AUG 2022
ISSUE #023 SHORT & SWEET
a word.
AS ANOTHER PRIDE SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE, I'M REFLECTING ON MANY THINGS. WHY WE DO THIS WORK, HOW WE DO THIS WORK & WHO WE DO IT FOR. EACH YEAR IT FEELS AS THOUGH WE MOVE THE NEEDLE THREE STEPS FORWARD AND MAYBE TWO BACK, BUT IN MARSHA'S HONOR, IN SYLVIA'S HONOR AND ALL THE FOLKS WHO CAME BEFORE US AND DIED NAMELESSLY- WE PRESS FORWARD. FOR THE PEOPLE YET TO COMEWE PRESS FORWARD. TO ALL OF YOU OUT HERE FIGHTING THIS FIGHT- KNOW YOU OWE NO ONE ANYTHING BUT EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE. BUT THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING WITH ME. I SEE YOU & YOU ARE LOVED!
THIS MONTH WE FEATURE, MY BABY! AND OLD FRIEND, TODD "PEACHEZ" CRAY'S NEW ALBUM. THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE ILLEST. AN INCREDIBLE, UNAPOLOGETIC TALENT OUTTA NYC- CHECK 'EM OUT.
TamaraSanaaLeigh Editor-In-Chief
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX WEBSTER PHPTOGRAPHY
COVER DESIGN BY BRITTAN HARDGERS
I FACE THE WORLD ELIJAH NICKSON
I can face the world and of all of life Living, breathing, constantly in motion through time Sometimes wishing to escape but never forever The hard times, that keeps me together Gaining strength day after day Just to dive into the next without delay I look at the world often with questions And then myself, considering my own reflection This world has issues, many left unsolved No one to blame or pity because I face the world with peace and boldness Waiting with hope and faith for him who shows us
Sydney Hall
Peace for Kayden to Rest
Mel Howard
Kayden Sade Addato 02/18/1992 – 07/14/2022 Kayden Sade Addato born on the 18th day of February in 1992 was born in the month of “love” and passed the month of “independence”. Kayden spent 30 years on this earth fighting with his mental health and substance control. Kayden was a native of Lynchburg, VA a partner, and an unapologetically Black Queer Transman who unfortunately died by suicide on Thursday, July 14th 2022.
MEL HOWARD
Thrivingtransmenofcolor@gmail.com
As the community mourns his death, we say his name “Kayden Sade Addato '' in hopes it can raise awareness of the lives of LGBTQIA+ People of Color. Mental health issues exist and unless we as a community end the stigma against mental health care, we continue to lose members of value, members of love and independence. Unless we reach out and let others know how much we love them they may be gone too soon to hear it. We say Kayden’s name in hopes we will never ever have to bury another proud community member! We are saddened that he is no longer here with us but we will thrive another day for Kayden and for ourselves because we are so much more than what the cisgender heterosexual community can see.
R E V E O WHOS
IS
NOT
ED M A H S A
is not r e v e o s o hrist….wh C f o e g a eedom, r s f s e , h m t u e r h t t f lk about a place o a t shall n i s ’ m i t e e v h i l L n ! o o s t g h y Greetin r believet pportunit e o v e e d the o h s n t o a s h a w W h e , J d h t e asham ween the t ipture sai r e c b s e e c h n t e on him. r r p e o u f F f i l “ l d a . c e o v n t o and l to all tha r there is n o u F aved. . h s c d i e e r b m s i l a l h l a l s h a a not be e Lord s ord over h L t e f o m a e s m r the n the na o p u l Greek: fo l a c l l ) s 10:11-13 oever sha s n o a h m w o r R o ( F de the u l c n i t o at does n h t d o G ns. This h o t i i t i w d a p i r t h s onflicted a relation c f o o t el left e s s f s n e o s i c d t c l a a o t i m e You hav or the lim prejudged s s n ’ a e n m o u e h welcome m f o o o t s t s t n e e e r e i s m judg do not m d who de o o h G w o take e t e h s t e v o t a h o t h n e t r s s i is whe y. You ju o and that j d d n n i a h e , e b l along to l c a t a f e g e p l n i , r t e i o v a o out ily with l as been w h m a e f o you. t H s i e e l H s b u a o l a t i c a n e i you d Him b at are av r h a t w s o e t s i p e m st f the pro o the first t n e m