The FUTURE

Check Out MUSED Magazine!

2012-01-28T14:44:00.001-05:00

I am so excited. I can't believe that this is happening. I have been keeping this a secret from all of ya'll. So I am very excited to be announcing this to all of ya'll. But I'm sure you guys knew about this. I was promoting it days before the launch.

I was hired weeks ago as a daily writer for MUSED Magazine, an online men's magazine that just launched on midnight. This magazine is all about giving men a voice. Whether you're gay or straight, this magazine is for you. When I look at this magazine, it kind of reminds me of how Gloria Steinem started Ms. back in 1971. This magazine is going to change the way people think of men, and most importantly, let our voices be heard. The stories that hasn't been told regarding men, it all starts here with MUSED.

You will see articles written by me on a daily basis in this magazine. I will be writing features about our everyday lives, and also news and entertainment stories. My journalism skills are really going to be put to the test in this. There are some tasks given to me that is going to be really challenging, but I am all for it.

I really hope you guys will add this magazine to your daily newspapers and magazines. I am so proud to be a part of this project. Also, spread the word if you can about it. This magazine is for everyone. Male and female. Click on the picture to read the articles written by me along with many other talented writers.

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I often times ask myself just how famous I want to be and what is the price of fame.

I cannot tell a lie, I want to be super famous. I want to live the life of a celebrity and be able to call the shots in my life and do things that only my mind can imagine.

When you want something out of life, there has to be sacrifice. No one is going to give you anything on a silver platter, or so they say. While it may seem that some people get things handed to them, don't believe it. Everything comes with a cost.

At present, I look at my life and think about the things that I have had to give up in order to create a life that I ultimately love. I'm clear that I could be doing other things with my money, but no, I am investing in my writing skills. I am choosing to stay late after work in order to work on my many manuscripts because I know that opting to go hang out with friends for drinks, just isn't going to get me any closer to my goal. While everyone is playing angry birds on their phones, I'm writing a new chapter for one of my books. Sacrifice. Those games are temporary entertainment and will only get me nowhere fast.

At the top of 2012, I declared that I would have 4 manuscripts completed by my 40th birthday. I've shared this goal with a few people and some of them have been very unsupportive, which is why I am clear that you just can't tell everybody everything, you just have to produce the results and then watch them sit in awe.

This week, a gentleman sent me a direct tweet asking me if I would help him write his novel. I told him that I would coach him on what to do, but he needs the full experience for himself. He will feel much more accomplished once he starts and finishes a project that he embarked on. Now, I have a new client and this all came from me putting my energies into writing a novel.

So, what's the price of fame? It's whatever price tag you put on it. Strive to be the best. Work hard to achieve your goals. Find people who believe in you and who will help you reach the top of your very own mountain.

Sneak Preview: Nelson George and Diane Paragas' Brooklyn Boheme

2012-01-24T20:05:00.006-05:00

Join us for a preview screening of Brooklyn Boheme, a new documentary from award-winning Nelson George, director of the HBO feature film, Life Support (2007), which won Queen Latifah a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Brooklyn Boheme takes a look back at the close-knit African American/Latino neighborhood in Fort Greene, prior to gentrification, when the community nurtured a new wave of original and uniquely talented artists, among them, Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Rosie Perez, Branford Marsalis, and many other creative innovators featured in this film.

Nelson George, Co-Director/Writer/Producer, Brooklyn Boheme; director, Life Support; author, City Kid, Hip Hop America, The Plot Against Hip Hop

Diane Paragas, co-director, Brooklyn Boheme; television writer/producer/director (BET, MTV and CBS News)

Presented with Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, Media Arts Dept., Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus

Sponsored by BET

Book signing of The Plot Against Hip Hop follows.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 to 9:00 pm

WHERE: Kumble Theater, Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, Flatbush Ave.
(DeKalb & Willoughby)

Don't miss next month's preview screening with Nelson George and Diane Paragas. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP at www.cencom.org. You can also e-mail info@cencom.org or call (212) 686-5005.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images at Schomburg Center on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture present a jubilee exhibition entitled GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images. This exhibition will celebrate 25 historic years of GMAD on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Reception 5:30pm with exhibit & panel discussion 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.

Attendance is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

GMAD is working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community by effectively fighting the triple threat of AIDS, homophobia and racism through education, advocacy, health and wellness and social support. Tokes Osubu, GMAD Executive Director will lead a panel discussion at the exhibition focusing on history, progress and the future of GMAD and its initiatives affecting and supporting Gay Men Of African Descent here and abroad. www.gmad.org

The crème de la crème of the philanthropic, arts and entertainment industries will be in attendance to support and honor these innovators and members of the LGBT community on their very special day.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images is co-curated by Dr. Kevin McGruder, former Executive Director of GMAD and current Scholar-in-Residence at the Schomburg Center; and Steven G. Fullwood, Project Director for the Black Gay & Lesbian Archive at the Schomburg Center.

Initial funding of the LGBT Initiative provided by Time Warner Inc., with additional support from M.A.C. AIDS Fund; Arcus Foundation; and Friends of the LGBT Initiative.

RSVP: GMAD25.eventbrite.com

10 Reasons to Attend Las Vegas Pride

2012-01-23T12:24:00.003-05:00

10. It’s the newest PRIDE event to be created.
9. MOSTLY EVERYONE is a Monica fan to some extent.
8. They have a fully stocked PARTY BUS that you can ride.
7. You get your first chance to see Christopher Street: “CockTALES”
6. Zeric from Model City is the face of the 2012 Event.
5. Meet Warren Bullock AKA Baby Boy STAR of Christopher Street: “CockTALES”
4. You can GAMBLE all Night and GET FREE DRINKS!!!
3. What better way to spend your SPRING BREAK???
2. Vegas have more attractions than any other PRIDE event has to offer.
1. Whatever happens in VEGAS… Stays in VEGAS is LAW… NOT MYTH!!!

Are Naked Pictures Still A Turn On?

2012-01-21T14:29:00.001-05:00

The one thing that I still find unusual is my relationship with older people. I've made friends with a lot of older people, even though they know I don't want to be in a relationship with them. I'm the type of person that wants to grow with someone and spend a long time with them. It's somewhat of a turnoff for me when I see a 50 year old male trying to make a pass at me. But still, I maintain my friendship with them.

One day, I ran into another one of my older friends. His name is Troy. I was walking around the city, looking for a good story to write about. He was a hosting a Mardi Gras event that was being held at the Ritz Carlton hotel. He still has a crush on me, but he doesn't go ahead with it. He understands that we are better off as friends.

During our conversation, he revealed to me that he is hooking up with this 30 year old male. He admits to going through multiple sexual adventures with him. He lived out every fantasy in his head because of his buddy. Then all of a sudden, he took out his cell phone and showed me a naked picture of this man.

"Isn't he gorgeous?" he asked me.

Due to my observant self, I looked down and saw that Troy was getting very excited just by looking at a naked picture of this man. However, I looked at the picture and was instantly turned off. Here was this fine African American male with his manhood in full display, but I wasn't excited. I was actually more turned on by Troy than the picture.

I looked up and said to Troy "Is it a video?"

For me, I am more turned on by watching a video and completely turned off by a picture. After seeing all these stars with these leaked pictures coming at least once a month, it becomes somewhat tiring to see just a naked picture. I sometimes want more. Looking at a body part frozen in time doesn't work for me anymore.

After this realization about myself, I can't help but wonder. Are naked pictures still a turn on?

2012-01-19T18:54:00.000-05:00

What is your relationship to time?

Every now and then when people ask me how I am able to accomplish certain goals, I break it down by explaining to them my relationship to time.

We all have the same amount of time, however, a good number of us aren’t effective with it’s use. So many people complain that they don’t have enough, but my theory is that we all can get certain things done, we just have to make better efforts and be willing to make sacrifices.

Make a list. Keep the list at five items.
Measure out how much time you think it’s going to take to accomplish the items on that list.
Be willing to delegate. Often, we feel that we have to do everything on our own and we don’t. If you have an assistant or a trusty friend, ask for help. There is always someone out there who can provide space for you to check off one of the items from your list.
Identify your distractions. One thing I had to become clear about was that I watched way too much television. I call television the dream stealer. I came to the realization that there really was nothing on television that I NEEDED that couldn’t be recorded and watched at another time.
Learn to multitask! I know multitasking isn’t for everyone, but it’s a very useful skill. I have ADD so it works wonders for me to multitask and I get so much done in the course of a particular time span.
Start early. If you get a decent night’s rest, you should start your plans early while your peers are still counting sheep. I made it a point to leave my house an hour earlier than usual just so that I could get to work with an hour to breathe and cross more off my list.
Give yourself credit. So, you may not get to every item on the list, but give yourself a treat for crossing off the ones that you did. Remember without a list, you are just doing ‘stuff’.

Take a moment today and ask yourself… What is my relationship to time?

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Thought for the day"

2012-01-18T11:45:00.001-05:00

Thought for the Day

You must reward yourself with every little step, every little accomplishment - Well Done - Greatly Done! Approach each small accomplishment as if it is a major success...like a Heisman Award, an Oscar, a CNN Hero of the Year, McArthur Fellow, Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim Fellow, Fullbright Fellow. You get the point. Don't diminish any of your accomplishments because the small ones are just as important as the huge ones. Embracing and praising the small accomplishments will allow you to appreciate and fully own the larger achievements even more.

