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Brenda White-King Talks About Luther Vandross

Brenda White-King

‘m thrilled to share Brenda White-King‘s thoughtful reflection on Luther Vandross.  Brenda reflects on her deep friendship with Luther, sharing his profound impact on her life. She has said that his presence made her feel beautiful, a testament to his character and the genuine connections he fostered with those around him. 

During her tour with Roberta Flack, Brenda met Luther Vandross, who was singing background vocals for Flack. Their relationship blossomed as Luther launched his own solo career, during which Brenda had the privilege of supporting him on his journey and performing backing vocals for Dionne Warwick. 

 Brenda White-King’s story is one of talent, friendship, and the enduring connections forged through music.

Brenda White-King is a New Jersey-based vocalist in the music industry. She has had the incredible opportunity to tour alongside legends like Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Dave Matthews Band, Nena, Chaka Khan, Serge Gainsbourg, Lenny Kravitz, and Aretha Franklin. Each of these collaborations has contributed to Brenda’s development as an artist. 

Brenda’s journey began at Barringer High School in Newark, where she first discovered her love for singing. She honed her craft and formed a girl group called the Ebonettes alongside her dear friend Gwen Guthrie from Orange. Brenda sang backing vocals on Ben E. King’s Supernatural Thing, Pt.1

As a side note, I designed several costumes for Dave Matthews’ Lovely Ladies: Tawatha Agee, Brenda White-King, and Cindy Mizelle. Additionally, Cindy Mizelle and Brenda White-King recorded my dance anthem That Man of Mine under the name ‘Sugar Shop’ back in the ’90s, which charted on the Billboard Dance Charts!

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Beautiful Bathrooms & Managing Diabetes In the Bathroom

Bathroom

Everyone loves a beautiful bathroom, right? Look at poet, artist, designer Apryl Miller‘s magical Eastside home in New York City!

It is truly an artist’s paradise with colorful patterned tiles, whimsical cabinetry, and breathtaking views. But even the most beautiful bathroom can’t magically fix the challenges of managing diabetes.

Managing diabetes is super important, especially when it comes to bathroom-related issues. Things like constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence can affect daily life and personal dignity.

Sometimes, people don’t recognize the early signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes and go on living without making necessary lifestyle changes. This can lead to serious complications down the road. It’s essential to keep a close eye on blood sugar levels and follow medical advice to help prevent issues like bowel control problems.

I remember speaking with a woman who had unmanaged type 2 diabetes. She shared her struggle with not recognizing when to use the bathroom until it was too late. While determined to get her life back on track during college, she faced this personal challenge. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage in the digestive system, making it harder for her body to function correctly.

Plus, certain medications like Metformin, Ozempic, and Monjaro can have side effects that include diarrhea. It’s really important to take charge of diabetes management, not just for physical health, but also to maintain that sense of dignity and well-being. Let’s remember to be proactive and take steps toward better health! The first steps to overcoming the burden of diabetes management involve education, setting realistic goals, and building a support system. 


Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one or two manageable goals at a time, like adding more servings of vegetables or exercising for 15 minutes a day. It takes time to make lasting changes and see results. Celebrate your successes and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

Focusing on understanding diabetes, making small, achievable lifestyle changes, and connecting with others can help ease the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

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Emmy Award-Winning Alyson Williams Is Living With LADA

Emmy Award-winning singer Alyson Williams shares her experience of living with LADA (Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) which develops in adults and shares characteristics with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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Alyson Williams, well-known for her hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Just Call My Name, Sleep Talk, My Love Is So Raw, and I Need Your Lovin, inspires many with her music and her journey.

Living with LADA presents its own unique challenges, especially while touring and performing in different cities.

Alyson emphasizes the importance of self-care, encouraging everyone to prioritize their health regardless of their career demands. Seeking support from healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in managing fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Remember to treat yourself kindly today! Focus on positive self-talk, engage in self-care activities, and don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or diabetes support groups. It’s a journey we can navigate together, and every step counts!

You are doing great by taking care of yourself and staying informed.

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The Boy Behind The Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe

boy

I’m excited to share another offering from my series on secondary characters in popular fairytales and nursery rhymes!

This musing and artwork celebrate gay boys everywhere—those sensitive, creative tykes who see the world through rhinestone sunglasses, and the fabulous women who nurtured their artistic flair.

The Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe story has always piqued my curiosity about the creative mind behind such a unique house shaped like footwear! This whimsical concept could only be brought to life by someone with a vibrant perspective.

Throughout my life, I’ve met many incredibly artistic gay men—painters, set designers, choreographers, interior designers, florists, and photographers. Their talent brings so much beauty into the world, and it’s a real tragedy that many of these exceptional individuals were lost during the AIDS crisis. I can’t help but picture one of these talented gay friends as the architect of this shoe house.

As I pondered the portrayals of older women in fairy tales, I realized that the typical image of frail, outdated characters doesn’t truly reflect the lively and stylish older women I know today. Countless fabulous women of advanced age are full of life and creativity!

Films like the Advanced Style documentary and Harold and Maude inspire my take on The Boy Behind The Old Lady Who Live In A Shoe. I blended Ruth Gordon‘s nurturing character and the wonderful women in real life who have supported and encouraged me into the character

I created. In my backstory, I imagine the Old Lady seeking out this gifted gay boy, knowing that only someone with his imagination and keen eye for style could help her create her dream house. She instinctively understands his potential and guides him to reach new heights. I hope someone in your life encourages you to visualize your dreams in living color.

