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Photo c/o St. Pete Pride

Tampa Leigh represents Blaque/OUT Magazin. a monthly digital publication that firmly centers Black and Brown Queer qulture worldwide.

Intersectionality became my life and was fated to also be my work. I am a native New Yorker, where LGBTQ+ laws and protections are groundbreaking on paper but not so profound in practice. Where just like the South or the West or anywhere in between, being Black as well as being Queer can get you killed.

I came to my new home armed with experience, passion and purpose. I was ready to take on my new Floridian world and to be entirely honest, St. Pete Pride. I had turned several other Prides and organizations. I, along with a team of dedicated staff and determined volunteers were able to change the look of entertainment, of staff, of the color of the people at the table. We had made the orgs we interacted with, for the most part, Blacker, broader, less cis and less male focused. I was determined that the same could happen in St. Pete. Each time we can make the big, queer world big enough to fit everyone, we make the world a better place.

Generally speaking, its easy when you are the big fish in the small pond to take up all the air, resources and recognition in the room. St. Pete Pride had intentionally or unintentionally done that for many years. But its often less malice and more lack of intentionality that causes such oversight and exclusion. I was actually told at one point last year that there were no people or programs that supported, represented or served the QTPOC community in this area. Over the last year I was honored and grateful to learn that wasnt true. As is everywhere, there are endless Black and Brown folks fearlessly doing the work to make that big queer world big enough to fit us all. Id like to introduce a few.

It matters. Who is at the table always matters.

It matters. Who is at the table always matters. Each of us carries blind-spots and without full representation in every space, something always goes unseen. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work must come with overwhelming humility, the ability to name and acknowledge what you havent done and a sincere, fearless willingness to make it right. That must come even in the face of opposition, misunderstanding and embarrassment. For those who step in first to integrate that school, to come out in a crowd, to fight that legislation.... to take that seat, must do so fearlessly and in our community and working to embody the principles of our ancestors with grit and grace. Look them up, support their visions and if your party, panel, presentation or event that centers Queerness doesnt include one or all of themyou didnt try hard enough.

The corner St. Pete Pride is turning is long overdue. The letting go of we dont see color" and the adopting of celebrating, commemorating and uplifting a profound, important and inherently unique Black Queer qulture is a new one. This year St. Pete Pride will feature Ballroom (think POSE), one of the pillars of Black Queer qulture. There will be the first-ever official Juneteenth celebration to highlight Black, Queer history and a party to celebrate and honor Black Queer Woman in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Black Lesbians group.

Im proud to have played even a small part in that and I look forward to a future where its a conversation we no longer even need to have because its just what St. Pete Pride is. But even the baby steps matter. There is too much fighting that needs to be done in this state to be living in division. No one is free, until we are all free. And I hope to hear Black Lives Matter being shouted just as loudly as We Say Gay this Pride parade. May St. Pete Pride one day be the organization leading both of those chants.

BlaQQueer Unity Council Orgs & Members

Rocky Butler 9 Colors InitiativeThe 9 Colors Initiative supports youth by empowering the community through unity. Currently operating as a referral agent and community advocate for the LGBTQ community we strive to ensure equality, wholeness, & community engagement.

DeAndre Yummy BrownYummy translated his joy of dance into a storied career that has stretched 15+ years. Browns mastery of Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Vogue, Hip-Hop and other forms of dance were cultivated as a student at institutions such as The University of the Arts. Cultural-based training in churches and organizations like Hype Elite, YCDT with Traci Young-Byron, Iconic House of Ninja and Iconic House of Prodigy only served to enrich his style, versatility and range. In the next ascension of DeAndres dance life, he stepped into his most recent form of artistry within the Black Queer Ballroom scene. Browns passion for showcasing his art and educating at a worldwide level just fuels his quest for bigger and more transformative stages.