Well Done! Greatly Done! Greatly Achieved!

AVAILABLE NOW

Shadows & Lights

by Cornelius Jones Jr.

CLICK HERE

To Purchase your Autographed Copy

at www.corneliusjonesjr.com/Books_Plays.html

HUE MAN BOOK STORE PRESENTS: The Debut Release & Book Signing of “LOVE YOURSELF FIRST”

2012-01-17T00:04:00.001-05:00

Marva Allen owner of the historic Hue Mann Bookstore and author Delvon Johnson are proud to present the highly anticipated book release of “Love Yourself First” on January 27, 2012 at Hue Mann Bookstore in Harlem, NY. Attendance is by INVITE ONLY.

Delvon Johnson is a critically acclaimed author from Newark, NJ. His debut novel, Love Yourself First received five stars on Amazon. This fictional piece is a compelling and explosive novel that demonstrates how one’s decisions can often create consequences that you may not be prepared to live with. Critics have compared his writing ability to E. Lynn Harris. In March, the author is slated to commence a ten-city tour to promote the release. www.delvonjohnson.com

The crème de la crème of the literary and entertainment industry will be in attendance to support this release and author Delvon Johnson on this momentous occasion. Publisher: World Audience Publications

Confirmed Attendees Include: Stanley Bennett Clay (actor, director, playwright), James Earl Hardy (award-winning author of the B-Boy Blues fiction series) DJ Baker (host of the longest-running LGBT radio program in America,) Lee Soulja (performance artist and Broadway stage actor), Frank Romano and filmmaker Alan Baxter to name a few.

2012 GLBT Travel Expo Tour Starts in Florida, February 9th!

2012-01-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find GLBT friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next vacation. FREE ADMISSION

Exhibitors will include:

Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines

Every one of them reaching out to the glbt consumer.

Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel providers as well as win great prizes.

Face to face promotions still represent one of the best ways to promote your services. This afternoon event will draw 500-1,000 elite consumers from a great demographic group. This is the third year Steven Levenberg Productions, LLC has been producing these events. Each year these shows have had an ever expanding exhibitor base and attendance.

THE TOUR

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - Thursday – February 9, 2012 - Pride Center of South Florida.

Miami, Florida – Sunday – February 12, 2012 – Moore Building.

Chicago, Illinois - Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Thursday – May 3, 2012 - The William Way Center.

New York , New York - Saturday May 5, 2012 - The LGBT Center.

Continue To Vote For Roque Caston And His Blog "Roque's Reality" At The 2012 Weblog Awards

2012-01-14T10:26:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great time. 2012 is still new and I love every minute of it. For everyone that knows me as the Saturday contributor here on The Future Forward website, I have something to share with you guys. Some amazing news has been announced a few days ago and I hope all you faithful readers are going to be a part of it.

The twelfth annual Weblog Awards opened its nominations on January 1st, 2012. This is an awards show that has recognized a wide variety of bloggers for the past twelve years. No matter what type of blogger you are, there is a category for you. Religion, Sports, Politics, Food, Humor, there is a category for everyone.

I just nominated my popular comedy blog "Roque's Reality" for the Weblog awards under these five categories.

1. Best LGBT Blog
2. Best Topical Weblog
3. Most Humorous Weblog
4. Best Writing Of A Weblog
5. Best Kept Secret Weblog

This is something I've never done before. I've never nominated my blog in the whole four years I've been doing this. But when I found out about this amazing opportunity, I felt my blog deserved to be up there. Not just for me, but to my faithful readers as well. The readers of my blog and here on The Future Forward website of course, tell me all the time that they relate to my stories whether it's funny or serious. Here I am, a 20 year old, incredibly smart, African-American openly gay male, who lives a humorous and positive life that people can laugh and relate to openly and honestly. My stories keeps them entertained and they always tell me to never stop writing my stories.

That's the feedback I love. The fact that people love reading about my life. No matter who they are or what they are, they all consider me a part of their family. I have friends of almost every culture, race, gender, and sexual orientation. I love everyone and I show it all the time. It inspires me to convince more people to come read "Roque's Reality" and get the same reaction you guys do. I want to entertain you guys with my stories till the day I die. Better yet, even after I die, I'm sure there will be some unpublished manuscripts lying somewhere with my name on it. Whether you're reading my blog, a book I hope to have published someday, an article from a magazine, I want to always put a smile on your face and make you live a positive life.

Due to that, I'm asking for your help. I want you guys to not only vote for my blog yourselves, but I also want you to spread the word and tell people to vote for "Roque's Reality" in the same categories at the Weblog Awards. I want to get this blog to be at least nominated. I don't care about winning. The fact that more people will know about my blog is better than any award in my opinion. My Future Forward family has joined the band wagon and are helping me get the word out You should too!

Here is the link to my blog
http://www.roquesreality.com/

This is the link to the voting registry. All you have to do is go down and fill out three blogs under the five categories I listed above.
http://2012.bloggi.es/

Voting ends on January 15th. So we have to do this quickly. I have faith in each of my readers. I love every single one of my readers and I'll continue to write more stories just for you guys. You guys are my friends. So to my friends, please vote for "Roque's Reality" at the 2012 Weblog Awards.

Me -n- My Gay Son with Lady D

2012-01-12T07:07:00.000-05:00

1. After I told you that I was gay, you prayed. What were your prayers?

My prayers were that God would deliver you. I honestly thought that you were going through a phase. Now, my prayers to God are for him to protect and keep you. You were given to me as a gift from God, raising you was a moving experience. I continue to pray that He allows me to treasure each and every moment of my gift.

2. How different do you think things may have been had my father been around?

I don't think things would have been any different. Initially, I don't believe your father would have accepted your sexuality. When he was alive, you were growing and exploring and sometimes he would question why you did certain things. I believe that you would have been scrutinized for your behavior. There would have been name calling. He would have most likely blamed me or your aunts for how you turned out, not taking responsibility for not spending more time with you himself. Women get blamed for churning out flaming queens, but what absentee fathers don't get is that they need to step up, be a man and play their role in the boy's life. Mothers are definitely more receptive of their children being gay than fathers.

3. What was it like for you knowing that I was going out with boys/men?

It was challenging at first. The thought of you being intimate with the same sex wasn't easy for me. I didn't allow myself to dwell on it so much. Eventually, I hoped that you would find someone to love you for who you are.

4. What has been your biggest concern or fear around me and my sexuality?

My biggest concern is your safety. Hate crimes are the worst and with you putting yourself out there the way that you are doing with your media efforts, sometimes, I just worry. People are so focused on the hatred that they don't stop to think about the fact that people are HUMAN BEINGS first.

Thanks for allowing me to share myself with you.

George Lucas: Hollywood Didn't Want To Fund My Film Because Of Its Black Cast

2012-01-10T20:17:00.006-05:00

—By Adam Serwer | Tue Jan. 10, 2012

After Jar-Jar Binks, it's hard to not to give George Lucas' new film Red Tails the side-eye. The movie is World War II-era action flick based on the Tuskegee Airmen, the heroic and decorated pilots who were first black servicemembers to fly combat missions at a time when black Americans were not recognized as full citizens on the United States, despite their willingness to fight and die in its defense.

In an interview with the Daily Show's Jon Stewart on Monday night, Lucas was frank about the trouble he had getting the film made—in part, he said, because the studios weren't willing to finance a film without a white protagonist as an anchor.

"This has been held up for release since 1942 since it was shot, I've been trying to get released ever since," Lucas joked—although he did say that the film took about 23 years to develop. "It's because it's an all-black movie. There's no major white roles in it at all...I showed it to all of them and they said nooooo. We don't know how to market a move like this." Lucas goes on to explain that major studios don't believe films with majority black casts do well in foreign markets. Lucas was unbowed, telling Stewart that "we do want to do a prequel and a sequel," which I take as a measure of how excited and proud about Red Tails Lucas actually is. Bonus exuberance: "This is the closest you'll ever get to Episode Seven." Here's the video:

Lucas' explanation of how difficult it is for films with mostly-black casts (let alone black directors) was one of my major frustrations watching Pariah, Director Dee Rees' excellent coming-of-age film about a black lesbian teenager in Brooklyn. It wasn't just that the movie was good, it was that lingering social attitudes about race make such films far rarer than they should be, in part because of the way they skew economic incentives for major studios. Lucas gets a little big for his britches when he disses the 1989 Civil War epic Glory by describing it as a film where "you have a lot of white officers running these guys into cannon fodder," implying that in comparison to the Massachusetts 54th Regiment the Tuskegee Airmen were "real heroes."

The derision here is unnecessary and unwarranted; the men of the 54th were certainly heroes, and though it is hard to imagine, were fighting to preserve a nation that thought even less of them than it did of the Tuskegee Airmen. Also there's maybe a .0001 percent chance that Red Tails is actually a better movie, though Lucas' point about Hollywood's aversion to making films that don't center around white protagonists is well taken. The issue here is as political as it is economic—the white protagonists' role in mostly black films is generally to act as a redemptive vehicle for the white audience, allowing them to believe that in another place, at another time, they would have been just as righteous. Whether we're talking about the men of the 54th or Capt. Robert Gould Shaw, we are speaking of a kind of courage that is present in vanishingly few people. It is however, a conceit that studios seem to view as necessary to fill seats.

After watching Lucas' interview with Stewart, I'm more likely to see the movie than before. It's hard to forget the galactic coonery of Jar-Jar Binks. On the other hand, one of the screenwriters for Red Tails is Aaron McGruder, the writer behind the newspaper comic strip turned TV show The Boondocks. When the Star Wars prequels were first released, McGruder justifiably blasted Lucas over Jar-Jar from the perspective of a Star Wars fan. Lucas then hired him to write a movie. It's not quite enough to get me to forgive him for ruining the original Star Wars trilogy, but it's enough to get me to want to see Red Tails.

"DAISY BATES: FIRST LADY OF LITTLE ROCK" PREMIERES IN HARLEM

2012-01-10T15:12:00.004-05:00

Saturday, January 14th

Time: 4 - 6 PM
Schomburg Center for

Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037-1801

Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock tells the story of a seven-year journey by filmmaker Sharon La Cruise to try to unravel the life of a forgotten civil rights activist named Daisy Bates. In 1957, Bates became a household name when she fought for the right of nine black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock,Arkansas. Bates’ public support culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.

As head of the Arkansas NAACP, and protector of the nine students, Daisy Bates would achieve instant fame as the drama played out on national television and in newspapers around the world. But that fame would prove fleeting and for her attempts to remain relevant, she would pay a hefty price.

This documentary travels with Daisy Bates on her long and lonely walk from orphaned child to newspaper woman to national Civil Rights figure to her last days in Little Rock.

Bates’ journey, both her triumphs and defeats parallels the ongoing struggle of generations of African Americans who for more than 200 years have challenged America to live up to what it claims to be.

COMING TO PBS on Thursday, February 2, 2012

4 Colored Boys Like Me

2012-01-10T00:02:00.001-05:00

Dane Harrington Joseph

Writer and actor; producer, 'Drama Queenz' and 'Langston's'

Posted: 1/9/12 02:49 PM ET on The Huffpost Gay Voices

I am not a racist.

There's a perfectly sound reason why my new project, Langston's, is subtitled "a film by (4) colored boys." Besides the obvious answer (it's a collaboration between four noted black and latino filmmakers), there's also a much more personal reason, dating back about 20 years to when I was a little colored boy myself (as my grandma would affectionately call me).

Back then, I would occasionally wet my bed at night. After such incidents I'd hide my gold-tinted "tighty whities" from my father, who would undoubtedly "whoop" me if he found them. Nonetheless, despite my best efforts, he would sniff them out after they had festered for a few days in some ill-concealed location.

He would then call out for me in his ironically shrill, baritone voice, and, after a series of insults, proceed to beat me, accentuating verbally my various flaws with each lash. My worst offense, however, would be crying, because "black men don't cry," an adage he'd bark at me whenever my eyes started to well up. So I would just bite my lip until he was finished, then retire to my room and cry secretly into my pillow, all the while thinking, "I need help."

Of course, I didn't mean I needed to be rescued from my father's "tough love." Rather, I needed help controlling my compulsion to be me. I didn't want to be me. I hated me. "Me" needed help, and I knew no other little "colored" boys like me who could show me the way. So I looked to pop culture for guidance: music, movies, TV. Bill Cosby? No. Montel Williams? Denzel Washington? No. Flava Flav? Hell no. There was not one media personality or public figure that reflected me. I wasn't relevant. I didn't matter.

I grew up, cried a little less, and, as a teen, became even more obsessed with the idea of finding someone to connect with -- other little colored boys like me. I discovered this newfangled thing called "the Internet" at the library. I made new virtual "friends" and consequently put myself in unsafe situations, sexually and emotionally, just to feel something, to relate to someone. I thought that love manifested physically between a 41-year-old Italian bear and a 15-year-old little colored boy could fill a void, could help substitute for the lack of love I felt for myself; it didn't.

I recall going to my mom a few months later and having her take me for my first HIV test, and crying, and then her crying, and then us crying again when the results came back negative. And I remember thinking I would never be self-destructive in that way again.

I must admit, however, that the lure of boys and booze to fill a void still lingers, to gain instant gratification to temporarily replace constant feelings of illegitimacy. And while this could, in truth, be the story of anyone of any race, I find that my existence as a gay man of color has rarely been validated; how I felt as a little colored boy looking to the media for validation still resounds today as a grown colored man. Aside from a slew of big black men in pretty dresses (RuPaul, Tyler Perry, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, and Flip Wilson, all of whom I admire, but almost all of whom aren't gay) and some admirable attempts by a few noted filmmakers (Patrick Ian Polk, Maurice Jamal, and Roger Omeus, to name a few), there has not been a constant presence of gay men of color in mainstream media or popular culture.

Coupled with negative societal perspectives on homosexuality, the diminished presence of black-themed entertainment that was so pervasive in the '80s and '90s, and the Euro-centric focus of most gay entertainment and advertising, it's not so surprising that self-destructive actions among young gay black men are on the rise, with the CDC reporting that new infections among said demographic saw a dramatic increase of 48 percent in recent years, with 59 percent of those carrying the disease unaware of their status.

As a filmmaker, I see the problem as a matter of value. Television and film are a reflection of reality, barometers of what is real and relevant. If you do not see "you" reflected, subconsciously or not, a feeling of irrelevance can set in. And when this occurs, it can devalue your existence, especially when you are at a younger, more impressionable age and trying to find yourself.

So what happens to little colored boys like me? The ones growing up with no one to look up to? The ones who wet the bed and can't make their fathers proud? The ones who hate themselves and cry at nights? The ones sleeping with older men to fill a void or sleeping with just anyone with disregard for their lives or personal health? Are they as lucky as I was, or do they become a statistic?

My resolution for 2012 is to create more works for boys like me and turn feelings of irrelevance into feelings of self-love and inner peace. This resolution is reflected in the aforementioned film Langston's, a piece that spans the gamut of the LGBTQ experience for people of color. After a year of development, the four of us have created a singular film comprising four interconnected stories set in a gay, urban nightclub in Brooklyn.

The film is unapologetically colored, daringly gay, and yet strikingly universal. More importantly, it will forever be a testament to the worth and beauty of a community, something for little colored boys to look to so that they rarely, if ever, feel the emptiness I once felt.

May your stories be told, no matter what race, religion, orientation or creed, as well. You deserve it. You have value.

Through Jan. 14, we are accepting donations for this passion project on Kickstarter. We welcome your support for our love letter to little colored boys like us.

Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Donna Karan

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Join fashion industry leader and award-winning creator of NY Fashion Week Fern Mallis for a look at the inner workings and culture of fashion with the most prestigious and iconic fashion designers working today.

Date: Thu, Jan 12, 2012, 8 pm

Venue: Kaufmann Concert Hall

Location: Lexington Avenue at 92nd St

Event Code: TW12S71035

Donna Karan Pre-Fall 2012, wrote Bloginity, "reaffirmed Karan’s place among America’s most forward-thinking designers."

"...a ’50s-inspired full skirt and cotton cross blouse," remarked The New York Times' T Magazine, "remind us how simple and sexy a cinched waist can be."

There's no question Donna Karan, chief designer of the international company that bears her name, is an iconic designer. “Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul," she says. “For me, designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the complications, feelings and emotions.”

Karan also founded the Urban Zen Foundation in 2007, the culmination of Karan's philanthropic efforts. Explains Karan, "I have founded the Urban Zen initiative to create a working structure for advancing wellness, preserving culture and empowering children. These are causes that mean the world to me."

Hear more from Donna Karan at 92nd Street Y on January 12 with fashion industry leader and award-winning creator of NY Fashion Week Fern Mallis, part of the Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis series.

New Feature Film Langstons: "Whats it about?"

2012-01-09T11:28:00.004-05:00

So as many of you know I am currently in coordination with Dane Joseph, Daniel Armando, and James Peeples on a POWERFUL new film called "Langstons" and many of you have asked me "WHY?" Well today Dane and myself have decided to answer those questions for you in two videos.

"The Danger of Not Being Gay"

"Inspiring Greater Greatness"

101 w/ NewNue and Dwight Allen O'Neal Interracial Dating GONE WRONG!!!

2012-01-09T11:25:00.001-05:00

Vote For Roque Caston And His Blog "Roque's Reality" At The 2012 Weblog Awards

2012-01-07T05:43:00.003-05:00

I just nominated my popular comedy blog "Roque's Reality" for the Weblog awards under these five categories.

1. Best LGBT Blog
2. Best Topical Weblog
3. Most Humorous Weblog
4. Best Writing Of A Weblog
5. Best Kept Secret Weblog

Here is the link to my blog
http://www.roquesreality.com/

This is the link to the voting registry. All you have to do is go down and fill out three blogs under the five categories I listed above.
http://2012.bloggi.es/

Notes from Nathan: What goals have you set?

2012-01-05T05:07:00.000-05:00

ne thing about goals is that you get to set them. If you reach them FANTASTIC! If you don't, it's not the end of the world. You get to set a new goal and strive to accomplish it. We at The Future aim to provide you with a wide variety of information to choose from when you visit our site. We bring fresh, new and innovation to your online experience.

2012 is here! Did you accomplish last year's goals? There is an amazing buzz going around that 2012 is going to be a major year so get ready! Be sure to take time to appreciate the little things. Listen to the wind. Help an elderly person across the street. Watch children play. Visit a friend.

As you consider your goals for 2012 try something NEW and outside of your comfort zone. One thing that helped me move from that safety net is taking on a life coach. My life coach whips me into shape like no other and I do the same for my clients.

If you are interested in speaking with me further about taking your life to the next level, feel free to email me at NathanSevenScott@gmail.com and check out www.nathansevenscott.com for more information.

Plan an amazing 2012 and be sure to tell a friend about The Future.

Have a Sevenly Day!

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Thought for the day"

2012-01-04T13:09:00.000-05:00

Thought for the Day

This week: Explore something different.

Today: Take a different route to work

Tomorrow: Try a different food item on the menu

Friday: Speak to the co-worker or person, you may not speak to. Even if it is simply saying hello, or acknowledging something pleasing about the person.

For the Weekend: Notice the small shifts you made. Be open for newness to enter your life by releasing some of the old. And finally reward yourself by taking yourself on a private weekend lunch date, movie, walk, shopping, or live event (no matter how big or small be good to you).

Listen out for the increase and blessings in your life AND be open to let it flow. Let yourself be stretched and grow. The Universe has you, The Universe Loves YOU.

AVAILABLE NOW

Shadows & Lights

by Cornelius Jones Jr.

CLICK HERE

To Purchase your Autographed Copy

at www.corneliusjonesjr.com/Books_Plays.html

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Shadows&Lights Available NOW"

2012-01-04T12:54:00.001-05:00

Shadows & Lights

Scenes Through Verse and Soliloquies

NOW AVAILABLE

Finally it is here FUTURE Fam. I am so so full today and want to share in the joy with you. I hope that you find a piece of yourself, in it, while reading the poems, scenes, songs, and imagery that I express in this debut collection. Share it with yourself, share it with your friends, family, or touch a strangers life with this book.

Thank you.

CLICK HERE

Tune in next Wednesday for more
Arts.Advocacy+Wellness with Cornelius Jones Jr.
Stay connected with me:
www.corneliusjonesjr.com
FaceBook: Cornelius Jones Jr.
Twitter: CorneliusJonesJ
FaceBook Fan Page: FlagBoy Official Fan Page of the Actor

Nhojj LIVE @ Brooklyn Museum (Saturday, January 7th, 2012)

2012-01-03T00:02:00.000-05:00

Nhojj

Brooklyn Museum



	Nhojj


	January

	07

	Brooklyn, NY

The Brooklyn Museum is having a special "Out & Proud" Target First Saturday on January 7, 2012 to celebrate HIDE/SEEK: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture. Its the first major museum exhibition to explore how gender and sexual identity have shaped the creation of American portraiture.

OUTMusic Award winning artist Nhojj kicks off the Free evening @ 5 p.m. with a 50 minute set including his latest singles "Adam & Steve" and "He & Him."

His band includes:

John F Adams - Keys (played with Keith Sweat)

Marcelo Cardozo - Guitar

Clark Dark - Bass

Swiss Chris - Drums (played with John Legend)

Ishmael Jeffers, Cameron Bernard Jones, David Williams - Background Vocals

Seating is limited, so everyone is advised to arrive 30 minutes early.

www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php

www.nhojj.com

Malachi Rivers Releases His debut single, Love & Music featuring U.K.'s Own Maria Bentley from His Forthcoming album Stereo Sound Escape

2012-01-03T00:01:00.002-05:00

Natural gifts of artistic flare are rarely combined into one and allowed such vivid expressions of individuality as with the unique sound of Emcee, Malachi Rivers music. Behind a lion driven force to live out his dreams is the serene humility of a unique and ubiquitous individual.

Having toured the states and Europe with rising and notable Jazz star Marcus Strickland "Twi-Life" Group as the "God Voice" in support of their acclaimed live recorded album Open Reel Deck, Malachi developed the lyrical chops, musicality, and stage presence to hold down two to three shows a night. Working with such barrier breaking talent as Grammy Award winning rapper Cee-Knowledge aka Doodlebug of the Legendary Hip Hop Group Digable Planets, Spoken Word Star J.Ivy (Kanye West, Jay-Z, John Legend), and two breakthrough producers, Jazz trained female drummer turned producer JoVia Armstrong and House/Techno head Brandon Durrette, Malachi's debut album Stereo Sound Escapeembodies musicality, love, lyricism, and the privilege to hear music that crosses borders and not just the charts.

Born Greg Owens, Jr. In Prince George's County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C., Malachi started from humble beginnings with a young mother and step-father who raised him to be a very spiritually aware, confident, and disciplined individual. "Growing up I saw it all drugs, abuse, you name it! However, when I heard music, especially Hip Hop, like Tribe, Digable Planets, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and Arrested Development it was my escape. I started to feel like there was more to life than some of the things I saw. That's why I took on the name Malachi which means "my messenger" because I wanted to use music as away to get a message across. The last name Rivers came about because I wanted the message to flow like a river, sometimes its rough sometimes its smooth."

Malachi, began to take his love for music seriously auditioning and being accepted into a prestigious performing arts school in Maryland. Honing his craft vocally, Malachi studied Classical voice. "I was always told I had such a strong voice. I would sing Arias and Negro Spirituals all the time. Let's just say I was the young man who loved singing "Ol' Man River". After graduating Malachi, attended the University of Maryland where he developed an interest in spoken word poetry. Malachi, studied the craft, started a group with a female singer/poet and became one of the DMV's most dominant spoken word performers. Winning Slams, and performing alongside or for many outstanding performers including Saul Williams, Sonia Sanchez, Dick Gregory, and performing at the same spot on a weekly basis as R&B singer Raheem Devaughn.

After the group broke up, Malachi began to do some soul searching. Taking time away from the craft, Malachi enrolled in Broadcasting school, graduated, worked hard as an intern at Radio One in the DMV area and within a few months became the co-host of a talk show on a very new at the time XM Satellite Radio - "The Power". In less than a year Malachi was given his own show on XM Satellite Radio - "The Flow" called The "Nu Soul Lounge". The show played "Neo-Soul" Spoken Word, and "conscience" Hip Hop. Moreover, this was the blessing that got him back on track to his musical path. "I remember being behind the mic interviewing Dougie E. Fresh, and started "spittin" for him, being in a hotel room having a cypher with The Nappy Roots, being in a backstage dressing room rhyme fest with Eve and Beenie Man, vibing with India. Arie, talking to Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Q-Tip, and feeling like I never want this to end. So I left it all and moved to NYC to pursue my dreams as a emcee/poet."

Malachi delved right into the New York scene, with only $103 dollars in his pocket and a dream. Hitting up open mic spots and meeting an array of talent. Performing for a month in a musical at the legendary Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, frequenting the "mother of all open mics" Village Underground, and many other spots. "I remember studying what performers did to captivate an audience. By attending these spots it developed me even more as an artist."

Perhaps, even beyond the open mic scene the world of social media has done wonders for Malachi. "I've always been a person to network, so social media was a cinch for me." Through social media Malachi, met the man who he thanks as giving him the opportunity to perform at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club and to see the world, Jazz star Marcus Strickland. Strickland discovered Malachi on Myspace and sought after his talents for his project. Malachi, was also able to meet U.K. soul singer Maria Bentley, who he has two songs with to date, JoVia the amazing female producer who produced three tracks off his forthcoming albumStereo Sound Escape, including his debut single Love & Music with Maria Bentley, and one of his Hip Hop inspirations Cee-Knowledge aka Doodlebug from Digable Planets, whom has blessed Malachi with a powerful collaboration.

"Working on the album Stereo Sound Escape has been the most rewarding part of my career
so far. To put it quite simply I just didn't give a damn about fitting into any sound. I think the album is more of an introduction of what I have to offer as an artist who uses music and words to convey feelings, versus fitting into any genre. It's all a part of who I am."

Hence, the album's name Stereo Sound Escape. "Traveling the world and performing, I was exposed to different sounds and musical elements. I wanted to be true to the sound that I know I can perform with my heart in it. Not what someone said is hot or the trend right now. I wanted to give myself and my listeners an okay, to step away from what we hear on the radio. If my music charts what a blessing, if it doesn't the blessing is still there because I am doing what I love."

“Through music we are able to find ourselves in some shape or form. We are able to visit a place that has been revealed to everyone. It's a special place that the person in the hood has visited, the rich socialite has nodded her head in, and the poor child looking for food has only imagined. However, it is the one place that we all cross paths, regardless of our life story.”

Malachi Rivers, is what you would call a true artist. As an emcee he is compelling and as a performer engaging. Beyond any musical genre. He performs what is in his heart and that alone is a major hit!

You can check out Malachi's new single, "Love & Music" at:

Soundcloud: Love & Music featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

YouTube: Love & Music featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

iTunes: Love & Music Featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia
Amazon: Love & Music Featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

Discover the World of Malcolm Harris - "Mister GoLightly"

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Malcolm Harris is a New York based fashion designer, creative activist, humanitarian and Huffington Post Blogger.

Though he thrives on being a jack-of-all-trades, Malcolm's primary purpose is to live his life as a vehicle for social change. Malcolm's creative passions for fashion, art, music, along with the extensive and diverse global social network he has spent years building and cultivating are all means to support one simple aspiration -- to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Keeping these priorities balanced is an every day struggle, creating ongoing conflict and drama in Malcolm's life.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Grow Your Business in 2012

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

New business success starts with improvements in YOU. These questions will get you started

by Felicia Joy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I love this time of year. It represents a fresh start. It gives people and businesses a symbolic moment in time to assess what worked well last year, what didn’t and wipe the slate clean and start all over.

