Media contact: paris@bekindcomms.com

Gilead Sciences Invests in Normal Anomaly to Empower Black LGBTQIA+ Community Through Innovation, Resources, and Collaboration

The grant will amplify Normal Anomaly’s capacity of community-led projects, including the newest initiative for Black LGBTQIA+ youth in Houston

Houston, TX – The Normal Anomaly Initiative, one of the nation’s premiere nonprofits dedicated to uplifting and supporting the Black LGBTQIA+ community, is thrilled to announce a significant grant from Gilead Sciences, which will propel our mission to enhance the well-being of the Black Queer+ community throughout the Southern United States. This funding will support our latest venture, LUMINATE, in partnership with Montrose Grace Place (MGP), a nonprofit providing a safe and welcoming environment for unhoused youth of all sexualities and genders. This partnership is poised to create lasting change by addressing entrenched barriers related to housing, healthcare, and inclusivity.

LUMINATE aims to provide essential resources, food, and a sense of community to many sub-sections of the community, including young LGBTQIA+ individuals of color, the drag community, and the content creator community. Access to community, resources, and advocacy capacity is essential. LUMINATE, supported by Gilead’s generous grant, goes beyond providing temporary relief. It represents a commitment to creating long-lasting change by fostering supportive environments where these basic needs are met consistently.

This partnership with Montrose Grace Place is monumental. LGBTQIA+ youth are 120% more likely to experience being unhoused than non-LGBTQIA+ youth. Texas is home to approximately 7 million youth under 18, and holds the second-largest LGBTIA+ youth population in the United States. Urban Institute has found that LGBTQIA+ youth of color in southern states face heightened vulnerabilities and discrimination in service delivery. 

Ian L. Haddock, Founder of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, expressed his gratitude for the grant and partnership, stating, “This grant from Gilead Sciences is not just a financial boost; it’s a beacon of hope and validation for our community. Having personally faced the challenges of being unhoused, I understand the critical need for spaces that welcome and safely affirm our youth. Montrose Grace Place is exemplary in this respect, and together, we can achieve profound change for innumerable lives here in Houston and beyond.”

Courtney Sellers, Executive Director of Montrose Grace Place shared in this joy. “We are filled with gratitude and joy at the opportunity to partner with The Normal Anomaly Initiative and Gilead Sciences to address systemic barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. The Normal Anomaly has been a leader in fostering community and opportunity for Black, Queer+ people in Houston and throughout the south and we are over the moon about partnering with them to provide additional opportunities for our youth to use their experiences to create pathways to opportunity for themselves and other LGBTQ+ youth with unstable housing.”     

The Normal Anomaly Initiative and Montrose Grace Place invite the community and beyond to be inspired by Gilead’s generosity and join in supporting this crucial work to create a future where everyone has their basic needs met to live and has the support and community necessary to thrive. 

For more information about the LUMINATE initiative or to get involved, please visit here. 

Media Contact: paris@bekindcomms.com 

POWR to the Polls: The Normal Anomaly Initiative Mobilizes Black LGBTQIA+ Texans for Critical 2024 Election

Houston, Texas — September 23, 2024 — The Normal Anomaly Initiative, a national nonprofit founded in Texas and dedicated to uplifting Black Queer+ communities, is proud to announce the launch of POWR (Positive, Organizing, Wellness, and Resilience), a voter engagement initiative tailored to mobilize Black LGBTQIA+ Texans in the critical 2024 election. Serving both Houston and Dallas, this nonpartisan initiative will provide essential resources, foster crucial conversations, and equip Black queer+ Texans with the tools to vote confidently, knowing their rights and ensuring safe access to the polls.

“Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to create real, lasting change,” said Ian L. Haddock, Founder and Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative. “For Black LGBTQIA+ Texans, the stakes in this election couldn’t be higher. Critical issues like safety, healthcare, economic justice, and fundamental human rights are on the ballot. We’re here to ensure that our community not only shows up but shows out—because our voices matter, and our votes will make a difference.”

This election holds immense significance in Texas, a state that continues to be a battleground for issues directly impacting Black LGBTQIA+ lives. From recent legislation targeting trans rights to ongoing fights for racial and economic equity, Texas voters have the power to influence the direction of policies that will shape the future. As a Texas-based organization, The Normal Anomaly Initiative is deeply invested in its home state and the well-being of its Black queer+ community. 

