“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King
Valentine’s Day feels like the best excuse to love yourself and your community as much as possible. At least, that’s how Kolor The Rapper and Jesus’N’Drag are spreading the love this year.
Kolor and Jesus (no relation to Christ) are busy. The Atlanta-based couple performs throughout the city nightly, both on their own and as hosts in The Haus Talent Extravaganza at Southern Feedstore.
As an interracial couple, Kolor and Jesus say their desire for equality manifests as a passion to educate others and provide a positive example of what love can look like.
“We are advocates for equality in all forms, and we appreciate melanated folks over here, honey,” the couple said.
Kolor and Jesus want to bridge the gap between the various forms of queer entertainment in Atlanta to create a greater LGBTQ community of artists. In their efforts, the couple created The Haus, an organization made to build community experiences for members of the LGBTQ community and allies.
“Our mission at The Haus is all about the bringing community together and supporting local artists in a noncompetitive space where everyone is welcome and here to uplift and help each other grow,” the couple said in an email with Georgia Voice. “Our goal is to create a space where all mediums of queer art can meet as one.”
The Haus puts on a Talent Extravaganza, where queer artists are invited to perform a variety of talents, including music, drag and dance. The event is hosted by Kolor and Jesus at Southern Feedstore, at 1245 Glenwood Ave in East Atlanta Village.
The two told Georgia Voice more about their relationship, love in its many forms, and queer entertainment.
Quotes have been edited for clarity.
How did you two meet?
We met at an open mic in Miami. Kolor was performing some songs from his mixtape, and I [Jesus] was performing a spoken word, and we just really had a great connection and phenomenal conversation. Seven years later, we’re still performing and debating regularly.
What relationship advice do you have for young, queer people?
Be conscientious of the growth and development that exists within each of you. If you’re in a relationship, be mindful that your partner might not be the same person they were when you met them. Allow room for growth.
Also, abuse comes in all forms, be privy to [that] and be sure not to perpetrate said abuse on your partner. Remember that today’s idealistic standards for a relationship are not realistic. Love looks different [for everyone]. Allow yourself to manifest the language necessary for you and your partner to create a beneficial environment for each other.
The easiest thing for you to do is to leave. So [the] love wouldn’t be about enduring, it will be about creating a safe space for each other. Love is an action, and it is your duty to choose your partner daily. Lastly, loving someone else starts with the self. If you are neglectful to self, it will show itself in all other aspects of your life. Be sure to treat yourself with all the kindness needed to share that with your partner.
How do you make time for each other?
Sometimes we don’t, but that’s okay. It’s really about prioritizing the small things, which would be when we have dinner together. Even something as simple as trying something new is beneficial for a healthy relationship. Sometimes you won’t have time. That’s perfectly normal and OK, especially if you and your partner have goals to accomplish. Just to be sure not to neglect each other’s needs.
Want to catch the next Talent Extravaganza? Follow @thehauscommunity, @KolorTheRapper, and @JesusNDrag on Instagram for updates and announcements.