Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rafael Llano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rafael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My entire Life, I knew I wanted to be in front of the TV screen even as a child. I fell in and out of love with it throughout my lifetime but I always knew this is what I was made for.
When i was in 6th grade I started acting and modeling professionally in NYC. At the time I did commercials and commercial print photoshoots. In 2009 , my freshman year in high school, my mother passed away. My whole world flipped upside down and I lost interest in a lot of things that I once loved. Soon after, I gave up on my dream.
Time went on, I got older, and I started dating. I started dating this guy that worked for mtv.when we first met I did not know what his profession was after sometime of exclusively dating I find out he was on tv before and at the time I was not impressed. In fact, I actually hated it and thought it was going to be a burden on our relationship. I equated everything that had to do with the industry as bad due to everything that I went through as a kid. Regardless, I supported him as a good boyfriend should but, always kept distant from his work. My ex and some of his clients would always ask me to get in front of the camera but I would always turn them down until my ex eventually convinced me to work a music video countdown gig and as soon as the lights pointed at me and the camera zoomed in on my face, I fell back in love with my dream.
I did acting and modeling as a hobby until I got into a car crash on New Year’s Day in 2021 that almost took my life. From that day forward, I knew being in the spotlight was my purpose and decided to chase it full-time. Since then I have never looked back. Although it can be rough at times, I’ve never been this internally happy as I am now because I’m doing what I love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started this journey on the road to fame and riches in 2020. I started by posting freestyles on instagram. My freestyles started to create a buzz and people were asking for songs and for me to perform. Soon after, I put out my first song and things started to take off . I started having conversations with many different companies and people in high places but, I kept running into a dead end once they found out I was gay. After the 4th big opportunity failed, I felt defeated and was on the verge of giving up. One day I sat in my room and said to myself ether I quit the entertainment business and get a full time job or continue to pursue my dreams. That same day I got two emails from two big networks. I thought to myself “this has to be a sign” and have been on tv since. After everything I went through in the music business I decided to rebrand myself, reinvent what I stood for. I hated trying to fit in with people that didn’t see it for me. I hated not being able to be me and if I showed the true me it would ruin everything I was hoping to build. That’s when I decided, this time I want to be unapologetically me. Instead of trying to fit in I wanted to embody everything they said was the problem with me. I now represent the modern day black gay male. I don’t wear purses, heels, or make up but I am proud of who I am and stand business. When people see me accomplish the things I accomplish in younger gay boys get encouraged because now they see they can do it too. They don’t have to be overly flamboyant or hide their sexuality to do everything they dream of. My biggest accomplishment thus far would have to be being the first person in my family to be on tv. Family means the world to me and everything that I do is for them so doing something that none of us have ever done before is a major accomplishment. If you have never heard of Ralfy or Ispeakjersey or seen anything I have done, know that I am strong minded, a leader, and fearless with stating how I feel and who I am. I represent everything they say is wrong with society, I am the gay agenda they say is being pushed, I am the modern day version of a proud gay black man that you’ve never seen before and everyone seems to love. I am Ispeakjersey

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

From young I was taught that you will get a thousand no’s before you get one yes. I went on hundreds of auditions before I got my first big commercial as a kid. I talked to big names in the music industry that wanted to help my career but stopped once they found out about my sexuality, multiple times. For a while I was in a dark place and wanted to give up. Out of nowhere I got asked to be on a tv show and from that point on decided to stop trying to fit in and embody all of the flaws they said I had and still achieve everything I want, my way. If you ever feel stuck or like things aren’t achievable, KEEP PUSHING. Sometimes, things are closer than you think and you can always get it your way. Hard work always shines!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In this industry you ether get paid in dollars or exposure. Which both can be really good for any creative’s career. Not all opportunities pay money and if you base your success off of that you will get nowhere quick. When you chase this type of career it’s more than a hobby you have to want to do this even if it’s for free. When you first start off you have to build your brand and prove what you can bring to your consumer or make connections that can open doors. So next time a friend ask you what do you think about an opportunity they received don’t judge them if they not getting paid for the first or second one. Sometimes chasing your dream requires that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ispeakjersey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ispeakjersey?igsh=amhvejRpcm55b3U2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/188GTZUbFP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theofficialispeakjersey7499?si=I8ui9QRVZ-ekGqWQ
• Other: Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thiccdipstick?_t=ZP-8tLo6RKZhbq&_r=1