l l i fulf in which e d l h r t o w u o e y h offer haos of t c e means h t t i e t m u o b c , r t i ve ivious to able to o l b e o r st and a e u r r e t a w a e , w h e t v i t With fa ean tha it. We ha m y t b o n n s w ubled, e o o o d r d t d t e e I r h . a g i e v e e i we l o when w e to be w v g a o h t ved is t a e o s c n a l g o p n i d e a e b that w ord and offers us o L t a e h h t t p n i o you do. S sh g n s n o i a i l l t t a a l s C e u j r . a d grows n nd broken a a your , s d e h e v t i i l n i w a t i p m t , i u d i H b afra an trust counter, c n e stand u o c e i Y t n a . o t d y s o n a G a r t not just Don’t le o hard fo ! o s t e s g s n e i c h c t less and u o t s i n e m s i i h l t e s r i o e t th ing. God secrets k e n i h h t t m d o e r t f their limi f whole life for you! o e m s o u o a r c e h b g u ay than eno e in your w r o m s a He h
n o t s in W . R i n o R . s Mr
JULY 15 2022
NEW ALBUM ALERT
Listen: https://linktr.ee/Peachez
Well Hello World, I'm Peachez. A rapper, songwriter and actor. It is with great pleasure that I introduce my highly anticipated EP, Short N Sweet. This project is VERY near and dear to my heart because it's my 1st professional project that I've dropped after my move to NYC. This project is not just a roller coaster ride, its a whole amusement park! It's really a unique experience that I feel everyone can relate to and enjoy. Classic NY beats mixed with cadence and consistent word play makes this project original and one of a kind. If you know my history, you know I love to write and I love making magic out of words and this project focuses on that.
z e h c a e P He/She/They
Just A Reminder
TRANS MASCULINITY IS
BEAUTIFUL Brittan@ngmt18.com NGMT18 www.NGMT18.com
CHANGING HISTORY IS A MuST
NGMT
ROC PRIDE PARADE 2022
W.AVE NGMT HOUSE OF GIANNI
ROC ANCESTORS
VISIBILITY
IS JULY 2022
POWER
Being in the parade with my brothers was a historic moment for all of us. Never saw myself being out in the open and being exposed to the world. We have sacrificed our own safety to show the world that we are no longer afraid of their judgments and will continue to live our lives to fullest. We are here to stay and you hear us. -ALEX D
Ngmt means a lot to me because I don’t have to hide my identity like the generations before me. I can be a trans man and be proud. A family member had to move out of state to become his true identity. I am able to live in a safe place with support from my fellow brothers and sisters.RYAN M
Being on the back of the truck made me feel as if I had the whole city hyping us up. Since then I feel more connected to my transformer family and I Love it- CORI M
e d i r P
I felt included being able to take part in the Pride parade with NGMT and honored to be able to actively participate. It meant a lot to me -FABIAN I always Love and enjoy standing for myself through NGMT and standing with Brothaz-ZENITH I Standing with the NGMT as a group for parade meant alot to me. showed me I’m not alone there alot more man around then I thought that is proud of who we are -TOMMY C
Being on the back of the truck made me feel like more of a celebrity than what I'm already am. Felt good to be sharing that moment with my brothers. I felt free and accepted. I will do it all over again. -ASHAD H
2 2 20
To me seeing that ngmt truck in the parade let me feel a sense of validation in the community. Being a transman is saying I’m happy I chose to live my life for me and happy for me. ALEX T IIt was a vibe-HARDY BROS Excuse my language but being on the back of that truck made my Dick hard! The crowd, the chanting ,the Unity! We were one! And the photos made use look like Superheroes ! The real “Transformers!” I’ll never forgetting that day . Thank you Brothers for accepting me and loving me unconditionally. I love you all back! 🫶🏾✌🏾💪🏾☝🏾- REN L
s n a r T d u o
o r &P
NGMT18 NGMT18 NGMT18.com.
Did you know:
NGMT IS THE 1ST TRANS MASC BLACK & BROWN LEAD ORGANIZATION TO MARCH TOGETHER IN THE ROC, NY PRIDE PARADE!!!
