EP016: Martina Downey and Tawanna Sullivan Talk about Artistic Ventures & Creating KUMA, the First Black Lesbian Erotica Website During a Traffic Jam

Martina Downey is an executive with more than 35 years of experience in the college publishing industry. She is a singer/songwriter/recording artist who enjoys singing, writing, speaking, theater, opera, and fine dining. She has served her community through active leadership. Martina is a healer at Harriet’s Apothecary and has been a member of Kitchen Table Giving Circle, African Asian Latina Lesbians United, Unity Fellowship Church, and Lavender Light Gospel Choir.

Tawanna Sullivan is a publishing professional with over twenty years' experience licensing international and domestic rights. She was raised in Baltimore with a solid foundation in the Baptist church and 80s horror movies. Her collection of previously published short stories, The Next Girl & Other Lesbian Tales, features work across various genres. She is one of the founders of Kuma2.net, a website that encouraged black lesbians to write erotica. Currently, Tawanna is working on her first mystery novel and finding new ways to make her wife laugh.

To catch up with Tawanna's writing and other projects, please visit her at:

http://www.tawannasullivan.com

KUMA is no longer actively maintained, but you can still read content at http://www.kuma2.net.

Martina's music can be purchased on iTunes or visit her website for more information at http://www.martinadowney.com.

Closing song, "Catch the News" courtesy of Martina Downey

Episode cover art by Odera Igbokwe