GOODBYE 2007

My final post for 2007, I just want to say thank you to everyone that visits The J Spot. Look for bigger and better things in 2008. I don't know where this blog (or life) will lead me next but I'm looking forward to the journey.

Much love to all my family and friends

10 FAVORITE MOVIES

It looks like there's many great movies on the horizon for black LGBT folks. Dirty Laundry is currently playing in some cities. Check out the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJG20kWKikU
Also, up and coming are Maurice Jamal's B-Boy Blues and Patrik Ian Polk's Blackbird and Noah's Arc: The Movie.

But as these movies are not yet available to all of us, I wanted to take a moment to recap my favorite movies with black LGBT characters. So below is my list of 10 favorite gay themed movies that contain African-Americans. Trailers for each movie are provided and all of these titles are available on Amazon.

Please post any comments regarding this list below. Did I miss any movies? Are there any on the list that should not be there? Please let me know.

10. LOOKING FOR LANGSTON

http://videodetective.com/titledetails.aspx?fmt=3&Publishedid=881538
9. RENT

http://imdb.com/title/tt0294870/trailers-screenplay-E25016-314
8. PROTEUS

http://www.proteus.profun.de/trailer320x240mpg.html
7. BROKEN HEARTS CLUB

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0222850/trailers-screenplay-E14582-310
6. BOY CULTURE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyxq3uXeJyE
5. PARIS IS BURNING

http://www.tescodvdrental.com/visitor/product/40626-Paris-Is-Burning.html?auto_show_trailer=1&show_trailer=1
4. THE CLOSET

http://www.thecloset.tv/
3. STRANGE FRUIT (no trailer available)

2. HOLIDAY HEART

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0250425/trailers-screenplay-E15952-310

1. BROTHER TO BROTHER

http://www.wolfereleasing.com/brothertobrother/trailer.asp

Say My Name - Patti, Patti

Go in bitch - let have! If you're not watching Clash of the Choirs, child you're missing out. Here's the premesis, four celebrities handpick choir members from their hometown to sing in this competition to raise money for the charity of their choice. The celebrities - Kelly Rowland, Patti Labelle, Nick Lachey, Blake Shelton and Michael Bolton. Thus far the choirs of Rowland and Bolton have been elimated.

Tonight the choirs sang backup as the celebrities took center stage and performed one of the songs thats made them famous. Ms. Labelle went in with Over the Rainbow. When she was done I thought I was in Oz. She just wore me out. Patti was in rare form tonight and the arms started flapping, the shoes went sailing into the crowd and the mic stand landed on the other side of the stage. I LOVED IT. I can't hate on Judy and I love her putting her stamp on this song and making it specifically for the kids. But when Patti sings it I think heaven stops and listens.

Needless to say, the whole place was up on their feet when she was done. And hilariously - each choir that went after her ended by tossing their shoes. Tonight was all about Ms. Patti and Team LaBelle.

Tomorrow night we actually find out who wins the competition. Now I must say each choir is brining it. Team Lachey gets serious points for pulling off Flight of the Bumblebee acapella. I like Team Shelton too mostly because I think Blake can wear the hell outta some jeans (is tha wrong). Looking forward to seeing the conclusion and the crowning of the choir.

Happy Holidays!

Are you ready? Christmas is exactly one week away. I just dropped my cards in the mail yesterday - I'm just hoping they make it. I haven't bought a single Christmas gift and I'm not quite sure if I actually will. Fergie said if you ain't got no money take your broke broke home. So I'm going home. Does it really make sense to go out and get further in debt when you know that you can't afford all the gifts you're buying. My friends and family know how I feel for them (sometimes love - sometimes hate).

But don't get it twisted, I love this time of year. Our place is very well lit with Christmas lights thanks to my boo, the cards are out on display, and the window is decorated. I've had friends over to toast the holidays and I'm just recently returning from my pilgrimage across country to see the family. The meaning of the season has not been forgotten. I'm just saying, be realistic and do things that are not going to put you in jeapordy. Yes - it's great to show your appreciation to those that are important to you, but showing appreciation does NOT mean that you have go spend your life savings.

For all those that visit The J Spot - Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa.

