Biography

The passionate actor, the burgeoning film producer, talk show host and the activist. Since age 10 Derrick has worked on various television and film projects and currently stars in the independent gay film "Finding Me." In 2007 he created the highly popular ADTv which brings truth along with humor to personal life issues relating to gay men. ADTv has now reached viewers as far as South Africa, London and now Singapore and looks to continually contribute to the growth of all gay men and their alliances.

Biography

Tammy Peay is known on the comedy scene as “Ms. Peay”. Growing up in a large family, Ms. Peay exhibited her talent as a comedian very early with well timed “snaps and jokes” which kept her friends and family laughing. Ms. Peay has performed at some of the hottest New York venues including Don’t Tell Mamas, The Cutting Room, Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s, Gotham Comedy Club, New York Club, Stand Up New York, Brooklyn Brewery, Joe’s Pub, Boston Comedy Club, Uptown Comedy Club as well as colleges all over the East Coast.

She has several videos on YouTube and has recently completed the short film and play in Miami entitled Getting Unstuck. A diva in demand in the LGBT community for the last decade, she has been a host of the Nubian Dreams Cruise for the last three years and is excited about bringing her unique brand of whit and sass to Inferno Dominican Republic this Labor Day.

Biography

As a child, De’Von Christopher idolized Donald Trump and today he is well on his way to attaining that level of success. With accomplishments ranging from his participation in the birth and success of multiple business partnerships to publishing Bleu Magazine – all before the age of 30 – De’Von is determined to redefine the roles of men of color in American society.

De’Von grew up in suburban Long Island, New York, and currently seeks refuge in Harlem’s ever-changing landscape. Although he is a native New Yorker, De’Von attended New Jersey’s Seton Hall University’s School of Business, before finding his real passion in the School of Communications.

Not having entertainment experience would typically work against someone seeking employment with a major music company, however Def Jam was looking for someone new and raw to work with its marketing department. At Def Jam, he played an integral part in marketing some of the major music makers of the new millennium, including Jay Z, LL Cool J and Musiq. After getting his toes wet in the marketing arena, De’Von shifted gears into the world of advertising for Universal Music Group. However, after two successful years, De’Von decided it was time for a new challenge and transitioned into his new role as a Product Manager for Asylum Records. During his tenure at the label in its infancy, De’Von recognized his worth and decided to embark on his own mission.

De’Von has a diverse resume. He is a part of ‘The Hotboyz,’ one of New York’s premiere event-planning companies; a partner in the Mali Investment Group, has numerous real estate investments, and is also co-owner of Atomic Wings Harlem. All of these ventures are independent of his true labor of love, Bleu Magazine. In 2006, he set out to make Bleu Magazine the premiere urban magazine catering to all men whether gay or straight. De’Von contends that there are other stories to be told of successful black men besides those of rappers and athletes.

De’Von commits the same amount of passion and integrity to his interests beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits. Growing up, he’d been a Boy Scout, an Eagle Scout, and later became an American Red Cross volunteer. Today, he continues to lend a helping hand, with charitable donations to organizations, such as The Apollo Theater Foundation, The Schomburg Center for Research, The Studio Museum, and the New York Historical Society, believing that such activities are critical elements which help build character. De’Von Christopher is a humanitarian as well as an entrepreneur who credits his work ethic for his success, espousing an unshakable belief that, in life, the glass is half full and success is available to everyone.

Biography

Jason Wimberly has been the Global Sales Director for RUFSKIN Denim for the past two years. He began escaping New York in the less temperate months and spending his summers in San Diego, the city RUFSKIN calls home. It was there he befriended the owners of the label. After three years traveling extensively through Europe and Asia, India being one of his favorite destinations, Mr. Wimberly was looking to relocate to San Diego and was elated to become part of Team RUFSKIN. After numerous years as a specialist for the brand Gucci within Neiman Marcus stores, he brings with him nearly ten years in the business.

In addition to his duties with RUFSKIN, Jason Wimberly hosts numerous fashion-based events both in the US and abroad. He has appeared as a fashion correspondent numerous times on various television news stations and cable programs. He maintains an endorsement contract with Clinic'Estetica, a cosmeceuticals company based in Mexico.

As a retired ballet dancer, Mr Wimberly is also an avid athlete and manages to instruct group fitness classes in the mornings and some evenings.

He is most pleased to announce the inception of his latest venture, Wimberly Worldwide LLC, a new fashion and fitness based lifestyle brand with a new interactive website launching this summer.

Biography

Conscious, is a native of Harlem New York currently residing in Miami, Florida. She began a career in television at Broadcast News Network (BNN) in New York City, before serving as Music Manager for the Queen Latifah Show. She then went on to produce and host the Oprah Winfrey's Oxygen Media’s talk show She-Commerce.

