"I'm Not Alone @ the Table" - a benefit

presents:

"I'm Not Alone @ the Table" - a benefit

Saturday, November 19th, 2011 - 7:00pm-11:00pm

Doors open at 7:00pm. Program begins at 7:30pm.

Hosted at:

Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture

53 Prospect Park West

Brooklyn, NY 11215

This benefit seeks to raise funds for the completion of a documenatry, “You Are Not Alone”, in which Black gay men, through their stories, are breaking an inherent taboo of silence in the Black community and speaking out about their struggles with depression: the circumstances which led to their downward spiral, how they lived with it, and more significantly, how they overcame and survived it.

Through Black gay men sharing their stories, they are intent on encoraging other Black gay men who find themselves stuck in a racial, discriminatory and homophobic rut or loop, and who feel powerless and hopeless, that there is hope, that they are not isolated in their experiences, that it is shared by many, and that they could rise above and achieve their full potential.

The benefit will feature food & coffee tastings, a wine bar and cocktails created exclusively by El Dorado Rum, and " beer lovingly provided by Brooklyn Brewery".

Nationally renowned comedienne Tammy Peay hosts/MCs a program of performances by Roderick Young, Diamond Saunders, and Chris Udemezue; with music provided by NYC's best DJs Fred Pierce and Cameron Fitzpartick, spinning from their laptops.

Another feature is a Silent Auction of items from various businesses and individuals including: Charly Dominguez, Lawrence Graham-Brown, Jon Lucas, Kate Clinton, and many others. The auction is led by Kaz Mitchell, Circle of Voices, Inc. If you are interested in donating items for the auction, please reach out to Kaz Mitchell @ kaz@circleofvoices.org

Tickets are $45 per guest or $80 per couple and will include two (2) drinks, if purchased before November 1st.

(TICKETS PURCHASES AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY)

Depression in Black Gay Men: A Silent Issue

Breaking the silence of depression in the Black gay community

Posted by Antoine on @ 1:40 pm

Article printed from speakeasy: http://blogs.alternet.org/antbern

URL to article: http://blogs.alternet.org/antbern/2010/04/19/breaking-the-silence-of-depression-in-the-black-gay-community/

Speaking out about a taboo subject

By Antoine Craigwell

Nationwide, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community on Friday, Apr 15, 2010, commemorated a day of silence – vowing not to speak for one 24-hour period as a unified protest action in solidarity with other LGBT and against the treatment members of the community receive from a majority of people. This day of silence was also an occasion to create a crack in the reluctance to speak about depression and its debilitating effects in the Black gay community.

In the Black community, there is significant resistance to addressing depression. Without regard to ethnic origin, whether African American, Afro Caribbean, or African, the cultural belief is that one does not speak his business, especially his personal business about himself, out of the family. Equally, in many Black families, with the emphasis on masculinity and survival in challenging times, including dealing with racial discrimination, speaking out about one’s inner feelings is often regarded as a weakness or a significant flaw, to be strengthen or eradicated, at all costs and by all means. Therefore, many Black gay men are caught in a vicious cycle: it is taboo to talk about what’s bothering him, and if he should try, he would be branded as weak.

A New Jersey-based journalist, Glenn Townes, when he lived in Kansas City, MO, wrote about his own depression, in “Tale of a Wounded Warrior: One Man’s Battle Against Depression” for the Infinity Institute International, Inc., Website, “I still find there’s a strong stigma to African Americans and therapy, particularly for brothers. Tell someone you’re seeing a shrink and they just may haul off and hit you with: “Man, you must be crazy.” But I think it’s just the opposite: Sometimes you’d have to be crazy not to seek therapy.”

To read the entire article click here:

Breaking the silence of depression in the black gay community

Marsha Ambrosius - new video “Far Away”

Marsha sends a strong message about sexuality, suicide and bullying in her new video “Far Away.”