Fight For Your Right

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was in town on December 7 receiving an award from the Barry Goldwater Institute. She is this year's recipient of the Goldwater award because of her fight for and support of freedom for all Muslim women. She has never been one to hold her tongue and her book Infidel and her screenplay Submission have fueled numerous death threats against her. The director of the film, Theo van Gogh, actually was killed for this production. Attached to the knife that killed him was a letter stating Ayaan would be next.

Because of these actions, Ayaan was forced into hiding and actually had to flee her country in her effort for survival. Though she has renounced her Islamic faith, she continues to advocate for the rights of women within Muslim countries. She also speaks against Islamic leaders because of their stance on homosexuality and adultery. It's for these reasons that Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

I love her for her courage and her tenacity. I love her fighting the fight that needed to be fought inspite of the consequences. But I have to ask myself - could I do it. I do consider myself an activist. However, standing up for your rights in the U.S. doesn't have near the consequences as they would else where. People are very serious about wanting to kill Ayaan.

And let's look at a few other countries. The oppression of women is not limited to Muslim countries. In many African countries, many of which are predominately Christian, women are raped repeatedly without consequence. And though I wish my gay brothers and sisters in Jamaica could be open and honest about who they are - doing so could and will lead to death. In some South American countries (i.e. Columbia) supporting any ideals that go against those in power could make an individual disappear permanently.

If these were the consequences of my activism - would I still do it? I would like to believe that I would, but I honestly don't know. I know that many of the priviledges I enjoy now are because people have fought, bled, and died demanding the inalieable rights promised to us in the Constitution. Demanding freedom from slavery, surviving the oppression of Jim Crowe, proving that seperate was not equal, rioting at Stonewall, overcoming the stigma of mental disorder for sexual orientation - my place in this world is much better because I'm following in the footsteps of fighters. But the fighting isn't over and we should be striving to make things just that much better for those that come after us.

Would you be willing to risk life or limb to do the right thing? How far would you go?

I Am Not Getting Married!

Rumors have surfaced stating that Queen Latifah will be holding a public wedding to exchange vows with longtime girlfriend Jeanette Jenkins. Latifah has responded by adamantly declaring that there are no plans whatsoever for a wedding (notice, she did not say there was no relationship - just that there will be no wedding). In several recent interviews Latifah has stated that she is done disclosing any details about her sexual life.

What do you think? If Latifah is a lesbian should she come out? Do you think she would suffer any repercusions if she did?

I could personally never hate on Latifah. I LOVE HER. I do believe she plays on my team but if she chooses not to share that with the world, that's her business.

She is a remarkable talent and she excels at everything she does - rapping, acting, modeling, launching a cosmetics line, singing jazz and oh by the way did you know she is the producer on the soon to hit theaters blackbuster hit The Perfect Holiday. She really does have the Midas touch and she deserves all the accolades she receives.

With that being said, I believe she is THE black celebrity that can come out and stay on top of the game. Her appeal is so universal that I don't think sexual prefence could harm her image. I would love to see the headline when (or if) she decides to let it be known, but if that should never happen, she will still remain one of my all time favorites.

Now tell me, what you think. Should we be putting pressure on her to come out? Does Latifah owe it to us to share this information? People have been outing her for years. Do other people have the right to put her business out there like that - is that okay? Give me your feedback.

Jodie Foster Out

Black celebrities aren't the only ones that have difficulty disclosing their sexual orientation. For years now, Jodie Foster has refused to discuss this side of her life despite the demands of many gay rights activist. That is until yesterday. At the Women in Entertainment Power 100 breakfast in Los Angeles, Foster publicly acknowledged and thanked "my beautiful Cydney" after winning an award. Though she never hid her partner, she has also never discussed their relationship with the public until now.

I'm sure there are still many wonderful things in store for this two time Oscar winner. I personally don't believe this will hurt her career at all.

But you know how I do - I have to follow up with a brain teaser. Do you think she could continue to be successful if she were a man? Do you think she could come out and still be successful if she were black?

. . . For Goodness Sake

You already know this, you may have one of the best meals of your life at a restaurant. But then you visit it again a week later and the service is horrible and the food is mediocre. What will you remember most about the place? We always tend to remember the bad instances more so than the good.