She is the CEO of The Getting Unstuck Project inc., an organization dedicated to providing educational materials via, plays, speeches, and films that educate people on the ways to "getunstuck" from the behavior that put them at risk for HIV/AIDS infection.

Her television career was preceded by a stint as a bodyguard for celebrities. Her security and body guard work was showcased at famous New York nightclubs such as The Palladium, The Tunnel, The Limelight, and Club Speed where she managed to nail bodyguard gigs for Mark Wahlberg, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, DMX, and Aaliyah.

Conscious is a popular national speaker on subjects of HIV/ AIDS, and recovery. Her self published book Getting Unstuck went from selling out of boxes on the streets of New York City in the Village to gaining national and international distribution and 5 years of Film options with SHOWTIME FILMS, EVE, TROY CARTER, & LARRY KENNAR.

Conscious is the writer, producer, and director of the short film Getting Unstuck as well as her LIVE show Getting Unstuck, both based on her acclaimed autobiography, Getting Unstuck.

Biography

For over 7 years, Troy Kelley has been instrumental in the effort to eradicate HIV from communities of color. A native of New York City, Mr. Kelley has also lived in Atlanta before set-line in Orlando, FL where he currently resides. He is the executive manager for Miracle of Love, Inc. Miracle of Love is a community based organization whose vision is to provide effective and responsive, comprehensive, multicultural HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention services to communities in Central Florida. Mr. Kelley began his non-profit career at Miracle of Love as a health educator and today directs five HIV prevention programs. A 1992 graduate of Barach College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, in his spare time Mr. Kelley enjoys spending time with close friends, traveling, shopping, movies, and physical fitness.

Biography

Andre Allen, is one of the most prominent voices in the Black LGBT community. He owns and operates Andre’s Flava, a popular blogsite that many rely upon to keep them informed of issues important to the LGBT community. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, Andre currently resides in Washington, DC. He has been a staple of LGBT events and Inferno is proud have him a part of our 2010 line-up. Andre has been featured in several prominent Black LGBT media outlets and continues to work hard daily at making a difference in the lives of the LGBT community.

Biography

Through the power of the internet, Lonnell Williams, continues to establish himself as an important force within the African American LGBT community. As host and producer of the popular and expanding series, 3LWTV, Lonnell upholds his commitment to showing positive images of a community often marginalized or ignored by mainstream media. With a background in media production, his own new site, 3lwtv.com, and an audience of loyal supporters, there is no limit to what is next for Lonnell and 3LWTV!

Biography

Zekeera "Zee" Belton, 29, loves to have a good time, while ensuring that others are, too. Last year, with her partner Angie, Zee co-founded A 2 Zee Events, organizing high-quality social, sporting, and travel events for the LGBT Community. This is a natural transition for someone who plays flag football with Lady All Met (2009 USFTL National Champs) and has coordinated women's basketball leagues in DC, Maryland and Virginia for the past 7 years.

Zee is both business- and community-oriented and earned a degree in Finance and Human Resource Management from Georgetown University. As Director of Marketing,Women's Initiatives and Promotions for Al Sura, Inc., Zee is committed to improving HIV/AIDS education and awareness within the African-American LGBT Community through social marketing campaigns.

Embracing diversity is another passion, and Zee promotes Al Sura's annual White Attire Affair, which brings together LGBT men and women in solidarity to celebrate life and is held every July in Washington, DC.

"Segregation is the biggest issue within the community," asserts Zee. "However, blacks, whites, lesbians, gays, and transgenders have something in common—we are looked at as 'others' in our society. If we all came together, we could be a powerful force." As such, A 2 Zee Events came onboard with Inferno to promote integration of men and women in the LGBT community to travel, party and network together all in the name of good fun… Let's get it poppin'.

Biography

Actress, Make-up Artist, Dancer, Entrepreneur

Chachita Rubio is a native of the Dominican Republic, born December 24th. Chachita’s career took off at age 17, after becoming a transvestite who performed and danced at the famous Santo Domingo clubs, Penthouse and DiscoFree. She is a natural talent, being the daughter of the famous dancer, Carmen Espinosa Carbonel. Due to her beauty and talent, Chachita has become the most prominent transvestite in the DR.

After some success, Chachita migrated to New York City after having faced some hostilities in her home country as many were still unfriendly towards gays and transvestites. After living in the US for six years, she returned to the DR where she re-invented herself as a makeup artist. She was again successful counting many Dominican celebrities, both locally and internationally, as her clientele.

