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LaTAVIA ROBERSON: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL IN TUV MAGAZINE

By Gwen Clemons -
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Latavia Roberson, best known as one of the original members of Destiny’s Child, opens up about her losses, perseverance, confidence, and charting her own path. In the November/December issue of The Unleashed Voice Magazine. In her interview, Roberson is candid and shares her most intimate thoughts about stigma and shame.  Roberson shares her views about the LGBTQ Community “I have been around a lot of my LGBT friends when they’ve gone through things, afraid to tell their parents, or one parent might know, but the other parent doesn’t and, will they accept me?” Roberson shares that her beliefs don’t allow for judgment of anyone.

The reader will gain a transparent insight into the secretive life of Roberson, as she shares her life journey. In one segment of the interview, Roberson shares about why she spent 10 years underground and offers her pending “book” as the complete source to those questions.

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LaTavia Roberson

Just to give you a teaser of the interview, Roberson eludes to being “in the hole” and finding her strength in God to move beyond her struggles.  Roberson talks about entrepreneurship, being her own boss, molestation, alcohol, drugs and of course the complete details will be in her book!

Follow Latavia on social media. Snapshot:LataviaRoberson. IG and Twitter @IamLataiva. Facebook OfficialLatavia

TRANSMAN ZAYN SILVA SPEAKS OUT!

By Gwen Clemons -
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Like you or someone you know, Human Rights activist and public speaker Zayn Silva has had to defeat society’s norms and ‘come out’ and explain his identity to friends, family, and loved ones. Is it okay to be LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)? Is the transgender and LGB community the same thing? Does the community really have to explain itself? Is there a better way to go about any of this?

As part of the small percentage of LGB(T) members who are religious, Zayn uses his life story to connect to a diverse range of people, displaying the possibility of unity between all groups. Using his 5-plus years of experience coaching youth, public speaking, being an activist, and living more than 8 years of his life ‘out’ as a trans male, Zayn mentors, listens and shares his experiences with LGB and T youth across the United States by visiting schools and events to speak openly on LGB(T) issues. He uses his online project TransAlike to donate essentials to trans youth in need all over the world.

Zayn has also spoken at New York’s Trans Day of Action, hosted online groups, and acted as a mentor for the Gender Spectrum and Happy Hippies Foundation, all of which have given him the opportunity to work with people of all ages and identities. He has also been a guest speaker at high schools in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio. Zayn is coming to a city near you to continue his outreach to parents, students, teachers, and others to educate them on the LGB(T) community, how we can create more safe spaces, and how to become effective allies.

Model Of The Month Brandon Avant

By Gwen Clemons -
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Model: Brandon Avant

Photographer: Dacori Jones Instagram #501pluscori

Designer: Bruce Davis Clothing Company/22nd Element #22ndelement

 

 

AnDERECCO is “One to Watch”

By Gwen Clemons -
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Anderreco from a small town, where I was raised in the church under the Missionary Baptist doctrine. Being black and gay was not acceptable. When I turned 19, I started dating a guy who was 31. He taught me to live. His family was more accepting of our relationship than mine was in the beginning. I wrote about our relationship in my first book, “Who Can I Run To?” Writing it was very cathartic for me.

anderreco-photoshootI feel that when I write, I write for the black same gender loving voices that are mute — those that want to express but don’t. Those silent voices are my inspiration. Growing up reading the work of E. Lynn Harris and Lee Hayes helped me to shape myself and refuse to live a lie my whole life. In that same way, I want everyone to read my work and say I know this person, I am this person. Black gay representation is so small, especially in the state of Mississippi, due to fear of losing family, friends, and jobs. So I feel that it is part of my calling to give voice to the voiceless and let it be known that it is okay to be yourself.

 

Memphis 10! ARE YOU READY FOR B.SLADE?

