Today we’d like to introduce you to Charisma “Play” Daniels.
Hi Charisma “Play”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Friendly Masc Hotties began as a vision to create inclusive, celebratory spaces for the Black queer community, especially centering masculine-presenting women. I started this journey as someone who saw the lack of spaces that felt like home—where people could truly be themselves, feel celebrated, and connect with others who understood their experiences.
What began as small, donation-based gatherings quickly grew into over 30 unique events, including field days, mixers, and Pride activations. Along the way, I’ve focused on reinvesting proceeds back into the community, offering high-quality food, beverages, photography, and even prizes to make every event feel meaningful and memorable.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been fueled by passion and a deep love for the community. By staying true to the roots of Friendly Masc Hotties, which is about being authentic, creative, and intentional, we’ve built a reputation for hosting events that are not just fun but also empowering. Today, we’ve become a trusted name in curating spaces that celebrate identity, creativity, and joy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped Friendly Masc Hotties into what it is today. One of the biggest struggles has been balancing the financial and emotional investment it takes to run these events. Most of our gatherings are donation-based or low-cost to ensure accessibility, so finding ways to cover expenses—like food, entertainment, and photographers—without external funding has been a constant challenge.
Another hurdle has been navigating spaces that weren’t always welcoming or understanding of the vision. As a collective of Black queer individuals, especially centering masculine-presenting women, we’ve faced barriers in gaining access to venues or partnerships that truly align with our values.
Finally, running Friendly Masc Hotties as one person leading a small team means wearing many hats—organizer, promoter, host, and community builder—all while balancing personal responsibilities. It can be exhausting, but the love and support from the community keep me going.
These struggles have taught me the importance of resilience, creativity, and staying rooted in the purpose of creating joyful, safe spaces for the people who need them most.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Friendly Masc Hotties, we curate events that center Black queer joy, community, and creativity, with a special focus on masculine-presenting women. We specialize in creating unique, inclusive spaces where people can come together to celebrate their identities, connect with others, and feel truly seen. Our events range from field days and mixers to Pride activations, all carefully designed to be both fun and empowering.
We’re known for our intentionality and attention to detail. From providing amazing food and entertainment to making sure every event feels warm and welcoming, we aim to go above and beyond for our community. What sets us apart is that we don’t just throw events—we create experiences rooted in love, authenticity, and celebration.
I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve built this entirely from the ground up, hosting over 30 successful events while reinvesting proceeds back into the community. We’ve stayed true to our mission of accessibility, keeping costs low and ensuring everyone feels included.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on centering masculine-presenting women within the larger queer community, something that isn’t always prioritized. We’re intentional about celebrating this identity while welcoming everyone who shares our values. Our events feel intimate, fun, and sexy while also fostering genuine connection and representation.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
There are a few key resources that have really helped me stay organized, inspired, and focused both in running Friendly Masc Hotties and in my personal growth:
Apps:
Canva: Essential for creating flyers, graphics, and visuals that help promote our events.
Google Workspace: From email to spreadsheets, it’s my go-to for keeping things streamlined and collaborative.
Books:
“The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker: This book transformed how I think about events, emphasizing the importance of intention and connection.
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert: A great read on creativity and overcoming fear in the process of making and sharing your work.
Podcasts:
Side Hustle Pro: This podcast features inspiring Black women entrepreneurs and provides actionable advice on turning passion into a business.
QueerWOC (Queer Women of Color): A community-centered podcast that celebrates Black queer joy and uplifts our voices.
Other Resources:
Instagram : Social media platforms are not just tools for promoting events; they’re also great for staying connected with trends, finding inspiration, and networking within the queer community.
Local Community Spaces: Partnering with local, queer-friendly spaces in NYC has been instrumental in hosting our events and building connections.
These tools and resources help me stay grounded, creative, and connected to both the logistics of running Friendly Masc Hotties and the heart of what we do—building community.
Contact Info:
