TV & Film | Entertainment News Baby Fever is back with Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special! Since their 2021 reality show premiere, Da Brat and Judy’s lifestyles have been under a microscope. Fans have witnessed their engagement, wedding, family affairs, and most recently, their pregnancy journey. Season 3 brought its share of obstacles including a failed IVF transfer as well as lack of sperm donor diversity. In spite, the couple welcomed their son True Legend in July of this year. Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special premiers November 30 at 9pm ET on WE Tv. The 5-part special showcases never-before-seen footage and interviews providing a raw perspective on parenthood within the Black LGBT community. Though Judy isn’t new to motherhood —already having two children from previous relationships—True Legend is her and Da Brat’s first child conceived together. In a brief clip on DABRATTV, the couple announced the forthcoming special while True Legend is clawing his way to a grilled cheese sandwich. Specifically designed in chapters to invoke a storybook format, the effervescent couple will be narrating all throughout, in hopes their son will find not only enjoyment but insight from their experience in years to come. “You know it’s coming. Lock in”, Da Brat exclaimed whilst rocking her infant son. “Right True True?” Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special is Executive Produced by Tara Long, Gennifer Gardiner and Ben Mergarel of Entertainment One (eOne), alongside Datari Turner Executive Producing for Datari Turner Productions. Kourtney Smith and Sun De Graaph serve as the show runners. Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart also serve as Executive Producers on the series. Angela Molloy, SVP Development & Original Production, Unscripted and Ashley McFarlin VP Development & Original Production, Scripted Executive Produce for WE tv. Watch a Sneak Peek Below:

TV & Film | Entertainment News Gayes! MTV has unveiled the cast for their upcoming season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, and bonafide hip-hop rap superstar Saucy Santana is set to join in on the action. This season will follow Santana and Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood '' alum ZellSwag who is now openly embracing his sexuality on the show with his new relationship. Saucy Santana and ZellSwag are set to be be featured alongside returning cast members Amy Luciani, Bambi, Erica Banks, Erica Dixon, Jessica White, Karlie Redd, Kendra Robinson, Khaotic, Kirk Frost, Mazi G, Mendeecees, Momma Dee, Rasheeda, Renni Rucci, Scrappy, Shekinah Jo, Sierra Gates, Spice, Yandy and Yung Joc. This season will be after the explosive midseason finale and intense division amongst the castmates. “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is executive produced by Mona Scott-Young for Monami Productions and Lashan Browning for Antoinette Media with Sitarah Pendelton-Eaglin and Daniel Blau Rogge serving as executive producers for MTV Entertainment Studios. Additional EPs include Donna Edge-Rachell, Paris Bauldwin, Daniel Wiener, Alissa Horowitz, Mimi Adams, Gavin Lee Jones, and John Crenny. The new season of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is set to premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

TV & Film The highly anticipated musical film The Color Purple is almost here! Directed by Black is King’s Blitz Bazawule and based on the screenplay by queer poet, playwright, and screenwriter Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple will be a film adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical of the same name, which is by extension an adaptation of the original 1982 novel by legendary writer, poet, and activist Alice Walker. This week, The Color Purple screenwriter, Marcus Gardley says he aims to emphasize the romantic love between Celie and Shug Avery, played by Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson. Gardley states, “The romantic aspect between Celie and button pushing blues singer Shug Avery was very important…My pitch led off with this is a love story between two women, it was the most important thing to Alice Walker…” The popular novel primarily focuses on the life of Celie, a Black woman living in early 1900’s rural South, who finds emotional, sexual, and psychological empowerment from the fellow Black women in her life amidst an abusive, patriarchal, racist upbringing. The Color Purple proved to be a Black cultural staple due to its focus on Black womanhood/sisterhood rather than pure race. The impact of The Color Purple led Walker to be the first Black woman to be awarded with the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983 and an 11-time Academy Award-nominated film adaptation in 1985. In addition to the novel’s examination of the relationship between race and gender, The Color Purple also explores sexuality. In the story, Celie meets blues singer Shug Avery, her arranged husband’s long-time mistress, who offers her the love she never received outside the familial love from her sister Nettie. Throughout the novel, we see their love take shape into a compelling, intimate sexual relationship. Coming from a place where consensual sex was absent in her life, Celie is now allowed to safely navigate her own sexuality and emotions alongside the security and warmth of her lover Shug Avery. From this connection, Celie fully embraces not only her sexuality but her entire self outside the confines of the male-dominated, abusive dynamics she’s used to. However in the 1985 film, although there was somewhat of a conspicuous level of intimacy shown between Celie and Shug Avery, played by Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery respectively, their romantic connection was severely downplayed, culminating to a mere kiss. Steven Spielberg, the director and one of the producers of the original film, even admitted to “softening” the relationship between the two significant characters. (Source: Ser Baffo) In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he says: “There were certain things in the [lesbian] relationship between Shug Avery and Celie that were finely detailed in Alice’s book that I didn’t feel could get a [PG-13] rating. And I was shy about it. In that sense, perhaps I was the wrong director to acquit some of the more sexually honest encounters between Shug and Celie, because I did soften those. I basically took something that was extremely erotic and very intentional, and I reduced it to a simple kiss. I got a lot of criticism for that.” When asked whether he would change anything he responded with, “I wouldn’t, no. That kiss is consistent with the tonality, from beginning to end, of The Color Purple that I adapted.” (Source: Warner Bros. Pictures) However, according to Gardley, “In the original film, there was not enough romantic love between Celie and Shug. I wanted the love story to be prominent and didn’t want to brush over that these two women are in love.” In short, The Color Purple is a Black, lesbian story. Period. The world, especially Black, LGBTQ+ viewers, absolutely deserve to see the romantic relationship between two of the most central characters in The Color Purple finally be actualized on screen. The Color Purple will be released in theaters on Christmas Day! Gayes, guess we'll have to see how things turn out in the movies!

