Jason Howard Green
Monday, December 14, 2009
black.womyn: You Inspire Me
Monday, December 7, 2009
Fed Up with Donnie McClurkin
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Seriously? Georgia?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Today is World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is a day set aside to remember those we've lost and honor those living with this disease. The burden of the red ribbon for those infected and affected is devastating. There is still a lot of misinformation and stigma associated with HIV that causes many infected to hide in the shadows. People would rather not disclose for fear of what would happen should the info be discovered. Or they will distance themselves from loved ones so they don't have to deal.
I want to encourage everyone to get tested. And I want to encourage everyone to get involved in the fight against HIV. Find an AIDS service organization and make a donation or volunteer your time. There are plenty of worthy non-profits out there that could use your help. And finally, get informed about HIV. Learn how best to avoid transmission. Learn what steps you need to take to take care of yourself should you discover your positive. And learn how be there for those in your life that are positive and need your support.
Monday, November 30, 2009
E Lynn - Oops He Did It Again
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gay Gospel Artists
Today, while visiting AfterEllen.com I learned about another out gospel artist, Rizi Nasele Timane. Maybe this is the new trend. First hip hop and now Christian music. Gay musicians are boldly going where no homo would go befo. And it's a terrific thing. Having positive affirming role models who are comfortable in their skin and still able to press forward on their spiritual paths are needed in the LGBT community.
I know many LGBT individuals that describe themselves as "ex-Catholic" or "recovering Baptist." These are individuals that feel that they can no longer be associated with a church. Interesting since the church is a place that we should be able to go to for solace and balm. It should be the place we can go for support and encouragement. The church should not be a place that puts fear and damnation on the heart of its memebers. But we know that for many that is exactly what the church has become. For many of us the church has become one of the most judgemental and prejudice places we've encountered.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Who's The Shit?
Work Bitch! It's finally here. The first video from Bebe Zahara Benet - season one winner of RuPaul's Drag Race. During the show I fell in luv with me some Bebe. Now I'm loving her song. I'm not sure what her future will hold. Will she release a full album? Or will she become a novelty act and fade away not be heard from anymore? Only time will tell. But for me, I'm pulling for Ms. Benet. Why? Cause she's the shit.
And guess who else is the shit. Right now I'm really feeling LeToya. LeToya is a former member of Destiny' Child but just recently she released her second solo album called Lady Love. This is the song that has me loving her right now. This is bound to be a club hit. Check out the video below to She Ain't Got Shit.
Gays Destined To Hell
Now Mayor Davis is stating that the comments were taken out of context. What I would like to know is exactly how that comment be miscontrued. Is there a way that gays are destined to hell be can be made to sound positive? I don't know about you, but I think that someone smart enough to hold the seat of mayor should also be smart enough to shut his mouth about issues like this. And being the mayor of a city in California, he should also be smart enought to know that a comment like this would offend many of his constituents. Sure he made into the office by two votes but I'm betting should be a reelection this is one incumbent that may not make it back into the office.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Uganda Wants To Kill Gays
Advocate Spotlight: Paul Stovall
What does his job entail? Stovall answers, "I’m the liaison between the White House and whatever city that the president, the first lady, or the vice president are planning to visit. So I’m there about 10 to 12 days in advance of them, working with our embassy and with the local media to arrange the media coverage."
How a person with this responsibility is able to pen, develop and perform another stage play is beyond me but that is exactly what he is doing. His new production CLEAR is the focus of the new article in the advocate. According to the writer it "I take the audience on a journey from my recognizing the adversity that’s inherent with being a black person to realizing the obstacle of my gay identity. Then I was in a horrible accident where I was shot and both my legs were paralyzed, so for a certain amount of time I was also in wheelchair. So I go from all that to now working for the first black president of the United States."
If I lived in New York I would so be attending this. But alas I reside in Phoenix, AZ. We're not totally void of culture but there are definitely opportunities here that can be explored. Kudos to Stovall for his many accomplishments and much success with CLEAR. Please get into the article by the advocate here.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Black Party 2009
Okay. So this post (and the next few) may be a bit dated but trust me when I say, I've have been waaay busy. October was one of the craziest months I've ever seen in my life. And it appears November won't have any mercy either. I've had several things lined up each weekend for the past month and half. When you have a husband, have two jobs, facilitate a weekly mens group, and chair a very active AIDS organization, when you add more things to your weekend you really do run out of time to do stuff - like blog.
