Christopher Street Tv DVD out 2day!

“COME SEE WHY NOAH AIN’T BROUGHT WADE TO NYC YET!”


CHRISTOPHER STREET TV SEASON 1 FIRST INSTALLMENT ON SALE TODAY!


New York, NY (FEBRUARY 25, 2010) – OFF THE CLOCK PRODUCTIONS today announced that the show that was created to highlight the tale of being LGBTQ in New York City is available to take home today.


“Fans are already excited about the show,” SAID DWIGHT ALLEN O’NEAL. “Several sales leaked on last week before I even made the formal announcement that Christopher Street- The Series is FINALLY able to be purchased.”
Christopher Street celebrates the lives of four young gay adults. Each character dealing with their own individual trouble, ranging from being closeted, domestic abuse, discrimination, hate crimes, identity, self-love, HIV/AIDS, and the harassment that lies within a homophobic society. Christopher Street never fails to examine the reality of what goes on with today's younger gay generation and the affect your older mentor may have on you. With Christopher Street you will get the satisfaction for your craving of black gay entertainment. This underground phenomenon will give many age demographics a story line to relate to, unlike some series that have come before it.


CHRISTOPHER STREET stars JR Rolley of “A Four Letter Word” and Ray Cunningham of “BET’s College Hill.” The series introduces Jared DeWese, Dante, Sheppard, and Lamar Staton. Creator, Executive Producer, and worldwide galebrity Dwight Allen O’Neal also participates in the very talented cast. Evan Storey directed this gay life Melrose’s Place with just enough drama and laughter to keep you glued to your seat.


ORDER YOUR COPY ONLINE TODAY through the media house The FUTURE (www.thefutureforward.net). The FUTURE is a multi-media company targeting the Black LGBT consumer. The FUTURE’s mission is to be leaders in the community by informing people around the world about who they are and then empowering, entertaining, and engaging those people so that they may face the challenges of today’s society. They do this by reflecting a spotlight on stories about the LGBT community that will encourage others to seek respect from a diverse and complex world. They are targeting the diverse interests within Black LGBT culture spanning entertainment, news, social networking, business, travel, fashion, beauty, and sports. Most famous for their very successful original series “Dating Dwight” and newsworthy update video “We are the Media,” which both have featured celebrities such as Sherri Shepherd, Naomi Campbell, Anwar Robinson, Monica, Bry’Nt, Dwight Eubanks, Melba Moore, and CeCe Peniston. Be sure to check out their latest blog stories, watch their videos, and order your very own FIRST INSTALLMENT OF SEASON 1 of CHRISTOPHER STREET TV... The WAIT is OVER!


Additional Cast Includes:
Exotic Dancer/Adult Entertainer Mega Body, Legendary Tyra Allure, Sundance’s Lynne Rene, R&B Sensation Jesse O, and Galebrity Talk Show Host Maurice Runea of the Rainbow Collective.
# # #
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Dwight Allen O’Neal
Telephone: 646-342-4699
Dwight@christopherstreettv.com
www.christopherstreettv.com
www.thefutureforward.net



Christopher Street The Series

Christopher Street is in the heart of the West Village or as many people know it as Greenwich Village. In the village you can have quite an experience - you can witness all types of men, women, a few children, young, old, big, or small, and not to mention gay, yes gay! The Village is like the Gay Capital of the world, in fact in this particular neighborhood you can shop, eat, and explore nothing but gayness. That's why Christopher Street chooses to hang out there, no not the street name the person... Christopher Dewayne Street, however his friends call him Chris for short.
Christopher Street is originally from Memphis Tennessee, but now he resides in the Big Apple where he is learning new and exciting things everyday. With Chris, you can expect one or a combination of the following: he is fashion forward or fashionably dysfunctional, a boy today or a full grown woman tomorrow; you will either love him, hate him, or both. Within his friend circle you meet the best friend who later followed him to New York Jharemy, the cry baby Ashton, and the diva of all times, Miss Shawn.

Through the lives of Chris and his diverse group of friends, we see the challenges that four young men face while being gay minorities. Each character has their own individual struggle that affects their lives within their friend circle and the world. These young men deal with troubles that range from relationship issues, sexual identity, self-love, abuse, HIV/AIDS, and acceptance not only from the world, but from themselves. Chris, Jharemy, Ashton, and Shawn are bridging the gap of lacked knowledge by enlightening the world with the truth of being a young gay adult.

Inspired by shows such as "Beverly Hills 90210", "Melrose Place", and "Dawson's Creek", this comedy-drama aims to fit in the growing genre of teen shows, yet provide outstanding knowledge that will influence young people positively. Through Off the Clock Productions Inc. we are bringing Christopher Street to the world, and will be bringing insightful information to millions of people at once. This comedic drama is appealing to the 16-35 year old demographic, however it can satisfy anyone who wants an entertainment experience. With Christopher Street everyone will see why the streets are talking.

Preview: www.youtube.com/christopherstreet



Cast:
Jared DeWese, Dwight "Allen" O'Neal, Lamar Staton, Dante Sheppard, JR Rolley, Ray Cunningham,

Tide turns: Miami Beach drag queens told they can continue Sunday brunches at The Palace

Caption: Tiffany Fantasia, Latrice Royale and Champagne Bordeaux, entertainers at The Palace on Ocean Drive, attend the Miami Beach planning meeting on Tuesday
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From the Desk of King in Miami
Follow me on Twitter for the Latest in South Florida Haps
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Article Courtesy of Miami Herald
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com

The audience at Tuesday's Miami Beach planning board meeting was better coiffed than usual.

Dressed to the nines, four drag queen performers -- backed by dozens of vocal gay Beach residents -- came to City Hall asking that they be allowed to continue entertaining at the Palace restaurant's weekly Sunday brunch.

The queens' brunch on Ocean Drive prompted a royal row recently when guests at the Palace's next-door-neighbor, The Tides South Beach hotel, complained about the noise.

The Tides, at 12th Street and Ocean Drive, wanted the Sunday shows stopped.

A few compromises were reached: The drag queens may entertain Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The shows will end at 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Performances are indoors but crowds often spill onto the sidewalk. Palace management said it will keep crowds away from people dining outside the Tides.

The board told the Palace and Tides managements to work out their differences and return in two months.

"As always, our intent is to work together with The Palace Bar to find a mutually acceptable solution for the enjoyment of all of our guests," Tides general manager Shan Kanagasingham said in a statement.

"We have a lot of people who benefit from these shows," said Tiffany Fantasia (a k a Henry Williams). About two years ago, a customer told her: " `Oh my goodness, I had so much fun. My husband passed away four months ago and that was the first time I had fun since that happened.' That was day it dawned on me how much impact we have on people's lives."

Kanye West - Coldest Winter(Official Video)

We have the latest video, Coldest Winter, from Kanye's 808’s and Heartbreak album. The video is extremely dark!

KANYE WEST "Coldest Winter" Directed by: NABIL "ITUNES link below" from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Monica-Everything to Me Video

Monica is back in her latest new single "Everything To Me" and i am now loving the vido to go wit the song which just premiered a few hours ago. The song is off of her upcoming six studio album. The album is now currently scheduled for a release date on March 23, 2010.

Tiger Woods Speaks FINALLY!

In case you were unable to view the entire Tiger Woods interview which was broadcast live on just about every major network yesterday at 11am below is the entite interview.

The Black Gays you will meet in your lifetime??

This post courtesy of Novaslim's Blog has been making its rounds through out the blogsphere and i wanted to know if you agree with the 8 Black Gays you will meet in your lifetime. I would have to say sadly enough we are broken down into these 8 different people and i have come across all in my 9 years and counting as being a black gay man.

The 8 Black Gays you will meet in your lifetime.
After reading “A Handy Guide to All Gay Men” by Brian Moylan over at Gawker, what stood out to me (obviously) was that I don’t know many Black men like this. Any one of these archetypes can apply to my Black gay brethren, but by and large, in my experience, they do not. So some mischievous friends and I decided to compose a more colorful equivalent to Moylan’s classifications. Your education begins now.

The Skinny Bitch
This strain of Black gay is typically very young (”green”) but quickly rises in popularity in his newfound social circle because of his youth, pliability and quick mastery of shade. His goal is to accrue as many enemies as possible since he’s convinced that having enough people that despise him means he’s “doing something right.” He will spend an entire month’s salary on designer sunglasses because he considers them social currency.Activities: “Walking”, throwing shade, wearing eyeliner, being penetrated, hogging the camera, starting arguments with strangers, making youtube videos, going to the mall.
Diva of Choice: Beyonce or Rihanna (there is no in-between)
Top or Bottom: Bottom.

The Homo Thug
The Homo Thug’s days are numbered since this is a group that usually patterns itself after trends in Hip-Hop, and the thug image is slowly fading. However, this image is still a selling point in gay porn and a popular refuge for closeted men. He usually has archaic notions about Black male sexuality and equates “thug” with masculinity. He is disrespectful, self-hating, and needs to pull his pants up.Activities: Hiding, lying, saying “I don’t do that gay shit”, smoking weed, being ignorant, having kids, having a limited vocabulary, not returning calls, breaking hearts.
Diva of Choice: Lil’ Wayne
Top or Bottom: Outdoor Top/Indoor Bottom

The Big Boy
These teddy bears are sweet, loving, warm and always horny. The lines between a good meal and good sex are often so blurred that any conversation involving “meat” will simply have to be taken in stride. He is way more confident than you think he has a right to be, always has a date (because he looks “healthy”), he’s funny, and will give you anything in the world as long as you are consistently fucking his brains out.Activities: Calling skinny bitches “skinny bitches”, cooking, hugging, making inappropriate double entendres, grabbing.
Diva of Choice: Jennifer Hudson
Top or Bottom: Bottom.