In addition to providing transportation and practical voting tools, POWR creates safe spaces for community members to engage in meaningful, judgment-free dialogue. Events such as Backporch Conversations, set for October 11, 2024, will feature Conscious Lee, an NAACP Image Award nominee and educator. This event offers a unique opportunity for the Black LGBTQIA+ community to discuss voter empowerment, resilience, and the importance of using their voices to shape the future.

“We can’t wait for others to save us. We have to save ourselves,” said Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, Director of Programming at The Normal Anomaly Initiative. “By voting, we’re not just shaping policy—we’re safeguarding our right to exist, live authentically, and thrive with dignity. Voting is how we defend ourselves.”

For Black queer+ voters, knowing their rights and feeling safe at the polls are paramount concerns. POWR not only provides voter education but also offers practical advice on navigating gender identity at polling stations and staying secure while casting a ballot. As the policies decided in this election directly impact the lives and well-being of Black LGBTQIA+ Texans, voting becomes an act of self-preservation and community defense. From local to national offices, elected officials will shape the daily realities of all Texans—making participation in this election critical.

POWR’s Four Pillars:

• Positive: Engaging voters with a focus on inner strength and change. POWR will visit key venues across the city to register new voters.
• Organizing: Mobilizing the community through innovative events, fostering connection, and building networks for collective action.
• Wellness: Ensuring every voter feels safe and supported. POWR will provide group and individual rides to polling locations.
• Resilience: Combating misinformation and empowering voters with accurate knowledge of their rights and the policies on the ballot.

Upcoming POWR Events:

• Voter Transportation – October 26, 2024 and November 5, 2024:
  • Meet us at the Normal Anomaly Drop-In Center at 2310 Arbor Street, Houston, Texas 77006. Rides will depart at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM. 
  • Access free transportation via Lyft, Metro Rail, or Metro Bus by signing up for assistance at normalanomaly.org/transport.

• Backporch Conversations with Conscious Lee – October 11, 2024:
  • Join NAACP Image Award nominee and digital educator Conscious Lee for a powerful conversation about Black LGBTQIA+ empowerment. The event starts at 7 PM at 2310 Arbor Street, Houston, Texas 77006. RSVP at normalanomaly.org.

For more information and updates on POWR, follow along on Instagram and Twitter.

Black Queer AF Media Tour Solidifies 2024’s Act I, Expands Reach Across the South

Local Voices Invited to Join This One-of-a-Kind Celebration of Community and Joy

Houston, TX – The Normal Anomaly Initiative is thrilled to announce the finalized dates and cities for the highly anticipated Black Queer AF (BQAF) Media Tour. This groundbreaking tour will kick off in August 2024, bringing a unique blend of culture, community, and awareness to Black, Queer individuals. This tour also has a specific focus on including more Afro-Latinx communities. Act I of the tour will shine a spotlight on the South, with a national expansion to follow.

The confirmed cities and dates for the BQAF Media Tour Act I are:

• Atlanta, GA: August 15, 2024 – 8:30 PM 
  • The BQAF Media Tour will premiere in tandem with the Saving Ourselves Symposium. Join us at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center at 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
• New Orleans, LA: September 12-15, 2024
  • More information to come at bqaftour.com. 
• Montgomery, AL: October 18-20, 2024 
  • Join us at Montgomery Pride United at  635 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, for a multi-night celebration. 
• Dallas, TX: November 7, 2024 – 7:00 PM 
  • BQAF Media Tour will conclude Act I at Marty’s Live Dallas at 4207 Maple Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219.

Act II will pick up in 2025 and visit Tennessee, South Florida, and Houston, TX, along with more cities to come. The BQAF Media Tour aims to cultivate a sense of community and joy among Black, Queer folks through engaging discussions, live podcasts, music, and exclusive content. Each city on the tour has been chosen for its unique cultural significance and the opportunity it presents to address critical issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and stigma. 

Each city will feature local and national talent. With live music, audience discussions, live tapings of the Dear Black Gay Men podcast and Relentless AF podcast, and exclusive viewings for the upcoming limited series They’re Not Coming to Save Us, Normal Anomaly also welcomes any local talent to direct message @thenormalanomaly if interested in being a featured performer or participating in this incredibly empowering event. 

For more information on the BQAF Media Tour and to stay updated on events and locations, visit bqaftour.com. 