One of the items that happened in October was the Black Party. The Men of Libra hold the black party each year and I swear it gets bigger and bigger everytime. It has evolved into a weekend long event and I tried to attend as many of the events as I could.
The Meet & Greet Friday night did me in. I'm embarassed to say this, I got so wasted Friday night that I was barely able to make it in to work on Saturday. And though I made it in I didn't make it through the day (I actually had to leave early because my hangover was so intense).
What I missed while at work on Saturday was the pool party. I heard there was much hottness in the house and I heard there was a hot body contest. Saturday night was the biggest event of the weekend - The Black Party. The DJ was serving. The drinks were flowing. The special entertainment (Nikki Jane) was hot. The whole night was festive.
Finally the weekend came to a close with a Bar-B-Que at Indian School Steele Park. Hanging out in the park is always the highlight of the weekend for me. I ran into several friends I hadn't seen in years and made quite a few new acquantances. Once again the Men of Libra gave the black LGBT community one of the biggest events held specifically for us in Phoenix and theydelivered it with a bang.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Michele De LaFreniere - You Inspire Me
My friend Dan shot me an email yesterday and told me. I didn't even know how to respond to his words, "Jason I don't know if you've heard. Michele passed away over the weekend." I am still shocked by the words. We've all known that Michele was fighting cancer but I really never contemplated the idea that we could lose her to it. If you've ever met Michele then you know that she is a figher. In her words, "a warrior." And if you've ever had the opportunity to watch her in action then you know that she means what she says.
I met Michele when we both ended up attending the City of Tempe Diversity Dialogues. The Diversity Dialogues is an opportunity to sit in a circle with people of different races, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and nationalities. Each week for six weeks you meet once with these people and discuss various topics. At the end of the process you usually come to the realization that no matter how diverse the background we all have more in common than we think.
Michele definetely stood out. She lived her life very openly and did not mind sharing about her youth, her marriage, her transitioning from male to female, and about her above average interest in bikes. She never shyed away from difficult questions and was always honest. I fell in love with the wild woman instantly and knew that in her I would have a friend and ally.
When I found out she had cancer I just knew this would be another in a long line of things she has overcome. Michele doesn't succumb to anything. Not society. Not family. Not gender. Not even a bar that wouldn't let her use the bathroom in peace. She faced every obstacle head on and was always victorious. Cancer (I thought) would never take her.
Then the email came and I'll say it again, I'm still in shock. Right now I can only be thankful for the time that this giant walked among us. I will always miss you Michele.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mariah Toasts Gay Couple
Mariah Carey loves the gays. And we love Mariah. At her show in Vegas she allowed a gay couple to come on stage and one of the guys proposes to his boyfriend. It's very cute and touching. Go Mariah - u on fire.
And oh by the way, if you have not picked up her latest CD, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, you are missing out.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Happy National Coming Out Day
President Barack Obama's speech before the Human Right's Campaign. His words continue to make me laugh, make me sad, give me hope and just take me on a emotional roller coaster. There is no denying that when it comes to words he is a master craftsman. I can't help it, I continue to get enthusiasticc everytime I hear him (even though it does seem that his words will never be followed by actioin). But I like many others am getting tired of the rhetoric. I think John StewartI said it best, "You're the President of the United States. If you've got too much on your plate then get a bigger plate."
My friends keep telling me that I should give him time because they feel that he will deliver on his promises. I will continue to be patient. And I'll continue to be a supporter. But as I sit idly by and be patient, more gay soldiers are being kicked out of the military. And they don't have time to be patient. As I sit patiently more of my LGB and T brothers and sisters continue to get fired because there is no employement discrimination that can save their jobs. They don't have the time to be patient. As I sit idly by violence against the gay and trans community continues to rise [and luckily we just received hate crime legislation from the U.S. House of Representatives]. These victims of violence don't have time to wait.
