CiTR

Simon Rayek (He/Him) is an emerging health care leader passionate about addressing the unique barriers to access experienced by sexual and gender minority populations through health systems innovation and policy reform. He is currently the Program Manager for Health Promotion at Health Initiative for Men, a local non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit and queer (GBT2Q) men.

HIM recently introduced MORE THAN SEX, a guide about queer sex, diverse bodies, health and our communities. It shares information to help navigate a queer world, learn about different kinds of sex, explore sexual health and pleasure, and start conversations about some of the forces and experience that shape our lives as queer people. To learn more about HIM and the programs they offer such as the launch of More Than Sex for Mental and Social Health in the Queer Community, please visit checkhimout.ca


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The Black Creatures blend contemporary styles of pop, hip-hop, dance, R&B, EDM and soul with cinematic and storytelling sci-fi/fantasy elements and themes.

Hailing out of Kansas City, Missouri, Jade Green and Xavier began working together around the end of 2013 after meeting on-line talking about cosmetics. After Jade stumbled upon Xavier’s SoundCloud, they asked if they could put their vocals on it, and this led to future collaborations with no more than the intention to dabble. They couldn’t stop and eventually dubbed the project The Black Creatures.

Both Jade and Xavier write and perform vocals, with Xavier (originally a violinist) at the helm of production and composition. Jade Green has a vocal background in opera and a penchant for theatrics, and both are the foundation of their ever-evolving approach to writing and performing in The Black Creatures. After releasing Wild Echoes in the fall of 2020, the record received Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine. Tackling fascism, police brutality, and the deep-rooted effects of slavery in a rhythmic fashion is one thing. Simultaneously making it a good listen is another. However, The Black Creatures make it happen.

The Black Creatures released their latest single “True Friends” in September on Centre Cut Records and is part of their upcoming album release “By Thy Hand”. You can find them and learn more at their website theblackcreatures.com