Life & Experience | Advice It’s that time of year. All over America, we prepare to gather together for all kinds of seasonal meats, pastries and all the uncomfortable conversations we can stomach. That’s right. It’s the holiday season and that can only mean holiday parties and family gatherings. We love our families but there are landmines at so many Thanksgiving dinners, and while everyone is different, there are themes that we see. I'm Rachael Kates, the Level 20 Brain Cleric, a licensed master social worker, therapist, and coach here to walk you through a few of the difficult personalities that members of the queer community encounter when we spend time with our families and coworkers over spiked punch. I’ll give you some perspective on why they behave the way they do and make sure that you have tips, tricks and tactics that I would give my clients for how to deal with these difficult people before you head off into the holiday fray so you can have some ideas to help you cope if you’re confronted with any of these problem personalities over the mashed potatoes. The Homophobic True Believer The Homophobic True Believer is a staple of the south but true believers are like pizza and beer, you can find them everywhere. The true believer is your “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” relative, your “Love the Sinner Hate the Sin” relative, your “Trump is a messenger of God” relative, the loving but offensive “Very concerned you’re going to burn in hell” relative, and of course the “Well bless their heart, it’s so sad these gays will never know the Lord’s love” relative. The Homophobic True Believer is a warrior of their god and they are out here, fighting like hell for your soul. You’ve had the true believer in your life long enough to know, they aren't going to magically stop believing and no amount of cajoling or yelling is going to convince them. Often, the homophobic flavor of a true believer thinks: God said it, I believe it, that settles it. If you try to fight them? You’re not just fighting their worldview, you’re fighting them and their higher authority and these people are in it to win it. I know that it can be tempting to meet the true believer with science or more bible verses to counter their behavior. I know that the pull of canonical research or pointing out contradictions in the bible is a way to strike back. And if you want to do that? That is an option. But I encourage everyone who is tempted to enter into fights with a True Believer to remember that being right is a hell of a drug. And your True Believer has probably been hooked on the high of righteousness for a very long time. Ask yourself if you really think all your knowledge and your queer wrath can compete with their addiction to being sure they know all the answers. Now, you can of course engage in the battle, if you want to. Sometimes you are tired of being nice. Sometimes you want to go apeshit! (Beyoncé Voice) Sometimes the answer is yes. That's okay. We all get pushed too far. At that point, the goal becomes damage control. You do not want to burn your bridges but you also have to say something. Just make sure you're prepared for the fallout of whatever you choose. The Delusional Theorist You know this one. These are your “the gay Hollywood elite is making all media woke” relative, your “the gay/critical race theory agenda is infiltrating our schools” relative, your “trans people and drag queens are out to hurt our children” relative. Word to the wise: Do not argue with the delusional conspiracy theorist if you can help it. Hey, listen, I know they’re infuriating. I know they’re wrong. I know they’re hurtful. I know they’re extra hurtful because you love them and they are talking about you. But the reality is that your family member has fallen prey to a belief that is helping them to cope with something that scares them. What is it they’re coping with? I'll tell you. I don't know. Unfortunately for everyone, the sustaining worldview that creates a feeling of protection for the conspiracy theorist relative includes a lens on the reality that makes you - their family member - A Threat To The Ideology (TM). This creates a cognitive dissonance that can be very inconvenient for all parties involved at obligatory social gatherings. Remember that fact, and it will (hopefully) give you some compassion for them as you get through this situation which you (hopefully) will be able to extract yourself from soon. If you are dead set on engaging with them on their topic of choice, remember that approaching them from a gentle, loving place with their best interest at heart, is your best chance of getting through to them. Ask yourself “What does this person really want? How does what I believe achieve what they want?” However, be prepared to hit a wall. If or when the conflict happens? Breathe deeply. Turn the conversation to something new. Take frequent breaks. Get up and go to the bathroom. Fake a phone call. Take a walk. If you need to, leave the event. Pet the cat, make an Irish goodbye, and duck out. You can always leave anything, this month, or any time in the future, forever. It’s always your choice to stay or to go. But you will not win a fight with the conspiracy theorist. They need the conspiracy theory for their worldview. I know it hurts but this is about them and their needs, not you. This is where I would normally offer a few canned lines you can use with this personality type. The delusional theorist is the result of ideology that comes out of High Control Groups, often called cults, and it is never wise to engage with a member of a High Control Group about their ideology as this is how they recruit. So truly, your best bet is to not engage on the conspiracy side of things, but if you are interested in this topic, let me know, I’d love to do a feature on small high control groups and how these dynamics manifest in our friendships and families but that’s another story for another day. The Silent Speaker Oh, the Silent Speaker. The Silent Speaker lacks the ability to express themselves and they make that your problem in every possible way because they are feeling some type of way and you are going to know about it, but not in any type of way that you can do something about. The Silent Speaker is someone you know "does not like you because of your sexuality, gender, etc.. and they may express their disdain in microaggressions. For the Silent Speaker, my dear friends, I want you to remember that other people’s feelings are not your problem. You are not responsible for what another person thinks, feels or does. Ever! On this planet of Earth, we are all separate, individuated beings. This is both a great tragedy and a divine triumph. And when it comes to the silent speaker, who uses intentional silence to stress that they do not want to use your chosen gender/name, or mention your partner, or is very clear through their body language and tone that they are upset but won’t be specific to tell you what or how they don’t like what you’ve done. This fact is your savior. Remember, you cannot read their minds. And you are separate from them. You are not them. You can't make anyone feel any type of way. They only feel what they feel because of themselves. There’s a whole flow chart about it with bright colors about how emotions work! Come to therapy, I’ll show you. But the very short version is A Thing Happens —> The Brain Gets Info from the Thing —>The Brain Chooses(1) How to Interpret the Info —> The Interpretation Gets Translated into an Emotion —>The Emotion Gets Mixed With Thoughts —>Together Thoughts and Emotions Make a Choice(2) About an Action —> Action Is Taken. If you’re The Thing that happens? That’s the only part you play in the emotions of the other person. They had 2 different points where they could choose what to do. Both of them were in their head and neither of them involved you! So you decide what to do, on your own. You have a permit. Treat everything they say as completely sincere. Don’t look for hidden meaning. Don’t look for background. It may be there. It probably is, don’t get me wrong. But you’re trying to get through this moment with this person and that’s a Them Problem. The You Solution? Is to treat it as sincere. You meet them in a sincere way in return. Disarm them and move on through. The next step is to continue as if it didn't happen. Sound's simple. It is. It is also excruciatingly difficult. Things that are simple and effective are often very, very hard. Try moving the conversation away from you. People love to talk about themselves. “How’s work?” “What are you watching on Netflix/Hulu/YouTube?” “What are you doing for fun?” Remember, always, that they are choosing to feel this way. They could choose differently. They haven’t. That’s on them. You are not responsible for their experience, no matter how much they act like you are a problem. The Denier These people seem to grow on every family tree. Your “won't use they/them or correct pronouns”, your “calls your lover your friend”, your “constantly dead names you” relatives. They live in a world where you are still a boy. Or a girl. Or are not dating the same-sex. First and foremost? Check yourself, before your wreck yourself. And I do not mean that in a "Respect your elders" sense. I mean that in a "know your limits" sense because this person is made of “No.” And you are going to slam your head into a brick wall with them. So before you engage with the Denier, please be prepared to lose and for that loss to cost you many hit points. Be sure you can afford to lose them because the result can be messy. Now, if you still want to engage? You have to figure out why your denier is in denial. Are they denying because of one of the above categories? Religion? Conspiracy Theory? Skill issue? Terminal suggestion because they think they can control you? If so, then you can pay attention to what it is about their denial that is keeping them from accepting and chip away at it. But it is a chip. You are not going to wear down a mountain in a day. Remaining calm and approaching from a measured stance can work to chip away at the cognitive dissonance of their position and might help make progress towards eventual acceptance. But it is highly unlikely that in one dinner or party you are going to change their minds. Slow and steady is your best bet for making progress with the denier. But if you can focus on what it is they have an issue with - and it is almost always a Them Issue, not a You Issue, - you can start some kind of progress. That requires some serious listening on your part. Which sucks! It’s not fair that as the wronged party you have to do the heavy lifting. But you’re the one who wants things to be different. The denier has a warped reality for themselves. It’s nice where they live. Reality is comfortable for them. You’re the one who needs things to be different. So, unfortunately, if you want things to be different, you’re the one who has to do digging, very carefully, to figure out what it is about this reality that isn’t working for the denier in your life. And that is no guarantee that things will be better! The denier may want things you can’t give! They may want their daughter to be their daughter when they have a son. They may want to have a wedding with all the traditional bells and whistles when you are never going to have any kind of wedding but a courthouse wedding even if you were going to get marry someone of the opposite sex. They may want grandkids and even if you were going to have the kind of sex that could produce babies, you were never going to reproduce. Sometimes, the things that the people in our lives want doesdon’tn’t match what we are going to do. And denial is what allows them to function without having to process their grief. When that is the case? This is when separating our emotions from the behavior and emotions of other people becomes crucial. We are not responsible for other people’s experiences. Our choices are our own. From there it becomes, once again, a question of: How confrontational do you want to be? For this, I recommend assessing the value of the relationship you have with your denier. Do you want to keep that relationship? Is what they are denying as important as everything else? Can you reach a compromise with your denier? Do you need to set a boundary? If so, what are those boundaries? Ask yourself ALL these questions before you go meet with your denier. Be ready to hold these lines when you get there. But don’t give yourself a hard time if you can’t. This is hard stuff and it takes lots of practice. But above all, for all of these personalities, do what you need to do to be sane. Set limits about what can and cannot be discussed in conversation. And remember! Do what you need to take care of yourself. Step away. Call a friend. Go to the bathroom. Take a walk. AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS! YOU CAN ALWAYS LEAVE! ALWAYS! You need not storm out in a huff. You can live with dignity and grace, like the queen or king you are. But you can, in fact, exit stage left. So don't forget to provide yourself ways to do so. You can drive yourself home or you can catch a ride. If they are not worthy of your magnificence? Remove it from them. You have the power here. Exercise it and remember that you don't have to do so in a rage to win the encounter. Because above all, you have choices. You decide. Enjoy some radical free will this holiday season. Take control of your life and know that whether you stay and tough it out or sneak away with cat cuddles and a stolen piece of cheesecake in your pocket. This is all up to you. Stay safe out there. You are the most important person in your life. So do what you Need to do, first and foremost. Anyway, I love you, and I hope you love you too. - Rachael Kates LMSW, Level 20 Brain Cleric Book an in-person or online appointment with Rachael Kates here!