We will continue to stand and uplift brothers world wide. Visibility is Power. The unifying of Black & Brown men like never before; written on our own terms. We will continue to promote self love, self endurance, healthy self esteem practices, mental and emotional support. We value the creation and need for brotherhood, understanding the importance of brotherhood in this thing we call survival.
We don't strive to break barriers & bring change
NGMT18.com.
I can still feel the energy released as we shouted ALL TRANS LIVES MATTER as the crowd repeated after us. The eyeballs popping out of sockets, as folks actually processed what was before there very eyes. *A truck load of handsome Trans Masculine men living in our true authenticity. The conversations that still flow to this day, Yoo B "I've never done anything like that before in my life. That was amazing!
NGMT18
NGMT18
WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT & FOUNDER BRITTAN HARDGERS
WE DO IT
Did you know: NGMT IS THE 1ST TRANS MASC BLACK & BROWN LEAD ORGANIZATION TO MARCH TOGETHER IN THE ROC, NY PRIDE PARADE!!!
CORI MOQUETTE
#BECOMINGCORIETHAN Writing is my blessing and it’s my curse. I either know what to right about or I don’t. Being an open Trans masculine man in 2022 is a blessing and a curse. Being accepted all around town and educating others, is one thing. Then constantly looking over your shoulder left and right making sure your not being targeted like Paloma Vazquez, or Keshia Chanel Geter, who both were shot faintly. I walk with my head held high for those other 19 victims (that are reported in 2022) who aren’t here today with us today. I don’t know about you but I’m a proud Trans man of Color. Ever since I’ve met all of my amazing mentors, I’ve haven’t been able to view life anymore clearer! The way their love flows for one another all throughout the atmosphere, just gives me chills. The amount of times I’ve been stuck in idiotic situations and either Britt or Alex would help me figure it out. I’m just beyond thankful for y’all. Becoming Cori Ethan definitely wasn’t for the weak and may or not have taken a village to raise me, but I was up for the challenge. I’ve lost family members, friends, aquatints, etc… over my journey and me choosing me to survive, and I’m okay with that. 100%. I’ve also gained family members, new friendships, as well as new connects. With the new family/ support system I have now is better than ever. We are all on the same type of time, with the same mindsets, encouraging each other to do better and I love that for us. The love in the ROC LGBTQ+ community is beyond welcoming and filled with beautiful people of all kind. It’s like you’re a kid in a huge candy store and your parents say “ you can have what ever you want”. Just in heaven, right? So yeah I was Super psyched about ROC Pride. Being at and in the parade this past month has made me view my life a bit differently . As I was interpreting “TRANS LIVES MATTER” in ASL (EQUAL ACCESS BABY)with my brothers on the back of the truck made me a bit emotional. Like “ why did it take this long to feel like I’m at home, this is where I belong.” I don’t think I’ve shut up about Roc Pride since. Another thing is, SOOOOOO many people of all unique kinds where with it, supporting us Trans males and were being educated while enjoying such things like a parade. I learn something new everyday. Someone new everyday has questions for me and I try to answer them to my best ability and if I can’t that night I’ll do the research about my self, like y’all don’t get how much y’all helped me grow into the man that I am today. Cori Ethan. I thank those who support me and go outta their way to learn more about Transgenders and how to support us, ME better. I thank my support system 110%, without y’all, I don’t know where I’d be. Follow me on Insta for more on my journey: BecomingCoriEthan--
JUSTICE FOR
Davon Davis
CALL TO ACTION:
Davon Elijiah Davis of Rochester, NY, born on October 6 of 1998, was a man of few words. He was a kind soul, looking out for others and consistently putting them before himself. Assigned female at birth, Davon was no stranger to adversity. However, his heart of gold remained unscathed until the day of his passing. Artistic and full of hope for the future, he never failed to brighten the days of those he loved most. At only 23 years old, he spent his days working to provide for his family and was never in trouble. At around 7:00 am on March 19th of 2022, Davon was tragically hit by a driver impaired by the effects of alcohol on his way to breakfast with family. A little over four months have gone by and we, as his family, are still seeking justice. July 27th, we were informed by the District Attorney that the grand jury has declined to prosecute the man responsible for vehicular manslaughter. We were not informed of any court proceedings taking place. Still confused by conflicting points of evidence, our family is in mourning but we are ready to pursue justice for our beloved Davon. We are disappointed and enraged at the justice system and seek due process for a sweet soul lost too soon. His story is worth telling and we will continue to tell it in his honor. We appreciate being able to tell a piece of his story to the world through this magazine.
