So again to Chris - Happy Day I Met You Anniversary. I'm anxiously looking ahead for fifteen more great years.
Jason Howard Green
Sunday, January 30, 2011
It's Our Anniversary
So again to Chris - Happy Day I Met You Anniversary. I'm anxiously looking ahead for fifteen more great years.
Invisible Heroes: A Black History Month Program
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hell Yeah I'm Gay
I am so in love with this song. I'm not exactly sure who these girls are or where they came from but this song is off da hook. The hook is just so damn catchy. I've now watched it about six times in a row and now I'm forcing myself to walk away from the computer. But before I do I just have to say for all to know . . ."hell yeah I'm gay and I don't care what people say!"
Friday, January 7, 2011
The ABCs of Coming Out
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Marsha Ambrosius - Far Away
Wow!!! That's all I can say is wow. Has anyone else seen the new video by Marsha Ambrosius. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch it above. Ambrosius (formerly one half of the British neo-soul duet Floetry) just made one of the most powerful videos I've seen in a mighty long while. "Far Away" is Marsha's way of lending her voice to bring attention to LGBT bullying and suicides.
In my last post I spoke about LGBT artists that we need to support, but apparently you don't have to be a member of the gay community to make a profound musical statement that can help gay and lesbian individuals. Marsha proves this in the "Far Away" video which is part public service announcement, part love story but all beautiful, soulful and spellbinding.
I've loved Marsha Ambrosius for years. I loved her in Floetry and even had the wonderful opportunity to see her in concert twice. I was wondering what would become of that angelic voice once the group went defunct. Well it's great to learn that she is still on the music scene writing wonderful songs for other artists (she has penned hits for Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys and Jazmine Sullivan) and working on her own solo project.
Her first single from her upcoming project was "I Hope She Cheats on You." I played it so much my friends had to host an intervention. The song was catchy and fun and had a nice hook. Ambrosius totally surprised me by releasing this as her second single. I think its a risky choice because is running the chance of alienating some of her fans but she is sending a message that needs to be heard by all.
Kudos to Marsha Ambrosius. Loved you in Floetry. Loved your first single. I now worship you because of the video to your second single. And I can't wait to hear what your album sounds like. I will be in the store on week one to show my love. Late Nights and Early Mornings by Marsha Ambrosius will be in stores February 11.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Black and Gay in Music
Can an African-American recording artist be out and successful? That is the question. There are many phenomenally talented black gay singers and rappers who are out. Some started their rise to the top and then came out of the closet (i.e. Donnie, Tonex, or the artist seen in the video above Rahsaan Patterson). Some artists are out from the start (Tori Fixx or Meshell N'Degeochello) and attempt to launch their career without regard to the stigmas attached to being gay and being a person of color.
It appears to me that their are many that are buying into this notion that you can not be black & gay AND be creative, talented, successful and relevent. Teven Campbell had one of the most beautiful voices in the world but when the news about his sexuality made national news we never heard from him again.
Thank God that we are now witnessing an era of artists that are playing by their own rules. Meshell N’Degeochello continues to make wonderful music and continues to sale records. Tonex (now going by the name B. Slade) came out of the closet running and he hasn't slowed down since. He refuses to hide silently in the shadows like many of his former gospel colleages would like. Tori Fixx is setting the world on fire as an out black hip hop artist with alot to say and he is finding wonderful ways to say it. Billy Porter has the greatest voice ever. Nhojj is simply beautiful and he has a voice like an angel.
We as black gay individuals need to be supporting these individuals. Call your urban radio show and request for these artists to be played. Go to your local music store [if you still have one] and purchase one of their CDs. Or go to I-tunes or Amazon and legally purchase some of their songs. All of the individuals listed above are phenomenally gifted and are extremely smooth on the ears. Take some time to get to know them and their music.
Monday, January 3, 2011
AZ Grants Domestic Partner Benefits to Same-sex Couples
Then the conversation continued and I was floored again. Apparently there are many people that work for the state that are angered by Arizona's new actions. It seems that although this priviledge is being extended to same gender loving couples that work for the state, heterosexual couples will not be allowed to take advantage of this benefit.
I don't work for the state so the decision will not affect me one way or the other. I'm fortunate enough to work in the corporate world for an employer to recognizes and values its LGBT employees and really does promote and celebrate diversity. But I have many friends that are employed by Arizona. Some are going to love this new plan. Others are going to lose health care for their significan others because of this decision. So I'm looking for feedback from others, is this the right thing to do?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 3
I can't wait for this to begin. Who knew Ru would come back and be as fierce as ever. I was hesitant about watching season one but I was hooked from the first episode. The right girls made it to the top and I would have been happy for Raven or Bebe to be crowned but it would be the diva from Cameroon (Bebe Zahara Benet) that took the title.
Season two was equally as thrilling. I must admit that I didn't really care for the other Tyra when the show began. If you've seen the show then you know, she was a bitch. But you can't deny the fact that she always looked phenomenal when they made it to the runway. She did deserve to win this season.
Now I can't wait to see what season 3 brings us.