TV & Film | Exclusive Interview Actor Colman Domingo stars in his first lead role as civil rights legend Bayard Rustin in the Netflix film "Rustin". Directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by the Obamas’ production company Higher Grounds, Rustin centers on Bayard Rustin, who as a Black gay man was the chief organizer of the March on Washington in 1963 and a close friend and mentor to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although he ignited a radical movement at the time, his contributions were largely forgotten throughout history due to his sexuality and public perception. Just like the pioneering activist, the film Rustin is revolutionary in multiple ways: First, it sheds light on a severely understated figure who was instrumental in shaping the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.. Bayard Rustin informed Dr. King’s universally recognized praxis of non-violence from his own experience and teachings. From their synergy, monumental accomplishments were made that shifted the tides towards national progress such as the planning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and of course - the implementation of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Second, by centering Bayard Rustin, a Black, openly gay man, it automatically provides a fresh perspective that’s rarely seen in historical dramas focusing on the Civil Rights Movement. Both in reality and onscreen, Black progress is usually translated via a heteronormative lens. Instead, through Rustin’s activism and life, this film conveys Blackness and queerness as one amidst a culture that says otherwise. Lastly, viewers get to see an empowered Black, gay person embracing themselves in the middle of the 20th century, which was a rare phenomenon at the time. The challenges of working through anti-Blackness and homophobia externally from your community will take its toll on the psyche. Witnessing someone who not only alchemizes those challenges into strength, but by imbuing this power onto others is inspirational to say the least. Altogether, Bayard Rustin was an eclectic, idiosyncratic, multidimensional figure, these aforementioned traits are often not shown let alone applied to many of the Black civil rights figures we normally see. Colman Domingo channels the energy of Bayard Rustin and provides an electric performance that demands your attention throughout the film. Gaye Magazine received an advanced screening of Rustin and an exclusive invitation from Netflix to interview the film’s director, George C. Wolfe and lead Colman Domingo. *Spoiler Alerts Ahead* Watch Rustin now on Netflix and come back! What was the decision-making journey like with selecting which parts of Rustin’s life to include in the film? George C. Wolfe: “To me, the film is about Bayard, but also 1963, which was a very interesting year. Brown v. Board of Education…the Supreme Court said segregation is over and the South said we’re just going to pretend that didn’t happen. This was also the year that Medgar Evers was shot and killed…hoses and dogs were turned on children in Birmingham.” “In the middle of all of this, Bayard, this brilliant organizer, this out gay man who was a 1963 version of out, but out nonetheless put together a March that drew 250,000 people to Washington, DC, which was a segregated city at that time, so boundaries were being expanded [and] shattered.” “One of the things that I deeply admired about Bayard is that he understood and inspired other people that it needn’t look like you to be about you.” “There have been many marches since and he created the template.” Why do you think it was important to include the romantic storyline with the preacher Elias in the film? George C. Wolfe: “It was important to include it because Elias is married [and] a Baptist preacher, and to contrast how out Bayard was, it was important to embody the norm…a person who had to and didn’t realize he didn’t have an option other than to do what was expected of him.” “All of us juggle our personal ambitions and our sense of responsibility with our private selves. While he’s pulling together this March, under attack from J.Edgar Hoover and Strom Thormond, he’s also beginning a relationship, he’s also connected to a past relationship, he’s also taking on the people within the Civil Rights Movement who have concerns about his identity and what that might mean in a detrimental way to the cause.” He continued, “You want to present a human being who’s filled with contradictions and obstacles as much as we all are, but is magnified because of the scale of what he’s trying to achieve at the same time.” “If we as regular human beings see that, hopefully it empowers us to become the strongest, bravest, boldest version of who we are.” -George C. Wolfe. Viewers may have noticed that a major moment of Bayard Rustin speaking and giving his list of civil rights demands at the March on Washington did not occur in the movie. Was there a reason we didn’t get to see Bayard Rustin speak at the March on Washington? Colman Domingo: "We actually filmed the part where he does speak, but my director George C. Wolfe wanted to streamline the event." (It got removed) "We filmed a lot of the March on Washington, but I think at the end of the day we thought 'you could watch the documentary on that' but let's just stay with the man. If it wasn’t a point of view focused on the man of our central character Bayard Rustin, that's [why}. A director's cut of the movie has not been confirmed to be released. *Crosses fingers* Watch Bayard Rustin Speak: This is one of your first lead roles in a feature film, how did your casting as Bayard Rustin come into play and what was that experience like as lead? Colman Domingo: “It was the good fortune that I was given from legendary director George C. Wolfe who I worked with on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” “He was trying to find out who had the capacity to live and breathe and interrogate Bayard Rustin…who would take it on as a mission. Luckily he and the team believed it was me. When I got the role I was excited, but terrified, because it’s a great responsibility especially knowing that LGBTQIA+ characters are usually in the fringe of the story, not in the center.” “[For] such a complex man like Rustin, I wanted to make sure I did all that I could to tell his story in such a complex way. I didn’t want to leave anything behind, I didn’t want to leave behind his wit, his intelligence, his sexuality, his charm, his being a little messy, all of it is interesting and I think that’s what makes it a full character.” “I feel like if I did my job well, there'll be many more stories with us in the center.” What was the process like forming the personality and character of Rustin? Colman Domingo: “If you look at any video footage of Bayard Rustin, he has this Mid-Atlantic standard accent and I found out from one of his friends, he created that accent. He created himself. He was already such a formidable person from being an athlete to a conscientious objector, part of the War Resisters League, a young Communist, he played the flute, sang Elizabethan love songs. Also, the prosthetics, he had two teeth knocked out many years before and it was important to have that and important to know that he wore it as a badge of honor. “This brother was like no other, so there was no blueprint for him.” “I love researching and distilling all of that down into my body and making physical choices, vocal choices that were honoring him, but not mimicking him. So that’s how we created the character of Bayard, which is different from the way I move through space and the way I speak.” Throughout history, Bayard Rustin has been a shadow whose impact and influence on Black, queer history, by and large, has been ignored. Rustin is a timely film in that it places a relevant, missing piece of history back into the consciousness of the masses. Furthermore, as a revolutionary Bayard Rustin provides an exemplar of what it looks like to radically love yourself as a Black, gay person. Hopefully, this film not only amplifies this iconic figure but ultimately helps shed light on scores of other Black, LGBTQIA+ figures who were integral to the pursuit of Black liberation. Rustin is available to watch on Netflix. We hope you enjoy the film Gayes! Check out our full exclusive interview with director George C. Wolfe and lead actor Colman Domingo here:

Entertainment News | Business Lena Waithe is producing more than just on-screen, now she has her own strain of marijuana. Emmy award-winning producer Lena Waithe is extending her reach into the marijuana industry, announcing a collaboration with Ball Family Farms for her very own cannabis strain called FIRST DRAFT. "After 2 years of developing, I am excited to release my very own strain of cannabis," she said via Instagram. "Introducing FIRST DRAFT, a hybrid blend that ignites your inner creative flame, allowing you to move fluidly at your own pace in a blissful state of mind." The FIRST DRAFT strain is a pure hybrid, invoking effects of bliss, creativity, and calming sensations. The strain will be sold exclusively at Josephine & Billies, offering flavors: Candy, Frosting, and Fruit. Lena Waithe has always been a proud marijuana enthusiast! Her starter kit - the universal pack of essentials for dedicated smokers - includes a Stona Herb Mill in Black Walnut Grinder, and Ball Family Farms' "Nino Brown" strain. Waithe was an influencer for Gorilla Rx, one of LA's few black-woman-owned dispensaries. She was also featured in How We Roll: The Art and Culture of Joints, Blunts, and Spliffs alongside several other cannabis lovers. As aforementioned, Waithe trusts in the Ball Family Farms brand, emphasizing her exclusive use of the dispensary's products in an interview with NY Mag's The Strategist. She recalled her initial visit to the Ball Family Farm, describing it as organic and beautiful. "He [referring to founder Chris Ball] showed me the soil and the worms moving around in it', Waithe said. "He kept saying 'yes the soil should be alive'". Ball Family Farms, founded by Chris Ball, is the first vertically integrated and minority-owned commercial cannabis facility in Los Angeles. The company is among the first to benefit from the Department of Cannabis Regulation's Social Equity Program. The amount of success that Ball has achieved is quite significant accounting for the fact he faced federal RICO charges and a 10-year prison sentence for his illegal involvement in the same industry. Despite this, he has proven how things can shift, setting a precedent against the disproportionate effects of marijuana conviction within the legal system and outside of it. According to a 2017 survey from Marijuana Business Daily, 81% of cannabis business owners were white and less then 2% were black. In 2020, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that Black Americans accounted for about 38.8% of marijuana possession arrests despite representing just 13.6% of the U.S. population, all while using marijuana at the same rate as white Americans. Lena Waithe and Chris Ball now represent a shift in demographics amongst owners in the highly profitable cannabis industry. Waithe insists that her focus is creating a quality product and ensuring that people have a good experience with her new strain. Lena Waithe's FIRST DRAFT will be released on this year's Black Friday (Nov. 24) exclusively at Josephine And Billies, a Black and woman-owned dispensary in Los Angeles.

