Happy Pride Month, sapphics! To celebrate the month, I want to highlight women and marginalized genders that have lower octaves. I will be the first to admit that I love women with deep voices. I have always found that women with deep, raspier voices sound so sophisticated and luscious. The first woman I recall having a raspy voice on television was actress Bea Arthur. Her voice, to me at least, encapsulated what I thought a mature woman sounded like; worldly, enlightened, and spunky. Since then, my love for women with deeper voices has only increased as I’ve gotten older.

I was inspired to write this because I recall, Brittney Griner was trending on Twitter and there were trolls making fun of her voice. Of course, I didn’t see anything unusual about her voice, but I’m sure the way she also presents herself fuels the homophobia she receives online. It also made me think about how Blackness and gender expression impact different people. While Griner got ridiculed, it was just months later in the same year that Emma D’arcy went viral for talking about their favorite drink. Both talents tend to reject gender norms but Griner seems to receive more hate than D’arcy does ( neither of them should receive any hate based on how they talk or dress).

Black Women With Deep Voices Are The Real Sirens

For Black women and non-binary people, having a deeper voice is deemed acceptable based on your desirability to those viewing you through a heteronormative lens.  For instance, the actress Demi Moore also has a raspy, smokey voice and throughout her career, she’s been heralded as a sexy symbol, and rightfully so. Even though she encountered a lot of sexism for her role in G.I. Jane, overall, she’s been adorned by fans for most of her career. 

But many women have exquisite tones to their speaking voices that can make you melt. Actresses such as Gina Torres and Kym Whitley and singers like Nina Simone and Mariah Carey push their femininity envelope by embracing their deeper tone and carving out a lane just for themselves. 

Whoopi Goldberg

“You in danger, girl!” Whoopi Goldberg has been famous all of my life. When I first saw her in Ghost I thought she was so beautiful and her voice sounded like a warm hug. Women with deeper voices tend to be amazing singers so I wasn’t surprised by her performance in Sister Act.

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins

Being the lead singer of one of the biggest girl groups in the world isn’t easy, but T-Boz made it look cool. I instantly fell in love with her raspy voice because it was distinctive from her other musical peers. I was so used to lead singers having soprano voices. But when I heard TLC for the time, I was giddy because I think T-Boz has an underrated voice.

Toni Braxton

The powerhouse, ballad singer sings with such a breathy and infectious tone, that it’s hard to ignore. Braxton’s contralto voice and melodies continue to set her apart from her soprano peers.

Nobody can deny the power in Bassett’s voice. In every role she has played, she continues to be the brightest star on-screen.

Angela Bassett

Arguably one of the best thespians in human history, Angela Bassett continues to light up blockbuster films and television alike. With her alluring, smokey voice, she brings depth and unforgettable moments that never leaves your soul.

Beyonce

There aren’t enough words to describe the Texan-born multi-talented entertainer and pop icon. Her voice is unmatched and with every album, she puts singers to the test as they try to replicate her riffs and runs. However, Beyonce’s speaking voice sounds like smooth honey in fresh, iced tea. It has a mix of raspy, cool tones that sounds warm and lush.

Jennifer Lewis

The Black momma of Hollywood who also enjoys nature has a voice that’s not only recognizable but unforgettable. She’s been the voice of Black Hollywood for decades spanning animated shows, movies, theater and the small screen. Her voice gives us hope, humor and encapsulates the beauty of Black womanhood.

Lorraine Toussaint

If you still haven’t watched Netflix’s She-Ra, you have no idea how villainous Toussaint can be. Besides, who doesn’t love a femme antagonist? Her career spans decades and if you haven’t seen Queen Latifah’s Equalizer, you are missing out on some epic acting.

There are more women who have lovely, deeper voices that will make you swoon, but for this list, it was best to focus on the cream of the crop of femme, lusty voices.

Want to end your Pride Month on a magical note? If you do, you should make your way to Brooklyn, June. 30th for the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast’s Sailor Moon Day Party! Join fellow Sailor Moon fans as they celebrate Pride and Sailor Moon’s birthday at Parklife located at 636 Degraw Street Brooklyn, NY 11217.

Happy birthday, Sailor Moon!

Guests can expect a fun day of fandom and pampering with fellow moonies. You can still get tickets on Eventbrite.