It is easy and requires no effort to think about what we’d like to do differently in business. The tough part is making and sustaining changes—and even tougher than that is realizing you can’t move your business to the next level or fix a struggling business by simply focusing on the business. You also have to focus on fixing yourself.

Entrepreneurship is literally a self-improvement obstacle course. In launching and growing a business, all your strengths will be tapped and all your weaknesses will be revealed. The business gets better when you get better. If not, the business fails. So any business planning you have done or are doing for the New Year should include taking stock and improving you.

Here are five questions you should ask yourself to

make sure you grow as a person in the New Year and therefore grow your business too:

Am I well? Anxiety, stress and physical disease zap your energy. One of the easy traps to fall into as an entrepreneur is saying and believing that you’ll pay more attention to your health once you make your business successful. That’s a fallacy. Burnout is real. Vitamin deficiency is real. Depression is real. Diabetes, hypertension, emotional bondage and all the other preventable health ailments that come from ignoring your body, eating in response to problems and avoiding issues instead of facing and resolving them are real. That also includes sitting at the computer or working in the business from the moment you get up until you pass out at night with no exercise, quiet time or focused loving interaction with your significant other or family. If you don’t have the stamina to run the business without running yourself down then you must make a conscious choice now to change. You don’t have to be a body builder or love guru but you do need to be well. Try a retreat or another means of pulling back to check in with yourself and make sure you are.
Do I have strong relationships? Every success in this world comes out of some kind of relationship. What’s the quality of your relationships? Think about how connected you feel. Do you feel like you have people who genuinely support and love you—do you support and love them? Check in with your friends, family, employees and business partners to find out how they really feel. These are people who know all your “stuff” and love you anyway. These relationships are a safe haven through tough times and an inner circle to celebrate with during great times. Make sure you make a concerted effort throughout the year to give focused time to your relationships.

3. Do I have the skills I need to succeed?

It takes a lot to make a business work. If you have not taken an honest look at where your business keeps getting stuck and figuring out what skills you need to move beyond that recurrence now is the time to do that. Once you brainstorm a list of skills select one or two of them that you will intentionally focus on improving this year.

4. Am I 100% committed? Successful entrepreneurship does not result from half-hearted efforts. You’re either completely committed or your business is on the way out. Some people believe they are committed because they are still doing business every day. Time in service doesn’t mean you are committed. Being committed means you are willing to show up and make the changes that will consistently improve the business and make it profitable, or move you on to a business that will. Have you had an executive meeting with yourself regarding commitment? Check in with self to make sure you are completely committed.

5. Do you execute? The most talented people with the best ideas and best plans don’t win unless they execute. Do you accomplish the daily, weekly and monthly tasks that are critical to your business success? That’s a yes or no question. If your answer is no, you have to be totally honest and determine within yourself why you do not execute and how to move to the point that you do. In business, there is no trying. Your either are getting it done, or you’re not.

Answer these five questions to find out what you need to work through to hit your targets in 2012.

Lonnell Williams and Dwight Allen O'Neal on 1ON1 w/ NewNue

2012-01-02T12:39:00.001-05:00

Lester "Newnue" Matthews was born and raised in the Crescent City of New Orleans, LA on September 10, 1985. Currently residing in Houston, TX, He received his degree in "Video Production" in 2010.

Blogging since May 2008, Newnue has a unique style of which is expressed through his popular YouTube channel "The YBN Channel". Many of his webisodes consist of interviews with friends and associates in the community that deal with everyday topics from relationships to celebrity entertainment. His most popular and signature shows have been those that consist of him traveling across the United States meeting and greeting viewers and fans, experiencing different cultures, and documenting Prides, Partys, and special events with his friends through video.

With Newnue's Video Production skills, not only has Newnue videos garnered attention for it's content but also for the attention to details in quality editing and special effects that come along with his shows. He enjoys creating websites and updating his own website "YoBoiNewnue.com" which launched in 2008. During the past two years, Newnue has established a brand for YoBoiNewnue.com and his YouTube show "1on1 with NewNue" which continues to steady bring him to the forefront as a leader in the LGBT community and a Socialite. Newnue has had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Karamo of MTV's "The Real World", Kandi and Sheree of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta", Multimedia Maven B. Scott of "LoveBScott.com", and many more.

Newnue has aspirations to become an actor and has been using his YBN brand to take the next step in his career. He recently relocated to L.A. and has many upcoming special events and Prides he will be hosting this summer as well as more celebrity interviews for his "1on1 w Newnue" show. New has turn to the world of etertainment with his new show "The BuzZ, that airs every week on his youtube channel.

GMAD Celebrates 25 Years of Community Service

2012-01-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

DENZEL MANIA!

2011-12-22T07:07:00.000-05:00

Some of my earlier works. My editing skills have far surpassed what is seen here, but take a look at the eerie chill this video gives. If you get into the imagery, you might ask yourself what was going through my head when we made it.

This was my second project with Denzel. He was such a great sport and of course you see he is plenty eye candy. And to think I got to shoot him, and reshoot him up close and personal. Take a look!

Creators of LANGSTON’S the movie will Host The GMAD Christmas Party on Monday, December 19th at Tian on the Riverbank Restaurant, Harlem

2011-12-16T00:05:00.001-05:00

GMAD is proud to announce the creators of LANGSTON’S, a new film about the contemporary struggles of gay men of color, will host The GMAD Christmas Party on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 8:00pm with a special Open Bar sponsored by Grand Touring Vodka. Having spent one year in development, LANGSTON’S is an unprecedented collaboration between four filmmakers: Dwight Allen O’Neal (Christopher Street TV), Dane Harrington Joseph (Drama Queenz), Daniel Armando (Boys Like You), and James Peoples (Where Truth Lies). Their talents combine to create four unique stories each connected by a tragic event in one location, a popular night club. More info can be found at www.WhatHappenedatLangstons.com.

Come out an enjoy the holiday festivities with the (4) Men of Color, (3) Target Audiences, (2) Projects & (1) Goal.

Are you in the Holiday Spirit?

RSVP TODAY at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2620634388

Space is Limited! Hope to see you there.

Hue-Man Vendor Day on Saturday, December 17th from 10:00AM to 6PM HARLEM

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Vendor's Day at Hue-man Bookstore featuring

Artist JUSTIN LEE FULTON's "Clownin' Series"

Looking for Unique Holiday Gift Giving Presents...?
Check Out Vendor's Day
THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th
SUPPORT NEW YORK CITY's ART COMMUNITY

Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe

2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (Between 124th and 125th Streets)

New York, NY 10027. Tel: 212-665-7400

Event is from Noon to 8PM

Richard E. Pelzer II LOVES Justin Lee Fulton's work.

Inspired In New York Honors Roberta Flack at the Faison Firehouse Theater

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

Inspired In New York Honors

MONA SCOTT YOUNG, ANTHONY HAMILTON & ROBERTA FLACK

Hosted by: GEORGE FAISON

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 in Harlem, NY

L to R: Senator Bill Perkins, Ms. Roberta Flack, Mona Scott-Young, George Faison, Jamie Foster Brown, Camille Evans & George Harrell

MONA SCOTT YOUNG owner of Monami Entertainment and former co-owner/president of Violator Management, Anthony Hamilton, American R&B /Soul singer-songwriter and record producer and the legendary songstress, songwriter and musician Roberta Flack were honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK at Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem, NY. This star studded was INVITE ONLY.

Mona Scott Young, Anthony Hamilton, and Roberta Flack were chosen to be honored by the honorable Assemblyman Keith Wright &Senator Bill Perkins due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the Music/Entertainment and Media Industries. All honorees received a proclamation from New York for their contributions in the fields of media, arts and entertainment.

This was Anthony Hamilton's acceptance speech

https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/1suNcC5y9iCExF

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry will be in attendance to support and honor these trendsetters and innovators on their very special day.

The Faison Firehouse Theater is home to the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC), a not-for-profit (501c3) organization co-founded by Tony Award Winner, George Faison in 1997. For more than thirty-five years, George Faison has been a driving force in the theater as well as film, video, television, concert dance, concert staging, television commercials and trade shows. George is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important directors, choreographers and writers is known for his uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence and the production and nourishment of socially relevant art and artist. He has a keen eye for recognizing emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org

Contributing Sponsors: Chevrolet, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Sugar Hill Golden Ale, LezPlay Radio, International Festival Network, The Harlem International Street Fair, APAC Inc. CME Group, Promotional Pro & MEGA Management Inc.

Jay-Z Sets to Play at Carnegie Hall in Support of Higher Education

2011-12-15T23:06:00.001-05:00

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

It was announced that Jay-Z will perform 2 shows on February 6 and 7, 2012 at Carnegie Hall, in the Stern Auditorium to raise money for the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. These monies will be used to improve the on-time graduation rate in underserved NYC schools and give low-income students in the city the opportunity to attend college

“The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and great thinkers makes for a legendary night." said Jay-Z. "I’m proud to be a part of the continuing work of United Way of New York City and expanding the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation"

Poverty has the strongest correlation to dropout rates. New York City has the largest income gap in the U.S., and thirty percent of children in New York City live in poverty. Because of statistics like these, coupled with the fact that thirty-nine percent of New York City students who enter high school will not graduate on time, United Way of New York City, The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and Shawn “JAY Z” Carter are engaging activists and philanthropists to provide resources and opportunities for students.

For ticket information, click here.