The Muscle QueenThey roll in packs and only date each other. You never see them during the winter months because they are in the gym 24/7. Come summer, he’s wearing the smallest tank-top or the tightest t-shirt. Don’t bother lusting after him, because you do not exist in his world.Activities: Making fun of fat people, lifting weights, talking about lifting weights, accusing skinny people of being sick, dating white guys, bumping into people, being penetrated.
Diva of Choice: Creatine.
Top or Bottom: Power Bottom.

The Church Queen
In spite of the Black church’s reputation for homophobia and intolerance, you will find that a number of Black gay men make the church the cornerstone of their social interaction, perhaps out of a sense of familial or religious obligation, or simply because the choir is so fierce. The Church Queen is usually loyal and loving, but is prone to Tourette-like outbursts of “Jee-suss!!” in any given situation. He listens to gospel music constantly and considers Loretta Divine his spirit animal.Activities: Cooking, talking loud, clutching his pearls, singing, being called “mother”, being single, speaking with a southern twang even though he’s from the midwest or the northeast.
Diva of Choice: Karen Clark Sheard.
Top or Bottom: Sanctified Bottom.

The Uppity Snob
He is educated, has a six-figure salary, a nice car and a big house, but nothing is good enough for him. He will throw dinner parties with his Coven Of The Articulate and they will all wear hard-soled shoes regardless of the season, time of day or theme. When he’s among other types of gays, he will roll his eyes, sneer, or attempt to oppress them intellectually. In spite of all his accomplishments, he’ll never be happy, can’t take a joke and never laughs. He can usually be found in the club wearing a blazer and sipping a cocktail against the wall.Activities: Debating, sighing, having a small penis, having furniture delivered, going to the spa, being offended, finding excuses to use any word that requires a schwa.
Diva of Choice: Whitney Houston
Top or Bottom: Bottom.

The Alterna-Queen
He doesn’t like the “gay scene” because he finds it “too mainstream.” You can find him a coffee shop with his MacBook Pro listening to underground Soul or Hip-Hop, writing poetry and waiting for someone with whom he can debate the oppression of goats and librarians. He often accuses people of “not getting” him and reactively dislikes anything that everyone else likes. He’s basically “The Uppity Snob” but with dreadlocks.Activities: Poetry slams, debating, having his locks re-twisted, blogging, shopping at outdoor markets, calling himself a photographer, quoting Marcus Garvey, dating white men.
Diva of Choice: Some bitch you never heard of.
Top or Bottom: Top for white guys, otherwise bottom.

The Old Queen
The Old Queen has seen everything and done everyone. He thinks you’re frivolous and that you stole everything from his generation. He will say things like “in my day, the men were men” and “remember when House music was House music?” He is short of patience and doesn’t want to hear your whining.Activities: Knowing everything. Remembering everything.
Diva of Choice: Stephanie Mills, Teena Marie, Chaka Khan or Luther Vandross.
Top or Bottom: Like it even matters.

1 on 1 with Kirk Shannon-Butts

I recently got an opportunity to talk to up and coming film maker and fasionista Mr. Kirk Shannon-Butts who you may have heard of if you have gone to any pride events in the last 2 years and taken part in the film fest portion of pride you would have seen his new film "Blueprint" If you would like to order or view the trailer go to http://www.flickeria.com/


1. Can you talk about the process of making Blueprint as far as the characters the storyline and the concept behind the movie?
Formulating Blueprint was very simple for me. My favorite films are all about gay men (Happy Together, Maurice, My Beautiful Laundrette) - yet none of them were about Black men. So after I graduated from film school, I moved to New York City and wrote Blueprint in two weeks. The characters, Keith and Nathan, are just two guys in New York City. Guys like me. Guys I want to be, guys I would want to date, fall in love with and may be marry - legal or not. The concept is simple just like the Keith and Nathan. Open to explore. The complexity in the story comes from the world around them and the choices Keith and Nathan have including the option of dating and expressing their desire for another man.


