in 1980 by Valerie Bradley, the queen of all fruit flies in this neighborhood. She has created a cultural, eclectic, a bold full of character that is not only comfortable, but affirming to the LGBT community. If you want to have an real brownstone experience just like those of James Baldwin experienced back in the day, this would be the place for you.

When it comes to writing about Harlem James Baldwin was certainly one who did it beautifully. One of biggest stories was the semi-autographical novel Go Tell It On A Mountain. The novel tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy's self-discovery in terms of figuring out his identity as the stepson of the minister of a storefront Pentecostal church in Harlem. It’s also an examination on how the Christian Church plays significant role in the lives of African-Americans. True, raw, and personal to the bones, you can’t find any book like this when it comes to reading about Harlem back in 1953.

If you’re going to stay somewhere in Harlem, and you want to stay in a quality, affordable hotel in Harlem, Aloft Hotel is for you. Not only is it one of the major sponsors for Harlem Pride each year, you will be able to be yourself, and have an amazing experience in the bar and lounge. All is welcome.

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Jonathan Bodrick, a Brooklyn native, moved with his partner to Harlem 11 years ago and was immediately drawn to the fashion and multicultural expression. Jonathan had always loved vintage clothing, jewelry and eye-catching accessories, which led him to begin hosting shopping parties with friends two times a month. Jonathan sold the pieces he collected and realized his parties were becoming a hit. He stepped out on faith and opened his own boutique, where customers could enjoy a unique and personal shopping experience while learning the value of vintage wear. Jonathan strongly believes vintage clothing provides a historical feel unlike any other type of clothing on the market today.

JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique offers its fashion community a resource to explore and enjoy a unique shopping experience, one designed specifically with the fashion-forward trendsetter in mind. “You Are The Business” is Jonathan Bodrick’s business philosophy. If you haven’t already been there, you need to get down to Harlem’s best place to find consignment prices at retail quality.

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The key to being a fashionista is having “the look”, one that is effortless and unique, with ambience that stops traffic and makes onlookers gasp as they try to figure you out. New York is filled with trendy destinations where fashion counts and image is everything and where today’s styles are all about character and authentic expression. But, there’s one location that captures every facet of fashion without the shocking price tags and where true trendsetters are finding New York’s best deals. On Fifth Avenue, girls spend their coins on designer nametags and go broke chasing the newest fashion statement. In SoHo, hipsters mix it all together, giving you a blend of eclectic and cross-cultural fashions. In Harlem, known for its Renaissance atmosphere, the elite rock fashion-forward getups that exude swag with a vintage flare. While everyone else spends hundreds and thousands to look fabulous and amazing, Harlem shopaholics have access to the best hidden gem in town, JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique.

b (borrowed). o (old). r (refurbished). n (new), is a Vintage Fashion Showroom, located in the heart of Harlem’s fashion district at 57 East 125th Street and Lenox Avenue. Clientele and shoppers enjoy a variety of vintage and high-end designer clothing that fuses together generational trends at a reasonable cost. Instead of buying one piece of clothing for hundreds of dollars, fashionistas walk away with bags overflowing with trendy pieces at a steal of a price.

While strolling the aisles, searching for that next hot item, you’re sure to bump shoulders with like-minded shoppers, from artists and fashion professionals, to psychologists and university professors, of all races & genders. It is, without a doubt, a melting pot of style, charisma, and all that jazz!

I had the pleasure of sitting down in an interview with JB b.o.r.n. Vintage Fashion Boutique’s owner, Jonathan Bodrick. I inquired into the vision and secret behind his success as a fashion boutique owner and what it took for him to earn the title as “Godfather of Fashion in Harlem.” His boutique offers carefully curated Vintage pieces, new apparel, & consignment pieces from clients & local designers. His brand has remained Harlem’s best kept secret, until now.

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Formally known as “Native,” La Bodega 47 is a social celebration where people can come together and enjoy a variety of staple foods, flavorful drinks, and great conversations with the people you love.

