Heart to Heart- 12/28/07

MY RANT FOR THE DAY:

Everyone,

I think its time we had a heart to heart. If I run into another bitter, lonely, jaded , and narrow-mind black gay man in Atlanta I am going to scream! I am not going to preach, TODAY, however I would like to illuminate a few thoughts.

1. Are we as a community so bitter, jaded, and scared to be hurt that when we do decide to take a chance to interact with one another in the backdrop of the possibility of dating or a relationship that we can only see and deal in "absolutes"?

ie. "If he isnt driving "this" kind of car, then its not going to work", "If he doesn't look like this, then we can't date", or even the more recent, "If he cheats on me even once, then its over!".

I know someone out there understands me! When did our world become so black and white? I talk to other brothers in the community, and they could remember a time when black gay men would stick together (for better or worse), although just a couple of decades ago, partly because they never knew when the next black gay man would appear.

ARE WE REALLY THAT EXPENDABLE TO EACH OTHER IN CURRENT DAY?

In case you might not have picked up on my point, I am trying understand at what point did we as individuals lose our value to the point that if in a relationship your partner makes a mistake, that its automatic grounds for termination? No room for human error? No room for allowing each other to experience life and be human? Are no other factors important? Does maturity factor in this at all?

PREVENTING AIDS PREVENTION

December 28, 2007

NY Times Editorial

Preventing AIDS Prevention (Click Here for Article)

Congress and President Bush have done the right thing, lifting a disastrous nine-year ban that prevented Washington from using locally raised tax dollars on needle-exchange programs that help fight the spread of AIDS. Unfortunately, that still leaves in force an even broader and more damaging law that prohibits the use of federal funds for needle-exchange programs in the United States or abroad.

That ban must also be rescinded.

The country’s most important medical and public health organizations endorsed needle-exchange programs more than a decade ago, and such programs have proved highly successful all over the world. Opponents’ charges that needle exchanges would encourage addiction have turned out to be nonsense.

Meanwhile, the AIDS epidemic continues to spread, driven in part by intravenous drug addicts who become infected when they share dirty needles. They then pass H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS, on to wives and lovers and unborn children.

A recent report by the District of Columbia’s health department found that more than 20 percent of the city’s AIDS cases could be traced to intravenous drug users. The city, meanwhile, has the highest AIDS rate in the nation, with 128.4 cases per 100,000 people, compared with 14 cases per 100,000 in the country as a whole.

The number of cases is growing faster in Washington than in other cities where needle-exchange programs have had more support. Barred from using its own tax dollars, Washington was scraping by with a privately funded program that reached only a small fraction of those who need it.

First enacted by Congress 20 years ago, the prohibition against using federal dollars for these crucial needle-exchange programs has hobbled AIDS prevention efforts both in this country and abroad. Health organizations using American tax dollars should be encouraged rather than blocked from developing these programs.

Eliminating the federal ban would save many thousands of lives every year.

December 28, 2007

Editorial

Preventing AIDS Prevention

Congress and President Bush have done the right thing, lifting a disastrous nine-year ban that prevented Washington from using locally raised tax dollars on needle-exchange programs that help fight the spread of AIDS. Unfortunately, that still leaves in force an even broader and more damaging law that prohibits the use of federal funds for needle-exchange programs in the United States or abroad.

That ban must also be rescinded.

The country’s most important medical and public health organizations endorsed needle-exchange programs more than a decade ago, and such programs have proved highly successful all over the world. Opponents’ charges that needle exchanges would encourage addiction have turned out to be nonsense.

Meanwhile, the AIDS epidemic continues to spread, driven in part by intravenous drug addicts who become infected when they share dirty needles. They then pass H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS, on to wives and lovers and unborn children.

A recent report by the District of Columbia’s health department found that more than 20 percent of the city’s AIDS cases could be traced to intravenous drug users. The city, meanwhile, has the highest AIDS rate in the nation, with 128.4 cases per 100,000 people, compared with 14 cases per 100,000 in the country as a whole.