2. What is the state of Black Gay Cinema to you? We have had a handful of independent films and only one theatrical movie release with Patrik-Ian Polk Noah's Arc what needs to be done to finally see more of us on the silver screen?
Lee Daniels has placed a tremendous spotlight on Black and gay and more dark issues in the Black community. He is definitely a person who will attract and bring the media and press into the Black gay world. The state of Black gay cinema is burgeoning. It is where it needs to be at this moment in time. They are many short, documentary and feature Black gay filmmakers and themed films out there - we just have to seek them out and buy them. The bottom line is always sales - HOWEVER, the Black gay filmmakers are in a place where we can make diverse films because it is still new. I am making intelligent, worldly, youthful films that are beautiful and present gay life in a way that makes people think about what gay is.


3. You are currently in Paris writing the screenplay for James Earl Hardy's "The Day Eazy E Died" can you talk about that and why you choose to take this particular story on and turn it into a film? When Trevite Willis (Blueprint Producer) and I were starting out on the film festival trail - we sent James Earl Hardy a copy of Blueprint to get a quote. Never in a million year did we think Hardy would contact us and ask me if I would be interested in directing "The Day Eazy E Died." For me, I think it is important to present these "other" views of gay. Why must every gay film be the same? It doesn't. "Eazy E" is a great project very timely. It deals with HIV, single parenthood, parents not being accepting, the Black Church/religion and hip hop culture.


4. What do you think of today's fashion trends being a fashionista yourself and do you miss the fashion world since film writing to me is your focus now? Paris was the perfect place to come to write because I will get my fashion fix organically. My films will always present fashion trends, evoke style, detailed art direction, beautiful cinematography and eye catching casting (MEN). I believe in the very near future, all fashion will be moving on the internet and film. Hopefully some budding or established designer will see my work just as James Earl Hardy did and asked me to do internet content for them. Internet content is the new commercial. I did my first music video with singer Nhojj for Love from Blueprint. Love just screened at Sundance and is premiering on LOGO tonight. So music video and Internet features will be a great way to release and express my fashionista desires quickly. Films can take years to make.


5. Do you talk to the other gay film writers and do you guys give each other advice? you see a lot of friendships with the straight film writers is it the same with the black gay community?
When I left Southern California for New York City, I left my filmmaker network behind - hoping to link into some cool indie New York filmmaker community. I never located it.
When Blueprint premiered in London at the London Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, I had the opportunity to meet Patrik-Ian Polk, Maurice Jamal and Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett. It was great. I could tell everyone had so much going on - trying to get their projects off. I was new to the mix. I did not know any of them - only their work. Everyone was very pleasant and cool.

6. The achievements of Lee Daniels and Precious what are your thoughts on it?
Some filmmaker friends and I went to Cannes to show our students a few years ago and saw Lee Daniels on the Cannes' Croisette near the American Pavillon. He was very nice and responsive to our group of young Black filmmakers. It was refreshing. Lee Daniels and Precious are amazing. Now Hollywood knows that if you present Black audiences with quality, interesting material and excellent marketing we will turn up


7. Do you ever see a gay actor/actress/director winning an academy award?
Every year! They just aren't open about whom they are sleeping with! It's called being in the closet the antiquated and chic way of saying t DL.


8. What are some other projects you are working on?
The Pain Session - A romantic affair between an American (Black) man and Arab man in the days following September 11, 2001.

Come With Me - Two guys who spend the night together and discover they are actually attracted to each after the sex is over and the lights are on.

A Short While in Paris -- While I am in Paris I am trying to shoot a short about a young American (Black), Lance, who travels to Paris to be with his French lover, Pierre. However before he makes it, his lover, a journalist, is called away to Africa immediately. Pierre leaves everything behind for Lance, including his African housekeeper (no English) who takes care of Lance (very little French). Lance and the housekeeper start a friendship, which eventually leads to so much more than either could have expected.


9. What would your dream cast consist of and why?
Really would like to continue to work with some of the young actors I worked with in Blueprint. Blake Young-Fountain is a true professional, a graduate of NYU's Tisch. Damion Lee started out in Finding Forrester and is such a natural with an amazing screen presence. Rene Rosado is great with a boy-next-door quality. Derek Wong is so funny. My dream cast are actors who take their work and craft seriously and are not focused on the re carpet moments and being styled.



10. Who is Kirk Shannon-butts when you not writing or working on any projects?
Mainly Uncle Kirk these days as my neices and nephews are growing up. I have lots of nieces and nephews. The artwork in Blueprint is by Damani Washington - my nephew and a great painting. He went to SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design). I love to walk, ride my bike, go to the cinema Tuesday at 1:30 when no one else can. Eating ice cream. Listening to Sade, Lisa Stanfield, Lizz Wright, Ledisi, Stephanie Mills and dance music without a name.


11. What made you start wanting to get into the film business?
Not seeing Black gay images. I was lead into the industry because as I watched more and more gay themed films from ALL over the world and I was not seeing "me". I had to put "me" in cinema. Movies are so very powerful. It can change things in less than 2 hours. I want my family and the world to see me and not just the Black / gay stereotypes.

12. Who you your opinion are some of our new generation gay icons and why?
It should be people like you, Rod McCullum, Darian Aaron, GBM News, Gayte Keeper, Hoodsworld, Traveling Caravan - the very OUT and informative Black Gay new media who are presenting people like me to 12 year old gay and straight boys in girls ALL over the planet. It is so nice to have a gay Black media with ALL sorts of news about our world.

13.Some of our best authors book were suppose to be turn into films from E. Lynn Harris "Invisible Life" to "B Boy Blues" by James Earl Hardy to Lee Hayes' "Passion Mark" do you ever seeing any of these films ever making it to screen?
It is inevitable that Invisible Life will come to life on the silver screen. It is such a franchise type of film. It is going to generate so much money. It is perfect for right now. Blue Boy Blues is so perfect for the big screen. It is edgy, urban, raw, DL, the language, New York City backdrop and great characters with a cool love story. It has all the elements a director wants in a screenplay.


14. What other Book would you like to turn into a film?
The Fabulous Sylvester by Joshua Gamson
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
Bayard Rustin: The Troubles I've Seen: A Biography by Jervis Anderson
Lust Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn

GOOD TIMES -- It is not a book - but the television show Good Times with an out Michael Evans and fashionista Willona Woods.


15.You traveled all over the world is there anywhere you haven't been yet that you would like to go?
Yemen, Lebanon, Nigeria, Honduras, Belize, Uruguay and Columbia.

16. Do you ever think we will see an openly gay mainstream artist from the black community anytime soon?
Yes. Soon and very soon!

New Series "MODEL CITY" premieres FEB 18TH at 8PM on BET'S CENTRIC

Here is a Sneak peek at the new CENTRIC docu-series starring the elite and up and coming male models of color from RED NYC...Featuring Wendell Lissimore, Ibrahim Baaith, Nelson Nieves, Salieu Jalloh, Zeric Armenteros and Henry Watkins...

3 days til the Gifted Curse Interview of DLB

My fellow blogger and friend Derrick L Briggs will be doin a LIVE interview on Saturday Feb 20 at 8pm here is the promo video below and make sure you watch this satuday the NO HOLDS BARRED Interview! www.livestream.com/adtvlive

SGL Weekly Issue #40 Andre Allen

I recently sat down with Editor Cleavester Brooks of SGL Weekly for an in-depth interview check out the interview below and make sure you pick up your copy today at http://magcloud.com/browse/Issue/62334

Hello Andre, How are you doing? I am doing well and thank you for interviewing me for your magazine. You have done great job with this magazine and again thanks for choosing little ole me to be apart of such greats who have been given the honor to grace your cover.

What is your blog Andre's Flava about? Its a mixture of entertainment,sports, and community news that affects the black LGBT community as a whole and every now and again i share my personal life.

When did you start it? I started blogging back on September of 2005 after returning from the Black Gay Research Summitt in NYC where i had the opportunity to meet alot of the orginally bloggers and leaders of the commnity at the time which included shelton jackson, keith boykin, frank roberts such to name a few people. My blog was orginally named lauderboi1500 since at the time i was living in Ft. Lauderdale,FL

How much time do you spend on your blog? Where do you get you idea's from? I spend alot of time on the blog depending on how i am feeling at the time to be honest. I get ideas from world news and whats effectiving our community.

Who is Andre Allen? I am a laid back person who tries his best to do right by people and is a very caring and giving person. I also like to give a helping hand to the community when need be. I have been a Community activist since 2003 and lending my voice to the south florida community prior to me moving to DC I have yet to get involve here in DC because i feel that DC does not have a cohesive community that gives a damn about one another.

Where are you from? I am orginally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and have been living in the DC area since December 2007.

What was life like growing up? Life had its ups and down but in the end it allowed me to be a strong person that i am today because of it.

What did you want to be growing up? I wanted to be a journalist and in high school i was high school sports editor as well as a freelance writer for the Miami Hearld while in High School which allowed me to cover High School Sports in the area.

When did you catch HIV?I had a threesome with a childhood friend of mine and a former high school basketball coach. Condoms were used doing the act but somehow along the way during the act a condom came off and well i became positive. I must say i do not harbor any bad feelings at all for becoming infecting. It has allowed me to do alot of great things in the community because of it and i have met alot of great people who i probably not have come in contact with if i was negative in my opinion. I became positive in Oct of 2003.


What advice would you give to people out there? Never give up on your dreams no matter how long they take to achieve them. Never lose hope and always press forward no matter how hard life might seem at the moment. Stay Focus and keep your eye on the prize.

