By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means …To live is Christ and to die is gain. To suffer with Him, I know that I shall reign in His arms, over there, in that land bright and fair; to live is Christ and to die is gain…To gain my peace, from the storms that tear my heart into pieces, … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means It’s been a little over a month since the fashion and world of high first learned that Andre Leon Talley succumb from complications of a heart attack and COVID-19 at a hospital in White Plains, New York. Imposingly towering and clad in Savile Row suits, his pronouncements were so loud that … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Every year here at The Flyy-Life, we pause and take the time to pay everlasting homage to those fallen angels whom we lost the past year. As We bow our heads in reverence, let us recall the sacred words of Adele. “…Some times loneliness is the only rest we get. … 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 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. … 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
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 …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 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
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 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 ……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 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 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
…I’d like to think that I’m a man of exquisite taste… a hundred percent Italian silk imported Egyptian lace! But nothing baby, I said nothing baby could compare to your lovely face….. By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means In the past few days the Flyy-Class has emerged from their dwellings and come to the front to pay … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means During a normal lunchtime connect, I was encouraged by a colleague to checkout the new Versace store that opened this past Sunday on Rush Street. Considering the legendary Donatella Versace personally paid a visit to Sunday’s event, I found myself intrigued. My excitement was stimulated not merely from the accessibility of … Continue reading
…Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity…Nothing is required for this enlightenment except the ability to use reason and an upward mobility mindset in all matters… By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means In modern-day society, the urban LGBT community is perhaps the only prevalent sub-culture, in which a healthy, educated, mature, upwardly-mobile, well-spoken and … Continue reading
By: By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means I utterly HATE writing about myself because it comes across so pompous and aggrandizing; yet this is a situation I felt compelled to share my thoughts on. So regardless of our socio-economic status; we strive to commodify all of our assets to ensure that regardless of past misgivings; … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Relationships these days aren’t real until they become a social media spectacle. When partners become trophies to be paraded around for “likes” in matching outfits to be envied by “friends” that would fuck your man in a millisecond… On Monday, Chicago woke up to the devastating news that two well-known figures … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Lord I come, on behalf of my brother… The Flyy-Life’s annual In Memoriam piece is perhaps the most challenging to produce each year. As you begin to research and prepare; you’re filled with an overwhelming aura of hurt, loss and reverence. Taking on the position of being the honor guard of … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On last week, Chicago was “blessed” with the announcement that Yusaf Mack would be headlining one of our New Year’s Day parties on Friday January 1st at Coup De Tat. Now admittedly, I am a fan of New Year’s parties. It gives you the opportunity to put on nice clothes, get … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Sunday, I arose to text and pictures from Juan & Gee’s 4th annual Gentlemen’s Ball, held in ATL on that previous Saturday night. The Gentlemen’s ball has prodigiously become the annual beacon for the sophisticate of our community throughout the country and even internationally. I immediately passed the pics to … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Monday, VH1 flooded the airwaves and social media with what was supposed to be its highly anticipated social responsibility initiative. Out in Hip Hop was initially positioned to target prevalent homophobia in the Hip Hop industry. Before I begin, let me state. This has been one of the most challenging … Continue reading
Several sources first made me aware of a secret ATL Pride Group weeks ago. The group was founded on a notion of promoting ATL pride, but quickly turned into a cesspool of pre-arranged prostitution and sexual encounters before the actual weekend. Considering I’m in over 150 groups, I never paid it much mind. On the … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means I recently discovered that the term “masc” (masculine) – within the black LGBT community- is by far the most highly used and weighted adjective that’s communicated when seeking to establish new connects and relationship building. I understand in recent times the manner in which mass media has erroneously portrayed the community … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means June 5th, 2013, I embarked on an unknown journey to produce a commoditized and tangible platform that would give a provocative and respected voice to my community. In the infantile stages of The Flyy-Life, many of my peers at the time were less than nurturing in their support. Some might even … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means When we first learned of the long awaited release of The Freaky Boiz follow-up video this spring, we were intrigued. We never doubted their product, and the Freaky Boiz are no strangers to pages of The Flyy-Life. But in 2015, the stakes had changed and we were ready to their rebuttal. … Continue reading
When DeoVonte “Deo” Means & I embarked upon the internet sensational article entitled – “The Tragedy and Triumph of a Twin…Taleon Talks…”- for The Flyy-Life; we were not aware of the scope or magnitude it would have on cyberspace and our peers. After this project took-off and blanketed social media, many have reached out and … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means On this past Saturday, I ventured to Michigan Ave. and Oak St. for what has become my seasonal “connect” with the owners, clientelle specialist and sales personnel of my favorite stores. It’s always a doozy partaking in these connects, because it allows me to catch up on the trends and tea … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means As I began pre-production for this year’s list, the one piece of advice that kept being uttered to me from the 2014 class was “Deo, many will apply but choose wisely. This year’s class need to be able to uphold the legacy we established last year!” What a huge charge this … Continue reading
By; DeoVonte “Deo” Means To live is Christ and to die is gain. To suffer with him, I know that I shall reign; in his arms over there, in that land bright and fair…To suffer with him and to feel his pain, to carry my cross, is the reason why he came – just to … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Monday, cyberspace was abuzz with the video clip showing a young gay man attending the COGIC convocation in which somehow he ended up at the altar and over the microphone system announcing that God had just instantly delivered him from homosexuality. The English he spoke was so broken and grammatically … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means I descended upon the Chicago club scene in 2001 as an ultra-sheltered sophomore in college that had never tasted the intoxicating juices of the urban night club. My first night at Club Centrum, which was then the popping Saturday night club, left me overwhelmingly addicted to what became a weekly experience. … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means The later part of summer 2014 brought about exciting news for Chicago. Spring was greeted with rumors and mumblings among the socials that Chicago’s social scene had become stagnant with very limited options for the “grown & sexy” of the community. Many of our traditional events were either slowly abandoned by … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means When I came on the scene as a young lad in the early part of 2000, Chicago’s club scene was legendary internationally. I discovered within my first visit To Club Centrum and The Prop House why this was so. At that time, no matter what side of town you were from … Continue reading
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