Book Review | Life & Experience Trans parenthood is parenthood! Published by Bigger Picture Books, "In My Daddy's Belly: The Story of a Transgender Dad Giving Birth” by Logan Brown introduces children to Transgender parents, opening the discussion about growing and the distinctive differences in many families. This Queer children’s title is inspired by the author’s personal stories and real life, while also supporting children to grow, learn, and develop into kind and understanding adults and people. From appearing on Glamour UK’s cover to becoming a parent and recent author– this title is a testament of drive, queer love and family. Recently released November of 2023 – throughout this children’s title the constant theme of, “It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, as long as you are safe and loved” is beautifully reiterated. Author and creative Logan Brown has set a new standard for Queer excellence and parenting. From their shared insight on social media of guiding other Trans and Queer parents to authentic Trans masculine insight and information to support any Queer person along their journey– this children’s title is a must-have. From its basic facts about transgender dads and queer families, this title amplifies Trans masculine narratives with bold illustrations that share a universal message of love. Family, parenting, and Queerness exist outside and within the marginals of what audiences perceive as normal. It doesn’t stop there– this title provides interactive questions to help jumpstart the conversation on exploring the Queer spectrum. The book even provides a list of resources to support and care for family-centric transgender charities. “Non-typical” families are often categorized as other and that identification separates great titles like this from proper circulation. "In My Daddy's Belly..." amplifies love and the importance that “Our stories are real, our families are real, our love is real.” Available everywhere, be sure to request or check out In My Daddy's Belly: The Story of a Transgender Dad Giving Birth to further support and amplify the need and want for other Trans and Queer stories. With Gaye Magazine, stay in the loop of great resources and books like this. Always remember, there is a book out there for you! Continue reading Gayes! Check out author Logan Brown on Instagram or via their official website.

Exclusive | Entertainment News | Health What does it mean to stand within the dichotomy of being black and queer? How does this intersectionality affect our mental health, and our ability to navigate it in comparison to other demographics in the United States of America? “Only one in three Black adults who need mental health care, receive it," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This is due partly to systemic hurdles including “socioeconomic disparities such as exclusion from health, educational, social and economic resources.” In addition to this, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health states that although black adults in the U.S. are more likely to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress than our white counterparts, the black community is more likely to face structural challenges to access the care and treatment needed for these symptoms. With an established home in Los Angeles, the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM) is a national organization dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities. Watch the First Episode of BEAM's Black Healing Remixed Podcast: As a grant-making, movement-building, and training institution, BEAM prioritizes holistic approaches to healing and is on a mission to incite effective change in the mental healthcare systems meant to cater to the black community. BEAM provides a wealth of resources to help black and brown bodies find a path that is most conducive to their healing. In today’s society, the work of psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists is heavily emphasized, whilst the recognition of other forms of healing are slim. BEAM serves as a reminder that there is a myriad of healing modalities available to us. A large part of the healing process is also the awareness that healing is not linear and that it takes on different forms depending upon where one might be in their journey. BEAM's Wellness Directory has resources for wherever you may be on that journey and offers support as you navigate it. It allows you to enter your state, and provide you a listing of “culturally competent” therapists as well as other healing modalities such as Reiki practitioners or massage therapists. “Number one is there's nothing wrong with you. Right? As an individual, there's nothing wrong with you. There are a lot of things in our society that are creating conditions that do not help you thrive. And so it's really our job as the healers, it's our job as community members, as peer support folks, to be helping and encouraging each other. And I think that's the biggest thing. And to know that there is no one strategy to healing.” Natalie Patterson and Yolo Akili Robinson aim to use the knowledge obtained from their work within the community coupled with their journeys in navigating their own emotional and mental well-being to bring awareness to different modalities of healing that can be unique to Black culture. Natalie Patterson who serves as the Director of Training and Programs at BEAM tells Gaye Magazine that one of the ways that the team hopes to be impactful outside of their work within communities is to initiate intimate conversations surrounding Black mental and emotional health. They hope to “bring these intimate conversations into people’s homes, into their real lives, into their cars,” and with that, the team at BEAM created the ‘Black Healing Remixed’ podcast. The podcast is meant to be “where ancestral wisdom meets today’s modern complexities. It is the front porch, the kitchen island, and the perfect seat on the couch – A place where we can come together and connect with honest talks.” "Our podcast seeks to give people opportunities to reflect, to see themselves in us, and also to know that there's a community of people working on their behalf for their wellness,” said Patterson. ‘Black Healing Remixed’ not only explores the relationship between mental and emotional health and healing but also explores other topics such as relationships. In Episode 2: “Remixing Relationships, Sex and Intimacy”, Patterson and Robinson explore the connection between our culture, our mental health, and dating and relationships. One of the themes that came up within our conversation is the link between the queer community and some of the harmful ideologies that have come about culturally. One of them being that intimacy in the queer community is intrinsically tied to how we present. “…If you have a body composition that is a certain way, in our community that means you have to align with this thing. And I think when you get in relationships, you realize that that's not true," began Patterson. "...It actually requires a lot of conversation, but we also know that we don't have good models always for that. We have a lot of heteronormative models for like how you do relationships and how you do sex, which those are whack too, just FYI. And unhelpful, right? And so like we are creating the history that we will pass on one day. And so it's really, for me, it's about unwinding those things and going, 'where did I get that idea from? Why is that the idea that it got to be this way?' And am I willing to have the vulnerable, brave conversation to say, what is pleasure to you? When you say sex, what do you actually mean?” Patterson promises that season two of Black Healing Remixed will be “dynamic” and will include a lot of round table conversations. When asked to share advice for the black queer community, Natalie left us with this: “I have no advice, but I do have love I want to pour into them. You are worthy. You are here on purpose, with purpose. There is divine intention over your life. And if you have not found the moment where you're like, "yes!", then that means you are still on the quest. And every day that you wake up is another day that you are closer to what you are here for. And I want to encourage you to fill your life up with things that remind you that you are loved. If the world around you does not feel loving, baby, we need new friends. We need new things. Like we got to get where the love is. Because you are worthy. You are worthy.” As a community, black and queer individuals lead a multi-layered and nuanced life. Oftentimes, our realities have difficulties that we have to navigate without adequate support or access to valuable resources. The Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective is a light that hopes to illuminate the multitude of paths toward healing for us as a collective. Through their work within our communities and their podcast, they intend to push towards holistic healing and transparent and candid conversations surrounding black culture. Check Out Our Full Interview with Natalie Patterson of BEAM Below:

Op-Ed | News & Opinion Former NBA star Dwight Howard has responded via his attorney Justin Bailey to the sexual assault and battery allegations filed against him in a Georgia civil lawsuit earlier this year, admitting that he and two other men agreed to engage in sexual activity. Gaye Magazine stands with victims of sexual assault and abuse. This story is layered and we implore readers to view this piece as a way to analyze it from every angle. This latest incident is seemingly forcing Howard to admit his sexuality to prove his innocence in court despite going on the record as not being gay. In recent interviews and as of this week in a live broadcast on social media Howard no longer particularly denies his sexuality but rather refuses to address it entirely. “Y’all too damn nosey worrying about what I’m doing in my bed,” Howard said. “The people who know what’s going on in my bed, they know what the hell going on with my bed and what the hell I do in it.” said Howard. “I ain’t gotta tell nobody where I put my wood at,” Howard continued…”Y’all just weird. If y’all want to know what people doing in their bedroom or who they messing with or sleeping with, you are weird, you’re the weird one.” Watch: It is obvious Howard wants to keep his sexual partners hidden from the public and is doing his best to not have to address people questioning his sexuality. To put it frankly, Howard is right about the public not being entitled to knowing who he decides to have sexual relations with. Recent news reports sensationalize his sexual partners in a way that forces him to address his sexuality, a topic he has had to constantly speak about. In July 2023, a man by the name of Stephen Harper officially filed a state civil lawsuit against Howard, alleging that in 2021 he was a victim of sexual assault and battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress from Howard. In a response filed this week by his attorney which was obtained by ESPN, Howard requested that the case be dismissed and described his encounter with Harper as consensual. Harper's lawsuit alleges he met Howard through Instagram DM in May of 2021, where they exchanged explicit messages before arranging to meet at Howard's home on July 19, 2021. While on his way to the encounter, Howard texted him to ask if another man or woman could join in on their planned sexual encounter to which he expressed disinterest. Once at Howard's home, Harper alleged they were joined by a man dressed as a woman who identified only as “Kitty.” Harper says he tried to resist their sexual advances but Howard and Kitty forced him to participate. “Mr. Harper was trapped in Defendant’s bedroom and believed that he would suffer imminent bodily harm if he resisted Defendant’s sexual advances,” the lawsuit said. Afterward, “Mr. Harper felt extremely violated and humiliated, and was in complete shock.” the lawsuit said. Harper went to the Gwinnett County Police Department a year after the alleged incident in July 2022, according to an incident report from the Gwinnett County Police Department, which was obtained by ESPN. Ultimately, no criminal charges were filed. However, Dwight Howard's attorney Justin Bailey states, "This report was made following Mr. Harper being blocked on social media and after his first demand for payment was rejected," Bailey said. Howard denied the allegations in his response, saying that the three men agreed to “engage in consensual sexual activity.” He then asked for a summary judgment, with court costs and attorney fees to be assessed against Harper. “What was a private consensual encounter was made public for profit and Mr. Howard looks forward to bringing the truth to light in a court of law,” said Howards attorney, Justin Bailey. “The allegations against Mr. Howard are contested. Mr. Howard intends to present the truth….” He continued saying, “Despite being an easy target due to the subject matter and his status as a celebrity, Mr. Howard chose to trust in the justice system and will rely on all future court filings to speak for themselves.” "This report was made following Mr. Harper being blocked on social media and after the first demand for payment was rejected," Bailey said. "We had some independent investigation to conduct and Mr. Harper had some private factors to consider," Stephen Harper's attorney Izmaylova said, "before we all felt ready to proceed with the lawsuit." This isn't the first time Howard’s sexual encounter has been in the media spotlight. In March 2019 Howard issued a response to the lawsuit filed against him by another alleged lover, Masin Elije. According to Elije, the two met at a party and entered into a relationship but eventually called it off due to Howard's infidelity. Elije then alleges that after ending their relationship, Howard used his Pastor, Calvin Simmons, to harass and threaten him into signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement and taking "hush money." "I don't know this person, never seen him," Howard told TMZ Sports. "Any allegation said about me is false." In July 2019 Howard appeared on the FS1’s Fair Game with Kristine Leahy, where he spoke about his sexuality and the allegations. "I'm not gay," Howard said. "It’s a lot of people who are and they have to hide, and there’s people who have mental issues and they have to hide. There’s people who have different problems in life and they have to hide. They have to put on the mask every day, and it’s like, I don’t wanna wear no mask, I just wanna be." A court date nor the acceptance of the case being dismissed has not yet been reported.

