HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH, HAPPY SPRING, HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH (which is every month) and HAPPY TRANSFORMATION ISSUE!”
“Transformed People, Transform People!” _CCAR Our issue title is dedicated to the list of awesome advocates, activists, community leaders, non-profit organizers, political warriors, religious champions, womanists, trans-activists, grant funders, and anyone working tirelessly to help transform people’s lives for the better. That is what we do!
On the cover: TUV Magazine secured an exclusive interview with Mr. Rodney Chester, most notably known as Alex Kirby in the LOGOtv series Noah’s Arc, created by Patrik-Ian Polk. We dive into what life has been like after Noah’s Arc and what Rodney has been up to lately. Chester talks about staying sane and productive during the pandemic, rebranding to take over the reins of his professional image, and diving into community outreach as an ambassador for Metro Health DC.
After the ground that Noah’s Arc broke in terms of LGBTQ visibility and opportunity in the entertainment industry, what do you think is still missing to continue that advancement? Who do you think has been pushing that envelope most these days?
We had no idea that we would impact so many lives when we were doing Noah’s Arc. I saw an interview with Billy Porter, and they asked him, about Pose, what was it like being the first to do a gay love scene with two African American men on TV. He corrected the interviewer and said, “Actually, Noah’s Arc was the first.” So, I think what that means is that we still have been pioneers in that way that is being recognized. And he was nice enough to recognize and correct that. Noah’s Arc was ahead of its time because Patrik Ian-Polk, the show’s director, shopped that show everywhere, and nobody wanted it. We just happened to meet up with Logo TV in New York when they were working to establish themselves as the first gay network almost 15 years ago, and they decided to make the show its first scripted series.
You will most definitely will want to catch the rest of this tea!
ACTOR/ACTIVIST RODNEY CHESTER
(Photo Credit: Carell Augustus)
LITERARY BOOK CLUB PICKS FOR THE MARCH – APRIL ARE TWO PIONEERS IN LESBIAN FICTION.
April “Skyy” Blair is a 38-year-old author, screenwriter and playwright from Memphis, TN. Her first novel, Choices was released in 2006 and quickly gained popularity both within the lesbian and urban fiction on communities. The highly anticipated sequel, Consequences was released in 2009 with high praises and rocketed to the top 10 lesbian best-sellers lists on Amazon.com and in independent bookstores across the country.
Author April “Skyy” Blair
To date, Skyy has published five Novels in the Choices series which include Choices, Consequences, Crossroads, Full Circle and Southern Comfort. She has been featured in three anthologies, Les Tales: Tempted to Touch and Carl Weber’s: Full Figured Divas 8 and 10. Her most recent novel, Southern Comfort, debuted at number one in lesbian fiction on https://amzn.to/3vncuFZ.
Monika is the author of the #1 international best-selling novel Pretty Boy Blue, Second Edition, and its sequel, The Darkest Shade of Blue. https://amzn.to/2PUfmJX
Author Monika M. Pickett
Monika M. Pickett’s literary category that is often overlooked, African American lesbian romance. However, her latest release, Pretty Boy Blue, 2nd Edition, has become the number one best-seller on Amazon.com in the U.S. and Canada across multiple categories including lesbian romance and LGBTQ fiction, among others. https://amzn.to/3rIMmTL
Talk Show Host Nigel Ashford
Nigel Ashford describes how he felt for a long time after being silent for so long until he found his voice through his Facebook Live Show OUTSPOKEN.
The 28-Year-Old, born in Birmingham, AL, but now residing in Nashville, TN is the creator and host of OUTSPOKEN, a show that speaks on serious and light-hearted relevant topics as it relates to culture, issues, changes, and achievements within the LGBTQ community.
The show provides a platform for an audience that seeks access to commentary on politics, health, pop culture, and current events that takes place within our rainbow culture, becoming a voice that exudes positivity, diversity, and equality while captivating an audience through adversity.
D. Majik DeCosta
D. Majik is a Master Hair Stylist with classic skills who never gives less than his best. Since entering the industry, he has amassed an impressive client list, which consists of tastemakers and celebrities like: Kandi Burruss, Tameka Tiny Cottle, LaTocha Scott, Tamika Scott, Robin Givens, Keke Wyatt, Justine Skye, Mike Epps, Michael Jai White, Angell Conwell, Tamala Jones, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, Traci Braxton, and Kim Fields. His work has provided him a platform to graced the television and movie screen. He is the artist behind the looks that have appeared in Essence, People and InStyle. Majik currently resides in Atlanta but is constantly on the move. He is a true jetsetter who continues to travel the world, working with television/film stars, recording artists and more.
As always it is our esteemed pleasure to provide a diverse media platform to introduce the most dynamic and awesome folxs from around the world. We are always searching for the next person to feature. Don’t be shy please email us at info@tuvmag and let’s get you featured!
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