MESSAGESummer 2018 In The Meantime Men’s Group The Premiere Organization for Black in Los Angeles Summer 2018 MESSAGE

editor and publisher PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Jeffrey C. King

Yoga and Meditation • Holistic Wellness Clinics • 12 Step Recovery art director Meeting • A Visit from The Doctor/General Health Education/ Alan Bell Medical Updates • Mylife Mystyle Health Education (Three photography Bryan Allo Empowerment Sessions) • The NIA (Purpose) Health Education Jeffrey C. King (Three Empowerment Sessions) • Brothers Reaching Brothers Jesse Knowlin Weekly Social Discussion Group • MENtorship: Mentorship national advertising 4 10 Rivendell Media Initiative • BoiRevolution Youth Initiative • The 50+ Social Support 1248 Route 22 West • HIV Testing/STD Screening Linkage • Case Management Mountainside, NJ 07092 board of directors • Community Outreach/Condom Distribution • Game Night/Social Joel Byrd, M.D. Hour • Project Elevate (Social Justice Advocacy) Garry Gregory Jeffrey C. King Roger Quinney, Ph.D. ANNUAL EVENTS: Earl Wooten Kwanzaa Celebration • Anniversary on the cover Jamari Fundraiser • Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month • The Black Party • Umoja 16 28 Three-Day Empowerment Retreat Message is published quarterly • National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness by In The Meantime Men’s Black Pride: A Thing of the Past � 4 Group, Inc., 2146 W. Adams Day • Pre-Pride Celebration Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018-2039. Mailing address: ������������������������������� 8 Box 29861, Los Angeles, CA Fashion 90029-0861, 323-733-4868, [email protected], inthemeantimemen.org www.inthemeantimemen. André Leon Talley �����������������10 [email protected] org, Facebook: Jeffrey King. © 2018 In The Meantime Men’s Just Jamari �������������������������16 Facebook: Jeffrey King Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 323-733-4868 The slogan “Creating Unity ���������������������22 and Affirming Our Common Brandon Blake 818-441-1216 Testing Hotline Bond” is a trademark of In The Meantime Men’s Group, 2146 W. Adams Blvd. Inc. Views and opinions Chris Webb �������������������������24 expressed in this publication Los Angeles, CA 90018 are not necessarily those of ITMT. Publication of the name Niza Jay �����������������������������26 or photograph of a person does not indicate the sexual orientation or HIV status of Isaiah Green ������������������������28 the person or necessarily constitute an endorsement of ITMT. or its policies. Message is designed for educational Stacking Contrasting Styles ����30 purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. Welcome Home ��������������������34 Some photographs in this publication use professional models. ‘Genitalic’ Tells the Untold �������36

Summer 18 MESSAGE 3 Black Pride: A Thing of the Past We Got Lost Somewhere Along the Way

By Jeffrey C. King and national visual artists reserved space to exhibit their paintings, ride is a manifestation of photography, and handiwork. Friends, something powerful felt inside. family, and allies rallied around as we PThere was a time when the sky celebrated us. seemed to open up and thousands We raided the malls up until the of proud Black LGBTQ people would last minute looking for that perfect descend into the City of Angels. outfit to show off at the clubs—that’s It was a time when many came clubs with an “s.” We had established out of the closet feeling supported club nights—venues that were owned, by the powerful wave of OUR music, run, and managed by Black LGBTQ culture, artistry, and the electrifying people. There were lines down the energy created when we all came street and wrapped around corners. together. We seemed to be more There was rarely a need to cross powerful. Wilshire Blvd. other than for the In Los Angeles, At The Beach thousands of Pride seekers who was the mecca and respected hub desired to visit Hollywood and other for all official Black Pride activities. LA landmarks. We were gifted with the literary We spent countless hours in the café that showcased our literary gym working on those stubborn love giants from around the country handles in preparation for the Black with the written and spoken word. Pride centerpiece beach party. The Filmmakers from around the world infamous Malibu Beach Party and would showcase their movies that Catch One Disco will go down in the exposed and celebrated our varied annals of American history as national lived experiences as Black and treasures that will never be forgotten. LGBTQ. Health service agencies Names like Dwayne Bremond, came together to offer health-related Wendell Carmichael, and Michael resources and referrals. Our local Flowers became legendary. As the

Summer 18 MESSAGE 5 years progressed others would come to share their talents and resources. In the Meantime Men’s Group ANNUAL BLACK GAY MEN’S WELLNESS MONTH Dwayne fell ill and the will host the literary, cultural, arts infrastructure of the organization and wellness components of the began to waver. After numerous 2018 July 4th Weekend. attempts to salvage the once shining star for Black Gay LA, it is saddening established Pride celebration yet. to say that Los Angeles no longer has OWNING IT! Yes, it is a new day and the youth a Pride celebration on the same level of today will find a way to celebrate as those in past years. just as we did. I would be remiss if I MIND, BODY, SPIRIT didn’t recognize the efforts of local t 59, I am able to sit back and promoters providing parties and club smile upon the memories cre- ———— THE POWER SERIES ———— events for the youth who are here ated over the 20-plus years of A today. August 7: Opening Reception LA84 Olympic Foundation Black Pride celebrations here in Los It is my hope that they will have August 14: Owning My Mind 2141 W. Adams, LA, CA 90018 Angeles. From time to time, my BFFs more to be proud of as the years prog- August 21: Owning My Body f @BlackGayMensWellnessMonth of 30-plus years and I get together ress. I see more and more young Black August 28: Owning My Spirit www.inthemeantimemen.org and almost always the topic of Black LGBTQ people continuing to come out Pride comes up. We recall the days All sessions: 7-9 p.m. 323-733-4868 every day. Our Pride will continue even when LA was the most desired des- if it doesn’t look the same. tination spot for Black LGBTQ Pride FREE TO THE PUBLIC celebrations in the world. Jeffrey C. King is Founder and Executive Somehow, we lost our way Director of In The Meantime Men’s Group, and we haven’t made it back to an Inc.

Members of the community gather for In The Meantime’s “Where Is the Pride” panel presentation.

6 MESSAGE Summer 18 Fashion

Fashion Starts FASHION with a Blank Canvas

ummer in Southern California. A time to look up at the sky, enjoys dancing, writing, music, interior design, and, of course, fashion. contemplate our astrological signs, and be thankful for the He is followed by Brandon Blake, a Leo, who enjoys hiking, Ssunshine that’s a touch nicer than the nice weather we are modeling, dogs, and drinking wine; Chris Webb, an Aries, who’s into blessed with all year long. Summer is as much a state-of-mind as it is designing clothes, soccer, modeling, photography, clubbing, and a season. It’s a time for pool parties, picnics, and pride celebrations. A traveling; Niza Jay, a Gemini, whose passions include reading, music, time for road trips, beach parties, backyard barbecues, and, of course, and playing with clothes; and Isaiah Green, a Taurus, fashion. who can be found dancing, playing games, This Message Summer Fashion section begins with André Leon writing, and involved with the performing arts. Talley, a Libra, and a fashion icon for over a half-century. It was Talley Besides voyeuristic pleasure, part of who introduced to the Taiwanese Canadian designer the purpose of a fashion issue is to inspire Jason Wu from whom she bought her inaugural gown. In 2007, Talley readers to embark on new ways of was ranked 45th in Out magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Gay Men and thinking about their own wardrobes. Women in America.” This year, he is the subject of a new documentary, Beyond style tips from the pros, past The Gospel According to André, by filmmaker Kate Novack. what are said to be this year’s trends, The section ends with a profile on Winnie Stackz, an Aries. Com- each of us must come to a place that pared to Talley, to whom Stackz pays tribute as inspiration, he’s a new- we find comfortable. There are no kid-on-the-block. Still, he’s already one of L.A.’s most-sought after rights or wrongs here. Whether stylists, whose work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue the beach or the backyard, and W magazine and has styled several Hollywood celebs including we can make it our own Kelly Osbourne, MTV’s Amber Diamond, and Queen USA Hailie Sahar. personal runway. Head up In between we meet five of In The Meantime’s very own high, shoulders back, eyes fashionistas, ready for sun and fun, captured by photographer Jesse straight ahead—and walk. Knowlin, a Capricorn. First up is cover model Jamari, a Taurus, who You better walk.

8 MESSAGE Summer 18 FASHION André Leon Talley From the Segregated South to the Forefront of Fashion

By Alan Smithee and it was rough going at first. It’s very intrusive, it’s like you are ex- André Leon Talley has been a fixture posed, like chest surgery. It’s like you in the world of fashion for so long that open the cavity of your chest and you it’s difficult to imagine a time when expose yourself on a surgical table. I he wasn’t defining the boundaries had no idea what it was going to be. I of great style. In the new film “The just trusted Kate enough and became Gospel According to André,” very trusting of her, her trajectory, her filmmaker Kate Novack takes viewers sophisticated research, and respect on an emotional journey from André’s of my story, of my life. She delved roots growing up in the segregated into the past enough to impress me to Jim Crow South to becoming one of continue to go through with it. the most influential tastemakers and fashion curators of our times. You’re someone who has spent a great deal of time on camera, but When Kate first approached being in a documentary is not the you about the documentary, how same thing. did she explain what she wanted It’s not the same. I’ve opened my to do? heart and my soul and my life. And Well, first, Kate and I met through I am a very private and shy person, Vogue—first they went through Vogue, although I come off as a very flamboy- because I had been interviewed ant person. I use clothes as armor; by Andrew for “The First Monday clothes are my security blanket, in May,” and I had been the sort of and my clothes and outfits are my ambassador for that film at a few armor against the world of the chiffon screenings. So, it was through the trenches. So the documentary has auspices of Vogue that Kate came been a very enriching experience. I to me with Andrew. I loved “The First think it’s a very sensitive and extraor- Monday in May,” and so I felt it was dinary and yet elegant story of my the perfect fit. If Kate had not come life, as told by Kate, but it was very, through Vogue, I might not have said very brutal for me to continue to go ‘yes’ so quickly, and I don’t regret that through all the machinations and all I said yes. the sit-down talks and everything. It’s totally different from being on a talk- Did you have any idea of what show or panel or being interviewed by to expect from the experience? Charlie Rose on PBS with Karl Lager- No. I did not have any idea about feld. It’s all very different and it’s very, what to expect from the experience, very challenging and overwhelming,

Summer 18 MESSAGE 11 but I think that it’s a document that subjects would agree with you on she wanted to do, a story she wanted that. to tell and I’m glad that I did it. Now, I think you think that’s funny, but that’s not funny! That’s What was it like the first time a very important point. In the world you saw the film? of style, in the world of Vogue, of Oh, the first time that I saw it, what that world stands for. But, Brothers I was just elated to be there with nevertheless, I opened my heart and I friends, to see some of the glori- opened my life and I opened my home BRB ous images and see the way Kate and I opened my history and opened threaded the narratives through the all my friends. The people that are sophisticated research she had done. in the doc are the people that are of Reaching Her research is phenomenal! She had great value to my life. gone back and researched, contex- tually, my life story from its humble The film does dig amazingly beginnings all the way to Brown deep. But it never tries to pigeon- [University], my theses and reviews hole what it is you actually do. I from when I went to Paris and the wonder how you describe your Brothers great shows of Yves Saint Laurent in career. 1978. That was very wonderful for me; As I’ve always said, I am like Social/Discussion Group it was an enchantment, but, at the an upgraded airline associate. This same time, an experience that I would is me being superficial about who I consider—I’m not a vain person—mi- am. I look at myself as “coffee, tea IN THE MEANTIME WELLNESS croscopic. A documentary is meant or me.” I always try to create, in the 2146 W. Adams, Los Angeles 90018 to be truthful and it is Kate’s story, it is environment of whatever I’m doing, definitely her story, but, being so cre- be it fashion editorial or a talk in front ative in my life, and an editor, I would of 400 people or whatever it is that Every Tuesday for the Past 20 Years have, in hindsight, made a contract to I do, it has to come from a world of 7:00-9:00 p.m. have a full make-up artist on hand at grace. I try to create a style moment all times! Having come from the world through grace. The grace of great Chill on the patio. Relax in the parlor. of Vogue, part of the armor is that you manners, the grace of politeness, the Enjoy great music and have a healthy meal in the main hall. are professionally groomed and, on a grace of kindness. I tried to create a cold, bitter morning in North Carolina, world of grace in my assignments at that was just me coming out and I... Vogue, in my editorial essays. I always Dialogue and Fellowship with Brothers of All Ages from All Around LA would have had a makeup artist. look for a moment of grace. The Free and Open to the General Public documentary, and I don’t just mean I think a lot of documentary mine, but documentaries are brutal, www.inthemeantimemen.org • 323-733-4868

12 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 13 they are honest and candid. I think on this earth because of grace, and that I accepted that I had to feel that I I try to project that. That’s what I’ve was going through that. always been and always strive for, and And what is it that I do? The I learned that from my grandmother world doesn’t keep me here for my and my family, my immediate family— looks; they keep me in the world of my aunts and uncles, my mother and 2146 Vogue and in the world of Martha father, all my kin—we grew up in a Graham, where I performed The world of grace. Owl and the Pussycat, the world of The West Adams Numero Russia, where I was Editor- It does seem like, as a culture, in-Chief for a year, they keep me we’ve forgotten the value of things Group for my knowledge and my ability to that are elegant, that are well- create a zone or a Zen moment within made. the framework of my assignment. I Elegance is always right at your approach the world with a sense of fingertips. I learned from my men- grace. Grace is a very important word tors—Mrs. Vreeland and Mr. Fair- in my life, and I try to express that to child—I learned the luxury of clothes others, a sense of grace, and grace is from Mrs. Vreeland, the luxury from style. Grace is not a lack of sensitivity. inside out. The most luxurious thing Grace does not exist in our culture about a garment is the lining. I learned today. Everyone today is uncivil to from Mr. Fairchild, a great man, a each other, rude, bombastically brilliant man who was my boss, how rude, insulting. The culture has been to analyze and look at clothes and seriously affected by “45”—that’s the quickly analyze clothes the way an 45th President of the United States— art critic would analyze paintings. You 45’s cultural attitude, and his stance have to read and read and read every- on insulting people. Women, men, thing, from Balzac to Jean Cocteau to gold-star mothers—it all comes from Gustave Flaubert. You have to listen the culture. And I mourn that culture, I to all of the great musicians—Bach, mourn the lack of civility. Beethoven, Mozart, Duke Ellington, All When I came up in fashion in Mr. Coltrane, Billie Holiday. Everything 1974, the fashion world was different; is of great worth in the inspirational Fellowships it was a world of extraordinary style moment of achieving a state of grace and grace. It is no longer a world of through knowledge! 12-Step style and grace and civility. It is a rude world of commerciality, power and— It occurs to me, when you Recovery Meeting that’s fine—people have forgotten mention our current President, that how to stay in touch with each he is the antithesis of this idea of other as friends. Loyal friends have grace. Which makes it so important One Hour sometimes marginalized each other that the film shows you on Election and they’re too busy to emotionalize Day and after. It almost feels like Speaker/Participation Meeting and say to friends, “How are you?” two worldviews crashing against and respond to emails. And I’m guilty each other. of the same thing. And, so, what I Absolutely. I am silent on Inau- 2146 W. Adams Blvd. do is that I am a conveyer of grace guration Day, I am stupefied, but I am Los Angeles, CA 90018 through the world of style, and I can’t resilient, and it shows on my face the say what it is that I do. I do many deep emotion. The only thing I can On-site Parking things, and I don’t do everything the say is that the First Lady represented same every day. I do podcasts for the role of the First Lady beautifully Vogue, I interview the celebrities on in the Ralph Lauren couture and the Every Saturday the red carpet at the Met Gala, I’m a gloves and the shoes—everything historian of contemporary couture. was perfect—that’s all I can say about 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. I’m walking through grace and I’m that.

14 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 15 FASHION

Just Jamari Legendary both In and Out of the Ballroom Scene

By Greg Wilson

Jamari is an entertainer, model, dancer, designer, stylist, ballroom scene legend, house parent, fiancé, son, brother, teacher, role model, mentor… and the list goes on. Jamari wears many hats, and he likes to make sure each hat worn is even more stylish than the last. Most people who try to describe his greatness conclude with, “It’s just Jamari!” Jamari, which is a name he overheard years ago and instantly fell in love with, is an open book, and anyone who meets him will surely never forget him. His presence and passion is felt from the moment he walks into a room, and it’s inevitable that he will continue making a strong impact on people’s lives. Life Born and raised in Los Angeles, in 2017—to teach him the valuable Jamari knew at a young age that he life lessons that aren’t always easy was different. He always had a vivid to come by. This unexpected loss, imagination, and his concept of reality among others, reminds Jamari that was much different than the other tomorrow is not promised and to live kids’. each day as if it’s his last. Jamari inherited unbelievable His zest for life came from his strength, much of which came when survival and resilience through the Jamari remembers losing his father. things he didn’t know he was strong The baby of five brothers and one enough to stand. He realized that sister, Jamari was only six years old cards will keep being dealt, life will when his father was shot in the heart continue having obstacles, and things while being robbed and died on his wont always go as planned, but the way to the hospital. Jamari depended hardships we face will never be more on his mother—who he recently lost than we can handle. He maintains this

Summer 18 MESSAGE 17 approach to life by living in his truth *A house is an extended family almost seven years. Many would say and within his means. that provides support to individuals it’s hard to find a good, quality man, “I’ve been fortunate to have who may often feel ostracized or but Jamari was lucky enough to find developed a strong support system,” abandoned because of societal his dream guy and life partner on Jamari said. “When I look for support, oppression. Many times the house Jack’d. I look to my LOVE—my partner, my structure will consist of house parents “It went from what was best friends, and my friend Greg and house children that replicate supposed to be a moment and Wilson has also been a strong what’s considered a “normal” family it turned into a lifetime, and I am support in my life for many years.” structure. The ballroom community thankful every day I get to wake up is a subculture; it’s a lifeform and next to him. I had trust issues, so a collection of creative people I surely had to take a leap of faith Dance and houses that come together to to find out he was my Mr. Right. I A lot of people became familiar connect, belong, and also to compete haven’t had a doubt about it ever with Jamari through his dancing. in multiple categories in a competition since,” said Jamari with a smile. He has an extensive and impressive called a ‘ball.’ In ballroom, there’s a professional resume that continues to place for everyone to belong. Whether grow. it’s as a spectator or competitor, it’s a Future “My dance career began at the community and family. Ballroom is life When Jamari spoke about his age of 17 when I booked my first vid- and it gives life,” says Jamari. legacy, he says he thinks about all of eo which was for Christina Aguilera. He goes on: “I was introduced to his amazing kids that he has helped It seems from there my career just ballroom by my cousin Jr. Ebony and mold. They have the potential to lead took off! Every music video, live show, Clifton Ferragamo. I remember they the future generations and share the movie, TV show I’ve had the opportu- were voguing one day, and it intrigued things he has taught them as they nity to be a part of became highlights me. I asked them to teach me the begin walking in his footsteps. He and proof that my destiny was being elements and it captivated me to the wants to be remembered for his love, fulfilled,” shared Jamari. point where I incorporated that into compassion, selflessness, work ethic, When asked about some of those my style of dance. The very first ball I and creativity. highlights, Jamari listed Saturday remember going to was the Toxic Ball, “Advice I would give to the Night Live, Honey 2, Fat Albert, Leave and I’ve been a part of the scene ever generations coming up behind me It on The Floor, Be Cool, videos with since.” is to stay true to who you are; know Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, and Jamari is legendary both in and happened with me caring about and your worth (and if you don’t know, KeKe Palmer, to name a few. He then out of the ballroom scene. I asked for people that I felt connected to. It take inventory and find out); be added, “Keke Palmer and Liekeli47 Jamari what being legendary means started to build and grow and before I patient—when the time is yours, you are by far my faves so far that I had to him and he responded, “It means knew it… we had developed a strong will know. You can’t rush perfection, the opportunity to work with.” that I have not only put in time and family that happened to have talent and all of God’s creations are made Other people may be familiar with effort to become legendary, but I have beyond measure… and that’s how we perfectly. I believe everything I have Jamari from fantasizing about him showed up and showed out every came in and dominated the ballroom been through in my life was for a as he go-go dances at the hottest time I hit the floor and it hasn’t gone categories for years,” shared Jamari. reason, lesson, or purpose and I clubs, parties, and events around the unrecognized! I went from following Jamari doesn’t think there are wouldn’t change any of it. I have no country. examples to setting standards. I am specific things that qualify you to be a regrets. The things I had to encounter Jamari shared, “Many people recognized for my talents nationally parent besides your lived experience, or overcome made me strong, he always ask me if there are any and have made a name for myself.” along with a passion to help, support, said. challenges being a go-go dancer and Jamari is an extraordinary father and guide other people. He said it’s Jamari paused for a moment having a partner/fiancé. There are no of his house, and with his leadership just kind of something you’re born and then added, “Just be happy! Live challenges I can identify. I think that’s his house has been awarded House with. Either you can do it or you your life. Live in your own truth and because we communicate, and we of the Year time and time again. This cant. It’s definitely a strong and very not by what others expect from you. have amazing trust for one another.” speaks volumes about the work he important commitment that’s not Be patient and know that your path is has put in to elevate the lives of those always easy. just that. Live your life with no regrets. House looking up to him for guidance and Love hard and be happy.” direction. Love Though the definition of a House “To be honest, in the beginning Greg Wilson is the author of Metamor- might be different for each person, I wasn’t open to being a house Jamari has been in a relationship phosis of a Heart. He can be reached at the simple explanation is as follows: parent…lol, I think it kinda just with his partner and fiancé Jaylen for [email protected].

18 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 19 JAMARI

20 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 21 BRANDON

22 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 23 CHRIS

24 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 25 NIZA

26 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 27 ISAIAH

28 MESSAGE Summer 18 FASHION

Stacking Contrasting Styles Winnie Stackz Moves from Stylist to Style Architect By Victor Yates

n the summer of ‘97, the little black “It is my biggest accomplish- dress was reimagined and turned ment as a stylist. Pepsi flew us out to Iinto a garbage bag suit in Missy and put us in the Dorchester Elliott’s music video for The Rain. Hotel. The staff greeted us with cham- Along with the inflated latex garbage pagne in the lobby. Fashion houses bag, Elliott was styled in a gold showered me with gifts. Before leav- bicycle helmet-like headpiece with ing Los Angeles, I pulled looks from rose-colored lenses, black matching Gucci. Originally, I wanted to pull five gloves, and gold hoop earrings. Nine- looks, but they said to take more. It year-old Winnie Stackz watched the cost ten thousand to ship the gar- video captivated by the transformative ments to London.” power of fashion. It was a complete His eye for detail on the shoot look from top to bottom and helped with Elliott created an additional un- him to develop his aesthetic for foreseen opportunity with Gucci. They styling. allowed him to pull more clothing for In an interview with Message, the a campaign in Lumiere magazine fea- stylist stated, “I like to bring a whole turing model and Internet personality look to life. Some people are mainly Nash Grier. concerned with the clothing. I am After six years of styling, Stackz concerned about the clothing and has transcended from stylist to style the accessories from the hat to the architect, and his name is a testament shoes. That separates me from other to that. Winnie is a nickname that car- stylists.” ried over from his time playing football Missy Elliott’s looks from her in high school. Stackz refers to his futuristic music videos stayed in his style aesthetic. He likes to stack con- head throughout the early 2000s and trasting styles together to construct into his adulthood. Fast forward to an outfit; for instance, a masculine February of this year, when another leather jacket with a lace dress, a client recommended him to Pepsi and nude illusion or a pink satin jacket the company booked him to style El- with a graphic print T-shirt and orange liott in a Super Bowl commercial. Chinese lantern earrings.

30 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 31 1.577 pt

Brian had his HIV under

control with medication.

But smoking with HIV caused

him to have serious health

problems, including a stroke,

a blood clot in his lungs and

surgery on an artery in his

neck. Smoking makes living

with HIV much worse.

You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

His vision for styling has allowed fashion influencers like Dapper Dan, him to amass a lengthy client roster. June Ambrose, André Leon Talley, Other clients he has worked with and Edward Enninful. #CDCTips include: W magazine, Xscape, Outside of fashion, he loves to Robert Richard, Don Benjamin (from watch movies. He often returns to America’s Next Top Model), Cameron Boyce (Disney actor), Devin Druid (from 13 Reasons Why) Angel Brinks Want to Be a Stylist? (from Basketball Wives), and Tokyo Winnie shares a few tips for Stylez (wig maker for Nicki Minaj). those wanting to be a stylist: “Styling is 10 percent glamour and 90 percent hustle and bustle. m Some stylists who start out One outfit can come from 10 different crash and burn. Hit the ground shops and five different places in LA running and let your passion for a pant, jacket, shirt, shoe, and power you. ring. You have to set appointments m Don’t let your clients run you HIVHIV alonealone and deal with traffic. Some clients crazy. Get contracts signed. think garments show up on a rack. I It shows them that you mean didn’tdidn’t causecause thethe like hard-to-obtain pieces.” business. This helps if anything He continued, “Eighty percent is stolen or lost. of the time stylists go to fashion cloggedclogged arteryartery showrooms or fashion PR rooms, where designers from all over the his most favorite movie, The Fifth world are in one space. You can learn Element, for inspiration. John Paul inin mymy neck.neck. about the designers. You can get Gaultier was the wardrobe stylist for clothing on loan for red carpets or that movie. magazine photo shoots.” SmokingSmoking withwith Technology has helped him stay Victor Yates is a writer, editor and writing up to date on the pulse of fashion workshop instructor whose debut novel, A Love Like Blood, was recently released by HIVHIV did.did. across the world via Instagram. When Hillmont Press. His website is victoryates. seeking inspiration, he opens the app wordpress.com. You can follow him @ Brian, age 45, California and scrolls the pages of his favorite writervicyates.

32 MESSAGE Summer 18

Message_Brian_5.5x8.5.indd 1 5/29/18 11:12 AM The AMAAD Institute (Arming transitional housing support services Minorities Against Addiction & that will lead to permanent housing. Disease) wants to be part of the Potential occupants should be solution. The newly opened House of prepared to participate in weekly Resiliency (aka Big Momma’s House) house meetings and regular is AMAAD’s grassroots unconditional engagement with AMAAD’s Linkage loving response to the housing and Navigation Coordinator and crisis among younger adult Black Licensed Mental Health Clinician. gay men. AMAAD hosted a ribbon AMAAD will also facilitate referrals cutting ceremony entitled “Welcome with other support agencies, including Home” on May 25, 2018 with several employment training providers. Welcome Home important community members At the House of Resiliency, drugs and stakeholders in attendance to and alcohol are absolutely prohibited. celebrate the occasion. While individuals are expected to a AMAAD Opens House of Resilency In addition to a tour of the pay a standard low-cost occupancy family-style transitional home, fee, the AMAAD Institute is committed aka Big Momma’s House community partners were introduced to working with individuals on a case- to AMAAD’s growing team, who by-case basis to ensure success. By Carl Highshaw Far too many rotate daily, back-and- will support wrap-around care and Pending space availability, forth from one house to another— services. AMAAD’s House Manager prospective occupants can complete here is a true housing crisis in some through the kindness of their (a.k.a. Big Momma) will help ensure an online application at www.amaad. Los Angeles County, particularly loved ones, while others are forced a structured living environment that org to arrange for a house visit and Tin South Los Angeles. What’s to exchange sexual favors for a place comes with connection to other interview. Inquiries can also be made more, Black gay young men in South to sleep, their vulnerability taken services, including peer-based to [email protected] or 323-569-1610. Los Angeles are locked out of existing advantage of. With significant life linkage and navigation, recovery and support systems, intensifying the and economic stresses, many of our social support, and behavioral health Carl Highshaw is founder and executive director of the AMAAD Institute (Arming disproportionate impacts of this crisis. brothers turn to drugs and alcohol as counseling. Minorities Against Addiction & Disease). Too many of our brothers are a coping mechanism, which entraps The AMAAD Institute is He is the founder of the House of living on the streets or in their cars. them in a cycle of dysfunction. committed to providing important Resilency.

34 MESSAGE Summer 18 Summer 18 MESSAGE 35 STANDING ON THEIR SHOULDERS Assotto Saint Alvin Ailey Joseph Beam ‘Genitalic’ Marlon Riggs Essex Hemphill Melvin Dixon Tells the Untold Ed Mock An Intimate Portrait of Eight Gay Men of Color

By Victor Yates stories of queer Blacks and Latinos that are not being shared in the main- n the 80s, AIDS galloped through stream media. A One City One Pride the streets like the Headless grant through the city of West Holly- IHorseman stomping out the life wood permitted me to film a docu- in celebrated artists within the gay mentary titled Genitalic, my directorial Black community like Ed Mock, Alvin debut and my most intimate project Ailey, Melvin Dixon, Joseph Beam, to date. The documentary centers Essex Hemphill, Assotto Saint, and on life in West Hollywood in the 60s, Marlon Riggs. Rigg’s documentary 70s, and 80s for gay men. The group Tongues Untied, through its eroticism, of eight men I interviewed includes: a snapping tutorial, and commentary on dishonorably discharged veteran who the gay Black experience birthed in appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a me the desire to research the lives of Black man who avoided West Hol- artists who came before me. lywood most of his adult life and dis- Riggs died before the comple- covered he was HIV-positive there, a tion of his documentary due to man who helped organize the National AIDS-related health complications. March on Washington for Lesbian and Because of the AIDS epidemic, the Gay Rights in 1979, a puppeteer who LGBTQ community lost thousands of can pass for white but identifies as voices who could have passed on a Black, and a Black Jamaican living in rich history. And, that history is now London, who took a road trip across lost. Oral histories passed down from North America with his white partner elders help shape identity and instill in the 80s and had a tense run-in with valuable lessons in younger people. the police in California. Not only has AIDS been a factor in One of the interviewees, a fair- the erasure of Black and Latino LGBT skinned Black man, discussed the narratives from the mainstream, but three-picture identification rule for also religion, heteronormativity, and Black and Mexican men enforced by gender stereotypes. I never heard doormen at nightclubs in West Hol- the names Bayard Rustin or Richard lywood. These groups of men had to Bruce Nugent in African-American present three IDs and without them, history, and when Langston Hughes, they were denied entry. On some Maya Angelou, Lorraine Hansberry, days, he passed for white and was and Alice Walker were discussed, allowed entry into the clubs without a their queerness was not. problem. On other days, the door- As I storyteller, I aim to uncover men would use his Blackness as a

Summer 18 MESSAGE 37 hoods by white men. Hate incites and curates environments in which racial BoiRevolution presents Documentary violence is tolerated. Best Pracices I re-experienced their emotional pain as they reflected on the past be- Best practices that I learned dur- cause I had also experienced hostility ing production that could help and violence while in the city due to Message readers interested in my Blackness. After filming ended, I directing a documentary include: realized older and younger gay Black m Map out your interviewees’ re- men do not interact on a consistent sponses after shooting. This will basis to share their stories. Sharing help with the editing process. stories can help us learn from each other, create new spaces that bridge m If lack of funds is an issue, hire the intergenerational divide, and dis- a camera operator who is familiar cuss ways to heal. with editing, sound, sound mix- Overall, my goal is to invite youth S a t 7.14 .18 ing, and lighting. and elderly-specific LGBT organiza- m Be aware of the type of space tions to screenings across the country 2-6pm you are filming in. Close all for younger generations of color to FREE TACOS windows to prevent background embrace visibility, celebrate queer 5434 S Garth Ave noises, and shoot in contained identity, and practice self-care as well LA 90056 spaces to have optimal sound. as for elders to gather and pass down FREE DRINKS history and life lessons to youth. m Interview talent before shoot- ing to know what they will say. The experience from the first TRAP MUSIC planning session to post-production was cathartic. I received invaluable Ages legitimate reason to turn him away. advice from the director of 90 Days, FASHION SHOW The existence of Jewel’s Catch One Nathan Hale Williams, in the pre- 18-35 created a safe space for the Black production phase. My co-director, Only FREE EVENT LGBT community to congregate and Anthony Bawn, helped bring my vision Sexual forget the anti-Black sentiment that to reality. Without their guidance, the Health permeated West Hollywood. documentary would still be an idea in Response my bedside notebook. Table rowing up in a household I learned many best practices where politics weighed as during production that if I had known Gmuch as history, another sooner, would have helped me to interviewee worked at a young age sleep more soundly. Raffle with the nonprofit that organized the As a child of the 80s, I learned of National March on Washington for Ed Mock, Alvin Ailey, Melvin Dixon, Prizes Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. In Joseph Beam, Essex Hemphill, Assot- the sit-down interview he shared his to Saint, and Marlon Riggs well after feelings on the division between white their deaths. Twenty years later, there gay men and white lesbians during is a generation of young Black gay the planning process, and why it is men who have never heard of these important that lesbians are welcomed giants, and I hope to change that. into gay spaces. He also talked about the covert racism that he experienced Victor Yates is a writer, editor and writing whenever he visited West Hollywood. workshop instructor whose debut novel, A Their stories underscored the Love Like Blood, was recently released by erasure of the Black voice from gay Hillmont Press. His website is victoryates. BoiRevolution wordpress.com. You can follow him @ history and described microaggres- writervicyates. For updates on the sions, hate, and racism experienced documentary, follow GENthefilm on Twitter Educational component funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by men of color in gay neighbor- or visit victoryates.wordpress.com. County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Division of HIV and STD Programs

38 MESSAGE Summer 18 YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL

BoiRevolution LA’S HOTTEST URBAN SOCIAL CLUB Young Black Gay Men 18-29 Years of age facebook.com/BoiRevolution2017

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Community Outreach/Condom Distribution

My Life My Style Health Education Empowerment Series

Throw It In The Bag Drop-In Social Discussion Groups

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This project is supported by funds received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs