The Journey to 'Carefree Queer' & Galentine’s Celebrating Love In All It’s Forms’
The Journey to manifesting ‘Carefree Queer’ an initiative and aspiring non-profit that I created with the intention of amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ artist, and creatives, as well as creating a safe space for Queer arts, culture, wellness, and advocacy in Tulsa Oklahoma, has certainly been a bumpy one. But all of my efforts were realized into full manifestation at my first event I hosted, and performed at with the collaboration with Adina Amaris, and partnering with the ‘Underground Collective’ called ‘Gals, Gays, & They’s Galentine’s: Celebrating Love In All Its Forms.
So lets talk about the Journey itself. My passion for the LGBTQ+ Community started when I came out at 21 years old on Facebook, after moving to D.C in 2012. I also was a big fan of Frank Ocean at the time, and still am till this day, and when he came out in 2012 before the release of his album Channel Orange it inspired me so much! I got a chance to see him perform live for only 25$ at the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C which really sealed the deal for not only my love for a queer artist, but my confidence to be a black Queer artist myself. I also discovered Frank Ocean through the music collective Odd Future, and I appreciated how different, quirky, and unique they were. I also at the time was working for my Queer Godfathers magazine titled ‘D.B.Q Magazine’ (a magazine which caters to the Black Queer Community) in which I first discoverd in Oklahoma online, before finaly meeting in D.C. I remember just being amazed that even a black Queer magazine even existed, and that a space did exist for me beyond Oklahoma. These were some of the elements that inspired my passion to be an openly black Queer creative, activist, and work in LGBTQ+ non profits.
When I lived in New York City , I had the opportunity to intern at one particular Queer non profit called ‘The Hetrick Martin Institute’ (an LGBTQ youth non profit and Highschool) which changed my life, and full confidence, and acceptance in myself in so many different ways. I also had the opportunity to go the Hampton’s in the Summer 2015 and speak on behalf of the organization at an event called ‘Schools Out 2015’ Benefiting LGBTQ+ youth in the backyard of one of the sponsors mansions. It was a moment as a young LGBTQ+ Activist that I will never forget, and the reason I started ‘Carefree Queer’ because of my passion for my community, and the places it would take me.
‘Gals, Gays, & They’s Galentine’s: Celebrating Love In All Its Forms was an event intended to celebrate Tulsa’s LGBTQ+ Community, and celebrate Valentines Day, and the month of love. The event was a vibe as soon as you walked through the black barn gates leading into a concrete modern patio, with a canvas painter creating live art, transparent Igloo tents, with inside cushion seating, hanging mistletoe roses, and flowers draped from its plastic ceiling. On the tables were Valentine's Day related games, and Ice breaker activities for the guests, lovers, and friends to enjoy. The stage overlooked a lush green lawn full of lounge, and patio chairs for the guest to network, and relax. Vendors were outside on full display selling food, jewelry, and art. I performed my songs ‘Carefree Black Boy’, ‘Life In The 90’s, and Black Wall Street’ available on ITunes, TIDAL, Spotify and all streaming platforms!