The video begins with Marsha beautifully sitting atop a piano, playing a particular note in red stilettos. Then Miss Ambrosius and who appears to be her boyfriend are walking through the park. He then comes to her house, and they share a glass of wine. Then, his boyfriend arrives! Blew my mind too!

Days later, the two gentlemen took a stroll through the park, hand in hand, and pass a group of “thugs.” Days pass, and the guy we assumed was Marsha’s boyfriend went through the park alone, and the thugs jumped him. Apparently, the bullying and rejection got to the guy, because he committed suicide by the end of the video.

Continue reading to view the message Marsha personally writes to the viewers and watch the powerful video!

Dear Friends,

Every year over 1 million people commit SUICIDE. Some were BULLIED because of their SEXUALITY. I lost a friend to SUICIDE, and I’m asking all of you to support alternative lifestyles.

Don’t put up with or join in with BULLYING. It’s time we became more aware in this WORLD. Take responsibility to make a difference. So if my MUSIC can save one life, I’ve done my job.

I love you all so much!

Marsha

The LGBT College Presidents: 'It Gets Better' (VIDEO)

Their group is just six months old, but members of the LGBTQ Presidents In Higher Education are presenting a strong front in support of gay and lesbian university community members.

LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education mission is to advance effective leadership in the realm of post-secondary education, supports professional development of LGBTQ leaders in that sector, and provides education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.

The second Meeting of the LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education took place in Los Angeles on the AULA campus on November 21 and 22, 2010. President Neal King was especially pleased to host the distinguished group of educational leaders.

“Pioneers and progressives by nature and history, and long an extremely LGBTQ affirmative university, AULA was honored to host this august group of courageous men and women who walk their talk and provide needed and impactful leadership in American Higher Education in the area of LGBTQ rights, scholarship, and advocacy,” commented Dr. King.

The aim of this year’s meeting was to make preparations for a panel presentation at the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Council of Education (ACE) to be held March 5-8, 2011. Over the course of the two-day meeting, the presidents’ presentation addressed the issue of diversity and leadership in higher education. As a participant in the ACE conference, the LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education will contribute a unique voice to the conference agenda.

Joining the ranks of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, the group sat together -- some with their partners -- to share their challenges and triumphs as openly gay university leaders. Watch below.

Just In Case, You Didn't Know We LOVE You... Teen Suicide Must STOP

We need to mention some names:

Raymond Chase, 19, Providence, RI

Tyler Clementi, 18, Ridgewood, NJ

Seth Walsh, 13, Tehachapi, CA

Billy Lucas, 15, Greensburg, IN

Asher Brown, 13, Houston, TX

These are the young men, in our community, who have taken their life over harassment and abuse about their sexual orientation. It hurts my heart that in 2010 a tragedy of this magnitude would even exist in the world. It is also disheartening to think of all the young men and women who have taken their lives, and the news wasn't reported.

It is time we as a collective group take a stand to stop the violence upon the LGBT community, but more importantly to show love to our younger generation trying to "figure it out." We all know that feeling of questioning our place and value in the world. It is our responsibility to say - YOU MATTER. That is why The Future Forward is here, if for no other reason than to say, we are here and we love OURSELVES, if nobody else does.

We will mourn the loss of these young men, but we will also be empowered by their lives to fight for our right to be heard, respected and loved.

Love and Respect,

Former Morehouse Student Succumbs to Suicide

By Dr. O

www.askdro.com

I am overwhelmed and shocked! It has happened once again. The headline is that another Black male, with promise, has taken his own life today. Where does this stop? How do we stop this infectious process that is attempting to overtake our communities? Some experts believe that depression is likely a key factor in a 233% increase in suicide in black males ages 10-14 from 1980 to 1995. Suicide in the African-American community was hardly mentioned and much less recognized in the 80s. Now it seems as if this malady has become almost common place. Brothers speak-up and speak-out about your emotional pain. Is this a secret on the HBCU campuses here in America? I think probably so.

I believe that the culprit here is depression. We have got to aggressively get young men in for medical care. Is there a problem with access? I am sure there is, but how do we address this issue? Has the economy increased our young men’s brush with death? This phenomenon is puzzling to me. You are not a sissy if you come forward and reach out for help. This may be the key to your survival.

