All Posts By

Jasmine Phillips

Representation on Screen: Powerful TV Series Showcase BIPOC LGBTQ Narratives

Posted on August 5, 2021

In my first-ever article for Spectrum South, I elaborated on the need for and importance of more BIPOC LGBTQ representation within the hip-hop and rap scene, arguing that the industry won’t change for the better until more queer artists—and those in leadership roles within the music industry—live and produce openly. This logic, however, isn’t siloed to the world of music; as more and more BIPOC LGBTQ actors come out, and our narratives are written into episodes, the television industry is…

As We Emerge: LGBTQ BIPOC Mental Health Following Isolation

Posted on May 28, 2021

Wow, where has the time gone? 2021 has already raced by, and I can’t believe it’s already May. As vaccines are rolling out, it feels like the world is finally starting to open back up just in time for summer, with the prospects of travel and social life on the horizon. While some are chomping at the bit to emerge back into society, others are much less comfortable, still feeling the weight of the pandemic. The month of May marks…

The Dining Divide: Is Southern Cuisine Open to All?

Posted on April 16, 2021

In my eyes, travel is synonymous with eating. The first thing I do whenever I reach a new destination is search for the area’s most delicious restaurants—ones that are unique, different than those at home, and that have a great environment. But unfortunately, as a queer, Black person, not all restaurants and businesses are as welcoming as I would like, especially when traveling in the South.…

Continuing the Conversation: Black Queer History Doesn’t End in February

Posted on March 11, 2021

Well, Black History Month is officially over. As someone in the Black community, the fact that our history is confined to the shortest month of the year is troublesome to say the least. The month is also shared with other holidays, like Valentine’s Day, that tend to dominate the conversation, putting Black History Month on the back burner. And when Black History is acknowledged, it's often focused on slavery, oppression, and campaigns featuring quotes from the most well-known Black historical…

Let’s Talk About Sex: Navigating Conversations Around Pleasure in the Black Queer Community

Posted on February 14, 2021

Most people have memories of getting the talk. Yes, the talk about S-E-X. Now how this talk happened and what was included can differ greatly. Being Black, queer, and growing up in the Bible Belt, conversations about sex were the definition of “hush hush.” To learn about sex, you had to turn to your friends—which meant conversations were mostly heteronormative and filled with misinformation.…

Teaching LGBTQ History: We Must Avoid Another One-Sided Narrative

Posted on January 13, 2021

The debate rages as I scroll through my social media platforms: Should LGBTQ History be taught in schools? Parents flood the comments with concerns over how the subject would influence their children—and not in positive ways. As I read through the back-and-forth should-they-shouldn’t-they, my mind wanders to the more important question: if they do decide to teach LGBTQ History in schools, how will it be taught and who will be included in the narrative?…

Coming into My Own: Breaking From My Southern Baptist Roots to Become a Queer Sex Educator

Posted on December 4, 2020

A photo of Spectrum South writer Jasmine Phillips, a queer sex educator.

About a month ago, my godmother asked me a question: Jasmine, who are you? The first thought that came to my mind was, “Would you like to know who I truly am, or just who you want me to be?” The truth is that I am a Black, queer Millennial. And as someone who has grown up in the Millennial generation, I have worked hard to develop my own interpretations of who and what I am and to not define…

Limiting Student Expression: Do Dress Codes Reinforce the Binary?

Posted on October 15, 2020

Well, pandemic or not, school is back in session. In my home city of Tampa, Florida, students were given the choice to attend class in person or online. But while the structure of schooling has changed, most rules have not—including mandatory adherence to dress code.…

Away We Go: Redefining Travel in the Age of COVID-19

Posted on July 29, 2020

If you would have told me at the beginning of 2020, “Jas, all of your trips will be cancelled this year,” I would have never believed you. Me? I’m going on vacation no matter what. Well, COVID-19 had other plans. Now, “vacation” looks like traveling from the bedroom, to the kitchen, to the couch.…

Make This Go Viral: Black Queerness on Tik Tok

Posted on June 25, 2020

From vlogging, to making viral memes, to using social media to promote their art, the creativity of Millennials and Gen Z is undeniable. And now, as we’re all “bored in the house, and in the house bored,” these two generations have turned to a new social platform to creatively express themselves—Tik Tok.…

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