Music | Entertainment News Though R&B singer Avery Wilson doesn't drop new music often, he seems to hit the mark when inspiration calls. His latest single "Kiss the Sky" has debuted at No. 29 on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay Chart. Written and produced by musical duo Louis Clark, the song is lengthy approaching a 6-minute run time. A refreshing burst of love and sensual invocation, Wilson manages to sustain the embodiment of R&B that many listeners long for in today's music scene. He sings about not only pleasuring his lover but concurrently fulfilling his own desires: I'm addicted to the vibe Just want to take it slow I'm so devoted On a mission now to find All of your pleasure zones Til your body's floating His vocal range is precisely catered, with respect to the composition provided by Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony. The duo holds collaborations with several notable artists including Rihanna, Chrisette Michelle, Bruno Mars, Jessie J, sand more recently Anthony Hamilton. "Kiss the Sky" is Avery Wilson's latest release since 2020's "Smoke" and his 2019 project "8:34". Though an unconfirmed project single, "Kiss The Sky' is undoubtedly a rendition of Avery Wilson's dedication to the catalyst of his entertainment career -- his voice. Wilson made his first major commercial appearance on Season 3 of NBC's The Voice. In turn, when he isn't making music, he effortlessly proves why he doesn't always have to --by showcasing his chops through other mediums. As Gaye Magazine previously reported, Wilson is presently cast in the Broadway play 'The Wiz' as the scarecrow; a role famed tout de suite by the late singer Michael Jackson who was cast in the 1978 film. “Vocally he cannot be touched. Vocally Avery needs to be protected,” said Kandi Burruss, a member of the musical’s production team said to the Washington Post. “He is one of those artists that’s just been amazing for years.” Via Instagram, Wilson shared footage how his castmates surprised him with a celebratory event for his new single. "Yesterday night after leaving the theater finishing our 7th preview of The Wiz, I walked into my hotel truly speechless", he exclaimed in the caption. "This cast is much more the just a group of colleagues, they are my family." Listen to "Kiss the Sky" below.

Exclusive | Entertainment News | Health Positive Impact Health Centers (PIHC) has announced that the one and only Bob The Drag Queen, is set to grace the stage as this year's Party With Impact comic. The annual fundraising event is dedicated to raising funds for the agency's LGBTQ+ healthcare, HIV care and prevention, and supportive services in the bustling metro area of Atlanta. Scheduled for December 30th, the event will take place at the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with the show starting at 8 p.m. Olivia Chelko, the Director of Development and Communications at PIHC, expressed her excitement, saying, "We are thrilled Bob has agreed to do a benefit show for us. Please join us for a night of laughs for a great cause benefiting Atlanta and our efforts to end the HIV epidemic at home." Exclusively Watch Bob The Drag Queen's Announcement Below: Bob The Drag Queen is no stranger to the limelight, having won the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" on the eighth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Since his victory, Bob has made waves in the entertainment industry, securing multiple acting roles with powerhouse platforms like HBO, Netflix, Sony Tristar, MTV, and VH1. Among his numerous accomplishments, Bob is a prominent part of HBO's first unscripted show, "We're Here." His talent and charisma extend beyond the stage as he recently released his second comedy special, "Bob The Drag Queen Live at Caroline's," available now on iTunes. Bob also co-hosts "Sibling Rivalry," a popular podcast, with his drag sister Monét X Change. Positive Impact Health Centers, with over three decades of dedicated service, has been providing comprehensive care to those affected by HIV. Their service area encompasses the greater Atlanta 20-county metro region, boasting two pharmacies and four conveniently located centers in Chamblee, Decatur, Duluth, and Marietta. The services provided by PIHC cover a wide spectrum, including HIV specialty medical care, HIV testing and counseling, prevention programs, PrEP and PEP, emotional wellness and recovery programs, medical case management, pharmacy care, and a range of supportive services. Positive Impact Health Centers is dedicated to serving over 6,000 patients annually, recognizing that well-being requires a comprehensive approach and individualized plans to help individuals thrive. Furthermore, PIHC is committed to ending the HIV epidemic by fostering a collaborative spirit, working towards a common goal in the city, across the state, the nation, and abroad. As previously reported by Gaye Magazine, Positive Impact Health Centers has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. This announcement is a significant achievement, making Positive Impact Health Centers the only AIDS service organization in Georgia to receive this prestigious recognition, As the Party With Impact 2023 approaches, the call to action is clear: help support the work and buy tickets to this extraordinary event. By attending, you not only ensure a night of laughter and entertainment but also contribute to the ongoing battle against HIV in Atlanta. To purchase tickets and learn more about Positive Impact Health Centers and their mission, visit Ticketmaster here or PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org.

News & Opinion | TV & Film Richard Roundtree, “Shaft” star and iconic pioneer of the “Blaxploitation” genre died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 81. According to Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn, the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away at his residence. The legendary actor was considered the first Black action hero beginning with his lead role in the Gordon Parks film Shaft (1971). In the film, Roundtree plays private detective John Shaft, who is hired by a Harlem crime lord to find his kidnapped daughter. Due to the film’s commercial success, which notably saved MGM Studios from bankruptcy, Shaft forever shifted the Hollywood perception towards Black films and Black leads by proving both were worth investing in. “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film…The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated” -Patrick McMinn In addition to his groundbreaking impact on film, Roundtree also pioneered on the small screen in the Fox comedy-drama Roc (1991 - 1994). The Black-led TV series focused on Baltimore garbage collector Roc Emerson and his wife Eleanor, a nurse. On the show, Roundtree plays Roc’s uncle Russell Emerson. In the Season 1 episode, “Can’t Help Loving That Man”, which aired on October 20, 1991, Russell “comes out” as gay which was mostly met with confusion and disapproval among his family. It is worth noting that 1991 was during the height of the HIV/AIDs epidemic, which had a devastating impact on Black communities nationwide and generated mass stigma that connected gay men to HIV making this scene revolutionary at the time. Additionally, considering the fact that Roundtree’s most notable work was tied to a traditional Black, masculine image, portraying an openly gay man in the early 90’s was virtually unprecedented. Further in the episode, Russell not only comes out as gay but reveals he will be committing to his partner, Chris, who is shown to be a white man. The marriage/commitment ceremony ends up taking place in the home of the Emersons, culminating in the first same sex wedding on primetime national television. In the early 90’s, same-sex marriage was illegal and essentially unheard of with only 10-20% of Americans actually supporting it. At the end of the episode, Roc says he’s not comfortable with his uncle as gay, but he’s learning to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable” marking notable progress with the acceptance of Russell as a gay man. After the airing of the episode, Russell appeared as a recurring character throughout the series which further delved into his life and relationship with his partner Chris. This scene marked a historical turning point for the depiction of gay characters on TV as fully fleshed-out people with a life beyond just their sexuality. Programming such as Roc, especially in the late 80’s and early 90’s helped lay a foundation to come for the fight for acceptance and rights of LGBTQ+ people on screen and in reality. Richard Roundtree’s prolific and influential impact on Black and queer culture will forever be remembered across generations to come. Rest in Peace to such a pioneering talent.