Unfortunately, that will be the case for Ike Turner. Turner passed away yesterday at the age of 76. He is properly credited with being the Father of Rock & Roll. Yes, a black man gave birth to this musical genre. His 1958 record Rocket 88 allows him to claim this title.

His musical genuis falls in the shadow of his much publicized drug use and abuse of his wife Tina. And that is the legacy that he will carry with him. Yes he penned many brilliant songs and influenced probably thousands of musicians that followed in his path. There are some that will acknowledge his positive contributions and make note of the successes he had. But the majority will condemn him for all the bad things he did.

I want to remember Ike for the great things he did while he was here. Don't get it twisted, I know the things he did were fucked up. But he has done his time and asked for amends. I believe a person can be rehabilited and will believe he was sincere.

Rest in peace Ike.

Congrats to Dirty Laundry!

The long awaited (for me anyway) Dirty Laundry finally hit theaters in L.A. and New York on Friday and the kids came out and showed a tremendous amount of support. According to Keith Boykin, the movie trampled almost all others in per screen viewings over the weekend, beating out The Golden Compass, American Ganster, and Bee Movie.

I was hoping the premiere weekend of this movie would be a successful one, proving that a movie starring someone that is gay and black can draw a sizeable audience. Movies starring African-American LGBT characters are few and far between. We're seldom in the in the supporting role hardly ever do we take the lead. If we would like to see more movies like this, then we need to show up and support when opportunities like this present themselves.

Kudos to all those that have worked hard to make this movie a success: Maurice Jamal, Rockman Dunbar, Nathan Hale Williams, Keith Boykin, Loretta Divine - all ya'll. I'm so looking forward to this movie coming to Phoenix. Trust, I'm dragging everyone I know to see it.

Hopefully the success of Dirty Laundry will open doors for more movies starring black lesbian and gay characters. Maybe their success will mean that B-Boy Blues and Noah's Arc won't have any difficulty getting distribution.

But I do have a question, who has been your favorite black lgbt person on film (big screen or small screen, starring or supporting role)?

Sorry about being MIA

Hey ya'll. Sorry I have been missing in action. I am just returning from vacation. I took a week off and went home to Alabama to visit my family. Had to go and check on Mama and my twin brother. And I'm glad to say that everyone at home is doing well. Right before vacation, I was working like crazy making sure everything would be in check before I left.

But now I'm back and The J Spot will resume once again. The pic to the left is just me and my peeps from Phoenix kicking it (that's me on the bottom left). This is my famly while I'm living in the Phoenix.

Hope your holidays and going well and keep checking back for updates.

Did You Shop Today?

What's the deal? I know today is the biggest shopping day of the year. But is the craziness and chaos worth it. I've done the shopping on Black Friday once. Several years ago I decided I needed a DVD player for the bedroom. So I got up early and went to WalMart for their big savings. The store was so crowded you could barely walk. You literally had to force your way through the store. Amazingly I found a DVD player for $20.00. I thought to myself, it's true, the deals are phenomenal. Then exactly one year later, the DVD player died. I guess you get what you pay for.

Today, Chris decided he wanted to pick up a 2 gig card for his PSP. Usual price is about $80. Today only, you can pick up a card for $18 at Fry's Electronics. So we put on our game face, trekked across town to fight with the parking lot traffic, and then went into the store. Chris found the card he wanted and we went to find the line for check out. The line was averaging 1.5 hours per customer. Now, I'll admit, some people were making purchases that would save them hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars. And if that were the type of purchase we were making, maybe it would have been worth it. But it was not worth the madness just to save $60.00. Needless to say, we got the hell up outta there.

What I would like to hear is scary shopping stories. If you went shopping today, please check in and let us know how it went? Of if you have a previous Black Friday experience you'd like to share, please do so.

This Chirstmas Review

Tonight, my partner and I went to see a movie I've looking forward to for some time now. This Christmas opened up in theaters on the eve of Thanksgiving. The all-star cast is filled with the newest hottie in R&B Chris Brown, the fabulous Loretta Diving, the hardest working woman in showbusiness, Ms. Regina King (I love her), and a couple of stars from Dreamgirls Sharon Leal and Keith Robinson.

The script is a bit predictable, but it is a plot that works. It's a family that is filled with love and simultaneously filled with secrets. There is the usual sister rivalry and triffling in-laws. But you know someone is going to get their come-upings in the end.

Though it may not be that original, I still loved, loved, loved this movie. All actors do an amazing job tapping into their characters. And as far giving you that holiday feel good sensation, this movie delivers. You really do leave the theater wanting to book your flight home for the holiday.

P.S. - Many kudos to Mekhi for producing and starring in this masterpiece.

If you have seen, or are planning on seeing this movie, please give me your feedback. What do you think about the movie?

Suns Is Shining

Let's check in with the Phoenix Suns again. My only other post regarding the Suns happened during game two of this season. Watching that game I did not think we would be having a good season this year. But OMG, they have been on fire since.

Victory in the game tonight means the Suns have won eight (8) consecutive games. This win means the team has matched the record for the best starting season for this franchise.

This is turning out to be a year of phenomenal basketball in Phoenix. First, the Mercury captured the WNBA Championship. Now the Suns are giving some of the best playing in the league. Let's hope the magic continues.

10 Things I'm Thankful For in 2007

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Here is my list of things I'm thankful for this year.

1. Celebrating 10 years married this year
2. Rahsaan Patterson and Donnie coming out
3. The Secret
4. Blogging and Bloggers
5. My Discovery Landrover
6. Friends and Family
7. Corinne Bailey Rae
8. Boy Culture on DVD
9. Black gay literature
10. Paradise Bakery's California Turkey Sandwich

Rahsaan Patterson Comes Out!

If you're a fan of Neo-Soul, then you undoubted know the name and the voice of Rahsaan Patterson. You would think that the release of his new CD Wines and Spirits would be the big news right now. However, the CD release sits in the shadows of his recent announement. This month, in an interview with BETJ.coms John Murph, Patterson held his first public discussion about his homosexuality and his thoughts on homophobia. I just want to say way to go Rahsaan.

I've loved Rahsaan since he freshman debut - his self titled CD that included the hits Stop By and Where You Are. Every CD he's released since has been phenomenal.

Just a few months ago, we saw R&B artist Donnie come out. Now Rahsaan Patterson. Finally, black gay men being comfortable enough to come out of the closet without fear. Both of these men are brave for what they're doing. The truth is, some people hate them for their honesty. Some people will tell you not to support them because they choose this lifestyle. So, it is powerful to me to see these men being fearlessly truthful inspite of the what ifs.

So, if you haven't go out and pick up there CDs. I'll continue to say it - we must support our own.

Transgendered Day of Remembrance

It has to be an interesting time to be transgendered, especially living in Arizona. The city of Scottsdale is still dealing with the civil rights battle between Michele deLaFreniere and Anderson's Fifth Estate owner Tom Anderson. So locally the struggle for acceptance continues. However, nationally, we just saw the passing of ENDA in the house, and the legislation that passed includes protection for gender identity. This step is monumental. So, it would seem in the bigger picture, progress is positive.

However, there is one area where continued improvement needs to happen. In case your not aware, members of the transgendered community are often times victims of violence that is triggered just because of who they are. There are some people that are so offended that they feel just in their attacks. Several days ago, azfamily.com ran an article about the above mention deLaFreniere. Comments that were posted in response to the article were so vile that the article was removed from the site midday. There were threats and wishes of death. It was appalling.

Just two years ago, Arizona lay witness to the murder of a member of this community. In 2005, Amancio Corrales of Yuma was found beaten and drowned in the Colorado River. The killers still have not been found.

In an effort to pay homage to those we have lost, the Transgendered Day of Remember was launched in 1999. This Sunday, November 18, if you're available, please come out and attend this event to be held at the AZ state capital, 1700 West Washington Street.