Cadin Small, Choya Randolph, Dominique Euzebe, Quin Killiings, Brook Carter The Blunt Space Incorporated A nonprofit corporation and media hub for art, advocacy, and culture. We aim to be a safe haven and provide resources to marginalized voices within the arts! Writers, Poets, Advocates, Journalists, Dreamers, Creators and Revolutionaries. They see the Council as an opportunity to truly be unified on one front about the events and initiatives that advocate for the intersectional identities of being Black and Queer. It means organizing, supporting, and communicating with one another to better serve the community we hold close to all of our hearts! Tamara LeighBlaque/OUT Magazine, Blaque/OUT Consulting & Tampa Bay Black Lesbians Blaque/OUT Magazine is a monthly digital publication that firmly centers Black and Brown Queer qulture worldwide. Blaque/OUT Consulting provides workshops, trainings, process and procedure evaluation and education for schools, businesses and orgs around creating safe spaces and understanding intersectionality. Tampa Bay Black Lesbians is a safe community space to build relationships, create and attend events with other Black Queer women in TB, Pinellas County and surrounding areas. You can find the group on FB, IG and TikTok.

Antonio MilesEvolve Tampa BayA passionate educator and sexual health advocate. He is also the proud Executive Director of EVOLVE Tampa Bay; Tampas unique non-profit organization, that provides empowering monthly events that uplift Black and Brown same-gender loving men. His work also reaches into the field of sexual health care, as the Program Manager for Positively U, Inc, a non-profit the focuses reducing the rates of HIV and other STIs through education, advocacy and care. Antonio, is laser-focused on creating connections across the bay area that foster creative, safe and affirming spaces for queer people of color.

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At St. Pete Pride 2022, I hope to hear 'Black Lives Matter' being shouted just as loudly as 'We Say Gay' - Creative Loafing Tampa

DC Comics continues to circle not only the creative drain, but the moral drain as well with their latest Batman comic, Batman: Fortress #1, which sees Batman flee from an Antifa and Black Lives Matter style riot.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

The comic written by Gary Whitta with art work by The Boys Darick Robertson sees Batman investigating an alien interference that causes global blackouts.

As Batman attempts to figure out what is the cause of the blackouts, he is also called on to protect Gotham City after the entirety of the prisoners in Arkham Asylum are unleashed upon the innocent citizens.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

RELATED: Renowned Batman Writer Chuck Dixon Reveals How He Would End Batmans Story

Batmans first stop is to a rooftop overlooking an electronics store that is being looted with neighboring buildings, some of them appearing to be apartments, being set on fire. The rioters are even shown waving blunt objects in the air.

Batman rationalizes that he shouldnt put a stop to the rioters because there are more than likely bigger fish to catch out in Gotham City, despite having no knowledge of where these big fish might be, given the power and communication black outs.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

Whitta writes Batmans interior monologue, Havent seen a night like this in a while. Last time it was this bad was with that damn fear gas in the water supply. Only so much I can do. Need to prioritize. Hunt the big fish. Protect the little fish.

These places all have insurance. Not my job to protect their profit margins. In my fathers day, the American Dream used to mean something. An honest wage for honest work. Food on the table. Liberty and justice for all. Now its an illusion, a carrot on a stick, attainable by a few, dangled just out of reach for everyone else.

A bigger TV. A faster car. Shiny objects to keep the masses distracted, while the world burns. You want to blame them for grabbing the carrot when the lights go out? Go ahead. But dont look to me to stop them. Thats not why I do this, he concludes.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

While Batman leaves these looters and rioters to burn down the city, he does randomly track down a number of Joker thugs who are threatening to kill an innocent family.

He also randomly shows up at Gotham Harbor and stops Penguin from drowning a blonde woman.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

From there, he also stops Joker who has hijacked a school bus in the middle of the night. Batman stands directly in front of Joker on a bridge as Joker seeks to ram him with the bus.

As Joker closes in, Batman deploys a giant flash that blinds Joker and sends him and the bus nearly careening off the bridge, putting the childrens lives in danger. Joker, not wearing a seatbelt goes flying through the windshield.

While the children are saved, Joker dangles from the bumper of the bus about to fall into the water below. Batman grudgingly rescues him rationalizing that if he let Joker he wouldnt be able to explain his actions to the children who are watching him.

Its unfortunate there werent any children watching him allow the electronics store and the neighboring apartments, more than likely filled with innocent citizens, get burned to the ground.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

Nevertheless, Batman ends his night by heading to Crime Alley where he beats up a criminal who appears to have shot and killed a couple and has begun to loot their bodies.

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

While prioritizing certain crimes over another is practical, the way the story actually plays out, the rationale doesnt make any sense. Batman has no idea where these big fish are because of the power and communications black outs.

He might have one of his satellites up and operational, but he tasks Alfred with using it to scan for exoterrestrial activity. He does offer Jim Gordon a way to counteract interference disrupting the communications, but he makes it clear he will be using it to contact the GCPD so they can bring in the criminals he captures.