Maybe we are not availing ourselves to this group of men. Are there enough culturally competent practitioners to address this dilemma? This answer is a definite no! There has to be a call to action. Morehouse, Howard, Tuskegee, FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Clark Atlanta University and all other HBCUs what is your call to action? How many more mothers’ boys have to go down this road? Is the nail in the coffin of HOPE? I am distressed. This has to stop someway and somehow. The perils of racism, unemployment, lost hope and depression are front and center. Now, what are we going to do?

Call to Action

1. More specific “mental health” services available for African-American men on all HBCU and other college campuses.

2. More forums that allow open and frank discussion about depression and suicide among males.

3. Suicide hotlines available in high risk communities and colleges.

4. APA and AMA call to action specific to this issue.

5. More available community resources for practitioners that serve this vulnerable population.

6. More articles and research on the phenomenology of this problem in high risk communities.

*Depression in Black men Information http://itsmentalhealth.com/permalink.php?article=Depressionin Black Men Information

Enough Said,

Dr.O

What’s Your Current Mental Status?… Click on the link below and take Dr.O’s Mental Evaluation Screening to assess your current mental status:
http://www.drowensmd.com/index.php?option=com_php&Itemid=7

'McQueen is Dead. Long Live McQueen!' Fashion World Moves On

(L-R) Singer Eve, designer Alexander McQueen, and actress Joy Bryant arrive at the Alexander McQueen store opening held at the new Alexander McQueen store on May 13, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

By MAEVA BAMBUCK

Ten days after the passing of British designer Alexander McQueen, a stunned fashion world has gathered for the traditional autumn/winter collections in London. McQueen's suicide at age 40 shocked the fans of his clothing label, as well as the many friends he made over his career of more than 20 years.

"I think the death of Alexander McQueen has carved a big shadow on every one," said Vassi Chamberlain, Conde Nast fashion editor.

"He was probably technically the most creative designer. The construct of his clothes was incredible. It wasn't just about fairy tales, it was about something a bit stronger and longer-lasting, and we'll see his influence for a long time."

That thought was echoed by Brix Smith-Start, a singer and owner of London's Start boutique. "The mood is good but there is a cloud of sadness," she says. "But life goes on, fashion goes on, he would have wanted it to."

McQueen had often drawn on the macabre to inspire his collections. "I've always been fascinated by the Victorian period of death where they used to take pictures of the dead," he said when he showed off his spring/summer 2010 collection.

"Everything has an end. The cycle of life is a positive thing because it gives room for new things to come." McQueen was devastated by the death of his mother earlier this month, and took his life the day before her funeral.

On the board dedicated to him, the fashion community posted condolence messages. Among the notes of sadness and shock, some winked at the designer's talent.

To read the entire article got to: ABC News

Me -N- My Gay Son with Lady D

 

1.  Do you think music can influence sexuality?  Hmmm, this is good question.  I think there is music with sexual under- and overtones, which can influence sexuality.   It is unfortunate that some music promotes promiscuity, degrades women and promotes crime and violence.

2.  We have had conversations about suicide.  How does it make you feel knowing that sexuality is the trigger for wanting to no longer be alive?   It really saddens me to think that because of one's sexuality, suicide would be the final out.  Not wanting to live any longer as a result of not being accepted, no one to talk to, no one to love you, seems so painful.  If we as a society would learn to mind our own business, we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with other people's sexuality.  God has the final say in ALL life and death.

3.  With what you know now, what would you have done differently in order to raise me to become a better man.  If I knew what I know now, I would have enrolled you into a mentoring program; especially after your father passed.  I would have pushed you to continue to get your college education. I think the urgent need for positive role models to mentor the youth is a must in this day and time.  It's not enough to have a man present in the household,  that man should have a positive and nurturing influence in your children's lives.

4.  Did you have gay friends growing up?  I may have had some and didn't know.