Here’s what’s going down at the Sailor Moon Day Party

Celebrate Usagi Tsukino’s birthday with a day of inclusive celebratory activities at Parklife. Here is a rundown on what moonies can expect according to the listing details:

DOORS | EVENT 2PM

In the name of the moon, join us for the last day of Pride Month as we celebrate Sailor Moon’s birthday at the second annual Sailor Moon Day Party!

This one-of-a-kind event includes:

A free nail station by @narinanails and @timsnailstudio (from 2-5 p.m.)
A free astrology readings by @natali.nicole (from 2-5 p.m.)
Access to a tattoo station with a selection of Sailor Moon-inspired art by @artbyjar (additional fees will apply)
Musical performances
Over a dozen giveaways (each ticket includes one free raffle ticket!)
Access to vendors selling anime-inspired goods
DJ sets by the Shonen Pump DJs, and DJ Highgnx and DJ Dimple from Sailor Boom Party

Hosted by podcast host and journalist, Victoria L. Johnson has created her own beloved fandom with her favorite anime: Sailor Moon. After launching her podcast just a few years ago, Johnson has built a dedicated and diverse following of Sailor Moon fans around the globe. Previous guests have included artists such as Cookie Kawaii, comedian Roxxy Haze and Sailor Moon voice actress Mary Long (she played Sailor Moon’s best friend Molly Baker from the DiC series).

This is the perfect way to wrap up Pride Month if you love fandoms. Grab tickets while you still can.

Intro and Disclaimer

Many of us have artists, shows, movies, music, games, and the like that we not only enjoy but are hard to give up. That is perfectly fine. However, when it comes to light or has always been known, that such content or the people behind it are terrible, it might be best to just enjoy it quietly, assuming you refuse to stop consuming it.

No one can stop anyone from watching or consuming things for the most part. It is up to the individual to make certain choices and whether or not to support certain people who do bad things. But the best thing many of us can hope for is for people deciding to continue or start consuming content from bad apples to at least not talk about it for the rest of us to see.

There is no set way to be a good person. Furthermore, what and who are considered “problematic” is highly subjective based on you, your environment and upbringing, and your own personal morals. However, some things are generally universally considered wrong.

There will be mentions of certain public figures and concepts including ab*se, SA, domestic violence, racism, queerphobia, and other forms of discrimination or bad behaviors. If any of these topics are unwanted in your reading experience, this article may not be for you.

We Don’t Need to Know What You Like

Posting can be addictive, and many of us are still looking for our tribe. Chances are that if you like a thing, whether it is controversial or not, there will be others who share that same interest. There are ways to find these folks, however, posting in mixed company or an extremely public setting means you open yourself up to scrutiny and also upset a lot of people. Beyond the backlash you may face and how that impacts you, it also affects a lot of others who didn’t ask to be triggered by mentions, images, clips, sounds, or the like of people or concepts that upset them.

While you cannot know what will upset whom or how much necessarily, generally there are some kinds of content, topics, or figures that ruffle feathers. If you are on social media and generally aware of certain things, then you should probably know or have some inkling of the controversy surrounding them. The bottom line is: read the room and find the folks who are already down to talk to, telling everyone just opens the door for people getting upset including you.

Examples of Problematic Topics and Content

You may not need a lot of examples and can think of several in the span of five seconds. Nevertheless, some people may need reminders of what causes a lot of issues for a lot of people. Racism, sexism and misogyny, sizeism especially fatphobia, ableism, queerphobia (homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, etc.), slut-shaming and shaming folks for not having sex, kink-shaming (within reason, because some kinks such as race play deserve to be at least critiqued), classism, and so many more.

Content that glorifies any of the above topics and does not critique or have anything constructive to say about them is deeply problematic. Series like The Idol which depict sexual abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, and other serious issues but have nothing to say about them or call them out in a serious, concrete manner, are worthless. Other shows and films that rely on sexuality and shock value but no substance are not to be taken seriously. If you’re there for sexiness or shocking elements, have at them, but don’t be shocked when people scratch their heads.

Comedy whose punchlines are essentially “controversy is funny, and liberals want to police humor” is hollow, meaningless, and unfactual. Comedians worth their salt can make jokes and find ways to relate to the audience without resorting to low-hanging fruit. Or assuming that shocking equals funny.

Examples of Problematic People and Figures

There are people whose actions or opinions have made them synonymous with certain messed up topics. The music and entertainment industries are riddled with them. R. Kelly, Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, Marilyn Manson, J.K. Rowling, Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, Eminem, Kanye West, Shia Lebouf, Sean Penn, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Chris Pratt, John Mayer, Jared Leto, Clint Eastwood, Michael Fassbender, Justin Timberlake, Joe Rogan, Seth Green, Joss Whedon, and the Pope, to name a few.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. You can find a myriad of examples when you consider public figures and noteworthy people across the board. These include politicians, religious leaders, royalty, and various others living or deceased. Your own set of morals will decide just how problematic folks can be. It also decides if you think they’re problematic in the first place.

In Conclusion

The choice is yours. You can openly support and big-up people who are objectively bad people. Or people who are simply aggravating and unsavory for a lot of folks. Just don’t be surprised if people around you side-eye you or decide you aren’t a good judge of character. Problematic favs are a thing for almost anyone, for no one is perfect. Even if we don’t know all of what everyone has done, everyone has sinned in some way. However, there is a difference between standing up for someone who cheated on someone and someone who harmed their partner.

Don’t make excuses for or ignore actual crimes and messed up stuff. It just makes it okay for anyone else to do the same things. For if your celebrity fav can be excused for SA, why go up in arms if you find out someone you know personally has done the same thing?

We must hold everyone to the same standard. As a people, we should want more for ourselves and for our communities. Accountability must be had.

But in the end, you can watch, lust after, admire, or support whoever and whatever you want. They can be as horrible, insufferable, or rude as possible for you or others. The thing is, no one else needs to know, outside of maybe others who share your interests. But publicly and in mixed company, read the room. Know what topics and people are controversial, if you don’t want to deal with people’s outrage or opinions. Like what you like, but let it be between you and yourself.

Being a Black woman is hard. Navigating society knowing your life has little value to it because you’re not white or a man is frustrating. But it’s even worse knowing your life or existence can be a punchline, too. That’s the case for Black women regarding David Choe, who also stars in the hit show Beef, on Netflix. Choe shares the spotlight with Ali Wong (Tuca and Bertie), and Steven Yeun ( Invincible), who are both executive producers of the series. As the Netflix series Beef remains on their Top 10, a storm of anger, hurt, and silence swirls online after a video resurfaced of Choe admitting he raped a Black woman. David Choe is just another person cashing in on misogynoir to solidify his place in Hollywood.

How David Choe used misogynoir to get to Hollywood

The clip that’s circulating shows Choe recounting in disgusting detail how, when given a massage by a Black woman, he sexually assaulted her. The disconnect that Choe’s remarks possess is akin to Republicans’ pro-life stance while pressuring their mistresses to have an abortion. On Beefy, Choe plays Yeun’s violent, erratic cousin. The show initially garnered lots of praise, but ever since the 2014 podcast resurfaced again that’s all anyone can talk about online. In it, Choe talks about receiving a massage from a Black woman and assaulting her, going so far as to dub himself “a successful rapist.”

After pushback during that time, he released a statement and declared, “I never thought I’d wake up one late afternoon and hear myself called a rapist. It sucks.” Imagine that? The man who bragged about raping a Black woman, who proudly named himself a rapist, suddenly balks at the label sticking. Sure, he repeatedly claims the story is not real and was “bad storytelling,” but why is a story about harming a Black woman trying to do her job so funny? Because Black women are the demographic, you can victimize, belittle, and dehumanize, and still walk away unscathed and thriving, as evidenced by the fact that almost a decade later and Choe gets to be on a top Netflix series. 

Hollywood remains silent when the victims are Black women

It’s about being Black and being a woman. When Jonathan Majors’s assault allegations first surfaced, people in the industry took to social media to express their anger. Meanwhile, Choe, who is not Black crowed about his horrific actions toward a Black woman, and many of those same people are silent. They are vocal when it’s a Black perpetrator, but when the victim is Black, especially a Black woman, it’s time to separate the art from the artist. This is why there is no meaningful change in Hollywood or elsewhere.

POC solidarity?

Each time people use their money and time to watch these shows or movies, they are telling Hollywood it’s a-okay to hire abusers. They ignore or don’t care that their money gives these predators more power, making them a hotter commodity in Hollywood, which means more people around them shielding them from accountability. Weinstein wasn’t cast aside for being a predator. Hollywood cast him out because he was going to cost everyone money. He was no longer an asset worth shielding.

