~H1~

The world is full of many wonderful people doing many extraordinary things for the LGBT community. However it’s unfortunate that some may never get the recognition that they deserve. However, SOULE is here to change that with our column entitled, Inspired By. Inspired By is a weekly tribute to an amazing soul that encompasses the true essence of SOULE, an individual who promotes Unity, Love & Equality. Each individual selected has inspired us by their various achievements but also their attitude and values.  Today we celebrate the talented,Richard Ruperto aka Loco Ninja.

Born and raised in Spanish Harlem, New York. Loco Ninja lived a pretty tuff life but did not let a single obstacle stop him. Growing up in the mean streets of harlem with a single mother and no father figure around was painful. But he managed to over look the hurdles of life and reach out to the arts where he could find comfort, friends and family who would understand his love for music and performing.

Hard work and determination has propelled him to successful accolades including starring On MTV, PBS “Out In America”, The Tyra Banks Show and Collaborated with Mainstream Musicians/Producers such as Lumidee, Murs, Lisa D’amato & The Cataracs.

His hard work also expands to wanting to be a stand for a community where he was recently featured in GMHC’s I love my boo campaign.

Gay Men’s Health Crisis started the subway ad campaign, called “I Love my Boo,” in 2010 as a way to promote acceptance of young black and Latino men. According to GMHC, the ads highlight their strength and resilience rather than sexualizing them, and brings awareness that three-quarters of new HIV diagnoses in New York City in 2013 were among black and Hispanic men and women.(metro.us)