Jason Howard Green

Jason Howard Green

Monday, September 23, 2019

A Poem About Cis White Privilege in the Gay Community

Well . . . he said what he said. And that's all I'm gone say!!!

 

Congratulations Mr. Porter


Billy Porter has made history at the 2019 Emmy's with remarkable win. Take the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Porter has become the first openly black male to win the award.  When he took the stage to accept the award he shared these words . . .

I gotta read! The category is love yall. Love! I am so overwhelmed to have lived long enough to see this day. James Baldwin said, 'It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I'd been taught about myself, and half believed, before I was able to walk on the Earth as though I had a right to be here. I have the right. You have the right. We all have the right.

Porter took home this award based on his portrayal of the character Pray Tell from the series Pose. If you have not yet seen the series, then treat yo-self and get into it. It is fiercely black and trans and queer and in yo face. The actors are brilliant. The music is fabulous. And it is wonderful to finally see black queerness reflected on the small screen.

Congratulations on your win Mr. Porter. He now has an Emmy and a Tony. His journy to EGOT has begun.



Monday, September 16, 2019

Recognizing A Native Son: James Baldwin's Home Become National Landbark


I have always felt James Baldwin and I are kindred spirits.  He was unapologetic about being black and gay.  He was a civil rights activist who was vocal about what he believe. He was a writer and penned some of the greatest narratives about the black experience in a racially divided  America. His birthday is August 2 and husband's birthday is August 2.  When asked who would I consider my role models, the big three are James Baldwin,  Langston Hughes and Bayard Rustin.  

So imagine how excited I was/ am to learn that his New York home has been added to the list of historic landmarks by the National Register of Historic Places.  Amanda Davis, project manager fore the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project championed this cause.  Let's applaud her efforts.  Earlier this year the governor of New York recognized Baldwin's home as both a state and city landmark. 

Baldwin's contributions to American history and African-American history can not be forgotten thanks to the countless books bearing his name like Notes of a Native Son, If Beale Street Could Talk, Giovanni's Room and The Fire Next Time.  And though that's the case, it is still exciting to see this recognition taking place.  It is truly well deserved.  

I Got That Gin In My System - Meeting Big Freedia

Last weekend I made my way up to Burlington, Vermont to see one of my all-time favorite hip-hop artists hit the stage.  I have been a fan of Big Freedia for quite some time. Long before she got her own TV show, long before she was main stream and everybody fell in love with her, long before she blew up, I was shaking my ass to her bounce music.  Down South, we called it booty music.  And booty music has long been a staple in my house.  I'm just happy that America is now catching on to this trend that the Dirty South has long been familiar with.

So though I have loved Freedia from a far, I have never had the chance to see her live.  Then my boo called me and said, "guess who's gonna be in town next Friday?"  The Queen of Bounce would be performing at the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington.  I immediately went online to find tickets only to discover that they were all general admission. I purchased our tickets and quickly came to the several conclusions. 1) Chris and I are going to be the oldest people in the building. 2) This will be a packed house and probably won't be able to get anywhere near Big Freedia. 3) Maybe if we arrive early, we can secure a place close to the stage and the evening will probably be a bit more memorable.

Showtime was 9:00 PM and Chris and I arrived about quarter til the hour.  Seeing the few amount of cars in the parking lot initially had me wondering if we were at the wrong place.  But we made our way inside, and what did we find when we walked in the place . . .  Big Freedia was already on the premises and she was making her way around the room.  She was shaking hands, posing for selfies, and thanking everyone for coming out.  She was a class act.  Down to earth, humble and pleasant in person. After we got our picture with her I turned to Chris and said, "that alone was worth the price of admission."  

She was didn't stay out for a long time.  She was quickly rushed backstage after she made one circle around the venue.  But let's be real, she didn't have to do that.  She could have come in and immediately ran backstage.  But she is an artist that recognizes she is who she is because of her fans and I believe she recognizes that.  

Her performance was amazing.  She gave me everything  I wanted and then some.  I was on my feet all night (something I haven't done in a while).  But my night with Freedia gave me life.  Thank you Big Freedia for a terrific evening.  You were well worth the wait.