The show has so much going for it. I'm not a fan of reality TV but I am a fan of documentary TV. I love the fact that logo is capturing their story on film and recording this history. Also I'm happy that were looking at a part of the LGBT community that we don't address often - our athletes. This is quite fitting on the eve of the Beijing Olympics. But the greatest factor thats going to yield to the success of this show is the Hotness factor. All the guys on this show are hot. Now that alone can't sell a show but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Jason Howard Green
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Shirts and Skins
The show has so much going for it. I'm not a fan of reality TV but I am a fan of documentary TV. I love the fact that logo is capturing their story on film and recording this history. Also I'm happy that were looking at a part of the LGBT community that we don't address often - our athletes. This is quite fitting on the eve of the Beijing Olympics. But the greatest factor thats going to yield to the success of this show is the Hotness factor. All the guys on this show are hot. Now that alone can't sell a show but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Jim Morris - You Inspire Me
Friday, August 29, 2008
Teach Them Well and Let Them Lead the Way
I'm speechless. I just don't have the words. I know that kids learn by what they see. I also believe that its possible for kids to do things that we would perceive as sexual but actually they're just mimicking behavior. They may not connect sex or sexuality to the act at all. So I don't hate on kids that I see doing booty dances or dropping it like its hot. They're learning it from every movie they see, in every video they see, and probably from friends and family at home.
But come on. Where are we headed? These kids are doing THE MOST. I didn't feel comfortable watching this video but I couldn't look away. My mouth hung open the whole time I watched this - not sure if it was shock or awe. But you tell me - is this innocence or is this inappropriate?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL JACKSON
I love Michael Jackson's music. From his days with the Jackson 5 to his last studio effort Invincible - I have not been disappointed with anything Michael has done. There are many that say they're unhappy with his later years creative efforts. I have to wonder if they're giving the music a chance or if they're letting the media's image of Michael dictate their perception.
Like me, my partner Chris also has a love of the gloved one. So for his birthday two weeks ago my gift to him was Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection. It is 4 discs of music, one concert dvd, and a photo booklet and it is the perfect gift for a Michael fan. I'm not ashamed to say there's been some moonwalking happening at our place. Michael has been in heavy rotation since the birthday.
I'm still optimistic and think that Michael can release another album that will garnish commerical success. But I'm also realistic and know that those sales will probably not happen in the U.S. We have turned our backs on Michael. Fortunately he is still loved and adored in many places across the pond.
So to Michael - Happy 50. I hope your day is fun and fabulous.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tavis Smiley - America I Am Tour
Today I Cried
I was just reading the latest n touch magazine. and discovered we've just lost another amazing community leader. I met Leigh Anne Rogers earlier this year at the Soul Purpose Arizona In The Life Celebration. I attended a financial planning workshop and she was the facilitator. She was poised and elegant. She knew her stuff (and made sure we knew our stuff before we left her workshop). She had a dynamic spirit and was just an overall fabulous person.
I love the fact that she is a Harvard graduate. My partner is a product of New England (he's from New Hampshire) and the two of them bonded over their love of Boston, snow, and all things East Coast. She was just a pleasant and fun person. I regret that I won't have the opportunity to develop this relationship.
My condolences go out to her parner and her family. We have lost a tremendous resource and she will be missed.
I've Seen The Promised Land
Many people are unaware of the fact that this historic speech may not have happened if not for Bayard Rustin. Openly gay Rustin was an advisor to Dr. King and was the organizer of the March on Washington that led to Dr. King's famous oratory on the lawn of the nation's capital. He was the person that taught Martin the principles of non-violent demonstations. Unfortunately his name is rarely mentioned in Civil Rights discussions or conversations about Dr. King. But Bayard too should be recognized today. His role in our history can not be minimalized and I refuse to allow us to keep this hero invisible. Bayard's contributions to the Civil Right's movement are extremely significant and I think it's imporant to say the I Have a Dream Speech probably would not have happened without him.
Black and Gay and Speaking Out
Please check out this remarkable video by a young, black gay brother - Xem Van Adams. I think he is on point with everything he says. He makes me proud - and seeing him makes me realize that there is a new generation of LGBT African-Americans that have a voice, that have talent, and that will continue to contribute to our community.
I sometimes have concerns about our young brothers and sisters. I wonder who will be the leaders of tomorrow - who will live up to the legacies of Bayard Rustin, Barbara Jordan, or Langston Hughes. Will we have individuals that step up to the plate and shine as examples of pride, excellence and honor? Or are the kids just in it for themselves and don't care about activisim or community involvement?
This video makes me think that we may be okay. Kudos to Xem for speaking out in this video.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Janet Jackson Tour
There are some divas I'm required to love as a gay man (Cher, Bette, Madonna). But my love for Janet comes naturally. My love for Janet preceeds my coming out. Janet's music has helped me through some hard times. Janet's music has gotten me through many a workout. There have been many nights where it's just been me and the Velvet Rope and it was wonderful. And now I'm perplexed - the tour has yet to start and I think I'm having Janet withdrawal symptoms.
If there's a cure for this - I don't want it (I don't want it). There has to be other people out there that are going through the same thing (or have been through the same thing). If so, please share your stories. I've been thinking of starting a local support group. Would you attend?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Soul Force Marches for Equality
Thursday, August 14, 2008
AZ African American Man2Man This Weekend
If you have not been able to go through one of the Man2Man weekends, then please come out and join us this weekend. You can register online at azman2man.org. If you'd like to ask me some questions about the weekend, feel free to do so. Hope to see you there.
Noah's Arc in Theaters
Thanx to thebrotherlove.com for the heads up. The news is finally here. Noah's Arc will be in the theaters on October 24 - earlier than previously announced. I'm so excited I could just spit. What's crazy is my friends and I were just talking about this last night.
Patrik Ian-Polk annouced over a month ago that the movie had been completed and he stated that we should expect to see it out in September. Then there was the short clip from the movie that has been posted at logoonline.com for a couple of weeks.
Well, fans of Noah, Alex, Ricky and Chance (and you can't forget Wade) have anxiously been waiting for the date. And finally here it is. Child, the kids are going in right now. I'm going shopping for an outfit tomorrow to get ready - LOL. But all jokes aside, ya'll know we have to go out and support this feature. I'm gonna make a commitment to see it at least three times the opening weekend, cause if we don't support our own then who will.
Hopefully I'll see you out and about when the moment arrives. Go in bitch - let have!
Transgendered Top Model
And now look at her, she's gone and invited a trans individual to be a contestant on her 11th season of the show. Ms. Banks - girl you are doing it and I ain't mad at cha. Get your coins girl and keep doing what you doing. You making Mama proud.
Good luck to Isis on the new season. This should be very interesting. I know that there will a lot of interest in this season because of her. I just pray that viewers of the show and contestants in the house don't make this about what is (or used to be) between her legs. Judge her on what's important - her ability to work the runway in a pair of high heels. And Isis - you betta work bitch!
Gay Marriage and the Black Vote
Here is where I take my stand and SCREAM something I've been demanding of the black LGBT community for years - visibility. It is extremely important for black gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders to be out and proud. It is very easy for people to deny us the right to marry if they don't know us. I know we all have varying degrees of safety - some people can't come out at work because they would lose their job. Some people can't come out their neighbors for fear of violence. But I will continue to make my plea that we have to be seen and heard.
We can change the world one person at a time. Maybe by coming out to someone you will make them aware that LGBT individuals are no different (okay - maybe a bit more stylish) than anyone else.
Oakland Black LGBT Film Festival
Isaac Hayes Dead at 65
The paramedics were immediately summoned but they were unsuccessful in their attempts to revive him. A representative from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department has announced that they suspect no foul play.
I was fortunate enough to meet Isaac several years ago when he came to Phoenix to perform for our annual Martin Luther King festival. I was pleased to learn that in spite of his success he is still a humbled and down to earth person. He is personable and very approachable.
Though his climb to stardom started over two decades ago, he recently again claimed fame as the voice of Chef on the extremely successful South Park. He would eventually leave the show because of differences with the creators.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Bernie Mac Dead At 50
Bernie Mac was finally recognized for his talent when he was granted his own television show based on his family. He was the last of the Kings to star in a sitcom. The material he received as guardian of his sister's kids has fueled storyline lines for his show and jokes for his stand up act.
I've always found him funny and I'm disheartened to learn that he is gone at such a young age. My condolences to his friends and family in their time of bereavement.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Gays and Lesbians Should Not Be Parents
I'm just saying, this video was taken years ago and I would like to think that a person has the ability to change. I'm hoping Rouson has shifted his position and learned that this type of thinking is homophobic and is not acceptable by a person in his position. He should indeed have to answer to the LGBT community of Florida. I would like to know if he has learned the err of his ways. Does he realize that gay and lesbian people are just as capable of being parents as anyone else? If he hasn't changed his position then maybe he should not be elected to the office again.
You can see the Florida This Week Video here . . .
And Still No Justice
It's unfortunate that the homophobia in some places like Africa and Jamaica escalate to not only violence but killing. But it sounds like the judicial system in South Africa has become a bit more progressive and is doing what should be done for the LGBT community.
Jamaican Lesbian Allowed to Stay
The judge stated in his decision, "The general atmosphere in Jamaica is a feeling of no tolerance towards homosexuals in general, and as such, . . . the respondent's life is definitely at risk."
I want to say kudos to Judge Lopez-Defillo for doing the right thing. Gays and lesbians living in Jamaica cannot live their lives authentically. I'm happy this Florida judge recognized the danger that would be awaiting this person should she have been forced to return to Jamaica. Finally something positive happening down in Florida.
Wanda Sykes on Gay Marriage
Thank you to the Bilerco Project for brining my attention to this clip by Wanda Sykes. I just wanted to share it iwht everyone.