This year I am working in the NYC AIDS walk on Sunday, May 17, 2009. If anyone would like to help sponsor me, I will greatly appreciate it. Here is the link to make a secure donation on-line:
http://aidswalknewyork2009.kintera.org/ty
Remember, these donations are tax deductible.
Thank You
NYC AIDS Walk
Quick Movie
I threw this together last night for a friend of mine to put on his iPhone. He gave me a few words that he wanted and I took some pics of him previously and there you go. Anyway, here it is.
Drama Queenz
Queer Black Cinema presents
DATE: Thursday, April 23
TIME: 7 PM - 9 PM
LOCATION: 208 West 13th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave/The LGBT Center)
Drama Queenz, a new Black Gay Comedy Web-Series
QBC ReelTALK Q&A Discussion w/ Cast & Crew
TOPIC: The State of Black Gay roles in Theater
Moderated by Aaron Ingram (Executive Director of ActNow Foundation)
The Drama Queenz is a ten-minute web-series that focuses on gay actors living in Queen, NY looking to make it big on Broadway. The series follows Jeremiah (Joseph), a dreamer with ridiculously poor audition luck, Davis (Griffith), a perfectionist whose hard work produces uneven results, and Preston (Rucker), a realist whose inhibitions stir-up delightful “drama” for all to enjoy
The series stars Dane Joseph (national tour of Aida), Kristen-Alexzander Griffith (national tours of Rent), and Troy Valjean Rucker (national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar).
Cash Bar & Light Refreshments (while supplies last)
$8 online $10 @ The door $6 w/ valid student ID
TICKETS
info@queerblackcinema.org
PRESS RELEASE
INSIDE THE Q Blog
VIDEO PROMO
PURCHASE A TICKET ONLINE AND ENTER A CHANCE
TO WIN DIRTY LAUNDRY dir. Maurice Jamal
Photo Opt/Networking/Light refreshments@7:15 PM
Screening @8 PM
Some More Vids
This is the second dance performance from the church's dance ministry
This is Akua Doku with "Nappy Headed Ho's" from the last Verve event.
"Finding Me" Screening
There will be a screening of "Finding Me" at 7:00 p.m. at the Quad Cinema this Wednesday night. Hope to see you there.
You Don't Have to Ask... I'll Just Tell You
Sorry for so many posts in one, but I'll try to be quick. On Saturday, I attended ChillFest which is a monthly viewing party for mostly gay and lesbian movies/documentaries. This month they screened a movie called "Ask Not". As you can probably already guess, it was focused on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the US Army.
Prior to the movie, this policy seemed to make since to me and I didn't quite understand what the big deal was about it. I figured, if you aren't sexually active while serving in the military then how would anyone really know anyway. Well, let's just say that I had my eyes opened this past weekend. I didn't think about the psychological abuse that you may receive from the other soldiers with teasing or their cadences that talk about "fags" being weak (yes they showed several troops shouting them in training). Most soldiers during their training and military career begin some type of psychological evaluation with trying to cope with a more aggressive way of life, post-traumatic stress, or coping with living without their loved ones, etc. Straight soldiers can discuss how they miss their wifes, girlfriends, etc, however, if a gay/lesbian discloses this information even to a psychiatrist, can have it used against them. I didn't realize that the military will take any letters that you receive from loved ones and use that against you. They also will tap into phone calls of yours. Now, when I say use it against you, I mean towards a "Dishonorable Discharge". I remember my father being in the military and if ever you have a dishonorable discharge, you can kiss every really having a decent job good bye. Not only in the military but back in civilian life!!! This will also disqualify you of your military benefits including retirement and/or educational benefits.
On top of all of this, there was a shortage of linguists at the time of 9/11. The military discharged more than what was needed to fill that shortage simply because they were gay. Many of them are fluent in Arabic and could have easily translated the threats prior to 9/11. To add insult to injury, the US would rather enlist people with felonies than accept qualified gay/lesbian troops.
After viewing the documentary I have to admit that I am compelled to become more active in gay/lesbian rights.