By Gwen Clemons -
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blade-logoOn Saturday, December 18, 2016 at 5pm CST on KWAM AM 990 The Unleashed Voice Radio Show will interview B.Slade LIVE in the studio (B.Slade formerly known as “Tonex”). The Unleashed Voice Radio Show and The Unleashed Voice Magazine are proud sponsors of B.Slade album release and concert in Memphis, TN  on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

On Sunday, December 18th at 1:30 pm B.Slade will also make an appearance at Cathedral of Praise Church located at 561 South Prescott. Senior Pastor Dr. Darnell Gooch, Jr. and the Cathedral family welcome all to attend this highly anticipated praise experience with the phenomenal musically gifted B.Slade.  Cathedral Praise Church is also a sponsor of B.Slade album release and concert in Memphis, TN on Sunday,December 18, 2016.

On Sunday, December 18th at 7:00 pm, concert promoter Arean Alston presents B.Slade in Memphis, TN as he debut his new album “The Black Belt” at the historic recently renovated Paradise Entertainment Center located at 645 E Georgia Ave, Memphis, TN 38126.  B.Slade is a 3 time Grammy nominated, 11 time Stellar Award winner and one the most phenomenal artists of our present time will be live in action in the historic musical city of Memphis Tn! He’s going to do exactly what his name says “Slay” in art, fashion, music, and inspiration and You are invited to come witness and be apart the B.Slade experience. Hosted by radio personality Towanna Murrphy and Darius Phatmac Clayton this event also features opening acts from Memphis artists Adajyo, Omega Forte, Arnisha King, and comedian Bryant MoufPiece Hannah. Its also a monumental moment in B.Slade’s career as he celebrates the release of his upcoming album “The Black Belt” right before the Christmas holiday and would be the perfect gift for you your family and friends…. Get Your Tickets Now!!!

bladeB.Slade came into his new name and brand as a way of acceptance and realization. B.Slade has released several hundred songs on over 30 albums over a span of 20 years, while producing several others for both gospel and secular artists. He has won 7 Stellar Awards, A GMA Award, and received 3 Grammy nominations: one for Best Soul Gospel Album for his 2004 gold album, “Out The Box,” another in 2009 for Best Urban/ Soul Alternative Performance for his single, “Blend,” from his 2009 mainstream album, “Unspoken,” and a 3rd in 2014 for his writing and co-producing on Angie Fisher’s debut hit single “I.R.S.,” which received a nomination for “Best Traditional R&B performance.
BSlade is a highly sought after songwriter and producer for artists such as Chaka Khan, Shelia E. (“Fiesta”) Faith Evans (“Paradise”), and Angie Fisher for which he wrote and co-producing on Angie Fisher’s debut hit single. “I.R.S.,” the song was instantly a runaway hit upon debut on Stevie Wonder’s L.A.-based radio station KJLH, before going nationwide and peaking at #29 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart shortly thereafter. “I.R.S.” was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, garnering Ms. Fisher her first Grammy nod and giving B.Slade his third. He is currently working with Ms. Fisher on her debut album from Hidden Beach Records.
In 2015, B.Slade co-wrote several songs on Elijah Blake’s debut album, including the smash hit “I Just Wanna…” (which peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart) and its title track, “Shadows & Diamonds”. He also wrote and arranged the song “Unhappy” from Jordin Sparks’ third album, Right Here, Right Now, and produced comeback singles from Tisha Campbell-Martin and Chaka Khan.

The Fashion World Meet LGBT Designer “KING CARO”

By Gwen Clemons -
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pic-12Carolyn Boswell is on a mission to be a strong role model within the Black and LGBT communities. With all the negativity that minorities face in today’s society, I hope that I can inspire the youth in these communities to increase their financial intelligence, build businesses, support one another, and achieve their goals. Currently, I am working on launching my startup fashion line, King Caro. The style is business casual meets urban street wear. The mission is “to encourage you to #beyou and show mainstream society that all #DiversityIsBeautiful.”  We execute this mission by using fashion and photography to create and spread positive, uplifting images of the LGBT and Black communities into mainstream society. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, but I love it! I look forward to collaborating with other entrepreneurs and anyone who has a positive mindset.