The LGBTQ+ community and their allies have always played a crucial role in the arts, contributing creativity and resilience throughout history. I celebrate this rich legacy and the vibrant spirit it brings to our colorful lives!



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GLP-1s Are Helping People

willpower

In last Sunday’s New York Times’ Opinion section, Dr. David A. Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner and author of ‘Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine: The New Science of Achieving a Healthy Weight,’ writes about his personal weight maintenance issues. 

In the article, he admits that he has gained and lost weight repeatedly, putting on 20 pounds, taking it off, putting on 30 pounds, and then taking it off again. 

His schooling and various degrees have not helped his metabolism fight the food industry’s highly processed, ultra-formulated, addictive food products. 

Side note: My friend, High Voltage, has repeatedly shared the same thoughts with me over the last decade. 

In Dr. Kessler and High Voltage’s opinion, our food has been engineered to manipulate the brain’s reward system. Food cravings and weight gain are not due to a lack of willpower; they result from issues related to one’s brain chemistry.  These foods, engineered to make certain people eat more, have resulted in a health catastrophe. 

Dr. Kessler writes, “GLP-1s appear to modify addictive brain pathways that are activated by ultraformulated foods, helping people to change their body weight in a decisive way.” 

Using GLP-1s has helped Dr. Kessler control the addictive circuits in his brain and helping him to reset his appetite. 

I’m sharing this post because I disagree with our society attaching shame and blame to GLP-1s. I hope people using these drugs are experiencing Dr. Kessler’s results. 

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Mobility Is Marvelous

Wheelchair



Wheelchairs and mobility devices are powerful tools that empower individuals with mobility limitations, allowing them to embrace independence and take charge of their lives.

These innovative devices facilitate movement through their environments and enable participation in daily activities and community engagement. They represent more than just physical aids; they symbolize freedom and the ability to perform tasks independently.

By reducing reliance on others, these devices foster a profound sense of self-reliance and confidence, inspiring individuals to thrive and embrace opportunities.


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Happy Mother’s Day

Lambs

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, let’s celebrate the incredible strength and pioneering spirit of mothers everywhere! One remarkable story is that of Elizabeth Hughes Gossett, who became the first American woman to receive insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes. Her journey began in 1919 when she was diagnosed at just 12 years old.

Before she received insulin in 1922, Elizabeth faced tremendous challenges, as her health deteriorated and her weight dropped to a mere 45 pounds. However, with the groundbreaking treatment pioneered by Sir Frederick Banting, everything changed. Elizabeth started receiving insulin injections, and soon after, she began regaining her strength and vitality, illustrating the power of resilience and hope.

Insulin is not just a major medical breakthrough; it transformed lives, and Elizabeth’s story has inspired many as a true pioneer in insulin therapy. In 1930, she married William T. Gossett and welcomed three beautiful children into the world, showing that love and determination can overcome any obstacle.

Today, let’s honor all mothers and their amazing journeys, just like Elizabeth’s. They inspire us with their courage and remind us of the power of love and perseverance. Wishing a joyful and uplifting day to all mothers!

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Diabetes Devices: Live Without Shame

Pumps

Here’s a message of positivity and acceptance for everyone living with medical devices. It’s essential to embrace who we are, including the tools we use to stay healthy and thrive.

To those with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGM), catheters, stoma bags, feeding tubes, and other medical devices: you are not alone, and your experiences matter.

Continuous glucose monitoring devices help people manage diabetes with fewer fingerstick checks. A sensor just under the skin measures glucose levels 24 hours a day. A transmitter sends results to a wearable device or cell phone so someone can track changes to glucose levels in real time.

It’s completely unfair that society sometimes views these necessary tools as “gross” or “inappropriate.” Our diabetes and other medical devices are a part of us—a reflection of our strength and resilience.

You deserve to take up space in the world without shame. There’s so much beauty in being authentic and true to ourselves. Your journey is valid, and your life is valuable, exactly as it is. So let’s celebrate diversity in our bodies and support one another in living freely and confidently, devices and all!

Divabetic, in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalition, returns to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia to present a free diabetes outreach program on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

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Divabetic’s Self-Love Choir

We’re still singing your praises!

We applaud you for staying on top of your daily routine and adhering to traditional diabetes management practices.

Treat yourself kindly today. Strive to be mindful of your self-talk, practice self-care activities, and seek support from loved ones and diabetes support groups.

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Divabetic Self-Love Choir

Self Love


We celebrate you for embracing self-care with such dedication! Your commitment to managing your diabetes deserves applause.

Join the Divabetic Self-Love Choir and let your voice shine! Singing your own praises, particularly when it comes to your diabetes journey, is a wonderful way to uplift your spirit and nourish your well-being. Take a moment to acknowledge your progress, reward yourself, and be your own biggest fan.

By recognizing your strengths, you can boost your confidence and empower yourself to continue moving forward with grace and joy! Remember, each step you take is a reason to celebrate. You’ve got this!

Divabetic will be presenting a free diabetes outreach program in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke and Prevention at Thomas Jefferson Univeristy Hospital in Philadelphia in November 2025.

Stoke Awareness Community Day – Join Frazier Family Coalition for a day of fun, interactive activities, health education,  resources and screening. There will be give-aways and healthy snacks. May 16, 2025, 10am-2pm.

REGISTER NOW

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