By – DeoVonte “Deo” Means As I pensively ruminate the culmination of the first month of our “new normal,” prostrate we lay in lamentation. In a state of disconsolation! Daily we’ve come to acquiesce that the world we once knew has become acherontic. Covid-19 stunned our sensibilities in the most ruthless, brutal and savage manner. …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This article is perhaps one of the most proudest moments in the history of my column; because the person featured is not just a peer of mines but someone whom I witnessed burst unto the Chicago scene-years ago as a young lad- with an exhilarating energy that immediately conveyed to everyone …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Admittedly, at times it can be most difficult taking the Chicago fashion community serious. It has become common place for almost every person with a cute face to label themselves a model. Every make-up counter clerk is deemed a celebrity make-up artist, and helping select your neighbor’s prom dress garners you …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Prologue– Underground sub-cultures have been a fundamental aspect of the urban LGBT community for decades. Many would argue these subcultures provided much needed support and acceptance during a time not long ago when being gay was not acceptable by family, friends or society. As highlighted in the iconic documentary Paris Is …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Understand me now. If sometimes you see that I’m mad. Don’t you know, no one alive can always be an angel? When everything goes wrong you see some bad…But I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh, Lawd, Please don’t let me be misunderstood…- Nina Simone On Tuesday morning at …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Prologue– When I first heard news that Taleon Goffney was out of prison and releasing a tell-all memoir, I approached it as I do most journalistic assignments. I was a bit interested in discovering the truth behind the scandal, but I was not necessarily moved or vested. After all, in 2015, …
On last week, cyberspace and armature fashionistos were all abuzz over the presentations of the Fall 2014 menswear collections. The major player that most caught my eye was Olivier Rousteing. Rousteing is the 28 year old young black guy that’s at the helm of perhaps one of the most prestigious European fashion houses, Balmain. Balmain, …
Starting in Paris, Virgil Abloh took his collection, ‘Message in a Bottle’, around the world to celebrate inclusivity and unity, culminating in his new Louis Vuitton Men’s Campaign. Highlighting the symbolic power of style and tailoring to express newfound power and freedom, the campaign brings together the collection’s mix of influences including the season’s ska-inspired … Continue reading
Ooh, melanin, melanin, my drip is skin deep, likeOoh, motherland, motherland, motherland, motherland drip on me Being black, maybe that’s the reason why they always madYeah, they always mad, yeah – Beyonce‘ – Black Parade “Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst ofstruggle. Please … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Michael Jackson Jr…of Alvin Ailey…..Hailed and lauded by The New York Times…Captioned and referenced by The Wall Street Journal… Since rejoining the illustrious Alvin Ailey American Theatre in 2015, Michael has slowly and meticulously positioned himself as the undeniable “darling of dance.” Watching him perform is an intoxicatingly sublime experience that … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Most luxury menswear designers virtually showcased their Fall-Winter 2021 collections online during the end of January. In a sea, of what have become “hum-drum” and nearly sleep inducing; Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, once again, delivered a show of near messianic proportions and took the coveted crown of Best Collection. Virgil’s … Continue reading
Written By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Mr. Donovan Lamar aka “Sexy Donovan” – which is how many of us refer to him – has been on my radar for years. His name and skillset are most definitely spoken by the au courant’s, aficionado’s, influencers, connoisseurs, and purveyors of cool. But more importantly, he has distinguished himself … Continue reading
As a passionate and trusted ambassador of creativity, I embarked on a bold initiative to illustrate excellence does not exist in a vacuum! Driven by the theorem of high artistic execution; I manifested a narrative which takes the viewer on a voyage – hence emblematizing a profound moment in time. – DeoVonte Means masterclass … Continue reading
…. Yeah, I do not wanna fall asleep, I don’t wanna pass awayI been thinking of our future ’cause I’ll never see those daysI don’t know why this has happened, but I probably deserve itI tried to do my best, but you know that I’m not perfect I been praying for forgiveness, you’ve been praying … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Hugo BOSS’s Chicago flagship inside The Shops at North Bridge hosted their re-opening celebration with current and former Chicago Bears team members, with 20% of sales from the event benefiting Bears Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears. Earlier in the afternoon fans were invited to meet former Chicago Bear, … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means …If God one day struck me blind; your beauty I’d still see…Love’s too weak to define, just what you mean to me!” -Prince The wedding between Dustin and Alex set a new precedent within our community. It’s easy to get carried away in the optics, labels and degree of execution in … Continue reading
…An icon Emeriti -crown’s a successor as the Dauphin of his iconic legacy…Deo… By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means The iconic French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier; commonly dubbed the “enfant terrible” of fashion – began the year 2020 – with a jovially auspicious message announcing his retirement. “Gaultier Paris will continue Haute Couture! I have a new … Continue reading
“Reading is throwing shade: A brutal insult wrapped inside a glorious wordplay.” –RuPaul Written By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Taking a comedic; yet powerful blow at the critics of the highly controversial, yet wildly popular Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH ) initiative, RuPaul used his appearance on SNL to illustrate just why “reading is fundamental!” Ru-as … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means …I don’t know where this road Is going to lead. All I know is where we’ve been and what we’ve been through… And if we get to see tomorrow, I hope it’s worth all the wait…It’s hard to say goodbye to yesterday… -Boyz II Men (1992) This renowned song- written by … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Upon first hearing about the new Netflix series that’s on the tongue of all the “in the know”- Styling Hollywood – I was a bit more overjoyed than normal. Hailed as a present-day, black, gay, male equivalent of Sex In The City; this series is centered around the day-to-day work of … Continue reading
By – DeoVonte “Deo” Means To those on the outside looking in, it’s easy to assume Pride is about flamboyancy, parties, dates and having a drunken good time. But to those that actually live this life and are vested in our community, it’s much more significant than that. Pride becomes a yearly homecoming that celebrates … Continue reading
By-DeoVonte “Deo” Means … Roll up, roll up, hold up, hold up, Po’ up, po’ up …You fuckin’ with a real ass nigga. A fuck how you feel ass nigga. Bitch better act like you know better!…Kanye West- Fade These words spoken by Kanye was the vibe all last night as the “kids” showed exactly … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Two lost Angels discover salvation, under vast pink skies watching the sun rise… – Miguel Initially when I started the preparation process for this project, I decided to do things differently. I prayed and asked God to use me and direct my path. It was frustrating at times because He didn’t … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means February 28 at 10:09 AM “Aaron Rudolph updated his profile picture. In 2012 I was diagnosed with H.i.v. I thought it would be the end of the world. I attempted suicide and got on drugs and alcohol to numb my pain. God allowed me to live through all of this and … Continue reading
Repertoire repertoire noun rep·er·toire | \ ˈre-pər-ˌtwär , ˈre-pə-\ Definition of repertoire: a supply of skills, devices, or expedients, a list or supply of capabilities From the Late Latin noun repertorium, meaning “list,” has given us two words that can be used to speak of the broad range of things that someone or something can … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means It’s documented and undeniable that Damien solidified his status as an LGBT influencer years ago. As an attractive, educated and upwardly mobile young man; he became venerated by viewers as the personification of the immaculate trifecta! Hailed by many as the “perfect 10’s”, what many didn’t realize is that beneath the … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Early this week, news began to slowly circulate within small pockets of the LGBT community that Empire star, the icon of morality and darling of the community; Jussie Smollett, was the victim of a vicious hate crime in Chicago. As the news began to widely spread, social media became rageful as … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Sampson McCormick, the name that carries dual jurisdictional respect, both within the world of mainstream comedy and within the urban LGBTQ community at large. Born in Washington, D.C., partially reared in Evergreen, North Carolina and returning to Washington D.C, ; he has become a popular, award-winning, stand-up comedian, writer and activist. … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means- LGBT Historian Upon exiting High Society’s “Perfect Holiday” party, I realized that for the first time in 13 years, I got a true aromatic wisp of the iconic Prop House days. Tonight’s event was held at Alhambra Palace. Located in the trendy west loop district – the venue spacing and layout … Continue reading
Compiled and Produced By- LGBT Historian, DeoVonte “Deo” Means …We come, and we go, like the ripple of a stream…Tomorrow was made for some, but tomorrow may never come, for all we know…- Donny Hathaway, For All We Know Each year before we descend into our holiday gala parties celebrating Auld Lang Syne; we take … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means It’s widely known that the “flyy” component of Chicago’s urban LGBT community began to die roughly two-three years ago. Closing 2018, our reality is that we’ve transitioned from a city with a highly respected night-life; partying in the chicest locations, amongst the most beautiful people, – to now calling the archaic and … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Hailed by many as a modern-day personification of Michelangelo’s “David”; one of the first features recognized in Christian is his strikingly-captivating; almost angelic gorgeousness! With the prowess of a corporate titan, within the span of almost 2 years, he’s transitioned his social media acclaim into a marketable business-line by becoming a … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Disclaimer- (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. Your friends at The Flyy-Life, remind you to drink … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means “She say, Do you love me? I tell her, Only partly I only love my bed and my momma, I’m sorry”– Drake, God’s Plan The three fundamentals of an ethical theory are to be Descriptive, Evaluative and Analytical. Drake’s 2018 hit, God’s Plan, lyrically is a masterpiece because he flawlessly evoked … Continue reading
By-DeoVonte “Deo” Means Genesis 6:1–4 tells the readers that the Nephilim, which means “fallen ones” when translated into English, were the products of divine beings and humans (lit. daughters and sons of Adam). The Nephilim are known as great warriors and giants of their cause. (see Ezekiel 32:27 and Numbers 13:33). Our annual In Memoriam spread is … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means The number 4 derives its meaning from creation. On the fourth day of what is called ‘creation week’ God completed the universe. On this day He brought into existence our sun, the moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14 – 19). Their purpose was not only to give off light, but … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means It seems like just yesterday. Two years before the historic 2015 ruling in which Justice Anthony Kennedy cast the deciding vote in the Obergefell v Hodges case making same-sex marriage legal across the entirety of the United States; the internet was abuzz with the story of two men from Memphis, Tenn. that … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This past Sunday, many of the sophisticated and sexy luminaires of Chicago gathered at a Chatham residence to attend the Tank Tops and Tattoos cookout, hosted by Nolan, Marcell and CJ. Many might ask, why would a summer picnic garner such praise? The answer is simple. Chicago’s scene has become so … Continue reading