CEDRIC GUM “HIV POSITIVE & WAITING TO EXHALE”

By Gwen Clemons -
0

For many of us, being diagnosed with HIV may come as a total surprise. Oftentimes, we’re made to believe that we’ve done something wrong, that we’ve single-handedly ruined the rest of our lives — the “end of the world” as many still proclaim. There is this societal misrepresentation of black gay men which, in turn, creates this constricted view of us and reinforces the stereotype that we are promiscuous and that HIV is primarily a “gay” disease. As black gay men, we have the power to shape the narrative and change the trajectory of this vicious cycle.

Find people to talk to. Yes, the fear that has been instilled in us has an impact on how we approach the issue of disclosure. However, whether you are newly diagnosed or someone who has been living with HIV for years, finding people to talk to is crucial. Even if you don’t know what to say or how to say it, let someone know that you need a shoulder. Make it known that you’re in an unfamiliar place and you need guidance to get through. Mental health professionals can become your best friend. Just don’t feel that you are in this alone.

Arm yourself with information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to manage your life and help educate those individuals who may be adding to the stigma with their lack of knowledge around the virus. Find out the ways HIV is spread. Educate yourself on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), the once a day pill to prevent HIV in negative individuals. Visit CDC.gov or POZ.com, along with a plethora of other sites that would be useful resource guides. If you feel that you still lack the proper understanding, refer to your medical provider for clarity.

Be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to process your diagnosis. Don’t be in a rush to tell the world. That could potentially create more issues, especially if you’re not mentally or emotionally in a place to grasp the true concept of how your life has truly been impacted. Yes, you’ll want to have someone to talk to, but do it at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to disclose when it’s not necessary.

Don’t forget to love yourself. There’s a lot to think about and various factors to process. Don’t forget the most important piece of the puzzle when dealing with life after diagnosis: YOU! Love yourself enough to take care of yourself and get the help you need.

There are many other avenues and steps that can be taken to address the misrepresentation and ever-growing stigma within the community. The stigma keeps us oppressed. It keeps us trapped in this space where we often feel suffocated and can’t move freely throughout life. Pick your head up, beautiful one. Exhale.

angela-bassettI want you to open that door and look stigma in the face and say, “Get yo’ s#!t. Get yo’ s#!t and get out!” Yes, a little Bernadine never hurt!

Lee Soulja / Visual Performance Artist / LGBT Advocate / Event Promoter

By Gwen Clemons -
0

Lee Soulja was born Lee Simmons in New York City. Raised in the Bronx, he discovered dancing as his biggest passion after winning a dance contest on the kid’s TV show WONDERAMA at age 9. At age 14, he fell in love with a new genre of music called hip-hop that was developing in his Bronx neighborhood, and began frequenting urban nightclubs including The Disco Fever (now The Devils Nest) and The T-Connection where legendary moments were happening right in front of him. Quickly catching on to all the latest dances, especially break-dancing, by the time club fever hit in the 80s, he was exploring Manhattan’s legendary venues including Bentley’s, Studio 54, The Paradise Garage, Bonds International, The Palladium, The Tunnel and The Limelight.

One night while dancing at the Palladium, a friend pulled him onto the center stage platform, where the harder he danced, the louder the crowd cheered. At the end of the night, he was approached by a man representing a new television station called MTV, who invited him to audition for a program called Club MTV. The same night, four other dancers also asked him to join them in a new dance group that promoted events and performed as back-up dancers. With that, the Club Kid/Dancer was born.

Since then, he has traveled the world, danced onstage with famous music artists, appeared in music videos, been featured in films, and performed in two Off-Broadway productions, as well as at the Apollo Theatre, Lincoln Center and other major stages in NYC. He credits his biggest influence as Willi Ninja, whose advice he followed to adopt his nickname “Soulja” as his professional name after recovering from male breast cancer, and who also encouraged him to extend his creative talents to other industries including art and fashion.