News & Opinion A’nee Roberson of Northwest Washington, a 30-year-old Black transwoman, was assaulted and then killed near Nellie’s Sports Bar, a popular LGBTQ+ nightspot in Washington, DC. According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC), on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at approximately 4:20 a.m., District officers were alerted in front of the 900 block of U St for a person lying down in the roadway. The officers were informed that Roberson was assaulted and then struck by an oncoming vehicle. She was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead. “She was accosted by some individuals that assaulted her, which led to her running and ended ultimately to her getting hit by a car,” says Earline Budd of HIPS, a harm reduction advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries and the manner of death a homicide. Investigators determined that the initial assault is the reason which caused her to end up in the roadway. The driver of the car, who was not involved in the assault, remained on the scene, and cooperated with police. Police have not said why the assault may have taken place near Nellie’s since the sports bar closes at 3 a.m. on the weekends and 2 am on weekdays. (Source: Facebook, It'sA'nee Johnson) Detectives are working to identify the suspects who assaulted Roberson and also looking into the possibility of bias due to Roberson’s transgender identity. The police department’s special liaison branch, which handles bias crimes, says they will be investigating all aspects of the homicide. The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia showed 129 offenses were investigated as potential bias crimes last year. Five resulted in prosecutions with enhanced penalties. One ended in federal hate crime charges and several are still pending. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved with the assault and murder of Roberson. Roberson grew up in D.C and worked as a character escort with Six Flags of America and was also self-employed. She was known by friends and family as a positive and kind person. “You lived, you laughed, and you learned. You were a given light into so many people’s lives…a whole new experience and perspective and it’s unfortunate the events that occurred. But every moment leading up was a pure blessing, just knowing and becoming familiar with your essence. We love you, miss you, and will never forget you. Rest in peace, our beloved” - Fifi Olarinde (Source: Facebook, It'sA'nee Johnson) Roberson’s murder occurred less than two weeks after Skylar Harrison, another Black transwoman, was found dead in Marvin Gaye Park in Northeast Washington, DC. A’nee Roberson is the 31st trans or gender nonconforming person whose death has been reported in 2023. “Our blood is in the streets…We’re asking for the mayor, we’re asking for the police department to step up and take these crimes serious” - Iya Dammons, executive director of D.C Safe Haven The D.C transgender and LGBTQ+ services organization Safe Haven announced a candlelight vigil will be held, “In Loving Memory of A’nee Roberson” at 5pm, Wednesday October 25th at 900 U St., N.W., the site where Roberson lost her life. Rest in Power A’nee. We send our condolences to her friends, family, and anyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

Exclusive | Music | Entertainment News The Blackest, Queerest Showcase of the Year: IGNITE Takes Over Hotel Ziggy This Friday! Get ready to witness the most electrifying and soul-stirring event of the year! On Friday, October 20th at 7 p.m., Hotel Ziggy in West Hollywood will be the epicenter of an unparalleled cultural experience as it hosts IGNITE, a groundbreaking showcase series created to cultivate safe spaces and organic experiences. The first installation of the series is a celebration of Black Queer excellence. This unmissable event is brought to you by the creative music agency Blaze Unlimited and is proudly sponsored by Queer Aunties. Tickets are on sale now at QueerAunties.com. IGNITE will be a sensory explosion of Black Queer creativity, delivering a musical journey like no other. The stage will be set ablaze with the sultriest R&B beats, the funkiest soul vibes, and an extraordinary lineup of Black Queer artists poised to captivate and mesmerize. "As The Queer Aunties, we are profoundly grateful to create safe havens that center on love and imaginative support for our Black queer communities, especially in intimate gatherings like Ignite," Queer Aunties Founders Brianca Williams and Shatondra Caldwell exclusively tells Gaye Magazine. The stellar performers of the evening include Sunday, Danni Cassette, and Samiere, each bringing their unique style, charisma, and musical prowess to the forefront. Keeping the energy flowing all night long is the incomparable LXXI. Gaye Magazine caught up with each of the artists to get the deets on why the IGNITE showcase is important to them. “This community is who we make art for, and we’re so happy to have the chance to perform at an event that centers Black queer artists in this way," says group duo Sunday. Artist Danni Cassette tells us, “I am very excited to perform and be apart of IGNITE. Because both Queer Aunties and Blaze Unlimited are about expansion. Partnerships are the lifeline of independent artistry and their coming together is offering opportunities beyond the stage. I look forward to a night of truly celebrating black queer art.” “The last decade of live performing for me, has been difficult. I’m either not asked to perform because of the way I look and who I choose to love, and or I’m the first or one of the first of very very few black queer artists to be given that opportunity," began artist Samiere. "While the opportunity brings visibility and awareness, there is that underlying question of if the industry was ever going to change, which is why I am both extremely excited and grateful to be performing alongside and in front of an incredible community that resonates with my art. I can’t wait.`` Creative music agency Blaze Unlimited shares with us they pride themselves on "cultivating safe spaces for Artists". "Our goal is to get back to the root and the heart of the business, high caliber live music. Partnering with a brand like Queer Aunties that's driving force in creating a safe space for their community has been a match made in heaven. As a duo we have curated an experience with the Aunties in mind and can not wait to share this immersive experience." Don't miss out on the grandest celebration of culture, music, and community this year. Tickets for IGNITE are selling at lightning speed, and there's no need to RSVP for this unforgettable event. Secure your spot now and prepare to be ignited by a night of unforgettable entertainment. The lineup is as follows: Sunday at 8 p.m., Danni Cassette at 9 p.m., and Samiere at 10 p.m. For ticket information and further event details, visit queeraunties.com.

Exclusive | Business Feature Spotlight We Found “WHERE SIZE MATTERS”! Atlanta’s New Restaurant Concept INCHES is Hosting a Pop-Up Saturday, Oct 14th! INCHES, a groundbreaking pop-up event serving up gourmet hot dogs with a twist, has taken Atlanta's culinary scene by storm. With its unique approach to the classic hot dog and a dash of seduction and aphrodisia, INCHES has quickly become the talk of the town. Black and LGBTQ-owned, founder Sebastien Gaudin tells Gaye Magazine that people should get ready to be “gagged” in a way they’ve never been, as INCHES is not your ordinary hot dog joint. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the "Inches: Let's Get it On" pop-up event promises to redefine your expectations of this classic American favorite. "WHERE SIZE MATTERS" is their tagline, and they live up to it in more ways than one. On October 14, 2023, INCHES will bring its tantalizing menu to the forefront, offering a range of gourmet hot dogs with names that are hard to forget, such as DING A LING, SLOB ON THE KNOB, DOGGY STYLE and MANDINGO. Each hot dog is crowned with their signature Jack Sauce, making every bite a culinary adventure. INCHES goes the extra mile by offering three drink tickets with every ticket purchase, allowing patrons to try endless gourmet hot dog samples with their unforgettable signature cocktails: BLUE BALLS, CAPTAIN HOOK, and BODY COUNT. These signature drinks are the ideal companions to the inventive hot dog menu, creating a synergy of flavors and experiences. To purchase tickets and learn more about this extraordinary pop-up event, visit INCHES' Eventbrite here! Follow them on social media @inchesATL to stay updated on future events. Event Details: Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 Time: 1 p.m. EST - 5 p.m. EST Location: 944 Marietta Street North West, Atlanta, GA, 3031 Ticket includes: Event entry, endless hot dog samples, three drink tickets, and an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Entertainment News If you are a RuPaul buff you'll soon be able to add his latest memoir to your book collection. The Emmy award-winning television personality has announced the release of his memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings, with Dey Street Books. Over the course of his career, RuPaul has released three books - 1995’s Lettin’ It All Hang Out, as well as 2010’s Workin’ It! and 2018’s GuRu which had more of a mentoring/self-help tone. However, The House of Hidden Meanings is set to be different and take a much more in-depth look at RuPaul’s life and career,. The memoir, due March 5, 2024 is set to follow his early hectic childhood and teenage years, his early adult years in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, his journey to sobriety and his relationship with now-husband Georges LeBar. In an emotional video posted to Instagram, he expressed excitement for the book. “After two and a half years, it’s finally here. My memoir. I’m so excited and so anxious at the same time, because I really reveal so much of myself. You know, this world today feels so hostile and [is] such a scary place to be vulnerable. But I did it. So get ready.” The official book description from HarperCollins reads: “From international drag superstar and pop culture icon RuPaul, comes his most revealing and personal work to date – a brutally honest, surprisingly poignant, and deeply intimate memoir of growing up Black, poor, and queer in a broken home to discovering the power of performance, found family, and self-acceptance. A profound introspection of his life, relationships, and identity, The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag.”

