Daily Inspiration: Meet Jair Alexander

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jair Alexander.

Hi Jair, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
Since I was a kid, I wanted to be involved in the arts-visual and performing. My parents were very supportive in my dreams and goals in entertainment, but it was me that actively searched for performance opportunities whether it involved theater, music, or dance. I loved movies and wanted to be a performer. While pursuing a career in entertainment, I continued to perfect my drawing/designing skills. I’d help design the playbill cover for my high school productions. I was always involved in school plays and choir at church. Always dancing and moving around the house. In my late teens, I began doing more community theater around Metro Detroit. I eventually started writing songs and assisting my brother in singing and producing music. We submitted to many festivals and events far and wide. There were a lot of nos, but we never gave up. We kept submitting; we kept getting better at our crafts. In time we began performing for big events held in the Metro Detroit area such including Michigan State Fair, Electric Forest, Dally in the Alley, and Motor City Pride, to name a few. In the midst of pursuing music, I became a Hip Hop dance instructor, and I also began my career as an all-around male entertainer in the Detroit’s LGBTQIA+ community. 

This year, my 30th run around the sun, I was blessed to place Top 5 in the nation for Mr. Gay United States this past March as well as win two titles: Mr. Glass Citi 2023 and Mr. Toledo Gay Pride 2023. Currently, I am preparing for Mr. Ohio Gay Pride in January 2024 in Hillsdale, OH. I am still the Hip Hop Instructor for kids and adults at Lincoln Park Dance Company. This will be my 8th year at the studio, and it’s so fulfilling to continue to inspire and uplift the next generation. I am blessed to have opportunities to perform throughout the Metro Detroit area including the Piston’s Halftime Show for Pride Night this past March, Royal Oak’s Five15, Gigi’s Gay Bar in Detroit, and special programs at Greenfield Village. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was never a smooth ride for me. From the time when I was a kid to now at 30 years old. My parents taught me that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If I did not have that foundation, I would have given up on my dreams. There is always going to be a struggle or an obstacle. How are you going to get over it or around it? The biggest obstacle is yourself and what you tell yourself: what you can and can’t do. Anyone can do it. Overnight success doesn’t happen to everyone. You have to hold on to your dreams and aspirations and be willing to work for it. If you really want it that bad, you’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to see your dream come true. There are people who are hungry and will work nonstop to reach their goal. No, it’s not the easiest field to get into, and I stress that to anyone who is pursuing a career in entertainment. I have heard a lot of nos including a “No” from The Voice when I auditioned back in 2015. I never let that stop me. I still hear No’s to this day. I’ve heard nos for roles in stage productions, pageants, and festivals. Sometimes, the no is for a reason. We may not understand it, but it could lead to another door or window that is meant for you to soar through. I firmly believe that I was placed on this planet to do what I am doing-entertaining while inspiring and uplifting those around me. Whether it’s acting, singing, dancing, hosting, designing, etc., this is what I love to do, and nothing will ever stop me or keep me from doing the things that I love. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a busy man. My co-workers would call me a Jamaican with all the jobs that I have. I am a male entertainer. My moniker is Lex T. Hunter. The T standing for “Ta-Da,” taken after my drag mother’s name: Destiny T. Hunter. A male entertainer is like a showboy. Glitter, rhinestones, fancy costumes, and dancing, lots of dancing. I can be seen at Gigi’s Gay Bar in Detroit (as a performer and bartender), Royal Oak’s Five15, and other establishments throughout Michigan. I am a figure model for the College for Creative Studies. I am an actor and singer. I have performed with many community theaters, including Stagecrafters in Royal Oak (Ain’t Misbehavin: Fats Waller Musical), Players Guild of Dearborn (La Cage aux Folles), and Ringwald Theater & Ferndale High School (Head Over Heels). I am a one-third member of the Pop/Electronic Dance trio, Telephon9. Telephon9 has performed at some of the biggest events and festivals in Michigan including Monster’s Ball at the Fillmore, Motor City Pride, Michigan State Fair, Dally in the Alley, Electric Forest, and the NYE Celebration at Masonic Temple. Some of our music is available on streaming services everywhere. I am a Hip Hop instructor for Lincoln Park Dance Company for Ages 3 to adults. I am also a frequent performer at The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village for their special programs, including Motor Muster, Hallowe’en, and Holiday Nights. All of these things on top of taking care of my family and my day job. I definitely stay busy. I’m proud of all my endeavors and thankful that I have the will to do all that the wonderful things I have done. 

People call me a jack of all trades. I love everything I do, I do it well, and I do it wholeheartedly without any expectation. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I loved to draw. I loved music, videogames, movies, and being creative: choreographing dances, drawing comics, playing with friends pretending to be my favorite superhero. I had an older sister who was 12 years older than me, so it was like I was an only child. I found ways to keep myself entertained. I had friends, but it’s not like I was popular in school either. I wouldn’t say I was shy. I was quiet reserved as a kid. I was an observer. Get me on a stage; you wouldn’t know who I am. It was like another person being brought to life. I loved transforming and being someone else and telling their story. As I got older, I became more outgoing, especially in high school. Again, not the popular guy in school, but I socialized with many different groups. School dances, I would be the one dancing in the middle of the crowd while everyone watched in amazement. I loved music, and I just wanted to dance. Music and dancing were a way for me to just be free. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jair.lex/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jair.lott/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@B3yondme/videos

Image Credits
Sue Suchyta
Josh Mandujano
Starpointe Photography