Rigness Rush reacts to The Hot Wing King and shares about his work with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
As I read and engaged with The Hot Wing King story, I discovered that I resonated with the way Dwayne, Cordell, Big Charles, Isom and Everett’s personalities showcased the complexities of their connectivity. The characters complimented each other masterfully; personifying the hot wing recipes in ways that provocatively stirred my heart. These metaphors of love, with their spicy surprises and gut-gripping honesty, caused me to reflect on my own ideologies around what true connection means.
The Hot Wing King reminds me of my own personal connections with other gay/queer men. The way we check and support each other and the shade and shine we throw toward one another; it all reinforces our bonds of brotherhood.
As a Black Gay man, I’ve experienced the theatrical ebbs and flows that come with living in Atlanta. It’s special being a man who loves other men in their entirety. Each one of us striving toward our own horizons with various ratios of fear and faith. We find comfort in each other’s chaos while choosing to persevere with love. Similar to Cordell, I’ve learned to trust the people in my found family. We seize each day ferociously hopeful that we’ve made the right choices about the people we live, play and grow with. For me, some days are effortless; feeding off of each other’s energy while striving toward elevation. Sometimes it’s a daily act of forgiveness; pushing through anxieties around not being enough. Sometimes it’s all in my head and my brothers anchor me a truth… we out here, we see each other and we got one another’s back!
Truth is, I see them as the medicinal counter to my doubts and self-acceptance issues. They remind me that it’s ok to be authentically me. Our connections keep me alive and thriving.
Those sentiments are also reflected in the work I do with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, (AHF). “Cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay” embodies our commitment to supporting people impacted by HIV/AIDS, regardless of their struggle or circumstance. Similar to Cordell’s commitment to excellence, I am committed to fostering brand excellence by ensuring our services and spaces are accessible and approachable.
As a brand ambassador and director of AHF, I strive to make HIV, and the stigma often associated with it, less overwhelming by countering the deadly narratives that prevent positive health outcomes. Whether I am designing campaigns, elevating clinic spaces or creating dynamic promotional materials, I always keep my connections close to my heart and use them motivation. Cordell and I both know that no one is victorious alone. It takes the faith, bravery, trust and commitment of others to achieve greatness.
Working with AHF has bolstered a sense of courage within me to continue striving for excellence. I’m grateful for the hard-hitting conviction that The Hot Wing King story invokes and honored to continue applying that wisdom in the work I do with AHF and the collective story I'm creating here in Atlanta.
As you experience Cordell’s mastery of his recipes and the metaphors of love they represent we invite you to join the work of AHF to ensure all are acknowledged, valued and supported. Please visit ahf.org.
Find more information about The Hot Wing King here.
Rigness Rush serves as Director of Branding for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