News & Opinion Tuesday afternoon, Laphonza Butler, 44, made her-story as she was sworn into the United States Senate. Butler is the first openly lesbian senator to serve in Congress and also the first openly LGBTQ+ senator to represent California. In addition to this, Butler will now be the only Black female senator currently serving in Congress, and the third Black woman to do so in US history. Butler was appointed into this role by California Governor Gavin Newsom following the death of Dianne Feinstein (90), who had a historic career as the longest-serving woman in the Senate. Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office alongside Butler's wife, Neneki Lee at the Capitol in Washington yesterday, October 3rd. Butler and her wife have been married for approximately 10 years and have a daughter together. Governor Newsom announced Butler's appointment on X, previously Twitter, with the following words: "As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza has spent her entire career fighting for women and girls and has been a fierce advocate for working people … I have no doubt she will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington." Laphonza Butler was born in Magnolia, Mississippi, and attended Jackson State University where she obtained her degree in Political Science. Butler previously served as President of Emily's List - an initiative that "recruits, trains and supports Democratic pro-choice women running for office". Before her time as president, she served as a key leader and advisor in Kamala Harris' run for vice presidency and also served as former Secretary of State in Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. "I am honored to accept Gov. Newsom's nomination to be a U.S. Senator for a state I have long called home. I am humbled by the Governor’s trust. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's leadership and legacy are immeasurable. I will do my best to honor her by devoting my time and my energy to serving the people of California and the people of this great nation," Butler said in a statement on Monday. “For women and girls, for workers and unions, for struggling parents waiting for our leaders to bring opportunity back to their homes, for all of California, I’m ready to serve,” she continued to say. The reception surrounding Butler's appointment thus far has been largely positive and is considered a historic win across the LGBTQ+ community, as well as women's rights and abortion-rights advocacy groups. Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat also from California had the following: "Throughout her career, Laphonza Butler has been a strong voice for working families, LGBTQ rights, and a champion for increasing women's representation in politics;" and that he was "honored to welcome her to the United States Senate." Similar sentiments have been echoed across the board with Tony Hoang, the executive director of Equality California- an LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group, stating that "this historic appointment by Governor Newsom will give our LGBTQ+ community another voice in Congress at a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack across the country." President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Jodi Hicks weighed in as well stating that Butler has been "a national leader in the fight for reproductive freedom." Congratulations to the newly appointed Senator Laphonza Butler! The Gaye Family looks forward to watching you as you continue to make history!

Exclusive | Entertainment News Native Son, the leading organization championing Black gay and queer men founded by legendary journalist, media expert and LGBTQ+ activist Emil Wilbekin, presented their first live in-person Black Gay Leadership Forum: Creating Change In A Changing World on Thursday, September 28th at the renowned Harlem School of the Arts. Established in 2020 as a virtual event during the global pandemic, the Black Gay Leadership Forum is a convening intended to center diversity, inclusion and equity for Black gay and queer professional men in all stages of their careers. The annual event included panel discussions and talks that discussed why representation and thought leadership matter in the boardroom, entrepreneurship, health equity, media, and technology Native Son is a movement that exemplifies the duality of being Black and gay in a society that often shuns and belittles their unique experiences. This movement aims to create a safe space where the Black gay male community can fellowship, celebrate and empower each other, and—most importantly—see themselves. From the world-renowned to the up-and-coming, Native Son aims to connect and celebrate the members of this influential, yet long-ignored community in the realms of arts, business, media, fashion, politics, and healthcare. Read more of our coverage here. Check Out Exclusive Photos from the Event Below:

Exclusive | Music | Entertainment News An actress, activist, and businesswoman, Angelica Ross has already left her mark in several realms. In spite, she is placing her focus on a dream once deferred -- creating music. Her new single "Grand Theft Lover", produced by BeatsbyMantra and featuring Atlanta artist Mondaii, depicts how she feels love is a game. It is the latest release since her single "Purr" which debuted earlier this year. During this round of creating, Ross took a different approach by enrolling in a songwriting course, led by award-winning R&B Artist H.E.R. "She had this songwriting class that she did on Studio.com," she shared in a Gaye Magazine exclusive. "I was like 'you know what, why not?' Any time to improve my skills and it was such a great experience. One of my assignments was to approach songwriting with lyrics first. I knew I wanted to make a song that was just a playful play off of love being a game. " In search of a collaboration for the single, Ross tells us she became an "instant fan" of Atlanta artist Mondaii in the process. “I went to check him out and I heard one of his songs [called] “Honorable Mentions”, and holy shit! Like Mondaii is talking every rapper alive under the table in that song. I was like we gotta do something together.” Angelica Ross and Mondaii would go on to mix and engineer “Grand Theft Lover" together. In addition to his artistry Mondaii’s production skills shined behind the scenes as well. “Mondaii is a really talented artist and producer”, Ross said sincerely. “I’m lucky to have been working with him.” Mondaii produced for K. Michelle’s latest album ‘I’m the Problem’, which debuted at number 1 atop Billboard’s R&B charts. Expressing herself musically is a big step for Angelica Ross, having to overcome fears and obstacles associated with her gender transition. She reflected on her Myspace days, singing and playing the guitar, but now emerges a newfound confidence. "I never let go of the music and, you know, somewhere deep down inside, I always knew that that was my main passion, but I was so scared," she said. I was just so scared as a trans person. I didn't know how to transition my voice yet, so I did not have the voice that I have now. She continued, "I had to go through years of vocal training with my vocal coach, who also helped me get prepared for doing Roxy Hart in Chicago. I put in a lot, a lot of work to be ready right now, so I hope that people enjoy it; I hope people love Grand Theft Lover." While "Grand Theft Lover" is a play on the renowned gaming franchise Grand Theft Auto, it isn't Ross' usual entertainment of choice. "I decided to start playing Grand Theft Auto. That damn game is so violent", she said jokingly. "I think the first thing I had to do was like, I think, hold these people at gunpoint to get them to go into the bank or something like that so we could rob the bank...this is not for children, this [game] is for the gays and grown adults." Ross shares she has a gaming system and plays tennis, Mortal Kombat, and adventure games, specifically noting her fondness of Hogwarts -- an action-role playing game based on the bestselling series "Harry Potter". “Kalen Allen got me into that game. It’s not that I’m supporting J.K. Rowling”, Ross noted to us. “It’s just, you know, sometimes you want to be a kid.” Rowling has openly expressed her disdain for transgender women in the past, also reported by Gaye Magazine. Ross provided Gaye with some details on "Grand Theft Lover's" composition and lyrical elements. "One of the things obviously with the hook of the song, it's kind of a nod to PlayStation, it's like 'square one in a love triangle doing circles, still playing games with my ex'", she explained. "Also, you know, growing up in the eighties, I love this eighties of the song, I mean I'm actually in love with it, I'm actually creating a couple of songs with this eighties vibe." With electric pop, new wave, and the phasing out of disco, the 80s music era ushered in many sounds Ross could have borrowed from in her new single's development. Previous songs of Ross like "Purr" have embodied pop and runway-esque themes. Meanwhile check out Angelica Ross' new single "Grand Theft Lover", available now on streaming platforms. Gayes, stay tuned for our song review!

Fashion | Exclusive (Photos) This Saturday, September 23, Kia & Co. Entertainment presented “COLOURS: The Andro Fashion Show”. Hosted by Kia Comedy, the show was held at renowned film director and producer Des Gray's very own Collab Studios ATL. The Andro Fashion Show is the first show to be intentionally centered on androgynous and masculine presenting queer women and men of color. The event featured varying degrees of fashion as well as live music, aimed to represent and embrace the unique faces that diversify the LGBTQ community and its allies. Check Out the Looks Exclusively Below! Photography provided by: Tyrus Davis (@tdvisualarts)

News & Opinion | Entertainment News Native Son will be hosting their annual event The Black Gay Leadership Forum: Creating Change In A Changing World Thursday, Sept. 28th at the Harlem School of the Arts. The event is set to include panel discussions and talks that discuss why representation and thought leadership matters in the boardroom, entrepreneurship, health equity, media, and technology. Native Son's founder Emil Wilbekin expressed his excitement for the event's first live in-person gathering in a statement. “As we continue to grow as an organization, we have built a real community within Native Son and it is central to our mission to introduce programs that will support that community in a very tangible way,” said Wilbekin. Wilbekin said he wanted to create a signature event that spoke directly to their audience's diverse group of professionals as they navigate their careers. “One of the primary conduits to creating equity is arming folks with the resources, information, and tools they need. Ultimately, we want the Leadership Forum to become a springboard for goal setting, legacy mapping and further connecting with an extended network,” said Wilbekin. Originally established in 2020, the Black Gay Leadership Forum reinforces Native Son’s commitment to the empowerment of Black gay and queer people. Previous speakers have included Don Lemon, Valerie B. Jarrett, George M. Johnson, Reggie Van Lee, Rashad Robinson, Aaron Walton, Brickson Diamond, Jonathan Capehart, and Richard Fowler. Powered by Gilead and Citigroup, this year's panels and talks will feature leaders across industries and will include: Torrence Boone (VP of Global Client Partnerships, Google); James Cole Jr. (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of The Jasco Group); Phillip Michael Collins (Founder of Good Black Art); Derek Ford, Jr. (Creator of Carter Wear, Kingsley); Kingsley Gbadegesin (Fashion Designer of K.NGSLEY); Greg Reynolds (Founder and CEO of Hadley-Reynolds) and more. Nikki Darden, Managing Director, Head of Brand Engagement and Integration at Citi shared in a statement, “We are so excited to be collaborating with Native Son at this year’s Leadership Forum as they work to drive change for the Black LGBTQ+ community with thought leadership, ideas, and innovation that emerge from this fantastic event.” “​​Gilead is proud to support Native Son in their ongoing efforts to provide impactful programming to members of the Black gay and queer community,” said Darwin Thompson, Director, Public Affairs, Corporate Giving at Gilead Sciences. “At Gilead, we understand that Black LGBTQ+ people continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV and recognize that the HIV epidemic is perpetuated by numerous structural and social factors. It takes more than medicine to address the root causes of these disparities, and events like the Black Gay Leadership Forum are critical in breaking down barriers to information while empowering our community to live healthy, equitable, and thriving lives.” For more information on Black Gay Leadership Forum: Creating Change In A Changing World, visit www.Nativeson.us. The event will also be streamed on Native Son's Facebook and YouTube channels.

