Pride season is upon us, and this year we’re ringing it in by spotlighting the folks who make us proud to show up to work each day — the artists, activists, performers and personalities who make our community shine.
Zeke Thomas is a DJ, musician, and LGBTQ activist. He is also the first male ambassador for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. This past year, he began speaking publicly about his own experiences with sexual assault in hopes of raising awareness to the issue of male rape. His powerful new single Dealin’ With It is about his journey after being abused by a man he met on Grindr.
What are you currently working on that brings your pride?
The thing I am working on that is bringing me the most pride is living my truth. Yes, I am a musician. Yes, I am a DJ. Yes, I was sexually assaulted and raped. Yes, I survived! Now, I am focusing on thriving and supporting other survivors and sharing my journey through my music, which is what my new single, Dealin’ With It is all about.
What is your most awkward Pride memory?
I had the honor of meeting Cleve Jones and Dustin Lance Black when they were grand marshals for NYC pride. The work these two men have done to fight for LGBTQ rights is amazing and I strive to live up to their example. My friends and I joined Dustin Lance Black and his friends at a wrap dinner after the concert that day. Lance and company forgot to pay the bill and ended up leaving me holding the bag. LOL! Xoxo Lance.
What is your ultimate Pride song?
That’s easy! “Supermodel” by RuPaul. Worrrrk, it’s iconic and freeing!
Who is your dream Pride performer?
Me, of course! To have the opportunity to rock for my brothers and sisters would be an honor and dream come true. Of course, I’d be 100% open to Janet Jackson because that would be incredible!
Which city’s Pride is on your bucket list?
Tel Aviv because I just hear from my friends that have gone that it’s everything.
Does Pride feel different this year?
It does feel different for me, because I’m being 100% myself. I’ve dived headfirst into the pressure pool. It’s been a rough journey but, I’m here and I am proud.
Bob LaBlah
What is it about that pic that just doesn’t look right? His head and neck do not match his body. He looks like a bobble-head ornament.
Kangol
Is he friends with someone on this site? I appreciate his story and his coming forward about male rape, but there are other out, gay celebrities, including celebrities of color, that you could also profile. Please do so, because it’s LGBTQ Pride Month!
Bob LaBlah
@Kangol……..”I appreciate his story and his coming forward about male rape, but there are other out, gay celebrities, including celebrities of color, that you could also profile. Please do so, because it’s LGBTQ Pride Month!”
I have been on this site since 2010. Believe me when I say soul stirring articles such as this (rape, incest, beatings, someone in their fifties decides to trade the Levi’s for Lane Bryant dresses, etc…) fill the pages of just about every thing gay. I wish for ONCE during Pride Month an article would appear about gay minorities who either single handed or in a group got together and opened a business that employs people, pays taxes and helps with the vibrancy of a community. I almost want to say I don’t care if its a bar they highlight but deep down that would be the last thing I would want to see because it seems to stereotypical of gays, as does his being a DJ. I am willing to bet that some where out there a person(s) of his color have done it and could greatly benefit from the exposure.
To make a long story short, I agree with you totally.
jonasalden
Wow, he’s really working this sexual assault thing. Not that I’m downplaying its seriousness, but gosh. Pretty soon, because he keeps identifying with it, the exact opposite of what he says he wants is going to occur. People will remember that first. The “rape DJ”. No, seriously.