I cannot confidently say that Netflix, Ali Wong, and Steven Yeun knew of Choe’s past. I know I did not. But then, I’m not his friend. Nor am I a big company with a staff capable to vet cast and crew before hiring. Choe might be silent on Twitter, but it appears he’s making moves as multiple Twitter accounts that shared the video of Choe’s confession or bad storytelling—take your pick—are being locked because of a DMCA takedown. Since the video resurfaced, Ali Wong has locked her tweets. No words out of any camp, and many outlets are still celebrating Beef.

David Choe wrote to Twitter to get the video I posted of him talking about the woman he says he raped taken down on copyright grounds.

He claims his *nonprofit* owns the copyright to the video of him talking about the alleged rape. pic.twitter.com/6IaSXTOeQ1

— Aura Bogado (@aurabogado) April 16, 2023

All representation ain’t good

i'm curious how the DVDASA podcast (which stands for "double vag, double anal, sensitive artist") is considered a charitable activity? pic.twitter.com/1EH6IJ1r56

— Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) April 17, 2023

Now that the heatwaves are gone and there is a chill in the air, it’s time to make space on your bookshelves for some new releases. While it’s entirely possible you might not read them right away, it’s good to save them to your Goodreads or Storygraph account. September is a mixed bag of books from Black authors but there are plenty of books in a number of genres for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your flavor is, you’ll find something that speaks to your soul.

From historical fiction to romance to non-fiction there are some eye-catching titles that you won’t want to miss this month. Some of the most anticipated books include debut authors such as Nigerian author Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi and her recent debut of Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions. It’s currently Roxane Gay’s book club selection as well. Ogunyemi presents a beautifully told story that combines four, authentic women’s voices to share their experiences of life, love and culture. 

There’s plenty of Black-led and Black centering romance as well. For the gothic baddies, House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson puts a dystopian spin on her latest book. What if people choose to be servants of vampires if they knew it would elevate them out of poverty? This is a dark, gothic tale that you’d want to sink your teeth in. 

While this isn’t a complete list of all the Black books coming out in September, it’s a good start for those who are looking for books by Black authors. Enjoy! 

Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams 

Overworked RJ can admit that Lear is attractive. It’s hard not to miss his charming smile. From strangers who awkwardly and abruptly meet, to exchanging unpleasantries to being co-workers for a wedding seems like something that can only happen in romance novels, right? 

Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown

Being Black and asexual in a society where Black people are often over-sexualized by default often leaves Black voices and experiences overlooked. While the language presented can be heavy at times, this intersectional critique of how society views and expects sexuality to perform in binary and heteronormative terms.  

A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Beharrie

Looking for a lighthearted, paranormal romance? Gemma can see ghosts and she uses her gift to help the dearly departed finish their business with the living. However, it’s when she meets Levi and that is where things get complicated. Levi has lived and died and now he’s focused on helping Gemma. Can the living and formerly deceased find real love? Fans of Ghost and The Preacher’s Wife will enjoy this.

Dyslexia and Me: How to Survive and Thrive if You’re Neurodivergent by Onyinye Udokporo

If you’re Black and neurodivergent you will feel seen in this book. Udokporo who was featured in Forbes for discussing Neurodiversity And Entrepreneurship believes neurodivergent people can excel in entrepreneurship. 

The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West

West is back with another powerful story about family and identity while centering a Black woman’s point of view. Sara, a complicated woman, is trying to start anew in Memphis to run away from her past in Chicago. For readers, enjoy the sweet treat of learning about other Black, obscure authors from yesterday through the eyes of the characters in the book. 

The Black Cell by Wendy Shania

Are you looking for a new dystopian read? Set in Baltimore, MD in the near future, Black people are targeted by police at an all-time high. Ideal for readers who want to use the liberation framework in a sci-fi setting to highlight social injustices.

They Come At Knight by Yasmine Angoe

Serving as the follow-up to Her Name Is Knight, Nena Knight is back as the kickass assassin that I’d willing to do anything to protect the people she loves. While she works for a powerful organization, eventually the institution begins to crumble from the inside out and Nena has to face an uncomfortable revelation that will change her life forever.

To Win A Prince by Toni Shiloh

Iris seems to be living the dream. Using her keen sense of style to propel her business while being BFF with the Queen of a powerful African country certainly has its perks. But when she’s forced to work with the dejected Prince Ekon, they are both forced to admit their desires and wants. 

Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen

Speaking of Black mermaids! This highly anticipated sequel to the  New York Times bestseller, Skin of the Sea is available towards the end of this month. Bowen puts a dark spin on the classic mermaid lore with lots of action and consequences.