Conversations With Your Penis

2011-12-10T03:02:00.001-05:00

When it comes to sex, the one thing that men appears to not be incredibly vocal about is their secret conversations with their partner downstairs. I'm talking about the partner deep inside their pants. I'm talking about the one thing that they are self confident about on a daily basis. I don't need to tell you what it is. The title says it all.

For women, it's very obvious that they talk about their breasts numerous times. Whether it's talking to them in the mirror or having a conversation with their friends, a conversation regarding their breasts is always going to come up. That's why the majority of us are prepared for things like that to happen. If you're an only child, your conversations with your breasts is like talking to real life sisters.

Well what about men? Do we have those same type of conversations? Absolutely.

Even though it's not publicly displayed as it is with women, men do have independent conversations with their penis. Men, have there ever came a time in your life when you're alone in the bathroom completely nude, and you just happened to be talking to your partner downstairs? Have you ever had that short moment of cockiness with your partner?

I for one will admit that I did something related to it. I remember standing in the bathroom completely naked. The hot water from inside the tub heated me up so much, I was erect for a full half hour. Even when I was out of the tub, it was still fully excited.

"Oh really," I said while looking down at it. "Even when I'm not in the mood you can't control yourself. You can't stay up to save your own life. What do you want me to do? Take a picture and put it on my blog? Not gonna happen."

It was the first time that I visually remember having a short conversation with my penis. It was a short moment, but it was still a conversation. At that point, I began to think about the numerous men that does things like this. What do they say to it? How do they feel when they say it? Is it somewhat cocky or a form of self-confidence? If women can speak publicly about their breasts, why can't men do it as well with their partner?

What are the conversations you have with your partner below the belt?

What's Your Secret? C. R. Knight

2011-12-08T07:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Diary:

Sometimes I wonder why I even sit still long enough to tell you anything. I was so pissed at myself for reading 58 pages from a diary from 2001. My life was a f&cking mess back then. My third grade English teacher was the one who insisted that we all keep a journal. I did for a while back then, but I got bored.

The secrets I write on these pages are wicked. Everybody has something that they don't want others to know. We have all done something that we are ashamed of or embarrassed to share. Without saying any names, I've decided to come clean... Back in 2001, I went away on a weekend trip with a very close friend's boyfriend. Back then, I came up with every reason why it was okay, but I knew the entire time that it was wrong. He lured me to Las Vegas with a first class plane ticket and a chauffeured Town Car. I was young. Youngins love that crap and older men know it. I will never forget getting away with that.

I've decided to ship the rest of my diaries to my mother because I seriously want to bury some of those deep dark secrets. It's time for new discoveries.

Good Knight.

Love Is Not Worth A Lifetime Virus

2011-12-03T10:44:00.001-05:00

In honor of World Aid's Day that happened two days ago, I want to take this opportunity to talk a particular subject surrounding the LGBT community. I think it's a wonderful thing to continue spreading the word, thereby educating our youth on what's out there in the world.

When it comes to relationships, it gets under my skin that in less than a week, people are more than willing to have unprotected sex over this one emotion called "love". They've known this person in less than a week and they think it's love when they ask them if they can hit it raw. Not only that, but they think having raw sex is a little adventurous than wearing an actual condom. It's a insane thing that appears to be going viral.

It's almost like they are begging to have the virus. To them, it sounds exotic, and they want to be a part of it.

This virus is nothing to be played with. Love is not worth having unprotected sex. If you do love this person, then the both of you will agree on staying protected. One hour of exotic sex is not worth getting something that you'll have to treat for the rest of your life.

In honor of World Aid's Day, I would like to say "Love is not worth a lifetime virus."

Analyze This: "All Back" by Chris Brown

2011-12-01T20:48:00.000-05:00

By J9 of J9's MusicLife

Analyze This: An in depth look at the lyrical content of a song to provide insight

"All Back"

If I had the moment
I'd capture that moment
You would be right here next to me
If I had the secret,
The secret to your love
I would place the treasure beneath my heart
Lock it all up,
And throw away the key
I would never give it up
Cause I was just a fool,
A fool for you
When I loved you so childishly

Chorus:

And I want it all back
I want it all, I want it all,
I want it all back
I want it all back,
I want it all, I want it all
Girl I want it all
You never miss a good thing 'til it's gone,
I want it all, now I want it all (back)

If there is a green light
And it starts to turn yellow
Pedal to the floor,
Cause I know your heart is turning red,
If I had the minutes, I would turn 'em into hours
And make love to your mind not your body instead
I was just a fool, a fool for you
That didn’t know what I had until I lost you
Every single moment
That you’re not here
It's evident to me that everything just seems so clear

Chorus

Now everything isn’t everything
If everything, everything isn’t with you
And I want it all back
I want it all, I want it all, I want it all back
I want it all back, I want it all, I want it all
Girl I want it all
You never miss a good thing 'til it's gone,
I want it all, now I want it all.
Now I want it all back
Now I want it all back
Now I want it all back

J9's Analysis: This is one of my favorite tracks of his album. The song is so sincere, raw, and emotional. The lyrics of the songs makes you wonder if it's meant for Rihanna. I mean it makes sense. . . CB sings about regretting what he's done and desperately wanted to re-do the damage done to have that relationship back. “You never miss a good thing, til it’s gone”. . everyone knows this line all too well and if this is about RiRi, CB is probably punishing himself for ruining their relationship and losing a good girl (that apparently has gone bad, or should I saw naughty, especially in her new album Talk That Talk).

CB’s delivery of the song is so heartfelt. You can feel the pain and regret he feels as his pours his heart out. Many things that he points out can apply to anybody. He talks about loving so childishly, something that happens way too often when you make stupid mistakes due to immaturity and don’t realize what you did until you grow older and wiser.

To read the rest of the post, click here.

What makes a serial killer?

2011-12-01T07:07:00.000-05:00

It's been a roller coaster ride of a year. I can't believe it's almost over. So, I've been working on THE NOVEL and so many things have been coming out of me. It's truly amazing how the brain works. My very good friend Karen Minors, (author of "It Is What It Is"), were having a conversation about our journeys in writing and she suggested that I take a look at documentaries about serial killers. Initially, I thought to myself, why? But after watching a few Youtube videos, I was mentally blown away. The things these people did.

Watching these videos allowed me to dive deeper into the lead character of my upcoming novel. I'm pretty sure that when people read this novel, they will wonder what was roaming through my twisted mind, but I go to very dark places sometimes.

Check out my one of my favorite serial killers. Jeffrey Dahmer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMlLYYO4DS0

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "World AIDS Day: A SONG FOR YOU"

2011-11-30T12:45:00.001-05:00

A SONG FOR YOU

this World AIDS Day

Hello FUTURE & A.A.+W readers. Here is a special piece I created for World AIDS Day. Also follow me tomorrow (Thursday) on facebook: Cornelius Jones Jr. and twitter: CorneliusJonesJ as I will be posting a bunch of videos in commemoration of this special day.

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Shadows&Lights"

2011-11-30T12:33:00.002-05:00

Coming this DECEMBER

the debut

poetry collection

by Cornelius Jones Jr.

.....only 2 weeks away!!!!

“Jones’ minimalist writing, recalling in some ways E. E. Cummings, carves out finely designed pictographs for the mind to explore. The depictions in his poems of the Momma figure are so endearing and heart-warming, I could almost smell the home cooked meal on the stove as I read the often monosyllabic lines on the page. What Jones can do with one syllable, takes many at least a dozen to get across.”

-Pandora Scooter, CEO Fushicho Entertainment & Spoken Word Artist

"Jones' prose pops and percolates, possessing an immediacy and energy so electric you'd swear you were at a poetry slam. And, as with any riveting performance, you will be on the edge of your seat, captured by the rapture of Jones' "a-to-the-men" testimonies on love and lust, hurt and healing, sadness and celebration. Long before you get to the very last stanza, you will be giving this intensely moving collection--and Jones--a standing ovation."

- James Earl Hardy, author of the bestselling B-Boy Blues series

"Cornelius is simply masterful with the poetic word in Shadows and Lights; he writes with a fire in his soul that burns in the rhythm of his prose. His testimonies are fearless and brilliantly unapologetic. Through his writing, we share the passion of his triumphs and feel the heartache of his pains. He teaches us not only how to live, but how to love - especially ourselves! Kudos to a remarkable man on his extraordinary work!"

- Lee Hayes, author of The Bad Seed and Passion Marks

Shadows and Lights is a moving, intimate portrayal of the life of poet and playwright Cornelius Jones Jr. In this heartbreakingly beautiful book, Cornelius fashions images both brave and delicate to describe growing up black and gay in Washington D.C., the decay of the body and the rage of living with HIV. But it is the writer's honesty that lifts these words off the page. This is experiential poetry at its finest. You must listen to the music of Cornelius Jones Jr.

-Paula Brancato, CEO, The Writers Place --

Professor, University of Southern California

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Don't Say GAY"

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

DON'T SAY GAY

An 8th Graders Brilliant Public Service Announcement.
Check it out:

Never Settle For A Good Enough Relationship

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

One of the lessons I've learned from being single for a year is that I never have to settle for a good enough relationship. You know what I'm talking about when I say good enough relationships.

When it comes to being with someone most people are scared to be alone. Some are extremely dependent on being in a relationship. They don't want to live the single life for too long. They really want to be with someone. Due to that, they settle for a good enough relationship. It's a relationship where you know it's not going anywhere, but you choose to stay in it because you don't want to be by yourself.