The thing is until you are affected by one of these issues then it just seems okay for us to give Barack Obama time. But some people simply can't wait anymore.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Men of Libra Present The Black Party
Please check out their site http://www.theblackpartyaz.com/ to learn more about the festivities that await us. They will be flying in some off da chain entertainment. Tori Fixx, one of the premiere figures in Homo Hip Hop, will be in town. Club sensation Nikki Jane will also be in town. The weekend is gearing up to be one filled with hot boys, hot music and hot-ness.
To the Men of Libra - Kevin, Rod, Lamar and Corey, ya'll betta bring it. I know you will. Please visit their webpage to learn details of all the events that are coming up.
Mama Dearest In Stores
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Harry Connick Jr. - U Go Boi
I guess in Fame terms he would be what is considered a triple threat. He can sing. He can play the piano. He can act. On all of his CD covers I swear he looks like a model straight out of the pages of GQ. Great face. Lean and statuesque build. And the hair is always perfect.
What brings him into the spotlight at this moment is his appearance on a talent show in the land down under. Apparently he agreed to be a judge on the Australian show Hey Hey It's Saturday. One group of performers decided it would be entertaining to perform in blackface. The group was supposed to be The Jackson 5 and it was supposed to be a tribute to Michael Jackson (it was attempt at humor). Well Connick wasn't laughing and he did not hesitate to inform everyone how offensive this skit would be if it were performed in the U.S. Please check out the video below.
If you watched the entire video then you noticed that Connick is being called a hypocrite because he once performed in black face on Saturday Nite Live. Well I for one think all men have certain redemptive rights and he is allowed to have learned from the mistakes he's made in the past. He seems sincere in his concern for how images of black people are presented. I applaud him for what he did and what he said.
Lee Daniels - The Advocate Interview
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Beat Down Over a Dress Code!!!
Please take a look at this video. This special needs kid was beaten by a police officer because he didn't have his shirt tucked in. I'm gonna say that a second time. This kid was BEATEN by a POLICE OFFICER because he did have his SHIRT TUCKED IN. What the fuck is the world coming to? The police department and the school would not reply to questions from these reporters. But really what can they say. The video says it all.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Phoenix 2009 Rainbow Festival
Day One of the 2009 Phoenix Rainbow fest is behind me and I made it through it. I say it that way because for some crazy reason I went out there without eating breakfast. I arrived around noon and didn't leave until almost 5:30. And I didn't eat while I was there either. So around 5:00 I started wondering "why do I feel so faint." Then I realized, you big dummy - it's because you haven't eaten anything all day. You body needs fuel. So me and some friends left and grabbed some food at the Hob Knob. It was a great ending to a great day. Please check out some of the pics from the day in the video above.
Now I'm on my way back for day two. I'll start off the day with the AIDS Walk. 2 miles for a good cause and it's great exercise. What's terrific is the AIDS Walk leads right into the Rainbow Fest so the fun starts all over again. More pics to come tonight.
I'll holla . . .
Thursday, October 1, 2009
LGBT History Monty
As we reflect on LGBT history, I thinks it's important to note that it is not just comprised of events and persons long gone. There are people living and breathing and walking the planet right now that are making history as we speak. Pictured above in the far left on the photo are gay Hip Hop artist Tim'm West and Tori Fixx. They're both groundbreaking artists as they both tackle an industry (Hip Hop) which is famous for it's rampant homophobia. Tim'm and Tori have decided to pursue their passion for Hip Hop without hiding in the closet. They (and all other out Hip Hop artists) should be applauded and supported for their endeavors.
Monday, September 28, 2009
This is deep. Tyra has a conversation with the sixteen year old that went through the exorcism to cast the homosexual demon out of his body. The teen now claims he is no longer gay following the "casting out of the unclean spirit." He does confess that he is still sexually attracted to men and the temptation seems to be something beyond his control. Also on the show are the prophet that performed the excorcism and her husband the overseer. According to them if you're homosexual, whether you act on your desires or not, you're still hell bound.
The prophet and overseer are so eager to throw out the "man shall not lie with man as he does with woman" verse from the Bible. But the prophet doesn't look like she'll turn down a meal from the church fish fry. But I don't hear her quoting that shell fish and catfish are also an abomination. And I'm sure the overseer hasn't eliminated pork from his diet, which also according to the Bible is sin. Is he on the train headed to Satan's den? And I hate to break this to the sixteen year old with the goatee, but shaving your facial hair, also a sin.
