How did the pandemic disturb your life and have you managed to find balance?
That’s a long story haha. The pandemic decided to hit, 2 weeks after decided to empty my accounts, sell my things and move to European country where I only knew 1 person. Which of course, did not play out too well haha so, let’s just say it’s been a ride, and a test of both my mental fortitude, self-confidence and faith that’s there’s something out here waiting for me. Ironically, i think that thing waiting for me is Balance, I haven’t quite found it yet but folk keep telling me it’s the journey not the destination, so I’ll have to take their word for it.
Originality and Authenticity we all say it’s important but hard to be; do you self-assess and keep it real?
Authenticity is key. I try to walk into every room as 100% me, whether that be to my benefit or sometimes to my own detriment. I, not referring to code switching but doing and saying what i believe in the situations that call for it. Without fear of repercussion, self-assessing now throughout my life that sentiment has got me into a lot of trouble but it’s been making for a story worth telling.
There’s a lot of talk for inclusion and diversity everywhere what do you think needs to be done in your country?
I’m from the US… how much time do you have? hahaha to make an infinitely long list, short; Police reform, Education reform, more equitable representation, flip the defense/education budgets and dismantle the capitalist institutions that exacerbate inequality. Oh and who gives a damn about what bathroom someone uses as long as they aren’t pissing on you.
Do you believe in Utopia – what do you do to leave this world a better place?
Not until weed is universally legalized haha; but in all seriousness, No. Someone will always be, or at least feel marginalized, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Earth is plentiful, although a little beat up right now, but it’s possible for humanity to reimagine that very term. It’s possible to live in a world where we judge success by the good we do and the beauty we create rather than the money we make. I try to do my good through dialogue with my friends, family, strangers and folk on the opposite side of the aisle. I try to plant a seed in people’s heads, and hope life waters it. It’s not much, but all we can do is move the needle forward.
What do you find sexy/sensual in your partner?
Ouff that’s a long one too, I’m a sucker for good banter, soft eyes, pretty smiles and bubble butts. Throw in a decent singing voice, and mix in a little bookworm.. That’s a recipe that I will happily let ruin my life, over and over again haha
What is the one thing a. you do, b. having (item) & c. a person you really love?
My dog,Ozai. I had to leave him with my old roommates back in the States. He doesn’t care too much for facetime calls so I’m just holding on until I can fly him out here with me
What do you want others remember you by? Your legacy so to speak for future generations
Legacy… I can’t lie, I want to leave one. A lasting one. I want your children’s children’s children’s to learn about me in school. As the man who redefined what it means to be American, to be human.. and then just disappeared to run a Gourmet Milkshake Shoppe and retire in Cape Verde.
What is beauty to you? Is it important to appreciate it?
Beauty to me is anything that inspires awe. Be it the blues of the seas, violence of a heavyweight fight or making your date laugh so hard they snort. I think beauty is nothing more, or less, than whatever gives you that high, per se. Oh and Zoe Kravitz, she’s also my definition of beauty.
Communicating with ourselves and others is hard. Are you a direct person or do you use sideways to get there?
I tailor my approach to the situation. I tend to be direct a majority of the time but it’s fun to play the game a bit sometimes ahha
What’s your harbor, your Ithaca?
I haven’t given it too much thought, but I know it’ll be a table a mile long of family and friends where I can explain why I left so early, so long and so often. Then they laugh, tell me to shut up and pass the kachuupa. (It’s a cape verdean dish lol)
Model: Derek DaSilva @derekism