Where We End & Begin by Jane Igharo

Igharo is back again with a second chance about two former high school love birds who reunite at a wedding in Nigeria. It’s been twelve years since they made a vow to find a way to be together again and the time has finally arrived. 

Drunk On Love by Jasmine Guillory

A seductive one-night stand turn office romance on the backdrop of a winery is not the tale you didn’t know you needed. It all goes down in Napa Valley when tech bro eye candy meets an entrepreneur working hard to maintain her family’s winery.

Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions by Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi

A powerful and poignant story that connects four women together from childhood to adulthood. This beautiful African diaspora literary fiction delivers a relatable story of how gender, class, race and nationality impact Black people globally.

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

This historical fiction set in London in the early 1900s is an unnerving tale of two children who are bound to one attic in two different time periods. Despite 90 years separating both victims, the cruelty and injustice remain the same. 

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

Ready for some gothic fantasy with chilling vampire vibes? 19-year-old Marion is tired of struggling to survive. When she answers a peculiar ad in the newspaper looking for a “bloodmaid” in exchange for a finer life, she decides to pursue it. When she meets her new mistress a bloody and lustful relationship develops that could lead to Marionn’s demise. 

Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm by Laura Warrell 

One jazz musician named Circus has left a trail of scorned and infatuated women who are seeking to find their own voice without his validation. One of those women includes the former drummer he abandoned while she was pregnant. However, his now teen daughter admires him despite his poor choices. 

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

Dimple just turned 30 and now she’s faced with the hard truth being an influencer is harder than she thought. Life takes a turn and her ‘rolling stone’ papa has other children Dimple barely knows. If you love messy families and astrology, put this on your TBR (to be read) list now.

Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams bka Selena Montgomery 

Abrams is back with another thriller but this time she adds some steamy romance. Two people, are both on a mission to find the truth while trying to ignore their attraction for each other as they infiltrate a terrorist organization. 

Days Come and Go by Hemley Boum

If you are looking for more translated books by Black authors you do not want to miss this recently translated book by Cameroonian author Hemley Boum. While on her deathbed, a mother recounts her life to her daughter who is at her side and records her mother’s life experiences. Boum invites the reader to an authentic view of Cameroon by using historical events and multi-generational storytelling. 

Rust In The Root by Justina Ireland 

Ready for some Black alternate historical fantasy fiction? Of course, you are! It’s 1937 and America is divided into people who can wield magic and those that can not. Laura Ann wants to get her license so she can practice legally and branch out on her own. However, she’s having a tough time and finally enrolls in a government agency that is supposed to help America for the better. 

On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

This historical fiction novel takes place during the 1950s. Picture a story about a Motown girl group set in California. The mother is trying to live vicariously through her daughters as a stage mom, while her daughters are looking to find their own paths that may or may not include music. 

The Keeper by Tananarive Due

This ghostly graphic novel approaches horror through the story of grief. Aisha is still mourning her parents’ death and is sent to live with her grandmother in Detroit. However, her grandmother’s health is declining quickly. In her grandmother’s last efforts to protect her grandchild, she summons dark energy to protect her but the spirit feasts off the living to survive.

The Study of Human Life by Joshua Bennett 

Poetry that invokes speculative elements to create a collection of Black conscious narratives. Bennett talks about fatherhood, and social justice topics and even resurrects Malcolm X.

Black Panther: Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of the Dora Milaje from the Marvel Universe by Karama Horne 

If you always wanted to learn more about the Dora Milaje, here’s your chance. Karama Horne, known as the pop culture reporter The Blerd Gurl, does a deep dive into the history of one of the most formidable warriors in comic book history. Learn how to train like the Dora Milaje just in time for New York Comic Con.

In the House of Transcendence by Amanda Ross

Give us more Black witches, please! Zora has powers that scare her but she’s learning to live with them. She leaves home and finds herself in the company of a powerful witch that offers her a unique opportunity to be a dancer at a magical burlesque club. Magic, murder and mayhem galore. 

Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man by LaQuette

Vanessa is a happily divorced woman who has formed The Savvy, Sexy Single Club and she plans on being just that. But her plans are turned upside down on her second anniversary when a man claims his little sister is trying to marry her no-good ex. Vanessa could care less until she spots her stolen grandmother’s ring on another woman’s finger. Watch out for the fireworks— in more ways than one. Who doesn’t love a good mature second chance at a love story?