Meet Kevin!
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Happy New Year, Worthy Friends! My name is Kevin, and I’m excited to be a part of the Worthy Mentoring Empowerment Council. I’m an independent filmmaker and documentarian from Brooklyn, NY. As someone who thoroughly enjoys discourse on pop-culture and art designed for mass consumption, I got my start in filmmaking when I realized I could combine my passion for social justice work and love for visual mediums. Through my career as a filmmaker and identity as a gay Black man, I hope to facilitate broader dialogues about topics such as racism, transphobia, and capitalism. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY and spend my free time traveling, cooking, and perfecting my Eka Hasta Vrksasana yoga pose!
2) As we start the new year, do you recommend any LGBTQ+ books, movies or TV Shows?
Books
The Velvet Rage (Alan Downs)
-While it focuses primarily on a white cis perspective of queerness, this book really helped me understand how trauma as a young child creates a ripple effect in other parts of my life as an adult. This book also did a great job helping me understand how I can find personal fulfillment in my life while doing necessary self-work to unlearn years of shame.
Movies
Moonlight (Hulu)
-Moonlight is among my favorite movies (ever) and it's a coming-of-age film about a young Black boy in Miami who grapples with his sexuality and his ability to be vulnerable with those around him. To me, the movie feels like a love letter to little queer Black boys like myself who consistently feel lost in a world that doesn't value them. It won the Oscar for Best Picture (it's THAT good!)
TV Shows
Sex Education (Netflix)
-Sex Education is a great comedy series for anyone who is interested in exploring what sexual intimacy conversations can look like for others; it's helped me work through some of my own childhood traumas (especially issues with physical intimacy) without being condescending or overly aggressive.
3) What about any advice for LGBTQ+ individuals finding their voice and identity in the community?
See a licensed therapist - I cannot stress how important it is to invest in one's mental and emotional wellbeing as part of overall wellness. Establishing a cadence with a therapist has allowed me to explore parts of myself and my childhood that I either consciously or subconsciously avoided. A lot of LGBTQ+ people experience shame early in life especially if they grew up in an environment that was hostile or unwelcoming - trauma is cyclical and inter-generational, so take it upon yourself to break those cycles. Some employers offer mental health benefits that are either free or subsidized, so I would explore what benefits are available.
Create a circle of LGBTQ+ friends and peers you can trust - Having a solid group of close friends that I see on a regular basis has created a safe space for me to ask questions or have conversations about a myriad of topics such sexual health, talking to family about my experience, and workplace etiquette. The Worthy Mentoring App also provides you a great place to find close friends and mentors! If you have the opportunity, I would cultivate friendships that speak to your experience and friendships that speak to experiences outside of your own. This has helped me build a deeper level of camaraderie and empathy.
4) Any specific individuals or groups we should be following on social media?
Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) - Black trans activist who always recommends books to read and publishes their own online editorial content. Very engaging and informative content
Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) - Black trans femme actress (Pose) who focuses on trans representation in the tech industry and trans visibility in Hollywood.