JUSTICE FOR
Davon Davis CALL TO ACTION: WHAT THE FAMILY IS SEEKING:
Son
Davon's story not be forgotten, SAY HIS NAME! A Criminal Atty to review the case & help navigate the system An acknowledgement & apology from the driver
Partner
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Nephew
Email the Monroe Co, NY DA's office & demand they re-open the case:
Artist
districtattorney@monroecounty.gov
Hardworker
Contact the NYS Attorney General's office & ask they evaluate the case: Share Davon's story
Friend
(You can share from the Blaque/OUT Mag FB page)
TransMasculine Man
8/2 2pm Watch the family's press conference on the Next Generation Men of Transition FB page.
Human
THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON
Rochelle J Photography I’ve had several conversations lately with my nephew, Benji, about the state of our community and the world. He often refers to those who’ve come before him ‘foundation builders’. Those words weigh heavy on my soul like the weights on a dumbbell. It is the recognition that this journey in life is not just about us as individuals. It is the greater responsibility of the generations to follow that makes me question myself. Have I done my due diligence? What is my reasonability and does it ever end? Do I wake up one day and no longer feel responsible for the development of the young ones? I have to ask myself if my peers and I are failing them in some way. In an age where social media is King and our younger generation seems more interested in likes than in change, shouldn’t we contribute to the changing of the narrative. We seem to be lacking in passing down the knowledge of the struggle and the successes. Historically, this is how we impressed upon our young people the richness of history and heritage. Our community is being attacked, our rights and liberties being stripped away, and our culture is being ignored.
It is vital that we pass on to the youth that there was a time when living as your true self from our community was unheard of and that in order for us to not slide back into that closet, we must meet our adversaries in the very places that they don’t want us. We must be present in the voting booths, the judges’ benches, the political offices, and anywhere else where we can directly impact the change we want to see. To have a say in what happens to us we must be in places of power. We, the ‘foundation builders’, must engage in those conversations with our future foundation builders and more importantly, we are going to need to show them. Show them that we can not be apathetic in our journey. We should never stop sharing the history of the struggles, the successes, and the culture of community. We must handle the treasure correctly. I’ve learned a lot in these past few months by talking to my nephew and I pray that he’s learned some things from me. Do an old man a favor today, if you’re one of the youngins, have a sit down with an older person whom you respect and ask them to share some of their pearls with you. And if you’re a foundation builder, find a youngin’ whom you see yourself in and ask them to share with you about the journey they are on. The time for a bridge in the gap is much more important than the width of our differences.
BUT WHAT IF THAT’S NOT ME? IMMANI LOVE
Picture the scene…Sex Education class, the teacher speaks of relationships, marriage, anatomy, and of course intercourse. You happen to be the 12 or 13yr old girl who has a crush on the teacher, a woman. Watching as she leans over her desk, excited by a glimpse of the lace bra that is barely peeking out her slightly unbuttoned blouse. As you listen to her go on about how she thinks dating should go and gets to the part about a boy kissing a girl and your stomach gets queasy. The image of a sweaty, pubescent boy groping at you, smelling of too much Axe body spray, and the cheap cologne he drenched himself in to try to impress you is literally making you sick. “Can I get a pass to the Nurse please?” Across the room, a boy of the same age is staring at the muscular jock that sits in front of him, memorizing the nape of his neck, how that one curly lock of his hair wraps around his ear. Smitten by the way his tight jersey hugs his biceps. He’s lost in the daydream of the moment the athlete wraps his arms around him in loving embrace rather than his rude comments and bullying that has been their actual daily interaction. He tunes into the teacher just as she talks about the softness of a girl’s breasts and the moistness of her vagina. Bile creeps into his throat. “Can I get a pass to the bathroom please, I feel sick.” As both children walk down the hallway, they each think to themselves, “I know that’s what’s ‘normal,’ but what if that’s not me?”