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Black Queer AF Media Tour to Ignite the South with Culture, Community, and Awareness

Groundbreaking Tour by The Normal Anomaly Initiative Brings Discussions, Podcasts, Live Music, and Exclusive Content to Black, Queer Communities in Seven Southern Cities

Houston, TX– The Normal Anomaly Initiative, one of the nation’s premier advocacy organizations for empowering Black LGBTQIA+ individuals and a leading voice in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, proudly announces the launch of a media tour unlike any other. The Black Queer AF (BQAF) Media Tour will travel to seven cities, bringing a unique blend of culture and awareness through discussions, podcasts, live music, and exclusive content focused on uplifting Black, queer culture.

The tour will focus on cities in the South most impacted by HIV/AIDS and stigma, spreading vital awareness and education. This ambitious endeavor is made possible by generous sponsorship and partnerships with organizations such as HPTN 096 BETA Study, ViiV Healthcare, Gilead Sciences, and the Southern AIDS Coalition. 

“The South is the hardest hit by HIV, and with Black, queer individuals being disproportionately impacted by the virus plus the myriad disparities that intersect it, the places that we are traveling to are essential to building a community across the South. Further, the South is where some of the greatest cultural innovations within our communities come from. Bringing art across the South while uplifting our cultural curators is necessary to create a brave space of joy while engaging in narrative-shifting conversations,” says Ian L. Haddock, Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly. 

A highlight of the tour will be unveiling the new podcast, Relentless AF, produced by The Normal Anomaly and hosted by Marvin Anderson. This podcast aims to spotlight voices from the frontlines of Black, queer excellence, and acceleration.

Marvin Anderson, host of Relentless AF, shared his excitement: “The Normal Anomaly has proven to be a cutting-edge organization that’s leading the charge to bring positive visibility and excellence to pivot and elevate the narratives of Black Queer communities. I am elated to bring over 20 years of combined media experience as a Radio Host, DJ, Anchor, and Multi-Faceted media curator to this pioneering power team!”

This one-of-a-kind media tour merges entertainment, community, culture, and education, directly serving those most affected. The final stop of the tour will be at next year’s Black Queer Advancement Festival (BQAF) in The Normal Anomaly’s home city of Houston in 2025. The cities on the tour include Atlanta in August 2024, New Orleans in September 2024, Montgomery in October 2024, Dallas in November 2024, Memphis in February 2025, Ft. Lauderdale in March 2025, and Houston in May 2025. These locations are significant as they align with the efforts of the Saving Ourselves Symposium, where the tour will officially launch, and the US Conference on HIV AIDS. 

Marco Mays, representing Montgomery Pride United, emphasized the importance of the tour: “A need exists to cultivate a better and meaningful Black LGBTQ+ community in the Deep South. That multifaceted challenge can only be met by establishing a sense of community among the Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the Montgomery River Region. Any attempt to showcase the inclusiveness of our marginalized group would be a tremendous help to dismantle existing silos that perpetuate stigma. The BQAF Media Tour concept is desperately needed in our city.”

Joining this tour is the host of the Dear Black Gay Men podcast. Jai The Gentleman of the Dear Black Gay Men podcast, expressed his enthusiasm: “We started Dear Black Gay Men podcast to remind queer people how dope it is to be us and love us. The Normal Anomaly Initiative is the perfect partner to take that charge across the country. We’re so excited to have conversations for us and by us all across the South. Hopefully, in the process, we’ll see each other a little clearer, understand each other a little deeper, and turn up a little higher together.”

The BQAF Media Tour will feature live tapings of podcasts, audience discussions, live music, and focused dialogues on the lives of Black, Queer experiences. The tour will also include previews for the upcoming documentary They’re Not Coming to Save Us.

For more information, follow along at bqaftour.com. 

Meet Kimberly Tezeno, soon to be graduate of Project Liberate and the creative mind behind Become N’twine, a business that specializes in customized creations ranging from tumblers to shirts and beyond. Kimberly’s journey into entrepreneurship was born from a personal moment of loss and inspiration, leading her to channel her creativity into tangible expressions of love and art.

For Kimberly, the journey began eight years ago, following the loss of her mother in July 2016. Struck by the absence of photographic memories, Kimberly took it upon herself to create personalized plaques for her siblings. The overwhelming positive response ignited a spark within her. With a background in event planning and photography, Kimberly’s transition into entrepreneurship was a natural progression fueled by her passion for crafting and customization.

Despite her creative prowess, Kimberly faced her share of challenges, particularly the fear of seeing her work displayed publicly. However, through Project Liberate, Kimberly has been confronting and overcoming these fears, gaining confidence in sharing her creations with the world.

From her initial interactions with the team at Normal Anomaly, Kimberly felt welcomed and embraced by a community of like-minded individuals. She believes this program is so important for the Black community because it is a judgment-free zone that allows for growth. Through the program, she has honed her public speaking skills and gained invaluable insights into marketing and networking. 

Looking ahead, Kimberly envisions leveraging her newfound confidence and skills to expand her business, with a focus on growth and marketing. She aspires to collaborate with companies to offer customized logos and party favors, showcasing the breadth of her creative talent.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kimberly offers words of encouragement: embrace the journey, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and fearlessly pursue your passion. Through Project Liberate, Kimberly has discovered the power of community and support in propelling her business forward.

Follow Kimberly’s creative journey on Instagram for a glimpse into her personalized creations and the stories behind them.

In a world where artist’s careers have become dictated by follower counts, social media trends and algorithms rooted in systemic biases, Ash Carter stands as a shining light for Queer Southern artists, activists, and visionaries looking to share their work. As the Founder and Creative Director of Hello Cold World Mag, Ash has embarked on a mission to amplify the voices of the often-overlooked Queer community across the South. Through their journey with Project Liberate, Ash has not only found support for their endeavors but has also become a source of inspiration for others seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Ash’s vision for Hello Cold World Mag was born out of a desire to fill a void in regional publications, particularly those that celebrate the vibrant cultural tapestry of the South. Recognizing the richness of Southern culture and the immense talent within the queer community, Ash set out to create a platform that would showcase the creativity and resilience of their peers.

“What really struck me was that there was no publication regionally for the South that highlighted those creative efforts. You know, a lot of people tend to think the South is culturally bullied, but we are actually probably the most preeminent start of all things culture, and all things queer as well. So, it’s definitely time for us to highlight that,” said Ash on their motivations behind this magazine. 

The path to realizing this vision was not without its doubts and challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Ash grappled with questions of audience reach and sustainability. However, through perseverance and a growing network of support in their Project Liberate cohort, those doubts were transformed into unwavering determination.

Project Liberate emerged as a pivotal opportunity for Ash to further their mission and connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to community upliftment. Inspired by the program’s founder, Ian L. Haddock’s own journey, and the camaraderie among fellow Liberators, Ash found a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge to fuel their entrepreneurial journey.

Looking ahead, Ash envisions a future where the influence of Hello Cold World Mag transcends geographical boundaries, resonating with marginalized communities far and wide. As they prepare to graduate from Project Liberate, Ash is poised to leverage the skills and knowledge gained to propel their business endeavors to new heights. From National Black Authors Day celebrations to ongoing community engagement initiatives, Ash remains steadfast in their mission to cultivate a space where all can find their family through art.

To connect with Ash Carter and Hello Cold World Mag, follow their Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter now.

Brandon Mack, a Texas-native, served for over 13 years in academia and admissions before

founding B.Mack Strategies LLC, a dynamic consulting company committed to driving positive change in education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. His passion for education, coupled with a desire to address systemic inequalities, led to apply to Project Liberate to help make his dreams of doing things differently a reality.

Reflecting on his career transition, Brandon discussed the pivotal role of the pandemic in reshaping his approach to work. Remote opportunities highlighted the potential for broader access to college admissions services, inspiring Brandon to leverage technology for greater impact. Dissatisfied with the status quo, Brandon made the bold decision to embark on his entrepreneurial journey, driven by a commitment to serving historically marginalized communities.

Brandon’s involvement in Project Liberate proved transformative, offering invaluable support and camaraderie. The program’s emphasis on community-driven entrepreneurship resonated deeply with Brandon, providing both practical guidance and emotional encouragement during challenging times. Through collaborative efforts and shared experiences, Brandon found inspiration and solidarity among fellow entrepreneurs. He believes this opportunity is crucial for Black, Queer entrepreneurs because, unfortunately, they are not afforded the same opportunities from pitch competitions and startup incubators.

From financial management to effective pitching, Brandon highlighted the practical skills gained through Project Liberate. The program’s focus on distinguishing between projects and organizations empowered Brandon to clarify his business vision and goals. Additionally, collaborative initiatives like the collective capstone project underscored the power of community and collective action. 

“I sometimes feel the LGBTQ+ community gets a bad rap, even amongst each other, of not always being fully supportive. Project Liberate was an example of what we could do as a community. If we truly are supportive of each other and truly are there for each other, we not only get built up individually, we also get built up collectively,” he said.

Looking ahead, Brandon aims to win his first major pitch competition and establish a nonprofit arm of B.Mack Strategies LLC within the next year. By expanding his impact and supporting underrepresented students, Brandon seeks to foster inclusivity and opportunity in education.

Texas-native, Latreva Herndon Washington is a multi-hyphenate when it comes to community. She is an educator, currently teaching 5th grade Reading and Social Studies, voice for the Queer community, and visionary with a mission. As the founder of Self Actualized Inc. and soon to be graduate of Project Liberate, Latreva is on a quest to further empower young women of color, providing them with the tools they need to navigate life with confidence and self-worth.

Growing up in challenging circumstances and facing the loss of her mother at a young age, Latreva knows firsthand the difficulties of navigating life’s challenges without proper support systems, especially for young women and women of color. Her experiences drove her to create Self Actualized Inc., a beacon of hope for girls facing similar circumstances. As a former teacher, Latreva understands the importance of education, with a career spanning over fifteen years, in empowering young minds. Through Self Actualized Inc., she aims to equip girls with essential life skills, instilling in them a sense of self-love, self-worth, and self-confidence. By incorporating storytelling and public speaking into her programs, Latreva prepares girls to navigate the challenges of adulthood with grace and resilience.

Latreva’s path to success was not without its hurdles. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt threatened to derail her dreams until she discovered Project Liberate. This transformative program provided her with the guidance, support, and validation she needed to turn her vision into reality. 

“Project Liberate’s validation was the biggest gift that they could have given me; letting me know that this dream is real,” said Latreva on her experience. “I believe that these programs are important, because otherwise many of us would not have the opportunity to get the funding, to get the knowledge, to get the access, to get networking opportunities, or to get the exposure to this experience.”

Latreva’s vision extends beyond the borders of her community. Through initiatives like the Black Dolls Project, she seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of girls around the world. By collecting and distributing black dolls to underserved communities, Latreva hopes to inspire young girls to embrace their identities and dream big.

To aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers, Latreva has a simple message: “Do it. Even if you feel like you don’t know anything, don’t let that hold you back.” 

Follow Latreva Herndon Washington on Instagram and listen to her podcast, Mrs and Mrs: The Podcast here.  

Houston, TX — April X, 2024 — The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to centering Black, Queer+ people to overcome barriers and end stigma, is thrilled to announce the successful graduation of its third-year cohort from Project Liberate. Project Liberate, an annual entrepreneurial program, aims to foster sustainability for Black, Queer+ small businesses and nonprofits by providing mentorship, technical tools, resources, and a supportive community.

Supported through the ViiV Accelerate Initiative, Project Liberate serves as a beacon of empowerment for Black, Queer+ entrepreneurs who far too often find themselves overlooked in traditional entrepreneurial programs. 

The graduation marks the culmination of intensive coaching from industry leaders and capacity-building workshops where cohorts learned foundational elements of leading businesses and nonprofits, financial planning, pitching, relationship building, and engaging in capstone projects. This year’s cohort, based in Texas, comprises of 17 visionary leaders committed to creating businesses and nonprofits that address the needs of their communities and serve on a grand scale. This year’s class of Liberators included: 

DeCarmen Burleson (Small business cohort)

Princess Caraway-Swan (Small Business cohort)

Ashley Carter (Small Business cohort)

Kay Crayton (Nonprofit cohort)

Darrien Dyrell (Small Business cohort)

Latreva Herndon Washington (Nonprofit cohort)

Edward Hitch (Small Business Cohort)

Shola Jackson (Nonprofit Cohort)

Vondola Vanessa Joseph (Nonprofit Cohort)

Martell Lacey (Small Business Cohort)

Mikayla Poche (Small Business Cohort)

Shadorian Rhodes (Small Business Cohort)

Kimberly Tezeno (Small Business Cohort)

James Thompson (Nonprofit Cohort)

Marquita Toliver (Small Business Cohort)

Shelley Washington (Small Business Cohort)

DaQuante’ Williams (Small Business Cohort)

“To witness the liberators (as well like to call the cohort participants) not only build their individual businesses, but also collectively build community with each other has truly been the highlight for me.”  says Joelle Espeut, Program Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc.  

Looking ahead, Normal Anomaly aims to expand next year’s cohort to serve Black, Queer+ leaders throughout the South, further advancing its mission of fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and generational wealth creation for all communities.

“Project Liberate is community empowerment in action. If we can create a system that centers us, we can eradicate many of the issues we face. Nothing for us, without us,” says Ian L. Haddock, Founder and Executive Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. 

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