Flipping The Script: Beyond Homophobia in Black Hollywood

‘COLLECTIVE SOULS’ GO BEYOND HOMOPHOBIA

A unity themed reception benefiting L.A. Black Pride follows homophobia conference

On Tuesday, March 23, from 9:30pm – 11pm, the social events group The Ebony Collective (TEC) will sponsor a post-conference benefit reception, entitled COLLECTIVE SOULS. This event will follow the provocatively themed conference, Flipping The Script: Beyond Homophobia in Black Hollywood, being held earlier that evening at the Writers Guild of America West. The reception will benefit Los Angeles Black Pride (LABP), the country’s oldest and largest African-American GLBT pride organization in the country.

Flipping The Script, organized by openly gay writer Demetrius Bady and moderated by award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, will tackle key issues regarding the portrayal of African-American gay and lesbian characters in film and television as well as the concern of homophobia in the black community and the black entertainment industry. The panel will include noted filmmakers Paris Barclay (The Good Wife), Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett (The DL Chronicles), and actor Brian White (I Can Do Bad All By Myself).

Immediately after the conference, TEC will provide a wine and cheese benefit reception for LABP, aptly titled COLLECTIVE SOULS to convey the social group’s theme of unity. “COLLECTIVE SOULS’ purpose is to end the evening on an inspirational note. We wanted to gather attendees of the conference to recognize the numerous important contributions LABP has made to our community to combat both internal and external homophobia,” says TEC.

Founded in 1988, the non-profit LABP has a longstanding history of combating homophobia, providing L.A.-based events and programs throughout the year to the African-American GLBT community. The event sponsor, TEC, is a small social group, aimed at providing fun and safe social events in an effort to support the gay black male community.

This event is open to the public, with suggested donation for entry (all proceeds go to LABP).

WHAT: COLLECTIVE SOULS, a reception benefiting LA Black Pride (after FLIPPING THE SCRIPT @ WGA)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 23 from 9:30pm-11pm

WHERE: Sheddy’s Wine Bar, 361 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036 (323) 651-1442

For more information, go to www.atbla.com or www.theebonycollective.org

"We Can Do It" - Open Artist Movement

The Open Artist Movement and photographer John Ganun have begun "We Can Do It", a new photo campaign inspired by the iconic World War II graphic artist J. Howard Miller. The campaign goal is to bring to life modern iconic individuals, by depicting them as powerful and not victims in support of the global LGBT movement worldwide.

The first round of models to bare their biceps and strike pose include Darryl Stephens and Wilson Cruz.

The Summer 2010 - Musclefesto!!!

EAS launched a print and TV campaign promoting its Myoplex shakes to a mainstream audience of people who work out regularly, not just body builders and elite athletes. "Musclefesto" features shirtless athletes playing basketball, football, water polo and rock climbing. "If you use muscles, use Myoplex," concludes the ad.

If muscled legs are your thing, then you will love this next spot. "Legs" focuses on toned, sweaty game playing soccer, running steps, swimming, running track and jump roping.

Click here to see video at: http://eas.com

Notes from Nathan: Are You Investing in YOU?

 

aving a disposable income has it's pluses and minuses.  In my experience of having 'extra money', I have to say that I haven't been the most responsible with my money.  When I grew up, there was no education about money.  They taught me English, Math, History, Science, Physical Education and more, but never was there a class called MONEY.  My grandmother gave me a few quarters to go buy candy, never did she say, one day you will end up with cavities that cost more than that candy.  My mother was instrumental in my saving habits, but it still wasn't enough.  When I look around at boys and girls in urban areas, all I see is bad habits taking shape.  As soon as they get some money, they run to the store and spend it on junk food.  They run to the mall to pick up the hoodie they saw in a Jay-Z video.  It's insanity at it's best.  But when do we break the cycle?

We are in an economic crisis yes we know, we are reminded practically everyday and it has people scared straight!

Do you think that if the media didn't remind us that things have gone haywire that you would continue doing things the way you are familiar?

Have you been paying closer attention to where your money is going?  Have you made a list?  Well it's time to start.  I am speaking specifically to my clubheads and bar hoppers right now.  Is alcohol and drugs an investment into your future?  Is that what you are committed to? Becoming an alcoholic or drug addict?  When was the last time you spent your money on personal growth and development? When was the last time you took a trip to someplace out of this country.  You only get one life and trust me from someone who knows, it's not in a cocktail, a blunt or a pipe.  We are living in a new age.  Now is the time to learn a new skill, even if you are working, it wouldn't hurt you to pick up a new language, learn a new software program, have your teeth cleaned for crying out loud! The liquor isn't going anywhere but your life is at stake! So do something!

Okay, I'm off of my soapbox.... for now at least.

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday!