Xavi Smith

Experienced Professional | Transitioning from Tech to Education

Tag: LGBTQ

  • Kiana Ledé Understands the Messy Pleasure of Liking “Ur Best Friend”

    Ledé is no stranger to exploring juicy yet convoluted relationship dynamics in her youthful R&B. In 2018, the Los Angeles-based singer and actor broke out with her first hit, “Ex,” a song about getting back together with a past lover that showcased Ledé’s powerful, sultry vocal runs. Last year, she released her debut self-titled studio album, Kiki, a coming-of-age project about romantic entanglements and sexual liberation, which solidified her status as a contemporary R&B star. Now, with “Ur Best Friend,” Ledé writes about having a queer love interest for the first time, weaving a complex tale that shows queer relationships can also be nuanced and messy.

    Kiana Ledé and Kehlani are two of my favorite singers. Not only are they incredibly talented vocally, but I love to see more queer stories in music. I was excited when I first listened to the song because of the collaboration, but this music video just takes it to a whole other level. The sexual tension and chemistry between them is seductive and provocative. And that neck grab at the end?! 🥵😍

  • Four Corners Reports on Pattern of Abuse Cover Up within Jehovah’s Witnesses Religion

    As some of you may know, I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness. In 2019, I decided to leave this organization after finding serious abuse cover up and coming across factual information that disproves the religion’s doctrine.

    One of the stories this report touches on is of a young man that committed suicide after being disfellowshipped for being gay. The young man turns out to be a nephew of one of the leaders of this organization, Stephen Lett. This is an issue that hits particularly close to home since my own coming out.

    All in all, it’s a scathing report. It reveals the Jehovah’s Witness religion (contrary to what its members believe) to be a man-made and human-led organization with policies and procedures that create a ripe breeding ground for all types of abuse.

    I’ve never been happier to have distanced myself from this toxic organization. The leadership’s dogmatic and arrogant attitude has led to the ruin of countless lives without even an apology from the organization. Although thankfully, some victims have won cases against the organization resulting in a settlement.

    Whether you’ve ever been a Jehovah’s Witness or not, I recommend you watch the video.

  • Does God Really Hate Queers?

    Here’s a fascinating, heartwarming, and heartbreaking video about being queer and whether it’s also possible to have a faith.

    Interestingly, my former religion makes an appearance just to show the world how horrible it is. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not accepting of LGBTQ people. Joshua, a gay man that is featured in the video, explains how he was disfellowshipped (or excommunicated) and subsequently completely shunned by his family. The story of the muslim woman is just as disturbing as she tries to find a marriage of convenience so that her family doesn’t disown her.

    It’s stories like these that push me towards agnosticism and atheism. How could a loving god expect you to shun someone because of who they love? Why would a loving god punish someone for something so deeply personal and intrinsic to who they are, such as their sexuality?

    So does god really hate people who are LGBTQ? I have no interest in a god that does.