The Closet Unlocked

The Closet Unlocked
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Bimonthly

We are a platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of Black, Queer folks. Through music, personal (anonymous) stories, news, and more, we highlight the positive moments of the LGBTQ+ community. The purpose of this is to bring awareness to the strength in that journey instead of the negative and to show others that they are not alone in their experiences. Join our family by staying connected and sharing your story: theclosetunlocked.com

  1. 06/22/2022

    Exclusive Interview with Creator, Darius Caffey | Black & Queer At The Table

    Darius Caffey: Celebrating Accomplishments, A Moment of Reflection We're kicking off our first Black & Queer At The Table interview this season with Founder, and Creator, Darius Caffey. He shares some highlights about what has been going on in his life over the last year and finally gives himself some well-deserved credit as he reflects on things he's achieved so far. The interview touches on overcoming mindsets, accomplishing long-term goals, dealing with stress, figuring out life's purpose, and much more. We're sure that you're going to keep watching to get all the details, but if you also want to read the follow-up article, check it out here:  https://medium.com/@dariuscaffey/b&q-dariuscaffey-8718317f88ec Guest Socials: @DCaffGotEm Website: https://www.dariuscaffey.com Video Editor: Abriana Green-McCant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music*

    15 min

  2. 02/22/2022

    Step Into People's Life With Love While There's Still Time | Vick for Closet Moments

    Featured Story by Vick - Conversation topics include LGBTQ+ youth, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), managing mental health, etc. #ClosetMoments are experiences shared by individuals from the Black, LGBTQ+ community through therapeutic outlets, to show others that they're not alone in their own life journey. This initiative is used to turn a narrative analysis of anonymously collected qualitative data into anthology-style nonfiction stories to assess long-term Queer belonging in Black spaces. Full Article: https://medium.com/@dariuscaffey/vick-e5aef6614aed  Full Video: https://youtu.be/EgH427SFxOA Resources: - RESEARCH BRIEF: BLACK LGBTQ YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH - 'He loved everybody': Alabama community picks up pieces after bullied gay teen takes his own life, family says - Sexual Identity, Sex of Sexual Contacts, and Health-Related Behaviors Among Students in Grades 9–12 — the United States and Selected Sites -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music*

    7 min

  3. 10/28/2021

    Exclusive Interview with Vocalist, John Holiday | Black & Queer At The Table

    John Holiday: Giving Himself Permission to Live & Love Founder, Darius Caffey, gets the opportunity to chat with Countertenor, John Holiday, about his own personal journey growing into the musical artist that he is today.  Holiday has continued to share his light and his love with the world through the gift of music. Starting as a child, the artist quickly grew to become a perpetual student of the art. Whether it was with the youth choir, his studies in vocal performance, or his further experience in Opera beginning at Julliard, he uses those experiences to better himself. He then shares that same knowledge with his students in Appleton, Wisconsin at the Lawrence University Music Conservatory -- even if that means hosting virtual lessons while he was appearing on NBC's hit TV show, The Voice.  More recent news -- John just recently released a new single titled 'Waste Mine". In the interview, the artist shares more details about the inception of the song. He explains how this (along with other upcoming projects) is going to provide Black and Queer people with more imagery of the fairytale love stories they've historically never seen before.  John Holiday learned from the greats -- Nina Simone, Maya Angelou, and Oprah Winfrey -- that the greatest stories that you can ever tell, start with love. So, in everything that he does, and with his platform, John wants to share that love with his people. He wants to be able to uplift his community in many ways that help shift the culture in a more positive light.  And he doesn't want to ask permission to do so.  We're sure that you're going to keep watching to get all the details, but if you also want to read the follow-up article, check it out here. #StarterPack: John Holiday | Playlist - Apple Music | Spotify Follow @JohnHolidayLive or visit his Website. Check out John's other videos: - Waste Mine - Alive In Me Interview Host: Darius Caffey (@dcaffgotem) Video Editor: Abriana Green-McCant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music* Music in video: Curve Ball (Instrumental) - Xavy Rusan

    52 min

  4. 08/31/2021

    Exclusive Interview with Author, Da'Shaun Harrison | Black & Queer At The Table

    Da'Shaun Harrison: The Literary Voice To Be Reckoned With 🚨 SPECIAL OFFER ON 'BELLY OF THE BEAST' 🚨 BELOW ↓ During this interview, Darius Caffey (he/him) takes a moment to chat with the Atlanta-based community organizer, abolitionist, public speaker, and writer: Da'Shaun Harrison (they/them). Together, they discuss the details of Harrison's debut book, Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness, and their creative journey with finding a voice in writing.  They currently serve as Managing Editor at Wear Your Voice magazine, part of the #InTheMiddle podcast, and speaks across the nation (and abroad) on topics such as Blackness, Queerness, Class, Disabilities, Fatness, and the intersections of them all. You can also catch them on platforms such as Good Morning LA, Buzzfeed, BET, Black Youth Project, and others.  Da'Shaun tells us all about the roller coaster ride to landing the book deal and navigating through lived experiences to finally finding the words to write it. They bring together the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, healthcare, politics, violence, and a plethora of other identities to tell the story of what reality looks like for Black,  Black Fat, and Black, Fat Trans people.  Later down the timeline, they explain more about their experience as a student at Morehouse College, how they've found confidence in being their authentic self, what makes them feel the most comfortable (or like Beyoncé), while also giving some good advice as a storyteller: to find our own voice. As the book has quickly become the talk of the town, we're excited to finally share it! Keep watching, but the full interview article can be found here: https://medium.com/@dariuscaffey/dashaunharrison-832060f1a3a5 🚨 SPECIAL OFFER ON 'BELLY OF THE BEAST' 🚨 Visit the website and enter the code below for a discount on your next purchase! https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/belly-of-the-beast/  AMOUNT - 35% OFF CODE: CLOSETUNLOCKED VALID: 8/31 - 9/30 Social Follow: @DaShaunLH Website(s): linktr.ee/DaShaunLH, dashaunharrison.com Interview Host: Darius Caffey (@dcaffgotem) Video Editor: Abriana Green-McCant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music* Music in video: Curve Ball (Instrumental) - Xavy Rusan

    1h 8m

  5. 08/04/2021

    Exclusive Interview with Musical Entrepreneur, Leon Waldo | Black & Queer At The Table

    Leon Waldo: Pushing Musical Boundaries by Embracing Queer Culture Founder of The Closet Unlocked, Darius Caffey, interviews LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer, Leon Waldo. They discuss his experience with making music the way that he wants to, the details of his latest album (Queerwave), and how embracing his queerness has led him to newfound freedom of self-expression. Leon explains that growing up in the choir and with music has been exactly what he needed to find his purpose. It gave him an outlet to grow as an artist and helped him find a place where he truly felt like he belonged. As a Black, Gay man performing in the realm of pop, R&B, rap, African music, and dance, he’s pushing not only himself, but the culture to be more diverse. And he does it flawlessly. By performing in clubs at a young age, learning how to play the piano, and creating his own record company (Waldo Warehouse, LLC), he has used his talents and Berklee College of Music experience to further his career. In his recent songs ‘Just Say It’, ‘Heaven’, and ‘Hometown Stranger’ off of the project, he brings more culture and positive energy back into the world amidst the pandemic. Towards the end of the interview, Leon shares the moments and memorabilia that have made him feel the most comfortable over time. This included an inspirational conversation with his high school theatre teacher, an oversized Stranger Things sweatshirt, and glasses that always boost his confidence. He also mentions that he will be recording live performances of the album for fans to watch while we await a formal tour. We're sure that you're going to keep watching, but if you also want to read the follow-up article, check it out here: Queerwave, the album. #StarterPack: Leon Waldo | Playlist - Apple Music or Spotify Follow @TheLeonWaldo Check out Leon's other videos: Walk Like That Black Heart (Live) Sundae Sunday (Live) Heaven (Live) Interview Host: Darius Caffey (@dcaffgotem) Video Editor: Abriana Green-McCant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music* Music in video: Curve Ball (Instrumental) - Xavy Rusan

    32 min

  6. 06/29/2021

    Exclusive Interview with Pop Artist, Siena Liggins | Black & Queer At The Table

    Siena Liggins: Creating Space in Pop Culture for Black, Queer Women. Founder of The Closet Unlocked, Darius Caffey, interviews Detroit's own Pop artist, Siena Liggins. They discuss her creative journey in making music, the visuals of her latest EP (Ms. Out Tonight), and how her experiences growing up as a Black, Queer woman have shaped the way she tells stories.  Siena breaks down the different stigmas that are prevalent throughout the pop industry, and how she addresses them through her songs and videos. This includes how it's mainly white, blonde, heterosexual, and hyperfeminine. None of which, embody who she is.  Instead, she shows up unapologetically herself.  With songs and visuals such as 'Dirty Girl' featuring Yung Baby Tate, the Ms. Out Tonight project is "loud, in your face, obviously Queer, and women-focused" as stated by Siena Liggins during the interview.  At the end of the conversation, they shared similar childhood memories. All of which were Chicago, Nike Air Force One's, LGBTQ foreshadows, and the lack of adulting.  We're sure that you're going to keep watching, but if you also want to read the follow-up article, check it out here:  Ms. Out Tonight (visual EP)  #StarterPack: Siena Liggins | Playlist - Apple Music  - Spotify Follow @SienaLiggins Check out Siena’s other videos: Dirty Girl (with Yung Baby Tate)​ No Valet thicc Safeword Interview Host: Darius Caffey (@dcaffgotem) Video Editor: Abriana Green-McCant -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music* Music in video: Curve Ball (Instrumental) - Xavy Rusan

