Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosè BuTaè.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Black girl and an 80s baby. I am a military brat and a horse of a different color in my family; I never wanted any parts of the military. Instead I was always “artsy fartsy.” Also emotional. I was the 5 year old crying when I saw “Feed the Children” commercials because no kid should go hungry. I always knew that I would grow up and take care of others; I am naturally a protector. I also knew some way I would be an educator. Didn’t know I would be a mental health social worker who empowers women by baring my naked plus size body to the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Rocky is not the word. As a Black woman I have always been the subject of someone else’s disapproval. I was not disciplined enough for my family. Older black women used to call me “fast” because of how quickly my curves came in as a child. Black peers in school called my “Oreo” and ugly because I didn’t meet societal standards of beauty. White peers called me weird and fat. I was always too loud and proud for some. But not arrogant enough for others. And let’s add that I ran from being gay for a long time because I was bullied about my sexuality as a child. So much so that I was married to men twice.
The truth is, being a Black girl is hard. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I really found a group of friends who accepted me. It wasn’t until my 30s that I found and accepted myself. The first step was for to me stop caring what other people thought of me and to follow my own path. Even if I was turning down the wrong road I could learn from it is what I figured out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a social worker by day, and a muse by night. I work in mostly medical settings in areas or mental health. I serve the underserved and underprivileged. I especially take interest in POC, undocumented persons, the elderly and people in the LGBT community because those are people who slip through the cracks. What sets me apart is a shout from the mountain tops that everyone suffers from mental health illness and that’s okay. I de stigmatize and normalize people having bad days and bad moments. Every deserves self-care. Somehow hearing this from a clinically licensed Black woman puts many at ease because there is not many of me. Representation matters.
My burlesque is no different. Many women are lead to believe that they must be slim and perfect in order to love their bodies. And they meet me; a Black woman who has had 3 babies rocking a fupa, stretch marks, and cellulite owning everything about her. Loudly and proudly and telling the world to “fuck off” in the process.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Come to my shows! Can’t make it? Sponsor it. When I produce shows most of my cast is Black. I also have a support group for Black women called “Oya’s Garden” that meets 2 times a month. I will always except donations for outings; not all women can afford to attend outings but would like to and in my opinion everyone needs self-care but especially Black women do.
I am always down to speak on mental health and also educate on sexual health. I have a podcast called “Lez talk about it with Rozay” in which we discuss all these issues. Last, come watch me perform and bring those dollars. I sometimes gogo dance for Woody’s KC to connect with the community: it’s fun. I might be 40 but I live a full life! My 3 daughters have difficulty keeping up. lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozay_butay?igsh=MWZ6dW9jOWJ1cjM5bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQpCuTL47/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@leztalkaboutitwithrozay?si=usNNng2bPDkq40j6
