“Femme Voices” Spotlight: Ya Gay Aunties Podcast

Ya Gay Aunties is a podcast hosted by Hanifah and Red, two friends who have taken it upon themselves to guide baby queer POCs in the right direction one episode at a time. They discuss topics such as relationships, pop culture, and politics and they also have special guest interviews. Their episodes are always thoughtful and sometimes controversial but at the end of the day, what’s important to them is reaching people by providing a different voice. This contribution to the community is priceless because many of us don’t have access to getting advice from those like us who have been in our shoes before.

Check out the interview below to learn about how Hanifah and Red began Ya Gay Aunties and how they deal with daily life as well as manage and curate such an important podcast.

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“Femme Voices” Spotlight: Island Couple, Shannon and Shanika

Shannon and Shanika, our next “Femme Voices” spotlight, are a femme couple living and loving in their native island, Jamaica. Shannon, a nursing student, and Shanika, a musician, are best friends and consider themselves to be twin flames after being reconnected via one fateful Instagram DM. They talk to us about their dreams and aspirations as individuals and as a couple. Their view on relationships and their energy-focused self-care methods allow them to have the capacity to love one another effortlessly, in the midst of an environment that isn’t exactly receptive to who they are. Shannon and Shanika share the things they are passionate about and their inspiring love story below!

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“Femme Voices” Spotlight: Jewelry Designer, V of “BlackQueerMagic”

V of BlackQueeMagic is this week’s “Femme Voices” feature interview. V’s story resonated with me on so many levels, from personal to professional. This self-made jewelry designer explains how she went from a job that was wearing her down to discovering her creative talents and turning them into a fulfilling career where she is able to help others. V also speaks about the period of reconciliation that she had to go through in order to embrace her Jamaican heritage yet still hold on strong to her self-worth and identity. These challenges are very relatable to those of us who struggle to find a balance between purpose and passion while navigating through the conventions of our culture. But despite these difficulties, V managed to overcome and flourish in her Black Queer Magic.

Learn more about V’s journey below the break!

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“Femme Voices” Artist Spotlight: Performance Artist, Majic Dyke

The Glam Femme’s next “Femme Voices” feature is Majic Dyke, a performance artist whose dancing helped them find their voice. Also known as the “King of Beards and Titties,” Majic uses dancing in the drag king space to bring joy to the LGBTQ+ community and awareness to the masses. They confront the idea of gender by expressing the fluidity that they have embraced within themselves and sharing this experience with others. To Majic, performing is not on only an art form, it gives life to a path towards self-love and freedom.

Read on to find out more about Majic!

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“Femme Voices” Fashion Spotlight: Designer, Stephanie Raymond and LezBReaL Fashionz

Credit: *D,Irvin Photography

Stephanie Raymond is a designer and founder of LezBReaL Fashionz and the subject of our next “Femme Voices” feature interview. She is a proud Haitian lesbian woman who puts all of her perspectives into her art. Stephanie is a true hustler, constructing custom designs for her clients while finding time to publically amplify her brand by exhibiting her work in fashion shows and representing her designs at events for various causes. She is extremely goal-oriented and gives some amazing advice on how to have faith in yourself and find your creative passions, even when the dream seems far away.

Read Stephanie’s full interview below!

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“Femme Voices” Writer Spotlight: “Finding Community Far from Home,” by Trae Higgs

I moved to the Big Apple in August 2014, in a long-term relationship and knowing everything about everything. I had graduated from my university just four months prior and I was ready for new experiences far away from the only place I had ever lived, Florida. For much of my life, I had no issues with Florida. I had beaches at my disposal and warm weather 98.5% of the year. Hell, I’m from the place that rappers and singers mention in songs and where every professional athlete vacations: Miami. What’s not to love?

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“Femme Voices” Couple Spotlight: Interview with Creatives, Joy & Brandy

Wedding Day, 2014

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Joy and Brandy are our very first couple spotlight for “Femme Voices”! Their couple’s page, @lovejandb, caught my eye because of how they seamlessly come together as a unit, while also representing their own branding for each of their careers. After interviewing them, I was delighted to find out that this was no different than how they function in their relationship. They are able to nurture their partnership and work on furthering their careers as they flourish in their unique identities. In our interview, Brandy and Joy share what makes their creative minds tick and how they keep the love alive in their marriage.

Read on for more of this beautiful couple!

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“Femme Voices” Artist Spotlight: Interview with Visual Artist, Avery Webster-Hobbs

Credit: Andre Cerezo

Avery Webster-Hobbs is our next “Femme Voices” feature interview. This artist uses bold colors to paint pieces that celebrate the feminine form. She focuses on a more natural aesthetic in her portraits, both with the backdrop and the figures that are the center of her “Femme Fuzze” designs. Avery’s art challenges the status quo on what is acceptable for those who possess a femme identity. As someone who values the support of a community, she uses her artistry to partner with small businesses in Brooklyn and encourages other artists to put their work out there as she has done.

Read below to learn more about Avery!

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“Femme Voices” Feature: Interview with Multifaceted Intern Doctor, Sipho-Sabo

This interview is very meaningful to me because when I came across Sipho-Sabo’s Instagram (@batwoman_z), I was struck with how confidently she embraces all aspects of her identity. I admired that and wished I had known someone like her when I was younger. This interview is important because although Sipho-Sabo is in the beginning stages of her career, and will no doubt change the world someday, right now I know there are other queer Black girls who need to hear that it’s OK to fully be yourself, on your own terms.

Read on to learn more about Sipho-Sabo!

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“Femme Voices” Wellness Spotlight: Interview with Jimanekia Eborn

 

Sex educator, Jimanekia Eborn is our next “Femme Voices” feature. She infused her positive attitude and her desire to help people to create the career of her dreams, where she teaches people about sex as well as how to get through their trauma. Jimanekia has built her brand from the ground up so that she could find new ways of reaching people and assist survivors and allies in learning about healing. The work Jimanekia does is so important and truly inspirational. Read below to read her story!

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