    27 min

  7. 06/14/2021

    'Queer Love in Color' photo book by journalist Jamal Jordan | Black and Queer at the Table

    Editor, journalist, and author, Jamal Jordan brings a breath of fresh air to Black, LGBTQ+ literature with his new book release. In 'Queer Love in Color', readers are able to see both loving images and read heartfelt stories of people of color falling in love from all across the world.  Black & Queer @ The Table: - What started as a newsroom conversation and post-breakup article quickly became an inspirational story that led to a hardcopy book. When Jamal Jordan (digital editor, journalist, and author) wrote 'Queer Love in Color', it was as if the media finally saw Black, LGBTQ culture for what it was. Fill with love. - He traveled to 17 different cities compiling stories and research on Queer people finding and fighting for love. In the highly recommended, coffee table must-have photo book, you can read all about the different journeys that have built our community.  #CheckTheFacts: - Jamal Jordan's 'Queer Love in Color' is the expression of joy my inner child needs - ‘Queer Love in Color’: Photo book celebrates diverse LGBTQ relationships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music*

    5 min

  8. 06/14/2021

    Rosetta Tharpe | Constantly Coming Out | Book on Queer Love

    Okay, we are giving y'all the greats this week! If you're a fan of the old school, you're going to enjoy this sample from Sister Rosetta Tharpe. If you know about being Queer, then you know it's a constant process. And If you know good books, then you'll love this photo book on Queer Love.  Song of the Show: - As a 2018 inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sister Rosetta Tharpe continues to go down in history as one of the greatest legends to play music. She was an American singer, songwriter, recording artist, and even played the guitar. Mostly known for her influence in Gospel music, Tharpe was very popular in the 1930s and 1940s.  - In the song "Don't Take Everybody To Be Your Friend", you'll hear a mix of the Rock and Gospel vibes that she usually went for. It's tracks like this that have inspired other new artists to be diverse in their music.  Featured Story: - In the story of Kennedy, the character talks about coming out. Not once. Not twice. But over and over again. Now luckily, the more that you do it, the easier it gets. However, no Queer, Trans or Non-binary person should have to announce their sexuality to affirm society's standards.  - We're finally glad to have the amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which protects LGBTQ individuals against discrimination. However, we know that it's not enough. With way too many Anti-Trans and Anti-LGBTQ bills being proposed in Congress/government, we have to keep pushing for systemic change towards equity.   - The journey is never easy, but these stories are here to show others that they are not alone in their intersectional experiences. We hope to continue fostering a deeper sense of belonging for our community and spreading more love with each story.  Black & Queer @ The Table: - What started as a newsroom conversation and post-breakup article quickly became an inspirational story that led to a hardcopy book. When Jamal Jordan (digital editor, journalist, and author) wrote 'Queer Love in Color', it was as if the media finally saw Black, LGBTQ culture for what it was. Fill with love. - He traveled to 17 different cities compiling stories and research on Queer people finding and fighting for love. In the highly recommended, coffee table must-have photo book, you can read all about the different journeys that have built our community.  Resources: - Coming out over and over again  - Are L.G.B.T. employees at Catholic institutions protected by the new SCOTUS ruling? - Special Report: 3.4% of U.S. Adults Identify as LGBT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want exclusive access to our music playlist, direct links to our blog, anonymously submit a story, or get the latest Black & Queer news? Check out the links below: Newsletter | Survey | Website | Podcast Thanks for stopping by! *I Do Not Own the Rights to This Music*

    9 min
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About

We are a platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of Black, Queer folks. Through music, personal (anonymous) stories, news, and more, we highlight the positive moments of the LGBTQ+ community. The purpose of this is to bring awareness to the strength in that journey instead of the negative and to show others that they are not alone in their experiences. Join our family by staying connected and sharing your story: theclosetunlocked.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Closet Unlocked
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2022
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Closet Unlocked
  • Show Website
    The Closet Unlocked