Source: Batman: Fortress #2

Batman chooses to ignore this mob in favor of seeking out other possible crimes. Instead of stepping in and stopping crime that he sees happening in front of him, he chooses to ignore it in the hopes he will find other more horrific crimes being committed.

On top of that, he actually sits and ponders the crimes being committed and justifies ignoring them when he could have actually been putting a stop to it.

Source: Batman: Fortress #3

However, the comic also depicts the crimes being committed by the Antifa and Black Lives Matter-like mob as worse or could be arguably worse than the crimes committed by Joker and Penguin. The mob isnt just looting an electronics store, it appears to be burning down apartment buildings too. Its also unclear if theres any staff in the building that have already been brutalized by the mob.

Penguin is attempting to murder one woman and Joker has a bus full of kids. How many women and kids are in these apartment buildings that the mob is burning down?

Source: Batman: Fortress #3

Not only can you look at Batmans rationalization for ignoring the crime, but his decision to not put a stop to these criminals also shows that hes a hypocrite. The beginning of the book actually opens with Bruce Wayne and Alfred beating down a bunch of thieves who attempt to loot his manor believing that hes not home.

If Batman actually believes the rationalization that Whitta gives him in his interior dialogue, why isnt he allowing these thieves to loot his home. After all, Bruce Wayne surely has insurance, right?

Source: Batman: Fortress #1

Nevertheless, the biggest crime of the book is the fact that Batman didnt find a way to not only stop the crimes being committed by the Antifa and Black Lives Matter-style mobs, but also round up Joker, Penguin, and other criminals attempting to take advantage of the black outs in Gotham City.

Batmans smart enough to figure out how to put a stop to the mob and move on to the next criminals. Instead, Whitta and Robertson sacrificed Batmans character in favor of lecturing readers about the American Dream and trying to paint a violent, angry mob as sympathetic.

This is just the latest piece of evidence that DC Comics no longer actually tells stories about heroes, and they go out of there way to disrespect their own characters.

Source: Batman: Fortress #4

What do you make of Batman ignoring and fleeing the scene of a crime without attempting to intervene?

NEXT: Ethan Van Sciver And Jon Del Arroz Rip to Shreds Tom King Batman Comic That Implies He Is a Scared Child

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Batman Flees Antifa And Black Lives Matter Style Riots In New Comic: "These Places All Have Insurance, Not My Job To Protect Their Profit...

Diary of disturbing disinformation and dangerous delusionsThis statement:

Two summers ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we saw protests across the nation the likes of which you hadnt seen since the 1960s. They unified people of every race and generation. Athletes and sports leagues boycotted and postponed games. Companies and workers proclaimed Black Lives Matter. Students staged solidarity walkouts.

President Biden, May 25

We say: Biden must have been in his basement in summer 2020. Peaceful protests quickly turned into riots and looting, and Americans took notice: Their support for Black Lives Matter fell 12 points between June and September 2020, per Pew. NPRs headline on an Ipsos survey that same month: Americans Increasingly Polarized When It Comes To Racial Justice Protests, Poll Finds.

We know that increased turnout has nothing to do with suppression; suppression is about whether or not you make it difficult for voters to access the ballot.

Stacey Abrams, May 24

We say: Umm, if more people are voting, doesnt that suggest it hasnt become harder for them to vote? Of course, but the Democratic Georgia gubernatorial hopeful couldnt simply say Yes when a reporter asked, Is it possible that the Democrats were wrong and that the new law isnt suppressing votes? Even the media had to question the months of smears after record-breaking early voting in the states primaries and short lines and limited problems on Election Day, as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted.

Those of us in the media act as if its Joe Bidens problem to solve every day. What are you going to do about inflation? Its not Joe Bidens problem to solve. Its the Federal Reserves problem to solve.

CNNs John Harwood, May 23

We say: White House correspondent? More like White House commissary. The president created the problem with an unprecedented spending spree, a war on US energy production, work-disincentivizing benefits and more. Why shouldnt he do something about it? The Feds easy-money pandemic policies contributed as well, of course and Biden rewarded chief Jay Powell with another term.