I'm so sick of these people from the church placing their judgement on my life. Luckily I'm now in a place where I don't care about what they think. But the reality is the harm they are causing in undeniable. Kids hear the judgement. They hear the ridicule. And they come to the conclusion that their life has no value. Unprotected sex? Okay. Dropping out of school? Okay. Drug use? All of these bad decisions don't matter because there is no concern for self preservation. Some decide that their life is not worth living so they decide to end it.
As a gay man (particularly as a gay man that grew up in the church) this show was very difficult to watch. It brought back too many uncomfortable memories. My prayer for this teenager that suffered through this excorcism is that he is delivered from this prophet and this church and that he can find comfort in accepting himself.
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's a showdown. This is probably of interest only to those that were apart of the Greek system while in college. I was a brutha of Phi Beta Sigma. The royal blue and white. GOMAB!!! I can't believe I got excited by a commercial. But this one made me want to grab my cane and pull my step shoes out of the closet. I can't wait to learn more details.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
JANET: Make Me
I'm so excited about her upcoming album. I've purchased every album since control (usually in the opening week). I love them all. Hopefully there is a tour to come also. Most of her fans were disappointed with the announcement that her last tour, Rock Wit U, was being cancelled shortly after it began. I'm a die hard fan and will be for life. Please check out her new song, Make Me here. And get into her MTV tribute to her brother below.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The storyline is so moving. Taraji plays April, a lounge singer that enjoys her single life and her frequent visits from her boyfriend (that just happens to be a married man). Her life is interrupted when her sister's kids wind up at her front door with no place else to go. They were caught stealing from Madea and you know she don't play that. I will admit that the story is very predictable. I don't think you'll be surprised by the ending. It's a Tyler Perry film and he tends to stick one formula. Which is why he is constantly ridiculed by the critics. But I'm ain't mad a Tyler. If it's a formula that works then why mess with it. The film in moving and inspirational and laced with good ole Christian values - halleluyer! But is that bad. Lord knows with all the craziness in the world right now we need all the positive messages we can get. So I'm gonna encourage Tyler Perry to keep on keeping on. And when you look at the influence he now has in Hollywood and you look at his bank account - the man must be doing something right.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Color Purple Reunites Two Greats
Atlanta's LGBT liason for the police department [she's a black lesbian - I love that] speaks about her role in the ongoing investigation regarding the department's raid on the gay bar The Eagle. The claim was made that the bar was raided because undercover officers had witnessed customers of the bar engaging in sexual activity in the bar. Hopefully Officer Dani Lee Harris can do some damage control for the department.
David Archuleta on the AMLAs
This is the David I was pulling far in American Idol's seventh season. Unfortunately he didn't win. But he did go on to record his own CD and now here he is performing on the American Latin Music Awards. It was his first time performing at an Awards Show and his first time performing in Spanish. Well I must admit as a virgin to these categories he did amazingly well. Looking forward to more great things from this guy.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Gay Men as Two-Spirited - Great Video
Very powerful video about gay men as two-spirited individuals that are the gatekeepers and spiritual nourishers of a community. The individual speaking is from Egypt which is in itself a powerful testimony because we're constantly told that gay men in Africa must live a closeted life for their safety and their survival. Maybe that is the role of gay men in the southern part of the continent and not so much in the north in countries like Egypt or Morrocco (I don't know). But I am glad to have found this post and to have heard this man speak. Please watch the video and give me your feedback regarding his comments.
I really looking forward to picking up a copy of E. Patrick Johnson's book Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Stories. Johnson interviewed several black gay men from this region and turned their stories into this book. Then he came to realization that he may be able to better retell their stories by way of dramatic interpretation. He has now turned his book into a one man show of the same name. Growing up in Alabama I'm sure I'm familiar with many of these stories. I'm excited about this next read.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Kanye West - I'm So Not Gay That I Can . . .
The next few words out of his mouth were, "First of all what we need to get past as Black people especially is the concept that gay people are bad because if people accept them then the concept of being gay or being cool with someone gay wouldn't even matter." He goes on to compliment the gay people in his life for their genius. Get into the interview below.
Men In Motion - Next Book For My Shelf
I'll look for you at the bookstore. The book will be released October 6.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
On the Next GREEK
I'm so in love with Greek. Who knew that a show like this would be on ABC Family? And the only reason Im into the show is Calvin. The above video is for next weeks show. Child I can't wait.
Tim Hardaway Trying to Make Amends
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My Patrick Swayze Tribute
Hope you like. I've always been a fan of Patrick Swayze. From The Outsiders to Ghost to To Wong Foo. I think he will always be most remembered for Dirty Dancing. That movie was fabulous and the soundtrack still gets me on my feet. I loved him in Road House (we got to see his ass in that one). I loved him alongside Whoopi in Ghost. He was probably my first white boy crush (guess I never got over it - I ended up marrying a white boy). I refused to include any of his more recent pictures. He looked very ill and I don't want to remember him that way. He may be gone but he'll never be forgotten.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Mehcad Brooks: True Dat
Sunday, September 13, 2009
BEYONCE: I Hate that I Love Her
Interview with Chris Willis
Interesting News about Don't Ask Don't Tell
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Stephon Marbury Is NOT Gay!!!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Laughing OUT Loud: Stephen K. Amos
Well I can tell right now that there are definitely more black gay comedians out there. They are hitting the pavement, working the clubs, and touring the country. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult for these hard working individuals to break through to mainstream success. One of my favorite comedians is Andre Kelly. I first say Kelly about a year ago on Logo. I have two words to describe Kelly. Fun - NEE! I think I found him so hilarious because the stories about his family sounded so familiar. Check him out here.
Also thanks to Logo, I was pleased to learn about Karen Williams. Her stand up special "I Need a Snack" brought tears to my eyes. She talks about her experiences as a middle aged lesbian frustrated with the stupidity she encounters in with others - like youth, dating partners, and flight attendants. As I watch her it seems like I'm sitting in a room with a friend just listening to her share her stories. Watch a clip from Karen here.
Then there is the one and only Ebony Chunky Love. I have to tell you how I found out about Mr. Keith Price. Unless you're a African-American same gender loving person, then you probably have no idea how difficult it is to find films, books, or products that speak specifically to us. So one day I was on google browsing for black gay documentaries and his dvd was suddenly on my radar. As the host of his own satellite radio show, Keith is probably the most heard of of these other black gay comedians. He can be heard on Sirius OutQ radio. Check out the trailer to his dvd Ebony Chunky Love here.
Now I know there have to be more out there. If you know of any additional, please feel free to contact me and make me aware. I'd love to know about more.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Whitney's Back - Hear the Entire Album
I'm very happy to see Whitney back making music again. She seems very happy and she seems be working very hard to clean up her life. I'm pulling for Whitney. I want her to continue to make powerful music and to live a drug-free, productive life. Right now she's making the rounds promoting the new CD and that's what she needs. I hope she is surrounding herself with positive people that can help her keep strong.
Whitney fans will be very pleased with the new album. Haters will always find something hateful to say and I know we will hear from plenty of them. Whitney - hold your head up. I'm gonna support you come whatever. I'm a fan for life. If you'd like to hear the entire new album please go here. I know you'll find something you like. One final question - don't she look her cousin Dionne Warwick in the picture above?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Vogue Evolution Continues to Bring It
Child, a bitch is busy, so I don't have the opportunity to watch TV on a regular. But I'm loving Vogue Evolution being a part of this season of America's Best Dance Crew. So I have to stay on top of their performances via YouTube (thank you to my friend Rod who continues to forward them to me as they come). These kids are serving. They are great dancers and I'm really pulling for them to win.
Witnesses Sought in Trans Murder
"All I want is the people to come forward and talk about it," said Beverlyn Mack, Tyli'a Mack's mother. "I don't like it because my child was born just like everyone else — through a mother's womb," she said. "And I don't think it's fair for other people to take other people's lives."
I've attended the Transgender Day of Remembrance several years in a row. At this remembrance, the trans community acknowledges the trans people that were killed over the course of the year. It seems that each year the list gets longer. So I'm left to wonder if we'll ever see the day when this madness will stop.