The number of cases is growing faster in Washington than in other cities where needle-exchange programs have had more support. Barred from using its own tax dollars, Washington was scraping by with a privately funded program that reached only a small fraction of those who need it.

First enacted by Congress 20 years ago, the prohibition against using federal dollars for these crucial needle-exchange programs has hobbled AIDS prevention efforts both in this country and abroad. Health organizations using American tax dollars should be encouraged rather than blocked from developing these programs.

Eliminating the federal ban would save many thousands of lives every year.

Pioneering Journalist Dies After 20-year Battle with HIV

Pioneering Journalist Dies After 20-year Battle with HIV
December 24, 2007

The Black AIDS Institute mourns the death of one of Black America's shining stars this holiday. Thomas Morgan, former New York Times editor and trailblazing ex-president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), died Monday of an AIDS-related heart attack, according to NABJ and friends. He was 52.

Morgan lived for 20 years as an openly HIV-positive, gay man and worked in some of America's largest, most influential newsrooms. He was a reporter and editor at the Times, The Washington Post and the Miami Herald. From 1989 to 1991, he presided over one of NABJ's most explosive periods of growth and organization.

"He had the ability to walk into a room divided and help those who held opposing viewpoints find common ground," said NABJ President Barbara Ciara in a statement announcing Morgan's death. "His loss is not only a personal one for me, but a great loss for NABJ. As recent as last week he was making his voice heard as we debated the recent FCC ruling affecting minority media ownership. I will miss his counsel, his dedication to NABJ, and most of all his friendship."

In the years following his presidency, Morgan was a tireless advocate on behalf of fellow gay and HIV-positive journalists of color, both within NABJ and in the news industry at-large. And he always stepped forward to help all journalists learn to cover the HIV/AIDS epidemic smartly and compassionately. "I want members to know," he told the NABJ Journal in 1995, "that AIDS is a disease no different than things like breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is simply a disease. We are all mortal, and we will all die of something."

Today, NABJ boasts an active LGBT Task Force that has a significant presence at national conventions and has repeatedly tackled the AIDS epidemic in its programming-an achievement that would have been impossible without Morgan's leadership. "When we talk about standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, we mean Tom," wrote Marcus Mabry, the task force's founding co-chair, in marking Morgan's death Monday. "In a very real literal way, we are here thanks to him."

Morgan is survived by his long-time partner, Tom Ciano, in Brooklyn, N.Y. For more information about Morgan's life and career, see NABJ's statement and his obituary in Richard Prince's Dec. 24 Journal-isms column.

Learn More at BlackAIDS.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Phill Wilson
Executive Director
Black AIDS Institute
213-353-3610
phillw@blackaids.org

DEEPER LOVE RECAPS DECEMBER THEME: FAMILY

DEEPER LOVE DECEMBER RECAP: FAMILY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 2007:

TONIGHT @ 7PM
1605 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA, GA 30309
(404) 870-7746
www.deeperloveproject.org
www.myspace.com/deeperloveproject


AND FOR TOMORROW:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 2007:
PARIS IS BURNING: A Screening and Discussion
TOMORROW, DECEMBER 27TH @ 7PM
1605 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA, GA 30309

Mike Huckabee on Homosexuality and Necrophilia

Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee

CAMP- Here's Where I Stand!!!!!

This was a very emotional part of the movie for me, and I am glad that I found it on youtube. Check it out below. As we enter the last bend of this holiday season, let us not forget that we are all connected to one another by spirit.

"Do let your light shine before men....that they may see your gifts....."

Just a Thought...

Something I wrote and wanted to share it with everyone:

As you walk through this life, take note that you are living your life through your own mind, body and soul. Although you are the only person a part of "that" space, always know that those that care for you and truly love you for being who you are are NEVER too far away, even if only in spirit. Cherish the memories you have, as they become your columns of support. Cherish the expression of love in your life, as it will become your truth and reality. Cherish the people who you encounter, as they become your motivation, and always know that no matter where you are in your life and no matter how far you have gone....that love will always be right beside you....