BREAKING: The U.S. economy shrank in the first three months of the year even though consumers and businesses kept spending at a solid pace, the government reported. Last quarters 1.5% drop in GDP does not likely signal the start of a recession. https://t.co/LDCf6MnK5I

We say: Associated Press is smoking some pretty strong stuff: The story that accompanies this tweet even claims that by most measures, the economy as a whole remains healthy. Negative economic growth, inflation at a 40-year high and nearly 20% of the stock markets value obliterated since the years start does that sound like a healthy economy to you? Consumers are sure to cut back, no matter what the Biden fan club tells you.

Compiled by The Post Editorial Board

Read the original here:
The week in whoppers: Bidens unifying race riots, CNNs inflation problem and more - New York Post

Having the RNC in Milwaukee is a disaster waiting to happen. Milwaukee and other cities in southeast Wisconsin have been rocked by tragedies and violence as of late. Our communities are hurting and grieving. Some of the most marginalized are finding ways to heal. We are anxious. We are on edge. Not even two weeks ago, a white supremacist murdered 10 people at a grocery store in a predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York. The killer had been radicalized by racist misinformation online. In Wisconsin, weve seen attacks on the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and anti-Semitic fliers left in peoples yards.

What does all of this have to do with the RNC? There is only one party that helps push out misinformation that costs people their lives. There is one party that demands a rebuttal to the phrase Black Lives Matter. There is one party at uplifts and supports the NRA. Obviously, there are exceptions but we see a pretty consistent pattern in the Republican partys stands on these issues. The Republican party is a party of hate. Former Chair of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chris Walton, sums it up pretty easily.

In a city where the majority of residents are people of color, the Republicans have largely stayed away. It was only in 2020 that the Republican party opened an office in Milwaukee for the first time. Their delayed engagement feels like its sole intent is to extract and chip away votes, not actually work on our issues. After not engaging with Milwaukee for so long, why would the Republicans want to have their convention here? I cant help but think that the party wants to antagonize an already hurting and broken city. The racial tensions are high and bringing in a party that represents hate puts our city in danger. Given the tragedy in Buffalo, a newsurvey says that 75% of Black people are afraid of another racially motivated attack.

We just hit the two-year anniversary of George Floyds murder and our country is still ripped apart at the seams, unable to move forward and protect Black lives. The Republican party, both nationally and locally, has consistently blocked legislation and real policy that would protect Black lives. But they want to hold their largest convention in the city of Milwaukee? A city that is only referred to by Republicans through racist dog whistles. Proposing having the RNC in our city feels as if leaders are spitting in the face of our real pain. Pain from the Republican party. Pain from a party that props up Kyle Rittenhouse, who murdered two people in Kenosha as they demonstrated to defend Black lives. There is a very real possibility that in the city of Milwaukee, the RNC will feature people like Rittenhouse.

Ive sat on this and thought about this for quite some time. What would this mean for our city? Sure there is an economic impact, but I struggle to find more benefits. Hate should not be welcomed in our city and its absurd that at this moment, with everything we have seen lately, we are considering this. The economic impact is not worth the potential violence (both physical and emotional).

Voces de La Frontera and other community organizations were right when they wrote in an open letter to the common council that this is a different Republican party. This is a party that seeks to lock up more Black and brown people, a party that proposes legislation in Madison aimed solely at hurting Milwaukee and starving the city of funds. With all of these dynamics, I cant help but think that we run the risk of turning Milwaukee into another Charlottesville, which violent white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups made a symbol of racism. Conventions already push out our most vulnerable, and bring additional law enforcement into our communities. There is no reason the RNC wants to have its convention here outside of scaring and terrorizing communities that they have already left behind, and communities they often attack. We have had so many conversations about safety recently. Right now we have an opportunity to keep our community safe by not allowing hate into the city we love so much.

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Originally posted here:
Keep the Republican convention out of Milwaukee - Wisconsin Examiner

May 25, 2022

Tianna Arata standing on a highway barrier

By KAREN VELIE

Three appellate court judges will determine early next month if San Luis Obispo County Judge Matt Guerreros ruling to recuse the entire district attorneys office in cases regarding Black Lives Matter protesters followed legal requirements.

During a July 21, 2021 BLM march, Tianna Arata allegedly led approximately 300 protesters onto Highway 101, blocking all lanes in both directions for nearly an hour. While on the highway, protesters ran after vehicles attempting to drive off the freeway and yelled profanities at some of the drivers.