Can I get a pass to the bathroom please, I feel sick
Unfortunately, this is the feeling that millions of teens are subjected to in the current education system that doesn’t really have a place for LGBTQ+ youth. There are very few schools that even still address sex education at all and even fewer that include the queer community. These teens don’t get the opportunity to see anything that represents their sexual identity except on TV. The pressure of being a teenager and trying to “fit in” is compounded by the reality that not only should they not have to fit in to any preconceived idea of identity, but this is supposed to be a time to figure out just who they really are. Gender roles, gender identity, and sexual preference aren’t supposed to be based on society’s concept of normality. Queer is not synonymous of weird. One thing that this most recent Pride season has shown is the larger number of younger attendees to Pride festivities trying to express themselves as authentically as they can with little to no guidance from the education system. We need more inclusive sex education.
Inclusive programs are those that help youth understand gender identity and sexual orientation with age-appropriate and medically accurate information; incorporate positive examples of LGBTQ+ individuals, romantic relationships, and families; emphasize the need for protection during sex for people of all identities; and dispel common myths and stereotypes about behavior and identity. There are still some states where sex education itself is outlawed so where is the hope for the LGBTQ+ youth in those places? How do we avoid alienating these youth? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth need and deserve to learn in settings that are inclusive of their experiences and that give them the education necessary to stay safe and healthy. Far too many LGBTQ youth are sitting in classrooms where their teachers and textbooks fail to appropriately address their identities, behaviors, and experiences. Nowhere is this absence clearer, and potentially more damaging,
than in sex education. It is our responsibility as adults plnot only offer a safe space for them to learn but to thrive and this is not just for the parents of these children but for our community as a whole. Because as far as you know, it could be your child, niece, nephew, or grandchild, walking down that hallway saying to themselves, “I know that’s what’s supposed to be ‘normal,’ but what if that’s not me?”
***If you want to help in your community a good resource is contacting your local chapter of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network or The Human Rights Campaign in your city. Ask how you can help.
IMMANI LOVE SHE/HER @IMMANILOVE
WE are BROKEN, BEAT DOWN, TAKEN FOR GRANTED, USED BEYOND REPAIR yet we still find a way to let our HEARTS MEND with time. see BEAUTY grows even when there is little to no light in our minds, hearts and souls. We LIVE ON DESPITE what they try to TAKE FROM Us. see they want to STEAL OUR THOUGHTS and break us down to the pieces they can use for their personal gain. What they do not realize is that it is our blood, sweat and tears that CREATEs all of their precious MASTERPIECES and if we stop it stops everything. We are BLUEPRINTs to their way of life and We stand for everything they could give us credit for. They highlight their chosen few but it takes all of us to make the world go round from the worker bees on up. We speak up on injustice and we get silenced for speaking up but when they speak up we listen to the word choice. See we internally reflect on who they call “gal” or “girl” and who they refer to as mr and mrs.wondering am i thinking too much into this. Once They speak to us as if we are under them we know to stay silent because when we speak up they say “don’t ever bring up race when it comes to… they continue to try to enslave us with their tongues and we continue to blossom is the mist of hatred and it angers their soul to see us win. see our voices could never be silent because it vibrants too loud. We are Inferior to small minds and deceptive tactics and we furlish in all conditions as one. See there is power in numbers and when we all come together the truth comes out. Let's uncover the secret robes hidden in locked closets.
I've Got Your Number DOREEN SCANLAN We are surrounded by numbers everywhere. Phone numbers, addresses, pins and many more. We are even identified by a number to the government. The Universe takes it a step further and shows us that we can convert numbers associated with us to indicate personal characteristics and tendencies. We all fall into one of 9 birthpaths according to Numerology. As a Professional Intuitive I use those numbers along with tarot cards to guide people in their lives. To determine your own Birth Path just follow these few simple steps. It is based on your date of birth. Example : If I was born on April 5 2002 I would find it this way. April is the 4th month so 4 + 5+ 2+0+0+2 = 13 then you reduce that to a single digit 1+3 = 4 . So I would have a 4 Birth Path. What I am doing here is to take each Birth Path number each month and do a tarot reading for each one to give you guidance of what you might expect energetically during the issue month. I hope you enjoy reading yours. A new addition for 2022 I will include a keyword for you for the month to incorporate and build into your affirmations. If it is not the positive version of the word , look to find the opposite and turn it around. If nothing else, look at what you believe about that concept.