Chachita was then introduced to the media business and began hosting a television program, INTERACTIVO. From there she blossomed into a renowned TV personality and hosted other television programs including SIN FILTRO, QUE SE SEPA and her newest show that is currently airing, NI SANTAS NI PECADORAS.

Her other accolades include ownership of Cha Club, the only gay club in Santo Domingo, and her newest venture, Rubio Lounge which opens its doors on May 10th 2010. Inferno Dominican Republic is proud to be working with , Chachita Rubio, one of the DR’s most famous icons and also the reigning Miss Gay Latin Universe, a crown she won in NYC in October of 2009.

Biography

Nobody really knows where the boy came from except to say that he came out of left field...and he came with something quite unexpected. The truth is: Last Offence didn't expect to be in this position himself. He'd been a fan of all the greats-- Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Eminem, Outkast, Big Pun-- but he would never seriously count himself among their ranks. It wasn't until 2002 that he and a couple of his friends toyed around with a trial of a music software program that he finally put some words to paper and spit over a track. Even then, he would refer to it as "playing around...nothing serious". There was a studio recording here and there between 2002 and 2007, but in those days he went by the name "Napier" (he fancied himself the Black Joker -- the black Jack Napier) and he was nothing even remotely like the explicit and often times raunchy artist that he is today.

In 2007, Last discovered a movement that had already been well in the making. The Homorevolution Tour brought prominence to an underground gay rap scene that, until then, he'd only been vaguely familiar with. But like so many of his current counterparts making moves in 2008, it drove him to action.

Lasto first grabbed the attention of the gay hip hop scene with street singles "Truth Be Told", "Trouble" & "Don't Forget". Not one to slow down the momentum, he continued to build notoriety with impressive guest appearances on Granthm's "Head O.U.T." and Solomon's "Transformers". By the end of 2008 he'd garnered critical acclaim with his first official release: an EP entitled RUN A LAP. In early 2009, he followed up with the grittier and more urban hip-hop offering NOT FOR NON PROFIT, a mixtape comprised of mostly original material.

In the here and now, Last Offence continues working on his debut album and performing at venues across the US.

Biography

Organic and luxurious is the Shaka King approach to design. “I want my clothes to exude the stillness and peace that I think we are all seeking in the millennium,” says King.

The Miami native’s design philosophy draws from his world travels. After receiving a B.F.A in fashion design from Pratt Institute, King furthered his training by apprenticing in London and Milan. King credits this European finishing with refining his tailoring and developing his keen eye for exquisite fabrics.

Shaka King’s unique detailing, concentration on draping and commitment to wear-ability have become his signature. His staples include: knits, shirts, suits, trousers, coats and hats. Shaka King is based in New York with a design studio in Brooklyn and a boutique in Washington DC.

Shaka King has made a strong impression on the men’s market since 1991. He has been praised by both; national and international press. The New York Times, DNR, Playboy, Essence, Telemundo, E!, MNET (Africa), and SHE-TV (Asia) are just a few of the media that have hailed King as a pioneer of the upscale urban chic style. DNR, in particular dubbed him “The King of Chic”. He has a solid reputation and thriving private clientele that includes celebrities, professional athletes, investment bankers, educators, writers and recording artists. The Shaka King man simply seeks a designer who complements his metropolitan lifestyle.

Biography

Who’s on fire? Edwing D’Angelo of course. This Colombian born designer emerged onto the fashion scene with his risqué play on hemlines and his mucho colorful Latin flare in 2002.

D’Angelo’s work has been featured by the Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, NY1, Univision, ABC, NBC, Telemundo, CBS, Full Frontal Fashion, Inside Edition, MTV, VH1, Latina Magazine, The Advocate magazine, EFE News Agency, Uptown magazine, Trace magazine, CW11, international publications, New York Post, NY Amsterdam News, NY Daily News and well covered in the blogosphere.

D’Angelo also served as fashion consultant for BET Music Awards, special on CBS-2 Morning with Anchorwoman Shon Gables, BET VJ’s Tiffan and Free, Lifetime “Strong Medicine” star Rosa Blasi and NBC “Third Watch” star Tia Texada. He is also in high demand dressing and outfitting everyone from Patti LaBelle, Vivica A. Fox, Lil Kim, Paula Garces, Nelly and Sean Paul to Winona Judd just to name a few. D’Angelo is also becoming the fashion stylist’s designer of choice to go to for new celebrities attending red carpet and movie premieres like the actress Lauren Metcalf for the 2008 Tony Awards, as she was nominated for best actress, Cadillac Records supporting actress Chyna Layne and Latin actors Cesar Camacho, Kamar de los Reyes and Manny Perez. This year, D'Angelo was the featured Fashion Designer for the Backstage Experience at the 100th NAACP - 40th Image Awards in Los Angeles.

Of note, Edwing D’Angelo classic floral dress is in a hot fashion scene from the 2006 hit movie “The Devil Wears Prada.” D’Angelo’s looks continue to be featured in the 2006 film “Dirty Laundry.” He was also the custom designer for the Super Bowl XL Pepsi commercial, Reebok uses D’Angelo’s creative ability to re-designed its sportswear for violin siren, Miri Ben-Ari, in her “I AM” campaign. D’Angelo creates exclusive designs for Wynona Judd for her country music American Idol television show.

D’Angelo’s one of a kind pieces are in high demand in numerous boutiques around the world and his customers range from teen prom queens, to upper Manhattan socialites. It’s kind of hard to believe that D’Angelo, who migrated to meet his family in the United States in 1988, was willing to give all this great talent up for a career in law.

Being the oldest of five children, D’Angelo was quite determined and committed to setting a positive example for his younger siblings to follow. He worked while attending school; was the first to enroll and graduate from college; and was ready to settle in on a prosperous and “safe” career. However, D’Angelo, who comes from a legacy of a long line of tailors and seamstresses, love and passion for fashion always seemed to be lurking from afar. In an effort to express his creative talent, D’Angelo, who worked full-time at an immigration law firm, moonlighted as a stylist on various photo shoots, assisted with wardrobe on numerous video shoots and produced countless pageants. In addition, he would also design his own clothing as well as special occasion clothing for his friends.

It wasn’t until he designed a prom dress for his younger sister that Mr. D’Angelo began to realize that he really could make it in the world of fashion. The gown was such a big hit amongst his sister’s friends that he ended up making 32 in total, giving him a clear sign to take the jump into the world of fashion. In 2002 he opened up his first boutique. His mission was to present a place where people can have access to well crafted fashion at attractive prices.

Edwing D’Angelo’s gallery-like showroom embodies an air of classic minimalism infused with a refined Latin flair located in the heart of SoHo. He currently has three collections under his roster: Karaz By Edwing D’Angelo is his vibrant special occasion affordable line for occasions such as sweet-sixteen, quinceañeras, bridesmaid, beauty pageants, bar mitzvah. Edwing D’Angelo Couture, which contains details to perfection, is his one of a kind evening wear and Edwing D’Angelo Bridal is his sensual wedding gown collection. All three lines are masterfully crafted and tailored made.

Biography

RUFSKIN Denim was founded in early 2000 by Head Designer Hubert Pouches and Partner Douglas Coats. They met in Paris, France in the early 90's when Douglas was a fashion model and Hubert owned a men's modeling agency.

Rufskin’s clothing is designed to enhance the individual male form. All designs are original and hand made; paying close attention to detail. Rufskin challenges the boundaries of male design by consistently creating fashions that allow men to define their personal style of sexy.

The Rufskin brand is based out of Southern California and offers a unique selection of denim jeans, underwear, swim-wear, fitness clothing, and accessories. Their sexy masculine styling has proven to be what the male market is evolving towards; a more self-confidant and masculine awareness of the male form.

From the European Football players to the muscle guys at the beach, men do seem to have covered themselves up more as their ideal of less exposed seems to be the norm. At Rufskin, they choose the sexier way of showcasing the male body as it should be seen by outfitting men with tighter fitting clothing and shorter options that enhance the male physic.

"Men used to show off their bodies by wearing shorter shorts or tighter jeans to display their sexuality and fashion sense", says Douglas Coats, president of Rufskin. "Now, these days men seem to clothing even if they have a good body.

Since Rufskin's inception of denim, Rufskin has increased their categories of clothing to feature underwear, swimwear, sportswear and accessories. Rufskin is planning to launch a high-end leather line this Fall of 2009 that will feature the same cut and design techniques as their current denim line.

Rufskin also recently launched their own online e-commerce site this past December so shopping for Rufskin products has never been easier from around the globe. Rufskin.com was created for easy navigation for shopping, current press clippings and RUFTALK; their own blog that displays Rufskin’s trends and fashion ideas, vintage Rufskin photos and promotional events sponsored by Rufskin.

Finally, Rufskin has opened their first retail store in the Northpark area of San Diego and is in the process of opening a pop-up store in NYC in April 2010.
Jason Wimberly
GLOBAL SALES DIRECTOR
jason@rufskin.com

Biography

DJ Calvin Smith has been resided in the DR infrequently for the last years. He has worked as a dj since he was 15 and has played all over the U.S. and in both Puerto Rico and the DR. With his expertise, get ready to get your swerve on as he spins the hottest in R&B, Hip Hop, and local island rhythms.

Biography