Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Seymour and DeAuntay Lisenbee.
Hi Wayne and DeAuntay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
(Wayne) I am originally from Memphis, TN. I grew up there in a single-parent home. I was raised by my mother and my surrounding immediate family members. I graduated from a top-performing charter school and went on to attend college in Clarksville, TN. This is where I first laid eyes on my significant other, De’Auntay.
Currently, I am in Nashville, TN. It is a fun place and has definitely opened many doors for me. I think the city as a whole is an inviting place that allows growth and promotes individuality. I think the city on top of my charisma is what has gotten me to where I am today and will ultimately get me where I need to be in the long run.
(DeAuntay) I was born and raised in Clarksville, TN with my mother, father, and brother. Growing up, I always watched both of my parents, as well as my brother, and how they carried themselves throughout tough situations. Allowing them to be a model for me, they taught me to mature a little bit faster than the average adolescent. I think this molded me into the person I am today. I used what they planted in me and blossomed into a confident, self-reliant young man.
I moved to Nashville, TN to be in a committed relationship with Wayne and also venture out where I’ve been able to learn so much more about myself. I’ve not only grown as a partner but also as a person. I think Wayne definitely has a part to play in my growth and I couldn’t thank him enough. I am excited to see where we go from here and how much we can grow together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
(Wayne) Obviously growing up as an African American who is 5 foot 6, has its challenges. Right? I would say some struggles coming up would be reassuring myself of my worth and my place in the world. Of course, I was always surrounded by individuals who encouraged me and pushed me to be the best me but If you don’t feel that deep down inside then it never really matters.
Along the way, I found a way to become at peace with myself and to fully understand what it means to have self-worth and to know that worth.
(De’Auntay) I don’t believe anyone is able to say they’ve had a “smooth road” in life. Life always has its obstacles. Like Wayne said, we grew up as African American males at 5 foot 6. (We’re the same height, lol.) On top of that, we’re also two males in a relationship. I think a big struggle for me growing up was definitely battling my sexuality. I will say that the environment you choose to place yourself and who you keep around will make a big difference in any obstacles you may face.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, we are new to YouTuber. We share an account with my significant other Deauntay. We grew a following and a support system from our relationship on Instagram about a year or so ago and we’ve decided to take that following to YouTube in hopes of expanding our brand, ” DW Empire”.
So currently, I am tied up with helping get that brand off the ground and help it to reach its highest heights.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone starting out in the social media world, we will say that the greatest success comes from being 100% authentic. Please be yourself. Do not let anyone or anything tell you who to be or how to be. We think it is important as individuals that we remain ourselves.
For my LGBT community, don’t let the world hide you or shut you up. Speak out. Be proud. Most importantly, love whoever you want, however you want.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayneseymour_/?hl=en. https://www.instagram.com/deauntaylisenbee
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wayneseymour_. https://twitter.com/liltay04
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXz_o3UZwTZ5wvJtV1jAe3A