For additional information, please visit http://www.azdor.org/

EW's 50 Greatest TV Icons

Who doesn't love a list? MTV's 50 Greatest Celebrity bodies keeps me hooked for hours. VH1s I love the 80s - where did those last three hours go? So, you know I had to go through all the names on Entertainment Weekly's just announced 50 Greatest TV Icons. I don't know if I necessarily agree with all of them. Only four African-Americans made the list. At 43, we have our first famous drag queen - Flip Wilson. At 36, we have diva, groudbreaking door-opening history maker, Ms. Diahann Carrol. She was the first black person to star in her own show. And do you remember The Colbys. Diahann Carroll starred on this show as the sister of Dynasty's Blake Carrington. That was the deal back in the day.

Number four on the list was always controversial Bill Cosby. I personally don't see Mr. Cosby as controversial. I have to say, I agree with most of the things he says. We as black folks have to stop getting in our own way. And we can't continue to point to other people to lay blame for our shortcomings. Don't get it twisted, racism still is a very powerful thing. But come on, many of the problems were facing are problems we've generated ourselves.

And our final hero on the list weighed in at number three. Even without seeing the picture above you knew who it was, didn't you? If someone were to ask me what religion I was, I think I'd have to answer, I'm practice Oprahism. Whatever she says for me is the gospel. Nobody better say nothing bad about my Oprah.

If you want to see the entire list, check out http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20152957_20152958_20159773,00.html.

So if you created the list, who would you have added? Let me know.

Alicia Keys - As I Am

So if you didn't know (and if you didn't - that's what I'm here for), Alicia Keys dropped her newest CD today. Yeah - I'm in love with it. I have really come to love this woman. She pulled a Jennifer Hudson on me - and I am telling you, she made me love her. When Alicia first entered the scene, I was seriously hating on her. Let's recap, Alicia Keys and India.arie released their first CDs almost simulteously. For me, India was the end all and be all. So when Alicia beat India at every single awards show that year, I vowed I could never support her.

Then Alicia dropped her second CD and I heard If I Ain't Got You. Then You Don't Know My Name. Okay, reluctanly I went and picked it up. I was still hating, so I didn't tell anyone that I was secretly in love with every single song.

Then came Alicia Unplugged. That's when she gave us Unbreakable. That's where she gave me my favorite lyric from any song - "we might have to take a break, but ya'll know we'll be back next week, I'm singing this love is unbreakable."

Now I'm coming out of the closet and saying it, I love Alicia Keys and her new CD is another milestone for this tremendous talent. Singer, writer, pianist, producer, philanthropist. My favorite track on the new CD is Superwoman and I think that describes her perfectly.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Ms. Badu on Girlfriends Tonight

If you've been in a state of Badu withdrawl, and most of us have been since Worldwide Underground dropped 4 years ago, then you can get a taste of her tonight on Girlfriends. I love Badu and try to watch her whenever I hear she's going to making an appearance. But lately those appearances have been few and far between. If you watched the BET Awards this year, then you saw her in the tribute to the other lady of my life, Ms. Diana Ross. Let's pray Erykah is in the studio getting ready to release a new CD.

Ms. Badu - u da truth. Much love to you and I'm still on the look out for you to drop something.

News You Need

Finally, a full half hour news show with news catered specifically for the LGBT community. CBS News on Logo is not new, but previously they have only offered quick bits of info that come during commericial breaks. Now, the network has announced they will launch a complete news show. The program, which will continue to be hosted by Jason Bellini, will mix headlines with deeper coverage of current issues like the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and HIV/AIDS. The series will also take a gay look at pop culture.

Now if you read this and you're asking yourself, "What is Logo?" - then you need your ass whipped. It's TV made for gay folks by gays folks. It actually is a network owned by Viacom (which also owns MTV, Vh1, and BET). So if you're a subscriber of cable and you have not yet picked up this channel, then do so. I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, if you don't support stuff made for us, then eventually it will go away.

WALK BITCH!

I've already discussed one of those honored on this year's Out 100 (Darryl Stephens), but another honoree that I also think deserves some mention is the grandest diva from America's Next Top Model, the one and only Ms. J. Alexander. Ms. J has been serving from the very beginning of ANTM. Few of the girls would know how to work in heels if it wasn't for him. And let's be honest, he definitely brings personality to the show. Always funny, always honest, always right.