Prosecutors charged Arata with one count of unlawful assembly, one count of disturbing the peace, six counts of obstruction of a thoroughfare, and five counts of false imprisonment all misdemeanors.

The district attorney also filed two misdemeanor charges against Jerad Hill, three misdemeanor charges against Sam Grocott, a felony charge of vandalism and a misdemeanor charge against Robert Lastra, four misdemeanor charges against Marcus Montgomery and one misdemeanor charge each against Joshua Powell and Amman Asfaw.

During a Dec. 10, 2020 hearing, defense attorneys argued that District Attorney Dan Dows personal political opinions jeopardized the seven defendants rights to a fair trial, and that local prosecutors should be replaced by the California Office of the Attorney General.

In opposition to the defense, local and state prosecutors argued against the disqualification, noting the defense is required to show an actual conflict of interest and not a perceived conflict.

Judge Matt Guerrero

Judge Guerrero then ruled that the District Attorneys Office had a clear conflict of interest based on the wording of an email Guerrero said District Attorney Dan Dow and his wife sent to supporters seeking donations. The email asks Dan Dows supporters to help him lead the fight against the wacky defund the police movement and anarchist groups that are trying to undermine the rule of law and public safety in our community.

In early Jan. 2021, the California Attorney Generals Office and the SLO County District Attorneys Office appealed Guerreros ruling to recuse the entire district attorneys office because it fell well short of the statutory standard.

The trial court abused its discretion by ordering disqualification of the District Attorneys Office based upon unsupported factual findings and incorrect legal conclusions, according to the Attorney Generals Office. Respondents failed to establish that there was an actual and disqualifying conflict of interest.

The Attorney Generals Office argues Guerrero relied on newspaper articles and a patchwork of unreliable hearsay, which even if reliable does not qualify as a conflict of interest.

It must be emphasized that these exhibits do not constitute competent evidence under section 1424, according to the states brief. And the trial courts reliance on incompetent evidence is emblematic of the flawed nature of its decision.

Prosecutors also challenge Guerreros determination that Dan Dow participated in sending or was aware of his wifes email.

Critically, the record is devoid of affidavits from District Attorney Dow, Wendy Dow, or anyone else who might have personal knowledge about whether he knew of or approved the email, according to the states brief.

Even if Dan Dow was aware of the email, the state argues the allegations would still fall well short of the legal requirements because even as an elected official, Dan Dow is permitted to hold strong, and even controversial, views, including views that do not align with BLM.

Attorneys for the alleged rioters argue that Guerrero properly considered the email they claim Dan Dow sent.

The email established a disabling conflict of interest because District Attorney Dow asked for campaign donations so he can keep leading the fight in SLO county and to ensure he will continue, according to Aratas brief. Thus, District Attorney Dow effectively promised his supporters that if they contributed to his campaign for re election, their money would ensure he would continue prosecuting Black Lives Matter protesters, like Arata.

Aratas attorneys also argue that Dan Dows attendance at an event in which Candace Owens spoke shows he is biased against the BLM movement.

At the event, Ms. Owens called Black Lives Matter one of the most racist movements that ever existed in this country, according to Aratas brief. When questioned, District Attorney Dow wrote a letter to the SLO Tribune stating, Candace Owens is a bright and intelligent, fearless woman and a role model for young women everywhere.

Following multiple investigations, law enforcement agencies sought charges against the BLM protesters, who argue the driver of a BMW hit one protester. Investigators determined the protester jumped on the hood of the car, and was not hit.

The back window of the BMW broken by a protestors skateboard. The glass fell on a 4-year-old child in the backseat.

However, in his brief Lastra argues that the real potential for unfair treatment is demonstrated by the failure of the District Attorneys Office to charge motorists who weaponized their automobiles against nonviolent demonstrators.

Prosecutors argue Lastras claim of selective prosecution is not relevant to the appeal, because Guerreros ruling was based solely on Wendy Dows email. Also, that allowing defendants to disqualify district attorneys based on Dan Dow and his supporters political views could weaponize the ability to disqualify.

Defendants would be permitted to disqualify district attorneys for the opinions of the elected district attorneys most intemperate supporters, according to the state. But district attorneys and their offices may not be disqualified for the views of their alleged supporters or even for their own views.

The appellate court is scheduled to hear oral arguments at a hearing on June 9.

Continue reading here:
Validity of SLO County judge's ruling on BLM activists headed to court - Cal Coast News