If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, it’s almost impossible to not come across master wig maker and social media personality Alonzo Arnold’s stunning creations and hilarious content. While he doesn’t have a problem putting his audience on game to the best chicken spots in Atlanta and lace-front techniques in the world, he also doesn’t shy away about his identity as an asexual, Black man. Unafraid to bend gender norms, Arnold is always prepared with a cute look and beat face.
While LGBTQIA+ individuals have gained more visibility in recent times, according to the 2014 Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) Community Census, of all its participants from the U.S., African American individuals also identifying as asexual only accounted for about 2.5 percent of the over 10,000 survey contributors.
Blavity spoke with Arnold about his sexual identity and passion for making wigs, as well as the magic of strip club chicken.
Blavity: You are a chicken connoisseur. If you’re going to Atlanta, where’s the best chicken?
Alonzo Arnold: You have to go to Blue Flame, honey. It’s like a strip club.
Blavity: Wait —
Arnold: Yes. But when I tell you the chicken is the best — you can just go in and get some chicken! You can just walk straight in and tell them, “I’m not even trying to go in here and look at y’all stripping. I’m just here to get some chicken."I was there last night! It’s the bomb.
Blavity: Sounds like a meal and some scenery. In your own words, how do you describe asexuality?
Arnold: I’m a virgin. I’ve not had sex with or dated any male or female. I do consider myself attracted to males, but I would never date a male: Reason being is that I’m just focused on myself more. I don’t want to date anybody. I’m just attracted to me, and the things I have going on with myself.
Blavity: What would you say are some misconceptions people have about asexuality?
Arnold: They think we’re confused. Some people think being asexual means, “Oh, well you just don’t know what you want, or who you want to date.” They think we don't exist. But I know what I am.
For instance, I have a friend who always asks me, “Well, are you dating anybody?” And I say, “No! I always tell you ‘no.’” Sometimes it gets kind of crazy explaining it to people.
Blavity: We live in such a hypersexualized society. At what age did you realize that you didn’t have that desire?
Arnold: I would say when I became grown — around 18. I already had my mind made up. I had heard so many stories, and sex just didn’t interest me. It still doesn't.
Blavity: You’re known for your amazing wigs. How did you get into wig making?
Arnold: I practice a lot, and I’m never too big to learn anything. If it’s something new that comes out, you’re going to see me at classes. And I just practiced.
I was living at my mama’s house, and I would be up until three in the morning making wigs. It was five of us in this three-bedroom house, and I would literally have the whole house smelling like burnt hair, and they would be so tight. It just pushed me to go hard to get my own place and do what I love to do — which is make wigs.
Blavity: Speaking of that and gender norms, does that mean that when you were younger, you played with dolls' hair? Or did you just looked at wigs and say, “ I can do better than that”?
Arnold: I remember when I was three years old. I was at my uncle’s house, and I had a doll — and I would braid her hair and make cute little styles. He would always get on me about playing with them, and get so mad. I’ll never forget, he was yelling at me one day, and my mom came in the room and said, “If that’s what my son wants to do, he can do that.”
Five years ago, I never thought I’d be a hairstylist — I thought I’d be serving tables or something. But I’ll never forget that.
Blavity: You’re often misgendered, and are adamant to correct people. Can you speak on that, and what does masculinity mean to you?
Arnold: When I go out dressed up, some people think that I’m a woman — and that’s fine. And sometimes, men approach me, and I am clear with them about who I am. Most times, they don’t care, and I’m like, “Oh no, honey.”
On a day-to-day basis, in my normal clothes, I don’t feel the need to express my masculinity. I am just who I am.
Blavity: Any words for people who may be struggling with their asexuality?
Arnold: I would definitely tell them to not let their friends steer them in the wrong direction. Don’t let your friends get in your ear about who you are as a person. Don’t let them tell you that you’re confused — because that's not a friend anyway. I love being asexual.
Blavity: Do you have any advice for someone who might be wearing a shake-n-go wig?
Arnold: Honey, make sure it’s secure, especially in the winter time because it’s windy out here! Have you out here embarrassed. It’s not a good look.