Do I think he is deserving of this honor - yes I do. Do I think he should be held as a role model for black gay men - hell yes. He is comforable in his skin, not ashamed of who is is or where he comes from. He is successful at what he does (even if that is just walking). I don't buy into the belief that effiminate men are any less than any others. We need to get beyond that.

Congratulations Ms. J and you betta work!

I Love Ving Rhames

He first got my attention when I saw him in Baby Boy (the scene where he just picked up Tyrese's mom and screwed her all over the living room - whew!) About one week later I saw him in Holiday Heart. Talk about a big switch. In the first movie he was the epitome of a phyne-ass ruff neck. In the next movie he was a big hearted, piano playing drag queen. Oddly enough, he was convincing in both parts. Yesterday, I watched I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and unbeknown to me, he has a big role in this movie too. And for me, he made the movie. The movIe is keke kaka FUNNY - and Rhames is the main reason. Now I'm not gonna go and ruin the movie by telling it all, I'm just gonna say go and pick up this movie. And oh by the way, look out for the shower scene. Loved it.

Cogratulations Corey

Today, WNBA champions the Phoenix Mercury announced that Corey Gaines, has been promoted to the head coaching position of the team. This news comes following the evacuation of this post by Paul Westhead. Westhead recommended Gaines for the position after he took a coaching position with the Seattle Supersonics.

I want to take a moment to say congratulations to Corey. And I also want to say congratulations to the Mighty Mercury for a phenomenal season last season. You made the Valley proud.

I had the opportunity to party with Mercury at their celebration following their amazing victory. Here's to another great season and another national championship.

Possible Racial Profiling

This just made the front page of the Republic today. A statewide study of Arizona Department of Public Safety traffic stops has discovered evidence of possible racial profiling. This study, conducted by the University of Cinncinati, determined that there is a higher rate of arrests and vehicle searches when the person behind the wheel is a racial minority. They pointed out that Highway Patrol was twice as likely to search the vehicle of African-Americans and Hispanics. What is great is that the research then went on to state that this data is not necessarily proof of racial profiling.

You gotta love it. This may not be profiling? What? This is the definition of racial profiling. But I'm not even surprised. It's amazing how this evidence can be looking right at you, and you choose not to see it.

Nip/Tuck OMG!

Oh My God, Nip/Tuck just got interesting again. Last night Portia de Rossi appeared on the show as the new love interest of Julia McNamara. Damn! Damn! Damn! That was hot. If anyone has the power to make Julia switch teams, it would be Portia de Rossi, SuperLesbian.

Nice move Nip/Tuck. I'm not surprised by them pulling the lesbian angle. This show has been all over the board and that move was inevitable. But Portia was a trump card. Getting the hottest lesbian in Hollywood to join the cast - now that was genius.

Looks like I may have to become an avid viewer of this show again. Not sure how many episodes she's going to appear in, but I'll be following as long as she's there.

RIP Admiral William J. Crowe

On October 30, we laid to rest a remarkable American Hero. Admiral William Crowe began his illustrious career when he was appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Ronald Reagan. He served through the Bush administration until his retirement from the Navy in 1989.

Under the leadership of President Clinton, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was appointed as Ambassador for the United Kingdom. He was well received not only because of his intellect, but because he was very frank and had a keen sense of humor. He was once accused of not supporting the inclusion of Northern Ireland into the United Kingdom and was asked, "How would you feel if Mexico took back Texas?" To which he quickly replied, "I'm from Oklahoma, we've been trying to give back Texas for a hundred years."

During his tenure in leadership, Crowe was one of the first and definetly the highest ranked individuals to be vocal about the homophobic stance of Congress' "Don't ask, don't tell" legislation. He was a strong supporter of gays in the military and should be remembered as an ally for our cause. Let's not forget this hero.

Jensen Atwood joins Dante's Cove

If you're like me (and if you're not what's wrong with you) then you still haven't recovered from the devastating cancellation of Noah's Arc. I'm still coping, but I've got the DVDs and my Prozac to help me through. If you didn't know, Jensen Atwood has joined the cast of the Here! channel series Dante's Cove. This news isn't new, but I wanted to recap since yesterday I just received my latest copy of Clik magazine and guess who was on the cover.

