We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Anthony , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is not a luxury for me; it’s an act of ancestral resistance. It’s a reclaiming of joy, rest, courage, and the simple act of existing that my ancestors were never afforded.
My self-care practices honor where I’ve come from, where I’m headed, and the people who’ve shaped my journey—both those who came before me and those who will follow. These practices include travel, yoga, attending concerts, sharing meals, and having deep conversations with God.
Yoga offers me space to listen to, sustain, and celebrate the body I’m in, helping me reconnect with myself. Travel inspires me to dream beyond my immediate surroundings, pushing me to reach for what lies just out of sight. Concerts remind me of the power of creativity and audacity, encouraging me to tell my story unapologetically—because my experiences are not only mine to hold; they’re meant to be shared with the world.
Dinner tables have always been a sacred space for the exchange of wisdom, struggle, resilience, and love. Sharing a meal is more than just eating together; it’s an act of honoring connection, community, and the stories that bind us.
And finally, my quiet moments of reflection, fast-paced walks, and long conversations with God keep me grounded, balanced, and alive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Before relocating to Atlanta, I spent a decade in Baltimore, where I was fortunate to be surrounded by a powerful network of mentors and accountability partners—artists, activists, and faith-based leaders—who helped me discover the true essence of who I am and who I aspire to be.
In the early years of my career, I divided my time between community organizing and facilitating conflict management workshops in prisons. I deeply valued the wisdom and stories shared by those I worked with, but it wasn’t until 2014 that I felt a strong calling to share my own story. That year, I began using storytelling, performances, and podcasting as platforms to explore racial histories and the social issues that shape our society.
Through interviews, mentorships, and various facilitation experiences, I came to understand the powerful ripple effect of our stories. I realized that sharing our experiences isn’t just a form of expression—it has the ability to inspire, embolden, and connect us, particularly within marginalized communities. This belief forms the foundation of The Family Dinner Series—a space where gay and queer men of color gather to share meals and explore non-monolithic ways of living vibrant, authentic queer lives in Atlanta.
The Family Dinner Series is intentionally designed to create low-pressure environments where everyone can feel comfortable showing up as their true selves—whether you’re a social butterfly, an introvert, or an ambivert. Each dinner is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about topics ranging from navigating friendships and romantic relationships to career changes, financial futures, and family dynamics.
I’ve been incredibly honored to witness these conversations evolve into more than just dialogue. They’ve sparked new friendships, created career opportunities, and fostered lasting partnerships.
Connecting and building networks is at the heart of who I am and what The Family Dinner Series represents.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I reflect on my three strongest qualities—adaptability, creativity, and intuition—I’m reminded of the moments when these traits have been tested and refined. There was a time when I held on tightly to a fixed idea of how things should be. I thought I had it all figured out, but life had other plans. I laugh now at how often those ideas were challenged by someone or something forcing me to be more flexible, more agile, and ultimately, more open to growth. Those moments, though uncomfortable at the time, were the foundation for some of my greatest learning opportunities.
I inherited my creative spirit from my momma. I still cherish the day I realized that creativity is not a given, but a gift. Life is always life-ing, and every experience becomes content for a podcast, dinner conversation, or workshop. As long as I’m living, new ideas are swimming in my brain.
But it’s my intuition that often takes the lead. My gut has a way of guiding me away from danger and steering me toward the right decisions, even when the path isn’t clear. I always regret when I don’t listen and trust my intuition—or the whispers from God.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
In a city like Atlanta, with its rapidly changing landscape and transient population, the need for community is more pressing than ever. This urgency is compounded by the city’s ongoing gentrification, which has led to the closure of long-standing gay and queer lounges, bars, and community spaces. As these queer gathering places and safe havens disappear, and with the rise in LGBTQ+ hate crimes, finding spaces that truly feel like home becomes increasingly difficult.
This reality is reflected in the growth of The Family Dinner Series, which has seen tremendous expansion since its launch in 2023. What started as a small, intimate gathering—where I could simply make a reservation for 10 at a local restaurant—has now grown into a thriving community. As the group continues to grow, so too does the need for sponsorship and partnerships to accommodate the demand, all while maintaining our commitment to creating an intimate, personal experience for everyone involved.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefamilydinners
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