News & Opinion A Nigerian court has released 69 out of 200 people who were arrested in connection to a gay wedding held last month in Ekpan. According to their lawyer Ochuko Ohimor a Delta State court decided Tuesday that the suspects would be released from a prison detention center after each posted $645 ($500,000 naira) bail to the court. “They are to provide sureties, who will submit their particulars to the court. So, the 69 suspects have been granted bail and I am processing their paperwork,” Ohimor said. The suspects, who were absent in court, have been ordered to sign a register at the court in Warri monthly until their next court hearing. Ohimor said he felt the suspects deserved to be granted release because they were not facing a capital offense, a decision which was not supported by state prosecutors. State prosecutors could not be reached for comment. The arrest comes on the heels of the growing number of Anti-LGBTQ laws that have been introduced in Africa. Earlier this year in March the Ugandan parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality that banned citizens from identifying as LGBTQ+ in the country. The anti-gay laws in Nigeria includes a prison term of up to 14 years for those convicted, and bans same-sex marriage and relationships, and forbids the membership of gay rights groups. While some within the country have celebrated Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ laws other have opposed them. Amnesty International's Nigeria office condemned the arrests and called for "an immediate end to this witch-hunt."

TV & Film | Feature Spotlight | Exclusive TRANSworld Atlanta is an unscripted, docu-reality series focusing on four Black transgender men: Malik Brown, Ja’Mel Ashely, Shon Jackson, and Nick Devereux. The Atlanta-based series gives us an in-depth look into the struggles and triumphs of these men’s lives, relationships, and careers as they traverse through life in a cis-normative world. TRANSworld Atlanta is the first of its kind to highlight the range of Black gender diversity which includes transmen, transwomen, gender non-conforming, and cis women individuals. In addition, all of the perspectives shared on the show are unadulterated and directly from the cast member's point of view, a testament to the show’s emphasis on agency and owning one’s narrative. “I think we need to keep these open discussions. That’s why I’m so excited about this show because we didn’t ask for space, we created space," said cast member and producer Malik Brown exclusively with Gaye Magazine. "And where there are rooms that we’re not invited to…I may not be invited to the table, but if I know there’s a room that I’m supposed to be in, I’m taking the chair.” In the series, we learn of stories and real-life experiences that are rarely given exposure in mainstream channels. We get to see one of the series' couples, Ja’Mel and Alphonso begin their journey of parenthood, which seems commonplace until you break down the dynamics of what makes this particular family unique. Alphonso is a Black, gender non-conforming person and Ja’Mel is a Black, openly HIV positive, queer transgender man who gave birth to their child. In reality, the couple’s union as partners and parents is in direct conflict with the typical nuclear family the world is accustomed to. It is imperative that Black trans stories such as these are shared amongst the masses, so people can expand their idea of what a “normal” family or relationship should look like. “That’s why TRANSworld Atlanta exists because we wanted to educate people," executive producer Raquel M. R. Thomas tells us. "We wanted you to stop assuming. We wanted you to stop listening to people that aren’t in the community at all, the goal was for them to tell their stories and not their stories being told by someone who has no damn clue." Malik Brown chimed in, “We just wanna be loved. We’re not trying to cause any confusion. We just want to be authentically [and] unapologetically loved…you can live with HIV and still be okay…You know…just destigmatize all this stuff around transgender people. We just want to live and be treated equally. That’s all." Each episode in the entire series captures a wide range of relatable and serious themes such as domestic violence, childhood trauma, and low self-esteem. However, what makes this show so empowering is that from these honest depictions of life, the cast members ensure there is always an opportunity for human healing and love through the obstacles they face, especially as a Black person of trans experience. “We have to realize that love is love and we’re all human. How we identify sexually, who we sleep with, none of that determines the actual human being. I think for us...we [experience] a lot of prejudices [with] trans individuals not being accepted in the LGBTQ community already,” says Thomas. “I think for me, the biggest takeaway that I want people to leave with is to be educated, to understand that trans lives matter…love is love.” - Raquel M. R. Thomas After watching TRANSworld Atlanta you will surely leave with a strong resonance and insight into the humanhood of Black, trans people. Gayes, we hope y’all enjoy! TRANSworld Atlanta is available on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi. Watch the Trailer. Check out our full exclusive interview with creator/director/executive producer Raquel M. R. Thomas and cast member/producer Malik Brown here:

Entertainment News Emma Roberts has reportedly apologized for a transphobic comment she made to Angelica Ross on set of American Horror Story: 1984. Ross took to X (Twitter) on Wednesday, to thank her former co-star for her apology and recognizing her problematic behavior. “Thank you @RobertsEmma for calling and apologizing, recognizing your behavior was not that of an ally. I will leave the line open to follow up on your desire to do better and support social justice causes with your platform.” Ross initially took to Instagram Live to speak out about the alleged incident. She explains that she and Roberts were on set, initially joking around with one another. Ross said Roberts told director John J. Gray, that “Angelica is being mean.” John then told the two women, “OK, ladies, you know, that’s enough. Let’s get back to work.” That’s when Roberts allegedly looked at Ross and said, “Don’t you mean lady?,” insinuating that there was only one lady between the two of them. Following the interaction, Ross says she decided to not speak further with Roberts in which her former co-star did eventually notice. “I was just like, ‘I’m done.“ “We had scenes together, and I never spoke to her. She said to me, she could feel the energy coming off of me. She was like, ‘Are you OK? You haven’t been talking.’ I’m like, ‘Mmmhmm.'” Later in the Instagram Live, Ross alleges that Roberts was generally problematic on set and their other cast-mates were very irritated with her. Ross mentioned that she decided not to report her own incident based on a fear of retaliation, after the outcome of another person’s alleged report of their own unpleasant interaction with Roberts. Social media users took to X to defend Ross, which prompted a few more tweets about Roberts’ alleged transphobia and even defending Roberts against threats. “Let me make something absolutely clear,” Ross wrote. “I appreciate the support but please do not joke about violence towards Emma. Joke about her being held accountable. Now THATs funny.” “We’re all sitting around & I’m copying Cody’s accent,” Ross wrote. “Didn’t know he had one. Emma then copies my voice & laugh and drops it several octaves. I was SHOOK. She read me for blood with my own words of course I was self-conscious about my voice on set after that.” Ross says the live video has since been archived following Roberts' apology.

Fashion | Exclusive This Saturday, September 23, Kia & Co. Entertainment will present “COLOURS: The Andro Fashion Show”. Taking place at renowned film director and producer Des Gray's very own Collab Studios ATL, the event will feature varying degrees of fashion as well as live music, aimed to represent and embrace the unique faces that diversify the LGBTQ community and its allies. The Andro Fashion Show is the first show to be intentionally centered on androgynous and masculine presenting queer women and men of color. Hosted by Kia Comedy and Super Dope Q, “COLOURS” is the 9th season of the fashion show series. Dj Excel is curating the music, along with Kaelyn Kastle and 2amRicky taking the stage with live performances. Just like any other demographic, the LGBTQ community can carry stereotypes. More specifically, the reoccurring subject of what a “gaye” or “queer” individual should embody. Kia Barnes, founder of Kia & Co., has her own perspective and is utilizing her platform to showcase all parts. “The future is androgynous,” Barnes shared with Gaye Magazine. “I’m extremely excited to kick off the 9th season of the Andro Fashion Show at Collab Studios!” With the success of previous shows including “Dapper, “Ice”, and “Allure”, The Andro Fashion Show has toured in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Miami, and New Orleans. Clothing lines to be featured in the show include Humble Sole Society, Kaleidoscope, La Lumiere, Dapper, House of Devarcia, and My Feet Sick. Barnes also says we can expect to see two transgender men working the runway. “We’re celebrating queer culture and the trans community with an array of streetwear, athleisure, and high fashion looks,” Barnes exclaimed. "I can’t wait to see the Andro models rip the runway!” Tickets are now on sale, purchase here.