7/18/2017- “F**k Atlanta’s Kidz!”

Hey Mikey,

I think I am completely fed up with life in Atlanta! It seems like the moment since I have settled in here I have had nothing but drama and problems with the people that live here. Black Gay Men, especially, are the worst! First, they’re very cliquish, then they’re backstabbing, and above all else they are petty. As a Black Gay Man myself it is disheartening because I was really hoping to come here and make some strong, cool friendships, maybe find a partner, and enjoy the opportunities I heard this city had to offer people who look and love like me. Before I head back to Nebraska with my tail between my legs, do you have any advice on how I can turn things around?

-Fuck Atlanta’s Kidz!

***When I hear you say “kidz” I immediately flashbacked to Beyonce’s Get Me Bodied music video!  Now to the matter at hand. Atlanta is a city just like any other with its opportunities and setbacks, and good and bad citizens. It is harmful (and I often have to remind myself of this) and unhealthy to generalize the entire populace of Black Gay Men here based on the few you have interacted with. I would say go back to the drawing board and make realistic goals for what you want from your time here, and go after them. Additionally, there are social and support groups here to assist you with mingling as well.  In the meantime, purge yourself of anyone and anything causing drama, stress, and negativity in your life. Also, consider taking a vacation from Atlanta. Often times a little time away from a place can allow you to recharge, refresh, and regroup. Hope this helps!

☆Need advice? Simply leave your question in the comments section of this post, or email me at  HeyMikeyATL@gmail.com. Be sure to pick a pen name! Thanks for  trusting and checking me out! -Mikey ♡

Written By: Michael “Hey Mikey” Fanning

 

“Point Of Vue”–Accepting My Sexuality

The recent mass shooting in Orlando have deeply affected us all. Besides the senseless murders of 49 people, this tragedy only proves that hate still pervades American society. So how does one combat hate? Simple enough with love, and as the late great Whitney Houston knew “The Greatest Love Of All” begins with you. Thus, we should celebrate when someone learns to accept themselves, it  is the first and final act of self-love and a truth so sincere nothing can daunt it! While strolling through my Facebook timeline today I came across Lawrence Obie’s profile and saw he had written a note entitled Point Of Vue.

Besides the interesting way “view” is spelled, the first line of the note: “I have to say, writing this is one of the most daring things I’ve ever did in my life:” Naturally, I had to read more to  find out what was so difficult. What I initially thought would be some simple announcement of some simple change in his life became one of the most profound coming out stories I have ever read. This man eloquently claimed and affirmed his identity as a Black and gay man, spurred in part by the Orlando shootings, but more so due to the hate he has witnessed in its aftermath via social media. “I’d been wanting to do this for awhile actually he stated. After the shooting I just kept hearing people say stuff like God wanted that to happen because they were gay and it’s a sin while trying to connect the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to the massacre. It was just ignorant and I wanted to have a voice but feared I would be outting myself at the same time! I’m come from a large family of Christians with multiple aunts, uncles and cousins who hold credentials as pastors and all did not know. I myself am a avid church attendee here in New York. As a Christian I’ve done my research and I know enough to know God did not destroyed the city because of homosexuality but because the city was corrupt and filled with hatred and injustice. I came out to my family a couple years ago, but lately I’ve just felt like that was not enough. Most people dont agree masculinity and homosexuality. I know whom I am and now I feel I have a voice able to speak up for my community without feeling ashamed….”

 

As aforementioned, Lawrence penned an amazing coming out letter that has been met with positivity and support. It is a true testament to his amazing spirit, while simultaneously tackling issues of masculinity, sexuality, and the stereotyping of Black Gay Men in the media.

cont’d on the next page.

Life In “Queer” Perspective! “The Dingalogues” Resonates w/ Powerful Truths!

It is not often we get to see a play, let alone one that drives off social consciousness and the perspective Black Gay Men. However, a few like minded and conscious men in Atlanta have gone the distance in creating a theatrical piece that not only sheds light on little known subcultures in the Black LGBT community. Directed by Eric Dillard, and set in a similar format as the famed The Vagina Monologues, The Dingalogues centers around six central characters, described in relation to their penises and how they use–or not–use them.

The Forbidden Dick, Build-A-Dick, Victim Dick, Blended Dick, Conscious Dick, and Tucked Dicked belay the tale of a closeted pastor struggling with his sexuality, a female to male transgender, a masculine bottom in the army who has been raped, a butch queen who prefers White Men, a black gay activist, and a drag queen, respectively. The play begins with a sassy introduction from a woman pretending to be an audience member and then from scene to scene promptly introduces each character, explaining their faults, struggles, and triumphs. Each of these characters is a paradigm of a real person somewhere in the world who is hurting, but surviving despite what plagues them. Truthfully, you will either identify with one of the characters or you know someone like them.

Queens fire back! Derek J defends the trend of Flamboyant Black Gay Men in the media!

The portrayal of Black men in the media has seldom been a positive one. Thus, it is not surprising the portrayal of Blavck Gay men would be just as negative or disturbing. Recently, popular culture has portrayed a slew of gay Black men on television, however, they are not quite what you would call masculine or normal. From shows like Bravo’s “Fashion Queens” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” to E’s! “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” the portrayal of Black men is nothing short of flamboyant and almost drag queenish. One has to wonder where is the Black Gay spectrum? You can look on almost any network and find all types of white gay men from the drag queens and transexuals to closeted athletes. With the noteworthy exception of Michael Sam, this has not been the case. One New Yorker, who also happens to be Black and gay, finds himself disappointed that he cannot see himself on television. “…not all Black gay men wear heels or make up or interested in fashion…some of us just so happen to be gay and we still carry ourselves as men…” These are the words of Trent Britain Jeter, whose now infamous Facebook post sparked a war of words and opened dialogue about the portrayal of Black Gay men in media.

Trent Britain Jeter

Trent’s post managed to find its way through the grapevine to celebrity stylist and fashion commentator, Derek J. Needless to say he was not happy and responded with the following statement via Instagram:

“Do this post was brought to my attention by@thefabdarylj and the points made in this post are valid and well understood, but it amazes me when people pick and choose what they want to support and stand for. You don’t want to support a feminine gay man in media because you feel that it’s not a good representation of the black gay community. But you will choose to support a woman that has raped the black gay culture of their lingo, fashion sense and beauty creativity. Let me even take it a step further you choose to support the rapper that doesn’t even see your lifestyle and a good representation of the black community as a whole. Before I was on tv I was and still a gay black business owner with a successful salon, that mentors black gay youth and gives back to the community. So with all that said I want to challenge the “masculine” black man that doesn’t like the way that gay black men are being represented in media to stand up and do something about it……. Ooooooo I forgot you didn’t want anyone to know you where gay.”