If you had a chance to start over would you? Um I ask myself that question alot and sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes its no because if i do that i wuold miss out on what has already happen and if i dont it gives me the opportunity to correct my wrongs and make them right.

Which talent would you most like to have? What is your guilty pleasure? sweets are my guilty pleasure. especially chocolate and I love cooking when i am up to it and in the mood too.

What has been your biggest sexual fantasy? Wow thats a good one my biggest sexual fantasy i guess i am not gay because i can honestly say i do not have one at the moment. I think i have fulfilled most of the fantasies that i have wanted thus far and if something comes up and i want it i will conquer it.

When did you have your first kiss? I had my first kiss when i was 18 along with my first sexual expierence.

Mr Right or Mr Right Now? Mr Right because you can have mr right now and in the end he may not be mr right for the Long Term but Mr Right Now for the time and i dont want that.

Favorite Southern Dish? well i would not consider my self a typical southern because i am a very very picky eater and i do not eat any and everything. lol but i will eat anything Italian.

What do you look for in a guy? I look for someone who is caring, compassionate, has a good a head on their shoulder as well as can bring 100 percent to the relationship and not half. I need someone who will be there thick thru thin. I am not the one that has a list of criteria's like a lot of folks i am a simple guy wanting another simple person who does not come with excessive baggage because we all have baggage just be open and honest and we will be ok.

Do you want to get married and have babies? Why or Why Not? Yes i love kids and kids have always have a special place in my heart even though i am still a young person myself i would be a great father. And as far as marriage if i find Mr. Right and the opportunity presented itself sure i would get maried in a heartbeat.

Celebrity you've been mistaken for? Lol no one that i can think of. I was called Steve Urkel when i was younger and my mom thought i looked like Fred Astire.

Tell me something about you that your fans may be surprised to know? I am a very low key person who is mostly a home body person. Give me a good book or movie and i am content. I am not a party person at all so you wont see me in the clubs and bars like that.

What can we expect from you in the future? in the future you can expect me being more active and helping to guide this community in the right direction along side some of our upcoming and active leaders already in our community who are doing great things. Leaders such as Darian Aaron, Xem Van Adams, Lonnell Williams, Derrick Briggs and many others.

How can the people get in contact with you? You Can contact me via www.twitter.com/andresflava as well as you can find me on facebook by searching Andre Allen Do you have any special message for our readers? Nothing that i can think of off the top of my head. Just continue to be the best you can be. Continue to fight the good fight for all people and most of all BE YOU! and dont let no one or thing change you.

Thank you Andre for taking the time to do this interview.

Blueprint A Love Story on Valentine's Day

Following a successful run on the international film festival circuit, Blueprint the acclaimed Black gay indie film debut feature film from emerging director Kirk Shannon-Butts will be released via maverick online film distributor Flickeria.com on February 14th.


Blueprint is the story of Keith and Nathan, two college freshmen in New York City who meander into a very new relationship together. Blueprint has screened in over 30 international film festivals and been nominated for awards at all of the major gay film festivals in New York (NewFest), San Francisco (Frameline), Los Angeles (Outfest) and London (Gay & Lesbian) as well as the film market at the Cannes Film Festival.


Leading film festivals such as Frameline said, “Blueprint is a bold new direction in queer and African American cinema.” Mainstream gay media, Metro Weekly, wrote, “Kirk is definitely a director to watch.” Nevertheless, the top gay film distributors including Strand Releasing and TLA Releasing passed on the refreshing story of two young Black men discovering first love, while practically any film about white and Asian gay men gets a deal. Black and Latino men continue to be edited out.


Not this time, as Shannon-Butts created FLICKERIA.COM to distribute and produce films about modern gay men - ALL GAY MEN - with a conscious eye on Black gay men.


INFORMATION, PICTURES and TRAILER:
http://www.flickeria.com/

Anacostia The Webseries:Episode 10 Arrivals & Departures

Anacostia Episode 10 from Frank Jackson on Vimeo.

Just got thru watching the Season 1 finale of this great series and wow wow wow is all i can say.So many twists and a shocking end. I have to give props to Anthony Anderson on a great first season and I cant wait for season 2!

We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video

Recorded on February 1st, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier (Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Recording Studios) "We Are The World 25 For Haiti". The 25th Anniversary recording features over 80 artists and performers. The recording of We Are The World 25 For Haiti embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago. Every one of the artists who participated, regardless of genre or generation, walked into the room with their hearts and souls completely open to coming together to help the people of Haiti.

Famed British Designer Alexander McQueen commits suicide at 40

Alexander McQueen photo above with Janet Jackson

Designer Alexander McQueen, has tragically taken his own life, reports The Daily Mail.