The home of my new favorite burger in Harlem, which is the “Harlem Classic & Cheese” is none other than the wonderful dining joint known as Harlem Shake. You will a touch of the past and the groovy present. Side not: Make sure you ask for the special sauce to go along with the burger, and have one of their organic vanilla milkshakes.

Red Rooster contains a rich history that continues to engage their customers into enjoying drinks and music in an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was named after the legendary Harlem speakeasy that was located at 138th Street and 7th Avenue, which was a neighborhood where folk, jazz greats, authors, politicians and some of the most noteworthy figures of the 20th Century used to hang out. The best time to catch the true atmosphere is at night. Side note: the French toast is (David Bridgeforth’s personal statement)

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If you’re looking for a great bistro that displays a great environment with great food and drinks, Harlem Food Bistro should definitely be a place to add to your list. Whether its breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, Harlem Food Bar will provide such a wide range of food that will stop your heart just by looking at it. So you can only imagine what happen when you actually eat it.

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When it comes to a night out with good food, spontaneous

drinks, and occasional live performances, you can

definitely add Billie’s Black to your list of places to go to in Harlem. This location is quite

known when it comes to talking about the nightlife in

Harlem. Side note: The catfish strips are amazing!

If you take the train to Harlem, chance is you stumbled upon this mural. This one single piece of art created by Faith Ringgold, which is known as Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines, is an excellent representation of the LGBT community, Harlem, and the creative arts. You never know when you’re walking past history. You will find the faces of Mary McLeod Bethune to Malcolm X, W.E.B. Dubois, Marcus Garvey, to name a few, on this mural.

When you look closely at the third section that represents the Schomberg Library, you will see literary icons Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, and Zora Neal Hurston. This shows that the LGBT community has and will continue to play a part in the history of Harlem. So if you ever find yourself taking the 2/3 train to 125th, don’t forget to take a moment and glance at this wonderful piece of art before you resume with your busy life.

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I age and life urges my soul forward, I’m discovering self and all that is dazzling and uniquely beautiful about it. There is something about the selfish person that is so luminous. At the same time, we live in a society that in many ways shames selfishness. Imagine a person who is able to only focus their love, energy, attention, and appreciation on themselves so much that their cup is running over an abundance of goodness from within. It is interesting that we live in a society that trains us against our own intuitive guidance system within ourselves. For many of us, the pattern started when we were younger when we learned that we must make others happy instead of following the bliss within ourselves, and learning to align with our own well being. We've become outwardly centered instead of inwardly, and from this way of being stem the major part of our misalignment with ourselves. We were entrusted with this life. Not only to lead it, but also to love it, and to be in good aligned standing with us along the process. It is only when our intimate relationship with ourselves is aligned that we feel our best, and are able to radiate our best everywhere we go. The shinning light and love we experience in our lives is a byproduct of that aligned selfish relationship with self in direct proportions. It matters most how we feel, and how we feel is a personal thing. For with the great energy of our feelings, we can live our greatest dreams, or perpetuate our darkest nightmares. What I’ve come to know is that we’re all seeking any given thing with the belief that we will feel better in having those things. I've come to understand that people aren’t against us. They are simply for themselves. Not because they’re wrong or bad, but because that is how they’re wired. I’ve learned that our relationship with ourselves and feeling good is organically our first priority, and anything that tries to detour that will pinch us off of our own well being.

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As we all become more enlightened and learn the divinity that we are, we will understand why we naturally must come first. Whatever we focus on expands, explodes, and extra overflows. So why not focus on the abundance that you are? Our society calls this being full of yourself. I believe that those who are full of themselves are those who are moving boldly through this earth creating meaning and manifesting goodness because that's exactly who you are. So in this time and season of pride, as you hold the rainbow flag high and you feel this sense of pride for all the LGBT people amongst you, first know that you must first be PROUD of yourself. From that selfish place of love and appreciation will flow a knowing and beingness that will come alive in you, and move us all forward.


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