BY- DeoVonte “Deo” Means ……No more lying friends. Wanting tragic ends. Though they do pretend. They won’t go when I go…Gone from painful cries. Away from saddened eyes. Along with Him I’ll bide. And they won’t go when I go… Last Thursday started off as every Thursday in the past has. Report to work…check e-mails, … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means I circled back around with Martell because he is indeed becoming one of the leading figures in a new class of our community identified as the Sophisticated and Sexy. “Stick ya for your cream and your riches! Zsa Zsa Gabor, Demi Moore, Prince Diane and ALL those rich bithches!”…. These … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means It must be Spring! Why, because Anthony Galloway, the Director of Education & Outreach of Equality Illinois has relaunched the annual Cocktail’s, Pumps & Cufflinks event. Held in indisputably the chicest locals of the city, the monthly event is the calling siren to each year’s social scene events. Held at Torquret, … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Months ago, the announcement was made that the breakout star from one of the most popular and prodigious LGBT web series, About Him, was departing the franchise to embark upon a solo career with promises of a “much anticipated” project. On March 15th, a blog post released the two-minute snippet of … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means When the trans-visibility movement first began, I was more of a silent supporter. It didn’t really affect me too much. But as 2017 dawned and I began to witness the injustices, horrible brutality and even murders of our sisters and brothers; I came to terms with and realized it was time … Continue reading
By:DeoVonte “Deo” Means Maliciously exposing someone’s HIV status has long been viewed as a tasteless tactic normally utilized by the weak and defeated. Yet, we still witness from time-to-time a disagreement, “reading session” or shade-fest that includes or ends in a “health-read.” Most times we roll our eyes, view the person that issued the … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Saturday, I was privileged to attend The Gentlemen of Distinction red masque party. This was my first year attending what is apparently an annual affair. The Gentlemen of Distinction was established in 2011 for purposes of serving the LGBT community. Their goal is to establish a LGBT youth center … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means For four years now, I’ve had the amazing opportunity of featuring some of the most beautiful, talented and educated men of our community in this article. Each year, I am reminded that their true beauty is not surface level, yet it’s manifested in their stories, backgrounds and journeys. Oftentimes, we view … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means In a time before party hosting became a lifesaving career for the unemployed, under employed and society rejects; there was one name that gathered the socialites of the city and set a standard. That name was Stevie…as in Stevie Edwards! Regardless of what demographic or sub-culture of the community you … Continue reading
…To live is Christ and to die is gain…To gain my robe and to gain my crown…To suffer is Christ, to go through is Christ, to live is Christ and to die is gain… By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means For four years now, at the end of the year, we here at The Flyy-Life make it … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means When word first spread of the 50th anniversary of the House of La ’Beija, I was immediately taken back 15 years ago to my earliest days as a young college freshman entering the underground world known as “ballroom.” The name La ‘Beija signified New York! It was the finest level of … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means At this point, I’m sure everyone has seen the horrifically appalling videos of the senseless violence that took place in Atlanta during their 2016 Pride celebration. I’m also almost positive that as more people make it home and recuperate from the festivities, perhaps a few more clips will become public. Shockingly, … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This upcoming weekend, Chicago will become the destination spot for the top show performers from around the world. They will compete in the legendary Continental pageant and their legions of fans will follow them as the “super-bowl” of the pageant world takes place. Years ago when I first hit the scene, … Continue reading
By:DeoVonte “Deo” Means The web series About Him, reached an almost epic level of support this summer on social media. The scenes, storyline and actors were the topic of many conversations held in the private Face Book groups. Here at The Flyy-Life, we strive to utilize our platform to highlight and chronicle the artistic, enterprising, … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On last evening, I was granted VIP access to the High Society rooftop pool party, held in Streeterville at 211 N. Stetson. My biggest takeaway was that when it comes to hosting, it’s not so much about the number of people you have in the building; yet your ability to draw … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means This weekend, as a community, we came together and celebrated Market Days. Market Days this year had special relevance because due to the shutting down of our annual Pride fest, it kind of served as a substitute for the year. As I entered the festivities on my VIP, I reached … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means It no secret that this year’s Pride can be summed up in one word… Disappointing… Just when I was prepared to toss my cards in, High Society & Oui Entertainment swooped down and saved the day. The Official White Party was held at Velvet Lounge during the uber chic hours of … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means The fundamental beauty of pride has always been the ability to bring out those legends of the community that have transitioned out of a desire to be “present” every week, while celebrating the gregarious and youthful demographic that are your most loyal supporters throughout the year. I decided to step out … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Since my earliest years of being a young fashionisto, I’ve always been most fascinated with the art of haute couture millinery. One of my most fond memories was meeting the iconic Phillip Treacy years ago at a Neiman Marcus event. Pharrell Williams, and his now infamous Vivienne Westwood hat, can be … Continue reading