The 40-year-old committed suicide just days after the death of his mother, Joyce. His death also comes just three years after his close friend, Isabella Blow - who plucked him from obscurity and helped him become a star - killed herself. McQueen was found at his luxury flat in Green Park, central London. It is believed he hanged himself. A source at McQueen’s office this afternoon confirmed his death, saying: ‘It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.’ His death comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week and weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.

Alexander McQueen Menswear Autumn/Winter 2010

Official NEW Music Video: RIHANNA – Rude Boy

New CALVIN KLEIN ADs fetures Mechad Brooks

Miami Model Mayhem Fashion Show- Super Bowl Weekend

From the Desk of King in Miami
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South Florida is swarming with stars and activities as we kick off Super Bowl 44 in Miami. I headed out to South Beach last night and was bombarded with fliers for all types of parties, including the Miami Model Mayhem Fashion Show at Vault (www.thevaultmiami.com) This is their second quarterly fashion show and part of the proceeds benefit Care Resource, a outreach group who helps support individuals with HIV/AIDS. Check it out, Saturday.

Fantasia: Opening Up to Oprah Winfrey 2day!

Fantasia Barrino will appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' Feb. 3.

The platinum-selling, eight-time Grammy Award nominated 'American Idol' champ will open up to Winfrey -- who is the producer of the acclaimed theater musical 'The Color Purple' -- about some of her highly-publicized dramas and a few previously unknown details of her life, which is captured on her hit VH1 reality series 'Fantasia For Real.' (Exclusive excerpts are below.) As previously reported by BV Newswire, the show was ratings bonanza for VH1 during its premiere.

Fantasia will debut her new song, 'Even Angels,' which will be featured on her third J Records album – due for release this spring.Interview Excerpts:

On missed performances of The Color Purple
FANTASIA: And towards the end of The Color Purple I would get very tired. Not enough sleep. I would be pushing myself. And at times – OPRAH: Because it's hard to come down after the show, right. FANTASIA: Well, the tumors were taking a lot out of me. OPRAH: So you were singing with the tumors. FANTASIA: Singing with the tumors. And if I wasn't on the stage, I was in the hospital getting an IV. But these are things that nobody would have ever known. OPRAH: Why didn't you tell me? FANTASIA: Well, I couldn't find you, Oprah. (Laughter.) OPRAH: I'm a phone call away. I mean, really, why didn't you say -- if not me, why didn't you say to someone, look, I'm -- I'm going through this? Because we didn't know that.

On taking care of her family
FANTASIA: I couldn't work or sing for six weeks. And as you can see, I take care of my whole family and it wasn't good for me, because who was gonna pay the bills? But I'm like, well, Lord, I've been through a lot. Why this now? I have so many people that I have to take care of. So it -- it -- OPRAH: So what is the answer? What did the Lord say? FANTASIA: Stop taking care of everybody. (laughter)

On what happened to all of her money
OPRAH: What happened to all the money? Because first of all everybody assumes when you come off "American Idol" you go make the first album, especially if they bought the album, you have millions of dollars coming in. Were there millions of dollars coming in? FANTASIA: You know, I don't want to throw anybody under the bus. I do believe there was a lot of money coming in. I just don't know where it was going.

Gays and Lesbians in the Military

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen testified on the potential repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy barring openly gay and lesbian service members. In their testimony they outlined plans to conduct a year-long review which would recommend policy changes on which Congress could act. In the interim, Secretary Gates said the military would enforce the existing policy “in a more humane and fair manner.”

Kim Burrell & J-Hud Honor Whitney @ BET HONORS 2010

Kim Burrell-"I Believe in you and me"





Jennifer Hudson- I Will Always Love You

LGBT & The President's Budget 4 2011

Yesterday the White House released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2011, the Administration’s proposal to Congress for federal funding in the next year. Despite across-the-board reductions, this year’s proposal includes a number of important increases, as well as new programs, that will impact LGBT people and those living with HIV and AIDS.

First, the Department of Justice budget includes an 11% increase for the Civil Rights Division, which is charged with enforcing civil rights laws, including the newly-passed Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The budget also includes $6 million for a new hate crimes prevention grant program. Last month, HRC President Joe Solmonese sent a letter to Attorney General Holder asking him to include robust funding [pdf] for implementation of the new hate crimes law in his department’s budget request.

Second, while HIV/AIDS programs were largely flat-funded at last year’s levels, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget does include some increases for key HIV/AIDS programs. These include a $31 million increase for HIV prevention efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a $40 million increase for treatment programs under the Ryan White CARE Act, and a $97 million increase for HIV/AIDS research at the National Institutes of Health. The CDC is also rolling out a new prevention program, using $26 million from new and existing funds, targeting gay and bisexual men and is allocating a portion of the new prevention dollars to address HIV in special populations, including the transgender community.

As it did last year, the HHS budget proposal also defunds disproven abstinence-only education programs in favor of teen pregnancy prevention efforts that provide evidence-based, medically-accurate resources to reduce the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

We applaud the President for strengthening civil rights enforcement at the Department of Justice and for supporting increases in critical HIV/AIDS funding, even at time when cost-cutting and hard choices are necessary. Unfortunately, while the economic downturn dictates reductions in the federal budget (as well as state budgets), it also increases the burden on federal programs, like Ryan White, which help the most at-risk HIV-positive populations. As the appropriations process moves forward, we will continue to push Congress and the Administration to find ways to ensure that these critical programs continue to help as many people as possible.

Military FINALLY Reviews "Don't ask, Don't tell" Policy

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is promising to try to spare more gay troops from being dismissed from the military while the Pentagon takes a year to study revising its "don't ask, don't tell" policy. An announcement of the study, expected today before the Senate Armed Services Committee, marks a measured step toward President Barack Obama's goal of eliminating the military's policy against gays, which is based on a 1993 law.

Obama has called on Congress to repeal the law, but Democrats say they want more guidance on how to allow openly gay service members to serve without causing a major upheaval. The yearlong study could pave the way for the biggest social change to the military since the 1948 executive order for the racial integration of units.

While his promise is being hailed as a good start by gay rights' activists, Obama is finding resistance in several corners. Some high-ranking military officers are reluctant to embrace the change while troops are stretched thin at a time of two wars.

For their part, Democrats in Congress are unlikely to press the divisive issue until after this fall's midterm elections.

This will probably satisfy Gates, who has long suggested that change shouldn't come too quickly. In a speech last year at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., he noted that the executive order for racial integration took five years to implement.

"I'm not saying that's a model for this, but I'm saying that I believe this is something that needs to be done very, very carefully," he said.

According to U.S. officials, the senior-level study will be co-chaired by a top-ranked civilian and a senior uniformed officer. It would recommend the best way to lift the ban, starting from the premise that the goal will take time to accomplish but that it can be done without harming the capabilities or cohesion of the military force, officials said.

One U.S. official said Gates and Mullen will outline a more lenient standard for enforcing the current ban, as Gates had said last year he would consider. The interim policy would make it harder for a third party to turn in a gay service member and would raise the standard for evidence that the service member is gay before the person could be dismissed.

Under the 1993 law, engaging in homosexual conduct — even you don't tell anyone — can been enough to qualify a person for dismissal. The law was intended as a compromise between then-President Bill Clinton, who wanted to lift the military's ban on gays entirely, and a reluctant Congress and military that said doing so would threaten order.

According to figures released Monday, the Defense Department last year dismissed the fewest number of service members for violating its the policy than it had in more than a decade. Overall, more than 10,900 troops have been fired under the policy. The 2009 figure — 428 — was dramatically lower than the 2008 total of 619.

And The Grammy Goes Too....

List of Grammy winners in major categories


Winners in selected major categories at Sunday's 52nd Annual Grammy Awards:
Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon.

Album of the Year: "Fearless," Taylor Swift.

Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On it)," Beyonce Knowles.

New Artist: Zac Brown Band.

Pop Vocal Album: "The E.N.D.", The Black Eyed Peas.

Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Halo," Beyonce Knowles.

Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Make It Mine," Jason Mraz.

Rock Album: "21st Century Breakdown," Green Day.

Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon.

R&B Album: "BLACKsummers'night, "Maxwell.

R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyonce Knowles.

Rap Album: "Relapse," Eminem.

Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West.

Country Album: "Fearless," Taylor Swift.

Female Country Vocal Performance: "White Horse," Taylor Swift.

Male Country Vocal Performance: "Sweet Thing," Keith Urban,.

Latin Pop Album: "Sin Frenos," La Quinta Estacion.

Contemporary Jazz Album: "75," Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate.

Classical Album: "Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio from Symphony No. 10".

Traditional Gospel Album: "Oh Happy Day," various artists.

Dance Recording: "Poker Face," Lady Gaga.

Electronic Dance Album: "The Fame," Lady Gaga.

Alternative Music Album: "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," Phoenix.

Spoken Word Album: "Always Looking Up," Michael J. Fox.

Comedy Album: "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" Stephen Colbert

Gifted Curse Promo: The Derrick L. Briggs Interview

There is the promo for the highly anticipated Derrick L Briggs interview coming later this month. and below is a snippet into the life of derrick interview. This is derrick briggs uncut and uncensored! The man behind the smoke and mirrors will be revealed like never before.