Welcome to DBQ. This publication, now entering it’s15th year was established to not only document the culture, experience, and work of LGBTQ+ people of color, but to affirm, celebrate and o garner visibility for community.
Founded in 2010 and publishing its first issue on June 9, 2011, DBQ Magazine stands as a critically acclaimed, nationally distributed print and digital publication that has shaped Black and Brown LGBTQ storytelling for over a decade—and now marks its 15th anniversary. Built from a commitment to visibility, truth, and cultural documentation, DBQ has long served as a bold platform where the artistry, intellect, style, and lived experiences of our communities are centered with care and excellence.
DBQ Magazine was created to address a clear absence in mainstream media: authentic, expansive representation of LGBTQ people of color—told by us, through us, and for us. Through editorial features, essays, profiles, creative photography, and cultural commentary, DBQ has elevated voices too often left at the margins, positioning Black and Brown LGBTQ life not as a footnote, but as a front page.
DBQ’s foundation was strengthened by the mentorship and creative influence of LGBTQ icons—Stanley Bennett Clay, the iconic writer and actor, and the late, great Reggie Wells, the legendary makeup artist and cover director. Their guidance helped shape DBQ’s editorial confidence, visual language, and cultural standards—grounding the publication in excellence, legacy, and artistry.
Among DBQ’s most iconic contributions is the creation of The LOUD 100—a legendary annual platform celebrating leaders, artists, change-makers, and cultural forces within the community. More than a list, the LOUD 100 became a living archive of impact and excellence, brought to life through DBQ’s annual celebration event, where visibility was not simply given—it was honored.
As a subsidiary of BridgeFace Media, DBQ Magazine remains rooted in the same founding purpose: to amplify, affirm, and advance the stories that shape our culture. DBQ is not only a publication—it is a legacy of representation, a record of resilience, and a testament to what happens when community is seen in full.
David Allen Bridgeforth, Jr. is a cultural architect, visionary communicator, and creative powerhouse. As a media executive, magazine editor, and essayist, he has dedicated his career to shaping platforms that uplift and honor the stories of Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. A poet, producer, publisher, and public speaker, David’s work is a tapestry of artistry and advocacy—designed to elevate marginalized voices, ignite meaningful dialogue, and create lasting cultural change.
His journey began as a young voice—ignited by the fire of possibility and mentored by world-renowned motivational speaker Les Brown. By 15, David had discovered the transformative power of language, using his words as vessels of empowerment, shaping futures, and igniting change across stages nationwide.
At 21, destiny led David to Maya Angelou. Through her wisdom, he found his own—writing poetry and essays that became the lifeblood of DBQ Magazine, a critically acclaimed publication with over a decade of bold storytelling. DBQ, nurtured by the guidance of iconic writer and actor Stanley Bennett Clay and the late, legendary makeup artist and cover director Reggie Wells, blossomed into a nationally celebrated print and digital platform, revered for its authenticity within the LGBTQ community.
David’s advocacy for HIV and health was deeply informed by his mother’s battle with HIV/AIDS, a journey that became the heartbeat of his mission to uplift and support marginalized communities.
For the past decade, David has served as the Director of the Harlem Pride stage show, leading the annual production each June. This grassroots effort has solidified Harlem Pride as a central force for visibility and pride within Harlem’s SGL - LGBTQ community. David’s work extends to TruEvolution, a Southern California-based nonprofit focused on health equity, housing, and social justice for LGBTQ and communities of color, where he serves as Director of Marketing, amplifying their mission and impact.
In 2024, David breathed life into BridgeFace Media, a multimedia conglomerate focused on bridging visibility and culture for Black and Brown LGBTQ communities. BridgeFace spans film, publishing, and production—creating moments of exposure, celebration, and empowerment. With each new project, David remains devoted to amplifying diverse voices and fostering connection, always crafting spaces where stories heal, voices rise, and communities unite.
