THE OLD MAN'S CORNER E.L. WINSTON

ROCHELLE J PHOTOGRAPHY

THE OLD MAN'SCORNER

E.L. WINSTON

Happy 2-year Anniversary Blaque/Out Magazine! I will be referencing an article from March 2021 I’m Here by Javannah Davis. Shortly after this edition comes out, I will be celebrating my 51st birthday (God willing) and this age makes you reflective just like this month’s theme. Javannah Davis’ “I’m Here” from March 2021 shares a sentiment that I can relate to. She said, “It’s frustrating that we are in the 21st century and people are still fighting to be seen and treated as human beings”. Such truth! This last year has felt like a battle. A battle to be seen and a battle to be respected that is not designed for me to be free. At every turn it feels like I have been screaming from the top of my lungs, “Living in the Light: I’m Here”!!!! With that being said, I must also acknowledge the things that have changed in our society throughout the years. Without some celebration or else we will be too worn out to continue fighting. We

have seen the legality of marriage for our community which meant that I was able to marry my wife in 2015. I can give my pronouns at work and have them acknowledged even if some person would rather not. There was a time when I wouldn’t have even been able to find or keep a job while living my truth aloud. All these things have shifted from what they once were, so there has been some way that the world recognizes that my rights as a human being. I can be heard and seen, but we aren’t all the way there yet. As I take another trip around the sun, I believe that my voice will continue to get louder, and my presence will continue to demand that I be seen and respected. My desire for my brothers and sisters is that we continue to stand and that we continue to show up as our authentic selves no matter how uncomfortable it may be for others. Just like the name of Javannah Davis column I’m planning to continue Living in The Light!!! Y'all, do an Old Man a favor, stay living and loving in your authentic selves and have a dance for me in the sunshine.

Read Javannah Davis' March 2021 article on the next page.

F R O M T H E B L A Q U E / O U T M A R C H. 2 0 2 1 I S S U E