Stephaun Elite Manolo Blahnik

Quote of the Month!!!!

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. it is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and famous'? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does nothing for the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us, and when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others'. - Marianne Williamson

Madea on Life, Family, and Love....

Wow. This is my first 30th holiday season! I truly have so much to be thankful for. This time of year is always a period of reflection of my life, past decisions and choices, and contemplating how to make the next year even better. I started this entry after reflecting upon the concept of "forgiveness". Its something I have thought a lot about this year.

This is a clip that I truly enjoy.....I hope you enjoy it as well.

Madea

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Paris is Still Burning......

This commentary was taken from my brotha J.Brothalove's blog (thebrotherlove.com). I didnt get a chance to sum up my thoughts on this, so I will share his thoughts since we viewed it the same. By the way, thanks for the plug on the ball!! To catch this on his blog, goto: Revisiting Paris is Burning

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I caught the Scion-sponsored screening of 1990’s Paris Is Burning last night (11/29/07) at CenterStage in Atlanta. I’ve seen the legendary documentary countless times but not recently. The crowd was a good mix of race, gender and age groups. Watching it again brought back bittersweet memories of growing up during the 80s.

Afterwards, there was a question and answer period with Richard Ninja, Andre Mizrahi and Stephaun Elite Manolo Blahnik.

Some of the questions:

Has the ball scene changed since the movie?
Like everything else in the world, the ball scene has changed quite a bit since it grabbed the world’s attention in the early 90s. Andre mentioned that you learn to adapt to the changes if you want to survive in the scene.

Is there a ball house scene in Atlanta?
I forget how "underground" my interests are to many. So I was surprised by this question because I know that there is a very active ball scene in Atlanta. In fact, Final Fantasy is Sunday, December 2 at The Georgia World Congress Center, sponsored by AID Atlanta. Doors open at 5:00, ball starts at 6:00pm. Best of all, it’s free.

Where is ______? What is s/he doing now?
Unfortunately, most of the featured subjects of Paris Is Burning are dead. Dorian Corey, Pepper La Beija, Angie Extravaganza and Willi Ninja have all passed on. Octavia St. Laurent is still being fabulous and slated to judge a ball during Martin Luther King weekend in Atlanta.

How do ball mothers and fathers address psychological needs of their children? / How are HIV/AIDS involved with the ball scene?
There was quite a bit of discussion about these topics. Richard and Andre admitted they give their guidance to the hundreds of kids in their houses but there is a noticeable disconnect with AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) in general. Andre attributed this to fear. However, many ASOs are becoming more active in connecting with kids in the ball scene.


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My feedback: I was honored to be granted an opportunity to be connected to the discussion and respond to some of the questions of the audience. I am committed to speaking and addressing the concerns and disparities of the LGBT communities of color and larger People of Color community in anyway that I can. HIV is a disease that is not going anywhere anytime soon, and as long we as a community close our eyes to it and its effects, how can we expect anyone else to care about how it affects us?

FINAL FANTASY COMMENTARY

THIS IS A REPORT FROM ONE OF MY HOUSE BROTHAS MAGNUM MANOLO BLAHNIK:
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Aiight, this of course is my first time doing this so....bare wit me.
Imma do this in an organized kind of way first by just listing shit.

FIRST I WANT TO SAY THAT IT WAS NICE TO SEE PEOPLE COME OUT AND SUPPORT AID ATLANTA FOR WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DO. I DON'T THINK IT ALWAYS HAS TO BE ABOUT WINNING A BIG BALL. WELL....NOT TO ME ANYWAYS.

IT WAS MOST DEF GREAT TO SEE MY BLAHNIK FAM IN DA BUILDING. KEVIN MB, ALEX MB, MARK MB, TANIA MB, ALFONSO MB, PACHMAN MB, NAIMA MB, KHAOS MB, STEVEN MB, RON (MY NIGGA) MB, STEPHAUN MB (OF COURSE), KAMARO MB, WHARI MB, ANEESA MB, LADY MB....YESSIR!!

AIIGHT....NOW ON TO DA BALL AND SHIT!

Venue: The venue was a nice size for this type of ball. It was neither too big or too small. It seemed as if it was perfect. There were a hell of alot of tables though...its all good (love u Stephaun lol.)

MC's: Jay Blahnik, Patrick 007, Stephaun Manolo Blahnik (Host)

LSS (1st time) Kay Blahnik, Fred Chanel, Clint Cavalli, Brandon Omni, Booty Prodigy, Kitty Mizrahi, Andre Mizrahi, Dee Mizrahi, Ron Blahnik, Gia Belladora, Kenyatta Prodigy, Rashad Prodigy, GiGi Prodigy, Norman Prodigy, DeAsia Omni, Keisha Chanel, Gail, Tom Lacroix, Tygur Khan, Darnell Mizrahi, Cavalli girl (womens face/body), Overseer Sahid Labeija, ...I cant really think of anyone else, it was so many.

Judges (First Half): Andre Mizrahi, Fred Chanel, Ron Blahnik, Father Brandon Omni, Clint Cavalli, GiGi Prodigy

Categories

Best Dressed - Two walked..someone and Reecho Escada I believe
Reecho Escada(GP) He looked nice as hell.
Womens Face - A Cavalli (GP) more to come about this later in the post
Foot and Eyewear - Father Brandon Ultra Omni (GP)
Drags Face - DeAsia Ultra Omni (GP)
Virgin Runway - Brooklyn 007, Alphonso Blahnik (AA), A Cavalli, and two others
Cavalli (GP)
Virgin Vogue - 3 people walked, two got chopped. The one tho won did pretty well, my fault for not knowing who or what house,
Butch Realness - Two out of towner's from Philly walked...1 won.
Prettyboy Realness - A Chanel(?), Rocky Evisu(chopped)
Chanel (GP)
New Face - ummm...I believe 4 walked...only one made it.
007 (GP)


OK...THEN THERE AN INTERMISSION FOR ABOT 20 MINUTES OR SO...MAD PEOPLE AND MORE LEGENDS STARTED TO SHOW UP. ALSO...SHIT GOT A LIL HOT UP IN THERE.

LSS (second time around) Mother Jaimee Balenciaga, Luna, Amina Prodigy, Aneesa Blahnik, Lady Blahnik, Tania Blahnik, Naima Blahnik, Icon Malshon Milan..I dont remember them all...soo damn many

Categories: not in any particular order

Runway (this shit was hotttt) Cavalli, Neyhi 007, Orlando Mugler, Booty Prodigy..
aiight...the category said that your effect could not fall apart. There was a discrepancy with Andre Miza and some members of Omni/Cavalli b/c he chopped this female figure cause he said some of her effect flew off. They were saying that she threw it off on purpose. Andre was telling them to "keep it cute" and saying that he's not stupid and all this other stuff. He decided to let her stay.
1st battle: the Cavalli wanted to battle Booty because he said her effect fell apart. Well...they walked and walked, it was hot, a nice battle, and all dat. Jay Blahnik used his America's Next Top Model speech to jelp determine the winner. The picture of the model he has in his hand was none other than................ Booty Prodigy. He stays!!
2nd Battle: Nehyi 007 vs Mugler - Mugler Stays
Last Battle: Booty vs Mugler - Booty Prodigy (GP)

Face: Maxwell Milan, a 007 - Maxwell Milan (GP)
FQ Face - Closed
Thug Realness - Closed
Schoolboy Realness - 2 007's and someone else (not sure if he was in a house) 007 (GP)
Butch Face - (GP) a butch from philly
BQUID Realness: Dee Dee Mizrahi, Sincere Cavalli, an Omni, Tygur Khan (yup), a Beladora (chopped)
The final battle was between Sincere and Dee Dee. Dee Dee Mizrahi (GP) Some of the Omni/Cavalli Kids had a problem with Dee Dee winning becuase she has Micros in her hair. Welp...