Besides his amazing career spanning 30 years as a visual artist, club performer, and promoter, Lee has also become actively involved in community work as an advocate for LGBT Human Rights and for the end of AIDS. He is also a member of the Equality Coalition and other LGBT community boards. He is most proud of the work he is doing as the Owner and Executive Director of NYC Black Pride. Besides producing the annual five day festival of cultural events, Black Pride is working in collaboration with other community groups to create the first LGBT Center in Harlem

HIV Decriminalization: HIV isn’t a Crime

By Gwen Clemons -
0

During the early years of the HIV epidemic, a number of states implemented HIV-specific criminal exposure laws. Such laws imposed criminal penalties against people living with HIV who knew their HIV status and potentially exposed others to the virus, which at the time was considered as virtually lethal. Today, however, it is possible for a patient to become virally suppressed — that is, antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the person’s viral load to an undetectable level, significantly diminishing the likelihood of transmission. While viral suppression does not mean a person is cured — since HIV remains in the body and the viral load could return to a detectable level if ART is discontinued — treatment does improve a person’s life span to nearly the normal life expectancy.
Yet now that HIV is a manageable disease and not a death sentence as it was once thought, such laws intended to criminalize HIV have not been updated to catch up with the current science. For instance, some of you may have seen stories in the media about people biting police and being charged with HIV exposure, despite that HIV is not even spread through saliva and likelihood of HIV transmission is therefore highly unlikely by mouth. Methods of transmission continue to be widely misunderstood in this way, when in reality HIV is most commonly transmitted through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. Only certain body fluids—blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk—from a person who has HIV can transmit HIV. HIV can’t be transmitted by saliva, sweat, tears, urine, or feces. HIV cannot be spread by sharing drinking glasses or by casual kissing. The risk of spreading the virus through “deep” kissing in which large amounts of saliva are exchanged is extremely low. Only one unproven case has ever been reported.
So even in this age of information, people still don’t understand the actual methods of HIV transmission — especially not enough to wield the power to pursue criminal charges over feeling threatened by what typically turns out to have been unlikely exposure to what is now a manageable virus. I blame this unfortunate reality on Abstinence Only Sexual Education Policy. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. With proper sexual education, we can achieve an AIDs free generation.
Meanwhile, who do those extreme and outdated laws affect adversely? There are definite racial disparities, as blacks are more likely to be prosecuted under these laws than their white counterparts. If prosecuted and charged, one has to register as a sex offender — just one more stigma to add to HIV as a disease. Furthermore, the burden of proof falls on the person accused of HIV exposure even though most of the cases tried do not involve any actual HIV transmission. People living with HIV are thus often denied the autonomy to freely make decisions about their bodies, relationships, and children — fundamental rights sought by the Reproductive Justice Movement.
We need to update these laws that criminalize HIV and help to further stigmatize and marginalize people living with HIV. HIV isn’t a crime! Please help advocate for HIV Law Modernization. No one deserves to live in fear of disclosing simply because they may be punished unjustly for their diagnosis.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR QUEER PEOPLE OF COLOR #GIVING TUESDAY

By Gwen Clemons -
0

Relationship Unleashed Need Your Support with a Tax-Deductible Donation
#GIVINGTUESDAY is November 29th, 2016
Relationship Unleashed is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that envisions the world where all Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people of color are welcomed in an inclusive and affirming society.

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The LGBTQ Community will need your financial support more than ever considering the uncertainty and political climate we will be entering in 2017. Nonprofit organizations such as Relationship Unleashed will be the only lifeline and safe-haven for many gay and queer individuals who may be forced to confront the opposition at work, at home, and even in their respective religious institutions.

We understand that one way to confront prejudice and intolerance is through education and open forums for discussions.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2016, we are seeking your commitment to helping us achieve our goals for 2017 with your generous tax-deductible donation.

Our mission is to use your gift to help fund the following programs: FREE MONTHLY COMPREHENSIVE EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS, THE UNLEASHED INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN, PEER-TO- PEER MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE, HIV/AIDS HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR, TRANSGENDER 101

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#GivingTuesday.
Make a contribution today by visiting www.relationshipunleashed.com

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