It's actually much worse than a dysfunctional relationship.

For a dysfunctional relationship, there are everyday problems that will surprise you all the time. However, you will do your best to compromise on a daily basis. A good enough relationship is a relationship that is obviously going nowhere, but you decide to accept it. You've accepted the fact you will never be accepted completely by the other person and vice versa. You've accepted that things are never going to change. You've accepted that you are going to be completely happy.

I remember being absolutely dependent on relationships during my teenage years. I was looking for love because I wasn't getting it from my friends or family. This one particular guy I dated was my obvious guy. He was into the performing arts. He loved sex as much as I do. He never wanted to leave me. I never wanted to leave him.

However, it was never good from the beginning. We were living in different worlds. I was the boy next door who was too focused on work and not partying with a group of people. He was a bad boy who cared less about work and wanted to just party all the time. When it came to the arts, he would leave his talents out the window and just waist it on the party lifestyle. We've had numerous arguments, which led to break ups and make ups for three whole years. It was completely difficult to deal with on an emotional level.

Then one night, I remember us sitting outside on the balcony at a gay bar. We cuddled with my head on his heart and he said "It's very obvious, don't you think? It's obvious that we are not a good match. You're good enough for me. I'm good enough for you. But we will never be complete as a couple because we are never meant to be a couple. So why not we stay in this relationship, knowing that we will never be truly happy? Be a good enough person for each other."

Obviously, you would walk away from it. However, I was so afraid of being alone, I stayed with him for a couple of more months. Admittingly, we were never happy. I dealt with the fights and arguments. I dealt with the fact that there was never going to be a happy future. It was an ultimate good enough relationship between two teenagers.

Our relationship ended when he left the state and didn't tell me that he left or where he was going. In the beginning, I was incredibly sad. Now that I look back, I'm glad it happened. It was a sign telling me that I didn't have to settle for a good enough relationship. Not only was I was going to be happy as a single man, but when I do get into another relationship, the two of us were going to accept and love one another completely, and never be each other's good enough.

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Happy Thanksgiving from Mother Erma""

2011-11-23T11:18:00.000-05:00

Mother Erma Johnson's Thanksgiving Tip.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY!!!!

OPERA IS HOT AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER 1st Weekend in December

2011-11-22T13:57:00.005-05:00

The Faison Firehouse Theater located at 6 Hancock Place will present Opera Is HOT December 2^nd, with a 6pm opening night reception, followed by the 8pm performance; Saturday, December 3^rd, 3pm and 8pm and Sunday, December 4^th, 3pm, followed by reception. Tickets for the 8pm concerts (Friday and Saturday), $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the performance. Opening Night Reception and concert: Friday, December 2^nd $40 per person. 3pm concerts (Saturday and Sunday) $20 in advance, $30 on the day of the performance.

The closing matinee performance with reception on Sunday, December 4^th is $40 per person. Tickets on line: www.faisonfirehouse.org and for reservations call 212-665-7698, or e-mail at faisonfirehouse.org.

The series will present of four concerts featuring Harlem Opera Theater Vocal Competition Winners, Jasmine Thomas, soprano, Flora Mendoza, mezzo-soprano, Patrick Dailey, counter-tenor, and Barry L. Robinson, baritone. The program will also include guest performances by Robert Mack, tenor of the Metropolitan Opera, Phillip Boykin, the acclaimed Crown in the upcoming Broadway production of Porgy and Bess, Richard Bellazin, acclaimed bass, Victor Trent Cook and Roderick Dixon, celebrated tenors and original members of “Three Mo’ Tenors”. The series will present arias by Donizetti, Puccini, Mozart, Bizet and Gershwin.

In addition the repertoire will include Negro Spirituals and works by African American Composers Hal Johnson and Nathaniel Dett. As conceived and staged by George Faison, poetry form renowned African American writers will be interwoven throughout the program to recreate an era of self discovery and determination reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance. Brian Whitted, Faison Firehouse Theater Musical Director will provide the piano accompaniment. The historical prospective will blend the talents of these gifted young stars of tomorrow into a new creative production that will serve as a preview of future presentations of up and coming opera singers. This artistic philanthropy is in keeping with the now eleven-year Faison Firehouse mission to “reclaim restore and rebuild our youth and our community through dance, music, art and theater.”

LANGSTON'S a film by (4) colored boys needs your support... GIVE TODAY!!!

2011-11-22T11:09:00.006-05:00

"I went down to the river,
I set down on the bank.
I tried to think but couldn't,
So I jumped in and sank."
― Langston Hughes

WHAT
Whether old or young, masc or fem, prep or urban, we all share an attraction that draws us together and forces us to see the similarities in our differences...and in the club, there's no hiding from this truth.

An unparalleled collaboration between 4 noted filmmakers, LANGSTON'S is a modern portrait of gay men of color who are linked together by a tragic act.

A film by and 4 boys of color.

WHY
Together we can stop other young men of color from sinking.

Novo Film Project is dedicated to examining the questions latent in the LGBT community of color. In every project, Novo Film Project builds upon the contemporary and classic concerns and themes that remain timeless in order to introduce more "colorful" images in the cinematic landscape. In association with Off The Clock Productions, LANGSTON'S is the first feature length effort in achieving this goal.

In short, LANGSTON'S is a response to the diminishing presence of "colored folks" in mainstream film, a novel opportunity for us to tell our story and affect positive change within our community.

WHO
LANGSTON'S fuses the talents of 4 emerging, award-winning filmmakers:

Dane Harrington Joseph
Co-producer and writer of Drama Queenz, the hit comedy series about three friends and roommates dealing with life, love, and trying to make it in New York City. Now in its third season, the show has been presented at film festivals and pride events across the country, on many notable blogs and websites, and has a special partnership with BGCLive.com.

Dwight Allen O’Neal
Executive Producer/Creator/Writer of Christopher Street TV (now available through TLA Releasing) and the forthcoming spin-off series cockTALES. A notable blogger, celebrity make-up artist, and international GAYlebrity, Dwight’s work has featured in Vogue Magazine, TheFutureFoward.net, and various other hot spots across the world wide web.

Daniel Armando
Executive producer/director/writer, Boys Like You (winner “Best Male Short,” North Carolina Int’l Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) and vice president of development at Novo Film project.

James Peoples
BET/Urbanworld Screenwriting finalist and writer of the first novo film project, Where Truth Lies (Official Selection, North Carolina Int’l Gay and Lesbian Film Festival). James' work has also been featured in the NBC Shortcuts festival. James was also one of the recipients for Best Science Fiction film at the Terror Film Festival.

HOW
YOU can make this happen. Through your support, you can help give voice to emerging artists, a disenfranchised community, and the individuals within that may be sinking. By partnering with Novo Film Project and Off the Clock Productions, you will bring to life work by us, for ALL of us.

Give today.

The 1st GLBT Online Travel Store

2011-11-22T10:41:00.008-05:00

We are pleased to announce the 1st GLBT Travel Store. This new One-Stop Travel Shop can be found at www.glbttravelstore.com.

The GLBT Travel Store, the premier gay travel store for the prolific LGBT traveler. We're happy to bring you a specially curated array of travel accessories and services for the LGBT community. The gay travel store opened just in time for the holidays when the most traveling happens. It will be featuring select gift ideas to make your Online shopping easy here and on facebook: Like us on facebook, join the facebook group and our newsletter. We know what you want to arrive in style! We've shopped the Internet for eco-friendly luggage options and everything to fill it from swimwear, underwear, and accessories to skincare and hair care. They have designer labels from Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, D & G Dolce & Gabbana, and Hugo Boss as well as sexy labels like 2Xist, Pistol Pete and Gregg Homme.

“In recent years, I have produced events across the country and realized that there was not one place where I could get those travel accessories that made things a bit easier for me” said Steve Levenberg, Co-founder of the GLBT Travel Store. Certainly, none that appealed to a gay Aesthetic. For myself and the other members of the LGBT community, I wanted to put together a site where we could do one stop shopping.”

“Our site is easy to navigate and provides a varied selection of items from the very best suppliers. We are always looking to add to the selection. I believe Our Travel Store is a unique and exciting purchasing venture. Our blogs will be insightful, helpful and of course, humor filled” said Herb Hernandez, Co-founder of The GLBT Travel Store.

About Co-founders

Steven Levenberg has produced LGBT events since 1994. These events have migrated all across the country from the Javits, LA to the Miami Beach Convention Centers as well as other venues. In recent years, he has successfully produced The GLBT Travel Expo, www.glbttravelexpo.com that has herald in NYC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Ft. Lauderdale. He was excited to add Miami and Chicago to the 2012 tour.

Herb Hernandez is co founder and President of H2Internet Services, a NYC based computer and internet services company. He has a 15-year background in retail sales.

Benetton ‘Unhate’ Ad Campaign Features World Leaders Kissing

2011-11-17T11:11:00.004-05:00

By Christina Ng

At first, the images are shocking. President Obama planting a kiss on Chinese President Hu Jintao’s lips. German Chancellor Angela Merkel smooches French President Nicolas Sarkozy, her nation’s economic rival.

These images aren’t the latest political scandal. They’re a new ad campaign from Italian clothing company United Colors of Benetton called “Unhate.”

The images are digitally manipulated but they send a pointed message. The newly unveiled UNHATE Foundation seeks to promote a culture of tolerance and combat hatred around the world, the company said in a news release.

Click here to see all the images.

