Blaque/OUT Equity & Inclusivity Architects, led by Tamara Leigh, take a very different approach to DE&I work. All the Educators that work with Blaque/OUT are not just trained professionals but are a part of the QTPOC community to ensure that they can speak from a point of personal experience. We feel that it is a vital component of the work that we do. Lived experience reaches far beyond anything you can be taught.
Through Speaking Engagements, Workshops & Educational Sessions, Procedure & Policy Audit & Appraisals, Project Consultation, Curriculum Development & DEI Residencies we work to evaluate where an entity currently is, help to flesh out where they'd like to evolve to and create a cohesive and strategic plan to attain those goals whether through a singular engagement or on-going relationship.
But the key to that is relationships. Very few people intentionally chose to operate in hate, racism, homophobia, misogyny or transmisia. These very real conditions are typically based in ignorance about experiences outside of one's own and lack of self-exploration which allow bias and privilege to lead. To not educate, to not dig deep into the hard conversations and choose to create a different self, a different organization and a different world is a choice.
By choosing Blaque/OUT we hope to build those relationships, assist in those explorations of self and educate to evolve beyond the ignorance that stunts all of our abilities to collectively grow.
Tamara Leigh
Our primary, Tamara Leigh is a Black, Queer woman who educates and advises from her own personal experiences in the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and QTPOC communities, from her professional work as an Advocate, Activist and Educator for 10+ years, and her 12+ years of experience as a Public Relations specialist. She is the Editor of Blaque/OUT Magazine
Blaque/Out Speakers Bureau
Javannah Davis
Brittan Hardgers
Javannah Davis
(She/Her)
Javannah J. Davis resides in New York. She is a community advocate that has earned her Associates in Applied Science degree, worked in the healthcare field for almost 20 years, and is a recent Nursing School graduate. Javannah is a self-published author; having already written four novels, one of which is a children's book.
Javan
(She/Her)
Javannah J. Davis resides in New York. She is a community advocate that has earned her Associates in Applied Science degree, worked in the healthcare field for almost 20 years, and is a recent Nursing School graduate. Javannah is a self-published author; having already written four novels, one of which is a children's book.
Javannah is one of the columnists for BlaqueOut Magazine, which allows for her to share her knowledge, compassion, experience, and encouragement to those in the LGBTQIA+ and surrounding communities. She is also Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women INC.; a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, CEO/Owner of Linjé Enterprises LLC, a member of the Community Initiative for the local United Way, a member of the University of Rochester Community Advisory Board (CAB) for AIDS clinical trials, HIV vaccine trials, and the center for AIDS research, and is also an ordained minister.
Javannah is passionate about healing, self-love, self actualization, and helping others to live the best of their lives in a healthy way. Javannah was awarded the Honorary Fatima Woods Award in both 2018 and 2021 by organization's Next Generation Men of Transition(NGMT), Roc Black Pride, and BlaqueOut Magazine for her community contributions.
Rocky Butler
Brittan Hardgers
Javannah Davis
(He/Him)
Rocky Butler, the Founder and President of 9 Colors Initiative, an organization dedicated to empowering the LGBTQIA+ community through unity, has been a leader in the St. Petersburg, Florida community for over a decade. Butler is credited with bringing “Ballroom”, a cultural staple in the Black and Brown Queer community, to the a
(He/Him)
Rocky Butler, the Founder and President of 9 Colors Initiative, an organization dedicated to empowering the LGBTQIA+ community through unity, has been a leader in the St. Petersburg, Florida community for over a decade. Butler is credited with bringing “Ballroom”, a cultural staple in the Black and Brown Queer community, to the area and has been a leader in the Ballroom community since 2011. Currently serving as Chair of Diversity and Oversight for the St. Pete Pride organization, Rocky has centered Diversity and Equity work as both a passion and social responsibility. As a Community Activist, Advocate and Educator, Butler has been featured in the Ujima National Men’s Conference, Ujima Men’s Collective, Sysco Pride Month Lecture Series, BHA Conference and he served as a Ryan White Care Council Member. Butler is also an experienced and sought after event planner and has organized St. Pete Pride Intersectional events, Ballroom Competitions, Juneteenth observances, and Community “FrensGiving” events to provide fellowship opportunities for LGBTQ+ members that do not have means to cook their own Thanksgiving dinners or are estranged from their own families.
Immani Love
Brittan Hardgers
Brittan Hardgers
(She/Her)
Immani Love is an Internationally acclaimed, award winning Erotic Poet and Author who regularly performs throughout the US, UK, Europe, and Australia upon booking. She was previously a radio personality on a weekly LGBT radio show and has toured around the world performing at several venues and festivals giving seminars. Named 2
(She/Her)
Immani Love is an Internationally acclaimed, award winning Erotic Poet and Author who regularly performs throughout the US, UK, Europe, and Australia upon booking. She was previously a radio personality on a weekly LGBT radio show and has toured around the world performing at several venues and festivals giving seminars. Named 2013 Erotic Poet of the Year by the National Poetry Awards she has toured in 9 countries over 6 European tours and one Australian tour.
Now, post Covid, she has shifted her focus to more domestic appearances, freelance writing for several publications including Blaque/Out Magazine (a queer BIPOC publication), volunteering as a member of St. Pete Pride’s Board of Directors and a member of the Blaqqueer Unity Council representing Tampa Bay Black Lesbians (a POC lesbian social group.) As if she’s not busy enough, Immani Love is also a licensed Realtor and an Ordained minister providing nuptial services for anyone but specializing in same sex ceremonies.
An educated Vixen, cunning linguist, and overall witty seductress with the voice of a Siren.
Brittan Hardgers
Brittan Hardgers
Brittan Hardgers
(He/Him/They)
Brittan Hardgers founded Next Generation Men of Transition, a resource, advocacy and support organization for men of the Trans experience in 2018.
Since then, Hardgers has supported Trans Masculine,Trans Feminine & Non Binary folx nationwide while bringing visibility to those who share his experience through advocacy, activ
(He/Him/They)
Brittan Hardgers founded Next Generation Men of Transition, a resource, advocacy and support organization for men of the Trans experience in 2018.
Since then, Hardgers has supported Trans Masculine,Trans Feminine & Non Binary folx nationwide while bringing visibility to those who share his experience through advocacy, activism and education both locally and across the US.
Hardgers was awarded the Community Leadership Award by Rochester Black Pride in 2018, the Blaque/OUT TDOR Trans Visibility Award in 2022, he has acted as keynote and host to the Rochester Trans Day of Remembrance Observances 2019-2021 and hosts annual Trans Day of Visibility events in Rochester, NY. He has been featured in the Trans-Awareness and Trans-Affirming Barber sections of the Empty Closet Magazine, writes the TRAN/S/ column in Blaque/OUT Magazine and has been featured on countless television and radio appearances. Brittan has provided educational workshops and lectures for Emory University, Rochester Public Defender's Office, Liberating Black Voices, Geva Theater, Windstream Communications, University of Rochester, moderated TDOR 2021 Panel with 3rd Presbyterian Church, Black History Keynote Speaker 2022 for Spiritus Christi Church and many more. In addition to his other accomplishments, Hardgers ran for Rochester City Council as the first ever openly Trans candidate for office in Rochester, New York in 2021. Brittan is also featured in the 2022 Rochester Memorial Art Gallery Exhibit “Up Against The Wall: Art, Activism, and AIDS Poster”, as well as ROC SRJ Community Leadership Spotlight Collective. Hardgers is a current board member of the Greater Rochester LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, Patient Experience Liasion for the University of Rochester Medical Systems, Upstate Organizer for New Pride Agenda and he continues to sit with multiple local agencies, support channels, and progressive movements in order to advocate for All BIPOC/QTPOC & LGBTQ+ folks.
NEW EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FROM BLAQUE/OUT
Be A Better Ally To Black Women This Election Season (And Always!)
It is a strange strange world during a strange strange time when the possibility of the 1st Black Woman being elected President of the United States happens the same week that we watch a Black woman being murdered by the police, that SHE called, in her own kitchen because of a pot of water boiling on her stove. It is and these times very much represent that two very different things can be true at the same time. In the excitement and exasperation of a new candidate for the country's highest office, when many of us very much hoped for one, many are rallying for and against Kamala Harris. The stakes are high for everyone but the issues are also complex and experienced very differently depending on who you are in this country. You may already consider yourself an ally. Or you may have never even considered the idea of what it means to be an ally to Black Women in this country. And although many of us share the same excitement and hope for the future, the way that it is experienced by Black women (and especially Black Trans & Queer women in this case) can be very, very different and if you in fact want to not only see the best possible outcome for the election but work side by side with Black women to see that happen, this is a very important conversation that you may want to be a part of. It is also a safe space for you to ask questions and get honest and open feedback or advice without judgement.
Two different sessions will be offered via zoom, Sunday, August 11th 12-2PM or Wednesday, August 14th 6-8PM via zoom. When you complete the registration, you will receive a zoom invite and link to join the session of your choice.
Our Clients:
