Welcome to Seven Minutes in Heaven, GO Magazine’s interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
A mutual friend recommended I interview Shay Marie G because of her plethora of talents. Plethora of talents is an understatement! Shay really is a Jill of all trades — she’s an entrepreneur, creative, activist, entertainer, and full time FDNY Fire Alarm Dispatcher. She told me that she has faced some challenges throughout life but has persevered throughout it all.
Get to know Shay and all her incredible projects in today’s Seven Minutes in Heaven.
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Shay Marie G: My name is Shay Marie G and I’m an entrepreneur. I am the CEO and host of SWB Radio, the owner of Sip and Paint NYC, and CEO of Women Empowering Women. I also host various events around the city such as Bronx Poetry Night and a Bronx Low Cost CPR and AED Certification Course.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism?
SMG: No matter where I go in life, I will never forget where I came from and what I’ve made it through. I use that to push me further. Everyday I look at my little brother, who I now raise as my son, and I know I have to keep going. I am a strong minded Bronx Girl at heart and will continue to do what I can to help my community no matter what it takes.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
SMG: I often visit poetry slams, music events and or participate in one of my Sip and Paint classes just to unwind and de-stress and stir my creative juices. The arts always have a therapeutic affect on me.
GO: Why do you think it’s so important to have womxn-centric events and spaces?
SMG: Well, that’s simple: because we are the best thing ever created. I’m an absolute feminist; women make the world go round. We are the mother and creature and we need a space to be comfortable and most importantly, a space to be a big sister to someone.
GO: Who are your queer role models?
SMG: There are so many, but the first that come to mind are Stacey Ann Chin and Laverne Cox. Both are talented educated women who stand up for what they believe in.
GO: What music are you listening to lately?
SMG: I love love love Alice Smith, Sza, and (don’t judge me) Willow Smith.
GO: Where can people find you?
SMG: You can find me on Facebook: SWBradio, Sip and Paint NYC and Women Empowering Women. Instagram: Swbradio, sipandpaintnyc, bronxpoetry. Twitter: swbradiotv. YouTube: SWBradio Channel.