OK...SOMETHING HOTT!!!
STEPHAUN STOPPED THE BALL BECAUSE SOMEONE OF A CERTAIN HOUSE DID NOT SEE THE FEMALE FROM THE HOUSE OF CAVALLI WHO WON WOMENS FACE. HE CALLED HER (the Cavalli) UP. AND THEN CALLED UP.........ANEESA MANOLO BLAHNIK! THEY BEGIN TO SELL IT, AND SELL IT, AND SELL IT, ALL WHILE THE DJ IS PLAYING "LOST YOUR MIND" BY BEYONCE. THE FUCKING PEOPLE ARE GOING WILD, MOTHER JAIMEE AGA IS TAKING PICTURES FROM THE JUDGES PANEL, THEY ARE ALL INTO IT!!THEN JAY BLAHNIK GETS THE CROWD INVOLVED BY ASKING WITH A ROUND OF AN APPLAUSE WHO SHOULD WIN. THE JUDGES START TO VOTE, AND THE VOTES ARE TIED UP AT 3-3....THE LAST JUDGE WAS KAMARO BLAHNIK. I GUESS I DONT HAVE TO SAY WHO WON!! AS THE CAVALLI GIRL WAS WALKIN OFF THE STAGE ANESSA CONTINUES TO SELL IT. A LIL CONFRENTATIONS STARTS )NP PHYSICAL STUFF, JUST SOME WORDS), BUT IT IS HANDLED QUICKLY. ANEESA BRABS THE MIC AND SAYS " I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT FOR YOU, THIS IS ALL IN FUN, ITS JUST A BALL. U CAN KEEP THE TROPHIE, I HAVE I HAVE 14 AT HOME BOO!!" THAT WAS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DA BALL!

NOW BACK TO UR FEATURE PRESENTATION.....

RWT - A Chanel, Kenyatta Prodigy, Rashad Prodigy, Keyshawn Prodigy, A Cavalli, and a Mizrahi.
Keyshwan and the Cavalli walked runway - Keyshawn (GP)
Twisters twist and twist. Mizrahi (GP)

VF OTA: Jay Escada, Naima Blahnik, Amina Prodigy, Cavalli, the Cavalli who walked runway against Booty, couple Mizrahi's, Akasha Prodigy, and some other people.

At this point the light in the venue turn start to turn off, and the homo get scared and all and start to run outside. After a couple minutes, the light come back on and the category continues with the battles. I cannot remember all the battle because I did not watch them all..I did see the good ones though.

Naima Blahnik vs Jay Escada - the votes are tied 3-3. They start the beat again..and battle for the votes. For some reason, there was only 6 jydges on the panel this time. Jay Escada Stays.
Amina Prodigy vs Cavalli FF - They both did well, Amina Stays
Amina Prodigy vs Jay Escada - of course you know they both did the damn thing. Jay with his energetic type performace, and Amina with her FF performace. The ended was sooooo fuckin hott...sorry i can even describe it lol. Amina Stays!!
Amina Prodigy vs Cavalli (dramatics!!). This one was HOTT!! They both did so well. The votes were tied 3-3. So...the idea was to go to the back of the runway and do ALL 5 elements. Amina get on the mic and proceeds to say "I have been walking balls for 15 years and the original 5 elements of vogue did not consist of spins, it consists of floor performance." Soo they go to the back and when the beat drop...let's just say...it was on homie!! Tehy both did the damn thing, but the Cavalli was in pain or something, so he had to stop.
Amina Prodigy (GP)

[b]Sex Siren[/b] - Angel 007, Melvin Mizrahi, Trevor Blahnik, Polo Beladora (chopped), someone else (chopped)
Angel vs Melvin - Melvin Stays
Trevor vs Melvin...................Trevor Blahnik (GP)


yo, on da real, I had a good ass time here. Whether it was because I had me some Jose Quervo straight up and some of those big ass cookies...or just because I was out there taking mad pictures...it was all good!!


STEPHAUN U DID A GOOD ASS JOB!!!

PS...FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE ANY SPELLING ERRORS, I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE DOING SPELL CHECK, IM NOT DUMB THO LOL.

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My Comments: (I was on vacation when I wrote it!!!)

Well well well.....I am on vacation ladies and gents so I didn't know about this message until like 5 mins ago. I don't have a report or anything, however, I would like to make a couple important announcements.

1. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank EVERYONE who thought enough to show up, regardless of your reason. I was pleased with the turn out. This event meant a lot to me personally and professionally. Personally because I put so much of myself in to it, working very hard to cross every "t" and dot every "i" to give everyone a very nice event overall, and judging by the responses I have been getting.....I did that! Professionally, this event meant a lot to me because my agency is breaking ground into this culture in a real way and I am glad that I am here to facilitate that process as well as bridge service providers with the ballroom community (something thats been needing to be done for years). This event was more than just a ball, and if you ask anyone who was there (especially from the beginning), they will vouch for that!

2. I have learned a few things from this experience, made many mental notes, and trust me when I say that NEXT YEARS is going to be even bigger. HIV Prevention Balls in my opinion are VERY important to creating linkage and access to care and services, and as long as I am able, I will push for them to happen here in Atlanta. I am looking forward to collaborating with a few people and houses in the near future who have expressed a sincere interest in seeing more work done with Prevention Balls and the ballroom scene.

I appreciate all the Youth Board members of The Evolution Project who showed up to support. Thanks again to all the sponsors: Tibotec Pharmaceuticals, EM Designs Group, New York State Black Gay Network, Fulton County Health Department and Wellness, Youth Pride, NAESM/DA CRIBB, and Our Common Welfare.

Thanks to AID Atlanta's STD Program team for providing syphilis screens, and to the 100 Distinguished Studs and 100 Extraordinary Femmes of Atlanta for providing their volunteer service.

Thank you again to all of those who came, traveled, walked, spectated, and even those that didn't come. You all helped make this event totally memorable for me. I also had a lot of fun commentating.....I might try that again in the future.

A few notables in the building:

Icon Andre Mizrahi
Icon Malshon Milan (sp)
Legend Tommy Avant Garde
Legendary Jay Manolo Blahnik
Legendary Jon Massai
Legendary Jamiee Balenciaga
Legendary Gigi Prodigy
Legendary Clint Cavalli
Legendary Luna 007
Legendary Fred Chanel


If I missed anyone, charge it to the drinks and not my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Magnum for the thread and The UNDENIABLE HOUSE OF MANOLO BLAHNIK for coming out and supporting this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FINAL FANTASY BALL I

The Evolution Project of AID Atlanta

presents...

FINAL FANTASY I

This year marks the first anniversary of AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project. The Evolution Project aims to empower young African American men with probable social, behavioral, HIV/STD risk factors to become proud, self-sufficient, responsible members of our community who know their HIV status.

The members of our program, along with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals, have been working tirelessly to produce a Ballroom Extravaganza on December 2, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center in observance of World AIDS Day December 1, 2007. This event will serve two purposes. The first is to utilize a creative modem that provides prevention education in a fun, culturally appropriate way. The second is to celebrate members of Atlanta community who are role models and leaders in community mobilization and HIV/STD Prevention.

We hope to have you join us as we commemorate this experience and celebrate the youth in the community. This ball will take place December 2nd, 2007 at The Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This weekend is not only special because of our ball, but its significance reaches outward as it is also the weekend of World AIDS Day as well as the HIV Prevention Conference hosted by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sunday, December 2nd, 2007
The Legendary Georgia World Congress Center- Building C
Doors Open at 5pm, LSS Starts at 6pm
Cover: Open to Public
Master of Ceremony: Legendary Overall Father Jay Manolo Blahnik
Dj: Robbie Rob Manolo Blahnik

CONTACTS: 404.870.7812 or www.myspace.com/evolutionfinalfantasy