The campaign was launched today in Paris.

“Unhate is a message that invites us to consider that hate and love are not as far away from each other as we think,” the campaign’s website said. “Actually, the two opposing sentiments are often in a delicate and unstable balance. Our campaign promotes a shift in the balance: don’t hate, Unhate.”

The website features photos of people holding large banners of the images “on the walls of locations symbolic of the desperately-needed peace process: Tel Aviv, New York, Rome, Milan and Paris,” the news release says.

The ads have already become a source of controversy.

After the images went up, the Vatican quickly denounced an image of Pope Benedict XVI kissing Egyptian Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb on the lips.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi called the digitally altered image an “unacceptable” and offensive manipulation of the pope’s likeness, according to the Associated Press.

Benetton removed the image shortly thereafter and it is no longer on the website.

The company is known for its striking, and often controversial, ads. Past ads have shown a priest kissing a nun, a white baby breast-feeding from a black woman and three human hearts with the words “white,” “black” and “yellow” printed over them.

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "News from Cornelius"

2011-11-16T12:42:00.003-05:00

News from Cornelius

As I prepare to wrap up my final 7 weeks in Las Vegas with The Lion King, nerves settle in as questions of "what next?" percolate my mind. The questions appear to be rooted more in stability, which is so ironic in this life... is anyone really stable? With that said, I've been reading Russell Simmons's book Do You and Shaktai Gawain's Creative Visualization which has helped with my spiritual and creative balance so I don't really fear what's next because I have faith that what is next is already in place. Creatively I have used the time in Vegas to complete my 1st collection of poetry, Shadows & Lights. So excited that it will be released next month, allowing the universe to have her/his way.

I am back east in the new year, briefly, visiting family and friends. Next I am making my way to sunny LA: creating, networking, and growing is what's in store for the time there. That being expressed, I've visualized my future for 2012, which includes a huge gift for mom, a new book project and show, healthier living, touring and exploring a new place, and more youth outreach work. Have you visualized your 2012?

Let me not forget, Thanksgiving will be here next week, and I am thankful for the courage to share. Inviting you to take a moment to check out the details on my book and a reading/outreach project I facilitated in Vegas.

Enjoy the holiday.

click

“In this, Jones' first anthology of poetry, he comes to terms with and expresses great pride in his sexuality and positive-status. His minimalist writing, recalling in some ways e.e. cummings, carves out finely designed pictographs for the mind to explore. The depictions in his poems of the Momma figure are so endearing and heart-warming, I could almost smell the home cooked meal on the stove as I read the often monosyllabic lines on the page. What Jones can do with one syllable, takes many at least a dozen to get across.”

-Pandora Scooter, CEO Fushicho Entertainment & Spoken Word Artist

“Jones' prose pops and percolates, possessing an immediacy and energy so electric you'd swear you were at a poetry slam. And, as with any riveting performance, you will be on the edge of your seat, captured by the rapture of Jones' "a-to-the-men" testimonies on love and lust, hurt and healing, sadness and celebration. Long before you get to the very last stanza, you will be giving this intensely moving collection--and Jones--a standing ovation.”

- James Earl Hardy, author of the bestselling B-Boy Blues series

“Shadows and Lights is a moving, intimate portrayal of the life of poet and playwright Cornelius Jones Jr. In this heartbreakingly beautiful book, Cornelius fashions images both brave and delicate to describe growing up black and gay in Washington D.C., the decay of the body and the rage of living with HIV. But it is the writer's honesty that lifts these words off the page. This is experiential poetry at its finest. You must listen to the music of Cornelius, Jones Jr.”

-Paula Brancato, CEO, The Writers Place -- Professor, University of Southern California

"What is next is already in place"

Check out Website updates:

www.corneliusjonesjr.com

Share the November newsletter:

Cornelius's November NewsLetter via icontact

Meet King Cheetah: Fashion.COM(LOL)

2011-11-14T07:31:00.003-05:00

As I am slimming down preparing myself for production of my new film CockTales I am feeling more fashion inspired. With that said I stumbled across a very talented hair stylist who has the male version of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe collection and he has several signature pieces within his wardrobe that help his fashion stand out. I really think that you could learn a thing or two from him and I know where I want to get my next pair of pumps… JAPAN! Meet Anto Lloyd King Cheetah.

Abs and Penises Aren't Enough

2011-11-12T13:14:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows that it's kind of a turn on to see a half naked photo of men showing off their abs, and possibly what's going on inside their pants. Sex is a major part of our everyday lives, and we express it in more ways than others. For some, it's a way of showing liberation and confidence. Here is someone that is incredibly confident about their body, they are not afraid to show it off. Whether it's a picture or a video, that's great.

For me, I respect anyone who is that confident in him/herself. But what happens when you realize that's the only things you got?

I remember going to this gay nightclub one night for a special event. I forgot what the event was, but everyone was half naked. Some men were wearing pants with no shirts while the others wore briefs with no shirts. They didn't just wear regular pants. They looked tight enough to rip open if you tried to bend down. The same thing went with the briefs.

In the beginning, I was very happy to be around these men. I was a horny nineteen year old man and there were men everywhere. I thought if I played the cards right, I could've possibly get some dry humping action that night. Even though I am the type of person who doesn't have sex until he's in a relationship with that person, I never said I wanted to miss out on all sexual activities like dry humping.

A few provocative dance moves later, I finally got this incredibly ribbed guy to come over to me. Ten minutes later, I was gone. The man was incredibly cocky, asking me how his abs looked and nothing else. He showed me a few more pictures on his cell phone, which totally turned me off. Another reason was that he was once again a few of those men that was turned off by my intelligence. I was talking about what was going on in the world, and he wanted to run away from my brain.

After that encounter, I began to look closely at most men I walk past. The one thing I've noticed is that they'll brag about how fit they are, and if you're lucky, they'll show you how good they are in the bedroom, but that's all they can do. They count on their looks to get what they want. Little do they know is that certain people need more than just someone with abs and a good penis. They want someone with a brain. Someone who has an understandable vocabulary. Someone who they can have a conversation with.

Even though having both of those two things are great, it shouldn't be your only two skills and techniques.

The FUTURE

Check Out MUSED Magazine!

Sneak Preview: Nelson George and Diane Paragas' Brooklyn Boheme

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images at Schomburg Center on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

10 Reasons to Attend Las Vegas Pride

Are Naked Pictures Still A Turn On?

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Thought for the day"

HUE MAN BOOK STORE PRESENTS: The Debut Release & Book Signing of “LOVE YOURSELF FIRST”

2012 GLBT Travel Expo Tour Starts in Florida, February 9th!

Continue To Vote For Roque Caston And His Blog "Roque's Reality" At The 2012 Weblog Awards

Me -n- My Gay Son with Lady D

George Lucas: Hollywood Didn't Want To Fund My Film Because Of Its Black Cast

"DAISY BATES: FIRST LADY OF LITTLE ROCK" PREMIERES IN HARLEM

4 Colored Boys Like Me

Dane Harrington Joseph

Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Donna Karan

Join fashion industry leader and award-winning creator of NY Fashion Week Fern Mallis for a look at the inner workings and culture of fashion with the most prestigious and iconic fashion designers working today.

New Feature Film Langstons: "Whats it about?"

101 w/ NewNue and Dwight Allen O'Neal Interracial Dating GONE WRONG!!!

Vote For Roque Caston And His Blog "Roque's Reality" At The 2012 Weblog Awards

Notes from Nathan: What goals have you set?

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Thought for the day"

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Shadows&Lights Available NOW"

Nhojj LIVE @ Brooklyn Museum (Saturday, January 7th, 2012)

Malachi Rivers Releases His debut single, Love & Music featuring U.K.'s Own Maria Bentley from His Forthcoming album Stereo Sound Escape

Discover the World of Malcolm Harris - "Mister GoLightly"

5 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Grow Your Business in 2012

Lonnell Williams and Dwight Allen O'Neal on 1ON1 w/ NewNue

GMAD Celebrates 25 Years of Community Service

DENZEL MANIA!

Creators of LANGSTON’S the movie will Host The GMAD Christmas Party on Monday, December 19th at Tian on the Riverbank Restaurant, Harlem

Hue-Man Vendor Day on Saturday, December 17th from 10:00AM to 6PM HARLEM

Inspired In New York Honors Roberta Flack at the Faison Firehouse Theater

Jay-Z Sets to Play at Carnegie Hall in Support of Higher Education

Conversations With Your Penis

What's Your Secret? C. R. Knight

Love Is Not Worth A Lifetime Virus

Analyze This: "All Back" by Chris Brown

What makes a serial killer?

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "World AIDS Day: A SONG FOR YOU"

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Shadows&Lights"

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Don't Say GAY"

Never Settle For A Good Enough Relationship

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "Happy Thanksgiving from Mother Erma""

OPERA IS HOT AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER 1st Weekend in December

LANGSTON'S a film by (4) colored boys needs your support... GIVE TODAY!!!

"I went down to the river,I set down on the bank.I tried to think but couldn't,So I jumped in and sank." ― Langston Hughes

The 1st GLBT Online Travel Store

Benetton ‘Unhate’ Ad Campaign Features World Leaders Kissing

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "News from Cornelius"

Meet King Cheetah: Fashion.COM(LOL)

Abs and Penises Aren't Enough

"I went down to the river,
I set down on the bank.
I tried to think but couldn't,
So I jumped in and sank."
― Langston Hughes