The article primarily focused on his new role as a bi-sexual wizard in the upcoming third season of the show. First of all - hooray, it's about time a black person showed up on the show. And secondly, television would have been suffering a serious void without fine-ass Jensen showing up somewhere. Here's to a bright future for this remarkable talent.

And if you haven't yet, get your subscription to Clik magazine. It's the only magazine around for Black gay men. Without our support it won't stay around.

The Presidential Race: HIV

As the race for the White House increases momentum, the two leading Democratic candidates, Obama and Clinton, are trying harder and harder to draw a distinction between the two - hard to do when it seems they parallel on so many issues. One issue that hasn't received much attention, but is on the forefront for many concerned people is their stance on HIV. On October 16, Obama was the first to launch his plan for how he would address this issue when he is in the White House. Needless to say, exactly ten days later, Hillary announced her "bold approach to stopping HIV/AIDS."

Both have plans that are very progressive and would be a godsend following an administration that has taken the HIV fight back ten years. Thank you Obama for being the first to put this on the agenda.

It's Official: Darryl Stephens - OUT!

He has never been one to deny his sexuality, but he has also never disclosed - until now. This year Darryl Stephens joins the famous Out 100 annual list of influential LGBT trendsetters.

I just want to say way to go Darryl for standing up and being true to who you are and taking your place as a role mode for young (and old) African-American gay men.

I can totally understand the decision not to share too much personal information when there is the possibility that outing yourself could hurt your career. But Stephens' career thus far has been defined his sexuality. He stars in Noah's Arc and Boy Culture. In both roles he is gay and out.

You've no idea had excited I was to learn about the series Noah's Arc. My decision to get cable (and specifically the Logo channel) was totally based on this show. Even without coming out I would put Darryl on a pedestal. His coming out has made him even more impressive.

And for those of you that have not done so, pick up Noah's Arc Season 1 and 2 and Boy Culture.

ALL WHITE PEOPLE ARE RACIST!

At least that's the conclusion developed by the University of Delaware (UD). The school has demanded all students living on the campus go through "treatment" for their incorrect attitudes and beliefs. That treatment includes mandatory training sessions for all resident hall students and one-on-one sessions with RAs.
The definition of racist according to the school is one who is both privileged and socialized on the basis of race by a white supremacist (racist) system. The term applies to all white people (i.e., people of European descent) living in the United States, regardless of class, gender, religion, culture or sexuality.”
Now the school has been accused of brainwashing and violating constitutional rights.
I'm not sure why the school decided to take up such an extreme stance. I'm sure they did this with the best of intentions. I do love having a dialogue about race and diversity, but not like this. Also, I'm a bit perplexed by this policy. Does this mean only white people can be racist? Is this a trait exclusive of African-Americans or Native-Americans? I'm not even going to share my opinion. I just want you to think about it.

RuPaul is Starrbooty

Our favorite Supermodel of the World is once again on the scene. RuPaul's Starrbooty was released this week on DVD. In this over the top, psycho-drama, Ru plays Starrbooty, a secret ops agent who must go undercover as a prostitute to save her niece Cornisha from her arch-nemisis, Anaka Manners.

I have four words to describe this: HI-LAR-I-OUS. The humor is raunchy, the wigs are fabulous, and the nudity is full frontal. This just may take home an Oscar (well, maybe not). But you'll defintely be taking home a top notch (oh - it's Ru, so it's probably a bottom) movie that you'll defintely enjoy.

Oh yeah - pick up the soundtrack. Also fabulous.

In Our Own Backyard

First it was Jena, Louisiana. Then it was the noose found on a professor's door in Columbia. Now it's happening right here in Arizona. On October 26, an African-American mother returned to her home in Litchfield Park to find it had been burglarized. There were messages of hate spray painted in nearly all rooms of her home. Graffiti included a swastika drawn next to the derogatory racial epithets and sexual terms.
She has lived in this area for several years without incident and then this happens. This just goes to show you, it doesn't matter where you live. Racism and bigotry are still alive and they live everywhere. So don't ever think that this can never happen to you.

