interview with DEVON CHRISTOPHER

1. So tell me how did you go from Def Jam Assistant to Publisher of Bleu Magazine? Honestly I had no plan. Somehow I just ended up at this amazing place in my life. Def Jam was my first “real” job after I graduated from college. I run my businesses using many of the skills I learned there. I learned that success was not an option-it is a destination. Hard work and determination will lead you to your dreams.

2. What's the most exciting thing that happened to you this year? Everyday brings its own taste of excitement. There are 3 main things I learned this year: --- Being single can be a blessing. The man in the mirror should be who makes you happy. --- That friendship is not a binding contract. Never be afraid to cut people off. --- Fuck the critics! People have something to say no matter what.

3. How important is it to you that people get into your magazine? Bleu is a reflection of its readers. The important thing for me is that men, gay or straight get into themselves. The self esteem of Black men in America is at an all time low. Society expects nothing from us, so we expect nothing from ourselves. Add being gay to the equation and the picture gets even more dismal. My hope is that Bleu shows its audience a realistic spectrum of who we really are. It’s ME. It’s U. It’s BLEU!

4. What are (3) publications that you are inspired by and why?
XXL - it’s unapologetic and real. I don’t like rules.
VIBE - hands down the most important magazine of today’s urban culture. Though it has had its own drama. We can’t ignore history and the doors it’s opened up.
Black Enterprise - Earl Graves and crew helped me get my financial house in order. I read Black Enterprise religiously every month. I have never thrown one away since my first subscription.

5. What are your thoughts on the other gay publications emerging right now, (i.e. Ballroom Rockstar, CLIK and Pulse). How is BLEU Magazine different from these other glossies? Who? Nah, just kidding. I love those guys. I think there is a place for all of us in this world. Each magazine is distinct. But back to Bleu, we are different for many reasons. But the main reason is that Bleu is a social movement. The magazine is a product of this new genre. Come to Culture Club on Friday Night in NYC and you will see. Bleu is a lifestyle.

6. What are your plans for 2007? Where would you like to see BLEU a year from now? I would like to see Bleu in every home in America. Seriously, I want to see Bleu in the hands of all those gay, Black men who I see walking holding their head down. Hopefully in time and with some help from Bleu they will know that it is okay to hold their head high.

7. Which celebrity would you like to see grace the cover of BLEU next year? Hmmm. I wish I could say. But my ideas have been stolen before. I won’t be so kind if it happens again. Fuck it, let me whisper it in your ear.