Interview with Antonio Miles
What does pride mean to you and how do you show it?
Pride means being free to live authentically, comfortably and happily, regardless of the external influences and pressures around us. I show my pride through living my life without limits and by maintaining a positive outlook on life’s moments both big and small, good and bad, in order to inspire others to do same same.
Who inspires you to show pride in your daily life?
The up and coming generation inspires me daily to show pride. As they boldly seek to express themselves. They should know that there are experienced queer folks here to support them along the way.
We at Blunt Space Inc. know that you own and operate a non profit organization called Evolve Tampa Bay. What inspired it?
In 2015, clubs in Tampa were closing their doors, people without the black queer community were leaving and with that our culture suffered. I wanted to find a way to build that back. I started off with simple get togethers and now we do monthly events that range from networking meet ups to full scale pageants & talent showcases. So in short; community inspired EVOLVE and continues to do so, almost a decade later.
You also work in sexual health. How did you get into this line of work?
I’ve always wanted to be a sexual health advocate. I never thought it would happen after spending over a decade in childcare and education, but I was presented the opportunity with Positively U in 2018 and it’s only been up since then. As a Case Manager and now Program Manager, I’ve been about to introduce numerous ppl to prevention and treatment options that can change their lives for the better…forever.
What motivates you and the work you do in sexual health and your non profit work at Evolve Tampa Bay?
Growing up without much guidance around what it meant to be sex positive yet safe, how to address tough conversations or discussions in life and how to navigate through adulthood in general and knowing that there are thousands of other people who seek out answers to some of the same things and need that guidance is what keeps me going and steadily searching for new ways to connect with my community.