Ms. Ross Returns to the Valley

In case you haven't heard, the legendary, incomparable and dynamic talent of Diana Ross will once again be in the Valley. She will be performing at the Maricopa County Events Center on November 6. And if you don't have your tickets yet, please go and get them.

Those of you that know me know about my obsession with Ms. Ross. I LOVE HER. She is my all time favorite performer. For me it started during my college days. I hadn't been out of the closet that long when she released Take Me Higher. Now, I was so sick of all the other kids going ga ga over Cher. Now I like Cher, but she didn't do it like that for me. Then Ms. Ross entered my life. She had it all - glamour, hair, attitude - and she had the goods to back it all up. That was all I needed. She became my ICON.

I am now a fanatic. Her autobiography Secrets of a Sparrow was amazing. Her music still elevates me when I need it to. Her ability to balance her career with love of family is inspiring. So take my advice, go and take advantage of this once in a lifetime chance of seeing her onstage. You will not be disappointed. Hopefully I'll see you there.

Suns Not Shining So Bright

To say that the Suns first home game last night against the L.A. Lakers was a disappointment would be an understatement. Many expected this to be an easy victory against our biggest rival. But our team did not gel well.
And adding insult to injust, many of points that contributed to this defeat didn't even come from starting players. It was member of the L.A. bench that drove the nail in the coffin.
The Suns missed almost every shot they took, couldn't get a rebound to save their lives, and didn't seem to sink any free throws. IT WAS SAD.
But I am not giving up on my boys just yet. This season has just started. We had a slow start last year and look how far we went. I'm tossing this in the "They had a bad night" file.
I'm still excited about the season to come. We still have Marion (in spite of his request for a trade), we have Grant Hill in the valley now (damn he's still hot), and we still have two time MVP Steve Nash. There's a lot of power on this team and I'm just waiting for it to be unleashed.
By the way, look where Raja Bell's right hand is headed in this pic. Is it just me?

LGBT Community?

Community is defined as a group of people having a common interest. It's also defined as a group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society. Look it up if you don't believe me. So if we are the LGBT community - what's the T?

Right now Congress is again tackling the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would outlaw any workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Some congressmen, Barney Frank included, are requesting that this new legislation not include sexual identity. This would mean that persons that identify as transgendered would not be protected under this law. Frank believes this legislation could pass if we exclude this group.

On the other side of the fence, there are many LGBT organizations demanding that all members of our community be protected - that includes our transgendered brothers and sisters. Protection for all or protection for none.

I'm not torn at all on this issue. If we are a community, then we should act as a community. Any attack on one group is an attack on us all. To say that the transgendered community does not deserve the same rights and priviledges as the rest of us is an attack on all of us. I cannot allow you to befriend me and simultaneously defile another member of my clan. So if that means no ENDA now, so be it. We must press on as a community until we all can achieve the rights we ALL deserve.

And remember, it wasn't gay men and lesbians that triggered our entry into the civil rights struggle. The riots of Stonewall were boys in dresses that fought back against the policemen that were impeding on our inalienable rights. We would not be where we are without their contributions. And I refuse to make any advances if they are not there beside me on that journey.

Why I Love Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I may love this holiday just a bit more than Christmas (and I do love me some Christmas). I mean seriously, it's all about candy and fun costumes. How can you not like that? My boo is pictured above in this year's drag. He went as the joker.

My best straight friends in the world (Christine and Doug) throw a big Halloween bash every year that I refuse to miss. I look forward to it like the season premiere of American Idol - it's that big. Doug and his band performs. There are new faces every year. And they really know how to set it off.

Much love to C&D for another wonderful party.

Men of Libra Do It Again

Just finished celebrating with the Men of Libra. Every year in October; Lamar, Rod, Kevin and Corey through a weekend long celebration in honor of their birthdays and once again - it was on. I met a lot of interesting and nice people, got my dance on, got my drink on, and got my volleyball on.

People are always complaining - there's no black people in Phoenix, there's never anything to do in Phoenix, blah, blah, blah. This weekend showed me that if you want something to do, then you can create something to do. Also, it showed me there are a helluva a lot of kool black folks around this town you can kick it with.

Kudos to to the Men of Libra for doing their thang.

Keep it up. I'm already looking forward to next year.