Meet Tamara Leigh

Interviewer: I love your magazine Blaque/OUT! As the managing editor, what was your Oprah “Aha moment”? What was the story that made you realize that you were not only educating the community but also uplifting it?

Tamara Leigh: Ummm I don’t know that there's really been an Ah-Ha moment. But there have definitely been moments that I knew what we were doing was special. And honestly it wasn’t even in Blaque/OUT. But it birthed Blaque/OUT. Like 5 or 6 years ago I was the editor of the longest running LGBTQ publication in the nation. My first issue as editor I really wanted to say something. So I covered the cover in pictures of the faces of the Black and Brown Trans women that had been murdered the 12 months before. This was the whitest magazine on earth. It was powerful. The next month, the cover was a photoshoot of all Black Trans men. The very first one in 50 years of the magazine. Seeing how proud they all were of it, knowing the things that have come from it since- it really showed me what I was capable of creating. And that I could take space back for us. When I decided to start Blaque/OUT I carried that cover with me as the bar that we needed to always set. Black Queer Qultural Excellence.  

Interviewer: I know you have a lot of experience in different areas but I also notice that your profession and passion seem to typically align. How can people, who want to make a difference in the community like yourself, find opportunities where their passion and profession can align?

Tamara Leigh: I think it depends on what matters to you. For some people making that coin is enough, that fulfills them. For me, I know I’ll never be fulfilled or feel accomplished if I’m not doing something that matters to me. I get the honor of creating the magazine but I’m also a DEI Consultant. I teach about equity and Intersectionality- what it means to live in intersecting identities that each bring generational trauma, bias and prejudice. I work toward creating safer spaces for people who live and love like I do. That means everything to me. But we will never get rich doing this work. Its exhausting, usually pretty thankless but its worth all the blood, sweat and tears. No one knows better than you what is hurting or is needed within your own community. Do that work. Sometimes you're fortunate to make that work your profession. And I live in constant gratitude that I get to spend my life working on things I’m deeply passionate about. But I’m not special. I’m blessed. But not special. Just follow your dreams.

Interviewer: We know that Blaque/OUT Magazine's 2 Year Anniversary is coming up next month. Congrats! What has kept you committed to this platform for two years? What’s your advice to people wanting to give up?

Tamara Leigh: Honestly at some point almost every month I think damn why am I doing this?!?! It is SO much work. Outside of my partner in damn near everything, Brittan, and our incredible team of writers, its pretty much a one person show. But I look at our team of writers and creatives from around the world who give their time, efforts and stories for free each month. I get a pep-talk from Brittan about the lives we are changing and hearts we are touching and I know I gotta just push through. I would have NEVER thought we could create something this big that has lasted so long. I am so, so proud of it. And after all that, how can I possibly give up?

Interviewer: As you know, this month we’re celebrating art that educates. Has there been a piece of art, such as a song, painting or even poem, that has taught you something you’re happy to have learned?

Tamara Leigh: In 2021, I was asked to be the community liaison for the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery in NY for their AIDS poster project exhibit. As the guest curator I did so much research about early in the HIV epidemic and its effect on the gay community at the time. I teach around LGBTQ+ issues but in reading, interviewing and screening endless films and documentaries I learned SO much. It was at the same time devastating and beautiful. The exhibit displayed a private collection of posters that focused on the prevention and cure of HIV/AIDS from around the world. I shed so many tears learning from others' experiences. But I learned so much that I think I'll forever be a better human from what I learned. 

Interviewer: Please plug yourself! Tell us what you got going on and how the people can get in contact with you!

Tamara Leigh: You can read Blaque/OUT Magazine on www.issuu.com each month or find our full archives on www.blaqueout.com. You can also learn about our consulting, education and advocacy work there. If you are in the Tampa Bay area you can also check out my group, Tampa Bay Black Lesbians on FB or IG. You can email me for more information about any or all of the above at tamaraleigh@blaqueoutmag.com. And if YOU have a story or are a story that is Black, Queer, Qulture-related, email me! We are also always looking for writers,  influencers, photographers and creatives for the magazine so if you are interested, please reach out to me