1 Birthpath: Keep your eyes open for opportunities coming your way. It looks like there may be a price to pay in exchange. The Universe is asking that you let go of things that no longer serve you in order to receive the things that do. You may need to emotionally distance yourself from things that you previously made a priority. Refocusing your attention towards where you are going and what is yet to learn needs to take precedence. Time to change your perception on how to best bring about the results you seek. Keyword: Delegate
2 Birthpath: Those things that don’t make you smile need to start having less influence in your life. If they aren’t adding to your ability to be happy you don’t need them. Time to seek some advice from someone who you respect that can show you a better way to find the lifestyle that suits you best. This is the time when you should be connecting with your authentic self. Ask yourself why you aren’t. It might be a good idea to take a break from your life as you know it and spend some time with you. Do something fun. Maybe even something you enjoyed doing as a kid. You are spending too much time in your head and not in a good way. Time to consider a new job or living situation. Keyword; Research a new path
3 Birthpath: It is time to expand your mind. Is there something new you would like to learn about? Now would be a good time to start. Get out and enjoy some sunshine. You might get inspired. Then sit in the moonlight and try to connect with where you are emotionally. This is definitely a time for fresh starts and expansion. You might even want to pick up a project that you started a while back and never finished.You might look at it differently now. This could set you on a path of doing the same thing with other things in your life. Take a fresh look with fresh eyes and see what you can create now from the person you have become instead of the person you were when you started it. Keyword: Opportunities
4 Birthpath: Leave the past behind and look around you and see who is supporting you moving into your future. Surround yourself with those who share your sense of freedom and joy. Working with them can turn a job into an adventure. You know that idea that you have been thinking about? Maybe the idea for a business? Now is the time to start thinking about bringing it to life. There is now time like now to create a plan that works for you and can also help someone else. Keyword: Security
5 Birthpath: Is there someone in your life that holds a position of authority over you that you have been wanting to have a conversation with? Now would be the time to make that phone call or send that email. You may be very surprised at how well it is received. That person appears to be ready to fix something that has been out of balance between you but didn’t know if the timing was right. If you initiate the conversation it might be just the thing they were waiting for. Find that little bit of courage you need to open that door. Keyword: Friendship
6 Birthpath: Search for opportunities to learn new skills. What will make you more marketable? You may surprise yourself by finding ways to work smarter, not harder. You have way more potential than you give yourself credit for. Learning doesn’t have to stop when you leave school. The nice part about adult learning is that it is usually your choice instead of someone telling you what you need. Look for someone that can direct you towards what you want . Keyword: Get unstuck
7 Birthpath: Trust your intuition . This is a great time to explore your creative side. Find others who like the same thing and see what you can create together. You may find that you have more in common than you even knew. It is time to start making things happen instead of just reacting to the things you are handed. If you are going to work on something, make the best of it. Don’t let others talk you out of it. This is your life. Live it to the fullest. Keywords: Listen in the silence
8 Birthpath: Splurge on yourself a little this month. You work hard. You should get a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There is a part of you just waiting to emerge so give them the space to shine, Get away from people and situations that restrict your freedom at least for a little while. Take a leap of faith and try something new. August is a time to give yourself permission to run free. Keyword: Intuition
9 Birthpath: Your intuitive , spiritual self wants ways to express the positive energy inside you. It is very important this month for you to find a connection with Mother Nature. Whether that is weaving walks into your daily routine or planning a getaway to a park or a lake or even the ocean. Mother Nature is feeling neglected by you and wants her child to spend some quality time with her. It will serve you well while you are there but will also give you a better outlook when you have to return to your regular routine. Clean out those dust webs in your mind and breathe in some fresh air Keyword: Green light
Doreen has been doing Intuitive Tarot readings and spiritual work for over two decades and is available for private readings . Text 585-615-8494 for details and availability. Any feedback on how these readings have helped you would be appreciated.
@2022 BLAQUEOUT MAGAZINE
